BBC Learning English Words in The News 28 December 2011: The Art of Video Games

BBC Learning English
Words in the News

28
th
D ecem ber 2011

Words in the News British Broadcasting Corporation 2011
Page 1 of 3
bbclearningenglish.com

Transcript:
The G rand Palais gallery in Paris - associated more with fine art than video games.
But for its latest exhibition, these rooms are full of treasures, which tell the story of the
development of gaming since the 1 9 70s.
F rom PacMan, Ataris and Joysticks to 3 D devices, the focus is on the cultural and visual
aspects of the games.

Vocabulary:
fine art - paintings, drawings and sculpture
exhibition - public display of objects such as paintings
treasures - very valuable things
gaming - the activity of playing video games
devices - objects or machines invented for a specific purpose

Watch this video online: The art of video games http://bbc.in/vQD3 Y d

Page 2 of 3

Exercise:
Use one of the words or phrases below to complete each of these sentences from a BBC
news report.
Note that you may have to change the form of a word to complete the sentence correctly.
fine art/ exhibition/ treasures/ gaming/ devices
1.
And the country has been blessed by providence with beautiful coastlines to north and south
and the extraordinary __________ of the ancient civilisation of the Pharaohs in between.
2.
Ayan's tastes are reflected in Mumbai's ever growing and ever more luxurious shopping malls
in which, as elsewhere in India, the most crowded area is invariably the _________ section
where youngsters are given the chance to test their skills on computer screens.
3.
The National G allery in London is to take action against the resale of tickets for its
"blockbuster" Leonardo da Vinci __________.
4.
Alex Hope says his company needs a rich mix of talents: "W e're looking for polymaths -
people with computer science, maths, physics or _____ can all thrive."
5.
It said Black F riday purchases made on mobile __________ had accounted for 9 .8 % of all
online sales, compared with 3 .2% last year.

Page 3 of 3

Answers:
1.
And the country has been blessed by providence with beautiful coastlines to north and south
and the extraordinary treasures of the ancient civilisation of the Pharaohs in between.
Source: E gypt's tourism hit hard by ongoing unrest http://bbc.in/sfuet4
2.
Ayan's tastes are reflected in Mumbai's ever growing and ever more luxurious shopping malls
in which, as elsewhere in India, the most crowded area is invariably the gaming section
where youngsters are given the chance to test their skills on computer screens.
Source: Changing habits illustrate decline of India's comics http://bbc.in/snkG Jr
3.
The National G allery in London is to take action against the resale of tickets for its
"blockbuster" Leonardo da Vinci exhibition.
Source: Leonardo: National G allery to act over ticket resales http://bbc.in/vtCLQx
4.
Alex Hope says his company needs a rich mix of talents: "W e're looking for polymaths -
people with computer science, maths, physics or fine arts can all thrive."
Source: Coding - the new Latin http://bbc.in/w4 pqA5
5.
It said Black F riday purchases made on mobile devices had accounted for 9 .8 % of all online
sales, compared with 3 .2% last year.
Source: Black F riday and Cyber Monday US internet sales surge http://bbc.in/vgcBQ1

Words in the News
21
st
D ecem ber 2011

Page 1 of 3

Transcript:
The temperature was close to freezing but this was no time to get cold feet.
Hundreds of thrill- seek ers looking for a challenge and a good cause jumped into a hole in
the Alaskan ice.
Some of the groups came in fancy dress.
The crowd gathered around the hole clapping and cheering on the participants of this
charity event in support of disabled athletes.

Vocabulary:
to get cold feet
to be afraid of doing something you had planned to do
thrill- seek ers
people who seek excitement and adventure
a good cause
an activity that benefits the community
fancy dress
costume worn to represent a particular character
cheering on
shouting to encourage or show support for someone

Watch this video online: P olar plunge http://bbc.in/s3 h7nI

Page 2 of 3

Exercise:
Use one of the words or phrases below to complete each of these sentences from BBC
news reports.
to get cold feet / thrill- seek ers / a good cause / fancy dress / cheering on
1.
The G uinness W orld Records has confirmed that Penzance now holds the title for the
largest gathering of pirates in one place. On Sunday 25 June, 8 ,73 4 people in _________
assembled on Penzance promenade at 1 3 :00 BST.
2.
Scientists say they have found physical evidence of brain differences which may drive
_____________ to act impulsively or dangerously.
3.
Thousands turned up at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff for a second time in a week to
____________ the W ales team at the Rugby W orld Cup in New Z ealand. More than 1 6 ,000
fans watched the third-place play-off against Australia on the venue's big screens.
4.
The events in the G aza Strip may limit the amount of debate given to the prickly issue of
crimes of aggression. Some insiders at the ICC conference are even hinting that delegates
may have _____________, and the much expected vote on the subject could be put on ice.
5.
MPs have occasionally been accused of telling tales but, thanks to a Buckinghamshire charity,
they have now done it for _____________. Prime Minister David Cameron and Home
Secretary Theresa May have joined more than 8 0 Conservative MPs to record stories for
visually impaired children.

