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New nation of Asgardia established in space (29th June, 2018)

The Reading / Listening - Asgardia - Level 6

A Russian billionaire has attended his inauguration as leader of humankind's first ever nation in space. Igor Ashurbeyli, a computer scientist, established the space nation of Asgardia at a ceremony in Vienna, Austria on Monday. In his inauguration address, Mr Ashurbeyli stated that: "This day will certainly be recorded in the annals of history as one of the greatest events for humankind. We have established all branches of government. I can therefore declare with confidence that Asgardia - the first space nation of the united humankind - has been born." He also said his nation was a "global humanitarian project" that would pioneer the future colonization of space and set up human colonies on the Moon.

Asgardia is named after Asgard - a flying city in ancient Scandinavian mythology. It already has a growing number of would-be citizens. Around 200,000 people have signed up to claim their Asgardian nationality. Within the next 10 years, Asgardia hopes to amass a population of 150 million. This would make it the ninth most populous country. Future candidates to become an Asgard national will have to pass an IQ test to prove they are of a higher intelligence. They will also have to pay an annual membership of 100 euros. Asgardia has a long-term goal to launch life-sustaining, high-tech, verdant arks in space, where Asgardian citizens can live and prosper.

Try the same news story at these easier levels:

Asgardia - Level 4 or Asgardia - Level 5

Sources

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/space-kingdom-asgardia-nation-iq-tests-citizens-a8417276.html
https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/6629190/asgardia-space-kingdom/
http://www.newsweek.com/asgardia-worlds-first-space-nation-inaugurates-head-state-994555

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. SPACE NATIONS: Students walk around the class and talk to other students about space nations. 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?
billionaire / scientists / leader / nation / space / ceremony / history / global / colonies
ancient / mythology / nationality / population / candidates / intelligence / prosper
Have a chat about the topics you liked. Change topics and partners frequently.
3. LIVING IN SPACE: Students A strongly believe living in space would be great; Students B strongly believe it wouldn't. Change partners again and talk about your conversations.
4. SPACE: How difficult would it be to live in space? How could you overcome these difficulties? Complete this table with your partner(s). Change partners often and share what you wrote.

	Difficulties	How to overcome them
Food
Missing Earth
Exercise
Boredom
Air
Getting on with People

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. CITIZENS: Spend one minute writing down all of the different words you associate with the word "citizens". Share your words with your partner(s) and talk about them. Together, put the words into different categories.
6. MISSING EARTH: Rank these with your partner. Put the things you would most miss about Earth if you lived in space at the top. Change partners often and share your rankings.

blue sky
cities
oceans
diversity
food
mountains
travel
Earth air

Vocabulary

Paragraph 1

1.	inauguration	a.	Places where a group of people with similar interests live together.
2.	established	b.	A formal religious or public occasion, usually one celebrating a particular event (like a wedding or graduation) or anniversary.
3.	ceremony	c.	Formally announce the beginning of something.
4.	address	d.	A ceremony to mark the beginning of or introduction of a system, policy, or period.
5.	declare	e.	Be the very, very first to open up new a road, area, business, field of science or venture into space.
6.	pioneer	f.	Set up or started an organization, system, set of rules, etc. on a firm or permanent basis.
7.	colonies	g.	A formal speech delivered to an audience.

Paragraph 2

8.	ancient	h.	Gather together or build up a large amount or number of valuable material or things over a period of time.
9.	would-be	i.	Wishing, trying or hoping to be a specified type of person.
10.	claim	j.	Be financially successful.
11.	amass	k.	Having been in existence for a very, very, very long time.
12.	annual	l.	Happening once every year.
13.	verdant	m.	Formally ask for something.
14.	prosper	n.	Very green with grass or other rich vegetation.

