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Tensions escalate in Ukraine (2nd March, 2014)

The Reading / Listening - Level 6

Tensions are escalating in Ukraine following last week's ousting of president Viktor Yanukovych. Weeks of street demonstrations led to Mr Yanukovych leaving the country by helicopter in the middle of the night. Thousands of protestors in west Ukraine fought bloody battles in the capital, Kiev. Scores of people died in the violence, many shot by riot police. The protestors were demanding the resignation of Mr Yanukovych, economic reforms, and closer ties with the European Union. The east of the country did not see the levels of violence witnessed in the capital, largely because most people there voted for Yanukovych and lean more towards Russia than the EU.

The White House has said it no longer considers Mr Yanukovych to be the president of Ukraine. The U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry also warned Russia not to intervene in Ukrainian affairs. A White House spokesman said: "We strongly support Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty." Fears are increasing that Ukraine could break in two as pro-Russian separatists are becoming more active, especially in the autonomous region of Crimea. Armed gunmen wearing Russian military uniforms were reportedly guarding Crimea's main airport on Friday. Ukraine's acting president Oleksander Turchynov warned Russia against "military aggression" after Russia mobilised 150,000 troops near the Ukrainian border.

Try the same news story at these easier levels:

Level 4 or Level 5

Sources

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/ukraine/10666557/Keep-out-of-Ukraine-America-tells-Russia.html
http://www.themoscowtimes.com/news/article/ukraine-warns-russia-as-tensions-build/495390.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. UKRAINE: Students walk around the class and talk to other students about Ukraine. Change partners often and share your findings.

2. CHAT: In pairs / groups, decide which of these topics or words from the article are most interesting and which are most boring.

tensions / street demonstrations / helicopter / bloody battles / resignation / capital / intervene / spokesman / support / integrity / autonomous / uniforms / mobilised

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

3. PROTESTS: What would it take for you to protest? Complete this table and share what you wrote with your partner(s). Change partners often.

Protest about…	When would you protest?	How would you protest?
prices
the right to vote
equal rights
war
nuclear power
taxes

4. UNITED: Students A strongly believe Ukraine should stay united; Students B strongly believe it's better in the long run for the country to split. Change partners again and talk about your conversations.

MY e-BOOK

ESL resource book with copiable worksheets and handouts - 1,000 Ideas and Activities for Language Teachers / English teachers

See a sample

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

• immigration

• policing

• unemployment

• environmental issues

• pensions

• freedom

• elitism

• rising prices

6. VIOLENCE: Spend one minute writing down all of the different words you associate with the word "violence". 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.	Ukraine's president fled Ukraine in a speed boat along the Black Sea.	T / F
b.	Riot police were responsible for the deaths of hundreds of protestors.	T / F
c.	Protestors were calling for economic reforms.	T / F
d.	The violence in the east was worse than that in the capital Kiev.	T / F
e.	The USA no longer recognizes Viktor Yanukovych as president.	T / F
f.	The article says Russia warned the USA not to intervene in Ukraine.	T / F
g.	People are worried Ukraine could split into two countries.	T / F
h.	Russia has sent over 145,000 soldiers to wait near Ukraine's border.	T / F

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

1.	escalating	a.	calling for
2.	demonstrations	b.	self-governing
3.	bloody	c.	protests
4.	demanding	d.	provisional
5.	largely	e.	hostility
6.	intervene	f.	rising
7.	autonomous	g.	soldiers
8.	acting	h.	brutal
9.	aggression	i.	get involved
10.	troops	j.	mainly

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

1.	street	a.	region of Crimea
2.	fought bloody	b.	with the European Union
3.	closer ties	c.	aggression
4.	the levels of violence	d.	demonstrations
5.	lean more towards	e.	Russian military uniforms
6.	Ukraine's territorial integrity	f.	battles
7.	the autonomous	g.	150,000 troops
8.	Armed gunmen wearing	h.	Russia than the EU
9.	military	i.	and sovereignty
10.	Russia mobilised	j.	witnessed in the capital

