• ☐ ☐ ☐ the authorities [n] - the government, people with power
• ☐ ☐ ☐ fanning [v] - spreading or increasing something, like fire
• ☐ ☐ ☐ gains [n] - increases, improvements
• ☐ ☐ ☐ paramilitary [adj] - organized like the military but not official
• ☐ ☐ ☐ Rapid Support Forces [n] - a Sudanese paramilitary group
• ☐ ☐ ☐ shut down [phv] - close, stop operations
• ☐ ☐ ☐ energy shortages [n] - not enough energy
• ☐ ☐ ☐ a legacy [n] - the continued use or effect of someone/something after death
• ☐ ☐ ☐ voice actors [n] - people who provide voices for characters, usually in animation

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

1. A break in the strong winds in Los Angeles is expected to help firefighters.
   True
   False
   
   
2. The Rapid Support Forces have captured the Sudanese city of Wad Madani.
   True
   False
   
   
3. Iran has shut down schools and public buildings due to severe winter weather.
   True
   False
   
   
4. Iran is facing issues with pollution and energy shortages.
   True
   False
   
   
5. Voice actors are protesting because A.I. is being used to recreate their voices.
   True
   False
   
   

Directions: Choose the best article for each noun. Nothing (Ø) is possible.

• Ø A An The (The) authorities in Los Angeles have warned that Ø a an the (Ø) strong winds fanning some of Ø a an the (the) city's worst-ever wildfires are likely to continue for several more days.
• Ø A An The (Ø) People in parts of Sudan have been celebrating on Ø a an the (the) streets after Ø a an the (the) army said it had captured Ø a an the (the) city of Wad Madani.
• It is one of its biggest gains in Ø a an the (the) war against Ø a an the (the) paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
• And Iran has shut down Ø a an the (Ø) schools and Ø a an the (Ø) other public buildings across Ø a an the (the) country as Ø a an the (Ø) winter weather worsens Ø a an the (Ø) energy shortages and Ø a an the (Ø) pollution.
• How Ø a an the (Ø) artificial intelligence is being used in Ø a an the (the) film industry to continue Ø a an the (the) legacy of Ø a an the (Ø) famous voice actors.
  
  

1. Have you ever experienced or witnessed a natural disaster, such as a wildfire or hurricane? How did it impact you or your community?
2. What do you know about the conflict going on in Sudan? Who are the beligerents? When did it start? What are they fighting over?
3. The international community has imposed financial, trade, and travel restrictions on Iran. Why? How do you feel about these sanctions? Are they effective?
4. How do you feel about the use of technology to recreate famous actors, such as voice actors in the film industry? What are the pros and cons for the industry? For actors?