The Reading / Listening - Level 3

Disney will ban selfie sticks at all of its theme parks around the world from July the 1st. The entertainment giant has become the latest company to ban the sticks. Universal Studios was one of the first companies to put a ban in place. Many museums now also ban them. Kim Prunty, a Disney spokeswoman, said the ban was because of concerns that the sticks were dangerous for customers and Disney workers. She said: "We strive to provide a great experience for the entire family, and unfortunately, selfie sticks have become a growing safety concern for both our guests and cast." She added that staff have had to stop rides because people were using selfie sticks on them.

Selfie sticks have become very popular in recent years. They were designed so that people with mobile cameras could take photos of themselves. It seems as though everyone in the world is taking self-portraits to put on Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites. Even the president of the USA has been seen taking selfies. However, many people are getting angry with others who use selfie sticks, especially at tourist attractions. One passenger who used the stick on a rollercoaster at Disney California Adventure shut the ride down for nearly an hour. The PC World magazine offers a solution. It wrote: "Maybe you should…use the selfie sticks that we're all born with - your arms."

Try the same news story at these easier levels:

    Level 0 Level 1   or  Level 2

Sources
  • http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/06/26/us-usa-florida-selfie-idUSKBN0P629720150626
  • http://www.pcworld.com/article/2941343/disney-gets-sick-of-selfie-sticks-bans-them-from-its-parks.html
  • http://time.com/3936560/selfie-stick-california-screamin-roller-coaster/s-at-all-theme-parks-10349739.html


Make sure you try all of the online activities for this reading and listening - There are dictations, multiple choice, drag and drop activities, crosswords, hangman, flash cards, matching activities and a whole lot more. Please enjoy :-)

The 40 Lesson Activities on the PDF Handout

WARM-UPS

1. SELFIES: Students walk around the class and talk to other students about selfies. Change partners often and share your findings.

2. CHAT: In pairs / groups, talk about these topics or words from the article. What will the article say about them? What can you say about these words and your life?

 

ban / theme parks / entertainment / museums / concerns / dangerous / customers / popular / photos / self-portraits / social media / tourist attractions / rollercoaster

Have a chat about the topics you liked. Change topics and partners frequently.

3. THEME PARKS: Design these new theme parks? Complete this table with your partner(s). Change partners often and share what you wrote.

 

What you can do there

A slogan

Apple World

 

 

Time World

 

 

Chocolate World

 

 

BBC World

 

 

Health World

 

 

Shopping World

 

 

4. SELFIES: Students A strongly believe people who take selfies love themselves too much; Students B strongly believe everyone should take selfies.  Change partners again and talk about your conversations.

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5. PHOTOS: Rank these with your partner. Put the best at the top. Change partners often and share your rankings.

  • selfies

  • photos of babies

  • photos of food

  • photos of kittens

  • nature photos

  • family photos

  • wedding photos

  • celebrity pics

6. STICK: Spend one minute writing down all of the different words you associate with the word "stick". Share your words with your partner(s) and talk about them. Together, put the words into different categories.

BEFORE READING / LISTENING

1. TRUE / FALSE: Read the headline. Guess if  a-h  below are true (T) or false (F).

a.

Disney will ban selfie sticks at theme parks from next year.

T / F

b.

Disney is the world's first theme park operator to ban selfie sticks.

T / F

c.

A Disney spokeswoman said selfie sticks caused a danger to staff.

T / F

d.

Disney has had to stop rides because someone used a selfie stick.

T / F

e.

Selfie sticks were designed for old people without cameras.

T / F

f.

Everyone on Facebook uses a selfie stick.

T / F

g.

The U.S. President takes selfies.

T / F

h.

A magazine suggested our arms are our natural selfie sticks.

T / F

2. SYNONYM MATCH: Match the following synonyms from the article.

1.

ban

a.

particularly

2.

workers

b.

whole

3.

provide

c.

appears

4.

entire

d.

becoming

5.

concern

e.

prohibit

6.

designed

f.

answer

7.

seems

g.

staff

8.

getting

h.

worry

9.

especially

i.

created

10.

solution

j.

give

3. PHRASE MATCH:  (Sometimes more than one choice is possible.)

1.

