Author Description

¡Claro que siacute;! is a proven, integrated skills program with a strong emphasis on developing oral proficiency and cultural competence. The text's combination of relevant themes, lively practice, and engaging technology tools allows students to start communicating early and with confidence. The authors' philosophy and approach cultivate active learners. Six solid principles of learning form the foundation of the text: students learn by doing; language is culture and culture is reflected in language; skill integration promotes language development; self-expression facilitates greater language proficiency; systematic recycling enables students to move from learning to acquisition; and engaging material enhances learning. New and updated cultural information appears throughout the text in the ¿Lo sabiaacute;n? culture notes and an all-new chapter-opening Datos interesantes feature, introducing facts relevant to each chapter's content. Approximately one-quarter of the readings have been replaced to further enhance this edition's coverage of culture. The ¡Claro que siacute;! video features footage from five Spanish-speaking countries. A mix of interviews and documentary-based segments allow students to see how geography and ethnicity influences the everyday lives of Hispanics. At the same time, students increase their cultural awareness through ongoing contrast and comparison of social practices, products, and other topics. To support independent and classroom viewing, pre- and post-viewing exercises appear after each even-numbered chapter in the text. Instructors have a significantly revised Testing Program, featuring one more communicative test version for each chapter than in the previous edition, plus other updates.