Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

English Newsroom

Learn English through news articles - complete lesson plans, including articles, listening, classroom activities, quiz questions and more!

Fortnite and Lego Partner for Block-Building Survival Mode

Fortnite and Lego have teamed up to create a new survival game mode, combining the popular block-building elements of Minecraft with Fortnite's gameplay, in an effort to attract a wider range of players.
   

        Try this article at a different level? 
        Level 1 
        Level 2
        Level 3
   

 

Gaming giant, Fortnite, has recently partnered with Lego to launch a new game mode that combines the popular online shooter with Lego bricks. This collaboration seems to have drawn inspiration from Minecraft, a block-building and crafting game that is the best-selling game of all time. The new game mode can be accessed through Fortnite, which is free-to-play on various platforms. While Fortnite’s battle royale mode is its most popular, Minecraft is known for its survival gameplay where players build structures and craft tools and weapons. This collaboration brings Fortnite back to its roots and introduces Lego elements into the game.

The gameplay footage of the new Fortnite Lego mode shows significant changes to the game world, with structures and characters based on Lego products. There are also moments that resemble Minecraft, such as building fences, growing vegetables, and chopping down trees for materials. This collaboration is not surprising, as Fortnite has previously held in-game concerts with real celebrities like Marshmello and Ariana Grande. The aim of this expansion is to appeal to a wide range of audiences, from kids to teens to adults.

While Lego games have traditionally been suitable for young children, Fortnite is rated PEGI 12, meaning it is suitable for children aged 12 and over. To address this, Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, has implemented parental controls and online safety features to ensure the game is suitable for younger players. The Fortnite Lego mode has an E10+ rating, which allows it to appeal to younger audiences and attract new players.

Fortnite has faced criticism in the past, with Prince Harry stating that the game was “created to addict.” However, such criticism is often directed at video games in general. Ultimately, players can choose which games to play based on their interests, and those who prefer non-violent games can simply avoid shooting games like Fortnite. The collaboration between Lego and Fortnite carries some unknowns, but both companies are ambitious and open to new ideas. Plans for updates and new games on the Fortnite platform are already in the works for the coming years.

Original news source: Lego Fortnite: Gaming giant launches Minecraft rival (BBC)

Listen:

Slow

Normal

Fast

Vocabulary:

1collaborationWorking together with others to achieve a common goal
2expansionThe act of making something larger or more extensive
3suitableAppropriate or fitting for a particular purpose or situation
4implementedPut into action or effect
5appealAttracting interest or attention
6criticismThe expression of disapproval or dissatisfaction
7addictA person who is physically or mentally dependent on a particular substance or activity
8directedAimed or pointed towards a particular person or thing
9non-violentNot involving or characterized by violence
10ambitiousHaving or showing a strong desire and determination to succeed
11unknownsThings that are not known or understood
12updatesThe act of making something more current or modern
13platformA raised level surface on which people or things can stand
14worksThe act of doing something, especially as part of a plan or project
15comingApproaching or arriving soon

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary

Instructions: Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Give each group a few minutes to read the article. After they have read it, instruct them to write a concise summary of the article, highlighting the key points and main ideas. After a designated time, have each group share their summary with the class.

– Opinion Poll

Instructions: Ask the students to form pairs or small groups. Give each group a list of questions related to the article, such as “Do you think the collaboration between Fortnite and Lego will be successful?”, “What are your thoughts on the parental controls implemented in Fortnite?”, and “Do you think video games can be addictive?”. Instruct the groups to discuss these questions and record their opinions. After a designated time, have each group share their opinions and discuss as a class.

– Word Association

Instructions: Select a few key words from the article, such as “Fortnite”, “Lego”, “Minecraft”, “collaboration”, and “parental controls”. Write these words on the board. Instruct the students to brainstorm words or phrases that they associate with each keyword. Encourage them to think creatively and make connections between the words. After a few minutes, have the students share their associations and discuss as a class.

– Sketch It

Instructions: Divide the class into pairs. Give each pair a piece of paper and a pen or pencil. Instruct one student in each pair to describe a scene or image from the article to their partner, while the partner tries to sketch it based on the description. After a designated time, have the pairs switch roles. After both students have had a chance to describe and sketch, have them compare their drawings and discuss any differences or similarities.

– Pros and Cons

Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Instruct each group to make a list of the pros and cons of the collaboration between Fortnite and Lego. Encourage them to consider different perspectives and potential benefits or drawbacks. After a designated time, have each group share their lists and discuss as a class. Encourage students to respectfully debate and consider different viewpoints.

Comprehension Questions:

1. What is the new game mode in Fortnite called?
2. What popular game did the collaboration between Fortnite and Lego draw inspiration from?
3. How can players access the new game mode in Fortnite?
4. What is Fortnite’s battle royale mode known for?
5. What changes can be seen in the game world in the new Fortnite Lego mode?
6. What other collaborations has Fortnite done in the past?
7. How has Epic Games addressed the issue of Fortnite’s age rating?
8. What criticism has Fortnite faced in the past and how is it addressed in the article?
Go to answers ⇩

Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Gaming giant, (1)______, has recently partnered with Lego to launch a new game mode that combines the popular online shooter with Lego bricks. This collaboration seems to have drawn (2)______ from Minecraft, a block-building and crafting game that is the best-selling game of all time. The new game mode can be (3)______ through Fortnite, which is free-to-play on various platforms. While Fortnite’s (4)______ royale mode is its most popular, Minecraft is known for its survival gameplay where players build structures and craft tools and weapons. This collaboration brings Fortnite back to its roots and introduces Lego elements into the game.

