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Sophisticated English for Global Souls
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19
JAN
2021

Speaking Standards: Is Perfect English Pronunciation an Attainable Goal? What is Perfect Pronunciation Anyway?

Airport English works for casual conversations. “Life is a foreign language: all men mispronounce it.” — Christopher Morley (1890-1957), American author and journalist By Eric H. Roth What qualifies as “perfect” English pronunciation? Is perfect pronunciation essential for having...
01
JUL
2019

Is Perfect English Pronunciation an Attainable Goal?

Don't let perfectionism silence you! A look at English pronunciation standards and the value in making progress, not perfect.
16
JUN
2019

Making More Time for Conversations in English ― Beyond the Classroom

Good conversations often spark joy in our daily lives. How can we create more compelling conversations inside and outside of our English classrooms?
14
JUN
2019

What do you do with a problem like the TOEFL iBT Test?

A target score on the TOEFL iBT remains a long-term goal for many EFL students. Brent Warner, ESL professor and TOEFL maven, offers some practical advice.
02
SEP
2018

Savvy ESL Book Recommendations for Teachers of American Immigrants, Canadian Refugees, and International Students

  “What we know is a drop; what we don’t know is an ocean.” —Isaac Newton (1643-1727), English physicist    Do you teach new American immigrants, refugees and international students of English? Are you seeking fresh English as a second language (ESL) book...
30
AUG
2018

Savvy Book Recommendations for New English Teachers Going Abroad

“No art or learning is to be pursued halfheartedly…and any art worth learning will certainly reward more or less generously the effort made to study it.” —Murasaki Shikibu (c. 973-1014), Japanese author, The Tale of Genji   Looking for some book recommendations to...
16
JUN
2018

Dwelling in Possibility: The Benefits of Intensive Reading for ESL Students

“A word is dead when it is said, some say. I say it just begins to live that day.” ―Emily Dickinson (1830-1886), American poet What are the benefits of intensive reading for ESL students? How can reading for pleasure spark teachable moments in the English classroom? Reading can...
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
2018

Teaching Matters: The Art of Teaching “Unplugged”

  “The art and science of asking questions is the source of all knowledge.” – Thomas Berger (1924-2014), American novelist What is teaching “unplugged?” How does this approach enhance language learning for students? What kinds of activities can English teachers implement...
05
MAR
2018

Have you taught English in Vietnam? Share your insights in a brief survey!

“One day of traveling broadens the mind.” – Vietnamese proverb What have you found satisfying about teaching English in Vietnam? How do you select or create EFL materials to help your students learn English? What do you know now that you wish you knew when you started...
12