Compelling American Conversations

Compelling American Conversations: Questions and Quotations for Intermediate American English Language Learners helps American immigrants and international students develop their fluency skills and academic vocabulary through conversation exercises. The 15 topical chapters include: Getting Started; Going Beyond Hello; Making and Breaking Habits; Studying English; Being Yourself; Making and Keeping Friends; Photographing Our Lives; Playing and Watching Sports; Talking About American Television; Celebrating American Holidays; Talking Clothes and Fashion; Handling Stress; Practicing Job Interviews; Valuing Money and Finding Bargains; and Exploring American Cities. Each topical chapter includes two sets of conversation questions, vocabulary review, a short writing exercise, paraphrasing exercises with proverbs, a discussion activity around pithy 10 quotations, and an online activity. Focusing on both daily experiences and American culture through proverbs, quotations, and speaking exercises, the materials help intermediate English language learners explore their lives, learn common American sayings and expressions, and develop vital discussion skills. The appendix includes the academic word list, supplemental worksheets, bibliographical references, and author biographies. Designed primarily for community college ESL and adult education students, the flexible ESL textbook can be used by high school English language learners (ELL) and intensive English programs. This book includes several dramatically revised and updated chapters from the advanced ESL textbook Compelling Conversations: Questions and Quotations on Timeless Topics (2007).