Real-World Listening Activity: United Nations Speech
Before watching the video read these vocabulary terms and listen for them during the speech. Time stamps provided.
Vocabulary definitions and examples
1. Accusation (noun) 0:08–2:10
A statement that someone has done something wrong or illegal.
Example: The company made an accusation against its former manager.
2. Aggression (noun) 2:11–5:00
Hostile or violent behavior toward another person or country.
Example: The government condemned the aggression against its neighboring country.
3. Displacement (noun) 10:07–12:43
The situation in which people are forced to leave their homes.
Example: The conflict caused the displacement of thousands of families.
4. Sanctions (noun) 12:49–15:43
Official restrictions or penalties imposed on a country, organization, or individual.
Example: Several countries introduced economic sanctions against the government.
5. Diplomacy (noun) 15:50–18:03
The management of relationships between countries through communication and negotiation.
Example: Diplomacy can help countries resolve disagreements peacefully.
6. Double standards (noun) 12:49–15:43
Treating similar situations differently, often unfairly.
Example: The manager was criticized for applying double standards to different employees.
Now watch the video.
Listening Comprehension Worksheet
Discussion Questions: International Relations and World Issues
1. Accusation
Why might one country make an accusation against another country?
2. Aggression
What can cause aggression between neighboring countries?
3. Displacement
What problems do families experience when they are forced to leave their homes?
4. Sanctions
How might sanctions affect ordinary people who are not responsible for their government's decisions?
5. Diplomacy
What qualities make someone a good diplomat?
6. Double Standards
Can you think of an example of double standards in everyday life?
Listening for Spoken English
Formal speeches can be difficult because speakers use long sentences, connect words, and emphasize certain expressions.
A. Match the expressions with their meanings.
Expression | Meaning |
1. Bow our head | A. To remain firm and not give up |
2. Stand fast | B. To accept defeat or submit |
3. Extend a hand | C. To offer cooperation or friendship |
4. At our disposal | D. Available for someone to use |
5. Bend the knee | E. To show submission to someone |
Answers: 1. _____ 2. _____ 3. _____ 4. _____ 5. _____
Discussion and Critical Thinking
Discuss the following questions with your teacher.
Why might economic sanctions affect ordinary people?
What is the difference between military strength and diplomatic strength?
Why is cooperation between neighboring countries important?
What does the expression "double standards" mean in everyday life?
Why might peaceful nuclear technology be useful in medicine and agriculture?
What are some difficulties involved in achieving peace in a region with ongoing conflicts?
Which argument in the speech did you find easiest to understand? Which was the most difficult?
Remember: You can analyze the speaker's arguments without agreeing or disagreeing with them.
Final speaking challenge
Imagine you need to explain this speech to someone who has not watched it.
Give a 1–2 minute summary.
Try to include:
The speaker's main argument.
Two important issues he discusses.
His position on diplomacy.
His ideas about regional security.
Your own understanding of the speech.
Part 9. Listening Reflection
Rate your listening skills today.
Skill | Needs practice | Improving | Confident |
Understanding the main idea | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
Understanding formal vocabulary | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
Recognizing important details | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
Understanding long sentences | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
Recognizing connected speech | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
Summarizing a formal speech | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
My biggest listening challenge was:
One thing I learned today:
My goal for the next listening lesson:
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