Fridays' topics about News

Fridays' Topics English ESO 2
Name........................................................................ Class............
TOPIC 1- Sugar in Hot Drinks
Experts analyse hot drinks. They find out that there is a lot of sugar in the drinks. The worst are mochas
and lattes.
In a can of Coke, there are 9 teaspoons of sugar. In Caffe Nero’s Caramel Latte, there are 13 teaspoons of
sugar. In a Costa Chai Latte, there are 20 teaspoons of sugar. In a Starbucks’s hot fruit drink, there are 25
teaspoons of sugar, which is over 3 times the recommended daily intake.
These drinks are not good for you. They can make you fat and make your teeth bad.
For many of us, the day does not properly begin until we have our morning coffee, but a recent analysis
shows that what people often drink is not just milk with caffeine but worrying levels of sugar.
A researcher from the campaign Action on Sugar explained that as hot drinks are not usually
associated with many calories and sugar, their frequent consumption may lead to tooth decay and
weight gain.
Adults should have no more than 30g (around 7 teaspoons) of sugar per day. Children aged 7 to 10 should have
no more than 24g (6 teaspoons) per day. Children aged 4 to 6 should have no more than 19g (5 teaspoons) per
day. There's no guideline limit for children under the age of 4, but it's recommended they avoid sugar-sweetened
drinks and food with sugar added to it.
Coffee shops and cafés need to take much greater steps to reduce the levels of sugar and promote lower sugar
alternatives. A spokeswoman for Starbucks said: 'We are committed to reduce sugar in all our beverages and since 2015
we've delivered a 9% reduction in the sugar content of our gingerbread and core syrup range of vanilla, caramel and hazelnut'.

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In conclusion, for a healthy balanced diet, we should get most of our calories from fruit, vegetables and starchy
food, and only eat food high in sugars occasionally or not at all.
QUESTIONS
1. Do you drink drinks with a lot of sugar? Which ones? How often?
2. Do you like fizzy drinks? Name two of them.
3. Do you like fruit juices?
4. Do you add sugar to your breakfast cereal? Or to your coffee? To your cocoa? How many teaspoons?
5. How can you reduce your amount of sugar per day?
6. Do you usually look at the ingredients list on the packaging? Why? Why not?
7. Do you think that 'having a healthy diet' is important? Why?
8. Do cafés and coffee shops reduce the levels of sugar? Explain.

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9. Draw a symbol that represents the message of this text.

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TOPIC 2 - TV EDUCATION Score ____________________
Companies that make TV shows are turning real-life stories into dramatizations. People are very
interested in them. Many of the shows are teaching them about something brutal or sad instead of
entertaining them.
In the 1970s, people took a difficult real event and turned it into a TV show. There was a show called
“Roots” that was about American slavery.
A TV director said that “Roots” showed people how terrible slavery was. It made them think about
their ideas about other people. Other shows are doing this now, as people want to find out more
about unsolved crimes.
Many of these shows about real life are winning awards, and more TV companies want to make them.
QUESTIONS
1. What's the main idea from this text? (1)
2. Find a word in the text that corresponds in meaning to the words given here.(3)
offense _______________
exhibition _____________
prize _________________

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3. Write if the following statements are TRUE or FALSE (T / F). (0.5)
a. Shows about real life are very popular now ______
b. Many of the shows are brutal ________
c. People prefer watching real life TV shows ________
4. Do you think reality TV shows are good entertainment? Explain. (1)
5. Are these types of shows popular in your country? Why? Name one of them. (1)
6. Do you think reality TV shows are a good way to be famous? Explain. (1)
7. One positive thing about reality TV shows is that it shows normal people. Do you agree? Explain. (1)

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8. Read the text about reality TV shows. Underline the most important ideas. (0.5)

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9. Draw a symbol or a picture that represents the message of the topic. (1)

