There have been many changes made for this edition. However those changes were not made lightly, nor without extreme feedback and confi rmation from you, our clients, as evidenced by the lists of reviewers presented earlier in this Preface. Here are some of the highlights of this revision. For specifi c details, especially an exhaustive list of chapter- by-chapter changes, please see the Instructor’s Manual (IM), available online www.connectspanish.com.

General Details

• New interior design
• Larger trim size
• Many new photos and a greater use of photos (rather than drawings) whenever possible
• Exciting new technology: Connect Spanish. LearnSmart, Blackboard
• New DVD, with activities support in the text (¡Cuéntennos!), Connect Spanish, and the IM
• Revised Workbook / Laboratory Manual available in print or online as part of Connect Spanish.

Organizational Changes

¡A escribir!: Now follows Puntos clave so students begin written creation with the target language on the heels of the vocabulary and grammar presentations.

Vocabulary

• La historia dialogs have been updated to reflect the vocabulary and grammar presented within the chapter.
• Vocabulario del tema lists have been simplifi ed
• New Para repasar boxes remind students of words they already studied.

Grammar

• Short diagnostic tests added to Para empezar to allow students to determine student understanding of the metas comunicativas
• Redesigned Puntos clave section accommodates a variety of class levels, schedules, and paces
• New, chapter culminating, ¿Cómo le va con estos puntos clave? allows for comprehension check, cultural review, synthesis, and oral practice in each chapter
• Colorful images replace the word lists in the Yo, experto sections

Culture

• New Rincón cultural activities reinforce chapter theme, vocabulary, and grammar
• Revised Lugares fascinantes para estudiar sections have been reformatted as blog entries from students studying abroad as they explain their impressions and adventures.
• Bold new feature boxes direct students to Connect Spanish to watch the accompanying ¡Viaje conmigo a… ! videos.
• The Un artista section features new contemporary artists in Chapters 1, 2, 4, and 5
• The La música section contains updated descriptions, and examples of contemporary musicians and regional instruments.
• New Un evento histórico (brought from the Expanded Edition) offers insight into important historical happenings in the Spanish-speaking world. Students can continue their exploration of these topics in Connect Spanish with additional readings and activities.
• New Más allá del rincón cultural feature offers suggestions for complementary fi lms to watch and a cue to go to Connect for fi lm-related practice activities.
• Updated Lecturas, including three (3) completely new works (Chapters 2, 4, 5) present fresh topics

Activities

• Activities thoroughly revised for relevance and for clarity to students
• Many completely new activities
• Additional activities for Vocabulario del tema, Hablando del tema, and Rincón cultural are included in Connect Spanish