Before reading / listening

1. TRUE / FALSE: Read the headline. Guess if 1-8 below are true (T) or false (F).

A space nation was started by a billionaire Russian scientist. T / F
The space nation was inaugurated at a ceremony in Australia. T / F
The space nation has all its branches of government set up. T / F
The space nation leader said there would be colonies on the moon. T / F
The nation's name of Asgardia is taken from ancient Greek Mythology. T / F
The leader thinks about 350 million people will join Asgardia. T / F
Anyone can become an Asgardia citizen. There is no test to join. T / F
It is free to become a citizen of Asgardia. T / F

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

leader
established
address
branches
pioneer
would-be
claim
amass
annual
prosper

yearly
speech
potential
develop
assemble
chief
flourish
divisions
set up
formally request

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

A Russian billionaire has attended
computer
In his inauguration
established all branches
set up human colonies
ancient Scandinavian
signed up to claim their
pass an IQ
pay an annual
citizens can live

and prosper
of government
mythology
scientist
test
his inauguration
membership
address
Asgardian nationality
on the Moon

Gap fill

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.

branches
scientist
project
attended
history
colonies
address
confidence

A Russian billionaire has (1) ____________ his inauguration as leader of humankind's first ever nation in space. Igor Ashurbeyli, a computer (2) ____________, established the space nation of Asgardia at a ceremony in Vienna, Austria on Monday. In his inauguration (3) ____________, Mr Ashurbeyli stated that: "This day will certainly be recorded in the annals of (4) ____________ as one of the greatest events for humankind. We have established all (5) ____________ of government. I can therefore declare with (6) ____________ that Asgardia - the first space nation of the united humankind - has been born." He also said his nation was a "global humanitarian (7) ____________ " that would pioneer the future colonization of space and set up human (8) ____________ on the Moon.

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.

claim
ancient
prove
prosper
number
verdant
populous
annual

Asgardia is named after Asgard - a flying city in (9) ____________ Scandinavian mythology. It already has a growing (10) ____________ of would-be citizens. Around 200,000 people have signed up to (11) ____________ their Asgardian nationality. Within the next 10 years, Asgardia hopes to amass a population of 150 million. This would make it the ninth most (12) ____________ country. Future candidates to become an Asgard national will have to pass an IQ test to (13) ____________ they are of a higher intelligence. They will also have to pay an (14) ____________ membership of 100 euros. Asgardia has a long-term goal to launch life-sustaining, high-tech, (15) ____________ arks in space, where Asgardian citizens can live and (16) ____________.

Listening — Guess the answers. Listen to check.

1) a computer scientist established the space nation of Asgardia at ______ Vienna
     a. a ceremonial in
     b. a ceremony inn
     c. a ceremony in
     d. a seller money in
2) Ashurbeyli stated that: "This day will certainly be recorded in ______ history"
     a. the annals of
     b. the annuals of
     c. the animals of
     d. the annuls of
3) We have established ______ government
     a. all branch is of
     b. all branches off
     c. all branch is off
     d. all branches of
4) He also said his nation was a "global ______"
     a. humanitarian projector
     b. humanitarian projection
     c. humanitarian project
     d. humanitarian projected
5) pioneer the future colonization of space and set up human ______ Moon
     a. colonies on the
     b. colonise on the
     c. collar knees on the
     d. color knees on the

6) Asgardia is named after Asgard - a flying city in ancient ______
     a. Scandinavian misogyny
     b. Scandinavian mystery
     c. Scandinavian mythology
     d. Scandinavian myopathy
7) It already has a growing number ______ citizens
     a. of would-been
     b. of would-being
     c. of would-bee
     d. of would-be
8) Within the next 10 years, Asgardia hopes ______ population of 150 million
     a. to remiss a
     b. to a mast a
     c. to amass a
     d. to a mass a
9) This would make it the ninth ______ country
     a. mast populous
     b. most populous
     c. must populous
     d. moss populous
10) a long-term goal to launch life-sustaining, high-tech, ______ space
     a. fir dent arks in
     b. far dent arks in
     c. verdant arks in
     d. bird ant arks in

Listening — Listen and fill in the gaps

A Russian billionaire (1) ___________________ inauguration as leader of humankind's first ever nation in space. Igor Ashurbeyli, a computer scientist, (2) ___________________ nation of Asgardia at a ceremony in Vienna, Austria on Monday. In his inauguration address, Mr Ashurbeyli stated that: "This day (3) ___________________ recorded in the annals of history as one of the greatest events for humankind. We have established (4) ___________________ government. I can therefore declare with confidence that Asgardia - the first space nation (5) ___________________ humankind - has been born." He also said his nation was a "global humanitarian project" that would (6) ___________________ colonization of space and set up human colonies on the Moon.

