Unlocking
Word Meanings
Read
the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. endorsement (n.) [en-dawrs-muhnt] – the
act of approving, agreeing or supporting something or someone
Example:
Most celebrities earn a lot of money from product endorsements.
2.
annual
(adj.) [an-yoo-uhl] – happening or being done every year
Example:
We are having our annual family
gathering next month.
3.
advocate
(n.) [v. ad-vuh-keyt; n. ad-vuh-kit, -keyt] – somebody who supports or speaks in favor something
Example:
Environmental advocates painted
banners to support the recycling campaign.
4.
resilience
(n.) [ri-zil-yuhns, -zil-ee-uhns] – the quality of being strong and sturdy
Example:
The Mayor showed resilience when he
refused to allow minors to drink liquor.
5.
deficit
(n.) [def-uh-sit; Brit. also dih-fis-it] – excessive amount spent
Example:
If we spend too much on unnecessary things, our budget will have deficit.
Article
Read
the text below.
The National
Education Association (NEA), the largest teachers’ union in the US with 3.2
million members, announced its endorsement of President
Obama for re-election in 2012.
The
organization usually endorses a candidate later in the year. However, NEA made
an early announcement during its annual gathering in Chicago to ensure
that Obama gets strong support from Americans.
Since his
administration started in 2009, Obama has been an advocate of improving education. He
used the government money to help teachers keep their jobs. Presently, Obama is
encouraging politicians to retain or increase the budget for education.
In a
statement, NEA President Dennis Van Roekel said that Obama has shown resilience in
improving education. With his strong support to students and working families,
Obama shares NEA’s vision for a stronger America, Van Roekel added.
However,
some politicians disagree with Obama’s policies, saying that benefits given to
school teachers have caused budget deficit.
In response,
Vice President Joe Biden told teachers from NEA that they are not the problem
and assured them of the commitment of the Obama administration to the teachers.
Viewpoint
Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
·
Why should the
government make education top priority?
·
Do you think that
schools or universities in your country offer quality education? Why or why
not?
Discussion B
·
What benefits do
you think teachers should have?
·
What benefits do
teachers in your country receive?
