English A compilation of NewsTicker articles and exercises · complaint against the tattoo artist claiming that she only ordered three stars. ... write a letter to the school canteen

English

A compilation of NewsTickerarticles and exercises

February, 2015

CONTENT

FIFTY SIX BLACK STARS........................................................................................... 2PRESTIGIOUS COMPUTER SCIENCE PROGRAM...................................................4CUSTOMER SERVICE AT ITS BEST.......................................................................... 6BONE-BREAKING CAREER....................................................................................... 8LOVE..........................................................................................................................10SOCCEROOS............................................................................................................12AUSTRALIA DAY....................................................................................................... 14WORLD'S RAREST................................................................................................... 16TO BE THE GREATEST SKI RACER EVER!............................................................ 18FROM CRIMINAL TO LIFESAVER............................................................................ 20BATTLE IN PROGRESS............................................................................................22STRUTTING THEIR STUFF...................................................................................... 24NEVER TOO LATE.....................................................................................................26SELFIE STICKS.........................................................................................................28NEW ISLAND............................................................................................................. 30ONE WAY TICKET..................................................................................................... 32KEEPING UP WITH THE TIMES............................................................................... 34VALUABLE MEMBERS OF THE WORKFORCE....................................................... 36EXORBITANTLY PRICED..........................................................................................38A PLACE TO CRASH................................................................................................. 40THREE-PARENT BABIES..........................................................................................42SCANNING HER BODY.............................................................................................44INTIMATE RELATIONSHIPS..................................................................................... 46BE MY EYES..............................................................................................................48BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD...................................................................... 50

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Published from 2015-02-23 to 2015-03-01

FIFTY SIX BLACK STARS

Worst Tattoos Ever

An article online this week about tattoos caught my attention. Why, you might ask?Well, the headline read: “Worst tattoos ever”.

It was the second tattoo in the library of photographs that made me laugh.

A lady had 56 black stars tattooed across the left side of her face. Later, she lodged acomplaint against the tattoo artist claiming that she only ordered three stars. The ladysaid that the artist had continued to tattoo her face without her consent when she fellasleep.

Haha! Who could fall asleep during a tattoo session?

Well, as it turns out, she didn’t really fall asleep. She just made it up to try and getsome money out of the tattoo artist.

She obviously realised what a terrible idea it was to have her face covered in stars!

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EXERCISES

FIFTY SIX BLACK STARS

Worst Tattoos Ever

1a What false information did the star-bearing female accuse the body art practitionerof?

1b What does the writer of the article think is unlikely?

1c What was it that made the picture archive appealing to the writer?

2a Look at the rest of the photos in the library. Find one of them that you would regrethaving on your face or body. Write a short text about why you got the tattoo and whyyou later regretted it.(If none of the tattoos in the list inspires you, find another one to write about, or, writeabout one that one of your friends has)www. youngbuzzing. com/worst-tattoos-ever/2/

3a Where does the word tattoo come from? Who introduced the word to Europe? Howdid that come about?

3b What kinds of tattoos are there? For what reasons are people tattooed?

3b Share your findings with your classmates.

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PRESTIGIOUS COMPUTER SCIENCE PROGRAM

Oops!

Carnegie Mellon University, in the United States, sent acceptance letters last week toover 800 applicants. They were informed that they had been given a place in one ofthe school's prestigious computer science programs.

Understandably, the candidates were elated! They began to spread the exciting newsto their friends and family.

Later the same day they received another email telling them that they did not get intothe program.

A mistake had been made. The second email included an apology. I should think so!How disappointing!

A school spokesman declined to comment. He had been asked if it was the prestigiouscomputer science department who were responsible for the faulty email system.

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EXERCISES

PRESTIGIOUS COMPUTER SCIENCE PROGRAM

Oops!

1a What did the students do in response to the initial communication from theUniversity?

1b What did the department responsible for the error do?

1c Is it implied that the department the candidates has applied to, was in error? Answerusing your own words.

2a Read through the passage in pairs looking up the meaning of any new words.

2b How would your respond to such a blunder? Write a Facebook post about yourresponse to the first and then the second mail.

3a Read the first three paragraphs of the following article.www. vox. com/2015/2/21/8082177/college-admission-mistakes-carnegie-mellon

3b What are the conclusions about such mistakes?

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CUSTOMER SERVICE AT ITS BEST

Better than a bow tie

A teenager went into a Target store in North Carolina last week to buy a bow tie towear to a job interview. He asked a staff member for help.

He didn’t get a bow tie because the store didn’t have any. What he got, however, was alot more valuable, and prepared him a whole lot more for his interview, than a piece ofclothing.

The Target employee was genuinely concerned about the teenager. He showed himhow to tie a regular tie and taught him how to give a proper handshake. The nervousteen also received advice about looking the interviewer in the eye and how to handletough interview questions.

The staff cheered him on as he left the store.

Now that's what I call customer service!

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EXERCISES

CUSTOMER SERVICE AT ITS BEST

Better than a bow tie

1a What does the writer of this news item call the attention the teenager received?

1b What was the reason the job seeker entered the shop?

1c How do we know it was not just the shop assistant that served the teenager thattook an interest in him?

1d What did the Target employee deem to be important information for the teen?

2a To what grammatical category do the following words (from the text) belong:valuable, nervous, proper, tough.

2b Fill in the missing word in its appropriate form. Use the following list of words: big,valuable, tough, nervous, clever, expensive, good, dangerous, beautiful, tastyMy mum cooked a Thai dish for dinner last night. It was the _____ meal she’s evermade.His advice was the _____ advice I’ve ever received.

0 I bet you win the race. Your car motor is so much _____ than mine.This year the competition is so much _____ than all the other years put together.The roads are _____ after a night of sub zero temperatures.Jack was the _____ I’ve ever seen him when he sang in the Idol final.It doesn’t seem fair that men's clothes are often _____ than women’s.You look _____ than ever with that haircut!

