Press Reviews of Compelling Conversations for High-Intermediate Japanese English Language Learners

A much needed book for Japanese English Language Learners

“As an ESL teacher and accent reduction coach, I regularly encounter frustrated students from Japan who don’t feel comfortable speaking English.  Their English learning experiences consisted mostly of the traditional method of learning grammar rules and preparing for English exams.”

“Compelling Conversations – Japan will prove very useful to Japanese English learners who want to travel or study in the US or simply feel more comfortable conversing in English. With this book, the learner won’t stop talking.  And that’s the goal!”

“It’s more than just a conversation book. It’s also a cross-cultural awareness book, filled with proverbs and cultural insights.  It also has great vocabulary expansion exercises. There are valuable English pronunciation exercises focusing on the sounds that are difficult for native Japanese speakers. It contains tons of fun and thought-provoking conversation topics relevant a person from a Japanese cultural background.”

“A must-have for a conversation class with Japanese learners of English.“

Lisa Mjsin
Author, Mastering the American Accent
AccurateEnglish.com

One of the Best Books Available for Intermediate English Students

“I have been using Compelling Conversations with my intermediate students for years. With it`s range of topics it`s a great book to get students to a higher level of fluency. I am very excited to see that Eric has released a new version specifically for Japan.  The book has been expanded to include content which Japanese students can culturally relate to, as well as more exercises and unique practices to get students talking.  These additions make the book a significant improvement, and in my opinion one of the best books available for intermediate English students.”

Marshal Holmes-Owner and Head Teacher
Eikaiwa English World
Okinawa, Japan
ewokinawa.com

A Fantastic Resource for Both Instructors and Students

“Compelling Conversations – Japan is a fantastic resource for both instructors and students. The stimulating tasks expand the learner’s knowledge and promote quick acquisition of important lexical phrases for active, stimulating use in a real-world context. This latest version is a must-have volume for high intermediate and advanced Japanese students that are interested in improving their oral skills in English.”

Dr. J.J. Polk
Author of English in Global Contexts and English Questions

Understands the Needs of Japanese Students when Developing English Skills

“Compelling Conversations-Japan is a must have book for English teachers teaching in Japan. Each chapter is carefully organized so that students can build confidence in speaking while learning and talking about Japan. Every chapter begins with a vocabulary exercise, then by using the new vocabulary, students talk about unique topics that the book presents. Compelling Conversations presents a variety of topics to discuss, pronunciation skills to practice, and cultural trivia to learn something new about Japan so that the students will always have something to talk about. The book also understands the needs of Japanese students when developing English skills and the content of the book effectively addresses those needs.  If you want to get your English students engaged in your classroom, this is the book to get.”

Kaz Shida
Lecturer
USC International Academy

Quickly Speak with Clarity and Knowledge

“Compelling Conversations – Japan will teach you to speak English in both short and longer words. This book will enable you to simply, clearly, and quickly speak with clarity and knowledge to express thoughts and ideas in correct English.”

“You will learn through diverse activities to feel at home with such everyday subjects as dining, travel, common terms used abroad, and related vocabulary. It will strongly motivate you to use American English in a clear, simple, and easy manner.”

James T. Keating
Author, Writing Modern English: A Stylebook for Writers of English as a Second Language
rewrite-right.com

Learn to co-create captivating conversations

“Conversation is the key to making meaningful connections. By learning to converse in English, you can open up discussions with many more people than if you only speak Japanese. Compelling Conversations offers the tools for communication that go beyond just the surface; you learn to co-create captivating conversations that can foster lasting connections.”

Sara Johnston
International Student Adviser
AOI College of Languages
Irvine, California

Perfect for those learners who want to use their English, but are scared of losing face or making a mistake if they do

“Compelling Conversations continues to be the go-to text for instructors who want to engage students in a lively, rich discussion!  Having worked extensively with students in Japan, I know that this text is perfect for those learners who want to use their English, but are scared of losing face or making a mistake if they do. This text provides a deep well of topics and activities that strike that tricky balance. It gets them talking, learning and feeling comfortable all at the same time!”

Jennifer Weaver
English language instructor
MA Intercultural Relations

Your book is my top conversation resource

“As an ESL tutor for over 20 years, your book is my top conversation resource. My adult Japanese students look forward to the varied topics, related conversation questions, academic vocabulary and now sharing about their culture.”

Jane Dean
Adult ESL tutor