CONTENTS
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: The suspect in the 2022 killings of four University of Idaho students, Bryan Kohberger, pleads guilty to all charges against him, avoiding the death penalty.
Vocabulary
suspect (n.): a person who may have committed a crime
Example: The police arrested a suspect in the robbery case.
(to) plead guilty (phrase): to admit in court that you committed a crime
Example: The man pleaded guilty to stealing the car.
charge (n.): an official statement accusing someone of a crime
Example: She faced several charges after the investigation.
death penalty (n.): the legal punishment of being put to death for a serious crime
Example: The judge gave the murderer the death penalty.
News item #2: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered an indefinite suspension of air defense and weapon shipments to Ukraine. This suspension includes Patriot interceptors, missiles, and ammunition.
Vocabulary
indefinite (adj.): not having a clear end or limit
Example: The peace talks were delayed for an indefinite period.
suspension (n.): a temporary stop or pause of something
Example: There was a suspension of all flights due to the storm.
air defense (n.): systems used to protect a country from enemy aircraft or missiles
Example: The country upgraded its air defense systems.
weapon shipments (n.): deliveries of guns, bombs, or other military equipment
Example: The weapon shipments arrived late due to bad weather.
ammunition (n.): bullets and other materials fired from weapons
Example: Soldiers ran low on ammunition during the battle.
News item #3: Australian airline Qantas has suffered a cyberattack targeting a third-party platform used by its call center. The breach may have compromised the personal data of as many as 6 million customers.
Vocabulary
cyberattack (n.): an attack using computers to harm or steal information
Example: The bank lost customer data after a cyberattack.
third-party platform (adj.+n.): a website or service not owned by the main company or user
Example: The game was downloaded from a third-party platform.
call center (n.): a place where workers answer phone calls, usually for customer service
Example: She works at a call center helping people with their internet problems.
(to) compromise (v.): to weaken or damage something, especially security or trust
Example: The hacker compromised the company’s computer system.
personal data (adj.+n.): private information about a person, such as name or ID number
Example: The website was accused of selling users’ personal data.
News item #4: South Korea’s National Assembly approved Kim Min-seok’s nomination as prime minister in a 173–3 vote, with three abstentions. The vote proceeded despite boycotts from the People Power Party due to allegations involving his wealth and family.
Vocabulary
nomination (n.): the act of officially suggesting someone for a position or award
Example: Her nomination for best actress surprised many fans.
abstention (n.): choosing not to vote in an election or decision
Example: There were several abstentions during the final vote.
boycott (n.): refusing to buy or take part in something as a form of protest
Example: The workers started a boycott of the company’s products.
allegation (n.): a claim that someone has done something wrong, usually without proof yet
Example: He denied the allegation of corruption made against him.
2. Country Spotlight: EGYPT
Video
Facts
- Geographical location: North Africa
- Bordering countries: Libya, Sudan, Gaza Strip, and Israel
- Landscape: Predominantly desert with fertile areas along the Nile River
- Climate: Mostly hot and dry, occasional heat waves and sandstorms
- Population: Over 100 million people
- Capital city: Cairo
- Other important cities: Alexandria, Giza, and Luxor
- Language: Arabic
- Religion: Predominantly Islam; notable Coptic Christian minority
- Currency: Egyptian pound
- Cuisine: Features vegetables, legumes, spices, and popular meats like chicken and lamb
- Famous tourist attractions: Famous for ancient pyramids, Sphinx, and Valley of the Kings
- Interesting historical facts: One of the world’s earliest civilizations, contributing to science, technology, and history; Cleopatra was the last pharaoh, one of the most powerful and influential women in history.
Vocabulary Exercise
Read the following sentences. Then choose the definition that is closest in meaning to the bold word.