0 A summer holiday is _____ than a winter holiday.

3a Where is North Carolina? What is this state known for? Research the names ofthree more states in the US. What are their capital cities and what interestinglandmarks are found there?

3b Present your findings in quiz form for your classmates.

4a Have you ever been given extraordinary customer service? Discuss!

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BONE-BREAKING CAREER

I'll miss it

Champion jockey, Tony McCoy, has announced his decision to retire at the end of theseason.

"I love riding and the thrill of it. It's what has challenged me for the last 25 years, so Iwill miss it. I'll never find anything that will replace that buzz, but I'm aware in sport thatyou can't go on forever. "

Tony wanted to thank all those that had made his career so successful. The list ofpeople included all the ambulance drivers that had picked him up from the track overthe years.

In his career, Tony has broken his collarbones, shoulder blades, his lower and middlevertebrae, ribs, cheekbones, a leg, ankle, arm and wrist. He has also punctured hislungs, chipped teeth and dislocated his thumb.

I’m guessing he’s not going to miss breaking his bones!

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EXERCISES

BONE-BREAKING CAREER

I'll miss it

1a Which group of professionals is Tony grateful to?

1b What has made Tony’s life so fulfilling the past quarter of a century?

1c What is he certain he will not be able to find elsewhere in life?

1d What news does this article convey?

2a Work in pairs. Where are the bones that Tony broke located on the body? Make alist of some of the major bones in the body from the top of the head down.

2b Take it in turns quizzing each other.

2c Go to the following webpage and complete the exercise about the parts of the body.www. ego4u. com/en/cram-up/vocabulary/body-parts/exercises? 03

3a Tony announces his retirement during an interview that aired on television.www. youtube. com/watch? v=e05DQiIO90oWhat motivated his decision to retire this year? Who will be finding out about hisretirement by watching television? And who is going to be happy about his decision toretire?

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LOVE

McDonald's style

McDonald’s will soon accept love and affection as payment.

In a Valentine’s Day promotion, the fast food giant will randomly select customers totake part in the great give-away. The lucky consumer standing at the cash register willbe asked to dance, sing, or hug their way to a free meal. It’s totally up the to customerhow, and to whom, they choose to communicate their love.

Some customers responding to the challenge on day one of “Payin with Lovin” rangtheir mum to tell her they loved her. Others took a selfie and sent it to the one theyloved.

The promotion began last Monday and will continue until February 14.

A McDonald’s spokesperson said: “We want to thank our customers for making our dayand hopefully they will make someone else's as well. ”

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EXERCISES

LOVE

McDonald's style

1a According to McDonald’s, what is the aim of the promotion?

1b What have some of the give-away recipients done in order to get a free meal?

1c What other loving gestures are deemed acceptable?

1d Which universally celebrated day is this promotion intended to coincide with?

2a After watching the news report at 3a, write a letter to the school canteen or tuckshop manager (or equivalent) at your school. Tell them about this promotion and how itworks. Try to convince them that he/she should launch a similar promotion.

2b Give your letter to the teacher who will write some paragraphs from some of themon the whiteboard for discussion and correction if necessary.

3a Watch the news report featuring the Payin with Lovin promotion in action.www. csmonitor. com/Media/Content/2015/0202/0202_Payin_with_Lovin

3b What is hoped this promotion will result in?

4 Do you think sometimes we need to be reminded that love is an important emotion toshare and communicate? Discuss

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SOCCEROOS

We are the Asian champions

The Socceroos have secured their first ever international trophy.

Coach Ange Postecoglou beamed with pride as he spoke of the team’s closing matchvictory. "This is all very overwhelming. I'm just delighted that last night was such agreat night for our game and a great night for our country, " Postecoglou said.

"Ultimately that's what we do, we represent our country and I think everyone did thatwith great honour last night. "

Socceroos clinched the title as Asian cup champions scoring the winning goal in extratime against South Korea.

Fans lines the streets holding footballs of various sizes waiting for their heroes to signthem.

One excited soccer's supporter, who celebrated all night long said the day was "thebest day of his life"!

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EXERCISES

SOCCEROOS

We are the Asian champions

1a At what stage in the Asian Cup final did Australia secure their win?

1b What did the event represent for one of the team’s fans?

1c What were the sentiments of the team’s trainer with respect to what playing in theAsian Cup is all about?

1d What did the players do to reward their fans for their loyalty?

2a Can you find an example of an irregular verb in the passage?

2b Using the correct form of the following verbs, fill in the missing words in thesentences below.write, did, begin, bring, think, find, grind, speak, fightMy cousin won his first boxing trophy last week. He ______ like I’ve never seen him______ before.Do you want to borrow a tennis racquet? I ______ an extra one with me.The coffee beans were ______ to perfection!My dad wants to know if you ______ to the teacher about getting an extension.

0 I was going to ______ the assignment on the weekend but I ______ want to miss theAsian world cup. ______ you ______ yours?He ______ the letter and posted it the same day.Did you ______ your badminton racquet? I ______ mine under my bed.

0 I ______ I would miss the bus, but I made it just in time!

2c When everyone has finished the exercise above, go through the sentences one byone to check and discuss the answers as a class.

3a What are the names of some of the other national teams in Australia? What nationalentities do they each represent? What names do the major sporting teams in yourcountry have? Are there any similarities between these name choices?

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AUSTRALIA DAY

Despite grey skies

January 26 is Australia Day. It marks the anniversary of the 1788 arrival of the FirstFleet.

Many people become Australian citizens on this day each year and the majority of thepopulation enjoy a public holiday.

While most of Australia was basking in sunshine, some of Sydney’s activities werecancelled due to bad weather.

Despite the grey skies and rain, however, Sydney harbour was full of action. Hundredsof Swimmers braved the ocean for the Great Sydney Swim. People danced to theWiggles on the steps of the Opera House and thousands turned out for the spectacularfireworks display.

