The Reading / Listening - The Batman - Level 6

There is a new Batman movie in the making and a director for it could be announced soon. Ben Affleck was originally going to direct the movie 'The Batman' but has made way for 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes' director Matt Reeves. Affleck said it was a tough decision to hand over the directing reins. He explained that he could not act in as well as direct the new Batman film. He said: "Performing this role demands focus, passion and the very best performance I can give. It has become clear that I cannot do both jobs to the level they require. Together with the studio, I have decided to find a partner in a director who will collaborate with me on this massive film."

The movie industry magazine 'Variety' reports that Mr Reeves is in initial talks with the production company Warner Bros. to accept taking over as director. It is reported that Mr Affleck stepped down from the role late last month. Industry sources revealed that the studio has had multiple meetings with Reeves about becoming director. Mr Reeves is currently in post-production with his latest movie 'War for the Planet of the Apes,' which opens on July 14. Variety said it should be no problem for Reeves to take over as 'The Batman' director and that he will likely do so later this year. Filming was initially due to begin in May, as the script has already been written. However, it is now expected to begin later in 2017.

Try the same news story at these easier levels:

    The Batman - Level 4  or  The Batman - Level 5

Sources
  • http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/batman-movie-director-matt-reeves-talks-ben-affleck-departs-as-helmer-972900
  • http://movieweb.com/batman-director-matt-reeves-announced/
  • http://variety.com/2017/film/news/the-batman-new-director-matt-reeves-ben-affleck-1201977575/


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 :-)

Warm-ups

1. BATMAN MOVIES: Students walk around the class and talk to other students about Batman movies. 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?

       movie / announced / director / decision / focus / passion / performance / collaborate /
       magazine / role / sources / meetings / no problem / initially / script / expected

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

3. BATMAN: Students A strongly believe Batman is a good role model good for kids; Students B strongly believe he isn't.  Change partners again and talk about your conversations.

4. MOVIES: Discuss these movie genres? Complete this table with your partner(s). Change partners often and share what you wrote.

 

Good for us?

What can we learn?

Message

Superhero

 

 

 

Romance

 

 

 

Horror

 

 

 

Fantasy

 

 

 

Anime

 

 

 

War

 

 

 

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ESL resource book with copiable worksheets and handouts - 1,000 Ideas and Activities for Language Teachers / English teachers
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5. MOVIE: Spend one minute writing down all of the different words you associate with the word "movie". Share your words with your partner(s) and talk about them. Together, put the words into different categories.

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

  • Superman
  • Darna
  • Power Rangers
  • Sailor Moon
  • Batman
  • Wonder Woman
  • Harry Potter
  • Power Puff Girls

 

Before reading / listening

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

  1. Ben Affleck will not be the director of the new Batman movie.     T / F
  2. The possible new director also directed Planet of the Apes movies.     T / F
  3. Ben Affleck said it would be too difficult to act in and direct the movie.     T / F
  4. Ben Affleck said he didn't want to collaborate with anyone.     T / F
  5. The movie company has yet to talk to a possible director.     T / F
  6. Matt Reeves has totally finished his last film.     T / F
  7. The script for the new Batman movie has not been finished.     T / F
  8. Filming on the new Batman movie will start later in 2017.     T / F

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

  1. announced
  2. tough
  3. demands
  4. passion
  5. massive
  6. initial
  7. sources
  8. likely
  9. script
  10. expected
  1. intensity
  2. beginning
  3. huge
  4. screenplay
  5. made public
  6. probable
  7. difficult
  8. informants
  9. anticipated
  10. requires

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

  1. a new Batman movie in
  2. it was a tough
  3. Performing this role demands
  4. It has become clear that I cannot
  5. a director who will collaborate
  6. the studio has had multiple
  7. it should be no problem for
  8. Filming was initially
  9. the script has already
  10. it is now expected
  1. decision
  2. been written
  3. with me
  4. due to begin in May
  5. to begin later
  6. the making
  7. focus
  8. meetings
  9. Reeves to take over
  10. do both jobs

