Friday, December 31, 2021

The Future of Democracy


Share America:  The Future of Democracy

The future of democracy, as well as global peace & prosperity, depends on our collective action to stand up and protect it now. Democracies require diligence, compromise, and constant work. But democracy is how voices are heard and progress is made. It is how we all, no matter where we live, can strive for a “more perfect union.”

Other Language Versions:

Thursday, December 30, 2021

Voting Rights

 


N-400
Civics
  • American Women who Fought for the Right to Vote pdf
Integration
  • Yésica Sánchez: A Quick Interview Based on the N-400r plus 10qs about Voting and Elections pdf

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

Happy Birthday President Andrew Johnson!

 VOA Learning English: America's President--Andrew Johnson

Andrew Johnson (December 29, 1808 – July 31, 1875) was the 17th President of the United States (1865-1869).  He grew up in a poor family and did not learn how to read or do math until he was an adult. Johnson served as governor of Tennessee and represented his state in both houses of Congress.  Although Johnson was from the opposition party, he went on to serve as Abraham Lincoln's vice-president and succeeded him after Lincoln's assassination. He was the first president to be impeached, but he was not removed from office. The impeachment happened because he fired the Secretary of War after Congress had made it illegal. This was unusual because a president usually appoints his cabinet secretaries. 

Learn more:

POP QUIZ:

17. What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?*

28. What is the name of the President of the United States now?*

29. What is the name of the Vice President of the United States now?

30. If the President can no longer serve, who becomes President?

35. What does the President’s Cabinet do?

36. What are two Cabinet-level positions?

43. Who is the Governor of your state now?

45. What are the two major political parties in the United States?*

74. Name one problem that led to the Civil War.

75. What was one important thing that Abraham Lincoln did?*

Tuesday, December 28, 2021

Happy Birthday President Woodrow Wilson!


VOA Learning English: America's Presidents - Woodrow Wilson 

Woodrow Wilson (December 28, 1856 – February 3, 1924) was the 28th president of the United States between 1913 and 1921. He was born in Virginia, grew up in Georgia, and became preside of Princeton University in New Jersey. Although Wilson supported peace, the United States entered World War I in 1917.  After the war, Wilson helped start the League of Nations. In 1919, he won the Nobel Prize for Peace.  In 1920, women gained the right to vote in America.

Learn More

POP QUIZ

100:15. Who is in charge of the executive branch?

100:26. We elect a President for how many years?

100:64. There were 13 original states. Name three.

100:41. Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the federal government. What is one power of the federal government?

100:32. Who is the Commander in Chief of the military?

100:78. Name one war fought by the United States in the 1900s.*

100:79. Who was President during World War I?

100:48. There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.


Monday, December 27, 2021

Kwanzaa



uscitizenpod: Two Citizenship Questions for a Joyous Kwanzaa!

Kwanzaa is a week long celebration (Dec 25 to Jan 1) held in the United States to honor universal African heritage and culture. 

Kwanzaa is a celebration that came out of the black nationalist movement of the 1960s. 

It was created as a way to help African Americans reconnect with their African cultural and historical heritage.

Every night, people light a candle on a kinara (candle holder) which represent Kwanzaa's principles: 

Unity, Self-determination, Collective Work and Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith. (source)

Also checkout


Sunday, December 26, 2021

Boxing Day

USCIS 100:55. What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?



uscitizenpod: Boxing Day

Boxing Day is a secular holiday that is traditionally celebrated on December 26, the day after Christmas Day in England and its former colonies. December 26 is also the feast day of St. Stephen who collected food and clothing and gave them to the poor.  On Boxing Day, workers would received boxes of food and small gifts from their employers.  Frequently, there were used  clothing or blankets in the boxes.

Recently, Boxing Day has gained popularity in America.  Many families "box up" unused clothes, electronics, and furniture and donate them to charitable organizations such as Goodwill.

Goodwill was started in 1902 by the Reverend Edgar J. Helms of Morgan Methodist Chapel in Boston. Helms and his congregation collected used household goods and clothing being discarded in wealthier areas of the city, then trained and hired the unemployed or poor to repair them. The products were then redistributed to those in need.

