Welcome to

IELTS
CLASS IELTS
6.5

UNIT 3:
THE NEWS AND
MEDIA
01. Read these quotes, which give different opinions about how news is consumed.
02. Match statements 1-4 with quotes A-D
A Since the birth of the internet, access to local B
Adults aged 60+ buy a daily
and world news has become possible 24 hours 1. Continual exposure to the news is bad for us. ______
newspaper as a matter of habit.
a day, 7 days a week. This is having an 2. As a news source, there is more confidence in television than in the
Generally, they don't know how to
increasingly negative impact on society, and internet. _____
access news online.
consequently we have all become news addicts! 3. Teenagers are only interested in news about actors and pop stars.
SARAH (35) MATT (18) _____
C D
I would only use social media sites to 4. The older generation don't know how to read the news using the
Youngsters these days aren't interested in the
check entertainment news. I wouldn't internet. _____
news and spend most of their time on social
media sites. They don't buy a newspaper or trust it for any serious news, such as 03. Look at the quotes again and, with a partner, discuss

watch a regular TV bulletin. The only news they crime or politics. For those topics, I'd whether you agree or disagree with each speaker

might be interested in is entertainment news. only rely on television bulletins.

CHARLES (65) MARY (25)

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04. Skim this text to understand the general meaning of each paragraph

A Since the birth of the internet, access to local B

Adults aged 60+ buy a daily A. A recent report, issued by the international to access the news, but this is a decrease of 8%
and world news has become possible 24 hours from last year.
newspaper as a matter of habit. news agency Reuters, reveals that smartphones
a day, 7 days a week. This is having an are quickly becoming the most popular way to C. The report also revealed, however, that on
Generally, they don't know how to access the news. Over the last year, this average people only use a small number of
increasingly negative impact on society, and trusted news sources on their phones, the
access news online. increase has been particularly noted in countries
consequently we have all become news addicts! such as the UK, the USA and Japan. In fact, for average across all countries being 1.52 per
SARAH (35) MATT (18) all countries involved in the survey, usage has person. In the UK, for example, over half of

C D increased from 37% to 46%. Furthermore, 66% smartphone users (51%) regularly use the BBC
I would only use social media sites to of smartphone users are now using the device app.
Youngsters these days aren't interested in the
for news on a weekly basis. D. Across all countries included in the survey,
news and spend most of their time on social check entertainment news. I wouldn't B. By comparison, the number of people using 25%stated that their smartphone was the main
trust it for any serious news, such as tablets to access the news is decreasing in most device used for accessing digital news, an
media sites. They don't buy a newspaper or
countries. More sophisticated smartphones are increase of 20%since last year. This is
watch a regular TV bulletin. The only news they crime or politics. For those topics, I'd reducing the need for other portable devices. particularly true of those aged under 35, with the
only rely on television bulletins. The need for accessing the news on laptops and figure rising to 41%. The overall trend, however,
might be interested in is entertainment news.
desktops has also changed. Over half (57%) still is not to use just one digital device to access the
CHARLES (65) MARY (25) consider these devices the most important ways news, but rather a combination of two or three.
 A. A recent report, issued by the international C. The report also revealed, however, that on
05. Which paragraphs (A – D) contains this information? You may write any letter more
news agency Reuters, reveals that smartphones average people only use a small number of
than once are quickly becoming the most popular way to trusted news sources on their phones, the
access the news. Over the last year, this increase average across all countries being 1.52 per
1. other ways news is accessed online __________ has been particularly noted in countries such as person. In the UK, for example, over half of
the UK, the USA and Japan. In fact, for all smartphone users (51%) regularly use the BBC
2. over half of smartphone users access news via their phones
countries involved in the survey, usage has app.
___________ increased from 37% to 46%. Furthermore, 66% D. Across all countries included in the survey,
of smartphone users are now using the device for 25%stated that their smartphone was the main
3. the most popular way to access the news digitally is by using
news on a weekly basis. device used for accessing digital news, an
several methods _______ B. By comparison, the number of people using increase of 20% since last year. This is
tablets to access the news is decreasing in most particularly true of those aged under 35, with the
4. the younger generation are more likely to use their smartphone
countries. More sophisticated smartphones are figure rising to 41%. The overall trend, however,
to access the news _______ reducing the need for other portable devices. The is not to use just one digital device to access the
need for accessing the news on laptops and news, but rather a combination of two or three.
desktops has also changed. Over half (57%) still
consider these devices the most important ways
GO BACK TO PREVIOUS SLIDE
to access the news, but this is a decrease of 8%
from last year.

