Problems Between the USA and Mexico

Introduction

The USA and Mexico are angry with each other. They disagree about drugs and secret spies.

Main Body

The USA says some Mexican leaders help drug gangs. They say Governor Rubén Rocha Moya is a criminal. Mexico says this is not true. Mexico wants to protect its own laws. Some people say the USA sent secret spies into Mexico. They say the CIA killed a gang leader with a bomb. Mexico says this is a lie. The USA says it might send soldiers if Mexico does not stop the drugs. Mexico needs to trade with the USA for money. This is a big problem. Mexico might have to do what the USA wants to keep the money and trade.

Conclusion

The two countries are still fighting. The USA wants to stop drugs, and Mexico wants to protect its country.

Learning

The 'Who says what' Pattern

In this text, we see people arguing. To talk about opinions in English, we use: [Person] + says + [Information].

Examples from the story:

  • The USA says some leaders help gangs.
  • Mexico says this is not true.
  • People say the USA sent spies.

Quick Rule: When you tell me what another person thinks, use SAYS.

  • I say... \rightarrow He says... \rightarrow They say...

Helpful Words for Conflict

If you want to describe a fight between two people or countries, use these simple words:

  1. Angry (Feeling bad/mad)
  2. Disagree (To have different ideas)
  3. Lie (Something that is not true)

Vocabulary Learning

USA
The United States of America, a country in North America.
Example:The USA has many big cities like New York and Los Angeles.
angry (adj.)
Feeling strong annoyance or displeasure
Example:The teacher was angry when the student broke the rule.
Mexico
A country in North America, south of the USA.
Example:Mexico is known for its delicious tacos and beautiful beaches.
disagree (v.)
To have a different opinion or not agree
Example:I disagree with the idea that we should stay home.
angry
Feeling strong annoyance or displeasure.
Example:She was angry when she saw the mess in her room.
drugs (n.)
Substances that can change how the body works
Example:The police are trying to stop the sale of illegal drugs.
disagree
To have a different opinion or view.
Example:I disagree with you about the best way to solve the problem.
secret (adj.)
Not known or shown to others
Example:She kept a secret about her surprise party.
drugs
Medicines or illegal substances that affect the body.
Example:The police stopped the sale of illegal drugs in the market.
spy (n.)
A person who secretly gathers information
Example:The spy reported back to his organization.
secret
Something hidden or kept unknown.
Example:He kept a secret about his birthday party.
leader (n.)
A person who guides or directs others
Example:The new leader spoke to the team about the plan.
spies
People who secretly watch or gather information.
Example:The spies watched the meeting from outside the building.
gang (n.)
A group of people who do illegal activities together
Example:The police arrested the gang for vandalism.
leaders
People who guide or direct a group.
Example:The leaders of the school organized a charity event.
criminal (adj.)
Related to a person who breaks the law
Example:The criminal was caught by the police.
help
To give assistance or support.
Example:Can you help me carry these boxes?
law (n.)
A rule that people must follow
Example:It is illegal to drive without a license.
criminal
A person who breaks the law.
Example:The criminal was caught by the police.
soldier (n.)
A person who serves in the army
Example:The soldier helped protect the border.
laws
Rules made by a government to control behavior.
Example:The new laws will protect the environment.
trade (v.)
To buy and sell goods with another country or person
Example:They trade apples for oranges.
sent
To send or dispatch someone or something.
Example:She sent a letter to her friend in Spain.
money (n.)
Currency used to buy goods and services
Example:She saved money for her future.
killed
To cause death.
Example:The bomb killed many people in the city.
problem (n.)
A situation that is difficult or causes worry
Example:The broken window is a problem that needs fixing.
bomb
An explosive device used for destruction.
Example:The bomb exploded during the parade.
fight (v.)
To argue or compete with someone
Example:They fought over who would get the last slice.
lie
A false statement that is not true.
Example:He told a lie about finishing his homework.
stop (v.)
To end something or prevent it from happening
Example:Please stop making noise in the library.
soldiers
People who serve in the army.
Example:Soldiers protect the country from danger.
protect (v.)
To keep safe from harm or danger
Example:The shield protects the soldier from bullets.
trade
The exchange of goods or services.
Example:The two countries will trade apples for oranges.
country (n.)
A nation with its own government and borders
Example:France is a beautiful country in Europe.
money
Currency used to buy goods or services.
Example:She saved her money in a piggy bank.
problem
A difficult situation that needs a solution.
Example:The broken window is a problem for the house.
keep
To hold or maintain something.
Example:Please keep the door closed when it rains.
country
A nation with its own government.
Example:Canada is a country in the north.
fight
To struggle or argue.
Example:The children fought over the last cookie.
stop
To end or halt an action.
Example:Please stop shouting in the library.
protect
To keep safe from harm.
Example:We should protect the environment.
needs
Things that are necessary.
Example:The baby needs milk and a blanket.
might
Expresses possibility.
Example:It might rain tomorrow.
have
To possess or own.
Example:I have a red bike.
do
To perform an action.
Example:What do you want to eat for dinner?
still
Even now; continuing.
Example:The baby is still sleeping.
two
The number after one.
Example:I have two cats.
countries
Plural of country.
Example:France and Spain are two European countries.