GAP FILL

Tensions are escalating in Ukraine (1) ____________ last week's ousting of president Viktor Yanukovych. Weeks of (2) ____________ demonstrations led to Mr Yanukovych leaving the country by helicopter in the middle of the night. Thousands of (3) ____________ in west Ukraine fought bloody battles in the capital, Kiev. (4) ____________ of people died in the violence, many shot by riot police. The protestors were demanding the (5) ____________ of Mr Yanukovych, economic reforms, and closer (6) ____________ with the European Union. The east of the country did not see the levels of violence (7) ____________ in the capital, largely because most people there voted for Yanukovych and (8) ____________ more towards Russia than the EU.

ties
protestors
following
lean
street
resignation
scores
witnessed

The White House has said it no longer (9) ____________ Mr Yanukovych to be the president of Ukraine. The U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry also warned Russia not to (10) ____________ in Ukrainian affairs. A White House spokesman said: "We strongly support Ukraine's territorial (11) ____________ and sovereignty." Fears are increasing that Ukraine could break in two as pro-Russian separatists are becoming more active, especially in the (12) ____________ region of Crimea. Armed gunmen wearing Russian military uniforms were (13) ____________ guarding Crimea's main airport on Friday. Ukraine's (14) ____________ president Oleksander Turchynov warned Russia against "military (15) ____________ " after Russia mobilised 150,000 (16) ____________ near the Ukrainian border.

autonomous
troops
integrity
considers
acting
intervene
reportedly
aggression

LISTENING - Guess the answers. Listen to check.

1)	Thousands of protestors in west Ukraine ______
	a. fought bloody battle b. fought bloodied battles c. fought blood die battles d. fought bloody battles
2)	Scores of people died in the violence, many shot ______
	a. by riotous police b. by rioting police c. by riot police d. by rioted police
3)	economic reforms and ______ the European Union
	a. closer ties with b. closer tie with c. closer dies with d. closer tie-ups with
4)	The east of the country did not see the levels of violence ______
	a. witness it in the capital b. witnessed it in the capital c. witnessing in the capital d. witnessed in the capital
5)	people there voted for Yanukovych and ______ Russia than the EU
	a. lean move towards b. lean more towards c. lead move towards d. lead more towards
6)	We strongly support Ukraine's territorial ______
	a. integrity and sovereignty b. integrity and sovereign tea c. integrity and sovereign's tea d. integrity and sovereigns' tea
7)	Ukraine could break in two as pro-Russian separatists are ______
	a. become in more active b. bee coming more active c. bee come in more active d. becoming more active
8)	especially in the ______ of Crimea
	a. autonomous region b. automatic region c. autonomy region d. auto monotonous region
9)	Armed gunmen wearing Russian ______
	a. military uniform b. military uniforms c. militaries uniforms d. militarised uniforms
10)	Turchynov warned Russia against "military aggression" after Russia ______
	a. mobilised 150,000 troops b. mobile idolised 150,000 troops c. Moby likes 150,000 troops d. mobilises 150,000 troops

LISTENING – Listen and fill in the gaps

Tensions are escalating in Ukraine following (1) ___________________ of president Viktor Yanukovych. Weeks of street demonstrations led to Mr Yanukovych leaving the country by helicopter (2) ___________________ night. Thousands of protestors in west Ukraine (3) ___________________ in the capital, Kiev. Scores of people (4) ___________________, many shot by riot police. The protestors were demanding the resignation of Mr Yanukovych, economic reforms, (5) ___________________ the European Union. The east of the country did not see the levels of violence witnessed in the capital, (6) ___________________ people there voted for Yanukovych and lean more towards Russia than the EU.

The White House has said it (7) ___________________ Mr Yanukovych to be the president of Ukraine. The U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry also warned Russia (8) ___________________ Ukrainian affairs. A White House spokesman said: "We strongly support Ukraine's (9) ___________________ sovereignty." Fears are increasing that Ukraine (10) ___________________ as pro-Russian separatists are becoming more active, especially in the (11) ___________________ Crimea. Armed gunmen wearing Russian military uniforms (12) ___________________ Crimea's main airport on Friday. Ukraine's acting president Oleksander Turchynov warned Russia against "military aggression" after Russia mobilised 150,000 troops near the Ukrainian border.

