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Donald Trump interested in buying Greenland (21st August, 2019)

The Reading / Listening - Greenland - Level 3

U.S. President Donald Trump has said he is interested in buying the territory of Greenland. President Trump said any purchase of the world's second largest island would be like buying property. He said it was, "essentially a large real estate deal... They've got a lot of valuable minerals". He added: "Denmark owns it. We're very good allies with Denmark. We protect Denmark like we protect large portions of the world. So the concept came up and I said, 'Certainly I'd be [interested].' Strategically, it's interesting and we'd be interested but we'll talk to them a little bit." Mr Trump said buying Greenland was not his top priority at the moment. He said: "It's not number one on the burner, I can tell you that."

Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark. The Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, told reporters that Greenland would not be sold. She said: "Greenland is not for sale. Greenland is not Danish. Greenland belongs to Greenland. I strongly hope that this is not meant seriously." She added: "It's an absurd discussion, and Greenland's Prime Minister Kim Kielsen has of course made it clear that Greenland is not for sale. That's where the conversation ends." The USA has a history of being interested in Greenland. In 1946, President Harry Truman offered Denmark $100 million for the island but Denmark said no. In 1867, President Andrew Johnson paid Russia $7.2 million for Alaska.

Try the same news story at these easier levels:

Greenland - Level 0, Greenland - Level 1 or Greenland - Level 2

Sources

https://www.bbc.com/news/world/middle_east
https://edition.cnn.com/2019/08/18/politics/us-buy-greenland-danish-prime-minister/index.html
https://www.thelocal.dk/20190816/does-donald-trump-really-want-to-buy-greenland-from-denmark

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. GREENLAND: Students walk around the class and talk to other students about Greenland. 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?
interested / Greenland / island / property / real estate / minerals / concept / priority /
prime minister / for sale / hope / discussion / conversation / history / no / Alaska
Have a chat about the topics you liked. Change topics and partners frequently.
3. INDEPENDENT: Students A strongly believe Greenland should become independent; Students B strongly believe it shouldn't. Change partners again and talk about your conversations.
4. LANDS: What do you know about these lands? What would you like to know? Complete this table with your partner(s). Change partners often and share what you wrote.

	What We Know	What We Want To Know
Greenland
Iceland
Ireland
Thailand
Switzerland
Poland

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. DEAL: Spend one minute writing down all of the different words you associate with the word "deal". Share your words with your partner(s) and talk about them. Together, put the words into different categories.
6. U.S. TERRITORY: Rank these with your partner. Put the most important U.S. territory at the top. Change partners often and share your rankings.

U.S. Virgin Islands
American Samoa
N. Mariana Islands
Midway Atoll
Guam
Puerto Rico
Hawaii
Alaska

Vocabulary

Paragraph 1

1.	purchase	a.	Things (small rocks and other hard things) in the ground that people get by mining.
2.	property	b.	A thing or things belonging to someone; possessions.
3.	deal	c.	Worth a lot of money.
4.	valuable	d.	The action of buying something.
5.	concept	e.	A thing that is thought of as more important than another; the most important thing you have to do or want.
6.	minerals	f.	An agreement between two or more people, companies or countries, especially for business or politics.
7.	priority	g.	An idea.

Paragraph 2

8.	autonomous	h.	Crazy, ridiculous and stupid.
9.	territory	i.	Be the property of someone.
10.	belong	j.	Presented something for someone to say yes or no to.
11.	absurd	k.	Of a country or region having self-government.
12.	clear	l.	An area of land under the control of a leader or country.
13.	offered	m.	Gave money to someone to buy something.
14.	paid	n.	Very easy to see or understand.

