Compelling Conversations

Visit Site"Colors fade, temples crumble, empires fall, but wise words endure." – Edward Thorndike (1874-1949), American psychologist

That’s the philosophy behind Compelling Conversations: Questions and Quotations on Timeless Topics. English language learners want to share experiences and insights on contemporary topics – and expand their practical and academic vocabulary. Quotations and proverbs, from differing points of view, also encourage discussions, model excellent communication, and develop critical thinking skills. Students hold longer discussions, learn about their classmates, and gain practical experience. Let’s create better, deeper, and more enjoyable conversations – even in English!

Adding proverbs and classic quotations from multiple perspectives elevates ESL classroom conversations and encourages adult discussions. ESL students also feel freer to share their own experiences and beliefs because they see brilliant people often disagree. They also enjoy learn short, memorable phrases from many different points of view. Including classic quotations also helps preserve the insights of well-known and significant cultural figures, builds cultural literacy, and promotes critical thinking. Further, both proverbs and quotations provide a broader perspective and invite student reflection – in English. Students create genuinely interesting, dynamic, and compelling conversations.

Conversation remains a vital social skill for our English students. For better or for worse, students must be able to verbally share and collect information. Employers, co-workers, fellow students, and often neighbors expect immigrants and refugees to speak English in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, and Australia. International students also want to express their life experiences, insights, and perceptions in fluent conversations – both inside and outside classrooms.

"Immigrants need to feel comfortable speaking English, but too often students learn everything except conversation in ESL classrooms. Compelling Conversations allows students to learn by speaking. It’s a wonderful addition to our curriculum."

Therefore, conversation skills deserve far greater attention in English language classrooms. Conversation skills require… Read more…

Tags: book, conversation, EFL, ELT, English, ESL, lessons, skills, speaking, textbook