Unlocking
Word Meanings
Read
the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. detain (v.) – to hold back or arrest somebody
Example: The suspected
criminals were detained by the police
officers.
2. spy (v.) – to secretly observe something or get
information
Example: Soldiers hiding
behind the building were spying the
enemy camp.
3. compassion (n.) – a deep feeling of concern for someone
who is suffering
Example: Mother Theresa
helped the poor because she had compassion
for them.
4. intent (n.) – refers to one’s purpose or goal
Example: My intent for studying English is to become
a better manager.
5. prevail (v.) – to be more powerful, influential or
important
Example: The man’s voice prevailed over the crowded room.
Article
Read
the text below.
World-famous boxer
Muhammad Ali appealed to Iranian government for the release of two American
hikers who have been detained in Iran
for two years for allegedly spying in the country.
Ali appeared on a news
conference last May 23 with his wife Lonnie. Unable to speak due to Parkinson’s
disease, Ali wrote a letter and let his wife read it on his behalf during the
said conference.
In the letter, Ali, a
well-loved American Muslim in Iran, asked the Iranian government to show compassion to the
hikers because they had good intent for visiting the country.
Shane Bauer and Josh
Fattal , both 28, have been imprisoned in Iran since July 31, 2009, after they
were arrested while hiking along the unmarked border of Iran and Iraqi
Kurdistan. Fattal’s fiancée, Sara Shourd , was also arrested but eventually
released a year after.
Both Bauer and Fattal
were allowed to call their families. The most recent call was last May 21, the
third time since they were put in prison. Fattal told his mother how honored he
was that Ali himself was pleading to the Iranian government for their release.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy
a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
·
What are the advantages of being
popular?
·
How can a famous person use his fame
for good?
Discussion B
·
How are citizens usually affected by
these conflicts?
·
What are other consequences of
conflict between countries?
