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* Text jumble 15

* Text jumble 24

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* Grammar gap-fill

* Articles gap-fill

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* Missing letters

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* Missing words

* Gap-fill

Global military spending falls (16th April, 2013)

The amount the world spent on arms has fallen for the first time since 1998. This is according to the annual review of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). It said global military spending in 2012 fell to $1.75 trillion, a drop of half a per cent from 2011. That figure is roughly 2.5 per cent of the world's GDP, or about $250 for every person on Earth. The USA was the biggest spender, although its share fell below 40 per cent for the first time. The USA and its NATO allies spent one trillion dollars last year on their militaries. SIPRI said the decline is largely due to a decrease in the amount spent on fighting wars, particularly with military action in Afghanistan winding down.


 

SIPRI noted that while spending is falling in America and Europe, it is on the rise elsewhere. SIPRI spokesman Sam Perlo-Freeman said: "We are seeing what may be the beginning of a shift in the balance of world military spending from the rich Western countries to emerging regions." He said budgets in China, Russia, the Middle East and North Africa were on the rise. China is now the world's second-biggest spender after its budget rose by 7.8 per cent last year. However, this expenditure does not mean China is second in terms of world military power. SIPRI said: "China in some respects is still well behind Europe, even though it now spends as much as Britain, France and Germany combined."

Sources:
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-04-14/global-defense-spending-falls-as-u-s-cuts-outpace-china-growth.html
http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/blog/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=1111


 
 

WARM-UPS

1. MILITARY WEAPONS: Students walk around the class and talk to other students about military weapons. Change partners often and share your findings.

2. CHAT: In pairs / groups, decide which of these topics or words from the article are most interesting and which are most boring.

 

spending on arms / peace / world GDP / biggest spender / militaries / fighting wars / shift / balance / rich Western countries / emerging regions / budgets / military power

Have a chat about the topics you liked. Change topics and partners frequently.

3. BUDGETS: What should $1.75 trillion be spent on? Complete this table with your partner(s). Change partners often and share what you wrote.

 

How much?

Why?

Weapons

 

 

Hospitals

 

 

Schools

 

 

Cancer research

 

 

Water projects

 

 

Broadband

 

 

4. PEACE: Students A strongly believe there will be peace on Earth one day; Students B strongly believe that will never happen.  Change partners again and talk about your conversations.



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5. ARMS: Rank these and share your rankings with your partner. Put the most dangerous at the top. Change partners often and share your rankings.

  • knives
  • fighter jets
  • hand grenades
  • missiles
  • handguns
  • chemical weapons
  • tanks
  • land mines

6. MILITARY: Spend one minute writing down all of the different words you associate with the word 'military'. Share your words with your partner(s) and talk about them. Together, put the words into different categories.

BEFORE READING / LISTENING

1. TRUE / FALSE: Read the headline. Guess if  a-h  below are true (T) or false (F).

a.

The United Nations said global spending on arms had decreased.

T / F

b.

The world spent over $1.5 trillion on arms last year.

T / F

c.

$250 is spent on weapons for each person on the planet.

T / F

d.

The fall in spending is mainly because of economic austerity measures.

T / F

e.

Spending on arms by European countries increased in 2012.

T / F

f.

There is a change in how world regions are spending on arms.

T / F

g.

China has the world's second largest military budget.

T / F

h.

China spends more on arms than the whole of Europe combined.

T / F

2. SYNONYM MATCH: Match the following synonyms from the article.

1.

amount

a.

yearly

2.

fallen

b.

mainly

3.

annual

c.

outlay

4.

largely

d.

sum

5.

winding down

e.

up-and-coming

6.

noted

f.

very much

7.

shift

g.

observed

8.

emerging

h.

dropped

9.

expenditure

i.

movement

10.

well

j.

ending

3. PHRASE MATCH:  (Sometimes more than one choice is possible.)

1.

annual

a.

elsewhere

2.

roughly 2.5 per cent

b.

biggest spender

3.

its share fell

c.

spent on fighting wars

4.

a decrease in the amount

d.

behind Europe

5.