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TOPIC 3 - BARBIES AND GENDER
In 1959, Mattel makes the Barbie doll. The Barbie doll has many styles. However, its body shape is too skinny.
People say that Barbie makes children think they need to be skinny. They accused its maker, Mattel, of promoting
a beauty standard which was unrealistic.
However, now Mattel has new and very different dolls. Kids can choose their doll’s gender, hair color, skin color,
clothing, that's to say, personalize their dolls. They can choose how masculine or feminine their doll is.
Mattel also changed Ken, Barbie’s boyfriend, and created a doll with a prosthetic leg and a doll in a wheelchair.
The doll's price is 30 dollars.
Mattel says that it works with doctors, parents, and kids to create a more natural doll.
QUESTIONS
1. What's the main idea from this text? (1.25)
not artificial _______________
customize _____________
cost _________________

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3. Write if the following statements are TRUE or FALSE (T / F). (0.75)
a. Barbie dolls are very thin ______
b. All of them promote a beauty standard________
c. Children can choose the names of Barbie's boyfriend ________
4. Do you think Barbie dolls are a bad influence for children? Explain. (1)
5. Are these types of dolls popular in your country? Why? (1)
6. Do you think Barbie dolls ' price is expensive or cheap in comparison with other different toys? Explain. (1)
7. Mattel created a Barbie doll in a wheelchair. Why? Explain. (1)

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8. Draw a symbol or a picture that represents the message of the topic. (1)

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TOPIC 4 - MONEY IN STREETS Score __________________
A gang of about 30 men took control over the streets of Criciúma, Brazil. The criminals blocked access to the city
to stop the police from taking any action.
The men came to the city in expensive cars just after midnight. Some people filmed them, and it was clear that
they were well trained and organized. They robbed a bank and blew it up. They damaged cars and started to
shoot in the streets.
The mayor of the city asked people to stay in their homes. When the criminals were leaving the city, they littered
the streets with money, and some people ran outside to grab some of it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-BiNo6E9E0
QUESTIONS
1. What's the main idea from this text? (1)
law breaker _____________
take _____________
plan out ______________
3. Write if the following statements are TRUE or FALSE (T / F). (1)
People see the bank robbers and grab them_______
People musn't go outside _______
Bank robbers help poor people________

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Bank robbers use American cars _______
4. Do you think that to rob a bank is a good way to help poor people? Explain. (1)
5. Do you think that someone has to stop these people? Who? Explain. (1)
6. What can the neighbours do in that situation? Explain. (1)
7. Draw a picture that represents something about this topic. (2)

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TOPIC 5 - SHOPPING Score ____________________
Shopping is a necessary part of life which very few people can avoid. It is a daily routine for some people. Some people
shop for pleasure while other people go shopping just to buy the necessary items in order to survive. The weekend is
usually a good time to go shopping because people have free time from work. At this time the shops are usually very
busy because people try to get the best items for the lowest price before the item runs out of stock.
Some people go shopping more regularly than other people to browse products in shops even when they do not have
much money. This is known as window shopping and allows people to plan and save for the things they want to buy in
the future or wait for the items to drop in price. Some people spend a lot of time looking for bargains while others do
not think of the price and are happy to spend a lot. Some people believe that the more expensive the item, the better
the quality, but this is not always true. Some people use a credit card or borrow money from the bank so that they can
buy the items they really want.
Sometimes shopping can be stressful when choosing a gift to buy other people for a special occasion. Shopping online
is often popular with people who have a busy lifestyle. People are able to order their necessary and luxury items from
the comfort of their own home. Delivery is usually free and items are often cheaper than in shops on the high street.
The only real problem is that the item description and quality may be different than what they hoped for. This could
mean the customer may become disappointed with the item they receive and will need to return it at their own cost.
People who go to shops to do their shopping often use self-service payment machines. This usually saves time as the
shopper does not need to join a long queue. However, it can be frustrating when the machine has a problem and the
sales assistant is not always available to help.

