CONTENTS
2. Country Spotlight: Indonesia
6. Answer Keys
1. IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK
News item #1: In tennis, Carlos Alcaraz from Spain wins his second men’s singles title at the French Open and his fifth Grand Slam overall after defeating Jannik Sinner from Italy in the longest-ever French Open final at five hours and 29 minutes.
Vocabulary
singles title (n.): a championship won by one player competing alone, not as part of a team
Example: She won her first singles title at the age of 19.
French Open (n.): one of the four major tennis tournaments, held each year in Paris, France
Example: Rafael Nadal has won the French Open many times.
Grand Slam (n.) (tennis): four major tennis tournaments (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open)
Example: Novak Djokovic has won 24 Grand Slam titles in his career.
overall (adv.): in general; including everything
Example: Overall, the team played very well despite the loss.
longest-ever (adj.): the most long-lasting in recorded history
Example: The longest-ever tennis match in history lasted over 11 hours.
News item #2: A convoy of 300 buses and cars left Tunis, Tunisia, heading to Gaza to spotlight Israel’s blockade on humanitarian aid. The group consists of 7,000 participants, including lawyers, medical professionals, and activists from North Africa.
Vocabulary:
convoy (n.): a group of vehicles traveling together for protection or support
Example: The military convoy moved through the desert at night.
(to) spotlight (v.): to focus attention on something or someone
Example: The news report spotlighted the work of local volunteers.
blockade (n.): an action to stop people or goods from entering or leaving an area
Example: The port was closed due to a naval blockade.
humanitarian aid (adj.+n.): help given to people in need, such as food, water, or medicine
Example: The organization sent humanitarian aid to the war zone.
medical professional (adj.+n.): someone trained to work in medicine, like a doctor or nurse
Example: Medical professionals worked around the clock to treat patients.
News item #3: In response to several days of civil disobedience and public protests against the arrest of suspected undocumented immigrants by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has declared a curfew in the Downtown Los Angeles area.
Vocabulary
civil disobedience (adj.+n.): peaceful refusal to obey certain laws as a form of protest
Example: The movement used civil disobedience to demand change.
public protest (adj.+n.): a gathering where people express their opinions or demands in public
Example: Thousands joined the public protest against the new law.
undocumented immigrant (adj.+n.): a person living in a country without official legal permission
Example: The documentary tells the story of an undocumented immigrant’s life.
(to) declare (v.): to announce something officially or clearly
Example: The government declared a state of emergency.
curfew (n.): a rule requiring people to stay indoors at certain times
Example: The city imposed a curfew after the riots.
News item #4: Following an order from President Lee Jae-myung, the South Korean military has turned off its loudspeakers along the North Korean border and halted its propaganda broadcasts aimed at the North Korean government, in an effort to reduce tensions between the two nations.
Vocabulary
loudspeaker (n.): a device that makes sound louder for a large group to hear
Example: The instructions were given over a loudspeaker.
(to) halt (v.): to stop or make something stop
Example: The police halted traffic to let the ambulance through.
propaganda (n.): information spread to influence people’s opinions, often biased
Example: The government used propaganda to control public opinion.
broadcast (n.): a program sent out on TV, radio, or online
Example: I listen to the news broadcast every morning.
reduce tension (phr.): to make a situation less stressful or dangerous
Example: Talks were held to reduce tension between the two countries.
Late addition: Israel launches a bombing campaign against Iran, as well as targeted assassination strikes against senior Iranian government officials, Iranian military leadership and senior nuclear scientists. Iran launches over 100 Shahed drones towards Israel in retaliation for the Israeli strikes.
Vocabulary
bombing campaign (adj.+n.): a planned series of bomb attacks over a period of time
Example: The military launched a bombing campaign against enemy targets.
assassination (n.): the planned killing of an important person, often for political reasons
Example: The assassination of the leader caused widespread unrest.
nuclear scientist (adj.+n.): a person who studies or works with nuclear energy or weapons
Example: The nuclear scientist helped develop safer energy technology.
drone (n.): a flying machine controlled remotely, often used for surveillance or attacks
Example: The drone flew over the area to take photos of the damage.
retaliation (n.): an action taken in response to harm or attack, often to get revenge
Example: The country promised retaliation after the airstrike.
2. Country Spotlight: Indonesia
Video
Facts
- Geographical location: Southeast Asia
- Size: The world’s largest island country with over 17,000 islands
- Bordering countries: Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and East Timor
- Landscape: Tropical rainforests, volcanic mountains, and sandy beaches
- Climate: Tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity
- Population: More than 270 million people
- Capital city: Jakarta
- Other important cities: Surabaya, Bandung, and Medan
- Language: Indonesian, but over 700 local languages spoken
- Religion: Majority of the population is Muslim, with significant Christian, Hindu, and Buddhist communities
- Currency: Indonesian rupiah
- Cuisine: Known for its use of spices, seafood, and fresh ingredients
- Famous tourist attractions: Borobudur and Prambanan temples, Bali beaches, and Indonesian rainforests
- Interesting historical facts: Indonesia played a significant role in trade and commerce for over 2,000 years, connecting Southeast Asia, India, and China. Lake Toba, the world’s largest volcanic lake on Sumatra, formed over 75,000 years ago. The country faced trade and cultural interactions for centuries, influencing its diverse heritage.
