exercise

English A compilation of newsTicker articles and exercises February, 2013

CONTENT

(B1) CAPTAIN WALES.................................................................................................2 (A2) FOOTLONG......................................................................................................... 4 (B2) DEFENDING THE HELPLESS.............................................................................6 (A2) HEROIC GREAT-GRANDMOTHER.....................................................................8 (B1) REMOTE CONTROL LEGO...............................................................................10 (B2) REVOLUTIONARY.............................................................................................12 (A2) STABBED........................................................................................................... 14 (A2) MORE THAN LOOSE CHANGE........................................................................ 16 (B1) EMERGENCY?.................................................................................................. 18 (B2) MAGIC BUTTONS............................................................................................. 20 (A2) SUPERPOD....................................................................................................... 22 (A2) GAGA DOWN..................................................................................................... 24 (B1) PAY IT FORWARD............................................................................................. 26 (B2) SUBWAY HEROES............................................................................................ 28 (B2) COSMIC INTRUDERS....................................................................................... 30

newsLetter - 1

Published: from 2013-01-28 to 2013-02-03

(B1) CAPTAIN WALES One of the guys Prince Harry has spent the last five months in very different surroundings to what he is used to. Dressed in khaki and known as Captain Wales he has served his country as an Apache helicopter pilot. Based in Afghanistan and away from his usual duties gave him a chance to be "one of the guys." "Itʼs very easy to forget about who I am when I am in the army. Everyoneʼs wearing the same uniform and doing the same kind of thing.” When asked how it feels to pull the trigger, he replied "Take a life to save a life.... If there's people trying to do bad stuff to our guys, then we'll take them out of the game..." The gaping stares he received as he was spotted sitting in the canteen at meal times however, was a constant reminder that he can never exactly blend in with the crowd!

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EXERCISE (B1) CAPTAIN WALES One of the guys

1a When Prince Harry shared his thoughts on firing at a target, what did he say? 1b In which way was Captain Wales repeatedly brought back to the reality of his lack of anonymity, whilst serving his country abroad? 1c What colour was the Prince's uniform? 1d Describe a positive and welcome aspect to this royal's time in the army. 2a Imagine you were a soldier in the army who had just caught sight of Prince Harry in the canteen. Write a post to share on your Facebook profile about this sighting. 2b Swap your posts with a friend. Give one another feedback and correct any mistakes. 2c Hand in your posts to the teacher who will write some of them on the whiteboard for further discussion, correction and feedback. 3a Where is Afghanistan? Find out why Prince Harry was in Afghanistan. 3b Share your findings with the class 4a Discuss Harry's comments about his experience in pulling the trigger. How do you think you would feel pulling the trigger and possibly killing someone? 4b Discuss your country's involvement in war. Does your country have a history of fighting wars? Why / why not?

newsLetter - 3

Published: from 2013-02-04 to 2013-02-10

(A2) FOOTLONG Not quite! John Farley and Charles Pendrack are dissatisfied Subway customers. They are angry about being cheated and have decided to sue the company. A photograph of one of Subway's "Footlong" sandwiches was recently posted on the company's Facebook page. Next to the photograph was a ruler. The sandwich measured eleven inches - one inch short! Stephen DeNittis, the lawyer handling the case, investigated seventeen "Footlong" sandwiches at different Subway stores. Each of them was roughly one inch shorter than it should be. "The case" he said, "is about holding companies to deliver what they've promised." Subway has responded by saying that they will "ensure that every... Footlong sandwich is twelve inches at each location worldwide."

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EXERCISE (A2) FOOTLONG Not quite!

1a Describe the picture that was recently uploaded onto social media? What the purpose of uploading it? 1b Who is being taken to court? 1c What did the legal professional representing John and Charles do in preparation for the trial? 1d What promise is made in this story and by whom? 2a In the first paragraph, which words describe the way the two men feel? Give a definition for each of these words. What are some synonyms for each of these words? 2b Write a letter to Subway using the words above, telling them how you feel about this news. Do some calculations to work out how much money you have been shortchanged if the sandwich costs five dollars. 2c Read out your letter for the class. 3a Watch the You Tube clip below. www.youtube.com/watch?v=xEv7LYEQb5g Write some quiz questions on this news report to test one another's listening skills. 4a Discuss whether or not you think this court case is frivolous. 4b Can you come up with any advice to give Subway? Discuss!

