The aim of this series is to provide an introduction to the study of the French language based largely on an aural-oral approach. For the student commencing the study of a foreign language, very little pleasure, and in many cases little benefit is derived from translating into French whole sets of sentences and grammatical exercises. Hence this aspect of language work occupies only a minor place in this book which breaks with the traditional grammar and translation approach. The principal objectives are to get the student to understand the simple spoken word, to be able to say simple things with a reasonably good accent, and to comprehend what he reads.
The lessons contain reading passages illustrating grammatical constructions, oral drill exercises, dictees, exercices de pronunciation, questionnaire, and expressions for classroom and everyday use. To develop the ability of students to express their own ideas in French, simple exercises in controlled composition have been included. A number of simple dialogues base varied topics afford practice in common speech patterns.