News About President Putin and Other Leaders

Introduction

People are talking about President Putin's health. They also talk about his meetings with other leaders.

Main Body

President Putin went to a parade on May 9. Some people say he looks old and sick. The parade was smaller than before. There were fewer tanks and guns. The government showed videos of the President with people. They want to show he is healthy and safe. But some reports say these meetings were not real. They say the people in the videos were not strangers. Robert Fico is the leader of Slovakia. He went to the parade in Moscow. He is the only leader from the European Union there. Slovakia needs oil from Russia, so he wants to be friendly.

Conclusion

The Russian government says the President is strong. Other people say he is sick and weak.

Learning

⚡ Comparing Things

In the text, we see how to describe a change or a difference using -er than. This is a key skill for A2 learners to describe the world.

The Pattern: SmallSmaller than

From the story:

  • "The parade was smaller than before."

How to use it: When you compare two things, add -er to the short word and use than.

  • Old → Older than
  • Fast → Faster than
  • Cold → Colder than

Quick Logic: Thing A + is + Adjective-er + than + Thing B.

Example: "The city is bigger than the village."

Vocabulary Learning

parade (n.)
a public procession for celebration
Example:The school held a parade to welcome the new principal.
parade
a public procession with marching and music
Example:The parade had many soldiers marching in line.
tanks (n.)
large armored military vehicles
Example:The army's tanks moved across the field during the drill.
tanks
large armored vehicles used by armies
Example:The parade was smaller because there were fewer tanks.
guns (n.)
weapons that fire bullets
Example:The museum displayed antique guns from the 19th century.
guns
weapons that shoot bullets
Example:The parade had fewer guns than before.
government (n.)
the group that runs a country
Example:The government announced new health policies.
videos
recorded moving pictures that can be played
Example:The government showed videos of the President.
videos (n.)
recordings shown on screens
Example:She watched videos of the concert online.
leader
a person who directs or manages a group or country
Example:Robert Fico is the leader of Slovakia.
health
the state of being free from illness
Example:The government wants to show he is healthy.
leader (n.)
a person who guides others
Example:The leader spoke about future plans.
union (n.)
an organization of workers or countries
Example:The union negotiated better wages.
meetings
gatherings where people discuss or talk
Example:The meetings were not real, according to reports.
oil (n.)
a liquid used for fuel
Example:Cars need oil to run smoothly.
reports
statements that give information about something
Example:The reports say the meetings were not real.
friendly (adj.)
kind and welcoming
Example:The host was friendly and helpful.
friendly
kind and pleasant towards others
Example:He wants to be friendly with Russia.
strong (adj.)
powerful or healthy
Example:He lifted the heavy box because he was strong.
strong
having power or good health
Example:The Russian government says the President is strong.
weak (adj.)
lacking strength or health
Example:After the illness, she felt weak.
weak
lacking power or good health
Example:Other people say he is weak.
health (n.)
the state of being well
Example:Regular exercise improves health.
meetings (n.)
gatherings to discuss
Example:They had meetings to plan the event.
reports (n.)
statements of facts
Example:The reports showed the company's growth.
real (adj.)
actually existing, not fake
Example:This is a real diamond.
strangers (n.)
people you do not know
Example:Strangers were waiting at the station.
Russia (n.)
a country in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia
Example:Russia is known for its vast forests.
Moscow (n.)
capital city of Russia
Example:Moscow is famous for the Red Square.
Europe (n.)
a continent in the northern hemisphere
Example:Europe has many historic cities.