The Reading / Listening - ABBA - Level 3

The pop group ABBA are making a comeback. They will release five new songs, a new album, and they have a new stage show. It is the first time in 39 years the group will release any new music. The Swedish group formed in Stockholm in 1972 and became one of the most popular and successful pop groups in the history of pop music. They are famous for songs such as Dancing Queen and The Winner Takes It All. A musical romantic comedy film called Mamma Mia! was released in 2008. This showcased many of their biggest hits. The movie later became a stage show, which is currently the seventh longest-running show in London's musicals history. It is also the ninth longest-running show on New York's Broadway.

ABBA's millions of fans have been hoping for a comeback for many years. The group just launched a website called ABBA Voyage. The site invites fans to register their interest in a new mystery project that will be announced on September the 2nd. However, ABBA's guitarist accidentally revealed that a new album is coming in the autumn. Fans will be disappointed to learn that the stage show will not include ABBA in the flesh. Instead, there will be holograms of the group. These will be digitally-created lifelike avatars of each group member. The avatars have been nicknamed "ABBAtars". There will be eight shows a week that will take place in a newly-built theatre in London.

Try the same news story at these easier levels:

    ABBA - Level 0,  ABBA - Level 1   or  ABBA - Level 2

Sources
  • https://www.msn.com/en-gb/entertainment/music/abba-to-release-first-new-music-in-39-years-and-announces-hologram-show-in-london/ar-AANMD7Q
  • https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/3548013/inside-abba-voyage-show-comeback/
  • https://variety.com/2021/music/news/abba-new-music-1235049678/


Make sure you try all of the online activities for this reading and listening - There are dictations, multiple choice activities, drag and drop activities, sentence jumbles, which word activities, text reconstructions, spelling, gap fills and a whole lot more. Please enjoy :-)

Warm-ups

1. POP MUSIC: Students walk around the class and talk to other students about pop music. Change partners often and share your findings.
2. CHAT: In pairs / groups, talk about these topics or words from the article. What will the article say about them? What can you say about these words and your life?
       pop group / ABBA / comeback / album / new songs / history / musical / romantic /
       fans / many years / mystery / project / autumn / holograms / nickname / theatre
Have a chat about the topics you liked. Change topics and partners frequently.
3. ALBUMS: Students A strongly believe albums are better than singles; Students B strongly believe singles are better than albums. Change partners again and talk about your conversations.
4. ARTISTS: What are the good and bad things about being these artists? Complete this table with your partner(s). Change partners often and share what you wrote.

 

Good Things

Bad Things

Lead singer

 

 

Lead guitarist

 

 

Drummer

 

 

Keyboard player

 

 

Bass guitarist

 

 

Backing singer

 

 
MY e-BOOK
ESL resource book with copiable worksheets and handouts - 1,000 Ideas and Activities for Language Teachers / English teachers
See a sample

5. SHOW: Spend one minute writing down all of the different words you associate with the word "show". Share your words with your partner(s) and talk about them. Together, put the words into different categories.
6. MUSIC: Rank these with your partner. Put the best music genre at the top. Change partners often and share your rankings.

  • Pop
  • Reggae
  • Folk
  • Classical
  • Rock
  • Electro
  • Opera
  • Ambient

 

Vocabulary

    Paragraph 1

      1. comeback a. Entertainment with jokes and sketches to make people laugh.
      2. release b. Joined together to create something.
      3. formed c. Make a film, song, book, or other product available to the public.
      4. popular d. At the present time.
      5. comedy e. A return by a well-known person, especially an entertainer or sports player.
      6. hit f. Liked by many people.
      7. currently g. A song, movie, book, etc. that is very, very, very successful and popular.

    Paragraph 2

      8. launched h. Put one's name and other details on a list or website.
      9. register i. Made something known for the first time.
      10. mystery j. A short or funny name given to a person or thing instead of the real name.
      11. announced k. Very secretive.
      12. revealed l. A 3-D image made by laser beams.
      13. hologram m. Made a formal public statement about a fact, happening or plan.
      14. nicknamed n. Started a project, business or campaign.