And a video taken in Wollongong revealed the laid-back nature of the day’s activities. Apolice officer is seen joining in on a game of cricket in the middle of the street.

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EXERCISES

AUSTRALIA DAY

Despite grey skies

1a What does a law enforcement officer take part in, in a certain Australian city?

1b What was a negative consequence of the day’s lack of sunshine in one of thecountry’s major cities?

1c Which activity required people to be a bit tough?

1d How do some immigrants celebrate January 26?

2a In small groups, plan a day to celebrate the country in which you live. Whattraditions should the day showcase?

2b Include the following in your celebrations: a well known musician/band, a popularsporting activity or exercise suitable for a lot of people to take part in, a special song,traditional food and a competition.

2c Present your national day's activities for the class.

3a What is the First Fleet? When, and by whom, was Australia discovered? What otherinteresting facts can you find about this country’s early years?

4b Why do you think this video was watched by so many? Discuss.www. facebook. com/video. php? v=919409014760674&fref=nf

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WORLD'S RAREST

Takes a dip

Swimmers at a pool in Dunedin, New Zealand, came face to face with one of theplanet’s rarest creatures recently.

The Hooker’s sea lion is probably the world’s rarest sea lion. Last week one of themdecided to take a dip in the public swimming pool.

“The sea lion walked through the front entrance of the pool, had a sunbathe for a while,and then was asked to leave by a guy from the Department of Conservation; except itwanted a swim first, ” said one of the spectators at the pool.

And when the sea lion entered the water, the public left. How considerate of them togive the sea lion an entire pool to itself. It did after all make use of all the lanes!

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EXERCISES

WORLD'S RAREST

Takes a dip

1a Can we assume that people were uncomfortable with the seals presence in thepool? Answer using your own words.

1b How did the sea lion make its presence felt?

1c Was the sea lion welcome to take a dip. Answer using your own words.

1d What status does the Hooker sea lion hold?

2a Complete the following sentences with ’ or ’sBilly__ blue car is in the garage.Mr. John__ secretary is here.They sell ladies__ clothes in this store.The doctor__ kids are very nice.The women__ boyfriends are late.My friends__ cousins are beautiful.We love Grandma__ cookies.The engineer__ sunglasses are broken.

0 I don’t like boys__ sneakers.Bring the baby__ toys.

2b Rewrite the sentences using the Genitive Case (’ or ’s).The skirts of the women are white.The tail of the horse is not short.The offices of the doctors are beautiful.The books of the students are new.The toys of the babies are colourful.The hat of Mrs. Sally is red.The dress of my sister is old.The leg of the chair is broken.

2c Correct the sentences:Julie closed the store’s window.The pupils’s dog is sleeping right now.The name's of the book is Twilight.Jacket’s John is here.The house’s gate is closed.

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2b Compare your answers with a classmate.

3a Watch the video of the sea lion’s adventure.www. news. com. au/technology/science/sea-lion-makes-splash-in-public-pool-in-dunedin-new-zealand/story-fnjwkt0b-1227188130089

3b Imagine the seal can talk. What do you think it would be saying at a given point inthe film clip. Choose 30 secs of the film and write a three comments for the seal.

3c Play that part of the video on silent for your classmates as you read your sealdialogue.

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TO BE THE GREATEST SKI RACER EVER!

You have to have a short memory

Lindsey Vonn’s skiing career has been remarkable. Last week she won the Super G inItaly - her 63rd World Cup title! It was an incredible comeback for the skier whoseverely injured her knee in December 2013.

Making a comeback in a dangerous sport is challenging Lindsey said: “As a ski raceryou have to have a short memory. ”

The thrill of winning keeps her going.

As a little girl she remembers saying: “I want to be the greatest ski racer ever. ” And ifshe keeps it up she may just earn herself that title.

But for that, she needs to beat Swede Ingemar Stenmark’s success story. Hecontinues to hold the title "greatest ski racer ever" winning 86 races in his gloriouscareer.

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EXERCISES

TO BE THE GREATEST SKI RACER EVER!

You have to have a short memory

1a What does a skier need to have in order to deal with a traumatic accident? Answerusing your own words.

1b What is it that drives Lindsey?

1c Which achievement does Lindsey have to beat in order to realise her childhooddream?

1d Why was Lindsey’s recent win so impressive?

2a In pairs, watch the following video, which shows you the crash in which Lindsey hurther knee. The accident kept her from competing in the Sochi Olympics.www. youtube. com/watch? v=EGdGK1vMeTU

2b Write a real-time commentary about the crash and the reaction of the peoplewatching the race.

2c Read your commentary for the class.

3a Watch the following interview with Lindsey.www. today. com/video/today/56822088#56822088What additional information did you learn about Lindsey and her career/wins fromwatching this clip?

4a Even though Lindsey is an incredible skier and has a wealth of experience, whatkinds of pressures do you think she would have felt given her latest success andmishaps? Discuss

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FROM CRIMINAL TO LIFESAVER

Cuffed in the corner

Jamal Rutledge was being booked into Fort Lauderdale jail in Florida. He hadcommitted a robbery. With his head down he sat handcuffed in a corner while officerFranklin Foulks was processing his paper work.

Suddenly, Franklin fell to the ground clasping at his chest.

As soon as the cuffed teenager notice the man on the ground he started to call out forhelp. When no-one responded he started kicking the gate. Eventually, officers came tosee what the commotion was all about. Jamal pointed with his cuffed hands to theofficer on the ground.

With the help of a defibrillator Franklin’s colleagues were able to resuscitate him. Hehad suffered a heart attack.

If not for the teenagers actions, Foulks would surely have died.

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EXERCISES

FROM CRIMINAL TO LIFESAVER

Cuffed in the corner

1a Why was the cuffed teenager being detained?

1b Did Jamal respond immediately to the man on the floor’s plight? Answer using yourown words.

1c Why was the man on the ground clutching his upper body?

1d Why did the cuffed youth start kicking?

