Breaking News English Lesson: Maradona

Home | Help This Site

Thousands of Argentinians say goodbye to Maradona (29th November, 2020)

The Reading / Listening - Maradona - Level 3

Thousands of football fans paid their final respects to football legend Diego Maradona on Thursday. Huge crowds lined the streets of the capital Buenos Aires to catch a glimpse of the car carrying his body. The car was draped in the Argentina flag and a football shirt bearing his trademark number 10. Thousands more silently walked past his coffin as it was put on public display at the Presidential Palace. They were weeping, blowing kisses to their hero and praying. Maradona passed away on Wednesday, aged 60. He died of a heart attack. Argentina's government declared three days of national mourning for him. One fan said: "Maradona represents Argentinianess. He transcended football. He has my respect. I had to be here."

Diego Armando Maradona is widely regarded as one of the greatest players ever to step onto a football pitch. Many consider him to be the best. He captained his national team when Argentina won the 1986 World Cup. He scored the famous "Hand of God" goal against England in the quarter-finals. In that same game, he scored another goal that was voted as the greatest goal of the twentieth century. Maradona played for Barcelona in Spain and Napoli in Italy. Current Barcelona captain Lionel Messi said: "Maradona will never leave us because Diego is eternal." Brazilian legend Pele, a constant rival to Maradona for the world's greatest ever player accolade, said he hoped to one day, "play together in the sky" with Maradona.

Try the same news story at these easier levels:

Maradona - Level 0, Maradona - Level 1 or Maradona - Level 2

Sources

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-55060614
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/11/26/the-greatest-thousands-of-argentinians-say-goodbye-to-maradona
https://www.batimes.com.ar/news/argentina/mourners-bid-final-farewell-to-maradona-at-the-casa-rosada.phtml

Make sure you try all of the online activities for this reading and listening - There are dictations, multiple choice activities, drag and drop activities, sentence jumbles, which word activities, text reconstructions, spelling, gap fills and a whole lot more. Please enjoy :-)

Warm-ups

1. MARADONA: Students walk around the class and talk to other students about Maradona. 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?
football fans / respects / legend / Argentina / football shirt / number 10 / hero / pray /
football pitch / captain / national team / World Cup / eternal / rival / accolade / sky
Have a chat about the topics you liked. Change topics and partners frequently.
3. FOOTBALL: Students A strongly believe football is a better word than soccer; Students B strongly believe soccer is better. Change partners again and talk about your conversations.
4. LEGENDS: Who are the biggest legends in these areas? Why? Complete this table with your partner(s). Change partners often and share what you wrote.

	Who?	Why?
Sport
Movies
Games
Music
Environment
Business

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. HERO: Spend one minute writing down all of the different words you associate with the word "hero". Share your words with your partner(s) and talk about them. Together, put the words into different categories.
6. SPORTS: Rank these with your partner. Put the best sports at the top. Change partners often and share your rankings.

Football
Tennis
Skiing
Formula 1
Golf
Basketball
Hockey
Cricket

Vocabulary

Paragraph 1

1.	respect	a.	Something that is seem as a special ability or action of someone.
2.	legend	b.	A quick look at something.
3.	glimpse	c.	An extremely famous person.
4.	draped	d.	Went beyond the range or limits of something.
5.	trademark	e.	A feeling of deep admiration for someone or something because of their abilities and qualities.
6.	mourning	f.	Arranged cloth loosely or casually on something.
7.	transcended	g.	A time of deep sadness, remembrance and sorrow for someone who has died.

Paragraph 2

8.	regarded	h.	A field on which games like football is played.
9.	pitch	i.	Lasting or existing forever.
10.	quarter-finals	j.	Someone competing with another person to be the winner or to be the best.
11.	century	k.	A match or round of a knock-out competition that has eight teams or players left.
12.	eternal	l.	Remaining the same over a period of time.
13.	constant	m.	A period of one hundred years.
14.	rival	n.	Thought of.