Page 3 of 3

Answers:
1.
The G uinness W orld Records has confirmed that Penzance now holds the title for the
largest gathering of pirates in one place. On Sunday 25 June, 8 ,73 4 people in fancy dress
assembled on Penzance promenade at 1 3 :00 BST.
Source: Penzance town breaks official world pirate record http://bbc.in/vzIjkO
2.
Scientists say they have found physical evidence of brain differences which may drive "thrill-
seek ers" to act impulsively or dangerously.
Source: E vidence of 'risk-taking' brain http://bbc.in/szrSkW
3.
Thousands turned up at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff for a second time in a week to cheer
on the W ales team at the Rugby W orld Cup in New Z ealand. More than 1 6 ,000 fans
watched the third-place play-off against Australia on the venue's big screens.
Source: F ans at Millennium Stadium see W ales lose cup play-off http://bbc.in/tULsyn
4.
The events in the G aza Strip may limit the amount of debate given to the prickly issue of
crimes of aggression. Some insiders at the ICC conference are even hinting that delegates
may have got cold feet, and the much expected vote on the subject could be put on ice.
Source: W hy International Criminal Court needs more than time http://bbc.in/uy6 5Z N
5.
MPs have occasionally been accused of telling tales but, thanks to a Buckinghamshire charity,
they have now done it for a good cause. Prime Minister David Cameron and Home
Secretary Theresa May have joined more than 8 0 Conservative MPs to record stories for
visually impaired children.

Source: Conservative MPs record children's stories for charity http://bbc.in/v8 Dkcr
Words in the News
14
th
D ecem ber 2011

Page 1 of 4

Transcript:
The dance moves of Michael Jackson performed by a Santa Claus look alik e.
Drivers on a congested road in the capital of the Philippines, Manila, are being entertained
by traffic enforcer, Ramiro Hinojas.
The fifty-five-year-old man, in fancy dress costume, directs traffic at a chaotic intersection
with his distinctive dance routine.
His amusing antics are aimed at lightening the motorists' mood during the busy festive
season.

Vocabulary:
look alik e
a person who looks very similar to the person mentioned
congested
full of vehicles or traffic
traffic enforcer
someone who makes sure people obey particular laws about driving on the road
distinctive
having a special style or characteristic
antics
silly, ridiculous or sometimes disruptive behaviour
Watch this video online: Thriller in M anila http://bbc.in/tTnvKc

Page 2 of 4

Exercise:
news reports.
look alik e / congested / traffic enforcer / distinctive / antics
1.
Steven Taylor managed to stop Aguero's shot but when the ball bounced to Toure, his
follow-up was blocked by Ryan Taylor's outstretched arm. Balotelli made no mistake from
the spot. The Italian produced another ____________ celebration, walking towards keeper
Krul stern-faced and with his arms folded across his chest.
2.
The E 01 E xpressway is the first motorway on this island, which is slightly smaller than Ireland
in land area. True, for now you still have to drive through the fairly ____________ eastern
suburbs to get to it, but then you see the start of the motorway, with multicoloured flags
flying for its grand opening.
3.
The off-field _________ of some of E ngland's Rugby W orld Cup players are to be
investigated by the sport's governing body over the next two weeks.
4.
US reality TV star Kim Kardashian wants to stop a US clothing store from using a
______________ model of her in its ads.
5.
E very vehicle - but above all the taxis, the vans and the lorries - stopped, chatted, gave them
a toot or a wave. They are fighting a legal case against "revenue-driven"
___________________, and pretty effectively. Thus warned, there were no traffic violations
occurring.

Page 3 of 4

Answers:
1.
Steven Taylor managed to stop Aguero's shot but when the ball bounced to Toure, his
follow-up was blocked by Ryan Taylor's outstretched arm. Balotelli made no mistake from
the spot. The Italian produced another distinctive celebration, walking towards keeper
Krul stern-faced and with his arms folded across his chest.
Source: Manchester City 3 -1 Newcastle http://bbc.in/tG Vuxi

2.
The E 01 E xpressway is the first motorway on this island, which is slightly smaller than Ireland
in land area. True, for now you still have to drive through the fairly congested eastern
suburbs to get to it, but then you see the start of the motorway, with multicoloured flags
flying for its grand opening.
Source: Sri Lanka opens its first motorway http://bbc.in/u7q9 p5

3.
The off-field antics of some of E ngland's Rugby W orld Cup players are to be investigated by
the sport's governing body over the next two weeks.
Source: Rugby W orld Cup: RF U to investigate player conduct http://bbc.in/rffQG u

4.
US reality TV star Kim Kardashian wants to stop a US clothing store from using a look alik e
model of her in its ads.
Source: Kim Kardashian sues US clothing store over 'lookalike' http://bbc.in/u721 do

Page 4 of 4

5.
E very vehicle - but above all the taxis, the vans and the lorries - stopped, chatted, gave them
a toot or a wave. They are fighting a legal case against "revenue-driven" traffic
enforcement, and pretty effectively. Thus warned, there were no traffic violations
occurring.
Source: V is for what? The meaning of the mask http://bbc.in/rmVT7z
Words in the News
7
th
D ecem ber 2011

Page 1 of 3

Transcript:
The only living thing on E arth visible from space.
But rising temperatures in the Pacific are causing coral in Australia's G reat Barrier Reef to
decay.
The key to its survival could be in these pots. E xperts in Sydney have taken about eight
billion cells and put them in deep freez e.
They plan to reintroduce some of these samples to see if they can regrow.

