Breaking News English Lesson: Top Gun: Maverick

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Tom Cruise's 'Top Gun: Maverick' breaks records (2nd June, 2022)

The Reading / Listening - Top Gun: Maverick - Level 3

Tom Cruise's latest blockbuster film has broken box office records across America. The movie "Top Gun: Maverick" was shown in the biggest ever number of North American movie theatres. The movie magazine "Variety" reported that 4,732 cinemas in the USA and Canada showed "Maverick". This makes it the widest release of all time. The movie also broke another record. It is the best Memorial Day opening film in history. It earned $156 million in the USA. This beats Johnny Depp's "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End". That movie earned $153 million in 2007. Maverick has also given Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise his first ever $100 million opening weekend at the box office.

Maverick is the sequel to the 1986 film "Top Gun". Cruise goes back to his role as US navy pilot Pete "Maverick" Mitchell. The movie's production company Paramount was very happy that "Maverick" had done so well. Chris Aronson, president of domestic distribution, said: "These results are ridiculously, over-the-top fantastic. I'm happy for everyone. I'm happy for the company, for Tom, and for the filmmakers." The movie has had rave reviews from critics. The "Independent" in the UK called it a "thrilling" blockbuster. Another UK newspaper, "The Telegraph," called it "absurdly exciting," and "unquestionably the best studio action film in years". At first, Cruise did not want to make the sequel. Now, he is happy he did.

Try the same news story at these easier levels:

Top Gun: Maverick - Level 0, Top Gun: Maverick - Level 1 or Top Gun: Maverick - Level 2

Sources

https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-61630131
https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2022/05/top-gun-maverick-breaks-box-office-records
https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/top-gun-maverick-memorial-day-box-office-tom-cruise-movie

Make sure you try all of the online activities for this reading and listening - There are dictations, multiple choice activities, drag and drop activities, sentence jumbles, which word activities, text reconstructions, spelling, gap fills and a whole lot more. Please enjoy :-)

Warm-ups

1. MOVIES: Students walk around the class and talk to other students about 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?
blockbuster / box office / records / movie / number / magazine / history / pirates /
sequel / navy / pilot / president / domestic / fantastic / reviews / thrilling / exciting
Have a chat about the topics you liked. Change topics and partners frequently.
3. MOVIE THEATRES: Students A strongly believe movie theatres are the best place to watch movies; Students B strongly believe it's best to watch movies at home. Change partners again and talk about your conversations.
4. BLOCKBUSTER MOVIES: What do you know about these movies? What made them so popular? Complete this table with your partner(s). Change partners often and share what you wrote.

	What I Know	Why They Are So Good
Top Gun
Titanic
Mission Impossible
Batman / Joker
Harry Potter
Star Wars

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. OFFICE: Spend one minute writing down all of the different words you associate with the word "office". Share your words with your partner(s) and talk about them. Together, put the words into different categories.
6. MOVIE GENRES: Rank these with your partner. Put the best movie genres at the top. Change partners often and share your rankings.

Action
Fantasy
Horror
Romance
Science fiction
Comedy
Mystery
Animation

Vocabulary

Paragraph 1

1.	blockbuster	a.	The action of making a film, recording, or other product available to the public.
2.	record	b.	A very, very famous and successful performer or sports player.
3.	magazine	c.	A thing of great power or size, in particular a film, book, or other product that makes a lot of money.
4.	release	d.	A collection of writing, articles and pictures often on a particular subject that is sold every week or month.
5.	earned	e.	The best, fastest, most perfect, worst... performance of its kind.
6.	beat	f.	Money got from paid work.
7.	superstar	g.	Defeat someone in a game or other competitive situation.

Paragraph 2

8.	sequel	h.	An actor's part in a play, film, etc.
9.	role	i.	A person who operates the flying controls of an aircraft.
10.	pilot	j.	A person whose job is to talk about how good or bad movies and books are.
11.	domestic	k.	A movie or book that continues the story of an earlier one.
12.	over-the-top	l.	In a way that nobody can say it isn't true.
13.	critic	m.	Too much; very, very, very.
14.	unquestionably	n.	Happening inside a country; not foreign or international.