Before reading / listening

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

The article says hundreds of thousands of fans line the streets. T / F
The car carrying Maradona's body was draped in his number 10 shirt. T / F
Maradona's body was put on display at the national stadium. T / F
The government declared three days of mourning for Maradona. T / F
The article says Maradona was the best football player ever. T / F
Maradona scored a goal called the "Arm of God" goal. T / F
Maradona played football in Italy and Spain. T / F
The football legend Pele wants to play with Maradona in the sky. T / F

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

fans
glimpse
trademark
weeping
passed away
regarded
greatest
eternal
rival
accolade

best
crying
thought of
challenger
brief look
everlasting
characteristic
died
honour
supporters

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

Thousands of football fans paid
catch a
The car was draped
Argentina's government declared three days
He transcended
widely regarded as one of the
football
He captained his
the twentieth
play together in

of national mourning
in the Argentina flag
century
pitch
glimpse of the car
national team
greatest players ever
football
the sky
their final respects

Gap fill

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.

draped
passed
paid
respect
trademark
mourning
crowds
blowing

Thousands of football fans (1) _____________________ their final respects to football legend Diego Maradona on Thursday. Huge (2) _____________________ lined the streets of the capital Buenos Aires to catch a glimpse of the car carrying his body. The car was (3) _____________________ in the Argentina flag and a football shirt bearing his (4) _____________________ number 10. Thousands more silently walked past his coffin as it was put on public display at the Presidential Palace. They were weeping, (5) _____________________ kisses to their hero and praying. Maradona (6) _____________________ away on Wednesday, aged 60. He died of a heart attack. Argentina's government declared three days of national (7) _____________________ for him. One fan said: "Maradona represents Argentinianess. He transcended football. He has my (8) _____________________. I had to be here."

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.

pitch
century
rival
quarter
widely
sky
eternal
captained

Diego Armando Maradona is (9) _____________________ regarded as one of the greatest players ever to step onto a football (10) _____________________. Many consider him to be the best. He (11) _____________________ his national team when Argentina won the 1986 World Cup. He scored the famous "Hand of God" goal against England in the (12) _____________________ -finals. In that same game, he scored another goal that was voted as the greatest goal of the twentieth (13) _____________________. Maradona played for Barcelona in Spain and Napoli in Italy. Current Barcelona captain Lionel Messi said: "Maradona will never leave us because Diego is (14) _____________________." Brazilian legend Pele, a constant (15) _____________________ to Maradona for the world's greatest ever player accolade, said he hoped to one day, "play together in the (16) _____________________" with Maradona.

Listening — Guess the answers. Listen to check.

1) Thousands of football fans paid their final respects ______
     a. to football legend
     b. to football region
     c. to football ledge end
     d. to football legendary
2) Huge crowds lined the streets of the capital Buenos Aires to catch ______ the car
     a. a glimpse off
     b. a glimpse of
     c. the glimpse off
     d. the glimpse of
3) draped in the Argentina flag and a football shirt bearing his ______
     a. trademarks number 10
     b. trader mark number 10
     c. traded mark number 10
     d. trademark number 10
4) Thousands more silently walked past his coffin as it was put ______
     a. off public display
     b. on public display
     c. at public display
     d. to public display
5) represents Argentinianess. He transcended football. He ______
     a. has my inspect
     b. has my aspect
     c. has my respect
     d. has my specked

6) regarded as one of the greatest players ever to step onto ______
     a. a football pitch
     b. a football patch
     c. a football batch
     d. a football pitcher
7) He scored the famous "Hand of God" goal against England in ______
     a. the third-finals
     b. the half-finals
     c. the quarter-finals
     d. the eighth-finals
8) another goal that was voted as the greatest goal of ______
     a. the twentieth centurion
     b. the twentieth cent jury
     c. the twentieth century
     d. the twentieth sent jury
9) Maradona will never leave us because ______
     a. Diego is eternally
     b. Diego is eternal
     c. Diego is eternalise
     d. Diego is eternity
10) greatest ever player accolade, said he hoped to one day, "play together ______
     a. in a sky
     b. in then sky
     c. in them sky
     d. in the sky

Listening — Listen and fill in the gaps

Thousands of football fans paid their (1) ____________________ football legend Diego Maradona on Thursday. (2) ____________________ the streets of the capital Buenos Aires to (3) ____________________ of the car carrying his body. The car was draped in the Argentina flag and a football shirt bearing his trademark number 10. Thousands more silently walked past his coffin as it was put (4) ____________________ at the Presidential Palace. They were weeping, (5) ____________________ their hero and praying. Maradona passed away on Wednesday, aged 60. He died of a heart attack. Argentina's government declared three days (6) ____________________ for him. One fan said: "Maradona represents Argentinianess. He transcended football. He has my respect. I had to be here."

