Easy English News May 07

Elizabeth Claire’ s Easy English

NEWS

May 2007

See page 10 for prices and ordering information.

Volume XII Number 9

They all want to be President Maybe more!

Democratic candidates*, left to right: Chris Dodd, Senator* from Connecticut; Barack Obama, Senator from Illinois; Dennis Kucinich, Congressman* from Ohio, Bill Richardson, Governor of New Mexico; Joe Biden, Senator from Delaware; Hillary Clinton, Senator from New York; John Edwards, former Senator from North Carolina.

Republican* candidates: Duncan Hunter, Congressman from California; Mike Huckabee, former Governor of Arkansas; Ron Paul, Congressman from Texas; John McCain, Senator from Arizona; Samuel D. Brownback, Senator from Kansas; Mitt Romney, former* Governor of Massachusetts; Fred Dalton Thompson, former Senator from Tennessee; Tommy Thomson, former Governor of Wisconsin.(More on page 11) Have you seen these faces in the news? These are some of the people Words in black print with a star (*) are in WORD HELP on page 12.

who want to be the next President of the United States. George W. Bush will be President

of the U.S. until January 20, 2009. That’s a year and a half from now. These people are hoping to take his place. But first, they must win the general election* November 4, 2008.

Life in the U.S.A.

(continued on page 11)

Preparing for disaster* You may never be in a disaster. But if you are, do you know what to do? You’ll be safer if you have a plan. It’s easier to think of what to do when you are not in danger.

What’s Inside? What’s Inside? Events in May ......................2, 3 This Is Your Page ................... 4 Ask Elizabeth ......................... 5 Citizenship Test Questions ..... 5 Heroes and History The U.S. in World War II ...6, 7 Idiom Corner .......................... 8 Funny Stuff ............................. 8 Effects of the War ................... 9 Crossword Puzzle .................. 9 Sudoku .................................. 9 Answers to Quiz and Puzzles .11 Let’s Talk About It ..................11 Word Help ............................ 12

The first day in May is now called “Disaster Preparation* Day”. It’s a time for families to talk about plans for emergencies. It’s a time to think about things you may need in an emergency*. Different natural disasters may happen in different areas of the country at different times of the year. For example, hurricane season is June 1 to November 30. Hurricanes hit states on the East Coast and on the Gulf Coast. Tornado* season begins in early spring. Tornados may happen anywhere. The areas most in danger are the south central states. This area of the country is called “tornado alley.” (continued on page 10)

A woman helps her husband put boards over their windows when they hear that a hurricane may hit their area. Photo: Bigstock photos

Page2 Easy English NEWS

May 2007

Events May Day In England and in the United States, May Day (May 1) was a day to welcome spring. In other parts of the world, May 1 is International Workers Day. The word “mayday” is a code word* for disaster*. May first is now “Disaster Preparation* Day.” Read about preparing for a disaster on page 1.

How did May Day get to be a word for disaster? It has nothing to do with the date. It is the way Americans pronounce the French code word “m’aider” (to help me). This code word is used when a ship, plane, car or person needs immediate help because of a crash, or sinking of a ship. It is spoken three times: mayday mayday mayday!

Asian and Pacific-Islander Heritage Month Today, there are 11.9 million Asian Americans and Pacific-Island Americans in the U.S. That’s 4.2% of the U.S. population*. May is the month to learn about the history and contributions* of these Americans. The terms include* people who come from China, Japan, Korea, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tibet, Nepal, the Philippines, and islands of the Pacific Ocean. The first Asians to come to the U.S. were Chinese workers in 1850. These men did the back-breaking work of building the western half of America’s first transcontinental* railroad. Around 1890, Japanese came to the U.S.to escape hunger in Japan. They settled in Hawaii, California, Washington, and Oregon. Many became farmers. At first, Asians in America did not have the same rights as other immigrants. Some states had laws that said Asians could not own land. They could never become citizens. There was discrimination* against them for jobs and places to live. A law forbade* new immigration from Asia.

Chinese dancers perform. All Photos by Bill Branson courtesy U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Linda Fang, a Chinese storyteller, tells a tale from her collection of traditional favorites.

In 1941, the U.S. was in a war with Japan. The U.S. government was afraid that Japan would invade* the West Coast. They were afraid that Japanese Americans would help Japan. The government ordered all Japanese in western states to leave their homes. They moved them to internment camps*. These Japanese Americans lost their homes, land, and businesses. They had to stay in the internment camps until the war with Japan was over. However, they did not resist*. They wanted to show that they were patriotic* American citizens. Many of the men joined the U.S. Army. They fought in Italy and Germany. Japanese-American servicemen* helped American commanders in the Pacific war learn more about Japanese plans.

Forty years later, the U.S. government apologized* for the unfair treatment to its own citizens. In 1990, the government paid reparations* to the Japanese Americans who had been in those camps. In 1965, immigration laws were changed. Asians were again allowed to come to the U.S. Then the Asian population in the U.S. began to grow rapidly. Asians in the U.S. today Asian culture was influenced* by the great teacher Confucius (551-478 B.C.). Confucius taught that education is very important. As a group, Asian Americans have the highest level of education in the U.S.

Visitors try the Japanese art of flower arranging.

Chinese immigrants brought many forms of cooking. Almost every town in the U.S. has a Chinese restaurant. Americans have also learned to enjoy Japanese food such as sushi, tofu, and teriyaki style cooking. Many towns have schools for karate, kung fu, aikido, and other Asian self-defense sports. From 1999 to 2003, the Army’s Chief of Staff* was Japanese American General Eric Shinseki. There are five Asian Americans in Congress. During this month, schools and organizations hold Asian heritage festivals*. Asianand Pacific-Island Americans demonstrate* and share their arts, crafts, music, sports, and other parts of their cultures.

General Eric Shinseki, Top U.S. Army Officer, 1999-2003

Visitors to an Asian Festival sample foods from the Philippines, China, Japan, Korea, India and Thailand.

