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Sophisticated English for Global Souls
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16
JUN
2014

Skype Makes Tutoring English with Clients Across the Globe Easy and Comfortable

Explore the benefits of using Skype to tutor English learners around the world. “A conversation can be made easy. Just ask a question and then listen.” ―Robert Bly (1926- ), American poet and author As millions of English-learners across the globe take advantage of new...
27
AUG
2012

Don’t Let Perfectionism Silence You!

Some English students make learning English even more difficult by expecting themselves to speak “perfect”, with “no accent” just like ” a real native English speaker.” May I suggest that this noble goal is both very difficult to achieve –...
20
SEP
2010

Conversation Tip #9: Ask Clarifying Questions!

What is a clarifying question? What do you mean? Can you be more specific? Can you give us some examples? What do you exactly mean? Sometimes our English students need help asking questions, especially critical questions that allow them to clarify concepts and better participate...
16
JUN
2010

Library ESL Conversation Clubs Grow

Where can immigrants go to practice their English speaking skills in a relaxed, non-judgmental atmosphere? How can American libraries introduce their wonderful resources to new users and provide a vital need? Where can volunteers, librarians, and both novice and experienced...
08
NOV
2009

Conversation Tip 5: What has pleasantly surprised you today?

What has pleasantly surprised you today? English teachers can use this question as a writing cue, during student-teacher conferences, or with co-workers. Students, especially at more competitive schools, can often feel great stress. Asking students about what is going right in...
11
SEP
2009

Reading Pleasures and Conversation Starters

Teachers, especially English teachers, love to talk about their summer reading. Reading remains a cheap pleasure and an excellent conversation starter. Can you recommend a good book? What did you this summer? What are reading these days - besides student papers?
05
SEP
2009

Conversation Tip #4: Ask Questions and Take Turns

Asking follow up question can provide clarity and allow our conversation partners to elaborate on details. Use these simple phrases to go beyond hello and create better conversations. And? So? Where? When? How? Why? Meaning? Smiling and nodding your head also indicate...
23
MAY
2009

Are you prepared? Are you ready? Aren’t you nervous?

* Are you ready? * Are you prepared? * Aren't you nervous? * Do you have enough time to do that? * When are you going to sleep? Friends - and close relatives - ask these questions out of concern and curiosity. I appreciate their questions and enjoy our...
02
MAR
2009

Worksheet – or Cheat Sheet – for English Teachers to Observe Conversations and Lead Class Discussions

Many English teachers, especially novice ESL instructors, talk more than ideal - and allow their English students to talk too little. Ironically, many ESL instructors make this "good mistake" because they are so dedicated. What, after all, are they supposed to do while students...
23
AUG
2008

Conversation tip #15: Seek to Understand

Seek to Understand Have you ever seen two emotional people talk past each other? Both talk and neither listen. Both want to tell the other, and don’t want to hear – or understand – what the other person is saying. This happens too often in stressful workplaces. Stephen Covey,...