Advanced Search: Resources

1. Kids.gov

   Format(s): Website

   The official kids' portal to student and teacher pages for U.S. Government agencies.

2. Wordmaster

   Format(s): Website

   Readings and corresponding podcasts on American English usage, produced by Voice of America.

3. 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.

4. Bowling: Entertainment for All Ages

   In: English Teaching Forum 2011, Volume 49, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   This feature article on bowling is written for learners. Bowling has changed in recent years and is growing in popularity once again. The article includes the history of bowling and recent trends, such as cosmic bowling, virtual bowling, efforts to make bowling appeal to kids and more. At the end of the article, readers will find bowling vocabulary, a list of related websites, and a section on “Bowling Basics.”

5. Article with Activity: Free Speech - It is a Guarantee in America

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

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

6. Just Like Everyday People

   In: American Rhythms Format(s): MP3

   Honolulu-based Hawaiian singer Kelli Heath urges her listeners to live “like everyday people”, who simply seek to lead a good and peaceful life.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. A Postcard from America

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

   This feature article for learner use is by author Robert Olen Butler. It briefly describes the history and cultural aspects of postcards. The author provides detail about several postcards in his personal collection. He values the images and the glimpses into people’s lives as written on the postcards. A glossary of terms and images of postcards accompany the article. Appropriate for high intermediate to advanced students.

10. Rodeo: A Uniquely American Sport

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

    The feature article, “Rodeo: A Uniquely American Sport,” includes sections about the history of rodeo, classic rodeo events, the growth of professional rodeo, the making of a rodeo cowboy, rodeo heroes, and rodeo and fine arts. Websites of interest and a glossary of rodeo terms accompany the article, as well as many images.

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