The Reading / Listening - English Vocabulary - Level 3

Italy's ruling party may introduce a new law to stop people using English words in Italian. People could get fined for using English and other non-Italian words in official communications. The idea is from government member Fabio Rampelli. He is worried about the growing number of English words in Italian. He called it "Anglomania". He is unhappy with the word "dispenser". He wrote: "We continue our battle for the use of Italian instead of English. We can't understand why we say 'dispenser'." Mr Rampelli said English is damaging the Italian language. He wants people to get a fine if they use English words. The fines could be between €5,000 and €100,000 ($5,500 and $110,000).

English has been increasing around the world for over a century. The Internet and social media have increased its use. Most languages now use English words. Many people are concerned that English is harming their native language. However, not all Italians agree with having fines for the use of English. A top Italian linguistics society, the Accademia della Crusca, said it totally disagreed with Mr Rampelli's idea. Other people support the fines. They are worried about the growing number of English words in Italian. They say that since the year 2000, the number of English words in use in the Italian language has increased by an amazing 773 per cent. There are no signs that this will stop.

Try the same news story at these easier levels:

    English Vocabulary - Level 0,  English Vocabulary - Level 1   or  English Vocabulary - Level 2

Sources
  • https://www.euronews.com/2023/04/03/ciao-hello-no-italys-right-wing-government-wants-to-ban-english-words-with-100000-fines
  • https://www.thelocal.it/20230404/anglomania-why-italys-government-wants-to-restrict-use-of-english-words
  • https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/melonis-party-looks-shield-italian-language-foreign-contamination-2023-03-31/


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. ENGLISH: Students walk around the class and talk to other students about English. 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?
       ruling party / law / Italian / official / Anglomania / dispenser / language / fine / words
       English / century / the Internet / social media / native language / society / signs
Have a chat about the topics you liked. Change topics and partners frequently.
3. ONE LANGUAGE: Students A strongly believe the world would be better if it only had one language; Students B strongly believe it should have many languages. Change partners again and talk about your conversations.
4. ENGLISH FOR…: When do you use English? What problems do you have? How do you deal with those problems? Complete this table with your partner(s). Change partners often and share what you wrote.


English…

When?

Problems?

Dealing with problems

on the Internet

 

 

 

in movies

 

 

 

in songs

 

 

 

when travelling

 

 

 

in your town

 

 

 

at other times

 

 

 
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. FINES: Spend one minute writing down all of the different words you associate with the word "fines". Share your words with your partner(s) and talk about them. Together, put the words into different categories.
6. LANGUAGES: Rank these with your partner. Put the most useful languages at the top. Change partners often and share your rankings.

  • English
  • Spanish
  • German
  • Arabic
  • French
  • Chinese
  • Esperanto
  • Hindi

 

Vocabulary

    Paragraph 1

      1. ruling a. In power; having control of.
      2. introduce b. Keep going with an activity or process.
      3. fined c. Bring something into use or operation for the first time.
      4. official d. A person or thing that gives something to people (like an ATM, a drink machine or hand soap bottle).
      5. dispenser e. Made someone pay some money because they did something wrong.
      6. continue f. About an organization or public body and its activities and responsibilities.
      7. battle g. A lengthy and difficult fight or struggle.

    Paragraph 2

      8. century h. Have the same opinion about something.
      9. concerned i. Linked to or about the place or country where someone was born.
      10. harming j. A period of 100 years.
      11. native k. Do something to agree with or help someone.
      12. agree l. Worried about.
      13. support m. Causing great surprise.
      14. amazing n. Damaging.

