Headlines, sources, and how we keep up with the world. 20 questions from A1 to C1, with follow-ups and role plays. Answer out loud in full sentences.
Show questions for
A1Beginner
Do you read the news every day?Then: Where do you read it?
Do you like watching TV?Then: What do you like to watch?
What is your favorite website or app?Then: What do you use it for?
Do you listen to the radio or podcasts?
A2Elementary
What was the last news story you talked about with someone?Then: Did you agree with each other?
Have you ever seen a news story that wasn’t true?Then: How did you know?
Do you trust newspapers more than social media?
What kind of news is the most interesting to you: sports, science, or something else?
B1Intermediate
What do you usually do to check whether a story is true?
Do you think there is too much bad news in the media?Then: How does it affect you?
If you worked as a journalist, what topics would you like to report on?Then: Why do those topics interest you?
How has the way you follow the news changed in the last few years?
Would you pay for news online? Why or why not?
B2Upper intermediate
What are the advantages and disadvantages of getting news from short videos instead of longer articles?
Should social media companies be responsible for false information on their platforms?Then: What could they realistically do about it?
How does the news in your country compare with news you’ve seen from other countries?
Do famous people deserve privacy, or is their personal life fair game for the media?Then: Where would you draw the line?
C1Advanced
Can any news source be completely neutral, or is some bias unavoidable?Then: How do you deal with that as a reader or viewer?
As AI makes it easier to create realistic fake images and videos, how might our relationship with evidence change?
Algorithms tend to show us what we already agree with. What are the long-term effects on society, and can anything be done?
Role plays
Work with a partner or a tutor. Read the situation together, then each person opens only their own card. Use the phrases to help you.
B1 Intermediate
Disagreeing about a headline
You and a friend see this headline online: “New Study Says Coffee Adds Ten Years to Your Life.” One of you wants to share it right away.
Card A: Friend A
You believe the headline and want to share it. You drink a lot of coffee, and the news makes you happy. Defend your view, but listen to your friend.
Card B: Friend B
You’re not sure it’s true. Ask where it comes from, who did the study, and what it really says. Suggest a way to check before anyone shares it.
Useful phrases
Did you see this?
Where did you read that?
It sounds too good to be true.
According to…
Let’s check before we share it.
B2 Upper intermediate
Asking a news site for a correction
A local news website published a story about your community event with the wrong date and a quote you never said. You call the editor.
Card A: Event organizer
Explain the two mistakes politely but firmly. You want a correction today because people are already confused. Agree on what the correction should say.
Card B: Editor
You want to help, but you need to check with the reporter first, and you can’t remove the whole article. Ask for details and offer a realistic solution.