Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What types of government IDs can you renew online? Why can some IDs be renewed online while others cannot?
- What information is required to renew a government ID online? Why is it important to provide accurate information when renewing an ID?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- functional /FUHNGK-shuh-nl/
- user-friendly /YOO-zer-FREND-lee/
- personnel /pur-suh-NEL/
- advancement /ad-VANS-muhnt/
- avoid /uh-VOID/
[adjective] – working correctly; able to perform its intended function
The new coffee machine is functional and makes great coffee.
[adjective] – easy to use or understand
The new app is user-friendly and simple to navigate.
[noun] – the people who work for an organization or company
The company hired additional personnel to manage the new project.
[noun] –progress or improvement in a particular field
Her hard work led to a quick advancement in her career.
[verb] – to keep away from or prevent something from happening
You should avoid eating too much candy before dinner.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Americans now have the option to renew their passports online, a major enhancement from the old system that involved mailing paper forms and often caused delays. The State Department announced on September 18, 2024, that its new online renewal service is fully functional. This service is available to adults whose passports have expired in the past five years or will expire in the next year. However, it does not cover children’s passports, first-time applicants, people living outside the United States, or those needing expedited processing.
The shift to an online system is part of a broader digital transformation aimed at making passport renewals more efficient and user-friendly. Secretary of State Antony Blinken described this update as a move toward modernizing passport services. The online system is expected to handle about 5 million renewal applications annually, contributing to the 24 million passports processed in 2023, with around 40% being renewals. After the COVID-19 pandemic caused staffing shortages and delays, the department hired more personnel and made technological advancements. These changes have already reduced wait times by about one-third. Applicants can now avoid the old process of mailing forms, photos, and checks and instead submit their documents, photos, and payments securely online at travel.state.gov/renewonline. The renewal fee remains $130. Future plans include expanding the service to include Americans living abroad, second passport renewals, and children’s passports.
The shift to an online system is part of a broader digital transformation aimed at making passport renewals more efficient and user-friendly. Secretary of State Antony Blinken described this update as a move toward modernizing passport services. The online system is expected to handle about 5 million renewal applications annually, contributing to the 24 million passports processed in 2023, with around 40% being renewals. After the COVID-19 pandemic caused staffing shortages and delays, the department hired more personnel and made technological advancements. These changes have already reduced wait times by about one-third. Applicants can now avoid the old process of mailing forms, photos, and checks and instead submit their documents, photos, and payments securely online at travel.state.gov/renewonline. The renewal fee remains $130. Future plans include expanding the service to include Americans living abroad, second passport renewals, and children’s passports.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What major change has been made to the passport renewal system?
- Who is the new online renewal service available to?
- Which groups are not covered by the new online passport renewal service?
- How has the shift to an online system affected the efficiency of passport renewals?
- What role did the COVID-19 pandemic play in the changes to passport processing?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever had to renew a document or ID in a complicated process? If so, how did you handle the situation, and what was the outcome? If not, what do you think would be the most challenging part of such a process?
- Have you used an online service to renew or manage something important? If so, what was your experience with it, and how did it compare to traditional methods? If not, how do you think using an online service might differ from doing things in person? Consider aspects such as convenience, time efficiency, and ease of use.
- Do you agree that advancements in technology should be a priority for improving public services?
- What are some potential problems that could arise from shifting to an online passport renewal system?
- How could the online passport renewal system be further improved to better serve its users? Consider additional features or changes that could enhance the system’s efficiency and user satisfaction.