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1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Hokey Pokey

   In: Sing Out Loud Children's Songs Format(s): MP3, Text

   This song in the Sing Out Loud Children's Songs collection emphasizes movement and parts of the body. Poster included.

6. Home on the Range

   In: Sing Out Loud Traditional Songs Format(s): MP3, Text, Image / Poster / Maps

   This song in the Sing Out Loud Traditional Songs collection is the state song of Kansas.

7. More Dialogs for Everyday Use

   Format(s): Text

   More Dialogs for Everyday Use contains thirty-six situation-based dialogs that present spoken American English in a natural way.

8. Article with Activity: International Students in America

   In: VOA Articles with Activities Format(s): Video, Website

   Test Your Academic Vocabulary! Listen to and read the article. Then, test your vocabulary with activities and exercises. Level: Beginner

9. Article with Activity: Barack Obama is Reelected

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

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

10. Learn English Activity: Small Talk

    In: VOA Classroom Activities Format(s): Website

    In this Business English activity learn about Small Talk.

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