I should like to thank the Directors of the Anglo-Continental Educational Group, Bournemouth,for facilities afforded me in the earlier stages of preparation of this book; and Arnunio Ciumei('Jimmy'), the Group's xeroxer, for his efficient and cheerful help. To my erstwhile colleague,David Marchesi, goes my warm gratitude for a fruitful partnership of several years, during whichhe shared with me the use of most of this book in draft form. The cooperation and comments of a person of his mature judgement did much to encourage me to proceed with the enterprise. This,in its later stages, came under the scrutiny of Rosalind Grant-Robertson, whose knowledge of EFL is wide and deep. Any improvements I have latterly been able to make in the text have inlarge measure been due to her careful and constructive criticism, for which I am indeed grateful.I should also like to thank Christian Kay for her stimulating comments, particularly those on theearlier sections; Caroline Egerton for her informed and penetrating reading and sensiblesuggestions, which have contributed so much to the text’s final form; and Gordon Jarvie, whoselively professional interest in the book has led to its publication. To my wife I am indebted asalways, both for sustaining me and helping to resolve the various problems of authorship.