If the person in question is a total newbie to weight lifting, I'd say 1 or 2 sets (depending on what they can handle) of 8-10 reps. I wouldn't recommend supersets because it is more of an advanced training and you are really working your muscles hard.
The problem with a beginner is that you want to overload the muscles but not so much that they cannot move for 5 days (which I've experienced myself).
Of course, proper form is the key. I'd rather that they learned proper form with lighter weights than used heavy weights and compromise form.
