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Writer's pictureKaren Hunter

English reading practice - Record Breakers -Biggest Smiley Emoji - (C1/C2 Advanced)

In a world where we're constantly bombarded with news of the not-so-happy variety, it's a breath of fresh air to hear about something that literally brings a smile to everyone's face! Get ready to grin from ear to ear as we delve into the story of how the Philippines made history with the largest emoji smiley face ever recorded.


Over 8,000 people gathered for an event that would not only break records but also spread joy across the nation. It was May 30, 2015, and Alliance In Motion Global Inc. had something special planned for their 9th company anniversary—a celebration that would go down in history.


As the clock ticked closer to the monumental moment, excitement buzzed through the air. Participants, ranging from young children to the young-at-heart, donned their brightest smiles and eagerly awaited their cue. The stage was set, quite literally, for something spectacular.


At the appointed time, a signal went out, and like a well-choreographed dance, 8,018 individuals moved into position, each playing a crucial role in forming the iconic symbol of happiness—the smiley face emoji. It was a sight to behold as bodies dressed in yellow and black, arranged themselves into the familiar curve of a grin, arms raised in unison to complete the joyful expression.


From the ground, the image was nothing short of breathtaking—a sea of smiling faces stretching as far as the eye could see, a testament to the power of unity and positivity. A drone buzzed overhead, capturing the moment for posterity, and ensuring that this record-breaking feat would be remembered for generations to come.



But this achievement was about more than just breaking a record; it was about bringing people together in a shared moment of happiness. For those who participated, it was a chance to be part of something bigger than themselves, to contribute to a moment of pure joy that would ripple outward, touching hearts and spreading smiles far and wide.


In the days that followed, news of the record spread like wildfire, igniting a sense of pride and camaraderie among Filipinos across the country. Photos of the giant smiley face adorned newspapers and social media feeds, serving as a reminder that even amid life's challenges, there is always room for laughter and levity.


As we look back on that sunny day in Manila, let us celebrate the record-breaking achievement and the spirit of unity and positivity that made it possible. In a world that can often feel divided, moments like these serve as a powerful reminder of the incredible things we can accomplish when we come together with a shared goal and a smile on our faces.


So here's to the Philippines, a nation that knows how to spread happiness one smile at a time. And who knows? Maybe someday soon, another group of enthusiastic individuals will come together to break this record once again, proving that when it comes to spreading joy, the sky's the limit!


Check your understanding

  1. What was the occasion for the gathering of over 8,000 people?

  2. How many participants were involved in forming the world's largest smiley face emoji?

  3. When did this record-breaking event take place?

  4. What was the significance of capturing the moment with a drone, as mentioned in the article?

  5. Reflecting on the article's message, what broader themes or sentiments does the record-breaking event of creating a human smiley face symbolise?


You can now listen to this article as a podcast just click here     


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Vocabulary
  1. Monumental: Extremely large, significant, or noteworthy.

  2. Choreographed: Planned or arranged with careful attention to detail, often used in the context of dance or synchronized movements.

  3. Camaraderie: Mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together.

  4. Levity: Humor or frivolity, especially when discussing a serious matter.

  5. Ripple: To spread through or affect a group or area, typically producing a series of effects or consequences.

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