Workbook
A Very Important Part of the Self-Study Program
Working through the French in Action workbook reinforces the material covered in the textbook, video and audio programs. This reinforcement helps users begin to master the material.
Whereas the video episodes and the textbook are amusing, the workbook is more like homework. But it is very important homework.
Choosing a Workbook (Which Edition?)
My advice for the workbook is similar to the textbook: skip the first edition, which is light on content. Strive to acquire the second edition. It is complete and more likely to be found used than the third edition. Buy the third edition if you prefer a brand-new copy and/or want the convenience of one-click shopping. I have not worked through the third edition of the workbook, but if it is anything like the textbook it may feature unnecessary affections on top of the core content.
Buy a Clean Workbook
The material in the workbook is important, but the workbook itself is not published for archiving; it is published for use. As such, you might easily find a used copy available from a used book retailer with another person's answers littering it. I recommend avoiding such copies. Look for good clean versions (of Part I and II) that nobody has spoiled. (Taking it the next step, I worked through mine using scratch paper, instead of filling in the provided blanks. My copies therefore remain reusable without giving away the answers.)
Using the Workbook
I strongly recommend working through the lessons, one-by-one, according to the instructions found in the Introduction to the workbook:
- Watch the video
- Listen to the "text work-up"
- Complete the chapter in the workbook
- Revisit the textbook