Before reading / listening

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

Greenland is the world's second largest island. T / F
President Trump likened buying Greenland to a real estate deal. T / F
President Trump says the USA protects large portions of the world. T / F
President Trump said buying Greenland was a top priority. T / F
Greenland does not have a prime minister. T / F
Denmark's prime minister said Greenland could be for sale. T / F
The USA tried to buy Denmark in 1946. T / F
Russia tried to buy Alaska from the USA in 1867. T / F

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

buying
territory
deal
valuable
priority
autonomous
reporters
absurd
clear
history

top concern
background
useful
land
journalists
obvious
purchasing
self-governing
silly
agreement

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

he is interested in buying the territory
the world's second
it was essentially a large real
a lot of valuable
buying Greenland was not his top
Greenland is an autonomous territory
Greenland is not for
Greenland belongs
It's an
That's where the conversation

minerals
to Greenland
priority
sale
ends
largest island
absurd discussion
of Denmark
of Greenland
estate deal

Gap fill

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.

estate
number
territory
portions
priority
second
allies
bit

U.S. President Donald Trump has said he is interested in buying the (1) ____________ of Greenland. President Trump said any purchase of the world's (2) ____________ largest island would be like buying property. He said it was, "essentially a large real (3) ____________ deal... They've got a lot of valuable minerals". He added: "Denmark owns it. We're very good (4) ____________ with Denmark. We protect Denmark like we protect large (5) ____________ of the world. So the concept came up and I said, 'Certainly I'd be [interested].' Strategically, it's interesting and we'd be interested but we'll talk to them a little (6) ____________." Mr Trump said buying Greenland was not his top (7) ____________ at the moment. He said: "It's not (8) ____________ one on the burner, I can tell you that."

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.

belongs
history
autonomous
sale
sold
paid
seriously
offered

Greenland is an (9) ____________ territory of Denmark. The Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, told reporters that Greenland would not be (10) ____________. She said: "Greenland is not for sale. Greenland is not Danish. Greenland (11) ____________ to Greenland. I strongly hope that this is not meant (12) ____________." She added: "It's an absurd discussion, and Greenland's Prime Minister Kim Kielsen has of course made it clear that Greenland is not for (13) ____________. That's where the conversation ends." The USA has a (14) ____________ of being interested in Greenland. In 1946, President Harry Truman (15) ____________ Denmark $100 million for the island but Denmark said no. In 1867, President Andrew Johnson (16) ____________ Russia $7.2 million for Alaska.

Listening — Guess the answers. Listen to check.

1) any purchase of the world's second largest island would be ______
     a. like buying properly
     b. like buying property
     c. like buying proper tea
     d. like buying prop party
2) it was essentially a large real estate deal... They've got a lot of ______
     a. valuably minerals
     b. valuables minerals
     c. value able minerals
     d. valuable minerals
3) Strategically, it's interesting and we'd be interested but we'll talk to them ______
     a. a little bit
     b. a little bite
     c. a little byte
     d. a little bitten
4) Mr Trump said buying Greenland was not his top priority ______
     a. at a moment
     b. at the momentum
     c. at the moment
     d. as the moment
5) It's not number one on the burner, I can ______
     a. tell you that's
     b. tell you that
     c. tell you what's
     d. tell you which

6) Mette Frederiksen, told reporters that Greenland would ______
     a. not being sold
     b. not been sold
     c. not bee sold
     d. not be sold
7) this is not meant seriously." She added: "It's an ______
     a. absurd discussion
     b. absurdly discussion
     c. absurd discussing
     d. absurdly discussing
8) Greenland is not for sale. That's where the ______
     a. conversation end
     b. conversations ends
     c. conversation ends
     d. conversations end
9) Harry Truman offered Denmark $100 million for the island but ______
     a. Denmark said none
     b. Denmark said nope
     c. Denmark said no
     d. Denmark said now
10) In 1867, President Andrew Johnson paid Russia $7.2 ______
     a. millions for Alaska
     b. million to Alaska
     c. million for Alaska
     d. millions from Alaska

Listening — Listen and fill in the gaps

U.S. President Donald Trump has said he is interested in (1) ___________________ of Greenland. President Trump said any purchase of the world's (2) ___________________ would be like buying property. He said it was, "essentially a large real estate deal... They've got a lot (3) ___________________". He added: "Denmark owns it. We're very good allies with Denmark. We protect Denmark like we (4) ___________________ of the world. So the concept came up and I said, 'Certainly I'd be [interested].' Strategically, it's interesting and we'd be interested but we'll talk to them (5) ___________________." Mr Trump said buying Greenland was not his top priority at the moment. He said: "It's (6) ___________________ on the burner, I can tell you that."