May 2007

Easy English NEWS Page 3

in May Cinco de Mayo Cinco de Mayo (the Fifth of May) is an important holiday for Mexican Americans. It celebrates a day of courage* and victory* in Mexico. In 1862, the Mexican army stopped the invasion* of Napoleon II of France. There was a long battle* in the town of Puebla. Four thousand Mexican soldiers kept Mexico free. They defeated the French army that was twice* as large. In Mexico and in the southwestern

part of the United States, people celebrate Cinco de Mayo with parades, carnivals*, street fairs*, and festivals with food, fun and dancing. There are fireworks and make-believe* battles. Schools have special programs to learn about Mexican culture and history. Not long ago, most Americans did not know about Cinco de Mayo unless they lived in the Southwest. Today, Mexican Americans have moved to many places around the country. This happy holiday came with them.

Mother’s Day In 1907, a Philadelphia teacher named Anna Jarvis asked the government to create* a special day to honor mothers. She hoped that Mother’s Day would make families stronger. She hoped that children would learn to appreciate* the things their mothers did for

President Bush with Mexican American folk dancers at the White House, on Cinco de Mayo, 2005. Photo courtesy Whitehouse.gov

Royal* visitors Queen Elizabeth of England and her husband, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, will visit the U.S. from May 3 to May 8. They will be in Virginia to commemorate* the 400th anniversary* of the Jamestown Settlement*. Jamestown was the first permanent* English colony* in America. (See Easy English NEWS, September 2006.) After that, they will go to see the Kentucky Derby*. Finally, they will go to Washington, D.C. to visit President and Mrs. Bush.

them. At the first Mother’s Day celebration in 1908, Miss Jarvis gave people white carnations*. It was her mother’s favorite flower. Today, red carnations mean that a person’s mother is living. White carnations

May 19 is Armed Forces* Day. It’s a day to appreciate* the men and women who work in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. Their job is to protect the United States and its people, around the world.

mean that a person’s mother has passed away*. Many people do something special for their mothers on the second Sunday of May. They write a letter of thanks or they bring her flowers. Children often do mother’s jobs for her on this day. Someone else cooks for Mom on this day. People call their mothers if they are far away. Stores have sales of special gifts for mothers. Restaurants are very busy on Mother’s Day.

Today, the United States Armed Forces are all volunteers*. However, all young men in the United States between the ages of 18 and 25 must register* with Selective Service*. They will not be drafted*, but the country must know who can be called on in case of emergency. Laura Chan and her Mom, Thea. Photo by Savath Chan

Memorial Day Memorial Day is the last Monday in May. On this day, people remember and honor* the men and women who died in U.S. wars. There are parades and speeches. People bring flowers and flags to the graves* of dead soldiers. Americans are taught to remember that freedom is not free. It is paid for with the sacrifices* of our soldiers. Many thousands of people died for our right to live in a democracy. Read about the most important war of the 20th century–World War II (Two), on pages 6 and 7.

Armed Forces Day

Grave of a soldier, decorated with an American flag

At any Post Office, ask for a Selective Service registration form. Fill out the form and sign your name. Mail it. You can also register on the Internet, at www.sss.gov.

United States Wars Revolutionary War (War of Independence) 1775-1783 War of 1812 (against England) 1812-1814 War with Mexico 1846-1848 Civil War (North against South) 1861-1865 Indian Wars 1817-1898 Spanish-American War 1898 World War I (One) 1917-1918 World War II (Two) 1941-1945 Korean Conflict* 1950-1953 War in Vietnam 1964-1975 First Gulf War 1991 War in Kosovo (with NATO) 1996-1999 Second Gulf War (in Iraq) 2002-present War in Afghanistan 2001 - present “Global War on Terror*” 2001 - present

Page 4 Easy English NEWS

May 2007

This is your page One way When I first arrived in this country, I went with my daughter to visit the Pennsylvania State Capitol* Building in Harrisburg. I saw a sign on many streets. It said “One Way.” I didn’t know what that meant. I asked my daughter, (in Spanish) “Does every street have the same name here?” “Are you serious?” she answered. “Those are the directions for the cars. They may only go in one direction on these streets.” Irma Larin Harrisburg, PA (Cuba)

Where’s my money?

After five or six minutes, I went Day of Victory and to the office. I complained* that my first kiss the vending machine had cheated* me. It should have given It was 62 years ago, but I me back $2.20, but it only gave remember this time as if it were me seventy cents. yesterday. The Second World War was going on. It seemed it would The clerk told me to show him the money I got from the machine. never end. Everyday thousands of He showed me that the two bigger our soldiers died in battle. We coins were dollars and the smaller Russians lived very hard lives, ones were dimes. So it was equal without enough food, clothes, places to live, fuel*, or electricity. to two dollars and twenty cents. I was 19. We girls didn’t have I felt like an idiot*. I had never boyfriends because so many boys seen a dollar coin before. I am 75 died in the war. (More than 20 years old and don’t wear glasses. million Russians died in this war.) The dollar coin is about the same My friends and I were very size as a quarter and looks like a young, so we had hope. I had quarter, too. I apologized. promised my friends, Asya and Vinh Do Nataly, that when the war was Westminster, CA over, I would kiss the first officer (Vietnam) I saw. (I had never kissed a man before.)

Memories of the war I was born in 1931, in Kagul, Moldovia. During World War II, my family was forced into the Jewish ghetto* in the city of Mogilev. My mother died in the ghetto. Later I was separated* from my father. After the liberation*, I was placed in an orphanage* in the city of Aktubingk.

I went to the Post Office to buy stamps. I saw a vending machine* there. I put a ten dollar bill into it. A small pack dropped down with twenty 39-cent stamps. In 1946, my father found me! I The machine gave me four coins* was so lucky! We moved to for my Beltski, Moldovia, and I started to change. work as a machinist. I worked there all my life until my family I immigrated to Israel. Finally, I thought came to the United States. the four coins Lev Gershkovich equaled Fair Lawn, NJ seventy cents (Israel) (two quarters and two dimes). I waited for the machine to give me the rest of my change (I should have gotten $2.20).

I was a university student and lived in a very small room. I did not hear about the end of the war until Nataly and Asya knocked on my window and shouted, “Victory*! Victory!” I got up and ran out into the night. The streets were full of people shouting, “Victory! Victory!” People laughed, cried, danced, hugged and kissed each other.

