The Reading / Listening - Level 3

Colombians are celebrating as peace has finally come to Colombia. Colombia's government signed a peace deal with the rebel group FARC. The deal ends 52 years of fighting, during which 220,000 people died and millions had to leave their homes. The deal comes after two years of talks between the two sides. Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos called the deal, "the beginning of the end to the suffering, pain and tragedy of war". A spokesman for the Colombian government said: "The war is over but also there is a new beginning. This agreement opens the door to a more inclusive society." Both sides will now work together for justice for the victims of the conflict and to build a stable and lasting peace.

FARC is the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. It was formed during the Cold War to fight for farmers and workers. It started its fight against the Colombian government in 1964. It will now take part in the legal and political process to shape Colombia's future. In Bogota, the capital city, thousands of people came out to celebrate the news of the peace deal. One Colombian, Orlando Guevara, 57, told the Associated Press news agency: "I can die in peace because finally I'll see my country without violence, with a future for my children." The next step is for the Colombian people to vote on the peace deal on the 2nd of October. President Santos said: "It will be the most important election of our lives."

Try the same news story at these easier levels:

    Level 0,  Level 1   or  Level 2

Sources
  • http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-37180752
  • http://thebogotapost.com/2016/08/24/farc-peace-talks-conclude-comprehensive-agreement/
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FARC


Make sure you try all of the online activities for this reading and listening - There are dictations, multiple choice, drag and drop activities, crosswords, hangman, flash cards, matching activities and a whole lot more. Please enjoy :-)

Warm-ups

1. PEACE: Students walk around the class and talk to other students about peace. Change partners often and share your findings.

2. CHAT: In pairs / groups, talk about these topics or words from the article. What will the article say about them? What can you say about these words and your life?

       celebrating / peace / rebel group / fighting / talks / tragedy / agreement / conflict /
       Cold War / farmers / 1964 / legal process / capital city / violence / future / election

Have a chat about the topics you liked. Change topics and partners frequently.

3. CONFLICTS: Students A strongly believe there will be no more conflicts in the world one day; Students B strongly believe the opposite.  Change partners again and talk about your conversations.

4. WAR: Why is there war or fighting in these places? How can they be stopped? Complete this table with your partner(s). Change partners often and share what you wrote.

  • Syria
  • Yemen
  • Nigeria
  • Israel/Palestine
  • Ukraine
  • Somalia
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5. REBEL: Spend one minute writing down all of the different words you associate with the word "rebel". Share your words with your partner(s) and talk about them. Together, put the words into different categories.

6. ELECTION: Rank these with your partner. Put the most important issues in an election at the top. Change partners often and share your rankings.

  • immigration
  • free speech
  • job creation
  • welfare system
  • security
  • tax
  • education
  • health

Before reading / listening

1. TRUE / FALSE: Read the headline. Guess if a-h below are true (T) or false (F).

  1. Most Colombians are not celebrating the peace deal.     T / F
  2. FARC and the government fought for over half a century.     T / F
  3. The peace deal was achieved after four years of talks.     T / F
  4. FARC will not work with the government to help build a lasting peace.     T / F
  5. FARC first started during the Cold War.     T / F
  6. FARC started its fight against the government in 1964.     T / F
  7. A man from Orlando spoke to the Associated Press news agency.     T / F
  8. The Colombian people will vote on the peace deal in October.     T / F

2. SYNONYM MATCH: Match the following synonyms. The words in bold are from the news article.

  1. finally
  2. deal
  3. talks
  4. suffering
  5. stable
  6. formed
  7. news
  8. shape
  9. step
  10. important
  1. announcement
  2. set up
  3. significant
  4. agreement
  5. stage
  6. strong
  7. at last
  8. hardship
  9. create
  10. discussions

