Conversational English Skills | 生活英语听说 from edX

Are you finding it difficult to start the conversation, or find the right words when communicating in English? Do you know how to start and end conversations in a polite way? Do you want to learn more about American, British, Canadian, Australian, South Korean, Colombian, and Chinese cultures? If so, you’ve come to the right course!

The most important function of language is communication. In communication, we need to know how to start a topic that the other party is interested in, answer other people's questions, and complete a conversation naturally and smoothly. This course selects 8 themes and is taught by more than 50 teachers and students of all ages from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Colombia, and China, using the most authentic expressions and the purest English in real scenes, Take you to talk about all aspects of daily life and study.

This course is divided into eight units, each unit has a theme, namely:

1. Introduction and exchange of personal information 2. Our family and friends 3. Food and meals 4. Purpose and methods of English learning 5. Holiday activities and unforgettable experiences 6. Interests and hobbies 7. Emotional expression 8. Stay healthy

Each topic consists of more than ten dialogues and group discussions, foreign teachers’ introduction to Chinese and Western cultural differences, Chinese teachers’ explanations of key vocabulary and sentence patterns, listening comprehension exercises and oral tests. Through study and practice, you will be able to converse freely with your English-speaking friends and discuss any issues related to the topic. There are many ways to study this course. English learners can continuously accumulate language materials in the process of repeatedly listening and reading dialogues, and practice dialogues with friends around you or learners in the same course; English teachers can choose appropriate topics in this course and organize students to Listening and speaking training, organize efficient classes. Maybe you can't understand the entire content of each conversation, you just need to understand the general idea. As the course progresses, you will understand more and more. Let's take a leap in English listening and speaking together. This course was funded by the Hong Kong Wei Sun Education Fund and Google during the production process. We would like to express our gratitude to you.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Develop conversational english skills
Listen to dialogues and group discussions to better understand spoken english and cultural norms
Learn key words and expressions

Engage in activities to help you better understand the meaning of conversations
Learn to initiate your own conversations in english on a variety of topics

Develop conversational english skills
Listen to dialogues and group discussions to better understand spoken english and cultural norms
Learn key words and expressions
Engage in activities to help you better understand the meaning of conversations
Learn to initiate your own conversations in english on a variety of topics

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Intended for all English learners, regardless of their level or background

Develops conversational skills, listening comprehension, and vocabulary knowledge

Introduces cultural nuances and differences between various English-speaking countries

Features a team of instructors representing diverse backgrounds and expertise

Utilizes a combination of dialogues, group discussions, and interactive exercises

Provides opportunities for learners to practice speaking English in real-life scenarios

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Conversational English Skills | 生活英语听说 with these activities:

Create a Vocabulary List

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Enhance your vocabulary by creating a list of new words and phrases you encounter in the course materials.

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Identify unfamiliar words and phrases while reading or listening to the course content.
Write down the words and their definitions.
Review your vocabulary list regularly.
Use the words in your own conversations or writing.

Connect with English Speakers

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Expand your network and practice your English by attending social events or online forums where you can interact with native English speakers.

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Attend social gatherings or virtual events where English is the primary language.
Join online forums or social media groups related to English learning or specific topics.
Initiate conversations with native English speakers and ask questions about their culture and experiences.
Share your own perspectives and experiences in English.

Practice Conversation Skills

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Reinforce your listening and speaking skills by practicing conversations with a partner or language exchange group.

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Find a partner or group for conversation practice.
Choose a topic to discuss.
Take turns listening and responding to each other.
Provide feedback to your partner on their pronunciation and grammar.

Five other activities

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Show all eight activities

Explore Cultural Differences

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Enhance your understanding of the cultural contexts presented in the course by exploring online tutorials on American, British, Canadian, Australian, South Korean, Colombian, and Chinese cultures.

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Search for tutorials on the specific cultural practices mentioned in the course.
Watch videos, read articles, or listen to podcasts that provide insights into the cultural norms and values.
Take notes or summarize the key points you learn.
Discuss your findings with a classmate or discussion group.

Particiate in Language Exchange

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Immerse yourself in the target language by participating in language exchange programs or apps, where you can connect with native English speakers and practice your conversational skills.

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Find a language exchange partner or group.
Schedule regular meetings or video calls for language practice.
Take turns speaking in English and your native language.
Provide each other with feedback and support.

Attend Virtual Language Workshops

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Participate in online workshops led by experienced English teachers to improve specific aspects of your English communication, such as pronunciation, grammar, or conversation skills.

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Research and find online language workshops that align with your learning goals.
Register for the workshop and attend the scheduled sessions.
Actively participate in the workshop activities and discussions.
Take notes and practice the techniques taught in the workshop.

Create a Dialogue

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Apply your knowledge of English grammar and vocabulary by writing your own dialogue on a topic related to the course content.

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Choose a topic you're interested in.
Brainstorm ideas for a conversation between two or more characters.
Write a draft of your dialogue, including correct grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
Review your dialogue for clarity and natural flow.
Share your dialogue with your instructor or classmates for feedback.

Record a Video Conversation

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Enhance your speaking skills by recording yourself having a conversation in English on a topic covered in the course.

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Choose a topic you're comfortable speaking about.
Prepare an outline or script for your conversation.
Record yourself speaking using a video recording device.
Review your recording and identify areas for improvement.
Share your recording with your instructor or classmates for feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Conversational English Skills | 生活英语听说 will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

English Teacher

As an English Teacher, you are responsible for coordinating and delivering English instruction. Utilizing your Conversational English Skills, you will construct lesson plans to generate effective English learning experiences for students at all levels. Understanding the cultural nuances of language use from this course will assist you in enhancing your students' overall communication abilities. Furthermore, your training in key words and expressions, and practice with engaging in activities to better understand conversations, will help you build a strong foundation in the English language that you can pass on to your students.