Greenland (7) ___________________ territory of Denmark. The Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, told reporters that Greenland would not be sold. She said: "Greenland is (8) ___________________. Greenland is not Danish. Greenland belongs to Greenland. I strongly hope that this is not meant seriously." She added: "It's (9) ___________________, and Greenland's Prime Minister Kim Kielsen has of course made it clear that Greenland is not for sale. That's where (10) ___________________." The USA has a history of (11) ___________________ Greenland. In 1946, President Harry Truman offered Denmark $100 million (12) ___________________ but Denmark said no. In 1867, President Andrew Johnson paid Russia $7.2 million for Alaska.

Comprehension questions

Where is Greenland on the list of the world's largest islands?
What valuable things did President Trump say Greenland has a lot of?
Who did President Trump say the USA was good allies with?
Where did President Trump say the USA protects, besides Denmark?
On what did Mr Trump say buying Greenland was not number one?
What is Greenland's relationship with Denmark?
Who did Denmark's prime minister say Greenland belonged to?
What adjective did Denmark's leader use to describe discussions?
How much did the USA want to buy Greenland for in 1946?
How much did Alaska cost the USA?

Multiple choice quiz

1) Where is Greenland on the list of the world's largest islands?
a) first
b) third
c) second
d) fourth
2) What valuable things did President Trump say Greenland has a lot of?
a) minerals
b) glaciers
c) icebergs
d) people
3) Who did President Trump say the USA was good allies with?
a) Mexico
b) the whole world
c) Greenland
d) Denmark
4) Where did President Trump say the USA protects, besides Denmark?
a) Norway
b) large portions of the world
c) Finland
d) countries in the Atlantic
5) On what did Mr Trump say buying Greenland was not number one?
a) a chart
b) a list
c) the burner
d) a poll

6) What is Greenland's relationship with Denmark?
a) off and on
b) it's an autonomous territory
c) healthy
d) good friends
7) Who did Denmark's prime minister say Greenland belonged to?
a) no one
b) Denmark
c) the world
d) Greenland
8) What adjective did Denmark's leader use to describe discussions?
a) promising
b) absurd
c) serious
d) difficult
9) How much did the USA want to buy Greenland for in 1946?
a) $100 million
b) $200 million
c) $300 million
d) $400 million
10) How much did Alaska cost the USA?
a) $72 million
b) $720 million
c) $27 million
d) $7.2 million

Role play

Role A – Guam
You think Guam is the most important U.S. Territory. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their territories. Also, tell the others which is the least important of these (and why): Hawaii, Alaska or Puerto Rico.

Role B – Hawaii
You think Hawaii is the most important U.S. Territory. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their territories. Also, tell the others which is the least important of these (and why): Guam, Alaska or Puerto Rico.

Role C – Alaska
You think Alaska is the most important U.S. Territory. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their territories. Also, tell the others which is the least important of these (and why): Hawaii, Guam or Puerto Rico.

Role D – Puerto Rico
You think Puerto Rico is the most important U.S. Territory. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their territories. Also, tell the others which is the least important of these (and why): Hawaii, Alaska or Guam.

After reading / listening

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

'green'

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

and 'land'.
________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

• 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:

reporters

strongly

seriously

course

history

no

buying

second

real

good

talk

number

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 - Donald Trump interested in buying Greenland

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 'green'?
What do you know about Greenland?
Why do you think Greenland is called Greenland?
Why does Donald Trump want to buy Greenland?
Is it OK to buy a territory or country?
Do you think Donald Trump is good at property deals?
Would you like to go to Greenland?
Why is Greenland important strategically?
What is your top priority?

