Set the Scene:
Let’s start with some questions to connect your everyday life to the subject of the activity. Have you ever faced a challenge that made you feel like giving up? How did you overcome it? What role do you think the media plays in shaping our understanding of the world? Can you think of a time when a news article or story inspired you to take action or learn more about a topic?
Featured Image Analysis & Prediction:
Look at the featured image and describe what you see. What do you think this activity will be about based on the image? Do you think it will be related to journalism, history, or something else? Share your thoughts and predictions with a partner or the class.
Introduction:
Read the introduction to the activity and get a sense of what Henry Jarvis Raymond’s story is about. How does his background and experiences relate to the theme of perseverance and the power of a free press?
Video Engagement:
Watch the video associated with the activity, available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0C_VnwgFWQ. Pause the video at the following points and discuss the questions with a partner or the class:
- Pause at 2:00 minutes: What do you think motivated Henry Jarvis Raymond to pursue a career in journalism? How does his stutter relate to his passion for writing and speaking?
- Pause at 5:00 minutes: How does the concept of partisan journalism relate to the current media landscape? Can you think of examples where journalism has been biased towards a particular party or ideology?
- Pause at 8:00 minutes: What role do you think The New York Times played in shaping public discourse and promoting truth during its early years? How does its legacy continue to influence journalism today?
For more information about the activity, visit the original post at https://maestrocursos.com.br/quizzed-esl-activities/he-was-a-poor-farm-boy-with-a-stutter-then-founded-the-new-york-times/.
Key Vocabulary:
Review the key vocabulary terms and their definitions. Can you think of examples where each term is used in the context of the activity or in real-life situations?
| Term | Definition | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Journalism | The activity or profession of writing for newspapers, magazines, or news websites. | Henry Jarvis Raymond pursued a career in journalism, founding The New York Times. |
| Reformer | A person who works to improve a system or institution by changing its laws, policies, or practices. | Raymond was a relentless reformer, navigating 19th-century politics and media. |
| Partisan journalism | Journalism that is biased towards a particular political party or ideology. | The New York Times aimed to create a respected newspaper amidst the chaos of partisan journalism. |
| Neural pathways | The connections between neurons in the brain that enable the transmission of signals. | As Raymond’s brain’s neural pathways strengthened, his speech improved dramatically. |
| Investigative journalism | A type of journalism that involves in-depth research and investigation to uncover hidden truths or wrongdoing. | The New York Times invested in investigative journalism, resulting in high-quality reporting. |
| Editorial integrity | The commitment to uphold the highest standards of journalism, including accuracy, fairness, and transparency. | The New York Times faced challenges to its editorial integrity, including the Jason Blair scandal. |
| Multiplatform media brand | A media brand that operates across multiple platforms, including print, digital, and social media. | The New York Times transformed into a dynamic multiplatform media brand, expanding its reach and influence. |
| Public service | The provision of services or information that benefits the public, often provided by media organizations or government agencies. | The New York Times remained committed to its principles of truth, integrity, and public service. |
| Free press | A press that is independent and free from government control or censorship, allowing for the free exchange of ideas and information. | Henry Jarvis Raymond’s story serves as a testament to the power of a free press in shaping public discourse. |
| Perseverance | The ability to continue trying hard despite difficulties or setbacks. | Raymond’s story is a testament to the importance of perseverance in overcoming adversity and achieving success. |
Vocabulary Quiz:
Take the vocabulary quiz to test your understanding of the key terms. Choose the correct answer for each question.
- Which word means ‘to make something stronger or more effective’ in the context of Henry Jarvis Raymond’s speech improvement?
- A) Relentless
- B) Isolated
- C) Strengthened
- D) Inflame
- What does ‘partisan journalism’ refer to in the context of The New York Times’ founding?
- A) Journalism that aims to inform and enlighten
- B) Journalism that is grounded in facts
- C) Journalism that supports a particular party or cause
- D) Journalism that is driven by fury
- Which word means ‘a state of severe financial difficulty’ in the context of The New York Daily Times’ early years?
- A) Financial strain
- B) Relentless challenges
- C) Fierce competition
- D) Scarce resources
- What does ‘editorial integrity’ refer to in the context of The New York Times’ mission?
- A) The commitment to print all the news that’s fit to print
- B) The ability to cover significant events with seriousness
- C) The adherence to guiding principles of truth, accuracy, and clarity
- D) The capacity to establish itself as a national institution
- Which word means ‘to change or modify something to adapt to new circumstances’ in the context of The New York Times’ transformation in the digital era?
- A) Reinvent
- B) Transform
- C) Innovate
- D) Revolutionize
Answer Key:
- C) Strengthened
- C) Journalism that supports a particular party or cause
- A) Financial strain
- C) The adherence to guiding principles of truth, accuracy, and clarity
- A) Reinvent
Grammar Focus:
The past perfect tense is used to describe an action that occurred before another action in the past. It is formed using the auxiliary verb “had” + the past participle of the main verb. Review the examples and try to create your own sentences using the past perfect tense.
Grammar Quiz:
Take the grammar quiz to test your understanding of the past perfect tense. Choose the correct answer for each question.