 

Before reading / listening

1. TRUE / FALSE: Read the headline. Guess if 1-8 below are true (T) or false (F).

  1. ABBA will release 11 new songs on their new album.     T / F
  2. ABBA was formed in Stockholm, Sweden 39 years ago.     T / F
  3. ABBA recorded a famous song called Dancing King.     T / F
  4. The show Mamma Mia! is the ninth longest-running show on Broadway.   T / F
  5. The band launched a website called ABBA Comeback.     T / F
  6. ABBA's guitarist accidentally told people about a new album.     T / F
  7. No band member will take part in a new stage show.     T / F
  8. The new ABBA stage show will be in New York.     T / F

2. SYNONYM MATCH: Match the following synonyms from the article.

  1. comeback
  2. release
  3. popular
  4. hit
  5. show
  6. fans
  7. register
  8. revealed
  9. disappointed
  10. built
  1. made public
  2. success
  3. followers
  4. issue
  5. upset
  6. return
  7. constructed
  8. record
  9. well liked
  10. performance

3. PHRASE MATCH: (Sometimes more than one choice is possible.)

  1. The pop group ABBA are making
  2. They will release
  3. one of the most popular and successful
  4. This showcased many of
  5. the seventh longest-
  6. The site invites fans to register
  7. a new mystery
  8. Fans will be disappointed
  9. the stage show will not include ABBA in
  10. take place in a newly-
  1. pop groups
  2. the flesh
  3. running show
  4. to learn that
  5. their biggest hits
  6. a comeback
  7. built theatre
  8. project
  9. five new songs
  10. their interest

Gap fill

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.
history
comeback
running
hits
formed
romantic
currently
release

The pop group ABBA are making a (1) _____________________. They will release five new songs, a new album, and they have a new stage show. It is the first time in 39 years the group will (2) _____________________ any new music. The Swedish group (3) _____________________ in Stockholm in 1972 and became one of the most popular and successful pop groups in the (4) _____________________ of pop music. They are famous for songs such as Dancing Queen and The Winner Takes It All. A musical (5) _____________________ comedy film called Mamma Mia! was released in 2008. This showcased many of their biggest (6) _____________________. The movie later became a stage show, which is (7) _____________________ the seventh longest-running show in London's musicals history. It is also the ninth longest-(8) _____________________ show on New York's Broadway.

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.
flesh
guitarist
invites
built
hoping
autumn
avatars
project

ABBA's millions of fans have been (9) _____________________ for a comeback for many years. The group just launched a website called ABBA Voyage. The site (10) _____________________ fans to register their interest in a new mystery (11) _____________________ that will be announced on September the 2nd. However, ABBA's (12) _____________________ accidentally revealed that a new album is coming in the (13) _____________________. Fans will be disappointed to learn that the stage show will not include ABBA in the (14) _____________________. Instead, there will be holograms of the group. These will be digitally-created lifelike (15) _____________________ of each group member. The avatars have been nicknamed "ABBAtars". There will be eight shows a week that will take place in a newly-(16) _____________________ theatre in London.

Listening — Guess the answers. Listen to check.

1) The pop group ABBA are making a comeback. They will ______ songs
     a.  released five new
     b.  release five new
     c.  releases five new
     d.  relieve five new
2)  a new album, and they have a ______
     a.  new staged show
     b.  new stage show
     c.  new stages show
     d.  news days show
3)  one of the most popular and successful pop groups in the history ______
     a.  off pop music
     b.  oft pop music
     c.  all pop music
     d.  of pop music
4)  Mamma Mia! was released in 2008. This showcased many of ______
     a.  their biggest hits
     b.  their biggest hit
     c.  their biggest hitters
     d.  their biggest heights
5)  currently the seventh longest-running show in London's ______
     a.  musicals histories
     b.  musicals history
     c.  musicals historian
     d.  musicals historical