Today, Goodwill has become an international nonprofit that is funded by thrift stores and provides more than 300,000 people with job training and community services each year.  Goodwill also offers free online job skills and technology courses--learn more at gcflearnfree.org 

In the spirit of Boxing Day, we encourage you to donate your unused goods or volunteer with your local civic or community groups.

Boxing Day Resources
Goodwill Industries
More organizations in San Jose/Milpitas that accept household goods donations and need volunteers--check your local area for similar organizations!


Saturday, December 25, 2021

US Citizenship Resources for Christmas


A Citizenship Quiz for Christmas  (2021) 
mp3 / pdf / video

More Citizenship Resources for Christmas

uscitizenpod
  • USCIS 100: 10. What is freedom of religion? (2011) mp3 / pdf
  • Washington Crossing the Delaware, Christmas Night 1776 (2012) pdf
  • A Citizenship Quiz for Christmas  (2021) mp3 / pdf / video
  • Two Citizenship Questions for Christmas (2017) video
  • O. Henry, author of "Gift of the Magi," Bio, Practice N-400, and Civics Quiz (2017) pdf (fixed!)

Friday, December 24, 2021

U.S. Citizenship Lesson 75

Kulwinder Singh PASSED his interview, but there were some tense moments: the USCIS officer said there was another person with the same name and case details who had been deported!  Mr. Singh kept his cool and answered all of the officer's questions about deportation.  Most interviews go smoothly, but you still need to prepare how to answer awkward questions.  Good job, Mr. Singh!

Here are his practice interviews:

Kulwinder Singh’s 1st Practice Citizenship Interview

Kulwinder Singh’s 2nd Practice Citizenship Interview

Kulwinder Singh’s 3rd Practice Citizenship Interview

Kulwinder Singh’s 4th Practice Citizenship Interview

Kulwinder Singh’s 5th Practice Citizenship Interview

Kulwinder Singh’s 6th Practice Citizenship Interview

Kulwinder Singh Talks about his Citizenship Interview

N-400
USA Learns 
Learn More:
  • U.S. Citizenship Resources for for the Winter Holidays post

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

U.S. Citizenship Lesson 72

Candy Tran's Citizenship interview is next week, so here is her third practice interview with civics questions and reading/writing test. Note her explanation about the difference between the name on her Legal Permanent residence Card (Green Card) and her Legal Name. Check back soon for updated Closed Captions. Watch all of Candy Tran's Citizenship Interviews: Candy Tran's First Practice Citizenship Video--UPDATED! Candy Tran's Second Practice Citizenship Interview Candy Tran’s Third Practice Citizenship Interview Candy Tran nói về cuộc phỏng vấn thi công dân Hoa Kỳ của cô Candy Tran Talks About Her U.S. Citizenship Interview

N-400
USA Learns 
Learn More:
  • U.S. Citizenship Resources for for the Winter Holidays post

Monday, December 20, 2021

U.S. Citizenship Lesson 71

Elvia Velázquez is back with Teacher Jennifer got a practice U.S. Citizenship plus dictation and Civics Questions. Closed Captions have been updated. Check Elvia's first interview in Spanish with fellow teacher Ana Mendoza:

La Entrevista de Ciudadanía en Español con audio mejorado!

U.S. Citizenship Interview with Elvia Velázquez (2nd interview; cc--updated!)

Both interview were recorded at #tdls sponsored by OTAN.us Learn more about Gonzales Adult School's Citizenship and Distance Learning Programs at https://ae.gonzalesusd.net/

N-400
USA Learns 
Learn More:
  • U.S. Citizenship Resources for for the Winter Holidays post

Sunday, December 19, 2021

DRIVE THROUGH Oath Ceremony 2021 in San Bernadino

 
 

DRIVE THROUGH Oath Ceremony 2021. Becoming US Citizen. In this video, we will show you What you needed to know about the Drive Through oath taking ceremony.