military action in Afghanistan

e.

regions

6.

it is on the rise

f.

of the world's GDP

7.

a shift

g.

review

8.

emerging

h.

winding down

9.

the world's second-

i.

in the balance

10.

still well

j.

below 40 per cent

 

GAP FILL

The (1) ____________ the world spent on arms has fallen for the first time since 1998. This is according to the (2) ____________ review of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). It said global military spending in 2012 fell to $1.75 trillion, a (3) ____________ of half a per cent from 2011. That figure is (4) ____________ 2.5 per cent of the world's GDP, or about $250 for every person on Earth. The USA was the biggest (5) ____________, although its share fell below 40 per cent for the first time. The USA and its NATO (6) ____________ spent one trillion dollars last year on their (7) ____________. SIPRI said the decline is largely due to a decrease in the amount spent on fighting wars, particularly with military action in Afghanistan (8) ____________ down.

 

 

spender
drop
militaries
amount
winding
allies
annual
roughly

SIPRI noted that (9) ____________ spending is falling in America and Europe, it is on the rise elsewhere. SIPRI spokesman Sam Perlo-Freeman said: "We are seeing what may be the beginning of a (10) ____________ in the balance of world military spending from the rich Western countries to (11) ____________ regions." He said budgets in China, Russia, the Middle East and North Africa were on the (12) ____________. China is now the world's second-biggest spender after its budget (13) ____________ by 7.8 per cent last year. However, this expenditure does not mean China is second in (14) ____________ of world military power. SIPRI said: "China in some respects is still (15) ____________ behind Europe, even though it now spends as much as Britain, France and Germany (16) ____________."

 

terms
shift
rise
combined
while
emerging
well
rose

LISTENING - Guess the answers. Listen to check.

1)

This is according to the ______

 

a.  annually review
b.  annual review
c.  yearly review
d.  annual reviews

2)

______ half a per cent from 2011

 

a.  adroit of
b.  a dropping of
c.  a drop of
d.  a drop off of

3)

its ______ 40 per cent for the first time

 

a.  shares fell below
b.  shared fell below
c.  sharing fell below
d.  share fell below

4)

largely ______ in the amount spent on fighting wars

 

a.  because to a decrease
b.  dew to a decrease
c.  due of a decrease
d.  due to a decrease

5)

particularly with military action in Afghanistan ______

 

a.  winding down
b.  winding up
c.  wind in down
d.  wine ding down

6)

while spending is falling in America and Europe, it is ______ elsewhere

 

a.  on a rise
b.  on the rise
c.  on this rise
d.  on that rise

7)

_______ balance of world military spending

 

a.  a shaft in the
b.  a shifting in the
c.  a shift in the
d.  a shafting in the

8)

budgets in China, Russia, the Middle East and North Africa ______

 

a.  were on the rise
b.  was on the rise
c.  where on the rise
d.  wore on the rise

9)

China in some respects ______ behind Europe

 

a.  is still well
b.  is just well
c.  is only well
d.  is soon well

10)

it now spends as much as Britain, France and Germany ______

 

a.  combines
b.  combined
c.  combining
d.  combination

LISTENING – Listen and fill in the gaps

The amount the world (1) ______________________ fallen for the first time since 1998. This is according (2) ______________________ the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). It said global military spending in 2012 (3) ______________________, a drop of half a per cent from 2011. That figure is roughly 2.5 per cent of the world's GDP, or about $250 for every person on Earth. The USA was the biggest spender, (4) ______________________ below 40 per cent for the first time. The USA and its NATO allies spent one trillion dollars last year on their militaries. SIPRI said the decline (5) ______________________ decrease in the amount spent on fighting wars, (6) ______________________ action in Afghanistan winding down.

SIPRI noted that (7) ______________________ in America and Europe, it is on the rise elsewhere. SIPRI spokesman Sam Perlo-Freeman said: "We are seeing what may be the beginning of (8) _____________________ of world military spending from the rich Western (9) ______________________." He said budgets in China, Russia, the Middle East and North Africa were on the rise. China is now the world's second-biggest (10) _____________________ rose by 7.8 per cent last year. However, this expenditure does not mean China is second (11) ______________________ power. SIPRI said: "China in some respects is still well behind Europe, even (12) ______________________ much as Britain, France and Germany combined."

