English

A compilation of newsTickerarticles and exercises

September, 2012

CONTENT

(A2) FLOATING MAN..............................................................................................................2(B1) BATMAN FINALE............................................................................................................ 4(B2) OLYMPIC TITBITS..........................................................................................................6(A2) SAVING WHALES...........................................................................................................8(A2) A QUICK DIP..................................................................................................................10(B1) STICKY HEIST.............................................................................................................. 12(B2) NOT TO BE IGNORED................................................................................................14(B2) JUST 2 MORE SLEEPS!............................................................................................. 16(B1) LAUGHS A MINUTE.....................................................................................................18(B2) CHANGE OF ADDRESS.............................................................................................20(B2) SHARK WEEK...............................................................................................................22(A2) GET-AWAY YACHT.......................................................................................................24(A2) RARE TALENT.............................................................................................................. 26(B2) FAMOUS WORDS........................................................................................................28(B2) A RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS...............................................................................30

newsLetter - 1

Published: 2012-09-01 - 2012-09-09

(A2) FLOATING MAN

May he rest in peace

A fully clothed man was found floating in the Susquehanna River near Williamsport.

When Sue Hubbard first saw the unfortunate man, she alerted emergency services.The police and the coroner arrived at the scene to commence their investigation.

The man was wearing a life jacket, so it seemed strange that he had ended up in theriver.

Suddenly, a most unexpected thing happened. The floating man sat up!

Joseph DeAngelo had been floating in the river on a hot summer's day and had fallenasleep. It wasn't until a dragonfly landed on his nose that he woke up.

He explained he was: "out like a light", and unaware of the trouble he was causing.

Joseph added he was just making the most of life, and would continue to do so!

newsLetter - 2

EXERCISE

FLOATING MAN

May he rest in peace

1a Who was going to start an investigation?

1b Describe what happened unexpectedly!

1c What was it that woke Joseph up?

1d What did he say he was doing, and would continue to do?

2a As a class discuss the expression "May he rest in peace". In which context is thisexpression generally used? Why do you think this subtitle was used?

2b Discuss the expression "out like a light". What does it mean? Can you find otherwords or expressions with this meaning?

2c Write a short poem using these expressions and some of the phrases from the story.In pairs read your poems to each other.

2d In groups of four, imagine that a reporter has come to report on what happened.Decide who will play the roll of the reporter, the police, the floating man and SueHubbard. The reporter will interview each of the characters involved in this incident.

3a In small groups, make a fact sheet about the place where this incident took place.Where is the Susquehanna River? How many people live in Williamstown? Hot hot doesit get in summer? How cold does it get in winter? ....and any other intersting facts youcan find!

4a Discuss what "making the most of life" means to you personally. How do you makethe most of life?

5a Translate these words into your own language:unfortunate, alert, coroner, unaware

newsLetter - 3

Published: 2012-09-01 - 2012-09-09

(B1) BATMAN FINALE

Rubber is cool!

"The Dark Knight Rises" was certainly the most highly anticipated screen film of thesummer. In New York, the midnight IMAX screening was sold out six months in advance!

It is pretty much universally agreed upon that the 4 year wait since "The Dark Knight",was worth it.

Described as a "multi-layered story with massive amounts of action", "The Dark KnightRises" is the final episode of the batman trilogy.

Anne Hathaway sparkled and kicked butt (literally) in the role of Catwoman. The brutalcharacter of Bane was played by Tom Hardy, who was forced to gain 30 pounds toprepare for his role. Finally, Christian Bale returns to the Batman trilogy as Bruce Wayne (Batman's secretidentity). He says he will miss the rubber suit that he wore, despite the heat, sweat anddiscomfort. Seeing himself in the suit, he said, looked totally cool!

newsLetter - 4

EXERCISE

BATMAN FINALE

Rubber is cool!

1a What does the article say that shows how highly anticipated "The Dark Knight Rises"was?

1b What was pretty much universally agreed upon by all those who waited for thearrival of this film?

1c Which three characters from the film were mentioned in this text? What was saidabout each of them?

2a Discuss the two metaphors, "sparkled" and "cool". What do each of these wordsmean in this text? What are their literal meanings? Write synonyms for each of thesemetaphors.

2b Discuss the meaning of the expression "kicked butt"? In what ways can a person kickbutt? What style of writing does this expression belong to?

2c Write 4 adjectives used in this text and with the help of a thesaurus, find synonymsfor them.

2d In groups of three, use the adjectives, expressions and metaphors found in this textto write an advertisement for a film you have seen. Share with the class.

