What are English At Large Conversation Groups?
Our conversation groups are groups of 8-12 learners who meet weekly to practice their English speaking skills. Our groups provide an opportunity for learners to improve their speaking confidence and meet other adults who are learning English.
- All groups are free! There is no cost to attend our conversation groups.
- All adults who want to practice their English speaking skills are welcome at our groups.
- We recommend that you have an at least an intermediate English speaking level. If you can speak on the telephone without too much difficulty, your English speaking ability is likely at an intermediate level.
- Conversation groups are not English classes. Our trained volunteers focus mainly on listening and speaking, and less on reading and writing.
Topics usually covered in conversation groups include American culture and holidays, idioms, casual spoken English, and daily life situations (the bank, the post office, speaking with neighbors, etc.).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate?
English At Large Conversation Groups are open to all adults who want to practice their English speaking skills.
What level of English do I need to attend?
To participate fully in a group, we recommend that you have an at least an intermediate English speaking level. If you can speak on the telephone without too much difficulty, your English speaking ability is likely at an intermediate level.
Each Conversation Group facilitator determines which learners can join their group and may determine that some learner’s English speaking ability is too low to join their conversation group.
How much do these groups cost?
All of our programs are free.
Can I attend more than one Conversation Group at the same time?
You can only register for one group at the start of the semester. When registration closes, you can sign up for the waitlist of a second group. If there is space in that group, you will be able to attend a second group.
I’ve participated in a Conversation Group in the past. Do I need to register again?
Yes. All learners who would like to take part in our current session of conversation groups must fill out the registration form.
What happens after I register?
English At Large and your group facilitator will call or email you before the group begins. Please confirm that you are in a group before attending. Please note that our conversation groups are very popular and that you might be placed on a waiting list.
Registration for Spring 2021 Conversation Groups
Is Now CLOSED
Spring Conversation Groups begin the week of January 25, 2021 and run through May.
During COVID-19, all groups are meeting online using Zoom meeting platform.
English At Large
800 West Cummings Park, Suite 5550
Woburn, MA 01801
tel : 781.395.2374
email : info@englishatlarge.org
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English Learners! Has anyone every told you that it is not good to "Burn the Candle at Both Ends"? What did they mean? Find out with English in a Minute from Voice of America:
English in a Minute: Burn the Candle at Both Ends
VOA Learning English presents news, features, audio, video and multimedia about the U.S. and the world in American ...
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What can you say when you have no energy? Learn a new English expression with this video from The English We Speak!
BBC Radio - The English We Speak, Running on fumes
What can you say when you have no energy? Learn a new English expression!
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English Learners! What does it mean to be "Wishy Washy?" Find out with this English in a Minute Video from Voice of America:
English in a Minute: Wishy-Washy
Watch this week's English in a Minute to find out what "wishy-washy" means.
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English Learners! What are things you might say when meeting someone for the first time? Learn more and practice with this short interactive activity from Randall's Cyber Listening Lab: https://www.esl-lab.com/easy/new-friends/
English learners! What does it mean when someone says "Two Heads are Better Than One?" Find out in this English In a Minute Video from Voice of America:
English in a Minute: Two Heads Are Better Than One
VOA Learning English presents news, features, audio, video and multimedia about the U.S. and the world in American ...
ow.ly
English learners! Do you have trouble understanding native speakers who talk too fast? Usually they are not speaking fast, but they are not pausing between words, and some sounds may flow together. Watch this video to learn more:
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Do you really need to speak English fast? When native English speakers speak fast, the boundaries between words di...
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English learners! Did you watch the April Fools Video we posted from the BBC? Here is how they pulled off this fun April Fools Day trick:
Penguins April Fool - The Making Of - BBC
Subscribe and ð to OFFICIAL BBC YouTube ð https://bit.ly/2IXqEInStream original BBC programmes FIRST on BBC ...
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English learners! Happy April Fools Day! Today we like to play pranks or jokes on our friends and families. It is a day to be silly and have fun. Check out this great video posted on the BBC for April Fools Day:
Flying Penguins | World Penguin Day | BBC
Subscribe and ð to OFFICIAL BBC YouTube ð https://bit.ly/2IXqEInStream original BBC programmes FIRST on BBC ...
ow.ly
English learners! Longer, warmer days makes us think of spring! Here are some English idioms that celebrate the season!
English learners! This video will help you feel more confident asking questions in English:
Asking Questions in English | Question Structure | Fix Your Grammar Mistakes!
Grab the short course for $1! ððð Stop making the 10 most common Mistakes English Learners Make! ...