Disney will ban selfie sticks at

a.

had to stop rides

2.

the latest company to

b.

a ban in place

3.

one of the first companies to put

c.

attractions

4.

provide a great experience

d.

portraits

5.

She added that staff have

e.

for the entire family

6.

Selfie sticks have become very

f.

all of its theme parks

7.

taking self-

g.

getting angry

8.

many people are

h.

ban the sticks

9.

tourist

i.

with - your arms

10.

use the selfie sticks that we're all born

j.

popular in recent years

GAP FILL

Disney will ban selfie sticks at all of its theme parks (1) ____________ the world from July the 1st. The entertainment (2) ____________ has become the (3) ____________ company to ban the sticks. Universal Studios was one of the first companies to put a ban in place. Many (4) ____________ now also ban them. Kim Prunty, a Disney spokeswoman, said the ban was because of (5) ____________ that the sticks were dangerous for customers and Disney workers. She said: "We (6) ____________ to provide a great experience for the entire family, and unfortunately, selfie sticks have become a growing (7) ____________ concern for both our guests and (8) ____________." She added that staff have had to stop rides because people were using selfie sticks on them.

 

 

museums
concerns
around
latest
cast
strive
giant
safety

Selfie sticks have become very (9) ____________ in recent years. They were designed so that people with mobile cameras could take photos of themselves. It (10) ____________ as though everyone in the world is taking (11) ____________ -portraits to put on Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites. Even the president of the USA has been seen taking selfies. However, many people are getting (12) ____________ with others who use selfie sticks, especially at (13) ____________ attractions. One passenger who used the stick on a rollercoaster at Disney California Adventure shut the ride (14) ____________ for nearly an hour. The PC World magazine offers a (15) ____________. It wrote: "Maybe you should…use the selfie sticks that we're all (16) ____________ with - your arms."

 

self
popular
down
angry
born
seems
solution
tourist

 

LISTENING - Guess the answers. Listen to check.

1)

Disney will ban selfie sticks at all of its theme parks ______

 

a.  about the world
b.  abound the world
c.  around the world
d.  errand the world

2)

Universal Studios was one of the first companies to put ______

 

a.  a ban in place
b.  a ban in place
c.  a banning place
d.  a band in place

3)

We strive to provide a great experience for ______

 

a.  the entry family
b.  the entire family
c.  the end tyre family
d.  the entirely family

4)

selfie sticks have become a growing safety concern for both ______

 

a.  our guests and classed
b.  our guests and caste
c.  our guests and class
d.  our guests and cast

5)

staff have had to stop rides because people were using ______

 

a.  selfie sticks in them
b.  selfie sticks sun them
c.  selfie sticks on them
d.  selfie sticks son them

6)

Selfie sticks have become very popular ______

 

a.  in recently years
b.  in recent years
c.  in resent years
d.  in resend years

7)

It seems as though everyone in the world is taking ______

 

a.  self-portraits
b.  safe-portraits
c.  shelf-portraits
d.  serf-portraits

8)

many people are getting angry with others who use selfie sticks, especially ______

 

a.  at touristy attractions
b.  at touristic attractions
c.  at tourism attractions
d.  at tourist attractions

9)

The PC World magazine ______

 

a.  proffers a solution
b.  coffers a solution
c.  doffers a solution
d.  offers a solution

10)

Maybe you should…use the selfie sticks that we're all born ______

 

a.  within - your arms
b.  with - our arms
c.  with - your arms
d.  with - your arm

LISTENING – Listen and fill in the gaps

Disney will ban selfie sticks (1) ___________________ theme parks around the world from July the 1st. The entertainment (2) ___________________ the latest company to ban the sticks. Universal Studios was one of the first companies (3) ___________________ place. Many museums now also ban them. Kim Prunty, a Disney spokeswoman, said the ban was because of concerns that the sticks were dangerous (4) ___________________ Disney workers. She said: "We strive to provide a great experience for the entire family, (5) ___________________, selfie sticks have become a growing safety concern for both our guests and cast." She added that staff have had to (6) ___________________ people were using selfie sticks on them.