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

1.

When was the last time there was a fall in military spending?

2.

How often does SIPRI publish its review of military spending?

3.

What does the figure of $250 mentioned in the article represent?

4.

What is significant about the figure of 40%?

5.

What is winding down?

6.

What did SIPRI say is beginning to happen?

7.

Which countries are starting to spend less?

8.

Which country is the world's biggest spender on arms after the USA?

9.

What did SIPRI say China could not claim to be second best as?

10.

What comparison did SIPRI make with China and Europe?

MULTIPLE CHOICE - QUIZ

1.

When was the last time there was a fall in military spending?

6.

What did SIPRI say is beginning to happen?

 

a) 1996
b) 1997
c) 1998
d) 1999

 

a) weapons are becoming more
     expensive
b) a change in the global balance of
    spending
c) rebel armies are becoming better
    trained
d) there are fewer arms in the world

2.

How often does SIPRI publish its review of military spending?

7.

Which countries are starting to spend less?

 

a) every year
b) biannually
c) semi-annually
d) once a decade

 

a) Britain, France and Germany
b) China and Russia
c) those in the Middle East
d) rich Western countries

3.

What does the figure of $250 mentioned in the article represent?

8.

Which country is the world's biggest spender on arms after the USA?

 

a) the cost of a landmine
b) the amount spent on arms for each
    person alive
c) the monthly salary of Chinese
    soldiers
d) the price of the military spending
    report

 

a) Russia
b) China
c) North Korea
d) Saudi Arabia

4.

How many times has the U.S. share been below 40%?

9.

What did SIPRI say China could not claim to be second best in?

 

a) 14 times
b) four times
c) twice
d) this is the first time

 

a) air superiority
b) a global military power
c) missile technology
d) army size

5.

What is winding down?

10.

What comparison did SIPRI make with China and Europe?

 

a) spending on arms
b) America's largest defence contractor
c) military action in Afghanistan
d) Afghanistan's military

 

a) it said China was well behind Europe
b) it said they spent the same on arms
c) it said their know-how was the same
d) it said Chinese soldiers were better

ROLE PLAY

Role  A – Arms maker

You think all countries need the very latest arms. Tell the others three reasons why. You think people who say there should be no arms in the world are crazy. You believe any country that has no arms will be taken over by its neighbours. Countries will always have arms.

Role  B – Peace activist

You think it is time for peace in the world and that countries should destroy their arms. Tell the others three reasons why. A world without arms would mean more money to benefit the lives of billions. No arms means no wars. You believe arms makers are evil.

Role  C – Soldier

You have fought in several wars. You have seen enough to believe fighting and weapons are bad. The whole world must disarm. Tell the others three reasons why. You hate the arms industry and believe it is pulling strings to get governments to buy lots of weapons.

Role  D – Government leader

You need your government to be heavily armed to be strong. Tell the others three reasons why. You know that if your military isn't strong, other world powers will attack you. Having a strong military is a great deterrent to keep your nation and people safe.

AFTER READING / LISTENING

1. WORD SEARCH: Look in your dictionary / computer to find collocates, other meanings, information, synonyms … for the words 'military' and 'spending'.

military

spending

 

 

 

  • Share your findings with your partners.
  • Make questions using the words you found.
  • Ask your partner / group your questions.

2. ARTICLE QUESTIONS: Look back at the article and write down some questions you would like to ask the class about the text.

  • Share your questions with other classmates / groups.
  • Ask your partner / group your questions.

3. GAP FILL: In pairs / groups, compare your answers to this exercise. Check your answers. Talk about the words from the activity. Were they new, interesting, worth learning…?

4. VOCABULARY: Circle any words you do not understand. In groups, pool unknown words and use dictionaries to find their meanings.

