VOA News: New Civics Questions for US Citizenship Test

I really appreciate the work of Voice of America and I have used the print and audio stories from the Special English Broadcasts. Here is VOA's report on the new Citizenship Test.

New Civics Questions for US Citizenship Test
Officials announce the 100 questions (and answers) about history and government. The newly redesigned naturalization test will be given starting next October.

1. Article
2. Print the Article
3. MP3 - Download Audio
4. Listen to MP3
5. Listen in RealAudio

Spend some time exploring the exciting features of VOA's Special English site. Of particular interest to a Citizenship student is the Making of a Nation, a fifteen-minute program in a series about American history broadcasted every Thursday. Good Job, VOA!

For even more information concerning the development of VOA Special English Broadcast, see Voice of America : a history by Alan L. Heil, Jr. and Oracle bones : a journey between China's past and present by Peter Hessler.

Q38-39: USCIS 96 Questions 38-39: Speaker of the House, Chief Justice

USCIS 96 Questions 38-39

Today we will listen to Questions 38-39 plus M-638 comments. You can download the Class Handout 38-39 to deepen your knowledge of US History and Politics and broaden your English language skills. Look for new vocabulary, grammar structures, and idioms.

Note the key words--these words will help you remember the questions and answers. The key words for 38-39:

1. Speaker of the House
2. Chief Justice

Dictation Sentences

1. The House and Senate are parts of Congress.
2. The people have a voice in government.
   

You can get more info about the Speaker of the House and the Chief Justice from

1. ELCivics: The Capitol Building
2. EL Civics: The Supreme Court
3. Simple Wiki: Speaker of the House
4. Simple Wiki: Supreme Court
   

Q36-37: USCIS 96 Questions 36-37: Capital, Governor

USCIS 96 Questions 36-37

Today we will listen to Questions 36-37 plus M-638 comments. You can download individual State Handouts 36-37 (see below) to deepen your knowledge of US History and Politics and broaden your English language skills. Look for new vocabulary, grammar structures, and idioms.

Note the key words--these words will help you remember the questions and answers. The key words for Q36-37:

1. Capitol
2. Governor

Dictation Sentences

1. The United States of America has fifty states.
2. There are fifty states in the Union.

You can get more info about State Capitals and Governors from

1. ELCivics.com: 50 States
2. State Maps: 50 states
3. Wikipedia: List of US Governors
4. Wikipedia: State Capitals (detailed!)
5. Simple Wiki: State Capitals

Individual State Handouts for Q36-37:

1. Alabama
2. Alaska
3. Arizona
4. Arkansas
5. California
6. Washington

Check back for more states. If you need a state handout quickly, email uscitizenpod@gmail.com. Thanks!

News Stories about the New Redesigned Naturalization Test

New USCIS 100Qs Bulletin

News Stories and Comments about the new USCIS Redesigned Test:

AP: Divulgan nueva lista de preguntas para ciudadanía de EE.UU. 09/27/07

BBC: US unveils new citizenship test By Emilio San Pedro, BBC News, Miami. 09/28/07

HoustonChronicle: New citizenship test more star-spangled than ever: Emphasis is on things that make the U.S. 'what it is' By MICHELLE MITTLESTADT and CYNTHIA LEONOR GARZA. 09/28/07

ICIRR: New Citizenship Test: Final Brick in the Second Wall. 09/28/07

LATimes: New citizenship test is unveiled: The 100 questions are more abstract, relying less on rote memory. Some say they're also harder. Nicole Gaouette, Los Angeles Times. 09/28/07

MiamiHerald: Citizenship test to focus on principles: Concepts that illustrate American values will be emphasized in the new citizenship exam starting next year. 09/28/07

Salon.com: True confessions: On barely passing the new U.S. citizenship test by Tim Grieve, War Room. 09/28/07

NYTimes: New Test Asks: What Does ‘American’ Mean?. 09/28/07

WashingtonTimes (editorial): English, civics and immigration. 09/28/07

More info on the Redesigned Naturalization Test (New USCIS 100Qs)

New USCIS 100Qs Bulletin

Who takes what test when?

