Advanced Search: Resources

1. From da Vinci to Recumbent... Velocity and the Velocipede

   In: English Teaching Forum 2001, Volume 39, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This reading on bicycles is appropriate for intermediate to advanced students. The author traces the history of the bicycle back to the nineteenth century and describes major innovations in the technological development of bikes. Modern bicycle technology and impacts are also discussed. The article presents the etymology of the word bicycle and then offers translations into other languages, illustrating that in many cases a relationship to the root of the original word remains. Additional websites of interest are also included for further reading or follow up activities.

2. "What was it about?" Supporting Text Retelling and Response

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

   This session, ""What was it about?" Supporting Text Retelling and Response," discusses the importance of scaffolding techniques in post-reading tasks and showcases a tool, the story retelling wheel, which provides support for learners while giving them opportunities to be creative and take ownership of their reading.

3. What Mary Shelley Never Wrote: Using Basic Computer Skills to Enhance Student Writing

   In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   This article describes an inspired, well-managed process writing class project for intermediate language learners. The author used Mary Shelley’s book Frankenstein as a creative writing tool in class to develop writing and computer skills. Students read and discussed the book. Working in a collaborative format, students wrote a short story sequel to the novel and offered revision advice in a workshop format. The sequels were then compiled and shared with beginner language learners. The author pointed out that the sense of audience was also established with this project.

4. Article with Activity: Barack Obama is Reelected

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

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

5. Article with Activity: Is Halloween Only Celebrated in America?

   In: VOA Articles with Activities Format(s): Text

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

6. Story 12: Matt, All is Better with 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.

7. 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.

8. Applied Theatre, Adolescent English Learners, and the Performance of Literacy

   In: English Teaching Forum 2015, Volume 53, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   Youth in middle and secondary grades, between childhood and the adult world, sometimes struggle with their identities as readers and learners. Too many describe themselves or are described by their teachers and parents as “reluctant, disengaged, and/or unmotivated” by classroom texts or by the rows of books in school libraries.

9. Lesson Plan: Baseball Stories, Cards,and Interviews

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

   This lesson plan offers an opportunity for students to practice their language skills and learn more about the sport of baseball. There are three activities (that will take at least one class period each) aimed at a variety of levels. Students create baseball cards of themselves and flash cards about the sport, and participate in interview role-plays as famous baseball players. Extension activities are included.

10. Snowboarding: Wild Rides

    In: English Teaching Forum 2010, Volume 48, Number 1 Format(s): Text

    This article on snowboarding is written for learners. The author gives an overview of the history of snowboarding, along with basic facts about the popular winter sport, a glossary of helpful terms, and information about the controversy surrounding its inclusion in the winter Olympics. There are also links to helpful websites, and colorful photographs illustrate important moves, equipment, and competitors.

Pages