Listening Comprehension: News Broadcasts Flashcards

A news anchor states: 'The embargo, in place for over two decades, was lifted following years of diplomatic negotiations.' What changed regarding the embargo?

Answer: The embargo was ended after diplomatic negotiations

Lifted means removed or ended; the embargo is no longer in effect following negotiations.

A radio report says: 'The whistleblower leaked classified documents to the press, revealing alleged corruption within the ministry.' What did the whistleblower do?

Answer: Gave secret government documents to journalists

Leaking classified documents to the press means providing secret government information to journalists for publication.

A news broadcast reports: 'The military exercise, involving over twenty thousand troops from six nations, concluded without incident.' What does 'without incident' mean?

Answer: The exercise finished smoothly with no problems

Without incident is a standard phrase meaning the event concluded normally with no unexpected problems or accidents.

A broadcaster says: 'The United Nations issued a strongly worded condemnation of the attacks but stopped short of authorizing military intervention.' What action did the UN take?

Answer: The UN condemned the attacks but did not authorize military force

'Stopped short of authorizing military intervention' means the UN issued a verbal condemnation but did not approve armed action.

A news report states: 'The dissident was released after serving five years in prison under an international prisoner exchange agreement.' How was the dissident freed?

Answer: The dissident was freed as part of a prisoner exchange

The broadcast explicitly states the dissident was released under an international prisoner exchange agreement.

A news segment reports: 'The central government deployed additional security forces to the province amid reports of separatist activity.' Why were forces sent to the province?

Answer: To respond to reported separatist activity

The broadcast states forces were deployed 'amid reports of separatist activity,' making that the stated reason.

A broadcaster announces: 'The annual defense budget was increased by fifteen percent, with the majority allocated to modernizing the air force.' Where will most of the increased funding go?

Answer: Air force modernization

The broadcast states the majority of the budget increase is allocated to modernizing the air force.