English Learning Content: UN General Assembly 2025 Highlights

Dialogue

Alice: Hey Bob, guess what I just saw?

Bob: What’s up, Alice? You look like you’ve discovered a new flavor of ice cream.

Alice: Even better! They’re already talking about the UN General Assembly 2025 highlights!

Bob: *The* UN General Assembly? 2025? Are we already time-traveling through news cycles?

Alice: I know, right? It feels like they’re pre-announcing the Oscar winners for diplomacy.

Bob: “And the award for Most Vague but Hopeful Resolution goes to…”

Alice: Exactly! I mean, what even *are* the “highlights” for that kind of event? “World leaders politely agree to disagree”?

Bob: Probably a really long speech about climate change, followed by another really long speech about global peace, both delivered by someone who looks like they haven’t slept in a week.

Alice: Don’t forget the dramatic handshake photo-op! That’s always a big one. They’ll probably have a “Top 10 Handshakes of UNGA 2025” list.

Bob: I’d click that. Especially if there’s a surprise fist bump or an awkward air kiss involved.

Alice: Haha! Or the moment someone accidentally spills coffee on a crucial document. Now *that* would be a highlight.

Bob: Or a surprise pop concert by a delegation member. Imagine President X dropping a beat!

Alice: Okay, now you’re just making me want to actually watch it. Just for the potential chaos.

Bob: See? They’re clearly trying to build hype. “UNGA 2025: This time, it’s personal…ly tedious!”

Alice: You’ve got a point. But I guess it’s good they’re planning ahead for such important discussions, even if we joke about it.

Current Situation

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is the main deliberative, policymaking, and representative organ of the UN. Comprising all 193 Member States, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the UN Charter. While specific “highlights” for a future assembly like UNGA 2025 cannot be known yet, discussions and anticipations for such events often begin far in advance.

Countries and international organizations frequently prepare their agendas, diplomatic strategies, and potential resolutions well before the actual assembly. Public interest often focuses on major global challenges such as climate change, peace and security, human rights, and sustainable development. For a future assembly, “highlights” would typically refer to significant speeches by world leaders, groundbreaking resolutions passed, critical agreements reached, or notable diplomatic exchanges that could shape global policy.

The dialogue above humorously highlights the public’s perception of such formal events, often focusing on the perceived formality, lengthy discussions, and occasional unexpected human moments, rather than just the serious political outcomes.

Key Phrases

• What’s up?: A common informal greeting, similar to “How are you?” or “What’s new?”
  Example: “What’s up, guys? Want to grab some coffee?”
• News cycles: The continuous process of news being reported, discussed, and updated throughout a day or week.
  Example: “The scandal dominated the news cycles for days.”
• I know, right?: A casual phrase used to express strong agreement with what someone has just said.
  Example: “This weather is amazing!” “I know, right? Perfect for a beach day.”
• Politically agree to disagree: An idiom meaning to accept that two people have different opinions and choose to stop arguing about them, often in a polite way.
  Example: “We couldn’t decide on the movie, so we just had to politely agree to disagree and watch something else.”
• Photo-op: (Short for “photo opportunity”) A planned event where politicians or celebrities pose for photographs, often for public relations purposes.
  Example: “The ribbon-cutting ceremony was mostly a photo-op for the mayor.”
• Build hype: To create a lot of excitement and anticipation for something, often through promotion or advertising.
  Example: “The company is trying to build hype for their new smartphone release.”
• You’ve got a point: To acknowledge that someone has made a valid or sensible argument.
  Example: “Maybe we should leave early to avoid traffic.” “You’ve got a point, it does get busy later.”
• Drop a beat: (Informal/Slang) To start playing music, especially a rhythmic or rap beat. It can also mean to perform a rap or sing.
  Example: “The DJ is about to drop a beat that will get everyone dancing.”

Grammar Points

1. Present Continuous for Future Arrangements/Plans

   We often use the present continuous tense (be + -ing) to talk about definite plans or arrangements for the future, especially when a time or date is mentioned or implied.

   Example from dialogue: “They’re already talking about the UN General Assembly 2025 highlights!” (Implies a current, ongoing discussion about future plans.)

