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1. Giving and Responding to Compliments

   In: Teaching Pragmatics Format(s): Text, Video, Website

   This lesson in Teaching Pragmatics aims to raise learners' awareness of pragmatic rules and to increase input to learners and opportunities to observe native English speakers' pragmatic behavior.

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. U.S. Coins: Reminders of History and Heritage

   In: English Teaching Forum 2007, Volume 45, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   This article describes the various US coins, the design, size, and history of coins, coin-making, the US mint, coin production, and the mottos that appear on coins. There is also a section on coin collecting as a hobby, a list of websites about coins, and a glossary of coin terms.

4. Canine Companions and Helpers

   In: English Teaching Forum 2014, Volume 52, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This feature article highlights dog breeds that are popular in the United States and explores the health benefits and services that dogs provide to people. The article also discusses dog shows and dogs in popular culture.

5. Discourse Markers Well and Oh

   In: Teaching Pragmatics Format(s): Text, Video, Website

   This lesson focuses on using the discourse markers well and oh for smoother discourse flow.

6. U.S. National Parks: Protecting Nature and Providing Enjoyment

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

   This feature article on national parks is appropriate for use with higher intermediate or advanced learners. It offers vivid photos and describes the history of national parks, their creation, management, and expansion. The author discusses features of parks from different regions of the country: Acadia National Park (Maine), Denali National Park and Preserve (Alaska), Everglades National Park (Florida), Glacier National Park (Montana), and Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona). Information about the national parks conservation association and the national park foundation is also included.

7. Natural and Cultural Resources in the USA

   Format(s): Website

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

8. Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes

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

   This song in the Sing Out Loud Children's Songs collection is a classic tune using body parts and movement. Poster included.

9. Birding—Fun and Science

   In: English Teaching Forum 2014, Volume 52, Number 1 Format(s): Text

   This feature article presents the basics of birding, or bird watching, and discusses its appeal, especially to serious birders. A section on “citizen scientists” explains organizations that collect data on birds and describes projects they organize.

10. 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.

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