ESL Questions About News

Table of Contents

Hey there, ESL teachers and enthusiasts! Welcome to our blog, where we bring you exciting news and resources to make your English language teaching journey even more enjoyable and effective. In this post, we’re diving into the world of news and how it can be an incredible tool for engaging students in the classroom. With the ever-evolving nature of current events, news content provides a dynamic and relevant context to spark discussions, enhance vocabulary, and develop critical thinking skills. So, let’s explore the power of news and discover creative ways to incorporate it into your ESL lessons. Ready to inspire your students? Let’s get started!

ESL Speaking Questions About News

Beginner ESL Questions about news

Have you seen any news today?
What is your favorite news website or app?
Do you prefer watching the news on TV or reading it online?
What is the weather like today?
Have you heard any interesting news stories recently?
Do you enjoy reading the newspaper?
What news topics do you find most interesting?
Do you know any news from other countries?
What is the most important news story in your country right now?
Have you ever shared news on social media?
Do you trust the news you read or watch?
Do you think it is important to stay informed about the news?
How often do you check the news?
Do you think the news can sometimes be biased?
What is your opinion about celebrity news?
How do you usually get your news?
Do you like discussing news stories with others?
What news stories have made you happy recently?
Do you have a favorite news anchor or journalist?
What is the most unusual news story you have ever heard?

Intermediate ESL Questions about News

What is the most interesting news story you have heard recently?
Do you prefer to read the news online or in a newspaper? Why?
How often do you watch or listen to the news? Why?
What is your favorite news source? Why?
What types of news stories do you find most interesting? Why?
Do you usually follow international news? Why or why not?
What do you think is the most important news story of the year so far?
How do you feel when you hear bad news? Why?
What is the role of news media in society?
Do you trust the news media? Why or why not?
Do you think news should be impartial? Why or why not?
How do you stay updated with the news?
Do you think news can influence people’s opinions? Why or why not?
Have you ever shared a news article on social media? Why or why not?
Do you think it is important to fact-check news stories? Why or why not?
Have you ever witnessed fake news being spread? How did you react?
Do you think news coverage is biased in your country? Why or why not?
How do you decide which news stories to believe?
What are some benefits of staying informed about current events?
Do you think news can impact society in a positive way? Why or why not?

Advanced ESL Questions about News

What is the biggest news story you have heard recently?
Do you think the media accurately represents current events? Why or why not?
How has the way people consume news changed in the past decade?
What are some reliable sources of news? Why do you consider them reliable?
How do you stay informed about local news?
What role do social media platforms play in spreading news? Do you trust the information shared on social media?
What are the benefits and drawbacks of citizen journalism?
What are some effective ways for individuals to fact-check news stories?
Do you think it is important for journalists to remain objective when reporting news? Why or why not?
Why is it important for individuals to be aware of biased reporting?
How do you think technology has influenced the way news is delivered?
Do you think news outlets should be held accountable for spreading false information?
How do you feel when you read or hear news about natural disasters or tragic events?
What responsibilities do news journalists have when reporting on sensitive topics?
What impact does news coverage have on public opinion towards certain issues?
Have you ever experienced a situation where news media influenced your personal opinion or decisions?
What are some ethical considerations for journalists when reporting news stories?
Do you think news can ever be truly unbiased? Why or why not?
How does news coverage of international events affect your perception of other countries?
What are some important news stories from history that have had a significant impact on society?

ESL Reading Activities About News

Beginner ESL Activities About News

News is information about recent events happening locally or globally. It is important to stay updated with the latest news to know what is happening around you. People read or watch the news to learn about new developments and to stay informed.

Headlines are the titles or main points of news stories. They give us a quick summary of what the news is about. Sometimes, headlines grab our attention and make us want to read more.

Journalists are professionals who work in the field of news. They gather information, investigate stories, and write news articles. Journalists are trained to ask the right questions and present the facts to the readers or viewers.

Interviews are conversations between journalists and people involved in a news story. Journalists ask questions to get more information from the person being interviewed. Interviews help us to understand different perspectives and get more details about the news.

Breaking news is news that is happening at the very moment. When something important is happening right now, it is called breaking news. Journalists often interrupt their regular programming to bring breaking news to their audience.

Sources are the places where journalists get their information. Reliable sources are trusted and provide accurate information. Examples of sources can be eyewitnesses, experts, official announcements, or documents.

