Breaking News English Lesson: Voting Age

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U.K. to lower voting age from 18 to 16 (21st July 2025)

The Reading / Listening - Voting Age - Level 6

The British government has announced a lowering of the voting age to 16. This is two years lower than the current age at which a person can cast their vote. This "seismic" change is part of a package of reforms that will give the electoral system greater integrity, while including more young people in the democratic process. The first chance 16- and 17-year-olds will have to exercise their right to vote will be in the UK's next general election. The government said: "We are modernizing our democracy, so that it is fit for the 21st century. By [extending] the vote to younger people, we are taking a generational step forward in restoring public trust and boosting engagement in UK democracy."

There has been mixed reaction in Britain to the change. Supporters contend that 16-year-olds in Britain work and pay taxes, so they should be allowed to vote. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer agreed. He said: "If you pay in, you should have the opportunity to say what you want your money spent on." The UK's deputy prime minister said: "Young people already contribute to society by working, paying taxes and serving in the military. It's only right they can have a say on the issues that affect them." However, there are many critics. Some point to the fact that 16-year-olds cannot drink alcohol, buy a lottery ticket, or get married without their parent's consent, yet they will be able to vote.

Try the same news story at these easier levels:

Voting Age - Level 4 or Voting Age - Level 5

Sources

https://apnews.com/article/uk-voting-age-16-criticism-debate-f85d8675acbf4bd9ceece51135c369e5
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/16-year-olds-to-be-given-right-to-vote-through-seismic-government-election-reforms
https://www.foxnews.com/world/uk-government-lower-voting-age-16-before-next-national-election-despite-conservative-opposition

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. VOTING AGE: Students walk around the class and talk to other students about the voting age. Change partners often and share your findings.
2. CHAT: In pairs / groups, talk about these topics or words from the article. What will the article say about them? What can you say about these words and your life?
the voting age / seismic / change / reforms / electoral system / integrity / step / trust
mixed reaction / supporters / 16-year-olds / paying taxes / the military / society
Have a chat about the topics you liked. Change topics and partners frequently.
3. 20: Students A strongly believe people should not be allowed to vote until they are 20; Students B strongly believe the opposite. Change partners again and talk about your conversations.
4. AGE: From what age should people be allowed to do these things? Why? Should there be an upper age limit at which people can longer do these things? Complete this table with your partner(s). Change partners often and share what you wrote.

	Age	Why	Upper Limit
Vote
Drive
Get married
Become president
Get a housing loan
Retirement

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. AGE: Spend one minute writing down all of the different words you associate with the word "age". Share your words with your partner(s) and talk about them. Together, put the words into different categories.
6. YOUTH ISSUES: Rank these with your partner. Put the most pressing issues for 16-year-olds at the top. Change partners often and share your rankings.

Anxiety about global crises
Stress from studying
Social media likes
Bullying
Peer pressure
The future
Having things
Money

Vocabulary

Paragraph 1

1.	cast	a.	About different age groups in a family or society.
2.	seismic	b.	Very big or important.
3.	package	c.	Being honest and doing the right thing.
4.	integrity	d.	Put something somewhere, like a vote.
5.	exercise	e.	Being involved or interested in something.
6.	generational	f.	A group of things put together.
7.	engagement	g.	Use a right or power.

Paragraph 2

8.	mixed reaction	h.	Working in a job, like in the army.
9.	contend	i.	Help by giving something (like time, work, or money).
10.	contribute	j.	People who say what they think is wrong with something.
11.	serving	k.	When some people like something and some people do not.
12.	military	l.	Say or believe something is true.
13.	critics	m.	Saying yes to something or giving permission.
14.	consent	n.	The army and other people who protect a country.