3. PHRASE MATCH: (Sometimes more than one choice is possible.)

  1. rebel
  2. the beginning of the
  3. opens the door to a
  4. work together for justice for the victims
  5. build a stable
  6. It was formed
  7. take part in the legal and
  8. thousands of people came
  9. I'll see my country
  10. the most important election of
  1. political process
  2. and lasting peace
  3. out to celebrate
  4. group
  5. more inclusive society
  6. our lives
  7. end
  8. without violence
  9. of the conflict
  10. during the Cold War

Gap fill

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.
tragedy
during
lasting
door
talks
justice
finally
beginning

Colombians are celebrating as peace has (1) ___________ come to Colombia. Colombia's government signed a peace deal with the rebel group FARC. The deal ends 52 years of fighting, (2) ___________ which 220,000 people died and millions had to leave their homes. The deal comes after two years of (3) ___________ between the two sides. Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos called the deal, "the beginning of the end to the suffering, pain and (4) ___________ of war". A spokesman for the Colombian government said: "The war is over but also there is a new (5) ___________. This agreement opens the (6) ___________ to a more inclusive society." Both sides will now work together for (7) ___________ for the victims of the conflict and to build a stable and (8) ___________ peace.

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.
finally
legal
capital
election
during
vote
celebrate
shape

FARC is the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. It was formed (9) ___________ the Cold War to fight for farmers and workers. It started its fight against the Colombian government in 1964. It will now take part in the (10) ___________ and political process to (11) ___________ Colombia's future. In Bogota, the (12) ___________ city, thousands of people came out to (13) ___________ the news of the peace deal. One Colombian, Orlando Guevara, 57, told the Associated Press news agency: "I can die in peace because (14) ___________ I'll see my country without violence, with a future for my children." The next step is for the Colombian people to (15) ___________ on the peace deal on the 2nd of October. President Santos said: "It will be the most important (16) ___________ of our lives."

Listening — Guess the answers. Listen to check.

1)  Colombia's government signed a peace deal with the ______
     a.  revel group FARC
     b.  libel group FARC
     c.  rebel group FARC
     d.  level group FARC

2)  The deal comes after two years of talks between ______
     a.  the two side
     b.  the too sides
     c.  the two sides
     d.  the to sides

3)  the beginning of the end to the suffering, pain and ______
     a.  tragedy of war
     b.  tragic of war
     c.  tragedy for war
     d.  tragedy of wars

4)  This agreement opens the door to a more ______
     a.  included society
     b.  includes society
     c.  inclusion society
     d.  inclusive society

5)  work together for justice for the victims of the conflict and to build a stable ______
     a.  and last in peace
     b.  and lasting piece
     c.  and lasting peace
     d.  and last in piece

6)  It was formed during the Cold War to fight for ______
     a.  farmers and worker
     b.  farmers and workers
     c.  farmer and workers
     d.  farmer and worker

7)  It will now take part in the legal and political process ______ future
     a.  to shape Colombia's
     b.  to sharp Colombia's
     c.  to ship Colombia's
     d.  to shapes Colombia's

8)  I can die in peace because finally I'll see my country ______
     a.  with out violence
     b.  within violence
     c.  without violence
     d.  without violent

9)  The next step is for the Colombian people to vote ______
     a.  on a peace deal
     b.  in the peace deal
     c.  on the peace deal
     d.  on the piece deal

10)  Santos said: "It will be the most important election ______."
     a.  of your live
     b.  off our lives
     c.  of our lives
     d.  of our live

Listening — Listen and fill in the gaps

Colombians are celebrating as (1) ___________________ come to Colombia. Colombia's government signed a peace deal with the rebel group FARC. The deal ends 52 (2) ___________________, during which 220,000 people died and millions had to leave their homes. The deal comes after two years of talks between (3) ___________________. Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos called the deal, "the beginning of the end (4) ___________________, pain and tragedy of war". A spokesman for the Colombian government said: "The war is over but also there is a new beginning. This agreement opens the door to (5) ___________________ society." Both sides will now work together for justice for the victims of the conflict and (6) ___________________ and lasting peace.

