In the Spotlight

The News Report

Read the broadcast transcript below.

TV news programmes always begin with the headlines followed by the most important stories or breaking news. They often finish with a curious or amusing news item which the newsreader usually introduces with the words "And finally...". These reports tend to be human interest stories or to involve animals.

Report 1: Science in Amman

And finally, in Amman, a group of university students collaborated to provide local children with an exciting day of science events. The project was led by 20-year-old Hamzah Alsayyegh and his six friends. To learn more about this inspiring initiative, we had the opportunity to speak with them before their university classes. When we asked them how it had all started, Hamzah explained that they had seen an advert looking for volunteers for the free library in the local news. He said that they all liked talking about science and wanted more children to enjoy science, so they created a program of activities and presented it to the library. They told us they had posted about the Science Day on social media and asked all their family members to share the information. Almost two hundred children came! They admitted they had never expected it to be so popular. The local mayor agreed that it was a great success.

Report 2: Stones in Scotland

And finally, the World Stone Skimming Championships takes place at the end of September every year on Easdale Island in Scotland. We spoke to one of the organisers who said that about 300 competitors meet to participate in this unique and fun-filled event. He explained that competitors must send small pieces of flat stone across the surface of a large body of water. He told us that the stone had to bounce at least twice. He added that the winner was the person who could skim the stone the furthest distance. The organisers admitted that the event is marked by strong but friendly competition. Last year's winner confessed he was nervous before he started but he soon forgot anyone was watching. Spectators at the event agreed that the competition was a huge success.

Media Vocabulary

Tap the cards to master the language of the news.

Critical Thinking

Analyze the purpose of these news stories.

Q1 Why do news programs include "And finally..." segments?

Q2 Look at the grammar. Why does the text say "Hamzah explained that they had seen an advert"?

Q3 What role did social media play in the Amman story?

Final Broadcast

Comprehension Check

Test your understanding of the news reports.