B1 – Intermediate
US President Donald Trump ordered the Gulf of Mexico to be renamed as the Gulf of America.
This is perhaps a part of his office’ effort to “reclaim America’s rightful place as the greatest, most powerful, most respected nation on Earth”.
However, Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo strongly opposes this name change.
Read the article about America implementing some name restorations.
https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2502/250203-gulf-of-mexico.html
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “surround” mean? “US President Trump wants the body of water, which is surrounded by the USA, Mexico, and Cuba, to be renamed the Gulf of America.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ’surround’ in your own sentence.
- What does the phrase “shortly after” mean? “Shortly after his inauguration on the 20th of January, President Trump said: ‘America will reclaim its rightful place as the greatest, most powerful, most respected nation on Earth, inspiring the awe and admiration of the entire world.‘” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use ’shortly after’ in your own sentence.
- What does “point out” mean? “President Sheinbaum pointed out that the name “Gulf of Mexico” has existed for over four centuries.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and use this phrasal verb in your own sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- In your opinion, is it ok to rename the Gulf of Mexico? Elaborate.
- Is renaming a place good or bad? Explain.
- What impacts might renaming a city, town, or country have on the place itself? How about the people?
- Has any place in your country ever been renamed? How did it affect the place?
- Mexico’s President Sheinbaum joked that “If there were to be name changes, the United States should be called “Mexican America,” as on a map from 1607.” What is your opinion on what she said?