The Times in plain English has some interesting articles to read. It’s US based but there’s enough general reading as well. Great for building your vocabulary as well as knowledge of current events.
Tag Archives: current issues
young post article
Housing in Hong Kong
RTHK has some good episodes online that you can use to catch up on current issues. The latest one on housing is a must see! WATCH HERE.
teen obesity
You can also watch this on the ABC site –HERE and access the transcript so you can follow the text at the same time as watching the show. This is great for listening skills.
Latest Pearl Report episodes
The latest Pearl Report episodes have included one on e-waste and another on food waste in Hong Kong. Watch these NOW. Next year will be too late.
Pearl report – Elite athletes
We have talked about the importance of listening as well as using current events to develop vocabulary and ideas. The Pearl report last week focused on Elite athletes – the same topic as the guided practice for Form 4 in Chapter 5. You should try to watch and review relevant episodes of this show. These shows are only available on line for a limited time so make sure you watch them. Note relevant phrases and expressions that you may find useful.
keeping up with current events
As I mentioned in class today, RTHK has a number of great programs covering relevant issues. Watching these types of shows will help develop ideas for discussion. By talking along with the text you can also work on your pronunciation and grammar at the same time. Click HERE for a list of the latest episodes. As I mentioned in class, the issue of gifted children has appeared in a number of discussions. I will not be showing this in class but you will add to your own understanding by watching it. It is easier to watch on the small screen anyway. You can use MMLC or the English Centre to catch up on viewing!
Current Affairs on the Internet
Watching some of these shows can give you ideas for discussion on many topics as well as writing. It can also help your listening skills. This one on Hidden Youths from the Pearl Report links to one of the discussions in the set text (for Groups 1 &4) HIDDEN YOUTHS
If you go to the main page (CLICK HERE) you will find links to past episodes. It’s a great activity when you want to relax a bit and get a break from grammar!
Another source of current affair episodes is HONG KONG CONNECTION. Available reports include the use of public open space, waste management, e-shopping and public housing.
Holiday update
I’ve just come back from 4 amazing days in Canberra – the Capital of Australia. I spent hours at museums – and even a LEGO exhibition. Did you use LEGO when you were a child? Do you still play with LEGO. The models were amazing.
In the meantime, there are more reference articles for you to read and comment on in the “What do you think blog” – one on punishment – (maybe you’d like to suggest what the punishment should be if anyone doesn’t do all of the homework I set for the holidays!!!! What “reward” should I bring back for the person who has done the most / best recording?
I’ll also add an article on sleeping from the ABC. I’m sure that’s something many of you have been doing a lot of during the holidays.
Form 6 & 7 (2011 – 2012)……. summer fun :)
mmmm. . . . . maybe not “fun” though some of the links do have some fun. So – to improve your speaking (especially fluency) during the holidays, there are some activities posted on the Form 6 / 7 blog. (just click the link!) There are 4 main areas which will also help to develop your listening, reading and writing skills (especially by developing ideas and vocabulary!)
Do a little bit every day and you will be amazed at how much your speaking will improve.