newsLetter - 5

Published: from 2013-02-04 to 2013-02-10

(B2) DEFENDING THE HELPLESS Scarred but alive One year ago, Ben Hardwick posted the moving story of an extraordinary human being who had suffered at the hands of merciless thieves breaking into an orphanage. Anthony Omari and his mother struggled to run and maintain an orphanage in Ngong, Kenya. On the 23rd of January, 2012, a gang of machete-wheeling bandits broke into the orphanage. Anthony, the only adult male in the house, heroically sprung to action to ward of the attackers. His reward was a machete to the face. Posting Anthony's story, Ben pleaded with people to donate whatever they could afford, in the hope of raising 2,000 dollars to build the orphanage a barb-wire fence. Twelve months later and Ben returns to social media with an update. The orphanage now has an eight foot stone fence, security guards, new beds for the children and no shortage of nourishing meals. Anthony, his mother and thirty-seven safe and well-cared-for children want to express their gratitude for the 80,000 dollars they received!

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EXERCISE (B2) DEFENDING THE HELPLESS Scarred but alive 1a Explain why the children at this orphanage now have an abundant supply of nutritional food, among other things? 1b Why does the Kenyan man this story is about now have a horrendous scar on his face? 1c What was the reason for the second post on the internet regarding this incident, and why could it not have been posted immediately after the event? 1d What did the writer of the post initially plan to do for the children's home and why? 2a Imagine you were one of the children in the orphanage. Tell this story from your perspective. Describe your emotional reaction to what happened to this man who had done so much for you. Explain also a little about how you came to live at his home. 2b Swap stories with a friend giving each other feedback and correcting any mistakes that are obvious. 2c If time permits, read out some of these stories for the class and give further feedback. 3a In pairs, find out where Ngong, Kenya is. Find it on a map. Find out more about the town and the country of Kenya. 3b What have you gleaned about what it is like to live in Kenya from this story and from the research you have just done? What issues are the people of this country facing? 3c Write a short summary giving your impressions about life in Kenya. Try to give an explanation for what happened to Anthony. 3d Read out some of these summaries for the class. 4a Social media yet again takes the spotlight and possibly saves the lives of these children in this orphanage. Discuss this statement and why this could be said. 4b Are there limits or possible down-sides to raising money through social media? Discuss! 4c Discuss how do you think this experience would be likely to impact Ben and Anthony, and those that read about it, like you! newsLetter - 7

Published: from 2013-02-11 to 2013-02-17

(A2) HEROIC GREAT-GRANDMOTHER Like rag dolls Two year old Zane Mcfarland has a broken leg and his family are rejoicing. You might ask why a family would be happy about such a thing. Well, together with his great-grandmother, Betty Stewart, Zane was caught in a tornado. Betty wrapped her great-grandson in a quilt. She clung to him, shielding him with her own body. The two were flung through the air like rag dolls. The home they had been in was also lifted by the twister. They were found amongst the debris by paramedics. Had it not been for Betty's heroics, Zany would most certainly have been injured far more seriously. Betty's nephew said "she fought a tornado and won!"

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EXERCISE (A2) HEROIC GREAT-GRANDMOTHER Like rag dolls

1a Why were Zane's mother and father delighted? 1b What happened to the house Zane and Betty had been in prior to the tornado? 1c Where did rescue workers discover the pair? 1d What did Betty's sibling's son have to say about his aunty? 2a What words are used to describe action and emotion in the passage? Write them on the whiteboard. 2b Write synonyms for these words if possible. 2c In pairs write a short rap song using these words to tell this story. 2d Read, or rap out your songs! 3a Find out the difference between a hurricane, a twister a tornado, a cyclone and a typhoon. 3b Watch the following You Tube clip. http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=e6JL1W9wZHg Stop and start the video to make a note of any new words or terms. Write down the different words and phrases used to describe theses kinds of storm. Which description of a tornado do you think sounds the most dramatic? Which description is the most scientific? Share with the class. 4a What other occurrences in nature produce potentially disastrous outcomes? Discuss. 4b Do you live in a country where such weather conditions occur? If not what kinds of dangerous weather conditions cause widespread damage, if any? Is there terror associated with any of these? Discuss newsLetter - 9

