In the city of Munich, Germany, a peculiar incident has occurred at three cemeteries: Waldfriedhof, Sendlinger Friedhof, and Friedhof Solln. Over 1,000 stickers have been affixed to gravestones and wooden crosses, prompting an investigation by local police. The stickers feature QR codes that, when scanned, provide information about the deceased, including their name and the exact location of their grave within the cemetery.

The stickers, measuring 5×3.5 centimeters (approximately 1.95×1.2 inches), have appeared on both older gravestones and more recent burials, which often only have a simple wooden cross marking the grave. This unusual act has raised questions among the community and authorities alike, as there seems to be no clear motive or pattern behind the placement of these stickers.

Police spokesperson Christian Drexler has stated that the investigation is ongoing, and they have yet to identify any connections between the graves that received stickers. He emphasized the randomness of the placements, noting that some stickers were found on gravestones that have been in place for decades, while others were on much newer graves. This lack of a discernible pattern has made the investigation more challenging.

Authorities are appealing to the public for assistance. They are encouraging anyone who may have witnessed the application of these stickers to contact the administration of the respective cemeteries. This outreach aims to gather more information that could help in identifying the individuals responsible for this act.

As the investigation unfolds, the community remains curious about the intentions behind these stickers. The use of QR codes in such a solemn setting raises ethical questions about respect for the deceased and their families. The outcome of this investigation may provide clarity on the motivations behind this unusual phenomenon in Munich’s cemeteries.

Original news source: Mysterious QR code stickers appear on more than 1,000 graves in Munich (Sky News)

🎧 Listen:

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– CHARADES
Instructions: Divide the students into two teams. Each team takes turns selecting a word or phrase related to the article (e.g., “QR code,” “cemetery,” “investigation”). One student from the team acts out the word or phrase without speaking, while their teammates guess what it is. Set a timer for each turn to keep the game fast-paced.

– OPINION POLL
Instructions: Present the students with a series of statements related to the ethical questions raised in the article (e.g., “Using QR codes on gravestones is respectful” or “The investigation is important for community safety”). Students will move to different corners of the classroom to indicate their agreement or disagreement with each statement. After each poll, have a brief discussion on their opinions.

– HEADLINE CREATION
Instructions: Ask students to come up with catchy headlines for the article. They should focus on summarizing the key points and engaging the reader’s interest. Once they have created their headlines, students can share them with the class, and a few can be selected for a class display.

– MIND MAP
Instructions: In groups, students will create a mind map based on the article. They should include key themes such as “cemeteries,” “stickers,” “investigation,” and “community reaction.” Each group will present their mind map to the class, explaining their connections and ideas.

– TWO TRUTHS AND A LIE
Instructions: Each student will write down two true statements and one false statement related to the article’s content. For example, they might say, “The stickers were placed randomly,” “The investigation is complete,” and “Police are asking for public assistance.” Students will share their statements with a partner, who must identify the lie among the three.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What specific locations in Munich are mentioned as having the stickers placed on gravestones?
2. How do the QR codes on the stickers function in relation to the deceased?
3. What dimensions do the stickers measure, and what type of gravestones have they been found on?
4. What challenges has the police investigation faced regarding the placement of the stickers?
5. Who is Christian Drexler, and what role does he play in the investigation?
6. What actions are authorities taking to involve the public in the investigation?
7. What ethical questions have arisen in the community concerning the use of QR codes in cemeteries?
8. How might the outcome of the investigation affect the community’s understanding of the situation?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

In the city of Munich, Germany, a peculiar (1)______ has occurred at three cemeteries: Waldfriedhof, Sendlinger Friedhof, and Friedhof Solln. Over 1,000 stickers have been affixed to (2)______stones and wooden (3)______, prompting an (4)______ by local police. The stickers feature QR codes that, when scanned, provide information about the deceased, including their name and the exact location of their grave within the cemetery.

The stickers, measuring 5×3.5 centimeters (approximately 1.95×1.2 inches), have appeared on both older gravestones and more recent (5)______, which often only have a simple (6)______ cross (7)______ the grave. This unusual act has raised questions among the community and authorities alike, as there seems to be no clear motive or pattern behind the placement of these stickers.

Police spokesperson Christian Drexler has stated that the investigation is ongoing, and they have yet to identify any (8)______ between the graves that received (9)______. He emphasized the randomness of the placements, noting that some stickers were found on gravestones that have been in place for (10)______, while others were on much newer graves. This lack of a discernible pattern has made the investigation more challenging.

