Breaking News English Lesson: Zika Virus

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Zika virus could affect 4 million people (2nd February, 2016)

The Reading / Listening - Level 3

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that the Zika virus outbreak in Latin America could turn into a global pandemic. Many scientists say the outbreak could be more serious than the Ebola virus. Ebola killed over 11,000 people in West Africa in 2014 and 2015. The WHO estimated that the Zika virus could infect four million people by the end of 2016. The virus has been advancing across South and Central America in the past year. Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General of the WHO, warned that Zika is "spreading explosively". She added that it has quickly gone from being a mild threat to being frightening. Warmer weather means the mosquito that carries the virus is also spreading worldwide.

The Zika virus is linked to a large rise in birth defects in Brazil and surrounding countries. In particular, scientists say it causes a disease called microcephaly. This is where a baby is born with a smaller head than normal, and with brain damage. Health officials in Brazil reported that around 4,000 babies were born with microcephaly last year. This compares to fewer than 150 cases in 2014. The Colombian government has just reported that more than 2,100 pregnant women in Colombia are infected with the virus. There is no vaccine for Zika and it will be difficult to find one. A doctor said a vaccine would have to be tested on pregnant women, and that would be "a practical and ethical nightmare".

Try the same news story at these easier levels:

Level 0, Level 1 or Level 2

Sources

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/zika-virus-infects-more-than-2100-pregnant-colombian-women/
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jan/30/zika-virus-health-fears
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zika_virus

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. ZIKA VIRUS: Students walk around the class and talk to other students about the Zika virus. 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?

the WHO / outbreak / global / pandemic / infect / advancing / mild / frightening / linked / disease / babies / health officials / pregnant / virus / vaccine / nightmare

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

3. OUTBREAK: What advice should governments give if there is a deadly global outbreak? Complete this table with your partner(s). Change partners and share often.

Advice…	Advice	Why?
Travel
Medicine
Food
Large groups
Becoming ill
Health

4. VACCINE: Students A strongly believe doctors should test a vaccine on pregnant women; Students B strongly believe they definitely should not. Change partners again and talk about your conversations.

MY e-BOOK

See a sample

5. WORRIES: Rank these and share your rankings with your partner. Put your biggest worries at the top. Change partners often and share your rankings.

• outbreaks

• computer viruses

• war

• money

• terrorism

• the environment

• your looks

• your English

6. DISEASE: Spend one minute writing down all of the different words you associate with the word "disease". 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.	The WHO has announced there is a global Zika virus pandemic.	T / F
b.	The Ebola virus killed over 10,000 people in West Africa.	T / F
c.	The WHO said four million people could have the Zika virus in 2016.	T / F
d.	The article says the mosquito with the Zika virus likes cold weather.	T / F
e.	The Zika virus is linked to many birth defects in South America.	T / F
f.	Microcephaly is where a baby is born with a larger than average head.	T / F
g.	There were 150 cases of microcephaly in Brazil in 2014.	T / F
h.	A doctor said testing vaccines on pregnant women would be a problem.	T / F

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

1.	warned	a.	usual
2.	global	b.	moving forward
3.	advancing	c.	danger
4.	mild	d.	tried out
5.	threat	e.	slight
6.	linked	f.	advised
7.	normal	g.	moral
8.	difficult	h.	connected
9.	tested	i.	hard
10.	ethical	j.	worldwide

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

1.	turn into a global	a.	explosively
2.	the Zika virus could infect	b.	the virus
3.	Zika is spreading	c.	women
4.	a mild	d.	rise in birth defects
5.	the mosquito that carries	e.	pandemic
6.	linked to a large	f.	damage
7.	in Brazil and	g.	threat
8.	brain	h.	than 150 cases in 2014
9.	This compares to fewer	i.	four million people
10.	pregnant	j.	surrounding countries

GAP FILL

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that the Zika virus (1) ____________ in Latin America could turn into a global pandemic. Many scientists say the outbreak could be more (2) ____________ than the Ebola virus. Ebola killed over 11,000 people in West Africa in 2014 and 2015. The WHO (3) ____________ that the Zika virus could (4) ____________ four million people by the end of 2016. The virus has been advancing across South and Central America in the (5) ____________ year. Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General of the WHO, warned that Zika is "spreading explosively". She added that it has (6) ____________ gone from being a mild (7) ____________ to being frightening. Warmer weather means the mosquito that carries the virus is also spreading (8) ____________.