Gap fill

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.
tough
collaborate
originally
massive
demands
making
level
reins

There is a new Batman movie in the (1) ____________ and a director for it could be announced soon. Ben Affleck was (2) ____________ going to direct the movie 'The Batman' but has made way for 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes' director Matt Reeves. Affleck said it was a (3) ____________ decision to hand over the directing (4) ____________. He explained that he could not act in as well as direct the new Batman film. He said: "Performing this role (5) ____________ focus, passion and the very best performance I can give. It has become clear that I cannot do both jobs to the (6) ____________ they require. Together with the studio, I have decided to find a partner in a director who will (7) ____________ with me on this (8) ____________ film."

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.
accept
take
multiple
expected
industry
due
role
currently

The movie (9) ____________ magazine 'Variety' reports that Mr Reeves is in initial talks with the production company Warner Bros. to (10) ____________ taking over as director. It is reported that Mr Affleck stepped down from the (11) ____________ late last month. Industry sources revealed that the studio has had (12) ____________ meetings with Reeves about becoming director. Mr Reeves is (13) ____________ in post-production with his latest movie 'War for the Planet of the Apes,' which opens on July 14. Variety said it should be no problem for Reeves to (14) ____________ over as 'The Batman' director and that he will likely do so later this year. Filming was initially (15) ____________ to begin in May, as the script has already been written. However, it is now (16) ____________ to begin later in 2017.

Listening — Guess the answers. Listen to check.

1)  There is a new Batman movie in the making and a director for it could ______
     a.  be announce it soon
     b.  be announcement soon
     c.  been announced soon
     d.  be announced soon

2)  Affleck said it was a tough decision to hand over ______
     a.  the direct in rains
     b.  the directing reigns
     c.  the directing reins
     d.  the direct in reins

3)  Performing this role demands focus, passion and the very ______
     a.  pest performance
     b.  vest performance
     c.  best performance
     d.  lest performance

4)  It has become clear that I cannot do both jobs to the ______
     a.  level they require
     b.  levels they requires
     c.  levels they require
     d.  level they requires

5)  a director who will collaborate with me on ______
     a.  this missive film
     b.  this massive film
     c.  this passive film
     d.  this missile film

6)  The movie industry magazine 'Variety' reports that Mr Reeves is ______
     a.  in initially talks
     b.  in initial talk
     c.  in initial talks
     d.  on initial talks

7)  It is reported that Mr Affleck stepped down from the role ______
     a.  late last month
     b.  later last month
     c.  lately past month
     d.  late past month

8)  Industry sources revealed that the studio has had ______
     a.  multiply meetings
     b.  multiplied meetings
     c.  multiplex meetings
     d.  multiple meetings

9)  Variety said it should be no problem for Reeves ______
     a.  to take over
     b.  to give over
     c.  to get over
     d.  to do over

10)  initially due to begin in May, as the script has ______
     a.  already being written
     b.  already been written
     c.  already been write
     d.  all ready been written

Listening — Listen and fill in the gaps

There is a new Batman movie (1) ___________________ and a director for it could be announced soon. Ben Affleck (2) ___________________ going to direct the movie 'The Batman' but has made way for 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes' director Matt Reeves. Affleck said (3) ___________________ decision to hand over the directing reins. He explained that he could not act in as well (4) ___________________ new Batman film. He said: "Performing this role demands focus, passion and the very best performance I can give. It has become clear that I cannot (5) ___________________ the level they require. Together with the studio, I have decided to find a partner in a director who will (6) ___________________ on this massive film."

The movie industry magazine 'Variety' reports that Mr Reeves (7) ___________________ talks with the production company Warner Bros. to accept taking (8) ___________________. It is reported that Mr Affleck stepped down from the role late last month. Industry sources revealed that the studio has (9) ___________________ with Reeves about becoming director. Mr Reeves is currently in post-production with his latest movie 'War for the Planet of the Apes,' (10) ___________________ July 14. Variety said it should be no problem for Reeves to take over as 'The Batman' director and that (11) ___________________ so later this year. Filming was initially due to begin in May, as the script has already been written. However, it is now expected (12) ___________________ 2017.