2a Jamal Rutledge is going to receive a reward for his behaviour that day. Can youimagine how this will make Jamal feel? It must contrast greatly from the feeling ofbeing caught in the act of doing something illegal.

2b Write a short text about this incident as if you were Jamal, and how your lifechanged because of this incident and the way you were treated.

2c Read your text for a classmate, or if you feel comfortable, read it for the entire class.

3a Watch the video at the following webpage.www. cbsnews. com/news/after-arrest-florida-teen-helps-save-officers-life/

4a Have you ever done something to help someone that has been greatlyappreciated? How did this make you feel? Discuss the effect of good works and thepositive impact this can have on an individual.

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BATTLE IN PROGRESS

Look What I've Got!

Photographer, Bob Ianson, was taking a walk with his family on the Ogden Pointbreakwater in Victoria, Canada last Monday when he saw what he thought was twoseals playing with one another in the water.

When he got closer to the two animals he realised that there was a battle in progress:seal vs octopus.

The seal had the octopus in its mouth when Bob took out his camera. It was as if theseal was presenting it to him and saying: “look what I’ve got”!

Seals commonly eat octopus as it turns out, but to catch the moment on film wasextremely rare.

And it wasn’t exactly a one way fight, either. At one stage the octopus had the seal’shead completely entangled in its tentacles.

But after a long fight, the seal eventually ended up with a hefty meal, and no doubt anappetite to match it, after all that effort.

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EXERCISES

BATTLE IN PROGRESS

Look What I've Got!

1a What made it look like the seal’s life might have been in danger?

1b What did the seal appear to be trying to communicate to Bob?

1c What was the photographer’s initial understanding of what he was witnessing?

1d Where in the world does the battle take place?

2a Read through the text in pairs, looking up the meanings of any new words.

2b Which verb tenses are used in the passage? Find examples of three differenttenses. Rewrite the sentences containing these verbs using another tense.

2c Discuss your answers with your classmate.

3a Where is Victoria? Find it on a map and describe its location for your partner.

3b What does Bob say about the opportunity to record the battle?www. youtube. com/watch? v=aFYhKDd-Y1A

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STRUTTING THEIR STUFF

Autumn/winter collection

Australian fashion designers showcased their 2015 Autumn/Winter collections lastweek at the Myer fashion show.

Jennifer Hawkins opened and closed the show with two stunning numbers showing justwhy she has strutted her stuff on catwalks across the globe.

The Seventies is back in a big way with designers Maticevski, Cue, Arthur Galan andKaren Walker featuring flares, faux fur and bare midriffs.

While By Johnny, Alex Perry and White Suede, took the viewer further back in timewith 50’s and 60’s full and slimline midi skirts.

Suits were also a common theme, not only in Men’s fashion, but in women's too.

Winter colours like mustard, burgundy, cobalt, midnight blue, jade and emerald greenlit up the runway amongst the otherwise dominant shades of grey tones in the newseason’s collection.

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EXERCISES

STRUTTING THEIR STUFF

Autumn/winter collection

1a Which colour was most prominent in this years autumn/winter fashion show?

1b Which fashion period features wide-legged trousers?

1c Which outfit was worn by female models that is not always associated with women’sfashion?

2a What does it mean to “strut your stuff”? Insert the idiom in its correct form in thefollowing sentences.

0 I was on the dance floor __________ last night.

0 I admire the Rafas, Noles, Muzzas - but without Roger __________, tennis is all toouninteresting.Come on, __________ for us!Sometimes, you just gotta __________!

3a Who is Jennifer Hawkins? Find out three facts about her.

3b Wanna laugh? Watch Jennifer strutting, maybe be a bit too much, stuff for theAustralian public: ) …. Oops!www. youtube. com/watch? v=t5o9mpeJEyE

3a If you are interested in fashion, you may want to watch the following video of theMyer Fashion Show.www. youtube. com/watch? v=OPI5ndX2NhI

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NEVER TOO LATE

For big goals

Having goals in life is such an important part of making sure that our journey on thisearth is both challenging and rewarding.

For many of us, though, learning to read and write is not a goal we set for ourselves,simply because it is just a normal and expected part of growing up in the modernworld. But for a Kenyan citizen, who began her life 90 years ago, and didn’t get thesame opportunities that children take for granted today, this has become her life’s goal.

90-year old Priscilla Sitienei has been attending school with seven of her great-great-grandchildren for the past five years. "I want to learn to read the bible, " she says. "Ialso want to inspire children to get an education. Too many older children are not inschool. They tell me they are too old. I tell them, 'Well I am at school and so should yoube’. ”

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EXERCISES

NEVER TOO LATE

For big goals

1a What is Priscilla’s ultimate goal?

1b What does she hope to achieve on the way to fulfilling that goal?

1c Why is Priscilla’s goal not such a common goal to have? Answer using your ownwords.

1d Why do some children cease to study? And what logic does Priscilla use to countertheir reasoning for not studying?

2a Working in pairs, discuss the theme "It’s never too late". Come up with some otheractivities and goals that are never too late to begin. Write a short introduction for atelevision programme called “It’s never too late”. Make reference to Priscilla’s story aswell as the others that you have discussed.

2b Read your text for your classmates.

3a With a friend, watch the following film clip about this inspirational woman.www. facebook. com/bbcworldnews/posts/10154010221517588?reply_comment_id=10154010395307588&total_comments=1

3b What are the main themes presented in this news story?

3c Share your answers with another pair.

3b Where is Kenya? Find it on a map. What can you find out about the percentage ofthe population that are literate, and why some people groups do not value education?

3c Discuss your findings with your classmates.

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SELFIE STICKS

Banned

Leading concert venues in London have banned the use of selfie sticks. It is fearedthat the sticks could result in injuries and that they can be a nuisance for those wantingan uninterrupted view of the stage.

Employees manning entry doors at the city’s top music halls will refuse entry to any gig-goers in possession of the selfie facilitator.

