The Role of Newspapers
In many cultures, newspapers have been a primary source of information for decades. Despite the rise of digital media, some families or communities still value traditional newspapers for their local news coverage.
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Talking about the news - ABC Education
About this lesson
In today's world, the way we receive news is constantly changing. Many people are moving from traditional newspapers to online platforms. This shift is important for A2 learners to understand since it affects how we perceive information and media. This lesson will help you explore the conversation between two friends discussing their media consumption habits and opinions on newspapers. As you listen, you'll practice identifying key vocabulary and understanding their perspectives on the importance of verifying news sources. Let's dive into this engaging topic that reflects our daily lives!
What you will learn
- Identify key vocabulary related to media and news.
- Understand the main ideas discussed in a casual conversation.
- Recognize opinions about the future of newspapers.
- Practice forming responses to open-ended questions about media consumption.
Instructions
1. Vocabulary
Read the vocabulary list to familiarize yourself with key terms.
2. Watch
Watch the video once without worrying about filling in the gaps.
3. Fill in
Fill in the gaps while watching the video again.
4. Review
Read the full text and watch again to consolidate.
Gap Fill Exercise (Script)
Vocabulary
realise
to become aware of something
“I didn't realise it was your birthday yesterday.”
report
a detailed account of something
“The report shows new data on climate change.”
newspapers
printed publications containing news
“I read the newspapers every Sunday.”
single
one only
“She is the single winner of the contest.”
know
to have information or understanding about something
“Do you know where the library is?”
through
moving in one side and out the other
“We walked through the park.”
changing
to make or become different
“The weather is changing quickly.”
useful
helpful for doing or achieving something
“This tool is very useful for fixing cars.”
hang
to spend time relaxing or socializing
“Do you want to hang out this weekend?”
talking
to speak or converse
“We were talking about our plans for the weekend.”
Cultural notes
Pronunciation focus
In this dialogue, we notice the use of linking sounds, such as in 'you know,' where the 'you' and 'know' blend together, making it sound like 'ya know.' Additionally, the word 'actually' is often pronounced quickly, leading to a reduction in the vowel sound, making it sound like 'atch-lee.' Understanding these patterns can help improve your listening skills and make your speech sound more natural.
True / False Questions
1. The speakers agree that newspapers will disappear soon.
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Explanation:One speaker believes newspapers will disappear, while the other thinks they will continue to exist.
2. The speakers are discussing a media studies class.
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Explanation:The conversation centers around a discussion from their media studies class.
3. Charlotte reads the news on her phone only.
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Explanation:Charlotte mentions that she reads the actual newspaper as well.
4. One of the speakers is going to a documentary this weekend.
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Explanation:One speaker suggests checking out a documentary about the media landscape.
5. The speakers plan to hang out this weekend.
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Explanation:One speaker cannot hang out this weekend because of an assignment.
Open Questions
1. Why do you think it's important to know where your news comes from?
Show sample answerHide sample answer
Sample Answer:It's important because it helps us to avoid fake news and make informed decisions.
2. What type of media do you prefer and why?
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Sample Answer:I prefer reading news online because it's more convenient and I can access it anytime.
3. How has the way you consume news changed over the years?
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Sample Answer:I used to read newspapers more often, but now I mostly get my news from my phone.
Key takeaways
- Understanding media sources is crucial to avoid misinformation.
- Many people still value traditional newspapers despite digital trends.
- Casual conversations can help improve your listening comprehension.
How to study this lesson
To make the most of this lesson, start by listening to the dialogue once without any distractions. Focus on the general meaning first. On your second pass, pay attention to the vocabulary gaps and try to fill them in. Afterward, review the vocabulary list and practice using the words in your own sentences. Shadowing the conversation can also help improve your pronunciation and fluency. Finally, don’t hesitate to look up any unfamiliar terms or expressions to deepen your understanding.
Full Transcript
Transcript adapted by ListenLoop for language learners. Read alongside the video to consolidate comprehension.
Hey Charlotte, how's it going? Hey, yeah, good, thanks. How are you? Good, thank you. So how'd you find that discussion in our media studies class today? It was really interesting. I didn't realise there was so much to think about when we watched the news or consumed any kind of media. Yeah, there's a lot to learn, but I did find out way more about fake news and why it's actually so important to figure out exactly where your news is coming from. Oh yeah, absolutely. Ooh, that reminds me of a news report I saw last night actually. Yeah. What was it about? So they were talking about how more and more people are ditching newspapers and they're reading everything online so soon enough there aren't going to be any more newspapers around. Oh. I don't know about that. Really? What makes you say that? Oh, well believe it or not, my entire family still reads the newspaper every single morning and we still buy the local paper. So I'm not sure I really agree with you on that one. That's pretty incredible. I mean, I don't know a single other person that does that. But how about you? I mean, surely you get your news on your phone or you know, your social media feed. Yeah I do. But I also read the actual newspaper. I get my updates online though. Yeah, fair enough. I mean, look, I run my life through this thing, but you should totally check out that documentary that's on this weekend. It's all about the media landscape and how it's shifting and changing, and I think it might be really useful for our assignment. Yeah, it sounds really interesting. I will. Oh the assignment. Yeah, I know. There goes our weekend. Oh, speaking of the assignment, that reminds me, I can't hang out with you at all this weekend. I've got to get started on it. Really? Yeah. Well, maybe next time? Yeah for sure. Look, I'll let you know the next time we go catch a movie. Yes, please do. Anyway, it's good talking to you but I've got to go now. All good. Have a good day. Bye.
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