06. Look at your answers to the questions in exercise 5 and decide if these 07. Look again at the text in exercise 4 and your answers to exercise 5. Then complete
the gaps in these tables.
statements are True or False.
Words in the text Words in the question
1. The answers do not follow the same order as the text. The overall trend 1. _______________________

2. The answers may not be the main idea of the paragraph. 2. ______________ over half

3. Some paragraphs contain more than one answer. a combination of two or three 3. ____________________

4. Not all paragraphs contain an answer. Words in the text Synonyms

aquarter of
5. The questions will often use synonyms rather than wording from the text 4. _________________

questionnaire
5. _________________

often
6. _________________
 2. According to recent reports, the 3. People must be responsible for
1. Tennis fans were left government feels it is no longer their own health, otherwise the
shocked today, when the necessary to pay for school meals. National Health Service will no
favourite to win the Headteachers feel that this would longer be able to cope. This was
08. Read extracts 1-6, taken from various news reports. championship was defeated be a disaster, however, especially the warning given today by the

Then match the extracts with a label from the box in the third round by an given the recent progress with head of the organisation.
unknown player. making dinners healthier for pupils.
account cause and effect description 6. A 60-year-oldman was arrested
opinion reaction summary 5. The Queen landed to a red- today, after he was caught
4. Overall, last year was a very
carpet welcome on Tuesday, as stealing from his local shop.
good year for the nation's
she opened her visit to the USA. According to a witness, he was
economy. The unemployment
She was greeted by hundreds of wearing black clothes and a mask
rate was down, more jobs were
guests, together with the during the robbery
created, and generally people felt
President and his family
they had more money to spend.
GO BACK TO PREVIOUS SLIDE

B. Perhaps what some of the older generation fail

to understand is that just because the younger
generation does not buy a daily newspaper, it
Posted September 07 doesn't mean that they don't follow the news. Born
A. In recent years, there has been growing into a digital age, or more specifically the age of the
concern by researchers and indeed the older internet, the younger generation simply accesses
generation that the younger generation are news through the digital devices they grew up
09. Skim this text for the main ideas, then label each paragraph somewhat disengaged from the news, and as using: laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc. A recent
a result have a very narrow view of the world study produced by Ofcom revealed that 60% of
with ONE or more of the descriptions from the box. around them. This, however, couldn't be youngsters in the UK use the internet or apps for
further from the truth, as shown by a recent news, compared to just 21% of those in the older
cause and effect factual opinion study carried out by the Media In sight Project age range. ________________
(American Press Institute & Associated Press). C. Social media also plays an important part in
problems reason summary
According to this research, 85% of youngsters consuming the news for the younger generation. It
say that keeping up to date with the news is was also revealed that most youngsters actually
important to them, and 69% receive news on a don't seek out news from social media, but choose
daily basis. _________________ to follow it once they see it there. In other words,
they encounter it accidentally and therefore
following the news is secondary.
GO BACK TO PREVIOUS SLIDE PART 2
 E. According to Alison Preston, Head of Media
Literacy Research at Ofcom, motivations for 10. Look at extracts 1-4 from the text. Match a tense from the box with each extract.
following the news also vary according to the
Posted September 07
generation. In her current report on the topic, past simple passive present continuous passive
For example, when accessing social media she states that, for the younger generation,
sites, news headlines automatically appear. news is largely about convenience and being present perfect passive present simple passive
These catch the user’s eye and social. For the older generation, however,
consequently the news link is clicked and 1. ... social media is used for breaking news _______________________
motivation is greatly linked to a sense of duty
followed. ____________ and habit. __________ 2. ... it was also revealed _____________________
D. For the moment, social networks are F. Overall, it is fair to say that news plays an
being used selectively, however. For important part in all our everyday lives, 3. ... social networks are being used selectively ________________________
example, social media is used for breaking regardless of generation. However, what is
news, but is not relied on in terms of different amongst the generations is why and 4. ... there has been growing concern by researchers _____________________
accuracy. For hard news topics, such as how it is accessed. __________
economics or local crime, youngsters 11. Why has the writer chosen to use the passive rather than the active in these extracts?
continue to look to original sources. For
accuracy and reliability, television is still the
preferred choice for both generations.
_______________ GO BACK TO PREVIOUS SLIDE