3a In groups of three, choose one of the characters mentioned in this text to act out.Watch the following clip as many times as you need to and stop and start if necessaryto make sure you understand what is said.www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=dMMJ1lgijwk. Write questions to ask each of the other characters based on what you see and hear inthis clip. Role play!

4a Christian Bale said he would miss wearing the rubber suit, despite it beinguncomfortable. Discuss the type of clothing we sometimes wear, just because it lookscool. What clothing or footwear might fit into the category of "uncomfortable, but it looksgood". What is more important, do you think, looks or comfort?

5a Translate these words into your own language:anticipated, upon, brutal, suit

newsLetter - 5

Published: 2012-09-01 - 2012-09-09

(B2) OLYMPIC TITBITS

Memorable surprises

The 2012 London Olympic Games were watched by a staggering 2 billion people - astark contrast to the 1908 Olympics in Paris, where so few watched the games, thatthere were more participants than spectators.

Those watching in 2012 were treated to some unforgettable moments in history.Perhaps the most memorable of victories are the ones we are most surprised by? One such victory was claimed by Andy Murray. With home-crowd support, he thrashedRoger Federer in straight-sets. It was the first time Andy Murray had succeeded inbeating the 14 times Grand Slam champion! And the first time a Brit had graced thegold medal podium in men's singles tennis since 1908.

In track and field, 34 yearold Felix Sanchez took gold in the 400-metre hurdles final. Heoutran an elite field of much younger athletes. Raised by his grandmother, who diedduring the 2008 Olympics, he proudly displayed a photo of her on his shirt. During theawards ceremony, he cried unashamedly, while the Dominican Republic's nationalanthem resounded in the stadium.

newsLetter - 6

EXERCISE

OLYMPIC TITBITS

Memorable surprises

1a The 2012 London Olympics was quite different from the 1908 Paris Olympics. Explain inwhich way.

1b Which victories are likely to be the most memorable?

1c Explain why Andy Murray's victory was unexpected?

1d Why was Felix Sanchez's victory surprising?

2a Imagine you are Felix Sanchez writing a letter to your grandmother. Use conditional forms,for instance: "If you had only been here, Grandma, you would have..." Read your letters outloud to the class.

2b Did these Olympic victories surprise you? What Olympic moment was most memorable ormost surprising for you personally? Write about that moment. Describe it in as much detail asyou can. If you were to upload your re-telling of this moment as a You Tube clip, what musicwould you choose to play in the background? If possible play this music as you read out themoment to the class.

2c In pairs, write a prediction about the next Olympics and performances that would surpriseyou. Use expressions such as "it is highly unlikely that" and "I very much doubt". Read some ofthese predictions out in class.

3a In groups, watch this You Tube clip about the greatest moments at the London Olympics www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HMn5iD0KLQ. Try to work out which country the people come from by their accent. Take note of the countrythe person or team comes from that gave them their favourite Olympic moment. Do you observea trend? Discuss patriotism.

3b Where is the Dominican Rebublic? How many gold medals has this country won in thehistory of the Olympics? To whom do these medals belong?

4a Discuss the comparison made between the 2012 Olympics with 2 billion viewers world-wideand the Paris Olympics of 1908. How did most people watch the Olympics in 2012? In whichways has broadcasting technology revolutionised our perception of sports?

4b Do you think hosting an Olympics games is an acceptible way of spending tax payers'money? Find out how much money it cost to stage the opening ceremony at the LondonOlympics, and discuss whether or not this money was well spent. What do you feel should beprioritised?

5a Translate these words into your own language:staggering, participants, grace, podium, unashamedly

newsLetter - 7

Published: 2012-09-10 - 2012-09-16

(A2) SAVING WHALES

Waiting for high tide

A pod of pilot whales beached themselves between Anstruther and Pittenweem in Fifelast week. Twenty-six whales, measuring up to six metres in length, became stranded.

Rescue teams worked to keep the animals alive, by covering them in wet blankets andspraying them with water.

When the tide rose sufficiently, rescuers were able to assist the surviving whales toswim back out to sea. Sadly, sixteen of the beached animals had died, including threecalves.

Vets are performing post mortems on the dead whales, hoping to find clues as to whythey beached themselves.

The survivors continue to be monitored. Rescue workers have pleaded with curiousspectators in pleasure crafts not to approach the whales and cause them further distress.

newsLetter - 8

EXERCISE

SAVING WHALES

Waiting for high tide

1a Describe what happened to a pod of pilot whales in Fife last week!

1b What did rescue workers do to keep the whales alive?