Vocabulary:
to decay
to rot
pots
containers
in deep freez e
being held in temporary frozen inactivity
to reintroduce
to place back in its environment
samples
small parts of the whole

Watch this video online: C oral on thin ice http://bbc.in/vyZ Y xi

Page 2 of 3

Exercise:
news reports.
to decay / pots / in deep freez e / to reintroduce / samples

1.
"E dinburgh Z oo knows that captive pandas are notoriously poor breeders and that only one
zoo-reared panda has ever been ____________ into the wild - that unfortunate animal died
within a year."
2.
"Language is not a plant that rises and falls, lives and ________. It's a tool that's perfectly
adapted by the people using it. G et on with living and talking."
3.
Tahrir Square was full of rubbish left by its occupiers, visitors and scores of vendors of
E gyptian fast food - piles of sticky paper mixed with the remains of grilled sweetcorn,
roasted sweet potatoes, dense stews of liver and peppers and plastic _________ of kushari,
a mixture of pasta, rice and lentils.
4.
About 9 ,000 cancer patients are being asked take part in new gene tests which could
improve therapies. __________ from tumours will be tested for gene faults, and testing
laboratories in London, Cardiff and Birmingham will compare the outcome of treatments.
5.
A mother has given birth to what are believed to be the first twins to be born in the UK
from frozen eggs. Isabella and Anna F ahey were born three weeks ago from eggs which had
been kept ______________ storage at the Midlands F ertility Services ( MF S) for two years.

Page 3 of 3

Answers:
1.
"E dinburgh Z oo knows that captive pandas are notoriously poor breeders and that only one
zoo-reared panda has ever been reintroduced into the wild - that unfortunate animal died
within a year."
Source: E dinburgh Z oo prepares for arrival of pandas from China http://bbc.in/w2lMY y
2.
"Language is not a plant that rises and falls, lives and decays. It's a tool that's perfectly
adapted by the people using it. G et on with living and talking."
Source: Are dying languages worth saving? http://bbc.in/9 l2dBF
3.
Tahrir Square was full of rubbish left by its occupiers, visitors and scores of vendors of
E gyptian fast food - piles of sticky paper mixed with the remains of grilled sweetcorn,
roasted sweet potatoes, dense stews of liver and peppers and plastic pots of kushari, a
mixture of pasta, rice and lentils.
Source: Splintered views threaten collective spirit of Tahrir http://bbc.in/tHrQhO
4.
About 9 ,000 cancer patients are being asked take part in new gene tests which could
improve therapies. Samples from tumours will be tested for gene faults, and testing
laboratories in London, Cardiff and Birmingham will compare the outcome of treatments.
Source: Cancer Research UK starts DNA matching research http://bbc.in/t0oF KL
5.
A mother has given birth to what are believed to be the first twins to be born in the UK
from frozen eggs. Isabella and Anna F ahey were born three weeks ago from eggs which had
been kept in deep freez e storage at the Midlands F ertility Services ( MF S) for two years.
Source: Twins born after two years on ice http://bbc.in/sDBIJz
Words in the News
3 0
th
Nov em ber 2011

Page 1 of 3

Transcript:
The neon lights of Tokyo.
F or decades, rapidly growing Asian economies have encouraged young workers to leave
the fields and flock to the cities.
But now many young Japanese are buck ing the trend, abandoning the office and heading
back to the fields.
E conomic stagnation means millions can't find a permanent job.
New recruits are being welcomed by Japanese farmers, whose average age is more than 6 5.

Vocabulary:
encouraged - made happen with incentives
flock to - go in large numbers to
buck ing the trend - behaving the opposite way to the norm
heading back - returning
stagnation - no growth

Watch this video online: B ack to nature http://bbc.in/t8 NPHj

Page 2 of 3

Exercise:
news report.
encouraged / flock to / buck ing the trend / heading back / stagnation
1.
There is little public appetite across the world for building new nuclear reactors, a poll for
the BBC indicates. In countries with nuclear programmes, people are significantly more
opposed than they were in 2005, with only the UK and US ____________________.
2.
As life begins to return to normal in Libya, the first batch of Bangladeshi migrant workers are
_______________ to work in the country.
3.
A campaign is under way to __________ people to cut down on wasting water.
4.
Because if everyone - governments, households and companies - simultaneously tries to save
more, that effort will be self-defeating. The result will be economic ___________, or
something rather worse.
5.
As night fell in Cairo, thousands more ____________ the symbolic square - the focal point
of the protests which overthrew President Hosni Mubarak in F ebruary.

Page 3 of 3

Answers:
1.
There is little public appetite across the world for building new nuclear reactors, a poll for
the BBC indicates. In countries with nuclear programmes, people are significantly more
opposed than they were in 2005, with only the UK and US buck ing the trend.
Source: Nuclear power 'gets little public support worldwide' http://bbc.in/unQhX G
2.
As life begins to return to normal in Libya, the first batch of Bangladeshi migrant workers are
heading back to work in the country.
Source: Bangladeshis head back to Libya http://bbc.in/rW IhRu
3.
A campaign is under way to encourage people to cut down on wasting water.
Source: Anglian W ater granted drought permit after dry spring http://bbc.in/tSd8 57
4.
Because if everyone - governments, households and companies - simultaneously tries to save
more, that effort will be self-defeating. The result will be economic stagnation, or
something rather worse.
Source: Mr Cameron, G DP and the hole in the recovery http://bbc.in/obogCZ
5.
As night fell in Cairo, thousands more flock ed to the symbolic square - the focal point of
the protests which overthrew President Hosni Mubarak in F ebruary.
Source: E gypt cabinet offers to resign as Cairo protests grow http://bbc.in/tyuZ DX

Words in the News
23 rd Nov em ber 2011

Page 1 of 3

Transcript:
It's Islam's holiest site. Millions make the pilgrimage to the G rand Mosque every year.
The pace of high- rise development in the city has led some to compare modern-day Mecca
to Manhattan.
But archaeologists are angry that ancient monuments are being destroyed so rich visitors
can be accommodated in luxury hotels.
The Saudi authorities say the demolition is necessary to cope with the ever-growing
number of visitors.

