Compelling Conversations – Japan:
Questions and Quotations for High-Intermediate Japanese English Language Learners Based on our original and highly successful English as a Second Language (ESL) textbook, Compelling Conversations, this new title is geared specifically toward Japanese English language learners with culturally relevant touchstones and exercises. Compelling Conversations Japan was developed to help...
Read More‘Verbal Energy’ column quirky, insightful, fun
Christian Science Monitor’s Ruth Walker spotlights English as a fascinating language Photo Source: Christian Science Monitor”There is no such thing as “the Queen’s English.’ The property has gone into the hands of a joint stock company, and we own the bulk of the stock.” Mark Twain (1835-1910), American writer and humorist Facing a language that chooses...
Read MoreAsk Why Your Students Want to Learn English
“Well begun is half done.” Ancient Greek proverb Sometimes we forget the most basic questions. What brings the students in your English class into the room? Are they fulfilling school requirements, pursuing academic achievements, or creating new possibilities? How do you motivate your ESL and EFL students to do their best from day one? Asking students for their motives, needs, and...
Read MoreConversation Tip #10: Know when to wrap-up
Ending conversations and looking forward to new ones! Photo Source: Pixabay“We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” -Walt Disney (1901-1966) American business magnate, animator, producerEvery conversation, no matter how enjoyable, must come to an end for practical reasons. Life moves on and...
Read MoreConversation Tip #9: Ask questions
Questions keep the conversation flowing Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons”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, asking questions provides a quick way to find common interests with people. Questions like “What is...
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