Before reading / listening

1. TRUE / FALSE: Read the headline. Guess if 1-8 below are true (T) or false (F).

The latest Tom Cruise movie broke a box office. T / F
Tom Cruises' new movie played in over 4,700 cinemas in North America. T / F
Top Gun: Maverick did not earn as much as Pirates of the Caribbean. T / F
Cruise never had a $100 million opening weekend before this movie. T / F
Top Gun: Maverick is the prequel to the 2006 Top Gun movie. T / F
The producers were happy for Tom Cruise and all the filmmakers. T / F
Top Gun: Maverick got bad reviews from movie critics. T / F
Cruise was always very enthusiastic about making the movie. T / F

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

latest
movie theatre
reported
earned
beats
role
domestic
reviews
thrilling
unquestionably

ratings
made
betters
cinema
national
announced
exciting
most recent
without doubt
part

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

Cruise's latest blockbuster film has broken box
4,732 cinemas in the USA and Canada
This makes it the widest release
the best Memorial Day opening film in
That movie earned
U.S. navy
over-the-
The movie has had rave reviews
The "Independent" in the UK called it a
unquestionably the best studio action film

history
$153 million in 2007
thrilling blockbuster
top
showed "Maverick"
in years
of all time
pilot
office records
from critics

Gap fill

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.

showed
blockbuster
beats
ever
first
opening
time
earned

Tom Cruise's latest (1) _____________________ film has broken box office records across America. The movie "Top Gun: Maverick" was shown in the biggest (2) _____________________ number of North American movie theatres. The movie magazine "Variety" reported that 4,732 cinemas in the USA and Canada (3) _____________________ "Maverick". This makes it the widest release of all (4) _____________________. The movie also broke another record. It is the best Memorial Day (5) _____________________ film in history. It earned $156 million in the USA. This (6) _____________________ Johnny Depp's "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End". That movie (7) _____________________ $153 million in 2007. Maverick has also given Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise his (8) _____________________ ever $100 million opening weekend at the box office.

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.

pilot
filmmakers
sequel
years
ridiculously
exciting
well
rave

Maverick is the (9) _____________________ to the 1986 film "Top Gun". Cruise goes back to his role as US navy (10) _____________________ Pete "Maverick" Mitchell. The movie's production company Paramount was very happy that "Maverick" had done so (11) _____________________. Chris Aronson, president of domestic distribution, said: "These results are (12) _____________________, over-the-top fantastic. I'm happy for everyone. I'm happy for the company, for Tom, and for the (13) _____________________." The movie has had (14) _____________________ reviews from critics. The "Independent" in the UK called it a "thrilling" blockbuster. Another UK newspaper, "The Telegraph," called it "absurdly (15) _____________________," and "unquestionably the best studio action film in (16) _____________________". At first, Cruise did not want to make the sequel. Now, he is happy he did.

Listening — Guess the answers. Listen to check.

1) Tom Cruise's latest blockbuster film has broken box office ______
     a. record across America
     b. reckons across America
     c. accords across America
     d. records across America
2) The movie "Top Gun: Maverick" was shown in the ______
     a. biggest never number
     b. biggest ever number
     c. biggest even number
     d. biggest every number
3) The movie magazine "Variety" reported ______
     a. that 4,732 cinema
     b. that 4,732 sinner mas
     c. that 4,732 sin amass
     d. that 4,732 cinemas
4) It is the best Memorial Day opening ______
     a. film in history
     b. film on history
     c. film at history
     d. film as history
5) his first ever $100 million opening weekend at ______
     a. the boxing office
     b. the box offers
     c. the box off fist
     d. the box office

6) the 1986 film "Top Gun". Cruise goes back to his role as ______
     a. US navvy pilot
     b. US neigh V-pilot
     c. US navy pilot
     d. US nay vie pilot
7) Paramount was very happy that "Maverick" had ______
     a. done swell
     b. done sow well
   c. done sew well
     d. done so well
8) These results are ridiculously, over-______
     a. the-stop fantastic
     b. the-atop fantastic
     c. the-top fantastic
     d. that-top fantastic
9) The movie has had rave ______
     a. review from critics
     b. reviews from critics
     c. reviews from critic
     d. review from critic
10) absurdly exciting and unquestionably the best studio action ______
     a. film on years
     b. film at years
     c. film in years
     d. film of years

