A short (40-60 hours) absolute beginners' English course, ideal as a foundation course for the Headway series and other elementary courses. It starts from scratch at real beginner level, assuming no previous language knowledge. It is very gently paced with a clearly defined and limited grammatical and lexical syllabus to avoid overloading the learner. It contains a grammar, vocabulary, functional, and pronunciation syllabus. New language is introduced gradually and methodically, and is consolidated through substantial controlled practice to give beginners confidence. The grammar is presented in tabular form at the end of each unit, along with an exercise for students to check their understanding. Despite the low level, simple skills work and manageable communicative activities are incorporated to develop interactive skills and make the language learning meaningful. An 'Everyday English' section in each unit practises common expressions and survival English for everyday situations. It provides an ideal foundation course for students preparing for New Headway Elementary and other elementary courses.