本书为《新核心大学英语读写教程基础级》，面向高中起点的非英语专业本科学生。全书共八个单元，供一个学期使用。每个单元包括MainReading和RelatedReading两篇课文，每篇课文的长度约为700—800词。生词量(包括由熟词构成的合成词和派生词)占课文总词量的4％-5％。要求学生本学期新增一般要求和较高要求词汇约1000个。每个单元后设计了学生自我评价表(self-assessmentlog)，供学生对自己的学习情况进行自我检测。
本教材对各单元中Approaching the Zopic、Understanding theText、Integrated Exercisesi~lWritingStrategy四个部分分别设计了不同的练习，对所学的新语言材料在不同层次上进行有针对性的训练。教师可根据学生的能力和教学的实际进展情况将这些练习分别安排在课前、课堂和课后进行，对不同任务练习的目的和教学方法请参考与本教材配套的《教师用书》中ZeachingTips部分的说明。

Unit 1 Profile of Foreign Universities
Main Reading: My University
　Related Reading: Happy Birthday, HBS!
Unit 2 English as a World Language
　Main Reading: Importance of English
　Related Reading: English: A World Language
Unit 3 English Learning Strategies
　Main Reading: Narration--The Best Way to Learn
　Related Reading: I Have No More Difficulties
　with English
Unit 4 Goals of Lifelong Learning
　Main Reading: Lifelong Learning and Success
　Related Reading: Lifelong Learners Going Back to
　Class Online
Unit 5 Cross-cultural Educational ideas
　Main Reading: Differences between Immigrant
　Chinese and American Parenting ( Part Ⅰ )
　Related Reading: Differences between Immigrant
　Chinese and American Parenting ( Part Ⅱ )
Unit 6 The Purpose of Education
　Main Reading: As Harvard Goes...
　Related Reading: College Credit for Real Life
Unit 7 English Vocabulary
Unit 8 Globalization