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photo Tara Benwell Listen to News with Tara Benwell - Instructions:
1. Preview the vocabulary and read the gapfill text.
3. Answer the comprehension questions by writing full sentences.

dateline: 23 August 2017

Turkey Dropping Evolution From Curriculum

Pre-Listening Vocabulary

  • drop: to no longer have or use
  • evolution: the scientific theory of the gradual development of living things
  • curriculum: a set plan of topics to study and learn
  • pious: devoted to one’s religion
  • jihad: an Arabic word understood to mean a “holy war” against non-believers, also means internal struggle to be a good Muslim
  • patriotism: love and honour for one’s country

Turkey Dropping Evolution From Curriculum

A new school curriculum is going into in Turkey for 2017-18, and it will no longer include the subject of evolution in grade nine. The for state-run schools in Turkey is set by the government. representatives say that Charles Darwin’s theory is above the students’ level of understanding and should not be taught until university level. Critics fear this is part of President Erdogan’s attempt to raise a “pious generation.” Other curriculum changes include spending less time on Mustafa Kemal Ataturk (the of modern Turkey) and more time on traditional Turkish culture and religious studies. All new schools will be required to have a gender-separated prayer room. schools will also begin teaching the word “jihad” as a positive term related to patriotism and spirituality.

Comprehension Questions

  1. What is the report mainly about?
  2. Why does the report mention Mustafa Kemal Ataturk?
  3. What are all new Turkish schools required to have?

Discussion Questions: Do you think religion should be taught in schools? Why or why not?

show Answers

Written by Tara Benwell for EnglishClub


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