Published: from 2013-02-11 to 2013-02-17

(B1) REMOTE CONTROL LEGO iPhone on board The next time you create a Lego robot and want to control its movements from a distance, you may just be using your iPhone as a remote control. Last month it was announced at the start of the Las Vegas International CES gadgets show, that Lego's 350 dollar Mindstorms EV3 kit is now compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touches, through bluetooth wireless connections. Previously it was possible to operate the robots remotely using android smart phones, but not with Apple devices. Apple consumers, understandably, wanted this issue rectified! Given that Apple products hold a huge share of mobile device market, Lego were wise to comply! Also new to the world at the gadgets show was an electronic pen. It makes it possible for Windows 8 users to enjoy its full functionality without a touch screen. But the exhibition that kept people lingering the longest was the recliner massage chair display!

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EXERCISE (B1) REMOTE CONTROL LEGO iPhone on board 1a Prior to this latest announcement by Lego, how were their robotic products controllable? 1b What motivated the robot manufacturer to extend their services? 1c Which operating system was difficult to operate with an ordinary computer screen? What will now be available to enable users of such screens to fully access the operating system's capabilities? 1d If you were at the gadget show and needed a rest, where would you go? 2a With three friends, visit the Las Vegas Gadget show via the website. ces.cnet.com/ Choose three of the gadgets that interest you most. Find out as much as you need to about each of the gadgets in order to describe how they function and what you consider to be the benefits of each device. 2b Write a report about the show and these gadgets. Include an interview with your friends and which of the gadgets they fell in love with! 2c Present your report for the class. 3a Which of the following items described, is the most valuable invention? Describe it in your own words and why you think it is so valuable? www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSClmgcxD0c 3b What are the origins of Lego? Write a few facts detailing where, when and how it came into being. 4a Have you ever invented anything? If so, were you able to construct it? Discuss your inventions. 4b Is there something you have thought of that you would like to see invented? Discuss your ideas. 4c What do you think is the value of playing with toys like Lego? Discuss! newsLetter - 11

Published: from 2013-02-11 to 2013-02-17

(B2) REVOLUTIONARY No, you can't have my seat 100 years ago on February 4th, 1913, Rosa Parks was born into an Afro-American family in Tuskegee, Alabama. She was taught from a young child to travel at the back of buses and to give up her seat for white people. But after a hard day's work in 1955, Rosa precipitated a revolution. Tired from her work as a seamstress, Rosa boarded the bus for home, happy to plonk her aching limbs in a vacant seat. A white man got on the bus, and the bus driver requested that Rosa vacate her seat. Spontaneously and politely, Rosa simply refused to give up her seat. She was arrested and charged for violating the laws of segregation. Appealing her conviction Rosa challenged the legality of segregation and sparked a boycott of the bus company which lasted 381 days. In December 1956 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the segregation law was unconstitutional.

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EXERCISE (B2) REVOLUTIONARY No, you can't have my seat

1a What did Rosa Parks do that sparked reform in the US? 1b What was the reason she did what she did on that particular day? 1c What was the end result of her resistance to the status quo? 1d What did Rosa learn about her rights on public transport and when did she learn these lessons? 2a Working in pairs, test each other's comprehension. With alternate sentences prompt your partner with 2 or 3 key words. Try to fill in the missing information. 2b Come up with synonyms if possible for each of the key words. 2c Re-write this story changing the character, the mode of transport and the law that is violated using as many of the synonyms above as possible. 2d Give your story to another pair for feedback and correction. 2e If time permits, read out your story for the class. 3a Find out more about the laws of segregation in the United States. Write three facts about this time in history, involving people who, like Rosa, made a difference. Share your facts with the class. 3b In pairs, watch the following movie trailer. Find out who and what the film is about! www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6Cv5P9H9qU Write a film synopsis making reference to the way in which this story resembles Rosa Parks's story. 4a Do you think what Rosa did was brave? Why/why not? What did she risk? 4b In which ways are people marginalised today? Discuss.

newsLetter - 13

Published: from 2013-02-18 to 2013-02-24

(A2) STABBED Fish and chips survive On his way home after work in Norfolk last week, John Wood stopped to buy fish and chips. Walking to his car he was attacked by four men. One of them stabbed him in the chest with a screw driver. He managed to fight the man off and kicked the other attackers in the knees. They limped away in pain. John had learned the martial art of aikido as a teenager. Though wounded and bleeding, he was not seriously hurt. Neither did the attackers get the money they demanded from him. He didn't even let go of his fish and chips during the attack. Ironically, John had just paused to check an sms from his girlfriend when the men approached. She wrote "be careful - it's dangerous out there".

