The Reading / Listening - World Peace - Level 3

A new report says the world is slightly more peaceful than it was a year ago. The report was made by an organization called the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). The IEP has reported on world peace for the past 10 years. Every year, it publishes a document called the Global Peace Index (GPI). This index ranks 163 countries and territories on their level of peacefulness. It also offers advice on how to develop peaceful societies. The latest report found that the world became 0.28% more peaceful over the past year. Iceland is the most peaceful country in the world. It has been number one on the GPI since 2008. The next four most peaceful countries are New Zealand, Portugal, Austria and Denmark.

The report says that in the past year, 93 countries have become more peaceful, while 68 have got more violent. Researchers measured many things to work out the level of peace in each country. They measured the murder rate, how easy it was to get weapons, terrorism and terror attacks, and the number of soldiers or police each country had. The IEP said Syria is the least peaceful country in the world. Syria has now been bottom of the list for five years in a row. The next four most violent countries are Afghanistan, Iraq, South Sudan and Yemen. The chairman of the IEP warned that: "The world is still [stuck] with conflict in the Middle East, political turmoil in the US, refugee flows, and terrorism in Europe."

Try the same news story at these easier levels:

    World Peace - Level 0,  World Peace - Level 1   or  World Peace - Level 2

Sources
  • http://www.bbc.com/news/world-40118188
  • http://visionofhumanity.org/app/uploads/2017/06/GPI-2017-Report-1.pdf
  • http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/06/01/us-plummets-global-peace-ranking-due-political-instability/


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. WORLD PEACE: Students walk around the class and talk to other students about world 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?

       report / slightly / world peace / document / index / countries / advice / peaceful / one
       the past year / violent / weapons / soldiers / terrorism / bottom / conflict / refugee

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

3. PEACEFUL: Students A strongly believe there will be peace all over the world one day; Students B strongly believe that will never happen.  Change partners again and talk about your conversations.

4. LEAST PEACEFUL: What problems do these countries have? How can they get over these problems? Complete this table with your partner(s). Change partners often and share what you wrote.

 

Problems

Solutions

Syria

 

 

Afghanistan

 

 

Iraq

 

 

South Sudan

 

 

Yemen

 

 

Other ___________

 

 
MY e-BOOK
ESL resource book with copiable worksheets and handouts - 1,000 Ideas and Activities for Language Teachers / English teachers
See a sample

5. PEACE: Spend one minute writing down all of the different words you associate with the word "peace". Share your words with your partner(s) and talk about them. Together, put the words into different categories.

6. BARRIERS TO PEACE: Rank these with your partner. Put the best at the top. Change partners often and share your rankings.

  • conflicts
  • political turmoil
  • refugee crisis
  • greed
  • terrorism
  • world leaders
  • crime
  • drugs

 

Before reading / listening

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

  1. The Global Peace Index is written by the United Nations.     T / F
  2. The Global Peace Index is 10 years old.     T / F
  3. Researchers looked at levels of peace in 163 countries and territories.     T / F
  4. Iceland has been the most peaceful country since 2008.     T / F
  5. The report said 68 countries became more peaceful in the past year.     T / F
  6. Researchers did not include murder rates in their research.     T / F
  7. Syria has been the least peaceful country for five years.     T / F
  8. The researchers said the USA was very peaceful.     T / F

2. SYNONYM MATCH: Match the following synonyms from the article.

  1. slightly
  2. publishes
  3. ranks
  4. advice
  5. number one
  6. work out
  7. in a row
  8. warned
  9. conflict
  10. turmoil
  1. war
  2. guidelines
  3. first
  4. issues
  5. running
  6. a little
  7. trouble
  8. calculate
  9. orders
  10. cautioned

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

  1. the world is slightly
  2. This index ranks 163 countries
  3. It also offers
  4. It has been number one on
  5. The next four
  6. 93 countries have
  7. work out the level
  8. bottom of
  9. conflict in the
  10. political
  1. and territories
  2. Middle East
  3. most peaceful countries
  4. become more peaceful
  5. advice
  6. the list
  7. more peaceful
  8. turmoil
  9. the GPI since 2008
  10. of peace