(11)______ are appealing to the public for assistance. They are encouraging anyone who may have (12)______ the application of these stickers to contact the administration of the respective cemeteries. This outreach aims to gather more information that could help in identifying the individuals responsible for this act.

As the investigation unfolds, the community remains (13)______ about the intentions behind these stickers. The use of QR codes in such a (14)______ setting raises ethical (15)______ about (16)______ for the deceased and their families. The outcome of this investigation may provide clarity on the motivations behind this unusual phenomenon in Munich’s cemeteries.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

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

1. What is your opinion on the use of technology, like QR codes, in places typically associated with mourning and remembrance?

2. How would you feel if you discovered a sticker with a QR code on a grave of someone you loved?

3. Do you think that placing stickers on gravestones is a respectful way to remember the deceased? Why or why not?

4. What is a meaningful way you think people can honor their loved ones who have passed away?

5. How would you react if you found out that the stickers were placed there with good intentions, such as to preserve memories?

6. Do you like the idea of using technology to share information about people who have died? Why or why not?

7. How do you think the families of the deceased might feel about the stickers being placed on their loved ones’ graves?

8. Do you think this incident could lead to more people using technology to remember their loved ones? Why or why not?

9. What is a cultural practice in your country regarding honoring the deceased that you find particularly meaningful?

10. How would you feel if a similar incident occurred in your hometown? Would it spark curiosity or concern?

11. Do you think the investigation into the stickers will reveal something positive or negative? Why?

12. What is your view on the balance between technology and tradition in modern society, especially in sensitive areas like cemeteries?

13. How would you feel if someone you knew was involved in placing the stickers? Would your feelings change based on their intentions?

14. Do you think the community’s response to this incident reflects a broader attitude towards death and remembrance? Why or why not?

15. What is a positive way to use technology in memorializing loved ones that you would support?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. peculiar
2. affixed
3. gravestones
4. investigation
5. motive
6. discernible
7. randomness
8. appealing
9. witnessed
10. administration
11. intentions
12. solemn
13. ethical
14. deceased
15. phenomenon

Meanings:
(A) Strange or unusual
(B) A reason for doing something
(C) The management or organization of a group or institution
(D) Relating to moral principles or the branch of knowledge dealing with these
(E) Able to be seen or recognized
(F) Serious and dignified
(G) Stones marking the place where someone is buried
(H) A formal inquiry or systematic examination
(I) Plans or purposes behind an action
(J) Seen or observed an event
(K) People who have died
(L) Making a serious or urgent request
(M) Attached or stuck onto something
(N) Lack of pattern or predictability
(O) An unusual or remarkable event or occurrence
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. In which city did the peculiar incident with stickers occur?
(a) Munich
(b) Berlin
(c) Frankfurt
(d) Hamburg

2. How many cemeteries were involved in the incident?
(a) Two
(b) Four
(c) Five
(d) Three

3. What do the stickers feature that provides information about the deceased?
(a) Barcodes
(b) QR codes
(c) Serial numbers
(d) Names only

4. What is the size of the stickers that were affixed to the gravestones?
(a) 5×3.5 centimeters
(b) 6×4 centimeters
(c) 4×2 inches
(d) 3×2 inches

5. Who is the police spokesperson mentioned in the article?
(a) Michael Schmidt
(b) Anna Müller
(c) Christian Drexler
(d) Peter Wagner

6. What has the police emphasized about the placement of the stickers?
(a) A systematic approach
(b) A clear motive
(c) The randomness of the placements
(d) A specific pattern

7. What are authorities asking the public to do regarding the stickers?
(a) Ignore the incident
(b) Remove the stickers
(c) Create more stickers
(d) Contact the administration of the cemeteries

8. What ethical questions are raised by the use of QR codes in cemeteries?
(a) The legality of QR codes
(b) Respect for the deceased and their families
(c) The cost of producing stickers
(d) The design of the stickers

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. The stickers feature QR codes that do not provide any information about the deceased when scanned.
2. The stickers have been found on both older gravestones and newer burials.
3. Over 1,000 stickers have been removed from gravestones and wooden crosses in these cemeteries.
4. The use of QR codes in cemeteries raises ethical questions about respect for the deceased and their families.
5. Authorities are appealing to the public for information regarding the application of the stickers.
6. A peculiar incident involving stickers has occurred at three cemeteries in Munich, Germany.
7. The investigation aims to clarify the motivations behind the typical placement of stickers in Munich’s cemeteries.
8. Police are investigating the incident and have not identified any connections between the graves without stickers.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
Check your writing now with the best free AI for English writing!

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.
Check your answers with our free English writing assistant!