1c Why were vets performing post mortems on the bodies of the dead whales?

1d What was likely to cause further distress to the whales once they were out to sea?

2a What name is given to a group of whales? As a class, workshop names given toother groups of animals in English. Compile a list on the whiteboard.

2b Write a similar news report about the rescuing of some animal or group of animals,close to where you live. The story does not have to be real or even realistic. Use yourimagination!

- In pairs swap texts and check one another's spelling.

- Choose two of the texts to re-write on the whiteboard. Go through them as a classdiscussing and correcting them together.

- Remove the texts from the whiteboard and ask comprehension questions. How muchcould you remember?

- Read some of the texts texts out loud and ask comprehension questions. How muchcould you remember?

3a Watch this You Tube video in pairs. Which English accent is this? By listening overand over if necessary, can you work out what they are saying? Try to take notes andlearn some new words.www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-19458639

3b Where is Fife? Find it on a map! Can you find the two towns mentioned in this text?

4a Discuss the effort that went into saving these whales. Would you like to be involvedin such a rescue? Do you think it would have been traumatic to have seen so manywhales die? What other events in nature are challenging to witness?

Translate the following words into your own language:stranded, tide, sufficiently, post mortems, monitor

newsLetter - 9

Published: 2012-09-10 - 2012-09-16

(A2) A QUICK DIP

Mobile nightmare over

The owners of Fone Zone Australia have good news for their customers. No longer will itbe a crisis to have your mobile phone fall out of your pocket into the toilet! Now, anamazing substance can save it.

David McMahon, co-founder of the company, first discovered the substance at a tradeshow in California.

Liquipel is a heavy duty waterproof coating. It is applied to your telephone as a vapour,under vacuum conditions. In the event of accidental exposure to water, the phone'selectronic circuits are protected.

Before introducing his customers to the new technology, David has been conducting atrial. In the past month, his personal Liquipel iPhone 4S has been submerged 15-20times, with no damage.

He is thankful that they have finally found the solution to the number one problemcustomers are faced with!

newsLetter - 10

EXERCISE

A QUICK DIP

Mobile nightmare over

1a What good news do the owners of Fone Zone Australia have for their customers?

1b What is Liquipel? How is it applied?

1c What has happened to David's personal Liquipel phone, as part of a trial of this newtechnology?

2a What is a disclaimer? Why is a disclaimer necessary?

From reading this article, and what is said with respect to the protection of the phone'selectronic ciruits, can you come up with a disclaimer for this product?

2b Imagine you work as the marketing managers for Fone Zone, Australia. In pairs,write an advertisement for this product, including a disclaimer. Read some of them out inclass.

3a Continuing in pairs, view this You Tube clip and the demonstration of Liquipel. Takenotes as you watch, stopping and starting to try and identify any new words orphrases.....

What is the disclaimer made by the person demonstrating Liquipel? Describe in your own words what the demonstration consisted of.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHzvdyUvyg4

4a Discuss whether or not you would be personally tempted to put this new technologyto the test. Why/why not?

4b What is a practical joke? Can you think of practical jokes using this technology?

Translate the following words into your own language:substance, trade show, duty, vacuum, circuits

newsLetter - 11

Published: 2012-09-10 - 2012-09-16

(B1) STICKY HEIST

Runny treasure

It is said that if a product has a high enough value, it is open to being copied, or sold onthe black market. But who would have suspected a stock pile of maple syrup to be atarget!

Police are now on the lookout to catch sticky-handed thieves, who broke into awarehouse belonging to the Federation of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers. The sweet-toothed bandits succeeded in hauling away 30 million dollars' worth of the deliciousamber liquid.

15,000 barrels were emptied, as 10,000 lb of maple syrup disappeared. Police areunsure when or how the heist took place. They do suspect however, that the goldendelight will end up on the black market.

Pancake lovers were horrified by the news, as Quebec produces some 75 percent ofthe world's maple syrup.

Fortunately, only the smallest of the nation's emergency storage facilities was hit. Dueto the volume of the stockpile remaining, pancakes need not go dry!

newsLetter - 12

EXERCISE

STICKY HEIST

Runny treasure

1a What does this article say can happen, if a product has a high enough value? In thiscase, which product was targeted?

1b Where in the world did the robbery take place? What was the value of that whichwas stolen?

1c Why were pancake lovers horrified by this news? What were they afraid mighthappen?

1d Why did the robbery not cause a major problem?

2a What words are used in this article to describe the stolen substance? Can you comeup with some other expressions to describe it? Brainstorm in small groups, then sharewith the class!

