Live · Oct 18, 2026

Vol. 12 · Nº291Sunday Edition

Learn English with attitude

Current Affairs English

Nothing is normal — question everything

§ 01

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Audio

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§ 02

Audio Word Matching

2 sets

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§ 03

Audio Quiz

9 questions

§ 04

Audio Transcript

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§ 05

Audio Grammar

4 forms

§ 06

Audio Discussion

5 questions

Discussion Questions

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01

The speaker claims that the U.S.–Flávio arrangement is like "a giant mafia shakedown." Do you think this kind of strong language helps people understand political problems, or does it make it harder to have a fair conversation about them?

02

The audio suggests that big tech companies are willing to destroy the Amazon rainforest to build data centers. To what extent should governments — Brazilian or otherwise — be allowed to restrict foreign companies from using a country's natural resources? Who should have the final say?

03

The speaker says that voters "embrace fascist demagogues" when the economic system fails them. Do you think this is a fair explanation for why people vote for extreme candidates, or does it let voters off the hook too easily?

04

The audio presents foreign interference as a serious threat to Brazilian democracy, but some people would argue that national governments routinely interfere in other countries' affairs and that this is just normal geopolitics. Where do you draw the line between acceptable foreign influence and unacceptable interference?

05

The speaker ends by saying that "corporate tech monopolies will keep buying democracies." Do you think democracy is genuinely for sale in today's world, or is this an exaggeration? What could ordinary citizens actually do about it?

§ 07

Personal Notes

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