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Italian Steps is an introduction to the Italian language and culture. The syllabus incorporates key elements of Level One of the UK's National Language Standards and conforms to the first level of the Common European Framework for Languages.

Although it's a stand-alone course, the content can be integrated into, or used to supplement or prepare for, existing adult language provision.

flying visit
Step Objective Grammar tips Fact files
Stage 1. Top ten words Greetings and courtesy How to pronounce Italian
Introduction to pronunciation		 The Italian language
Stage 2. Getting breakfast Placing basic orders: hot drinks How to say 'a'
Indefinite articles. Concept of gender.		 Coffee
Stage 3. Sightseeing Pointing out landmarks. How to say 'It's the...'
È... Definite articles.		 Tourist sights
Stage 4. Local transport Buying tickets. How to say one and more than one
Numbers 1-10. Introduction to plurals.		 Urban transport
The challenge Check how much you know
meeting people
Step Objective Grammar tips Fact files
Stage 5. Spelling your name Saying your name, checking into a hotel. How to spell your name
Spelling and the alphabet		 Hotels and accommodation
Stage 6. Where you come from Saying your nationality and what language you speak. How to say 'I am' and ask 'Are you...?'
Sono ... Sei ... È ... Tu and Lei		 Regions of Italy
Stage 7. Friends and family Introducing yourself and others. How to say 'my'
Introduction to possessives: mio, mia, il mio, la mia		 Greetings and introductions
Stage 8. Saying what you do Saying what your job is and asking someone about theirs. How to say what you do and where you work
Present tense: 1st, 2nd, 3rd person singular. 		Working in Italy
The challenge Check how much you know
food and drink
Step Objective Grammar tips Fact files
Stage 9. Having an aperitif Discussing and ordering drinks from a menu. How to make offers and ask questions
Using intonation to ask questions.		 Drinks
Stage 10. Eating out Ordering at a restaurant How to ask 'Have you got...?'
Avere: Ha...? Ho... Abbiamo... Irregular verbs.		 Places to eat
Stage 11. Talking about food Asking about ingredients. Saying what you don't like How to say 'not'
Negatives: non + verb		 Dishes and meals
Stage 12. Shopping for food Saying how much you need: fruit and cheese How to ask for quantities
Expressions with 'di...'		 Local food festivals
The challenge Check how much you know
places
Step Objective Grammar tips Fact files
Stage 13. Lost in Venice Asking for and understanding directions on foot How to ask where things are
Dove and dov'è. Requests with potere. 		Streets and addresses
Stage 14. Driving Asking and understanding directions on the road How to ask how to get somewhere
Distances. Numbers: 100-900		 Driving
Stage 15. At the tourist office Asking about basic facilities How to ask and understand what there is
C'è...? Ci sono...?		 Italian towns
Stage 16. Saying where we're from Saying you're on holiday and what town you live in How to say ‘we ...’ and where you live
Present tense: 1st, 2nd person plural. Prepositions: in, a, di, da		 Special occasions
The challenge Check how much you know
making plans
Step Objective Grammar tips Fact files
Stage 17. Out on a date Discussing what to do How to make suggestions and invitations
Andiamo... Cosa facciamo...? Other meanings of the present tense.		 Enjoying a night out
Stage 18. Buying a train ticket Getting a train ticket How to get specific information: what time?
Che...? Numbers 11-99		 Taking the train
Stage 19. Museums and events Discussing what time something opens/closes, starts/ends How to specify today, tonight, tomorrow...
Parts of the day. Days of the week. Telling the time.		 Cultural events
Stage 20. Renting a boat Understanding terms and conditions How to understand what you must do or can do
Dovere and potere		 Islands and beaches
The challenge Check how much you know
shops and services
Step Objective Grammar tips Fact files
Stage 21. Buying clothes Making a choice in a shop How to say you like something and that you'll take it
Object pronouns		 Fashion
Stage 22. Buying presents Discussing price and size How to compare prices and sizes
Adjectives and comparatives		 Souvenirs
Stage 23. Medicines and essentials Describing symptoms. Saying and understanding what you need. How to say what hurts and what you need
Avere+male/bisogno		 Emergencies
Stage 24. Sending an e-mail Discussing past events. Saying that you've lost something. How to say what's happened
Introduction to the past		 Media and communications
The challenge Check how much you know

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