Diego Armando Maradona (7) ____________________ as one of the greatest players ever to step onto (8) ____________________. Many consider him to be the best. He captained his national team when Argentina won the 1986 World Cup. He (9) ____________________ "Hand of God" goal against England in the quarter-finals. In that same game, he scored another goal that was voted as the greatest goal of (10) ____________________. Maradona played for Barcelona in Spain and Napoli in Italy. Current Barcelona captain Lionel Messi said: "Maradona will never leave us because Diego is eternal." Brazilian legend Pele, (11) ____________________ to Maradona for the world's greatest ever player accolade, said he hoped to one day, "play together (12) ____________________ " with Maradona.

Comprehension questions

What did thousands of fans line in Buenos Aires?
What was the number on the shirt that draped Maradona's car?
Where was Maradona's body put on display?
What did fans blow?
What did a fan say Maradona transcended?
What do many people consider Maradona to be?
When did Maradona captain his team to World Cup victory?
Which Italian team did Maradona play for?
Who said Maradona is eternal?
Where does Pele hope to play with Maradona one day?

Multiple choice quiz

1) What did thousands of fans line in Buenos Aires?
a) mourning cards
b) the streets
c) a church
d) the national stadium
2) What was the number on the shirt that draped Maradona's car?
a) 7
b) 8
c) 9
d) 10
3) Where was Maradona's body put on display?
a) the Presidential Palace
b) the national stadium
c) a museum
d) the national cathedral
4) What did fans blow?
a) glass
b) bubbles
c) kisses
d) chances
5) What did a fan say Maradona transcended?
a) life
b) football
c) legends
d) sport

6) What do many people consider Maradona to be?
a) the best header of a ball
b) the best captain
c) the best
d) the best right-footed player
7) When did Maradona captain his team to World Cup victory?
a) 1992
b) 1990
c) 1984
d) 1986
8) Which Italian team did Maradona play for?
a) Napoli
b) Roma
c) AC Milan
d) Juventus
9) Who said Maradona is eternal?
a) Lionel Messi
b) Cristiano Ronaldo
c) Zinedine Zidane
d) Megan Rapinoe
10) Where does Pele hope to play with Maradona one day?
a) in his dreams
b) in the sky
c) in a video game
d) in a movie

Role play

Role A – Football
You think football is the greatest sport. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their sport. Also, tell the others which is the least interesting of these (and why): tennis, basketball or skiing.

Role B – Tennis
You think tennis is the greatest sport. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their sport. Also, tell the others which is the least interesting of these (and why): football, basketball or skiing.

Role C – Basketball
You think basketball is the greatest sport. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their sport. Also, tell the others which is the least interesting of these (and why): tennis, football or skiing.

Role D – Skiing
You think skiing is the greatest sport. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their sport. Also, tell the others which is the least interesting of these (and why): tennis, basketball or football.

After reading / listening

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

'football'

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

and 'legend'.
________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

________________

• 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:

paid

capital

catch

silently

passed

respect

widely

won

goal

leave

rival

sky

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 - Maradona

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 'football'?
What do you know about Maradona?
Who are your country's greatest sporting heroes?
Who is the greatest sportsman ever?
Would you line the streets to pay your last respects to someone?
Why is Maradona such a hero?
What do you think of Argentina having three days of mourning?
Why is football so popular around the world?
Why do you think Maradona represents 'Argentinaness'?

