Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. wipe out (v. phrase) – to remove or destroy completely
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. wipe out (v. phrase) – to remove or destroy completely
Example: Nuclear bombs can wipe out large cities in an instant.
2. threat (n.) – something that has the power to cause damage or to hurt people
Example: The president does not want any threat of war from another country.
3. retaliate (v.) – to get revenge or to do an action equal to an action that has been done
Example: The country said it will retaliate if other nations try to attack it.
4. foreign aid (n. phrase) – the act of giving resources (such as food, medicine, technology, etc.) of one country to another country that needs the resources
Example: The charity group provides foreign aid to poor villages in Africa.
5. with no strings attached (idiom) – without expecting benefit in return for a good action
Example: The company provided help to the victims of the typhoon with no strings attached.
Article
Read the text below.
North Korea announced that its recent underground nuclear test was a success. Reports said the country used a nuclear bomb that is smaller, lighter and more powerful than bombs tested in 2006 and 2009.
The recent test showed that the country is close to creating a bomb that can wipe out other countries. Additionally, North Korea was able to launch a satellite and rocket into space last December. Other countries are now worried about North Korea combining space and nuclear technologies.
Andrei Lankov, a North Korea analyst, said North Korea’s next step may be to create a missile that would reach space, fall back to Earth and hit a target city. While possible, the plan would be very expensive and would require more testing for North Korea.
Lankov said that North Korea is advancing in nuclear technology much faster than what people had thought, although it would take many years before North Korea can be a threat to the US.
Lankov added that he does not think North Korea would make the first attack. The country would retaliate only if it felt threatened by others.
The biggest worry, however, is that the US may not have enough power to stop North Korea from doing anything it wants in the future.
North Korea can also use the threat of nuclear weapons to make countries provide North Korea with foreign aid with no strings attached.
Lankov said North Korean leaders will probably not give up improving the country’s nuclear technology, even though the whole world has been against it.
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Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
· Do you think your country should also be worried about North Korea’s nuclear tests? Why do you think so?
· Is it important for a country to have high-tech weapons? Why or why not?
Discussion B
· What do you think happens to a country that avoids communicating with other countries?
· What are some ways to improve the relations between countries?