Nauru Wants a New Name

May 13, 2026, 03:55

Introduction

The leaders of Nauru want to change the name of their country to Naoero. The people will vote on this change soon.

Main Body

President David Adeang started this plan in January. He says the name 'Nauru' is from old foreign leaders. He wants the name 'Naoero' because it is the local language. In the past, Germany and other countries controlled Nauru. The country became free in 1968. For many years, people took phosphate from the ground. This made the country rich at first. Now, the land in the middle of the island is broken and people cannot live there.

Conclusion

Now, the people of the country must vote to make the name change official.

Learning

🛠 The 'Past vs. Now' Switch

Look at how the story changes time. To reach A2, you need to move between Past and Present.

1. The 'Right Now' (Present)

The leaders want...
He says...
People cannot live... → Use these for things that are true today.

2. The 'Back Then' (Past)

President Adeang started...
Germany controlled...
The country became...
This made the country rich... → Notice the -ed ending? That is the signal for the past.

💡 Quick Word Swap

Now (Present)	Then (Past)
is $\rightarrow$	was
make $\rightarrow$	made
want $\rightarrow$	wanted

Vocabulary Learning

leaders (n.)

People who are in charge of a group or organization

Example:The leaders of Nauru are discussing a new name.

country (n.)

A nation with its own government and borders

Example:Nauru is a small country in the Pacific.

vote (v.)

To choose or decide by casting a ballot

Example:The people will vote on the new name soon.

change (v.)

To make something different

Example:They want to change the name of their country.

plan (n.)

An idea or scheme for doing something

Example:President Adeang started this plan in January.

free (adj.)

Not controlled by others; independent

Example:The country became free in 1968.

rich (adj.)

Having a lot of wealth or resources

Example:The phosphate made the country rich at first.