Comprehension questions

  1. Who was originally going to direct 'The Batman'?
  2. What kind of decision did the original director have to take?
  3. What does the role demand besides focus and passion?
  4. What could the original director nor do at the same time?
  5. What does the original director want to do with the new director?
  6. What is the name of the magazine mentioned in the article?
  7. When did the previous director step down?
  8. How many meetings have the studio and potential director had?
  9. When does 'War for the Planet of the Apes' open?
  10. What has already been written?

Multiple choice quiz

1) Who was originally going to direct 'The Batman'?
a) Matt Reeves
b) Martin Scorsese
c) Steven Spielberg
d) Ben Affleck

2) What kind of decision did the original director have to take?
a) an easy one
b) a tough one
c) an eternal one
d) en endless one

3) What does the role demand besides focus and passion?
a) hours of learning lines
b) stamina
c) the utmost dedication
d) the very best performance

4) What could the original director nor do at the same time?
a) direct and produce
b) be Batman and Robin
c) act and direct
d) act in 2 movies

5) What does the original director want to do with the new director?
a) write
b) produce
c) train
d) collaborate

6) What is the name of the magazine mentioned in the article?
a) Hollywood
b) Rolling Stone
c) Variety
d) Movies

7) When did the previous director step down?
a) late last month
b) early last month
c) the 15th of last month
d) yesterday

8) How many meetings have the studio and potential director had?
a) none
b) 8
c) multiple
d) one

9) When does 'War for the Planet of the Apes' open?
a) December 14
b) July 14
c) August 14
d) June 14

10) What has already been written?
a) the script
b) the reviews
c) the programme
d) the tagline

Role play

Role A — Batman

You think Batman is the best superhero. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their superheroes. Also, tell the others which is the least heroic of these (and why): Harry Potter, Wonder Woman or Superman.

Role B — Harry Potter

You think Harry Potter is the best superhero. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their superheroes. Also, tell the others which is the least heroic of these (and why): Batman, Wonder Woman or Superman.

Role C — Wonder Woman

You think Wonder Woman is the best superhero. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their superheroes. Also, tell the others which is the least heroic of these (and why): Harry Potter, Batman or Superman.

Role D — Superman

You think Superman is the best superhero. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their superheroes. Also, tell the others which is the least heroic of these (and why): Harry Potter, Wonder Woman or Batman.

After reading / listening

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

'bat'

  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • and 'man'.

  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • • 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:

    • down
    • studio
    • latest
    • likely
    • due
    • later
    • making
    • way
    • tough
    • demands
    • clear
    • me

    Student survey

    Write five GOOD questions about this topic 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.

    (Please look at page 12 of the PDF to see a photocopiable example of this activity.)

    Discussion - Director for new Batman movie coming soon

    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 'Batman'?
    3. What do you think of Batman?
    4. Who is your favourite superhero?
    5. Are the best superheroes from the USA?
    6. What makes Batman a good superhero?
    7. What exactly does a director do?
    8. What was the last tough decision you made?
    9. What was the last thing you did with passion?
    10. Are you a good person to collaborate with? Why?

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

    1. Did you like reading this article? Why/not?
    2. What do you think of when you hear the word 'movie'?
    3. What do you know about movie production companies?
    4. What kind of movie would you like to star in?
    5. What is your favourite movie, and why?
    6. What do you know about Planet of the Apes?
    7. What do you think of going to the movie theatre?
    8. Who is your favourite actor, and why?
    9. Who is best – Batman, Spiderman or Superman?
    10. What questions would you like to ask the director?