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Speech-Language Pathologist

As a Speech-Language Pathologist, your focus is on preventing, assessing, diagnosing, and treating speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders. With the help of Conversational English Skills, you will be able to interact with patients from all backgrounds and cultures, providing culturally sensitive care. Engaging in group discussions as part of this course will enhance your ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment. Additionally, your training in key words and expressions will equip you with the necessary vocabulary to excel in this role.

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Public Relations Specialist

In the role of a Public Relations Specialist, you are tasked with managing the public image of organizations or individuals. By developing Conversational English Skills, you will be able to effectively communicate with the media, clients, and the general public. This course will also provide you with a deeper understanding of cultural norms, which will be invaluable in building relationships with clients from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, your training in key words and expressions will enable you to convey complex messages clearly and concisely.

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Journalist

As a Journalist, your job is to gather, analyze, and report on news and current events. The Conversational English Skills you develop will allow you to interview sources, conduct research, and write articles that are informative and engaging. Furthermore, your understanding of cultural differences gained from this course will enable you to approach stories with a global perspective. Additionally, your training in key words and expressions will provide you with the necessary vocabulary to accurately convey information to your audience.

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Lawyer

As a Lawyer, you will advise and represent clients in legal matters. Conversational English Skills are essential for effectively communicating with clients, judges, and other legal professionals. This course will also provide you with a deeper understanding of cultural norms, which will be invaluable in representing clients from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, your training in key words and expressions will enable you to precisely articulate legal arguments and negotiate effectively.

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Management Consultant

As a Management Consultant, you will help organizations improve their performance by providing advice on strategy, operations, and technology. Conversational English Skills are essential for effectively communicating with clients and colleagues from diverse backgrounds. This course will also provide you with a deeper understanding of cultural norms, which will be invaluable in building relationships with clients from around the world. Additionally, your training in key words and expressions will enable you to clearly convey complex ideas and recommendations to clients.

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Social Worker

As a Social Worker, you will help people navigate complex social and emotional challenges. Conversational English Skills are essential for effectively communicating with clients from diverse backgrounds. This course will also provide you with a deeper understanding of cultural norms, which will be invaluable in building relationships with clients from all walks of life. Additionally, your training in key words and expressions will enable you to provide culturally sensitive support and guidance to your clients.

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Human Resources Manager

As a Human Resources Manager, you will be responsible for managing all aspects of human resources for an organization. Conversational English Skills are essential for effectively communicating with employees from diverse backgrounds. This course will also provide you with a deeper understanding of cultural norms, which will be invaluable in creating a positive and inclusive work environment. Additionally, your training in key words and expressions will enable you to clearly communicate HR policies and procedures to employees.

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Marketing Manager

As a Marketing Manager, you will be responsible for developing and executing marketing campaigns. Conversational English Skills are essential for effectively communicating with clients, colleagues, and the general public. This course will also provide you with a deeper understanding of cultural norms, which will be invaluable in developing marketing campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences. Additionally, your training in key words and expressions will enable you to clearly convey marketing messages and persuade customers to take action.

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Event Planner

As an Event Planner, you will be responsible for planning and executing events of all sizes. Conversational English Skills are essential for effectively communicating with clients, vendors, and guests. This course will also provide you with a deeper understanding of cultural norms, which will be invaluable in planning events that are respectful and inclusive of diverse cultures. Additionally, your training in key words and expressions will enable you to clearly convey event details and ensure that everything runs smoothly.

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Customer Service Representative

As a Customer Service Representative, you will be responsible for providing excellent customer service to clients. Conversational English Skills are essential for effectively communicating with clients from diverse backgrounds. This course will also provide you with a deeper understanding of cultural norms, which will be invaluable in building relationships with clients from all over the world. Additionally, your training in key words and expressions will enable you to clearly convey product and service information and resolve customer issues.

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Sales Associate

As a Sales Associate, you will be responsible for assisting customers with their purchases. Conversational English Skills are essential for effectively communicating with customers from diverse backgrounds. This course will also provide you with a deeper understanding of cultural norms, which will be invaluable in building relationships with customers from all walks of life. Additionally, your training in key words and expressions will enable you to clearly convey product information and persuade customers to make purchases.

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Teacher

As a Teacher, you will be responsible for educating students of all ages. Conversational English Skills are essential for effectively communicating with students from diverse backgrounds. This course will also provide you with a deeper understanding of cultural norms, which will be invaluable in creating a positive and inclusive learning environment. Additionally, your training in key words and expressions will enable you to clearly convey lesson content and ensure that all students understand the material.

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Writer

As a Writer, you will be responsible for creating written content for a variety of purposes. Conversational English Skills are essential for effectively communicating with editors, publishers, and readers. This course will also provide you with a deeper understanding of cultural norms, which will be invaluable in writing content that is respectful and inclusive of diverse cultures. Additionally, your training in key words and expressions will enable you to clearly convey your ideas and messages through the written word.

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Translator

As a Translator, you will be responsible for translating written or spoken text from one language to another. Conversational English Skills are essential for effectively communicating with clients and colleagues from diverse backgrounds. This course will also provide you with a deeper understanding of cultural norms, which will be invaluable in accurately translating cultural nuances. Additionally, your training in key words and expressions will enable you to precisely convey the meaning of text from one language to another.

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