Chinese in Steps Student Book Vol.1

I used this to start my Chinese university course and it was great at teaching you all the basics in a really steady, gradual pace. Great examples and dialogue, one of the best laid-out chinese learning books I've ever bought, and I've bought a LOT.

Bought this book in hopes of using it efficiently but turns out the CD is not playable via Xbox. In this day and age who uses a CD player? There is no QR code or website for the audio… such a disappointment!

I'm using this book as part of a comprehensive Mandarin class and I like the level it's set at. It comes with an audio CD so I have the opportunity to practice listening, pronunciation, writing & reading in each unit, and each new unit builds on the previous ones in a clear way.Although I am using it as part of a class, the way the book is set out means that it could be used for self-study.

Fast delivery and book condition.As a book for beginners I found it difficult. All dialogues without Pinyin which makes all of people in class struggling a lot.I needed to buy it because of my University but I've also got for free "New practical Chinese reader 1" for tutorial classes and is much, much better. Dialogues are in 3 (Chinese characters, Chinese Pinyin, English).

A very good book. It builds vocabulary, in characters and pinyin, steadily and gently introduces grammatical constructions. I'm surprised how much I've learned in one year. However, I do attend classes that use this book, which makes everything much easier.Like many other reviewers, I found the CD quite temperamental; sometimes it works fine.

Good product however the audio CD was missing.

Advice from my teacher to buy this book as part of my mandarin course and it helped me a lot. Recommended for those who wish to learn mandarin as it covers most of what you'll need for beginners.

As an adult learning Mandarin at a basic level, I have found this book to be excellent. I've used a couple of textbooks now and this is by far the best. I am learning in a classroom, but also use this book for homework and self study. We've now progressed to book 2, which is a challenge but very well delivered. If you're a beginner to Mandarin then I'd certainly recommend grabbing a copy of Chinese In Steps.