2b What words were used to describe the individuals who did the stealing? Again, try tothink of other ways to describe them. Brainstorm in groups, and share with the class!

2c What does black market mean?

2d In small groups, write the dialogue for a short sketch on one of the following themes:

- Scenes at the breakfast table the day the pancakes ran dry.- Potential customers on the black market, trying to negotiate the price of the stolengoods.- A televised interview with a police officer, telling the public not to worry, and describingthe clues that they have found so far.

3a In which country did this take place? What languages are spoken in this country?

3b Where does maple syrup come from? How is it made? Find out!

4a In groups, discuss the black market. What effect do you think releasing maple syruponto the black market would have on the pricing of maple syrup made by regularmanufacturers?

Can you think of other products that are sold on the black market?

Translate the following words into your own language:stock pile, broke, haul, worth, horrify

newsLetter - 13

Published: 2012-09-10 - 2012-09-16

(B2) NOT TO BE IGNORED

Spineless superheroes

We often talk about the economy, but most of the really vital services we rely on areperformed free of charge! When a bee pollinates a flower, it produces a harvest ofapples. The humble worm, wriggling underground, aerates and fertilises soil, which thenproduces healthy crops. Lobsters provide us with delicious seafood. Coral reefs protectour shorelines, and dung beetles recycle animal waste.

These invaluable services are provided by a group of animals known as theinvertebrates. But a report released in August reveals that up to 20 percent of these"eco-system engineers" are under threat of extinction.

In recent years, money for research, public awareness, and conservation efforts havebeen mostly directed at saving vertebrates, such as lions, tigers and whales.

Helping larger animals is certainly valuable, but the report explains the urgency of alsoprotecting the invertebrates, which make up 80 percent of the world's species!

Ben Collen from the Zoological Society of London calls them "the spineless creaturesthat rule the world". For the sake of the planet - which currently supports 7 billion people- the value of their services can no longer be ignored!

newsLetter - 14

EXERCISE

NOT TO BE IGNORED

Spineless superheroes

1a What is said with respect to economy, about most of the really vital services we relyon? What are some of these services?

1b Which group of animals provides these services? What is predicted to be the futurefor 20 percent of the animals that comprise this group?

1c In recent years, which animals have been the focus, with respect to public awareness,money for research etc?

1d How does Ben Collen from the Zoological Society of London refer to this significantgroup of animals?

2a Make a list of the animals in this article that provide us with services free of charge.

What are the verbs used here to describe what these animals do for us?

How do these animals move? Which verbs describe their movement?

2b In groups, write a rap song called Spineless Superheroes, using some of theseverbs. Perform to music....with actions!

3a Give a definition of an invertebrate. Give a definition of a vertebrate! Can you think ofother animals that belong to these two groups?

3b Look at this You Tube clip and describe in your own words what pollination is. Whatanimals are responsible for this? What else can result in pollination? www.youtube.com/watch?v=ge3EM8AERV0

4a Discuss in groups the need for knowledge about the natural world all around us.What are the consequences of a lack of knowledge about these matters?

4b Why do you think many of these invertebrates could become extinct?

4c Discuss ways in which you could make people aware of their invaluable services.

Translate the following words into your own language:vital, humble, aerate, threat, extinction,

newsLetter - 15

Published: 2012-09-10 - 2012-09-16

(B2) JUST 2 MORE SLEEPS!

Sneak pics available

iPhone fans are champing at the bit for the soon to be released iPhone 5. In the last fewdays, some sneak peek pics of this brand-new marvel have been leaked onto You Tube.It is purportedly bigger and slimmer, with some never-before-seen features.

The iPhone 5 will be shown to the world September 12th, and those who have dared tospeculate are putting their money on a September 21st product availability date.

In the lead-up to its arrival, Nokia and Google have done their best to take the wind outof Apple's sails. They are touting their own models with cool innovative details, such asedge-to-edge screens, and a spring-mounted camera.

However impressive these novel features may be, analysts don't deem them impressiveenough to sway consumers away from the iPhone.

Neil Mawston from Strategic Analytics tells us: "The devices that were launched weremore of an evolution rather than a revolution," "This was a baby step for Nokia ... and notreally a giant leap, like some were hoping."

So will number 5 bring the revolution Neil is waiting for? Just two more sleeps beforelaunching!

newsLetter - 16

EXERCISE

JUST 2 MORE SLEEPS

Sneak pics available

1a What is it that has been leaked onto You Tube, and what features is this device purported tohave?

1b Describe in your own words what Nokia and Google are trying to do.

