The Reading / Listening - Map of Africa - Level 3

The African Union (AU) has called for an end to a widely used map that shrinks the African continent. The map is called the Mercator projection. It was created by mapmaker Gerardus Mercator in 1569. In the 18th century, it became the international standard for sailors. It is now the world's most widely used map. However, it does not show the true size of different nations. Countries farther away from the Equator look larger than they really are, whereas countries closer to the Equator appear smaller. The AU is supporting a campaign called Correct the Map. It is also calling for a design that shows the correct size of Africa, and of other continents and countries.

The deputy chairperson of the AU spoke about the Mercator map. She told Reuters: "It might seem to be just a map, but in reality, it is not." She said the Mercator gave the impression that Africa was less important. She said Africa is the world's second-largest continent by area and has more than one billion people. The executive director of the non-profit organization Africa No Filter agreed. She said the Mercator map was "the world's longest misinformation and disinformation campaign and it just simply has to stop". The group Speak Up Africa wants people to use the 2018 Equal Earth map, on which "Africa appears 14 times larger than Greenland, as it actually is".

Try the same news story at these easier levels:

    Map of Africa - Level 0,  Map of Africa - Level 1   or  Map of Africa - Level 2

Sources
  • https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/15/african-union-true-size-world-map-replace-mercator-version
  • https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/15/africa/africa-real-size-world-map-campaign-intl
  • https://correctthemap.org/
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercator_projection
  • https://equal-earth.com/


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. AFRICA: Students walk around the class and talk to other students about Africa. 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?
       Africa / maps / mapmakers / sailors / nations / the Equator / design / continents /
       chairperson / reality / important / misinformation / disinformation / campaign / equal
Have a chat about the topics you liked. Change topics and partners frequently.
3. ONLINE MAPS: Students A strongly believe online maps are better than maps in books or on paper; Students B strongly believe the opposite. Change partners again and talk about your conversations.
4. CONTINENTS: What do you know about the seven continents? What do you want to know?  Complete this table with your partner(s). Change partners often and share what you wrote.

 

What I Know

What I Want to Know

Africa

 

 

Antarctica

 

 

Europe

 

 

Asia

 

 

North/South America

 

 

Australia

 

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

  • Tourist map
  • Political map
  • Weather map
  • Historical map
  • Road map
  • Physical map
  • World map
  • Time zones map

 

Vocabulary

    Paragraph 1

      1. shrinks a. Seem; give the feeling of being.
      2. continent b. One of the seven very large areas of land on Earth (E.g. Africa, Asia, etc.).
      3. standard c. People who work on a ship or boat.
      4. sailors d. Becomes smaller.
      5. the Equator e. Right and true, not wrong.
      6. appear f. The usual or normal way of doing something.
      7. correct g. The invisible line around the middle of the Earth.

    Paragraph 2

      8. chairperson h. A group that works to help people, not to make money.
      9. in reality i. The feeling or idea you get about someone or something.
      10. impression j. Planned actions to reach a goal (like to change something or tell people about something).
      11. non-profit organization (NPO) k. The leader of a company, organization, meeting or group.
      12. misinformation l. What is true, not what people think.
      13. campaign m. In fact, really.
      14. actually n. Information that is not true.

 

Before reading / listening

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

  1. The African Union wants people to stop using a map that shrinks Africa.   T / F
  2. The world's most widely used map was created in 1569.     T / F
  3. On the widely used map, northern countries look smaller than they are.   T / F
  4. On the widely used map, countries on the Equator look larger.     T / F
  5. The article says Africa has the world's second largest population.     T / F
  6. The Africa No Filter group said the widely used map misinformed people. T / F
  7. The Speak Up Africa group wants people to use a gender equality map.   T / F
  8. Greenland is 14 times smaller than Africa.     T / F

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

  1. map
  2. created
  3. international
  4. true
  5. supporting
  6. seem
  7. impression
  8. area
  9. simply
  10. actually
  1. feeling
  2. accurate
  3. region
  4. chart
  5. really
  6. global
  7. backing
  8. plainly
  9. made
  10. appear