6)  ABBA's millions of fans have been hoping for a comeback ______
     a.  for much years
     b.  for any years
     c.  for many years
     d.  for merry years
7)  The site invites fans to register their interest in a ______
     a.  new missed tree project
     b.  new miss tree project
     c.  new mister tree project
     d.  new mystery project
8)  Fans will be disappointed to learn that the stage show will not include ABBA ______
     a.  in the flash
     b.  in the flush
     c.  in the flesh
     d.  in the fish
9)  These will be digitally-created lifelike avatars of ______
     a.  whole group member
     b.  each groups member
     c.  each groupie member
     d.  each group member
10)  There will be eight shows a week that will take place in a ______
     a.  newly-build theatre
     b.  new-built theatre
     c.  newly-built theatre
     d.  newly-build theatre

Listening — Listen and fill in the gaps

The pop group ABBA are (1) ____________________. They will release five new songs, a new album, and they have a (2) ____________________. It is the first time in 39 years the group will release any new music. The Swedish (3) ____________________ Stockholm in 1972 and became one of the most popular and successful pop groups in the history of pop music. They are famous for (4) ____________________ Dancing Queen and The Winner Takes It All. A musical romantic comedy film called Mamma Mia! was released in 2008. This showcased many of (5) ____________________. The movie later became a stage show, which is currently the seventh longest-running show in London's musicals history. It is also the (6) ____________________ show on New York's Broadway.

ABBA's millions of fans have (7) ____________________ a comeback for many years. The group just launched a website called ABBA Voyage. The site invites fans to (8) ____________________ in a new mystery project that will be announced on September the 2nd. However, ABBA's guitarist accidentally (9) ____________________ new album is coming in the autumn. Fans will be disappointed to learn that the stage show will not include ABBA in the flesh. Instead, there will (10) ____________________ the group. These will be digitally-created (11) ____________________ each group member. The avatars (12) ____________________ "ABBAtars". There will be eight shows a week that will take place in a newly-built theatre in London.

Comprehension questions

  1. How many new songs will the group ABBA release?
  2. In which city were ABBA formed?
  3. What is the name of the movie mentioned in the article?
  4. What did the movie showcase?
  5. Where is ABBA's stage show on London's list of longest-running shows?
  6. What is ABBA Voyage?
  7. Who accidentally revealed news of ABBA's new album?
  8. How might fans feel about ABBA members no taking part in a show?
  9. What is the nickname of the avatars in a new stage show?
  10. In what city will the new ABBA stage show take place?

Multiple choice quiz

1) How many new songs will the group ABBA release?
a) seven
b) five
c) eleven
d) two
2) In which city were ABBA formed?
a) Gothenburg
b) Malmo
c) Lund
d) Stockholm
3) What is the name of the movie mentioned in the article?
a) Mamma Mia!
b) Money, Money, Money
c) Wow!
d) OMG!
4) What did the movie showcase?
a) the history of pop music
b) Sweden
c) ABBA's biggest hits
d) a beach
5) Where is ABBA's stage show on London's list of longest-running shows?
a) top
b) seventh
c) ninth
d) twentieth

6) What is ABBA Voyage?
a) a website
b) a ship
c) ABBA's new album
d) an avatar
7) Who accidentally revealed news of ABBA's new album?
a) a fan
b) ABBA's manager
c) ABBA's guitarist
d) ABBA's lead singer
8) How might fans feel about ABBA members no taking part in a show?
a) disappointed
b) excited
c) angry
d) resigned
9) What is the nickname of the avatars in a new stage show?
a) ABBAtars
b) ABBAs
c) ABBAlinas
d) ABBAgrams
10) In what city will the new ABBA stage show take place?
a) Tokyo
b) Stockholm
c) New York
d) London

Role play

Role  A – Pop
You think pop is the best kind of music. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their genres. Also, tell the others which is the least listenable of these (and why): classical, folk or ambient.

Role  B – Classical
You think classical is the best kind of music. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their genres. Also, tell the others which is the least listenable of these (and why): pop, folk or ambient.

Role  C – Folk
You think folk is the best kind of music. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their genres. Also, tell the others which is the least listenable of these (and why): classical, pop or ambient.

Role  D – Ambient
You think ambient is the best kind of music. Tell the others three reasons why. Tell them what is wrong with their genres. Also, tell the others which is the least listenable of these (and why): classical, folk or pop.