1c Again in your own words, what does Neil Wawston have to say in response to these efforts?

2a What does "champing at the bit" mean? Can you come with synonyms?

2b What does "sneak peek pics" mean? Describe in your own words!

2c In pairs, write a television commercial for the much awaited iPhone 5, using some of theseexpressions. View the video at 3a for ideas.

2d Interview your pair partner about their current phone, asking them what features and appsthey use most, and what features and apps they don't use at all.

3a In pairs, watch this You Tube clip. What is said about Steve Jobs? What feature is likely tobe affected by his personal taste? What is it that the iPhone 5 is not likely to have?www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDphFX_UWEs

3b What is an analogy? What analogy does the presenter make at the start of this You Tubeclip?

Can you come up with a similar analogy in your own language?

What impact does the use of such an analogy have on you? How does it affect yourexpectations as you watch? www.youtube.com/watch?v=MW1gvpYxjvo

4a Discuss consumerism. What is it?

4b Discuss the impact of constantly updating technology. Does it affect you? Are you affectedby the hype of promotions and advertising?

4c What are your personal areas of temptation when it comes to possibly falling victim toconsumerism? Are there ways of avoiding such temptations?

Translate the following words into your own language:sneak, purportedly, marvel, leak, innovative

newsLetter - 17

Published: 2012-09-17 - 2012-09-23

(B1) LAUGHS A MINUTE

Humour is subjective

A UK-based provider of live-streaming movies recently conducted a survey of the top-10 comedies watched by their subscribers. The aim was to find out which of thesemovies was the funniest.

The survey recorded the number of laughs per minute for each of these comedies, toestablish an objective 'laughs a minute' rating.

Topping the list and earning the title Funniest Film Ever was "Airplane", with 3 laughs aminute. Coming in at 2nd place with 2.4 laughs a minute was "The Hangover", while"The Life of Brian" reached 10th place.

A storm of blogs throughout cyberspace soon indicated that not everyone was inagreement with these results. One blogger wondered where "Blazing Saddles" was.Another commented: "Half of these movies are not even funny!"

When it comes to humour, it seems we rarely see eye-to-eye. But given the variety inhumankind, it's maybe not surprising that we crack up at different things?

newsLetter - 18

EXERCISE

LAUGHS A MINUTE

Humour is subjective

1a What was the aim of the survey conducted by this company?

1b What were the names of the three films mentioned in this article that were on the top-10 list? Which of these topped the list?

1c What was one of the on-line responses to this survey?

1d What does the writer conclude with respect to humankind and humour?

2a Go to the website below and scroll down until you reach the list of the Top TenFunniest Films. Write a blog post sharing your own reaction to the list, and your recommendations.www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2199332/Spoof-disaster-film-Airplane-funniest-movie-gets-laughing-times-minute.html

3a Continuing in groups, watch this trailer of "Airplane".

Each new scene represents something that is supposed to be funny. Choose four ofthese funny moments and write down either what is said, or what happens in the scene.

Describe if you can, what makes it funny. Share your thoughts with the class.

www.funnyordie.com/videos/368772142e/airplane-original-movie-trailer-from-airplanefan

3b In yourgroups, write a short synopsis for the film, including one quote. Read out yoursynopsis for the class.

4a Discuss what kind of humour you like. What things do you laugh at? Is it funny forexample to laugh at other people's mistakes or accidents?

4b In the clip above, a woman is hysterical and several people attempt to calm herdown.

Did you all find this funny? Were any of you upset by this scene?

Discuss why this can be funny, or why it could be offensive. Translate into your own language:aim, survey, divide, establish, crack up

newsLetter - 19

Published: 2012-09-17 - 2012-09-23

(B2) CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Monkey business

A nocturnal animal known as the slender loris is native to the rainforests of India and SriLanka. This tiny primate can also tolerate dry forests, and prefers thick thornyvegetation where they can easily escape predators.

Last week, two unsuspecting slender lorises fell victim to a most dangerous predator.One in particular, found itself in a short-lived home, somewhat different to its naturalhabitat.

At New Delhi airport, a citizen of the United Arab Emirates was seized trying to board aflight to Dubai. It was discovered that he was carrying a most reluctant living cargo! Theendangered animal was found travelling in his underpants. The second loris was foundin a nearby garbage bin.

It has been believed that parts of the slender loris have medicinal, even magical powers.For this reason, they have become a target for poachers and their numbers have beenon the decline. The Indian government has now placed these vulnerable primates onthe protected species list.