Vocabulary Exercise
Choose the correct words in parentheses to complete each sentence.
- Indonesian cuisine places great [emphasis / scenic beauty] on using fresh ingredients and spices to create flavorful dishes..
- Indonesia is located in an area that is [prone to / blessed with] natural disasters, such as earthquakes and tsunamis.
- Indonesia has a tropical climate with high [humidity / wind], making it warm all year round.
- Bahasa Indonesia, the official language of Indonesia, is also known simply as [Javanese / Indonesian].
- The Indonesian rupiah is the [currency / most popular herb] used in Indonesia.
- Due to its location, Indonesia is home to a diverse array of [tourists / wildlife].
- Trade and commerce have been integral to Indonesia’s history, with many [spices / minerals] being sought after by traders from around the world.
- The devastating 2004 Indian Ocean [rainstorm / tsunami] had a profound impact on Indonesia and its people.
- Indonesia is one of the world’s most [populous / remote] countries, with over 270 million people.
- The Indonesian archipelago is home to many coastal [eruptions / communities] with unique cultures and traditions.
(Audio included with the answer key at the end of this lesson)
Place Name Exercise
These statements are false. Identify the wrong information and correct the statements.
- The capital city of Indonesia is Java. ________________________
- Other major cities in Indonesia include Surabaya and Sulawesi. ________________________
- Indonesia is bordered by the Indian and Atlantic oceans. ________________________
- Indonesia is the world’s largest island country and includes more than 7,000 islands. ____________________
- Indonesia is the most populous country in the world. ________________________
- There are over 70 local languages spoken throughout Indonesia. ______________________
- Indonesia is home to the world’s largest volcano. __________________________
- Tourist attractions in Indonesia include the temples of Borobudur and Prambanan and the beaches of Ko Samui. ________________________
(Audio included with the answer key at the end of this lesson)
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3. THIS WEEK IN HISTORY
June 9, 1973: Secretariat wins the Triple Crown: The racehorse Secretariat won the Belmont Stakes, securing the Triple Crown and becoming a legend in American sports history.
The racehorse Secretariat
Vocabulary
Triple Crown (n.): a title given to a racehorse that wins three major races in one season
Example: The horse won the Triple Crown and became a national sensation.
racehorse (n.): a horse that is trained to compete in races
Example: The racehorse ran at full speed toward the finish line.
(to) secure (v.): to get or achieve something, especially with effort
Example: She secured first place by training every day.
legend (n.): a famous person known for great achievements
Example: Michael Jordan is a basketball legend.
June 10, 2003: NASA launches Spirit rover to Mars, beginning a mission that revealed critical discoveries about the planet’s surface.
View from the Spirit landing site
Vocabulary
rover (n.): a vehicle designed to travel on the surface of a planet
Example: The rover landed safely on Mars and began sending photos.
mission (n.): a specific task or journey, often with a clear goal
Example: The astronauts prepared for a mission to the Moon.
(to) reveal (v.): to show or make something known
Example: The test results revealed a serious problem.
critical (adj.): very important or necessary
Example: Water is critical for life to exist.
surface (n.): the outside or top layer of something
Example: The surface of the Moon is covered with dust and rocks.
June 11, 1987: Margaret Thatcher wins a historic third term as UK Prime Minister, solidifying her legacy as a transformative and controversial leader in British politics.
Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher meeting with US President Ronald Reagan
Vocabulary
historic (adj.): important in history or likely to be remembered
Example: It was a historic day when the Berlin Wall fell.
term (n.): a word or phrase used for a specific idea, or a set time period
Example: He served two terms as president.
(to) solidify (adj.): to make something firm, strong, or definite
Example: Winning the award solidified her place in film history.
legacy (n.): something passed down from the past or left behind by someone
Example: His music is a lasting legacy of his talent.
transformative (adj.): causing big and lasting changes
Example: The invention of the internet was a transformative event in human history.
controversial (adj.): causing strong disagreement or debate
Example: The new law was highly controversial among voters.
June 12, 1987: US President Ronald Reagan delivers his iconic “Tear down this wall” speech in Berlin, urging the Soviet Union to dismantle the Berlin Wall, a symbol of the Cold War.
Ronald Reagan’s cue card for the speech
Vocabulary
iconic (adj.): widely recognized and admired; symbolic
Example: The Eiffel Tower is an iconic symbol of Paris.
(to) urge (v.): to strongly encourage someone to do something
Example: Mothers urge their children to eat more vegetables.