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EXERCISE (A2) STABBED Fish and chips survive

1a Why was John able to defend himself? 1b What popular English tradition was John enjoying when he was attacked? 1c What happened at the same time as the attempted robbery and stabbing? 1d Describe John's condition after the attack. 2a Imagine you are sitting in a car in the car-park near John's car, watching this attack unfold. Write three sms messages to a friend telling them step by step what you are witnessing. 2b Hand in your sms messages to the teacher who will write some of them on the whiteboard for further discussion. 3a Find out about the origins of aikido. Write down a few facts of interest to share with the class. 3b Watch the following You Tube clip. What skills does the master display? www.youtube.com/watch?v=aicHsMC6rxM 4a What is your reaction to this story? Was there an element to the story that impacted you? Discuss! 4b Does this story inspire you to take up martial arts?

newsLetter - 15

Published: from 2013-02-18 to 2013-02-24

(A2) MORE THAN LOOSE CHANGE A diamond in the rough Billy Ray Harris is homeless. He spends his days sitting on the side-walk holding out a cup in the hope of a little charity. As Sarah Darling hurried past, she dropped some loose change in his cup. When she got home, she realised that her engagement ring was missing. The last time she remembered seeing it was in her wallet. A sickening feeling came over Sarah when she understood that she must have dropped it by accident in the homeless man's cup. She feared the worst. Returning to the side-walk the next day, Billy smiled with delight that he could return the precious ring to its owner. Sarah was in disbelief. She shared with a news reporter: “I think in our world, we often just jump to the worst conclusion."

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EXERCISE (A2) MORE THAN LOOSE CHANGE A diamond in the rough

1a What emotion did Sarah experience when she discovered that her jewellery was not where she had last seen it? What expression is used to describe this emotion? 1b How did the man who has no home react when he got the chance to give Sarah her ring back? 1c What did Sarah assume about Billy? 1d How does Billy pass his time? 2a Discuss in groups what the main theme of this article is. What words describe Sarah's initial thoughts about what had become of her ring? 2b Put yourself in Sarah's shoes and imagine what could have become of her ring. Write two possible outcomes for the diamond ring. 2c Show the outcomes to a friend for feedback. 2d Share your versions of what may have happened to the diamond ring with the class. 3a Watch the following You Tube clip about what happened. news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/homeless-man-returns-diamond-ring-accidentallydropped-change-161705603.html 3b What was the reason Billy Ray returned the ring? How was he rewarded? 4a Have you ever made a judgement about someone because of how they look or behave and then realised your judgement was not accurate? Discuss! 4b Discuss the value of reading such stories and the need for them to be heard.

newsLetter - 17

Published: from 2013-02-18 to 2013-02-24

(B1) EMERGENCY? Tempers flare A 60 year old man was out hiking on New Zealand's South Island, last week. He was running late and wanted to get back to his car as quickly as possible. The hiker set off his emergency beacon. The beacon alerted The Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Greymouth who promptly responded, dispatching a rescue crew to his aid. When the helicopter landed they found the man in good health and in no danger whatsoever. Using the emergency beacon in this way has incensed the director of the emergency services. "That aircraft was unavailable for any other genuine emergency that may have arisen.'' Due to one man's selfish agenda, the helicopter was in fact out of service for some two and a half hours. Such blatant misuse of the beacon wasted time, money and potentially put others' lives at risk. The man's actions could cost him up to 30,000 dollars and prosecution.