Both abducted lorises are now being cared for by the animal welfare organisationPeople for Animals.

newsLetter - 20

EXERCISE

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Monkey business

1a What is a slender loris? Describe its natural habitat and the countries it is native to.

1b Describe what happened at New Delhi airport.

1c Explain why it is that the slender loris has become a target for poachers.

1d How has the Indian government responded to their decline in numbers?

2a In pairs, re-write this article as a news report to be read out on a show called "CrimeWatch", with the main focus being the crime that was committed. Swap reports with one of the other pairs, and give one another feedback. Read out some of the reports for the class.

2b What does 'monkey business' mean? Look up the definition and write down a fewsynonyms for it.Without looking at the dictionary's definition, explain what it means to your partner. Can youthink of examples?

2c Write down all the names and descriptions used in this article to refer to the slender loris. What effect does it have, using different names to refer to the same thing in an article when it isnecessary to refer to it repeatedly?

3a In groups, watch the You Tube clip below, stopping and starting as you try to understandwhat is said. Make a note of as many facts as you can. Write four quiz questions to ask the other groups.www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuQAEOucZmI

4a Watch this You Tube clip. Does it seem that the man caught in possession of the animal had chosen a good place toconceal it? Discuss!www.youtube.com/watch?v=CyqKVEFF43A

4b Discuss animal poaching and the beliefs mentioned in this article. Discuss ways in whichsuch poaching can be reduced.

4c Can you think of beliefs or customs in your own region that may endanger some species? What about your life-style and diet: are they based in beliefs and habit? Do they affectendangered species?

Translate the following words into your own language:native, predators, habitat, endangered, unsuspecting

newsLetter - 21

Published: 2012-09-17 - 2012-09-23

(B2) SHARK WEEK

Smooth, iconic, awesome!

Discovery Channel first introduced SharkWeek in 1987, to raise awareness and respectfor this formidable creature of the deep. 25 years down the track, and it's still an across-the-board hit!

This year's programmes were described as being more voyeuristic than ever. Viewerswere treated to: interviews with shark attack survivors, g-force measuring seal decoys,shark hypnotism, and never-before-seen shark breaching.

Shark Week 2012 was hosted by You Tube celebrity Phillip DeFranco, who describessharks as "smooth", "iconic" and "just awesome". He said he would much rather beeaten alive by a shark than by piranhas!

Since its inception, Shark Week has accumulated hundreds of thousands of fans.Stephani Lugo declared "I'm going to be glued to my TV ... and bite someone like agreat white on a seal if they try and change the channel!"

Since shark numbers are rapidly dwindling, it is hoped that Shark Week will raise muchneeded shark advocates. Some fans of the show however, were concerned that thefocus on the killing potential and power of these animals might be counterproductive tothe cause.

newsLetter - 22

EXERCISE

SHARK WEEK

Smooth, iconic, awesome!

1a Why did Discovery Channel introduce Shark Week? How is its continuing successdescribed?

1b How were this year's programmes described? List some of the things viewers were treatedto.

1c How does Phillip DeFranco refer to sharks, and what does he say he would prefer?

1d How did Stephani Lugo expressed her enthusiasm for the show?

2a What is meant by 'years down the track', 'across-the-board', 'glued to my TV' and 'morevoyeuristic than ever'? Can you come up with synonyms or expressions with a similar meaning?

2b In pairs, create a poster advertising your version of Shark Week. Use information andexpressions from from this article. You can draw or use picture cut outs with brief descriptions.You could also draw speech balloons out of the shark's, people's and seal's mouths with fun orinformative comments. 2c Present your finished posters to the class. Display them around the classroom.

3a Watch the first of these videos about Colossus. What is breaching? Why do sharks breach?What else do you learn about this shark? Where in the world is this filmed? What is said aboutthis place from a seal's perspective?dsc.discovery.com/tv-shows/shark-week/videos

3b Watch the next video about g-forces. Record facts about g-forces. Give a definition of whata g-force is.

3c Share your findings with the class.

4a From what you have seen in these clips, how do you feel about sharks now? Do you thinkshowing the power and killing capacity of these animals is counterproductive to conservationefforts? Why/why not?

4b One viewer said that those who are biten by sharks more often than not become sharkadvocates. Who do you think is likely to become a shark attack victim? Discuss ways these attacks can be avoided.

4c Why do you think DeFranco said he would rather be eaten alive by a shark than bypiranhas? Discuss!

Translate the following words into your own language:formidable, deep, track, voyeuristic, advocate, iconic

newsLetter - 23

Published: 2012-09-24 - 2012-09-30

(A2) GET-AWAY YACHT

Strong man of the water

Texas police received a phone call last week from the harbour master at Seabrook. Hesuspected that a man was trying to steal one of the luxury yachts moored there.