 

Before reading / listening

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

  1. English is the only language that Italians might be fined for using.     T / F
  2. A government member said there was a problem of 'Anglomania'.     T / F
  3. The Italian government member is unhappy Italians say "dispenser".     T / F
  4. Italians could be fined up to €110,000 if they use English words.     T / F
  5. The Internet has been spreading English globally for over a century.     T / F
  6. The article says all languages use English words.     T / F
  7. All Italians agree with the fines for using English words.     T / F
  8. English in Italian has risen by 773% since the year 2000.     T / F

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

  1. ruling
  2. communications
  3. battle
  4. damaging
  5. fine
  6. increasing
  7. concerned
  8. totally
  9. amazing
  10. stop
  1. penalty
  2. fight
  3. completely
  4. worried
  5. messages
  6. end
  7. governing
  8. rising
  9. harming
  10. unbelievable

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

  1. Italy's ruling party may introduce
  2. get fined for using English and other
  3. words in official
  4. our battle for the use of Italian
  5. English is damaging the
  6. concerned that English is harming
  7. it totally disagreed
  8. since the
  9. increased by
  10. There are no signs
  1. their native language
  2. Italian language
  3. that this will stop
  4. year 2000
  5. non-Italian words
  6. an amazing 773 per cent
  7. instead of English
  8. a new law
  9. with Mr Rampelli's idea
  10. communications

Gap fill

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.
official
use
battle
between
introduce
why
fined
number

Italy's ruling party may (1) _____________________ a new law to stop people using English words in Italian. People could get (2) _____________________ for using English and other non-Italian words in (3) _____________________ communications. The idea is from government member Fabio Rampelli. He is worried about the growing (4) _____________________ of English words in Italian. He called it "Anglomania". He is unhappy with the word "dispenser". He wrote: "We continue our (5) _____________________ for the use of Italian instead of English. We can't understand (6) _____________________ we say 'dispenser'." Mr Rampelli said English is damaging the Italian language. He wants people to get a fine if they (7) _____________________ English words. The fines could be (8) _____________________ €5,000 and €100,000 ($5,500 and $110,000).

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.
amazing
use
having
growing
century
stop
native
totally

English has been increasing around the world for over a (9) _____________________. The Internet and social media have increased its (10) _____________________. Most languages now use English words. Many people are concerned that English is harming their (11) _____________________ language. However, not all Italians agree with (12) _____________________ fines for the use of English. A top Italian linguistics society, the Accademia della Crusca, said it (13) _____________________ disagreed with Mr Rampelli's idea. Other people support the fines. They are worried about the (14) _____________________ number of English words in Italian. They say that since the year 2000, the number of English words in use in the Italian language has increased by an (15) _____________________ 773 per cent. There are no signs that this will (16) _____________________.

Listening — Guess the answers. Listen to check.

1) get fined for using English and other non-Italian ______ communications
     a.  words on official
     b.  word sin official
     c.  words in officially
     d.  words in official
2)  He is worried about ______
     a.  the grown number
     b.  the grow in number
     c.  the growing number
     d.  the grown in number
3)  We continue our battle for the use of Italian ______
     a.  instead oft English
     b.  instead of English
     c.  instead off English
     d.  instead doff English
4)  Mr Rampelli said English is damaging ______
     a.  the Italian languages
     b.  then Italian language
     c.  them Italian language
     d.  the Italy an language
5)  He wants people to get a fine if they ______
     a.  use English word
     b.  use English wordles
     c.  use English words
     d.  use English wards

6)  English has been increasing around the world for ______
     a.  over a centurion
     b.  over a century
     c.  over a centenary
     d.  over a cent cherry
7)  The Internet and social media have ______
     a.  increased that's use
     b.  increased its use
     c.  increased dittos use
     d.  increased its used
8)  Many people are concerned that English is harming ______
     a.  their natives language
     b.  their nativity language
     c.  their neigh tiff language
     d.  their native language
9)  A top Italian linguistics society, the Accademia della Crusca, said ______
     a.  it totally disagreed
     b.  it totally disagree
     c.  it total lead is agreed
     d.  it tote ally this agreed
10)  English words in use in the Italian language has increased by an ______
     a.  amaze in 773 per cent
     b.  a maze in 773 per cent
     c.  amazing 773 per cent
     d.  a maze zing 773 per cent

Listening — Listen and fill in the gaps

Italy's ruling party may (1) ____________________ law to stop people using English words in Italian. People could (2) ____________________ using English and other non-Italian words in official communications. The idea is from government member Fabio Rampelli. He is (3) ____________________ growing number of English words in Italian. He called it "Anglomania". He is (4) ____________________ word "dispenser". He wrote: "We continue our battle for the use of Italian instead of English. We can't understand why we say 'dispenser'." Mr Rampelli said English (5) ____________________ Italian language. He wants people to get a fine if they use English words. The fines (6) ____________________ €5,000 and €100,000 ($5,500 and $110,000).