12. Complete headlines 1- 4 with the verb in brackets in one of these passive forms. 13. Read these news headlines written in the active, then change them to the
past simple present continuous present perfect present simple passive.

1. People blame all the wet weather on climate change. Climate change
1. Holidays ____________ (ruin) by air strikes.
____________________________
2. The launch of London's night tube ______________________________________ (delay) 2. Police found the Hollywood actor unconscious in his Manhattan apartment.
until further notice. The Hollywood actor ___________________________________________
3. Researchers have recovered treasure from a sunken Spanish ship.
3. The victims of the air disaster ________________________ (name) earlier this morning.
Treasure ____________________________________________
4. A new medicine to help fight cancer ___________________ (develop) in Cambridge at the
4. Today, the public are celebrating a royal wedding. A royal wedding
moment. _________________________________
 14. Answer these questions using what you have learnt in this lesson. 15. The reading passage ‘How the younger generation consumes the news’ has six
paragraphs A-F. Which paragraph contains the following information?
1. What should you read carefully before starting a matching information task?

2. Are you looking for matching words or synonyms? 1. the reasons why the younger generation seeks news _________

3. Do the answers follow the same order as the text? 2. the opinion that news is important to the younger generation _______

4. Can the same letter be used more than once? 3. the percentage of older adults in the UK who access the news digitally _______

5. Do all paragraphs need to be used? 4. the idea that the younger generation largely encounters the news by chance _______

5. the news is of great significance to both young and old people ________

6. why the younger generation consumes the news through modern technology ________

B. Perhaps what some of the older generation fail E. According to Alison Preston, Head of Media
to understand is that just because the younger Literacy Research at Ofcom, motivations for
generation does not buy a daily newspaper, it following the news also vary according to the
Posted September 07 doesn't mean that they don't follow the news. Born Posted September 07
generation. In her current report on the topic,
A. In recent years, there has been growing into a digital age, or more specifically the age of the For example, when accessing social media she states that, for the younger generation,
concern by researchers and indeed the older internet, the younger generation simply accesses sites, news headlines automatically appear. news is largely about convenience and being
generation that the younger generation are news through the digital devices they grew up These catch the user’s eye and social. For the older generation, however,
somewhat disengaged from the news, and as using: laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc. A recent consequently the news link is clicked and
a result have a very narrow view of the world motivation is greatly linked to a sense of duty
study produced by Ofcom revealed that 60% of followed. ____________
around them. This, however, couldn't be youngsters in the UK use the internet or apps for
and habit. __________
D. For the moment, social networks are F. Overall, it is fair to say that news plays an
further from the truth, as shown by a recent news, compared to just 21% of those in the older being used selectively, however. For
study carried out by the Media In sight Project age range. ________________ important part in all our everyday lives,
example, social media is used for breaking regardless of generation. However, what is
(American Press Institute & Associated Press). C. Social media also plays an important part in news, but is not relied on in terms of different amongst the generations is why and
According to this research, 85% of youngsters consuming the news for the younger generation. It
say that keeping up to date with the news is
accuracy. For hard news topics, such as how it is accessed. __________
was also revealed that most youngsters actually
important to them, and 69% receive news on a economics or local crime, youngsters
don't seek out news from social media, but choose
daily basis. _________________ to follow it once they see it there. In other words, continue to look to original sources. For
they encounter it accidentally and therefore accuracy and reliability, television is still the
following the news is secondary. preferred choice for both generations.
_______________ GO BACK TO PREVIOUS SLIDE
GO BACK TO PREVIOUS SLIDE PART 2
 01. In the Writing test, you might be asked to describe a process. Look at sentences a-g describing
a process for writing a local news story, then order the sentences, using the pictures to help you.