May I kiss you?” “You may, you may!” she answered. “No! No!” cried Asya and Nataly. But it was too late. I kept my promise to kiss the first officer I saw. We won the war. And I had my first kiss. Lenina Surkina San Francisco, CA (Russia)

He promised to come home It was January 5, 1945. I was five years old. My mother called my sister and me to come sit with her. Her voice sounded so strange. She had a letter in her hand. Slowly, she read it to us. It had strange words in it, like regret-to inform-you* and killed-in-action*. I did not understand. My sister asked, “Will Daddy ever come home?”. My mother’s voice got very low. She spoke slowly. “No, he won’t be coming home,” she said. I could not believe her words. Two years ago our father had left us to “fight a very bad man named Hitler.” He had promised to return. “Not ever?” I asked. “Not ever,” she said. My sister was seven, and she cried. I did not know how to believe it. I was sure it was a mistake. I was sure my father would keep his promise to come home. Months later, there were big celebrations in our city. Soldiers and sailors were all coming home. The streets were full of men in uniforms*.

Suddenly my friends reminded me of my promise. My heart stopped. I waited for the first officer I saw. I saw the back of an officer and ran up to him. As the officer turned to me, I saw it was a woman. I said, “Happy Victory!

CALVIN AND HOBBES

My Uncle Joe came home, so I was sure my father would come soon, too. But he didn’t. I expected him every day. I made up reasons why he had not been able to come sooner. Sixty-two years later, part of me is still waiting for him. E.O. (Canada) Do you see your story on this page?

WordaHelp Did you receive check from us?

If not, we don’t have your address. Please email us your address at [email protected]

kind of adjective phrase. In some way; somewhat. chip verb. To break off pieces. chisel noun. A tool for cutting hard material such as stone or wood. Calvin and Hobbes © Watterson. Reprinted with permission of UNIVERSAL PRESS SYNDICATE. All rights reserved

May 2007

Easy English NEWS Page 5

Ask Elizabeth PHOTO

BY

DAVID D EREX STUDIO

Dear Readers: A scam* is a trick someone plays to try to get your money. You should know about the scam that takes money from Latino immigrants. Here’s how this scam works:

You think, WOW! Lucky me! The person continues. You can use this thousand dollar scholarship at such and such* language school. To receive your scholarship, enroll* in the school. The cost of the English class is usually $1500. With your scholarship, you only have to pay $500!” The caller says, “You can pay

later, after you start the course.” Then the caller asks for the names and telephone numbers of your friends and relatives so they can get a chance for a scholarship, too. It may take a week or two to find out that the English class is not very good. It’s not worth $1,500. It’s not even worth $500. So you don’t pay. Then the “school” starts to send threatening* letters. Agents call frequently* asking for the money you owe.

You get a call from a Spanishspeaking person. The person says (in Spanish), “Congratulations! You have won a scholarship to learn English! You will get one thousand dollars!”

friends in trouble. You are afraid to call the police. So you pay. Please, whenever you get a phone call that begins with “Congratulations! You have won..” you can be sure it is “too good to be true.” It is a common way to advertise things for you to buy. It can also be a scam that will cost you money. Please pass this information on to your friends so they can hold on to their money.

These agents say they will report you and your family and friends to immigration authorities*. You don’t want to get yourself or your

Questions? Write to: Easy English NEWS P.O. Box 2596 Fair Lawn, NJ 07410

Citizenship test questions from the 2008 Pilot Test*—Part 3 U.S. Geography 1. What country is north of the United States? 2. What country is on the southern border* of the United States? 3. What ocean is on the west coast of the United States? 4. Name the state that is in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. 5. Name one state that borders on Canada. 6. Name one state that borders on Mexico. 7. Name one large mountain range in the United States. 8. What is the tallest mountain in the United States? 9. Name one of the two longest rivers in the United States. 10. Where is the Grand Canyon? 11. Where is the Statue of Liberty?

U.S. Government 12. Who is the governor of your state? 13. What is the capital of your state?

14. What is the capital of the U.S? 15. In what month are general presidential elections held in the United States? 16. What are the two major* political parties in the U.S. today? 17. What is the majority* political party in the House of Representatives* now? 18. What is the political party of the President now? 19. Who is the Speaker* of the House of Representatives now? 20. Who is the Secretary of State* now? 21. What Cabinet-level* agency advises the President on foreign policy*? 22. What does the judicial* branch do? 23. Why does the flag have 50 stars? 24. What is the name of the National Anthem? 25. On the Fourth of July, we celebrate independence from what country? 26. When must all males register with Selective Service?

ANSWERS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

6. 7.

8. 9. 10.

11.

12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17.

Answer: Canada A: Mexico A: The Pacific Ocean A: Hawaii A: Alaska, Idaho, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, or Washington A: Arizona, California, New Mexico, or Texas A: The Rocky Mountains A: The Appalachians A: The Sierra Nevada A: The Cascades A: Mt. McKinley A: Denali A: The Missouri River A: The Mississippi River A: Arizona A: The Southwest A: Along/on the Colorado River A: New York Harbor A: Liberty Island A: New Jersey, near New York City A: on the Hudson (River). A: Answers will vary*. A: Answers will vary. A: Washington, D.C. A: November A: Democrats and Republicans A: Democrats A: Democratic Party

18. A: Republican A: Republican Party 19. A: Nancy Pelosi 20. A: Dr. Condoleezza Rice A: Condoleezza Rice A: Dr. Rice 21. A: The State Department 22. A: Reviews and explains laws A: Resolves disputes* between parties A: Decides if a law goes against the Constitution 23. A: There is one star for each state A: Each star represents* a state A: There are 50 states. 24. A: The “Star-Spangled Banner” 25. A: Great Britain 26. A: At age 18 A: At 18

