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1. Mammon and the Archer

   In: The Gift of the Magi and Other Stories Format(s): Text

   This story is about a soap tycoon named Anthony Rockwall who thinks that literally anything can be bought with money.

2. The Caliph, Cupid and the Clock

   In: The Gift of the Magi and Other Stories Format(s): Text

   This story is about Prince Michael of Valleluna, a prince who loves to help people and hates clocks.

3. The Green Door

   In: The Gift of the Magi and Other Stories Format(s): Text

   This story is about Rudolf Steiner, a "true adventurer" who is always ready to try something different.

4. The Open Boat

   In: The Red Badge of Courage and Other Stories Format(s): Text

   In this story from The Red Badge of Courage, four men struggle to survive in a dinghy off the coast of Florida.

5. An Integrated Skills Lesson Plan for "Just Off Main Street" by Elmaz Abinader

   In: English Teaching Forum 2004, Volume 42, Issue 3 Format(s): Text

   This lesson plan is designed for high intermediate to advanced English language learners. Based on an authentic, contemporary essay by an accomplished American writer, the lesson plan includes tasks and activities designed to improve students’ English language skills as well as increase their understanding of American culture. The lesson includes pre-, during, and post reading activities to improve comprehension, learn new vocabulary, and make connections beyond the text. Websites of interest and useful questions for discussion or writing are included.

6. The Lighter Side

   In: English Teaching Forum 2005, Volume 43, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   This quiz tests students’ knowledge of idioms related to cars and driving.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Great Nicknames of Jazz

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

   The last of a three-piece article describes many of the nicknames that leading American Jazz musicians had. A nickname is a name that a person earns in addition to their given name. For example, Edward Ellington was called “Duke” by his friends and family when he was a child because he acted like a member of a royal family. Musicians like Lady Day, Duke Ellington, and Dizzy Gillespie were leaders in the Jazz music culture.

10. The Lighter Side

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

    This "Lighter Side" begins with a contest to name a Jazz song. The answer is "Georgia On My Mind." Although there is an American state called Georgia, Georgia is the name of a girl for whom the song was written in 1930. In the second section of "The Lighter Side," definitions and uses of the word Jazz are given.

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