12 Captivating Questions for Conversation

Sometimes what we need is a set of engaging discussion questions. An online search will bear fruit. I found a robust list of 95 Funny Hypothetical Questions compiled by Susan Box Mann. Some are intriguing though outlandish, for example (#2), “What would you do if you found out you could stop time?” Others wouldn’t be…

What We Say but Don’t Write

I recently shared a lesson on common uses of “again.” (Watch video.) They include the question “Come again?” and the humorous or cantankerous observation “Here we go again!” I noted that all the expressions are conversational in nature. What does that mean exactly? It means you might possibly use the expressions when texting or messaging…

Great Ideas for Using Great Speeches

We use the well-known pangram to practice typing: The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. We use well-known tongue twisters to practice tricky sounds:She sells seashells by the seashore. Why not use well-known speeches to practice oral expression? I’ll list three. #1 – I recommended Steve Jobs’ commencement speech in an older post….

Teaching Advanced Rhythm and Intonation

Many of my private students list accent reduction among their language goals. Three current learners have made pronunciation their top priority as their work involves public speaking (e.g, classroom instruction, training sessions, and virtual meetings). While individual sounds and linking are still targeted as needed, a great deal of attention is being given to rhythm…

Reaping the Benefits from Role Play

In an earlier post, I described how I engaged in role play with an advanced learner to explore article usage. (See post.) I took on the role of a news anchor, and she played the reporter on the scene of an accident. Both before and after our short performance, we discussed the logic for either…

Teaching Students How to Argue a Point

In an earlier post, I shared my ideas for building a framework that students could use to explain a wide range of topics, including simple and complex processes. Over the past month, I’ve heard my own students explain how to give a neck massage and how to expand your professional network. I’ve also heard ideas…

Building a Framework for Explaining Things

Recommended steps and materials to help students deliver an oral explanation on topics of their choice. PDFs included.

80 Debate Topics for ESL Students

Have you ever organized debates? Maybe you don’t wish to get into hard-core debates, especially on controversial issues such as the death penalty or gambling. Let me help ease the burden of finding classroom-appropriate topics for students who come from diverse backgrounds. Check out my list of 80 debate topics. I’ve also included suggestions for…

33 Engaging Discussion Questions

I often have the need for new discussion questions. Do you? If you feel you’ve exhausted many possibilities and you’re looking for new topics, checkout my list of 33 engaging questions on a range of classroom appropriate subjects, including family and career. The questions are geared towards intermediate and advanced adult learners. Each question is…

Learning about the U.S. Government

It seems that election years prompt me to test my own knowledge of how things work within the U.S. government, and the result is a new YouTube video. About four years ago, I decided explain our political parties and the U.S. Presidential elections. Earlier this year I talked about Super Tuesday. More recently, I described…

Gaining Comfort with Levels of Formality

In a recent YouTube video, I challenged upper level students to find more formal or less formal variations of ten statements. Watch the lesson. Such tasks are open-ended because there isn’t one right answer. Ideally, the viewer should do my exercises with at least one other person. Two heads are better than one, and discoveries…

Understanding Other ELLs: An Overlooked Listening Skill

With so much attention on understanding fast speech in movies, TV shows, and other authentic sources, there’s an area of listening comprehension that may not receive the attention it deserves: the speech of language learners. Students tend to focus heavily on listening to native speakers and non-natives with advanced proficiency. As a result, they may…