A sensational year - 25th December 2023

This year had sensational news stories in tech innovations, pop culture and the environment.

Tech companies Microsoft and Google have both launched chatbots which are based on AI (artificial intelligence). However, they experienced major problems. The virtual assistants gave false information and were rude to journalists. Many celebrities were also upset by the misuse of AI. Tom Hanks found an advertisement which used his face and voice. But the advert was made by an AI without his permission.

Pop singers were in many news stories. At the Grammys, Beyoncé made history as the artist to take home the most awards. Meanwhile, Justin Bieber sold the rights to his music back catalogue for $200 million. However, Katy Perry lost a lawsuit to Australian designer Katie Perry. Fashion designer Perry had trademarked her name, which singer Perry then used without permission.

In health, researchers have produced significant innovations and achievements. UK scientists employed special suits to identify patients’ movement problems. These suits are more often used in Hollywood movies like Avatar. The World Health Organisation celebrated a victory against malaria due to its successful vaccine programs in Malawi, Kenya and Ghana.

In October, doctors were shocked to find a worm alive in a woman’s brain. A month later, two Qatari students claimed first prize in an innovation challenge. They created cheap, healthy carrots on a 3D printer with vegetable cells and UV light.

Money was in the news with Croatia switching its currency to the euro. Mid-way through the year, a heartwarming story about money came from India, where a group of poor cleaners shared a lottery win. However, the British Museum admitted that an employee had stolen 2,000 valuable items, with some for sale on eBay. It was also discovered that international criminals buy Dominican citizenship to enjoy visa-free travel.

Animals made headlines when Guinness World Records named Bobi from Portugal the oldest dog to ever live. However, this claim is being reviewed. Wildlife experts in Cameroon worked to save the world’s largest frog from extinction. Meanwhile, activists in Italy protested to free a bear which the government said had killed a man. And New Zealand passed legislation to protect its next generation. Anyone born from January 2009 onwards will never be able to purchase tobacco products within the nation’s borders.

Although there were natural disasters and record high temperatures, 2023 also had positive environmental stories, which included the UN deal to protect the oceans. Young activists also celebrated in Montana, USA. They successfully sued their government on environmental grounds. Its support for fossil fuel businesses was against the state’s constitution.

Interactive Games

tried

What's the word you hear?

Complete the sentences. Listen and write the missing word. There are up to 10 questions.

Listening
play game
tried

Sentence muddle

Read the sentences. Put them in the same order as the news report. There are 4 sentences.

Reading
play game
tried

Prepositions

Complete the sentences. Select the correct preposition. There are up to 4 questions.

Vocabulary and Grammar
play game
tried

Construct sentences

Make sentences. Select each word in the correct order. There are up to 3 questions.

Writing
play game
tried

What's the phrase you hear?

Complete the sentences. Listen and write the missing phrase. There are up to 5 questions.

Listening
play game
tried

Verbs

Complete the sentences. Select the correct verb. There are 5 questions.

Vocabulary and Grammar
play game
tried

No spaces in text

Read the sentences. Find the spaces between the words. There are up to 5 questions.

Reading
play game
tried

No capital letters

Read the sentences. Find the missing capital letters. There are 5 sentences.

Vocabulary and Grammar
play game
tried

Put the sentence back together

Put the sentence parts in the correct order. Each sentence is in 4 pieces. There are up to 5 questions.

Reading
play game
tried

Comprehension

Answer questions about the news report. Select the correct answer from 4 options. There are 5 questions.

Reading
play game
tried

Spelling jumble

The letters of one word are in the wrong order. Read the sentence. Spell the word correctly. There are up to 10 questions.

Vocabulary and Grammar
play game
tried

Missing vowels

Complete the sentences. Select the correct vowel for each space. There are up to 5 sentences.

Vocabulary and Grammar
play game
tried

Missing words

Complete the sentences. Select the correct word. There are up to 5 questions.

Writing
play game

Study Tools