Selfie sticks have become very (7) ___________________ years. They were designed so that people with mobile cameras could take photos of themselves. (8) ___________________ everyone in the world is taking self-portraits to put on Facebook, Twitter (9) ___________________ media sites. Even the president of the USA has been seen taking selfies. However, many people are getting (10) ___________________ who use selfie sticks, especially at tourist attractions. (11) ___________________ used the stick on a rollercoaster at Disney California Adventure shut the ride down for nearly an hour. The PC World magazine offers a solution. It wrote: "Maybe you should…use the selfie sticks that (12) ___________________ - your arms."

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

1.

When will (did) Disney's ban on selfie sticks begin?

2.

Which other theme park is mentioned in the article?

3.

Who is Kim Prunty?

4.

What does Disney strive to provide for families?

5.

Who has had to stop rides?

6.

When did selfie sticks become very popular?

7.

What does the article say people are taking with selfie sticks?

8.

Where are people getting angry with those who use selfie sticks?

9.

For how long was a Disney ride shut down because of a selfie stick?

10.

What did a magazine suggest using instead of selfie sticks?

MULTIPLE CHOICE - QUIZ

1.

When will (did) Disney's ban on selfie sticks begin?

6.

When did selfie sticks become very popular?

 

a) 2016
b) August 23rd
c) July 1st
d) the month after next

 

a) September 13, 2014
b) in recent years
c) last month
d) 2012

2.

Which other theme park is mentioned in the article?

7.

What does the article say people are taking with selfie sticks?

 

a) Universal Studios
b) Harry Potter World
c) Legoland
d) Hello Kitty World

 

a) away the fun of photography
b) great photos
c) liberties
d) self-portraits

3.

Who is Kim Prunty?

8.

Where are people getting angry with those who use selfie sticks?

 

a) the creator of the selfie stick
b) a Disney spokeswoman
c) an angry tourist
d) a selfie stick seller

 

a) in private
b) tourist attractions
c) trains
d) Iceland

4.

What does Disney strive to provide for families?

9.

For how long was a Disney ride shut down because of a selfie stick?

 

a) software
b) Micky Mouse books
c) free selfie sticks
d) a great experience

 

a) two weeks
b) nearly an hour
c) not long
d) 62 minutes

5.

Who has had to stop rides?

10.

What did a magazine suggest using instead of selfie sticks?

 

a) engineers
b) the police
c) Disney staff
d) guests

 

a) arms
b) a tripod
c) a tree
d) your imagination

ROLE PLAY

Role  A – Selfies

You think selfies are the best. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them why their things photos so good. Also, tell the others which is the least interesting of these (and why): wedding photos, photos of nature or photos of food.

Role  B – Wedding photos

You think wedding photos are the best. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them why their things photos so good. Also, tell the others which is the least interesting of these (and why): selfies, photos of nature or photos of food.

Role  C – Photos of nature

You think photos of nature are the best. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them why their things photos so good. Also, tell the others which is the least interesting of these (and why): wedding photos, selfies or photos of food.

Role  D – Photos of food

You think photos of food are the best. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them why their things photos so good. Also, tell the others which is the least interesting of these (and why):  wedding photos, photos of nature or selfies.

AFTER READING / LISTENING

1. WORD SEARCH: Look in your dictionary / computer to find collocates, other meanings, information, synonyms … for the words 'theme' and 'park'.

theme

park

 

 

 

  • Share your findings with your partners.
  • Make questions using the words you found.
  • Ask your partner / group your questions.

2. ARTICLE QUESTIONS: Look back at the article and write down some questions you would like to ask the class about the text.

  • Share your questions with other classmates / groups.
  • Ask your partner / group your questions.

3. GAP FILL: In pairs / groups, compare your answers to this exercise. Check your answers. Talk about the words from the activity. Were they new, interesting, worth learning…?

4. VOCABULARY: Circle any words you do not understand. In groups, pool unknown words and use dictionaries to find their meanings.

5. TEST EACH OTHER: Look at the words below. With your partner, try to recall how they were used in the text:

  • around
  • giant
  • also
  • great
  • growing
  • stop
  • recent
  • self
  • other
  • seen
  • especially
  • born

SELFIES SURVEY

Write five GOOD questions about selfies in the table. Do this in pairs. Each student must write the questions on his / her own paper.

