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1. Softening Short Requests

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

   This lesson aims to introduce students to a range of different ways in which native speakers soften their requests and to develop their awareness of how these are used by different speakers and in different situations within the speech community.

2. In the Mood: Introducing Pragmatic Awareness at Low Levels

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

   This lesson in Teaching Pragmatics focuses on raising pragmatic awareness in students using the concept of "mood."

3. Are You Listening? (Backchannel Behaviors)

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

   This lesson aims to promote awareness of short responses during conversations such as uh-huh and yeah known as backchannel behaviors; to increase awareness of cultural differences in backchannel behaviors; to allow students to practice behaviors that indicate active listening.

4. From Passive Learners to Critical Thinkers: Preparing EFL Students for University Success

   In: English Teaching Forum 2010, Volume 48, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This article explains how the Bangladesh Rehabilitation Assistance Committee (BRAC) revised their curriculum to best prepare EFL students for English-speaking universities. After completing a needs analysis on how to best serve their students, the committee decided to make a more interactive classroom environment in which teachers integrated the four skills, used critical thinking activities, taught grammar in context, and used various methods of assessment. Feedback showed that both the students and the teachers responded positively to the changes.

5. VOA Podcast: 1890’s Gold Rush!

   In: VOA Podcasts: Shows in Special English Format(s): Website

   Listen to Voice of America (VOA) Podcast: 1890's Gold Rush! Podcast from VOA Learning English: Explorations in Special English. Stories are written at the intermediate and upper-beginner level and are read one-third slower than regular VOA English.

6. Annenberg Learner

   Format(s): Website

   Annenberg Learner focuses on both the teacher and student as learners. The Annenberg Learner website offers lesson plans and activities for English learners.

7. VOA Podcast: President Obama Wins Second Term

   In: VOA Podcasts: Shows in Special English Format(s): Website

   Listen to Voice of America (VOA) Podcast:President Obama Wins Second Term. Podcast from VOA Learning English: News Report in Special English. Stories are written at the intermediate and upper-beginner level and are read one-third slower than regular VOA English.

8. Classroom Techniques: Using Radio Programs in the EFL Classroom

   In: English Teaching Forum 2006, Volume 44, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   The article describes how to use Voice of America (VOA) radio programs to teach English to students studying in EFL contexts. A major reason why the author believes VOA programs are a good source for English learning is because they allow the teacher to teach English through content. At the same time, VOA programs provide authentic language-learning materials. The author describes four listening activities (before listening, while listening, and after listening) using VOA radio programs.

9. VOA Podcast: One World Education

   In: VOA Podcasts: Shows in Special English Format(s): MP3

   Listen to the podcast online or download. Shows in special English are played at one third the speed of regular VOA newscasts.

10. Article with Activity: Is Halloween Only Celebrated in America?

    In: VOA Articles with Activities Format(s): Text

    Activities for learning English. Listen to the article and read along. Then test your vocabulary with activities and exercises.

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