FARC is the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. (7) ___________________ the Cold War to fight for farmers and workers. It started its fight against the Colombian government in 1964. It will now take (8) ___________________ and political process to shape Colombia's future. In Bogota, the capital city, thousands of people came (9) ___________________ the news of the peace deal. One Colombian, Orlando Guevara, 57, told the Associated Press news agency: "I can die in peace because finally I'll see my country (10) ___________________, with a future for my children." The (11) ___________________ the Colombian people to vote on the peace deal on the 2nd of October. President Santos said: "It will be the most important (12) ___________________."

Comprehension questions

  1. For how many years did FARC fight the Colombian government?
  2. How long did the peace talks last?
  3. What did Colombia's say peace would end the tragedy of?
  4. What did a government spokesman say the agreement opened?
  5. Who will both sides now work for?
  6. Who did FARC fight for when it first formed?
  7. In what year did FARC start fighting the government?
  8. How old is Orlando Guevara?
  9. When will Colombians vote on the peace deal?
  10. Who said the election will be the most important of people's lives?

Multiple choice quiz

1) For how many years did FARC fight the Colombian government?
a) 52
b) 2
c) 57
d) 64

2) How long did the peace talks last?
a) 2 months
b) 12 years
c) 2 years
d) 20 years

3) What did Colombia's say peace would end the tragedy of?
a) homelessness
b) war
c) poverty
d) injury

4) What did a government spokesman say the agreement opened?
a) a big box
b) a bright future
c) banks
d) a door

5) Who will both sides now work for?
a) the victims
b) themselves
c) the army
d) the government

6) Who did FARC fight for when it first formed?
a) Juan Manuel Santos
b) the government
c) the middle class
d) farmers and workers

7) In what year did FARC start fighting the government?
a) 1962
b) 1964
c) 1966
d) 1968

8) How old is Orlando Guevara?
a) 52
b) 64
c) 75
d) 57

9) When will Colombians vote on the peace deal?
a) October the 22nd
b) the 2nd of September
c) October 2
d) the 22nd of September

10) Who said the election will be the most important of people's lives?
a) Orlando Guevara
b) President Santos
c) the Associated Press news agency
d) the leader of the FARC

Role play

Role A — Security

You think security is the most important election issue. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them why their issues aren't so important. Also, tell the others which is the least important of these (and why): education, immigration or job creation.

Role B — Education

You think education is the most important election issue. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them why their issues aren't so important. Also, tell the others which is the least important of these (and why): security, immigration or job creation.

Role C — Immigration

You think immigration is the most important election issue. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them why their issues aren't so important. Also, tell the others which is the least important of these (and why): education, security or job creation.

Role D — Job Creation

You think job creation is the most important election issue. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them why their issues aren't so important. Also, tell the others which is the least important of these (and why): education, immigration or security.

After reading / listening

1. WORD SEARCH: Look in your dictionary / computer to find collocates, other meanings, information, synonyms … for the words...

'peace'

  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________

    • and 'deal'.

  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________

    • • Share your findings with your partners.

    • Make questions using the words you found.

    • Ask your partner / group your questions.

    2. ARTICLE QUESTIONS: Look back at the article and write down some questions you would like to ask the class about the text.

    •Share your questions with other classmates / groups. •Ask your partner / group your questions.

    3. GAP FILL: In pairs / groups, compare your answers to this exercise. Check your answers. Talk about the words from the activity. Were they new, interesting, worth learning…?

    4. VOCABULARY: Circle any words you do not understand. In groups, pool unknown words and use dictionaries to find their meanings.

    5. TEST EACH OTHER: Look at the words below. With your partner, try to recall how they were used in the text:

    • Cold
    • 1964
    • shape
    • 57
    • step
    • most
    • rebel
    • 52
    • millions
    • tragedy
    • new
    • build

    Student survey

    Write five GOOD questions about this topic in the table. Do this in pairs. Each student must write the questions on his / her own paper. When you have finished, interview other students. Write down their answers.