When you have finished, interview other students. Write down their answers.

 

STUDENT 1

_____________

STUDENT 2

_____________

STUDENT 3

_____________

Q.1.

 

 

 

 

Q.2.

 

 

 

 

Q.3.

 

 

 

 

Q.4.

 

 

 

 

Q.5.

 

 

 

 

  • Now return to your original partner and share and talk about what you found out. Change partners often.
  • Make mini-presentations to other groups on your findings.

SELFIES DISCUSSION

STUDENT A's QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)

1)

What did you think when you read the headline?

2)

What springs to mind when you hear the word 'selfie'?

3)

What do you think of selfies?

4)

What do you think of Disney's ban on selfie sticks?

5)

Why do people take so many selfies?

6)

What do you think of Disney?

7)

How dangerous are selfie sticks?

8)

Do you like photos of yourself?

9)

What do you like to take photos of?

10)

Should Disney also ban cameras in its theme parks?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

STUDENT B's QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)

11)

Did you like reading this article? Why/not?

12)

Why are selfie sticks so popular?

13)

Do people take too many photos of themselves?

14)

What would the world be like without social media sites?

15)

What do you think of rollercoasters?

16)

What would you say to a person with a selfie stick on a rollercoaster?

17)

What do you think of taking self-portraits using camera drones?

18)

Would you buy a selfie stick?

19)

Is PC World's solution a good one?

20)

What questions would you like to ask the boss of Disney?

DISCUSSION (Write your own questions)

STUDENT A's QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)

1.

________________________________________________________

2.

________________________________________________________

3.

________________________________________________________

4.

________________________________________________________

5.

________________________________________________________

6.

________________________________________________________

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

STUDENT B's QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)

1.

________________________________________________________

2.

________________________________________________________

3.

________________________________________________________

4.

________________________________________________________

5.

________________________________________________________

6.

________________________________________________________

LANGUAGE - CLOZE

Disney will ban selfie sticks at (1) ____ of its theme parks around the world from July the 1st. The entertainment giant has become the (2) ____ company to ban the sticks. Universal Studios was one of the first companies to put a ban in (3) ____. Many museums now also ban them. Kim Prunty, a Disney spokeswoman, said the ban was because of (4) ____ that the sticks were dangerous for customers and Disney workers. She said: "We strive to provide a great experience for the (5) ____ family, and unfortunately, selfie sticks have become a (6) ____ safety concern for both our guests and cast." She added that staff have had to stop rides because people were using selfie sticks on them.

Selfie sticks have become very (7) ____ in recent years. They were designed so that people with mobile cameras could take photos of themselves. It seems (8) ____ though everyone in the world is taking (9) ____-portraits to put on Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites. Even the president of the USA has been seen taking selfies. However, many people are getting angry (10) ____ others who use selfie sticks, especially at tourist attractions. One passenger who used the stick on a rollercoaster at Disney California Adventure shut the ride (11) ____ for nearly an hour. The PC World magazine offers a solution. It wrote: "Maybe you should…use the selfie sticks that we're all born (12) ____ - your arms."

Put the correct words from the table below in the above article.

1.

(a)

whole

(b)

entire

(c)

all

(d)

every

2.

(a)

latest

(b)

least

(c)

lasted

(d)

lost

3.

(a)

place

(b)

placed

(c)

placing

(d)

plaice

4.

(a)

concerns

(b)

concerned

(c)

concerning

(d)

concern

5.

(a)

all

(b)

entire

(c)

whole

(d)

most

6.

(a)

grown

(b)

grew

(c)

growth

(d)

growing

7.

(a)

populate

(b)

polar

(c)

popular

(d)

poplar

8.

(a)

was

(b)

is

(c)

has

(d)

as

9.

(a)

self

(b)

lone

(c)

lonely

(d)

alone

10.

(a)

by

(b)

with

(c)

as

(d)

of

11.

(a)

over

(b)

down

(c)

through

(d)

up

12.

(a)

of

(b)

in

(c)

with

(d)

for

SPELLING

Paragraph 1

1.

eethm parks

2.

