Compelling Conversations logo
Sophisticated English for Global Souls
1-855-375-2665 - U.S./Canada
1-310-390-0131 - Outside U.S.
14
JAN
2017
Book Bookcase Library Reading Research School Concept

The Importance of the Academic Word List

“One forgets words as one forgets names. One’s vocabulary needs constant fertilizing or it will die.” – Evelyn Waugh (1903-1966), British author and journalist   What is the Academic Word List? Why does it matter? How can it help English language learners...
11
JAN
2016
Happy students waving international flags

Teaching Matters: What Are Reasonable Standards for Listening Comprehension and Speaking Skills for ESL Students?

“Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education.” ~John F. Kennedy (1917-1963), 35th President of the U.S.   Tough question! Context, as ever, matters. Are you going into a new semester of class looking for a clear, detailed chart to...
01
OCT
2014

Memrise: online learning tool fuses memory, fun and community

Through “mems,” students retain English vocabulary “We’ve built Memrise to embody the very best knowledge about how your brain works, and so help you learn as quickly and effortlessly as possible. We’ve turned learning facts and language into a game where you grow a...
17
SEP
2014

Perfection and grammar: not essential for ESL students, or even native speakers

Certain grammar rules unnecessary for comprehension, everyday conversation “Have no fear of perfection – you’ll never reach it.” -Salvador Dalí (1904-1989) Spanish surrealist painterIs it always essential to have perfect grammar? Must we always avoid split infinitives, dangling...
13
SEP
2014

EF reports decline of French EPI

Declining EPI attributable to lack of exposure “French students report lower levels of exposure to English in everyday life than any other Europeans polled. Exposure to a foreign language has been found repeatedly to be one of the strongest contributors to increased fluency.” -EF...
03
SEP
2014

Newsmart: ESL Wall Street Journal

Language learners absorb English, journalism and current events ““To look at the paper is to raise a seashell to one’s ear and to be overwhelmed by the roar of humanity.” -Alain de Botton (1969- ) Swiss-British writerThe Wall Street Journal remains a popular source of news...
16
JUL
2014

Easy English Times newspaper remains a great resource

ESL students can read news, stories and Compelling Conversations “Newspapers always excite curiosity. No one ever puts one down without the feeling of disappointment.” ―Charles Lamb (1775-1834) English writerThere’s no denying the value of an engaging newspaper: it keeps us...
26
OCT
2012

Do Our Students Need to Swim in English or Pass Grammar Tests?

Here is a short list of important questions for our English language learners. Can they order food in a nice restaurant? Can students fill in government forms? Can they understand classified ads - online or in a paper? Can they negotiate prices at a yard...
18
JUL
2012

Why We Wrote Compelling American Conversations for Intermediate American English Language Learners

“America needs new immigrants to love and cherish it.” – Eric Hoffer (1902-1983), American writer and longshoreman Compelling American Conversations- Vietnam: Speaking Exercises for Vietnamese Learners of Englishand Quotations for intermediate American English...
08
JAN
2011

An ESL Author Looks at an ESL website with New Eyes

Sometimes we don’t see what is in front of our eyes. Today I learned a bit more about my own website from a fellow English teacher and friendly fan. A gentleman from Tennessee called my home, thanked me for the sample conversation materials, and asked some insightful...
12