1. A legal permanent resident who is (1) eligible for Naturalization; (2) applies BEFORE October 1, 2008; and (3) is scheduled for his or her naturalization interview BEFORE October 1, 2008, will take the current test.

2. A legal permanent resident who is (1) eligible for Naturalization; (2) applies BEFORE October 1, 2008; and (3) is scheduled for his or her naturalization interview AFTER October 1, 2008, he or she can choose to take the current test or the redesigned version.

3. A legal permanent resident who is (1) eligible for Naturalization; (2) applies AFTER October 1, 2008 will take the redesigned version.

3. A legal permanent resident who is (1) eligible for Naturalization; and (2) scheduled for his or her naturalization interview AFTER October 1, 2009, (regardless of when he or she applied), will take the redesigned version.

Here is a list of the documents supporting the newly Redesigned Naturalization Test (New USCIS 100Qs).

Redisigned Naturalization Test: Main Page

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
The Redesigned Naturalization Test

Redesigned Naturalization Test Informational Brochure
A brochure outlining the content and guidelines for the redesigned naturalization test.

Redesigned Naturalization Test: Civics (History and Government)
Items List of 100 history and government items for the redesigned naturalization test.

Redesigned Naturalization Test: Vocabulary List for the Reading Test
Vocabulary list for the reading portion of the redesigned naturalization test.

Redesigned Naturalization Test: Vocabulary List for the Writing Test
Vocabulary list for the writing portion of the redesigned naturalization test.

Content Comparison: Current vs. Redesigned Naturalization Test
Side-by-side comparison of the current questions and the redesigned questions.

Honestly, I shouted for joy when I saw that the writers standardized the questions with the 5Ws. I deeply appreciate the re-organization of the questions, because it is easier to teach and learn material in right-relation. I feel that the infomation is much more reflective of what a US citizen "needs to know" about US History, Politics, and civic culture. And I swooned when I saw the Comparison pdf between the old 96 Qs and the new 100Qs.

Thanks to the USCIS for the extreme care and effort taken during the revision of the of the new USCIS 100 US History and Government Questions. Thanks to the examiners and interviewees who tested the Pilot Questions. A special thanks to writers, document designers, and webfolk who prepared the documents that support the newly Designed Test. The process of the Redesigned Naturalization Test is a great example of "democracy in action". Congratulations USCIS!

The New USCIS 100 Questions!

New USCIS 100Qs Bulletin


Get the new 100 Questions here! More info coming soon!

Q34-35: USCIS 96 Questions 34-35: Constitution, Bill of Rights

USCIS 96 Questions 34-35

Today we will listen to Questions 34-35 plus M-638 comments. You can download the Class Handout 34-35 to deepen your knowledge of US History and Politics and broaden your English language skills. Look for new vocabulary, grammar structures, and idioms.

Note the key words--these words will help you remember the questions and answers. The key words for 34-35:

1. The Constitution
2. Bill of Rights

Dictation Sentences

1. The Constitution is the supreme law of our land.


2. He knows how to a ride a bike.
   

You can get more info about the the Constitution and the Bill of Rights from

EL Civics: The US Constitution
NCC: Explore the Constitution
Simple Wiki: The US Constitution

Q32-33: USCIS 96 Questions 32-33: Judicial Branch, Supreme Court, Law

USCIS 96 Questions 32-33

Today we will listen to Questions 32-33 plus M-638 comments. You can download the Class Handout 32-33 to deepen your knowledge of US History and Politics and broaden your English language skills. Look for new vocabulary, grammar structures, and idioms.

Note the key words--these words will help you remember the questions and answers. The key words for 32-33:

1. Judicial Branch
2. Supreme Court
3. Law

Dictation Sentences

1. There are three branches of government.
2. He has a very big dog.
   

You can get more info about the Executive Branch from

1. EL Civics: The Supreme Court
2. Simple Wiki: The Supreme Court
3. VOA The Supreme Court

Q30-31: USCIS 96 Questions 30-31: Excutive Branch, President

USCIS 96 Questions 30-31

Today we will listen to Questions 30-31 plus M-638 comments. You can download the Class Handout 30-31 to deepen your knowledge of US History and Politics and broaden your English language skills. Look for new vocabulary, grammar structures, and idioms.

