Emoji Time

Posted by Speakeasy News > Tuesday 17 October 2017 > Ready to Use

This A2 article is based on The Emoji Movie released on 18 October. Gene is an emoji who lives in Textopolis, a digital city inside a smartphone. While all other emojis express only one emotion, he can make ‘the wrong face’ because he was born without a filter, and he is desperate to become ‘normal’. … Continue reading “Emoji Time”

U.S. Landmarks and Icons Map

Posted by Speakeasy News > Wednesday 27 September 2017 > Ready to Use

This illustrated map produced by the U.S. State Department provides a visual presentation of U.S. states associated to landmarks and industry. It could be used at various levels, depending on what is to be achieved by the students. We have provided teaching suggestions and a worksheet for an A2 level. This is a good opportunity … Continue reading “U.S. Landmarks and Icons Map”

President Kennedy Slideshow

Posted by Speakeasy News > Wednesday 13 September 2017 > Ready to Use

In 2017, the U.S.A. has been commemorating the hundredth anniversary of John Fitzgerald Kennedy’s birth. In this B1-B2 sequence, pupils view a short, downloadable animated slideshow giving basic facts about JFK’s life. They will then work in groups to expand their knowledge before preparing a presentation in the Bac oral format. Language and structures John … Continue reading “President Kennedy Slideshow”

Princess Diana

Posted by Speakeasy News > Wednesday 13 September 2017 > Ready to Use

In this A1+ article, your students will read a very short biography of Princess Diana. They may already know a few things about the British Royal Family, some of them may have heard about Prince William’s wife and children in particular. This worksheet can be used as part of a unit about family and friends, … Continue reading “Princess Diana”

School of the Air in Australia

Posted by Speakeasy News > Wednesday 30 August 2017 > Ready to Use

In this A2 article your students will discover the special distance-learning schools which provide classes for children in the Australian Outback who live hundreds or even thousands of kilometres from the nearest school. We suggest going further with two downloadable short videos. For full listening-comprehension they require a B1 level, but there is plenty that … Continue reading “School of the Air in Australia”

Big Ben

Posted by Speakeasy News > Tuesday 18 July 2017 > Ready to Use

Big Ben is a must-see on any trip to London. The iconic London landmark is undergoing major renovation work for the next three years. We take the opportunity to show pupils what makes Big Ben tick with an A2-level article.  Language and Structures: Descriptive narration: simple present and preterite tenses Numbers: saying dates Modals and … Continue reading “Big Ben”

Dunkirk

Posted by Speakeasy News > Tuesday 04 July 2017 > Ready to Use

This B1-level article focuses on an important yet little recounted moment during WWII, the evacuation of British and Allied forces from the beaches of Dunkirk by the Royal Navy, aided by hundreds of civilian boats. This symbol of solidarity has been adapted into a movie by director and screenwriter Christopher Nolan. Language and structures Historical … Continue reading “Dunkirk”

Harry Potter at 20

Posted by Speakeasy News > Tuesday 20 June 2017 > Ready to Use

For the 20th anniversary of the publication of the first Harry Potter book, this A1+-level article aims at allowing pupils to rediscover well-known fictional characters, perhaps for the first time with the English names. It’s a good opportunity to help them develop reading strategies, using what they know to help them understand new words and … Continue reading “Harry Potter at 20”

Exploring Canada to Celebrate 150 Years

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 02 June 2017 > Ready to Use

This B1-level article is a great opportunity to focus on the diversity of a unique English-speaking country: Canada. It sheds light on a part of its history, population and geography, introducing pupils to young people participating in an expedition to celebrate the 150th anniversary of independence.  Vocabulary and structures Cultural and historical aspect with specific … Continue reading “Exploring Canada to Celebrate 150 Years”

Pirates of the Caribbean

Posted by Speakeasy News > Friday 19 May 2017 > Ready to Use

In this A1+ article your students will use their speaking and reading skills to travel in the world of Disney’s latest Pirates of the Caribbean film whose UK title Salazar’s Revenge is more explicit than the U.S. Dead Men Don’t Tell Lies. While exploring the theme of heroes and anti-heroes would obviously be above A1+ … Continue reading “Pirates of the Caribbean”