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1) What's the main idea from the text? (1)
2) Write a new title. (1)
3) Find a word in the text that correspond in meaning to the words given here.(2)
reduced-price item _________________
habit _________________
4) Why is the weekend a good time to go shopping? Circle the correct option. (1)
A) It is very busy on the weekend.
B) People are free from work.
C) Things are usually cheaper.
D) The shops are closed.
5) Write if the following statements are TRUE or FALSE (T / F). (0.75)
Self-service payment machines are not available _______
At the weekend the shops are full of people _______
People , in general, don't think of the price of the items ________
6) Do you think shopping online is a good solution? Explain.(1)
7) What do you think about payment machines? Explain. (1)
8) Is better to pay with a credit card or with money? Explain. (1)

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9) Draw a picture that represents something about this topic. (1.25)

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TOPIC 6 – WATERPROOF CLOTHES and WINDOWS Score __________________
In Britain it rains a lot. The British are often upset by the weather. Some scientists from Imperial College in London are
developing a new type of coating material, so here is a future for waterproof clothing. The water just jumps off the
cloth.
A special chemical does the jumping effect. People use this chemical in house paint. For the first time, people spray the
chemical on boots and a jacket.
Dr Colin Crick from the university said that the major challenge is making the coatings more robust. Only after that
they can start to use them on buildings and windows. It really works!
1. What's the main idea from the text? (1)
2. Write a new title. (1)
3. Is important to have waterproof clothing? Why? (1)
4. Where do you use this kind of clothing? (1)

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5. Find a word in the text that correspond in meaning to the words given here.(2)
disturbed _________________
begin _________________
In Britain rains frequently _______
The water jumps due to a chemical _______
This chemical can be used in buildings and windows ________
7. Do you think this piece of news is really important? Explain. (0.5)
8. Draw a picture that represents something about this topic. (0.5)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-LwbTFobGI&feature=emb_logo

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TOPIC 7 – JEFF BEZOS, AMAZON FOUNDER Score _________________
The founder of Amazon.com, Jeff Bezos, will stop being CEO (Chief Executive Officer). Mr Bezos, 57 years old,
announced he will finish as CEO this year. Instead of being CEO, he will take on the new role of Amazon's
executive chair. He will pass on the position of CEO to Andy Jassy. Mr Jassy is currently head of Amazon Web
Services - a cloud computing business. Mr Bezos has been in charge of Amazon since founding the company in
his garage in 1995. The company started as an online bookseller but turned into a global online marketplace. It
sells video, music, and audiobooks. It also produces consumer electronics, including Kindle e-readers, tablets and
different devices.
Amazon is one of the world's most valuable companies. It is worth around $1.7 trillion. Mr Bezos is one of the
world's richest people. He spoke about his success. He said: "This journey began some 27 years ago. Amazon was
only an idea, and it had no name....Today, we employ 1.3 million talented, dedicated people, serve hundreds of
millions of customers...and are widely recognized as one of the most successful companies in the world."
1. What's the main idea? (1)
3. Find a word in the text that corresponds in meaning to the words given here. (3)
creator _________________
gadget _________________
business ________________
4. What does Amazon consist of? Explain. (1)

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5. Do you think that small businessess can compete with Amazon? Explain. (0.5)
6. What can you do as a consumer to help small businesses in comparison with Amazon? (0.5)
7. Write if these statements are True or False (T / F). (2)
- Jeff Bezos started his business in his flat ________
- At the beginning, Amazon sold only books _______
8. Draw a picture that represents something about this topic. (1)