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 'legend'?
What do you think about what you read?
What do you think of football?
Who is the greatest sportswoman ever?
What do you know about Maradona's goals?
What three adjectives best describe this story?
What advice do you have for children who want to play like Maradona?
Should Argentina rename its national stadium to Maradona Stadium?
What questions would you like to ask an expert on Maradona?

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)

Thousands of football fans (1) ____ their final respects to football legend Diego Maradona on Thursday. Huge crowds (2) ____ the streets of the capital Buenos Aires to catch a (3) ____ of the car carrying his body. The car was draped in the Argentina flag and a football shirt bearing his trademark number 10. Thousands more silently walked past his coffin as it was put (4) ____ public display at the Presidential Palace. They were weeping, blowing kisses to their hero and praying. Maradona (5) ____ away on Wednesday, aged 60. He died of a heart attack. Argentina's government declared three days of national mourning for him. One (6) ____ said: "Maradona represents Argentinianess. He transcended football. He has my respect. I had to be here."

Diego Armando Maradona is (7) ____ regarded as one of the greatest players ever to step onto a football pitch. Many (8) ____ him to be the best. He captained his national team when Argentina won the 1986 World Cup. He scored the famous "Hand of God" goal against England in the quarter-finals. In that same game, he scored another goal that was voted (9) ____ the greatest goal of the twentieth century. Maradona played for Barcelona in Spain and Napoli in Italy. (10) ____ Barcelona captain Lionel Messi said: "Maradona will never leave us because Diego is eternal." Brazilian legend Pele, a constant (11) ____ to Maradona for the world's greatest ever player accolade, said he hoped to one day, "play together (12) ____ the sky" with Maradona.

Which of these words go in the above text?

(a) purchased (b) paid (c) spent (d) used
(a) lint (b) aligned (c) linked (d) lined
(a) glance (b) glimpse (c) glimmer (d) glamour
(a) with (b) at (c) on (d) to
(a) passed (b) past (c) parsed (d) paste
(a) fan (b) ban (c) pan (d) tan
(a) wider (b) width (c) widen (d) widely
(a) consider (b) tier (c) applause (d) knowledge
(a) was (b) as (c) is (d) has
(a) Now (b) Nowadays (c) Current (d) Modern
(a) libel (b) viral (c) rival (d) rebel
(a) up (b) in (c) as (d) to

Spelling

Paragraph 1

paid their final rpetssec
football legdne Diego Maradona
catch a giempls of the car carrying his body
his rredkaatm number 10
put on public ayildsp
three days of national imngonur

Paragraph 2

widely drgrdeae as one of the greatest
Many idecnosr him to be the best
against England in the auertqr-finals
the greatest goal of the twentieth cyeunrt
Diego is telenra
a constant lirav to Maradona

Put the text back together

(...) past his coffin as it was put on public display at the Presidential Palace. They were weeping, blowing
(...) us because Diego is eternal." Brazilian legend Pele, a constant rival to Maradona for the world's
(...) in the Argentina flag and a football shirt bearing his trademark number 10. Thousands more silently walked
(...) crowds lined the streets of the capital Buenos Aires to catch a glimpse of the car carrying his body. The car was draped
(...) pitch. Many consider him to be the best. He captained his national team when Argentina won the 1986
(...) of a heart attack. Argentina's government declared three days of national mourning for him. One fan said: "Maradona represents
( 1 ) Thousands of football fans paid their final respects to football legend Diego Maradona on Thursday. Huge
(...) greatest ever player accolade, said he hoped to one day, "play together in the sky" with Maradona.
(...) kisses to their hero and praying. Maradona passed away on Wednesday, aged 60. He died
(...) Diego Armando Maradona is widely regarded as one of the greatest players ever to step onto a football
(...) another goal that was voted as the greatest goal of the twentieth century. Maradona played
(...) Argentinianess. He transcended football. He has my respect. I had to be here."
(...) for Barcelona in Spain and Napoli in Italy. Current Barcelona captain Lionel Messi said: "Maradona will never leave
(...) World Cup. He scored the famous "Hand of God" goal against England in the quarter-finals. In that same game, he scored

