The first grammar and exercise section in GE covers the Text of Section 1a–g. Consequently, the first task is to read and translate the Text of 1a–g as quickly as possible, pausing only over passages which cause difficulties, or passages which exemplify new grammatical points.

Methodological guidelines

Two general guidelines are important: (1) In GE read the grammar section for 1a–g and then in the Text underline or otherwise mark those sentences, clauses, phrases or words which illustrate those points that the grammar and exercises of 1a–g will test. (2) Go into detail on only those grammatical points that will appear in the grammar section of GE.

Of course, if students have enquiring minds, they may want to know more about the grammar of the text they are reading. For example, the Course sets to be learnt only the nominative and accusative of nouns to start with. Genitive plurals come in Section 2, genitive singulars in Section 8 and datives in Section 9. If the students enquire about genitive and dative forms ahead of time, briefly tell them but assure them that they will cover them in full detail when the time comes. It is certainly advisable that students learn the whole paradigm of nouns and adjectives when they first meet them.