Listen to News with Tara Benwell - Instructions:
1. Preview the vocabulary and read the gapfill text.
2. Play the news report and try to fill in the blanks.
3. Answer the comprehension questions by writing full sentences.
4. Use the discussion question to write an essay or discuss the story with other students.
5. Click "show Answers" to see the full text.
6. Pretend to be a news anchor by reading each story out loud.
dateline: 15 January 2013
NB! For WEEKLY audio stories check out LISTEN & LEARN π
Cubans Get Freedom Of Movement
Pre-Listening Vocabulary
- restriction: a limit outlined by authorities
- legislation: a law enacted by the government
- passport: official ID used for travel from one country to another
- visa: a travel document stating that a person is allowed to enter a country for a specific reason and for a certain amount of time
Comprehension Questions
- What has changed for Cubans who want to travel abroad?
- Why does the report mention illegal migrants?
- Why will many Cubans still not be able to travel off the island?
Discussion Question: Do you think this reform will lead to a “mass exodus” of Cubans that will result in a “brain drain”? Why or why not?
show Answershide Answers
Cubans Get Freedom Of Movement
Cubans who wish to travel abroad will no longer need to apply for a costly exit permit and a foreign travel invitation. Travel restrictions were officially lifted this week, and many Cubans lined up to apply for their first passport. The new legislation allows Cubans to travel and stay abroad for up to two years as long as they have a valid passport. In addition, illegal migrants who left Cuba before 1994 will be allowed to return. The price of a passport is going up, however, and most Cubans can’t afford to travel despite their new freedom of movement. Many countries, including the US, also require Cuban travellers to apply for an entry visa.
- New legislation has been adopted. Cubans no longer need an exit permit and a foreign travel invitation from the government.
- The reform also allows illegal migrants to return to Cuba. Previously they were not allowed back onto the island.
- Many Cubans will still not be able to travel off the island because they can’t afford the documents and the travel costs.
Written and recorded by Tara Benwell for EnglishClub
Tara Benwell is a Canadian freelance writer and editor who specializes in materials and articles for the ELT industry.
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