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1. Let’s Play Ball: Using Cultural Themes to Teach English

   In: American English Webinars Format(s): Text, Video

   This webinar will demonstrate how teachers can use one theme in American culture and society, Baseball, to give learners a toolkit for deciphering and using messages that contain a deep cultural context, no matter their source.

2. Spot the Problem!

   In: Teaching Pragmatics Format(s): Text

   This lesson aims to discuss and raise students’ awareness of pragmatic violations.

3. The Time is Now

   In: American Rhythms Format(s): MP3

   Travis Haddix’s song 'The Time is Now' is another soul-searching examples of blues music. Download this song or listen online.

4. The Making of a City

   In: English Teaching Forum 2004, Volume 42, Issue 2 Format(s): Text

   This article about urban planning is appropriate for advanced learners. The content discusses city planners, planned cities (e.g. Chicago), zoning laws, and high-rise residential districts. There are many images, a glossary, and a list of related websites. There are two short sections. One is about Columbia, Maryland, the subject of another article in this issue (“Maps and Legends”). Columbia was a completely planned, experimental community. The second section is about rebuilding Cabrini Green, a Chicago neighborhood well known for its poverty and crime.

5. Elements of the Blues

   In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   This is the third in a four-part series of essays on the American musical style called “Blues.” The music grew out of the musical traditions of African slaves in the United States between 1619 and 1863, blended with the musical styles of Europe. It is closely related to Jazz. Blues and Jazz are the only two completely unique musical styles created in the United States. This article covers the verse structure, the instruments, and other musical elements of the Blues.

6. The Red Hot Blues

   In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   This is the first in a four-part series of essays on the American musical style called “Blues.” This music grew out of the musical traditions of African slaves in the United States between 1619 and 1863, blended with the musical styles of Europe. It is closely related to Jazz. Blues and Jazz are the only two completely unique musical styles created in the United States. This article covers the history of the Blues, its influence on other musical styles, and the current state of this uniquely American music.

7. Stories about the USA

   Format(s): Text, Video, Website

   Short vignettes on American Life, with video, audio and written materials, produced by Voice of America.

8. To the Man on Trail

   In: To Build a Fire and Other Stories Format(s): Text

   In this story from To Build a Fire and Other Stories, a stranger seeking to get back the money that he lent to another man visits a group of revelers in their cabin. The stranger has been on the trail for 12 hours with no rest. The revelers take him in and listen to his story.

9. Digital Literacies: Practical Approaches for the ELT Classroom

   In: American English Webinars Format(s): Text, Video

   This session, "Digital Literacies: Practical Approaches for the ELT Classroom," aims to clarify the multiskill “digital literacies” construct and explore how and why these skills can be integrated into English language instruction.

10. VOA Podcast: "42" Tells the Story of Jackie Robinson's Major League Breakthrough

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

    Learn about Jackie Robinson in this podcast from VOA Learning English. Learn English as you read and listen to a weekly show about people in America, including study in the U.S. Stories are written at the intermediate and upper-beginner level and are read one-third slower than regular VOA English.

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