The classroom, not the textbook, is the primary focus for all first-year work. Your participation will be evaluated by your instructor and will enhance your progress in the course. Do exercises regularly as they are assigned and follow instructions carefully. Each exercise has been designed to give you practice in using specific French structures. Do not fall behind in your work.
Success depends largely on regular contact with the material.
By the same token, do not miss class. Your presence is indispensable and part of your grade will be based on attendance. Make a constant effort to assimilate the material you have just learned. This is not quite the same thing as memorization. Students also tend to think that their work is complete when they have understood.