Express Yourself: Discussing Quotations to Form Opinions
September 10, 2016
Eric
Embed from Getty Images “There is always hope when people are forced to listen to both sides.” John Steward Mill (1806-1873), British philosopher Many people…
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Conversation Tip #5: Search for common interests
October 18, 2014
compellingconversations-admin
Finding commonalities sparks conversations Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons “Don’t walk behind me, I may not lead. Don’t walk in front of me, I may not…
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Dwell in Possibility: Discussing Books Enlivens ESL Classes
December 15, 2010
compellingconversations-admin
Reading remains a great pleasure and a helpful guide. Literature can also enliven our ESL classrooms, and discussing our favorite books opens up new possibilities.…
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Does Teaching English Open Minds in Closed Societies? – Part 1
February 6, 2010
compellingconversations-admin
Does teaching English open minds in closed societies? Are repressive governments “right” to fear the spread of English? Can the mania for learning English destabilize…
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Happy New Decade! How Will We Change? Will We Discuss Change in Our ESL Classes?
December 31, 2009
compellingconversations-admin
One simple method is to make change a topic in our classes. Cities, products, families, schools, and people change. This moment also allows us to…
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Do you match? How do you know? Bringing Realism to Relationship discussions in ESL Classrooms
February 14, 2009
compellingconversations-admin
1. Why do (did) you want to get married? 2. Do (did) you have a checklist of qualities for a potential spouse? 3. What are…
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English Teaching Professional Strongly Recommends Compelling Conversations!
January 29, 2009
compellingconversations-admin
"In sum, Compelling Conversations is a recommended resource for teachers who want to make their conversation classes more learner-centered," wrote reviewer Hall Houston. "It should…
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How Many American Adults Can Not Read This Blog? Can Not Read?
January 10, 2009
compellingconversations-admin
"Only the educated are free," noted Epictetus, a former slave and Greek stoic philosopher, over 2,000 years ago. How free are those 32 illiterate American…
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Let’s Talk About the American Elections, Voting, and Democratic Values in English Class
November 7, 2008
compellingconversations-admin
Who makes the rules? Who chooses the rulers? Can citizens peacefully replace ineffective, unpopular leaders? Yes, we can! In the United States of America, voters…
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How many languages did you hear today?
September 14, 2008
Eric Roth newBlog
Sometimes living in Los Angeles feels fantastic. Beauty – in many forms – pervades. You look around, and you smile. The sun shines, the scene…
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