Asgardia is named after Asgard - a (7) ___________________ ancient Scandinavian mythology. It already has a (8) ___________________ would-be citizens. Around 200,000 people have signed up to claim their Asgardian nationality. (9) ___________________ 10 years, Asgardia hopes to amass a population of 150 million. This would make it the (10) ___________________ country. Future candidates to become an Asgard national will have to pass an IQ test to prove they are of a higher intelligence. They will also have to (11) ___________________ membership of 100 euros. Asgardia has a long-term goal to launch life-sustaining, high-tech, verdant arks in space, where Asgardian citizens can (12) ___________________.

Comprehension questions

What is the job of the leader of Asgardia?
Where was the inauguration speech for Asgardia?
What did the leader say he had established all branches of?
What kind of project did the leader say Asgardia was?
Where does the leader want to set up human colonies?
What region of the world is the name Asgardia from?
How many people have signed up to become Asgardia citizens?
What kind of test will would-be citizens have to take?
How much does it cost each year to be an Asgardia citizen?
What can Asgardia citizens do on arks in space?

Multiple choice quiz

1) What is the job of the leader of Asgardia?
a) painter
b) computer scientist
c) astronaut
d) business man
2) Where was the inauguration speech for Asgardia?
a) Kenya
b) Brazil
c) Austria
d) New Zealand
3) What did the leader say he had established all branches of?
a) communication
b) a space station
c) trees
d) government
4) What kind of project did the leader say Asgardia was?
a) an expensive one
b) a humanitarian project
c) an interstellar project
d) an exciting one
5) Where does the leader want to set up human colonies?
a) the Moon
b) Mars
c) another galaxy
d) on an asteroid

6) What region of the world is the name Asgardia from?
a) Scandinavia
b) Antarctica
c) the Middle East
d) Central America
7) How many people have signed up to become Asgardia citizens?
a) 500,000
b) 400,000
c) 300,000
d) 200,000
8) What kind of test will would-be citizens have to take?
a) a space test
b) a personality test
c) an IQ test
d) a fitness test
9) How much does it cost each year to be an Asgardia citizen?
a) €1,000,000
b) €1,000
c) €1
d) €100
10) What can Asgardia citizens do on arks in space?
a) look at Earth
b) live and prosper
c) play and sleep
d) fly and float

Role play

Role A – Food
You think food is what you would miss most if you lived in space. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them why you wouldn't miss their things as much. Also, tell the others which of these things you would miss least (and why): mountains, blue sky or diversity.

Role B – Mountains
You think mountains is what you would miss most if you lived in space. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them why you wouldn't miss their things as much. Also, tell the others which of these things you would miss least (and why): food, blue sky or diversity.

Role C – Blue Sky
You think blue sky is what you would miss most if you lived in space. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them why you wouldn't miss their things as much. Also, tell the others which of these things you would miss least (and why): mountains, food, or diversity.

Role D – Diversity
You think diversity is what you would miss most if you lived in space. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them why you wouldn't miss their things as much. Also, tell the others which of these things you would miss least (and why): mountains, blue sky or food.

After reading / listening

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

'space'

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

and 'nation'.
________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

• 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:

ancient

citizens

nationality

candidates

membership

prosper

inauguration

scientist

address

events

confidence

colonies

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 - New nation of Asgardia established in space

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

What did you think when you read the headline?
What images are in your mind when you hear the word 'space'?
What would it be like to live in space?
Would life on Mars or the Moon be best?
Will Earth be able to sustain life forever?
How will this event be recorded in history?
What do you think of the idea of space nations?
If there are space nations, will there be space wars?
How sad would it be to leave Earth to live in space?
What do you think of colonies on the Moon?