   Other example: “I’m meeting Sarah for lunch tomorrow.” (A definite arrangement.)

2. Future Simple (will / be going to)

   The future simple is used for various purposes related to the future:

   • Predictions or beliefs about the future: “It will rain tomorrow.” / “I think he is going to win the election.”
   • Spontaneous decisions: “I’ll help you with that.”
   • Intentions/Plans (be going to): “I’m going to start a new project next month.”
   • Promises/Offers (will): “I will call you later.”

   Example from dialogue: “They’ll probably have a ‘Top 10 Handshakes of UNGA 2025’ list.” (Bob’s prediction).

   Example from dialogue: “Now *that* would be a highlight.” (Alice’s hypothetical future event).

3. Idiomatic Expressions and Figurative Language

   The dialogue uses several expressions that aren’t meant literally, adding humor and vividness to the conversation.

   • “You look like you’ve discovered a new flavor of ice cream.”: A humorous way to say someone looks excited or delighted.
   • “Oscar winners for diplomacy.”: Compares the formal recognition of achievements in diplomacy to the prestigious Academy Awards, highlighting the idea of “pre-announcing” or speculating on future “wins.”
   • “Time-traveling through news cycles.”: Exaggerates how far in advance news about an event is being discussed, implying it’s unusually early.

   Understanding these helps you grasp the nuances and humor in native English conversations.

4. Question Tags for Agreement

   A question tag is a short question added to the end of a statement. While a standard question tag follows a grammatical rule (e.g., “It’s cold, isn’t it?”), the phrase “I know, right?” is a very common, informal way to express strong agreement and seek confirmation that the other person feels the same way.

   Example from dialogue: “It feels like they’re pre-announcing the Oscar winners for diplomacy.” “I know, right?“

   Other example: “That concert was amazing!” “I know, right? The band was incredible!”

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences using the correct key phrase from the list below. (Some phrases may be used more than once or not at all.)

(what’s up, news cycles, I know right, politely agree to disagree, photo-op, build hype, you’ve got a point, drop a beat)

1. “Hey, _______? Haven’t seen you in ages!”
2. The company is trying to _______ for their new game by releasing teaser trailers.
3. “That presentation was so boring.” “_______! I nearly fell asleep.”
4. After an hour of discussion, they decided to _______.
5. The politician’s visit was largely a _______ designed to boost his image.
6. “Maybe we should try a different approach.” “Hmm, _______.”
7. The incident dominated the _______ for weeks.

Exercise 2: Sentence Transformation (Future Tense)

Rewrite the following sentences, changing the verbs into the appropriate future tense (either will or be going to), based on the context given.

1. (Prediction) I think it (rain) _______ tomorrow.
2. (Arrangement) We (have) _______ a team meeting next Monday.
3. (Spontaneous decision) “I’m hungry.” “I (make) _______ you a sandwich.”
4. (Intention) She (study) _______ for her exams all weekend.
5. (Promise) Don’t worry, I (help) _______ you move.

Exercise 3: Identify Figurative Language

Read the sentences and explain the meaning of the underlined figurative phrase.

1. The new manager is really good; he’s already making waves in the company.
2. After his long journey, he looked like he hadn’t slept in a week.
3. The committee spent hours trying to herd cats to get everyone to agree on the proposal.

Exercise 4: Comprehension Questions

Answer the following questions based on the dialogue.

1. What news did Alice share with Bob?
2. What did Bob compare discussing UNGA 2025 highlights to?
3. What “highlights” did Alice and Bob jokingly suggest for the UN General Assembly?
4. Why does Bob think people are talking about UNGA 2025 so early?

Answers

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

1. “Hey, what’s up? Haven’t seen you in ages!”
2. The company is trying to build hype for their new game by releasing teaser trailers.
3. “That presentation was so boring.” “I know, right! I nearly fell asleep.”
4. After an hour of discussion, they decided to politely agree to disagree.
5. The politician’s visit was largely a photo-op designed to boost his image.
6. “Maybe we should try a different approach.” “Hmm, you’ve got a point.”
7. The incident dominated the news cycles for weeks.