5. TEST EACH OTHER: Look at the words below. With your partner, try to recall how they were used in the text:

  • since
  • 1.75
  • 250
  • 40
  • due
  • down
  • elsewhere
  • shift
  • budgets
  • second
  • terms
  • combined

MILITARY WEAPONS SURVEY

Write five GOOD questions about military weapons in the table. Do this in pairs. Each student must write the questions on his / her own paper.

When you have finished, interview other students. Write down their answers.

 

STUDENT 1

_____________

STUDENT 2

_____________

STUDENT 3

_____________

Q.1.

 

 

 

 

Q.2.

 

 

 

 

Q.3.

 

 

 

 

Q.4.

 

 

 

 

Q.5.

 

 

 

 

  • Now return to your original partner and share and talk about what you found out. Change partners often.
  • Make mini-presentations to other groups on your findings.

MILITARY WEAPONS DISCUSSION

STUDENT A's QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)

a)

What did you think when you read the headline?

b)

What springs to mind when you hear the word 'military'?

c)

How good is it that military spending has gone down?

d)

Are you happy with the amount your country spends on arms?

e)

What would happen if all countries disarmed?

f)

What do you think of $250 being spent on arms for everyone alive?

g)

Will the world change if other powers spend more than the USA?

h)

Will there ever be a Third World War?

i)

Should countries spend more money on peaceful cooperation and less on arms?

j)

Why do countries have to fight each other? Why can't they talk?

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

STUDENT B's QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)

a)

Did you like reading this article? Why/not?

b)

Do you think the fall in military spending is temporary?

c)

Is it immoral to spend 2.5% of GDP on arms?

d)

Why are other regions increasing their military spending?

e)

Are there countries that should not be allowed to have any weapons?

f)

Would world politics change if China were the strongest military power?

g)

What is the world's most dangerous country?

h)

Will every country be armed enough to destroy the world one day?

i)

What three adjectives describe this story?

j)

What questions would you like to ask an arms dealer?

DISCUSSION (Write your own questions)

STUDENT A's QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)

1.

________________________________________________________

2.

________________________________________________________

3.

________________________________________________________

4.

________________________________________________________

5.

________________________________________________________

6.

________________________________________________________

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

STUDENT B's QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)

1.

________________________________________________________

2.

________________________________________________________

3.

________________________________________________________

4.

________________________________________________________

5.

________________________________________________________

6.

________________________________________________________

MULTIPLE CHOICE - LANGUAGE

The (1) ____ the world spent on arms has fallen for the first time since 1998. This is according (2) ____ the annual review of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). It said global (3) ____ spending in 2012 fell to $1.75 trillion, a drop of half a per cent from 2011. That figure is (4) ____ 2.5 per cent of the world's GDP, or about $250 for every person on Earth. The USA was the biggest spender, although its share fell below 40 per cent for the first time. The USA and its NATO (5) ____ spent one trillion dollars last year on their militaries. SIPRI said the decline is largely due to a decrease in the amount spent on fighting wars, particularly with military action in Afghanistan (6) ____ down.

SIPRI noted (7) ____ while spending is falling in America and Europe, it is on the rise elsewhere. SIPRI spokesman Sam Perlo-Freeman said: "We are seeing what may be the beginning of a shift (8) ____ the balance of world military spending from the rich Western countries to (9) ____ regions." He said budgets in China, Russia, the Middle East and North Africa were on the rise. China is now the world's second-biggest spender after its budget (10) ____ by 7.8 per cent last year. However, this expenditure does not mean China is second in terms of world military power. SIPRI said: "China in some (11) ____ is still well behind Europe, even though it now spends as much as Britain, France and Germany (12) ____."

Put the correct words from the table below in the above article.

1.

(a)

amounts

(b)

volume

(c)

amount

(d)

volumes

2.

(a)

to

(b)

of

(c)

by

(d)

at

3.

(a)

military

(b)

militia

(c)

militaries

(d)

militarised

4.

(a)

roughly

(b)

forcibly

(c)

unkindly

(d)

circa

5.

(a)

allays

(b)

allied

(c)

alliances

(d)

allies

6.

(a)

stamping

(b)

going

(c)

bending

(d)

winding

7.