Vocabulary:
holiest - of greatest religious importance
pilgrimage - journey to a place of spiritual significance
high- rise - describes a tall building with many floors
archaeologists - people who study buildings and other objects from the past
demolition - the total destruction of something

Watch this video online: Mecca or Manhattan? http://bbc.in/ssFyIb

Page 2 of 3

Exercise:
news report.


holiest/pilgrimage/high- rise/archaeologists/demolition

1.
The Unesco inspectors will be looking at plans submitted by Peel Holdings for a
development of __________ buildings including offices, shops and restaurants in the 5.5bn
Liverpool W aters scheme, they will also examine how the city is managing the heritage site.

2.
The two people are believed to have been on their way to Mecca for the annual Hajj
__________ when the fire broke out near Jeddah airport.

3.
The first Sikhs came to London a century ago and a new exhibition in the capital celebrates
the G olden Temple, their __________ site.

4.
In Khan al-Ahmar, many homes are under __________ order, as is the primary school, set
up with the help of an Italian charity two years ago.

5.
Bullets dating back to the E nglish Civil W ar have been found in a field in Berkshire by
__________.

Page 3 of 3

Answers:
1.
The Unesco inspectors will be looking at plans submitted by Peel Holdings for a
development of high-rise buildings including offices, shops and restaurants in the 5.5bn
Liverpool W aters scheme, they will also examine how the city is managing the heritage site.
Source: Liverpool W orld Heritage Status: Unesco inspectors visit http://bbc.in/shiufq
2.
The two people are believed to have been on their way to Mecca for the annual Hajj
pilgrimage when the fire broke out near Jeddah airport.
Source: Two Britons killed in Saudi bus fire 'on way to Hajj' http://bbc.in/trNM6 j
3.
The first Sikhs came to London a century ago and a new exhibition in the capital celebrates
the G olden Temple, their holiest site.
Source: Celebrating a century of London Sikh culture http://bbc.in/n3 jLAX
4.
In Khan al-Ahmar, many homes are under demolition order, as is the primary school, set up
with the help of an Italian charity two years ago.
Source: Bedouin oppose Israeli plans to relocate communities http://bbc.in/thkC3 N
5.
Bullets dating back to the E nglish Civil W ar have been found in a field in Berkshire by
archaeologists.
Source: Bullets from E nglish Civil W ar found in Newbury http://bbc.in/stIpQX
Words in the News
16 th Nov em ber 2011

Page 1 of 3

Transcript:
The fossilised bones of whales unearthed in the Atacama Desert in Chile.

P alaeontologists have dug up a massive grave containing the seven million year-old
creatures.

F ossils from fifteen animals have so far been excavated, some of them complete skeletons.
The hoard also includes the remains of sharks, dolphins and seals.

The discovery is believed to have global importance and is crucial for research.

Vocabulary:
fossilised - the remains of animals or plants that have become hard and turned into rock
palaeontologists - people who study fossils
excavated - to have dug up something that has been buried for a very long time
hoard - a collection of food, money, or in this case valuable and rare fossils
crucial - something that is extremely important because it will affect other things
Watch this video online: W hale graveyard unearthed http://bbc.in/uOpdjN

Page 2 of 3

Exercise:
news report.
fossilised/palaeontologists/excavated/hoard/crucial

1.
A team of archaeologists has started one of the largest investigations ever mounted on the
W W I battlefields. They have been given permission to _________ a large section of trenches
and tunnels close to the huge Lochnagar Crater.
2.
Being so slight and spindly, it is not really surprising that ancient harvestmen have a relatively
poor record. Only around 3 3 _____________ species have been discovered so far, and for
some of those the quality of preservation is not brilliant.
3.
A metal detector enthusiast has found a major ___________ of Viking silver in a field on the
Cumbria-Lancashire border.
4.
F or 1 50 years, a species called Archaeopteryx has been regarded as the first true bird,
representing a major evolutionary step away from dinosaurs. But the new fossil suggests this
creature was just another feathery dinosaur and not the significant link that
__________________ had believed.
5.
The prime minister believes stability and an end to the debt crisis is ___________ for any
chance of a recovery in the UK economy.