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

1.	How did Ukraine's president leave the country?
2.	What kind of battles were fought in Kiev?
3.	How many people died?
4.	What were protestors demanding of Mr Yanukovych?
5.	Where do most eastern Ukrainians lean?
6.	Who or what said Mr Yanukovych was no longer Ukraine's president?
7.	What are people worried might happen to Ukraine?
8.	Who are becoming more active in Ukraine?
9.	What were armed gunmen wearing at a Crimean airport?
10.	How many Russian soldiers are near the Ukrainian border?

MULTIPLE CHOICE - QUIZ

1.	How did Ukraine's president leave the country?	6.	Who or what said Mr Yanukovych was no longer Ukraine's president?
	a) on foot b) by helicopter c) limousine d) by speed boat		a) the White House b) the Kremlin c) Westminster d) Beijing
2.	What kind of battles were fought in Kiev?	7.	What are people worried might happen to Ukraine?
	a) opportune ones b) tactical ones c) quick ones d) bloody ones		a) it might go bankrupt b) it will join the EU c) it might split in two d) it might change its capital
3.	How many people died?	8.	Who are becoming more active in Ukraine?
	a) dozens b) thousands c) scores d) legions		a) separatists b) Russian soldiers c) journalists d) soccer hooligans
4.	What were protestors demanding of Mr Yanukovych?	9.	What were armed gunmen wearing at a Crimean airport?
	a) that he resign b) to become an EU member c) bread d) more pay		a) soccer shirts b) national dress c) smiles d) Russian uniforms
5.	Where do most eastern Ukrainians lean?	10.	How many Russian soldiers are near the Ukrainian border?
	a) in their living room b) towards Russia c) their stomachs d) to the right		a) 155,000 b) 15,000 c) 150,000 d) 15,500

ROLE PLAY

Role A – Immigration

You think immigration is the biggest source of tension. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them things that are wrong with their things. Also, tell the others which is the least worrying of these (and why): unemployment, the cost of living or inequality.

Role B – Unemployment

You think unemployment is the biggest source of tension. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them things that are wrong with their things. Also, tell the others which is the least worrying of these (and why): immigration, the cost of living or inequality.

Role C – Cost of living

You think the cost of living is the biggest source of tension. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them things that are wrong with their things. Also, tell the others which is the least worrying of these (and why): unemployment, immigration or inequality.

Role D – Inequality

You think inequality is the biggest source of tension. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them things that are wrong with their things. Also, tell the others which is the least worrying of these (and why): unemployment, the cost of living or immigration.

AFTER READING / LISTENING

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

bloody

battle

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:

last
led
west
ties
east
lean

longer
intervene
fears
active
main
near

UKRAINE SURVEY

Write five GOOD questions about Ukraine 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.

UKRAINE DISCUSSION

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

a)	What did you think when you read the headline?
b)	What springs to mind when you hear the word 'Ukraine'?
c)	What do you know about the history of Ukraine?
d)	How interested are you in what's happening in Ukraine?
e)	How worried are you about what's happening in Ukraine?
f)	Did the protestors win a victory when the president fled?
g)	Should Ukraine follow Europe or Russia?
h)	What would make you protest in the street?
i)	Do you think there will be civil war in Ukraine?
j)	What things is Ukraine most famous for?

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

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

a)	Did you like reading this article? Why/not?
b)	Is the White House right to warn Russia over Ukraine?
c)	Does Russia have a right to intervene in Ukraine?
d)	Will Ukraine have the same borders in 20 years from now?
e)	What would happen regionally if Ukraine split in two?
f)	Can you see the U.S. and Russia fighting a war over Ukraine?
g)	Should Crimea become a separate country?
h)	Why are men in Russian uniforms guarding a Ukrainian airport?
i)	Is Russia wrong to send 150,000 troops to the Ukraine border?
j)	What questions would you like to ask Ukraine's president?

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

Tensions are escalating in Ukraine following last week's (1) of president Viktor Yanukovych. Weeks of (2) demonstrations led to Mr Yanukovych leaving the country by helicopter in the middle of the night. Thousands of protestors in west Ukraine fought (3) battles in the capital, Kiev. (4) of people died in the violence, many shot by riot police. The protestors were demanding the resignation of Mr Yanukovych, economic reforms, and closer (5) with the European Union. The east of the country did not see the levels of violence witnessed in the capital, largely because most people there voted for Yanukovych and (6) more towards Russia than the EU.