(a)

that

(b)

then

(c)

this

(d)

thus

8.

(a)

at

(b)

of

(c)

by

(d)

in

9.

(a)

emerging

(b)

emerges

(c)

emergency

(d)

emerge

10.

(a)

risen

(b)

rose

(c)

arisen

(d)

riser

11.

(a)

respectively

(b)

respects

(c)

respective

(d)

respecting

12.

(a)

combined

(b)

combed

(c)

combing

(d)

combination

SPELLING

Paragraph 1

1.

This is airdogncc to the annual review

2.

research iteistutn

3.

ouhglry 2.5%

4.

its erahs fell

5.

one tiinollr dollars

6.

aplcluryarit with military action in Afghanistan

Paragraph 2

7.

it is on the rise esheeewrl

8.

gneimerg regions

9.

its getubd rose by 7.8 per cent

10.

this epuerxniedt

11.

in some ptsserce

12.

Britain, France and Germany nmidcboe

PUT THE TEXT BACK TOGETHER

Number these lines in the correct order.

(    )

for the first time. The USA and its NATO allies spent one trillion dollars last year on their

(    )

wars, particularly with military action in Afghanistan winding down.

(    )

GDP, or about $250 for every person on Earth. The USA was the biggest spender, although its share fell below 40 per cent

(    )

in the balance of world military spending from the rich Western countries to emerging regions." He said

(    )

biggest spender after its budget rose by 7.8 per cent last year. However, this expenditure does not mean China is second

(    )

in terms of world military power. SIPRI said: "China in some respects is still well

(    )

elsewhere. SIPRI spokesman Sam Perlo-Freeman said: "We are seeing what may be the beginning of a shift

1  )

The amount the world spent on arms has fallen for the first time since 1998. This is according

  )

militaries. SIPRI said the decline is largely due to a decrease in the amount spent on fighting

(    )

to the annual review of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). It said global military spending in 2012

(    )

behind Europe, even though it now spends as much as Britain, France and Germany combined."

(    )

SIPRI noted that while spending is falling in America and Europe, it is on the rise

(    )

fell to $1.75 trillion, a drop of half a per cent from 2011. That figure is roughly 2.5 per cent of the world's

(    )

budgets in China, Russia, the Middle East and North Africa were on the rise. China is now the world's second-

PUT THE WORDS IN THE RIGHT ORDER

1.

world    arms    the    on    fallen   amount    spent   has    The.

2.

figure    the    That    of    2.5%   roughly    GDP    is    world's.

3.

first    the    for    %     40    below     fell   share    Its     time.    

4.

wars    decrease   amount   fighting   A    the   on    in    spent.    

5.

Afghanistan     With    winding    military    down    action    in.    

6.

the     elsewhere     It     on     rise     is.    

7.

of     balance     a     shift     The     in     beginning     the.    

8.

emerging   rich   regions   Western   countries   From   to   the.

9.

now   second   spender   is   world's   biggest.   China    the    -

10.

military    China   in   world   second   of    power    is    terms.

CIRCLE THE CORRECT WORD (20 PAIRS)

The amount / volume the world spent on arms has fallen for the first time since 1998. This is according to the annual review of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). It said globe / global military spending in 2012 fell to $1.75 trillion, a drop of half a per cent from 2011. That figure is roughly / rough 2.5 per cent of the world's PDG / GDP, or about $250 for all / every person on Earth. The USA was the biggest spender, although its share / part fell below 40 per cent for the first time. The USA and its NATO allies / alliances spent one trillion dollars last year on their militaries. SIPRI said the decline is largely dew / due to a decrease in the amount spent on fighting wars, particulars / particularly with military action in Afghanistan winding / binding down.

SIPRI noted that / this while spending is falling in America and Europe, it is on the rise everywhere / elsewhere. SIPRI spokesman Sam Perlo-Freeman said: "We are seeing what may be the beginning of a shaft / shift in the balance of / for world military spending from the rich Western countries to emerging / emerges regions." He said budgets in China, Russia, the Middle East and North Africa were in / on the rise. China is now the world's second-biggest spender after its budget risen / rose by 7.8 per cent last year. However, this expenditure does not mean China is second in teams / terms of world military power. SIPRI said: "China in some respects / respectively is still well behind Europe, even though it now spends as much as Britain, France and Germany combined / combed."