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

Did you like reading this article? Why/not?
What do you think of when you hear the word 'nation'?
What do you think about what you read?
What would you call the next space nation?
Would you like to be a citizen of Asgardia?
Why is there an intelligence test to be an Asgardia citizen?
Could Asgardia be a money-making scheme?
What new developments will there be with space nations?
What would the problems be of living in space?
What questions would you like to ask the Asgardia leader?

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 Russian billionaire has attended his (1) ____ as leader of humankind's first ever nation in space. Igor Ashurbeyli, a computer scientist, (2) ____ the space nation of Asgardia at a ceremony in Vienna, Austria on Monday. In his inauguration (3) ____, Mr Ashurbeyli stated that: "This day will certainly be recorded in the annals of history as one of the greatest events for humankind. We have established all (4) ____ of government. I can therefore declare with confidence that Asgardia - the first space nation of the united humankind - has been born." He also said his nation was a "global humanitarian project" that would (5) ____ the future colonization of space and set up human (6) ____ on the Moon.

Asgardia is named after Asgard - a flying city (7) ____ ancient Scandinavian mythology. It already has a growing number of would-(8) ____ citizens. Around 200,000 people have signed up to claim their Asgardian nationality. Within the next 10 years, Asgardia hopes to (9) ____ a population of 150 million. This would make it the ninth most populous country. Future candidates to become an Asgard national will have to pass an IQ test to prove they are (10) ____ a higher intelligence. They will also have to pay an (11) ____ membership of 100 euros. Asgardia has a long-term goal to launch life-sustaining, high-tech, verdant arks (12) ____ space, where Asgardian citizens can live and prosper.

Which of these words go in the above text?

(a) graduation (b) deduction (c) inauguration (d) radiation
(a) established (b) contrasted (c) erupted (d) intoxicated
(a) addressing (b) address (c) addressed (d) addressee
(a) vines (b) trunks (c) twigs (d) branches
(a) veneer (b) sheer (c) pioneer (d) veer
(a) colonize (b) colonies (c) colonials (d) colonized
(a) in (b) by (c) at (d) on
(a) have (b) like (c) do (d) be
(a) massive (b) masses (c) amass (d) mass
(a) that (b) as (c) by (d) of
(a) yearly (b) annual (c) 12-monthly (d) year-long
(a) in (b) up (c) at (d) on

Spelling

Paragraph 1

attended his nagiuurtanio
at a ryceomen in Vienna
This day will eytirncal be recorded
declare with ecnefcondi
peonier the future
set up human nioecols on the Moon

Paragraph 2

in enitnca Scandinavian mythology
a growing number of would-be ecnsizti
the ninth most usplopuo country
Future tdnsaaiced
pay an anulna membership
high-tech, vrndtea arks in space

Put the text back together

(...) membership of 100 euros. Asgardia has a long-term goal to launch life-sustaining, high-tech,
(...) established all branches of government. I can therefore declare with confidence that Asgardia - the first space nation of
(...) a ceremony in Vienna, Austria on Monday. In his inauguration address, Mr Ashurbeyli stated that: "This day will
(...) an IQ test to prove they are of a higher intelligence. They will also have to pay an annual
(...) 10 years, Asgardia hopes to amass a population of 150 million. This would make it the ninth
(...) verdant arks in space, where Asgardian citizens can live and prosper.
(...) the united humankind - has been born." He also said his nation was a "global humanitarian project" that would
(...) ever nation in space. Igor Ashurbeyli, a computer scientist, established the space nation of Asgardia at
(...) most populous country. Future candidates to become an Asgard national will have to pass
(...) certainly be recorded in the annals of history as one of the greatest events for humankind. We have
(...) Asgardia is named after Asgard - a flying city in ancient Scandinavian mythology. It already has a growing number
(...) pioneer the future colonization of space and set up human colonies on the Moon.
(...) of would-be citizens. Around 200,000 people have signed up to claim their Asgardian nationality. Within the next
( 1 ) A Russian billionaire has attended his inauguration as leader of humankind's first

