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1. VOA Podcast: Springtime in D.C.

   In: VOA Podcasts: Shows in Special English Format(s): MP3, Text

   Listen to a podcast about Springtime in Washington, D.C. Listen online or download the podcast.

2. VOA Podcast: One World Education

   In: VOA Podcasts: Shows in Special English Format(s): MP3

   Listen to the podcast online or download. Shows in special English are played at one third the speed of regular VOA newscasts.

3. VOA Podcast: People in America: Crazy Horse

   In: VOA Podcasts: Shows in Special English Format(s): MP3

   From Voice of America Podcasts in Special English. Learn about Crazy Horse, a legendary Native American in America. Download the MP3 or listen online.

4. American English on Facebook

   Format(s): Website

   Looking for more opportunities to learn English? Looking to meet other English language learners from around the world? If so, then become a fan of the American English at State Facebook page!

5. Introduction

   In: American Teens Talk! Format(s): E-book, Text

   The interviews in American Teens Talk! give learners a view into the lives of adolescents in the U.S. Through the written and audio format of the interviews, learners are able to increase their vocabulary, practice their reading and listening skills, engage in discussions, and learn more about U.S. culture.

6. Possible Activities

   In: American Teens Talk! Format(s): MP3, Text

   The interviews in American Teens Talk! give learners a view into the lives of adolescents in the U.S. Through the written and audio format of the interviews, learners are able to increase their vocabulary, practice their reading and listening skills, engage in discussions, and learn more about U.S. culture.

7. Caleb

   In: American Teens Talk! Format(s): Text

   Caleb talks about his school trip to Disney World.

8. An Integrated Skills Lesson Plan for "A Postcard from America" by Robert Olen Butler

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

   This lesson plan is based on the feature article, “Postcards from America” by Robert Olen Butler. It is appropriate for high intermediate to advanced students. The lesson integrates the four skills and has five parts: Preparing to Read, Reading the Text, Understanding the Text, Making Connections Beyond the Text, and Integrating Language Skills. The lesson includes group discussion of comprehension questions, scanning for vocabulary, and using the dictionary.

9. An Integrated Skills Lesson Plan for "Maps and Legends" by Michael Chabon

   In: English Teaching Forum 2004, Volume 42, Issue 2 Format(s): Text

   This lesson plan is based on the article “Maps and Legends” by novelist Michael Chabon and is for high intermediate to advance students. The lesson includes group and pair work. Students discuss the neighborhood where they grew up. They read the text and identify unfamiliar words, then answer comprehension questions in writing or discussion groups. Post-reading activities include scanning, inferring meaning from context, dictionary practice, and discussion questions. The lesson ends with questions to make connections beyond the text and project ideas.

10. The Making of a City

    In: English Teaching Forum 2004, Volume 42, Issue 2 Format(s): Text

    This article about urban planning is appropriate for advanced learners. The content discusses city planners, planned cities (e.g. Chicago), zoning laws, and high-rise residential districts. There are many images, a glossary, and a list of related websites. There are two short sections. One is about Columbia, Maryland, the subject of another article in this issue (“Maps and Legends”). Columbia was a completely planned, experimental community. The second section is about rebuilding Cabrini Green, a Chicago neighborhood well known for its poverty and crime.

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