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Sophisticated English for Global Souls
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26
SEP
2021

Better ESL Classes with More Classroom Conversation Activities!

Do students who know proper English grammar on worksheets, but can’t hold a conversation in English really speak English? Consider me sceptical. After all, does anyone ever ask "Do you grammar English?"
23
JUL
2021

Can we make more time for conversations inside and outside of English classrooms?

English teachers must, therefore, explicitly teach these conversation skills.  The asking, understanding, and responding to questions remains a complicated skill. It's also a vital communication ability both inside and outside our ESL classrooms. Students need to practice and...
13
FEB
2021

Podcasts for Real Skills and Compelling Conversations

By Samantha Jungheim & Eric H. Roth “Any story hits you harder if the person delivering it doesn’t sound like some news robot, but in fact sounds like a real person having the reactions a real person would.” –Ira Glass (1959- ), American radio personality and host ...
26
AUG
2019

Explore Icebreakers Together in Your English Class

Sometimes simple, flexible questions can create compelling conversations. How can we integrate more icebreakers into our English lesson plans?
23
FEB
2017
Outdoor Date

Review: How to Have More Engaging Conversations in Everyday Life

“Confidence contributes more to a conversation than wit.” – Francois de La Rochefoucauld (1613-1680), French writer   How can we help English language learners in the U.S. have more long-lasting, compelling conversations with native speakers? Sometimes it can be difficult to...
03
NOV
2016
College students on campus

Introducing Yourself in English: Making Small Talk

First impressions matter, but how do we keep a conversation going afterwards? Here are some common small talk topics to review with your students.
12
JUL
2016
Students in discussion

Teaching Matters: Adding Student Voices to Class Discussions

For various reasons, many ESL students are reluctant to speak up in class. How can we better prepare them for American university class discussions?
25
NOV
2015

Using 5W+H Questions to Create Longer, Better Conversations

When we ask more, we know more and share more. Here's a simple checklist to help your English students build better conversations from targeted questions.
15
NOV
2014
Two students in a discussion

Conversation Tip #9: Ask questions

Questions keep the conversation flowing   “Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.” -Voltaire (1694-1778) French Enlightenment WriterAsking questions always generates more conversation; after all, an answer always follows. As mentioned before,...
08
NOV
2014

Conversation Tip #8: Engage in the surrounding world!

Immersion in literature, current events, arts stimulates conversation   “When you’re curious, you find lots of interesting things to do.” -Walt Disney (1901-1966) American business magnate, animatorAre your students sometimes unsure of what to talk about? Perhaps they...