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

  1. In the 18th century, it became the international
  2. It is now the world's most widely
  3. Countries farther
  4. countries closer to the Equator
  5. a design that shows the correct
  6. the impression that Africa
  7. Africa is the world's second-largest
  8. The executive director of the non-
  9. misinformation and disinformation
  10. Africa appears 14 times
  1. used map
  2. campaign
  3. size of Africa
  4. was less important
  5. larger than Greenland
  6. away from the Equator
  7. profit organization
  8. appear smaller
  9. continent by area
  10. standard for sailors

Gap fill

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.
larger
shrinks
design
true
continents
created
supporting
sailors

The African Union (AU) has called for an end to a widely used map that (1) ______________________________________________ the African continent. The map is called the Mercator projection. It was (2) ______________________________________________ by mapmaker Gerardus Mercator in 1569. In the 18th century, it became the international standard for (3) ______________________________________________. It is now the world's most widely used map. However, it does not show the (4) ______________________________________________ size of different nations. Countries farther away from the Equator look (5) ______________________________________________ than they really are, whereas countries closer to the Equator appear smaller. The AU is (6) ______________________________________________ a campaign called Correct the Map. It is also calling for a (7) ______________________________________________ that shows the correct size of Africa, and of other (8) ______________________________________________ and countries.

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.
less
agreed
which
deputy
director
actually
reality
simply

The (9) ______________________________________________ chairperson of the AU spoke about the Mercator map. She told Reuters: "It might seem to be just a map, but in (10) ______________________________________________, it is not." She said the Mercator gave the impression that Africa was (11) ______________________________________________ important. She said Africa is the world's second-largest continent by area and has more than one billion people. The executive (12) ______________________________________________ of the non-profit organization Africa No Filter (13) ______________________________________________. She said the Mercator map was "the world's longest misinformation and disinformation campaign and it just (14) ______________________________________________ has to stop". The group Speak Up Africa wants people to use the 2018 Equal Earth map, on (15) ______________________________________________ "Africa appears 14 times larger than Greenland, as it (16) ______________________________________________ is".

Listening — Guess the answers. Listen to check.

1) The African Union (AU) has called for an end to a ______
     a.  widely used maps
     b.  widely used mapped
     c.  widely used map
     d.  widely used maple
2)  It was created by mapmaker Gerardus Mercator in 1569. In ______
     a.  the 18th year
     b.  the 18th decade
     c.  the 18th century
     d.  the 18th millennium
3)  However, it does not show the true size ______
     a.  of difference nations
     b.  of different nations
     c.  of differently nations
     d.  off different nations
4)  larger than they really are, whereas countries closer to the ______
     a.  Equator appear smaller
     b.  Equator appears smaller
     c.  Equator appearance smaller
     d.  Equator appearing smaller
5)  It is also calling for a design that shows the correct ______
     a.  sizes of Africa
     b.  sized of Africa
     c.  size of Africa
     d.  seize of Africa

6)  It might seem to be just a map, but in reality, ______
     a.  it is now
     b.  it is not
     c.  it is non
     d.  it is none
7)  She said the Mercator gave the impression that Africa ______
     a.  was lesser important
     b.  was lessen important
     c.  was less important
     d.  was lest important
8)  The executive director of the non-profit organization Africa ______
     a.  No Filter agreement
     b.  No Filter aggrieved
     c.  No Filter agreeable
     d.  No Filter agreed
9)  the world's longest misinformation and disinformation campaign and it just simply _____
     a.  have to stop
     b.  has to stop
     c.  has to stops
     d.  has too stop
10)  Africa appears 14 times larger than Greenland, as ______
     a.  it actually is
     b.  it actually be
     c.  it actually has
     d.  it actually does

Listening — Listen and fill in the gaps

The African Union (AU) has called for an end (1) __________________________________________________ used map that shrinks the African continent. The map is called the Mercator projection. It (2) __________________________________________________ mapmaker Gerardus Mercator in 1569. In the 18th century, it became the international (3) __________________________________________________. It is now the world's most widely used map. However, it does not show the (4) __________________________________________________ different nations. Countries farther away from the Equator look larger than they really are, (5) __________________________________________________ to the Equator appear smaller. The AU is supporting a campaign called Correct the Map. It is also calling for a design that shows the correct size of Africa, and (6) __________________________________________________ and countries.

