English for Beginners: News English

Dialogue

Current Situation

Understanding news in a new language, like English, can be a big challenge for beginners. News articles and broadcasts often use complex vocabulary, formal sentence structures, and discuss abstract topics like economics, politics, or science. This can make learners feel overwhelmed, as Alice and Bob experienced!

However, engaging with news is a great way to improve your English. It helps you:

• Learn new vocabulary in context.
• Understand real-world events and culture.
• Improve listening and reading comprehension.

For beginners, the key is to start small and choose appropriate sources. Don’t try to understand every single word. Focus on the main idea, look for simplified news (like VOA Learning English or BBC Learning English), or read about topics you already find interesting (even if it’s about cats and balls!). Over time, you’ll gradually build your comprehension and vocabulary.

Key Phrases

• You won’t believe what…: Used to introduce surprising news or an experience. Example: You won’t believe what happened at the park today!
• I know the feeling.: Expressing empathy, understanding someone’s experience. Example: I know the feeling. Sometimes English grammar makes my head spin too.
• My brain just melted.: A humorous way to say something is too confusing or difficult to understand. Example: After reading that science article, my brain just melted.
• Eyes glazed over: To become dull or unfocused, usually from boredom or confusion. Example: The lecture was so boring that my eyes glazed over after ten minutes.
• Stick to (something): To continue doing or using something, not changing. Example: I think I’ll stick to easy English articles for now.
• Secret code: Language or information that is difficult for outsiders to understand. Example: News headlines sometimes look like a secret code to me.
• In no time: Very quickly. Example: With practice, you’ll understand English news in no time.
• Headline: The title of a news story, usually printed in large letters. Example: I only read the headlines because the articles are too long.
• Forecast: A prediction of future events, especially weather. Example: The weather forecast says it will be sunny tomorrow.

Grammar Points

• 1. Present Simple for General Truths/Habits

  We use the Present Simple tense to talk about things that are always true, facts, or habits that happen regularly.

  • Structure: Subject + base form of verb (add -s or -es for he/she/it)
  • Examples: My brain melts when I read difficult news. (General truth)
    Bob usually reads funny news. (Habit)
    The sun rises in the east. (Fact)

• 2. Using ‘Going to’ for Future Plans/Predictions

  We use “be going to” to talk about future plans that we have already decided, or to make predictions based on something we see or know now.

  • Structure: Subject + be (am/is/are) + going to + base form of verb
  • Examples: Is it going to rain tomorrow? (Prediction based on current weather)
    We are going to watch a simple news program. (Decided plan)
    Look at those dark clouds! It’s going to storm. (Prediction based on evidence)

• 3. Modal Verb ‘Should’ for Advice/Suggestions

  We use ‘should’ to give advice or make suggestions. It means something is a good idea.

  • Structure: Subject + should + base form of verb
  • Examples: Maybe we should stick to easier news. (Suggestion)
    You should practice English every day. (Advice)
    He should read simplified articles. (Suggestion)

Practice Exercises