ESL Questions About Current Events

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Hey there ESL teachers! Ready to add some excitement to your classroom? In today’s fast-paced world, it’s important for our students to stay updated on the latest current events. Not only does this help them improve their language skills, but it also opens up meaningful discussions and encourages critical thinking. So, let’s dive in and explore some fascinating topics that are sure to engage your students and make learning English even more fun!

ESL Speaking Questions About Current Events

Beginner ESL Questions about Current Events

Do you watch or read the news regularly?
What kind of news do you prefer to watch or read (e.g. weather, sports, politics)?
What is the most recent news story you remember?
Can you name any current events that are happening in your country right now?
How do you usually stay informed about what’s happening in the world?
Who is the leader of your country?
What kind of news is important to know as a citizen?
What is the weather like today?
Have you ever experienced a natural disaster?
Are there any recent changes in laws or policies that you are aware of?
Do you know of any recent scientific discoveries?
What are some global issues that people are talking about?
Who won the last major sports event that you know of?
Do you know of any recent technological advancements?
Have you heard any interesting stories about animals recently?
What is the most recent movie or TV show you’ve heard people talking about?
Have you heard any funny or strange news stories recently?
Do you follow any celebrities or public figures?
Can you name any major historical events that happened in the past?
What is your opinion on the current state of the economy?

Intermediate ESL Questions about Current Events

What is a recent news story that caught your attention?
Do you think it is important for people to follow the news? Why or why not?
In your opinion, what is the most pressing issue in the world today?
How do you stay informed about current events?
What is your favorite news website, newspaper, or TV channel? Why?
What are some possible consequences of fake news?
Do you think social media platforms should be responsible for monitoring the accuracy of news shared on their platforms? Why or why not?
What is one positive news story that you have heard recently?
Have you ever participated in a protest or rally? If yes, what was it about?
How do you feel about the recent advancements in technology?
What impact do you think climate change will have on our future?
Do you think space exploration is important? Why or why not?
What is your opinion on the use of drones for military purposes?
What are your thoughts on the legalization of marijuana?
Do you think animal testing should be banned? Why or why not?
What are some potential solutions to the problem of homelessness?
How do you feel about the role of social media in politics?
What steps do you think should be taken to address the issue of income inequality?
What are some of the biggest challenges facing the education system today?
Do you think it is important for individuals to get involved in their local community? Why or why not?

Advanced ESL Questions about Current Events

What are some major global issues that have been making headlines recently?
How do you think social media has influenced the way news is reported and consumed?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of citizen journalism?
Do you think it’s important for news organizations to remain neutral and unbiased? Why or why not?
What impact do you think climate change will have on our future?
What are the major challenges facing the global economy today?
What are your thoughts on globalization? Has it been more beneficial or harmful?
What measures should be taken to address the ongoing refugee crisis?
What role should governments play in regulating the use of artificial intelligence?
Do you think it’s important for countries to prioritize renewable energy sources? Why or why not?
How do you think the COVID-19 pandemic will impact the way we live and work in the long term?
What are some recent advancements or breakthroughs in science and technology that you find particularly interesting?
What are the pros and cons of online learning? Will it become more prevalent in the future?
What are the major ongoing conflicts around the world, and why do you think they continue?
How has the rise of populism affected politics in your country?
What are the pros and cons of the gig economy? Do you think it is sustainable?
What measures should be taken to address income inequality?
Do you think the rise of automation will lead to widespread job displacement? Why or why not?
What are your thoughts on the recent advancements in space exploration?
How do you think international relations have changed in the past decade?

ESL Reading Activities About Current Events

Beginner ESL Activities About Current Events

In recent news, there have been many important things happening around the world. Let’s take a look at some current events that you might find interesting!

1. Earthquake: An earthquake is a shaking of the ground that can cause buildings to collapse and landslides to occur. It usually happens when two pieces of the Earth’s crust suddenly slip past each other.

2. Protest: A protest is when a group of people gather together to show their disagreement or dissatisfaction with something. They might carry signs, chant slogans, and march through the streets.

3. Election: An election is a process where people vote to choose a person to hold a position of power, such as a president or a mayor.

4. Climate change: Climate change refers to long-term changes in temperature, precipitation, and other aspects of the Earth’s climate system. It is often caused by human activities, such as burning fossil fuels.

5. Pandemic: A pandemic is an outbreak of a disease that spreads across a large region or even worldwide. It affects a significant number of people and can have severe consequences.

6. Refugee: A refugee is a person who has been forced to leave their home country due to war, persecution, or other reasons. They seek safety and protection in another country.

