Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

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“News” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Understanding News
1. What is “news”?
2. How do you usually get your news?
3. Why is it important to stay informed about the news?
4. What kind of news do you like to follow?
5. Do you think all news sources are reliable?

II. Types of News
6. Can you name different types of news?
7. What is the difference between local and international news?
8. What do you think is more important: sports news or political news? Why?
9. Do you follow entertainment news? Why or why not?
10. How do you feel about weather forecasts?

III. News Sources
11. What are some news sources you know?
12. Do you prefer to read news online or in a newspaper? Why?
13. Have you ever watched the news on TV?
14. Do you think social media is a good source for news?
15. How can you tell if a news source is trustworthy?

IV. Impact of News
16. How can news affect people’s opinions?
17. Do you think the news has an impact on society?
18. Can news stories create change in the world?
19. Have you ever changed your mind about something because of the news?
20. Do you think there is too much negative news? Why or why not?

V. Discussing News
21. How do you feel when you talk about the news with friends?
22. Do you ever argue about the news?
23. How do you react to news that you disagree with?
24. What topics in the news should people be careful when discussing?
25. Have you learned something new from a news discussion?

VI. News and Education
26. Should schools teach students how to find reliable news?
27. How can news be used in education?
28. Do you think children should watch the news? Why or why not?
29. What is media literacy and why is it important?
30. How can we help others understand the importance of following the news?

VII. Fake News
31. What is “fake news”?
32. How can fake news be harmful?
33. Have you ever come across fake news? How did you recognize it?
34. What should you do if you see fake news?
35. How can we fight against fake news?

VIII. News and Technology
36. How has technology changed the way we receive news?
37. Do you use any news apps on your phone?
38. What are the advantages of digital news over traditional news?
39. Do you think newspapers will still exist in the future?
40. How does social media influence the spread of news?

IX. International News
41. Why is it important to follow international news?
42. How does international news affect your country?
43. Can you name an international news story that you found interesting?
44. How do you think international news is different from your local news?
45. Do you think international news is reported fairly?

X. Current Events
46. What is a current event you are following?
47. How do current events affect our daily lives?
48. Why is it important to have accurate information about current events?
49. How do you feel when you miss out on important news?
50. How can you stay updated with current events?

XI. News Vocabulary
51. Can you name some common words used in news reports?
52. What does “headline” mean?
53. What is an “editorial”?
54. What does “bias” mean in news?
55. What is a “source” in journalism?

XII. News and Culture
56. How does news reflect the culture of a country?
57. Can news influence cultural trends?
58. How do cultural events become news?
59. Do you think cultural news is as important as political news?
60. How can news help us understand different cultures?

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You can learn:
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Introductory prices:
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