How to write a local newspaper story

a. After that, think of a good title for your piece.

b. Finally, submit your article to your local newspaper via email.

c. Thirdly, think of a good first line: something which is attention-grabbing.

d. Next, write the main body of the article, answering the four ‘w’s:

what, where, why and when.

e. First, think of a good idea! Choose a local and interesting news story.

f. Then, check your article for grammatical and spelling errors.

g. Secondly, accompany your story with a picture of a local person or attraction.

02. In exercise 1, which words helped you choose the order?

03. Look at the table. Which set of words, 1-4, includes words to describe actions
taking place at the same time?

1 First First of all First To begin with

2 After Next Then Secondly, thirdly, etc

3 Whilst At the same time

4 Finally

GO BACK TO PREVIOUS SLIDE

 04. Study the diagram about how a newsroom works, then read the sample answer,
05. Compare the diagram and the sample answer, then answer these questions.
ignoring the gaps for the moment

1. Is every word used in the diagram used in the sample answer?

2. Do you need to understand every word in the diagram?

3. Can you use nouns from the diagram in your answer?

06. Complete the sample answer in exercise 4, using the time markers from exercise 3. 07. Spending a few minutes planning your answer will ensure it is both logical and
structured. It may also help you to understand the diagram better and to choose the most
More than one answer may be possible.
significant features. Look at this example plan.
Suggested plan for describing a process The introduction should simply state
The diagram illustrates how news stories are created in a newsroom.  Introduction - The diagram explains the process of what the process is. Do not, however,
writing a news story. There are a total of seven stages copy the words used in the task
(1) ___________________, news stories come into the newsroom through either journalists, press instructions.
in this process, each of which will be described below
releases or members of the general public. (2) _________ , journalists are assigned to different stories.  Main body-You need to include every stage, but not every minor detail. Many of the nouns
This may mean they have to attend an event, conduct interviews or search through archives. will often be provided in the diagram, so make sure they are included in your answer.
Stage Verbs Nouns
(3) _________, images become involved in the process. This could be through television crews,
1 choose news story
graphic designers or photographers. (4) ________________ , depending on the type of newsroom, 2 accompany story, picture
visual footage is reviewed or photographs are loaded into a computer. Journalists also have time at this 3 think first line
point to finish their stories. (5) _________ , sub-editors are used to check that stories are legally and A clear overview of the
4 write main body, article  Overview - Overall,
diagram is essential. This
factually correct. Also at this stage, some stories may be cut, due to space or time restrictions. the diagram shows how
5 check article, errors can appear at either the
you can write a news
Overall, the diagram shows how news is created in five simple steps. Many people are involved in the 6 think title beginning or the end of
story in just a few simple
your answer.
process, from journalists to photographers. 7 submit newspaper steps
 10. When writing about a process, the passive is often used. Underline the uses of the
passive in the diagram in exercise 4. which passive tense has been used? There is also
one example of a passive used with a modal verb. Can you find it?
Attending an
event, face-to TV camera crews
08. Describe some of these processes to a partner.
Through press face or phone are assigned to jobs,
releases, interviews, photo shoots are
boil an egg download an app make your favourite dish journalists or the looking through booked or graphic
general public archives designers are
make a cake post a tweet upload a video on YouTube allocated work.