Before reading / listening

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

The UK will make voting for 16-year-olds mandatory. T / F
The article said the lower voting age will create a political earthquake. T / F
Sixteen-year-olds will be able to vote from the next general election. T / F
The UK said it wants 16-year-olds to be fitter by voting. T / F
A vast majority of Britons are behind the lowered voting age. T / F
The UK prime minister said people who pay taxes should get a vote. T / F
The deputy prime minister said people in the military should get a vote. T / F
In the UK, 16-year-olds can get married with their parents' approval. T / F

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

announced
seismic
integrity
fit
engagement
reaction
package
opportunity
military
consent

chance
soundness
collection
declared
army
significant
response
participation
agreement
suitable

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

a person can cast
give the electoral system
exercise their
so that it is fit
boosting engagement
There has been mixed
have the opportunity
serving
have a say on the issues
get married without

right to vote
in the military
in UK democracy
their parent's consent
greater integrity
to say what you want
that affect them
for the 21st century
reaction in Britain
their vote

Gap fill

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.

fit
seismic
chance
boosting
current
extending
right
package

The British government has announced a lowering of the voting age to 16. This is two years lower than the (1) _________________________________ age at which a person can cast their vote. This "(2) _________________________________" change is part of a (3) _________________________________ of reforms that will give the electoral system greater integrity, while including more young people in the democratic process. The first (4) _________________________________ 16- and 17-year-olds will have to exercise their (5) _________________________________ to vote will be in the UK's next general election. The government said: "We are modernizing our democracy, so that it is (6) _________________________________ for the 21st century. By (7) _________________________________ the vote to younger people, we are taking a generational step forward in restoring public trust and (8) _________________________________ engagement in UK democracy."

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.

contribute
consent
contend
lottery
military
reaction
spent
critics

There has been mixed (9) _________________________________ in Britain to the change. Supporters (10) _________________________________ that 16-year-olds in Britain work and pay taxes, so they should be allowed to vote. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer agreed. He said: "If you pay in, you should have the opportunity to say what you want your money (11) _________________________________ on." The UK's deputy prime minister said: "Young people already (12) _________________________________ to society by working, paying taxes and serving in the (13) _________________________________. It's only right they can have a say on the issues that affect them." However, there are many (14) _________________________________. Some point to the fact that 16-year-olds cannot drink alcohol, buy a (15) _________________________________ ticket, or get married without their parent's (16) _________________________________, yet they will be able to vote.

Listening — Guess the answers. Listen to check.

1) This is two years lower than the current age at which a person can ______
     a. caste their vote
     b. cast their vote
     c. clasp their vote
     d. chaste their vote
2) "seismic" change is part of a package of reforms that will give the electoral ______
     a. system greater integral
     b. system greater integers
     c. system greater integrity
     d. system greater inter-gritty
3) The first chance 16- and 17-year-olds will have to ______
     a. exercise their light
     b. exercise their right
     c. exercise their fight
     d. exercise their rite
4) The government said: "We are modernizing our democracy, so that ______"
     a. it is bit
     b. it is lit
     c. it is hit
     d. it is fit
5) a generational step forward in restoring public trust and boosting engagement ______
     a. on UK democracy
     b. in UK democracy
     c. to UK democracy
     d. at UK democracy

6) Supporters contend that 16-year-olds in Britain work ______
     a. end pay taxes
     b. and paid taxes
     c. and pay taxis
     d. and pay taxes
7) you should have the opportunity to say what you want your ______
     a. money spend on
     b. money spent on
     c. money spent ton
     d. monies pent on
8) The UK's deputy prime minister said: "Young people already ______"
     a. contribute to society
     b. contribute to society
     c. contribute to society
     d. contribute to society
9) Young people already contribute to society by working, paying taxes and serving ______
     a. in the militia
     b. in the milli-tree
     c. in the miller tree
     d. in the military
10) cannot drink alcohol, buy a lottery ticket, or get married without ______
     a. their parent's consent
     b. their parent's content
     c. their parent's concert
     d. their parent's confetti

Listening — Listen and fill in the gaps

The British government has (1) _______________________________________________ of the voting age to 16. This is two years lower than the current age at which a person can cast their vote. This (2) _______________________________________________ part of a package of reforms that will give the electoral (3) _______________________________________________, while including more young people in the democratic process. The first chance 16- and 17-year-olds will have to (4) _______________________________________________ to vote will be in the UK's next general election. The government said: "We are modernizing (5) _______________________________________________ that it is fit for the 21st century. By [extending] the vote to younger people, we are taking a generational step forward in (6) _______________________________________________ and boosting engagement in UK democracy."