The entertainment ignat

3.

the esaltt company to ban the sticks

4.

mesusum now also ban them

5.

the sticks were esaondrgu

6.

a growing safety concern for both our egsuts

Paragraph 2

7.

very arppoul

8.

They were esgdedin

9.

social idmae sites

10.

tiosutr attractions

11.

One esgasenpr who used the stick

12.

The PC World magazine offers a oilnstuo

PUT THE TEXT BACK TOGETHER

Number these lines in the correct order.

(    )

Selfie sticks have become very popular in recent years. They were designed so that people with

(    )

portraits to put on Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites. Even the president of the USA has been

(    )

to provide a great experience for the entire family, and unfortunately, selfie sticks have become a growing

(    )

at tourist attractions. One passenger who used the stick on a rollercoaster at Disney California Adventure shut the ride

1  )

Disney will ban selfie sticks at all of its theme parks around the world from July the 1st. The entertainment

(    )

place. Many museums now also ban them. Kim Prunty, a Disney spokeswoman, said the ban was because

(    )

had to stop rides because people were using selfie sticks on them.

(    )

down for nearly an hour. The PC World magazine offers a solution. It wrote: "Maybe you should…

(    )

use the selfie sticks that we're all born with - your arms."

(    )

seen taking selfies. However, many people are getting angry with others who use selfie sticks, especially

(    )

of concerns that the sticks were dangerous for customers and Disney workers. She said: "We strive

(    )

giant has become the latest company to ban the sticks. Universal Studios was one of the first companies to put a ban in

(    )

mobile cameras could take photos of themselves. It seems as though everyone in the world is taking self-

(    )

safety concern for both our guests and cast." She added that staff have

PUT THE WORDS IN THE RIGHT ORDER

1.

will   Disney   parks   theme   its   of   all   at   sticks   selfie   ban   .  

2.

of   One   place   in   ban   a   put   to   companies   first   the   .  

3.

customers   sticks   were   Concerns   dangerous   that   for   the   .  

4.

family   entire  the  for  experience  great   a  provide   to  strive   We  .

5.

selfie   because   sticks   people   were   Stop   using   rides   .  

6.

in   have   popular   years   sticks   very   recent   Selfie   become   .  

7.

designed   people   cameras   were   that   mobile   They   so   with   .  

8.

self   the   taking   portraits   in   is   -   Everyone   world   .  

9.

angry   with   others   Many      .   people   are   getting

10.

all   we're   that   sticks   selfie   the   use   should   You   with   born   .  

CIRCLE THE CORRECT WORD (20 PAIRS)

Disney will ban selfie sticks at all of its theme / themes parks around the world from July the 1st. The entertainment gigantic / giant has become the latest / least company to ban the sticks. Universal Studios was one of the first companies to put a ban on / in place. Many museums now also ban them. Kim Prunty, a Disney spokeswoman, said the ban was because of concerns / concern that the sticks were dangerous for customers and Disney workers. She said: "We shift / strive to provide a great experience for the entirely / entire family, and unfortunately, selfie sticks have become a growth / growing safety concern for both our guests and cast / cart." She added that staff have had to stop rides because people were using selfie sticks on there / them.

Selfie sticks have become very popular in recently / recent years. They were designed so that / where people with mobile cameras could take photos from / of themselves. It seems as though / thought everyone in the world is taking self-portraits to put on Facebook, Twitter and another / other social media sites. Even / Ever the president of the USA has been seen / seek taking selfies. However, many people are getting angry / angrily with others who use selfie sticks, especially at tourist attractions. One passenger who used the stick on a rollercoaster at Disney California Adventure shuts / shut the ride down for nearly an hour. The PC World magazine offers a solution. It wrote: "Maybe you should…use the selfie sticks what / that we're all born with – your arms."

Talk about the connection between each pair of words in italics, and why the correct word is correct.