After reading / listening

1. WORD SEARCH: Look in your dictionary / computer to find collocates, other meanings, information, synonyms … for the words...

'pop'

  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________

    • and 'music'.

  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________
  • ________________

    • • Share your findings with your partners.

    • Make questions using the words you found.

    • Ask your partner / group your questions.

    2. ARTICLE QUESTIONS: Look back at the article and write down some questions you would like to ask the class about the text.

    •Share your questions with other classmates / groups. •Ask your partner / group your questions.

    3. GAP FILL: In pairs / groups, compare your answers to this exercise. Check your answers. Talk about the words from the activity. Were they new, interesting, worth learning…?

    4. VOCABULARY: Circle any words you do not understand. In groups, pool unknown words and use dictionaries to find their meanings.

    5. TEST EACH OTHER: Look at the words below. With your partner, try to recall how they were used in the text:

    • making
    • any
    • history
    • 2008
    • later
    • ninth
    • millions
    • site
    • project
    • autumn
    • each
    • place

    Student survey

    Write five GOOD questions about this topic in the table. Do this in pairs. Each student must write the questions on his / her own paper. When you have finished, interview other students. Write down their answers.

    (Please look at page 12 of the PDF to see a photocopiable example of this activity.)

    Discussion - ABBA

    STUDENT A’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)

    1. What did you think when you read the headline?
    2. What images are in your mind when you hear the word 'pop music'?
    3. What do you know about ABBA?
    4. What do you think about pop music?
    5. What is your favourite form of music?
    6. What group would you like to make a comeback?
    7. What do you think of musical movies?
    8. What do you think of stage shows?
    9. Does the music pop groups create get better as they age?
    10. What is the best band ever?

    STUDENT B’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)

    1. Did you like reading this article? Why/not?
    2. What do you think of when you hear the word 'song'?
    3. What do you think about what you read?
    4. What does a music fan do?
    5. What instrument would you play if you were in a pop group?
    6. What do you think of music concerts?
    7. Is a musical or a concert better?
    8. Would you like to see the new ABBA show?
    9. What do you think of the idea of avatars instead of real musicians?
    10. What questions would you like to ask ABBA?

    Discussion — Write your own questions

    STUDENT A’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)

    (a) ________________

    (b) ________________

    (c) ________________

    (d) ________________

    (e) ________________

    STUDENT B’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)

    (f) ________________

    (g) ________________

    (h) ________________

    (i) ________________

    (j) ________________

    Language — Cloze (Gap-fill)

    The pop group ABBA are (1) ____ a comeback. They will release five new songs, a new album, and they have a new (2) ____ show. It is the first time in 39 years the group will release any new music. The Swedish group formed in Stockholm in 1972 and became one of the most popular and (3) ____ pop groups in the history of pop music. They are famous for songs such as Dancing Queen and The Winner Takes It All. A musical (4) ____ comedy film called Mamma Mia! was released in 2008. This showcased many of their biggest (5) ____. The movie later became a stage show, which is currently the seventh longest-running show in London's musicals (6) ____. It is also the ninth longest-running show on New York's Broadway.

    ABBA's millions of fans have (7) ____ hoping for a comeback for many years. The group just launched a website called ABBA Voyage. The site (8) ____ fans to register their interest in a new mystery project that will be announced on September the 2nd. However, ABBA's guitarist accidentally revealed that a new album is coming (9) ____ the autumn. Fans will be disappointed to learn that the stage show will not include ABBA in the (10) ____. Instead, there will be holograms of the group. These will be digitally-created lifelike avatars of (11) ____ group member. The avatars have been nicknamed "ABBAtars". There will be eight shows a week that will (12) ____ place in a newly-built theatre in London.

    Which of these words go in the above text?

