Grammar Point 1: Reported Speech

When reporting what someone said, we often change the tense and pronouns. For example:

• Direct: "Negotiations for an Iran deal are largely complete"
• Reported: He claimed that negotiations for an Iran deal were largely complete

Grammar Point 2: Present Perfect vs Past Simple

Use present perfect for actions that started in the past and continue to the present, or past actions with present relevance:

• Present perfect: "Refugees have claimed..." (the claiming started and continues)
• Past simple: "Gabbard resigned..." (completed action in the past)

Vocabulary Exercises (5 questions)

1. The authorities are investigating the incident. What does "authorities" mean?
   1. A) Witnesses
   2. B) Officials with power
   3. C) Journalists
   4. D) Victims
2. She resigned from her position yesterday. What does "resigned" mean?
   1. A) Was fired
   2. B) Voluntarily left
   3. C) Was promoted
   4. D) Took a vacation
3. The situation has become more heightened. What does "heightened" mean?
   1. A) Reduced
   2. B) Stayed the same
   3. C) Increased
   4. D) Confused
4. Americans are urged to remain vigilant. What does "vigilant" mean?
   1. A) Careless
   2. B) Relaxed
   3. C) Careful watchful
   4. D) Unaware
5. The coach made tactical changes. What does "tactical" mean?
   1. A) Random
   2. B) Related to planning
   3. C) Expensive
   4. D) Unnecessary

Grammar Exercises (5 questions)

1. Choose the correct reported speech:
   Direct: "Negotiations are largely complete"
   A) He said that negotiations are largely complete
   B) He said that negotiations were largely complete
   C) He said that negotiations will be largely complete
   D) He said that negotiations has been largely complete
2. Choose the correct verb form:
   Gabbard ______ from her position last week.
   A) resign
   B) resigns
   C) resigned
   D) resigning
3. Choose the correct tense:
   Refugees ______ that they were transferred to ICE.
   A) claim
   B) claims
   C) claimed
   D) claiming
4. Choose the correct form:
   The US embassy has ______ a warning.
   A) issue
   B) issues
   C) issued
   D) issuing
5. Choose the correct form:
   The coach ______ up Gio Reyna for the World Cup.
   A) call
   B) calls
   C) called
   D) calling

Reading Comprehension (5 questions)

1. What does Trump claim about the Iran deal?
   1. A) It has failed completely
   2. B) It is largely negotiated and includes reopening Strait of Hormuz
   3. C) It needs more time
   4. D) It is unrelated to Hormuz
2. Why did Gabbard resign?
   1. A) For personal reasons
   2. B) Due to differences over national security policy
   3. C) To run for office
   4. D) Because of health issues
3. What are refugees claiming about Canada?
   1. A) Canada is helping them stay
   2. B) Canada is transferring them to ICE
   3. C) Canada is providing jobs
   4. D) Canada is ignoring them
4. What warning did the US embassy in Kyiv issue?
   1. A) About economic sanctions
   2. B) About a potential air attack in Ukraine
   3. C) About visa restrictions
   4. D) About travel bans
5. What change was made to the US World Cup roster?
   1. A) Added Diego Luna, removed Gio Reyna
   2. B) Added Gio Reyna, removed Diego Luna
   3. C) No changes made
   4. D) Entire team replaced

Vocabulary Answers

1. B) Officials with power
2. B) Voluntarily left
3. C) Increased
4. C) Careful watchful
5. B) Related to planning

Grammar Answers

1. B) He said that negotiations were largely complete
2. C) resigned
3. C) claimed
4. C) issued
5. C) called

Reading Comprehension Answers

1. B) It is largely negotiated and includes reopening Strait of Hormuz
2. B) Due to differences over national security policy
3. B) Canada is transferring them to ICE
4. B) About a potential air attack in Ukraine
5. B) Added Gio Reyna, removed Diego Luna