INSERT THE VOWELS (a, e, i, o, u)

D_sn_y w_ll b_n s_lf__ st_cks _t _ll _f _ts th_m_ p_rks _r__nd th_ w_rld fr_m J_ly th_ 1st. Th_ _nt_rt__nm_nt g__nt h_s b_c_m_ th_ l_t_st c_mp_ny t_ b_n th_ st_cks. _n_v_rs_l St_d__s w_s _n_ _f th_ f_rst c_mp_n__s t_ p_t _ b_n _n pl_c_. M_ny m_s__ms n_w _ls_ b_n th_m. K_m Pr_nty, _ D_sn_y sp_k_sw_m_n, s__d th_ b_n w_s b_c__s_ _f c_nc_rns th_t th_ st_cks w_r_ d_ng_r__s f_r c_st_m_rs _nd D_sn_y w_rk_rs. Sh_ s__d: "W_ str_v_ t_ pr_v_d_ _ gr__t _xp_r__nc_ f_r th_ _nt_r_ f_m_ly, _nd _nf_rt_n_t_ly, s_lf__ st_cks h_v_ b_c_m_ _ gr_w_ng s_f_ty c_nc_rn f_r b_th __r g__sts _nd c_st." Sh_ _dd_d th_t st_ff h_v_ h_d t_ st_p r_d_s b_c__s_ p__pl_ w_r_ _s_ng s_lf__ st_cks _n th_m.

S_lf__ st_cks h_v_ b_c_m_ v_ry p_p_l_r _n r_c_nt y__rs. Th_y w_r_ d_s_gn_d s_ th_t p__pl_ w_th m_b_l_ c_m_r_s c__ld t_k_ ph_t_s _f th_ms_lv_s. _t s__ms _s th__gh _v_ry_n_ _n th_ w_rld _s t_k_ng s_lf-p_rtr__ts t_ p_t _n F_c_b__k, Tw_tt_r _nd _th_r s_c__l m_d__ s_t_s. _v_n th_ pr_s_d_nt _f th_ _S_ h_s b__n s__n t_k_ng s_lf__s. H_w_v_r, m_ny p__pl_ _r_ g_tt_ng _ngry w_th _th_rs wh_ _s_ s_lf__ st_cks, _sp_c__lly _t t__r_st _ttr_ct__ns. _n_ p_ss_ng_r wh_ _s_d th_ st_ck _n _ r_ll_rc__st_r _t D_sn_y C_l_f_rn__ _dv_nt_r_ sh_t th_ r_d_ d_wn f_r n__rly _n h__r. Th_ PC W_rld m_g_z_n_ _ff_rs _ s_l_t__n. _t wr_t_: "M_yb_ y__ sh__ld…_s_ th_ s_lf__ st_cks th_t w_'r_ _ll b_rn w_th - y__r _rms."

PUNCTUATE THE TEXT AND ADD CAPITALS

disney will ban selfie sticks at all of its theme parks around the world from july the 1st the entertainment giant has become the latest company to ban the sticks universal studios was one of the first companies to put a ban in place many museums now also ban them kim prunty a disney spokeswoman said the ban was because of concerns that the sticks were dangerous for customers and disney workers she said "we strive to provide a great experience for the entire family and unfortunately selfie sticks have become a growing safety concern for both our guests and cast" she added that staff have had to stop rides because people were using selfie sticks on them

selfie sticks have become very popular in recent years they were designed so that people with mobile cameras could take photos of themselves it seems as though everyone in the world is taking self-portraits to put on facebook twitter and other social media sites even the president of the usa has been seen taking selfies however many people are getting angry with others who use selfie sticks especially at tourist attractions one passenger who used the stick on a rollercoaster at disney california adventure shut the ride down for nearly an hour the pc world magazine offers a solution it wrote "maybe you should…use the selfie sticks that we're all born with - your arms"

