Listen to News ~ dateline: 01 November 2011
Occupy Protests Become A Movement
Pre-Listening Vocabulary
- district: a specific region or area
- occupy: to fill up or take over a space
- disproportionate: unequal or unfair amount in comparison to another amount
- general strike: a temporary refusal to work by people in many industries
- Arab Spring: 2011 uprisings in the Middle East and North Africa
Occupy Protests Taking Become A Movement
Comprehension Questions
- Where was the original “Occupy” demonstration held?
- Why does the report mention 1%?
- What are the protestors’ main issues?
Discussion Question: With winter arriving early in the US, critics say that the OWS movement will not have staying power. Protestors disagree. What do you think will happen?
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Occupy Protests Become A Movement
A protest called “Occupy Wall Street” (OWS) that took place in September in New York City’s financial district has inspired similar demonstrations around the world. With over 900 cities in over 80 countries joining in, OWS is now being called the “Occupy Movement”. Occupy protestors claim to represent “99 percent” of the population. They say they are no longer willing to accept that the other 1% have a disproportionate amount of the world’s power and wealth. Protestors are complaining of being underpaid, unemployed, homeless, or without health care. In some cities, protestors have set up camps and are calling for general strikes. The original march was inspired by the Arab Spring.
- The original “Occupy” demonstration was held in New York City’s financial district.
- According to protestors, wealthy people represent 1% of the world’s population but have most of the power.
- The protestors are concerned about issues such as unemployment, wages, and lack of health care. They are protesting against the imbalance of wealth.
Written by Tara Benwell for EnglishClub.com
Tara Benwell is a Canadian freelance writer and editor who specializes in materials and articles for the ELT industry.