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Not ready to BID on items in our Online Auction? Consider DONATING DIRECTLY to EAL to support local programs that make a life-changing difference for local immigrants! http://ow.ly/lmOc50EbbHe
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Enjoy a get-away in one of 3 PRIME LOCATIONS in Massachusetts, while supporting local programs that help immigrants achieve their life goals! Our Auction closes tonight at 10 pm. BID NOW! BID HIGH! http://ow.ly/ux0K50EbaZV
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English Learners! Has anyone every told you that it is not good to "Burn the Candle at Both Ends"? What did they mean? Find out with English in a Minute from Voice of America: ow.ly/Cpgb50EgL90
English in a Minute: Burn the Candle at Both Ends
ow.ly
VOA Learning English presents news, features, audio, video and multimedia about the U.S. and the world in American English. Stories are written at the intermediate and upper-beginner level. Words are spoken one-third slower for ESL learners.What can you say when you have no energy? Learn a new English expression with this video from The English We Speak! ow.ly/txBE50EgL0n
BBC Radio - The English We Speak, Running on fumes
ow.ly
What can you say when you have no energy? Learn a new English expression!English Learners! What does it mean to be "Wishy Washy?" Find out with this English in a Minute Video from Voice of America: ow.ly/TkSs50EgKRJ
English in a Minute: Wishy-Washy
ow.ly
Watch this week's English in a Minute to find out what "wishy-washy" means.English Learners! What are things you might say when meeting someone for the first time? Learn more and practice with this short interactive activity from Randall's Cyber Listening Lab: www.esl-lab.com/easy/new-friends/
English learners! What does it mean when someone says "Two Heads are Better Than One?" Find out in this English In a Minute Video from Voice of America: ow.ly/cIEA50EgKe0
English in a Minute: Two Heads Are Better Than One
ow.ly
VOA Learning English presents news, features, audio, video and multimedia about the U.S. and the world in American English. Stories are written at the intermediate and upper-beginner level. Words are spoken one-third slower for ESL learners.English learners! Do you have trouble understanding native speakers who talk too fast? Usually they are not speaking fast, but they are not pausing between words, and some sounds may flow together. Watch this video to learn more: ow.ly/aFdk50E9Kvm
English learners! Did you watch the April Fools Video we posted from the BBC? Here is how they pulled off this fun April Fools Day trick: ow.ly/XJQJ50E9Kh8
English learners! Happy April Fools Day! Today we like to play pranks or jokes on our friends and families. It is a day to be silly and have fun. Check out this great video posted on the BBC for April Fools Day: ow.ly/oioH50E9K8x
Did you know that 80% of the people who enroll in our programs are women? We applaud their efforts to step outside their comfort zone and invest in their future. We are proud to share this message from State Senator Cindy Friedman. Her support of EAL makes her a champion for all immigrants!
English learners! Longer, warmer days makes us think of spring! Here are some English idioms that celebrate the season!
English learners! This video will help you feel more confident asking questions in English: ow.ly/wKwH50E9JNe
The EAL Auction is now closed. THANK YOU for BIDDING HIGH to support life-changing programs for local immigrants!
The EAL Auction closes in just 15 minutes! Will you WIN BIG? Your HIGH BID is a BIG WIN for local services - and the hundreds of local immigrants served each year. Make sure your BID ends up on top! ow.ly/XMmE50Ebu2G
You can help make the EAL Online Auction a great success! Your HIGH BIDS mean more $$ for EAL Programs. Your OVERBID is a direct to donation to EAL! BID NOW! ow.ly/sB3A50EbtUt
The countdown is on! Just 2 hours left to BID HIGH to support life-changing services for local immigrants. Check out the EAL Online Auction now: ow.ly/Eziv50EbtJ7
Did someone say wine? Your chance to BID HIGH in our Online Auction and WIN one of these unique wine packages ends in just 3 hours - BID NOW and BID HIGH to WIN WINE! ow.ly/Dcbq50EbttJ
Our Online Auction will CLOSE IN JUST 4 HOURS! Time is running short to BID HIGH on great items, including these sports items signed by local players! ow.ly/vxvH50Ebc0a
Not ready to BID on items in our Online Auction? Consider DONATING DIRECTLY to EAL to support local programs that make a life-changing difference for local immigrants! ow.ly/Mc5k50EbbHd
Plan a day exploring some of Greater Boston's BEST MUSEUMS! Your HIGH BID in the EAL Online Auction will help get you there! ow.ly/cWuX50Ebbqh
Enjoy a get-away in one of 3 PRIME LOCATIONS in Massachusetts, while supporting local programs that help immigrants achieve their life goals! Our Auction closes tonight at 10 pm. BID NOW! BID HIGH! ow.ly/u7Hn50EbaZU
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