    (Please look at page 12 of the PDF to see a photocopiable example of this activity.)

    Discussion - Colombia and FARC rebels sign peace deal

    STUDENT A’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)

    1. What did you think when you read the headline?
    2. What springs to mind when you hear the word 'rebel'?
    3. What do you think about what you read?
    4. Why do rebel groups form?
    5. Are there any rebel groups in your country?
    6. Are rebel groups good or bad?
    7. What do you know about the FARC?
    8. How do different sides agree a peace deal?
    9. What are the next conflicts to reach a peace deal?
    10. How long do you think peace will last for in Colombia?

    STUDENT B’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)

    1. Did you like reading this article? Why/not?
    2. What do you know about the Cold War?
    3. How can we better protect farmers and workers?
    4. Have you ever celebrated something in the streets?
    5. What's the happiest you have been with your country?
    6. How peaceful is your country?
    7. How can we end violence in the world?
    8. What would you like to see in your country before you die?
    9. What would you like to rebel against?
    10. What questions would you like to ask the leader of the FARC?

    Discussion — Write your own questions

    STUDENT A’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)

    (a) ________________

    (b) ________________

    (c) ________________

    (d) ________________

    (e) ________________

    STUDENT B’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)

    (f) ________________

    (g) ________________

    (h) ________________

    (i) ________________

    (j) ________________

    Language — Cloze (Gap-fill)

    Colombians are celebrating as peace has (1) ____ come to Colombia. Colombia's government signed a peace deal with the rebel group FARC. The deal ends 52 years of fighting, (2) ____ which 220,000 people died and millions had to leave their homes. The deal comes after two years of talks between the two (3) ____. Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos called the deal, "the beginning of the (4) ____ to the suffering, pain and tragedy of war". A spokesman for the Colombian government said: "The war is over but also there is a new beginning. This agreement opens the (5) ____ to a more inclusive society." Both sides will now work together for justice for the victims of the conflict and to build a (6) ____ and lasting peace.

    FARC is the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. It was (7) ____ during the Cold War to fight for farmers and workers. It started its fight against the Colombian government in 1964. It will now (8) ____ part in the legal and political process to shape Colombia's future. In Bogota, the capital city, thousands of people (9) ____ out to celebrate the news of the peace deal. One Colombian, Orlando Guevara, 57, told the Associated Press news agency: "I can die in peace because finally I'll see my country without (10) ____, with a future for my children." The next (11) ____ is for the Colombian people to vote on the peace deal on the 2nd of October. President Santos said: "It will be the most important (12) ____ of our lives."

    Which of these words go in the above text?

    1. (a)     firstly     (b)     firmly     (c)     finally     (d)     funnily    
    2. (a)     during     (b)     between     (c)     while     (d)     inside    
    3. (a)     sides     (b)     angles     (c)     faces     (d)     shapes    
    4. (a)     end     (b)     finish     (c)     last     (d)     close    
    5. (a)     case     (b)     roof     (c)     window     (d)     door    
    6. (a)     stall     (b)     staple     (c)     stale     (d)     stable    
    7. (a)     formed     (b)     firmed     (c)     farmed     (d)     framed    
    8. (a)     give     (b)     have     (c)     do     (d)     take    
    9. (a)     came     (b)     opened     (c)     gave     (d)     shut    
    10. (a)     violent     (b)     violence     (c)     violently     (d)     virulence    
    11. (a)     stair     (b)     step     (c)     rung     (d)     ladder    
    12. (a)     election     (b)     elation     (c)     eclectic     (d)     emission

    Spelling

    Paragraph 1

    1. Colombians are ericbegaltn
    2. the end to the sgireffun
    3. pain and adtrgye of war
    4. This tnraemege opens the door
    5. work together for itsucej
    6. ivsmcti of the conflict

