Divide the class into pairs or small teams and hand out the headline and story cards. Explain the headline compression rules (dropped articles, no 'be', present for past, etc.). Direct teams to match headlines H1–H6 to stories A–F, expand 1 headline, and write 1 new headline. Have teams swap rewrite sheets with a neighboring group to peer-grade the work. Display the Teacher Key on the board to review answers and award vocabulary bonus points.

Read all 6 headline cards (H1–H6) and 6 story cards (A–F) carefully with your group. Match each headline letter code (H1–H6) to its matching story card letter (A–F). Choose 1 headline and rewrite it into a complete, grammatically standard sentence. Write 1 original compressed headline for Story A following the headline rules card. Swap sheets to score points: 1 pt per match, 1 pt per sentence, 1 pt per headline + Unit word bonuses!

Step 1: Hand out the cards and explain the rules.

Step 2: Teams match 6 headlines (H1–H6) to 6 stories (A–F).

Step 3: Expand 1 headline into a full, complete sentence.

Step 4: Write 1 original headline for Story A.

Step 5: Swap sheets with another team and score points.

Step 6: Review answers with the teacher key.

4. Rewrite Sheet & Match Matrix

Task 1: Match Headlines (H1–H6) to Stories (A–F)

Select the correct Story letter (A–F) for each Headline card.

Task 2: Expand One Headline into a Full Sentence

Choose one headline (e.g. H2 or H5) and expand it into a full, grammatically standard sentence that restores dropped articles, auxiliary verbs, and full tense forms while keeping the exact original meaning. Try incorporating a Unit word (e.g., quay, berth, freight).

Task 3: Write a New Compressed Headline for Story A

Write an original, news-style compressed headline for Story A ("Fog has delayed several container ships outside the harbour."). Make sure your headline follows the Compression Rules card above.

6. Sentence Starters (Unit Vocabulary Practice)

1. The container ship is set to berth at the primary ___

Complete using a Unit noun for a platform beside the water:

2. Heavy goods were delayed on the quay due to a sudden ___

Complete using a Unit noun for a time when work slows or stops:

3. Customs inspectors probed the missing ___ of goods.

Complete using the Unit noun for a batch of goods:

4. Port authorities plan to dredge the deepwater channel to avoid a total ___

Complete using a Unit noun for a complete halt:

5. Workers loaded twenty wooden pallets onto the cargo ship waiting at its ___

Complete using a Unit noun for the place where a ship docks:

6. A sudden stoppage at the terminal brought all crane operations to a ___

Complete using the Unit noun for a complete stop:

Official Card Matches:

Model Expanded Sentences:

H2 Model: "Four new cranes are to arrive at the quay in spring."

H5 Model: "The rail link has been hit by an argument over costs."

Model New Headline for Story A:

"Fog delays container ships"

Note: Accept any sentence or headline that preserves the story's core meaning while correctly observing compressed headline rules.

Which compressed headline word (e.g. bid, row, probe, hit) was the hardest to match with its real meaning? Why?

How does removing 'be' and articles change the tone, urgency, and speed of news reporting?

Can you find two Unit words (e.g., quay, stoppage, berth) that could replace words in today's story cards?