    Discussion — Write your own questions

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

    (a) ________________

    (b) ________________

    (c) ________________

    (d) ________________

    (e) ________________

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

    (f) ________________

    (g) ________________

    (h) ________________

    (i) ________________

    (j) ________________

    Language — Cloze (Gap-fill)

    There is a new Batman movie in the (1) ____ and a director for it could be announced soon. Ben Affleck was (2) ____ going to direct the movie 'The Batman' but has made (3) ____ for 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes' director Matt Reeves. Affleck said it was a tough decision to hand over the directing (4) ____. He explained that he could not act in as well as direct the new Batman film. He said: "Performing this role (5) ____ focus, passion and the very best performance I can give. It has become clear that I cannot do both jobs to the level they require. Together with the studio, I have decided to find a partner in a director who will (6) ____ with me on this massive film."

    The movie industry magazine 'Variety' reports that Mr Reeves is (7) ____ initial talks with the production company Warner Bros. to accept taking over as director. It is reported that Mr Affleck stepped down from the role (8) ____ last month. Industry sources revealed that the studio has had (9) ____ meetings with Reeves about becoming director. Mr Reeves is (10) ____ in post-production with his latest movie 'War for the Planet of the Apes,' which opens on July 14. Variety said it should be no problem for Reeves to take over as 'The Batman' director and that he will (11) ____ do so later this year. Filming was initially due to begin in May, as the (12) ____ has already been written. However, it is now expected to begin later in 2017.

    Which of these words go in the above text?

    1. (a)     taking     (b)     raking     (c)     baking     (d)     making    
    2. (a)     origins     (b)     original     (c)     originate     (d)     originally    
    3. (a)     weigh     (b)     way     (c)     wait     (d)     weight    
    4. (a)     reigns     (b)     ruins     (c)     rains     (d)     reins    
    5. (a)     demands     (b)     provide     (c)     supply     (d)     necessary    
    6. (a)     collaborate     (b)     calibrate     (c)     corroborate     (d)     celebrate    
    7. (a)     as     (b)     of     (c)     on     (d)     in    
    8. (a)     late     (b)     lately     (c)     later     (d)     latte    
    9. (a)     multiply     (b)     multiple     (c)     multiples     (d)     multiplication    
    10. (a)     currant     (b)     currency     (c)     currently     (d)     present    
    11. (a)     liking     (b)     likelihood     (c)     likely     (d)     likeable    
    12. (a)     scripted     (b)     script     (c)     scripture     (d)     descriptive

    Spelling

    Paragraph 1

    1. could be ndenaucno soon
    2. it was a tough diicnoes
    3. hand over the directing neisr
    4. focus, poiasns and the very best
    5. the level they uriereq
    6. a director who will bcatleoolar with me

    Paragraph 2

    1. The movie sydutrni magazine 'Variety'
    2. uecsors revealed that
    3. the studio has had imlpleut meetings
    4. Mr Reeves is ulrynterc in post-production
    5. iitnlliay due to begin in May
    6. the sctipr has already been written

    Put the text back together

    (    )     going to direct the movie 'The Batman' but has made way for 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes'

    1  )     There is a new Batman movie in the making and a director for it could be announced soon. Ben Affleck was originally

    (    )     to take over as 'The Batman' director and that he will likely do so later this year. Filming was initially due to

    (    )     in a director who will collaborate with me on this massive film."

    (    )     down from the role late last month. Industry sources revealed that the studio has had multiple

    (    )     begin in May, as the script has already been written. However, it is now expected to begin later in 2017.

    (    )     best performance I can give. It has become clear that I cannot do both jobs to the

    (    )     act in as well as direct the new Batman film. He said: "Performing this role demands focus, passion and the very

    (    )     The movie industry magazine 'Variety' reports that Mr Reeves is in initial talks with the production

    (    )     company Warner Bros. to accept taking over as director. It is reported that Mr Affleck stepped

    (    )     latest movie 'War for the Planet of the Apes,' which opens on July 14. Variety said it should be no problem for Reeves

    (    )     level they require. Together with the studio, I have decided to find a partner

    (    )     meetings with Reeves about becoming director. Mr Reeves is currently in post-production with his

    (    )     director Matt Reeves. Affleck said it was a tough decision to hand over the directing reins. He explained that he could not