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TOPIC 8 – ONLINE LECTURES Score ________________________
A university professor in Singapore gave a two-hour online lecture but didn't know he was on mute.
Professor Wang, who teaches mathematics, didn't realise the microphone on his iPad was switched off.
This meant that none of the students in his class could hear him. His university switched his classes
online to reduce the spread of COVID-19. His lecture started well but then the screen on his iPad froze.
The video came back but the mic was off, and Professor Wang didn't notice. It might be because he
used an iPad and not a computer.
Students tried to contact their professor many times but could not get through to him. They waved their
arms and called his phone. The moment the professor understood his mic was off is now viral on the
Internet. He looked shocked and stressed. He was upset because he wasted two hours of his students'
time. He has offered to redo the lecture at a different time, so his students don't miss that class. One of
his students wrote: "He teaches well. I feel bad for him."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_xjbagNhIE&feature=emb_logo
1. What's the message of the text? (1)
3. Find a word in the text that corresponds in meaning to the words or definitions given here. (3)
– a computer screen suddenly stops, with no movement________________
– repeat _____________
– class _______________

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4. What are the pros and cons of teaching these subjects online. Explain with a short sentence. (3)
SUBJECTS PROS CONS
MATHS
ART
PE
– The article said the professor froze ________
– The professor is sad because his students didn't attend the lesson _______
6. Do you like having online lessons? Explain. (0.5)
7. Draw a picture related to the topic. (0.5)

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TOPIC 9 - JEFFREY IS A PET CAMEL Score ____________/ 20
Simon Grant from North Yorkshire, in England, has a very special friend. It is not a man and not a dog. It is an 11
foot (3.4 metres) tall camel. His name is Jeffrey.
Jeffrey is originally from Russia. He can survive temperatures of around minus 25 degrees Celsius. Jeffrey is the
kind of a camel with two humps, and he can live until the age of around 60. He arrived in the UK from Holland
seven years ago. He was originally a birthday gift for Simon's son, Tom.
The man brings the camel treats. It is usually carrots, but the camel gets something extra special sometimes.
Beer! The camel loves it. He drinks more than his owner!
QUESTIONS
1. Say if the following statements are true or false (T / F) according to the text. (7)
– An Englishman has a very special friend.________
– The friend is not a man, but a dog. _________
– The animal is taller than the man. _________
– The camel has two humps and he is 60 years old. _________
– Jeffrey was the man's birthday present. _________
– The camel is fine with cold temperatures
– The camel loves beer, but the owner drinks more! ________

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2. Find words or expressions in the text that corresponds in meaning to the words below. (2)
a. present ________________ b. normally ___________________
3. Have you ever seen a camel? Would you like to have one? Why? (1)
4. Find the words in the text related to the definitions below. (2)
a. Somebody who has something ________________
b. Live ________________
5. Do you think there is an animal that can be a real friend for human beings? Explain. (2)
6. Write a definition for the word: friend. (1)
Somebody who _________________________________________________________________________________
7. Do you think that a pet can be a present for somebody? Explain. (2)
8. Is the definition below true or false (T / F)? (1)
hump: it's a squared raised part on an animal's back __________
9. Draw a picture related to this text. (2)

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TOPIC 10 – SPELLING MISTAKES Score _____________________
A university in England has said students will not lose marks for spelling, punctuation and grammar mistakes.
Hull University said that requiring English with no mistakes is "elitist". The university said asking students to have
a high proficiency in written English was unfair to ethnic minorities and students who went to schools where
grades were low. The university wants to make writing and tests "more inclusive". It wants teachers to be more
flexible when they mark and grade students' writing. It hopes to reduce the number of poorer students who drop
out from university.
The university said many students suffer at school and in life because their written English contains mistakes. This
includes students with dyslexia. This is a learning disorder that affects language. People with dyslexia have
difficulty in using letters and words. This means it is harder for dyslexics to produce writing free of mistakes.
Dyslexia affects areas of the brain that process language. The university also said that requiring well-written
English could discourage students for whom English is a second language from going to university. Teachers at
another university have been told it is fairer to judge students on their ideas and knowledge of a subject and not
their spelling and grammar.
1. What's the message of the text? (1)
2. Write a new title (1)