“The O2 do not allow selfie sticks into the arena due to safety considerations. Wewelcome selfies, but please leave the stick at home, ” a spokesman for the O2 Arenasaid.

A representative from the Wembley Arena said: “Stick with the tried and tested use ofan arm. ”

While in Australia, tennis fans in possession of selfie sticks at the Australian Open areushered into a special “selfie zone” to ensure that serious tennis fans don’t have to beannoyed by sticks being thrust into the air at crucial moments in the game!

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EXERCISES

SELFIE STICKS

Banned

1a How has a certain sporting event in the Land Down Under solved the problem of theselfie facilitating device?

1b What is suggested should be the only way to take a selfie?

1c For what reasons are selfie sticks prohibited in the UK?

1d At what point would a person have their selfie-stick confiscated at the O2 Arena?

2a Working in pairs, read through the text looking up the meaning of any new words.

2b What do you think, will banning the use of selfie sticks cause them to be phased outof production?

2c Based on your views, write an epitaph for a selfie stick (that is, one that has "died"for some reason e. g. broken etc). (Refer to the following webpage for ideas on how towrite an epitaph)www. ehow. com/how_2074439_write-epitaph. html

2d Post your epitaph on the classroom wall for your classmates to read and commenton.

3a Watch the video at the following website.www. newsinlevels. com/products/problems-with-selfie-sticks-in-south-korea-level-3/

3b What is one of the reasons the Korean government has decided to ban selfiesticks? What are the consequences for people who don't heed this imposed ban?

4a Do you think this ruling in South Korea should be overturned? Why/why not?

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NEW ISLAND

A bit eerie

A Tongan volcano has created a new island. The volcano, which began eruptingDecember, 20th, is 65 km southwest of the South Pacific nation’s capital, Nuku’alofa.Dense ash and huge volumes of rock have be seen spewing from two vents: one on anuninhabited island and the other underwater about 100 meters offshore.

New Zealand’s volcanologist, Nico Fournier, who wanted to take a closer look,journeyed by boat to within 1 mile of the island and reported that “The new island ismore than 1 km wide, 2 km long and about 100 m high. ”

“It's quite an exciting site; you get to see the birth of an island, ” he said. “Visually itwas quite spectacular, but there was no big sound … no boom. It was a bit eerie…”

Tonga, which is almost 2, 000 km northeast of New Zealand, lies on the “Ring of Fire”,where continental plates collide. Frequent volcanic and seismic activity is the result.

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EXERCISES

NEW ISLAND

A bit eerie

1a How long has it taken for the island to develop?

1b Where are the rocks and ash being launched from?

1c What are the dimensions of the new land formation?

1d In which nation can the new island be found?

2a Can you find examples of the use of relative pronouns in the text?

2b Fill in the missing pronouns (when, which, who, whose, whom, that) in the followingsentences.Spaghetti, ____ many of us enjoy, can be messy.This is the book ____ everyone is talking about.She wrote to the person ____ she had met last month.We didn’t bring the receipt, ____ was a big mistake.

0 I have a friend ____ cat is annoying.People ____ are clever can always find a way.Grandma remembers a time ____ radio shows were popular.Never go to a doctor ____ office plants have died.

3a Find Tonga on a map. Where is the nation’s capital? Research four to fiveinteresting facts about this island nation covering the following subjects: population,history, sport, health, cuisine, miscellaneous.

3b Share your findings with your classmates.

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ONE WAY TICKET

Never to return!

Josh Richards already lives in a remote part of the world, but he plans to move to aplace where he’s pretty much guaranteed not to have any one simply popping in for acuppa.

Josh’s hometown of Perth is, geographically speaking, considered to be the mostremote capital cities on the planet. But if he’s one of the lucky ones given the chance topack up and get right out of town, his future address will be none other than the planetMars.

Mars One is a project that plans to create the first human settlement on Mars in 2024.And those on board the Mars-bound spaceship will also be the stars of a reality TVshow covering the experiment.

More than 200, 000 people applied to be a part of the 2024 Mars expedition. After amassive cull, Josh is now one of only one hundred applicants still being scrutinised forthe one way trip.

Even if Josh doesn’t succeed in being one of the 24 people to begin training inJune/July this year, he still plans to direct his attention and energies towards spacetravel.

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EXERCISES

ONE WAY TICKET

Never to return!

1a How many individuals are still being assessed for the Mars-bound mission?

1b Why will Josh have a restricted social life in 9 years time? Answer using your ownwords.

1c How is the city in which he currently lives described?

1d Does Josh have a back-up plan? Answer using your own words.

2a Can you imagine what living on Mars would be like? What things do you think youwould enjoy? What things would you miss? Imagine you were selected to join the MarsOne project. Write a letter to one of your friends or family members about your life onMars.

3a Watch the video at the following web address.www. youtube. com/user/MarsOneProjectWhat do you think is the main reason people want to be apart of this mission?

3b What have we found out so far about the conditions on Mars?Present your findings and views for your classmates.

4a Would you want to be chosen to move to a place so far away, knowing that you cannever return to your homeland? Discuss

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KEEPING UP WITH THE TIMES

Fingerprint login system

The Royal Bank of Scotland is certainly keeping up with times and the needs of itstechnologically savvy customers.

Last week they launched a fingerprint log in system using a mobile phone app.

The trend these days is that fewer customers do their banking in the branches andprefer instead to do it on line or even better, on the go, using their mobiles.

No more racking your brains trying to remember your password, the fingerprint scanwill let you get on with your banking without needing to engage your brain at all!

Not only will it be simpler, faster and supposedly foolproof, fingerprint log-ins makes itincreasingly difficult for hackers to get up to no good.

Other banks are also getting in on the act to make it easier for their customers toaccess their accounts on line, but RBS is the first bank in the UK to offer the fingerprintscanning service.

Being the first to achieve a technological milestone must be a bit like being the first toplant your flag at the North Pole.

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EXERCISES

KEEPING UP WITH THE TIMES

Fingerprint login system

1a What is the launch of a new high-tech product likened to?