Page 3 of 3

Answers:
1.
A team of archaeologists has started one of the largest investigations ever mounted on the
W W I battlefields. They have been given permission to excavate a large section of trenches
and tunnels close to the huge Lochnagar Crater.
Source: Secrets from inside a W W I trench http://bbc.in/tSnz2l
2.
Being so slight and spindly, it is not really surprising that ancient harvestmen have a relatively
poor record. Only around 3 3 fossilised species have been discovered so far, and for some
of those the quality of preservation is not brilliant.
Source: X -rays extract 'virtual harvestmen' from F rench fossils http://bbc.in/plUm5K
3.
A metal detector enthusiast has found a major hoard of Viking silver in a field on the
Cumbria-Lancashire border.
Source: Metal detector fan Darren W ebster finds Viking hoard http://bbc.in/sfZ ISZ
4.
F or 1 50 years, a species called Archaeopteryx has been regarded as the first true bird,
representing a major evolutionary step away from dinosaurs. But the new fossil suggests this
creature was just another feathery dinosaur and not the significant link that
palaeontologists had believed.
Source: F eathers fly in first bird debate http://bbc.in/rnE bc0
5.
The prime minister believes stability and an end to the debt crisis is crucial for any chance
of a recovery in the UK economy.
Source: E uro crisis 'opportunity for UK' to reclaim powers - PM http://bbc.in/sA6 epd
Words in the News
9 th Nov em ber 2011

Page 1 of 3

Transcript:
Stopped in the nick of time!
This road safety system uses lasers to detect potential haz ards. If the driver doesn't brake,
the car does.
Now a new Swiss project is looking to take things further by reading drivers' minds.
Researchers are testing its viability by monitoring brainwaves to see if they can predict the
driver's next move.
The hope is technology could intervene to prevent accidents.

Vocabulary:
in the nick of time
just in time
road safety
driving without accidents
haz ards
dangers
viability
workability
intervene
act on behalf of someone else
Watch this video online: Mind reading crash course http://bbc.in/tQLvuO

Page 2 of 3

Exercise:
news report.
in the nick of time / road safety / haz ards / viability / intervene
1.
An iceberg of the size expected will need to be monitored carefully, and not just because it
could eventually become a __________ to shipping. The biggest icebergs can have a major
impact on their surroundings.
2.
During the debate Mr Cameron said a no-fly zone had "effectively been put in place over
Libya". He added: "It is also clear that coalition forces have helped to avert what could have
been a bloody massacre in Benghazi. In my view they did so just _______________."
3.
Twenty soldiers also died in fighting in the central city of Homs. Syria's president, Bashar al-
Assad, has warned western powers not to _________ - saying that could cause what he
called an "earthquake" that would burn the whole of the Middle E ast.
4.
Plans have been announced to improve ___________ in a Staffordshire town. The scheme
includes installing a pedestrian crossing and improving a footpath close to where a person
was knocked down and killed, in 2009 .
5.
E ven the __________________ of the euro has always been in question, with its creation
having been seen by many to have been driven by political rather than economic reasoning.

Page 3 of 3

Answers:
1.
An iceberg of the size expected will need to be monitored carefully, and not just because it
could eventually become a haz ard to shipping. The biggest icebergs can have a major impact
on their surroundings.
Source: Huge iceberg forms in Antarctica http://bbc.in/uCTAoR
2.
During the debate Mr Cameron said a no-fly zone had "effectively been put in place over
Libya". He added: "It is also clear that coalition forces have helped to avert what could have
been a bloody massacre in Benghazi. In my view they did so just in the nick of time."
Source: MPs back United Nations action against Col G addafi http://bbc.in/fP6 ykA
3.
Twenty soldiers also died in fighting in the central city of Homs. Syria's president, Bashar al-
Assad, has warned western powers not to intervene - saying that could cause what he
called an "earthquake" that would burn the whole of the Middle E ast.
Source: Syria's Assad warns of 'earthquake' if W est intervenes http://bbc.in/sjZ AY U
4.
Plans have been announced to improve road safety in a Staffordshire town. The scheme
includes installing a pedestrian crossing and improving a footpath close to where a person
was knocked down and killed, in 2009 .
Source: Tamworth roadworks scheduled to improve safety http://bbc.in/mULqT6
5.
E ven the viability of the euro has always been in question, with its creation having been
seen by many to have been driven by political rather than economic reasoning.
Source: Is the world facing fundamental changes? http://bbc.in/ozjxvw

Words in the News
2
nd
Nov em ber 2011

Page 1 of 3

Transcript:
F reak snowstorms have hit America's E ast coast.
Some say M other N ature played a Halloween trick on 6 0 million people. Only four times
in the last 1 3 5 years has New Y ork's Central Park seen snow this early.
The bliz z ards caused power cuts and some deaths as roads became treacherous.
More than a thousand flights were cancelled with some passengers trapped on grounded
planes for hours.

Vocabulary:
freak
unusual, irregular
M other N ature
an expression used to refer to the power of nature, the weather and so on
bliz z ards
heavy snowstorms with strong winds
treacherous
extremely dangerous
grounded
not permitted to fly

Watch this video online: New Y ork snow chaos http://bbc.in/rE kAX 0

Page 2 of 3

Exercise:
news report.

freak / M other N ature / bliz z ards / treacherous / grounded

1.
Last winter E dinburgh experienced the worst __________ for decades. Hundreds of tonnes
of salt were used on roads and pavements. Offenders and the Army were brought in to clear
routes.
2.
Ms Hedges said: "The __________ waters round the Isle of W ight present a major challenge
- there are so many unknowns. My emotions are very up and down at the moment, going
from being really excited to really scared."
3.
Before the president joined the children for a reading lesson, the W hite House and the
president already knew a plane had crashed into the W orld Trade Center, but they thought
it was a ___________ accident.
4.
Qantas ______________ all Saturday's flights, affecting some 70,000 travellers.
5.
"An element of luck was involved with this, as with any expedition of this nature when the
variables are out of your control - the weather, __________ herself," he said.