Local news is news about events happening in a particular area or region. It focuses on stories that are relevant to the local community. Local news can include information about local events, businesses, schools, or government.

International news is news about events happening in different countries around the world. It covers stories that have an impact globally and are important for people beyond one particular country.

Weather forecast is information about the expected weather conditions for a specific period of time. It tells us if it will be sunny, rainy, windy, or snowy. Weather forecasts help us plan our day and decide what to wear.

Breaking news, headlines, journalists, interviews, local news, international news, sources, weather forecast are some words and phrases related to news that are useful to know. Understanding these words will make it easier for you to engage with news articles and participate in discussions about current events.

Vocabulary

Vocabulary Word	Definition
News	Information about recent events happening locally or globally.
Headlines	The titles or main points of news stories.
Journalists	Professionals who gather information, investigate stories, and write news articles.
Interviews	Conversations between journalists and people involved in a news story.
Breaking news	News that is happening at the very moment.
Sources	Places where journalists get their information.
Local news	News about events happening in a particular area or region.
International news	News about events happening in different countries around the world.
Weather forecast	Information about the expected weather conditions for a specific period of time.

Intermediate ESL Activities About News

Reading the news is an important way to stay informed about what is happening around the world. It helps us understand current events, discover new ideas, and develop our language skills. In this reading activity, we will explore different types of news and learn important vocabulary words related to news reporting.

1. Headline: The headline is a brief summary of the main news story. It gives us an idea of what the article is about.
Example: “New Scientific Discovery Offers Hope for Cancer Treatment”

2. Article: The article provides detailed information about a news event. It includes facts, interviews, and analysis.
Example: The article discussed the impact of climate change on coastal communities.

3. Editor: The editor is responsible for selecting, editing, and proofreading articles before they are published.
Example: The editor made some changes to the article for clarity.

4. Source: A source is the place where information comes from. It can be a person, organization, or document.
Example: The journalist interviewed several sources to gather information about the incident.

5. Breaking News: Breaking news refers to important news events that are happening at the exact moment.
Example: The TV channel interrupted regular programming with breaking news about a terrorist attack.

6. Journalist: A journalist is a person who investigates and reports news stories for newspapers, magazines, or television.
Example: The journalist spent months researching for the investigative report.

7. Bias: Bias is a preference or prejudice towards a particular perspective, causing one to ignore opposing viewpoints.
Example: The news article was criticized for its political bias.

8. Interview: An interview is a conversation between a journalist and a person who provides information or opinions.
Example: The journalist interviewed the famous actor about his new movie.

9. Report: A report is a detailed account or summary of an event or situation.
Example: The government released a report on the economic growth of the country.

10. Caption: A caption is a brief description or explanation of a picture or illustration.
Example: The photo of the sports team had a humorous caption underneath.

Word	Definition
Headline	A brief summary of the main news story
Article	Detailed information about a news event
Editor	Person responsible for selecting, editing, and proofreading articles
Source	Place where information comes from
Breaking News	Important news events happening at the exact moment
Journalist	Person who investigates and reports news stories
Bias	Preference or prejudice towards a particular perspective
Interview	Conversation between a journalist and a person providing information
Report	Detailed account or summary of an event or situation
Caption	Brief description or explanation of a picture or illustration

Advanced ESL Activities About News

News plays a significant role in our daily lives, keeping us informed about the events and updates happening around the world. Staying connected to the news is especially important for ESL learners as it helps to improve their language skills and develop a broader understanding of global affairs. Reading news articles in English can be a challenging but rewarding activity for advanced-level students. Let’s explore a paragraph about news to further enhance your vocabulary and comprehension.

Joe, a seasoned journalist, dedicatedly reports on current affairs every morning. He starts his day by reading the newspaper and browsing various websites to gather information. Joe is committed to delivering accurate and unbiased coverage of significant events that impact society. He believes in the ethical principles of journalism, ensuring that every piece of news he generates is factual and trustworthy.

Breaking news is Joe’s specialty. He covers stories that require immediate attention due to their importance or impact on people’s lives. Whether it’s a national crisis or a breakthrough in scientific research, Joe is always ready to provide accurate information to the public.

While Joe primarily focuses on serious news, he also enjoys exploring human interest stories. These stories depict the unique experiences of individuals, often revealing their struggles, triumphs, and resilience. Human interest stories help Joe connect with his readers on a personal level and often bring attention to important social issues that need urgent action.