Exercise 2: Sentence Transformation (Future Tense)

1. (Prediction) I think it will rain tomorrow. (or is going to rain)
2. (Arrangement) We are having a team meeting next Monday.
3. (Spontaneous decision) “I’m hungry.” “I will make you a sandwich.”
4. (Intention) She is going to study for her exams all weekend.
5. (Promise) Don’t worry, I will help you move.

Exercise 3: Identify Figurative Language

1. Making waves: This means to cause a stir, create a noticeable impact, or cause controversy. The new manager is causing significant positive changes or generating a lot of discussion.
2. He hadn’t slept in a week: This is an exaggeration to describe someone who looks extremely tired or exhausted.
3. Herd cats: This idiom means to attempt to control or organize a group of people or things that are difficult to manage or organize, often because they are independent and uncooperative. The committee found it very difficult to get everyone to agree.

Exercise 4: Comprehension Questions

1. Alice shared the news that people are already talking about the UN General Assembly 2025 highlights.
2. Bob compared discussing UNGA 2025 highlights to “time-traveling through news cycles” and “pre-announcing the Oscar winners for diplomacy.”
3. They jokingly suggested highlights like “world leaders politely agree to disagree,” long speeches, dramatic handshake photo-ops (or a “Top 10 Handshakes” list), a surprise fist bump or awkward air kiss, someone spilling coffee on a crucial document, or a delegation member dropping a beat (performing a pop concert).
4. Bob thinks they are trying to “build hype” for the event.

English Learning: Decoding the EU’s AI Regulation

English Learning: Japan–South Korea Security Cooperation

Dialogue

Current Situation

Japan and South Korea, two key US allies in East Asia, have historically endured a complex and often strained relationship due to unresolved historical issues stemming from Japan’s colonial rule (1910-1945) and World War II. However, recent years have seen a significant shift towards improved security cooperation, driven primarily by evolving geopolitical dynamics.
The escalating nuclear and missile threats from North Korea have served as a major catalyst, highlighting the urgent need for a united front and enhanced regional security. Both nations recognize that intelligence sharing and coordinated defense efforts are crucial for monitoring and responding to Pyongyang’s provocations.
Another significant factor is the persistent diplomatic pressure and encouragement from the United States, which seeks to bolster its trilateral alliance with Japan and South Korea to counter regional challenges, including the rise of China. This US involvement has often facilitated dialogue and pushed for greater collaboration.
Key areas of current cooperation include the reinstatement and improved utilization of the General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), allowing for direct intelligence sharing. There have also been renewed high-level diplomatic exchanges, military staff talks, and the potential for joint military exercises, though these remain sensitive. While significant challenges and historical sensitivities persist, the current trend indicates a pragmatic understanding that shared security concerns necessitate closer cooperation for regional stability.

Key Phrases

• choked on my ramen: An exaggerated expression indicating extreme surprise or disbelief. When I heard they were getting married, I almost choked on my coffee!
• set to ‘awkward silence’: Describes a relationship or situation that is typically tense, uncomfortable, and lacking easy conversation. Their annual family reunion was usually set to ‘awkward silence’ until someone changed the subject.
• mend fences: To try to improve a relationship after a disagreement or conflict. After their argument, both friends decided to meet up and mend fences.
• build a bridge over troubled waters: To do something that helps people to overcome difficulties or disagreements and connect again. The new diplomatic initiative aims to build a bridge over troubled waters between the two nations.
• historical grievances: Feelings of injustice or resentment based on past wrongs or conflicts. Many discussions about the region are still overshadowed by historical grievances.
• common threats make strange bedfellows: An idiom meaning that dangerous or difficult situations can force unlikely allies to work together. The rival companies had to form an alliance; common threats make strange bedfellows when facing a giant competitor.
• keep an eye on things: To watch carefully or monitor a situation. Please keep an eye on the kids while I step out for a moment.
• played a role: To have had an effect or influence on something. Her dedication played a significant role in the project’s success.
• play nicely in the sandbox: A child-like metaphor for getting along and cooperating, often used when suggesting rival parties should work together. The manager told the departments they needed to play nicely in the sandbox for the sake of the company.
• million-dollar question: An important question that is difficult to answer and whose answer could have significant consequences. Will the new policy actually solve the problem? That’s the million-dollar question.
• fingers crossed: An idiom used to express hope for good luck or a positive outcome. I have an interview tomorrow, so fingers crossed!