Listening — Listen and fill in the gaps

Tom Cruise's latest blockbuster (1) ____________________ box office records across America. The movie "Top Gun: Maverick" was shown in the biggest (2) ____________________ North American movie theatres. The movie magazine "Variety" reported that 4,732 cinemas in the USA and Canada showed "Maverick". (3) ____________________ the widest release of all time. The movie also broke another record. It is the best Memorial Day opening (4) ____________________. It earned $156 million in the USA. This beats Johnny Depp's "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End". (5) ____________________ $153 million in 2007. Maverick has also given Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise (6) ____________________ $100 million opening weekend at the box office.

Maverick is (7) ____________________ the 1986 film "Top Gun". Cruise goes back to his role as (8) ____________________ Pete "Maverick" Mitchell. The movie's production company Paramount was very happy that "Maverick" had (9) ____________________. Chris Aronson, president of domestic distribution, said: "These results are ridiculously, over-the-top fantastic. I'm happy for everyone. I'm happy for the company, for Tom, and for the filmmakers." The movie has (10) ____________________ from critics. The "Independent" in the UK called it a "thrilling" blockbuster. Another UK newspaper, "The Telegraph," called it "absurdly exciting," and "unquestionably the (11) ____________________ film in years". At first, Cruise did not want to (12) ____________________. Now, he is happy he did.

Comprehension questions

What kind of records did the new Tom Cruise movie break?
How many movie theatres showed the movie?
How much did the movie earn in its opening weekend?
When was the movie 'Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End' released?
What did Tom Cruise achieve for the first time with this movie?
What job does Tom Cruise do in his role in the new movie?
How did the producers of the new movie feel?
What did the newspaper the "Independent" call the movie?
Who said the movie was the best action movie in years?
How did Tom Cruise initially feel about making the movie?

Multiple choice quiz

1) What kind of records did the new Tom Cruise movie break?
a) athletics records
b) vinyl records
c) box office records
d) stunt records
2) How many movie theatres showed the movie?
a) 4,732
b) 7,432
c) 4,372
d) 3,743
3) How much did the movie earn in its opening weekend?
a) $155 million
b) $156 million
c) $158 million
d) $157 million
4) When was the movie 'Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End' released?
a) 1907
b) 1997
c) 2017
d) 2007
5) What did Tom Cruise achieve for the first time with this movie?
a) fame
b) an Oscar
c) a $100 million opening weekend
d) a score of 10/10

6) What job does Tom Cruise do in his role in the new movie?
a) sailor
b) US navy pilot
c) engineer
d) movie producer
7) How did the producers of the new movie feel?
a) overjoyed
b) awe-inspired
c) ecstatic
d) happy
8) What did the newspaper the "Independent" call the movie?
a) a telegraph
b) a thrilling blockbuster
c) a rave review
d) a harsh critic
9) Who said the movie was the best action movie in years?
a) CNN
b) the Telegraph newspaper
c) the New York Post
d) the BBC
10) How did Tom Cruise initially feel about making the movie?
a) He didn't want to make it.
b) happy
c) very, very positive
d) undecided

Role play

Role A – Action
You think action is the best movie genre. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their genres. Also, tell the others which is the least enjoyable of these (and why): comedy, romance or science fiction.

Role B – Comedy
You think comedy is the best movie genre. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their genres. Also, tell the others which is the least enjoyable of these (and why): action, romance or science fiction.

Role C – Romance
You think romance is the best movie genre. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their genres. Also, tell the others which is the least enjoyable of these (and why): comedy, action or science fiction.

Role D – Science Fiction
You think science fiction is the best movie genre. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their genres. Also, tell the others which is the least enjoyable of these (and why): comedy, romance or action.

After reading / listening

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

'movie'

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

and 'theatre'.
________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

• 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:

latest

magazine

widest

best

beats

given

1986

well

top

rave

exciting

happy

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 - Top Gun: Maverick

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

What did you think when you read the headline?
What images are in your mind when you hear the word 'movie'?
What are your favourite movies?
Do you want to see the latest Tom Cruise movie?
What do you think of Tom Cruise?
What do you think of action movies?
Do you like going to the movie theater?
Is Top Gun better than Pirates of the Caribbean?
Who is the better actor, Tom Cruise or Johnny Depp?
Why do we like movies so much?

