Listening 1

Meghan & Harry Announce Birth of Royal Baby

Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle announced the birth of their baby boy this week, following speculation that the _______________ of Sussex had given birth to a girl named Ivy. Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor was born on May 6, weighing 7lbs 3oz (3.2 kg). The  _______________ baby is _______________  in line to the throne and will take on the title of “Prince” when his grandfather, Prince Charles, becomes “King”. Before the baby’s birth was _______________  announced on the ceremonial easel at Buckingham Palace, the couple  _______________ his birth on their Instagram page.

Comprehension Questions

1. What speculation turned out to be incorrect?
2. What will happen when Prince Charles takes over the British throne?
3. Why does the report mention Instagram?

Discussion Questions

Neither “Archie” nor “Harrison” are traditional royal names. Does this surprise you, and do you like the names the Duke and Duchess of Sussex chose?

Listening 2

Japan to Resume Whaling in 2019

Japan _______________   this week that it is leaving the International Whaling Commission (IWC) and will resume commercial whaling in _______________ own waters in the summer of 2019. Japan will no longer engage in controversial “scientific” whale hunts in the Antarctic as it has been doing since the moratorium on whale hunting in the ’80s. Japanese officials argue that many whale species are no longer endangered and eating whale is part of its _______________ . Many environmental groups and governments are urging Japan to _______________ . Regardless of its decision, commercial whaling in Japan may not be viable since younger _______________ do not seem interested in eating whale meat.

Comprehension Questions

1. What is the report mainly about?
2. Why does this report mention the 1980s?
3. Why might Japan’s decision not be realistic?

Discussion Question

What is your opinion on whale hunting for food?

Listening 3

Mexico City Offers Resting Point for Caravan

Over 4,000 migrants from  _______________  America have made it to a rest stop at a sports _______________  in Mexico City where they are receiving water, food, and _______________ . The first wave in the caravan left eastern Honduras on October 13 and many, including small children, have walked most of the way on foot. After travelling over 1,600 kilometers, the migrants consider Mexico City a major milestone. The goal of the migrants is to reach the US in hopes of finding _______________  opportunities and a safer place to live. President Trump, however, has called the caravan an invasion and has threatened to close the US-Mexico border to prevent the migrants from entering the US. Some of the migrants say they will seek asylum in Mexico instead. Two more groups are following close behind and should arrive in Mexico’s _______________ in the next few days.

Comprehension Questions

1. What milestone did the migrants achieve this week?
2. What is the ultimate goal of the migrants?
3. What is President Trump’s response to the caravan?

Discussion Questions

Approximately two-thirds of Hondurans live in poverty and many in the caravan have left gang-ridden communities. Can/Should the US refuse these migrants if they seek political asylum?

Listening 4

One Million Evacuated In Japan Due To Typhoon

At least 10 people died and more than 1  _______________  people were under compulsory evacuation orders as Typhoon Jebi made landfall in western Japan this week. The strongest typhoon to hit Japan’s _______________ in 25 years caused traffic nightmares throughout the country due to flight and rail _______________ . Thousands of travellers spent the night trapped at Kansai Airport after a tanker  _______________    into a nearby bridge. Japan has experienced a summer of _______________   weather including floods, landslides, and a deadly heat wave.

Comprehension Questions

1. What is the report mainly about?
2. Why does the report mention a tanker?
3. What does the report imply about this season in Japan?

Discussion Question

What extreme weather have you experienced in your region? Have you ever had to evacuate due to extreme weather?

Listening 5

England Loses to Croatia in World Cup Semi-Final

Millions of _______________    fans across Britain and around the world fell into despair as England lost 2-1 to _______________    in the World Cup semi-finals this   _______________   . After advancing further than expected in the competition, fans were desperate for England to win its first World Cup since 1966. Mario Mandzukic of Croatia scored the winning goal in the second half of   _______________    time dashing England’s hopes of bringing the trophy home. Despite the devastating loss, England fans at Luzhniki Stadium serenaded the team with the popular Oasis song “Don’t Look Back in Anger.” Croatia, the smallest country to reach the World Cup finals since   _______________  in 1950, will play France in the final match on Sunday.

Comprehension Questions

1. What is the report mainly about?
2. Why does the report mention the British band Oasis?
3. What will happen on Sunday?

Discussion Questions

Why is football/soccer such a popular sport? Which team do you think will win the 2018 World Cup?