The (7) __________________________________________________ the AU spoke about the Mercator map. She told Reuters: "It might seem to be just a map, (8) __________________________________________________, it is not." She said the Mercator gave the impression that Africa was less important. She said Africa is the world's second-largest (9) __________________________________________________ and has more than one billion people. The executive director of the (10) __________________________________________________ Africa No Filter agreed. She said the Mercator map was "the world's longest misinformation and disinformation campaign and it just simply (11) __________________________________________________". The group Speak Up Africa wants people to use the 2018 Equal Earth map, on which "Africa appears 14 times larger than Greenland, (12) __________________________________________________ is".

Comprehension questions

  1. What is the name of the world's most widely used map?
  2. When was the world's most widely used map created?
  3. Who used the world's most widely used map in the 18th century?
  4. What does the world's most widely used map not show?
  5. How do countries far from the Equator look on the widely used map?
  6. Who spoke to the Reuters news agency about the map?
  7. What is the world's second-largest continent by area?
  8. What is the population of Africa?
  9. What map does the Speak Up Africa group want people to use?
  10. What is Africa 15 times larger than?

Multiple choice quiz

1) What is the name of the world's most widely used map?
a) Google Maps
b) the Mercator projection
c) the world map
d) the weather map
2) When was the world's most widely used map created?
a) 1596
b) 1965
c) 1659
d) 1569
3) Who used the world's most widely used map in the 18th century?
a) sailors
b) soldiers
c) pilots
d) farmers
4) What does the world's most widely used map not show?
a) certain countries
b) war zones
c) the true size of countries
d) famous sights
5) How do countries far from the Equator look on the widely used map?
a) cooler than they really are
b) bigger than they really are
c) hotter than they really are
d) their correct size

6) Who spoke to the Reuters news agency about the map?
a) the chairperson of the AU
b) the mapmaker of the AU
c) the deputy chairperson of the AU
d) the press officer of the AU
7) What is the world's second-largest continent by area?
a) Europe
b) South America
c) Asia
d) Africa
8) What is the population of Africa?
a) more than one billion
b) exactly one billion
c) roughly one billion
d) fewer than one billion
9) What map does the Speak Up Africa group want people to use?
a) the 2018 Equal Earth map
b) the 2018 Equality Earth map
c) the 2018 Equine Earth map
d) the 2018 Equation Earth map
10) What is Africa 15 times larger than?
a) Lapland
b) Greenland
c) Thailand
d) Finland

Role play

Role  A – Tourist Map
You think a tourist map is the best kind of map. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their maps. Also, tell the others which is the least useful of these (and why): a road map, a weather map or a world map.

Role  B – Road Map
You think a road map is the best kind of map. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their maps. Also, tell the others which is the least useful of these (and why): a tourist map, a weather map or a world map.

Role  C – Weather Map
You think a weather map is the best kind of map. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their maps. Also, tell the others which is the least useful of these (and why): a road map, a tourist map or a world map.

Role  D – World Map
You think a world map is the best kind of map. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their maps. Also, tell the others which is the least useful of these (and why): a road map, a weather map or a tourist map.

After reading / listening

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

'Africa'

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

    • and 'map'.

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

    • • 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:

    • end
    • 1569
    • sailors
    • farther
    • supporting
    • design
    • deputy
    • reality
    • second
    • profit
    • simply
    • 14

    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 - Map of Africa

    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 'Africa'?
    3. What do you think of maps?
    4. Do you prefer online maps or maps on paper?
    5. What do you think of the map that shrinks Africa?
    6. Should all maps show the true size of countries?
    7. Are you good at reading maps?
    8. How often do you use a map?
    9. How well do you know the map of the world?
    10. What changes would you like to see on the world map?