1b What are some of the benefits of the fingerprint login system?

1c What is one of the reasons this service came about?

1d How has RBS responded to their customers habits?

2a What does the idiom "to rack one’s brain" mean?

2b Insert the correct form of the idiom into the following sentences.We have the same expression in our native language. And I'm trying ___________ toremember it.

0 I often try ______ to find a solution to something that has gone wrong at my workplace, when I should be sleeping!He ______ for ages trying to come up with the name of the movie.Please don’t waste your time trying to ___________ over the names of everyone in theclass. I’ll send you a list!We are all ___________ trying to remember which weekend we went skiing last year.Was it at Easter?

3a What do you know about fingerprints? Find out when it was discovered that peoplecould be identified by their fingerprints. What other uses of fingerprints can you find outabout?

3b What concerns does the fellow in the following YouTube clip have about fingerprintscanning?www. youtube. com/watch? v=GcFYQcYdyu0

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VALUABLE MEMBERS OF THE WORKFORCE

Opportunity to show community

John and Tom D’Eri are a father and son team who started a business together, withthe aim of providing a work place for John’s other son, Andrew, who has autism.

Finding work for people with autism can be challenging.

"We as a society look at autism as a disability that requires sympathy, instead of adiversity that can be valuable in the workplace. ”

After much research, the father and son duo decided a car wash business was an idealventure to help Andrew assimilate into the working community. Sufferers of autismoften thrive in an environment that involves repetition and attention to detail.

Currently, the benevolent entrepreneurs, employ 43 people, 80 percent of which areautistic. And they have plans to expand to three new car washes employing a total of150 people by the end of 2016.

John and Tom view their business as the perfect opportunity to show the communityfirst hand that autistic individuals are valuable members of the workforce.

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EXERCISES

VALUABLE MEMBERS OF THE WORKFORCE

Opportunity to show community

1a What is the main purpose of the business venture that currently employs 43 people?

1b What working conditions do people with autism excel in?

1c What is on the business duo’s agenda for the near future?

1d Why did John and Tom take it into their own hands to create a work place forAndrew? Answer using your own words.

2a Working in pairs, look up the meanings of any new words.

2b Discuss a project that would help marginalised individuals in your community. Usefive or six of the words from the glossary to write a news story about this project.

2c Read your news report for the class.

3a Watch the video at the following web address.www. huffingtonpost. com/2015/02/08/rising-tide-car-wash_n_6604506. html?cps=gravity_2082_8802867979856002299

3b What does John D’Eri say about his dreams for his son’s future? Who does Johnhonour? How does Tom describe his relationship with Andrew? What does Tom saywith respect to the attitude the employees have about being at work?Describe, in your own words, what “falling off the cliffs” means. Describe the journey ofpersonal development for an autistic employee at the car wash.

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EXORBITANTLY PRICED

High-tech gadgets

The British Educational Training and Technology Show, bett, is an annual trade showthat takes place in the United Kingdom.

The aim of the trade fare is to promote and expand the use of information technologyin education.

In the lead up to bett, however, the issue was raised about whether or not schoolsreally benefit from such huge expenditure in technological advancements. RussellHobby, National Association of Head Teachers, is quoted as saying: "money spent byschools on fad iPads could have funded 8, 000 teachers. "

Mr Hobby said his message had been somewhat exaggerated by those headlines andemphasised: "it's the uncritical purchase of gadgets that worries me, " such as theexorbitantly priced interactive whiteboards that feature in just about every classroom inthe UK.

Founder of bett, Dominic Savage, is, needless to say, a strong promoter of technologyin education, however, even he is prepared to admit that the whiteboards have not atall been as successful as he had hoped they would have been.

But the problem, he insists, does not lie in the technology, but in the inadequatetraining provided for teachers expected to make use of these sophisticated, high-techgadgets.

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EXERCISES

EXORBITANTLY PRICED

High-tech gadgets

1a In your own words, what is it that Mr Hobby is concerned about?

1b Is the instigator of the technology show in agreement with Mr Hobby? Defend youranswer by quoting from the text.

1c For what purpose does bett exist?

1d Can we assume that the media is for or against Mr Hobby’s opinions? Explain usingin your own words.

2a Is the phrase “Mr Hobby said his message had been somewhat exaggerated bythose headlines” in the active, or the passive voice?

2b Rewrite the following passive voice sentences using the active voice. (you cancheck your answers here - www. englishpractice. com/grammar/active-passive-voice-exercise-3/)

1 We are taught grammar by Ms Sullivan.

2 He was praised by the teacher.

3 The injured were taken to the hospital by the firemen.

4 The town was destroyed by an earthquake.

5 The teacher was pleased with the boy’s work.

6 The building was damaged by the fire.

7 By whom were you taught French?

8 You will be given a ticket by the manager.

9 The streets were thronged with spectators.

10 We will be blamed by everyone.

11 The trees were blown down by the wind.

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12 The thieves were caught by the police.

13 The letter was posted by Alice.

14 We were received by the hostess.

15 The snake was killed with a stick.

16 The minister was welcomed by the people.

17 He was found guilty of murder.

18 This house was built by John Mathews in 1991.

3a Watch the video highlights from 'day one'at bett.www. bettshow. com

3b Which two statements sum up what bett is all about?

3c Share your statements with your classmates to see how your opinions differ? Whatare the different perspectives represented within your class?

4a Does your school value high-tech gadgetry? Discuss

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A PLACE TO CRASH

40 minute session

Students at the The University of East Anglia can now take a nap on campus. Thestudent union has introduced a napping centre to help students manage stressfulschedules and the all too familiar all night cramming sessions before exams andassignment deadlines that typifies student life.

“Nap nook” is decked out with bean bags, sofa beds, anti-microbial pillows, eye masksand blackout curtains, and it will monitored by CCTV. Students will be able to book a40 minute session in advance or simply walk in on the day in the hope that there’ll be aspare bean bag to crash on.

