This week's conversation led us to talk about global warming, specifically about parts of the world which could be drastically affected by its consequences, such as the tiny island nation of Kiribati.

Listening:
There are many possibilities for learners to practice listening. Try Listen-a-Minute about Global Warming, a video about the problem, or a ESL Video from National Geographic.

For original version try some of the videos that appear on this National Geographic page explaining causes and solutions to this global threat.

Reading
Learners should check out a text about climate change from Breaking News English, a reading comprehension quiz, or a reading passage about climate change.

For original version I recommend exploring some of the resources over at Climate Hot Map, a NYTimes article about Kiribati, or any of the fantastic writing by Elizabeth Kolbert.

​Writing:
This week, please write an essay about different places around the planet which will likely suffer drastic effects of climate change.  What will happen? What can people do to prepare for or prevent such disasters?
Best,
Kelly

Happy Thanksgiving, everybody! Of course it wouldn't be Thanksgiving without our annual conversation about cooking, food, diets, etc.

Listening:
There are several listening activities available to learners.  Try these from Randall's Listening Lab: Dinner Time or Baking Cookies. Or you can try an activity from British Council called Cooking with Charlie.

For original version why not check out some cooking videos? There are tons of great cooking youtube channels: 

Foodwishes by Chef John & AllRecipes.com
Knorr & Marco Pierre White
BonAppetit
Epicurious
ChefSteps
 

Reading:
Learners can try reading a recipe, read about the world's weirdest food, or a reading activity with cooking terms.

For some original version content, what better way than to read some cooking blogs? I love Smitten Kitchen, Mark Bittman, and The Food Lab.

Writing:
Your turn! Please write out a recipe. Make sure you use appropriate cooking terms (not cut but dice, slice, chop).  What type of occasion would this be appropriate for?
Best,
Kelly

In honor of my new wheels, we spent the whole week talking about cars, driving, and road trips.  Now, time to do your homework!

Listening:
There are several listening activities available to learners.  Try these from Randall's Listening Lab: Car Accident, Car Repairs, or Used Cars.  Or you can try an activity from British Council called Driverless Cars.  Lastly, learn some road trip idioms.

For original version you I recommend giving a listen to the To the Best of Our Knowledge episode about Roadtrips: When is a Roadtrip Something More? or a recent excerpt from This American Life about traffic jams that last for days in China.

Reading:
Learners can start with a text about electric cars or a cars reading comprehension exercise.

For some original version content, read an article about the current trend that is sweeping the states (and perhaps the globe?): #VanLIfe.

Writing:
This week please write a report about the state of driving today.  Address current trends in cars, problems
Best,
Kelly

This week we really delved into the art of conversation, trying to keep the flow of conversation going, asking questions, making lots of comments, and convering tons of different topics!

Listening:
Let's get the ball rolling with some resources adapted for learners. You can check out some conversations between native speakers at Real English Conversations or similarly, Intermediate Listening Lessons.  To get more comfortable with small talk, check out 4 Tips video.

For original version you may want to check out an interview-based podcast to get some ideas of how to ask interesting questions!  Maybe try an episode of Death, Sex, and Money or Tim Ferris Show.

Reading:
Learners should check out some information about small talk in English inluding 

• Who, What, Where, When, Why
• Conversation Starters
• Practice 1: At a Bus Stop
• Practice 2: At the Office
• Practice 3: At a Party
• Small Talk Quiz

For some original version content, try the article, Why Small Talk is So Excruciating from Vox.com.

Writing:
This week for writing, please write a dialogue.  It could be between two friends, a husband and wife, parent and child, teacher and student.  You choose the people and the topic, now develop the dialogue!  Don't forget questions, comments, interruptions, etc.
Best,
Kelly