This set is designed to help you manuever in China if you are traveling. Although, I thought the concepts and areas it touched on were helpful, I found the instruction pace awkward to person new to the language. Many complex statements require more than one time to hear and repeat. I was frustrated because the CD did not allow me to go back to the exact place that I was listening. The narrator would say the phrase in english then in Chinese, briefly pause, then go to another phrase. My gosh, I wouldn't know if I was even close with some phrases. I think you've had some exposure to Chinese this might be helpful. If not, look at First 100 Words in Chinese.