Tag: Films

Make the Media Work for You

The media is how we communicate ideas, news and information to large audiences.

Newspapers, magazines, TV and radio programs or internet websites like English Teacher Online, are all examples of the media – a medium of communication.

So how can you make the media work for you?

How can you get lots of people to listen to your ideas?

What message do you want to tell people?

You can use the media to highlight problems, potential solutions and success stories.

The Issue

Think about all the things you like and dislike about your school campus. Make a list and describe why those things are good or not.

Focus on the things you want to improve by talking to friends using this conversation plan;

A: What do you like or dislike about the school campus?

B: I don’t like _____________________     (identify the problem)

A: Really, why do you have a problem with that?

B: Well, the main problem is ___________     (describe the problem)

A: How do you think we can solve the problem?

B: I think we should ___________    (take action or suggest solutions)

Possible Solutions

Solutions may include forming an action group, talking to the student council or writing a letter to people in power to change things.

Other creative solutions could include writing a song or short movie highlighting the problem and asking people to change their behaviour!

A: How do you think we can solve the problem?

B: I think we should ….. form an action group to (fix the problem)

write a letter to ____           asking

make an announcement       encouraging

design a poster                         explaining

* student’s own suggestion

A: Good idea, and maybe we could also

   write a song                            highlighting

make a short film                 illustrating

 

Positive Campaigns

Everyone loves a good news story so if you have no complaints with school why not just create a news article, short movie or song highlighting why you love certain parts of your school. Be specific and use lots of imagery!

Creating The Campaign

Present your ideas in class and discuss what to do next. If you need help please email: Steve@EnglishTeacherOnline.Org or leave a comment below.

Need more ideas?

Check out our Introduction to Media lesson from last year!

Going To The Movies

This week English Teacher Online is going to the movies, writing movie riddles and making a movie poster.

Movie Riddles

It’s a fantasy movie that takes place in the world of elves, dwarves and orcs. Elijah Wood is in it. It’s about a hobbit as he struggles to fight the power of the ‘one ring’ which is trying to control him. He has to destroy the magic ring before an evil wizard can get it.

 

The answer is of course, The Lord of the Rings.

Make Your Own Riddles

Use this template to create your own riddle. Give clues such as genre, setting, actor, plot and climax.

Movie Title _________________________ (Keep this secret)

Clue #1: It’s a ________________________ (Genre)

Clue #2: It takes place ___________________ (Setting)

Clue #3: _______________________ is in it. (Actor)

Clue #4: It’s about ______________________ (Plot)

Clue #5: In the end, _____________________ (Climax)

Remember, if it’s a new movie you may want to exclude the climax so you don’t spoil the movie for someone who hasn’t seen it yet.

You can use the information to create a movie poster too.

Going To The Movies (Dialogue)

A: I’m bored. Do you want to do something tonight?

B: Sure. What do you feel like doing?

A: Well, I’m in the mood for seeing a movie. How does that sound?

B: I could go for a movie. What’s playing?

A: Lord of the Rings is playing at the Odeon theatre.

B: What’s that about?

A: It’s a fantasy, set in the world of elves and dwarves. It’s about a hobbit who has to destroy a magic ring before an evil wizard can get it.

B: Who’s in it?

A: Elijah Wood plays the hobbit who finds the ring.

B: What do the critics say about it?

A: The critics say it’s spectacular and entertaining.

B: OK. Let’s see that. What time does it start?

A: Show times are at 6:30 and 9:15.

B: Why don’t we catch the 9:15 so we can have a bite to eat before we go?

You can change the underlined dialogue with information about your favourite film.

What’s your favourite movie and why? Please leave a comment in the section below.