Grammar Points

1. Idiomatic Expressions for Relationships and Difficulties: The dialogue uses several colorful idioms to describe the nature of Japan-South Korea relations and the efforts to improve them. Understanding these phrases is key to grasping nuanced English.
   • mend fences: to repair a strained relationship.
   • build a bridge over troubled waters: to resolve difficulties and improve a relationship.
   • common threats make strange bedfellows: shared dangers can bring unlikely allies together.
   • play nicely in the sandbox: to cooperate and get along, often humorously implying childish squabbles.

   “They’re trying to mend fences, especially with the whole North Korea situation escalating.” “Common threats often make strange bedfellows, as they say.”

2. The Present Perfect Tense for Recent Events and Ongoing Situations: The Present Perfect tense (have/has + past participle) is used to talk about actions that started in the past and continue into the present, or actions that happened at an unspecified time in the past but have a clear connection to the present. “North Korea’s recent missile tests are a pretty clear common threat.” (While this exact sentence is Present Simple, the context implies a recent escalation relevant now. Bob’s line “The US has always pushed for trilateral cooperation” is a perfect example.) Here, “has always pushed” indicates an action (US pressure) that began in the past and continues up to the present moment.
3. Phrasal Verbs in Context: Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb and a preposition or adverb (or both) that form a new meaning. They are very common in spoken and informal English.
   • keep an eye on: to watch or monitor carefully.
   • play a role: to have an influence or be involved in something.

   “They both need to keep an eye on things.” “And US pressure probably played a role, too.”

4. Using “Would” for Hypothetical Outcomes and Predictions: The modal verb “would” is often used to talk about hypothetical situations, imagined outcomes, or future predictions from a past perspective. It’s especially common in conditional sentences. “Maybe someday they’ll even share kimchi recipes. Now that would be true peace!” Alice uses “would be” to describe an imagined or hypothetical future scenario (sharing recipes) and its peaceful outcome, implying it’s not currently happening but could.

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Match the Phrase to its Meaning

1. Mend fences:
   a) To build a new wall
   b) To repair a damaged relationship
   c) To fix a garden fence
2. Common threats make strange bedfellows:
   a) People who share a bed often have similar fears
   b) Dangerous situations can unite unlikely partners
   c) It’s unusual for enemies to become friends
3. Million-dollar question:
   a) A question about money
   b) A very expensive question
   c) An important and difficult question
4. Keep an eye on things:
   a) To close one eye
   b) To observe carefully
   c) To ignore something

Exercise 1 Answers:

1. b) To repair a damaged relationship
2. b) Dangerous situations can unite unlikely partners
3. c) An important and difficult question
4. b) To observe carefully

Exercise 2: Complete the Sentences Using Words/Phrases from the Dialogue

1. After their big argument, they finally decided to ______ ______ and talk things over.
2. The senator’s speech definitely ______ a significant ______ in swaying public opinion.
3. With the new competitor in the market, even rival companies might have to work together because ______ ______ make ______ ______.
4. Everyone wants to know if the new government will bring real change, but that’s the ______ ______ ______.

Exercise 2 Answers:

1. mend fences
2. played / role
3. common threats / strange bedfellows
4. million-dollar question

Exercise 3: Answer the Following Questions based on the Dialogue and Current Situation

1. What is the main reason Alice and Bob are surprised by Japan–South Korea cooperation?
2. According to the dialogue, what common threat is driving Japan and South Korea to cooperate?
3. What role has the United States played in encouraging this cooperation?
4. What is GSOMIA, and why is its utilization important for security cooperation?

Exercise 3 Answers:

1. They are surprised because of the historically strained and competitive relationship between the two countries, often characterized by “awkward silence” or “historical grievances.”
2. The escalating North Korea situation, particularly its missile tests and nuclear program, is the clear common threat.
3. The United States has consistently pushed for and encouraged trilateral cooperation between the two nations, acting “like the parent making siblings share their toys.”
4. GSOMIA stands for General Security of Military Information Agreement. Its utilization is important because it allows for direct intelligence sharing between Japan and South Korea, which is crucial for monitoring and responding to regional security threats.

