Occupy Protests Become a Movement

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In this activity you can listen to the news and fill in the blanks. This is a great way of improving your listening skills. You can see more activities like this at listen to the news EnglishClub.com, .

Pre-Listening Vocabulary

• district: a specific region or area
• occupy: to fill up or take over a space
• disproportionate: unequal or unfair amount in comparison to another amount
• general strike: a temporary refusal to work by people in many industries
• Arab Spring: 2011 uprisings in the Middle East and North Africa
• 
  

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Occupy Protests Taking Become A Movement

A protest called “Occupy Wall Street” (OWS) that took place in September in New York City’s financial district has inspired similar
around the world. With over 900 cities in over 80 countries
, OWS is now being called the “Occupy Movement”. Occupy protestors claim to represent “99 percent” of the population. They say they are no longer willing to accept that the other 1% have a disproportionate amount of the world’s power and wealth. Protestors are complaining of being
, unemployed, homeless, or without health care. In some cities,
have set up camps and are calling for general strikes. The original march was inspired by the
Spring.

Comprehension Questions

1. Where was the original “Occupy” demonstration held?
2. Why does the report mention 1%?
3. What are the protestors’ main issues?

Discussion Question: With winter arriving early in the US, critics say that the OWS movement will not have staying power. Protestors disagree. What do you think will happen?

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