    Put the words in the right order

    1. soon   announced   be   could   it   for   director   A   .
    2. hand   A   over   tough   the   decision   directing   to   reins   .
    3. not   film  the   well  act   He  new   as  in   could  Batman   direct  as   .
    4. do   to   they   cannot   jobs   level   I   both   the   require   .
    5. massive   on  will   film  collaborate  A  with   director  me   who  this   .
    6. the   talks   in   Reeves   production   with   initial   is   company   .
    7. month   the   Affleck   role   stepped   late   down   last   from   .
    8. meetings   studio  Sources   has   revealed  had   that   multiple   the   .
    9. for   take   should   problem   to   It   no   Reeves   over   be   .
    10. ,   it   is   now   expected   to   begin   later   in   2017   However   .

    Circle the correct word (20 pairs)

    There is a new Batman movie in the marking / making and a director for it could be announced / announcement soon. Ben Affleck was original / originally going to direct the movie 'The Batman' but has made way for 'Dawn of the Planet of the Apes' director Matt Reeves. Affleck said it was a tough decide / decision to hand over the directing reins. He explained that he could not act / action in as well as direct the new Batman film. He said: "Performing this role demands / supplies focus, passion and the very best performance I can take / give. It has become clear that I cannot do both jobs to the level / leveler they require. Together with the studio, I have decided to find / fund a partner in a director who will collaborate with me on this massive / massively film."

    The movie industrial / industry magazine 'Variety' reports that Mr Reeves is in / on initial talks with the production company Warner Bros. to accept taking under / over as director. It is reported that Mr Affleck stepped down from the role lately / late last month. Industry sources revealed / reveals that the studio has had multiply / multiple meetings with Reeves about becoming director. Mr Reeves is currently / currency in post-production with his latest movie 'War for the Planet of the Apes,' which opens on July 14. Variety said it should be not / no problem for Reeves to take over as 'The Batman' director and that he will likely do / have so later this year. Filming was initially due to begin in May, as the script / scripture has already been written. However, it is now expected to begin later in 2017.

    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_r_ _s _ n_w B_tm_n m_v__ _n th_ m_k_ng _nd _ d_r_ct_r f_r _t c__ld b_ _nn__nc_d s__n. B_n _ffl_ck w_s _r_g_n_lly g__ng t_ d_r_ct th_ m_v__ 'Th_ B_tm_n' b_t h_s m_d_ w_y f_r 'D_wn _f th_ Pl_n_t _f th_ _p_s' d_r_ct_r M_tt R__v_s. _ffl_ck s__d _t w_s _ t__gh d_c_s__n t_ h_nd _v_r th_ d_r_ct_ng r__ns. H_ _xpl__n_d th_t h_ c__ld n_t _ct _n _s w_ll _s d_r_ct th_ n_w B_tm_n f_lm. H_ s__d: "P_rf_rm_ng th_s r_l_ d_m_nds f_c_s, p_ss__n _nd th_ v_ry b_st p_rf_rm_nc_ _ c_n g_v_. _t h_s b_c_m_ cl__r th_t _ c_nn_t d_ b_th j_bs t_ th_ l_v_l th_y r_q__r_. T_g_th_r w_th th_ st_d__, _ h_v_ d_c_d_d t_ f_nd _ p_rtn_r _n _ d_r_ct_r wh_ w_ll c_ll_b_r_t_ w_th m_ _n th_s m_ss_v_ f_lm."

    Th_ m_v__ _nd_stry m_g_z_n_ 'V_r__ty' r_p_rts th_t Mr R__v_s _s _n _n_t__l t_lks w_th th_ pr_d_ct__n c_mp_ny W_rn_r Br_s. t_ _cc_pt t_k_ng _v_r _s d_r_ct_r. _t _s r_p_rt_d th_t Mr _ffl_ck st_pp_d d_wn fr_m th_ r_l_ l_t_ l_st m_nth. _nd_stry s__rc_s r_v__l_d th_t th_ st_d__ h_s h_d m_lt_pl_ m__t_ngs w_th R__v_s _b__t b_c_m_ng d_r_ct_r. Mr R__v_s _s c_rr_ntly _n p_st-pr_d_ct__n w_th h_s l_t_st m_v__ 'W_r f_r th_ Pl_n_t _f th_ _p_s,' wh_ch _p_ns _n J_ly 14. V_r__ty s__d _t sh__ld b_ n_ pr_bl_m f_r R__v_s t_ t_k_ _v_r _s 'Th_ B_tm_n' d_r_ct_r _nd th_t h_ w_ll l_k_ly d_ s_ l_t_r th_s y__r. F_lm_ng w_s _n_t__lly d__ t_ b_g_n _n M_y, _s th_ scr_pt h_s _lr__dy b__n wr_tt_n. H_w_v_r, _t _s n_w _xp_ct_d t_ b_g_n l_t_r _n 2017.