Talk about the connection between each pair of words in italics, and why the correct word is correct.

INSERT THE VOWELS (a, e, i, o, u)

Th_ _m__nt th_ w_rld sp_nt _n _rms h_s f_ll_n f_r th_ f_rst t_m_ s_nc_ 1998. Th_s _s _cc_rd_ng t_ th_ _nn__l r_v__w _f th_ St_ckh_lm _nt_rn_t__n_l P__c_ R_s__rch _nst_t_t_ (S_PR_). _t s__d gl_b_l m_l_t_ry sp_nd_ng _n 2012 f_ll t_ $1.75 tr_ll__n, _ dr_p _f h_lf _ p_r c_nt fr_m 2011. Th_t f_g_r_ _s r__ghly 2.5 p_r c_nt _f th_ w_rld's GDP, _r _b__t $250 f_r _v_ry p_rs_n _n __rth. Th_ _S_ w_s th_ b_gg_st sp_nd_r, _lth__gh _ts sh_r_ f_ll b_l_w 40 p_r c_nt f_r th_ f_rst t_m_. Th_ _S_ _nd _ts N_T_ _ll__s sp_nt _n_ tr_ll__n d_ll_rs l_st y__r _n th__r m_l_t_r__s. S_PR_ s__d th_ d_cl_n_ _s l_rg_ly d__ t_ _ d_cr__s_ _n th_ _m__nt sp_nt _n f_ght_ng w_rs, p_rt_c_l_rly w_th m_l_t_ry _ct__n _n _fgh_n_st_n w_nd_ng d_wn.

S_PR_ n_t_d th_t wh_l_ sp_nd_ng _s f_ll_ng _n _m_r_c_ _nd __r_p_, _t _s _n th_ r_s_ _ls_wh_r_. S_PR_ sp_k_sm_n S_m P_rl_-Fr__m_n s__d: "W_ _r_ s___ng wh_t m_y b_ th_ b_g_nn_ng _f _ sh_ft _n th_ b_l_nc_ _f w_rld m_l_t_ry sp_nd_ng fr_m th_ r_ch W_st_rn c__ntr__s t_ _m_rg_ng r_g__ns." H_ s__d b_dg_ts _n Ch_n_, R_ss__, th_ M_ddl_ __st _nd N_rth _fr_c_ w_r_ _n th_ r_s_. Ch_n_ _s n_w th_ w_rld's s_c_nd-b_gg_st sp_nd_r _ft_r _ts b_dg_t r_s_ by 7.8 p_r c_nt l_st y__r. H_w_v_r, th_s _xp_nd_t_r_ d__s n_t m__n Ch_n_ _s s_c_nd _n t_rms _f w_rld m_l_t_ry p_w_r. S_PR_ s__d: "Ch_n_ _n s_m_ r_sp_cts _s st_ll w_ll b_h_nd __r_p_, _v_n th__gh _t n_w sp_nds _s m_ch _s Br_t__n, Fr_nc_ _nd G_rm_ny c_mb_n_d."

PUNCTUATE THE TEXT AND ADD CAPITALS

the amount the world spent on arms has fallen for the first time since 1998 this is according to the annual review of the stockholm international peace research institute (sipri) it said global military spending in 2012 fell to $175 trillion a drop of half a per cent from 2011 that figure is roughly 25 per cent of the world's gdp or about $250 for every person on earth the usa was the biggest spender although its share fell below 40 per cent for the first time the usa and its nato allies spent one trillion dollars last year on their militaries sipri said the decline is largely due to a decrease in the amount spent on fighting wars particularly with military action in afghanistan winding down

sipri noted that while spending is falling in america and europe it is on the rise elsewhere sipri spokesman sam perlo-freeman said "we are seeing what may be the beginning of a shift in the balance of world military spending from the rich western countries to emerging regions" he said budgets in china russia the middle east and north africa were on the rise china is now the world's second-biggest spender after its budget rose by 78 per cent last year however this expenditure does not mean china is second in terms of world military power sipri said "china in some respects is still well behind europe even though it now spends as much as britain france and germany combined"

