Use the answer key (available in some PDF versions) to check your work immediately. Conclusion
This feature explores who L.G. Alexander was, why his book First Things First became a cult classic, and why the desperate hunt for its digital copy reveals a deeper truth about information scarcity in the age of abundance.
Grammatical rules are presented through structural patterns rather than abstract explanations, allowing students to "absorb" the language naturally.
In a world obsessed with hustle culture and endless to-do lists, a quiet revolution has been taking place in boardrooms and living rooms alike. At the heart of this shift toward meaningful productivity is a seminal concept: First Things First .
Louis George Alexander was a pioneer in the field of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teaching. Published in the late 1960s, his New Concept English framework revolutionized language learning by moving away from rote memorization and focusing heavily on structural patterns and multi-sensory habits. The series is divided into four progressive volumes:
If you're looking for a downloadable PDF version of "First Things First" by Stephen Covey and A. Roger Merrill, and LG Alexander, you can try searching online libraries or websites that offer free e-books, such as:
To maximize the value of this course, students should avoid skimming. Success requires a multi-step approach to each unit. 1. Listen and Look
So, perform your search. Check your favorite document archives (Google Scholar, Scribd, or your old work email server). But once you have the PDF—or even a reasonable facsimile thereof—stop searching and start doing.
Lessons are structurally paired. An odd-numbered lesson introduces new grammatical structures and vocabulary through a story. The subsequent even-numbered lesson provides intensive exercises, pattern drills, and written practice to cement that exact knowledge. Gradual Progression
First Things First (New Concept English, Book 1) Author: L.G. Alexander Target Audience: Beginner English learners (False beginners to elementary level)
Each lesson usually features a cartoon illustration (often by Tom Bailey or Ted Pettengell) to provide visual context, a short text, and a series of "pattern drills".
There is titled "First Things First" by an author named "L.G. Alexander."
The textbook avoids using the learner's native language. By immersing you purely in English from Lesson 1 ("Is this your handbag?"), it forces your brain to stop translating internally and start thinking directly in English. 2. Sentence Pattern Drills
The course aims to train students equally in the four key language skills: understanding, speaking, reading, and writing. The integrated approach ensures that a student doesn't just learn about English, but learns how to use it. The alternating lesson structure, with dialogues in every other lesson, provides excellent material for speaking and listening practice.
Read the dialogue aloud to practice pronunciation.
