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1. Requesting the Main Point in the Classroom

   In: Teaching Pragmatics Format(s): Text, Video, Website

   This lesson in Teaching Pragmatics aims to help students learn how to request the main point.

2. Introduction to Teaching Pragmatics (Reprinted from the online book Teaching Pragmatics, published by the Office of English Language Programs)

   In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   Second and foreign language learners use English differently than native speakers do, especially in regard to greetings, closings, and managing conversations. Pragmatics does not receive the attention it should even though mistakes can be interpreted on a social and personal level. This article introduces a rationale for teaching pragmatics and discusses the goals. Teaching materials should include authentic language, and input should precede interpretation or production. Instructors may decide to use the L1 for raising awareness since these types of lessons are useful even for beginners.

3. Over the River and Through the Woods

   In: Sing Out Loud Children's Songs Format(s): MP3, Text, Image / Poster / Maps

   A popular song during American holidays, particularly Thanksgiving. Poster included.

4. The Rules of the Queue

   In: Teaching Pragmatics Format(s): Text, Video, Website

   This lesson in Teaching Pragmatics aims to help students learn to make requests, extend invitations, and offer congratulations (or other speech acts) and to learn how to open and close telephone conversations when leaving a message.

5. The Prisoner’s Dilemma – A Game of Decision-Making

   Format(s): Text, Website, Image / Poster / Maps

   How do people make Decisions? This game, presented by The National Science Foundation, is an example of decision science called “Game Theory”.

6. National Endowment for the Arts

   Format(s): Text, Website, Image / Poster / Maps

   Arts have an important place in American Culture. Visit the National Endowment for the Arts website to learn how national, state, and local governments in the U.S. partner with nonprofit agencies to provide quality arts programming throughout the country.

7. In the Loop

   Format(s): Text, Image / Poster / Maps

   This book is a wonderful reference guide to American English idioms for your classroom. The book includes idioms and their meanings, a list of idioms by theme, some ready-to-use classroom activities, and a comprehensive index.

8. Into the Garden

   In: American Rhythms Format(s): MP3, Text

   This song is an example of folk and Americana music, which has a broad range of musical influences - from folk, country and blues to rock & roll and bluegrass.

9. Chapter 4: The Autobiography of Mark Twain

   In: The Autobiography of Mark Twain Format(s): Text

   Chapter 4 of The Autobiography of Mark Twain, an adaptation of Twain’s autobiography.

10. Chapter 5: The Autobiography of Mark Twain

    In: The Autobiography of Mark Twain Format(s): Text

    Chapter 5 of The Autobiography of Mark Twain, an adaptation of Twain’s autobiography.

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