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photo Tara Benwell Instructions:
  1. Preview the vocabulary and read the gapfill text.
  3. Answer the comprehension questions by writing full sentences.

Political Crisis In Ukraine

dateline: 25 February 2014

Pre-Listening Vocabulary

  • escalate: to suddenly get worse or bigger
  • unrest: conflict
  • clash: fight or disagreement
  • warrant: an official police or government document authorizing an arrest
  • on the verge of: almost ready for something to happen
  • interim: temporary; between terms

Political Crisis In Ukraine

Political protests escalated in Ukraine this month, resulting in the deaths of at least 75 protesters. The unrest began last when Ukraine’s government announced that it would be an agreement to strengthen trade ties with the European Union in favour of a deal with Russia. Matters worsened when anti-protest laws were introduced and hundreds of protesters were jailed. Ukraine’s president, Viktor Yanukovych, disappeared following the clash between protesters and riot police in Kiev’s Independence Square. A new interim leader has been appointed, and there is now a warrant out for the president’s arrest with the mass murder of protesters. Many fear that the country is on the verge of .

  1. When did protests begin?
  2. What major event occurred this month in Kiev?
  3. Who was missing at the time of this report?

Discussion Question: Now that the Olympics are over in Russia, what do you think President Putin’s response will be to this crisis?

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Written by Tara Benwell for EnglishClub

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