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Reading Passage for G8 Students

Avoiding a U.S. Government Shutdown

In Washington, D.C., lawmakers in the U.S. Congress are facing a major deadline. By September 30th, they must agree on and pass a new spending bill, or the government will run out of money. If this happens, many important government services could stop working.

The U.S. government follows strict rules about how it spends money. The U.S. Constitution says that the government can only spend money that Congress sets aside for specific things, like paying workers or funding programs. Every year, Congress has to pass a budget to make sure the government has the money it needs to keep running. This year, the new funding year starts on October 1st. If Congress doesn’t pass the spending bill by the end of September, many government workers may not get paid, and important services may shut down.

A shutdown means that non-essential government services will stop. For example, workers at national parks might have to stay home because there isn’t enough money to pay them. Other services, like renewing passports or applying for government benefits, might also stop until Congress passes the bill.

Federal workers, including people in the military, could have to work without getting paid. This would affect millions of people across the country. Many of these workers are worried because they rely on their paychecks to take care of their families.

The shutdown could also affect everyday people. Many services people use, like public parks or government buildings, might close. Programs that provide food assistance or health services could face delays. While some parts of the government, like emergency services, would still operate, a lot of day-to-day services could be put on hold.

Right now, lawmakers are working hard to reach an agreement. They are having discussions and debates to try to figure out how much money should be spent on different things. But not everyone agrees on the best way to spend the money. If they can’t come to a decision by the deadline, the government will shut down, and it could take a while before everything starts up again.

This isn’t the first time the U.S. has faced a government shutdown. In the past, shutdowns have caused problems for many people, and they can sometimes last for days or even weeks. The longer the shutdown, the more difficult it becomes for people who depend on government services.

Many people are worried about what might happen if Congress doesn’t reach an agreement in time. Workers are concerned about losing their pay, and families are nervous about how it could affect them. It’s a stressful situation, but there is still hope that a solution will be found before the deadline.

Vocabulary for G8 Students

1. Shutdown: When something stops operating or working.
   Example: The store had a temporary shutdown during the holidays.

2. Congress: The group of people who make laws in the United States.
   Example: Congress will decide on the new budget soon.

3. Spending Bill: A law that says how the government should use its money.
   Example: The spending bill will help fund schools and hospitals.

4. Federal: Relating to the national government of a country.
   Example: Federal workers help run important government services.

5. Budget: A plan for how to spend money.
   Example: The school made a budget to buy new computers.

6. Non-essential: Not absolutely necessary.
   Example: During the shutdown, non-essential services stopped working.

7. Debate: A discussion where people talk about different ideas.
   Example: The students had a debate about recycling at school.

8. Paycheck: The money workers receive for doing their jobs.
   Example: She uses her paycheck to pay for rent and food.

9. Deadline: The latest time by which something must be done.
   Example: The deadline for submitting homework is Friday.

10. Service: A system that provides something people need.
    Example: The postal service delivers letters and packages.

Grammar Focus

1. Simple Future Tense: Used to talk about events that will happen in the future.
   Example: If Congress doesn’t pass the spending bill, the government will shut down.

2. Conditionals (First Conditional): Used to talk about possible future events that depend on something else.
   Example: If Congress reaches an agreement, the government won’t shut down.

Synonym Match

Phrase Match

Gap Fill

A _______________(1) is approaching for the U.S. government. By September 30th, Congress must pass a _______________(2) bill, or the government will _______________(3). A shutdown means many _______________(4) workers may not get paid, and important _______________(5) may stop. Federal _______________(6) and services, like national parks, could close. Lawmakers are still debating, but people are worried about the impact on _______________(7) and government services.

1. _______________(1)
2. _______________(2)
3. _______________(3)
4. _______________(4)
5. _______________(5)
6. _______________(6)
7. _______________(7)

Answers:

1. Deadline
2. Spending
3. Shut down
4. Federal
5. Services
6. Workers
7. Citizens

Listening Exercise

1. What will happen if Congress doesn’t pass the spending bill by September 30th?
   A. The government will work as usual
   B. The government will shut down
   C. Workers will receive extra pay
   D. The government will spend more money

2. When does the new funding year for the government begin?
   A. September 30th
   B. October 1st
   C. January 1st
   D. July 1st

3. Who is affected if there is a government shutdown?
   A. Only military workers
   B. Only people in Washington D.C.
   C. Federal workers and the military
   D. Only non-essential workers

4. What kind of services stop during a shutdown?
   A. Essential services
   B. All services
   C. Non-essential services
   D. Only emergency services

5. Why are people worried about the government shutdown?
   A. Because they might get more work
   B. Because services they depend on might stop
   C. Because there will be more government spending
   D. Because the weather will be bad

Answers:

1. B
2. B
3. C
4. C
5. B

Speaking Exercises

1. Discussion: Talk with a partner about what might happen if a government shutdown occurs. How would it affect workers and families?
2. Role-play: Pretend you are a government worker. Explain to your friend how the shutdown might affect your job.
3. Presentation: Give a short presentation to your class about why a government budget is important.
4. Debate: In pairs, debate whether the government should prioritize workers’ pay or public services during a shutdown.
5. Discussion: What services do you think are the most important in your country? Why?

Reading Passage for G11 Students

The U.S. Faces Another Government Shutdown

In Washington, D.C., Congress is working against the clock to avoid a government shutdown. By September 30th, lawmakers in both the Senate and House of Representatives must agree on a new spending bill to fund the government. If they fail to reach an agreement, the government will shut down, leading to the suspension of non-essential services. This could have far-reaching consequences for millions of federal workers and the general public.

