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1. The Lighter Side: Seattle Crossword Puzzle

   In: English Teaching Forum 2008, Volume 46, Number 2 Format(s): Text

   This is a crossword puzzle based on facts about Seattle.

2. Spot the Problem! (reprinted from Teaching Pragmatics)

   In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This lesson plan considers pragmatic violations of openings, closings, and requests. These humorous role plays involve continuing a conversation when one person is trying to end it, being overly direct, and providing an overly informative answer to the greeting “How are you?” Textbooks may lack complete openings and closings, so it is worthwhile to spend time on post-openings and pre-closings. Politeness in English may be problematic for EFL learners because of the lack of grammatical forms that mark it.

3. The Challenge of Spelling in English

   In: English Teaching Forum 2008, Volume 46, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This article addresses the topic of spelling in American English. It discusses the popularity of spelling contests in American schools, and then explains why spelling is so hard. The author then argues how important it is to understand these factors to improve spelling accuracy. The article concludes by identifying the difficulties of language learning and implications for English teaching.

4. Six Vocabulary Activities for the English Language Classroom

   In: English Teaching Forum 2008, Volume 46, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This article focuses on the development of vocabulary among English language learners. The author first defines what a “word” means, then discusses five aspects of vocabulary knowledge. Drawing on Swain (1993), the author identifies three main goals of vocabulary learning. The rest of the article is devoted to the description of six activities to help students learn vocabulary in ESL/EFL contexts.

5. Scaffolding Linguistics and Intercultural Goals in EFL with Simplified Novels and their Film Adaptations

   In: English Teaching Forum 2008, Volume 46, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This article argues that exposure to culture will help students develop complex linguistic and cultural skills. The authors discuss the use of graded literary readers, audio resources, and films. They present a detailed description of the implementation and results of two simplified novel modules in an EFL program.

6. Teaching English for and with Communities

   In: English Teaching Forum 2008, Volume 46, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This article is a reflection of English teaching in Chiclayo, Peru, at a not-for-profit cultural center. It starts with a brief explanation of the authors’ desire to help transform the community through English teaching. The article then explains the concept of civic education and offers a three-tiered approach that has been designed to help the community: Chiclayo reads, summer institute for k-12 English teachers, and the advanced curriculum. The implementation and results of the projects are discussed.

7. Miami, Florida: The Magic City

   In: English Teaching Forum 2008, Volume 46, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This is an introduction to Miami, including its history, attractions, geographical characteristics, and interesting facts. The article also contains many pictures of local attractions.

8. Lesson Plan: A Letter from Miami: A Telenovela

   In: English Teaching Forum 2008, Volume 46, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This lesson plan contains four activities that can prepare students for the final activity of creating a video or a play. There are also two optional activities to help students learn grammar, and a fact sheet about Miami.

9. The Lighter Side

   In: English Teaching Forum 2008, Volume 46, Number 3 Format(s): Text

   This is a word game that asks the reader to make as many words as possible using the letters in “cruise ship.” Cues are provided.

10. Classroom Techniques: Counseling and Oral Communication

    In: English Teaching Forum 2003, Volume 41, Number 3 Format(s): Text

    This article addresses a social divide that occurs between university students who have attended English secondary schools and those who have not. The lower proficiency students tend to be from lower socio-economic status and hesitate to speak because they fear humiliation. This article reminds instructors that low-proficiency learners need a safe place to make mistakes and build confidence. As an icebreaker, students discuss what hinders them from speaking to an audience. They then give speeches introducing themselves. Finally, they give a formal speech.

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