My Conversation Partner

Over the last few weeks I have been meeting with a conversation partner on the Saint Michael's College campus, and while conferring with some colleagues, I think that my conversation partner consistent with the Level 4 speaking skill according to the 9-12 cluster levels. I based this guess on the most recent conversation that I had with my conversation partner; we had a really interesting and enlightening conversation that was brought on by his homework about cultural differences. Our meeting started with him asking me questions about my culture and then our conversation blossomed from there. 

According to the WIDA Can Do Descriptors for the Level 4 speaking section, students at that level are able to:

• Choose a side and use evidence to defend it
• Tell about issues and ideas
• Compare and contrast how people see things
• Make choices and tell pros and cons of them
• Use and explain slang and idioms
• Use speaking strategies

In our conversation he demonstrated his ability to talk about issues and ideas pertaining to his own culture, comparing and contrasting his culture with my own, and talk about the possible pros and cons of growing up in his culture versus growing up in mine. Overall, the conversation that I had with my partner was really productive and interesting! Personally, I learned a lot from the conversation, and I am really looking forward to talking with my partner more!