©CNN via HANDOUT/PA/AP
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- aspiring /uh-SPAHYER-ing/
- issue /ISH-oo/
- fiendish /FEEN-dish/
- exclusively /ik-SKLOO-siv-lee/
- teamwork /TEEM-wurk /
[adjective] – someone who is trying to become a successful actor, politician, writer, etc
Tonya is an aspiring ice skater.
[verb] – to produce or provide something official
The office will issue driving permits next week.
[adjective] – clever and difficult, sometimes in a bad way
The detectives are working hard to solve the fiendish crime.
[adverb] – limited to a specific thing or group
This feature is exclusively for our established customers.
[noun] – the activity of working together in a group with other people, especially when this is successful
Teamwork is crucial in the advertising industry.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
The United Kingdom’s (UK) biggest spy agency, Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), has released its newest Christmas card — with a set of puzzles specifically designed for young aspiring, secret agents. Traditionally, the intelligence, cyber, and security agency issues a card containing a Christmas-themed brainteaser to national security colleagues and partners worldwide. But this year’s card was created with “fiendish puzzles” exclusively for schoolchildren, the organization said. “GCHQ’s history is full of talented people tackling the country’s most complex challenges. If we’re to help keep the country safe, problem-solving skills and teamwork are absolutely crucial,” the agency’s director, Jeremy Fleming, bared in a statement. Children between the ages of 11 and 18 will be encountering a set of puzzles embedded in a Christmas tree.
Mr. Fleming explained that he is keen on persuading more students to take on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills, and helping foster the next generation of talent. “I want to show young people that thinking differently is a gift, and it is only with a mix of minds that they can solve seemingly impossible problems, just like we do at GCHQ,” he said. The answers to the Christmas puzzle will also be posted on GCHQ’s Instagram account and official website, the agency said. The security organization is based in Cheltenham, a town in Gloucestershire, England.
Mr. Fleming explained that he is keen on persuading more students to take on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills, and helping foster the next generation of talent. “I want to show young people that thinking differently is a gift, and it is only with a mix of minds that they can solve seemingly impossible problems, just like we do at GCHQ,” he said. The answers to the Christmas puzzle will also be posted on GCHQ’s Instagram account and official website, the agency said. The security organization is based in Cheltenham, a town in Gloucestershire, England.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever solved a puzzle? If not, what kind of puzzle would you like to solve?
- Would you be interested in trying GCHQ’s puzzle? Why or why not?
- If you were to introduce a game from your country to schoolchildren in the UK, what would it be? Please explain what makes this game interesting.
- Do you think children should pick up the hobby of solving puzzles?
- In your opinion, what qualities should an aspiring secret agent/spy have?
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- release
- designed
- traditionally
- skill
- generation