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EXERCISE (B1) EMERGENCY? Tempers flare

1a What problem did a man on New Zealand's South Island face last week? 1b How did he go about trying to solve his problem? 1c What can the hiker expect as a result of his selfishness? 1d What could have been the most serious consequence that may have occurred as a result of this man's actions? 2a In threes, discuss what you think might have been the reason this man was in so much of a hurry. Why would he risk the lives of others in order to get back to his car as quickly as possible? 2b Write a script for a court room drama involving a lawyer, one of the rescue crew members and the hiker who is on trial. 2c Read or act out your drama for the class. 3a Where is Greymouth? Find it on a map. 3b In the following clip, describe what happens and what makes this rescue so dangerous. www.youtube.com/watch?v=G00pNDd4itI 3c Share your comments with another group of three. 4a Discuss this story. Did it shock you that someone would do such a thing? Has an incident of this kind been in the news in your own country? 4b Discuss how an incident of this nature could be avoided in future. What do think could be done to dissuade people from acting so selfishly or ignorantly?

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Published: from 2013-02-18 to 2013-02-24

(B2) MAGIC BUTTONS Leaking not an option A technology company in the US has developed an exciting new feature to get the most out of touch screen devices. Users of a now endless array of smart phones and tablets are well and truly smitten with their devices, but have to admit that they miss the certainty of tapping an actual button or key. It can certainly be a hit and miss affair typing messages; all too often unintended mistakes are sent, causing, at the very least, confusion. By the end of the year, touch screen users will be able to avail themselves of actual keys that seemingly magically appear out of the screen. Physical keys are created, as a non toxic fluid is pressurised, pushing up the surface of the panel. When not in use, the key pad simply flattens out and the touch screen reverts to a completely smooth surface. Varying the pressure of the fluid will create buttons that either feel squishy, like a gel, or firm, like a traditional plastic key. The company is still working on ensuring durability, so your device will be sure not to spring a leak!

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EXERCISE (B2) MAGIC BUTTONS Leaking not an option 1a What is it that the firm is yet to guarantee its customers of? 1b What is it that users of touch screens would be happy to avoid? 1c What happens to the fluid beneath the surface of the screen that results in buttons forming? 1d Who will benefit from this new technology? 2a As a class, read slowly through the article together in order to practice pronunciation. At the end of each paragraph discuss any new words or phrases and their meanings. 2b Write a letter to your grandmother or grandfather telling him or her about this new technology and how it functions. Try to convince him or her of the ways in which they would benefit from its functionality. (Watch the You Tube clips below if necessary to learn more about the technology and how it looks) 2c Give your letter to a friend for feedback and correction. 2d Read out your letter for the class, if time permits. 3a In pairs, watch the following You Tube clips demonstrating this new technology. Write down, research and discuss any new words and descriptions that haven't already been covered in this article. (visual only) www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNnGpIEa3AU www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJFwHuCs3Yw 3b Write three quiz questions to quiz other pairs about this technology. 4a Does this technology excite you? Why/why not? 4b Can you think of other ways in which this technology could be applied? Workshop your ideas and share with the class. 4c Had any of you anticipated this development? Discuss! newsLetter - 21

Published: from 2013-02-25 to 2013-03-03

(A2) SUPERPOD Feeding frenzy A boat full of tourists were treated to an amazing sight last week. A super pod of dolphins were spotted off the coast of San Diego, California. It is common for dolphins to travel in groups of two hundred or less. But in this pod, experts estimated that there were between two and three thousand dolphins. The pod extended some seven miles long and five miles wide. The captain of the boat tour, Joe Dutra, said he had never seen a pod so large. He followed the pod for over an hour. People on board were screaming with delight. The sea mammals were in a feeding frenzy. The peculiar noises they make while feeding would have echoed under water to attract other hungry dolphins.

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EXERCISE (A2) SUPERPOD Feeding frenzy

1a What caused so many dolphins to be in the same place at the same time. 1b How many dolphins are normally in a pod? 1c Describe the way in which the tourists reacted to this event? 1d What made this event so spectacular? 2a In groups, select five verbs from the passage and find synonyms for them. 2b Write the five synonyms on the whiteboard for the class to guess which sentence they match. 2c Using some of these verbs and synonyms, as individuals, write a few sentences about what happened on your weekend. 2d Share your weekend reports with the class. 3a Watch the following You Tube clip news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/san-diego-tourists-treated-dolphin-super-pod-sighting163519590.html Stop and start if necessary to be sure you understand what is being said. Write a sentence giving your reaction to this event to share with the class as well as a question to ask about the phenomena. 4a Have you seen or heard about a spectacular event involving animals in your country or local area? Discuss in groups. 4b Do you hope to witness such a spectacle one day? Discuss the part of the world that you would most like to see such a thing.