The White House has said it no (7) considers Mr Yanukovych to be the president of Ukraine. The U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry also warned Russia not to intervene (8) Ukrainian affairs. A White House spokesman said: "We strongly support Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty." Fears are increasing that Ukraine could break in two (9) pro-Russian separatists are becoming more active, especially in the (10) region of Crimea. Armed gunmen wearing Russian military uniforms were reportedly guarding Crimea's main airport on Friday. Ukraine's (11) president Oleksander Turchynov warned Russia against "military aggression" after Russia mobilised 150,000 (12) near the Ukrainian border.

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

1.

(a)

roasting

(b)

outing

(c)

ousting

(d)

outline

2.

(a)

street

(b)

avenue

(c)

highway

(d)

avenue

3.

(a)

bloody

(b)

bloodhound

(c)

bloodletting

(d)

bloods

4.

(a)

Scores

(b)

Shores

(c)

Spores

(d)

Stores

5.

(a)

threads

(b)

laces

(c)

wraps

(d)

ties

6.

(a)

develop

(b)

rise

(c)

orient

(d)

lean

7.

(a)

longer

(b)

lengthen

(c)

elongates

(d)

longings

8.

(a)

on

(b)

up

(c)

of

(d)

in

9.

(a)

as

(b)

was

(c)

has

(d)

is

10.

(a)

autocratic

(b)

autonomous

(c)

automated

(d)

automatic

11.

(a)

performing

(b)

acting

(c)

playing

(d)

relishing

12.

(a)

troops

(b)

clerks

(c)

agents

(d)

files

SPELLING

Paragraph 1

1.

last week's otgnsui of president Viktor Yanukovych

2.

street niotoetrdassnm

3.

f ought oblyod battles in the capital

4.

cessro of people died in the violence

5.

protestors were demanding the noigarnesit

6.

levels of violence wdsneteis in the capital

Paragraph 2

7.

warned Russia not to evnneteir

8.

We strongly support Ukraine's territorial etgiitrny

9.

pro-Russian iepststsaar

10.

the smaouonout region of Crimea

11.

rgadgiun Crimea's main airport

12.

military irogasngse

PUT THE TEXT BACK TOGETHER

Number these lines in the correct order.

(    )

the capital, Kiev. Scores of people died in the violence, many shot by riot police. The protestors were

(    )

sovereignty." Fears are increasing that Ukraine could break in two as pro-Russian separatists are

( 1 )

Tensions are escalating in Ukraine following last week's ousting of president Viktor Yanukovych. Weeks

(    )

becoming more active, especially in the autonomous region of Crimea. Armed gunmen

(    )

the middle of the night. Thousands of protestors in west Ukraine fought bloody battles in

(    )

of street demonstrations led to Mr Yanukovych leaving the country by helicopter in

(    )

demanding the resignation of Mr Yanukovych, economic reforms, and closer

(    )

affairs. A White House spokesman said: "We strongly support Ukraine's territorial integrity and

(    )

of Ukraine. The U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry also warned Russia not to intervene in Ukrainian

(    )

capital, largely because most people there voted for Yanukovych and lean more towards Russia than the EU.

(    )

The White House has said it no longer considers Mr Yanukovych to be the president

(    )

president Oleksander Turchynov warned Russia against "military aggression" after Russia mobilised 150,000 troops near the Ukrainian border.

(    )

wearing Russian military uniforms were reportedly guarding Crimea's main airport on Friday. Ukraine's acting

(    )

ties with the European Union. The east of the country did not see the levels of violence witnessed in the

PUT THE WORDS IN THE RIGHT ORDER

1.

the   in   helicopter by   country the Leaving   night   the   of   middle.

2.

the    in    died    people    of    Scores    violence.

3.

the    and    with   Union   reforms   ties   European   Economic   closer.

4.

levels    the    of    capital    violence    witnessed    The    in.

5.

people    there    Largely    voted    because    for    most   Yanukovych.

6.

also    Kerry    intervene    to    not    Russia    warned.

7.

Fears    that    break    increasing    could    two    are    Ukraine    in.

8.

autonomous    the    in    Especially    Crimea    of    region.