Gap fill

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.
past
societies
slightly
next
level
called
number
ranks

A new report says the world is (1) ____________ more peaceful than it was a year ago. The report was made by an organization (2) ____________ the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). The IEP has reported on world peace for the (3) ____________ 10 years. Every year, it publishes a document called the Global Peace Index (GPI). This index (4) ____________ 163 countries and territories on their (5) ____________ of peacefulness. It also offers advice on how to develop peaceful (6) ____________. The latest report found that the world became 0.28% more peaceful over the past year. Iceland is the most peaceful country in the world. It has been (7) ____________ one on the GPI since 2008. The (8) ____________ four most peaceful countries are New Zealand, Portugal, Austria and Denmark.

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.
rate
least
violent
refugee
terrorism
conflict
each
bottom

The report says that in the past year, 93 countries have become more peaceful, while 68 have got more (9) ____________. Researchers measured many things to work out the level of peace in (10) ____________ country. They measured the murder (11) ____________, how easy it was to get weapons, (12) ____________ and terror attacks, and the number of soldiers or police each country had. The IEP said Syria is the (13) ____________ peaceful country in the world. Syria has now been (14) ____________ of the list for five years in a row. The next four most violent countries are Afghanistan, Iraq, South Sudan and Yemen. The chairman of the IEP warned that: "The world is still [stuck] with (15) ____________ in the Middle East, political turmoil in the US, (16) ____________ flows, and terrorism in Europe."

Listening — Guess the answers. Listen to check.

1)  A new report says the world is slightly more peaceful than it ______
     a.  is a year ago
     b.  was a year ago
     c.  has a year ago
     d.  been a year ago

2)  The IEP has reported on world peace for the ______
     a.  passed 10 years
     b.  past 10 years
     c.  parsed 10 years
     d.  psst 10 years

3)  This index ranks 163 countries and territories on their level ______
     a.  of peacefulness
     b.  of peacefully ness
     c.  of peace fullness
     d.  of peace fully ness

4)  It also offers advice on how to develop ______
     a.  peacefully societies
     b.  peace full societies
     c.  peaceful societies
     d.  peace filled societies

5)  It has been number one on the GPI ______
     a.  for 2008
     b.  then 2008
     c.  in 2008
     d.  since 2008

6)  93 countries have become more peaceful, while 68 have got ______
     a.  more violently
     b.  most violent
     c.  most violently
     d.  more violent

7)  Researchers measured many things to work out the level of peace ______
     a.  in reach country
     b.  in each country
     c.  in peach country
     d.  in beach country

8)  the murder rate, how easy it was to get weapons, terrorism ______
     a.  and terrors attacks
     b.  and terror attacks
     c.  and terror attack
     d.  and terrors attack

9)  Syria has now been bottom of the list for five years ______
     a.  in a row
     b.  in a low
     c.  in allow
     d.  in arrow

10)  The world is still stuck with conflict in the Middle East, political ______ US
     a.  turn oil in the
     b.  term oil in the
     c.  turmoil in the
     d.  tern oil in the

Listening — Listen and fill in the gaps

A new report says (1) ___________________ more peaceful than it was a year ago. The report was (2) ___________________ organization called the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). The IEP has reported on world peace for the past 10 years. Every year, (3) ___________________ document called the Global Peace Index (GPI). This index ranks 163 countries and territories (4) ___________________ peacefulness. It also offers advice on how to develop peaceful societies. The latest report found that the world became 0.28% more peaceful (5) ___________________ year. Iceland is the most peaceful country in the world. It has been number one on the GPI since 2008. The (6) ___________________ peaceful countries are New Zealand, Portugal, Austria and Denmark.

The report says (7) ___________________ past year, 93 countries have become more peaceful, while 68 have got more violent. Researchers measured many things (8) ___________________ the level of peace in each country. They measured the murder rate, (9) ___________________ to get weapons, terrorism and terror attacks, and the number of soldiers or police each country had. The IEP said Syria (10) ___________________ peaceful country in the world. Syria has now been bottom of the list for five years in a row. The next four (11) ___________________ countries are Afghanistan, Iraq, South Sudan and Yemen. The chairman of the IEP warned that: "The world is still [stuck] (12) ___________________ the Middle East, political turmoil in the US, refugee flows, and terrorism in Europe."

