CONTENTS
2. Person from the Past: Florence Nightingale
6. Answer Keys
1. IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK
Important note: This is just a sample of news items from this week. Often, more important events have taken place, affecting many more people than the events chosen for this section. The editor hopes to limit news about death and destruction. Since this is an educational resource, we also hope to focus on useful vocabulary.
News item #1: U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the U.S. Air Force carried out airstrikes on multiple nuclear facilities in Iran. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that no rise in off-site radiation levels was detected at the three targeted sites following the attacks.
Vocabulary
airstrike (n.): an attack by military aircraft using bombs or missiles
Example: The airstrike destroyed several enemy targets.
nuclear facility (n.): a place where nuclear energy or weapons are made or used
Example: The government increased security at the nuclear facility.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) (n.): a global organization that checks the safe use of nuclear energy
Example: The IAEA inspected the country’s nuclear plants last year.
off-site (adj.): located away from the main place
Example: The workers received off-site training.
radiation level (adj.+n.): the amount of radiation in an area
Example: Scientists measured the radiation level after the accident.
(to) detect (v.): to notice or discover something
Example: The radar can detect enemy aircraft from far away.
News item #2: Indonesia’s National Narcotics Board has revealed that 285 individuals, including 29 women and seven foreigners, were arrested in a two-month operation targeting narcotrafficking and illegal drug abuse. Authorities also confiscated more than 600 kilograms of narcotics during the crackdown.
Vocabulary
operation (n.): a planned military or police action
Example: The army carried out a secret operation at night.
narcotrafficking (n.): the illegal trade of drugs
Example: The police arrested several people involved in narcotrafficking.
drug abuse (n.): the harmful use of illegal or dangerous drugs
Example: The program helps people recover from drug abuse.
(to) confiscate (v.): to take something away by law or authority
Example: The police will confiscate any illegal weapons.
narcotics (n.): powerful drugs that affect the mind, often illegal
Example: The officers found large amounts of narcotics hidden in the truck.
crackdown (n.): strong action to stop illegal or bad behavior
Example: The government announced a new crackdown on corruption.
News item #3: Despite U.S. claims of a ceasefire agreement, Israel continues to conduct airstrikes on Iran, while Iran has retaliated by firing ballistic missiles at Israel. The ongoing hostilities suggest that tensions remain high between the two nations.
Vocabulary
ceasefire agreement (n.): a deal to stop fighting for a time
Example: Both sides signed a ceasefire agreement to end the conflict.
(to) retaliate (v.): to attack back after being attacked
Example: The army promised to retaliate if attacked again.
ballistic missile (adj.+n.): a missile that flies through the air to hit a target far away
Example: The country tested a new ballistic missile last week.
hostilities (n.): fighting or war between groups or countries
Example: Hostilities ended after peace talks succeeded.
News item #4: A recent U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency report indicates that Iran’s nuclear program has suffered only a minor setback – estimated at a few months – after the U.S. airstrikes. The report notes that most of the centrifuges needed to enrich uranium were left intact, meaning Iran could resume its nuclear activities relatively quickly.
Vocabulary
nuclear program (adj.+n.): a country’s plan to develop nuclear energy or weapons
Example: The nuclear program is closely watched by international agencies.
minor setback (adj.+n.): a small problem that slows progress
Example: The team suffered a minor setback but continued the project.
centrifuge (n.): a machine that spins fast to separate substances, like in making nuclear fuel
Example: The factory uses a centrifuge to enrich uranium.
(to) enrich uranium (v. phr.): to increase the level of uranium needed for nuclear power or weapons
Example: The plant was designed to enrich uranium for energy use.
(to) leave intact (v. phr.): to keep something whole and unchanged
Example: The storm left the old building intact.
2. PERSON FROM THE PAST: Florence Nightingale
Video
Facts
- Florence Nightingale was born in 1820, in Florence, Italy.
- She was born to a wealthy British family and received a comprehensive education in history, mathematics, and literature.
- Despite her family’s expectations for her to become a wife and mother, Florence felt a calling to become a nurse.
