B1 – Intermediate
Recently, illegal gun trafficking has increased across Europe. The EU wants better gun control measures to address this problem. It is also necessary to make the laws related to firearms stricter.
Listen to the audio and read the transcript about the European Commission’s new proposals to reduce illegal gun trafficking and close legal loopholes.
https://www.newsinlevels.com/products/the-eu-wants-better-gun-control-level-3
Vocabulary Questions:
- What is “trafficking”? “Possessing illegal firearms or key components could bring up to five years, while trafficking or manufacturing illegal weapons could lead to eight years behind bars.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What is a “loophole”? “The European Commission has proposed new EU-wide prison sentences for firearms offences to reduce illegal gun trafficking and close legal loopholes between member states.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “behind bars” mean? “Possessing illegal firearms or key components could bring up to five years, while trafficking or manufacturing illegal weapons could lead to eight years behind bars.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- Explain the European Commission’s new gun control proposals.
- What do you think of these measures?
- Do you think stricter gun control is necessary in your country? Why or why not?
- According to the Commission, around 620,000 firearms are lost or stolen in the EU, which contributes to organised crime, terrorism, and about 1,300 deaths each year. Share your reaction and opinion to this.
- Share your thoughts on how new technologies like 3D printing and weapons flowing from war zones increase the risks in Europe.