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Published: from 2013-02-25 to 2013-03-03

(A2) GAGA DOWN Tour cancelled Lady Gaga is awaiting surgery after a painful hip injury. Her twenty-fifth show tour entitled "Born this Way Ball" has been scrapped. "I hope you can forgive me... I'm devastated & sad," she wrote when she announced the show's cancellation. Last week, she visited a five year old fan in a children's hospital. Unable to walk, she arrived in a wheelchair. “This is Emma,” she tweeted last Saturday with a picture of her new wheels. The twenty-six year old singer, whose real name is Stefani Germanotta, will need a long recovery period after the surgery. “It will hopefully heal as soon as possible, I hate this. I hate this so much," shared the frustrated superstar.

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EXERCISE (A2) GAGA DOWN Tour cancelled

1a Why will Lady Gaga soon be recuperating? 1b How does Lady Gaga feel about not being able to perform her show? 1c What ailment is the superstar dealing with at the moment? 1d How does she move around these days? 2a Imagine you are the five year old in hospital who received a visit from Lady Gaga. Write a letter to your best friend telling him or her about it. 2b Swap letters with a friend, giving one another feedback. 2c After any corrections or changes, read your letter out loud for the class. 3a Listen to the following news report about Lady Gaga's condition. www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNM3JRlIyXo&feature=youtu.be Write down any new information. 3b Find out about Stephani Germanotta. Write two interesting facts about her to share with the class. 4a Have you ever had to cancel something that you were really looking forward to? Discuss the event and how you reacted to it. 4b Do you think her fans would be compassionate and understanding of her need to cancel the show? Discuss some possible reactions to this news and reasons for them.

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Published: from 2013-02-25 to 2013-03-03

(B1) PAY IT FORWARD February 14th, 2014 Valentine's day was celebrated in style by a couple of college students at a cuttingedge restaurant in Pittsburgh. "This was the nicest restaurant I've been to in my life," said one of the students. Their experience was not only about great food, great service and relishing in the romance of it all. When it came to paying the 250 dollar bill, they had the most pleasant surprise of their lives! Attached to the bill was a note which simply read: "Random Act Of Kindness. The only request is that someday you pay it forward. In the meantime, enjoy your youth, enjoy friendship, enjoy love. Be good to each other and good luck." The couple responsible for the Valentine's day goodwill gesture had left the restaurant hurriedly, to keep their good deed a secret. The college students are excited about being able to make February the 14th, 2014, a wonderful surprise for another unsuspecting couple!

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EXERCISE (B1) PAY IT FORWARD February 14th, 2014

1a What do the recipients of this kind deed look forward to? 1b Which calander event does this article centre around? 1c What happened to the diners that was totally out of the blue? 1d Why did the gift givers disappear without a trace? 2a In pairs, brainstorm a random act of kindness to be carried out in your local area. It doesn't have to involve money, it can be an act of service, or simply a kind gesture. 2b Imagine the response to your kind act and write about this happening as if it actually occurred. Don't forget to include the note encouraging the recipients of your kind deed to pay it forward. (And if it is something you could actually perform, why not do it?) 2c If time permits, read out your story. 3a Watch the following clip about the movie this story was inspired by. www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pCtXRP1edo What are the random acts of kindness that were detailed in this trailer? 3b In which way were the boy's instructions different from the instructions you received for this exercise? 3c Write a short movie synopsis based on what you see happening in this trailer. 3d Share your synopsis with the class. 4a Discuss this concept and its potential. Can you come up with a mathematical term to describe the repercussions? 4b How would you feel about receiving a gift anonymously? Would you want to know who it came from? Why/why not? 4c Is it natural to want to pay something forward? If not, what comes more naturally? Discuss! newsLetter - 27

Published: from 2013-02-25 to 2013-03-03

(B2) SUBWAY HEROES Man down The Columbus Circle station was packed to the rafters with late night revellers on their way home, when an intoxicated man collided with a rail, knocking himself unconscious. He then fell incapacitated onto the railway tracks. Several onlookers screamed and burst into tears. With just two minutes before the next train, twenty-two year old Garrett O'Hanlon jumped spontaneously onto the tracks to help the unconscious man. “I couldnʼt watch a man die. It was such a rush, it happened so quickly - I just had to react,” said Garrett. Seeing O'Hanlon struggle with the stocky man's body, a second man leaped onto the tracks, followed by his mate, Matt. “The train was one minute away,” Matt said, "It was out of control.” The announcement of the impending train's arrival resounded in the ears of the distressed throng of passengers. Desperate helping hands reached down to assist in dragging the bleeding man and his rescuers to safety, with just seconds to spare. Not surprisingly the three men are being hailed as heroes!