PUT A SLASH ( / ) WHERE THE SPACES ARE

Theamounttheworldspentonarmshasfallenforthefirsttimesince1998.Thisis
accordingtotheannualreviewoftheStockholmInternationalPeaceResearch
Institute(SIPRI).Itsaidglobalmilitaryspendingin2012fellto$1.75trillion,adrop
ofhalfapercentfrom2011.Thatfigureisroughly2.5percentoftheworld'sGDP,or
about$250foreverypersononEarth.TheUSAwasthebiggestspender,althoughits
sharefellbelow40percentforthefirsttime.TheUSAanditsNATOalliesspentone
trilliondollarslastyearontheirmilitaries.SIPRIsaidthedeclineislargelyduetoa
decreaseintheamountspentonfightingwars,particularlywithmilitaryactionin
Afghanistanwindingdown.SIPRInotedthatwhilespendingisfallinginAmerica
andEurope,itisontheriseelsewhere.SIPRIspokesmanSamPerlo-Freeman
said:"Weareseeingwhatmaybethebeginningofashiftinthebalanceofworld
militaryspendingfromtherichWesterncountriestoemergingregions."He said
budgetsinChina,Russia,theMiddleEastandNorthAfricawereontherise.Chinais
nowtheworld'ssecond-biggestspenderafteritsbudgetroseby7.8per
centlastyear.However,thisexpendituredoesnotmeanChinaissecondinterms
ofworldmilitarypower.SIPRIsaid:"Chinainsomerespectsisstillwellbehind
Europe,eventhoughitnowspendsasmuchasBritain,FranceandGermany

combined."

FREE WRITING

Write about military weapons for 10 minutes. Comment on your partner's paper.

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ACADEMIC WRITING

Global military spending should be zero.   Discuss.

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HOMEWORK

1. VOCABULARY EXTENSION: Choose several of the words from the text. Use a dictionary or Google's search field (or another search engine) to build up more associations / collocations of each word.

2. INTERNET: Search the Internet and find out more about military spending. Share what you discover with your partner(s) in the next lesson.

3. MILITARY WEAPONS: Make a poster about military weapons. Show your work to your classmates in the next lesson. Did you all have similar things?

4. PEACE: Write a magazine article about peace. Include imaginary interviews with an arms dealer and a peace activist.

Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Write down any new words and expressions you hear from your partner(s).

5. WHAT HAPPENED NEXT? Write a newspaper article about the next stage in this news story. Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Give each other feedback on your articles.

6. LETTER: Write a letter to an arms dealer. Ask him/her three questions about military weapons. Give him/her three of your opinions on them. Read your letter to your partner(s) in your next lesson. Your partner(s) will answer your questions.

ANSWERS

TRUE / FALSE (p.4)

a

F

b

T

c

T

d

F

e

F

f

T

g

T

h

F

SYNONYM MATCH (p.4)

1.

amount

a.

sum

2.

fallen

b.

dropped

3.

annual

c.

yearly

4.

largely

d.

mainly

5.

winding down

e.

ending

6.

noted

f.

observed

7.

shift

g.

movement

8.

emerging

h.

up-and-coming

9.

expenditure

i.

outlay

10.

well

j.

very much

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS (p.8)

1.

1998

2.

Annually

3.

The amount spent on arms for each person on Earth

4.

This is the first time

5.

Military action in Afghanistan

6.

A change in the global balance of spending

7.

Rich Western countries

8.

China

9.

A global military power

10.

It said China was well behind Europe

MULTIPLE CHOICE - QUIZ (p.9)

1.

c

2.

a

3.

b

4.

d

5.

c

6.

b

7.

d

8.

b

9.

b

10.

a

ALL OTHER EXERCISES

Please check for yourself by looking at the Article on page 2.
(It's good for your English ;-)

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