Put the words in the right order

attended his billionaire has inauguration . Russian A
first humankind's nation ever in of Leader space .
established We branches of all government . have
united the space nation first humankind . of The
up human colonies Set on the Moon .
mythology . ancient in city flying A Scandinavian
of growing number would-be A citizens .
intelligence . they are higher a Prove of
euros . 100 Pay membership of annual an
arks . goal to A life-sustaining long-term launch

Circle the correct word (20 pairs)

A Russian billionaire has attended his inauguration as / was leader of humankind's first ever nation in space. Igor Ashurbeyli, a computer scientist, established the space national / nation of Asgardia at a ceremony / ceremonial in Vienna, Austria on Monday. In his inauguration addressed / address, Mr Ashurbeyli stated that: "This day will certainly been / be recorded in the annals of history as one of the greatest events / event for humankind. We have established all branches of government. I can therefore declare by / with confidence that Asgardia - the first space nation of the united humankind - has been born." He also say / said his nation was a "global humanitarian projector / project" that would pioneer the future colonization of space and set up / down human colonies on the Moon.

Asgardia is named after Asgard - a flying city on / in ancient Scandinavian mythology. It already has a growing numeral / number of would-be citizens. Around 200,000 people have signed up to claim / clam their Asgardian nationality. Within the past / next 10 years, Asgardia hopes to amass / mass a population of 150 million. This would make it the / a ninth most populous country. Future candidates to become / becoming an Asgard national will have to pass an IQ test to proof / prove they are of a higher intelligence. They will also have to pay / paid an annual membership of 100 euros. Asgardia has a long-term goal to launch life-sustaining, high-tech, verdant arks in space, where Asgardian citizens can live and prosperity / prosper.

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)

A R_s s__ n b_l l__ n__ r_ h_s _t t_n d_d h_s _n__ g_r_t__ n _s l__ d_r _f h_m_n k_n d ' s f_r s t _v_r n_t__ n _n s p_c_. I g_r A s h_r b_y l_, _ c_m p_t_r s c__ n t_s t , _s t_b l_s h_d t h_ s p_c_ n_t__ n _f A s g_r d__ _t _ c_r_m_n y _n V__ n n_, A_s t r__ _n M_n d_y . I n h_s _n__ g_r_t__ n _d d r_s s , M r A s h_r b_y l_ s t_t_d t h_t : " T h_s d_y w_l l c_r t__ n l y b_ r_c_r d_d _n t h_ _n n_l s _f h_s t_r y _s _n_ _f t h_ g r__ t_s t _v_n t s f_r h_m_n k_n d . W_ h_v_ _s t_b l_s h_d _l l b r_n c h_s _f g_v_r n m_n t . I c_n t h_r_f_r_ d_c l_r_ w_t h c_n f_d_n c_ t h_t A s g_r d__ - t h_ f_r s t s p_c_ n_t__ n _f t h_ _n_t_d h_m_n k_n d - h_s b__ n b_r n . " H_ _l s_ s__ d h_s n_t__ n w_s _ " g l_b_l h_m_n_t_r__ n p r_j_c t " t h_t w__ l d p__ n__ r t h_ f_t_r_ c_l_n_z_t__ n _f s p_c_ _n d s_t _p h_m_n c_l_n__ s _n t h_ M__ n .