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 'land'?
What do you think about what you read?
Should Greenland become an independent country?
What might Greenlanders think of Mr Trump's interest?
What do you think of the Danish prime minister's comments?
How would Greenland change if Donald Trump bought it?
Could Greenland become Trumpland if Mr Trump buys it?
Was the purchase of Alaska good for the USA and Russia?
What questions would you like to ask Donald Trump?

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)

U.S. President Donald Trump has said he is (1) ____ in buying the territory of Greenland. President Trump said any (2) ____ of the world's second largest island would be like buying property. He said it was, "essentially a large (3) ____ estate deal... They've got a lot of valuable minerals". He added: "Denmark owns it. We're very good (4) ____ with Denmark. We protect Denmark like we protect large portions of the world. So the concept came (5) ____ and I said, 'Certainly I'd be [interested].' Strategically, it's interesting and we'd be interested but we'll talk to them a little bit." Mr Trump said buying Greenland was not his (6) ____ priority at the moment. He said: "It's not number one on the burner, I can tell you that."

Greenland is an (7) ____ territory of Denmark. The Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, told reporters that Greenland would not be sold. She said: "Greenland is not (8) ____ sale. Greenland is not Danish. Greenland belongs to Greenland. I strongly hope that this is not (9) ____ seriously." She added: "It's an absurd discussion, and Greenland's Prime Minister Kim Kielsen has of course made it (10) ____ that Greenland is not for sale. That's where the conversation (11) ____." The USA has a history of being interested in Greenland. In 1946, President Harry Truman offered Denmark $100 million for the island but Denmark said no. In 1867, President Andrew Johnson (12) ____ Russia $7.2 million for Alaska.

Which of these words go in the above text?

(a) interested (b) interests (c) interesting (d) interest
(a) buy (b) size (c) purchase (d) land
(a) really (b) unreal (c) real (d) reality
(a) wellies (b) brollies (c) bellies (d) allies
(a) up (b) on (c) down (d) at
(a) up (b) top (c) above (d) over
(a) enlarged (b) ginormous (c) mouthy (d) autonomous
(a) in (b) for (c) as (d) at
(a) dent (b) bent (c) meant (d) lent
(a) hazy (b) opaque (c) invisible (d) clear
(a) stoppages (b) lasts (c) finals (d) ends
(a) spent (b) paid (c) bought (d) borrowed

Spelling

Paragraph 1

the rtireytor of Greenland
any eurhsacp
a large real seetta deal
a lot of albaveul minerals
the ceoptcn came up
Greenland was not his top roiitypr

Paragraph 2

Greenland elgonbs to Greenland
this is not meant irsyeluos
It's an sduabr discussion
That's where the nivaoctnrose ends
a oihryts of being interested in Greenland
Truman eodffre Denmark $100 million

Put the text back together

(...) said no. In 1867, President Andrew Johnson paid Russia $7.2 million for Alaska.
(...) 1946, President Harry Truman offered Denmark $100 million for the island but Denmark
(...) Danish. Greenland belongs to Greenland. I strongly hope that this is not meant seriously." She added: "It's an absurd
(...) priority at the moment. He said: "It's not number one on the burner, I can tell you that."
(...) be interested but we'll talk to them a little bit." Mr Trump said buying Greenland was not his top
(...) up and I said, 'Certainly I'd be [interested].' Strategically, it's interesting and we'd
(.1.) U.S. President Donald Trump has said he is interested in buying the territory of Greenland. President Trump said any purchase
(...) estate deal... They've got a lot of valuable minerals". He added: "Denmark owns it. We're very good
(...) reporters that Greenland would not be sold. She said: "Greenland is not for sale. Greenland is not
(...) discussion, and Greenland's Prime Minister Kim Kielsen has of course made it clear that Greenland is not
(...) Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark. The Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, told
(...) allies with Denmark. We protect Denmark like we protect large portions of the world. So the concept came
(...) for sale. That's where the conversation ends." The USA has a history of being interested in Greenland. In
(...) of the world's second largest island would be like buying property. He said it was, "essentially a large real

Put the words in the right order

buying is He interested the territory . in
was real essentially deal . a It large estate
the protect world . We large portions of
top Buying his Greenland not was priority .
one It's number the not burner . on
autonomous Greenland an is territory of Denmark .
Greenland said sale . not is She for
Greenland reporters Told would not be that sold .
it clear isn't Greenland Made for that sale .
history of The a being USA has interested .