Holly Staynor, student union welfare, community and diversity officer says that shehopes students will make avail of being able to “recharge their batteries” and benefitform the hugely positive impact that power naps can have.

"We're talking better alertness, huge increases in memory capacity and ultimatelyscientific proof that we get better grades, " she said.

But her advice for students wanting to sleep longer than 40 minutes: "Go home. It's anap nook, not a hostel. ”

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EXERCISES

A PLACE TO CRASH

40 minute session

1a What is the purpose behind the “nap nook”?

1b What are the reasons taking a 40 minute power nap is beneficial?

1c What amenities can the sleepy student expect to find in the recently launchednapping centre?

1d Where should the extra tired student go?

2a Read through the passage in pairs. Look up the meaning of any new words. What ismeant by “decked out” and “to crash”? Do these phrases belong to formal or informalspeech?

2b Write a text to demonstrate the use of the two phrases discussed in the previousexercise.

2c In the following exercise we will look at some collocations such the use of the verbtake in “to take a nap”. Fill in the missing word, in the correct form, in the followingsentences.(take, have, make, do)We sometimes ____ excuses for our bad behaviour when we feel ashamed.Would you please ____ a look at my assignment before I hand it in?Could you ____ me a favour and leave the back door unlocked. I forgot to take my keywith me this morning.

0 I was looking forward to ____ a sleep-in on the weekend, but my brother felt theneed to practice the guitar before sunrise! !

0 I would really like to travel the world, ____ photographs of stunning scenery.If you want to see a heart specialist, you need to ____ an appointment months inadvance.Have you ____ your homework?He really ____ advantage of you when he published your work.

3a What information can you find on the net about power napping. Present some ofyour findings for the class.

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THREE-PARENT BABIES

Donor contributes less than one percent

In ground-breaking news, the UK is on the way to becoming the first country in theworld to allow the creation of babies using three parents.

Lawmakers in the House of Commons voted last Tuesday to permit embryos to begenetically modified in order to prevent children from inheriting potentially fataldiseases.

This special in-vitro fertilisation technique was specifically developed to combatmitochondrial disease, a condition inherited from the mother that can do "damage tocells of the brain, heart, liver, skeletal muscles, kidney and the endocrine andrespiratory systems, " according to the United Mitochondrial Diseases Foundation.

In this revolutionary procedure, the mother’s faulty mitrochondrial DNA is removed andreplaced with the donor’s. The amount of DNA from the donor would only amount toabout one percent of the embryos total DNA. Mitrochondrial DNA does not contributeto personal characteristics such as eye colour, height, skin colour etc.

Before the controversial technique becomes law, it must be passed by the House ofLords.

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EXERCISES

THREE-PARENT BABIES

Donor contributes less than one percent

1a Has this ground-breaking technique become law in the UK? Answer using your ownwords.

1b Will the baby born to this technique look like the donor? Answer using your ownwords.

1c Which organs of a baby born to a mother with faulty mitochondrial DNA would sufferif this law is not passed?

1d Is this technique practiced elsewhere in the world?

2a One of the criticisms levelled at this technique for producing healthy children is that"we are one step away from creating 'designer babies'".

2b In small groups discuss the pros and cons of genetically modify a human being.Each person in the group should present an argument either for or against thistechnique and the "next step", that is, creating designer babies, citing possiblescenarios and outcomes.

2c Present your arguments for the class.

3a Watch videos at the following website.www. bbc. com/news/health-31069173What additional information do you glean for these videos?

3b Write a definition for "in vitro fertilisation".

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SCANNING HER BODY

Devaluing

Celebrities who are interviewed on the red carpet, have to put up with some prettyinane questions; that is, if you are female. “Who are you wearing? ”, “How do you keepin shape? ” “What time did you have to get up to get ready for this event? ” "How doyou juggle having a family and a career? "

Infuriated Hollywood’s women are hitting back, and, in some cases, simply refusing totake part in what they feel are sexist and devaluing red carpet interview questions andgoings on.

At an awards ceremony recently, Cate Blanchett asked an interviewer while he wasscanning her body from head to toe with E! ’s 360 Glam Cam: “Do you do that to theguys? ”

Scarlett Johannesson retaliated while being interviewed alongside Avengers co-starRobert Downey: “Why do you get the really interesting, existential questions and I getthe, like, rabbit food question? ” And in a similar interview scenario a furious Zooey Deschanel retorted “In what world isthat ever an ok question to ask anybody? ”

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EXERCISES

SCANNING HER BODY

Devaluing

1a What kinds of questions are infuriating female actresses?

1b What did one leading lady do in order to get the message across to someone inpossession of a video camera?

1c Where are many questions levelled at the artists?

1d What kinds of questions do men get asked?

2a Read through the text, looking up the meaning of any new words.

2b In the sentence, “Celebrities who are interviewed on the red carpet, have to put upwith some inane questions; that is, if you are female”, can you find a clause that couldbe contracted?

2c Replace the words in quotation marks with a contracted clause.The tennis finals will be played tomorrow, 'if the weather permits'.'She laughed'and waved goodbye.The languages 'that are spoken'in Finland are Finnish and Swedish.'As he is'the son of a farmer, he knows all about animals.In the letter 'that was sent'to all parents, the headmaster asked for support.

0 I found an old photograph 'that showed'what our town used to look like.'After she had been'operated on, grandmother was able to walk again.'While we were driving'across the desert, we ran out of petrol.'Since we didn’t know'what was expected of us, we just stood there.'I refer'to the telephone conversation with Mrs Brooke and I would like to order thefollowing.

2b Give your answers to the teacher and discuss the answers as a class.

3a Watch the following video clip highlighting the issue raised by Hollywood actressestired of being stereotyped:www. independent. co. uk/news/people/scarlett-johansson-jennifer-aniston-and-the-most-sexist-questions-posed-to-female-actresses-on-the-red-carpet-9982547. htmlWrite a list of non sexist questions to ask Hollywood actresses. Now switch the rolesand write a list of inane questions to ask Hollywood male actresses.