Put the words in the right order

fans paid Thousands final their football of respects .
crowds of streets lined the capital . the Huge
was flag . the draped Argentina in The car
public Palace . display at the Put on Presidential
of Argentina's days national three declared mourning . government
pitch . The to on players greatest a football step
God goal . the Hand famous scored He of
greatest the goal twentieth century . Voted the of
us Diego never He'll eternal . leave because is
would together . day play they He hoped one

Circle the correct word (20 pairs)

Thousands of football fans paid / spent their final respects to football legend Diego Maradona on Thursday. Huge crowds aligned / lined the streets of the capital Buenos Aires to catch a glimpse / glance of the car carrying his body. The car was drooped / draped in the Argentina flag and a football shirt bearing / pandering his trademark number 10. Thousands more silence / silently walked past his coffin as it was put on / in public display at the Presidential Palace. They were weeping, blowing / puffing kisses to their hero and praying. Maradona passed away / out on Wednesday, aged 60. He died of a heart attack. Argentina's government declared three days of national mourning for him. One fan said: "Maradona represents Argentinianess. He transcended football. He has my inspect / respect. I had to be here."

Diego Armando Maradona is widened / widely regarded as one of the greatest players ever to step / stage onto a football patch / pitch. Many consider him to be the best. He captained his national team when Argentina won the 1986 World Cup. He scored / scared the famous "Hand of God" goal against England in the quarter-finals. In that same game, he scored another goal that was voted / vetoed as the greatest goal of the twentieth century. Maradona played for Barcelona in Spain and Napoli in Italy. Currency / Current Barcelona captain Lionel Messi said: "Maradona is / will never leave us because / however Diego is eternal." Brazilian legend Pele, a constant rival at / to Maradona for the world's greatest ever player accolade, said he hoped to one day, "play together in a / the sky" with Maradona.

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)

Th__s_nds _f f__tb_ll f_ns p__d th__r f_n_l r_sp_cts t_ f__tb_ll l_g_nd D__g_ M_r_d_n_ _n Th_rsd_y. H_g_ cr_wds l_n_d th_ str__ts _f th_ c_p_t_l B__n_s __r_s t_ c_tch _ gl_mps_ _f th_ c_r c_rry_ng h_s b_dy. Th_ c_r w_s dr_p_d _n th_ _rg_nt_n_ fl_g _nd _ f__tb_ll sh_rt b__r_ng h_s tr_d_m_rk n_mb_r 10. Th__s_nds m_r_ s_l_ntly w_lk_d p_st h_s c_ff_n _s _t w_s p_t _n p_bl_c d_spl_y _t th_ pr_s_d_nt__l p_l_c_. Th_y w_r_ w__p_ng, bl_w_ng k_ss_s t_ th__r h_r_ _nd pr_y_ng. M_r_d_n_ p_ss_d _w_y _n W_dn_sd_y, _g_d 60. H_ d__d _f _ h__rt _tt_ck. _rg_nt_n_'s g_v_rnm_nt d_cl_r_d thr__ d_ys _f n_t__n_l m__rn_ng f_r h_m. _n_ f_n s__d: "M_r_d_n_ r_pr_s_nts _rg_nt_n__n_ss. H_ tr_nsc_nd_d f__tb_ll. H_ h_s my r_sp_ct. _ h_d t_ b_ h_r_."

D__g_ _rm_nd_ M_r_d_n_ _s w_d_ly r_g_rd_d _s _n_ _f th_ gr__t_st pl_y_rs _v_r t_ st_p _nt_ _ f__tb_ll p_tch. M_ny c_ns_d_r h_m t_ b_ th_ b_st. H_ c_pt__n_d h_s n_t__n_l t__m wh_n _rg_nt_n_ w_n th_ 1986 W_rld C_p. H_ sc_r_d th_ f_m__s "H_nd _f G_d" g__l _g__nst _ngl_nd _n th_ q__rt_r-f_n_ls. _n th_t s_m_ g_m_, h_ sc_r_d _n_th_r g__l th_t w_s v_t_d _s th_ gr__t_st g__l _f th_ tw_nt__th c_nt_ry. M_r_d_n_ pl_y_d f_r B_rc_l_n_ _n Sp__n _nd N_p_l_ _n _t_ly. C_rr_nt B_rc_l_n_ c_pt__n L__n_l M_ss_ s__d: "M_r_d_n_ w_ll n_v_r l__v_ _s b_c__s_ D__g_ _s _t_rn_l." Br_z_l__n l_g_nd P_l_, _ c_nst_nt r_v_l t_ M_r_d_n_ f_r th_ w_rld's gr__t_st _v_r pl_y_r _cc_l_d_, s__d h_ h_p_d t_ _n_ d_y, "pl_y t_g_th_r _n th_ sky" w_th M_r_d_n_.

