Tractor Pulling  - This is the first part of an episode of American Mosaic.  The audio and transcript include two other stories as well, but you only need to listen to and read the first part for this lesson.

  1. Listening/Reading

    1. Prelistening:

      1. What do you think a "tractor pull" is?  Where in the U.S do you think it probably takes place?

    2. First time listening to the audio.  

      1. Write down any words you think you many need, then listen to the audio here:  

        1. http://learningenglish.voanews.com/audio/Audio/204091.html

      2. Second time - Listen to the audio again.  This time feel free to use the transcript as well.  Note you can double click on any word to see a definition. Take notes and write down any words you had to look up.

        1. http://learningenglish.voanews.com/content/tractor-pulls-farmers-comments-no-doubt-beegees-snoop/1489985.html

    3. Comprehension - If you understood the text, you should be able to answer the questions below.  If not, refer to the text again.

      1. What is a tractor pull?

      2. How did it start?

      3. How to the owners pay for the very powerful and expensive tractors?

  2. Speaking

    1. Prepare for a conversation with your language partner.  Write down questions about sports and entertainment in their country?  Do they have any kind of sport or exhibition that is unique to their country?  How did it start?  Is it a regional sport or national?  What events have they ever seen or participated in?  Etc

    2. Meet with your language partner.  Try your best to only speak in English for 30 minutes.  Of course, be sure to then provide your partner with an equal amount of time to practice our native language as well.

  3. Writing

    1. Write a summary of your exchange with your partner on the Mixxer blog.  Write a description about sporting events and exhibitions in your partner's country.