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: 08 January 2013
NB! For WEEKLY audio stories check out LISTEN & LEARN π
Nations Expect 2013 Cyberattacks
Pre-Listening Vocabulary
- telecommunications: electronic transmission of information
- blackout: a temporary loss of power or service
- full-scale: involving all possible resources
- interruption: a short-term break of continuity
- launch: to begin something new
- infrastructure: the basic features of a system or organization (e.g. roads, power, essential services)
- potential: possible in the future
Comprehension Questions
- What are nations preparing for in 2013?
- What statement has the US made regarding cyberattacks?
- Why does the report mention banks?
Discussion Question: Is the world becoming paranoid, or do you believe a cyber war is a real threat that everyday people and businesses should be concerned about?
show Answershide Answers
Nations Expect 2013 Cyberattacks
Security researchers say that the world’s largest
military powers are preparing for increased cyberattacks in 2013. According to security experts, cyberthreats could lead to anything from
Internet or telecommunication blackouts to loss of life this year. While some researchers don’t believe there will be a full-scale cyber war in 2013, companies are
preparing for attacks that could lead to
major service interruptions. The US has already stated that it is willing to use military force against any nation that launches a cyber attack on its infrastructure. Banks and power grids are potential
targets.
- Nations are preparing for a rise in cyberattacks in 2013.
- The US has stated that it will use military force against countries that attack its infrastructure via cyberattacks.
- The report mentions banks because these are potential targets in a cyber war.
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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