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Back to This Month's News | Monthly News Archives		 Dateline: 1 December 2008

Story #1

Pre-Listening Vocabulary

Story #1: Barack Obama Elected Next US President
On Barack Obama was elected 44th President of the United States, beating out his opponent, John McCain. While US turned out in record numbers to elect the first African American President, people around the world watched and celebrated the historic victory. In his acceptance speech, the President elect spoke about the economic challenges ahead, promising to work hard to turn things around. Prior to the campaign, Obama was considered a long shot candidate. The Illinois Senator's eloquent convinced many that he was ready for the role as .

Comprehension Questions: Story #1

  1. Why is November 4th mentioned?
  2. Who is John McCain?
  3. According to the report, what major American concern did Obama address in his acceptance speech.
Discussion Question:
The Obama family is often compared to the Kennedy family. Some people already think of Barack Obama as a celebrity. How do you think the lives of his daughters will change once they move into The White House?

Story #2

Pre-Listening Vocabulary

Story #2: European Union Removes Ban on Ugly Fruits and Vegetables
This November, the European Union voted to lift a 20 year ban that prevented the sale of fruits and vegetables. Under the previous restrictions, fruits and vegetables had to be a certain colour and shape in order to be put on the market. The EU has been criticized in the for years for allowing this waste to continue. Approximately 20% of its farm produce due to appearance. Despite removing over 100 pages of restrictions, standards for 10 fruits and vegetables including apples, tomatoes, and will remain in effect. Consumers hope the ruling will bring the price of produce down and give food banks greater to fresh food.

Comprehension Questions: Story #2

  1. How long has the ban been in place?
  2. According to the report, what has been happening to approximately 20% of produce in the EU?
  3. What do buyers hope will change after this ruling comes into effect?
Discussion Question: Do you agree that market standards (colour and shape) should apply to some fruits and vegetables such as apples. Why or why not?

Story #3

Pre-Listening Vocabulary

Story #3: Australia Film Could Boost Tourism
The film "Australia," staring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman opened in theatres on November 26th. Though the film is a romantic epic, Australia's national tourist board hopes that the cinematography will entice moviegoers around the world to visit the country. They have also launched a dollar advertising campaign in connection to the movie. Australia's needs a boost, and tour have already begun offering packages that will take visitors to the movie's main sites. Since July the Australian dollar has fallen almost 50% against the US dollar.

Comprehension Questions: Story #3

  1. Why are Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman mentioned?
  2. What type of film is "Australia"?
  3. What happened to Australia's currency this fall?
Discussion Question: Nicole Kidman told interviewers that the waterfalls from the movie are "fertility waters". She says women who swim there are more likely to get pregnant. Do you think this claim has the power to increase tourism?

Story #4

Pre-Listening Vocabulary

Story #4: Terrorists Attack Mumbai
183 people were killed in a terrorist attack in Mumbai this November. The terrorists targeted 9 locations, including the landmark Taj Mahal hotel where many foreign hostages were taken at gunpoint. 300 people were wounded during the 60 hour ordeal. Indian authorities say the attacks were carefully planned out. They the terrorists hoped to kill about 5000 people. One of the terrorists was captured and confirmed to be from Pakistan, which has heightened tension between the . Shortly after all of the locations were secured, India's announced his resignation.

Comprehension Questions: Story #4

  1. Which place was mentioned as a specific target in Mumbai?
  2. According to early investigations, how many people did the terrorists hope to kill?
  3. Who decided to leave his job?
Discussion Question: Some people believe that this attack is an opportunity for Pakistan and India to unite against terrorism. Others say this act will cause these two nations to step backwards in their relationship. What do you think?

ANSWER CHECK

Story #1

Story #1:Barack Obama Elected Next US President
On November 4th Barack Obama was elected 44th President of the United States, beating out his opponent, John McCain. While US voters turned out in record numbers to elect the first African American President, people around the world watched and celebrated the historic victory. In his acceptance speech, the President elect spoke in length about the economic challenges ahead, promising to work hard to turn things around. Prior to the campaign, Obama was considered a long shot candidate. The Illinois Senator's eloquent speeches convinced many that he was ready for the role as commander-in-chief.

Comprehension Answers: Story #1

  1. November 4th is the day that Obama was elected 44th President of the United States.
  2. John McCain is the Senator who was running for President against Barack Obama.
  3. Obama addressed the economic challenges of his country.

Story #2

Story #2: European Union Removes Ban on Ugly Fruits and Vegetables
This November, the European Union voted to lift a 20 year ban that prevented the sale of imperfect fruits and vegetables. Under the previous restrictions, fruits and vegetables had to be a certain colour and shape in order to be put on the market. The EU has been criticized in the media for years for allowing this waste to continue. Approximately 20% of its farm produce goes to waste due to appearance. Despite removing over 100 pages of restrictions, standards for 10 fruits and vegetables including apples, tomatoes, and peppers will remain in effect. Consumers hope the ruling will bring the price of produce down and give food banks greater access to fresh food.

Comprehension Answers: Story #2

  1. The ban has been in place for twenty years.
  2. According to the report, approximately 20% of produce has gone to waste in the EU with these restrictions in place.
  3. Consumers hope the price of produce will fall and that there will be more fresh food available for food banks.

Story #3

Story #3: Australia Film Could Give Tourism Boost
The film "Australia," staring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman opened in international theatres on November 26th. Though the film is a World War II romantic epic, Australia's national tourist board hopes that the cinematography will entice moviegoers around the world to visit the country. They have also launched a multi million dollar advertising campaign in connection to the movie. Australia's tourism needs a boost, and tour operators have already begun offering packages that will take visitors to the movie's main sites. Since July the Australian dollar has fallen almost 50% against the US dollar.

Comprehension Answers: Story #3

  1. Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman are the male and female stars in the new film "Australia".
  2. Australia is a romantic epic.
  3. The Australian dollar fell almost 50% in relation to the US dollar.

Story #4

Story #4: Terrorists Attack Mumbai
183 people were killed in a massive terrorist attack in Mumbai this November. The terrorists targeted 9 locations, including the landmark Taj Mahal hotel where many foreign hostages were taken at gunpoint. Approximately 300 people were wounded during the 60 hour ordeal. Indian authorities say the attacks were carefully planned out. They believe the terrorists hoped to kill about 5000 people. One of the terrorists was captured and confirmed to be from Pakistan, which has heightened tension between the two countries. Shortly after all of the locations were secured, India's Home Minister announced his resignation.

Comprehension Answers: Story #4

  1. The Taj Mahal hotel was one of the targets.
  2. Investigators think that the terrorists planned on killing about 5000 people.
  3. India's Home Minister resigned after the attacks.