9.

wearing    military    gunmen    Russian    uniforms    Armed.

10.

150    troops    Ukrainian    Mobilised    000    the    ,    near    border.

CIRCLE THE CORRECT WORD (20 PAIRS)

Tensions are escalating in Ukraine following last week's outing / ousting of president Viktor Yanukovych. Weeks of street demonstrations bled / led to Mr Yanukovych leaving the country in / by helicopter in the middle of the night. Thousands of protestors in west Ukraine fought bloody / blood battles in the capital, Kiev. Scores / Shoots of people died in the violence, many shot by riot / riotous police. The protestors were demeaning / demanding the resignation of Mr Yanukovych, economic reforms, and closer wraps / ties with the European Union. The east of the country did not see the levels of violence witnessed / witnessing in the capital, largely because most people there voted for Yanukovych and lean / learn more towards Russia than the EU.

The White House has said it no more / longer considers Mr Yanukovych to be the president of Ukraine. The U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry also warned Russia not to contravene / intervene in Ukrainian affairs. A White House spokesman said: "We strongly / strengthening support Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereigns / sovereignty." Fears are increasing that Ukraine could break in two as pro-Russian separatists / separates are becoming more active, especially in the autonomy / autonomous region of Crimea. Armed gunmen wore / wearing Russian military uniforms were reporting / reportedly guarding Crimea's main airport on Friday. Ukraine's acting president Oleksander Turchynov warned Russia against "military regression / aggression" after Russia mobilised 150,000 troops near the Ukrainian border / edge.

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)

T_ns__ns _r_ _sc_l_t_ng _n _kr__n_ f_ll_w_ng l_st wk's st_ng _f pr_s_d_nt V_kt_r Y_n_k_vych. W__ks _f str__t d_m_nstr_t__ns l_d t_ Mr Y_n_k_vych l__v_ng th_ c__ntry by h_l_c_pt_r _n th_ m_ddl_ _f th_ n_ght. Th__s_nds _f pr_t_st_rs _n w_st _kr__n_ fght bldy b_ttl_s _n th_ c_p_t_l, K__v. Sc_r_s _f p__pl_ d__d _n th_ v__l_nc_, m_ny sh_t by r__t p_l_c_. Th_ pr_t_st_rs w_r_ d_m_nd_ng th_ r_s_gn_t__n _f Mr Y_n_k_vych, _c_n_m_c r_f_rms, _nd cl_s_r t__s w_th th_ __r_p__n _n__n. Th_ __st _f th_ c__ntry d_d n_t s__ th_ l_v_ls _f v__l_nc_ w_tn_ss_d _n th_ c_p_t_l, l_rg_ly b_c__s_ m_st p__pl_ th_r_ v_t_d f_r Y_n_k_vych _nd l__n m_r_ t_w_rds R_ss__ th_n th_ __.

Th_ Wh_t_ H__s_ h_s s__d _t n_ l_ng_r c_ns_d_rs Mr Y_n_k_vych t_ b_ th_ pr_s_d_nt _f _kr__n_. Th_ _.S. S_cr_t_ry _f St_t_ J_hn K_rry _ls_ w_rn_d R_ss__ n_t t_ _nt_rv_n_ _n _krnn _ff__rs. _ Wh_t_ H__s_ sp_k_sm_n s__d: "W_ str_ngly s_pp_rt _kr__n_'s t_rr_t_r__l _nt_gr_ty _nd s_v_rgnty." Frs _r_ _ncr__s_ng th_t _kr__n_ cld brk _n tw_ _s pr_-R_ss__n s_p_r_t_sts _r_ b_c_m_ng m_r_ _ct_v_, _sp_c__lly _n th_ __t_n_m__s r_g__n _f Cr_m__. _rm_d g_nm_n w__r_ng R_ss__n m_l_t_ry _n_f_rms w_r_ r_p_rt_dly g__rd_ng Cr_m's mn __rp_rt _n Fr_d_y. _kr__n_'s _ct_ng pr_s_d_nt _l_ks_nd_r T_rchyn_v w_rn_d R_ss__ _g__nst "m_l_t_ry _ggr_ss__n" _ft_r R_ss__ m_b_l_s_d 150,000 trps nr th_ _krnn b_rd_r.