Comprehension questions

  1. What does IEP mean?
  2. How long has the IEP been making the Global Peace Index?
  3. How many countries and territories did the GPI look at?
  4. What does the IEP offer to help develop peaceful societies?
  5. Since when has Iceland been number one on the Global Peace Index?
  6. How many countries have become more violent?
  7. What rate did researchers look at in each country?
  8. For how long has Syria been the least peaceful country?
  9. What did researchers say the world was stuck with in the Middle East?
  10. What kind of turmoil did researchers say there was in the US?

Multiple choice quiz

1) What does IEP mean?
a) Intercontinental Economy of Peacefulness
b) Institute for Easy Peace
c) Institution for Economics and Peace
d) International Economies for Peace

2) How long has the IEP been making the Global Peace Index?
a) 10 years
b) 20 years
c)  30 years
d)  40 years

3) How many countries and territories did the GPI look at?
a) 163
b) 162
c) 161
d) 160

4) What does the IEP offer to help develop peaceful societies?
a) software
b) advice
c) money
d) personnel

5) Since when has Iceland been number one on the Global Peace Index?
a) 2012
b) 2005
c) 2007
d) 2008

6) How many countries have become more violent?
a) 67
b) 68
c) 93
d) 94

7) What rate did researchers look at in each country?
a) the murder rate
b) the death rate
c) the interest rate
d) the peace rate

8) For how long has Syria been the least peaceful country?
a) 7 years
b) 6 years
c) 5 years
d) 8 years

9) What did researchers say the world was stuck with in the Middle East?
a) glue
b) mess
c) corruption
d) conflict

10) What kind of turmoil did researchers say there was in the US?
a) political
b) economic
c) societal
d) business

Role play

Role  A – Terrorism

You think terrorism is the biggest barrier to word peace. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them why their things aren't such big barriers. Also, tell the others which is the least likely of these to hurt peace (and why): world leaders, greed or weapons.

Role  B – World Leaders

You think world leaders are the biggest barrier to word peace. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them why their things aren't such big barriers. Also, tell the others which is the least likely of these to hurt peace (and why): terrorism, greed or weapons.

Role  C – Greed

You think greed is the biggest barrier to word peace. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them why their things aren't such big barriers. Also, tell the others which is the least likely of these to hurt peace (and why): world leaders, terrorism or weapons.

Role  D – Weapons

You think weapons are the biggest barrier to word peace. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them why their things aren't such big barriers. Also, tell the others which is the least likely of these to hurt peace (and why):  world leaders, greed or terrorism.

After reading / listening

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

'world'

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

    • and 'peace'.

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

    • • 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:

    • 93
    • work
    • murder
    • least
    • five
    • still
    • slightly
    • reported
    • 163
    • latest
    • 2008
    • four

    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 - The world is 0.28% more peaceful than a year ago

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

    1. What did you think when you read the headline?
    2. What images are in your mind when you hear the word 'peace'?
    3. Is it important for organizations to measure peace?
    4. Why is the world more peaceful now?
    5. How could your country get into the top five most peaceful countries?
    6. What can leaders do to develop peaceful societies?
    7. How peaceful is your country?
    8. How can you make the world more peaceful?
    9. Why do you think Iceland is so peaceful?
    10. What good things come from peace?

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

    1. Did you like reading this article? Why/not?
    2. What do you think of when you hear the word 'violent'?
    3. What do you think about what you read?
    4. What makes a country peaceful?
    5. What needs to happen for terrorism to disappear?
    6. How peaceful will the world be in 10 years from now?
    7. Why are the bottom five countries the least peaceful?
    8. How can the world help the bottom five countries?
    9. Will the world ever live in peace?
    10. What questions would you like to ask the researchers?