Page 6 Easy English NEWS

May 2007

Heroes and History The U.S. and World War II (2) For most of the world, the worst event* in the twentieth century* was World War II. World War II began in 1939, and lasted until 1945. Seventy countries from five continents fought in the war. By the time it was over, 62,000,000 people had died. The map of the world had changed. The two sides in the war were “the Axis*” (Germany, Italy, and Japan) against the Allies* (Great Britain, and countries of the British Empire, France, Russia [the Soviet Union/USSR], and the United States).

damages* done to France and Britain. The German economy* went into a long-lasting depression* after that. The rise of Adolf Hitler Most German people did not believe that their country caused the war. They formed a new political party*, the National Socialists (Nazis). Adolf Hitler was the leader. Hitler gave many German people a new hope for the future. He told them that Germany would take back its lands. Germans would be the “Master Race.” In 1933, Hitler was elected Chancellor*. Hitler made alliances* with Italy and Japan. He annexed* Austria. These countries became the “Axis*.” Hitler said that “the world was going to turn on that new Axis.” Appeasing* Hitler The people in Europe wanted to stay out of war. They thought Hitler would stop when he had German lands back. In 1938, they did nothing when he annexed parts of Czechoslovakia. Russia signed a treaty with Germany agreeing not to go to war. The Holocaust*

Nazi Party leader Adolf Hitler speaks to a crowd of 80,000 workers on May Day in Berlin, Germany, May 1, 1936. AP photo.

What caused the war? World War II was caused by the peace treaty* after World War I! Germany had lost that war. The 1919 treaty to end World War I blamed* Germany for starting the war. The victors* took away all of Germany’s colonies and 10% of German land. Germany had to pay for all

Hitler was insane in many ways. He blamed the Jews for Germany’s loss of World War I. He moved Jews and other people he did not like to concentration camps*. Hitler wanted to kill every Jew in Europe. He built gas ovens so soldiers could kill hundreds of people at one time. In this way, he killed 6 million Jews and 3 million other people—in addition to the many millions killed in war. Hitler rules Europe In 1939, Hitler invaded* Poland.

German soldiers enter Prague, the capital of Czechoslovakia on March 15, 1939. The President of Czechoslovakia asked the people to quietly accept the invasion. AP Photo.

Immediately, Great Britain and France declared war* against Germany. World War II began. Hitler had already become very strong. France and Britain could not stop him. Hitler drove the British out of Europe in 1940. German planes began to bomb Britain almost every day. That year, German armies invaded the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, and Norway. In 1941, Germany invaded Yugoslavia and Greece. Then, Germany invaded France. By 1942, Hitler ruled most of western Europe. He broke his agreement* with Russia and invaded Russia. The powerful Russian army fought back. Many millions died on both sides. In the west, Britain stood alone. Where was the U.S? The U.S. was in an economic depression. Fifty percent of American workers were unemployed*. For 1939, 1940, and most of 1941, the United States stayed out of the war. In early 1941, the U.S. government began to send supplies*, weapons*, and food to Britain, the Soviet Union, and other Allies. But they did not send soldiers. Japan’s Empire After World War I, Japan had become very strong. Japan needed colonies to get raw materials*. Japan began to build an empire* in Asia. It invaded Korea, parts of China, and many islands in the South Pacific. Japanese soldiers killed 300,000 people in Nanking, China, in one month. They forced many millions of Korean and Chinese people to be slaves. Pearl Harbor

Europe and North Africa in 1941. Purple and brown areas were ruled by Germay

Britain and the U.S. blocked* Japan’s oil supply in the Pacific. Japan sent war planes to attack the U.S. at Pearl Harbor*, in Hawaii. This attack was a complete surprise

May 2007

Easy English NEWS Page 7

to Americans. The Japanese destroyed or sank six great warships. They killed 2,400 Americans that day, December 7, 1941.

base in Europe. By the end of July, there were a million Allied troops in Europe.

America enters the war

Liberation and the last big battle

On December 8, Congress declared war on Japan. Two days later, Germany declared war on the U.S. Suddenly the United States was in wars in Europe and in Asia! Sixteen million American men quickly joined* the armed forces. Many things in America quickly changed. Factories began to make weapons*, tanks, planes, and other things for war. Millions of women took men’s jobs in factories. Farms sent part of the food they grew to the Allies. There was not enough food, oil or gasoline for the people at home. The government rationed* these. There were air raid drills* in every neighborhood. Everyone bought war bonds* to help pay for the war. People grew their own food in “victory gardens*.” The government built internment camps* in the desert for Japanese Americans. (Read about these on Page 2 in the Asian heritage article.) The war in the Pacific Three hours after Pearl Harbor, Japan invaded Hong Kong, the Philippines, and other Pacific islands. Americans and the other Allies fought to free those islands from the Japanese. The fighting in the Pacific went on for four years. Finally, the Allies got control of some islands near Japan. They used these islands as bases*. They sent planes to bomb Japanese targets*.

The Allies pushed the German army back toward Germany. On the way, they The “Big Three”: Soviet Premier* Josef Stalin; U.S. President Franklin liberated* the people in the Roosevelt; and Great Britain’s Prime Minister Winston Churchill make plans Netherlands, Belgium and for fighting Hitler. AP Photo France. Everyone thought that the war in Europe was over. A new weapon had just been developed. It was the atomic bomb*. President Truman However, Hitler ordered one last great attack decided to use the A-bomb “to shorten the in December, 1944. German forces tried to war.” On August 6, 1945, an American plane push the Allies out of Europe again. The “Battle dropped an A-bomb on the Japanese city of of the Bulge*” went on for three terrible Hiroshima. It killed 70,000 people weeks. At the end, 80,000 Allied troops were instantly*.Another 70,000 died soon after. dead or wounded. Most were American. Two days later, a second atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki. Japan’s leaders were Finally, the German army began to retreat*. shocked at the power of this new weapon. The From the east, the Soviet army marched into Emperor of Japan Germany. On April 25, the capital city of called for surrender Germany surrendered* to the Soviets. On August 15, 1945. April 30, 1945, Hitler killed himself. On May 8, World War II was 1945, Germany surrendered to Eisenhower. over. America had lost 291,557 servicemen. Another The kamikaze* 670,846 were badly The Allies still had to fight Japan. The wounded. “Mushroom cloud” Japanese leaders asked pilots to die to save after the A-bomb was (More on page 9.) their homeland. These pilots were called dropped on kamikaze, “divine wind*”. The kamikaze Hiroshima August 6, planes were filled with explosives*. The pilots 1945. tried to fly their planes directly into Allied warships. When they did, everything exploded. The Allies lost many ships and sailors. The A-bomb

