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The Trans-Cultural Comparative Literature Method: Using Grammar Translation Techniques Effectively

In: English Teaching Forum 2010, Volume 48, Number 3 Format(s): Text

This article explains the trans-cultural comparative literature method, which uses elements of communicative language teaching (CLT) and grammar-translation (GT) while comparing two culturally different texts. This method focuses on grammar and vocabulary, but also gives students a chance to analyze different cultures. An overview of CLT and GT is followed by guidelines for the trans-cultural comparative literature method and sample lesson plans for its use.

Connecting Reading and Writing in Grammar Teaching: A Functional Approach

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

This webinar, "Connecting Reading and Writing in Grammar Teaching: A Functional Approach," explores teaching grammar from a meaning-based perspective.

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.

Learn American English Wordbook Glossary

In: VOA Interactive Learning: Wordbooks Format(s): Website

Discover English with nearly 1,000 words and their definitions. Open the Interactive Wordbooks to hear English words and their definitions.

Learn American Business English Wordbook

In: VOA Interactive Learning: Wordbooks Format(s): Website

Learn business English with this interactive Wordbook. Improve your business English with definitions and examples.

Developing Writing

Format(s): Text

Developing Writing is a reading and writing skills text designed for beginning to intermediate learners of English.

Story 1: Are You Ready to Learn English?

In: Why English? Comics for the Classroom Format(s): MP3, Text

The stories in Why English? Comics for the Classroom – written by teenagers and young adults – will appeal to learners of all ages. These stories provide an enjoyable opportunity to increase vocabulary, reading comprehension, listening, speaking, and writing.

From Passive Learners to Critical Thinkers: Preparing EFL Students for University Success

In: English Teaching Forum 2010, Volume 48, Number 3 Format(s): Text

This article explains how the Bangladesh Rehabilitation Assistance Committee (BRAC) revised their curriculum to best prepare EFL students for English-speaking universities. After completing a needs analysis on how to best serve their students, the committee decided to make a more interactive classroom environment in which teachers integrated the four skills, used critical thinking activities, taught grammar in context, and used various methods of assessment. Feedback showed that both the students and the teachers responded positively to the changes.

A Story-Based Framework for a Primary School Classroom

In: English Teaching Forum 2007, Volume 45, Number 4 Format(s): Text

These two story-based lesson plans were designed to address the lack of motivation and interest by students in a sixth grade English class in Greece. The lessons appeal to young learners who want to be creative and imaginative by making learning entertaining. The animal stories are authentic texts, not graded readers, with helpful visuals. They can be used with a holistic approach and provide a springboard to learning grammar and structure and to recycle vocabulary. Predicting and concentration are some of the thinking skills involved.

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