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1. Chicago, Illinois: The Windy City

   In: English Teaching Forum 2008, Volume 46, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   This is an introduction to Chicago, including its brief history, attractions, geographical characteristics, and interesting facts. It also contains pictures of local attractions.

2. Independence Day

   In: Celebrate! Holidays in the U.S.A. Format(s): Text

   Americans celebrate Independence Day on July 4 because on July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, officially breaking bonds with England and forming a new independent nation, the United States of America.

3. Effective Questions

   In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   Teachers ask many questions in the classroom, but not all are useful. Questions that the teacher already knows the answer to are known as display questions. These are often asked for the student to display knowledge. Questions where the teacher does not already know the answer are meaning based and known as referential questions. This article explains the problems with relying on display questions in the L2 classroom. This distinction applies to reading comprehension questions as well as oral questions.

4. Changing Homework Habits: Rethinking Attitudes

   In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 4 Format(s): Text

   There are a number of reasons why students forget, ignore, or reject homework, but what can a teacher do to encourage students to complete homework? The author argues that students' habits are a reflection of the teacher's attitudes about homework. The article introduces eight points that can help create a more homework-positive classroom. They include assigning the right amount of homework, always remembering to correct homework, accepting late submissions, and changing the time during the lesson you assign homework.

5. The Gift of the Magi

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

   The story of the Gift of the Magi describes a couple who go to great lengths to buy each other a special Christmas present.

6. The Furnished Room

   In: The Gift of the Magi and Other Stories Format(s): E-book, Text

   This story tells of a man who, on the trail of a lost love, rents out a furnished room that is popular among thespians. Download the PDF or E-book.

7. From the Cabby's Seat

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

   This story is about a taxi driver who takes his rider around town.

8. 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.

9. The Bride Comes to Yellow Sky

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

   In this story from The Red Badge of Courage, Jack Potter, the policeman of a small town in east Texas called Yellow Sky, takes his new bride back to town.

10. Are You Listening? (Backchannel Behaviors)

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

    This lesson aims to promote awareness of short responses during conversations such as uh-huh and yeah known as backchannel behaviors; to increase awareness of cultural differences in backchannel behaviors; to allow students to practice behaviors that indicate active listening.

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