English Learning: Diplomatic Boycotts

Dialogue

Current Situation

Diplomatic boycotts involve governments choosing not to send their high-ranking officials or political representatives to major international events, such as the Olympic Games or other global gatherings. This action serves as a symbolic protest or a “soft power” tool to express disapproval of the host country’s policies, human rights record, or other geopolitical actions, without resorting to a full boycott that would prevent athletes or cultural groups from participating. These boycotts aim to draw international attention to specific issues and exert moral or political pressure on the host nation, often without directly impacting the event’s sporting or cultural aspects.

Key Phrases

• Diplomatic boycott: An official refusal by a government to send political representatives to an event, while still allowing athletes or cultural participants.

  Example: Several nations announced a diplomatic boycott of the upcoming Winter Games.

• Symbolic gesture: An action that communicates a particular message or meaning, rather than having a direct practical effect.

  Example: The protest was largely a symbolic gesture to raise awareness.

• Voice disapproval: To express disagreement or negative judgment about something.

  Example: Activists gathered to voice disapproval of the new environmental policy.

• Draw attention to (something): To cause people to notice or think about something.

  Example: The campaign aims to draw attention to the plight of endangered species.

• Make a difference: To have a significant effect on a person or situation.

  Example: Every small effort can make a difference in the long run.

• Bold statement: A strong, impactful declaration or action.

  Example: Wearing that outfit was certainly a bold statement.

• Subtle air of disapproval: A quiet, understated way of showing that one does not approve.

  Example: Her silence carried a subtle air of disapproval.

Grammar Points

1. Present Continuous for Future Arrangements/Plans

   We often use the present continuous tense (be + verb-ing) to talk about definite plans or arrangements in the near future, especially when a time or date is mentioned or clearly implied. It implies that the event is already decided and organized.

   • Example from dialogue: “another country is throwing a diplomatic tantrum?” (Referring to a potential future action)
   • Example from dialogue: “several nations are diplomatically boycotting the opening ceremony.” (Planned action)
   • Further Example: “I am meeting my friend for coffee tomorrow.” (The meeting is arranged.)
2. Phrasal Verbs: “pull out”

   Phrasal verbs are verbs combined with prepositions or adverbs, often changing the meaning of the original verb. "Pull out" is one such verb.

   • Example from dialogue: “without completely pulling out.”
   • Explanation: In this context, “pull out” means to withdraw from an agreement, competition, or activity. It can also mean to extract something or to leave a place.
   • Further Example: “The company decided to pull out of the deal at the last minute.”
3. Expressions of Opinion/Wondering: “I wonder if…”

   This phrase is used when you are thinking about something and want to express curiosity, doubt, or a question, often to yourself or indirectly to others. It’s a polite way to introduce a thought or a speculative question.

   • Example from dialogue: “I wonder if it actually makes a difference though.”
   • Explanation: Bob is expressing his curiosity or doubt about the effectiveness of the diplomatic boycott.
   • Further Example: “I wonder if it will rain later today.”

Practice Exercises

1. Fill in the blanks: Choose the best phrase to complete each sentence.

1. The environmental group decided to _____ to the oil company’s controversial plans.
   (A) make a difference (B) voice disapproval (C) pull out
2. His decision not to attend the meeting was a _____ that he was unhappy with the agenda.
   (A) symbolic gesture (B) draw attention to (C) diplomatic boycott
3. She hopes her donation will _____ in fighting poverty.
   (A) voice disapproval (B) make a difference (C) pull out
4. The news report aims to _____ the struggles of local farmers.
   (A) pull out (B) voice disapproval (C) draw attention to
5. After several delays, the contractor had to _____ from the project.
   (A) pull out (B) make a difference (C) symbolic gesture

2. Grammar Challenge (Present Continuous for Future): Rewrite the following sentences using the present continuous tense to indicate a future arrangement.

1. The prime minister will visit Paris next month.
2. They will have a meeting on Friday afternoon.
3. I will fly to London tomorrow morning.

3. Sentence Completion (“I wonder if…”): Complete the sentences using “I wonder if…” followed by a suitable clause.

1. The weather looks unpredictable. ________ it will rain later.
2. He’s been very quiet. ________ he’s feeling okay.
3. The new restaurant opened yesterday. ________ the food is any good.

Answers

1. Fill in the blanks:

1. (B) voice disapproval
2. (A) symbolic gesture
3. (B) make a difference
4. (C) draw attention to
5. (A) pull out

2. Grammar Challenge (Present Continuous for Future):

1. The prime minister is visiting Paris next month.
2. They are having a meeting on Friday afternoon.
3. I am flying to London tomorrow morning.

3. Sentence Completion (“I wonder if…”): (Possible answers, others may be correct)

1. I wonder if it will rain later.
2. I wonder if he’s feeling okay.
3. I wonder if the food is any good.