7. Terrorism: Terrorism is the use of violence, often against innocent people, to create fear and achieve political, religious, or ideological goals.

8. Immigration: Immigration is the act of moving to another country to live there permanently. People might immigrate to seek better job opportunities, reunite with family members, or escape difficult situations in their home country.

9. Natural disaster: A natural disaster is a sudden, extreme event caused by natural forces, such as a hurricane, tsunami, or wildfire. It can result in significant damage to property and loss of life.

10. Cybersecurity: Cybersecurity refers to measures taken to protect computers, networks, and data from unauthorized access or damage by hackers.

Vocabulary Word	Definition
Earthquake	A shaking of the ground that can cause buildings to collapse and landslides to occur.
Protest	A gathering of people to show their disagreement or dissatisfaction with something.
Election	A process where people vote to choose a person to hold a position of power.
Climate change	Long-term changes in temperature, precipitation, and other aspects of the Earth’s climate system.
Pandemic	An outbreak of a disease that spreads across a large region or even worldwide.
Refugee	A person who has been forced to leave their home country and seeks safety in another country.
Terrorism	The use of violence to create fear and achieve political, religious, or ideological goals.
Immigration	The act of moving to another country to live there permanently.
Natural disaster	A sudden, extreme event caused by natural forces, resulting in significant damage and loss of life.
Cybersecurity	Measures taken to protect computers, networks, and data from unauthorized access or damage.

Intermediate ESL Activities About Current Events

Global warming is a topic that is making headlines around the world. Scientists have been studying the effects of climate change for many years, and their findings are alarming. The rising temperatures are causing the polar ice caps to melt, resulting in a rise in sea levels. This is causing coastal areas to flood, displacing thousands of people from their homes. In addition, extreme weather events such as hurricanes and droughts are becoming more frequent and severe.

One of the main contributors to global warming is the burning of fossil fuels. These fuels, such as coal and oil, release large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere when burned. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that traps heat from the sun and prevents it from escaping back into space. This is known as the greenhouse effect. As a result, the Earth’s temperature continues to rise.

Another consequence of global warming is the loss of biodiversity. Many species of plants and animals are unable to adapt to the changing climate and are facing extinction. This loss of biodiversity not only affects the natural world, but also has a negative impact on human societies. Without a diverse ecosystem, we lose valuable resources and potential solutions to future challenges.

However, there is still hope. People around the world are taking action to combat global warming and mitigate its effects. Governments are implementing policies to promote renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. Individuals are making lifestyle changes to reduce their carbon footprint, such as using public transportation and recycling. Education and awareness about global warming are also increasing, helping to inspire more people to take action.

Vocabulary Word	Definition
global warming	the increase in the Earth’s average temperature due to the greenhouse effect
climate change	long-term shifts in weather patterns and temperatures
polar ice caps	masses of ice found at the Earth’s poles
rise in sea levels	the gradual increase in the height of the world’s oceans
coastal areas	regions of land near the ocean
extreme weather events	severe and unusual weather occurrences
fossil fuels	energy sources formed from ancient plant and animal remains
greenhouse effect	the process in which greenhouse gases trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere
biodiversity	the variety of plant and animal species in an ecosystem
carbon footprint	the amount of carbon dioxide emitted as a result of one’s activities

By understanding and addressing the challenges of global warming, we can work towards a more sustainable future. As ESL learners, it is important to stay informed about current events and engage in discussions about these issues. Through education and action, we can make a positive impact and help create a better world for future generations.

Advanced ESL Activities About Current Events

In today’s rapidly changing world, staying informed about current events has become more important than ever. With news and information readily available at our fingertips, it is crucial for advanced ESL learners to develop their reading skills and be familiar with relevant vocabulary. This reading extract will provide you with a lengthy paragraph about current events, along with ten highlighted words that are essential for understanding and discussing the latest news.

In recent months, the world has experienced a surge in pandemic outbreaks. The ongoing COVID-19 epidemic has drastically affected economies and societies globally. Government mandates regarding wearing face masks and practicing social distancing have become the new norm. Despite the efforts to control the spread of the virus, it continues to create significant challenges. Unfortunately, misinformation and conspiracy theories surrounding the pandemic have also spread rapidly, causing confusion among the population.

Furthermore, climate change remains a persistent issue worldwide. Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and wildfires, have become more frequent and severe. Many countries are now implementing stricter environmental policies in an effort to mitigate the effects of global warming. The urgent need to transition to sustainable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, is gaining traction. However, the transition requires substantial investment and collaboration among nations.