Page 3 of 3

Answers:
1.
Last winter E dinburgh experienced the worst bliz z ards for decades. Hundreds of tonnes of
salt were used on roads and pavements. Offenders and the Army were brought in to clear
routes.
Source: E dinburgh Council calls for severe weather feedback http://bbc.in/g06 y6 i
2.
Ms Hedges said: "The treacherous waters round the Isle of W ight present a major
challenge - there are so many unknowns. My emotions are very up and down at the moment,
going from being really excited to really scared."
Source: Isle of W ight all-female relay swim record attempt http://bbc.in/vZ BT8 a
3.
Before the president joined the children for a reading lesson, the W hite House and the
president already knew a plane had crashed into the W orld Trade Center, but they thought
it was a freak accident.
Source: 9 /1 1 anniversary: Andy Card and the attack on America http://bbc.in/oZ 9 Y lD
4.
Qantas grounded all Saturday's flights, affecting some 70,000 travellers.
Source: Qantas resumes flights as court orders end to dispute http://bbc.in/sbxBN3
5.
"An element of luck was involved with this, as with any expedition of this nature when the
variables are out of your control - the weather, M other N ature herself," he said.
Source: W ounded soldier reaches North Pole with charity trek team http://bbc.in/fMF 3 Ta

Words in the News
26
th
October 2011

Page 1 of 3

Transcript:
An historic leap! American David Hallberg will soon be in the limelight as the first foreign
principal dancer of Russia' s Bolshoi ballet company.
At the height of the Cold W ar, 50 years ago, when Russian dancer Rudolf Nureyev
defected to the W est, an American dancer in Moscow would have been unimaginable.
But now Hallberg has the opportunity to wow the Bolshoi' s fans.
Vocabulary:
leap
a leap is a big jump but it can also be used to suggest a sudden change.
in the limelight
limelight was originally a form of stage lighting before electricity. The expression ' in the
limelight' now means being ' the centre of attention' .
at the height of
at the time when the situation was at its most intense.
defected
left a country with a particular political regime in order to escape that system.
to wow
to please, to impress.
Watch this video online: Dancing into history http://bbc.in/uZ H1 r8

Page 2 of 3

Exercise:
news report.
leap / in the limelight / at the height of / defected / to wow
1.
North Korea has denied sending spies into South Korea to murder the most senior official
ever _____________ from the Communist country.
2.
It's certainly the case that the way most brides and grooms choose to preserve their brief
moment _____________ has been evolving, away from the stuffy and predictable.
3.
"It gets people on board to have a look and they're _____________ by it. It's showing people
that these boats are affordable, that they're not just for billionaires."
4.
Many see Australia moving away from its old allegiances, towards a future firmly within the
Asian region. But can it make the emotional and cultural _______ to replace E urope and
America at the centre of its consciousness with Asia?
5.
The Pistols, having recently sworn on tea-time telly, were ____________ their notoriety,
many of the tour dates were cancelled, and protesters gathered to sing carols and pray for
the misguided souls inside the town's Castle Cinema.

Page 3 of 3

Answers:
1.
North Korea has denied sending spies into South Korea to murder the most senior official
ever to defect from the Communist country.
Source: North Korea denies plotting to kill prominent defector http://bbc.in/nwKOCS
2.
It's certainly the case that the way most brides and grooms choose to preserve their brief
moment in the limelight has been evolving, away from the stuffy and predictable.
Source: W edding planner: Preserving the memories http://bbc.in/i2ITp4
3.
"It gets people on board to have a look and they're wowed by it. It's showing people that
these boats are affordable, that they're not just for billionaires."
Source: G roup buying online shopping trend hits the Middle E ast http://bbc.in/qoyDKw
4.
Many see Australia moving away from its old allegiances, towards a future firmly within the
Asian region. But can it make the emotional and cultural leap to replace E urope and
America at the centre of its consciousness with Asia?
Source: E mbracing Australia's Asian future http://bbc.in/pX A53 S
5.
The Pistols, having recently sworn on tea-time telly, were at the height of their notoriety,
many of the tour dates were cancelled, and protesters gathered to sing carols and pray for
the misguided souls inside the town's Castle Cinema.
Source: Punk rock: Anarchy in the UK tribute tour in Caerphilly http://bbc.in/mX X 7Y 0
Words in the News
19
th
October 2011

Page 1 of 3

Transcript:
A lavish tuneral tor a tamous Costa Plcan crocoolle.
People bave llneo tbe streets ot Slqulrres to bid farewell to Pocbo, wbo was 0 years olo.
or tbe past elgbt years be's been drawing tourlsts to tbe town to see blm ano bls owner
pertorm hair- raising trlcks.
Now tbe tour-ano-a-balt metre long reptlle ls to be embalmed ano put ln a museum.
Vocabulary:
lavish
sometblng tbat ls lmpresslve ano posslbly epenslve
to bid farewell to
to say gooobye to
drawing
attractlng or encouraglng vlsltors to
hair- raising
ecltlng ano tbrllllng ano sometlmes terrltylng wblcb coulo posslbly make tbe balrs on your
booy stano up
embalmed
treateo wltb cbemlcals to prevent sometblng trom oecaylng
Watch this video online: Crocoolle tears bttp://bbc.ln/n o tP

