• ☐ ☐ ☐ step down [phv] - resign, quit
• ☐ ☐ ☐ in office [exp] - holding an official position, usually in a government
• ☐ ☐ ☐ certify [v] - officially recognize, confirm, or validate
• ☐ ☐ ☐ proceedings [n] - the formal events during a legal process
• ☐ ☐ ☐ a coalition government [n] - a government formed by multiple political parties working together
• ☐ ☐ ☐ absolute [adj] - complete, total, 100%

[n] - noun,  [v] - verb,  [phv] - phrasal verb,  [adj] - adjective,  [exp] - expression

1. Justin Trudeau has been president of Canada for nine years.
   True
   False
   
   
2. Justin Trudeau will try to form a new coalition government.
   True
   False
   
   
3. The US Congress certified Donald Trump's election victory without any disruptions.
   True
   False
   
   
4. Austria's President has asked a centrist party to form a coalition government.
   True
   False
   
   
5. The man suggests that absolute silence does not exist.
   True
   False
   
   

Directions: Choose the best word.

• Justin Trudeau has announced he is stepping down (as) the Prime Minister of Canada after nine years (in) office.
• The US Congress has met (to) certify Donald Trump's election victory.
• Proceedings passed off smoothly (in) contrast to events of four years (ago).
• Austria's President has invited (the) leader of the far-right freedom party (to) try (to) form a coalition government.
• As soon as there (is) some movement, some life, there (is) some sound.
• So, absolute silence (does) not exist in some ways.
• We examine (the) concept of silence and (what) it really means.

1. What do you know about Justin Trudeau? Why do you think he is stepping down?
2. When will Trump officially take office? What things has he promised to do when he takes office?
3. What is the political situation in your country right now? Is the government more left-wing, centrist, or right-wing? Is it a minority government or a majority government? A coalition? Who is the leader? Who is the head of state?
4. Do you prefer silence or some background noise when you are sleeping? How about when you are studying?