    Paragraph 2

    1. fight for rsarmfe and workers
    2. the legal and political sepscro
    3. shape Colombia's tuuefr
    4. In Bogota, the atlpaci city
    5. I'll see my country without eielcvno
    6. the most important ocltinee of our lives

    Put the text back together

    (    )     leave their homes. The deal comes after two years of talks between the two

    (    )     sides. Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos called the deal, "the beginning of the end to the suffering, pain

    (    )     city, thousands of people came out to celebrate the news of the peace deal. One Colombian, Orlando Guevara,

    (    )     together for justice for the victims of the conflict and to build a stable and lasting peace.

    (  1  )     Colombians are celebrating as peace has finally come to Colombia. Colombia's government signed a peace deal

    (    )     part in the legal and political process to shape Colombia's future. In Bogota, the capital

    (    )     new beginning. This agreement opens the door to a more inclusive society." Both sides will now work

    (    )     and workers. It started its fight against the Colombian government in 1964. It will now take

    (    )     with the rebel group FARC. The deal ends 52 years of fighting, during which 220,000 people died and millions had to

    (    )     FARC is the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. It was formed during the Cold War to fight for farmers

    (    )     the 2nd of October. President Santos said: "It will be the most important election of our lives."

    (    )     and tragedy of war". A spokesman for the Colombian government said: "The war is over but also there is a

    (    )     57, told the Associated Press news agency: "I can die in peace because finally I'll see my country without

    (    )     violence, with a future for my children." The next step is for the Colombian people to vote on the peace deal on

    Put the words in the right order

    1. come   finally   has   peace   as   celebrating   are   Colombians   .
    2. rebels   peace   Colombia's  deal   government   with  signed   the   a   .
    3. two   sides  The   deal   comes   after   years  of   talks  between   the  .
    4. beginning   The   war   is   over   but   a   there   is   also   new   .
    5. for   of   Work   justice   victims   conflict   for   the   the   together   .
    6. Colombian   the   against   fight   its   started   It   government   .
    7. to   of   celebrate   people   the   came   news   out   Thousands   .
    8. ,   Finally   violence   without   country   my   see   I'll   .
    9. people   The   is   Colombian   vote   step   the   to   next   for   .
    10. election   lives   be   important   our   will   most   of   It   the   .

    Circle the correct word (20 pairs)

    Colombians are celebrating as peace has finally / firstly come to Colombia. Colombia's government singed / signed a peace deal with the rebel group FARC. The deal ends 52 years for / of fighting, during which 220,000 people died and millions had to leave / leaving their homes. The deal comes after two years of talks among / between the two sides. Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos called the deal, "the beginning of the end to the suffer / suffering, pain and tragedy / tragic of war". A spokesman for the Colombian government said: "The war is over but also there is a new / newly beginning. This agreement opens the door to a more includes / inclusive society." Both sides will now work together for justice for the victims of the conflict and to build a stable and lasting / last peace.

    FARC is the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. It was farmed / formed during the Cold War to fight for farmers and workings / workers. It started its fight against the Colombian government in 1964. It will now take part in the legally / legal and political process to shape / sharp Colombia's future. In Bogota, the capital / capitals city, thousands of people come / came out to celebrate the news of the peace deal. One Colombian, Orlando Guevara, 57, told the Associated Press news agency: "I can dead / die in peace because / so finally I'll see my country without violence, with a future for my children." The next stair / step is for the Colombian people to vote on the peace deal on the 2nd of October. President Santos said: "It will be the most important / importance election of our lives."

    Talk about the connection between each pair of words in italics, and why the correct word is correct.

