Recommended Speaking Tools & Resources

Nancy Ellen Zelman, Pro Lingua Associates, 2005

The primary focus of this book is to promote conversational fluency for all students studying English. However, Conversation Inspirations can be used in many other situations where the primary focus is on facilitating language acquisition or understanding modern American culture.  Available from Amazon.

 

 

Eric Keller, ITP Publishers, 1988

This book is specially designed to teach the language of conversation and discussion. Through their careful choice of language, the authors predict the words and phrases students will require to take part in the conversation activities effectively.  Available from Amazon.

 

 

Rhona B. Genzel, Heinle & Heinle Publishers, 1996

Students learn to speak and act comfortably in a new culture by sharing cultural thoughts, notions, and experiences, and comparing these with the behaviors, customs, and everyday situations common to life in North America.  Available from Amazon.

 

 

Leo Jones, Cambridge University Press, 1983

As the title suggests, this book pinpoints different conversational functions of English in context and helps students develop fluency in using those functions in different ways. Units focus on different forms of articulating apologies, complaints and various other skills while incorporating discussions, role plays and writing practice in each chapter. This book comes with an audiotape for use in listening and speaking lessons.  Available from Amazon.

 

 

Leo Jones, Cambridge University Press, 2007

Let’s Talk presents an integrated approach to English grammar for ESL students at the high-beginning to low-intermediate level. Included are activities that aim toward developing proficiency in communication, listening skills and vocabulary. A very helpful portion of the book for students is the self-study section, which includes an audio CD for students to practice with outside of class.  Available from Amazon.

 

 

Brana Rish West, Pearson Education Publishers, 1997

No repetitive drills and rote exercises here, just targeted questions on high-interest topics such as love, prejudice, stress, superstitions, and family that are used as conversational tools. The process is simple, yet effective, and the classroom content is always original and relevant.  Available from Amazon.

 

 

Patrick Daley & Michael Dahlie, Scholastic Publishers, 2002

This resource contains photocopiable debate sheets on a wide variety of thought-provoking topics, complete with background and for and against points to encourage discussion, reading and writing and development of vocabulary.  Available from Amazon.

 

 

Peter Maggs & Jon Hird, Scholastic Publishers, 2002

This 80-page collection of fun speaking activities will really motivate students to communicate in English. The activities include role plays, dialogues, discussions and speaking games, focusing on specific language areas as well as general communication.  Available from Amazon.

 

 

Mick Gammidge, Cambridge University Press, 2004

Geared toward use with adult and young adult learners, Speaking Extra presents teachers with lively material that encourages students to refine their speaking skills using photocopiable activities such as role play, puzzles, discussions, interviews and storytelling. The book is accompanied by an audio CD for optional activity support.  Available from Amazon.

 

 

Adrian Wallwork

This speaking activity book has 26 units dealing with topics from intelligence to utopia. The book contains a wide-range of activities: discussion questions, surveys, quizzes, and short readings to promote discussion. The activities are different in each unit so they never get repetitive.  Available from Amazon.

 

Lesley Painter, English Shop Online, 1999

Contains 30 different role plays from persuasion role plays to deciding on a monument. Skills that are included are coming to a consensus, persuading others, giving convincing excuses, and speculating about the future. Students always have fun with these games and even the quietest student will come out of his shell.  Available from Amazon.

 

 

George Rooks, Newbury House Publishers, 1981

Students are presented with 30 units from “Design a Product and Advertising Campaign” to “Who Gets the Heart?” The thematic units are interesting and require little preparation. Students are provided with a short background reading and then asked to come to a consensus.  Available from Amazon.

 

 

David Paul, Thomson Learning, 2004

 This upper intermediate level book teaches vocabulary, collocations, and expressions to students around a theme. There are discussion questions, role plays and situations to promote discussion in 15 thematic units. Available from Amazon.