Skills: Speaking

Topic Talk Issues is a textbook designed for a conversation course at the high-beginner/low-intermediate level. I think it is best suited to high school students and adults at these ability levels, with junior high (11 to 13) maybe not the right fit. One of its stated objectives is that this text is designed with the Japanese student (rather than the pan-Asian market) in mind. It does this very well, using references to Japanese culture, society and conceptions throughout in a deliberate and thoughtful manner. By starting “locally” and gradually going “global” it helps students relate their life to something bigger than themselves in a way that avoids pontification.
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