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Compelling Conversations
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Compelling Conversations

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ISBN: 978-1419658280 (Amazon)
978-0982617809 (Ingram, Baker & Taylor)
E-ISBN: 978-0982617854

Compelling Conversations –
Questions and Quotations on Timeless Topics

The art of conversation, once considered the sign of a civilized individual, seems less common today. Yet we count the pleasures of sharing experiences, collecting news, and exchanging ideas one of the pleasures of life. These natural conversations provide information, encouragement, and pleasure.

Many people say that they are too busy to have long talks. Other people prefer to watch television, play computer games, or listen to the radio rather than talk to relatives and friends. Sometimes people feel too shy to speak to the people next to them. Many Americans, it seems to us, have forgotten how to hold good, deep conversations, or even a friendly chat with neighbors. We suspect this lack of real communication lessens their joy.

Learn more about Compelling Conversations

Barriers to Conversation in English Classrooms

Of course, people learning English as a second, third, or fourth language face even more barriers. English remains a strange, confusing, difficult, and misspelled language – and it’s easy to feel uncomfortable when speaking in this new tongue. That’s why Compelling Conversations includes short questions that lead to better conversations. We also show how to ask clarifying questions and more philosophical questions. Readers discover they create more meaningful conversations in English too.

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Chapter from

Compelling Conversations – Questions
and Quotations on Timeless Topics

Being Yourself

Chapter 7

Making and Keeping Friends

Chapter 10

Change

Chapter 26

Crime and Punishment

Chapter 43

What are some common questions that English students bring to class?

What questions can I ask?
How do keep a conversation going?
What is the word for ……?
What vocabulary words do I need?
How do show my agreement, or disagreement, in a lively, yet polite way?
How can I share my experiences with a limited vocabulary?
Will I be understood?
How else can I ask a question?
How can I reduce the possibility of being misunderstood?
How can I have better and more engaging conversations in English?
Where can I practice my speaking skills in a safe, tolerant atmosphere?
Will I feel comfortable sharing my real experience?
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To Order Class Sets

Please contact us directly to discuss an order. Call 1-855-ESL-Book (1-855-375-2665) and 310-390-0131 outside the U.S. and Canada, or Email laurie@compellingconversations.com.

We offer free shipping on orders of 50+ copies.

0-24 copies – 40% off

25-49 copies – 50% off

50+ copies – 60% off

Buy the iBook for iPad and iPhone

Compelling Conversations is now available on your iPad!

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Compelling Conversations is now available on your Kindle.

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FAQs

Frequently
Asked
Questions

*Compelling Conversations: Questions and Quotations on Timeless Topics* is a fluency-focused ESL/EFL textbook that builds authentic conversation skills through 45 thematic chapters. Learners share personal experiences and reflections, respond to proverbs and quotations, and practice meaningful, nuanced conversations in natural English.

The book is designed for high intermediate to advanced adult and university ESL/EFL learners who want more sophisticated, communicative speaking practice. Many English teachers also use it with high-intermediate conversation classes, advanced speaking courses, and conversation clubs that value critical thinking and real-world topics.

This book emphasizes open-ended, communicative tasks instead of scripted dialogues or test-prep drills. Students answer real questions, tell stories, and express opinions, so they practice authentic, spontaneous speech rather than memorizing lines.

The 45 chapters are grouped into four sections: “Your Life,” “Free Time,” “Modern Times,” and “Civic Life.” Topics range from “Getting Started,” “Being Home,” and “Describing Family Ties” to “Traveling,” “Change,” “Pet Peeves,” “Handling Stress,” “Practicing Job Interviews,” “Exploring American Culture,” “Crime and Punishment,” and “Searching for Heroes.”

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