Its a. Big post
It’s been years since I last discussed the media and its role in our society in my classes. I don’t really think much has changed since the last time I explored this topic in class.
I feel we are still being manipulated by the media
I still feel we are, in most cases, misinformed
I still feel that the press is controlled by the same networks of people that run everything else
I still feel the information we receive is biased and based on speculation rather than hard facts.
But this lesson is meant to be focused on the paparazzi and their work chasing celebrities or famous people. We will discuss the very serious damage that the paparazzi and tabloid media can cause when they constantly invade people’s privacy. We will discuss whether the paparazzi are to blame for some unfortunate events and whether stricter laws should be enforced. We will study vocabulary relevant to this topic and read real examples where the right to have a private life will be discussed. Are you ready?
Step 1: a stirrer.
Ask students: Have you ever met someone famous?
Telling an anecdote about yourself never fails to engage students. It’s only fair that if you are asking them to talk about themselves, you do the same.
2. On the board, write the question below and ask students to briefly comment on this.
Want fame? Kiss your privacy goodbye!
Step 2 . Introducing vocabulary
Every time I revise or introduce vocabulary in my classes, I make a point of reminding my students that they need to study the vocabulary in chunks. There is no point in studying the verb “apply” if they don’t know the preposition it collocates with. The next activity is a good one to remind students of this necessity.
Give students two minutes to write all the vocabulary they know related to The media.
On the board, write a circle with the word The Media inside. Do a mind-map with all the vocabulary students provide.
Drill pronunciation and then do a quick translation exercise to consolidate meaning and pronunciation.
Introduce new vocabulary.
To follow a lead
paparazzo/paparazzi/amateur paps
revulsion/respect for their profession
a tip-off/to tip off the paparazzi
to gather news
to spot a celebrity
agency/ˈeɪ.dʒən.si/
news outlets
news coverage
exclusive /ɪkˈskluː.sɪv/
a major scoop
a click-bait story
photojournalism
tabloid journalism and sensasionalism /senˈseɪ.ʃən.əl.ɪ.zəm/
to censor/impose strict censorship /ˈsen.sə.ʃɪp/
Celebrity scandals
sensational news
To harass foreign journalists UK /ˈhær.əs/ AmE /həˈræs/
to stalk a celebrity /stɔːk/
to pursue or chase celebrities /pəˈsjuː/
to catch up on the news
to leak to the press
to tackle misinformation
invasion of privacy /ɪnˈveɪ.ʒən/ /ˈprɪv.ə.si/
untrustworthy/reliable sources /ʌnˈtrʌstˌwɜː.ði/
accuracy of the reports
unverified information
biased/unbiased
to be in the limelight
to be highly sought-after /ˈsɔːt ˌɑːf.tər/