    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 'map'?
    3. What do you think about what you read?
    4. What do you think of Google Maps and Apple Maps?
    5. Why is it important to get the size of continents right?
    6. Do you think the Mercator map is misinformation?
    7. What do you think of the Equal Earth map?
    8. How much do you like the map of your country?
    9. When was the last time you used a map?
    10. What questions would you like to ask a mapmaker?

    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 African Union (AU) has called for an (1) ____ to a widely used map that shrinks the African continent. The map is called the Mercator projection. It was created (2) ____ mapmaker Gerardus Mercator in 1569. In the 18th (3) ____, it became the international standard for sailors. It is now the world's most (4) ____ used map. However, it does not show the true size of different nations. Countries farther away from the Equator look larger than they really are, (5) ____ countries closer to the Equator appear smaller. The AU is supporting a campaign called Correct the Map. It is also calling for a design that shows the (6) ____ size of Africa, and of other continents and countries.

    The deputy chairperson of the AU spoke about the Mercator map. She told Reuters: "It might seem to be just a map, but (7) ____ reality, it is not." She said the Mercator gave the impression that Africa was less important. She said Africa is the world's second-largest continent (8) ____ area and has more than one billion people. The executive director of the non-profit organization Africa No Filter (9) ____. She said the Mercator map was "the world's longest misinformation and disinformation campaign and it just (10) ____ has to stop". The group Speak Up Africa wants people to use the 2018 Equal Earth map, (11) ____ which "Africa appears 14 times larger than Greenland, as it actually (12) ____".

    Which of these words go in the above text?

    (a)     ended     (b)     ends     (c)     end     (d)     endless    
    (a)     by     (b)     on     (c)     at     (d)     of    
    (a)     century     (b)     year     (c)     millennium     (d)     decade    
    (a)     widely     (b)     widen     (c)     width     (d)     wide    
    (a)     nevertheless     (b)     whereas     (c)     moreover     (d)     whereby    
    (a)     corrects     (b)     correctly     (c)     correction     (d)     correct    
    (a)     at     (b)     of     (c)     in     (d)     by    
    (a)     to     (b)     of     (c)     at     (d)     by    
    (a)     agreed     (b)     agreement     (c)     agreeable     (d)     agreeably    
    (a)     simply     (b)     simple     (c)     simplify     (d)     simpleton    
    (a)     as     (b)     on     (c)     at     (d)     that    
    (a)     be     (b)     have     (c)     is     (d)     sizes

    Spelling

    Paragraph 1

    1. a wiedly used map
    2. the African notecnitn
    3. the international standard for lsarsio
    4. the true size of different sanntio
    5. The AU is supporting a pgacainm
    6. a sdnieg that shows the correct size

    Paragraph 2

    1. The deyutp chairperson of the AU
    2. but in ayrietl, it is not
    3. gave the nsisipemro that Africa was less important
    4. director of the non-ifrtop organization
    5. Africa No Filter aegdre
    6. Africa pperasa 14 times larger than Greenland

    Put the text back together

    (    )     agreed. She said the Mercator map was "the world's longest misinformation and
    (    )     billion people. The executive director of the non-profit organization Africa No Filter
    (    )     calling for a design that shows the correct size of Africa, and of other continents and countries.
    (    )     continent. The map is called the Mercator projection. It was created by
    (    )     disinformation campaign and it just simply has to stop". The group Speak Up Africa wants people to use the 2018
    (    )     Equal Earth map, on which "Africa appears 14 times larger than Greenland, as it actually is".
    (    )     Equator appear smaller. The AU is supporting a campaign called Correct the Map. It is also
    (    )     important. She said Africa is the world's second-largest continent by area and has more than one
    (    )     map, but in reality, it is not." She said the Mercator gave the impression that Africa was less
    (    )     mapmaker Gerardus Mercator in 1569. In the 18th century, it became the international standard for
    (    )     nations. Countries farther away from the Equator look larger than they really are, whereas countries closer to the
    (    )     sailors. It is now the world's most widely used map. However, it does not show the true size of different
    (  1  )   The African Union (AU) has called for an end to a widely used map that shrinks the African
    (    )     The deputy chairperson of the AU spoke about the Mercator map. She told Reuters: "It might seem to be just a

