40. Letter to a Friend – Read a letter where a person shares their opinion about a recent news story.
Reading Section Activity: Letter to a Friend
Topic: Understanding a Letter where a Person Shares Their Opinion about a Recent News Story
Objective: Help the student practice reading comprehension by interpreting a personal letter that discusses a recent news event and expresses the writer’s opinion.
Step 1: Reading Passage – Letter to a Friend
Letter: “Thoughts on the Recent Climate Change Summit”
From: Emily Johnson
To: Sarah Miller
Date: April 15, 2024
Dear Sarah,
I hope this letter finds you well! I wanted to share my thoughts on the recent climate change summit that took place in Paris. As you know, climate change is a pressing issue that affects us all, and I was eager to see what decisions would be made during this important gathering.
One of the key outcomes of the summit was the commitment from many countries to reduce carbon emissions significantly by 2030. This is a huge step forward! However, I couldn’t help but feel a bit skeptical about how these countries plan to implement their promises. It seems like we hear the same commitments every year, but the actual changes take a long time to materialize.
I was particularly impressed by the emphasis on renewable energy solutions. Several nations presented innovative ideas for harnessing wind and solar power, which is encouraging. I believe investing in these technologies is vital not just for combating climate change but also for creating jobs and stimulating the economy.
However, there are still challenges ahead. The negotiations were fraught with disagreements, especially regarding financial support for developing countries. It’s essential that wealthier nations step up to help those who are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. If we want real change, we must work together, and that includes supporting each other across borders.
Overall, I left the summit feeling hopeful but cautious. Change is possible, but we must hold our leaders accountable and keep the pressure on. What do you think about the outcomes of the summit? I’d love to hear your perspective!
Take care and write back soon.
Warm regards,
Emily
Step 2: Comprehension Questions
After reading the letter, answer the following questions based on the details provided.
Multiple Choice Questions
- What event does Emily discuss in her letter?
a) A political election
b) A climate change summit
c) A music festival
d) A sports competition - What was one of the main commitments made at the summit?
a) Increasing carbon emissions
b) Reducing carbon emissions by 2030
c) Building more factories
d) Banning renewable energy - What solution does Emily feel optimistic about?
a) Nuclear power
b) Renewable energy solutions
c) Fossil fuels
d) Coal mining - What concern does Emily express about the negotiations?
a) There were too many attendees.
b) Wealthier nations need to help developing countries.
c) The summit was too long.
d) There was a lack of interest in climate issues. - How does Emily feel at the end of the letter?
a) Angry
b) Indifferent
c) Hopeful but cautious
d) Confused
Short Answer Questions
- What specific actions does Emily believe are necessary for addressing climate change?
(Write your answer below) - What was Emily’s impression of the commitments made by countries at the summit?
(Write your answer below) - Why does Emily think renewable energy is important?
(Write your answer below) - What does Emily want to know from Sarah at the end of the letter?
(Write your answer below) - What is the tone of the letter? Provide evidence to support your answer.
(Write your answer below)
Step 3: Answer Key
- b) A climate change summit.
- b) Reducing carbon emissions by 2030.
- b) Renewable energy solutions.
- b) Wealthier nations need to help developing countries.
- c) Hopeful but cautious.
- Emily believes that countries need to reduce carbon emissions, invest in renewable energy, and provide financial support to developing nations.
- Emily feels skeptical about how effectively the commitments will be implemented, as similar promises have been made in the past without significant change.
- Emily thinks renewable energy is important for combating climate change and for job creation and economic stimulation.
- Emily wants to know Sarah’s perspective on the outcomes of the summit.
- The tone of the letter is hopeful but cautious. This is shown by Emily’s optimistic view on renewable energy and her concerns about the effectiveness of commitments made.
Step 4: Vocabulary & Definitions
Here are some difficult words and phrases from the letter:
- Commitment: A promise to do something or to support a cause.
- Example: “The government made a commitment to reduce emissions.”
- Renewable Energy: Energy from sources that are naturally replenished, such as solar or wind power.
- Example: “Investing in renewable energy is essential for a sustainable future.”
- Vulnerable: Open to harm or damage; sensitive to a particular situation.
- Example: “Developing countries are vulnerable to the effects of climate change.”
- Accountable: Responsible for one’s actions; required to explain or justify them.
- Example: “Leaders must be held accountable for their promises.”
- Pressure: The use of influence to persuade someone to do something.
- Example: “Activists apply pressure on governments to act on climate change.”
Step 5: Selfie Assignment
Assignment:
Record a short video (1-2 minutes) sharing your opinion on a recent news story related to climate change. Discuss what you find most important about the issue and any solutions you believe should be implemented. Use ideas from Emily’s letter to guide your discussion.