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It can be used to introduce the target verbs and associated grammar and lexicogrammar patterns to absolute beginners. It can also be useful if you teach lower-to-intermediate learners (years 9 to 11 in the U.K.) in order to consolidate, expand and deepen their mastery of those verbs and patterns. The latter learners, in our experience, are often able to master verb formation, but lack depth of knowledge, i.e. knowledge of verb collocations (which lexis the verbs partner with) and colligations (the rules which bind the verbs with what comes before and after them in a sentence).

Each macro-unit starts ‘small’ with the target verb being learnt within very basic sentence patterns and in the first person only. As each unit progresses the target verbs are modelled in sentence patterns which gradually increase in length and complexity. In order to enhance transferrability of learning and lexical depth, each verb is also practised with a variety of lexical sets. For instance, the verb Tener is practised with animals, classroom objects, clothes, physical description, emotional and physical states, age, etc.

Traditional grammar and lexicogrammar intersect throughout the whole book, as, in order for the learners to be able to become creative with each sentence pattern, they must also master the manipulation of the changeable items in each sentence such as verbs, adjectives, pronouns determiners, etc. The teaching of grammar arises organically from the need to enhance the generative power of each target sentence pattern – this is a major innovation of this book.

The book is very mindful of cognitive load. Hence, each instructional sequence gradually increases the cognitive challenge, with receptive activities in the initial section of each sub-unit paving the way for the productive ones located at the end and with each task priming the next. It goes without saying that the repeated processing and the constant recycling also makes it easier for the content to become effortlessly entrenched.

How can one supplement this book to enhance its impact?
Please note that this book is best used in synergy with language-gym.com and sentencebuilders.com. Both websites feature self-marking games and activities based on its content.

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This is the newly updated SECOND EDITION!

This version has been fully re-checked for accuracy and re-formatted to make it even more user-friendly, following feedback after a full year of classroom use by thousands of teachers across the world. Spanish Sentence Builders is a workbook aimed at beginner to pre-intermediate students co-authored by two modern languages educators with over 40 years of extensive classroom experience between the two, both in the UK and internationally.

This ‘no-frills’ book contains 19 units of work on very popular themes, jam-packed with graded vocabulary-building, reading, translation, retrieval practice and writing activities. Key vocabulary, lexical patterns and structures are recycled and interleaved throughout.

Each unit includes:
1) A sentence builder modelling the target constructions;
2) A set of vocabulary building activities;
3) A set of narrow reading texts exploited through a range of tasks focusing on both the meaning and structural levels of the text;
4) A set of retrieval-practice translation tasks;
5) A set of writing tasks targeting essential micro-skills such as spelling, lexical retrieval, syntax, editing and communication of meaning.

Based on the Extensive Processing Instruction (E.P.I.) principle that learners learn best from comprehensible and highly patterned input flooded with the target linguistic features, the authors have carefully designed each and every text and activity to enable the student to process and produce each item many times over.
This occurs throughout each unit of work as well as in smaller grammar, vocabulary and question-skills micro-units located at regular intervals in the book, which aim at reinforcing the understanding and retention of the target grammar, vocabulary and question patterns.

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**The printing errors in Pasos 1 Fourth Edition have been corrected**

Pasos 1, fourth edition, is the first part of the best-selling two-stage Spanish course for adult learners who are either starting from scratch or who have a basic knowledge of the language. Whether learning for work or pleasure, at home or in the classroom, Pasos gives a thorough grounding in the language, enabling learners to speak, read, write and understand a language spoken by over 400 million people. This new edition has been fully updated and includes a wealth of new, contemporary photographs. A brand new section at the end of the course provides a range of activities linked to the DVD, available in the Pasos 1 CD & DVD Set or as part of the Complete Pack and Coursepack ebook.

What do I get?

Coursebook: containing 14 thematic lessons, this full-colour coursebook is the primary text for the course and is ideal for classroom and home use.

What’s in the course?
Pasos 1 is full of learning features to help you progress in reading, writing, listening and speaking Spanish:

-Covers the skills and structures needed for the UK GCSE examination
-14 units include a range of everyday themes such as meeting people, shopping, making plans, talking about work and family and travelling
-Authentic reading, listening and video materials are used throughout for a range of activities based on everyday Spanish in Spain and Latin America (CD and DVD Set must be bought separately 9781473610767)
-Clear explanations and examples make the grammar easy to absorb
-The Rincón cultural feature presents short pieces of cultural interest about contemporary Spain and Spanish
-Free Interactive online quizzes and exercises are specially designed to reinforce learning in the classroom or at home

What will I learn in Pasos 1?

Key language structures and communication
Pasos 1 introduces the key structures of the language over 14 thematic lessons with the emphasis placed firmly on communication. Authentic reading and listening materials are used extensively for a wide range of lively activities based on everyday situations in Spain and Latin America.

Vocabulary and grammar
From the outset, a realistic range of registers and vocabulary encourage development of the essential skill of comprehension. Clear examples and explanations make the grammar easy to absorb, and emphasis is placed on the acquisition of a wide range of essential vocabulary from an early stage.

Culture and skills for daily life
Units begin with a Prepárate page of activities and include plenty of grammar tasks. The Rincón Cultural feature presents short texts of cultural interest and each unit ends with an Autoevaluación self-assessment checklist enabling students to review what they have learned. Audio track references on a page-by-page basis ensure that listening activities are easily identified and online resources provide extra practice of essential language. The new video, filmed entirely in Spain, brings authentic culture and language in the classroom.