There has been (7) _______________________________________________ Britain to the change. Supporters contend that 16-year-olds in Britain work and pay taxes, so they should be (8) _______________________________________________. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer agreed. He said: "If you pay in, you should have (9) _______________________________________________ say what you want your money spent on." The UK's deputy prime minister said: "Young people already contribute to society by working, paying taxes and serving (10) _______________________________________________. It's only right they can have a say on the issues that affect them." However, there (11) _______________________________________________. Some point to the fact that 16-year-olds cannot drink alcohol, buy a lottery ticket, or get married without (12) _______________________________________________, yet they will be able to vote.

Comprehension questions

What is the current age from which people in the UK can vote?
What does the UK government want to give the electoral system?
When will 16-year-olds have their first chance to vote?
What did the UK government say it is modernizing?
What does the UK want to restore?
What kind of reaction has there been to the lowering of the voting age?
Why does the UK leader think 16-year-olds should be able to vote?
Who said young people contribute to society by serving in the military?
What kind of ticket did critics say young people cannot buy?
What do people in the UK need to be able to get married at 16?

Multiple choice quiz

1) What is the current age from which people in the UK can vote?
a) 21
b) 20
c) 19
d) 18
2) What does the UK government want to give the electoral system?
a) a boost
b) greater integrity
c) polish
d) a points system
3) When will 16-year-olds have their first chance to vote?
a) in the next referendum
b) in the next local elections
c) in the next general election
d) from next week
4) What did the UK government say it is modernizing?
a) democracy
b) Britain
c) the election results system
d) voting booths
5) What does the UK want to restore?
a) the voting computer operating system
b) its lead
c) public trust
d) an old polling station

6) What kind of reaction has there been to the lowering of the voting age?
a) furious
b) mixed
c) considerable
d) little
7) Why does the UK leader think 16-year-olds should be able to vote?
a) They know more than 80-year-olds.
b) They are the future.
c) They are intelligent.
d) They work and pay taxes.
8) Who said young people contribute to society by serving in the military?
a) the UK's deputy prime minister
b) the leader of the opposition
c) the UK's prime minister
d) an army chief
9) What kind of ticket did critics say young people cannot buy?
a) an election ticket
b) a gold ticket
c) a lottery ticket
d) a concert ticket
10) What do people in the UK need to be able to get married at 16?
a) money
b) parental consent
c) a special test
d) an interview

Role play

Role A – Anxiety About Global Crises
You think anxiety about global crises is the most pressing issue for youth. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them why their issue isn't as pressing. Also, tell the others which is the least pressing of these (and why): study stress, bullying or the future.

Role B – Study Stress
You think study stress is the most pressing issue for youth. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them why their issue isn't as pressing. Also, tell the others which is the least pressing of these (and why): anxiety about global crises, bullying or the future.

Role C – Bullying
You think bullying is the most pressing issue for youth. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them why their issue isn't as pressing. Also, tell the others which is the least pressing of these (and why): study stress, anxiety about global crises or the future.

Role D – The Future
You think the future is the most pressing issue for youth. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them why their issue isn't as pressing. Also, tell the others which is the least pressing of these (and why): study stress, bullying or anxiety about global crises.

After reading / listening

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

'voting'

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

and 'election'.
________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

• 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:

two

cast

greater

exercise

fit

trust

mixed

contend

spent

issues

critics

ticket

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 - Voting Age

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 'vote'?
What do you think of voting?
Should we tell people who we vote for?
From what age should people be allowed to vote?
Is it more important for a 16-year-old or 90-year-old to vote?
What do you think of your country's electoral system?
What is democracy and how important is it?
How much faith do you have in democracy?
How much faith do you have in your country's government?

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 'election'?
What do you think about what you read?
How important is voting?
Should voting be compulsory?
Who has better decision-making when voting, a 16- or 90-year-old?
Should anyone who pays taxes be allowed to vote?
From what age should someone be allowed to get married?
What issues do you think are important to 16-year-olds?
What questions would you like to ask a 16-year-old about voting?

