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chimchim · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 8

I have only been teaching young kids for two years. I am starting to gather enough adults to start up an adult "conversation" class. I don't think any of the adults is interested in business English. They just want to learn how to communicate to foreigners in English (practical everyday conversational stuff).

Can anyone recommend a good starter book that I can use in my class?

Thank you very much!

surrealia · Joined: 11 Jan 2003 Posts: 241 Location: Taiwan

You can take a look at a wide range of conversation books here:
http://www.geocities.com/allhou/booksspeak.htm

I have used these books before, and recommend them:

Interchange 1
Talk Your Head Off
True Colors 1

Another suggestion: if there is a Caves Bookstore in your city, go there and take a look at their selection of conversation books. Many books also have extras such as a teacher's manual, CD, and workbook. These make lesson planning much easier (but try to get your boss to pay for them - books are expensive!).

One more tip: I find that Taiwanese students tend to complain when you spend too much time in the book. Plan out some additional activities that give them a chance to practice what they learned in the book.

Pop Fly · Joined: 15 Feb 2003 Posts: 429

Chris Smith · Joined: 01 Dec 2004 Posts: 86

I'd recommend a book called Natural English. It's by Oxford University Press and is full of great conversation activities. I think there are three levels. There are some amusing cartoon strips which make for great subject introductions and lots of meaty topics to keep students going. One interesting short reading is the true story of an Iranian guy who got stuck in Charles De Gaul airport for about 7 years. It's fun to see if the students make the connection with the Tom Hanks movie, the Terminal, which must be based on this original story.

Good luck,

Chris

Taylor · Joined: 24 Oct 2003 Posts: 384 Location: Texas/Taiwan

Dear chimchim,

I would recommend these by Andrew E. Bennett. His books are available at Cave's Bookstore, as well as other locations I presume.

His works are often bi-lingual (which saves busy adults much time). I have used books from his three-level series called English Conversation Patterns.

I have another of his books called 50/50 conversations. There may be some overlap in the content of these publications, but I think you should give them a look!!!

Best wishes,

Taylor

P.S. If you have any difficulty finding these resources, let me know. Also, keep us posted on how things work out with the materials that you choose!

matchstick_man · Joined: 21 May 2003 Posts: 244 Location: Taiwan

If you can find it I saw a book for teaching adults, by John Ross, in Hsinchu. I can't remember the title of the book but it had a lot of really good conversation ideas for adults.

It appeared the publisher had or has a contract with Lai Lai department stores however it's also in ordinary bookstores.

.

P-T · Posted: Wed Sep 28, 2005 11:38 am Post subject:

[quote="Taylor"] I would recommend these by Andrew E. Bennett.quote]

Hey Taylor, you didn't give the names of the books. Smile

Taylor · Joined: 24 Oct 2003 Posts: 384 Location: Texas/Taiwan

Dear chimchim,

I would recommend these by Andrew E. Bennett. His books are available at Cave's Bookstore, as well as other locations I presume.

His works are often bi-lingual (which saves busy adults much time). I have used books from his three-level series called English Conversation Patterns.

I have another of his books called 50/50 conversations. There may be some overlap in the content of these publications, but I think you should give them a look!!!

Best wishes,

Taylor

P.S. If you have any difficulty finding these resources, let me know. Also, keep us posted on how things work out with the materials that you choose!

wood · Joined: 13 Apr 2004 Posts: 202

P-T · Posted: Thu Sep 29, 2005 9:40 am Post subject:

Oh sorry everyone for being a bimbo! Embarassed

Aristotle · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1388 Location: Taiwan

If all they want is conversation a good alternative is the Taipei Times.
They have an entire section in the printed version that is geared towards adult learners and is based on current events as well as GEPT practice test and horoscopes.
If you have your students subscribe you can get a 50% discount and daily delivery. You can also have it delivered just one or two days a week.
They also have a bilingual section that is based on National Geographic channel programs.
They read and talk about it in class then watch it for homework.

Good luck!
A.