Product Description

When Puntos de partida first published in 1981 it introduced a new era in language materials and language instruction in this country through its hallmark focus on communicative language proficiency and the development of the four skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening). Puntos has established itself as one of the market leaders among introductory Spanish textbooks. In this 20th Anniversary Edition, Puntos will continue to offer the most teacher- and student-friendly textbook on the market as well as a host of exciting new features, most notably a state-of-the-art Instructor's Edition.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1444625 in Books
• Published on: 2001-06
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 614 pages

Language Notes
Text: English, Spanish

Customer Reviews

Excellent teaching tool
The book by itself would be lacking as another reviewer suggested. But it doesn't stand alone -- if you buy the package you get a lab manual, a workbook, audio CD's for vocabulary prep and for the lab work, and a software CD with more exercises. The lab manual works with audio CD's for listening & speaking related exercises, and the workbook has reading & writing exercises, plus if you do the software exercises and the additional exercises and quizzes on the website, you find you have learned the grammar and vocabulary of the chapter without having to resort to making your own flash cards or writing out sentences on your own. The volume of exercises is perfect. And the exercises in the workbook & lab manual have explanations of the purpose of the exercise, with lots of repetition. (e.g. "the purpose of this exercise is to listen for specific information. Don't get distracted by unfamiliar vocabulary").
I have not worked with other Spanish materials, but I have with German and Arabic and I think Puntos is excellent. Make sure you buy the whole package and not just the book.

A great book- Puntos de Partida
I have used this book for three years with my students. It is the best Spanish text I have used. I only had the Teacher's edition and the cassettes and it worked marvelously. How much more if I had the other materials: Video,instructor's manual slide,etc.My students love this book. At the moment, I am looking at the Instructor's manual it's very supportive. At the High School level, this book can offer great reward for students doing the National Examination in my country. To conclude, my students left the course with more confidence after using the book. The book is authentic with up-to-date vocabulary and structures easy to use and understand. I hope to use it more in the future.

Undelivered item!
I have not received the item yet! I ordered it about a month ago, wrote to the seller a week ago, the date by which it was supposed to arrive, and have not yet heard back.