The gameplay footage of the new Fortnite Lego mode shows (5)______ changes to the game world, with (6)______ and characters based on Lego products. There are also moments that resemble Minecraft, such as building fences, growing (7)______, and chopping down trees for materials. This collaboration is not surprising, as Fortnite has previously held in-game concerts with real celebrities like Marshmello and (8)______ Grande. The aim of this expansion is to appeal to a wide range of (9)______, from kids to teens to (10)______.

While Lego games have traditionally been suitable for young children, Fortnite is rated PEGI 12, (11)______ it is suitable for children aged 12 and over. To address this, Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, has (12)______ parental controls and online safety features to ensure the game is suitable for younger players. The Fortnite Lego mode has an E10+ rating, which allows it to appeal to younger audiences and attract new players.

Fortnite has faced criticism in the past, with Prince Harry stating that the game was “created to addict.” However, such criticism is often directed at video games in general. Ultimately, players can (13)______ which games to play based on their (14)______, and those who prefer non-violent games can simply (15)______ shooting games like Fortnite. The collaboration between Lego and Fortnite carries some (16)______, but both companies are ambitious and open to new ideas. Plans for updates and new games on the Fortnite platform are already in the works for the coming years.
Go to answers ⇩

Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What are your thoughts on the collaboration between Fortnite and Lego?
2. How do you feel about video games that incorporate elements of building and crafting, like Minecraft?
3. Do you think it’s important for video games to have parental controls and safety features? Why or why not?
4. What other collaborations between different brands or companies do you find interesting?
5. How do you think the addition of Lego elements will change the gameplay experience in Fortnite?
6. Do you think the collaboration between Fortnite and Lego will attract new players to the game? Why or why not?
7. How would you feel if more video games started incorporating real-life celebrities into their gameplay?
8. What do you think about the criticism that video games like Fortnite are addictive? Do you agree or disagree? Why?
9. How do you think the collaboration between Fortnite and Lego will impact the popularity of both brands?
10. What is your opinion on shooting games like Fortnite? Do you enjoy playing them? Why or why not?
11. How do you think the collaboration between Fortnite and Lego will impact the gaming industry as a whole?
12. Do you think it’s important for video games to appeal to a wide range of audiences? Why or why not?
13. How do you think the addition of Lego elements will change the perception of Fortnite as a violent game?
14. Have you ever played Fortnite or Minecraft? If so, how would you compare the two games?
15. What other features or collaborations would you like to see in future video games? Why?

Individual Activities

Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. collaboration
2. expansion
3. suitable
4. implemented
5. appeal
6. criticism
7. addict
8. directed
9. non-violent
10. ambitious
11. unknowns
12. updates
13. platform
14. works
15. coming

Meanings:
(A) Not involving or characterized by violence
(B) Things that are not known or understood
(C) The expression of disapproval or dissatisfaction
(D) Working together with others to achieve a common goal
(E) Approaching or arriving soon
(F) Aimed or pointed towards a particular person or thing
(G) The act of making something larger or more extensive
(H) The act of doing something, especially as part of a plan or project
(I) Attracting interest or attention
(J) A person who is physically or mentally dependent on a particular substance or activity
(K) A raised level surface on which people or things can stand
(L) Having or showing a strong desire and determination to succeed
(M) Appropriate or fitting for a particular purpose or situation
(N) Put into action or effect
(O) The act of making something more current or modern
Go to answers ⇩

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What is the new game mode in Fortnite called?
(a) Fortnite Battle Royale
(b) Fortnite Lego mode
(c) Fortnite Survival Mode
(d) Fortnite Minecraft Mode

2. What is the best-selling game of all time?
(a) Fortnite
(b) Lego
(c) Call of Duty
(d) Minecraft

3. How can the new Fortnite Lego mode be accessed?
(a) Through Fortnite
(b) Through Minecraft
(c) Through Lego
(d) Through a separate game

4. What is Fortnite’s most popular game mode?
(a) Survival Mode
(b) Lego Mode
(c) Battle Royale
(d) Shooting Mode

5. What other collaborations has Fortnite had in the past?
(a) Collaborations with other video games
(b) Collaborations with Lego only
(c) In-game concerts with real celebrities
(d) None of the above

6. What age rating does Fortnite have?
(a) PEGI 18
(b) PEGI 12
(c) PEGI 3
(d) PEGI 7

7. What age rating does the Fortnite Lego mode have?
(a) PEGI 12
(b) PEGI 18
(c) PEGI 3
(d) E10+

8. What has Fortnite been criticized for in the past?
(a) Being addictive
(b) Being too violent
(c) Being too childish
(d) None of the above