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)

The British government has announced a (1) ____ of the voting age to 16. This is two years lower than the current age at which a person can (2) ____ their vote. This "(3) ____" change is part of a package of reforms that will give the electoral system greater integrity, while including more young people in the democratic process. The first chance 16- and 17-year-olds will have to (4) ____ their right to vote will be in the UK's next general election. The government said: "We are modernizing our democracy, so that it is (5) ____ for the 21st century. By [extending] the vote to younger people, we are taking a generational step forward in restoring public trust and (6) ____ engagement in UK democracy."

There has been (7) ____ reaction in Britain to the change. Supporters contend that 16-year-olds in Britain work and pay taxes, so they should be allowed to vote. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer agreed. He said: "If you pay (8) ____, you should have the opportunity to say what you want your money spent (9) ____." The UK's deputy prime minister said: "Young people already contribute to society by working, paying taxes and serving in the (10) ____. It's only right they can have a say on the issues that affect them." However, there are many critics. Some (11) ____ to the fact that 16-year-olds cannot drink alcohol, buy a lottery ticket, or get married without their parent's (12) ____, yet they will be able to vote.

Which of these words go in the above text?

(a) levelling (b) slowing (c) lowering (d) plummeting
(a) cast (b) caste (c) past (d) paste
(a) volcanic (b) seismic (c) tidal (d) cosmic
(a) practice (b) activity (c) workout (d) exercise
(a) healthy (b) shapely (c) fit (d) tough
(a) boasting (b) boosting (c) basting (d) beasting
(a) mixed (b) combined (c) stirred (d) blended
(a) dearly (b) for (c) out (d) in
(a) of (b) in (c) on (d) up
(a) militate (b) militia (c) militant (d) military
(a) end (b) point (c) finger (d) highlight
(a) consent (b) corset (c) concert (d) content

Spelling

Paragraph 1

nucnaedon a lowering of the voting age
this eisscmi change
give the electoral system greater yrnigetit
people in the democratic cpesors
taking a laegeninotar step forward
boosting geneemgatn in UK democracy

Paragraph 2

supporters encntdo that
the UK's deyput prime minister
young people already btcoitrneu to society
serving in the iiartmyl
there are many icrtsci
get married without their parent's netosnc

Put the text back together

(    )    age at which a person can cast their vote. This "seismic" change is part of a package
(    )    agreed. He said: "If you pay in, you should have the opportunity to say what you want your money
(    )    buy a lottery ticket, or get married without their parent's consent, yet they will be able to vote.
(    )    fit for the 21st century. By [extending] the vote to younger people, we are taking a generational
(    )    of reforms that will give the electoral system greater integrity, while including more young people in the democratic
(    )    process. The first chance 16- and 17-year-olds will have to exercise their right
(    )    spent on." The UK's deputy prime minister said: "Young people already contribute
(    )    step forward in restoring public trust and boosting engagement in UK democracy."
(    )    that 16-year-olds in Britain work and pay taxes, so they should be allowed to vote. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer
(    )    that affect them." However, there are many critics. Some point to the fact that 16-year-olds cannot drink alcohol,
( 1 )   The British government has announced a lowering of the voting age to 16. This is two years lower than the current
(    )    There has been mixed reaction in Britain to the change. Supporters contend
(    )    to society by working, paying taxes and serving in the military. It's only right they can have a say on the issues
(    )    to vote will be in the UK's next general election. The government said: "We are modernizing our democracy, so that it is

Put the words in the right order

A voting lowering of 16 age to the .
Reforms system electoral greater integrity give the will .
Seventeen-year-olds exercise vote will to their right .
So 21st for the fit century that it’s .
A restoring in step public generational trust forward .
There Britain been mixed in reaction has .
Say spent want your money what you on .
Young contribute already society to by working people .
They the a can on say have issues .
Point the to 16-year-olds drink that fact cannot .

Circle the correct word (20 pairs)

The British government has announced a leveraging / lowering of the voting age to 16. This is two years lower than the current / currency age at which a person can paste / cast their vote. This "seismic" change is part of a package of reforms that will give the elect / electoral system greater integrity, while including / inclusive more young people in the democratic process. The first chance 16- and 17-year-olds will have to exercise their right / left to vote will be in the UK's next generally / general election. The government said: "We are modernizing our democracy, so that it is bit / fit for the 21st century. By [extending] the vote to younger people, we are taking a generating / generational step forward in restoring public trust and boasting / boosting engagement in UK democracy."

