B1 – Intermediate
Australia is having problems recruiting people to join the military. Due to this, they will be allowing citizens from the UK, Canada, and New Zealand to enlist in the Australian army.
Read the article about Australia opening up its forces to foreigners.
https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2406/240606-army-recruits.html
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “to sign up” mean? “Australia is having problems getting people to sign up for its army.” Use this phrase in your own sentence.
- What does “a pool of people” mean? “Recruiting from a wider pool of people will help ensure [the ADF] reflects the full diversity of Australia, and is able to draw on the talents of [all] of Australian society.” Use this idiom in your own sentence.
- What does “to draw on something” mean? “Recruiting from a wider pool of people will help ensure [the ADF] reflects the full diversity of Australia, and is able to draw on the talents of [all] of Australian society.” Use this expression in your own sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- According to the article, what is Australia’s reason for changing its military recruitment policy?
- What is your opinion about a country allowing foreigners to join their military?
- What could be the good and bad things about letting citizens from other countries become part of another country’s army?
- “Opposition Foreign Minister Simon Birmingham disagreed with the policy. He said it showed government failure.” Do you agree with Mr. Birmingham or not? Explain.
- How can a country/the government motivate people to join the military?
- If this were to be done in your country, do you think it will be a good idea? Why or why not?