- A motivating three-level course with a clear, coherent structure and built-in flexibility. Lifelines combines thorough language presentation and practice with human-interest topics and texts. It provides core material of 70-100 hours per level.- An up-to-date, friendly course which draws on a wide range of approaches to provide students with the balance of reflection, practice, and use necessary for effective language learning.- The material is exceptionally involving and high in human interest - a hallmark of this popular author.- The language syllabus is clear, comprehensive, and realistic in length.- There is a discovery approach to language learning which encourages students to develop independent skills. This is reinforced by a comprehensive Grammar Reference at each level.- It combines strong skills development, systematic vocabulary work, and an emphasis on functional English, with constant recycling. At Elementary level a "Functional Language" reference draws together the practical everyday language that students need.- An independent pronunciation syllabus introduces the IPA and covers English sounds, stress, and intonation.