B1 — Intermediate
Bolivia has major anti-government protests and road blockades. About 60 roadblocks are causing shortages of food, fuel, and medicine across the country.
Protesters want President Rodrigo Paz to resign or hold new elections. The political problems began after economic problems and unpopular government decisions. The President is now considering a state of emergency to end the blockades.
Listen to this audio and read the transcript about the protests in Bolivia.
https://newsinlevels.com/products/big-protests-in-bolivia-level-3
Vocabulary Questions:
- What is a “blockade”? ”Nearly a month of anti-government protests and road blockades have pushed Bolivia to a breaking point, according to the President.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “to push someone/something to a breaking point” mean? “Nearly a month of anti-government protests and road blockades have pushed Bolivia to a breaking point, according to the President.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “subsidy” mean? “President Rodrigo Paz was elected last October during a difficult economic crisis, but he later angered low-paid and rural Bolivians by stopping fuel subsidies and joining right-wing parties.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- Share your opinion about the protests and blockades in Bolivia.
- What are some things that anger the citizens of your country nowadays?
- What is your opinion about President Rodrigo Paz’s solution to consider a state of emergency in Bolivia?
- What could happen if these protests continue for a long time?
- How would your daily life change if roads in your area were blocked?