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

Did you like reading this article? Why/not?
What do you think of when you hear the word 'theatre'?
What do you think about what you read?
Are sequels and prequels ever better than the original?
Who are you happy for?
What is the best movie you've seen this year?
Would you like to be a movie star?
Which country makes the best movies?
What's the worst movie you've ever seen?
What questions would you like to ask Tom Cruise?

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)

Tom Cruise's (1) ____ blockbuster film has broken box office records across America. The movie "Top Gun: Maverick" was (2) ____ in the biggest ever number of North American movie theatres. The movie magazine "Variety" reported that 4,732 cinemas (3) ____ the USA and Canada showed "Maverick". This makes it the widest release of all time. The movie also broke (4) ____ record. It is the best Memorial Day opening film (5) ____ history. It earned $156 million in the USA. This beats Johnny Depp's "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End". That movie earned $153 million in 2007. Maverick has also given Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise his first (6) ____ $100 million opening weekend at the box office.

Maverick is the sequel (7) ____ the 1986 film "Top Gun". Cruise goes back to his role as US navy pilot Pete "Maverick" Mitchell. The movie's production company Paramount was very happy that "Maverick" had (8) ____ so well. Chris Aronson, president of domestic distribution, said: "These results are ridiculously, over-the- (9) ____ fantastic. I'm happy for everyone. I'm happy for the company, for Tom, and for the filmmakers." The movie has had (10) ____ reviews from critics. The "Independent" in the UK called it a "thrilling" blockbuster. Another UK newspaper, "The Telegraph," called it "absurdly exciting," and "unquestionably the best studio action film (11) ____ years". At first, Cruise did not want to (12) ____ the sequel. Now, he is happy he did.

Which of these words go in the above text?

(a)     latter     (b)     latent     (c)     lately     (d)     latest
(a)     shows     (b)     showing     (c)     show     (d)     shown
(a)     at     (b)     in     (c)     on     (d)     of
(a)     other     (b)     others     (c)     another     (d)     the others
(a)     at     (b)     on     (c)     in     (d)     of
(a)     ever     (b)     every     (c)     event    (d)     never
(a)     at     (b)     to     (c)     in     (d)     on
(a)     done     (b)     does     (c)     did     (d)     doing
(a)     higher     (b)     top     (c)     end     (d)     bottom
(a)     race     (b)     rate    (c)     rave     (d)     rage
(a)     on     (b)     at     (c)     in     (d)     as
(a)     act     (b)     movie     (c)     filming     (d)     make

Spelling

Paragraph 1

Tom Cruise's latest cselkbtruob film
broken box fcefio records
The movie ezamgain "Variety"
the widest eselrae of all time
It areend $156 million
eatirsP of the Caribbean

Paragraph 2

Maverick is the ueesql to the 1986 film "Top Gun"
back to his role as US navy oitpl
The movie's rdontiuopc company
president of oiemtdsc distribution
over-the-top cnftastai
rave reviews from circsit

Put the text back together

(...) top fantastic. I'm happy for everyone. I'm happy for the company, for Tom, and for the
(...) time. The movie also broke another record. It is the best Memorial Day opening film
(...) movie earned $153 million in 2007. Maverick has also given Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise
(...) filmmakers." The movie has had rave reviews from critics. The "Independent" in the UK called
(...) in the biggest ever number of North American movie theatres. The movie magazine "Variety" reported that
(...) his first ever $100 million opening weekend at the box office.
(...) 4,732 cinemas in the USA and Canada showed "Maverick". This makes it the widest release of all
(...) it a "thrilling" blockbuster. Another UK newspaper, "The Telegraph," called it "absurdly exciting," and "unquestionably the best studio
(...) well. Chris Aronson, president of domestic distribution, said: "These results are ridiculously, over-the-
(...) Maverick is the sequel to the 1986 film "Top Gun". Cruise goes back to his role as US navy
(...) in history. It earned $156 million in the USA. This beats Johnny Depp's "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End". That
( 1 ) Tom Cruise's latest blockbuster film has broken box office records across America. The movie "Top Gun: Maverick" was shown
(...) pilot Pete "Maverick" Mitchell. The movie's production company Paramount was very happy that "Maverick" had done so
(...) action film in years". At first, Cruise did not want to make the sequel. Now, he is happy he did.