09. Write a plan for one of these processes

Sub-editors will check Raw visual footage is
stories for readability reviewed and edited
and ensure they are photographs are
not libelous, while loaded into a computer
some stories can be and saved journalists
cut, due to space or spend time
time restrictions. finishing their stories.

11. Transform these active sentences into the passive. 12. When If this is you the first case, read try the and diagram, use some you of may these
not steps. understand it. Order the steps from 1 to 5.
The process of writing a local news story A
Circle the information in the diagram you do understand.
1. Choose a local news story. You probably understand more than you think.
B
2. Accompany the story with a picture. If you are still unsure what to write, move on to Part 2 of the Writing test. This is worth more
marks and it will give you longer to think about Part 1.
3. Think of a good first line. C
Ask yourself some of these questions:
4. Write the main body of the article. • How many stages are there?
• Are the stages in a particular order?
5. Check the article for errors. • Do some stages take place at the same time?
D
6. Invent a good title. Write a brief plan as you did in exercise 9, and include vocabulary already given.
However, remember to write sentences in your own words.
7. Submit the article to a local newspaper E
Study the diagram carefully. Although the task is not testing your knowledge on the subject, your
interpretation of the diagram needs to be accurate
13. Use the useful phrases and verbs below and other language from this lesson to answer the
Writing Part 1 task. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task GO BACK TO PREVIOUS SLIDE
Useful phrases for process tasks
The diagram / flow-chart illustrates /shows ...
Each picture represents a stage in the process of ...
There are ... [number] stages to this process, beginning with ... and ending in ....
In conclusion / To conclude, this simple process shows how ...
Useful verbs for process tasks
absorb build link convert install manufacture NEXT
attach make lift provide reflect
The diagram illustrates the process of lithography: a method used for printing newspapers.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons
where necessary.
Write at least 150 words

01. Listen to three short discussions, each on a particular topic. In each discussion,
another topic is also referred to. Choose the main topic in each discussion.

1. A. sport B. politics C. economics

2. A. business B. science C. entertainment

3. A. technology B. sport C. business

02. Look at these topics and listen to Speakers 1-3. Identify who has the positive
03. You will hear two media studies students, Maria and
attitude, the negative attitude and the neutral attitude. Write Speaker 1, Speaker 2
Simon, discussing three space expeditions in the news with
or Speaker 3.
their tutor, Dr. Anita Thornton. They are deciding on a study
Topic 1: Modern art Topic 2: Combating climate change topic. Listen and identify their final choice, A, B or C
Positive: _________ Positive: __________ A. Moon expedition
Negative: _________ Negative: _________
B. Mars expedition
Neutral: __________ Neutral: _________
C. Pluto expedition

04. During the discussion, each of the three speakers gives their opinions on the three 05. People often use and expressions choose Positive to show (A), their Negative
possibilities. Listen to the first part of the discussion again and decide what each speaker attitude (B) or and Neutral opinions. Listen (C) for each to attitude six short expressed by
says they prefer first for each suggestion: positive, negative or neutral. the second speaker.

Pluto expedition Mars expedition Moon expedition 1. A. Positive B. Negative C. Neutral

2. A. Positive B. Negative C. Neutral

Simon
3. A. Positive B. Negative C. Neutral

4. A. Positive B. Negative C. Neutral

Maria
5. A. Positive B. Negative C. Neutral
Dr. Thornton
6. A. Positive B. Negative C. Neutral
06. Listen to the conversations again and write the key words and expressions which
express the speaker's attitude. Decide whether this is positive, negative or neutral.
07. Listen to part of the conversation again between Maria, Simon
Conversation Key words / expressions Positive / Negative / Neutral and Dr Thornton and choose the correct answer, A, B or C