    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)

    A new report says the world is (1) ____ more peaceful than it was a year ago. The report was made by an organization called the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). The IEP has reported (2) ____ world peace for the (3) ____ 10 years. Every year, it publishes a document (4) ____ the Global Peace Index (GPI). This index ranks 163 countries and territories on their level of peacefulness. It also offers advice on how to develop peaceful societies. The latest report (5) ____ that the world became 0.28% more peaceful over the past year. Iceland is the most peaceful country in the world. It has been (6) ____ one on the GPI since 2008. The next four most peaceful countries are New Zealand, Portugal, Austria and Denmark.

    The report says that in the past year, 93 countries have become more peaceful, while 68 have got more violent. Researchers (7) ____ many things to work out the level of peace in each country. They measured the murder rate, (8) ____ easy it was to get weapons, terrorism and terror attacks, and the number of soldiers or police (9) ____ country had. The IEP said Syria is the least peaceful country in the world. Syria has now been bottom of the (10) ____ for five years in a row. The next four most violent countries are Afghanistan, Iraq, South Sudan and Yemen. The chairman of the IEP warned that: "The world is (11) ____ [stuck] with conflict in the Middle East, political turmoil in the US, refugee (12) ____, and terrorism in Europe."

    Which of these words go in the above text?

    1. (a)     slighted     (b)     slightly     (c)     slight     (d)     slights    
    2. (a)     in     (b)     on     (c)     to     (d)     at    
    3. (a)     psst     (b)     passed     (c)     post     (d)     past    
    4. (a)     name     (b)     called     (c)     title     (d)     written    
    5. (a)     find     (b)     found     (c)     finding     (d)     founded    
    6. (a)     numbered     (b)     numeral     (c)     number     (d)     numb    
    7. (a)     measures     (b)     measurement     (c)     measured     (d)     measuring    
    8. (a)     which     (b)     that     (c)     how     (d)     why    
    9. (a)     that     (b)     whole     (c)     all     (d)     each    
    10. (a)     lost     (b)     lust     (c)     lest     (d)     list    
    11. (a)     still     (b)     stilling     (c)     stilled     (d)     stills    
    12. (a)     flews     (b)     flaws     (c)     flows     (d)     floors

    Spelling

    Paragraph 1

    1. glslhyti more peaceful
    2. made by an giztinoraona
    3. it lhueissbp a document
    4. 163 countries and etrstoiirer
    5. It also offers edivca
    6. olpvede peaceful societies

    Paragraph 2

    1. 68 have got more nleivot
    2. Researchers esardume many things
    3. the eumdrr rate
    4. get pneawos, terrorism and terror attacks
    5. cfnltoic in the Middle East
    6. refgeue flows

    Put the text back together

    (    )     organization called the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). The IEP has reported on world peace for

    (    )     societies. The latest report found that the world became 0.28% more peaceful over the past year. Iceland is the most

    (    )     peaceful country in the world. It has been number one on the GPI since 2008. The next

    (    )     countries and territories on their level of peacefulness. It also offers advice on how to develop peaceful

    (    )     the past 10 years. Every year, it publishes a document called the Global Peace Index (GPI). This index ranks 163

    (  1  )     A new report says the world is slightly more peaceful than it was a year ago. The report was made by an

    (    )     country had. The IEP said Syria is the least peaceful country in the world. Syria has now been bottom

    (    )     East, political turmoil in the US, refugee flows, and terrorism in Europe."

    (    )     of the list for five years in a row. The next four most violent countries are Afghanistan, Iraq, South Sudan

    (    )     and Yemen. The chairman of the IEP warned that: "The world is still [stuck] with conflict in the Middle

    (    )     rate, how easy it was to get weapons, terrorism and terror attacks, and the number of soldiers or police each

    (    )     violent. Researchers measured many things to work out the level of peace in each country. They measured the murder

    (    )     four most peaceful countries are New Zealand, Portugal, Austria and Denmark.

