Free Online Intermediate English Textbook

Free Online Intermediate English Textbook via Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... by Larry Ferlazzo,1/24/10. who writes:

Fiction in Action: Whodunit is a new textbook for English Language Learners (it appears to me for Intermediate level) that is freely downloadable. I'm not a big fan of any textbook but, if you have to use one or want to use one, it is certainly worth a look.Here's how the publisher describes it:

Fiction in Action: Whodunit is something not seen before, a textbook designed to act as a bridge to extensive reading. Over 12 units encompassing two original six-chapter stories, the book introduces students to the hows and the pleasures of reading accessible fiction in English. Fiction in Action focuses on extended and connected passages in one genre—in this case, the detective story—familiarizing students with the language, style and literary conventions associated with this form of story. A special feature of the text is tasks that are not merely supportive of but intrinsic to the stories.

11 Rules of Writing -- a concise guide to important grammar, punctuation, and writing style rules

Oops... I have been emailing study materials but did not realize until just now that my messages were going into drafts instead of being published immediately.

A handy writing resource for your personal resource file, Bookmark: http://www.junketstudies.com/rulesofw/

My notes: This site is a concise guide to some of the most commonly violated rules of writing, grammar, and punctuation. It is intended for all writers as an aid in the learning and refining of writing skills. Explore each of the rules to see examples of its application, and use the references to find additional explanations and examples on the Web or in print. Look up grammatical terms in the glossary.

For a wider variety of information, check related FAQs and other writing resources. Also, click on the Word of the Day until you've learned a few new words.

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“Groove To English”

Good day (whatever time of day it is where you are). I haven't posted since early December. I need to put myself on a calendar, schedule posting days and set email for auto-reminders.


This English learning site looks interesting and useful. Let me know what you think of it. Send me your favorites. Include a line or two description and tell us what you like best about the sites.


The English Self-paced Study Group is sluggish. I'll continue to post lessons for a while and see how it goes. I may move them here so as not to duplicate efforts.


I am taking an online workshop called "Multiliteracies and Collaborative Learning." Would anyone care to guess what "multiliteracies" refers to? I am trying out some web tools that I'll share with you.


Vanessa

Groove To English via Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... by Larry Ferlazzo on 1/23/10

This site has quite a few different activities for English Language Learners, and it looks pretty good. They're divided into sections, including vocabulary, writing, and listening. It's worth a visit.

I learned about it through Michelle Henry, who has an incredible amount of resources for ELL's on her website.

The Best Online Video Sites For Learning English

This list focuses on sites designed to provide online videos to assist English Language Learners develop their language skills. In addition to meeting that criteria, in order to make this list a site has had to have the following elements:


* videos provide engaging content, not just a teacher talking.
* free-of-charge.
* online follow-up language development activities after watching the video.
* classroom content appropriate for the classroom.


The Best Online Video Sites For Learning English

Extensive reading: why it is good for our students… and for us. | Teaching English | British Council | BBC

An article by Alan Maley posted to BBC's Teaching English, 9 December, 2009: "Extensive reading: why it is good for our students… and for us." In this, the first of two articles for TeachingEnglish, Alan Maley considers the benefits extensive reading can bring to English language learners and teachers.

What is Extensive Reading (ER)?
Extensive Reading is often referred to but it is worth checking on what it actually involves. Richard Day has provided a list of key characteristics of ER (Day 2002). This is complemented by Philip Prowse (2002). Maley (2008) deals with ER comprehensively. The following is a digest of the two lists of factors or principles for successful ER:

Update: Advanced Writing Class

Several of you have expressed interest in the writing intensive class I'm starting. Sadamu has sent his application letter ~ I'm waiting on Allun's letter. Other applications have come in through the StudyCom page, but there is still space in the class.

I'd like to make a few comments about what I hope we can do in this course. First, the writing won't be just essays and academic writing. I want to customize the the class and assignments to suit individual writing goals: academic, business, professional, technical, and personal communication. Exploring a variety a writing styles, forms and situations will make the class more interesting ~ and develop stronger writing skills.

If you are interested in taking this class, please email me ~ vanessa.87036@gmail.com

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I've heard from some about staying in the class. My next step will be to check past participation and start dropping those who have never posted or commented.

Next, perhaps a poll or survey for ideas on what direction. I am not interested in being the only contributor and like the idea of "projects." Some could be to educate the rest of us about some aspect of your own countries and cultures. Other projects could be taking turns to research an area of English study, look for handouts and exercises, and prepare a lesson for the rest of the class.