@Patricia - I like Assimil with audio MP3. I used "La méthode Assimil" (French version) for beginning Arabic, Korean, and Japanese. Assimil provides practice with basic information (alphabet, sound system, common verbs) in an enjoyable way. After getting a basic foundation, regular textbooks or other learning material are easier to master.
@drasvi - I agree with your points completely. One note, Patricia probably used method as a bad translation of the similar French/Spanish/Portuguese word meaning "instruction book." In French "La méthode Assimil" means the instruction book by Assimil.
Whichever method you use, to move from intermediate to advanced level you must let A LOT of material (written, spoken) through your mind.
Not one book, not ten books. The problem is not the method but the quantity. So my answer is: if you like Assimil, it is good for you:) If you don't like it, then it is not.
Hello Patricia,
I used it to learn English and Spanish, and now Russian.
I think it is a very good one to learn with ease, in particular the grammar and vocabulary. The only negative point in my opinion is that it could be a little bit boring sometimes because you always have to do the same thing everyday.
I would recommand it to start learning and then, combine it with other ways like traveling, listening to the radio, music, tv...
Assimil is funny stories with grammatical comments. Assimil books have many fans, because as I said, thier stories are funny. (some of books I have are sold for $800 on Amazon!). Usually old Assimil books are more interesting. Modern books are simple.
Assimil books are good for beginners. But if you're an intermediate learner you will need hundreds of such books to advance:(
I think it may be not exactly what you need. Though if you're just starting with English and like Assimil, it surely will be useful.