Circle the correct word (20 pairs)

U.S. President Donald Trump has said he is interested in / on buying the territory of Greenland. President Trump said any purchased / purchase of the world's second largest island would be same / like buying property. He said it was, "essentially a large real estate deal / dealt... They've got a lot of valuable mineral / minerals". He added: "Denmark owning / owns it. We're very good allies with Denmark. We protect Denmark like we protect large portions / patterns of the world. So the concept came up / down and I said, 'Certainly I'd be [interested].' Strategically, it's interesting and we'd be interested but we'll talk to them a little part / bit." Mr Trump said buying Greenland was not his top priority at the monument / moment. He said: "It's not number one on the burner, I can tell you that."

Greenland is an autonomous / autonomy territory of Denmark. The Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, told reporters that Greenland would not be sell / sold. She said: "Greenland is not for / from sale. Greenland is not Danish. Greenland belonging / belongs to Greenland. I strongly hope that this is not meant / mean seriously." She added: "It's an absurd discuss / discussion, and Greenland's Prime Minister Kim Kielsen has of course made it clearly / clear that Greenland is not for sale. That's where the conversion / conversation ends." The USA has a history of being interested in Greenland. In 1946, President Harry Truman offered Denmark $100 million for the island but Denmark said no / not. In 1867, President Andrew Johnson paid / spent Russia $7.2 million for Alaska.

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)

U . S . P r_s_d_n t D_n_l d T r_m p h_s s__ d h_ _s _n t_r_s t_d _n b_y_n g t h_ t_r r_t_r y _f G r__ n l_n d . P r_s_d_n t T r_m p s__ d _n y p_r c h_s_ _f t h_ w_r l d ' s s_c_n d l_r g_s t _s l_n d w__ l d b_ l_k_ b_y_n g p r_p_r t y . H_ s__ d _t w_s , "_s s_n t__ l l y _ l_r g_ r__ l _s t_t_ d__ l . . . T h_y ' v_ g_t _ l_t _f v_l__ b l_ m_n_r_l s " . H_ _d d_d : " D_n m_r k _w n s _t . W_' r_ v_r y g__ d _l l__ s w_t h D_n m_r k . W_ p r_t_c t D_n m_r k l_k_ w_ p r_t_c t l_r g_ p_r t__ n s _f t h_ w_r l d . S_ t h_ c_n c_p t c_m_ _p _n d I s__ d , ' C_r t__ n l y I ' d b_ [_n t_r_s t_d ] . ' S t r_t_g_c_l l y , _t ' s _n t_r_s t_n g _n d w_' d b_ _n t_r_s t_d b_t w_' l l t_l k t_ t h_m _ l_t t l_ b_t . " M r T r_m p s__ d b_y_n g G r__ n l_n d w_s n_t h_s t_p p r__ r_t y _t t h_ m_m_n t . H_ s__ d : " I t ' s n_t n_m b_r _n_ _n t h_ b_r n_r , I c_n t_l l y__ t h_t . "