Dr Thornton thinks studying the Mars expedition is a good idea

1
because
2
A. she thinks the mission will be successful.
3 B. robots and machines will be used to start a colony there.
C. the students will have the chance to study it until it ends
4

09. Listen to a conversation between Maria, Simon and Dr Thornton one month after the
08. Check your answer with your teacher and then answer these questions
start of the project and read questions 1-3. There are two options for each question: one
to help you find the reasons why are the other two options are not correct.
correct answer and one distractor. For each question, choose the correct answer and think
1. What does Dr Thornton say is actually successful?
about why the distractor is wrong.
1. Alfonso has left the Mars project because
A. he became ill while they were in Arizona.
2. Which expedition is sending robots and machines to find a suitable place for a
B. he had a problem unconnected to the project.
colony? 2. If someone leaves the Mars project, the rules say that
A. a new person must take their place.
B. no new people can join at a later date.
3. What time references do you hear? 3. Simon agrees that
A. only one person should look after the food production.
NEXT
B. more than one person should look after the food production
10. Listen to the next conversation about the project and choose the answer, A, B or C, 11. Now listen to the next part of the conversation and choose the correct answer, A, B or C.

which correctly paraphrases the information in the recording. Look at this example. 1. Dr Thornton's main interest is in
A. what kinds of people take part in projects like this.
One person has most probably been physically violent
B. how she can be a psychology expert on the project.
because
C. how people interact in long periods of isolation together.
A. they do not speak very much as a rule.
2. Dr Thornton thinks it's good that
B. they might have difficulty being in a closed space.
A. it took sometime for the first serious conflict to take place.
C. they always disliked another participant.
B. problems like these happen on this type of project.
C. the project is not like a television series or soap opera.
3. Simon states that
A. Joe could cause problems for the environment of the building if he stays.
B. Joe successfully dealt with a serious environmental situation.
C. they could solve any environmental problems if Joe left.

12. Listen to the final part of the conversation and choose the correct answer, A, B or C. 12. Listen to the final part of the conversation and choose the correct answer, A, B or C.
1. Simon is going to base his main study on 4. Maria intends to
A. why just over half of the participants stayed until the end of the project. A. make a contribution to an important scientific publication.
B. how to make sure that people can survive on a real trip to Mars. B. write about how well the participants performed while living in a small space.
C. how much the project was covered in the news media. C. focus only on the psychological issues affecting the participants.
2. One surprising result of the project was that 5. In the end, the total spent on the Mars project was
A. it was reported as a major news item.
A. just over the planned amount.
B. the participants were in danger of losing their lives.
B. twice the planned amount.
C. information from the project will be used in a new design.
C. just under the planned amount.
3. One thing that Dr Thornton is interested in finding out about the people in the Mars project is
6. The person who would absolutely refuse to be a participant in a repeat project is
A. why they had health problems.
A. Simon.
B. how they coped physically with living close together. QUESTION 4-6
B. Dr Thornton.
C. how their physical well-being might develop in the future. NEXT
C. Maria.
 01. Ask and answer these questions with a partner

1. Where do you usually get your

news?
2. Where do most people in your
country get their news?
3. Do people in your country still read
newspapers?
4. Are there any advantages to
getting your news on the internet?

02. Think of THREE advantages and THREE disadvantages of each type of media in the
03. With a partner, describe these happy news stories, then share your story with
box. Discuss with a partner. newspapers the internet radio television
The Internet
the class. As you tell the story, try to use some or all of the adjectives from the box
Newspapers
Advantages Disadvantages Advantages Disadvantages 1. A person overcoming a serious health problem
1. _______________ 1. _______________ 1. _______________ 1. _______________ 2. A dog finding its owner after getting lost
2. _______________ 2. _______________ 2. _______________ 2. _______________
3. A man being rescued from an overturned boat in the sea
3. _______________ 3. _______________ 3. _______________ 3. _______________
brilliant delightful extraordinary impressive magnificent
Radio Television marvelous outstanding stunning tremendous
Advantages Disadvantages Advantages Disadvantages

