The Basic Russian series stresses audiolingual practice as well as the more traditional presentation of grammatical structures. This approach ensures that an understanding of grammar patterns will be reinforced by intensive oral practice. Emphasis is placed on reading, aural comprehension and self -expression. Nonetheless, the organization of material allows for a maximum of flexibility to meet the needs of individual classes and students.

Each unit in this book offers a reading selection that is carefully graded according to difficulty. These selections are accompanied by lists of new vocabulary and idioms, comments on the new vocabulary items, and explanations (with frequent examples) of new grammar material.