This comprehensive foundation textbook is expressly designed for students embarking on a Russian language programme. Accompanied by 5 hours of audio materials, it develops the four key language skills - reading, writing, speaking and listening - and provides all the material required to reach intermediate level either at secondary school or during the first year of university. Highly interactive and activity-based, the course puts students firmly at the centre of the learning process, developing their autonomy as learners. • Thorough grounding in the grammar and structures of contemporary Russian • Wide-ranging tasks and exercises for both classroom use and self study • Informative texts selected to foster cultural awareness • Topics including family life, education, history, geography, work and leisure • Clear, attractive layout with lively illustrations to reinforce learning • Extensive reference features including a section on basic concepts of grammar • Teachers' guidelines to enhance practical application in the classroom • On-line answer key