estimated
past
threat
serious
outbreak
worldwide
infect
quickly

The Zika virus is linked to a large rise in birth (9) ____________ in Brazil and surrounding countries. In (10) ____________, scientists say it causes a disease called microcephaly. This is where a baby is born with a smaller head than (11) ____________, and with brain damage. Health officials in Brazil reported that around 4,000 babies were born with microcephaly last year. This compares to (12) ____________ than 150 cases in 2014. The Colombian government has just (13) ____________ that more than 2,100 pregnant women in Colombia are infected with the virus. There is no (14) ____________ for Zika and it will be difficult to find one. A doctor said a vaccine would have to be (15) ____________ on pregnant women, and that would be "a practical and ethical (16) ____________ ".

normal
vaccine
particular
reported
nightmare
defects
tested
fewer

LISTENING - Guess the answers. Listen to check.

1)	the Zika virus outbreak in Latin America could turn into ______
	a. a globally pandemic b. a globalise pandemic c. a globalised pandemic d. a global pandemic
2)	The WHO estimated that the Zika virus could infect four million people by ______
	a. the end for 2016 b. the end of 2016 c. the ends of 2016 d. the ending of 2016
3)	Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General of the WHO, warned that Zika is "_________________"
	a. spread in explosively b. spreading explosives c. spread in explosives d. spreading explosively
4)	She added that it has quickly gone from being a mild threat ______
	a. to being frightening b. too been frightening c. to been frightening d. two being frightening
5)	Warmer weather means the mosquito that carries the virus is ______ worldwide
	a. and so spreading b. a so spreading c. also spreading d. all so spreading
6)	The Zika virus is linked to a large rise in birth defects in Brazil and ______
	a. surrounded countries b. surrounds in countries c. surround in countries d. surrounding countries
7)	This is where a baby is born with a smaller head than normal, and ______
	a. with brain damage b. with brain damages c. with brain damaged d. with brain damaging
8)	reported that more than 2,100 pregnant women in Colombia are infected ______
	a. with the viruses b. with the virus c. with a virus d. within the virus
9)	There is no vaccine for Zika and it will be difficult ______
	a. to find some b. to find ones c. to find one d. to find once
10)	a vaccine would have to be tested on pregnant women, and that would be "a practical ______
	a. and unethical nightmare" b. and ethical nightmare" c. and an ethical nightmare" d. and ethically nightmare"

LISTENING – Listen and fill in the gaps

The World Health Organisation (WHO) (1) ___________________ Zika virus outbreak in Latin America could turn into (2) ___________________. Many scientists say the outbreak could be (3) ___________________ the Ebola virus. Ebola killed over 11,000 people in West Africa in 2014 and 2015. The WHO estimated that the Zika virus (4) ___________________ million people by the end of 2016. The virus has been advancing across South and Central America (5) ___________________. Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General of the WHO, warned that Zika is "spreading explosively". She added that it has quickly gone from being a mild threat to being frightening. Warmer weather means the mosquito that carries (6) ___________________ spreading worldwide.

The Zika virus is linked (7) ___________________ in birth defects in Brazil and surrounding countries. In particular, scientists say it causes a disease called microcephaly. This is where a baby is born (8) ___________________ head than normal, and with brain damage. Health officials in Brazil reported (9) ___________________ babies were born with microcephaly last year. This compares (10) ___________________ 150 cases in 2014. The Colombian government has just reported that more than 2,100 pregnant women in Colombia (11) ___________________ the virus. There is no vaccine for Zika and it will be difficult to find one. A doctor said a vaccine would have to be tested on (12) ___________________, and that would be "a practical and ethical nightmare".

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

1.	Who warned that the Zika outbreak could become a global pandemic?
2.	Where did Ebola kill more than 11,000 people?
3.	How many people could the Zika virus infect by the end of 2016?
4.	What is the job title of Dr Margaret Chan?
5.	What is helping the mosquito that carries the virus to spread?
6.	What is the Zika virus linked to large rises in?
7.	How many babies were born with microcephaly in Brazil last year?
8.	How many pregnant women in Colombia have the virus?
9.	What did the article say is difficult to find?
10.	Who did a doctor say a vaccine would have to be tested on?

