© EPA via bbc.com
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- restriction /ri-STRIK-shuhn/
- insufficient /in-suh-FISH-uhnt/
- efficacy /EF-i-kuh-see/
- stance /stans/
- pharmaceutical /fahr-muh-SOO-ti-kuhl/
[noun] – an official limit on something
The president lifted the trade restrictions.
[adjective] – not enough
The insufficient money cannot fund the project.
[noun] – the ability, especially of a medicine or a method of achieving something, to produce the intended result
To test the efficacy of the vaccine, a series of tests will be conducted.
[noun] – a way of thinking about something, especially expressed in a publicly stated opinion
His stance regarding the issue did not change.
[adjective] – relating to the production of medicines
Sandra works in the pharmaceutical industry.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
France’s top health authority has already cleared Covid-19 vaccine AstraZeneca for public use but advised that it should only be given to people under 65 years old. Such restrictions were recommended due to insufficient data on its efficacy for older people. The European Union already approved the vaccine for all adults but the member countries are free to set their own rollout policy. The slow pace of vaccinations met criticisms and there were also delays in delivering vaccines from AstraZeneca and Pfizer among many others. However, European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, maintained her firm stance that the EU had made the right decision.
Over 1.5 million people in France have received the Covid-19 vaccine as of writing. It was made by AstraZeneca, a UK-Swedish pharmaceutical firm. Research has shown that the vaccine is safe and has an average of 70% efficacy. So far, the people who received this vaccine have never experienced any serious illnesses nor been hospitalized due to the novel coronavirus.
Over 1.5 million people in France have received the Covid-19 vaccine as of writing. It was made by AstraZeneca, a UK-Swedish pharmaceutical firm. Research has shown that the vaccine is safe and has an average of 70% efficacy. So far, the people who received this vaccine have never experienced any serious illnesses nor been hospitalized due to the novel coronavirus.
True or False:
Read the sentences and identify if they are true or false based on the article.
- The Covid-19 vaccine by AstraZeneca can be administered to people of all ages.
- Insufficient data on its efficacy to older people prompted the French health authorities of such restrictions.
- European Commission president maintained her firm stance on EU’s decision.
- More than 2 million people already received the vaccine in France.
- The vaccine’s efficacy rate is over 70%.
Situational question:
I will read the situation. Then, please answer based on the question. Make sure to use the given keywords in your answer.
Situation: You are asked to make a short speech about the Covid-19 pandemic.
Question: What should the world learn from the COVID-19 pandemic?
- The pandemic has taught us…
- unity
- resilience
Express Your Opinion:
I will read each sentence. Then, please tell me if you agree or disagree, and why.
- “Ultimately, the greatest lesson that COVID-19 can teach humanity is that we are all in this together.”
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw - “Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving, we get stronger and more resilient.”
Steve Maraboli - “In the face of adversity, we have a choice. We can be bitter, or we can be better. Those words are my North Star.”
Caryn Sullivan