Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- shelling / ˈʃɛl ɪŋ / (n.) – the act of bombing a place using explosives called shells
Example:The soldiers’ camp was destroyed by the enemies’ shelling.
- inaugurate / ɪnˈɔ gyəˌreɪt / (v.) – to officially declare the opening of a new building or structure
Example:The mayor will inaugurate the new public hospital tomorrow.
- bottleneck / ˈbɒt lˌnɛk / (n.) – a problem or difficulty
Example:Please list down all the bottlenecks you encountered in the project.
- prospective / prəˈspɛk tɪv / (adj.) – likely to happen
Example:I’m writing a proposal for a prospective business partnership.
- impulse / ˈɪm pʌls / (n.) – something that causes another thing to happen, develop, or make progress
Example:I felt a creative impulse to write poems.
Article
Read the text below.
Poland’s Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said June 1 his country is improving its transport infrastructure to ease the export of grain and other key products from neighboring Ukraine that has been severely restricted by Russia’s invasion.
Morawiecki spoke in the Ukrainian town of Borodyanka, near Kyiv, that was heavily damaged by Russian shelling. He was there to inaugurate container houses, provided by Poland, for people left homeless by the fighting.
Morawiecki said Poland, a European Union member, is working on expanding its transport infrastructure and the flow capacity to facilitate the export of millions of tons of Ukrainian grain and other agricultural products to the world. Poland is receiving EU funds for the purpose, Morawiecki said.
He said North African and Middle Eastern countries rely heavily on Ukraine grain and could face problems feeding their populations without it.
Poland is currently a key route for Ukraine exports, but border bottlenecks — among other difficulties — are restricting the flow of goods.
Poland and Ukraine are also discussing Poland’s assistance in rebuilding Ukraine after the war, as well as stronger cooperation in defense, security and infrastructure.
The prospective deals will “on one hand help Ukraine, on the other hand will give an economic impulse to Poland,” Morawiecki said.
Morawiecki was joined in Kyiv by Poland’s most powerful politician, Deputy Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski, for talks on Ukraine’s recovery with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.
This article was provided by The Associated Press.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
- Japan recently joined the US and Europe in imposing sanctions against Russia. How do you feel about Japan’s involvement in the Ukraine-Russia war? Discuss.
- What would you do if, in times of war, your government supports a country that you personally don’t support? Discuss.
Discussion B
- Do you think your country has good transport infrastructure (ex. highways, public transportation)? Why or why not? Discuss.
- In your opinion, should the government prioritize improving a country’s transport infrastructure over other sectors (ex. agriculture, education)? Why or why not? Discuss.