The battleship USS Arizona was sunk with most of its sailors during a Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Dec. 7, 1941. The attack killed more than 2,400 Americans and damaged the largest ships in the Pacific fleet. AP Photo

President Franklin Roosevelt died in April, 1945. Vice President Harry Truman became president. Truman knew that the Allies would need a million soldiers to invade Japan. His generals told him that the Japanese would never surrender. They said that more than 250,000 Americans would die in an After the explosion of an atomic bomb in Hiroshima, Japan, on invasion. The same number of Japanese Aug. 6, 1945. 70,000 people were killed instantly, and 70,000 died later. Japan surrendered on Aug. 14, 1945. (AP Photo) would die.

D-Day in Europe On “D-Day,” June 6, 1944, American, British, and Canadian troops* secretly left England and crossed the English Channel. They landed on the beaches of Normandy, France. German soldiers killed many thousands of the Allies. But thousands of other Allied soldiers got through. This “Rosie the Riveter*” A surprise invasion poster calling women to gave the Allies a Allies enter Utrecht, the Netherlands , as crowds* of Dutch work in factories

people line the streets. AP Photo

Japan’s Empire 1942

Page 8 Easy English NEWS

May 2007

Practice

Illustrations by Dave Nicholson

Have you heard people use these idioms?

1.

to string someone along

2.

to let a person think he or she has a chance for love, a job, etc. Tara met a great guy at college, but she’s still stringing her old boyfriend along.

to shoot the breeze*

1. Last winter, my friends taught me how to ski. I loved it! I went skiing every day. Skiing really

to talk about nothing special

_______________ _______________

We were just sitting around the cafeteria shooting the breeze when the alarm rang.

________________!

“What were you doing at Nat’s house?” “Nothing much, just shooting the breeze.”

Please don’t string me along-this relationship is important to me, but not if you don’t love me.

Write an idiom in each sentence. Be sure to use the correct tense of the verb and the correct pronoun. (Answers are on page 11.)

2. Victoria applied for a job at Joe’s Pizza Restaurant. Joe said “I’ll let you know next week.” He planned to ___________ ___________ ______________ while he spoke to other women who wanted the same job.

3. I’ll be home around 10 o’clock. I’m going down to Chuck’s house to __________________ ______ ________________ with my friends.

3.

not have a leg to stand on.

4.

to turn someone on / off

to have no proof or support*

to interest a person/to bore or disgust a person

The cab driver wants to sue me for causing the accident. He doesn’t have a leg to stand on. The accident was all his fault.

I’d like a job as an engineer. Building bridges really turns me on.

4. The police arrested Ralph and Bob for stealing money from an old lady. But the case doesn’t _____________ _________ ___________ ______________ ______ ______________ ____________. No one saw them do it.

Do you like rap music? No, it turns me off.

The Town Council wants to raise taxes 4%. That idea doesn’t have a leg to stand on. No one will vote for it.

Let’s Learn English and Japanese at

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At a college cafeteria: Cafeteria worker: The garbage truck is here. Supervisor: OK, tell them to leave three cans.

(This joke is funny to people who eat at school cafeterias with bad-tasting food.)

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May 2007

Easy English NEWS Page 9

Sudoku

After World War II Many results of World War II lasted for decades*. Other results will influence* history for years to come.

Puzzle by Pappocom. Each row must contain the numbers 1 to 9. Each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9. Each of the nine boxes must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

• The United States, Europe, and Asia did not become slaves of Germany or Japan. • Millions of people in Europe became homeless. They migrated* to other countries. • Germany was divided into four parts, so it could not rise to power again. The Russian part became East Germany with a communist government. The French, British, and American parts became West Germany, with a democratic government. • The Soviet Union occupied many Eastern European countries. It brought communism* to these countries. • The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was formed by Western Europe, the U.S., and Canada to stand against the Soviet Union.

A number may appear only once in each column, row, or box.

• A “Cold War*” began between communist countries and capitalist* countries. It lasted until 1989. • Japan was occupied* by American forces. The Japanese accepted a democratic constitution.

This Sudoku puzzle is listed as “very easy.” You can find easy, average, hard and very hard Sudoku puzzles at www.Sudoku.com

• Korea was divided between communist North Korea and anticommunist South Korea.

Answers are on page 11. (But don’t look until you’re finished!) Hint: Do not write in a number until you are SURE it is the only number that can go in a square or is the only place you can write in that number.

• The United Nations was started in 1945 to solve* problems between nations before they turned into wars. • The United Nations created* the state of Israel in the Middle East. Many thousands of Jews from Europe, the U.S., and other countries moved there to start new lives. • The Philippines became independent* of the United States. India and Pakistan became independent from Britain. China and Korea became independent from Japan. • War heroes were later elected president: Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, and George H.W. Bush (father of George W. Bush).

Crossword Puzzle Across 1. You can put eggs, fruit, etc. in this 7. Identify yourself: What is your ___? 11. People who ring bells 13. Pet that barks 14. A poem that is written to praise a person or thing, or to 11. celebrate an event or idea. 15. A green fruit, similar to a lemon 17. Annual Gathering (abbreviation) 18. Groups of players 20. Press out wrinkles in clothing with these hot things. 22. Kentucky (abbreviation) 23. Sharp nails on the “fingers” of a cat, bear, eagle, dog, etc. 24. We see with our _________. 26. Contraction for he is 28. Very unusual; not common 29. Object form of I. Help ___. Down 30. Senior (abbreviation) 31. Not high 1. Family members: sisters and 33. Verb: George W. Bush ___ the ____ President of the U.S.A. 2. Assistant; helper 34. Verb: to have different ideas 3. Type of shoe for playing sports from another person. 4. Kilogram (abbreviation) 37. A small insect that likes picnics 5. Long, snake-like fish 38. Eastern Standard Time 6. A prefix that means “three” (abbreviation) 8. Short word for advertisement 39. Buddies; pals 9. Low cries of pain

10. Hens lay these. Americans often eat them for breakfast. 12. This shows a person is happy. 16. Make pencil marks disappear 19. Reflexive pronoun: me, ____, and I are the same person 21. A sudden cry of pain 23. One who chews 25. The areas around houses.