    1. (a)     baking     (b)     making     (c)     taking     (d)     waking    
    2. (a)     step     (b)     stage     (c)     platform     (d)     podium    
    3. (a)     successfully     (b)     success     (c)     successive     (d)     successful    
    4. (a)     romances     (b)     romantic     (c)     romantically     (d)     romantics    
    5. (a)     whacks     (b)     smashes     (c)     punches     (d)     hits    
    6. (a)     historical     (b)     historian     (c)     history     (d)     hysterical    
    7. (a)     been     (b)     be     (c)     being     (d)     be-all    
    8. (a)     inviting     (b)     invitations     (c)     invites     (d)     invitational    
    9. (a)     up     (b)     of     (c)     at     (d)     in     
    10. (a)     flesh     (b)     skin     (c)     fat     (d)     muscle    
    11. (a)     each     (b)     all     (c)     whole     (d)     entire    
    12. (a)     take     (b)     have     (c)     play     (d)     do

    Spelling

    Paragraph 1

    1. The pop group ABBA are making a oecabmck
    2. They will elearse five new songs
    3. the most popular and sseucsfcul pop groups
    4. They are ouasfm
    5. A musical romantic deocym film
    6. cytrrlune the seventh longest-running show

    Paragraph 2

    1. The group just ceuldnha a website
    2. The site invites fans to ietresrg their interest
    3. a new msertyy project
    4. ABBA's tuagisirt
    5. the stage show will not eiculdn ABBA
    6. yadlitlig-created lifelike avatars

    Put the text back together

    (...)  shows a week that will take place in a newly-built theatre in London.
    (  1  ) The pop group ABBA are making a comeback. They will release five new songs, a new album, and they have a new stage
    (...)  in London's musicals history. It is also the ninth longest-running show on New York's Broadway.
    (...)  flesh. Instead, there will be holograms of the group. These will be digitally-created lifelike
    (...)  comedy film called Mamma Mia! was released in 2008. This showcased many of their biggest
    (...)  of pop music. They are famous for songs such as Dancing Queen and The Winner Takes It All. A musical romantic
    (...)  avatars of each group member. The avatars have been nicknamed "ABBAtars". There will be eight
    (...)  coming in the autumn. Fans will be disappointed to learn that the stage show will not include ABBA in the
    (...)  ABBA's millions of fans have been hoping for a comeback for many years. The group just launched
    (...)  show. It is the first time in 39 years the group will release any new music. The Swedish group formed
    (...)  in Stockholm in 1972 and became one of the most popular and successful pop groups in the history
    (...)  that will be announced on September the 2nd. However, ABBA's guitarist accidentally revealed that a new album is
    (...)  a website called ABBA Voyage. The site invites fans to register their interest in a new mystery project
    (...)  hits. The movie later became a stage show, which is currently the seventh longest-running show

    Put the words in the right order

    1. group   pop   comeback   .   a   making   are   The   ABBA
    2. first   in   is   the   years   .   39   It   time
    3. the   in   of   most   popular   One   history   .   groups
    4. show   .   movie   stage   a   later   became   The
    5. the   ninth   also   show   .   is   longest-running   It
    6. a   for   been   comeback   .   have   Fans   hoping
    7. The   their   fans   interest   .   to   register   site   invites
    8. will   the   Shows   flesh   .   not   ABBA   include   in
    9. group   member   .   avatars   each   Digitally-created   lifelike   of
    10. in   place   a   theatre   newly-built   London   .   Take   in

    Circle the correct word (20 pairs)

    The pop group ABBA are making a backing / comeback. They will release five new songs, a new album, and they have a new stage show. It is the first time on / in 39 years the group will release any new music. The Swedish group formation / formed in Stockholm in 1972 and became once / one of the most popular and successful pop groups on / in the history of pop music. They are famous for songs such as / was Dancing Queen and The Winner Takes It All. A musical romantic comedy film name / called Mamma Mia! was released in 2008. This showcased much / many of their biggest hits. The movie later became a stage show, which is currently / current the seventh longest-running show in London's musicals history. It is also the ninth longest-running show in / on New York's Broadway.