MULTIPLE CHOICE - QUIZ

1.	Who warned that the Zika outbreak could become a global pandemic?	6.	What is the Zika virus linked to large rises in?
	a) health officials in a hospital b) Brazil's government c) a pregnant woman d) the WHO		a) pregnancies b) population c) birth defects d) vaccines
2.	Where did Ebola kill more than 11,000 people?	7.	How many babies were born with microcephaly in Brazil last year?
	a) Colombia b) West Africa c) Brazil d) India		a) around 4,000 b) just over 4,000 c) slightly under 4,000 d) exactly 4,000
3.	How many people could the Zika virus infect by the end of 2016?	8.	How many pregnant women in Colombia have the virus?
	a) 4 billion b) 40,000,000 c) 400,000 d) 4,000,000		a) exactly 2,100 b) just under 2,100 c) over 2,100 d) about 2,100
4.	What is the job title of Dr Margaret Chan?	9.	What did the article say is difficult to find?
	a) General Surgeon of the WHO b) Surgeon-General of the WHO c) Director-General of the WHO d) General Director of the WHO		a) the virus b) a vaccine c) doctors d) mosquitos
5.	What is helping the mosquito that carries the virus to spread?	10.	Who did a doctor say a vaccine would have to be tested on?
	a) the Internet b) airplanes c) globalisation d) warmer weather		a) pregnant women b) mosquitos c) health officials d) the WHO

ROLE PLAY

Role A – Money

You think money is the best way to stop an outbreak. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them things that are wrong with their ways. Also, tell the others which is the worst of these ideas (and why): education, a travel ban or hygiene.

Role B – Education

You think education is the best way to stop an outbreak. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them things that are wrong with their ways. Also, tell the others which is the worst of these ideas (and why): money, a travel ban or hygiene.

Role C – Travel ban

You think a travel ban is the best way to stop an outbreak. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them things that are wrong with their ways. Also, tell the others which is the worst of these ideas (and why): education, money or hygiene.

Role D – Hygiene

You think hygiene is the best way to stop an outbreak. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them things that are wrong with their ways. Also, tell the others which is the worst of these ideas (and why): education, a travel ban or money.

AFTER READING / LISTENING

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

virus

outbreak

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:

warned
serious
estimated
end
quickly
gone

large
particular
4,000
150
2,100
find

ZIKA VIRUS SURVEY

Write five GOOD questions about the Zika virus 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.

ZIKA VIRUS 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 'virus'?
3)	What do you know about the Zika virus?
4)	How worried are you about the Zika virus?
5)	What can we do about pandemics?
6)	What would happen if there was a global pandemic?
7)	Why do virus outbreaks always happen in poorer countries?
8)	Should we start killing all mosquitos?
9)	What would you do if the Zika virus came to your area?
10)	What do you think viruses in the future will be like?

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

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

11)	Did you like reading this article? Why/not?
12)	What three adjectives best describe the Zika virus?
13)	What can the WHO do to educate people about the Zika virus?
14)	How will the Zika virus affect this year's Brazil Olympics?
15)	Why is there no vaccine for the Zika virus?
16)	Will there be a vaccine for all viruses one day?
17)	If there are no diseases, will there be an overpopulation problem?
18)	Why would it be a problem to find a vaccine for the Zika virus?
19)	Why is it a 'nightmare' to test a vaccine on pregnant women?
20)	What questions would you like to ask the WHO?

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

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has (1) ____ that the Zika virus outbreak in Latin America could turn into a (2) ____ pandemic. Many scientists say the outbreak could be more (3) ____ than the Ebola virus. Ebola killed over 11,000 people in West Africa in 2014 and 2015. The WHO estimated that the Zika virus could infect four million people by the (4) ____ of 2016. The virus has been advancing across South and Central America in the past year. Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General of the WHO, warned that Zika is "spreading (5) ____". She added that it has quickly gone from being a mild threat to being frightening. Warmer weather means the mosquito that (6) ____ the virus is also spreading worldwide.