English has been increasing around the world for (7) ___________________. The Internet and social media have increased its use. Most languages now use English words. Many people are concerned that English (8) ____________________ native language. However, not all Italians agree with having fines for the use of English. A top Italian linguistics society, the Accademia della Crusca, said it (9) ____________________ with Mr Rampelli's idea. Other people support the fines. They are worried about the (10) ____________________ English words in Italian. They say that since the year 2000, the number of English words in use in the Italian language (11) ____________________ an amazing 773 per cent. There are no (12) ____________________ will stop.

Comprehension questions

  1. What organization wants to introduce a new law?
  2. Where might people not be able to use English and non-Italian words?
  3. What did Fabio Rampelli call the Italian love of English words?
  4. What word did Fabio Rampelli say he was unhappy with?
  5. What's the highest fine Italians could get for using English words?
  6. For how long has English been increasing around the world?
  7. What did many people say English is harming?
  8. What kind of society is the Accademia della Crusca?
  9. What did the Accademia della Crusca think of Mr Rampelli's idea?
  10. By how much has the number of English words in Italian increased?

Multiple choice quiz

1)  What organization wants to introduce a new law?
a) Italy's ruling party
b) Italy's top dictionary
c) Accademia della Crusca
d) an Italian language school
2)  Where might people not be able to use English and non-Italian words?
a) online in Italy
b) in Antarctica
c) in official communications
d) Rome
3)  What did Fabio Rampelli call the Italian love of English words?
a) Anglocentric
b) Anglophilia
c) Anglophobia
d) Anglomania
4)  What word did Fabio Rampelli say we was unhappy with?
a) hate
b) dispenser
c) jam
d) vocabulary
5)  What's the highest fine Italians could get for using English words?
a) €100,000
b) €110,000
c) €101,000
d) €100,001

6)  For how long has English been increasing around the world?
a) a decade or two
b) 63 years
c) a few months
d) over a century
7)  What did many people say English is harming?
a) global trade
b) children's reading
c) native languages
d) culture
8)  What kind of society is the Accademia della Crusca?
a) a teachers' society
b) a linguistics society
c) an examination society
d) a secret society
9)  What did the Accademia della Crusca think of Mr Rampelli's idea?
a) they're still thinking
b) they loved it
c) they disagreed with it
d) they're not sure
10)  By how much has the number of English words in Italian increased?
a) 737%
b) 773%
c) 373%
d) 777%

Role play

Role  A – Spanish
You think Spanish is the most important language. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their language. Also, tell the others which is the least useful of these (and why): Arabic, Chinese or French.

Role  B – Arabic
You think Arabic is the most important language. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their language. Also, tell the others which is the least useful of these (and why): Spanish, Chinese or French.

Role  C – Chinese
You think Chinese is the most important language. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their language. Also, tell the others which is the least useful of these (and why): Arabic, Spanish or French.

Role  D – French
You think French is the most important language. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their language. Also, tell the others which is the least useful of these (and why): Arabic, Chinese or Spanish.

After reading / listening

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

'English'

  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________

    • and 'Italy'.

  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________

    • • 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:

    • ruling
    • official
    • idea
    • unhappy
    • instead
    • fines
    • century
    • most
    • native
    • top
    • totally
    • stop

    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 - English Vocabulary

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

    1. What did you think when you read the headline?
    2. What images are in your mind when you hear the word 'English'?
    3. What do you think of English?
    4. How important is English in your life?
    5. How has English changed your language?
    6. Do you worry that English is harming your language?
    7. Why is English the world's top language?
    8. Should people in Italy be fined for using English words?
    9. What are your favourite and least favourite English words?
    10. What do you think 'Anglomania' is?