- She enrolled in a nursing school in Germany and later worked in hospitals in London.
- During the Crimean War in 1854, Florence led a group of nurses to care for British soldiers.
- The hospital conditions were appalling, contributing to high mortality rates among soldiers.
- Florence took charge and implemented reforms, including cleanliness, proper nutrition, and better medical practices.
- Her efforts led to a significant decrease in the death rate among soldiers.
- Upon her return to England after the war, Florence was celebrated as a hero and became a symbol of modern nursing.
- She continued her advocacy for improved hospital conditions and public health policies throughout her life.
- Florence Nightingale passed away in 1910, at the age of 90.
Vocabulary Exercises
Choose the correct word in parentheses to complete each sentence.
- Florence Nightingale was a [self-taught/well-educated] nurse known for her work during the Crimean War.
- Poor living [expectations/conditions] can contribute to health problems in communities.
- An untreated [defection/infection] can lead to deterioration of health.
- Patients in the pediatric [yard/ward] were provided with toys and games to make their stay more comfortable.
- It’s important to [honor/disrespect] the wishes of patients when making medical decisions.
- Government policies can have a significant impact on public [wealth/health].
Complete these sentences with words from the text. (Change the forms of the words if needed.)
- Teaching was considered a noble _____________ in many societies.
- Many students choose to _____________ in college to pursue higher education.
- An experienced nurse was asked to __________ __________ of the new medical unit.
- A _______________ diet is important for maintaining good health.
- Healthcare professionals often _______________ for patient rights and welfare.
(Audio included with the answer key at the end of this lesson)
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3. THIS WEEK IN HISTORY
June 23, 2016: The United Kingdom votes to leave the European Union in the Brexit referendum, reshaping British and European politics.
The UK splits from the EU
Vocabulary
European Union (n.): a group of European countries that work together on trade, laws, and policies
Example: The European Union allows goods to move freely between member countries.
Brexit (n.): the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union
Example: Brexit changed the UK’s trade relationships with Europe.
referendum (n.): a public vote on a specific issue
Example: The country held a referendum to decide on independence.
(to) reshape (v.): to change the form or structure of something
Example: The war helped to reshape Europe’s borders.
June 24, 1997: The U.S. Air Force releases the Roswell Report, debunking alien theories about the 1947 Roswell Incident, fueling ongoing UFO debates.
The Roswell Report: Case Closed
Vocabulary
Air Force (n.): the part of a country’s military that fights using aircraft
Example: The Air Force protected the skies during the conflict.
(to) debunk (v.): to prove that an idea or belief is false
Example: Scientists worked to debunk the myth about the planet’s shape.
Roswell Incident (n.): a famous 1947 event where some people believe a UFO crashed in Roswell, New Mexico
Example: The Roswell Incident fueled interest in UFOs for decades.
(to) fuel (v.): to give energy to or make something stronger
Example: Rumors helped to fuel people’s fears.
ongoing (adj.): continuing to happen without stopping
Example: The ongoing investigation could take months to finish.
UFO (n.): an unidentified flying object, often linked to aliens
Example: Many people claimed they saw a UFO in the night sky.
June 25, 2009: Pop icon Michael Jackson dies, shocking the world and sparking widespread media coverage of his legacy and sudden passing.
Michael Jackson tribute in Trafalgar Square
Vocabulary
pop icon (n.): a famous person who is widely recognized in popular culture
Example: Michael Jackson became a global pop icon in the 1980s.
media coverage (n.): the reporting of news by TV, newspapers, and other media
Example: The event received a lot of media coverage.
legacy (n.): something left behind or remembered after a person or event is gone
Example: His legacy includes many charities that still help people today.
sudden passing (adj.+n.): an unexpected death
Example: The star’s sudden passing shocked fans around the world.
June 26, 2000: The Human Genome Project released its draft sequence, a breakthrough in genetics that transformed medical research.