There has been mix / mixed reaction in Britain to the change. Supporters contend what / that 16-year-olds in Britain work and pay taxes, so they should be allowed to / for vote. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer agreed. He said: "If you pay in, you should have the opportunity to say that / what you want your money spent on / in." The UK's deputy prime minister said: "Young people already contribute to society by working, payment / paying taxes and serving in the militia / military. It's only right they can have a say / speak on the issues that affect them." However, there are many critics. Some point / finger to the fact that 16-year-olds cannot drink alcohol, buy a lottery ticket, or get married without their parent's concert / consent, yet they will be able to vote.

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)

Th_ Br_t_sh g_v_rnm_nt h_s _nn__nc_d _ l_w_r_ng _f th_ v_t_ng _g_ t_ 16. Th_s _s tw_ y__rs l_w_r th_n th_ c_rr_nt _g_ _t wh_ch _ p_rs_n c_n c_st th__r v_t_. Th_s "s__sm_c" ch_ng_ _s p_rt _f _ p_ck_g_ _f r_f_rms th_t w_ll g_v_ th_ _l_ct_r_l syst_m gr__t_r _nt_gr_ty, wh_l_ _ncl_d_ng m_r_ y__ng p__pl_ _n th_ d_m_cr_t_c pr_c_ss. Th_ f_rst ch_nc_ 16- _nd 17-y__r-_lds w_ll h_v_ t_ _x_rc_s_ th__r r_ght t_ v_t_ w_ll b_ _n th_ _K's n_xt g_n_r_l _l_ct__n. Th_ g_v_rnm_nt s__d: "W_ _r_ m_d_rn_z_ng __r d_m_cr_cy, s_ th_t _t _s f_t f_r th_ 21st c_nt_ry. By [_xt_nd_ng] th_ v_t_ t_ y__ng_r p__pl_, w_ _r_ t_k_ng _ g_n_r_t__n_l st_p f_rw_rd _n r_st_r_ng p_bl_c tr_st _nd b__st_ng _ng_g_m_nt _n _K d_m_cr_cy."

Th_r_ h_s b__n m_x_d r__ct__n _n Br_t__n t_ th_ ch_ng_. S_pp_rt_rs c_nt_nd th_t 16-y__r-_lds _n Br_t__n w_rk _nd p_y t_x_s, s_ th_y sh__ld b_ _ll_w_d t_ v_t_. _K Pr_m_ M_n_st_r K__r St_rm_r _gr__d. H_ s__d: "_f y__ p_y _n, y__ sh__ld h_v_ th_ _pp_rt_n_ty t_ s_y wh_t y__ w_nt y__r m_n_y sp_nt _n." Th_ _K's d_p_ty pr_m_ m_n_st_r s__d: "Y__ng p__pl_ _lr__dy c_ntr_b_t_ t_ s_c__ty by w_rk_ng, p_y_ng t_x_s _nd s_rv_ng _n th_ m_l_t_ry. _t's _nly r_ght th_y c_n h_v_ _ s_y _n th_ _ss__s th_t _ff_ct th_m." H_w_v_r, th_r_ _r_ m_ny cr_t_cs. S_m_ p__nt t_ th_ f_ct th_t 16-y__r-_lds c_nn_t dr_nk _lc_h_l, b_y _ l_tt_ry t_ck_t, _r g_t m_rr__d w_th__t th__r p_r_nt's c_ns_nt, y_t th_y w_ll b_ _bl_ t_ v_t_.