Put the words in the right order

office records . blockbuster has His latest box broken
ever in Shown number biggest theatres . the of
all It is of the widest release time .
another record . The box office broke also movie
His first opening $100 million ever weekend .
company happy . movie's production Paramount The was very
including for everyone, happy the I'm filmmakers .
reviews has had critics . rave movie The from
film best the Unquestionably action in studio years .
did want not sequel . to make the Cruise

Circle the correct word (20 pairs)

Tom Cruise's latest / earliest blockbuster film has broken box office records across America. The movie "Top Gun: Maverick" was showing / shown in the biggest ever / even number of North American movie theatres. The movie magazine "Variety" reporter / reported that 4,732 cinemas in the USA and Canada showed "Maverick". This makes it / them the widest release of all time. The movie also damaged / broke another record. It is the best Memorial Day opening film on / in history. It earned $156 million in the USA. This beats / wins Johnny Depp's "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End". That movie earned / earnings $153 million in 2007. Maverick has also given Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise his first ever $100 million opening weekend at / in the box office.

Maverick is the sequence / sequel to the 1986 film "Top Gun". Cruise goes back to his role / roll as US navy pilot Pete "Maverick" Mitchell. The movie's production company Paramount was very happy / happily that "Maverick" had done so well. Chris Aronson, president of drastic / domestic distribution, said: "These result / results are ridiculously, over-the-top fantastic. I'm happy for everyone. I'm happy for / from the company, for Tom, and for the filmmakers." The movie has had rave / grave reviews from critics. The "Independent" in the UK called it a "thrilling" blockbuster. Other / Another UK newspaper, "The Telegraph," called it "absurd / absurdly exciting," and "unquestionably the best studio action film in years". At first, Cruise did not want to make the sequel. Now, he is happy / happily he did.

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

Insert the vowels (a, e, i, o, u)

T_m Cr__s_'s l_t_st bl_ckb_st_r f_lm h_s br_k_n b_x _ff_c_ r_c_rds _cr_ss _m_r_c_. Th_ m_v__ "T_p G_n: M_v_r_ck" w_s sh_wn _n th_ b_gg_st _v_r n_mb_r _f N_rth _m_r_c_n m_v__ th__tr_s. Th_ m_v__ m_g_z_n_ "V_r__ty" r_p_rt_d th_t 4,732 c_n_m_s _n th_ _S_ _nd C_n_d_ sh_w_d "M_v_r_ck". Th_s m_k_s _t th_ w_d_st r_l__s_ _f _ll t_m_. Th_ m_v__ _ls_ br_k_ _n_th_r r_c_rd. _t _s th_ b_st M_m_r__l D_y _p_n_ng f_lm _n h_st_ry. _t __rn_d $156 m_ll__n _n th_ _S_. Th_s b__ts J_hnny D_pp's "P_r_t_s _f th_ C_r_bb__n: _t W_rld's _nd". Th_t m_v__ __rn_d $153 m_ll__n _n 2007. M_v_r_ck h_s _ls_ g_v_n H_llyw__d s_p_rst_r T_m Cr__s_ h_s f_rst _v_r $100 m_ll__n _p_n_ng w__k_nd _t th_ b_x _ff_c_.