    Punctuate the text and add capitals

    there is a new batman movie in the making and a director for it could be announced soon ben affleck was originally going to direct the movie 'the batman' but has made way for 'dawn of the planet of the apes' director matt reeves affleck said it was a tough decision to hand over the directing reins he explained that he could not act in as well as direct the new batman film he said "performing this role demands focus passion and the very best performance i can give it has become clear that i cannot do both jobs to the level they require together with the studio i have decided to find a partner in a director who will collaborate with me on this massive film"

    the movie industry magazine 'variety' reports that mr reeves is in initial talks with the production company warner bros to accept taking over as director it is reported that mr affleck stepped down from the role late last month industry sources revealed that the studio has had multiple meetings with reeves about becoming director mr reeves is currently in post-production with his latest movie 'war for the planet of the apes' which opens on july 14 variety said it should be no problem for reeves to take over as 'the batman' director and that he will likely do so later this year filming was initially due to begin in may as the script has already been written however it is now expected to begin later in 2017

    Put a slash (/) where the spaces are

    ThereisanewBatmanmovieinthemakingandadirectorforitcouldbean
    nouncedsoon.BenAffleckwasoriginallygoingtodirectthemovie'TheB
    atman'buthasmadewayfor'DawnofthePlanetoftheApes'directorMatt
    Reeves.Afflecksaiditwasatoughdecisiontohandoverthedirectingrein
    s.HeexplainedthathecouldnotactinaswellasdirectthenewBatmanfil
    m.Hesaid:"Performingthisroledemandsfocus,passionandtheverybe
    stperformanceIcangive.IthasbecomeclearthatIcannotdobothjobsto
    theleveltheyrequire.Togetherwiththestudio,Ihavedecidedtofindapa
    rtnerinadirectorwhowillcollaboratewithmeonthismassivefilm."Them
    ovieindustrymagazine'Variety'reportsthatMrReevesisininitialtalksw
    iththeproductioncompanyWarnerBros.toaccepttakingoverasdirecto
    r.ItisreportedthatMrAfflecksteppeddownfromtherolelatelastmonth.
    Industrysourcesrevealedthatthestudiohashadmultiplemeetingswit
    hReevesaboutbecomingdirector.MrReevesiscurrentlyinpost-prod
    uctionwithhislatestmovie'WarforthePlanetoftheApes,'whichopenso
    nJuly14.VarietysaiditshouldbenoproblemforReevestotakeoveras'Th
    eBatman'directorandthathewilllikelydosolaterthisyear.Filmingwasi
    nitiallyduetobegininMay,asthescripthasalreadybeenwritten.Howev
    er,itisnowexpectedtobeginlaterin2017.

    Free writing

    Write about Batman for 10 minutes. Comment on your partner’s paper.

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    Academic writing

    Batman is the best super-hero ever created. 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 the new  Batman movie. Share what you discover with your partner(s) in the next lesson.

    3. BATMAN MOVIES: Make a poster about Batman movies. Show your work to your classmates in the next lesson. Did you all have similar things?

    4. SUPERHEROES: Write a magazine article about superheroes being bad for kids. Include imaginary interviews with people who agree and disagree with 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 Batman. Ask him/her three questions about him. Give him/her three of your opinions on Batman as a superhero. 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

    (Please look at page 26 of the PDF to see a photocopiable example of this activity.)

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