Think about it!

Abstract

Brazil is a developing country which shows a constant rise in its literacy rate over the last decade. Two theme-based units which approach book and movie reviews and news headlines, respectively, were developed around this fact in an attempt to raise awareness to these two communication genres.Both lessons are to be finished in no more than two 60 minute classes (or three 50 minute ones), allowing plenty of time to complete the activities and reach the units objectives (given at the beginning of each lesson). Through pair, group and class work, the reading, listening and discussing of texts, questions and activities learners are provided with a clear understanding as to what information reviews and headlines offer and to whom.The first unit, entitled Movie and Book Reviews, considers that as the film and television industries continue to grow, becoming more and more popularized and mainstream, literate people throughout the world are noticeably reading less. The unit intends to show its target audience (upper intermediate to advanced teenagers and younger and older adults of private, public and English schools) the effect of literature on what is shown on television and movie theatres while guiding learners through its communication purpose of discussing and eventually producing movie and book reviews.The second unit features spoken and written Headlines. Directed towards young adults-adults at a beginner level, this theme is perfect for engaging learners in critical literacy, focusing on the simple present verb tense.