Phillip Beach had tied a rope around his waist, which was then attached to The FlyingPearl - a 12 ton luxury sailboat. He had removed the boat from its slip and was in theprocess of towing it when the informant first spotted him.

When police arrived, Phillip was attempting to take the boat out of the harbour towardsdeeper water. It was the first time police had encountered a boat thief using thisparticular method.

Phillip was attempting to haul the 46 ft long pleasure craft away from its moorings whilstswimming!

newsLetter - 24

EXERCISE

GET-AWAY YACHT

Strong man of the water

1a Why did police receive a phone call from the harbour master at Seabrook last week?

1b What was Phillip Beach trying to do when the police arrived at the harbour?

1c What did police say with respect to Phillip's chosen method?

1d How much did the boat weigh, and how long was it?

2a Write any of the words from the text that you don't understand on the whiteboard. Asa class discuss their meanings.

2b As a class, read through this article together slowly, to practice pronunciation.

2c In groups of four, re-write this story as a short play using as many words and phrasesfrom the text as you can. Include: the thief, the police, the harbourmaster, and the ownerof the boat in your play.

2d Act out your play for the class!

3a Continuing in groups, watch 3.50 mins of the You Tube clip below. Stop and start thevideo as many times as necessary to catch what is said.

Together, write an advertisement for the device that was used to track the boat.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=-r5hjLxU8sI

3b If time permits, share some of your advertisements with the class.

Translate the following words into your own language:suspect, moor, waist, slip, informant

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Published: 2012-09-24 - 2012-09-30

(A2) RARE TALENT

Age no barrier

Talent shows have been around now for several years. Judges have pretty much seen itall. But last week on The X Factor, the panel of experts sat with gaping mouths whenCarly Rose Sonenclar started to sing.

Wearing sandals and jean shorts, the 13 year old pranced on stage flashing her cheekysmile. When Carly told the judges she was going to perform "Feeling Good" by NinaSimone, Simon Cowell raised his eyebrows and said: "Whooo!" The entire panel lookedsceptical to say the least. LA Reid asked somewhat sarcastically: "Did you rehearse?"

From the moment Carly began singing, the judges' expressions changed fromscepticism to sheer disbelief! The entire audience gave her a standing ovation andBritney Spears declared, "You are a little diva!"

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EXERCISE

RARE TALENT

Age no barrier

1a What kind of contest is the text about?

1b What was Carly Rose wearing when she pranced on stage?

1c How did Simon Cowell and L.A Reid respond when Carly told them she was going tosing "Feeling Good" by Nina Simone?

1d Describe the judges' reactions to Carly before and after she started to sing.

2a As a class, write the following phrases and idioms on the whiteboard and discusstheir meanings:"been around", "pretty much seen it all", "sat with gaping mouths", "pranced on stage","flashing her cheeky smile", "looked sceptical to say the least", and "standing ovation"

2b In pairs, write a similar story, using some of these expressions. The hero of yourstory should achieve something no-one would ever have expected them to achieve.

2c Read your stories out loud for the class.

3a Find out about the show The X Factor. Write some facts about the show, includingwho each of the judges are and what they are famous for.

3b Who is Nina Simone? When did she live and what kind of music is she known for?

3c Watch the You Tube clip of Carly's performance. You can skip to 1.30 if the entire clipis too long.What emotions do you see on her parents' faces? What does L.A Reid say to Carly with respect to her age?

www.youtube.com/watch?v=nU_dBDccruI

4a Listen to this clip of Nina Simone singing the song that Carly Rose chose to sing.

www.dailymotion.com/video/x6xtaa_feeling-good-nina-simone_music

Discuss why you think the judges were shocked that Carly had chosen such a song? Doyou think she did the song justice?

Translate the following words into your own language:gape, prance, sceptical, sarcastic, sheer, ovation

newsLetter - 27

Published: 2012-09-24 - 2012-09-30

(B2) FAMOUS WORDS

Ashes out to sea

September 14th an extraordinary human being was laid to rest in the Atlantic Ocean.Described by his family as "a reluctant American hero who had served his nationproudly", this 82 year old's list of achievements was quite literally out of this world!

Despite being one of the most famous men on the planet, this humble person shunnedpublicity and declined to be interviewed or to sign autographs. He fought those whodared to exploit his reputation - even threatening legal action against his barber who hadsold a chunk of his hair to a collector for 3,000 dollars.