GCSE level material
Pasos 1 covers the skills and structures required at GCSE level and equivalent.

How will I learn?

Balance and variety
Balance and variety are prominent features of the Pasos course: freer activities accompany graded, accuracy-based tasks, and there is a balance between presentation and practice of new language items and between the study and use of grammar and vocabulary, the cornerstones of language-learning. There are regular opportunities for revision and consolidation, and vocabulary and grammar support are given both at the end of each lesson and in full at the end of the book.

Interactive quizzes and exercises
Fun, interactive online quizzes and exercises enable learners to reinforce and improve their skills, either in class or at home.

Speaking and Grammar guides
With speaking becoming ever more important in today’s accreditations, the Pasos 1 range offers a 2-CD Speaking and Listening Skills Practice Set. There is also a dedicated Practical Grammar reference and practice book. It contains clear, accessible grammar explanations with examples and extension in both Spanish and English.

Group or independent study
Pasos 1 is ideal for group study and is also useful for independent study and revision.

What is new in the fourth edition?

Pasos 1 CD and DVD set*: Supplementary to the Coursebook.
Filmed entirely in Spain using native speakers, this brand new resource contains 12 colourful episodes which tie in with the lessons in the coursebook. Perfect for training students’ listening skills, the Pasos 1 video is designed to reinforce vocabulary and language structures while adding an additional cultural element to the course. It also provides the ideal basis for group discussions. There are numerous linked activities for use in class or for self-study, which can be found in a new section at the end of the coursebook. Optional sub-titles will help students to find their way through each of the episodes and give them the confidence to approach spoken Spanish with real understanding.

Improvements and additions
The new edition has improvements and additions based on ideas and feedback from teachers and learners across the country. It has been fully updated and includes a wealth of new, contemporary photographs. A brand new section at the end of the book provides a range of activities linked to the DVD, available in the Pasos 1 CD & DVD Set or as part of the Complete Pack.

Where does the Coursebook fit within the Pasos 1 Range?
Pasos 1 Coursebook: The primary text for the Pasos 1 course. Includes 14 thematic lessons and covers the skills and structures required at GCSE level and equivalent.

Pasos 1 CD and DVD set*: Supplementary to the Coursebook.
All 12 videos are included on 1 DVD with optional subtitles.
The Audio and Support book provides the listening element of the course, along with transcripts and answers. It contains:
– 3 audio CDs (3 hours of recordings)
– 2 Support Books containing a key to the exercises and recording transcripts.

Pasos 1 Course Pack: Pasos 1 Coursebook + Pasos 1 CD and DVD set. The Course Pack contains:
– 1 copy of the fourth edition of the Coursebook
– 3 audio CDs (3 hours of recordings)
– 1 DVD with 12 videos
– 2 Support Books containing a key to the exercises and recording transcripts.

Pasos 1 Activity Book: Supplementary to the Coursebook or Course Pack.
The Pasos 1 Activity Book has been revised to tie in with 4th edition of the course with updated prices and references. It contains extra activities to consolidate and expand the material in the coursebook and grammar sections practising specific language points. As with the coursebook, two main revision units summarise what has been learned, providing reading texts with comprehension and writing tasks. Ideal for faster learners or for practice of a specific area, the Activity Book can be used alongside the Pasos 1 Coursebook or as self-access material for learners of Spanish using any course. Activities include word searches, crosswords, cultural quizzes, extra reading and comprehension tasks, and gap-fill conjugation exercises.

Pasos 1 Speaking and Listening Skills Practice Set: Supplementary to the Coursebook or Course Pack.
Designed to help learners concentrate on and really improve their speaking and listening skills. This book includes:
– audio online
– a 160 page book packed with short exercises and transcripts

Spanish Practical Grammar Book: Supplementary to the Coursebook or Course Pack. A reference and grammar practice book containing clear, accessible grammar explanations with examples and extension in both Spanish and English.

*The audio and video for Pasos 1 is also available to purchase from the John Murray Languages app or from library.jmlanguages.com. You will be able to stream online or download to the app.

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Verbs are the cornerstone of active language proficiency, so making sure you get a firm grasp on their forms and use is vitally important. In Practice Makes Perfect: Spanish Verb Tenses, Premium Fifth Edition, you’ll find all the instruction and practice you need to achieve written mastery and feel more confident conversing in Spanish.

Written with extensive expertise and relatable humor by the veteran teacher and bestselling author Dorothy Richmond, this premium edition provides more than just the rules: You’ll find clear explanations on when and why particular verb tenses should be used, so you’ll gain a deeper understanding and find them easier to remember. You’ll also find powerful learning tools in addition to the vigorous workbook exercises, including audio exercises, unique to the app, that test recognition of verb forms, extensive recordings (including 110 conjugations), and the ability to record yourself (and replay) so that you can compare your pronunciation against native speakers. 

You’ll also find: 

• Streaming audio recordings of the answers to 106 exercises in the book, via digital support through iOS, Android, and the web
• Sets of flashcards for all the verb and vocabulary lists, now with Text-to-Speech for pronunciation guidelines
• Convenient digital auto-fill glossary makes look up quick and easy
• NEW: Audio exercises to test recognition of verb forms

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