Friday, December 17, 2021

U.S. Citizenship Lesson 70

 

N-400
Civics:
USA Learns 
Learn More:
  • U.S. Citizenship Resources for for the Winter Holidays post

Thursday, December 16, 2021

U.S. Citizenship Lesson 69

 

N-400
Civics:
USA Learns 
Learn More:
  • U.S. Citizenship Resources for for the Winter Holidays post

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

U.S. Citizenship Lesson 68

 

N-400
Civics:
USA Learns 
Learn More:
  • U.S. Citizenship Resources for for the Winter Holidays post

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

U.S. Citizenship Lesson 67

 

N-400
Civics:
USA Learns 
Learn More:
  • U.S. Citizenship Resources for for the Winter Holidays post

Monday, December 13, 2021

U.S. Citizenship Lesson 66

 

N-400
Civics:
USA Learns 
Learn More:
  • U.S. Citizenship Resources for for the Winter Holidays post

Saturday, December 11, 2021

Place Names in the United States

 


Imagine you are visiting the United States. Perhaps you see major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas. Perhaps you see places like Mount Rainier, Mount Rushmore, Central Park.

In terms of pronunciation, there is something common to all of these place names. 
No, I’m not talking about vowels and consonants. I’m talking about word stress – saying a word louder or in a higher pitch. 

In previous pronunciation videos, we explored word stress in terms of phrasal nouns, phrasal verbs, even abbreviations. But there are certain ways that Americans pronounce place names too. 

In general, Americans place more stress on the last word of a place name. 
What would happen if the stress were placed on the first word? It might sound something like this:
  • New York
Such a pronunciation might sound a little unusual or different to an American. 
But how does the place name sound when stress is placed on the last word?  
  • New York
Listen again to some famous American place names. Note how I stress the last word of the name: 
  • Los Angeles
  • Las Vegas
  • Mount Rainier
  • Mount Rushmore
  • Central Park
That’s all for today! Keep up the good work! 

POP QUIZ:

USCIS 100:44. What is the capital of your state?*

USCIS 100:64. There were 13 original states. Name three.

USCIS 100:91. Name one U.S. territory.

USCIS 100:92. Name one state that borders Canada.

USCIS 100:93. Name one state that borders Mexico.

USCIS 100:95. Where is the Statue of Liberty?*


Friday, December 10, 2021

U.S. Citizenship Lesson 65

 

  • Interview Based on the USCIS N-400r for Senior Citizens or Those Who Request Accommodations/Exemptions plus the USCIS 100qs for 65/20 Applicants (8 pgs) Script
  • Before the Interview: 7 Questions about Exemptions and Accommodations PLUS 65/20 Civics Questions video
 أسئلة التربية المدنية للمتمتعين بالإعفاء 20/65 
65/20 면제에 해당되는 공민/역사 시험 문제
Các câu Hỏi của Công Dân về Miễn Trừ 65/20
N-400
Civics:
USA Learns 
Learn More:
  • U.S. Citizenship Resources for for the Winter Holidays post

Thursday, December 9, 2021

U.S. Citizenship Lesson 64

 


The Muthurajans visited Milpitas Adult School to record a practice interview for the mother.  Here are three more comments about the interview:

NOTE 1: Most examiners would ask if the applicant has any requested any ACCOMMODATIONS or EXEMPTIONS

NOTE 2: USCIS may ask further questions about financial support.  Many retirees have pensions/savings or are supported by their family. Prepare your answer.

NOTE 3: I forgot to ask a very important question about TAXES.  USCIS asks everyone about taxes.  Many retirees do not pay taxes because they don't have an income.  (However some retirees do have income from investments.  Prepare your correct response!)
  • Interview Based on the USCIS N-400r for Senior Citizens or Those Who Request Accommodations/Exemptions plus the USCIS 100qs for 65/20 Applicants (8 pgs) Script
  • Before the Interview: 7 Questions about Exemptions and Accommodations PLUS 65/20 Civics Questions video
 أسئلة التربية المدنية للمتمتعين بالإعفاء 20/65 
65/20 면제에 해당되는 공민/역사 시험 문제
Các câu Hỏi của Công Dân về Miễn Trừ 65/20
N-400
Civics:
USA Learns 
Learn More:
  • U.S. Citizenship Resources for for the Winter Holidays post