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The News in English (See Activities)

The News in English

The News in English is a common course for third-year Education majors in China.

 

Jump to Lesson Plans

 

It is an academic ESL course focusing on global issues.

 

In my classes, I had around 25 - 35 students with an advanced level of English.

 

For this class, I sent the students one or two articles by email to read before the class, and then we had discussions about the article(s) in class.

 

The key to this class is having interesting and slightly controversial topics that will engage the students.

 

See the Downloads section for the Course Outline. Complete lesson plans and news articles are below.

 

The lessons can and probably should be adapted with current news articles.

 

Use the Article Notes (provided in the Downloads section of each lesson plan) to get an idea of vocabulary and discussion topics that were used in my course.

 

If you have a longer semester, you can add articles from Reuters and The Washington Post.

 

Other names for the course might include Selected Readings from English Newspapers and Magazines, Selected Readings from Newspaper, and Selected Readings from English Press.

 

See also:

Try Our Lessons for The News in English

Lesson 1: Introduction

Lesson 1: Introduction

Students discuss their current knowledge of English newspapers and magazines and choose topics of interest for the semester.
Lesson 2: BBC News

Lesson 2: BBC News

Students set goals, learn about group roles, and read a BBC News article about health in western countries.
Lesson 3: The Wall Street Journal

Lesson 3: The Wall Street Journal

Students read two Wall Street Journal articles and discuss the topics of recycling and marriage from a western point of view.
Lesson 4: The Economist

Lesson 4: The Economist

Students read two Economist articles and discuss the topics of illegal downloading and the existence of aliens from a western point of view.
Lesson 5: USA Today

Lesson 5: USA Today

Students read a USA Today article and discuss the topic of Halloween costumes in western countries.
Lesson 6: Daily Telegraph

Lesson 6: Daily Telegraph

Students read two Daily Telegraph articles and discuss the topics of the US midterm elections and the Shanghai Expo from a western point of view.
Lesson 7: CNN

Lesson 7: CNN

Students read a CNN article and watch The Daily Show to discuss the topic of political comedians in western countries.
Lesson 8: Mid-Term Exam

Lesson 8: Mid-Term Exam

The News in English Mid-Term Exam tests for comprehension of current topics affecting the US and the UK, and the ability to formulate a personal opinion. Rubric included.
Lesson 9: Time Magazine

Lesson 9: Time Magazine

Students read Time Magazine movie reviews and discuss the movie plots.
Lesson 10: New York Times

Lesson 10: New York Times

Students read a New York Times article and discuss the topic of students and technology in western countries, and debate the pros and cons of students using technology.
Lesson 11: The Guardian

Lesson 11: The Guardian

Students read two articles from The Guardian and discuss the topics of wikileaks and celebrities from a western point of view.
Lesson 12: Los Angeles Times

Lesson 12: Los Angeles Times

Students read two Los Angeles Times articles and discuss the topics of alcohol abuse and fad diets from a western point of view.
Lesson 13: Newsweek

Lesson 13: Newsweek

Students read a Newsweek article and discuss the topic of Christmas from a western point of view.
Lesson 14: Final Test

Lesson 14: Final Test

The News in English Final Exam tests for content and comprehension, and understanding of current topics affecting the US and the UK.
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