Learn English FREE with Trancy & CNN 10 | Debate Night In America

G8 Level Reading Passage:

Story Title: The First Presidential Debate of 2024

This year, the first big debate for the U.S. presidential election will be between Vice President Kamala Harris, representing the Democrats, and former President Donald Trump, from the Republican Party. This debate is very important because it gives the candidates a chance to share their ideas with the public. The debate will be held in Philadelphia and will last for 90 minutes.

There are some special rules for this debate to ensure fairness. First, neither candidate is allowed to bring pre-written notes to the stage, though they can take notes while the debate is going on. Their staff members will not be able to help them during the debate, even during the commercial breaks. Another important rule is that the candidates cannot interrupt each other when the other is speaking. These rules are meant to make sure that the debate stays respectful and focused on the important issues.

Debates like this one help voters understand the plans of each candidate. As the election draws closer, this debate will be one of the key moments where both Harris and Trump can explain why they should be the next President of the United States.

Vocabulary

1. Debate: A formal discussion where people express different opinions. Example: "The debate between the two candidates was broadcast on TV."
2. Candidate: A person who is trying to be elected. Example: "Kamala Harris is a candidate for president."
3. Interrupt: To stop someone from speaking by talking over them. Example: "It is rude to interrupt someone while they are talking."
4. Fairness: Treating everyone equally and without favoritism. Example: "The rules are designed to ensure fairness in the debate."
5. Commercial break: A pause in a television program for advertisements. Example: "During the commercial break, the candidates take a short rest."

Grammar Focus

1. Present Continuous Tense: Used to describe actions happening right now. Example: "The candidates are preparing for the debate."
2. Modals for Obligation (must, should): Expresses rules or necessity. Example: "Candidates must not interrupt each other."

Synonym Match

Phrase Match

Gap Fill

The first big debate of the 2024 election will be between Vice President ___________(1) Harris and former President Donald ___________(2). It will be held in ___________(3) and last for 90 minutes. Some special ___________(4) include no pre-written ___________(5), and no ___________(6) while the other person is speaking. The debate helps voters understand the ___________(7) of each candidate.

Answers: (1) Kamala, (2) Trump, (3) Philadelphia, (4) rules, (5) notes, (6) interruptions, (7) ideas.

G11 Level Reading Passage:

Story Title: The Crucial First Presidential Debate of 2024

On September 10, 2024, the United States will witness the first major presidential debate between two prominent political figures: Vice President Kamala Harris, representing the Democratic Party, and former President Donald Trump, the Republican candidate. The debate, which is seen as a significant event in the lead-up to the election, will be held in Philadelphia. Lasting for 90 minutes, it will give both candidates the opportunity to outline their policies, address critical issues, and appeal directly to voters on national television.

What makes this debate particularly noteworthy are the strict rules that both candidates must follow. To maintain fairness, neither candidate is permitted to bring any pre-written notes onto the stage, though they are allowed to jot down notes during the debate. Additionally, their campaign staff members will not be able to communicate with them during the commercial breaks, a measure intended to ensure that the debate remains solely between the two participants. Another key rule is the prohibition of interruptions—when one candidate is speaking, the other must wait their turn to respond.

This debate offers a crucial platform for both Harris and Trump to present their visions for the country’s future. As the election campaign intensifies, debates like this one allow voters to compare the candidates' ideas and leadership styles directly. Many analysts believe that how candidates perform in these debates can sway undecided voters and potentially change the trajectory of the election. With high stakes and national attention, this debate could play a pivotal role in determining the next President of the United States.

Vocabulary

1. Prominent: Well-known or important. Example: "Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are both prominent figures in U.S. politics."
2. Appeal: To attract or interest someone. Example: "The candidates hope to appeal to undecided voters during the debate."
3. Prohibition: The act of not allowing something. Example: "The prohibition of interruptions ensures that each candidate can speak without being disrupted."
4. Undecided: Not having made a decision. Example: "Many undecided voters will be watching the debate closely."
5. Trajectory: The path or direction that something is moving. Example: "The debate could change the trajectory of the election."

Grammar Focus

1. Relative Clauses: These clauses provide additional information about a noun. Example: "The debate, which will last for 90 minutes, is a key moment in the election."
2. Passive Voice: Used to emphasize the action rather than the subject. Example: "The debate will be held in Philadelphia."

