Conflict
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France says 'no' to performing animals
Should wild animals be banned from all circuses? Last week, France announced a ban on animals travelling with the circus. Some people think every country should make similar laws.
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The return of the school strikes for climate
Do protests really work? School climate strikes returned on Friday for a world day of climate action – but some people believe that protests will make little difference to the future.
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Rescue workers battle wildfires in the US
Is climate change to blame? Search and rescue operations are underway to help people affected by huge wildfires in the western states of America. Many say global warming is mainly to blame.
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‘A million species in danger’, say experts
Is it too late to prevent a sixth mass extinction? A new report from the World Wildlife Fund has warned that humans are destroying nature at a rate that has never been seen before.
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Banksy boat rescues hundreds of migrants
Are rescue boats a good idea? British artist Banksy has paid for a boat to help migrants in the Mediterranean. It is saving lives – but some people say it could make things worse.
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The race to save the Great Barrier Reef
For the third time in a decade, the Great Barrier Reef has suffered mass coral bleaching. A recent survey found widespread damage as a result of a hot summer and rising sea temperatures.
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Trees can help predict famines and wars
Scientists are finding that tree ring patterns are a time-map of rainfall and drought, accurately going back thousands of years. These might help us predict future famine and conflict.
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The Syrian boy who helps pupils with English
Should we all learn new languages? Eleven-year-old Mohammed is very good at it. A video about how he helps his classmates to understand English is very popular online.
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Summer holidays back on as lockdown lifts
Are foreign holidays really worth it? Many families are looking forward to heading off on summer trips after the government lifted travel restrictions for more than 50 countries on Friday.
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Zoos reopen after devastating lockdown
Do we really need zoos? The government has announced that animal attractions in the UK can open their doors again – but many zoos are in trouble after missing out on months of visitors.
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Social media stands up to racism
Can social media be a force for good? Last week, millions posted black squares across channels in support of the Black Lives Matter movement – but critics suggest it is not enough.
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Europe marks 75 years since World War II
Was it right to celebrate VE day? Despite the current lockdown, Britain marked 75 years since the end of World War II in Europe with 1940s’ tea parties, sing-alongs, and bunting.
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Pandemic puts Olympics on hold
Organisers have postponed the Olympic Games due to the threat of the coronavirus. Now, they face the enormous challenge of rescheduling one of the largest sporting events in the world.
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Anger as protests in Hong Kong turn violent
Will China ever be a democracy? This week, thousands took to the streets of Hong Kong to protest a controversial new law. “The people’s voices are not being heard,” said one teenager.
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South Africans celebrate 25 years of freedom
Is Nelson Mandela’s work done? Twenty-five years ago, the hero activist was elected president, spelling an end to the racist apartheid era. However, South Africa is still deeply unequal.
- Conflict
- Reading Band 11