English Learning Content: Armenia–Azerbaijan Peace Talks

Dialogue

Current Situation

The Armenia-Azerbaijan peace talks are ongoing efforts to resolve the long-standing conflict between the two South Caucasus nations, primarily centered around the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Decades of tension and sporadic armed conflict have led to significant loss of life and displacement. Mediated by various international actors, including the European Union, the United States, and Russia, the talks aim to establish a lasting peace treaty. Key issues on the agenda include border delimitation, the status of enclaves, the opening of communication routes (often referred to as “corridors”), and the return of displaced persons. Despite numerous rounds of negotiations and optimistic statements, a comprehensive agreement has yet to be reached, with various sticking points continuing to challenge the diplomatic process.

Key Phrases

• Peace talks: Ongoing discussions between conflicting parties aimed at resolving disputes and establishing peace.
  Example: The two nations have resumed peace talks after a year-long hiatus.
• Sticky issues: Difficult or sensitive problems that are challenging to resolve.
  Example: Child custody is often one of the sticky issues in a divorce.
• Come to an agreement: To reach a mutual decision, settlement, or understanding after discussion.
  Example: After hours of negotiation, they finally came to an agreement on the contract terms.
• Don’t jinx it!: An idiom used to ask someone not to say anything that might cause a desired positive outcome not to happen, often out of superstition.
  Example: “I think I’m going to get the promotion.” “Shh, don’t jinx it!”
• A breakthrough: A sudden, important discovery or success, especially one that removes an obstacle.
  Example: Scientists are hoping for a breakthrough in cancer research.

Grammar Points

• Phrasal Verbs with “On”:
  • Go on: To happen; to continue.
    Example from dialogue: “It feels like it’s been going on forever!”
    Another example: “What’s going on here?” (What’s happening?)
  • Hold on: To wait for a short time; to pause.
    Example from dialogue: “…one side is like, ‘Hold on a minute, what about our sovereignty?’”
    Another example: “Please hold on, I’ll be with you in a moment.”
• Idiomatic Expressions (Informal Language):
  • All that jazz: And all the related things; and so on; etc. (Used informally to refer to things that are similar to something just mentioned).
    Example from dialogue: “Negotiating borders, enclaves, all that jazz.”
    Another example: “She likes painting, drawing, sculpture, and all that jazz.”
  • Tell me about it: Used informally to express that you understand or agree with what someone is saying, usually because you have experienced the same thing.
    Example from dialogue: “Tell me about it. It’s like when you finally decide what to order for dinner…”
    Another example: “This traffic is terrible.” “Tell me about it! I’ve been stuck here for an hour.”
  • A tad: A small amount; slightly.
    Example from dialogue: “Except the stakes are a tad higher than whether to get pizza or tacos, Bob.”
    Another example: “The soup is a tad too salty for my taste.”
• Conditional Sentences (Type 1):

  Type 1 conditionals describe real or very probable situations in the present or future. The structure is generally: If + Simple Present, Will + Base Verb. However, other modal verbs (like ‘can’, ‘may’, ‘might’, ‘should’) can also be used in the main clause.

  Example from dialogue (implied): “Maybe they’ll shake hands and everyone can finally move forward.” (Implies: If they shake hands, everyone can move forward.)
  Another example from dialogue: “My biggest worry is that they’ll agree, and then a week later, something else pops up.” (Here, “they’ll agree” acts as the conditional event).
  Classic example: “If it rains, we will stay home.”
  Using a modal: “If you study hard, you might pass the exam.”

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks with Key Phrases

Choose the most appropriate key phrase from the list to complete each sentence:

• peace talks, sticky issues, come to an agreement, don’t jinx it!, a breakthrough

1. The project hit some __________ early on, but we managed to sort them out.
2. The CEO hopes the new strategy will lead to __________ in sales.
3. After months of discussions, the two companies finally __________ on the merger terms.
4. I’ve been __________ closely, hoping for some good news.
5. I think I’m going to win the lottery! “Shh, __________!”

