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Sophisticated English for Global Souls
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28
SEP
2021

Learning English: Opening More Doors and Letting Personal Dreams Unfold

Regardless of motive, learning English remains a smart choice for millions and millions of working adults and ambitious students. It presents possibilities for better-paying jobs and additional choices in pursuing an international education. Plus, it helps immigrants to...
26
SEP
2021

Better ESL Classes with More Classroom Conversation Activities!

Do students who know proper English grammar on worksheets, but can’t hold a conversation in English really speak English? Consider me sceptical. After all, does anyone ever ask "Do you grammar English?"
27
JUL
2021

What are the 1000 most common words in English?

“Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.” –Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936), British author Sometimes students ask simple, direct questions that I can’t immediately answer. For instance, an ESL student wondered, “What are the 1000 most common...
23
JUL
2021

Can we make more time for conversations inside and outside of English classrooms?

English teachers must, therefore, explicitly teach these conversation skills.  The asking, understanding, and responding to questions remains a complicated skill. It's also a vital communication ability both inside and outside our ESL classrooms. Students need to practice and...
16
FEB
2017
businessman adjusts the time on his wristwatch

Teaching Matters: The Perception of Time and Value of Punctuality in American Culture

“If the doors of perception were cleansed every thing would appear to man as it is, Infinite. For man has closed himself up, till he sees all things thro’ narrow chinks of his cavern.” – William Blake (1757-1827), English poet, painter and printmaker   The concept of...
10
JAN
2017
Compelling Conversations Vietnam Book Cover

Compelling Conversations – Vietnam is here!

Become who you want to be – in English! Vietnamese teachers of English: are you developing a more fluency-focused curriculum for your ESL/EFL class this fall? Are you seeking new, engaging communicative activities that encourage class discussions? How about flexible lesson plans...
21
JUN
2016
Teacher in front of students at an adult education class

Teaching Matters: Preparing Student-Centered Materials for the Classroom

  “If it is language that makes us human, one half of language is to listen.” – Jacob Trapp (1899-1992), American religious leader   Part 3 of Teacher Edition Tuesday, a weekly series based on ten teaching tips from the recently released Compelling American...
20
MAR
2016
Three students talking

Context Matters with Conversation Idioms

“Confidence contributes more to conversation than wit.” ~Francois de La Rochefoucauld (1613-1680), French writer   Conversation styles are wonderfully varied. Just as one size never truly fits all, one conversational approach may not be appropriate depending on...
01
MAR
2016
Pencil and answer sheet

Teaching Matters: How much can we rely on standardized tests to assess?

“Education is helping the child realize his potentialities.” ~Erich Fromm (1900-1980), German social psychologist and pscychoanalyst   By Andrea Schmidt, Guest-writer    Standardized tests: how helpful are they in assessing one’s true skill level? This...
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...