Nuovo Espresso: Libro studente 1

Easy chapters, dealing with different topics, with a page of grammar @ the end of each chapter & a list of irregular verbs with their format towards the end. Exercises & mini tests, with answers, allow you to check your progress & revise, & there is a supplementary exercise booklet available too. Very useful if studying with a tutor, but the total lack of any language other than Italian could be a stumbling block for those learning alone.

I bought this book as it was recommended by my Italian teacher as a good complement to the Italian we were learning in class. This book is written fully in Italian (even the task instructions!) but is a good way of being immersed into the language. I think that this book is a good level for beginner/advancing beginner speakers as it covers basic skills such as counting and introducing yourself as well as more complex sentence constructions such as ordering food in a restaurant and giving your likes and dislikes and speaking about other people.

Despite other reviewers complaining that the book is all written in Italian I think this is good - I've had to get my dictionary out to translate questions which only helps focus the mind and immerse myself in Italian.

Am currently taking a beginner's course in Italian and was told to get this course book. Not a single word of English to explain anything is in it!! Can't see the point of getting this book unless you are directed by a teacher or are prepared to spend hours translating every word!!

This doesn’t come with the dvd.If you don’t speak Italian a little already, or have a class to run through this (rather than homework) I would be wary of its usage.