• Seat students in a circle of chairs (rather than at desks);
• Put off note-taking until end of class;
• Repeat key words/questions frequently so students can hear them as many times as necessary;
• Encourage students to tape classes/practice interviews to practice later;
• Minimize paper and pencil exercises (if you use a text, it must have a strong audio component);
• Bring in guest "examiners" so students practice hearing voices/accents different from your own.

• Focus on listening comprehension rather than rote question/response activities;
• Teach "key" words rather than memorizing every possible way a question might be asked;
• In practice interviews, vary the wordings of questions/commands each time.

• Try to get a copy of students' N-400 before starting class to avoid asking about sensitive issues;
• Wait until you can offer one-to-one practice in private to coach students who have special issues.

• Join a local immigration advocacy group (if possible) to get updates on naturalization issues;
• Stay in touch with a well-informed Congressional office (if possible);
• Use the N-400 as a guide;
• Do "mini" practice interviews for each section of the N-400;
• Debrief every student after every INS interview; use information to practice interviews.

• Provide as much practice as students want;
• Offer individual practice interviews before a real INS appointment;
• Make sure students know exactly what the interview process will consist of and how to respond;
• Offer (or encourage students to get) native language translations of likely questions;
• Reward any success no matter how small;
• Let students know that perfect grammar and understanding are not necessary for a successful interview;
• Express confidence in students' abilities ("You answered my questions very well just now. I think you will be able to answer the INS examiners question well, too.")
• Invite students who have recently become citizens to answer questions your class may have about the process;
• Go over the Oath of Naturalization (it's on the first page of the N-400) so students know what they are promising. Language is complex and archaic so you will have to have a translation or simplify/reword a great deal.

• Be calm and polite;
• Know how to say: "Yes. That's right."/"No. That's not right."
• "That's not correct."/"Excuse me, I don't understand."/"I didn't hear you."/"I have a question";
• Speak clearly;
• Look at the examiner.

Commands to Practice

• "Follow me";
• "Remain standing";
• "Take out your green card and passport";
• "Read this sentence/write this sentence": _______________;
• "Write your _______ (phone number, name, address)";
• "Sign your name."

• "Since you became a permanent resident, have you ever...?";
• "Do you promise to tell the truth...?";
• Current/currently; present/presently; previous/previously;
• Former (address, employer, spouse);
• "Have you ever failed..." (to register for selective service).

1. Applicant enters waiting room and puts appointment slip in a box.
2. Examiner pulls appointment slip and file and calls applicant's name.
3. Applicant is told to go to room #_______.
4. Applicant is instructed to remain standing, raise right hand, and promise to tell the truth. (Applicant must answer "yes" or "I do.")
5. Applicant is asked to show green card and sometimes a passport or other ID.
6. Examiner reviews each section of the N-400 application, adds any new information, and has applicant sign application.
7. Examiner asks civics questions, gives a dictation (and sometimes a reading test.)

1. Applicant is asked to sign a certificate processing sheet and also sign on the side of his/her photos.
2. Applicant is scheduled for swearing-in ("Oath Ceremony"), usually a week later.

The INS Interview: Will They Pass? Video of mock interviews and information to help teachers and students determine whether the applicant is likely to be approved for citizenship. Available from New Readers Press, 800-448-8878, or through their Web catalog: www.newreaderspress.com

INS: A Guide to Naturalization. Free booklet available through local INS offices, on the Web, www.ins.usdoj.gov/graphics/services/natz/index.htm, or through the INS Forms Line: 800-870-3676. An online practice test is also available on the INS Web page.

Lynne Weintraub teaches Citizenship at the Jones Library in Amherst, MA. She can be reached at 413-256-8037 or by e-mail at lynneweintraub@hotmail.com