What are three of the most important or significant news events that have occurred over the last three months in your area or country? How do these events affect your life, directly or indirectly?
Agree or Disagree? Let’s Spark Some Conversation!
These statements are designed to get everyone thinking, moving, and talking! The goal is to explore ideas, share opinions, and get ready for the next part of the lesson.
In a face-to-face classroom: Read each statement aloud. If you agree, move to one side of the room; if you disagree, move to the other. Talk with your group—why do you feel that way? Then, pair students with members of the other group and have students explain their reasons. Rotate partners for more practice.
In an online classroom: Use polls, emojis, or the chat box in your online platform to show your opinion. Then, join the conversation as a group or in breakout rooms. What do others think? Do you agree or disagree with them?
For independent learners: Read each statement and think about your opinion. Then say your answer out loud and explain your reason, as if you’re talking to a classmate. This helps you get ready to speak and join real conversations in English. Consider recording your ideas and self-assess your progress.
TV news is still the most reliable way to stay informed.
Watching the news every day can increase stress and anxiety.
TV news focuses too much on negative stories.
Young people prefer getting news online rather than on TV.
News anchors should always stay neutral and never share opinions.
International news is not covered enough on local TV stations.
Watching TV news helps improve listening skills in a new language.
TV news sometimes creates fear to get more viewers.
It’s hard to know which news channel to trust.
People should watch news from different countries to understand the world better.
Idioms
“hit the road” = leave or depart from a specific place “Okay. It’s time to hit the road. Everyone, get in the car.”
“drive at something” = What do you mean or imply? “Hey, what are you driving at? Are you trying to say that I’m a bad driver?“
Listening Exercise
A. Listen to the recording and answer the questions.
Post-Listening Exercise
Review the story with a partner. What interesting details do we learn about this event? In some societies, a dog is often said to be a man’s best friend. Are there certain pets that people value or keep as faithful companions?
Online Investigation
Find one interesting news story that involves animals and people. Who was involved in the event? What happened and how did things turn out?