There are a couple of great reading and vocabulary exercises on our sister site Rich Reads. Scroll down to Newest Links (on the right of the page) for the links "Play your vuvuzela" and "2010 World Cup – who will win?"
I'm not so confident now about England's chances after Friday's match against a great Algeria. Who do you think will win?
Britain goes to the polls ( = votes) today. Will the Conservatives get in (= be elected to form a government) after 13 years? Will the increased vote for the LibDems mean that there is a hung parliament ( = no overall majority)? And will voters use tactical voting – a strategy where you vote for a party who isn't your first choice in order to exclude another party from winning?
If you're interested in finding out more about British politics, parties and polling (how people vote), Election 2010 gives you a useful timeline, with audio, video and text.
Hundreds of thousands of travellers have been left stranded (= unable to go anywhere) because ash from the Icelandic volcano eruption is preventing aeroplanes from travelling.
The British government has drawn up plans to evacuate (= bring home) passengers trapped ( = unable to move) in airports and hotels around Europe.
Do you have any "travellers tales" (stories from your travels) about travel disruption?
Please help if you can. You can donate money using your credit card or paypal account to the World Food Programme:
https://www.wfp.org/donate/haiti
Thank you.
Climate change experts are warning us that time is running out. The world is getting hotter, and more and more people are at risk of extreme weather conditions, and losing their homes and livelihoods. What can we all do to cut our energy use, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help save the planet? Every little counts, so here are my "resolutions" to become more energy-efficient and reduce my carbon footprint.
I promise to
- replace all the lightbulbs in my house with the new low-energy ones
- use saucepan lids when I cook to save gas
- walk or cycle to the local shop rather than driving (this is a hard one for me – the shop is a good 20 min uphill cycle away!)
What can you promise to do?
(PS: If you need ideas, click this link to the 10:10 climate change campaign.
If you're interested in what houses of the future will be like, read this article about a zero-carbon house in England.
What do you do to save energy on a daily basis?
The BBC reports that the US state of California is facing a budget deficit from the property crisis and economic recession.
The governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger, has declared a 'fiscal emergency'. If politicians can't reach an agreement, California may have to stop paying welfare support to those in need.
How is your country dealing with the economic crisis? It is becoming harder to find a job?
Music legend Michael Jackson died this week from a cardiac arrest.
Perhaps the world's most famous entertainer, he brought us the thrilling "Moonwalk" and catchy pop songs. What will you remember him for?
Photo credit: Current news
Do you download files or music from the internet? The BBC reports that around 7 million people in the UK are involved in illegal downloads, and it's estimated that this costs the economy £120 billion a year.
A report examined consumer attitudes and found that people are confused about what is or isn't illegal – especially as so much is already free on the internet.
What's your opinion? Should the government criminalise people who download from the internet? Should everything be free anyway?
The BBC Learning English site has a great article about Susan Boyle, the contestant on Britain's Got Talent, a TV talent show.
Unknown only a few weeks ago, her rendition of "I Dreamed a Dream" became an instant hit on YouTube, and has now been viewed by more than 100 million people.
So why is she so popular? Perhaps because at first sight, she looks so unlike a singing superstar. I think she makes us all question how we judge people on their appearance, and how quick we are to ignore people who don't live up to certain stereotypes.
What do you think? Who's your hero?
View & Add Yours