    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 'Italy'?
    3. What do you think about what you read?
    4. How often do you read English websites?
    5. How often do you use English on social media?
    6. How important is your language around the world?
    7. Should all governments protect their language?
    8. What's the second most important language in the world?
    9. How will English help you in your life?
    10. What questions would you like to ask the Italian government?

    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)

    Italy's ruling party may introduce a new law to stop people (1) ____ English words in Italian. People could get fined (2) ____ using English and other non-Italian words in official communications. The idea is from government member Fabio Rampelli. He is worried about the (3) ____ number of English words in Italian. He called it "Anglomania". He is unhappy (4) ____ the word "dispenser". He wrote: "We continue our battle for the use of Italian instead of English. We can't understand why we say 'dispenser'." Mr Rampelli said English is (5) ____ the Italian language. He wants people to get a fine if they use English words. The fines could (6) ____ between €5,000 and €100,000 ($5,500 and $110,000).

    English has been increasing around the world for over a (7) ____. The Internet and social media have increased (8) ____ use. Most languages now use English words. Many people are concerned that English is harming their (9) ____ language. However, not all Italians agree with having fines for the use of English. A top Italian linguistics society, the Accademia della Crusca, said it (10) ____ disagreed with Mr Rampelli's idea. Other people support the fines. They are worried about the growing number of English words in Italian. They say that (11) ____ the year 2000, the number of English words in use in the Italian language has increased (12) ____ an amazing 773 per cent. There are no signs that this will stop.

    Which of these words go in the above text?

    1. (a)     used     (b)     uses     (c)     use     (d)     using    
    2. (a)     from     (b)     at     (c)     of     (d)     for    
    3. (a)     grown     (b)     growing     (c)     grows     (d)     growth    
    4. (a)     up     (b)     to     (c)     with     (d)     of    
    5. (a)     damage     (b)     damages     (c)     damaging     (d)     damaged    
    6. (a)     be     (b)     do     (c)     price     (d)     have    
    7. (a)     cent     (b)     century     (c)     centurion     (d)     centenary    
    8. (a)     its     (b)     their     (c)     what     (d)     his    
    9. (a)     citizen     (b)     native     (c)     domestic     (d)     resident    
    10. (a)     total     (b)     totality     (c)     totally     (d)     totals    
    11. (a)     for     (b)     by     (c)     since     (d)     at    
    12. (a)     to     (b)     as     (c)     of     (d)     by

    Spelling

    Paragraph 1

    1. Italy's ulnigr party
    2. odcturnie a new law
    3. in ifoiclaf communications
    4. ernvntegom member
    5. the use of Italian dnisaet of English
    6. English is dginmaga the Italian language

    Paragraph 2

    1. for over a teyurnc
    2. English is harming their evtani language
    3. A top Italian linguistics eiysoct
    4. it totally egaidsrde
    5. people oputsrp the fines
    6. increased by an zaangim 773 per cent

    Put the text back together

    (...)  English has been increasing around the world for over a century. The Internet and social
    (...)  government member Fabio Rampelli. He is worried about the growing number of English words in
    (...)  number of English words in Italian. They say that since the year 2000, the number of English
    (...)  words in use in the Italian language has increased by an amazing 773 per cent. There are no signs that this will stop.
    (...)  battle for the use of Italian instead of English. We can't understand why we say 'dispenser'." Mr Rampelli said
    (  1  ) Italy's ruling party may introduce a new law to stop people using English words in Italian. People could get
    (...)  English is damaging the Italian language. He wants people to get a fine if they
    (...)  use English words. The fines could be between €5,000 and €100,000 ($5,500 and $110,000).
    (...)  disagreed with Mr Rampelli's idea. Other people support the fines. They are worried about the growing
    (...)  of English. A top Italian linguistics society, the Accademia della Crusca, said it totally
    (...)  fined for using English and other non-Italian words in official communications. The idea is from
    (...)  Italian. He called it "Anglomania". He is unhappy with the word "dispenser". He wrote: "We continue our
    (...)  harming their native language. However, not all Italians agree with having fines for the use
    (...)  media have increased its use. Most languages now use English words. Many people are concerned that English is