The Zika virus is linked to a large (7) ____ in birth defects in Brazil and surrounding countries. In (8) ____, scientists say it causes a disease called microcephaly. This is where a baby is born with a smaller head than normal, and with brain damage. Health (9) ____ in Brazil reported that around 4,000 babies were born with microcephaly last year. This compares to (10) ____ than 150 cases in 2014. The Colombian government has just reported that more than 2,100 pregnant women in Colombia are infected (11) ____ the virus. There is no vaccine for Zika and it will be difficult to find one. A doctor said a vaccine would have to be tested on pregnant women, and that would be "a practical and ethical (12) ____ ".

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

1.	(a)	warn	(b)	warning	(c)	warns	(d)	warned
2.	(a)	globalised	(b)	globalisation	(c)	globally	(d)	global
3.	(a)	series	(b)	serious	(c)	seriously	(d)	sears
4.	(a)	ends	(b)	ending	(c)	end	(d)	ended
5.	(a)	explosively	(b)	explosions	(c)	explodes	(d)	explosives
6.	(a)	carries	(b)	grasps	(c)	holds	(d)	fetches
7.	(a)	rising	(b)	arise	(c)	raise	(d)	rise
8.	(a)	particular	(b)	peculiar	(c)	particularly	(d)	peculiarly
9.	(a)	offices	(b)	officials	(c)	official	(d)	officially
10.	(a)	few	(b)	fewest	(c)	fewer	(d)	a few
11.	(a)	to	(b)	on	(c)	with	(d)	as
12.	(a)	dream	(b)	nightmare	(c)	daydream	(d)	nightfall

SPELLING

Paragraph 1
1.	the Zika virus obrtkaue
2.	a loalgb pandemic
3.	the Zika virus could itcfne four million
4.	The virus has been avagdnicn
5.	a mild tthare
6.	the somuotiq that carries the virus
Paragraph 2
7.	a large rise in birth esctfde
8.	brain mdeaga
9.	This msoraepc to fewer than 150
10.	2,100 negptran women
11.	a ceicanv would have to be tested
12.	a cliparcta and ethical nightmare

PUT THE TEXT BACK TOGETHER

Number these lines in the correct order.

( )	with the virus. There is no vaccine for Zika and it will be difficult to find one. A doctor said a vaccine would have
( )	particular, scientists say it causes a disease called microcephaly. This is where a baby is born with a smaller head
( )	year. Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General of the WHO, warned that Zika is "spreading
( )	explosively". She added that it has quickly gone from being a mild threat to being
( )	over 11,000 people in West Africa in 2014 and 2015. The WHO estimated that the Zika virus could infect four million people
( )	to be tested on pregnant women, and that would be "a practical and ethical nightmare".
( )	into a global pandemic. Many scientists say the outbreak could be more serious than the Ebola virus. Ebola killed
( )	government has just reported that more than 2,100 pregnant women in Colombia are infected
( )	The Zika virus is linked to a large rise in birth defects in Brazil and surrounding countries. In
( 1 )	The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that the Zika virus outbreak in Latin America could turn
( )	frightening. Warmer weather means the mosquito that carries the virus is also spreading worldwide.
( )	born with microcephaly last year. This compares to fewer than 150 cases in 2014. The Colombian
( )	than normal, and with brain damage. Health officials in Brazil reported that around 4,000 babies were
( )	by the end of 2016. The virus has been advancing across South and Central America in the past

PUT THE WORDS IN THE RIGHT ORDER

1.	could turn into a global pandemic The Zika virus outbreak .
2.	say could serious scientists outbreak more Many the be .
3.	could infect The four Zika million virus people .
4.	added threat being quickly that a gone it She mild from has .
5.	mosquito the also The carries is that virus spreading .
6.	a is The birth large linked Zika defects rise to virus in .
7.	causes a Scientists disease say called it microcephaly .
8.	head smaller a with born is baby a where is This .
9.	in 150 This 2014 fewer compares cases than to .
10.	be tested on pregnant women A vaccine would have to .

