Debating topics relevant to the news can be a high-interest way to engage English language learner. The link below has some video clips to see this in action.
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.
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.
BBC Words in the News – video version has some good programs that will help you learn words and phrases. A good example is this one on Samurai Warriors. The video plays three times so you have a chance to listen to the text many times.
Important words are explained on the site but you may want to look them up in Yahoo dictionary then learn them.
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.
You can find the report from sample schools here. REPORT This can be difficult to read, but there is clear advice in each section about how to prepare for the exam and what you should do during the exam. See the Form 6 Speaking Page for some short speaking and listening activities.
Thanks to the waygook website for a great idea using the Bruno Mars song “Count on me” for a lesson. I added a little bit of grammar and some sentences to finish that are related to friendship. The count on me Power Point still needs a tidy but this may give you a start.
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!
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.