Advanced Search: Resources

1. VOA Classroom Activities

   Format(s): Website

   Activities for learning and teaching Everyday English, Business English and Academic English.

2. Voice of America YouTube Channel

   Format(s): Video, Website

   Videocasts on current events which connect with other Special English VOA content. Learn American English and much more with captioned news and features in VOA Special English.

3. Merriam-Webster Learner's Dictionary

   Format(s): Website

   The Merriam-Webster Learner's Dictionary is a useful resource for teachers and learners of English.

4. Unleashing Your True Teaching Power: Interaction in Online Learning Environments

   In: American English Webinars Format(s): E-book, MP3, Text, Video, Website

   This session, "Unleashing Your True Teaching Power: Interaction in Online Learning Environments," demonstrates how to engage learners in online environments by transforming traditional classroom tools.

5. Phonetic Symbols: A Necessary Stepping Stone for ESL Students

   In: English Teaching Forum 2002, Volume 40, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   This article discusses why English pronunciation and intonation have been ignored in Hong Kong ESL classes. It also discusses why it is essential to teach English phonetic symbols to attain better pronunciation skills. The article describes what actions should be taken to implement an English pronunciation component into teaching ESL.

6. Teaching Weak Forms

   In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   This article describes a pronunciation concept referred to as the weak form, a compression of sounds used to keep the rhythm of spoken English. The author uses the word “that” as an example. Stressing or not stressing the word “that” when reading aloud the sentence “John thinks that man is evil” changes the meaning. Reading “that” as unstressed is an example of the weak form. The author provides examples of how to teach the weak form to provide students with better spoken English and better comprehension.

7. The Lighter Side: Speak and Spell

   In: English Teaching Forum 2012, Volume 50, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This puzzle, “Speak and Spell,” is an exercise in homophones, or words that are spelled differently but pronounced the same

8. The Color Vowel Chart

   Format(s): Text, Video, Website

   This is a powerful tool for teaching spoken English. It helps teachers incorporate pronunciation into lessons. Check out the chart, the teacher’s guide, and the webinar on how to teach with The Color Vowel Chart.

9. The Lighter Side: "Listen Up!"

   In: English Teaching Forum 2012, Volume 50, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   This activity sheet presents a listening exercise based on rhymes.

10. Techniques for Students New to the Language Lab

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

    This article presents techniques that can be used in the university language lab to improve listening and speaking skills. The article describes several tasks for pairs and groups. Lessons begin with a popular English song and a warm up activity. Materials expose students to the formal and informal language of native speakers and fluent non-native speakers. Drills, stories, songs, and conversations make the language lab a beneficial resource. An initial session highlights the unique aspects of spoken language.

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