A s g_r d__ _s n_m_d _f t_r A s g_r d - _ f l y_n g c_t y _n _n c__ n t S c_n d_n_v__ n m y t h_l_g y . I t _l r__ d y h_s _ g r_w_n g n_m b_r _f w__ l d - b_ c_t_z_n s . A r__ n d 2 0 0 , 0 0 0 p__ p l_ h_v_ s_g n_d _p t_ c l__ m t h__ r A s g_r d__ n n_t__ n_l_t y . W_t h_n t h_ n_x t 1 0 y__ r s , A s g_r d__ h_p_s t_ _m_s s _ p_p_l_t__ n _f 1 5 0 m_l l__ n . T h_s w__ l d m_k_ _t t h_ n_n t h m_s t p_p_l__ s c__ n t r y . F_t_r_ c_n d_d_t_s t_ b_c_m_ _n A s g_r d n_t__ n_l w_l l h_v_ t_ p_s s _n I Q t_s t t_ p r_v_ t h_y _r_ _f _ h_g h_r _n t_l l_g_n c_. T h_y w_l l _l s_ h_v_ t_ p_y _n _n n__ l m_m b_r s h_p _f 1 0 0 __ r_s . A s g_r d__ h_s _ l_n g - t_r m g__ l t_ l__ n c h l_f_- s_s t__ n_n g , h_g h - t_c h , v_r d_n t _r k s _n s p_c_, w h_r_ A s g_r d__ n c_t_z_n s c_n l_v_ _n d p r_s p_r .

Punctuate the text and add capitals

a russian billionaire has attended his inauguration as leader of humankind's first ever nation in space. igor ashurbeyli, a computer scientist, established the space nation of asgardia at a ceremony in vienna, austria on monday. in his inauguration address, mr ashurbeyli stated that: "this day will certainly be recorded in the annals of history as one of the greatest events for humankind. we have established all branches of government. i can therefore declare with confidence that asgardia - the first space nation of the united humankind - has been born." he also said his nation was a "global humanitarian project" that would pioneer the future colonization of space and set up human colonies on the moon.

asgardia is named after asgard - a flying city in ancient scandinavian mythology. it already has a growing number of would-be citizens. around 200,000 people have signed up to claim their asgardian nationality. within the next 10 years, asgardia hopes to amass a population of 150 million. this would make it the ninth most populous country. future candidates to become an asgard national will have to pass an iq test to prove they are of a higher intelligence. they will also have to pay an annual membership of 100 euros. asgardia has a long-term goal to launch life-sustaining, high-tech, verdant arks in space, where asgardian citizens can live and prosper.

Put a slash (/) where the spaces are

ARussianbillionairehasattendedhisinaugurationasleaderofhumanki
nd'sfirstevernationinspace.IgorAshurbeyli,acomputerscientist,esta
blishedthespacenationofAsgardiaataceremonyinVienna,AustriaonM
onday.Inhisinaugurationaddress,MrAshurbeylistatedthat:"Thisday
willcertainlyberecordedintheannalsofhistoryasoneofthegreatesteve
ntsforhumankind.Wehaveestablishedallbranchesofgovernment.Ica
nthereforedeclarewithconfidencethatAsgardia-thefirstspacenationo
ftheunitedhumankind-hasbeenborn."Healsosaidhisnationwasa"glo
balhumanitarianproject"thatwouldpioneerthefuturecolonizationofs
paceandsetuphumancoloniesontheMoon.AsgardiaisnamedafterAsg
ard-aflyingcityinancientScandinavianmythology.Italreadyhasagro
wingnumberofwould-becitizens.Around200,000peoplehavesignedu
ptoclaimtheirAsgardiannationality.Withinthenext10years,Asgardia
hopestoamassapopulationof150million.Thiswouldmakeittheninthm
ostpopulouscountry.FuturecandidatestobecomeanAsgardnationalw
illhavetopassanIQtesttoprovetheyareofahigherintelligence.Theywill
alsohavetopayanannualmembershipof100euros.Asgardiahasalong-
termgoaltolaunchlife-sustaining,high-tech,verdantarksinspace,wh
ereAsgardiancitizenscanliveandprosper.

Free writing

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

_____________________________________________________________________________

Academic writing

The future of the human race is in space. Discuss.

_____________________________________________________________________________

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 story. Share what you discover with your partner(s) in the next lesson.
3. SPACE NATIONS: Make a poster about space nations. Show your work to your classmates in the next lesson. Did you all have similar things?
4. SPACE: Write a magazine article about living in space. 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 space nations. Ask him/her three questions about them. Give him/her three of your ideas on how we can live in space. 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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Breaking News English Lesson on Asgardia

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