To gather authentic information, Joe conducts thorough research and interviews relevant sources. It’s crucial for journalists to verify the facts and ensure the accuracy of their reports. Joe strives to stay objective and provide readers with a balanced perspective on various topics. Readers rely on Joe’s expertise to understand complex subjects and form their opinions.

Editorials are a distinctive feature of newspapers and provide a platform for experts, politicians, and activists to share their views. Joe carefully evaluates these opinion pieces before publishing them, ensuring they are insightful and thought-provoking for his audience.

In conclusion, news is an essential resource for ESL learners aiming to enhance their language skills and expand their knowledge of the world. By exploring news articles, students can encounter new vocabulary, develop critical thinking skills, and engage with different perspectives. So, grab a newspaper or visit a trustworthy news website, and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of news!

Vocabulary Word	Definition
newspaper	a printed publication containing news articles, advertisements, and other information
websites	online platforms that contain information and resources
coverage	the extent or degree to which something is covered or reported on
events	occurrences or incidents that are significant or of public interest
breaking news	urgent news that is happening or just occurred
national crisis	a situation or event that poses a serious threat to a nation
scientific research	investigation and study to build upon existing knowledge in the field of science
human interest stories	stories that focus on the experiences, emotions, and struggles of individuals
research	systematic investigation, study, or collection of information on a specific topic
sources	people or references from which information is obtained
balanced	fair and presenting different perspectives or viewpoints
editorials	articles expressing the opinions of the editors or writers of a newspaper or magazine

ESL Writing Activities About News

Beginner ESL Writing Questions about news

1. What is your favorite news website or app? Why?
2. Can you name three different types of news (e.g., weather, sports, politics)?
3. Have you ever been interviewed for a news article or TV show? If so, what was it about?
4. Do you prefer reading news articles or watching news videos? Why?
5. If you could be a news reporter for a day, what kind of news would you like to report on? Why?

Intermediate ESL Writing Questions about news

1. How do you stay informed about current events and news in your country?
2. Do you believe that the news media is always accurate and trustworthy? Why or why not?
3. Have you ever been personally affected by a news story? If so, can you briefly explain what happened?
4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of social media as a source of news?
5. In your opinion, what is the most important news story of the past year? Why?

Advanced ESL Writing Questions about news

1. How do you think the rise of technology has impacted the way we consume and interact with news?
2. Are there any topics or issues that you feel are underrepresented or misrepresented in the news media? Why?
3. Do you think it is important for journalists to be objective, or do you believe that some level of bias is inevitable? Explain your reasoning.
4. What role do you think citizen journalism plays in shaping the news landscape today?
5. Can you think of a time when sensationalism in the news media had a negative impact on society? Explain the situation and its consequences

ESL Roleplay Activities about News

1. Anchors Away: In this activity, students can divide into pairs or small groups and take turns being news anchors. Provide a list of different news headlines or short news stories related to current events. Each group must choose a headline or story, and the assigned anchor will present it to the class as if they were reporting live on a news channel. Encourage students to use appropriate vocabulary and tone while delivering the news.

2. Breaking News Interview: Divide the class into pairs, with one student acting as a news reporter and the other as a celebrity or expert being interviewed. Provide the class with a list of recent news events. Each pair must choose one event and imagine it as breaking news. The reporter will interview the celebrity or expert, asking questions about the event and gathering information to report on it. Encourage students to use open-ended questions and engage in a realistic dialogue.

3. Newsroom Debate: Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a current news topic or issue. Each group should research both sides of the topic and prepare arguments to present in a formal debate format. Encourage students to use persuasive language, supporting evidence, and engage in respectful discussions. After the debates, open the floor for questions and further discussions.

4. News Bulletin Board: Set up a bulletin board in your classroom and dedicate it to news stories. Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a news category such as sports, entertainment, or technology. In their groups, students need to find news articles or headlines related to their assigned category and create visually appealing presentations to share with the class. They can include images, headlines, and brief summaries. Hang these presentations on the bulletin board, creating a classroom news hub.

5. Press Conference: Students can take part in a simulated press conference, with some acting as journalists and others as key figures from a current news event. Assign each key figure a role and scenario relating to a news story. The journalist students will then prepare questions to ask during the press conference. Encourage students to practice active listening and think critically as they interact in the press conference setting.

These role play activities provide ESL students with an opportunity to practice their English language skills while engaging with news-related topics. They encourage vocabulary development, critical thinking, and effective communication in a fun and interactive manner.