CIRCLE THE CORRECT WORD (20 PAIRS)

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warning / warned that the Zika virus outbreak in Latin America could turn / turning into a global pandemic. Many scientists say the outbreak could be more seriously / serious than the Ebola virus. Ebola killed over 11,000 people in West Africa in 2014 and 2015. The WHO estimated / estimate that the Zika virus could infect / infection four million people by the end of 2016. The viral / virus has been advancing across South and Central America in the past / passed year. Dr Margaret Chan, Director-General of the WHO, warned that Zika is "spreading explosively". She added that it has quick / quickly gone from being a mild threat to being frightening / frightened. Warmer weather means the mosquito that carries the virus is also spreading worldwide / world.

The Zika virus is linked to a large raise / rise in birth defects in Brazil and surrounding countries. In particular / peculiar, scientists say it causes a disease name / called microcephaly. This is where a baby is born with a smaller head than normal, and within / with brain damage. Health officials in Brazil reported that around 4,000 babies were born with microcephaly last year. This compares to fewer / smaller than 150 cases in 2014. The Colombian government has just reported / report that more than 2,100 pregnant women in Colombia are infected with / of the virus. There is no vaccine for Zika and it will be difficult to find one / some. A doctor said a vaccine would have to be tested on pregnancy / pregnant women, and that would be "a practical / practically and ethical nightmare".

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)

Th_ W_rld H__lth _rg_n_s_t__n (WH_) h_s w_rn_d th_t th_ Z_k_ v_r_s __tbr__k _n L_t_n _m_r_c_ c__ld t_rn _nt_ _ gl_b_l p_nd_m_c. M_ny sc__nt_sts s_y th_ __tbr__k c__ld b_ m_r_ s_r___s th_n th_ _b_l_ v_r_s. _b_l_ k_ll_d _v_r 11,000 p__pl_ _n W_st _fr_c_ _n 2014 _nd 2015. Th_ WH_ _st_m_t_d th_t th_ Z_k_ v_r_s c__ld _nf_ct f__r m_ll__n p__pl_ by th_ _nd _f 2016. Th_ v_r_s h_s b__n _dv_nc_ng _cr_ss S__th _nd C_ntr_l _m_r_c_ _n th_ p_st y__r. Dr M_rg_r_t Ch_n, D_r_ct_r-G_n_r_l _f th_ WH_, w_rn_d th_t Z_k_ _s "spr__d_ng _xpl_s_v_ly". Sh_ _dd_d th_t _t h_s q__ckly g_n_ fr_m b__ng _ m_ld thr__t t_ b__ng fr_ght_n_ng. W_rm_r w__th_r m__ns th_ m_sq__t_ th_t c_rr__s th_ v_r_s _s _ls_ spr__d_ng w_rldw_d_.

Th_ Z_k_ v_r_s _s l_nk_d t_ _ l_rg_ r_s_ _n b_rth d_f_cts _n Br_z_l _nd s_rr__nd_ng c__ntr__s. _n p_rt_c_l_r, sc__nt_sts s_y _t c__s_s _ d_s__s_ c_ll_d m_cr_c_ph_ly. Th_s _s wh_r_ _ b_by _s b_rn w_th _ sm_ll_r h__d th_n n_rm_l, _nd w_th br__n d_m_g_. H__lth _ff_c__ls _n Br_z_l r_p_rt_d th_t _r__nd 4,000 b_b__s w_r_ b_rn w_th m_cr_c_ph_ly l_st y__r. Th_s c_mp_r_s t_ f_w_r th_n 150 c_s_s _n 2014. Th_ C_l_mb__n g_v_rnm_nt h_s j_st r_p_rt_d th_t m_r_ th_n 2,100 pr_gn_nt w_m_n _n C_l_mb__ _r_ _nf_ct_d w_th th_ v_r_s. Th_r_ _s n_ v_cc_n_ f_r Z_k_ _nd _t w_ll b_ d_ff_c_lt t_ f_nd _n_. _ d_ct_r s__d _ v_cc_n_ w__ld h_v_ t_ b_ t_st_d _n pr_gn_nt w_m_n, _nd th_t w__ld b_ "_ pr_ct_c_l _nd _th_c_l n_ghtm_r_".