PUNCTUATE THE TEXT AND ADD CAPITALS

tensions are escalating in ukraine following last week's ousting of president viktor yanukovych weeks of street demonstrations led to mr yanukovych leaving the country by helicopter in the middle of the night thousands of protestors in west ukraine fought bloody battles in the capital kiev scores of people died in the violence many shot by riot police the protestors were demanding the resignation of mr yanukovych economic reforms and closer ties with the european union the east of the country did not see the levels of violence witnessed in the capital largely because most people there voted for yanukovych and lean more towards russia than the eu

the white house has said it no longer considers mr yanukovych to be the president of ukraine the us secretary of state john kerry also warned russia not to intervene in ukrainian affairs a white house spokesman said "we strongly support ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty" fears are increasing that ukraine could break in two as pro-russian separatists are becoming more active especially in the autonomous region of crimea armed gunmen wearing russian military uniforms were reportedly guarding crimea's main airport on friday ukraine's acting president oleksander turchynov warned russia against "military aggression" after russia mobilised 150000 troops near the ukrainian border
PUT A SLASH ( / ) WHERE THE SPACES ARE

TensionsareescalatinginUkrainefollowinglastweek'soustingofpre
sidentViktorYanukovych.WeeksofstreetdemonstrationsledtoMrY
anukovychleavingthecountrybyhelicopterinthemiddleofthenight
.ThousandsofprotestorsinwestUkrainefoughtbloodybattlesinthe
capital,Kiev.Scoresofpeoplediedintheviolence,manyshotbyriotp
olice.TheprotestorsweredemandingtheresignationofMrYanukov
ych,economicreforms,andclosertieswiththeEuropeanUnion.Thee
astofthecountrydidnotseethelevelsofviolencewitnessedinthecapi
tal,largelybecausemostpeopletherevotedforYanukovychandlean
moretowardsRussiathantheEU.TheWhiteHousehassaiditnolonge
rconsidersMrYanukovychtobethepresidentofUkraine.TheU.S.Se
cretaryofStateJohnKerryalsowarnedRussianottointerveneinUkra
inianaffairs.AWhiteHousespokesmansaid:"WestronglysupportU
kraine'sterritorialintegrityandsovereignty."Fearsareincreasingth
atUkrainecouldbreakintwoaspro-Russianseparatistsarebecomin
gmoreactive,especiallyintheautonomousregionofCrimea.Armed
gunmenwearingRussianmilitaryuniformswerereportedlyguardin
gCrimea'smainairportonFriday.Ukraine'sactingpresidentOleksan
derTurchynovwarnedRussiaagainst"militaryaggression"afterRus
siamobilised150,000troopsneartheUkrainianborder.

FREE WRITING

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

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ACADEMIC WRITING

It's always better to give separatists what they want. 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 Ukraine. Share what you discover with your partner(s) in the next lesson.

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

4. UNITED: Write a magazine article about the future of Ukraine. Include imaginary interviews with someone who believes it is better for the country to break in two and with someone who thinks it should remain a united country.

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 Ukraine's president. Ask him three questions about the current situation in Ukraine. Give him three of your opinions. 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

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ANSWERS

TRUE / FALSE (p.4)

a

F

b

F

c

T

d

F

e

T

f

F

g

T

h

T

SYNONYM MATCH (p.4)

1.

escalating

a.

rising

2.

demonstrations

b.

protests

3.

bloody

c.

brutal

4.

demanding

d.

calling for

5.

largely

e.

mainly

6.

intervene

f.

get involved

7.

autonomous

g.

self-governing

8.

acting

h.

provisional

9.

aggression

i.

hostility

10.

troops

j.

soldiers

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS (p.8)

1.

By helicopter

2.

Bloody battles

3.

Scores

4.

That he resign

5.

Towards Russia

6.

The White House

7.

It might split in two

8.

Pro-Russian separatists

9.

Russian military uniforms

10.

150,000

MULTIPLE CHOICE - QUIZ (p.9)

1.

b

2.

d

3.

c

4.

a

5.

b

6.

a

7.

c

8.

a

9.

d

10.

c

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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Tensions escalate in Ukraine (2nd March, 2014)

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