PUT A SLASH ( / ) WHERE THE SPACES ARE

DisneywillbanselfiesticksatallofitsthemeparksaroundtheworldfromJ
ulythe1st.Theentertainmentgianthasbecomethelatestcompanytoba
nthesticks.UniversalStudioswasoneofthefirstcompaniestoputabani
nplace.Manymuseumsnowalsobanthem.KimPrunty,aDisneyspokes
woman,saidthebanwasbecauseofconcernsthatthesticksweredanger
ousforcustomersandDisneyworkers.Shesaid:"Westrivetoprovideag
reatexperiencefortheentirefamily,andunfortunately,selfiestickshav
ebecomeagrowingsafetyconcernforbothourguestsandcast."Sheadd
edthatstaffhavehadtostopridesbecausepeoplewereusingselfiesticks
onthem.Selfiestickshavebecomeverypopularinrecentyears.Theywe
redesignedsothatpeoplewithmobilecamerascouldtakephotosofthm
selves.Itseemsasthougheveryoneintheworldistakingself-portra
itstoputonFacebook,Twitterandothersocialmediasites.Eventhepresi
dentoftheUSAhasbeenseentakingselfies.However,manypeopleareg
ettingangrywithotherswhouseselfiesticks,especiallyattouristattracti
ons.OnepassengerwhousedthestickonarollercoasteratDisneyCalifor
niaAdventureshuttheridedownfornearlyanhour.ThePCWorldmagazi
neoffersasolution.Itwrote:"Maybeyoushould…usetheselfiestickstha
twe'reallbornwith-yourarms."

FREE WRITING

Write about selfies for 10 minutes. Comment on your partner's paper.

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ACADEMIC WRITING

Selfie sticks should be banned. Discuss.

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HOMEWORK

1. VOCABULARY EXTENSION: Choose several of the words from the text. Use a dictionary or Google's search field (or another search engine) to build up more associations / collocations of each word.

2. INTERNET: Search the Internet and find out more about selfie sticks. Share what you discover with your partner(s) in the next lesson.

3. SELFIES: Make a poster about selfies. Show your work to your classmates in the next lesson. Did you all have similar things?

4. SELFIE STICKS: Write a magazine article about selfie sticks. Include imaginary interviews with people who are for and against them.

Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Write down any new words and expressions you hear from your partner(s).

5. WHAT HAPPENED NEXT? Write a newspaper article about the next stage in this news story. Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Give each other feedback on your articles.

6. LETTER: Write a letter to an expert on selfies. Ask him/her three questions about them. Give him/her three of your ideas on how best to use selfie sticks. Read your letter to your partner(s) in your next lesson. Your partner(s) will answer your questions.

A Few Additional Activities for Students

Ask your students what they have read, seen or heard about this news in their own language. Students are likely to / may have have encountered this news in their L1 and therefore bring a background knowledge to the classroom.

Get students to role play different characters from this news story.

Ask students to keep track of this news and revisit it to discuss in your next class.

Ask students to male predictions of how this news might develop in the next few days or weeks, and then revisit and discuss in a future class.

Ask students to write a follow-up story to this news.

Students role play a journalist and someone who witnessed or was a part of this news. Perhaps they could make a video of the interview.

Ask students to keep a news journal in English and add this story to their thoughts.

Also...

Buy my 1,000 Ideas and Activities for Language Teachers eBook. It has hundreds of ideas, activity templates, reproducible activities for:

  • News
  • Warm ups
  • Pre-reading / Post-reading
  • Using headlines
  • Working with words
  • While-reading / While-listening
  • Moving from text to speech
  • Post-reading / Post-listening
  • Discussions
  • Using opinions
  • Plans
  • Language
  • Using lists
  • Using quotes
  • Task-based activities
  • Role plays
  • Using the central characters in the article
  • Using themes from the news
  • Homework

Buy my book

$US 9.99

ANSWERS

TRUE / FALSE (p.4)

a

F

b

F

c

T

d

T

e

F

f

F

g

T

h

T

SYNONYM MATCH (p.4)

1.

ban

a.

prohibit

2

workers

b.

staff

3.

provide

c.

give

4.

entire

d.

whole

5.

concern

e.

worry

6.

designed

f.

created

7.

seems

g.

appears

8.

getting

h.

becoming

9.

especially

i.

particularly

10.

solution

j.

answer

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS (p.8)

1.

July 1st

2.

Universal Studios

3.

A Disney spokeswoman

4.

A great experience

5.

Disney staff

6.

In recent years

7.

Self-portraits

8.

At tourist attractions

9.

Nearly an hour

10.

Arms

MULTIPLE CHOICE - QUIZ (p.9)

1.

c

2.

a

3.

b

4.

d

5.

c

6.

b

7.

d

8.

b

9.

b

10.

a

ALL OTHER EXERCISES

Please check for yourself by looking at the Article on page 2.
(It's good for your English ;-)

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