English Conversation Program HD

In Conversation Management and Accent Reduction (CMAR), students work to incorporate correct pronunciation and intonation into everyday, practical discourse. Students will examine American English pronunciation rules and patterns, and work to distinguish between similar-sounding words and phrases in spoken English. Through a variety of speaking activities— including debates, presentations, speeches, and discussions— students will learn to speak with confidence, clarity, and native-like pronunciation. In Focus On Idioms (FOI), students explore the use of idioms commonly used by native speakers in everyday conversation, in popular media, and in professional and political discourse. They are introduced to slightly more sophisticated idioms than are presented in the intermediate class, with an emphasis on correctly using those terms in various “real-life” contexts. The idioms presented include a wide variety of phrasal verbs, collocations, and common slang terms. Students will build confidence by using these idiomatic expressions in conversations, discussions, and debates. For the In-Depth Discussion (IDD) class, students will develop and sharpen skills in formal and informal debates and discussions. The topics of discussion relate to current, real-life issues commonly discussed in the United States and in the world at large. Students will practice forming arguments and counter-arguments and clearly articulating personal points of view. Discussions will provide ample opportunities to learn about American culture, and will promote cross-cultural comparisons. Emphasis is on practical application of the terms and concepts learned in the other course components, as well as on cultural awareness and sensitivity.