The alt.usage.english FAQ 
EFL/ESL Resources
News extracts and resources found on the web
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English Rules
(Education/learning English)
This website is intended to be used as a reference by teachers of English or ESL, and by all students of the English language.
- It is especially recommended as a tutorial for instructors who lack formal training in linguistics.
- Each component focuses on a specific issue of English in terms of the linguistic principles which govern all human language.
- There is information on the structure of the English language, and games and activities for students.
- All students have the opportunity to have their work published here on the web!
(extract from the "English Rules" site)
http://www.lsilver.net/index.htm
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Foreign Students Held in Exam Probe
(Current usage/news)
Dozens of foreign nationals studying at U.S. universities were arrested today after they were caught paying other people to take English tests needed to enroll in the schools, the U.S. attorney for New Jersey said.
The arrests followed a series of complaints received by the New Jersey-based Educational Testing Service, a testing body used by schools across the United States.
...
Those arrested included students who paid to have the exam taken for them as well as students who took the tests for others. The charges involve the Test of English as a Foreign Language, or TOEFL exam.
...
All of the defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
(extract from the "Washington Post" site)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A49868-2002May7.html
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Singapore's edge lies in English
(Education/learning English)
MORE businessmen prefer to do business in Singapore over Hongkong.
The reason: Singaporeans speak better English.
Education Minister Teo Chee Hean disclosed this yesterday while launching the Speak Good English Movement,
an annual drive that aims to encourage Singaporeans to speak standard English and cut down on the use of Singlish.
He said a survey of expatriates in Asia, done by the Political and Economic Risk Consultancy (Perc) and reported in February, uncovered this competitive edge over Hongkong.
'This is an advantage we should strive hard to maintain,' said Rear-Admiral (NS) Teo, who is also the Second Minister for Defence, when he described the benefits a good command of English can bring to an open economy like Singapore's.
...
The chairman of the movement, Colonel (NS) David Wong, said that since the drive started two years ago, more Singaporeans have become aware of the importance of speaking well.
He said: 'We've found that more Singaporeans want to speak better and are encouraging others to do the same. So now, we want to focus on making available more opportunities for people to practise and improve speaking English.'
(extract from the "Straits Times" site)
http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/singapore/story/0,1870,114981,00.html?
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Heinle Acquires Language Teaching Publications
(Current usage/news)
Heinle, a global provider of English Language Teaching (ELT) materials and the specialized language part of The Thomson Corporation, (Toronto: TOC) announced the purchase of Language Teaching Publications (LTP) based in Hove, England. LTP, renowned for distinctive materials that feature the "lexical approach," publishes a wide array of materials in ELT, including business English, with primary concentration of sales in Europe and the UK. This acquisition marks a
continued commitment on the part of Thomson to invest in the development of
new global ELT products and to expand their ELT sales and marketing
operations. The augmented ELT services will leverage the existing Thomson
international infrastructure and allow the Corporation a greater reach in the
area of ELT publishing. Financial terms were not disclosed.
English is the language of international business, science, technology,
and tourism. Consequently, the demand for English language learning continues
to increase exponentially. The global ELT market, currently estimated upwards
of $15 billion, is one of the fastest growing educational markets in the
world. The role of English as the language of the Internet has fueled this growth, and underscores its importance as the language of international trade
and communication.
"We are committed to developing and delivering new solutions for institutions involved in English Language Teaching," said Dennis Hogan, president of Heinle. "From our recently released PhonePass distribution
arrangement in Japan to the new offerings of LTP we are opening new markets,
while underscoring our commitment to make language learning more effective,
satisfying, and accessible for lifelong learners everywhere."
Heinle, a Boston-based specialized language publisher, serves as the product development center for the global ELT operations of Thomson. Heinle manages editors based locally in Asia, Latin America, Boston, and now in the UK. Co-founders of LTP, Michael Lewis and Jimmie Hill said, "We are delighted that LTP has been acquired by Thomson, as Heinle enjoys a superb reputation in
the field of ELT and language learning in general, and we look forward to
seeing our books reach many more customers worldwide. We are also delighted
that key employees are being retained to ensure continuity for customers."
http://www.heinle.com
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New Web Board for Teachers of English
(Education/learning English)
BBC English and the British Council are developing new web pages especially for teachers of English in schools around the world. We plan to include:
- fresh ideas for your lessons
- suggestions from experts to update your teaching methods - and your English
- a guide to useful resources for you and your students from the BBC and the British Council
- an opportunity to share your views and tips with other teachers
Take part!
You don't have to wait for the new site to join in the discussion! We already have a message board dedicated to teachers. To view or sign up for the message board follow the link: - message board
(extract from the BBC site)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/teachingenglish/index.shtml
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Slang of the Day
(Education/learning English)
An English slang word is defined and an example is given. Links to other ESL/EFL sites
http://www.aitech.ac.jp/~itesls/daily/
Please note that this page is provided for reference purposes only. We are not allied with, nor do we endorse, a specific commercial entity. You are advised to use due diligence in following these links!
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