    Put the words in the right order

    1. Italy's   introduce   may   new   law   .   ruling   party   a
    2. fined   get   People   English   .   could   using   for
    3. number   The   in   English   of   words   Italian   .   growing
    4. our   Italian   .   We   continue   use   the   for   of   battle
    5. is   language   .   English   damaging   Rampelli   said   the   Italian
    6. world   around   Increasing   for   the   century   .   a   over
    7. their   native   that   is   harming   English   Concerned   language   .
    8. with   Not   Italians   all   fines   .   having   agree
    9. English   words   in   of   growing   The   number   Italian   .
    10. are   stop   .   this   will   signs   There   no   that

    Circle the correct word (20 pairs)

    Italy's ruling party may introduce a new law / laws to stop people using English words in Italian. People could get fine / fined for using English and other non-Italian words in officially / official communications. The idea is from government membership / member Fabio Rampelli. He is worried / worry about the growing number of English words in / on Italian. He called it "Anglomania". He is unhappy with / without the word "dispenser". He wrote: "We continue our battle for the use of Italian steady / instead of English. We can't understand why we say 'dispenser'." Mr Rampelli said English is damaging the / an Italian language. He wants people to get a fine if they use English words. The fines could have / be between €5,000 and €100,000 ($5,500 and $110,000).

    English has been increasing around the world for / from over a century. The Internet and social media has / have increased its use. Most languages now use English words. Many people are concerned what / that English is harming / charming their native language. However, not all Italians agree at / with having fines for the use of English. A top Italian linguistics society, the Accademia della Crusca, said it total / totally disagreed with Mr Rampelli's idea. Other / Another people support the fines. They are worried about the growth / growing number of English words in Italian. They say that since the year 2000, the number of English words in / at use in the Italian language has increased by an amazing 773 per cent. There are no signs that this / these will stop.

    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_ly's  r_l_ng  p_rty  m_y  _ntr_d_c_  _  n_w  l_w  t_  st_p  p__pl_  _s_ng  _ngl_sh  w_rds  _n  _t_l__n.  P__pl_  c__ld  g_t  f_n_d  f_r  _s_ng  _ngl_sh  _nd  _th_r  n_n-_t_l__n  w_rds  _n  _ff_c__l  c_mm_n_c_t__ns.  Th_  _d__  _s  fr_m  g_v_rnm_nt  m_mb_r  F_b__  R_mp_ll_.  H_  _s  w_rr__d  _b__t  th_  gr_w_ng  n_mb_r  _f  _ngl_sh  w_rds  _n  _t_l__n.  H_  c_ll_d  _t  "_ngl_m_n__".  H_  _s  _nh_ppy  w_th  th_  w_rd  "d_sp_ns_r".  H_  wr_t_:  "W_  c_nt_n__  __r  b_ttl_  f_r  th_  _s_  _f  _t_l__n  _nst__d  _f  _ngl_sh.  W_  c_n't  _nd_rst_nd  why  w_  s_y  'd_sp_ns_r'."  Mr  R_mp_ll_  s__d  _ngl_sh  _s  d_m_g_ng  th_  _t_l__n  l_ng__g_.  H_  w_nts  p__pl_  t_  g_t  _  f_n_  _f  th_y  _s_  _ngl_sh  w_rds.  Th_  f_n_s  c__ld  b_  b_tw__n  €5,000  _nd  €100,000  ($5,500  _nd  $110,000).

