There is a big train project in Mexico called the Tren Maya. It is a long train track that will help bring more visitors and money to the area. But people who care about nature are worried. They say the work is hurting the trees and animals, like jaguars and colorful birds.
The train is costing a lot of money, more than was planned. Mexico's president thinks it's a very important project. But some people think he just wants to build something big to show off. The train is also causing problems for people living near it. Some people got money for their land, but others lost their farms and didn't get anything.
The president of Mexico has big plans for trains. He wants to fix old tracks and make new ones for carrying things across the country. He thinks this is very important for Mexico. But some people are worried that building too fast might ruin special places and the history of the area.
Original news source: Tren Maya: Mexico's YucatΓ‘n mega train – world beating or environmental disaster? (BBC)
π§ Listen:
π Vocabulary:
Group or Classroom Activities
Warm-up Activities:
– News Summary
Instructions: Have students read the article individually or in pairs. Then, ask them to write a summary of the article in their own words, focusing on the main points and key details. After they have finished, have a class discussion where students can share their summaries and compare their understanding of the article.
– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Give each group a set of vocabulary words from the article (e.g. train project, jaguars, farms, history). One student from each group will choose a word and draw a picture representing that word, while the other group members try to guess what it is. Encourage students to use English to describe or explain their drawings.
– Pros and Cons
Instructions: Divide the class into pairs. Assign one student to argue in favor of the Tren Maya project, and the other to argue against it. Give them a few minutes to brainstorm their arguments, using the information from the article. Then, have a debate where each student presents their arguments, taking turns to speak. Encourage them to use English expressions for giving opinions, such as "I believe that…" or "In my opinion…".
– Think-Pair-Share
Instructions: Ask students to think about the potential benefits and drawbacks of the Tren Maya project individually. After a few minutes, have them pair up with a classmate to discuss their thoughts. Encourage them to use English to express their opinions and reasons. Finally, ask some pairs to share their ideas with the whole class.
– Future Predictions
Instructions: Have students work in pairs or small groups. Ask them to imagine that they are in the future, 10 years from now, and the Tren Maya project has been completed. Then, have them discuss and write down their predictions about the impact of the project on the environment, economy, and local communities. After they have finished, ask some groups to share their predictions with the class.
π€ Comprehension Questions:
The Tren Maya is a big train project in Mexico. It is a long train track that will bring more visitors and money to the area.
Some people are worried because they think the work is hurting the trees and animals, like jaguars and colorful birds.
Mexico's president thinks the Tren Maya is important because it will bring more visitors and money to the area. He also wants to fix old tracks and make new ones for carrying things across the country.
The Tren Maya is causing problems for people living near it. Some people got money for their land, but others lost their farms and didn't get anything.
Mexico's president has big plans for trains. He wants to fix old tracks and make new ones for carrying things across the country.
Some people are worried that building new train tracks too fast might ruin special places and the history of the area.
The trees and animals are being affected by the Tren Maya. Some people think the work is hurting the trees and animals, like jaguars and colorful birds.
π§βοΈ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
There is a big project in Mexico called the Maya. It is a train track that will help bring more visitors and money to the area. But people who care about nature are worried. They say the work is hurting the trees and animals, like jaguars and colorful birds. The train is costing a lot of money, more than was planned. Mexico's president thinks it's a very important . But some think he just wants to something big to show off. The train is also problems for people living near it. Some people got money for their , but others their farms and didn't get anything. The president of Mexico has big plans for trains. He wants to fix old tracks and make new ones for carrying things across the country. He this is very important for Mexico. But some people are worried that too fast might special places and the history of the area.
π¬ Discussion Questions:
1. What is the Tren Maya?
2. How do you think the train track is affecting the trees and animals?
3. Do you think it's important for Mexico to have a big train project? Why or why not?
4. How would you feel if you had to give up your land for a train project?
5. Do you think the president just wants to show off by building the train? Why or why not?
6. What do you think about the president's plans to fix old tracks and make new ones?
7. How do you think building too fast could ruin special places and history?
8. Do you like trains? Why or why not?
9. How do you think the train will bring more visitors and money to the area?
10. Would you be worried about the train project if you cared about nature? Why or why not?
11. What do you think about the people who got money for their land but others lost their farms?
12. Do you think it's more important to have a big train project or to protect nature? Why or why not?
Individual Activities
ππ Vocabulary Meanings:
Click a dot next to a word, then click the dot next to its meaning to draw a line connecting them.
Words
Meanings
π‘ Multiple Choice Questions:
π΅οΈ True or False Questions:
π Write a Summary:
Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
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