Political tensions and conflicts continue to make headlines, with diplomatic relations between nations often strained. Issues such as trade disputes, border conflicts, and sanctions can have profound effects on global stability. Moreover, human rights violations and discrimination remain prominent concerns. Movements advocating for equality, such as Black Lives Matter, have gained international recognition and sparked important conversations.

Finally, technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence and automation, are reshaping various industries. The automation of jobs has raised concerns about unemployment rates and the need for retraining programs. Additionally, the rise of social media has dramatically transformed the way people consume and share information, leading to debates surrounding privacy and digital literacy.

Vocabulary Word	Definition
pandemic	a widespread outbreak of a disease
epidemic	a sudden increase in the number of cases of a disease
mandates	official orders or requirements
challenges	difficulties or obstacles
conspiracy theories	belief in secret plans or schemes by powerful groups
persistent	continuing or enduring
hurricanes	violent storms with high winds
wildfires	uncontrolled fires in natural areas
environmental policies	laws and regulations concerning the environment
sustainable	able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
investment	committing money or resources to a project
diplomatic	related to international relations or negotiations
sanctions	penalties or restrictions imposed on a country
discrimination	unfair treatment based on prejudice or bias
Black Lives Matter	a movement against racial injustice and police violence
artificial intelligence	the development of computer systems capable of human-like tasks
automation	the use of technology to control and operate processes
privacy	the state of being free from unwanted intrusion
digital literacy	the ability to effectively use digital technologies

ESL Writing Activities About Current Events

Beginner ESL Writing Questions about current events

1. What is a current event that you have recently heard or read about? Describe it briefly.
2. Do you think it is important to follow the news? Why or why not?
3. How do you usually get your news? Do you prefer television, newspapers, or the internet? Why?
4. Who is a famous person in the news right now? Why are they in the news? What do you think about them?
5. Describe an event from history that you find interesting. Why do you find it interesting?

Intermediate ESL Writing Questions about current events

1. Choose a current event that has been widely discussed in the media. Summarize the main points of the event and explain why it has received so much attention.
2. How do you think people’s opinions about current events can influence their actions? Give an example.
3. What role do you think social media plays in shaping people’s understanding of current events? Do you think it is a reliable source of news? Why or why not?
4. What are some ethical considerations that journalists and news organizations should keep in mind when reporting on current events?
5. How do you think current events from around the world affect your local community? Give specific examples.

Advanced ESL Writing Questions about current events

1. Discuss the concept of “fake news,” including its impact on society and how to critically evaluate news sources.
2. Analyze a current event from multiple angles. Present different perspectives and analyze how different groups of people might interpret and respond to the event.
3. Compare and contrast the way current events are reported in your country versus another country. Analyze the similarities, differences, and potential biases.
4. How has the internet and technology changed the way current events are covered and consumed? Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these changes.
5. Investigate a current event that has had long-term consequences on society, and analyze how it has shaped public opinion, policy-making, or cultural attitudes.

ESL Roleplay Activities about Current Events

1. News Anchors: Divide the students into pairs or small groups. Assign each group a current event topic, such as politics, sports, or entertainment. One student will roleplay as a news anchor, while the other(s) will be reporters. The news anchor will have to present the news story, providing relevant details and perspectives. The reporters will ask questions to gather additional information. Encourage students to use proper news vocabulary and speaking skills.

2. Talk Show Host and Guests: Create a talk show scenario where students play different roles. Assign one student as the talk show host and others as guests. Each guest should represent a different perspective on a current event topic, such as climate change, technology, or immigration. The talk show host will lead the discussion and interview the guests, while the guests will express their views and arguments. Encourage students to use persuasive language and listen actively.

3. Press Conference: Divide the students into two groups – one representing a panel of experts or public figures, and the other as journalists. The panel will prepare statements related to a current event issue of their choice. In a press conference setting, each panel member will give their statements, and journalists will ask questions based on the given topic. This activity helps students practice expressing opinions, asking questions, and delivering answers professionally.

4. Radio Talk Show: Create a radio talk show scenario where students roleplay as radio hosts and callers. Assign one student as the radio host and others as callers. The host will discuss current events and take calls from the listeners (other students). Each caller should have a different perspective or opinion on the chosen topic. Students will practice speaking spontaneously, listening, and giving appropriate responses on-air.

5. United Nations Debate: Divide the students into small groups and assign each group a current event issue, such as global warming, international relations, or human rights. Each group will represent a different country and prepare arguments and positions on the topic. In a United Nations-style debate, students will present their arguments, negotiate with other groups, and aim to reach a consensus or resolution. This activity promotes critical thinking, diplomacy, and effective communication skills.