    _ngl_sh  h_s  b__n  _ncr__s_ng  _r__nd  th_  w_rld  f_r  _v_r  _  c_nt_ry.  Th_  _nt_rn_t  _nd  s_c__l  m_d__  h_v_  _ncr__s_d  _ts  _s_.  M_st  l_ng__g_s  n_w  _s_  _ngl_sh  w_rds.  M_ny  p__pl_  _r_  c_nc_rn_d  th_t  _ngl_sh  _s  h_rm_ng  th__r  n_t_v_  l_ng__g_.  H_w_v_r,  n_t  _ll  _t_l__ns  _gr__  w_th  h_v_ng  f_n_s  f_r  th_  _s_  _f  _ngl_sh.  _  t_p  _t_l__n  l_ng__st_cs  s_c__ty,  th_  _cc_d_m__  d_ll_  Cr_sc_,  s__d  _t  t_t_lly  d_s_gr__d  w_th  Mr  R_mp_ll_'s  _d__.  _th_r  p__pl_  s_pp_rt  th_  f_n_s.  Th_y  _r_  w_rr__d  _b__t  th_  gr_w_ng  n_mb_r  _f  _ngl_sh  w_rds  _n  _t_l__n.  Th_y  s_y  th_t  s_nc_  th_  y__r  2000,  th_  n_mb_r  _f  _ngl_sh  w_rds  _n  _s_  _n  th_  _t_l__n  l_ng__g_  h_s  _ncr__s_d  by  _n  _m_z_ng  773  p_r  c_nt.  Th_r_  _r_  n_  s_gns  th_t  th_s  w_ll  st_p.

    Punctuate the text and add capitals

    italys ruling party may introduce a new law to stop people using english words in italian people could get fined for using english and other nonitalian words in official communications the idea is from government member fabio rampelli he is worried about the growing number of english words in italian he called it anglomania he is unhappy with the word dispenser he wrote we continue our battle for the use of italian instead of english we cant understand why we say dispenser mr rampelli said english is damaging the italian language he wants people to get a fine if they use english words the fines could be between 5000 and 100000 5500 and 110000

    english has been increasing around the world for over a century the internet and social media have increased its use most languages now use english words many people are concerned that english is harming their native language however not all italians agree with having fines for the use of english a top italian linguistics society the accademia della crusca said it totally disagreed with mr rampellis idea other people support the fines they are worried about the growing number of English words in italian they say that since the year 2000 the number of english words in use in the italian language has increased by an amazing 773 per cent there are no signs that this will stop

    Put a slash (/) where the spaces are

    Italy'srulingpartymayintroduceanewlawtostoppeopleusingEnglishw
    ordsinItalian.PeoplecouldgetfinedforusingEnglishandothernon-Ita
    lianwordsinofficialcommunications.Theideaisfromgovernmentmem
    berFabioRampelli.HeisworriedaboutthegrowingnumberofEnglishwo
    rdsinItalian.Hecalledit"Anglomania".Heisunhappywiththeword"disp
    enser".Hewrote:"WecontinueourbattlefortheuseofItalianinsteadofE
    nglish.Wecan'tunderstandwhywesay'dispenser'."MrRampellisaidEn
    glishisdamagingtheItalianlanguage.Hewantspeopletogetafineifthey
    useEnglishwords.Thefinescouldbebetween€5,000and€100,000($5,
    500and$110,000).Englishhasbeenincreasingaroundtheworldforove
    racentury.TheInternetandsocialmediahaveincreaseditsuse.Mostlan
    guagesnowuseEnglishwords.ManypeopleareconcernedthatEnglishi
    sharmingtheirnativelanguage.However,notallItaliansagreewithhavi
    ngfinesfortheuseofEnglish.AtopItalianlinguisticssociety,theAccade
    miadellaCrusca,saidittotallydisagreedwithMrRampelli'sidea.Otherp
    eoplesupportthefines.TheyareworriedaboutthegrowingnumberofEn
    glishwordsinItalian.Theysaythatsincetheyear2000,thenumberofEn
    glishwordsinuseintheItalianlanguagehasincreasedbyanamazing773
    percent.Therearenosignsthatthiswillstop.

    Free writing

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

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    Academic writing

    The world would be better if there was only one language.  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 this news story. Share what you discover with your partner(s) in the next lesson.
    3. ENGLISH: Make a poster about English. Show your work to your classmates in the next lesson. Did you all have similar things?
    4. ONE LANGUAGE: Write a magazine article about English being the world's only language. 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 English. Ask him/her three questions about it. Give him/her three of your opinions on English. 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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