Go to answers ⇩

True or False Questions:

1. Fortnite has never held in-game concerts with real celebrities like Marshmello and Ariana Grande.
2. The collaboration between Fortnite and Lego introduces Lego elements into the game.
3. The new game mode draws inspiration from Minecraft, a block-building and crafting game.
4. Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, has implemented parental controls and online safety features to ensure the game is suitable for younger players.
5. Fortnite’s battle royale mode is not its most popular, while Minecraft is known for its creative gameplay.
6. The new game mode can be accessed through Fortnite, which is free-to-play on various platforms.
7. There are no plans for updates and new games on the Fortnite platform in the coming years.
8. Fortnite has not partnered with Lego to create a new game mode that combines the two popular brands.
Go to answers ⇩

Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.




Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. What is the new game mode that Fortnite has launched in collaboration with Lego?
2. How does the new game mode combine elements from Fortnite and Minecraft?
3. How does the collaboration between Lego and Fortnite aim to appeal to a wide range of audiences?
4. How has Epic Games addressed concerns about the suitability of Fortnite for younger players?
5. What are the plans for updates and new games on the Fortnite platform in the future?

Answers

Comprehension Question Answers:

1. The new game mode in Fortnite is not mentioned in the article.
2. The collaboration between Fortnite and Lego drew inspiration from Minecraft.
3. Players can access the new game mode in Fortnite through the Fortnite platform, which is free-to-play on various platforms.
4. Fortnite’s battle royale mode is known for its popularity.
5. The changes in the game world in the new Fortnite Lego mode include structures and characters based on Lego products, as well as moments that resemble Minecraft, such as building fences, growing vegetables, and chopping down trees for materials.
6. Fortnite has previously collaborated with real celebrities like Marshmello and Ariana Grande to hold in-game concerts.
7. Epic Games has implemented parental controls and online safety features to ensure Fortnite is suitable for younger players.
8. Fortnite has faced criticism in the past, with Prince Harry stating that the game was “created to addict.” However, the article mentions that such criticism is often directed at video games in general and that players can choose which games to play based on their interests.
Go back to questions ⇧

Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) Fortnite
(2) inspiration
(3) accessed
(4) battle
(5) significant
(6) structures
(7) vegetables
(8) Ariana
(9) audiences
(10) adults
(11) meaning
(12) implemented
(13) choose
(14) interests
(15) avoid
(16) unknowns
Go back to questions ⇧

Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. collaboration
Answer: (D) Working together with others to achieve a common goal

2. expansion
Answer: (G) The act of making something larger or more extensive

3. suitable
Answer: (M) Appropriate or fitting for a particular purpose or situation

4. implemented
Answer: (N) Put into action or effect

5. appeal
Answer: (I) Attracting interest or attention

6. criticism
Answer: (C) The expression of disapproval or dissatisfaction

7. addict
Answer: (J) A person who is physically or mentally dependent on a particular substance or activity

8. directed
Answer: (F) Aimed or pointed towards a particular person or thing

9. non-violent
Answer: (A) Not involving or characterized by violence

10. ambitious
Answer: (L) Having or showing a strong desire and determination to succeed

11. unknowns
Answer: (B) Things that are not known or understood

12. updates
Answer: (O) The act of making something more current or modern

13. platform
Answer: (K) A raised level surface on which people or things can stand

14. works
Answer: (H) The act of doing something, especially as part of a plan or project

15. coming
Answer: (E) Approaching or arriving soon
Go back to questions ⇧

Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What is the new game mode in Fortnite called?
Answer: (b) Fortnite Lego mode

2. What is the best-selling game of all time?
Answer: (d) Minecraft

3. How can the new Fortnite Lego mode be accessed?
Answer: (a) Through Fortnite

4. What is Fortnite’s most popular game mode?
Answer: (c) Battle Royale

5. What other collaborations has Fortnite had in the past?
Answer: (c) In-game concerts with real celebrities

6. What age rating does Fortnite have?
Answer: (b) PEGI 12

7. What age rating does the Fortnite Lego mode have?
Answer: (d) E10+

8. What has Fortnite been criticized for in the past?
Answer: (a) Being addictive
Go back to questions ⇧

True or False Answers:

1. Fortnite has never held in-game concerts with real celebrities like Marshmello and Ariana Grande. (Answer: False)
2. The collaboration between Fortnite and Lego introduces Lego elements into the game. (Answer: True)
3. The new game mode draws inspiration from Minecraft, a block-building and crafting game. (Answer: True)
4. Epic Games, the developer of Fortnite, has implemented parental controls and online safety features to ensure the game is suitable for younger players. (Answer: True)
5. Fortnite’s battle royale mode is not its most popular, while Minecraft is known for its creative gameplay. (Answer: False)
6. The new game mode can be accessed through Fortnite, which is free-to-play on various platforms. (Answer: True)
7. There are no plans for updates and new games on the Fortnite platform in the coming years. (Answer: False)
8. Fortnite has not partnered with Lego to create a new game mode that combines the two popular brands. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧

How about these other Level 4 articles?

Feedback