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1. The Blues: Grammar and Glossary

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

   This is the last of a four-part series 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 section, as the title suggests, explains the words used in discussing the Blues and music in general, for example the use of “Blues” to mean more than just a color.

2. Authentic Video in the Beginning ESOL Classroom: Using a Full-Length Feature Film for Listening and Speaking Strategy Practice

   In: English Teaching Forum 2004, Volume 42, Issue 1 Format(s): Text

   Using film in the classroom can be effective with beginning English learners. A full-length film offers continuous context to discuss humor, culture, and language functions, real-life communication with images and non-verbal cues, increased retention due to activating the right hemisphere of the brain, and the lowering of students’ affective filters. The authors include a lesson based on their experience teaching listening and speaking skills using the movie “What about Bob.” Assessment techniques and potential problems are considered.

3. VOA Podcast: Words and Their Stories: Dog Talk

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

   From Voice of America Podcasts in Special English. Americans use many expressions with the word dog. Learn about their love for the animal and how they use the word. Download the MP3 or listen online.

4. VOA Podcast: American History: A Declaration Seeking Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness

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

   Listen to Voice of America (VOA) Podcast: American History: A Declaration Seeking Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. Podcast from VOA Learning English: About the USA. Stories are written at the intermediate and upper-beginner level and are read one-third slower than regular VOA English.

5. State and County Fairs: Family Fun Across the USA

   In: English Teaching Forum 2007, Volume 45, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This feature article is on state and county fairs, “eagerly awaited celebrations of the nation’s agricultural bounty, love of competition, and community spirit.” The article discusses the history of fairs, where innovations in farm equipment and household appliances are displayed, and people engage in competition, fun, rides, and viewing curiosities. Some characteristics of fairs that are described are animals, education, competition, entertainment, and community involvement. Segments on 4-H and fair food follow the article.

6. VOA Podcast: The State of Vermont - Fertile Farmland, Green Mountains and Revolutionary History

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

   Listen online or download the podcast. Stories are written at the intermediate and upper-beginner level and are read one-third slower than regular VOA English.

7. Western Culture and the Teaching of English as an International Language

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

   This article considers the role of culture in the teaching of English as an International Language. There are differing views on whether to include cultural topics in the teaching of English. Educational leaders in some countries have voiced concern over a form of colonization that occurs when Western culture is presented as better than the students’ local culture. The article examines ways that approved textbooks from Chile, Morocco, and Japan present Western values and characters, and suggests that texts could present more characters from countries where English is a second language.

8. VOA Podcast: Words and Their Stories - Down to Earth

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

   Listen online or download the podcast. Stories are written at the intermediate and upper-beginner level and are read one-third slower than regular VOA English.

9. Natural and Cultural Resources in the USA

   Format(s): Website

   This site provides teachers’ resources, kids’ resources, an interior library and an interior museum.

10. VOA Podcast: Words and Their Stories: Colorful Expressions

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

    From Voice of America Podcasts in Special English. Take a look at expressions that Americans use that include colors . Download the MP3 or listen online.

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