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Sophisticated English for Global Souls
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10
MAR
2016
Four female students

How Do You Use Compelling American Conversations in Multilevel ESL Classes?

“People have one thing in common: they are all different.” ~Robert Zend (1929-1985), American writer   Compelling American Conversations provides an invaluable resource for teachers in the common situation of teaching multilevel adult ESL classes with ongoing enrollment. ESL...
06
FEB
2016
Muslim girl studying in library

In the News: Will the U.K. Debate over Teaching English to Reduce Islamic Extremism Travel Here?

“Education is an ornament in prosperity, and a refuge in adversity.” ~Aristotle (384-322 BCE), Ancient Greek philosopher and scientist Can teaching English to new immigrants and refugees make the United Kingdom safer? Is learning English essential to successfully...
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...
08
JAN
2016
Two businesspeople

Resources: Links for ESL Teachers About Informational Interviews

“The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.” ~Vidal Sassoon (1928-2012), British hairstylist and businessman   Late last year, we published a blog post on mock job interviews and self-evaluation. In connection to that, here are some...
23
DEC
2015
Students talking

Teaching Tips: Discussing Idioms in the Classroom

Idioms can be difficult for ESL beginners to make sense of. Here are some examples and tips to get you started.
06
NOV
2015
Firefighters with water hose

Changing Work Titles & Greater Equality

“Habits change into character.” ~Ovid (43 BCE-17 CE), Ancient Roman poet Which is correct: fireman or firefighter? The answer is both! But one has been gaining traction lately, along with many other gender-neutral terms for occupational titles. Here’s why: Many...
04
NOV
2015
Asian girl with tea

Home vs. House: What does this mean?

  “No matter under what circumstances you leave it, home does not cease to be home. No matter how you lived there – well or poorly.” ~Joseph Brodsky (1940-1996), Russian-American poet & Nobel Prize winner   What’s the difference between a house and...
30
OCT
2015
Three cheerful friends drinking coffee

Compelling American Conversations – Teacher Edition Comes Out!

“Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education. The human mind is our fundamental resource.” ~ John F. Kennedy (1917-1963), 35th President of the U.S.   Are you a teacher looking for fresh tips to flip your classroom discussions? Do...
28
OCT
2015
smiling female student studying in classroom

Compelling Conversations – Japan Focuses on Fluency and Authentic Communication for Japanese English Language Learners

“The most important thing we learn at school is the fact that the most important things can’t be learned at school.” ~Haruki Murakami (1949- ), Japanese author     Do your English students want to speak more English? Do you currently teach Japanese...
10
OCT
2015
Couple dating in bar, smiling and talking

Search and Share Speaking Activities Can Flip English Classrooms and Become Complete EFL Class Lessons

    “Education is a kind of continuing dialogue and a dialogue assumes, in the nature of the case, different points of view.” ~Robert Hutchins (1899-1977), educator and philosopher How can we create more speaking opportunities for students in our English...