Exercise 2: Sentence Transformation (Phrasal Verbs with “On”)

Rewrite the following sentences using a phrasal verb with “on” (e.g., “go on,” “hold on”).

1. The party continued until late.
2. Please wait a moment while I check.
3. What’s happening at the moment?

Exercise 3: Complete Conditional Sentences (Type 1)

Complete the following sentences, making sure they are grammatically correct Type 1 conditional sentences:

1. If the peace talks succeed, ___________________.
2. If it rains tomorrow, ____________________.
3. I will be very happy if ____________________.

English Learning: U.S.–China Relations in 2025 (A Humorous Take)

Current Situation

As of late 2024, U.S.–China relations remain a complex and multifaceted challenge, characterized by both intense competition and areas of limited cooperation. The overarching theme is one of “managed competition” rather than full-scale decoupling or confrontation, although rhetoric can often be sharp.

• Trade and Economy: Tariffs imposed during the previous administration mostly remain in place, leading to ongoing discussions about fair trade practices, market access, and industrial subsidies. Both nations are working to reduce reliance on the other in critical sectors, though their economies remain deeply intertwined.
• Technology: This is a primary battleground. Competition over semiconductor manufacturing, artificial intelligence (AI), 5G technology, and quantum computing is fierce. The U.S. has implemented export controls to restrict China’s access to advanced technology, citing national security concerns, while China is heavily investing in indigenous technological innovation.
• Geopolitical Influence: Both countries are vying for influence in various regions, particularly in the Indo-Pacific. Issues like Taiwan’s status remain a highly sensitive flashpoint, with the U.S. maintaining its “strategic ambiguity” while reiterating commitments to regional stability. The South China Sea also continues to be an area of tension.
• Human Rights: The U.S. frequently raises concerns about human rights issues in China, including those in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong, leading to sanctions and diplomatic pressure.
• Climate Change & Global Health: Despite tensions, there are recognized areas for cooperation, particularly on global issues like climate change and pandemic preparedness, though progress can be slow and subject to broader political dynamics.

Looking ahead to 2025, the relationship is expected to continue on this trajectory of strategic competition alongside cautious engagement, with both sides seeking to advance their national interests while avoiding outright conflict.

Key Phrases

• wild prediction: A guess about the future that is highly speculative or unusual. Example: My wild prediction is that we’ll all be working from virtual reality offices by 2030.
• universal peace and harmony: A state of peace and agreement among all people worldwide. Example: After the long conflict, everyone yearned for universal peace and harmony.
• competitive ping-pong matches: Informal term for intense, often humorous, contests or rivalries. Example: Their annual office tournament always turns into surprisingly competitive ping-pong matches.
• cutting-edge AI-powered paddles: Advanced, innovative equipment using Artificial Intelligence. Example: The new drone features cutting-edge AI-powered paddles for improved stability.
• intellectual property wrestling tournaments: (Humorous) A metaphorical term for intense disputes over patents, copyrights, or trade secrets. Example: He joked that battles over software patents often felt like intellectual property wrestling tournaments.
• spice up G20 summits: To make international meetings (like the G20) more interesting or exciting. Example: Adding a cultural performance would certainly spice up G20 summits.
• soft power: The ability to influence others through cultural appeal and attraction, rather than coercion or force. Example: Cultural exchange programs are often seen as a form of soft power.
• incredibly irrelevant: Extremely unimportant or not connected to the matter at hand. Example: Compared to global warming, my minor complaint feels incredibly irrelevant.
• affordable gadgets: Electronic devices that are reasonably priced. Example: Consumers are always looking for affordable gadgets that don’t compromise on quality.
• domestically sourced: Originating or produced within one’s own country. Example: The restaurant prides itself on using only domestically sourced ingredients.
• drone swap meet: (Informal/Humorous) An event or situation where people exchange or trade drones. Can be used more broadly for any exchange of specific tech items. Example: The tech convention felt like a giant drone swap meet with so many different models on display.
• haggling over megapixel counts: Debating or negotiating intensely over the technical specifications of a camera or device. Example: The photographers were practically haggling over megapixel counts for the new camera.
• joint venture: A business undertaking in which two or more companies or individuals combine resources for a specific project. Example: The two companies formed a joint venture to develop a new sustainable energy project.
• universal, non-controversial emoji: An emoji that is understood and accepted by everyone without causing disagreement. Example: Finding a universal, non-controversial emoji for “peace” proved to be surprisingly difficult.
• space-age feng shui versus lunar brutalism: (Humorous contrast) Referring to conflicting design philosophies in a futuristic, space context. Example: The architect described his competing designs for the moon colony as ‘space-age feng shui versus lunar brutalism.’
• ease up: To become less severe, intense, or strict. Example: We hope the tensions between the two countries will soon ease up.
• elaborately complicated: Intricately detailed and difficult to understand or deal with. Example: The instructions for assembling the new furniture were elaborately complicated.
• multi-level chess game: (Metaphorical) A situation with many layers of strategy and hidden moves, often referring to complex negotiations. Example: International diplomacy often feels like a multi-level chess game.
• incorrigible: Incapable of being corrected or reformed; beyond correction. Example: His mischievous grin showed he was utterly incorrigible.