1. Cleopatra was an influential woman in ancient Egyptian history.
a) having little power to affect something
b) having no power to affect something
c) having great power to affect something
2. The ancient Egyptians were skilled in astronomy and used it to track the seasons.
a) the study of the oceans
b) the study of the stars and planets
c) the study of the earth’s core
3. Ancient Egyptians were also skilled in medicine and used natural remedies to treat illnesses.
a) the practice of making people sick
b) the practice of studying how illnesses spread
c) the practice of treating illnesses and injuries
4. In the summer, Egypt can experience heat waves with temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius.
a) a period of unusually hot weather
b) a period of unusually cold weather
c) a period of heavy rainfall
5. Ancient Egyptians were skilled in mathematics and used it to build structures like the pyramids.
a) the study of animals and their properties
b) the study of plants and their properties
c) the study of numbers and their properties
6. There is a significant minority of Christians living in Egypt.
a) a small group of important people
b) a sizeable group of people within a larger population
c) a group of important small people
7. The pharaoh was the ruler of ancient Egypt.
a) the military leader of Egypt
b) the religious leader of Egypt
c) the king or queen of Egypt
8. The pyramids are some of the most famous structures in Egypt and were built as tombs for pharaohs.
a) structures with four sides and a point at the top
b) structures with three sides and a flat top
c) a structure with five sides and a rounded top
9. The Nile River Valley is a very fertile area where crops grow well.
a) able to produce good crops
b) unable to produce good crops
c) neutral in crop production
10. Egypt can experience sandstorms in the desert regions, which can be dangerous for travelers.
a) a storm with snow and ice
b) a storm with heavy rain and thunder
c) a storm with strong winds that blow sand and dirt around
(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 Egypt is Alexandria. ________________________
- Other major cities in Egypt include Gaza and Luxor. ________________________
- Egypt is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea and the Blue Sea. ________________________
- Egypt shares borders with Liberia to the west and Somalia to the south. _________________________________
- Egypt’s landscape is mostly rainforest with a few fertile areas along the Nile River. ________________________
- The smallest city in Egypt is Cairo. ________________________
- Egypt is located in Central Africa. ________________________
- Tourist attractions in Egypt include the Sphinx in Luxor, as well as the Valley of the Kings in Giza. ________________________
(Audio included with the answer key at the end of this lesson)
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3. THIS WEEK IN HISTORY
June 30, 1934: Adolf Hitler ordered the Night of the Long Knives, a purge of political rivals, consolidating his power in Nazi Germany.
Ernst Rohm and other military leaders in front of Nazi headquarters
Vocabulary
Adolf Hitler (person): the leader of Nazi Germany from 1933 to 1945
Example: Adolf Hitler led Germany into World War II and is known for his brutal dictatorship.
Night of the Long Knives (event): an event that occurred in 1934 in Nazi Germany when Hitler had many of his political enemies killed
Example: The Night of the Long Knives helped Hitler remove threats to his power.
purge (n.): the removal of people who are seen as threats, especially in politics
Example: The leader carried out a purge to get rid of his enemies.
political rivals (adj.+n.): people who compete for political power or influence
Example: The president made deals to weaken his political rivals.
(to) consolidate power (phrase): to strengthen and combine control over a country or group
Example: He used fear and propaganda to consolidate power.
Nazi Germany (n.): Germany under Hitler’s rule from 1933 to 1945
Example: Life in Nazi Germany was controlled by strict laws and constant fear.
July 1, 1997: Hong Kong returns to Chinese rule: Hong Kong was handed over from British to Chinese sovereignty, ending colonial rule and shaping modern China’s global role.
Flag of Hong Kong, 1959~1997
Vocabulary
(to) hand over (v.): to give control or responsibility to someone else
Example: The colony was handed over to its people after years of foreign rule.
sovereignty (n.): the right of a country to govern itself without outside control
Example: The nation demanded full sovereignty from colonial powers.
colonial rule (adj.+n.): control of a country or region by a foreign power
Example: Many countries in Africa fought to end colonial rule in the 20th century.
global role (adj.+n.): a country’s influence or actions in world affairs
Example: China’s global role has grown significantly in the last two or three decades.
July 2, 2002: Steve Fossett became the first person to complete a solo hot-air balloon flight around the world, a milestone in aviation adventure.
Colorful hot‑air balloon rise at dawn
Vocabulary
hot-air balloon (adj.+n.): a large balloon filled with hot air that carries people in a basket
Example: They took a ride in a hot-air balloon at sunrise.
solo flight (adj.+n.): a flight made by a person flying alone
Example: Her solo flight across the Atlantic was a major achievement.
milestone (n.): an important event or stage in development
Example: His first published book was a milestone in his career.
aviation (n.): the activity of flying aircraft
Example: He has always dreamed of working in aviation.
July 3, 2013: Egypt’s military ousted President Mohamed Morsi, sparking protests and gripping global attention during the Arab Spring aftermath.
Protester opposing President Mohamed Morsi sits next to graffiti depicting Morsi on a wall in Cairo
Vocabulary
(to) oust (v.): to force someone out of power or position
Example: The rebels ousted the dictator after months of protest.
(to) grip attention (phrase): to strongly hold people’s interest or focus
Example: The dramatic video gripped the attention of millions online.
Arab Spring (event): a series of protests in the Arab world starting in 2010
Example: The Arab Spring led to major political changes in several countries.
aftermath (n.): the effects or results after a major event
Example: The aftermath of the earthquake was devastating.
July 4, 1776: The Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming U.S. independence from Britain and founding a new nation.
Declaration of Independence (1819 painting by John Trumbull)
Vocabulary
Continental Congress (n.): a group of leaders from the American colonies who met to make decisions during the Revolution
Example: The Continental Congress played a key role in starting the U.S. government.
Declaration of Independence (n.): the 1776 document that said the American colonies were free from British rule
Example: The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776.
(to) proclaim (v.): to announce something clearly and publicly
Example: The government proclaimed the beginning of a new holiday.
(to) found (v.): to start or establish something, especially an organization or country
Example: She helped found a school for underprivileged children.