1. What actions are local authorities taking in response to the sticker incident at the cemeteries in Munich?
2. How might the use of QR codes on gravestones affect the perception of respect for the deceased and their families?
3. What challenges are police facing in their investigation of the sticker placements?
4. Why is the randomness of the sticker placements significant to the investigation?
5. What role does community involvement play in resolving the mystery of the stickers at the cemeteries?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What specific locations in Munich are mentioned as having the stickers placed on gravestones?
The specific locations mentioned are Waldfriedhof, Sendlinger Friedhof, and Friedhof Solln.

2. How do the QR codes on the stickers function in relation to the deceased?
The QR codes provide information about the deceased, including their name and the exact location of their grave within the cemetery when scanned.

3. What dimensions do the stickers measure, and what type of gravestones have they been found on?
The stickers measure 5×3.5 centimeters (approximately 1.95×1.2 inches) and have been found on both older gravestones and more recent burials, which often have simple wooden crosses.

4. What challenges has the police investigation faced regarding the placement of the stickers?
The investigation has faced challenges due to the randomness of the placements, with no clear motive or pattern identified, making it difficult to connect the graves that received stickers.

5. Who is Christian Drexler, and what role does he play in the investigation?
Christian Drexler is a police spokesperson who has stated that the investigation is ongoing and has emphasized the randomness of the sticker placements.

6. What actions are authorities taking to involve the public in the investigation?
Authorities are appealing to the public for assistance by encouraging anyone who may have witnessed the application of the stickers to contact the administration of the respective cemeteries.

7. What ethical questions have arisen in the community concerning the use of QR codes in cemeteries?
The use of QR codes in such a solemn setting raises ethical questions about respect for the deceased and their families.

8. How might the outcome of the investigation affect the community’s understanding of the situation?
The outcome of the investigation may provide clarity on the motivations behind the unusual phenomenon, potentially affecting how the community perceives the act of placing stickers in cemeteries.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) incident
(2) grave
(3) crosses
(4) investigation
(5) burials
(6) wooden
(7) marking
(8) connections
(9) stickers
(10) decades
(11) Authorities
(12) witnessed
(13) curious
(14) solemn
(15) questions
(16) respect
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. peculiar
Answer: (A) Strange or unusual

2. affixed
Answer: (M) Attached or stuck onto something

3. gravestones
Answer: (G) Stones marking the place where someone is buried

4. investigation
Answer: (H) A formal inquiry or systematic examination

5. motive
Answer: (B) A reason for doing something

6. discernible
Answer: (E) Able to be seen or recognized

7. randomness
Answer: (N) Lack of pattern or predictability

8. appealing
Answer: (L) Making a serious or urgent request

9. witnessed
Answer: (J) Seen or observed an event

10. administration
Answer: (C) The management or organization of a group or institution

11. intentions
Answer: (I) Plans or purposes behind an action

12. solemn
Answer: (F) Serious and dignified

13. ethical
Answer: (D) Relating to moral principles or the branch of knowledge dealing with these

14. deceased
Answer: (K) People who have died

15. phenomenon
Answer: (O) An unusual or remarkable event or occurrence
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. In which city did the peculiar incident with stickers occur?
Answer: (a) Munich

2. How many cemeteries were involved in the incident?
Answer: (d) Three

3. What do the stickers feature that provides information about the deceased?
Answer: (b) QR codes

4. What is the size of the stickers that were affixed to the gravestones?
Answer: (a) 5×3.5 centimeters

5. Who is the police spokesperson mentioned in the article?
Answer: (c) Christian Drexler

6. What has the police emphasized about the placement of the stickers?
Answer: (c) The randomness of the placements

7. What are authorities asking the public to do regarding the stickers?
Answer: (d) Contact the administration of the cemeteries

8. What ethical questions are raised by the use of QR codes in cemeteries?
Answer: (b) Respect for the deceased and their families
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. The stickers feature QR codes that do not provide any information about the deceased when scanned. (Answer: False)
2. The stickers have been found on both older gravestones and newer burials. (Answer: True)
3. Over 1,000 stickers have been removed from gravestones and wooden crosses in these cemeteries. (Answer: False)
4. The use of QR codes in cemeteries raises ethical questions about respect for the deceased and their families. (Answer: True)
5. Authorities are appealing to the public for information regarding the application of the stickers. (Answer: True)
6. A peculiar incident involving stickers has occurred at three cemeteries in Munich, Germany. (Answer: True)
7. The investigation aims to clarify the motivations behind the typical placement of stickers in Munich’s cemeteries. (Answer: False)
8. Police are investigating the incident and have not identified any connections between the graves without stickers. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