Human Genome Poster 2009 from Gene Gateway
Vocabulary
Human Genome Project (n.): a scientific project to map all human genes
Example: The Human Genome Project was a major step in understanding DNA.
draft (n.): an early version of a document or plan
Example: The scientists completed a draft of the report.
breakthrough (n.): a big, important discovery
Example: The team made a breakthrough in cancer research.
genetics (n.): the study of how traits are passed from parents to children
Example: Genetics helps explain why children look like their parents. (Note that “genetics” is usually treated as a singular noun)
medical research (adj.+n.): the study of diseases and treatments to improve health
Example: Medical research has led to new vaccines.
June 28, 1919: The Treaty of Versailles is signed, ending World War I and reshaping global borders, though sparking future tensions.
Lloyd’s News Placard announcing Versailles signing
Vocabulary
Treaty of Versailles (n.): the peace agreement that ended World War I
Example: The Treaty of Versailles placed heavy demands on Germany.
World War I (n.): a major global war from 1914 to 1918
Example: World War I caused great destruction in Europe.
(to) spark tensions (v. phr.): to cause anger or conflict between groups
Example: The decision sparked tensions between the two countries.
June 29, 2015: Greece introduces capital controls amid a financial crisis, gripping global markets and highlighting Eurozone economic challenges.
Euro coins and banknotes
Vocabulary
capital controls (adj.+n.): government rules that limit the movement of money in and out of a country
Example: The government imposed capital controls during the financial crisis.
financial crisis (adj.+n.): a serious situation where the economy or banking system fails
Example: The financial crisis led to job losses worldwide.
global markets (adj.+n.): the world’s system of buying and selling goods, services, and investments
Example: Global markets reacted to the sudden change in oil prices.
(to) highlight (v.): to show or point out something clearly
Example: The report highlights the need for better education.
economic challenges (adj.+n.): difficulties a country faces in its economy
Example: The nation is working to overcome its economic challenges.
4. GRAMMAR FOCUS
Simple Present Tense: Scientists study the human genome to understand how genes affect health.
Present Continuous Tense: Researchers are analyzing genetic data to find links to diseases.
Present Perfect Tense: The Human Genome Project has transformed medical research around the world.
Present Perfect Continuous Tense: Scientists have been using the genome data to develop new treatments for a few years.
Simple Past Tense: In 2000, the Human Genome Project released its first draft sequence.
Past Continuous Tense: While the project was mapping the genome, scientists were collaborating across many countries.
Past Perfect Tense: By the time the draft was announced, researchers had sequenced most of the genome.
Past Perfect Continuous Tense: They had been working for over a decade on the draft sequence before they completed it.
Simple Future Tense: The genome project will continue to shape the future of medicine.
Future Continuous Tense: In the next decade, scientists will be making new discoveries using this genetic map.
Future Perfect Tense: By 2030, researchers will have unlocked many more secrets hidden in our DNA.
Future Perfect Continuous Tense: By 2030, they will have been exploring the human genome for four decades.
First conditional: If scientists identify more disease-related genes, they will develop better treatments. (Real future possibility)
Second conditional: If the Human Genome Project were started today, it would benefit from faster technology. (Imagined present situation)
Third conditional: If the genome had not been sequenced, we would have missed many breakthroughs in medicine. (Unreal past situation).
5. QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.” ~ Chinese Proverb
6. ANSWER KEYS
Vocabulary Exercise
Choose the correct word in parentheses to complete each sentence.
- Florence Nightingale was a [self-taught/well-educated] nurse known for her work during the Crimean War.
- Poor living [expectations/conditions] can contribute to health problems in communities.
- An untreated [defection/infection] can lead to deterioration of health.
- Patients in the pediatric [yard/ward] were provided with toys and games to make their stay more comfortable.
- It’s important to [honor/disrespect] the wishes of patients when making medical decisions.
- Government policies can have a significant impact on public [wealth/health].
Complete these sentences with words from the text. (Change the forms of the words if needed.)
- Teaching was considered a noble calling in many societies.
- Many students choose to enroll in college to pursue higher education.
- An experienced nurse was asked to take charge of the new medical unit.
- A nutritious diet is important for maintaining good health.
- Healthcare professionals often advocate for patient rights and welfare.
That’s it for English class this week! See you next Friday!
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… or go to this page:
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