The Absolute Beginners business language series is designed for learners who have no previous knowledge of Italian, looking for a course which will give them a thorough grounding in the basics of the language, while concentrating on the situations and vocabulary needs of someone working in a foreign business environment. The series should also be useful to learners with a limited knowledge of the language who want to work quickly through a basic revision course. This title follows the experiences of an English placement student on his first day at an Italian company. In the course of the first three chapters, he meets his new colleagues, is shown around the offices and is gradually introduced to the work of the company. The remaining three chapters show various activities such as escorting visitors, explaining the company to an important visitor, telephoning, making travel arrangements, shopping and discussing plans for an evening out. Each chapter contains four dialogues, each of which is accompanied by a comprehensive series of exercises designed to encourage the active participation of the learner, and by an expansion dialogue where the same material is reworked in a variety of ways. Brief notes at the end of the dialogues offer useful tips on language use, and these are complemented by short, simple grammar explanations. At the end of each chapter, a revision section takes the student back over the main points of the chapter. This is followed by a detailed checklist of the language and communication skills that have been covered. The emphasis throughout the course is on understanding, participation and effective communication. There is also a support book/cassette pack available.