B2 – Upper Intermediate
Canada, as a young and multicultural nation, often grapples with defining its identity. However, one common sentiment among Canadians is that being ‘Canadian’ means distinctly ‘not American.’ So, when US President Donald Trump suggested Canada should become the 51st US state and referred to former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as Canada’s ‘governor’, a title typically reserved for US state leaders, it sparked widespread anger among Canadians.
Let’s read the article to learn more about the tensions between the USA and the Canadian people.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does the idiom “getting the cold shoulder” mean? “Americans are getting the cold shoulder from our neighbors to the north.” Use it in your own sentence and give two synonyms.
- Define the verb “jeer“. “Canadians are learning to “Buy Beaver” instead of U.S.-made products. They’re jeering our national anthem at hockey games.” Use it in your own sentence and give two synonyms.
- What is the meaning of the idiom “in good conscience“? “They’re writing in, saying ‘I can no longer in good conscience do business with American businesses,'” said Lorenzo McGregor, 45, the co-owner of Tex’s Riverways boat shuttle service here.” Use it in your own sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- What are your thoughts on the idea of Canada becoming the 51st state of the United States?
- Do you think the relationship between the US and Canada will get better in the near future? Why or why not?
- Has your country ever experienced trade disputes with other nations? If so, what were the circumstances?
- Are there significant taxes placed on foreign goods or services in your country?
- How would you describe your country’s current relationship with the US?
- What is “Buy Beaver”? Would you use such an app if your country got into a dispute with another country?