Note the key words--these words will help you remember the questions and answers. The key words for 30-31:

1. Executive Branch


2. President

Dictation Sentences

1. The President is elected every four years.


2. He came to live with his brother.
   

You can get more info about the Executive Branch from

1. EL Civics: The White House


2. VOA: The Road to the 2008 US Elections


3. The White House: Presidents


4. Simple Wiki: US Executive Branch


5. Wikipedia: US Presidential Elections

Reminder: New Fees Begin July 30, 2007!

New Fees

Today we will listen to a reminder about the new USCIS fees starting July 30, 2007.

Here's a Class Handout: Summary of the New Fees.

Here is another Class Handout: "Sending Your N-400 to USCIS".

Please note that there are four pages: one page for each USCIS Service Center in California, Texas, Nebraska, and Vermont.

Please confirm that you are using the correct page for your state.

Originally, I put the information for all four USCIS Service Centers and their assigned states on a single sheet of paper.

When I gave the single sheet of paper to my students, they became confused.

The print was too tiny and there was too much information.

I re-formatted the information and printed the Summary of the New Fees on the first side and Sending Your N-400 to USCIS on the second side.

I printed the information on color paper so they can find this paper quickly and easily.  Many students took extra copies home for their family and friends.

Also, please check out the new online video from USCIS "Promise of Freedom"--a twelve minute video presentation on American civics and history. Watch the video online or get the direct download of Promise of Freedom.

Finally, The Pilot Questions have been revised!  There are now 142 questions.  Questions have been marked for Senior Citizens older that 65 and have been legal permanent residents for more than 20 years.

You can get the reformated USCIS 142 here.

You can get the reformated USCIS 142 for Senior Citizens here.

Interview-09: Advanced Citizenship Interview—David Bian (Tianjin, China)

Interview-09

Today we will listen to our ninth practice interview David Bian (Tianjin, China). These are questions are based on the N-400. You can get a pdf. of the Advanced Citizenship Interview here.

10/26/08--the audio file as been updated. Thanks!

Interview-08: Basic Citizenship Interview—Wei Zhang (Beijing, China)

Interview-08

Today we will listen to our eighth practice interview Wei Zhang (Beijing, China). These are basic questions are based on the N-400. You can get a pdf. of the Basic Citizenship Interview here.

New USCIS Video and Online Resources for ESL/Citizeship Students

New USCIS Resources:

***A Promise of Freedom***
A twelve minute video presentation on American civics and history. Watch the video online or get the direct download of Promise of Freedom.

USCIS Questions and Answers for New Pilot Naturalization Test

USCIS Pilot Naturalization Test: Vocabulary List for the Reading Test

Pilot Naturalization Test: Vocabulary List for the Writing Test


Online Resources for ESL/Citizenship Students (mostly Audio)

a4esl: English as a Second Language (ESL) Podcasts
These are the 20 newest podcasts for ESL learners.

Dave's ESL Cafe: Today in History (text only)

ELCivics.com: California (more states--soon!) (text only)

EnglishBaby's Daily English Page

English Club: Basic Question Types (text only)

English Club: WH Question Words (text only)

ESL-Lab: Culture Shock

ESL-Lab: Dates

ESL-Lab: Greetings and Introductions

ESL-Lab: Where are you from?

ESL Podcast 246 – Understanding Addresses

Manythings: Daily English Page

Multi-Cultural Educational Services: LaRue Listening Quizzes
Multiple choice tests of answers to common questions. (variety of accents)

Train Your Accent: Job Hunting

VOANews: How America Works
This series explains the role of civil society at the local level, using Montgomery County, Maryland as an example. Each segment in the How America Works series highlights an aspect of civil society and how it contributes to the collective good of the community.

VOA Special English: The Making of a Nation
Every Thursday, Special English broadcasts a fifteen-minute program in a series about American history.

