Learning Objective: This is a news reading and comprehension and conversation class. At the end of the session, the participants are expected to be able to practice reading properly, enhance comprehension and recall and answer the questions about the article.



Story Proper


Jamaica’s new Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has announced her country will break away from Great Britain and become a republic. She paid tribute to the British Queen during her inauguration speech on Thursday but expressed her country’s desire to become truly independent. She said: “I love the Queen. She is a beautiful lady, and apart from being a beautiful lady, a wise lady and a wonderful lady.” She then added: “But I think the time has come.” She told her audience that now was a good time to break away as Jamaica was celebrating its 50th anniversary of independence from Britain. Ms Miller said: "As we celebrate our achievements as an independent nation, we now need to complete the circle of independence.”

Mrs Miller is not the first Jamaican leader to propose replacing the Queen as head of state. The difference this time round is that there is wider political support for fully breaking away from the country’s former colonial power. There may not even be a need for Jamaica’s people to vote in a referendum on the issue. The changes to the constitution could be made through parliament as long as opposition parties are in full agreement. In the meantime, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II is still the head of state and Jamaica’s prime minister is formally appointed by the Queen’s representative in Jamaica. Prince Harry will visit Jamaica later this year, which may lead to an embarrassing diplomatic situation.


Activity Proper

1. MONARCHY: Talk to other students about monarchies.

2. CHAT: Decide which of these topics or words from the article are most interesting and which are most boring.

prime minister / break away / republic / inauguration / independent / audience / circle / head of state / political support / colonial power / opposition / representative

Have a chat about the topics you liked.


3. BEING QUEEN: Complete this table anmd share your thoughts.

Being Queen ------Good things ------Bad things

Family
Public duties
Shopping
Travel
Holidays
Fame


4. MONARCHY: Students A strongly believe a monarchy is of no use in the 21st century; Students B strongly believe monarchies are still important.

How about you?


5. MY COUNTRY: What’s most important? Rank them and share your rankings with the class.


independence
raw materials
a clean natural environment
civil tights
cheap prices
fair courts
no crime
good schools


"Online activities, the mp3 and printable handouts are available for this lesson at http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com"