(1) Tara's News here: https://edition.englishclub.com/category/listening-news/
(2) Famous personalities: Select 3 names from the attached list of 30 names of famous personalities that you would like to give a talk to your class. Not more than one Chinese person from the list! Motivate the reasons for your choice. Discussion in small groups or pairs. Comments: you can write about your choices (one, or two, or all three) and give shortly at least one reason why you admire them.
(3) Role plays: You are a famous personality and your partner will interview you on various aspects of life.
Replies
I first heard about Yao Ming when I came to China! But I quickly learn that he was a kind of idol in China! I don't like basketball (we don't play it in my country), but what I like most of Yao Ming, is that he got involved in Nature Conservation, and in particular in campaigns to save the African Rhinos from extinction. Why do you write a Chinese name here, Zhang Yingying? This is an English class and an English website. How would you learn English if you don't use people's English names when engaged in the English language? So, try to talk about Martin Luther King Jr next time, pse. You mentioned that Charlie Chaplin is still strong and restless ... Is he still alive? I thought he was born in 1889! Maybe I made a mistake!
You are absolutely correct in that Helen Keller had a great teacher, Hui Ying. I think much of her success in life could be attributed to her teacher's care and love for her. I don't know Einstein well as Physics was never my favourite subject at school! And of course, Li Na is one of my all-time heroines! Yes, she won the French and then the Australian Grandslams and then she ended her career as no 2 in the world which was the highest position ever for an Asian woman. It's a pity she had to retired!
I agree, Luo Yuanyuan, Jackie Chan is very popular in China (maybe the most popular actor!) and in the world today. With the Kungfu movies he took over where Bruce Lee stopped, I think. But of all Kungfu movies, I like Kungfu Panda most! I don't think Jackie Chan played in that movie; if he did, I didn't see him! ;-)
Haha, I noticed that Charlie Chaplin is popular in China too! Despite his movies being in black and white, it remains popular probably due to the humor, I guess. Remember your second foreign personality for tomorrow's class! :)
Thank you Caroline for the first comment. You chose two great women among your list of foreigners. If there were more Helen Keller's and Mother Teresa's in today's world, it would have been a better place for all of us. Strange that China doesn't really have women having such an influence on society and the world than these two you mentioned. Only one I know about, that may fall into that category, was Lin Zhao (not her original name) who tragically died in the 60's, but her name is never mentioned (except in some books) because of politics. Yes, Jackie Chan is a great actor and world renowned. I guess he would be the choice of most students!