ESL Conversation worksheet: Imperatives vs Polite Requests in the Workplace
Workplace Communication Tip 3: Politely Make Suggestions Style matters – especially when we talk with our co-workers, consumers, patients, and supervisors. English language learners, immigrants, and far too many English speaking workers sometimes forget this basic principle of workplace communication. Consider the difference in how these requests sound. Shut off the TV! Please turn off the TV?...
Read MoreWhy Teach About Solzhenitsyn in English Classrooms?
“Own only what you can always carry with you; know languages, know countries, know people. Let your memory be your travel bag.” Alexander Solzhenitsyn (1918-2008), Russian writer and Nobel Prize winner Alexander Solzhenitsyn, an exceptional writer of rare courage, died today. English teachers, lovers of literature, and people of conscience will find his long obituary in the International...
Read MoreSimple questions to ask English Language Learners in Week 1
In conversation, it is often helpful to show other people that we understand what they are trying to say. A smile, a nod of the head, and eye contact are encouraging to others at work and at home. Frowning, shaking one’s head no, or looking away while others are speaking will discourage others from trying. In our ESL classes, we want to encourage each other as we learn and make “good...
Read MoreIt was an Earthquake, not a Lifequake! We’re lucky!
As CNN and the other global news organizations rushed to tell the world, a 5.4 earthquake hit Los Angeles yesterday. The earth shook, people got scared, and fears of “the big one” entered the minds of millions. The shaking lasted for almost a minute, many pictures fell from walls and books left their shelves. Yet nobody was killed, no bridges fell, and very few injuries were reported. This...
Read MoreConversation tip #12: Nice truck!
Sometimes a simple comment leads to a delightful conversation. Today I noticed a very, very old truck parked on the street while walking my dog. “She’s as old as I am,” replied the owner from his frontyard. He soon came to the sidewalk. “Made in 1931.” Although I’m hardly a car guy, we proceeded to have a rather detailed and informative conversation about...
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