PUNCTUATE THE TEXT AND ADD CAPITALS

the world health organisation (who) has warned that the zika virus outbreak in latin america could turn into a global pandemic many scientists say the outbreak could be more serious than the ebola virus ebola killed over 11000 people in west africa in 2014 and 2015 the who estimated that the zika virus could infect four million people by the end of 2016 the virus has been advancing across south and central america in the past year dr margaret chan director-general of the who warned that zika is "spreading explosively" she added that it has quickly gone from being a mild threat to being frightening warmer weather means the mosquito that carries the virus is also spreading worldwide

the zika virus is linked to a large rise in birth defects in brazil and surrounding countries in particular scientists say it causes a disease called microcephaly this is where a baby is born with a smaller head than normal and with brain damage health officials in brazil reported that around 4000 babies were born with microcephaly last year this compares to fewer than 150 cases in 2014 the colombian government has just reported that more than 2100 pregnant women in colombia are infected with the virus there is no vaccine for zika and it will be difficult to find one a doctor said a vaccine would have to be tested on pregnant women and that would be "a practical and ethical nightmare"

PUT A SLASH ( / ) WHERE THE SPACES ARE

TheWorldHealthOrganisation(WHO)haswarnedthattheZikavirusout
breakinLatinAmericacouldturnintoaglobalpandemic.Manyscientists
saytheoutbreakcouldbemoreseriousthantheEbolavirus.Ebolakilledo
ver11,000peopleinWestAfricain2014and2015.TheWHOestimatedth
attheZikaviruscouldinfectfourmillionpeoplebytheendof2016.Thevir
ushasbeenadvancingacrossSouthandCentralAmericainthepastyear.
DrMargaretChan,Director-GeneraloftheWHO,warnedthatZikais"spr
eadingexplosively".Sheaddedthatithasquicklygonefrombeingamildt
hreattobeingfrightening.Warmerweathermeansthemosquitothatca
rriesthevirusisalsospreadingworldwide.TheZikavirusislinkedtoalarg
eriseinbirthdefectsinBrazilandsurroundingcountries.Inparticular,sci
entistssayitcausesadiseasecalledmicrocephaly.Thisiswhereababyis
bornwithasmallerheadthannormal,andwithbraindamage.Healthoffi
cialsinBrazilreportedthataround4,000babieswerebornwithmicrocep
halylastyear.Thiscomparestofewerthan150casesin2014.TheColom
biangovernmenthasjustreportedthatmorethan2,100pregnantwom
eninColombiaareinfectedwiththevirus.ThereisnovaccineforZikaandi
twillbedifficulttofindone.Adoctorsaidavaccinewouldhavetobetested
onpregnantwomen,andthatwouldbe"apracticalandethicalnightmare
".

FREE WRITING

Write about the Zika virus for 10 minutes. Comment on your partner’s paper.

_____________________________________________________________________________

ACADEMIC WRITING

More money would go into virus research if viruses affected rich countries. Discuss.

_____________________________________________________________________________

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 the Zika Virus. Share what you discover with your partner(s) in the next lesson.

3. ZIKA VIRUS: Make a poster about the Zika virus. Show your work to your classmates in the next lesson. Did you all have similar things?

4. PREGNANT WOMEN: Write a magazine article about the Zika virus and whether vaccines should be tested on pregnant women. Include imaginary interviews with people who are for and against this.

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 the Zika virus. Ask him/her three questions about it. Give him/her three of your ideas on how people can stay safe. 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

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ANSWERS

TRUE / FALSE (p.4)

a

F

b

T

c

T

d

F

e

T

f

F

g

F

h

T

SYNONYM MATCH (p.4)

1.	warned	a.	advised
2.	global	b.	worldwide
3.	advancing	c.	moving forward
4.	mild	d.	slight
5.	threat	e.	danger
6.	linked	f.	connected
7.	normal	g.	usual
8.	difficult	h.	hard
9.	tested	i.	tried out
10.	ethical	j.	moral

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS (p.8)

1.	The WHO
2.	West Africa
3.	Four million
4.	Director-General (of the WHO)
5.	Warmer weather
6.	Brain defects in babies
7.	Around 4,000
8.	More than 2,100
9.	A vaccine
10.	Pregnant women

MULTIPLE CHOICE - QUIZ (p.9)

1.

d

2.

b

3.

d

4.

c

5.

d

6.

c

7.

a

8.

c

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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Breaking News English Lesson: Zika Virus

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Zika virus could affect 4 million people (2nd February, 2016)

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The Reading / Listening - Level 3

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