Learning Objective: This is a reading, vocabulary 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.


Introduction

Saudi Arabia has built the world’s first underwater mosque. A group of divers constructed the aquatic place of worship off the Saudi coast close to the border with Jordan. It is made from plastic pipes filled with sand. One of the divers Hamadan bin Salim Al Masoudi told the “Al Madina” newspaper: “One of our colleagues came up with this idea last summer and we decided to carry it out.” He added: “When we put the final touches on it, it was time for afternoon prayers, so we performed group prayers.” It is not yet certain whether the mosque will be open for prayers to the general public. Worshippers would need to don scuba diving equipment and there is currently no call to prayer.


The building of the mosque comes as a variety of companies in neighbouring United Arab Emirates has unveiled plans to build underwater hotels. The Dubai-based shipbuilding company Drydocks World penned a deal to develop undersea hotels in Dubai with a Swiss firm. One such project is the World Discus Hotel, a discus-shaped underwater complex. It will be one of five underwater establishments planned by the two companies. The plans are seen as another sign of Dubai’s cutting-edge prowess in the luxury hotel sector. Drydocks chairman Khamis Juma Buamim told reporters: “The discussions are to build these around the world, not just in the UAE.”


Activity Proper

1. UNDERWATER BUILDINGS: Say anything about underwater buildings.


2. CHAT: Choose and talk. Pick one word from the list below and discuss about it.

world’s first / underwater / mosque / place of worship / final touches / prayers / variety / unveiled plans / penned a deal / underwater complex / cutting-edge / luxury


3. UNDERWATER: Complete this table.


Underwater… -------------------------------Pros -------------------------------------Cons

mosque
shopping mall
restaurant
gym
city
English class


4. WONDERFUL: Students A strongly believe underwater complexes are a wonderful idea; Students B strongly believe they are stupid.

What is your stand on this issue?



5. AQUATIC: What are the best things to do under the water?

Rank the following:

pray in a place of worship
eat in a restaurant
photograph fish
visit shipwrecks
shop at an underwater mall
relax
study marine life
escape the heat


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