What is on the news?

a. Objective:

The student will choose one topic from the group presented in the Activities Guide.  The student will develop the chosen topic writing at least 5 questions related to the reading chosen.  With that information, the student will design a blog through Google.  The purpose of this exercise is for the student to develop its writing skills using all the tools given throughout the course.  The student should also use there is/there to show that objects/people events exist in the present and in the past.  Idiomatic expressions related to the news and to uneventful everyday activities are welcomed!.

b. Short Reading about the topic:

Gina and Peter concluded that after watching the late news, most news do not make sense.  News are filled with unimportant information and they feel that some people do stupid things just to be on the news.  Even though they know how they feel about the news, they still continue to watch it, it is like a necessity, it is way to spend some time together after dinner.

c. Definition and Short Description:

News is information about current events presented by the media through journalists.  There are journalists dedicated to providing specific news on specific subjects.  The most common news are about daily life and things that are not part of the daily normal life, for example, a flooding in a city or an accident on a main highway, those kinds of things are not normal and is expected to be broadcasted on the news.

d. Five questions related to the chosen reading, in this case I chose the topic What is on the news?

1.   What has happened today in the world?

R/.  Many things happen in the world on a daily basis.  Each country has its own problems and some countries have more problems than others.  For example, Swiss people only worry about the stock market and wonder if they made or lose money.  Things can go either way.  Swiss people do not have to worry about shelter, food or health care.  Their government has everything under control and the public has access to a lot of benefits.

On the contrary, countries like Sierra Leona its population starves of hunger.  There is not enough food, they live in constant war and the government cannot afford any kind of benefits for its population.  We hear different stories on the news about Sierra Leona, none of them are good or hopeful, it is just misery on top of misery that is what its population have to deal with.

2.   Was there a mudslide in Corinto Cauca?

R/. It was reported early in the morning that there was mudslide in Corinto Cauca. Apparently, a river, close to the village flooded and ran through the town flooding houses, businesses and schools.  Four dead have been confirmed and more than 20 people were reported as missing.  The country is in state of concern and have sent doctors, food, water, tents, and dogs to help looking for the missing people.  We are praying for the rain to stop so, people can go back and start rebuilding their lives.

3.   What is happening with the climate change in the world?

R/. Climate change is real, is bad and it will get worse if the world does not act now and quickly.  There is a summit in Paris and one hundred countries were invited except the United States.  The United States, under Trump´s government, decided last year no to be part of the countries that will fight against climate change, therefore, they were left out.  Scientists have predicted lots of catastrophes, many floods in the cities near the ocean and also, they predicted that due the climate change, the water in the ocean will rise disappearing cities like Miami and some other coastal cities.

4.   What is happening in Venezuela?

R/. Venezuela is in deep trouble financially.  Having the biggest oil reserves in the world, Venezuela may have to default payments to international banks because its economy is in ruins.  Venezuela´s 96% of its income, comes from oil and due to the low prices of oil, Venezuela does not have enough resources for food, medicines and to pay its lenders, also, there is a lot of corruption inside Maduro´s government, which bleeds the country to the ground.

5.   What changes is the major of Soledad Atlantico introducing to the schools?

R/. Starting in 2018, there will be not homework for the kids to do at home.  Soledad´s major, has met with all the school’s principal and drew a plan, so the kids will complete their homework at school and will have more time to play at home.  He is also planning to extend the hours at school, so the kids will be studying 7 hours instead of six.

Guided Composition

This is an off-line activity
You have the first and third sentences of 4 news reports.
Fill in the second sentence from this list. Write the complete composition and send it to your instructor.

Known for its many churches it now reflects the signs of the times / They say he is unhappy with his new wife / He came down in the ocean before he was half-way across / Many local people say they have actually SEEN the ghost in the church itself and in the cemetery.

A:  Bob Stills the Atlantic hot-air balloon flier cannot continue his expedition. 

He came down in the ocean before he was half-way across, he was rescued and is not happy with himself. 

B:  The inhabitants of South Lowe in Devon have called a priest for an exorcism.  Many local people say they have actually SEEN the ghost in the church itself and in the cemetery. They say they don´t want to return until they feel tranquil again. 

C. Prince Charles has divorced again.  They say he is unhappy with his new wife, mainly because she doesn´t like his five dogs. 

D. In the West Midland town of Westock the towns taverns are now more numerous than its churches.  Known for its many churches it now reflects the signs of the times.  More people are drinking beer on Sundays now than going to church.


Video:

Step 3 - Create a video in which the student will explain, the topic, the exercises, and all the steps a, b, c and d.  

Please click here to see the video:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50ntN0Axx-8