Unit 13: News Review
How to use the language from the latest news stories
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Session 138
Schools around the world have closed down to stop the spread of coronavirus. But a new scientific report form the UK asks whether this is effective. Neil and Catherine look at the vocabulary in the news around this story.
Session 138 score
0 / 3
- 0 / 3Activity 1
Activity 1
News Review
Coronavirus: New report asks if school closures work
Schools around the world have closed down to stop the spread of coronavirus. But a new scientific report from the UK asks whether this is effective. Neil and Catherine look at the vocabulary in the news around this story.
Watch the video and complete the activity

NEWS REVIEW PODCAST NOW AVAILABLE - SUBSCRIBE HERE
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The story
While children can catch coronavirus, they rarely get severe symptoms. But they can still spread the disease, which is why many countries have closed schools.
The latest research, published in the Lancet Child and Adolescent Health journal, assessed the likely impact of this policy based on the limited available data. The scientists found that shutting schools was far less effective than other social distancing interventions, preventing between two and four percent of deaths.
They say policy makers must weigh up the possible harms and reopen schools at the earliest possible opportunity. The government has said it will review its coronavirus policies after Easter.
Key words and phrases
question
express doubt about something
- Good students question existing ideas.
- The opposition questioned the government about its approach to the crisis.
marginal
very small; not important
- United only have a marginal lead over City in the league.
- For me, the difference between Coke and Pepsi is marginal.
play a role
be involved in something in an important way
- Hand washing plays an important role in preventing the spread of viruses.
- Parents are playing a key role in educating their children while schools are closed.
To do
Try our quiz to see how well you've learned today's language.
News Review quiz
3 Questions
Now you've watched the video, try to answer these questions about the language in the news.
Help
Activity
Now you've watched the video, try to answer these questions about the language in the news.
Hint
It's about 'doubt'.Question 1 of 3
Help
Activity
Now you've watched the video, try to answer these questions about the language in the news.
Hint
Neil thinks the differences between cola brands is marginal. He thinks they're the same.Question 2 of 3
Help
Activity
Now you've watched the video, try to answer these questions about the language in the news.
Hint
It's a three-word expression.Question 3 of 3
Excellent! Great job! Bad luck! You scored:
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More
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