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).
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. If you are a teacher looking for a
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"). What is "First Things First"
L. G. Alexander did not believe in shortcuts. First Things First is a slow burn. You will repeat the same structures hundreds of times. But by Lesson 100, when you find yourself automatically conjugating verbs and arranging word order without thinking, you will understand why millions of people have searched for that specific PDF file. The is slightly dated
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 .