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Sophisticated English for Global Souls
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27
JUL
2021

What are the 1000 most common words in English?

“Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.” –Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936), British author Sometimes students ask simple, direct questions that I can’t immediately answer. For instance, an ESL student wondered, “What are the 1000 most common...
19
MAR
2021

How can we help prepare future international students navigate an American classroom?

“The classroom should be an entrance into the world, not an escape from it” – John Ciardi (1916-1986), American poet and translator   By Samantha Jungheim and Eric H. Roth Do you teach English students abroad? Are you educating young adults looking to study in the United...
23
JAN
2021

Why Writing 3rd Person Biostatements Deepens Resilience

“We know what we are, but we know not what we may be.” –William Shakespeare (1564-1616), English playwright  By Eric H. Roth & Samantha Jungheim Can you tell your life story in a positive light?  What have you achieved so far? What are you working on? What are your life...
03
MAY
2018
Shakespeare used plural pronouns too

Is “They” Okay? Is it okay to use “they” for a singular pronoun of unknown gender?

‘Chandos’ Portrait of Shakespeare in the National Portrait Gallery, London “There’s not a man I meet but doth salute me As if I were their well-acquainted friend.” Shakespeare’s A Comedy of Errors, Act IV, Scene 3: William Shakespeare (1564-1616), British playwright...
13
APR
2017
EdTechTV Podcast

Resource Round-up: Stay a step ahead with EdTechTV

“My podcast focuses on the crossroads of education and technology and explores practical ways to merge the two.” -Brent Warner, host of EdTechTV and co-author of Compelling Conversations – Japan Are you looking for more fun and informative resource to help you find...
20
MAR
2016
Three students talking

Context Matters with Conversation Idioms

“Confidence contributes more to conversation than wit.” ~Francois de La Rochefoucauld (1613-1680), French writer   Conversation styles are wonderfully varied. Just as one size never truly fits all, one conversational approach may not be appropriate depending on...
29
JAN
2016
five smiling student looking at globe at school

Teaching Tips: Approaching Immigration Issues in the Classroom

  “For happily the Government of the United States, which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance requires only that they who live under its protection should demean themselves as good citizens, in giving it on all occasions their effectual...
06
NOV
2015
Firefighters with water hose

Changing Work Titles & Greater Equality

“Habits change into character.” ~Ovid (43 BCE-17 CE), Ancient Roman poet Which is correct: fireman or firefighter? The answer is both! But one has been gaining traction lately, along with many other gender-neutral terms for occupational titles. Here’s why: Many...
14
JUL
2014

McREL standards provide universal guide for teachers

Foreign language classrooms could benefit from McREL standards “You are never too old to set a new goal or to dream a new dream.” ―C.S. Lewis (1889-1936) British author While conducting research for a review on Journeys In Film, a nonprofit dedicated to teaching social study...
14
JUL
2014

How Do You Teach the Difference Between “Make” and “Do” in Your English Classrooms?

Distinguishing the difference between make and do in English classrooms “Do all you can to make your dreams come true.” ―Joel Osteen (1960- ) American preacher How do you teach the difference between “make” and “do” in your English classrooms? What do you do? What do...