    Put the words in the right order

    1. A   shrinks   that   continent   African   the   map   widely-used   .
    2. The   sailors   for   became   map   international   the   standard   .
    3. It   show   doesn't   true   of   size   the   nations   .
    4. Countries   Equator   away   from   the   farther   larger   look   .
    5. A   Africa's   design   correct   shows   that   size   .
    6. It   map   seem   to   a   just   be   might   .
    7. She   second-largest   is   Africa   said   world's   the   continent   .
    8. The   world's   misinformation   the   was   campaign   map   longest   .
    9. People   2018   should   map   use   the   Equal   Earth   .
    10. Africa   Greenland   appears   14   times   than   larger   .

    Circle the correct word (20 pairs)

    The African Union (AU) has called for an end to a widely used map that shrinks / shrink the African continent. The map is called the Mercator projection. It was created by / at mapmaker Gerardus Mercator in 1569. In the 18th century, it became the international standard for sailor / sailors. It is now the world's most widely / width used map. However, it does not show the truth / true size of different nations. Countries further / farther away from the Equator look larger than they reality / really are, whereas countries closer to / of the Equator appear smaller. The AU is supporting a campaign calling / called Correct the Map. It is also calling for a design that shows the correct size of Africa, and of other / another continents and countries.

    The deputy chairperson of / in the AU spoke about the Mercator map. She told Reuters: "It might seem to have / be just a map, but in reality, it is not." She said the Mercator gave / giving the impression that Africa was lessen / less important. She said Africa is the world's second-largest continent by / of area and has more than one billion people. The executive director of the non-profit organization Africa No Filter agreement / agreed. She said the Mercator map was "the worldly / world's longest misinformation and disinformation campaign and it just simple / simply has to stop". The group Speak Up Africa wants people to use the 2018 Equal Earth map, on which / what "Africa appears 14 times larger than Greenland, as it actual / actually is".

    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_  _fr_c_n  _n__n  (__)  h_s  c_ll_d  f_r  _n  _nd  t_  _  w_d_ly _s_d  m_p  th_t  shr_nks  th_  _fr_c_n  c_nt_n_nt.  Th_  m_p  _s  c_ll_d  th_  M_rc_t_r  pr_j_ct__n.  _t  w_s  cr__t_d  by  m_pm_k_r  G_r_rd_s  M_rc_t_r  _n  1569.  _n  th_  18th  c_nt_ry,  _t  b_c_m_  th_  _nt_rn_t__n_l  st_nd_rd  f_r  s__l_rs.  _t  _s  n_w  th_  w_rld's  m_st  w_d_ly  _s_d  m_p.  H_w_v_r,  _t  d__s  n_t  sh_w  th_  tr__  s_z_  _f  d_ff_r_nt  n_t__ns.  C__ntr__s  f_rth_r  _w_y  fr_m  th_  _q__t_r  l__k  l_rg_r  th_n  th_y  r__lly  _r_,  wh_r__s  c__ntr__s  cl_s_r  t_  th_  _q__t_r  _pp__r  sm_ll_r.  Th_  __  _s  s_pp_rt_ng  _  c_mp__gn  c_ll_d  C_rr_ct  th_  M_p.  _t  _s  _ls_  c_ll_ng  f_r  _  d_s_gn  th_t  sh_ws  th_  c_rr_ct  s_z_  _f  _fr_c_,  _nd  _f  _th_r  c_nt_n_nts  _nd  c__ntr__s.