27. Stops working to relax 29. We use our _____ to think. 32. Opposite of on. Turn ___the TV. 35. Pronoun: he, she, and ___ 36. Rhode Island (abbreviation) 37. Article before a vowel: ___

Page 10 Easy English NEWS

May 2007

Preparing for disaster

Easy English NEWS

(continued from page 1)

Earthquakes* are more likely to happen in California. There are active volcanoes* in Hawaii, Alaska, and the West Coast. Dangerous volcano eruptions* are possible there, but not common. Winter storms affect many northern states from November to April. Floods* may follow heavy rains, melting snows, or hurricanes. Wildfires* are common every year in the Southwest. They can happen anywhere though, when the weather is dry for a long time. Some disasters are man-made: fires, explosions, chemical spills*, and terrorist attacks. There may be blackouts*, when the electrical system goes down over a large area. This can happen in a storm, or during a heat wave, or at any other time. In a disaster, the government will not be

Floods are the most common disasters in the U.S.

able to send help quickly. Your health and safety depend on your own actions.

Published by .................. Elizabeth Claire, Inc. Editor ..................................... Elizabeth Claire Design ............................... Dr. Andrew Sachs Copy Editors . Sharon Flynn, Jonathan Steele, Marilyn A. Gelman, Lorraine Sarhage, Devra Weingart, Nadine Simms Writers .................................... Elizabeth Claire Customer Service ........................ Tina DiBella Circulation .......................... Fumie Fukushima Illustrations ........................... Dave Nicholson Printed by ............. JB Offset, Westwood, NJ

After a disaster, stores often run out of* food and water. Food in refrigerators and freezers This woman in California sleeps can spoil* with a pair of shoes and a when there is flashlight in a plastic bag tied to no electricity. her bed in case of earthquake. You won’t have lights or air conditioning or heat. In some cases you won’t have safe water. What will you need in order to survive* until the electricity comes back on?

Welcome to the United States! The purpose of Easy English NEWS is to help new readers of English to learn about the language, culture, customs, holidays, history, heroes, geography, laws, and government of the U.S. Easy English NEWS is published ten months a year, from September to June. It is sold by subscription. Class discounts are available. A monthly Teacher’s Guide and Reproducible Quizzes are included. Send comments via mail, fax, or email. Stories for This Is Your Page should be sent by email, typed, or neatly written. The writer’s name, address, native country, and telephone number must be on or stapled to each article. If you want us to return your materials to you, please include a stamped envelope addressed to yourself. Be sure to write the names of people in any photos you send.

If authorities* tell you to evacuate* your home and go to a shelter*, what will you take?

How will you get there? What about pets? All material in Easy English NEWS is protected by copyright. It is against the law to photocopy it.

Get more information from: http://www.ready.gov/ redcross.org/disaster/safety/fdsk.pdf and earthquake.usgs.gov/learning/preparedness.php http:// www.quakekare.com/

Easy English NEWS P.O. Box 2596 Fair Lawn, New Jersey 07410 ©2007 Elizabeth Claire, Inc. ISSN: 1091-4951 Telephone: Toll free: (888) 296-1090 Fax: (201) 791-1901 email: [email protected] Website: www.Elizabethclaire.com

Clean water is not easy to get after a disaster. This girl’s town has been hit by a tornado.

What should be in a First Aid Kit?

Candles, matches, flashlights, a portable* radio, and a cell phone are useful when the electricity goes out.

Photos from Bigstockphotos.com You may photocopy these order forms.

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May 2007

Easy English NEWS Page 11

They all want to be President (continued from page 1)

Political parties* A person needs a lot of help to run for President. He or she needs a political party to raise money and to work for their election. A party can help only one candidate for President. The Republicans and the Democrats are the two largest political parties in the U.S. There are about forty small parties. Some of these are the Libertarian Party, the Green Party, the Reform Party, and the Independent Party. It is very unusual for so many people to run for President this early. They want the American

people to learn their names and faces, and learn about their ideas. They want to raise money for their campaigns*. More people may join the race. (For example, Republican Rudy Giuliani, former mayor of New York City, [top right]; or Democrat Al Gore, former Vice President of the U.S. [bottom right].) Some candidates will withdraw*. How does a political party choose its candidate? The Democrats, Republicans, and other parties have large conventions* in the summer before the election (2008). Delegates* to the conventions are chosen in primary elections* or caucuses* in each state. At the

convention, the delegates will choose their party’s candidate. The candidates for President usually help choose the candidates for Vice President. The primary elections will begin in January, 2008. There will be primary elections in at least twenty states on February 5. People can count the delegates for each candidate after each primary election. Americans may know the majaor parties’ candidates as early as midFebruary.

Let’s talk about it Candidates for President (pages 1 and 11) 1. Who is the President now? When will his term be over? 2. When will there be an election for a new president? 3. What are the two major political parties in the U.S.? 4. Who are some people who want to be elected President? 5. How will a party decide who its candidate is? When? 6. Who is the leader of your home country? How did he or she become the leader? 7. Have you seen any of the candidates on TV? What do you know about them? 8. Tell the meaning of these words: election, campaign, withdraw, caucus, support, delegate, convention. Preparing for disaster (pages 1 and 10) 1. What types of disasters can happen near you? 2. Can the government help everyone quickly in a disaster? Why or why not? 3. What plans does your family have in case of fire? In case of a blackout? In case of some other disaster? 4. What’s the best kind of food to have in case there is no electricity? 5. Why is a portable radio important in a disaster? 6. Tell the meaning of these words: flood, wild fire, shelter, blizzard. Events in May (pages 2 and 3) 1. What is the purpose of Asian