The U.S. Constitution sets clear rules about government spending: the federal government can only spend money that Congress has approved. This is known as the power of the purse. Each year, Congress must pass budget bills to allocate funds for various government operations and services. The current fiscal year ends on September 30th, and without a new spending bill, the government won’t have the necessary funds to continue its operations. If this happens, non-essential federal services will come to a halt.

During a shutdown, millions of federal employees, including military personnel, may have to work without receiving their paychecks. Non-essential workers could be furloughed, meaning they are temporarily sent home without pay. This could disrupt the lives of many workers who rely on their regular income to support their families. In addition, government services such as processing passports, renewing driver’s licenses, and even maintaining national parks could be suspended.

While emergency services and essential government functions, such as air traffic control and law enforcement, would continue to operate, many other services that people use every day would be put on hold. For instance, public health programs, educational funding, and environmental protection efforts might be delayed or reduced. This is particularly concerning for people who depend on government programs for food assistance or healthcare.

A government shutdown also creates significant uncertainty and worry. Federal workers and their families are not the only ones affected. The broader economy could suffer as businesses that rely on government contracts may lose work. Additionally, citizens who rely on government services might face delays or disruptions. Prolonged shutdowns have also been known to affect the country’s reputation internationally, as it demonstrates political instability and deadlock.

This situation has occurred before in U.S. history. The most recent government shutdown happened in 2018-2019, lasting for 35 days, the longest in history. It caused significant economic damage, and many workers struggled without pay during the holidays. The ripple effects were felt across multiple sectors, including tourism, where national parks and monuments were closed, and in public services, where routine applications and permits were delayed.

Currently, the situation in Washington remains tense, with lawmakers in intense negotiations to try to reach a compromise. However, both political parties have different ideas on how much money should be allocated to specific programs. One of the main points of contention is how to fund national defense, social programs, and infrastructure projects. If the two sides cannot agree, the U.S. will enter another shutdown, with uncertain consequences for millions of people.

As the deadline approaches, the public watches closely. The shutdown will not only affect federal employees but also the larger economy. Many fear that if this shutdown lasts for a significant amount of time, it could weaken public trust in the government’s ability to function effectively. For now, all eyes are on Congress as the clock ticks down to September 30th.

Vocabulary for G11 Students

1. Furlough: A temporary leave from work without pay.
   Example: Many government employees were placed on furlough during the shutdown.

2. Allocate: To distribute or set aside money or resources for a specific purpose.
   Example: Congress needs to allocate funds for healthcare and education.

3. Non-essential: Not absolutely necessary for the basic functions of the government.
   Example: During the shutdown, non-essential services like national parks are closed.

4. Fiscal Year: A 12-month period used for budgeting and accounting purposes.
   Example: The government’s fiscal year starts on October 1st and ends on September 30th.

5. Power of the Purse: The ability of Congress to control government spending.
   Example: Congress holds the power of the purse, which means they decide how federal money is spent.

6. Political Deadlock: A situation where two sides are unable to agree, preventing progress.
   Example: The political deadlock between the parties has made it difficult to pass the spending bill.

7. Suspend: To temporarily stop something from continuing.
   Example: The government had to suspend services during the shutdown.

8. Essential Services: Services that are critical to the functioning of the government and society, such as emergency services.
   Example: Air traffic control is considered an essential service, so it continues during a shutdown.

9. Reputation: The beliefs or opinions that are generally held about someone or something.
   Example: A government shutdown can damage a country’s international reputation.

10. Compromise: An agreement reached between two sides where each side makes concessions.
    Example: Both political parties must reach a compromise to pass the spending bill.

Grammar Focus

1. Complex Sentences: Sentences that contain at least one independent clause and one dependent clause.
   Example: If Congress fails to pass the bill, then the government will shut down.

2. Passive Voice: When the subject of the sentence receives the action.
   Example: Many services are suspended during a government shutdown.

Synonym Match

Phrase Match

Gap Fill

Congress has a _______________(1) to pass a spending bill by September 30th, or the government will enter a _______________(2). If this happens, _______________(3) services will stop, and millions of federal workers may be placed on _______________(4). The last time the U.S. faced this situation was in 2018, and the shutdown _______________(5) for 35 days. Lawmakers are currently debating how to _______________(6) funds for important programs, but _______________(7) has made it difficult to reach an agreement.

1. _______________(1)
2. _______________(2)
3. _______________(3)
4. _______________(4)
5. _______________(5)
6. _______________(6)
7. _______________(7)

Answers:

1. Deadline
2. Shutdown
3. Non-essential
4. Furlough
5. Lasted
6. Allocate
7. Political deadlock

Listening Exercise

1. What is the deadline for Congress to pass the spending bill?
   A. September 30th
   B. October 1st
   C. November 1st
   D. December 31st

2. What happens to non-essential workers during a government shutdown?
   A. They keep working as usual
   B. They receive extra pay
   C. They are furloughed without pay
   D. They are transferred to new jobs

3. Which government services remain active during a shutdown?
   A. Non-essential services
   B. Essential services
   C. Public parks and museums
   D. All services

4. What is one of the main points of disagreement between lawmakers?
   A. How to fund national defense
   B. When to hold elections
   C. How to increase taxes
   D. How to improve education

5. What is the longest government shutdown in U.S. history?
   A. 5 days
   B. 14 days
   C. 35 days
   D. 45 days

Answers:

1. A
2. C
3. B
4. A
5. C

Speaking Exercises

1. Discussion: In groups, discuss how a government shutdown could affect different parts of society. What are the short-term and long-term effects?
2. Debate: Hold a debate about whether government workers should continue working without pay during a shutdown.
3. Role-play: One student plays a government worker, and the other plays a lawmaker. The worker explains their worries, and the lawmaker responds.
4. Presentation: Research and present a case study of a previous government shutdown and its impact on the economy.
5. Discussion: How can governments avoid shutdowns? Share your ideas with the class.