Having conversations about the news in English at Level B1. In this section of the lesson on the news, we will look at improving your English for conversation about the news how to start a conversation, how to react to other people’s comments and how to contribute your own points.

How to start a conversation about the news

• Have you seen the article about…?
• Did you read the story about…?
• I just read about… have you heard about that?
• I can’t believe this…
• You’ll never believe it, but…
• Have you heard about this?

Reacting to the news or an opinion about the news:

• I hadn’t heard about that.
• Really? Where did you hear about that?
• Is that right? I knew there was something going on there but I hadn’t read anything about it.
• That’s shame. Do you know when/where/why this happened?

Reacting to sceptically (not believing or fully believing) the news or an opinion about the news:

• Are you sure? That’s not what I read.
• I think that might be a biased opinion.
• They should be sued for writing something like that!
• You can’t believe everything you read, you know.
• Do you have any sources for that?
• I’m a little sceptical about that article, to be honest.

Adding your own points:

• Yes, I read about that in the paper. Amazing, isn’t it?
• Yes, disappointing to hear that this kind of thing is still happening.
• Well I’m not sure what the solution is – what do you think?