Interview-07: Simple Citizenship Interview--Juana Ortega (Las Margaritas, Jalisco, Mexico).

Interview-07
Today we will listen to our seventh practice interview from Juana Ortega (Las Margaritas, Jalisco, Mexico). These are simple questions are based on the N-400. You can get a pdf. of the Simple Citizenship Interview here.

July 4th Special: the new 142Qs and more!

July 4th Special!
Today's podcast will feature questions related to the Fourth of July, Independence Day, and the Declaration of Independence. We will compare some of the current USCIS 96qs with the Pilot Questions.

Big News: The Pilot Questions have been revised!

1. There are now 142 questions.
2. Two questions were removed related to the minimum wage and battles of the American Revolution.
3. Topical Headings have been added to organize the questions.
4. Some of the questions have been rearranged (i.e. They have different numbers).
5. Questions have been marked for Senior Citizens older that 65 and have been legal permanent residents for more than 20 years.

You can get the reformated USCIS 142 here.

You can get the reformated USCIS 142 for Senior Citizens here.

You can get the M-638 Quick Civics Lessons in English here.

You can get the M-638 Quick Civics Lessons in Spanish here.

Q28-29: USCIS 96 Questions 28-29: Legislative Branch, Congress, House of Representatives

USCIS 96 Questions 28-29

Today we will listen to Questions 28-29 plus M-638 comments. You can download the Class Handout 28-29 to deepen your knowledge of US History and Politics and broaden your English language skills. Look for new vocabulary, grammar structures, and idioms.

Note the key words--these words will help you remember the questions and answers. The key words for Q28-29:

Legislative Branch
Congress
House of Representatives

You can get more info about the House of Representatives from

Simple Wikipedia: House of Representatives
Wikipedia: 110th Congress
National Atlas: Congressional Districts
House of Representatives: Find Your Representative
USPS Zip Code + 4 Lookup (to help you find your US Rep)
VOA THIS IS AMERICA #1061 Census of 2000

Q25-27: USCIS 96 Questions 25-27: Legislative Branch, Congress, Senate

USCIS 96 Questions 25-27

Today we will listen to Questions 25-27 plus M-638 comments. You can download the Class Handout 25-27 to deepen your knowledge of US History and Politics and broaden your English language skills. Look for new vocabulary, grammar structures, and idioms.

Note the key words--these words will help you remember the questions and answers. The key words for 25-27:

Legislative Branch
Congress
Senate

You can get more info about the US Senate from

Simple Wikipedia: US Senate
Wikipedia: US Senate
US Senate: Historical Minutes (excellent short stories)

USCIS Pilot Exam Questions and Answers

Here is the USCIS link to information about the USCIS Pilot questions.

Here is the reformatted document of the USCIS Pilot Questions in English from US Citzenship Podcast

Here is the USCIS Pilot Questions in Spanish from Univison.

Here is the USCIS Pilot Questions in Chinese from World Journal (Taiwan).

WelcomeToUSA.gov

"The Task Force on New Americans today introduced four new inter-agency initiatives to help immigrants assimilate. In addition to launching WelcometoUSA.gov, the federal government’s official website for new immigrants, the Task Force announced three major projects to help legal immigrants embrace the common core of American civic culture, learn English, and fully become American."

--from the USCIS Press Release announcing the new website for immigrants WelcometoUSA.gov.

Q21-24: USCIS 96 Questions 21-24: Legislative Branch, Congress, Senate, House of Representatives

USCIS 96 Questions 21-24
Today we will listen to Questions 21-24 plus M-638 comments. You can download the Class Handout 21-24 to deepen your knowledge of US History and Politics and broaden your English language skills. Look for new vocabulary, grammar structures, and idioms.

Note the key words--these words will help you remember the questions and answers. The key words for 21-24:

Legislative Branch
Congress
Senate
House of Representatives

You can get more info about the Congress and Legislative Branch from

Simple Wikipedia: Congress
Wikipedia: Congress
Government Guide: Elected Officials
Government Guide: Summary of Current Bills
EL/Civics: Capitol Hill