    ABBA's millions of fans have been hoping / hoped for a comeback for many years. The group just lunched / launched a website called ABBA Voyage. The site invites fans to / of register their interest in a new mystery project that will be announced on / in September the 2nd. However, ABBA's guitarist accidentally revelled / revealed that a new album is coming in the autumn. Fans will be disappointed to learning / learn that the stage show will not include / preclude ABBA in the flesh. Instead, there will be holograms of the group. These will be digitally-created lifelike avatars of all / each group member. The avatars have been / being nicknamed "ABBAtars". There will be eight shows a week that / what will take place in a newly-built theatre in London.

    Talk about the connection between each pair of words in italics, and why the correct word is correct.

    Insert the vowels (a, e, i, o, u)

    Th_ p_p gr__p _BB_ _r_ m_king _ c_m_b_ck. Th_y will r_l__s_ fiv_ n_w s_ngs, _ n_w _lb_m, _nd th_y h_v_ _ n_w st_g_ sh_w. It is th_ first tim_ in 39 y__rs th_ gr__p will r_l__s_ _ny n_w m_sic. Th_ Sw_dish gr__p f_rm_d in St_ckh_lm in 1972 _nd b_c_m_ _n_ _f th_ m_st p_p_l_r _nd s_cc_ssf_l p_p gr__ps in th_ hist_ry _f p_p m_sic. Th_y _r_ f_m__s f_r s_ngs s_ch _s D_ncing Q___n _nd Th_ Winn_r T_k_s It _ll. _ m_sic_l r_m_ntic c_m_dy film c_ll_d M_mm_ Mi_! w_s r_l__s_d in 2008. This sh_wc_s_d m_ny _f th_ir bigg_st hits. Th_ m_vi_ l_t_r b_c_m_ _ st_g_ sh_w, which is c_rr_ntly th_ s_v_nth l_ng_st-r_nning sh_w in L_nd_n's m_sic_ls hist_ry. It is _ls_ th_ ninth l_ng_st-r_nning sh_w _n N_w Y_rk's Br__dw_y.

    _BB_'s milli_ns _f f_ns h_v_ b__n h_ping f_r _ c_m_b_ck f_r m_ny y__rs. Th_ gr__p j_st l__nch_d _ w_bsit_ c_ll_d _BB_ V_y_g_. Th_ sit_ invit_s f_ns t_ r_gist_r th_ir int_r_st in _ n_w myst_ry pr_j_ct th_t will b_ _nn__nc_d _n S_pt_mb_r th_ 2nd. H_w_v_r, _BB_'s g_it_rist _ccid_nt_lly r_v__l_d th_t _ n_w _lb_m is c_ming in th_ __t_mn. F_ns will b_ dis_pp_int_d t_ l__rn th_t th_ st_g_ sh_w will n_t incl_d_ _BB_ in th_ fl_sh. Inst__d, th_r_ will b_ h_l_gr_ms _f th_ gr__p. Th_s_ will b_ digit_lly-cr__t_d lif_lik_ _v_t_rs _f __ch gr__p m_mb_r. Th_ _v_t_rs h_v_ b__n nickn_m_d "_BB_t_rs". Th_r_ will b_ _ight sh_ws _ w__k th_t will t_k_ pl_c_ in _ n_wly-b_ilt th__tr_ in L_nd_n.

    Punctuate the text and add capitals

    the pop group abba are making a comeback they will release five new songs a new album and they have a new stage show it is the first time in 39 years the group will release any new music the swedish group formed in stockholm in 1972 and became one of the most popular and successful pop groups in the history of pop music they are famous for songs such as dancing queen and the winner takes it all a musical romantic comedy film called mamma mia was released in 2008 this showcased many of their biggest hits the movie later became a stage show which is currently the seventh longestrunning show in londons musicals history it is also the ninth longestrunning show on new yorks broadway

    abbas millions of fans have been hoping for a comeback for many years the group just launched a website called abba voyage the site invites fans to register their interest in a new mystery project that will be announced on september the 2nd however abbas guitarist accidentally revealed that a new album is coming in the autumn fans will be disappointed to learn that the stage show will not include abba in the flesh instead there will be holograms of the group these will be digitallycreated lifelike avatars of each group member the avatars have been nicknamed abbatars there will be eight shows a week that will take place in a newlybuilt theatre in london