    Th_  d_p_ty  ch__rp_rs_n  _f  th_  __  sp_k_  _b__t  th_  M_rc_t_r  m_p.  Sh_  t_ld  R__t_rs:  "_t  m_ght  s__m  t_  b_  j_st  _  m_p,  b_t  _n  r__l_ty,  _t  _s  n_t."  Sh_  s__d  th_  M_rc_t_r  g_v_  th_  _mpr_ss__n  th_t  _fr_c_  w_s  l_ss  _mp_rt_nt.  Sh_  s__d  _fr_c_  _s  th_  w_rld's  s_c_nd-l_rg_st  c_nt_n_nt  by  _r__  _nd  h_s  m_r_  th_n  _n_  b_ll__n  p__pl_.  Th_  _x_c_t_v_  d_r_ct_r  _f  th_  n_n-pr_f_t  _rg_n_z_t__n  _fr_c_  N_  F_lt_r  _gr__d.  Sh_  s__d  th_  M_rc_t_r  m_p  w_s  "th_  w_rld's  l_ng_st  m_s_nf_rm_t__n  _nd  d_s_nf_rm_t__n  c_mp__gn  _nd  _t  j_st  s_mply  h_s  t_  st_p".  Th_  gr__p  Sp__k  _p  _fr_c_  w_nts  p__pl_  t_  _s_  th_  2018  _q__l  __rth  m_p,  _n  wh_ch  "_fr_c_  _pp__rs  14  t_m_s  l_rg_r  th_n  Gr__nl_nd,  _s  _t  _ct__lly  _s".

    Punctuate the text and add capitals

    the african union au has called for an end to a widely used map that shrinks the african continent the map is called the mercator projection it was created by mapmaker gerardus mercator in 1569 in the 18th century it became the international standard for sailors it is now the worlds most widely used map however it does not show the true size of different nations countries farther away from the equator look larger than they really are whereas countries closer to the equator appear smaller the au is supporting a campaign called correct the map it is also calling for a design that shows the correct size of africa and of other continents and countries

    the deputy chairperson of the au spoke about the mercator map she told reuters it might seem to be just a map but in reality it is not she said the mercator gave the impression that africa was less important she said africa is the worlds second largest continent by area and has more than one billion people the executive director of the nonprofit organization africa no filter agreed she said the mercator map was the worlds longest misinformation and disinformation campaign and it just simply has to stop the group speak up africa wants people to use the 2018 equal earth map on which africa appears 14 times larger than greenland as it actually is

    Put a slash (/) where the spaces are

    TheAfricanUnion(AU)hascalledforanendtoawidelyusedmapthatshri
    nkstheAfricancontinent.ThemapiscalledtheMercatorprojection.Itwa
    screatedbymapmakerGerardusMercatorin1569.Inthe18thcentury,i
    tbecametheinternationalstandardforsailors.Itisnowtheworld'smost
    widelyusedmap.However,itdoesnotshowthetruesizeofdifferentnatio
    ns.CountriesfartherawayfromtheEquatorlooklargerthantheyreallya
    re,whereascountriesclosertotheEquatorappearsmaller.TheAUissup
    portingacampaigncalledCorrecttheMap.Itisalsocallingforadesigntha
    tshowsthecorrectsizeofAfrica,andofothercontinentsandcountries.T
    hedeputychairpersonoftheAUspokeabouttheMercatormap.Shetold
    Reuters:"Itmightseemtobejustamap,butinreality,itisnot."Shesaidth
    eMercatorgavetheimpressionthatAfricawaslessimportant.ShesaidA
    fricaistheworld'ssecond-largestcontinentbyareaandhasmorethanon
    ebillionpeople.Theexecutivedirectorofthenon-profitorganizationAf
    ricaNoFilteragreed.ShesaidtheMercatormapwas"theworld'slongest
    misinformationanddisinformationcampaignanditjustsimplyhastosto
    p".ThegroupSpeakUpAfricawantspeopletousethe2018EqualEarthm
    ap,onwhich"Africaappears14timeslargerthanGreenland,asitactuall
    yis".

    Free writing

    Write about map of Africa for 10 minutes. Comment on your partner’s paper.

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    Academic writing

    Map-reading should be a subject taught in schools. 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. AFRICA: Make a poster about Africa. Show your work to your classmates in the next lesson. Did you all have similar things?
    4. MAPS: Write a magazine article about mapmakers ensuring the size of all countries is shown correctly. 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 Africa. Ask him/her three questions about it. Give him/her three of your opinions on the continent. 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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