and Pacific-Islander Heritage Month? 2. What were some difficulties workers from Japan and China had in the U.S. 100 years ago? 3. Why did the U.S. government put Japanese Americans into special camps from 1942 to 1945? 4. Why did the Asian population in the U.S. grow after 1965? 5. Is there a holiday in your home country on May 1? Tell about it. 6. What do Mexican Americans celebrate on Cinco de Mayo? 7. What are some customs on Cinco de Mayo? 8. When is Mother’s Day? What are your plans for this day? 9. What are the different parts of the U.S. Armed Forces? 10. What is the purpose of Armed Forces Day? Is there such a day in your home country? Tell about it. 11. What is the Selective Service? Who must register? Where and how? 12. What is the purpose of Memorial Day? 13. What wars has the United States fought in? 14. Is there a day like Memorial Day in your home country? Tell about it. 15. Tell the meaning of these words: contribution, transcontinental, forbade, discrimination, patriotic, servicemen, apologize, population, influenced, demonstrate, victory, invasion, defeat, twice, carnival, make-believe,

Answers to Crossword Puzzle

Answers to Sudoku

Answers to Idiom Quiz

appreciate, passed away, sacrifice, royal, volunteer, Selective Service, draft. This is your page (page 4) 1. What mistake did Irma make about the One Way signs? Have you made any mistakes like that? 2. What mistake did Vinh Do make about the money she got back from the stamp vending machine? Why did it happen? 3. What promise did Lenina make to her friends? Did she keep her promise? 4. Tell the meaning of these words: vending machine, complain, cheat, orphanage, apprentice, fuel, regret, uniform. Ask Elizabeth (page 5) 1. What is a scam? 2. How does a “scholarship scam” work? What makes it work? 3. Have you had any experiences with a scam? Tell about it. 4. Finish this sentence: “If it seems too good to be true, ______.” 5 Tell the meaning of these words: scholarship, such and such, enroll, threatening, authorities. The U.S. and World War II (page 6 and 7) 1. In World War II, which countries were the Axis? Which countries were the Allies? 2. What happened to Germany at

1. 2. 3. 4.

turns me on! string her along shoot the breeze doesn’t have a leg to stand on.

the end of World War I? 3. What did Adolf Hitler promise the German people? 4. What did Japan want? 5. Why did the U.S. stay out of the war for a long time? 6. How did Hitler treat groups of people he did not like? 7. What countries did Hitler rule by 1942? 8. What happened at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941? 9. What happened the next day? Who was President of the U.S. at that time? Who was Prime Minister*of England? Who was the leader of the Soviet Union? 10. What was life like for Americans during the war? 11. What was “D-Day?” 12. What was the “Battle of the Bulge?” 13. Why did the U.S. drop atomic bombs on two Japanese cities? 14. Tell 10 results of World War II. 15. What was your family’s or country’s experience of World War II? 17. Tell the meaning of these words: Allies, Axis, treaty, annex, concentration camp, holocaust, invade, empire, victory garden, internment camp, liberate, surrender, kamikaze, instantly. Visit our website: www.Elizabethclaire.com

Page12 Easy English NEWS

May 2007

WORD HELP Some of the words below have many meanings. We give only the meanings you need for this month’s newspaper. agreement noun. A written statement of promises. air raid drill noun phrase. A practice for action in case of a bombing attack. alliance noun. An agreement to work together. ally noun. (plural: allies) National partner or friend. annex verb. To take over the land in another country. anniversary noun. A yearly reminder of an event in the past. apologize verb. To say “sorry” for something. appease verb. To give an angry person what he wants in order to avoid violence. appreciate verb. To be grateful; to say thank you. Armed forces noun, plural. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines. atomic bomb noun. A weapon in which enormous energy is released by splitting the atom. authorities noun, plural. The people who are in charge of something. axis noun. A center line of a wheel, on which it turns. Axis noun. Germany, Italy, and Japan and their partners in World War II. base noun. A military place where soldiers can work. battle noun. A fight between two armies. blame verb. To say that a person is responsible for doing something wrong. blackout noun. Having no electricity when the power company has a problem. block verb. To prevent a person or country from going somewhere. border noun. The imaginary line between two countries. breeze noun. Soft wind. bulge noun. A part that swells and sticks out. When Nazis attacked the Allied line in December 1944, the line “bulged” to the west and south. Cabinet noun. A group of leaders who advise the President. campaign noun. Advertising, making speeches, and meeting voters. candidate noun. A person who wants to be elected. capitalist noun. Having a free enterprise form of economy. capitol noun. A building where a government meets. carnation noun. A flower. carnival noun. An event with amusement rides. caucus noun. A meeting of members of a group. chancellor noun. An elected leader in Germany. cheat verb. To get results by lying or using another person’s work. chemical spill noun. Accidental spilling of some dangerous chemical. Chief of Staff noun. The highest officer in the U.S. Army code word noun. A word that has a meaning understood only by certain listeners. coin noun. Money made of metal: dime, penny, quarter. Cold War noun. The 40-year hostility between western democracies and Soviet communism, in which there

were many threats, but not many “hot” wars. colony noun. Land that is owned by another country. commemorate verb. To do some actions to mark a special event. communism noun. An economic system in which citizens jointly, through the state, own factories, mines, natural resources, etc. complain verb. To say that something is no good. concentration camp noun. An area in which people are forcefully gathered. conflict noun. A war that was never declared by Congress. congressman noun. A person elected to the House of Representatives. contribution noun. Gift made to society or other people. convention noun. A large gathering of members of an organization. courage noun. The mental ability that helps a person face danger. create verb. To make; to start something new. crowds noun, plural. Large numbers of people. D-Day noun. Code name for the date of the invasion of Normandy, June 6, 1944. damages noun. Costs for things that were destroyed. decade noun. A period of ten years. declare war verb phrase. To officially and formally say that a country is at war with another country. defeat verb. To beat; to conquer an opponent or enemy. delegate noun. A person who is elected to represent others at a larege meeting. Democatic adjective. Referring to one of the two major political parties in the U.S. demonstrate verb. To show how something is done. depression noun. A bad state of a country’s economy, with many people unemployed. disaster noun. An event that causes great damage and loss of life. discrimination noun. Unfair treatment of certain people. divine wind noun phrase. Wind from God—from the name given to a windstorm that saved Japan from a Mongol invasion hundreds of years ago. draft verb. To enroll a person into the armed forces at a certain age, without the person’s desire to be in the armed forces. earthquake noun. A violent movement of the earth. economy noun. The total condition of a country’s banking, employment, production, etc. emergency noun. A time when quick action is needed to save lives. empire noun. A group of countries under the control of one country. enroll verb. To sign up as a student of a school. eruption noun. An explosion of a volcano. evacuate verb. To leave an