The direction he was headed could be guessed when he received his first flightcertificate at just 15 years of age. He later became a fighter pilot, aerospace engineerand a professor.

But it was his journey beyond the earth's atmosphere that gained him notoriety like noother. 384,403 kilometres from earth, he uttered the words that will possibly go down inhistory as the most famous ever:

"One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind", declared Neil Armstrong when helanded on the moon.

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EXERCISE

FAMOUS WORDS

Ashes out to sea

1a How old was Neil Armstrong when he died, and how does his family describe him?

1b In shunning publicity, what were the two things that Neil refused to do?

1c What did Neil achieve when he was just 15 years of age?

1d Can you quote the words Neil Armstrong is most famous for?

2a Working in pairs, write five sentences that describe a famous person. Use quotes andinformation about that person that would give clues as to who it is that you are writing about.Start with the most difficult clues, and finish with the easiest. Do not reveal the name of theperson you are referring to!

2b Read your sentences one by one to the class to see if they can guess who you aredescribing. How many sentences do you have to read before they can guess? Try not to givethe identity of the person away too early in your written piece.

3a Find out when man first landed on the moon. Who predicted that this would happen beforethe end of the 1960's? What were the names of the astronauts who were on this mission?

3b Watch the following You Tube clip. Write a small summary of this man's experience and feelings about his mission and the effect ithad on his life. Share some of these summaries in class to see what different facts and impressions you eachreceived.www.youtube.com/watch?v=1j9Fo7XayCg&feature=related

4a Neil Armstrong said that he was misquoted by NASA. He says he actually said: "One smallstep for a man, one giant leap for mankind". Discuss the difference this makes to the meaningof this statement. Then watch the link below. Do you hear the 'a'?www.space.com/17307-neil-armstrong-one-small-step-quote.html

4b Discuss what it takes to be a hero. Do you think someone who walks on the moon is a hero?Why/why not?

4c Do you think that it can be difficult to have achieved something so monumental and then'come back down to earth'? Discuss. Begin by discussing the meaning of the idiom 'come backdown to earth'. Can it be used literally in this instance? Explain!

Translate the following words into your own language:step, reluctant, despite, barber, notoriety

newsLetter - 29

Published: 2012-09-24 - 2012-09-30

(B2) A RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS

Too cold for bare feet

A random act of kindness has the potential to change the world of the recipient. If thatact happens to be witnessed by many, the ripple effect can be staggering. It remains tobe seen how the lives of souls in the Winnipeg area will be transformed after one suchact of generosity that took place on bus route 24 last week.

Bus driver Kris Doubledee spotted a seemingly homeless man walking along theroadside with bare feet. As is his habit, he prayed quietly that this manʼs needs wouldbe met.

The very next day, Kris saw the same man again, and it hit him that perhaps he was theone for the job. He said: "It was ...seven degrees ... I had to help him. Anyone wouldhave done it."

He pulled the bus overand got out to talk to the man. The passengers watched, as Krisbent down and took his good leather shoes off his feet, handing them to the man on thesidewalk.

When interviewed about his altruistic gesture, he said, "I just do it because you've gottwo arms and two legs and.. You've got one heart and you should use it every day,.."

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EXERCISE

A RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS

Too cold for bare feet

1a Describe the random act of kindness performed by Kris Doubledee.

1b When Kris first saw the seemingly homeless man, what was his response?

1c What did he think to himself when he saw the man the following day?

1d What did Kris say about his altruistic gesture when interviewed?

2a In pairs, re-write this story. One of you should write it from the homeless man'sperspective and the other from the perspective of one of the people on the bus.

2b As a class, combine parts from your texts to make a dramatic enactment of theincident. Students take turns to read what they see, describing their thoughts andfeelings.

2c Brainstorm in pairs, to find ideas for a short video clip based on this story. Whatpictures would you use? Would you include music?

2d Write the script for the video clip. 3a Watch this movie trailer from a movie called Pay it Forward.

www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=TghkityJ4u8

What do you think the film's title says about this boy's plan? Find out what the film's titleactually refers to.

3b Come up with three random acts of kindness and do likewise. Then report yourexperiences back to the class... good luck changing your world!

4a Discuss utopianism. How would you define it, and is it possible to achieve this kind ofworld? Share ideas for how you could get closer to realising some hopes globally.

4b Is it easy to reach out to a stranger? What do you understand by the expression"outside your comfort zone"? Is it good to be challenged to do things outside yourcomfort zone? Why/why not? Give examples of personal experiences.

Translate the following words into your own language:random, act, recipient, route, altruistic

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