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Comprehension Quiz

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According to Jeffrey Sachs, what role have America's intelligence agencies played since 1947?

They have advised presidents on how to pursue diplomatic solutions.

They have acted as an unaccountable private army that steers presidents toward war.

They have worked transparently alongside elected officials to protect national security.

They have consistently supported peace negotiations with foreign governments.

What did the CIA promise President Eisenhower about the U-2 spy plane pilot?

That the pilot would successfully complete the mission without being detected.

That the pilot would be rescued by US forces if captured.

That the pilot would die if the plane was shot down.

That the pilot would deny any connection to the US government

What was the consequence of the U-2 incident for President Eisenhower?

He was forced to resign from the presidency over the scandal.

He ordered a full military response against the Soviet Union.

He successfully blamed the CIA publicly and avoided personal damage.

He was caught in a public lie, and the peace talks collapsed.

How does the audio describe the CIA's involvement in the Bay of Pigs?

They persuaded JFK to negotiate a peaceful resolution with Cuba.

They carried out the invasion independently without informing JFK.

They tried to trap JFK into committing to a full-blown invasion.

They advised JFK against military action but were overruled.

What message did JFK try to communicate in his major speech about the Soviet Union?

That the Soviet Union posed an existential threat that required immediate military action.

That the United States should secretly negotiate a peace deal without public knowledge.

That American media was already doing enough to promote dialogue with the Soviets.

That the Soviets were rational people with whom the US could actually talk.

According to the audio, how did security agencies and major media respond to JFK's message about the Soviets?

They pushed the opposite idea, portraying the enemy as an irrational monster.

They broadcast his speech widely to build public support for diplomacy.

They remained neutral and allowed public debate to develop naturally.

They supported JFK's position but warned that negotiations would take time.

What actions did JFK take that, according to Sachs, may have led to his assassination?

He publicly accused CIA officials of treason and called for criminal investigations.

He threatened to expose intelligence operations to foreign governments.

He cut the CIA's budget and transferred its responsibilities to the military.

He fired the head of the CIA and tried to break the agency's power.

What does the phrase "operates with total impunity" suggest about the intelligence machine described in the audio?

That it is highly effective and admired by democratic governments around the world.

That it acts secretly but is ultimately subject to congressional oversight.

That it faces no accountability or consequences for its actions.

That it relies entirely on public trust to function effectively.

Which of the following best summarises the main argument made in the audio?

Jeffrey Sachs claims that while the CIA made serious errors during the Cold War, modern reforms have largely restored democratic oversight and accountability over intelligence agencies.

Jeffrey Sachs argues that since 1947, US intelligence agencies have used deception, narrative control, and possibly even assassination to sabotage peace efforts and maintain a state of permanent conflict beyond democratic control.

Jeffrey Sachs suggests that individual CIA agents acted alone in deceiving presidents, and that the broader agency structure was not responsible for incidents like the U-2 affair or the Bay of Pigs failure.

Jeffrey Sachs contends that US presidents were fully aware of CIA deception but chose to cooperate with it, making elected leaders just as responsible as intelligence agencies for the collapse of peace negotiations.

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The audio suggests that the CIA deliberately deceived President Eisenhower about the U-2 pilot to sabotage peace talks. Do you believe it is ever acceptable for an intelligence agency to lie to its own president? What would you say to someone who argues that national security sometimes justifies deception at the highest levels of government?

The speaker asks, "Sound familiar?" when describing how security agencies and major media worked together to portray an enemy as an irrational monster. Do you think this kind of narrative management — where governments and media collaborate to shape how the public sees a foreign threat — still happens today? Can you think of any examples that made you question the official story?

According to the audio, JFK was assassinated after trying to reduce the CIA's power. Do you think powerful institutions — whether intelligence agencies, the military, or major corporations — are capable of removing leaders who threaten their interests? What would make you believe or doubt that kind of claim?

The audio ends with the question: "When a security state stops answering to elected leaders, is it even a democracy anymore?" Do you agree that a country can call itself a democracy if parts of its government operate without any real accountability? Where do you draw the line?

Jeffrey Sachs is an economist, not a historian or a former intelligence officer. Does it matter what kind of expert is making these claims? Do you think the source of an argument affects how seriously we should take it — and if so, why?

Here is the source material upon which this exercise is based. Feel free to dive deep, to get a better understanding.

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The CIA, Deception, and the Permanent War Machine

February 18, 2026•5 min read•Politics•Upper Intermediate

Article Audio

Audio Comprehension Questions

Comprehension Quiz

According to Jeffrey Sachs, what role have America's intelligence agencies played since 1947?

What did the CIA promise President Eisenhower about the U-2 spy plane pilot?

What was the consequence of the U-2 incident for President Eisenhower?

How does the audio describe the CIA's involvement in the Bay of Pigs?

What message did JFK try to communicate in his major speech about the Soviet Union?

According to the audio, how did security agencies and major media respond to JFK's message about the Soviets?

What actions did JFK take that, according to Sachs, may have led to his assassination?

What does the phrase "operates with total impunity" suggest about the intelligence machine described in the audio?

Which of the following best summarises the main argument made in the audio?

Article Audio

Audio Comprehension Questions

Comprehension Quiz

According to Jeffrey Sachs, what role have America's intelligence agencies played since 1947?

What did the CIA promise President Eisenhower about the U-2 spy plane pilot?

What was the consequence of the U-2 incident for President Eisenhower?

How does the audio describe the CIA's involvement in the Bay of Pigs?

What message did JFK try to communicate in his major speech about the Soviet Union?

According to the audio, how did security agencies and major media respond to JFK's message about the Soviets?

What actions did JFK take that, according to Sachs, may have led to his assassination?

What does the phrase "operates with total impunity" suggest about the intelligence machine described in the audio?

Which of the following best summarises the main argument made in the audio?

Audio Transcript

Match each word from the audio to its correct definition as used in context.

Words

Definitions

Match each word or phrase from the audio to the closest synonym as used in context.

Words

Definitions

Match the grammar forms with the correct sentences (Audio)

Grammar Forms

Sentences

Discussion Questions

💡 How AI Discussion Works

The audio ends with the question: "When a security state stops answering to elected leaders, is it even a democracy anymore?" Do you agree that a country can call itself a democracy if parts of its government operate without any real accountability? Where do you draw the line?

Jeffrey Sachs is an economist, not a historian or a former intelligence officer. Does it matter what kind of expert is making these claims? Do you think the source of an argument affects how seriously we should take it — and if so, why?

Article Video

My Notes

The CIA, Deception, and the Permanent War Machine