Punctuate the text and add capitals

thousands of football fans paid their final respects to football legend diego maradona on thursday huge crowds lined the streets of the capital buenos aires to catch a glimpse of the car carrying his body the car was draped in the argentina flag and a football shirt bearing his trademark number 10 thousands more silently walked past his coffin as it was put on public display at the Presidential Palace they were weeping blowing kisses to their hero and praying maradona passed away on wednesday aged 60 he died of a heart attack argentinas government declared three days of national mourning for him one fan said maradona represents argentinianess he transcended football he has my respect i had to be here

diego armando maradona is widely regarded as one of the greatest players ever to step onto a football pitch many consider him to be the best he captained his national team when argentina won the 1986 world cup he scored the famous hand of god goal against england in the quarterfinals in that same game he scored another goal that was voted as the greatest goal of the twentieth century maradona played for barcelona in spain and napoli in italy current barcelona captain lionel messi said maradona will never leave us because diego is eternal brazilian legend pele a constant rival to maradona for the worlds greatest ever player accolade said he hoped to one day play together in the sky with

Put a slash (/) where the spaces are

ThousandsoffootballfanspaidtheirfinalrespectstofootballlegendDieg
oMaradonaonThursday.HugecrowdslinedthestreetsofthecapitalBue
nosAirestocatchaglimpseofthecarcarryinghisbody.Thecarwasdrape
dintheArgentinaflagandafootballshirtbearinghistrademarknumber1
0.Thousandsmoresilentlywalkedpasthiscoffinasitwasputonpublicdis
playatthePresidentialPalace.Theywereweeping,blowingkissestothei
rheroandpraying.MaradonapassedawayonWednesday,aged60.Hedi
edofaheartattack.Argentina'sgovernmentdeclaredthreedaysofnatio
nalmourningforhim.Onefansaid:"MaradonarepresentsArgentiniane
ss.Hetranscendedfootball.Hehasmyrespect.Ihadtobehere."DiegoAr
mandoMaradonaiswidelyregardedasoneofthegreatestplayerseverto
stepontoafootballpitch.Manyconsiderhimtobethebest.Hecaptained
hisnationalteamwhenArgentinawonthe1986WorldCup.Hescoredthe
famous"HandofGod"goalagainstEnglandinthequarter-finals.Inthats
amegame,hescoredanothergoalthatwasvotedasthegreatestgoaloft
hetwentiethcentury.MaradonaplayedforBarcelonainSpainandNapoli
inItaly.CurrentBarcelonacaptainLionelMessisaid:"Maradonawillnev
erleaveusbecauseDiegoiseternal."BrazilianlegendPele,aconstantriv
altoMaradonafortheworld'sgreatesteverplayeraccolade,saidhehope
dtooneday,"playtogetherinthesky"withMaradona.

Free writing

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

_____________________________________________________________________________

Academic writing

Maradona is the greatest player ever to play football. 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. MARADONA: Make a poster about Maradona. Show your work to your classmates in the next lesson. Did you all have similar things?
4. FOOTBALL: Write a magazine article about making 'football' the proper name for the game and banning the word 'soccer'. 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 Maradona. Ask him/her three questions about him. Give him/her three of your opinions on Maradona. 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

Download a sample of my book "1,000 Ideas & Activities for Language Teachers".

Breaking News English Lesson: Maradona

Home | Help This Site

PRINT

LISTEN

READ

GRAMMAR

SPELL

WORDS