本书改变目前很多英语口语教材词汇量小、内容空洞的缺点，将丰富的词汇、实用的语法句子结构融合在真实生动的对话场景中，辅以对话和讨论等多种练习方式，使学生学习口语对话的同时，有效地掌握更多实用词汇和语法结构，并快速提高英语写作水平。

本书语言的难度适中，适用对象广泛：可以作为大学低年级英语专业和高年级非英语专业学生的英语口语教材，不但对通过四、六级考试很有帮助，也对那些有志于出国留学，或是单纯提高口语水平的自学者深有裨益。

本书在每个单元后面的Beware — common problems列出了学生常犯的语言错误，有利于学生及时纠正；Difference between British English and American English又把每单元涉及到的英美英语差别列出，方便学生对照。这些也是其他口语教材所不具备的内容。此外，“自我评估”(selfevaluation)部分，能使学生和老师对学习进程有个大致的了解，并有利于培养学生的自主学习能力和自我管理自我评估的元认知能力。每个单元后面还介绍了与课文相关的中西方文化差异方面的知识，以提高学生的文化适应能力。

UNIT ONE AFTER VACATION IN FOCUS: asking for and reporting information, giving descriptions

Situational dialogues

Notes

Additional words and sentences

Differences between British English and American English

Beware — common problems

Role play

Culture check

Group discussion

Review and selfevaluation

UNIT TWO AT THE POST OFFICE IN FOCUS: asking for and reporting information, expressing preference, giving instruction 

Situational dialogues

Notes

Additional words and sentences

Differences between British English and American English

Beware — common problems

Roleplay

Culture check

Group discussion

Review and selfevaluation

UNIT THREE AT THE BANK IN FOCUS: giving instruction, discussing possibility, describing ability

Situational dialogues

Notes

Additional words and sentences

Beware — common problems

Roleplay

Culture check

Group discussion

Review and selfevaluation

REVIEW (1)

UNIT FOUR GOING SHOPPING IN FOCUS: giving advice, expressing preference, disapproval, regret, hesitating

Situational dialogues

Notes

Additional words and sentences

Differences between British English and American English

Beware — common problems

Roleplay

Culture check

Group discussion

Review and selfevaluation

UNIT FIVE INVITATIONS AND BEING A GUEST IN FOCUS: giving/accepting/declining invitations, giving gifts, expressing agreement, leavetaking, showing concern/ care

Situational dialogues

Notes

Additional words and sentences

Differences between British English and American English

Beware — common problems

Roleplay

Culture check

Group discussion

Review and selfevaluation

UNIT SIX AT A RESTAURANT IN FOCUS: expressing preference, asking for and reporting information, apologizing, promising

Situational dialogues

Notes

Additional words and sentences

Differences between British English and American English

Beware — common problems

Roleplay

Culture check

Group discussion

Review and selfevaluation

REVIEW (2)

UNIT SEVEN TRAVELLING (1) IN FOCUS: asking for and reporting information, discussing intention

Situational dialogues

Notes

Additional words and sentences

Differences between British English and American English

Beware — common problems

Roleplay

Culture check

Group discussion

Review and selfevaluation

UNIT EIGHT TRAVELLING (2) IN FOCUS: asking for and reporting information, checking, asking for repetition

Situational dialogues

Notes

Additional words and sentences

Differences between British English and American English

Beware — common problems

Roleplay

Culture check

Group discussion

Review and selfevaluation

UNIT NINE AT THE HOTEL IN FOCUS: asking for and reporting information, complaining, apologizing

Situational dialogues

Notes

Additional words and sentences

Differences between British English and American English

Beware — common problems

Roleplay

Culture check

Group discussion

Review and selfevaluation

REVIEW (3)

UNIT TEN SIGHTSEEING IN FOCUS: asking for and reporting information, praising and showing regret

Situational dialogues

Notes

Additional words and sentences

Differences between British English and American English

Beware — common problems

Roleplay

Culture check

Group discussion

Review and selfevaluation

UNIT ELEVEN JOB (1) IN FOCUS: asking for and reporting information, discussing your abilities, asking for and giving advice

Situational dialogues

Notes

Additional words and phrases

Differences between British English and American English

Beware — common problems

Roleplay

Culture check

Group discussion

Review and selfevaluation

UNIT TWELVE JOB (2) IN FOCUS: showing disappointment, expressing want/desire, apologizing, asking for help, showing appreciation

Situational dialogues

Notes

Additional words and sentences

Differences between British English and American English

Beware — common problems

Roleplay

Culture check

Group discussion

Review and selfevaluation

REVIEW (4)

APPENDIX KEY TO THE EXERCISES IN THE REVIEWS