M_v_r_ck _s th_ s_q__l t_ th_ 1986 f_lm "T_p G_n". Cr__s_ g__s b_ck t_ h_s r_l_ _s _S n_vy p_l_t P_t_ "M_v_r_ck" M_tch_ll. Th_ m_v__'s pr_d_ct__n c_mp_ny P_r_m__nt w_s v_ry h_ppy th_t "M_v_r_ck" h_d d_n_ s_ w_ll. Chr_s _r_ns_n, pr_s_d_nt _f d_m_st_c d_str_b_t__n, s__d: "Th_s_ r_s_lts _r_ r_d_c_l__sly, _v_r-th_-t_p f_nt_st_c. _'m h_ppy f_r _v_ry_n_. _'m h_ppy f_r th_ c_mp_ny, f_r T_m, _nd f_r th_ f_lmm_k_rs." Th_ m_v__ h_s h_d r_v_ r_v__ws fr_m cr_t_cs. Th_ "_nd_p_nd_nt" _n th_ _K c_ll_d _t _ "thr_ll_ng" bl_ckb_st_r. _n_th_r _K n_wsp_p_r, "Th_ T_l_gr_ph," c_ll_d _t "_bs_rdly _xc_t_ng," _nd "_nq__st__n_bly th_ b_st st_d__ _ct__n f_lm _n y__rs". _t f_rst, Cr__s_ d_d n_t w_nt t_ m_k_ th_ s_q__l. N_w, h_ _s h_ppy h_ d_d.

Punctuate the text and add capitals

tom cruises latest blockbuster film has broken box office records across america the movie top gun maverick was shown in the biggest ever number of north american movie theatres the movie magazine variety reported that 4732 cinemas in the usa and canada showed maverick this makes it the widest release of all time the movie also broke another record it is the best memorial day opening film in history it earned 156 million in the usa this beats johnny depps pirates of the caribbean at worlds end that movie earned 153 million in 2007 maverick has also given hollywood superstar tom cruise his first ever 100 million opening weekend at the box office

maverick is the sequel to the 1986 film top gun cruise goes back to his role as us navy pilot pete maverick mitchell the movies production company paramount was very happy that maverick had done so well chris aronson president of domestic distribution said these results are ridiculously overthetop fantastic im happy for everyone im happy for the company for tom and for the filmmakers the movie has had rave reviews from critics the independent in the uk called it a thrilling blockbuster another uk newspaper the telegraph called it absurdly exciting and unquestionably the best studio action film in years at first cruise did not want to make the sequel now he is happy he did

Put a slash (/) where the spaces are

TomCruise'slatestblockbusterfilmhasbrokenboxofficerecordsacross
America.Themovie"TopGun:Maverick"wasshowninthebiggestevern
umberofNorthAmericanmovietheatres.Themoviemagazine"Variety
"reportedthat4,732cinemasintheUSAandCanadashowed"Maverick"
.Thismakesitthewidestreleaseofalltime.Themoviealsobrokeanother
record.ItisthebestMemorialDayopeningfilminhistory.Itearned$156
millionintheUSA.ThisbeatsJohnnyDepp's"PiratesoftheCaribbean:At
World'sEnd".Thatmovieearned$153millionin2007.Maverickhasalso
givenHollywoodsuperstarTomCruisehisfirstever$100millionopening
weekendattheboxoffice.Maverickisthesequeltothe1986film"TopGu
n".CruisegoesbacktohisroleasUSnavypilotPete"Maverick"Mitchell.T
hemovie'sproductioncompanyParamountwasveryhappythat"Maver
ick"haddonesowell.ChrisAronson,presidentofdomesticdistribution,s
aid:"Theseresultsareridiculously,over-the-topfantastic.I'mhappyfo
reveryone.I'mhappyforthecompany,forTom,andforthefilmmakers."
Themoviehashadravereviewsfromcritics.The"Independent"intheUK
calledita"thrilling"blockbuster.AnotherUKnewspaper,"TheTelegrap
h,"calledit"absurdlyexciting,"and"unquestionablythebeststudioacti
onfilminyears".Atfirst,Cruisedidnotwanttomakethesequel.Now,heis
happyhedid.

Free writing

Write about Top Gun: Maverick for 10 minutes. Comment on your partner’s paper.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Academic writing

Movies are best seen in movie theatres. 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 this news story. Share what you discover with your partner(s) in the next lesson.
3. MOVIES: Make a poster about movies. Show your work to your classmates in the next lesson. Did you all have similar things?
4. MOVIE THEATRES: Write a magazine article about making movies only available in movie theatres and not on the Internet. 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 movies. Ask him/her three questions about them. Give him/her three of your ideas on movies. 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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Breaking News English Lesson: Top Gun: Maverick

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