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EXERCISE (B2) SUBWAY HEROES Man down 1a What expression was used to describe how many people had gathered at this particular subway station? 1b What title did the three men earn? 1c Immediately prior to the train's arrival, what sound could be heard? 1d Why did the second man jump onto the tracks? 1e What would have been horrendous for Garrett? 2a In pairs, write a letter to the bar manager who allowed this man to get drunk in his establishment. Tell him what happened and what nearly happened! 2b Give your letter to another pair for feedback and correction. 2c Hand in your letters to the teacher who will write paragraphs from a few letters on the whiteboard to discuss and correct, if necessary. 3a Continuing in pairs, watch the following interview with a man who rescued an unconscious woman in a similar situation. www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6SrwTj5dcg What do these two stories have in common? In which ways are they different? 3b If this story was made into a movie, what would you call it? Who would star in the movie? What music would you play? What would be the main theme of your movie? 3c Discuss and share your findings from 3a along with with your recommendations with the class.

movie

4a Can you imagine what it would be like to hear about your heroic son's act? Can you imagine the range of emotions linked to such an incident for the parents of the heroes? Discuss! 4b Can you imagine the atmosphere on the platform? Do you see yourself as one of the ones who would have jumped down to help or would you be paralysed with fear? Discuss! newsLetter - 29

Published: from 2013-02-25 to 2013-03-03

(B2) COSMIC INTRUDERS Wake-up call In the wake of the damage caused by a meteor entering the earth's atmosphere, showering Russia with debris, injuring five hundred people, and traumatising thousands, there has been renewed interest in becoming much better watchdogs of this planet. Edward Lu, a former NASA astronaut remarks: “Wouldnʼt it be silly if we got wiped out because we werenʼt looking?” In particular, Ed explains, the focus needs to be centred on funding the deployment of early detection tools. A high powered telescope could orbit the sun looking for potential threats. Meanwhile, an asteroid large enough to destroy a city whizzed passed the earth the same day. Observatories in Australia recorded it as the "closest ever predicted approach to Earth, for an object this large." NASA had been tracking the asteroid since its discovery last February, foretelling that it would safely pass us by. They also conceded, that only 10 percent of what's out there ever gets detected. Russia's unannounced cosmic intruder may just be the wake-up call from space needed to save our planet.

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EXERCISE (B2) COSMIC INTRUDERS Wake-up call 1a What could be used to enable us to better monitor the earth's visitors? 1b What happened recently, that has resulted in revived efforts to safeguard the earth? 1c What did the fly-by mass have the potential to do? 1d What piece of potentially disturbing information was revealed in this article? 2a Give a definition for each of the following: "wake-up call", "in the wake of" "watch-dog" and "wiped out", corresponding to the meaning they have here in the text. 2b What would be the literal meaning of these expressions? 2c What is the difference between a meteor and an asteroid? 3a In small groups, watch four minutes of the following You Tube clip, showing the effects of Russia's cosmic intruder. Write a series of questions and answers for an interview with people who witnessed this incredible event. The people affected could be drivers of vehicles, shop owners, people woken up by it, office workers etc. Include some of the terms, words and expressions found in the text and any new information you glean from watching the video in the questions and answers. www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOPjfrkLslI 3b Read or act out your interview. 3c Find out about previous cosmic intruders and the evidence of their impact on the earth's surface. 3d Share your findings with the class! 4a Watch this short clip showing the final resting place of the cosmic intruder. www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZIAGQtlKLw 4b Discuss your reactions to this event and the need to be able to detect such intruders. Do you feel we should invest more time and money into such things? Why/why not? 4b How did you react to the news about people who have cameras videoing routinely from the dashboard of their car? Is this something we should all be doing? Discuss! newsLetter - 31