Soviet Union (n.): a former country made up of Russia and other states, existing from 1922 to 1991
Example: The Soviet Union was a major world power during the 20th century.
(to) dismantle (v.): to take something apart or break it down
Example: Workers began to dismantle the old factory.
Berlin Wall (n.): a wall that divided East and West Berlin from 1961 to 1989
Example: The fall of the Berlin Wall marked the end of the Cold War.
Cold War (n.): a period of tension and competition between the U.S. and the Soviet Union, without direct fighting
Example: The Cold War lasted for more than 40 years.
June 13, 1966: U.S. Supreme Court rules on Miranda rights: The Miranda v. Arizona decision establishes Miranda rights, requiring police to inform suspects of their constitutional rights, a landmark in U.S. legal history.
A U.S. Border Patrol agent reading the Miranda rights to a suspect
Vocabulary
Supreme Court (n.): the highest court in the United States
Example: The Supreme Court makes final decisions on important legal cases.
Miranda rights (n.): the legal rights read to a person when they are arrested in the U.S.
Example: Police read him his Miranda rights before asking questions.
(to) establish (v.): to create or set something up
Example: The company was established in 1995.
(to) inform (v.): to give information or tell someone something
Example: The teacher informed us about the exam schedule.
suspect (n.): a person thought to be involved in a crime
Example: The police arrested the main suspect in the robbery.
constitutional rights (n.): basic legal freedoms guaranteed by a country’s constitution
Example: Freedom of speech is one of our constitutional rights.
landmark (n.): an important event, decision, or place with historical meaning
Example: The civil rights law was a landmark in American history.
4. GRAMMAR FOCUS
Simple Present Tense: NASA explores Mars using robotic rovers like Spirit to gather scientific data.
Present Continuous Tense: The rover is transmitting signals back to Earth during its mission.
Present Perfect Tense: Spirit has discovered important clues about the possibility of water on Mars.
Present Perfect Continuous Tense: NASA has been studying the Martian surface for decades.
Simple Past Tense: In 2003, NASA launched the Spirit rover toward Mars.
Past Continuous Tense: While the rocket was traveling through space, engineers enjoyed the view of Earth.
Past Perfect Tense: Before Spirit landed on Mars, scientists had spent years planning the mission.
Past Perfect Continuous Tense: The rover had been operating for much longer than its expected 90-day mission when it finally ceased to function.
Simple Future Tense: NASA will send more advanced rovers to Mars in the coming years.
Future Continuous Tense: By next year, a new rover will be collecting samples for return to Earth.
Future Perfect Tense: By 2030, NASA will have completed multiple missions preparing for human exploration.
Future Perfect Continuous Tense: By the time astronauts arrive, scientists will have been observing Mars for over 50 years.
First conditional: If the rover detects signs of past water, NASA will focus future missions on that region. (Real future possibility)
Second conditional: If Spirit were still active today, it would send even more data from the Martian surface. (Imaginary present situation)
Third conditional: If the launch had failed, we would have lost one of the most successful Mars missions in history. (Unreal past situation)
5. QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“The expert in anything was once a beginner.” – Helen Hayes
6. ANSWER KEYS
Vocabulary Exercise
Choose the correct words in parentheses to complete each sentence.
- Indonesia is located in an area that is [prone to / blessed with] natural disasters, such as earthquakes and tsunamis.
- Indonesia has a tropical climate with high [humidity / wind], making it warm all year round.
- Bahasa Indonesia, the official language of Indonesia, is also known simply as [Javanese / Indonesian].
- The Indonesian rupiah is the [currency / most popular herb] used in Indonesia.
- Due to its location, Indonesia is home to a diverse array of [tourists / wildlife].
- Trade and commerce have been integral to Indonesia’s history, with many [spices / minerals] being sought after by traders from around the world.
- The devastating 2004 Indian Ocean [rainstorm / tsunami] had a profound impact on Indonesia and its people.
- Indonesia is one of the world’s most [populous / remote] countries, with over 270 million people.
- The Indonesian archipelago is home to many coastal [eruptions / communities] with unique cultures and traditions.
- Indonesian cuisine places great [emphasis / scenic beauty] on using fresh ingredients and spices to create flavorful dishes.
Place Name Exercise
These statements are false. Identify the wrong information and correct the statements.
- The capital city of Indonesia is
JavaJakarta. - Other major cities in Indonesia include Surabaya and
SulawesiBandung/Medan. - Indonesia is bordered by the Indian and
AtlanticPacific oceans. - Indonesia is the world’s largest island country and includes more than
7,00017,000 islands. - Indonesia is the
mostfourth most populous country in the world. - There are over
70700 local languages spoken throughout Indonesia. - Indonesia is home to the world’s largest
volcanovolcanic lake. - Tourist attractions in Indonesia include the temples of Borobudur and Prambanan and the beaches of
Ko SamuiBali.
That’s it for English class this week! See you next Friday!
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