Page 2 of 3

Exercise:
Use one ot tbe woros or pbrases below to complete eacb ot tbese sentences trom a 88C
news report.
Note tbat you may bave to cbange tbe torm ot a woro to complete tbe sentence correctly.
lavish/to bid farewell to/draw/hair- raising/embalmed
1.
Tbe monastery, wblcb was bullt ln , ls young by Pomanlan stanoaros. |t was closeo
tbrougbout tbe communlst perloo, wben lt tunctloneo as tbe ottlces ot tbe local agrlcultural
co-operatlve. 8ut tbe anclent crosses wblcb tbe crowos ln September ano wblcb
leo to tbe establlsbment ot tbe monastery ln tbe tlrst place, were caretully preserveo.
2.
Numerous receptlons ano partles are lntegral to tbe run-up to tbe Oscars
ceremony, wblcb ls taklng place on 2 ebruary, wltb tllm companles oevotlng substantlal
buogets to courtlng voters.
3.
eoolng tormalltles began atter tbe klng ano bls tatber, tormer monarcb [lgme Slngye
angcbuk, entereo a sacreo cbamber ot tbe monastery, wblcb bolos tbe booy
ot tbe country's 7tb Century tounoer.
4.
Hunoreos ot people bave vlslteo elllngton oo an emperor
penguln wbo wasbeo up on a New ealano beacb ln [une.
5.
"Tbe wlncbman olo a wonoertul job ano tbe wbole bellcopter crew. ou see all tbe Tv
oocumentarles about tbe alr-sea rescue teams ano lt all looks . Untll lt
bappens to you, you oon't appreclate tbe sklll ano bravery tbey sbow," tbe juoge salo.

Page 3 of 3

Answers:
1.
Tbe monastery, wblcb was bullt ln , ls young by Pomanlan stanoaros. |t was closeo
tbrougbout tbe communlst perloo, wben lt tunctloneo as tbe ottlces ot tbe local agrlcultural
co-operatlve. 8ut tbe anclent crosses wblcb draw tbe crowos ln September ano wblcb leo
to tbe establlsbment ot tbe monastery ln tbe tlrst place, were caretully preserveo.
Source: Tbe Pomanlan monks orawlng lnsplratlon trom tbe Danube bttp://bbc.ln/o[|l u
2.
Numerous lavish receptlons ano partles are lntegral to tbe run-up to tbe Oscars ceremony,
wblcb ls taklng place on 2 ebruary, wltb tllm companles oevotlng substantlal buogets to
courtlng voters.
Source: Oscars campalgnlng to be curbeo bttp://bbc.ln/q t 5P
3.
eoolng tormalltles began atter tbe klng ano bls tatber, tormer monarcb [lgme Slngye
angcbuk, entereo a sacreo cbamber ot tbe monastery, wblcb bolos tbe embalmed booy
ot tbe country's 7tb Century tounoer.
Source: 8butan klng [lgme angcbuk marrles commoner bttp://bbc.ln/po o5b
4.
Hunoreos ot people bave vlslteo elllngton oo to bid farewell to an emperor penguln
wbo wasbeo up on a New ealano beacb ln [une.
Source: New ealano's tarewell to lost penguln Happy eet bttp://bbc.ln/o57D
5.
"Tbe wlncbman olo a wonoertul job ano tbe wbole bellcopter crew. ou see all tbe Tv
oocumentarles about tbe alr-sea rescue teams ano lt all looks hair- raising. Untll lt bappens
to you, you oon't appreclate tbe sklll ano bravery tbey sbow," tbe juoge salo.
Source: Prlnce llllam among team ln juoge's Snowoonla rescue bttp://bbc.ln/j a S
Words in the News
12
th
October 2011

Page 1 of 4

Transcript:
Tbe statue ot Cbrlst tbe Peoeemer ln Plo oe [anelro. One ot tbe worlo's most iconic
monuments.
Tbe tamous 8razlllan landmark , wblcb ls perched on top ot tbe 700 metre Corcovaoo
Mountaln, ls celebratlng lts 0tb blrtboay.
|t took tlve years to bullo ano was inaugurated ln October . Now up to ten tbousano
vlsltors flock to tbe metre tall tlgure every oay.
Vocabulary:
iconic:
tamous or well known. also, sometblng tbat represents a place.
landmark :
place wblcb ls easlly loentltlable.
perched:
slttlng ln a posltlon tbat ls close to tbe eoge.
inaugurated:
openeo ottlclally
flock to:
gatber togetber ln large numbers
Watch this video online: 0 ears on Top http://bbc.in/pnL N L D

Page 2 of 4

Exercise:
Use one ot tbe woros or pbrases below to complete eacb ot tbese sentences trom a 88C
news report.
Note tbat you may bave to cbange tbe torm ot a woro to complete tbe sentence correctly.
iconic/landmark s/perched/inaugurated/flock to
.
One ot lasgow's most notorlous ls to be glven a new lease ot llte as part ot a
scbeme to boost cycllng ano peoestrlan travel. Tbe so-calleo "brloge to nowbere", a
peoestrlan llnk over tbe M motorway, bas never been useo ano bas no access ramps.
2.
Tbe Maspero was ln Calro ln 0 - tbe tlrst oeolcateo televlslon
bullolng ever bullt ln tbe Mloole ast.
.
Leonaroo oa vlncl's Mona Llsa, tbe Coca-Cola bottle ano Cbrlst are blstory's top
lmages, accorolng to an Otoro protessor.
.
Tbe eastern Canaolan tlsblng town calls ltselt tbe lceberg capltal ot tbe worlo, ano tourlsts
vlslt ln tbe summer wben tbe season tor tbe trozen gollatbs ls boomlng.
5.
Hong Kong's Ocean Park, wblcb teatures a vast aquarlum ano rollercoaster rloes all
atop one ot Hong Kong's lusb craggy peaks, saw attenoance tlgures rlse by
last year oesplte tbe tbreat trom tbe blg-name cross-town rlval Dlsney.