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3. Find a word in the text that corresponds in meaning to the words or definitions given here. (3)
– a specific learning difficulty to read words, letters or symbols _______________________
– high level _______________________
– social subgroup __________________
4. What is most difficult about learning these things? What are the best ways to learn them? (2)
MOST DIFFICULT BEST WAYS
SPELLING
LISTENING
VOCABULARY
WRITING
5. Do you have any spelling mistakes in English? How can you solve that? Is there any easy solution? (1)
6. Do you think that teachers shouldn't consider spelling mistakes in writing and tests? Explain. (1)

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7. Say if the following statements are true or false (T / F) according to the text. (0.5)
– Many students suffer because of the mistakes in writing ________
– University is only for privileged few __________
8. Draw a picture related to the topic. (0.5)

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TOPIC 11 – ROBOTS HELP KIDS Score _____________________
There are special robots which help children with autism. Autism is a disorder which makes it
very difficult for a person to communicate with other people. Also, a person with autism does
not understand many social situations.
People with autism need order and clear ideas in life and they don't understand quick changes
or jokes or irony.
Robots can make the lives of these people easier. Children between 3 and 18 years learn to
solve conflicts through role play. Role play means that they play a role of somebody else in
some situations. This way children learn how to behave in real life.
More than 1,200 children used the robots since 2015 and the result is great. The parents are
happy because most children can communicate better. They even ask other people simple
questions which is something what they couldn't do in the past.

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1. What's the main idea? (1v)
2. Write a new title. (1v)
3. What's the most important idea in the definition of autism? (1v)
4. Find a word in the text that corresponds in meaning to the definitions or words given here. (4v)
– a problem which affects somebody's mind or body ____________________
– a big problem between people _______________________
– when you say something but you mean something different _____________________
– fast _______________________
5. Say if these statements are TRUE, NOT MENTIONED or FALSE (T / F / NM ). (2v)
– Robots help children and parents with autism __________
– Children with autism cannot talk anything at all ___________
6. Draw a picture based on the text.

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TOPIC 12 – K-POP , A STYLE OF LIFE Score _____________________
Pop music from South Korea (K-pop) has become very popular around the world. In 2012, the
South Korean artist Psy received the most views ever on YouTube with his song Gangnam Style.
In the past few years, the Korean boy band BTS has had considerable success in America and
Europe. They became the first K-pop band to have a number one on the US music charts. The
popularity of K-pop has caused major record labels to put more money into Korean acts. The
world's biggest music label, Universal Music Group, has said it will join a live-streaming
platform set up by Korea's major record labels. Universal will invest in the platform launched
last year by Big Hit Entertainment, the company BTS belongs to.
Another Korean pop group, the girl band BLACKPINK, is also set to become popular worldwide.
Universal has teamed up with their label, YG Entertainment. The chairman of YG said: "We will
work closely with the biggest music company, Universal Music Group, globally for the
successful global debut and promotion of BLACKPINK. In addition, we will do our best to help
other YG artists to break through into the North American and European markets. YG added:
"Music and real talent rise above culture and language and have no boundaries. Through this
partnership we feel we can truly showcase our artists' potential on a bigger scale. We look
forward to what's to come in the future."
1. What's the message? (1V)
2. Write a new title. (1V)

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3. Imagine that you are a fan of this type of music. Write one reason because you defend these
bands. (1V)
4. Imagine that you think that these bands are not the best form of music. Write one reason because
you think that. (1V)
5. Write the types of music below in order of your preference (from more to less). (1V)
– Opera 1-
– soul 2-
– rock 3-
– reggaeton 4-
– classical 5-
– pop 6-
– hip hop 7-
– electro 8-
– jazz 9-

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6. Find a word in the text that corresponds in meaning to the words given here. (3V)
– collaboration __________________________
– hope ________________________
– a ranking of music according to popularity during a period of time ________________________
7. Write if the following statements are TRUE or FALSE. (1V)
– Music in South and North Korea has become popular
– A Korean music company wants to move to the USA
8. Draw a picture related to the topic. (1V)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWRMXiHhDjc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32si5cfrCN

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