area that will be in danger. event noun. Something that happened. explosives noun, plural. Things that will blow up violently and cause damage. fair adjective. Just; equal treatment of all people. festival noun. A street party or event to celebrate some event. flood noun. An overflow of water. forbade past form of the verb forbid. Had a rule or a law against something. foreign policy noun phrase. A government’s plans for action with other countries. former adjective. Not now, but in the past. frequent adjective. Often. fuel noun. Coal, gas, or oil, to use to heat homes, or drive cars, etc. general election noun. A national election in which all citizens may vote. ghetto noun. A restricted area in a city in which certain people are forced to live. Global War on Terror noun phrase. A term that includes many reactions after Islamic terrorists attacked the U.S. on 9/11/2001. grave noun. The place where a dead person is buried. holocaust noun. Name given to the systematic killing of six million Jews by the Nazis. honor verb. To show respect and appreciation. House of Representatives noun phrase. One of the two parts of Congress; it helps make laws. idiot noun, slang. Stupid person. in action adverb phrase. During a battle or war. include verb. To have one or more things as a part of a whole thing. independent adjective. Not belonging to another person or country. influence verb. To affect the actions of others. instantly adverb. Right away; without waiting. internment camp noun. A gathering of people in a guarded area, to prevent them from moving around the c o u n t r y. invade verb. To enter another country with an army. invasion noun. The act of entering another country. join verb. To become part of something. judicial adjective. Having to do with courts of law. kamikaze [kah mih kah zee] noun/adjective. Japanese suicide pilots who flew their planes into warships. Kentucky Derby noun phrase. A horse race run the second Saturday of May each year in Churchill Downs, Kentucky. killed in action verb phrase, past participle. Killed in a war, during a battle. liberate verb. To set a person or a country free. liberation noun. The action of freeing someone. major adjective. Large, important. majority noun. Having more than half of a total number.

make-believe adjective. Fantasy, not real or true. migrate verb. To move to another place. occupy verb. To have an army stay in another country and run the government. orphanage noun. A group home for children without parents. party See political party. patriotic adjective. Loving one’s country. pass away verb phrase. A soft way to say “die.” patriotic adjective. Showing a love for one’s country. Pearl Harbor noun. A place in Hawaii where the U.S. Navy had its fleet of ships. permanent adjective. Long lasting. political party noun. An organization of people who have similar ideas about government and who work together to help get their candidates elected to public office. population noun. The number of people in a place. portable adjective. Able to be carried from place to place. premier noun. Top leader. prepare verb. To get ready for. preparation noun. Getting ready. prevent verb. To stop something from happening. primary election noun phrase. Early elections held in states for each major political party to choose candidates. prime minister noun. Top leader in a Parliamentary government. ration [ra shin] verb. To allow each person to buy a very small amount. raw materials noun, plural. Iron, coal, oil, wood, farm products, which are used to make other things. register verb. To put one’s name on an official list. regret to inform you verb phrase. Sorry that we are telling you something sad. reparations noun, plural. Payments for things that a country has caused to be destroyed. represent verb. To speak for a group of people; to symbolize something. Republican adjective. One of the two major political parties in the U.S. resist verb. To fight against. resolve disputes verb phrase. To find a peaceful way to settle problems. retreat verb. To go back to a safer place. riveter noun. A person who fastens metal things together in a factory. royal adjective. Having to do with a king or queen, etc. run out of verb phrase, idiom. To have none left. sacrifice verb. To give up something in order to get something of a greater value. scam noun. A way of tricking people into giving money. Secretary of State noun. The person in the government who advises the President about relations with other countries.

Selective Service noun. A government agency that keps records of potential soldiers in event of emergency. Senator noun. A person elected to make laws. serious adjective. Major, important, bad. servicemen noun. A person serving in the Armed Forces: soldier, sailor, airman, marine. settle verb. To come to a place to live. settlement noun. Community of people from another place who have come to stay. shelter noun. A safe place to s t a y. solve verb. To handle a problem, find answers, and get solutions. Speaker of the House noun phrase. The leader of the majority party in the House of Representatives. spoil verb. To become rotten. such and such noun phrase. An expression used when you don’t want to say the name of a real person. supplies noun, plural. Things that are needed for a job. support verb. To help and provide things that are needed. surrender verb. To stop fighting, give up, and allow the enemy to win. survival noun. Living through a difficult or dangerous time. target noun. A place that is aimed at; guns shoot at, bombs drop on a target. threaten verb. To promise to do something to hurt another. tornado noun. A violent wind storm with winds from100 to 300 miles per hour. transcontinental adjective. Crossing the country, from the East to the West. treaty noun. An agreement between two countries. troops noun, plural. Soldiers, sailors, marines, etc. twentieth century noun. The 100 years between 1901 and 2000. twice adverb. Two times. unemployed adjective. Not having a job. uniform noun. A special set of clothing that members of the military wear. vary verb. To be different. vending machine noun. An machine that accepts money, and sells a product. victor noun. Person or country that won a war. victory noun. Winning a war. victory garden noun phrase. Small gardens where Americans grew food during World War II. volcano noun. A place in the earth where hot melted rock, gas, and steam escape in large eruptions. volunteer adjective. Willing joined the service; not drafted, or forced to be in the service. war bond noun. A loan made to the government to pay the costs of war. weapon noun. Guns, tanks, bombs, etc. wildfire noun. Fires in hot dry areas that may happen every dry windy season. withdraw verb. To take back; to leave.