Synonym Match

Phrase Match

Gap Fill

On September 10, 2024, Vice President Kamala ___________(1) and former President Donald ___________(2) will participate in a 90-minute debate in ___________(3). Both candidates will follow strict ___________(4) to ensure fairness. They are not allowed to bring ___________(5) notes to the stage, and their ___________(6) staff cannot communicate with them during commercial breaks. The ___________(7) of interruptions will help maintain respect between the candidates. This debate could greatly influence ___________(8) voters as they decide who to support.

Answers: (1) Harris, (2) Trump, (3) Philadelphia, (4) rules, (5) pre-written, (6) campaign, (7) prohibition, (8) undecided.

University Level Reading Passage:

Story Title: The High-Stakes First Presidential Debate of 2024

The political landscape in the United States is set to witness a defining moment on September 10, 2024, when Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate, and former President Donald Trump, representing the Republican Party, engage in their first official presidential debate. This 90-minute event, hosted in Philadelphia, is poised to be a significant milestone in the 2024 presidential race. With millions of Americans watching, the debate provides a crucial opportunity for both candidates to present their policies, contrast their visions for the country, and persuade the undecided electorate.

Several unique rules govern this debate, adding an extra layer of complexity. Both candidates are prohibited from bringing any pre-written notes onto the stage, ensuring that they must rely solely on their knowledge and quick thinking. However, they are allowed to take notes during the debate itself. Additionally, the candidates' campaign staff members are barred from interacting with them during commercial breaks, which removes any opportunity for mid-debate coaching or adjustments. Perhaps the most impactful rule is that no interruptions will be tolerated; when one candidate is speaking, the other must wait until it is their turn to respond. These rules are designed to keep the debate civil, focused, and fair.

The debate is anticipated to cover a wide range of pressing national issues, from economic policy to foreign relations. As Harris and Trump go head-to-head, their performance could either solidify or undermine their standing among voters. Historically, presidential debates have had the power to sway public opinion, particularly among undecided or swing voters. The outcome of this debate could, therefore, play a decisive role in shaping the overall trajectory of the election.

For Kamala Harris, this debate represents an opportunity to emphasize her experience as Vice President and her policies aimed at continuing the work of the current administration. For Donald Trump, this is a chance to reassert his leadership after his previous term, focusing on a message of change and contrast with the status quo. As each candidate prepares to face tough questions and direct challenges, voters will be closely watching not just what they say, but how they handle the pressure of a live, unscripted debate.

Vocabulary

1. Milestone: A significant event or stage in the development of something. Example: "This debate is a major milestone in the 2024 election campaign."
2. Electorate: All the people in a country or area who are entitled to vote. Example: "The candidates are aiming to win over the undecided electorate."
3. Barred: Officially prevented from doing something. Example: "Staff members are barred from communicating with the candidates during the debate."
4. Trajectory: The direction and path of something over time. Example: "The debate could change the trajectory of the election."
5. Civility: Formal politeness and courtesy in behavior or speech. Example: "The rules are intended to maintain civility between the candidates."

Grammar Focus

1. Complex Sentences: These sentences include one or more dependent clauses, adding sophistication and detail to the passage. Example: "As the candidates take the stage, their performance will be scrutinized by millions of viewers, many of whom remain undecided."
2. Subjunctive Mood: Used to express hypotheticals or things contrary to reality. Example: "If Trump were to dominate the debate, it could shift the election's trajectory."

Synonym Match

Phrase Match

Gap Fill

On September 10, 2024, Vice President Kamala ___________(1) and former President Donald ___________(2) will engage in their first presidential debate in ___________(3). This event, lasting ___________(4) minutes, is expected to shape the trajectory of the 2024 election. The debate is governed by strict ___________(5) that prohibit the use of pre-written ___________(6) and ban staff interactions during ___________(7) breaks. Additionally, interruptions are not allowed, ensuring that both candidates can speak without ___________(8). This debate provides a critical platform for the candidates to outline their ___________(9) on key national issues, which will likely influence undecided and swing ___________(10).

Answers: (1) Harris, (2) Trump, (3) Philadelphia, (4) 90, (5) rules, (6) notes, (7) commercial, (8) disruption, (9) policies, (10) voters.