ESL Blogs

Hi everyone! This month I am going to ask a big favour of all of you! In a few weeks, I am going to be doing a presentation about EnglishClub's Listen To News resource. I am going to show teachers how their learners can use this resource to practise listening, reading, writing, and speaking. During my presentation, I will show some examples of how MyEC members use this resource. We have some very creative learners and teachers, and I can't wait to show off your work! Teachers from around the world will be at the Reform Symposium conference.

Your Task

1) Visit the Listen to News page.

2) Choose a story from this year, or from the archives. You can choose a report from as far back as 2006!

3) After you listen to and read the news report, focus on the Discussion Question. 

4) Start a new blog post. Use the title: Writing Challenge–From the News Archives. Write the name and date of the report you have chosen. Include a link to it. Copy the Discussion Question text only. Then write a written response (a paragraph or a short essay) expressing your opinion about the question. Use the tag #corrections if you want teachers to offer corrections.   

5) Leave a link to your post in the comments below. (And be sure to comment on other members' posts.) 

6) Optional: Record the report you chose and upload it to your blog using Audioboo. (In the presentation, I will be playing student voice samples, too!)

Useful Expressions for Stating Opinions 

• I believe/think/consider/feel ...
• In my opinion, ...
• If you ask me, ...
• From my point of view, ...
• It goes without saying that,... (This is obvious, and everyone should agree...)
• Personally, ...
• In my experience,...

My Example

Writing Challenge–From the News Archives

Subsidized Food Plan Proposed In India: 13 August 2013

Discussion Question: Malnutrition in India is exceptionally high. Should tackling hunger be a nation’s top priority?

I agree with the government of India that all humans should have access to adequate food. It is very difficult to thrive when you don't have enough to eat. Those who are hungry cannot properly look after their families, get educated, or work. How can a person with an empty belly be expected to teach a class, drive a bus, or run a store? In my opinion, a subsidized food plan sounds like a viable idea. It's shocking how many people in India are going hungry.

Personally, I think food should be a top priority for India and other nations who have such a large population of undernourished people. Unfortunately, things like politics and religion seem to take centre stage when new policies and programs are needed. It goes without saying that many people are more interested in fighting about whose religion is better than making sure their own people have enough to eat. 

In Canada, we are fortunate to have food banks and meal programs for people who cannot afford to feed themselves. Some people still go hungry because they are embarrassed to use these services. Others can't get enough food for their families even with help from the government. As a mother, I think not being able to provide enough food for my kids would be the worst feeling in the world. 

Tip: For more examples, visit  Well-Wisher's page! Well-wisher responds to EC's Discussion Question every week! 

Request: I will also be looking for videos and audio recordings to show in my presentation! Please take Robbie's video challenge or go to the Audio Speaking Group and share your recording of the most recent news report.