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3b Present your questions for the class.

4a Why do you think women are asked these kinds of questions when they appear onthe red carpet? Discuss.

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INTIMATE RELATIONSHIPS

With deadly creatures

Kevin Richardson is known affectionately as the lion whisperer and has devoted his lifeto raising awareness and fighting for the preservation and conservation of some ofAfrica’s most ferocious wild animals.

It all be began about 15 years ago when Kevin became a part of setting up an 800hectares (2, 000 acres) animal park for the set of the movie White Lion.

Kingdom of the White Lion, as the animal park is aptly named, is now home to 39 lions,a pack of hyenas and a pair of black leopards, all of which have been trained by loveand understanding rather than the conventional methods of breaking an animal’s spirituntil it submits. As a result, Kevin, who has an intimate knowledge of the likes anddislikes of each and every animal at the park, has a been accepted as one of the pride.

Film footage of the feline friendly South African getting up close and personal withprides of lions has caused a great deal of controversy. Animal conservationists aredivided over the potential consequences of the intimate relationships that Kevin hasforged with these deadly creatures.

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EXERCISES

INTIMATE RELATIONSHIPS

With deadly creatures

1a What methods are used by Kevin that have resulted in him being accepted as oneof the lion community?

1b What has provoked certain people who fight for the preservation of these creatures?

1c What is the reason Kingdom of the White Lion exists?

1d What is Kevin’s pet name?

2a Watch the following film footage of Kevin and some of his feline friends.www. youtube. com/watch? v=qkjBoP9P1OA

2b Write a short report about this film. Try to include relevant information from thisnewsTicker article.

2c Read your report for the class.

3a What statistics can you find about lion populations in Africa?

3b What threatens a lion's existence?

3c Share your findings with your classmates.

4a Why do you think conservationists are divided over the film footage of Kevin playingwith his lion friends? Discuss.

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BE MY EYES

Link via video chat

Be My Eyes is an app that was launched last week. It is aimed at helping blind peoplenavigate the world without so much guess work. When you sign up to Be My Eyes youclick on an icon to communicate whether you are someone who needs help orsomeone who wants to help others.

When a blind person gets themselves into a pickle and needs help, they simply log onto the app and are linked via video chat to a sighted person. If they've taken the milkout of the fridge, for example, and are unable to tell whether or not it's fresh, they canshow the carton to the sighted person on the end of the video for them to check thedate and tell them whether it’s safe to use.

Pretty cool hey? When I first found out about the app there were some 17, 800 sightedpeople and 1, 500 blind people using the app. A week or so later and the numbers hadskyrocketed to 55, 246 Sighted and 4, 277 Blind!

What a simple and fun way to make a difference to people who don’t have such andeasy time of life!

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EXERCISES

BE MY EYES

Link via video chat

1a How does Be My Eyes work? Answer using your own words.

1b Which scenario is cited in this text as a possible use of the app?

1c What is concluded about the opportunity Be My Eyes presents to sighted membersof the community?

1d What needs to be determined when you first start using the app?

2a What does it mean “to get into a pickle”?Work in pairs. Imagine you were a blind person. Come up with a scenario in which youcan imagine needing help. Write a dialogue for this situation and include the correctform of the idiom “to get into a pickle".Act out your sketch for the class.

3a Check out the Be My Eyes Website.www. bemyeyes. org/What additional information do you find out about at this website? What are the up-to-date usage statistics?

3b Can you find any other apps online that are aimed at helping people withdisadvantages. Present your findings in a short text to read for a friend in your class.

4a Can you come up with a similar idea to help deaf people?

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BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD

They bolted!

A new gadget is being touted as the best thing since sliced bread by ocean lovers inthe Land Down under where deadly creatures inhabit their playground.

Sharkbanz is a rubber band, which emits an electromagnetic field and purportedlyinterferes with the sharks ability to determine the identity of the subject wearing thegadget, causing the shark to be rather dramatically repelled. It has been tested andproven effective on 9 different species of shark. Sharkbanz co-owner and creator,Nathan Garrison, said that during trials the sharks looked like they were going toinvestigate and eat the ocean intruder wearing the band, but when they came intoclose proximity to the rubberband they bolted!

“We did this seven to eight times in an hour, and the shark would take off, full speed,every time. ”

Australia’s under-14 girl’s surfing champion Kirra-Belle Olsson, survived an attack by awoebegone that grabbed her foot and tried to pull her under in October last year. “If Iwas spearfishing or competing on a reef break with lots of sharks, I would wear one, ”she claims.

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EXERCISES

BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD

They bolted!

1a What is the shark attack survivor’s response to hearing about the gizmo?

1b How do we know that sharkbanz has caused swimmers and surfers in Australia tobe ecstatic about the invention?

1c How did the sharks respond to their encounter with Sharkbanz?

1d Are all sharks repelled by the band?

2a As a small group read through the text discussing the meanings of any new words.

2b What is meant by the expresssion "The best thing since sliced bread"? Decide onsomething that you think is "The best thing since sliced bread. " Write a report aboutthis 'thing'giving all the reasons why you think it deserves this title.

2c Present your report for the class!

3a In small groups, watch the following promotion for Sharkbanz. Each person in thegroup will represent a person from the community: a parent of a shark attack victim, anavid surf enthusiast, a lifeguard, a shark conservationist, a surviving shark attack victimand anyone else you decide should be in the group: )www. youtube. com/watch? v=JNzyTl8LdyQ

3b What concerns or questions do you have about this product? Look at the commentsbelow the film if you are struggling to come up with any queries.

3c Each person in the group will introduce themselves before presenting theircomments, queries and concerns for the class.

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Documents

English A compilation of NewsTicker articles and exercises · complaint against the tattoo artist claiming that she only ordered three stars. ... write a letter to the school canteen