Grammar Points

1. Future Tenses (Will / Be Going To)

Both “will” and “be going to” are used to talk about the future, but often with slight differences in nuance.

• “Will” is often used for:
  • Predictions/Guesses: Especially those based on opinion or general knowledge. Example from dialogue: “My crystal ball says tariffs will be replaced…”
  • Spontaneous Decisions: Decisions made at the moment of speaking. Example: “Oh, the phone is ringing. I will answer it.”
  • Promises or Offers: Example: “I will help you with your homework.”
• “Be going to” is often used for:
  • Plans/Intentions: Decisions made before the moment of speaking. Example: “I’m going to visit my grandparents next weekend.”
  • Predictions Based on Evidence: When there is something in the present that tells us about the future. Example: “Look at those dark clouds! It’s going to rain.”

In the dialogue, they mostly use “will” for their humorous predictions about 2025.

2. Conditional Sentences (Type 1)

Type 1 conditionals talk about a real or very probable situation in the present or future, and its likely result. They use the structure: If + Simple Present, Will + Base Verb.

• Structure: If [condition in simple present], [result in simple future]. Example from dialogue (implied): “If we have intellectual property wrestling, it will spice up summits.”

Example: “If it rains tomorrow, we will stay indoors.”

Example: “If you study hard, you will pass the exam.”

3. Comparatives and Superlatives

These are used to compare two or more things.

• Comparatives (-er / more): Used to compare two things.
  • Add ‘-er’ to short adjectives (e.g., *cheaper, better*). Example from dialogue: “slightly more expensive” (used with ‘more’ for a longer adverb/adjective)

  Example from dialogue: “My 5G drone is better than your 6G drone.”

  • Use ‘more’ before longer adjectives (e.g., *more difficult, more interesting*). Example from dialogue: “That’s more ambitious than solving climate change!”

  Example from dialogue: “get more… elaborately complicated“

• Superlatives (-est / most): Used to compare three or more things and indicate the highest degree.
  • Add ‘-est’ to short adjectives (e.g., *cheapest, best*). Example from dialogue: “the biggest breakthrough“
  • Use ‘most’ before longer adjectives (e.g., *most difficult, most interesting*). Example: “This is the most challenging project I’ve ever worked on.”

4. Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb and a preposition or adverb (or both) that create a new meaning.

• lean towards: to have a tendency to prefer or agree with a particular idea or opinion. Example from dialogue: “I’m leaning towards ‘competitive ping-pong matches’…”
• spice up: to make something more interesting or exciting. Example from dialogue: “That’s certainly one way to spice up G20 summits.”
• ease up: to become less severe, intense, or strict. Example from dialogue: “…do you think things will actually ease up…?”
• disappear: to stop existing or being seen. Example from dialogue: “…I’m just hoping my favorite online stores don’t suddenly disappear!”

Practice Exercises

English Learning Content: Trump–Putin Alaska Summit

Dialogue

Current Situation

The idea of a “Trump–Putin Alaska Summit” as depicted in the dialogue is a humorous, fictional scenario. In reality, while both Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin have met on several occasions during Trump’s presidency (e.g., in Helsinki, Hamburg, and at G20 summits), a formal, dedicated summit specifically in Alaska never took place.