    (    )     The report says that in the past year, 93 countries have become more peaceful, while 68 have got more

    Put the words in the right order

    1. the   slightly   A   says   is   peaceful   report   world   more   new   .
    2. on  reported   has  IEP   The  years   10   past  the   for  peace   world  .
    3. develop   It   advice   to   societies   offers   how   peaceful   also   on   .
    4. more   world   past  peaceful   0.28%  became  year  over   The   the   .
    5. on   since   has   one   GPI   It   number   the   2008   been   .
    6. peaceful  past   93  more   the   ,   become  In   year  have  countries   .
    7. work   measured   out   many   the   things   level   to   Researchers   .
    8. has  years  of  Syria  five   bottom  row  for  been  a  list  now  in  the  .
    9. Middle   is   with   the   world   stuck   in   East   still   conflict   The   .
    10. in  the   US  ,  refugee  flows   ,  and   terrorism   Political   turmoil   .

    Circle the correct word (20 pairs)

    A new report says the world is slightly / slight more peaceful than it was a year ago. The report was made by an organization calling / called the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). The IEP has reported in / on world peace for the past 10 years. Every year, it publishes / publish a document called the Global Peace Index (GPI). This index thanks / ranks 163 countries and territories on their level of peacefulness. It also offers advise / advice on how to develop peaceful societies. The latest report found that the world became / becomes 0.28% more peaceful over / under the past year. Iceland is the most peaceful country in / on the world. It has been number one on the GPI since 2008. The then / next four most peaceful countries are New Zealand, Portugal, Austria and Denmark.

    The report says that in the past / passed year, 93 countries have become more peaceful, while 68 have got much / more violent. Researchers measured many things to work in / out the level of peace in each / all country. They measured the murder rate, how / what easy it was to get weapons, terrorism and terror attacks, and the numeral / number of soldiers or police each country had. The IEP said Syria is the least / last peaceful country in the world. Syria has now been bottom of the list for five years in a low / row. The next four most violent countries are Afghanistan, Iraq, South Sudan and Yemen. The chairman of the IEP warmed / warned that: "The world is still [stuck] with conflict in the Middle East, political turmoil in the US, refugee flaws / flows, and terrorism in Europe."

    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)

    _ n_w r_p_rt s_ys th_ w_rld _s sl_ghtly m_r_ p__c_f_l th_n _t w_s _ y__r _g_. Th_ r_p_rt w_s m_d_ by _n _rg_n_z_t__n c_ll_d th_ _nst_t_t_ f_r _c_n_m_cs _nd P__c_ (__P). Th_ __P h_s r_p_rt_d _n w_rld p__c_ f_r th_ p_st 10 y__rs. _v_ry y__r, _t p_bl_sh_s _ d_c_m_nt c_ll_d th_ Gl_b_l P__c_ _nd_x (GP_). Th_s _nd_x r_nks 163 c__ntr__s _nd t_rr_t_r__s _n th__r l_v_l _f p__c_f_ln_ss. _t _ls_ _ff_rs _dv_c_ _n h_w t_ d_v_l_p p__c_f_l s_c__t__s. Th_ l_t_st r_p_rt f__nd th_t th_ w_rld b_c_m_ 0.28% m_r_ p__c_f_l _v_r th_ p_st y__r. _c_l_nd _s th_ m_st p__c_f_l c__ntry _n th_ w_rld. _t h_s b__n n_mb_r _n_ _n th_ GP_ s_nc_ 2008. Th_ n_xt f__r m_st p__c_f_l c__ntr__s _r_ N_w Z__l_nd, P_rt_g_l, __str__ _nd D_nm_rk.

    Th_ r_p_rt s_ys th_t _n th_ p_st y__r, 93 c__ntr__s h_v_ b_c_m_ m_r_ p__c_f_l, wh_l_ 68 h_v_ g_t m_r_ v__l_nt. R_s__rch_rs m__s_r_d m_ny th_ngs t_ w_rk __t th_ l_v_l _f p__c_ _n __ch c__ntry. Th_y m__s_r_d th_ m_rd_r r_t_, h_w __sy _t w_s t_ g_t w__p_ns, t_rr_r_sm _nd t_rr_r _tt_cks, _nd th_ n_mb_r _f s_ld__rs _r p_l_c_ __ch c__ntry h_d. Th_ __P s__d Syr__ _s th_ l__st p__c_f_l c__ntry _n th_ w_rld. Syr__ h_s n_w b__n b_tt_m _f th_ l_st f_r f_v_ y__rs _n _ r_w. Th_ n_xt f__r m_st v__l_nt c__ntr__s _r_ _fgh_n_st_n, _r_q, S__th S_d_n _nd Y_m_n. Th_ ch__rm_n _f th_ __P w_rn_d th_t: "Th_ w_rld _s st_ll [st_ck] w_th c_nfl_ct _n th_ M_ddl_ __st, p_l_t_c_l t_rm__l _n th_ _S, r_f_g__ fl_ws, _nd t_rr_r_sm _n __r_p_."

