In the world of English Language Teaching (ELT), few names command as much respect as L. G. Alexander . Long before the rise of Duolingo, YouTube tutorials, and flashy apps, Alexander’s textbooks formed the backbone of serious language study across the globe. Among his most revered works is First Things First: An Integrated Course for Beginners .
Do you have experience using the New Concept English series? Share your thoughts in the comments below. And if you found this guide helpful, share it with a friend who is struggling with English basics. In the world of English Language Teaching (ELT),
Here is a 4-step routine to follow with the PDF: If you find the accompanying audio files (usually available on archive.org or YouTube), listen to the lesson dialogue 2–3 times without looking at the PDF. Try to catch the rhythm and intonation. Step 2: Shadow Read Open the PDF. Play the audio again (or read aloud if you have no audio) and repeat each sentence immediately after hearing it. Focus on mimicking the stress and tone. Step 3: Do the Drills (Writing) The odd-numbered lessons contain substitution tables. Do not just look at them. Write them out in a notebook. Write the positive statement, the negative transformation, and the question. Long before the rise of Duolingo, YouTube tutorials,
If you are a teacher looking for a no-nonsense syllabus to get your absolute beginners from zero to basic sentences in 3 months, buy this book (or use the PDF). Share your thoughts in the comments below
The is slightly dated. You will encounter words like "policeman" (rather than police officer), "postman," and "chauffeur." The cultural references are very British, circa 1960s (e.g., going to the "greengrocer").
If you have searched for the term , you are likely a student, a self-learner, or a teacher looking for a timeless method to build a solid foundation in English. This article explores why this specific book remains relevant decades after its publication and how you can effectively use it to master Basic English. What is "First Things First"? Published as the first volume of the legendary New Concept English series, First Things First is designed for absolute beginners (A1 level on the CEFR scale). Unlike modern textbooks that often rely on flashy graphics and superficial grammar explanations, Alexander’s approach is rigorous, structural, and deeply logical.