©CNN via HANDOUT/PA/AP
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Do you enjoy watching spy movies?
- What do you do to improve your problem-solving skills?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- traditionally /truh-DI-shuh-nuh-lee/
- tackle /TAK-uhl/
- complex /kuhm-PLEKS/
- crucial /KROO-shuhl/
- keen /keen/
[adverb] – according to tradition; in a traditional way
The number thirteen is traditionally considered unlucky in some countries.
[verb] – to try to deal with something or someone
Our CEO tackled the main issues of our delivery system.
[adjective] – involving a lot of different but related parts
This puzzle is too complex for me.
[adjective] – extremely important or necessary
Rina has to make a crucial decision.
[adjective] – very interested, eager, or wanting (to do) something very much
I am keen on working in a cafe.
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 designed for young people who want to become secret agents in the future. Traditionally, the intelligence, cyber, and security agency sends out a card containing a Christmas-themed brainteaser to national security colleagues and partners worldwide. But this year’s card is full of puzzles for schoolchildren between the ages of 11 and 18. “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 are absolutely crucial,” the agency’s director, Jeremy Fleming, bared in a statement.
Mr. Fleming explained that he is keen on encouraging more students to take on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills and helping develop 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 encouraging more students to take on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) skills and helping develop 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.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What is UK’s biggest spy agency?
- What can schoolchildren expect from GCHQ’s Christmas card?
- What is Mr. Fleming encouraging students to do?
- Where will the answers to the puzzle be posted?
- Where is GCHQ located?
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 are the benefits of solving puzzles?