Punctuate the text and add capitals

the british government has announced a lowering of the voting age to 16 this is two years lower than the current age at which a person can cast their vote this seismic change is part of a package of reforms that will give the electoral system greater integrity while including more young people in the democratic process the first chance 16 and 17 year olds will have to exercise their right to vote will be in the uks next general election the government said we are modernizing our democracy so that it is fit for the 21st century by extending the vote to younger people we are taking a generational step forward in restoring public trust and boosting engagement in uk democracy

there has been mixed reaction in britain to the change supporters contend that 16 year olds in britain work and pay taxes so they should be allowed to vote uk prime minister keir starmer agreed he said if you pay in you should have the opportunity to say what you want your money spent on the uks deputy prime minister said young people already contribute to society by working paying taxes and serving in the military its only right they can have a say on the issues that affect them however there are many critics some point to the fact that 16 year olds cannot drink alcohol buy a lottery ticket or get married without their parents consent but they will be able to vote

Put a slash (/) where the spaces are

TheBritishgovernmenthasannouncedaloweringofthevotingageto16.
Thisistwoyearslowerthanthecurrentageatwhichapersoncancastthei
rvote.This"seismic"changeispartofapackageofreformsthatwillgiveth
eelectoralsystemgreaterintegrity,whileincludingmoreyoungpeoplei
nthedemocraticprocess.Thefirstchance16-and17-year-oldswillhav
etoexercisetheirrighttovotewillbeintheUK'snextgeneralelection.The
governmentsaid:Wearemodernizingourdemocracy,sothatitisfitfort
he21stcentury.By[extending]thevotetoyoungerpeople,wearetakin
gagenerationalstepforwardinrestoringpublictrustandboostingengag
ementinUKdemocracy."TherehasbeenmixedreactioninBritaintothec
hange.Supporterscontendthat16-year-oldsinBritainworkandpayta
xes,sotheyshouldbeallowedtovote.UKPrimeMinisterKeirStarmeragr
eed.Hesaid:"Ifyoupayin,youshouldhavetheopportunitytosaywhaty
ouwantyourmoneyspenton."TheUK'sdeputyprimeministersaid:"Yo
ungpeoplealreadycontributetosocietybyworking,payingtaxesandse
rvinginthemilitary.It'sonlyrighttheycanhaveasayontheissuesthataff
ectthem."However,therearemanycritics.Somepointtothefactthat16
-year-oldscannotdrinkalcohol,buyalotteryticket,orgetmarriedwitho
uttheirparent'sconsent,yettheywillbeabletovote.

Free writing

Write about the voting age for 10 minutes. Comment on your partner’s paper.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Academic writing

People should not be allowed to vote until they are 18. 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. VOTING AGE: Make a poster about the voting age. Show your work to your classmates in the next lesson. Did you all have similar things?
4. VOTING TEST: Write a magazine article about requiring people to take a political intelligence test before they are allowed to vote. Include imaginary interviews with people who are for and against this.
Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Write down any new words and expressions you hear from your partner(s).
5. WHAT HAPPENED NEXT? Write a newspaper article about the next stage in this news story. Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Give each other feedback on your articles.
6. LETTER: Write a letter to an expert on the voting age. Ask him/her three questions about it. Give him/her three of your ideas on when people should be able to start voting. Read your letter to your partner(s) in your next lesson. Your partner(s) will answer your questions.

A Few Additional Activities for Students

Ask your students what they have read, seen or heard about this news in their own language. Students are likely to / may have have encountered this news in their L1 and therefore bring a background knowledge to the classroom.

Get students to role play different characters from this news story.

Ask students to keep track of this news and revisit it to discuss in your next class.

Ask students to male predictions of how this news might develop in the next few days or weeks, and then revisit and discuss in a future class.

Ask students to write a follow-up story to this news.

Students role play a journalist and someone who witnessed or was a part of this news. Perhaps they could make a video of the interview.

Ask students to keep a news journal in English and add this story to their thoughts.

Also...

Buy my 1,000 Ideas and Activities for Language Teachers eBook. It has hundreds of ideas, activity templates, reproducible activities for:

News
Warm ups
Pre-reading / Post-reading
Using headlines
Working with words
While-reading / While-listening
Moving from text to speech
Post-reading / Post-listening
Discussions
Using opinions
Plans
Language
Using lists
Using quotes
Task-based activities
Role plays
Using the central characters in the article
Using themes from the news
Homework

Buy my book

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Answers

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

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Breaking News English Lesson: Voting Age

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