1. _______________ 1. _______________ 1. _______________ 1. _______________ It was one of the most extraordinary events I’ve ever seen!
2. _______________ 2. _______________ 2. _______________ 2. _______________

3. _______________ 3. _______________ 3. _______________ 3. _______________

 05. Listen to someone describe their feelings about a recent news story. For each sentence,
04. With a different partner, describe these sad news stories, then share your story decide whether Example A or Example B uses the correct intonation for the speaker's
feelings. Practise using the correct intonation with a partner.
with the class. Use some or all of the adjectives from the box.
Sentence Example A Example B
1. A man losing his winning lottery ticket
1. When the report came in to say the mission was a success, everyone
2. A woman breaking her leg in an accident
felt that we'd seen something extraordinary
3. A business having to close after running out of money
2. The disaster was a dreadful tragedy with a massive loss of life.

absurd bizarre disgusting distressing dreadful 3. I'm feeling pretty uncomfortable about the situation. I hope we can find a
harmful terrible uncomfortable upsetting solution soon.

4. The results were stunning, and the team had done a marvelous job.
It was a really bizarre thing to happen! 5. It was such an impressive sight and the noise that followed it was
tremendous.
6. This was such a bizarre event, and it's incredible that we haven't been
able to find out what caused it.

06. With a partner, tell the story here in your own words (paraphrase). 07. Swap roles. Tell your partner the story here in your own words (paraphrase)

An adventurer received a big surprise when she dived into a cave system in search of an
A girl who was just four years old when a powerful tsunami
underwater cave monster. Diver Karina Oliani discovered the eight-metre anaconda after a four-
roared into her town in Indonesia and swept her away has been day search. The terrifying snake was one of the biggest ever seen underwater, weighing an

reunited with her family after 10 years. The girl was returned to estimated 400 kg. Karina said:
‘At first I was terrified by its size - I saw a huge head but could not see the end of its body.
her family after being spotted in a crowd by her uncle. In the
The snakes can move fast underwater and could have easily killed me.’
days following media reports of her survival, a homeless boy

has also rejoined his family after he was washed out to sea at

age seven with his sister.

08. Look at this picture sequence about an earthquake. Retell the story in your own words. 09. Match these sentences with the pictures in exercise 8.

A B C 1. The earthquake destroyed a number of monuments. ___

2. Volunteers removed large numbers of rocks and stones to rescue people. ___

3. Rescuers pulled survivors from the collapsed buildings. ___

4. Falling buildings injured many people. ___

5. Helicopters arrived to take survivors to hospital. ___

D E F G
6. The earthquake left many children homeless. ___

7. The earthquake struck the city at 10.00 am. ___

GO BACK TO PREVIOUS SLIDE

10. Change the sentences in exercise 9 from the active to the passive.
A B C 1. The earthquake destroyed a number of monuments.

2. Volunteers removed large numbers of rocks and stones to rescue people.

3. Rescuers pulled survivors from the collapsed buildings.

4. Falling buildings injured many people.

5. Helicopters arrived to take survivors to hospital.

D E F G 6. The earthquake left many children homeless.

7. The earthquake struck the city at 10.00 am.

11. Practise telling the story in exercise 8 again, using the passive to describe what happened.

A B C 12. Ask and answer these Speaking Part 1 questions with a

partner.

1. Where do you usually get your news?

2. How do most people your age get their news?

3. What kind of news are you most interested in?

D E F G
4. How is getting the news today different from how we got our

news in the past?

13. Answer the prompts in this Speaking Part 2 task.

Talk for at least 90 seconds
Describe a news story you read/saw.

You should say:

• what kind of news story it was

• what happened to the people in the story

THANKS
• why the event was important enough to be reported on the

news and explain how you felt about the news story.