July 5, 1996: Dolly the sheep, the first mammal cloned from an adult cell, was born, marking a groundbreaking achievement in genetic science.
Dolly the sheep on display at the National Museum of Scotland
Vocabulary
mammal (n.): an animal that gives birth to live young and feeds them with milk
Example: The dolphin is a smart and social mammal.
(to) clone (v.): to make an exact copy of an animal or plant using its cells
Example: Scientists cloned a sheep for the first time in 1996.
groundbreaking (adj.): new, important, and changing the way things are done
Example: Her groundbreaking research changed how we understand the brain.
genetic science (n.): the study of genes and heredity
Example: Genetic science is helping doctors find cures for diseases.
4. GRAMMAR FOCUS
Simple Present Tense: Steve Fossett inspires adventurers around the world with his record-breaking flight.
Present Continuous Tense: He is becoming a symbol of courage and determination in modern aviation history.
Present Perfect Tense: Fossett has completed several solo flights, but this one has made him a global icon.
Present Perfect Continuous Tense: He has been attempting world records in aviation for many years.
Simple Past Tense: In 2002, Steve Fossett became the first person to fly solo around the world in a hot-air balloon.
Past Continuous Tense: While he was floating over the Pacific Ocean, engineers on the ground were tracking his position.
Past Perfect Tense: By the time he landed, he had traveled over 30,000 kilometers.
Past Perfect Continuous Tense: Fossett had been preparing for this flight for months before he took off.
Simple Future Tense: His achievement will inspire future generations of explorers and aviators.
Future Continuous Tense: Next year, aviation fans will be celebrating the anniversary of his historic flight.
Future Perfect Tense: By the end of July 2025, aviation enthusiasts will have celebrated the 23rd anniversary of Steve Fossett becoming the first person to complete a solo hot-air balloon flight around the world.
Future Perfect Continuous Tense: By 2030, pilots will have been studying his techniques for years.
First conditional: If more people learn about Steve Fossett’s journey, they will appreciate the risks of solo exploration. (Real future possibility)
Second conditional: If Steve Fossett attempted the same flight today, he would use more advanced technology. (Imagined present scenario)
Third conditional: If the weather had turned against him, Fossett could have failed to complete the journey. (Unreal past situation)
5. QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“I know all those words, but that sentence makes no sense to me.” ~ Matt Groening (creator of the television series The Simpsons)
6. ANSWER KEYS
Vocabulary Exercise
Read the following sentences. Then choose the definition that is closest in meaning to the bold word.
1. Cleopatra was an influential woman in ancient Egyptian history.
a) having little power to affect something
b) having no power to affect something
c) having great power to affect something
2. The ancient Egyptians were skilled in astronomy and used it to track the seasons.
a) the study of the oceans
b) the study of the stars and planets
c) the study of the earth’s core
3. Ancient Egyptians were also skilled in medicine and used natural remedies to treat illnesses.
a) the practice of making people sick
b) the practice of studying how illnesses spread
c) the practice of treating illnesses and injuries
4. In the summer, Egypt can experience heat waves with temperatures over 40 degrees Celsius.
a) a period of unusually hot weather
b) a period of unusually cold weather
c) a period of heavy rainfall
5. Ancient Egyptians were skilled in mathematics and used it to build structures like the pyramids.
a) the study of animals and their properties
b) the study of plants and their properties
c) the study of numbers and their properties
6. There is a significant minority of Christians living in Egypt.
a) a small group of important people
b) a sizeable group of people within a larger population
c) a group of important small people
7. The pharaoh was the ruler of ancient Egypt.
a) the military leader of Egypt
b) the religious leader of Egypt
c) the king or queen of Egypt
8. The pyramids are some of the most famous structures in Egypt and were built as tombs for pharaohs.
a) structures with four sides and a point at the top
b) structures with three sides and a flat top
c) a structure with five sides and a rounded top
9. The Nile River Valley is a very fertile area where crops grow well.
a) able to produce good crops
b) unable to produce good crops
c) neutral in crop production
10. Egypt can experience sandstorms in the desert regions, which can be dangerous for travelers.
a) a storm with snow and ice
b) a storm with heavy rain and thunder
c) a storm with strong winds that blow sand and dirt around
Place Name Exercise
These statements are false. Identify the wrong information and correct the statements.
- The capital city of Egypt is
AlexandriaCairo. - Other major cities in Egypt include
GazaGiza and Luxor. - Egypt is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea and the
BlueRed Sea. - Egypt shares borders with
LiberiaLibya to the west andSomaliaSudan to the south. - Egypt’s landscape is mostly
rainforestdesert with a few fertile areas along the Nile River. - The
smallestlargest city in Egypt is Cairo. - Egypt is located in
CentralNorth Africa. - Tourist attractions in Egypt include the Sphinx in
LuxorGiza, as well as the Valley of the Kings inGizaLuxor.
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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