    Put a slash (/) where the spaces are

    ThepopgroupABBAaremakingacomeback.Theywillreleasefivenewso
    ngs,anewalbum,andtheyhaveanewstageshow.Itisthefirsttimein39y
    earsthegroupwillreleaseanynewmusic.TheSwedishgroupformedinS
    tockholmin1972andbecameoneofthemostpopularandsuccessfulpop
    groupsinthehistoryofpopmusic.TheyarefamousforsongssuchasDan
    cingQueenandTheWinnerTakesItAll.Amusicalromanticcomedyfilmc
    alledMammaMia!wasreleasedin2008.Thisshowcasedmanyoftheirbi
    ggesthits.Themovielaterbecameastageshow,whichiscurrentlythese
    venthlongest-runningshowinLondon'smusicalshistory.Itisalsotheni
    nthlongest-runningshowonNewYork'sBroadway.ABBA'smillionsof
    fanshavebeenhopingforacomebackformanyyears.Thegroupjustlau
    nchedawebsitecalledABBAVoyage.Thesiteinvitesfanstoregistertheir
    interestinanewmysteryprojectthatwillbeannouncedonSeptemberth
    e2nd.However,ABBA'sguitaristaccidentallyrevealedthatanewalbum
    iscomingintheautumn.Fanswillbedisappointedtolearnthatthestages
    howwillnotincludeABBAintheflesh.Instead,therewillbehologramsoft
    hegroup.Thesewillbedigitally-createdlifelikeavatarsofeachgroupm
    ember.Theavatarshavebeennicknamed"ABBAtars".Therewillbeeigh
    tshowsaweekthatwilltakeplaceinanewly-builttheatreinLondon.

    Free writing

    Write about ABBA for 10 minutes. Comment on your partner’s paper.

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    Academic writing

    Pop music is the best form of music. Discuss.

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    Homework

    1. VOCABULARY EXTENSION: Choose several of the words from the text. Use a dictionary or Google's search field (or another search engine) to build up more associations / collocations of each word.
    2. INTERNET: Search the Internet and find out more about this news story. Share what you discover with your partner(s) in the next lesson.
    3. ABBA: Make a poster about ABBA. Show your work to your classmates in the next lesson. Did you all have similar things?
    4. POP MUSIC: Write a magazine article about pop music. Include imaginary interviews with people who love it and with those who hate it.
    Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Write down any new words and expressions you hear from your partner(s).
    5. WHAT HAPPENED NEXT? Write a newspaper article about the next stage in this news story. Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Give each other feedback on your articles.
    6. LETTER: Write a letter to an expert on pop music. Ask him/her three questions about pop music. Give him/her three of your ideas. Read your letter to your partner(s) in your next lesson. Your partner(s) will answer your questions.

    A Few Additional Activities for Students

    Ask your students what they have read, seen or heard about this news in their own language. Students are likely to / may have have encountered this news in their L1 and therefore bring a background knowledge to the classroom.

    Get students to role play different characters from this news story.

    Ask students to keep track of this news and revisit it to discuss in your next class.

    Ask students to male predictions of how this news might develop in the next few days or weeks, and then revisit and discuss in a future class.

    Ask students to write a follow-up story to this news.

    Students role play a journalist and someone who witnessed or was a part of this news. Perhaps they could make a video of the interview.

    Ask students to keep a news journal in English and add this story to their thoughts.

    Also...

    Buy my 1,000 Ideas and Activities for Language Teachers eBook. It has hundreds of ideas, activity templates, reproducible activities for:

    • News
    • Warm ups
    • Pre-reading / Post-reading
    • Using headlines
    • Working with words
    • While-reading / While-listening
    • Moving from text to speech
    • Post-reading / Post-listening
    • Discussions
    • Using opinions
    • Plans
    • Language
    • Using lists
    • Using quotes
    • Task-based activities
    • Role plays
    • Using the central characters in the article
    • Using themes from the news
    • Homework

    Buy my book

    $US 9.99

    Answers

    (Please look at page 26 of the PDF to see a photocopiable example of this activity.)

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