    Insert the vowels (a, e, i, o, u)

    C_l_mb__ns _r_ c_l_br_t_ng _s p__c_ h_s f_n_lly c_m_ t_ C_l_mb__. C_l_mb__'s g_v_rnm_nt s_gn_d _ p__c_ d__l w_th th_ r_b_l gr__p F_RC. Th_ d__l _nds 52 y__rs _f f_ght_ng, d_r_ng wh_ch 220,000 p__pl_ d__d _nd m_ll__ns h_d t_ l__v_ th__r h_m_s. Th_ d__l c_m_s _ft_r tw_ y__rs _f t_lks b_tw__n th_ tw_ s_d_s. C_l_mb__n Pr_s_d_nt J__n M_n__l S_nt_s c_ll_d th_ d__l, "th_ b_g_nn_ng _f th_ _nd t_ th_ s_ff_r_ng, p__n _nd tr_g_dy _f w_r". _ sp_k_sm_n f_r th_ C_l_mb__n g_v_rnm_nt s__d: "Th_ w_r _s _v_r b_t _ls_ th_r_ _s _ n_w b_g_nn_ng. Th_s _gr__m_nt _p_ns th_ d__r t_ _ m_r_ _ncl_s_v_ s_c__ty." B_th s_d_s w_ll n_w w_rk t_g_th_r f_r j_st_c_ f_r th_ v_ct_ms _f th_ c_nfl_ct _nd t_ b__ld _ st_bl_ _nd l_st_ng p__c_.

    F_RC _s th_ R_v_l_t__n_ry _rm_d F_rc_s _f C_l_mb__. _t w_s f_rm_d d_r_ng th_ C_ld W_r t_ f_ght f_r f_rm_rs _nd w_rk_rs. _t st_rt_d _ts f_ght _g__nst th_ C_l_mb__n g_v_rnm_nt _n 1964. _t w_ll n_w t_k_ p_rt _n th_ l_g_l _nd p_l_t_c_l pr_c_ss t_ sh_p_ C_l_mb__'s f_t_r_. _n B_g_t_, th_ c_p_t_l c_ty, th__s_nds _f p__pl_ c_m_ __t t_ c_l_br_t_ th_ n_ws _f th_ p__c_ d__l. _n_ C_l_mb__n, _rl_nd_ G__v_r_, 57, t_ld th_ _ss_c__t_d Pr_ss n_ws _g_ncy: "_ c_n d__ _n p__c_ b_c__s_ f_n_lly _'ll s__ my c__ntry w_th__t v__l_nc_, w_th _ f_t_r_ f_r my ch_ldr_n." Th_ n_xt st_p _s f_r th_ C_l_mb__n p__pl_ t_ v_t_ _n th_ p__c_ d__l _n th_ 2nd _f _ct_b_r. Pr_s_d_nt S_nt_s s__d: "_t w_ll b_ th_ m_st _mp_rt_nt _l_ct__n _f __r l_v_s."

    Punctuate the text and add capitals

    colombians are celebrating as peace has finally come to colombia colombia's government signed a peace deal with the rebel group farc the deal ends 52 years of fighting during which 220000 people died and millions had to leave their homes the deal comes after two years of talks between the two sides colombian president juan manuel santos called the deal "the beginning of the end to the suffering pain and tragedy of war" a spokesman for the colombian government said "the war is over but also there is a new beginning this agreement opens the door to a more inclusive society" both sides will now work together for justice for the victims of the conflict and to build a stable and lasting peace

    farc is the revolutionary armed forces of colombia it was formed during the cold war to fight for farmers and workers it started its fight against the colombian government in 1964 it will now take part in the legal and political process to shape colombia's future in bogota the capital city thousands of people came out to celebrate the news of the peace deal one colombian orlando guevara 57 told the associated press news agency "i can die in peace because finally i'll see my country without violence with a future for my children" the next step is for the colombian people to vote on the peace deal on the 2nd of october president santos said "it will be the most important election of our lives"

