Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- How often do you use Google?
- How is Google different from other search engines?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- trending /TREN-ding/
- extreme /ik-STREEM/
- individual /in-duh-VIJ-oo-uhl/
- regional /REE-juh-nl/
- aesthetic /es-THET-ik/
[adjective] – referring to a topic or event that is becoming popular or gaining attention, especially on social media or in searches
The song is trending on social media right now.
[adjective] – very intense, severe, or far beyond the normal or expected
The extreme cold made it difficult to stay outside for long.
[noun] – a single person or thing, especially when compared to the group or set to which they belong
Each individual has their own unique talents.
[adjective] – relating to a specific area or part of a country or the world
The regional manager will visit the offices next week.
[noun] – a particular style, appearance, or thematic concept
She loves the vintage aesthetic, with its muted colors and classic designs.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
On December 10, 2024, Google released its “Year in Search” report, revealing the top trending searches worldwide. The report highlights topics and events that saw the biggest increase in search interest compared to the previous year. Sports, especially soccer and cricket, led the way, with events like Copa América, the UEFA European Championship, and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup ranking high. The United States election was the most searched news event, showing global interest in political developments. Searches about extreme heat and the Olympic Games were also significant. In entertainment, Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out 2” and Netflix’s “Baby Reindeer” were the most searched movies and TV shows. The most searched individuals who passed away this year included Liam Payne, Toby Keith, and O.J. Simpson.
The report also revealed interesting cultural and regional trends. Global recipe searches were influenced by Norwegian swimmer Henrik Christiansen’s famous Olympic Village chocolate muffin. In the U.S., users explored topics like the word “demure” and the “mob wife aesthetic.” Kendrick Lamar’s song “Not Like Us” led music searches. The “Connections” puzzle by “The New York Times” was the most searched game. Google gathered this data from January 1 to November 23, 2024.
The report also revealed interesting cultural and regional trends. Global recipe searches were influenced by Norwegian swimmer Henrik Christiansen’s famous Olympic Village chocolate muffin. In the U.S., users explored topics like the word “demure” and the “mob wife aesthetic.” Kendrick Lamar’s song “Not Like Us” led music searches. The “Connections” puzzle by “The New York Times” was the most searched game. Google gathered this data from January 1 to November 23, 2024.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Which two sports were highlighted as leading topics in the report?
- What was the most searched news event in 2024?
- What were the most searched movies and TV shows in 2024?
- When did Google gather the data for the “Year in Search” report?
- Which streaming platform’s TV show was among the most searched in 2024?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever searched for news or events online? If yes, what kind of news or events do you usually search for? If not, what topics would you be interested in searching about?
- Have you watched any big sports events this year? If yes, which event did you watch, and why did you enjoy it? If not, is there a sport you would like to learn more about?
- Do you agree that online searches are a good way to understand what people care about most during a particular year?
- Why might some individuals, like athletes or celebrities, influence search trends even after they pass away?
- Do you think it’s important to track online searches to understand what’s trending? Why or why not?