    Punctuate the text and add capitals

    a new report says the world is slightly more peaceful than it was a year ago the report was made by an organization called the institute for economics and peace (iep) the iep has reported on world peace for the past 10 years every year it publishes a document called the global peace index (gpi) this index ranks 163 countries and territories on their level of peacefulness it also offers advice on how to develop peaceful societies the latest report found that the world became 028% more peaceful over the past year iceland is the most peaceful country in the world it has been number one on the gpi since 2008 the next four most peaceful countries are new zealand portugal austria and denmark

    the report says that in the past year 93 countries have become more peaceful while 68 have got more violent researchers measured many things to work out the level of peace in each country they measured the murder rate how easy it was to get weapons terrorism and terror attacks and the number of soldiers or police each country had the iep said syria is the least peaceful country in the world syria has now been bottom of the list for five years in a row the next four most violent countries are afghanistan iraq south sudan and yemen the chairman of the iep warned that "the world is still [stuck] with conflict in the middle east political turmoil in the us refugee flows and terrorism in europe"

    Put a slash (/) where the spaces are

    Anewreportsaystheworldisslightlymorepeacefulthanitwasayearago
    .ThereportwasmadebyanorganizationcalledtheInstituteforEconomi
    csandPeace(IEP).TheIEPhasreportedonworldpeaceforthepast10yea
    rs.Everyyear,itpublishesadocumentcalledtheGlobalPeaceIndex(GPI
    ).Thisindexranks163countriesandterritoriesontheirlevelofpeacefuln
    ess.Italsooffersadviceonhowtodeveloppeacefulsocieties.Thelatestr
    eportfoundthattheworldbecame0.28%morepeacefuloverthepastye
    ar.Icelandisthemostpeacefulcountryintheworld.Ithasbeennumbero
    neontheGPIsince2008.ThenextfourmostpeacefulcountriesareNewZ
    ealand,Portugal,AustriaandDenmark.Thereportsaysthatinthepasty
    ear,93countrieshavebecomemorepeaceful,while68havegotmorevio
    lent.Researchersmeasuredmanythingstoworkoutthelevelofpeacein
    eachcountry.Theymeasuredthemurderrate,howeasyitwastogetwea
    pons,terrorismandterrorattacks,andthenumberofsoldiersorpoliceea
    chcountryhad.TheIEPsaidSyriaistheleastpeacefulcountryintheworld
    .Syriahasnowbeenbottomofthelistforfiveyearsinarow.Thenextfour
    mostviolentcountriesareAfghanistan,Iraq,SouthSudanandYemen.T
    hechairmanoftheIEPwarnedthat:"Theworldisstill[stuck]withconflicti
    ntheMiddleEast,politicalturmoilintheUS,refugeeflows,andterrorismi
    nEurope."

    Free writing

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

    _____________________________________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________________________________

     

    Academic writing

    Write about three things countries can do for world peace. Will countries do these things? Why / Why not?

    _____________________________________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________________________________

    _____________________________________________________________________________

     

    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 this news. Share what you discover with your partner(s) in the next lesson.

    3. WORLD PEACE: Make a poster about how we can make the world more peaceful. Show your work to your classmates in the next lesson. Did you all have similar things?

    4. U.N. POWER: Write a magazine article about the United Nations having power to change governments to bring world peace. Include imaginary interviews with people who are for and against this.

    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 we can make the world more peaceful. 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.)

    Back to the top

    Help Support This Web Site

    • Please consider helping Breaking News English.com

    Sean Banville's Book

    Thank You