Summits between US and Russian leaders are typically held in established diplomatic locations, often in Europe, to ensure neutrality, security, and logistical ease. Alaska, despite its strategic importance due to its proximity to Russia, is a less conventional choice for such high-level diplomatic meetings. The dialogue plays on the perceived personalities of the two leaders and the unique, rugged, and cold environment of Alaska to create an imagined event, highlighting the unexpected and often dramatic nature of international relations.

Key Phrases

• Did you hear about…?: Used to introduce a topic you think the other person might not know or to check if they’re aware of recent news.
  Example: “Did you hear about the new coffee shop opening downtown?”
• Land of ice and polar bears: A descriptive, informal way to refer to cold, arctic regions.
  Example: “They’re planning an expedition to the land of ice and polar bears next winter.”
• I can already picture it: Used when you can vividly imagine something being described or happening.
  Example: “A beach vacation? I can already picture it: sun, sand, and a good book.”
• My money’s on…: An informal way to say you think a particular outcome is most likely; essentially, “I bet on…”
  Example: “Who do you think will win the game? My money’s on the home team.”
• Bond over: To develop a closer relationship or connection because of a shared experience or interest.
  Example: “They quickly bonded over their mutual love for vintage video games.”
• Sub-zero temperatures: Temperatures below 0 degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit, indicating extreme cold.
  Example: “The forecast predicts sub-zero temperatures tonight, so bundle up!”
• One thing’s for sure: Used to emphasize that something is definitely true or will definitely happen.
  Example: “The project is challenging, but one thing’s for sure, we’ll learn a lot.”

Grammar Points

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences using the key phrases from the list:

my money's on, one thing's for sure, bond over, land of ice and polar bears, did you hear about, sub-zero temperatures, I can already picture it

1. “Hey, ________ the new restaurant opening next week?”
2. They spent hours talking and really started to ________ their shared love for sci-fi movies.
3. “Who do you think will win the singing competition?” “________ Sarah, her voice is incredible!”
4. The Arctic expedition faced extreme ________, making survival very challenging.
5. When she described her dream house, ________: a cozy fireplace and a huge garden.
6. Visiting Antarctica felt like stepping into a different world, truly the ________.
7. It’s going to be a tough week at work, but ________, we’ll get through it together.

Exercise 2: Speculating about the Future

Rewrite the following sentences using a modal verb (can, could, may, might, will, won’t) or the phrase “My money’s on” to express speculation, as indicated.

1. (Possibility) It’s possible that it will rain later.
   It ________ rain later.
2. (Strong certainty) I’m sure they will arrive on time.
   They ________ arrive on time.
3. (Weak possibility) Perhaps she is still working.
   She ________ still be working.
4. (Prediction/Bet) I think our team will win the championship.
   ________ our team winning the championship.
5. (Negative certainty) I’m certain he will not forget his keys again.
   He ________ forget his keys again.

Exercise 3: Descriptive Language

Choose the most descriptive word to complete each sentence.

1. The explorer ventured into the (cold / icy / frozen) wilderness of the North Pole.
2. She let out a (small / booming / quiet) laugh that echoed through the entire hall.
3. The chef prepared a (good / delicious / nice) meal that everyone enjoyed.
4. He gave a (quick / brief / short) glance at the suspicious package before moving on.
5. The car sped down the road, leaving a (big / dusty / large) trail behind it.

Answers

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

1. did you hear about
2. bond over
3. My money’s on
4. sub-zero temperatures
5. I can already picture it
6. land of ice and polar bears
7. one thing’s for sure

Exercise 2: Speculating about the Future

1. It might/may/could rain later.
2. They will arrive on time.
3. She might/may still be working.
4. My money’s on our team winning the championship.
5. He won’t forget his keys again.

Exercise 3: Descriptive Language

1. The explorer ventured into the icy wilderness of the North Pole.
2. She let out a booming laugh that echoed through the entire hall.
3. The chef prepared a delicious meal that everyone enjoyed.
4. He gave a brief glance at the suspicious package before moving on.
5. The car sped down the road, leaving a dusty trail behind it.