Today we are going to learn more about Erling Haaland, one of the most famous football players in the world right now. We’ll start with a short video where Haaland talks about himself, his career, and Norway. While watching, you’ll complete a fill-in-the-gap exercise to check your listening skills. After that, we’ll read a text about Haaland and practise answering exam-style questions.

Think about these questions before we start:

• What do you already know about Norway?
• What do you already know about Haaland as a player?
• Why do you think people find him so special?

Exercise 1

While watching the video, fill in the English translations of the words below.

READING

THE HAALAND DOMINANCE

Book Review

[1] Every so often, an athlete comes along who completely changes the way we think about a sport. In football today, that athlete is Erling Haaland. In just a few years at the highest level, he has broken goal-scoring records and captured global attention. Whenever a striker scores so consistently, people naturally ask: what makes him so unstoppable? In his book Haaland: The Incredible Rise of Football’s Next Superstar, author Michael Part explores the qualities that set Haaland apart – his power, speed, mindset and determination – while comparing him to famous forwards of the past.

[2] Is it simply his family background? Haaland’s father was a professional footballer, so natural talent certainly runs in the family. ____ genes alone do not explain his rise. Part shows how Haaland also benefits from years of specialised training, a disciplined lifestyle, and a careful focus on diet and recovery. Even though many young players dream of a professional career, very few combine all these factors at once.

[3] Another reason for his success is the culture in which he developed. In Norway, Haaland trained in organised youth leagues from an early age, but he also spent hours working on his own, repeating drills until they became instinctive. His ____ and ability to learn from mistakes helped him stand out. Combined with the competitive atmosphere of European football academies, this determination pushed him to world-class level.

[4] Today, Haaland plays on some of the biggest stages in the world, including the Premier League and Champions League. Wherever he appears, fans debate his style of play and compare him to ____ like Ronaldo or Henry. The pressure on him is immense, but his performances show that he thrives under expectation. His rise highlights not only personal talent but also the wider systems of coaching and sports science that shape modern football.

[5] Overall, I found this book both enjoyable and informative. Even if you already know Haaland’s statistics, it contains fascinating insights you may not have noticed before. For football fans, young players, or anyone curious about how an athlete can dominate at the highest level, Haaland: The Incredible Rise of Football’s Next Superstar is a worthwhile read.

Exercise 2

Exercise 3

Reading

Questions

Writing

Choose one topic to write about:

1. Describe a job you think would be the most fun for a teenager and explain why.
2. Write about a time when you had to give up something enjoyable to focus on your studies.
3. Imagine you are a toy tester; write a diary entry about your day.

Our AI will give you feedback after you press submit.

Speaking

Choose one topic to talk about:

1. Discuss the importance of balancing work and education for teenagers.
2. Share your thoughts on how early work experiences can shape future career choices.
3. Talk about a toy or game that had a significant impact on your childhood.

Reading

Writing

Choose one topic to write about:

1. Write about a football club you like. Why do you support them?
2. Imagine you are at a Millwall match. Describe the atmosphere and the fans.
3. Write a short article about a famous sports slogan from another team.

Our AI will give you feedback after you press submit.

Speaking

Choose one topic to talk about:

1. Talk about a time you watched an exciting football match.
2. Discuss the importance of football slogans. Do they bring fans together?
3. Debate: Does a football club’s reputation affect how people see its fans?

Video

Reading

Writing

Choose one topic to write about:

1. Imagine Jane Austen visits 2025. What would she think about today’s world?
2. Write a letter as if you were a character in a Jane Austen book.
3. Describe your favorite movie or book and explain why it is still popular today.

Our AI will give you feedback after you press submit.

Speaking

Choose one topic to talk about:

1. Would you like to live in Jane Austen’s time? Why or why not?
2. Discuss the differences between romance in the 1800s and today.
3. Describe a movie or series you love and explain why others should watch it.

Reading

Writing

Choose one topic to write about:

1. Explain why tourism can be both positive and negative for a region.
2. Imagine you are a journalist. Write a short opinion piece about Trump’s Gaza plan.
3. Write a dialogue between two Gazans discussing their fears and hopes about the proposal.

Our AI will give you feedback after you press submit.

Speaking

Choose one topic to talk about:

1. Debate: Should international leaders be involved in local conflicts?
2. Discuss: What makes a place attractive for tourism?
3. Role-play: One person is a government official, and the other is a local resident discussing the Gaza plan.

Reading

Writing

Choose one topic to write about:

1. Talk about your thoughts about Mike’s mom, what would you do if you were Antine?
2. Write a summary of a reality TV show you have watched.
3. Discuss the challenges of finding love on a television program.  

Our AI will give you feedback after you press submit.

Speaking

Choose one topic to talk about:

– Talk about the role of family in personal relationships. Think of 3 reasons you understand Mike’s mother.
– Discuss the impact of public opinion on personal decisions.  
– Explain how cultural differences can affect relationships.  

Crossword

Reading

Writing

Choose one topic to write about:

1. Write about a museum you have visited.  
2. Describe something valuable you have seen.  
3. Write about why museums are important.  

Our AI will give you feedback after you press submit.

Onze AI kan fouten maken, als je twijfelt over het antwoord, kun je het nog eens proberen!

Speaking

 
– Talk about a time you learned something interesting in a museum.  
– Explain why it is important to protect old things.  
– Talk about what you would do if you found a stolen object.  

Reading

Writing

Choose one topic to write about:

1. Discuss the pros and cons of banning private fireworks during New Year’s celebrations.
2. Describe alternative ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve without using fireworks.
3. Write a letter to a local official expressing your opinion on the proposed fireworks ban.

Our AI will give you feedback after you press submit.

Onze AI kan fouten maken, als je twijfelt over het antwoord, kun je het nog eens proberen!

Speaking

1. Debate with a partner whether private fireworks should be banned during New Year’s celebrations.
2. Share personal experiences with fireworks and discuss their safety.
3. Discuss the role of tradition in modern celebrations and when it might be appropriate to change or end certain practices.