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Lesson 11: Grass-roots Movement Pushes for Ban on Single-Use Plastics

LET'S UNLOCK WORDS AND PHRASES 🔐

absurd

/ab-SURD/

- Ridiculously unreasonable or illogical.

The reporter dismissed the rumor as absurd and not based on any facts.

ban

/ban/

- To officially prohibit something.

The government decided to ban smoking in all public places.

defend

/dih-FEND/

- To protect from harm or challenge.

The lawyer defended his client against the charges.

deliberate

/dih-LIB-er-it/

- Done consciously and intentionally.

The panel engaged in deliberate discussions before making a decision.

go (come) into effect

/go (kum) IN-too ih-FEKT/

- To become applicable or enforceable.

The new law will go into effect starting next month.

cast

/kast/

- To throw or place something, often votes.

The citizens cast their votes in the national election.

conservative

/kun-SUR-vuh-tiv/

- Favoring traditional views and values.

The conservative party is often against rapid changes in policy.

declare

/dih-KLAIR/

- To announce officially or publicly.

The president declared a state of emergency in the affected area.

grass-roots

/GRASS-rootz/

- Involving the ordinary people, especially in a political context.

The movement gained support through grass-roots campaigns.

liberal

/LIB-uh-ruhl/

- Open to new behavior or opinions and willing to discard traditional values.

The liberal candidate proposed progressive policies during the debate.

loyal

/LOY-uhl/

- Showing firm and constant support or allegiance.

He remained loyal to his team despite their losses.

progressive

/pruh-GRES-iv/

- Favoring or promoting change or innovation.

The progressive party advocates for environmental reforms.

provided

/pruh-VY-did/

- On the condition that; if.

The offer is valid provided that you respond within 24 hours.

pursue

/per-SOO/

- To follow or chase with determination.

The journalist decided to pursue the story despite the risks.

ruling

/ROO-ling/

- An official decision by a judge or court.

The court’s ruling was in favor of the defendant.

run

/run/

- To campaign for election to a political office.

She decided to run for mayor in the upcoming election.

LET'S LISTEN! 🎧

Direction: Listen to the news and answer the comprehension questions below.



Lesson 11

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

1.What is the grass-roots organization campaigning for?

2. How does the ruling party view the proposed ban?

3. What do progressive lawmakers think about the movement?

4. When could the ban potentially go into effect?

5. What is the significance of casting votes in this context?

LET'S PRACTICE 🎬

SITUATION

You are a reporter interviewing a politician who is running for office. The politician has recently declared support for a controversial ruling that bans certain products. During the interview, you need to ask questions about the deliberate decision to support the ban, how it aligns with conservative or liberal values, and what grass-roots efforts led to this ruling.


TASKS

1. Ask the politician why they decided to support the ban.


2. Inquire about the politician’s alignment with conservative or progressive ideologies.


3. Discuss the impact of grass-roots movements on the politician’s decision.


4. Ask about the potential effects when the ban goes into effect.

LET'S DISCUSS

  1. How do you think grass-roots movements can influence government decisions in your country?
  2. What are some examples of absurd policies or laws that you have heard about? How did people react to them?
  3. Do you think there should be more bans on certain products or behaviors? Why or why not?
  4. How do you think loyalty to a party or leader affects political decisions?
  5. In your opinion, what are the benefits and drawbacks of a progressive versus a conservative government?