• An original and provocative short film by a contemporary Hispanic filmmaker in each lesson
• Rich, absorbing content in diverse genres—cultural readings, brief literary selections, interviews, magazine articles, and comics—as springboards for pair, small-group, and full-class conversational work
• Review and practice of key grammatical points that focus on major language functions
• Pre-viewing and pre-reading support for each film and reading selection: background information, author bios, key vocabulary, and practice activities
• Post-viewing comprehension checks and abundant, engaging communicative activities in a wide range of formats for each reading and film
• A lively composition and a spirited full-class debate related to the lesson's theme
• Innovative and easy-to-navigate graphic design and organization, by which dramatically colorful visuals, intriguing page layout, and other special features enhance students' learning abilities