Page 3 of 4

Answers:
.
One ot lasgow's most notorlous landmark s ls to be glven a new lease ot llte as part ot a
scbeme to boost cycllng ano peoestrlan travel. Tbe so-calleo "brloge to nowbere", a
peoestrlan llnk over tbe M motorway, bas never been useo ano bas no access ramps.
Source: Cycle role tor lasgow's brloge to nowbere bttp://bbc.ln/q v o
2.
Tbe Maspero was inaugurated ln Calro ln 0 - tbe tlrst oeolcateo televlslon bullolng
ever bullt ln tbe Mloole ast.
Source: gypt state Tv bullolng an ugly remlnoer ot tbe past bttp://bbc.ln/r |7 v
.
Leonaroo oa vlncl's Mona Llsa, tbe Coca-Cola bottle ano Cbrlst are blstory's top iconic
lmages, accorolng to an Otoro protessor.
Source: Cbrlst ano Cbe among top lcons bttp://bbc.ln/o LN[o
.
Tbe eastern Canaolan tlsblng town calls ltselt tbe lceberg capltal ot tbe worlo, ano tourlsts
flock to vlslt ln tbe summer wben tbe season tor tbe trozen gollatbs ls boomlng.
Source: orlo lceberg capltal turns trozen blocks to colo, baro casb bttp://bbc.ln/rq SN

Page 4 of 4

5.
Hong Kong's Ocean Park, wblcb teatures a vast aquarlum ano rollercoaster rloes all
perched atop one ot Hong Kong's lusb craggy peaks, saw attenoance tlgures rlse by last
year oesplte tbe tbreat trom tbe blg-name cross-town rlval Dlsney.
Source: Asla's growlng mloole class tuels tbeme park boom bttp://bbc.ln/ooHDq7
Words in the News
5
th
October 2011
Search for the stars

Page 1 of 3

Transcript
A new image of two galaxies colliding.

At a facility in the Atacama Desert the world's most powerful radio telescope begins the quest
to view the origins of the universe.

The telescope consists of an array of giant antennae on top of one of the highest plateaus in
Chile.

It's able to detect light which emanated from stars created hundreds of millions of years ago.

Vocabulary

a facility:
a group of buildings and structures that are used for a particular purpose, often scientific or
military
quest:
a long and hard search for something that is difficult or maybe even impossible to find
an array of:
a group of similar items, often an impressive collection of objects
plateaus:
a plateau is an area of flat land that is higher than the land around it. The plural can also be spelt
'plateaux'.
emanated from:
came from, was produced by

Watch this video online: Search for the stars http://bbc.in/npOraJ

Page 2 of 3

Exercise
Use one of the words or phrases below to complete each of these sentences from a BBC news
report. Note that you may have to change the form of a word to complete the sentence
correctly.

a facility/ quest / an array of / plateaus / emanated from
1.
The "Mogi Doughnut Hypothesis" suggests that a circular pattern of small precursor quakes will
precede a large earthquake ______________ the centre of that circle.

2.
Deep below the sea, off the north coast of Northern Ireland, a dramatic geological mystery has
been discovered.
Huge cliffs, vast basins and ______________, a lake and even rivers have been found. But so far
no-one is certain what caused them to end up like this deep under the sea.

3.
In South Korea, the group will be accommodated in ______________ for North Korean refugees.

4.
The collection features ______________ stone and terracotta objects that covers almost 2,000
years of the country's pre-Hispanic history.

5.
On hearing the news Afghan President Hamid Karzai decided to cut short his visit to the US but
briefly met President Barack Obama, who condemned the killing as a "tragic loss". Both men
reinforced their determination to continue the ______________ for peace.

Page 3 of 3

Answers
1.
The "Mogi Doughnut Hypothesis" suggests that a circular pattern of small precursor quakes will
precede a large earthquake emanating from the centre of that circle.
Source: Can we predict when and where quakes will strike? http://bbc.in/q05olm
2.
Deep below the sea, off the north coast of Northern Ireland, a dramatic geological mystery has
been discovered.
Huge cliffs, vast basins and plateaus, a lake and even rivers have been found. But so far no-one
is certain what caused them to end up like this deep under the sea.
Source: Prehistoric land under the sea http://bbc.in/nx0sBV
3.
In South Korea, the group will be accommodated in a facility for North Korean refugees.
Source: Supreme Court 'not supreme' despite judgement http://bbc.in/r0KrQO
4.
The collection features an array of stone and terracotta objects that covers almost 2,000 years
of the country's pre-Hispanic history.
Source: US museum returns indigenous artefacts to Costa Rica http://bbc.in/pMLbSR
5.
On hearing the news Afghan President Hamid Karzai decided to cut short his visit to the US but
briefly met President Barack Obama, who condemned the killing as a "tragic loss". Both men
reinforced their determination to continue the quest for peace.
Source: Afghan peace council head Rabbani killed in attack http://bbc.in/p7r7rx

BBC Learning English Words in The News 28 December 2011: The Art of Video Games

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

BBC Learning English Words in The News 28 December 2011: The Art of Video Games

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

BBC Learning English

Words in the News

You might also like