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.