G r__ n l_n d _s _n __ t_n_m__ s t_r r_t_r y _f D_n m_r k . T h_ P r_m_ M_n_s t_r _f D_n m_r k , M_t t_ F r_d_r_k s_n , t_l d r_p_r t_r s t h_t G r__ n l_n d w__ l d n_t b_ s_l d . Sh_ s__ d : " G r__ n l_n d _s n_t f_r s_l_. G r__ n l_n d _s n_t D_n_s h . G r__ n l_n d b_l_n g s t_ G r__ n l_n d . I s t r_n g l y h_p_ t h_t t h_s _s n_t m__ n t s_r___s l y . " Sh_ _d d_d : " I t ' s _n _b s_r d d_s c_s s__ n , _n d G r__ n l_n d ' s P r_m_ M_n_s t_r K_m K__ l s_n h_s _f c__ r s_ m_d_ _t c l__ r t h_t G r__ n l_n d _s n_t f_r s_l_. T h_t ' s w h_r_ t h_ c_n v_r s_t__ n _n d s . " T h_ U S A h_s _ h_s t_r y _f b__ n g _n t_r_s t_d _n G r__ n l_n d . I n 1 9 4 6 , P r_s_d_n t H_r r y T r_m_n _f f_r_d D_n m_r k $ 1 0 0 m_l l__ n f_r t h_ _s l_n d b_t D_n m_r k s__ d n_. I n 1 8 6 7 , P r_s_d_n t A n d r_w J_h n s_n p__ d R_s s__ $ 7 . 2 m_l l__ n f_r A l_s k_.

Punctuate the text and add capitals

us president donald trump has said he is interested in buying the territory of greenland president trump said any purchase of the worlds second largest island would be like buying property he said it was essentially a large real estate deal theyve got a lot of valuable minerals he added denmark owns it were very good allies with denmark we protect denmark like we protect large portions of the world so the concept came up and i said certainly id be interested strategically its interesting and wed be interested but well talk to them a little bit mr trump said buying greenland was not his top priority at the moment he said its not number one on the burner i can tell you that

greenland is an autonomous territory of denmark the prime minister of denmark mette frederiksen told reporters that greenland would not be sold she said greenland is not for sale greenland is not danish greenland belongs to greenland i strongly hope that this is not meant seriously she added its an absurd discussion and greenlands prime minister kim kielsen has of course made it clear that greenland is not for sale thats where the conversation ends the usa has a history of being interested in greenland in 1946 president harry truman offered denmark 100 million for the island but denmark said no in 1867 president andrew johnson paid russia 72 million for alaska

Put a slash (/) where the spaces are

U.S.PresidentDonaldTrumphassaidheisinterestedinbuyingtheterrit
oryofGreenland.PresidentTrumpsaidanypurchaseoftheworld'sseco
ndlargestislandwouldbelikebuyingproperty.Hesaiditwas,"essentiall
yalargerealestatedeal...They'vegotalotofvaluableminerals".Headde
d:"Denmarkownsit.We'reverygoodallieswithDenmark.WeprotectDe
nmarklikeweprotectlargeportionsoftheworld.Sotheconceptcameup
andIsaid,'CertainlyI'dbe[interested].'Strategically,it'sinterestingan
dwe'dbeinterestedbutwe'lltalktothemalittlebit."MrTrumpsaidbuying
Greenlandwasnothistoppriorityatthemoment.Hesaid:"It'snotnumb
eroneontheburner,Icantellyouthat."Greenlandisanautonomousterri
toryofDenmark.ThePrimeMinisterofDenmark,MetteFrederiksen,tol
dreportersthatGreenlandwouldnotbesold.Shesaid:"Greenlandisnotf
orsale.GreenlandisnotDanish.GreenlandbelongstoGreenland.Istron
glyhopethatthisisnotmeantseriously."Sheadded:"It'sanabsurddiscus
sion,andGreenland'sPrimeMinisterKimKielsenhasofcoursemadeitcl
earthatGreenlandisnotforsale.That'swheretheconversationends."T
heUSAhasahistoryofbeinginterestedinGreenland.In1946,President
HarryTrumanofferedDenmark$100millionfortheislandbutDenmarks
aidno.In1867,PresidentAndrewJohnsonpaidRussia$7.2millionforAl
aska.

Free writing

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

_____________________________________________________________________________

Academic writing

No country should be able to buy territory from another country. Discuss.

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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. GREENLAND: Make a poster about Greenland. Show your work to your classmates in the next lesson. Did you all have similar things?
4. REAL ESTATE: Write a magazine article about countries and territories being bought and sold like real estate. 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 Greenland. Ask him/her three questions about it. Give him/her three of your opinions on Donald Trump buying Greenland. 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 Greenland

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