    Put a slash (/) where the spaces are

    ColombiansarecelebratingaspeacehasfinallycometoColombia.Colo
    mbia'sgovernmentsignedapeacedealwiththerebelgroupFARC.Thed
    ealends52yearsoffighting,duringwhich220,000peoplediedandmillio
    nshadtoleavetheirhomes.Thedealcomesaftertwoyearsoftalksbetwe
    enthetwosides.ColombianPresidentJuanManuelSantoscalledthedea
    l,"thebeginningoftheendtothesuffering,painandtragedyofwar".Aspo
    kesmanfortheColombiangovernmentsaid:"Thewarisoverbutalsothe
    reisanewbeginning.Thisagreementopensthedoortoamoreinclusiv
    esociety."Bothsideswillnowworktogetherforjusticeforthevictimsofth
    econflictandtobuildastableandlastingpeace.FARCistheRevolutionar
    yArmedForcesofColombia.ItwasformedduringtheColdWartofightfor
    farmersandworkers.ItstarteditsfightagainsttheColombiangovernm
    entin1964.ItwillnowtakepartinthelegalandpoliticalprocesstoshapeC
    olombia'sfuture.InBogota,thecapitalcity,thousandsofpeoplecameo
    uttocelebratethenewsofthepeacedeal.OneColombian,OrlandoGuev
    ara,57,toldtheAssociatedPressnewsagency:"Icandieinpeacebecaus
    efinallyI'llseemycountrywithoutviolence,withafutureformychildren.
    "ThenextstepisfortheColombianpeopletovoteonthepeacedealonthe
    2ndofOctober.PresidentSantossaid:"Itwillbethemostimportantelect
    ionofourlives."

    Free writing

    Write about peace accord for 10 minutes. Comment on your partner’s paper.

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    Academic writing

    One day, there will be world peace. Discuss.

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    Homework

    1. VOCABULARY EXTENSION: Choose several of the words from the text. Use a dictionary or Google’s search field (or another search engine) to build up more associations / collocations of each word.

    2. INTERNET: Search the Internet and find out more about the FARC. Share what you discover with your partner(s) in the next lesson.

    3. CONFLICTS: Make a poster about the different conflicts around the world. Show your work to your classmates in the next lesson. Did you all have similar things?

    4. PEACE: Write a magazine article about world peace. Include imaginary interviews with people who think the world will be at peace one day and with those who think the world will never be at peace.

    Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Write down any new words and expressions you hear from your partner(s).

    5. WHAT HAPPENED NEXT? Write a newspaper article about the next stage in this news story. Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Give each other feedback on your articles.

    6. LETTER: Write a letter to an expert on world peace. Ask him/her three questions about it. Give him/her three of your ideas on how to stop wars. Read your letter to your partner(s) in your next lesson. Your partner(s) will answer your questions.

    A Few Additional Activities for Students

    Ask your students what they have read, seen or heard about this news in their own language. Students are likely to / may have have encountered this news in their L1 and therefore bring a background knowledge to the classroom.

    Get students to role play different characters from this news story.

    Ask students to keep track of this news and revisit it to discuss in your next class.

    Ask students to male predictions of how this news might develop in the next few days or weeks, and then revisit and discuss in a future class.

    Ask students to write a follow-up story to this news.

    Students role play a journalist and someone who witnessed or was a part of this news. Perhaps they could make a video of the interview.

    Ask students to keep a news journal in English and add this story to their thoughts.

    Also...

    Buy my 1,000 Ideas and Activities for Language Teachers eBook. It has hundreds of ideas, activity templates, reproducible activities for:

    • News
    • Warm ups
    • Pre-reading / Post-reading
    • Using headlines
    • Working with words
    • While-reading / While-listening
    • Moving from text to speech
    • Post-reading / Post-listening
    • Discussions
    • Using opinions
    • Plans
    • Language
    • Using lists
    • Using quotes
    • Task-based activities
    • Role plays
    • Using the central characters in the article
    • Using themes from the news
    • Homework

    Buy my book

    $US 9.99

    Answers

    (Please look at page 26 of the PDF to see a photocopiable example of this activity.)

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