dateline: 09 April 2013
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Former UK PM Margaret Thatcher Dies
Pre-Listening Vocabulary
- controversial: causing or involving a strong difference in opinion
- radical: drastic; far from what people are accustomed to
- Oscar: a US award related to film and acting, an Academy Award
- proponent: a person who supports and promotes
- free-market: an economic system with little government control
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Former UK PM Margaret Thatcher Dies
Comprehension Questions
- During what era did Margaret Thatcher become Britain’s leader?
- Why does the reading mention an actress?
- How did Margaret Thatcher die?
Discussion Question: Many people have described Margaret Thatcher as an “intimidating” political figure. Do you know someone who is intimidating? Are you personally intimidated by this person? What techniques are used to intimidate people?
Former UK PM Margaret Thatcher Dies
Margaret Thatcher, also known as the “Iron Lady”, died on April 8th, at the age of 87. Thatcher, a grocer’s daughter, achieved Britain’s highest political position, serving as Prime Minister from 1979 to 1990. She was a controversial political figure who was known for being a tough and radical leader with a strong character. Thatcher took office at the end of the Cold War, and worked closely with US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. In 2011, Meryl Streep won an Oscar for her portrayal of Margaret Thatcher in the film The Iron Lady. Thatcher will be remembered for being the first female prime minister of Britain, and for being a strong proponent of the free-market.
- Margaret Thatcher became Britain’s leader at the end of the Cold War.
- The reading mentions Meryl Streep because she portrayed Margaret Thatcher in a film and won an Oscar for her performance.
- Margaret Thatcher died following a stroke.
