Present perfect vs.

simple past
A Look at the first story on page 44 again. Can you find more examples of the
present perfect and the simple past? Why is each tense used?

B Complete the news story with the present perfect or simple past form of the
verbs in parentheses. Then compare answers with a partner.
A group of thieves (1) has stolen (steal)
the Dragon's Eye ruby from the Grand
Gallery. Last night at about 1:00 A.M.,
the alarm (2)…….. (go off).
Police (3)………… (rush) to the
building immediately, but they
(4)…….. (be) too late. Right
after learning of the robbery, the mayor
(5) (set up) a telephone hotline
for information about the theft. Three people
(6) (call) so far, but the police are
still looking for further information. They believe
it is probable that the thieves (7)……….. ___ _
(leave) the city. The curator of the Grand Gallery
(8)……. (offer) a $50,000 reward for
information leading to the capture of the thieves.

Present perfect vs. present perfect continuous

A Look at the first story on page 44 again. Can you find another example of the
present perfect continuous? Why is this form used?

B Complete the sentences with the present perfect or present perfect continuous
form of the verbs in parentheses. Then compare answers with a partner.
1. Many residents have been (be) homeless ever since last month's storm and
____ (stay) with relatives while their homes are being repaired.
2. Although crews (repair) the subway signals all week, they still
____ (not solve) the problem of long delays.
3. Police (guard) the stores that the thieves (not rob) yet.
4. Some organizations _ _ __ (provide) free meals to residents, and will continue
to do so all week.

VOCABULARY & SPEAKING

It's in the news.
A How would you define each of these news events?
Epidemic hijacking natural disaster rebellion Robbery
Famine kidnapping political crisis recession scandal

´´A natural disaster is something like a volcanic eruption, a flood, or an earthquake."

B Pair work Tell your partner about some news stories you've
recently heard. Use the words in part A.

"I saw something about a big scandal on the news this morning."
"Really? What was it?"
"Well, it said that a politician had been arrested for taking bribes."

LISTENING
Broadcast news
A Listen to an early morning news broadcast. What is each story about?
Write the correct number.
a natural disaster a scandal __ an unusual family event __ an epidemic

B Listen again. Are the statements true or false? Choose the correct answer.
Then correct the false statements to make them true.
True False
1. More people are suffering from TB than ever before.
2. Standard TB drugs are ineffective in about one-fourth of cases.

3. The painting Sunflowers was purchased by a large company.

4. The high price paid for the painting caused a scandal.

5. The hurricane has trapped some people in their homes.

6. Tourism in the area hit by the hurricane will not be affected.

7. The mother left the house to give her children freedom.

8. The children used food to get their mom down from the tree.

Speaking of the news

A Pair work Discuss the questions. Ask follow-up questions and add extra information.
1. How closely do you follow the news? What kinds of stories interest you?
2. What do you think was the most important news story in the last few years?
3. Do you think stories about sports or celebrities count as "real news"?

B Group work Compare your answers with another pair. How are your opinions
about the news different?