Contatti 1 Italian Beginner's Course 3rd Edition: Coursebook

What is Contatti?

Contatti, the best-selling Italian course for adult beginners, is aimed at those wishing to learn Italian from scratch in a classroom environment. Contatti 1 is the first part of this two-stage Italian course for adult learners who are either starting from scratch or have a basic knowledge of the language. Whether learning for work or pleasure, Contatti gives a thorough grounding in the language enabling learners to speak, read, write and understand contemporary Italian.

Where does this Coursebook fit within the Contatti 1 range?

Coursebook: The primary text for the Contatti 1 course. Includes 14 thematic lessons and covers the skills and structures required at GCSE level and equivalent. This coursebook does not include the CDs. You can purchase the Course Pack, which includes the CDs, or the Audio and Support book pack separately.

Also available:

Audio and Support book pack (ISBN 978-1444133172): Supplementary to the Coursebook. The Audio and Support book pack 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.

Course Pack (ISBN 9781444133134): Contatti 1 Coursebook + Contatti 1 Audio and Support Book Pack. The Course Pack contains:
- 1 copy of the third edition of the Coursebook
- 3 audio CDs (3 hours of recordings)
- 2 Support Books containing a key to the exercises and recording transcripts.

Activity Book (ISBN 9781444139365): Supplementary to the Coursebook or Course Pack. The activity book is a workbook providing stimulating practice material which complements the tasks presented in the Contatti 1 Coursebook. Activities include word searches, crosswords, cultural quizzes, extra reading and comprehension tasks, and gap-fill conjugation exercises.

What will I learn?

Key language structures
Contatti 1, the first part of the course, introduces the key structures of the language, over 14 thematic lessons with the emphasis placed firmly on communication.

Vocabulary and grammar
From the outset, a realistic range of registers and vocabulary encourage development of the essential skill of comprehension. 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.

GCSE level material
It covers the skills and structures required at GCSE level and similar.

Culture and skills for daily life
This third edition has been brought completely up to date, with particular attention paid to improving and simplifying the explanations of grammar and language structure. New online content offers further opportunities for learners to practise their skills.

How will I learn?

Authentic reading and listening material
Authentic reading and listening materials are used extensively for a wide range of lively activities based on everyday situations in Italy.

Group work and independent study
Contatti 1 is ideal for group work but can also be used for individual study.

Audio support and additional material
The Course pack includes a coursebook fully illustrated in colour, 2 audio CDs containing the listening element of the course and a support booklet with all the answers to the exercises together with recording transcripts.

What is new in the third edition?

Improvements and additions
The new edition has improvements and additions based on ideas and feedback from tutors across the country. There is also now simple navigation between the book and CDs, with clearly marked references in the coursebook.

Interactive quizzes and exercises
Brush up and reinforce your learning at home, with fun, interactive online quizzes and exercises. Or use them in class with a group.

Both authors are experienced teachers of Italian.

Mariolina Freeth lectures at Kingsway College and is a former Lecturer in Italian, Queen Mary College (University of London) Language Centre.

Giuliana Checketts lectures in Italian at Thames Valley University, London.