reading

Reading Comprehension - English Language

CNN — 

Hundreds of North Korean troops were likely transported by sea to Russia to fight in its war against Ukraine, satellite images have revealed, according to a new analysis from a US-based think tank shared exclusively with CNN.

At least two Russian naval ships are believed to have moved North Korean soldiers to a Russian military port in Dunai, in the far east, in October and November, according to researchers at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, in California.

The ship transfers were first identified by the South Korean National Intelligence Service (NIS), which said in a press release last year that some soldiers were transported via the North Korean port areas of Chongjin, Hamhung and Musudan. But the South Korean agency only offered a grainy radar image at the time.

Image removed.

Related articleNorth Korean troops pulled back from frontline after heavy losses, Ukrainian officials say

“I don’t think that the Russians or the North Koreans want these transfers caught on camera,” Sam Lair, a research associate at the Center for Nonproliferation Studies, told CNN. “The secrecy element is quite remarkable.”

Now, researchers have verified that during the same time period of the troop transfers reported by South Korea intelligence, the Russian vessels identified by the spy agency docked at Dunai port in a remote, eastern part of Russia.

In North Korea, soldiers likely boarded these ships at night, making it difficult to capture evidence of the transfers, researchers said. But satellite images have revealed activities at Dunai, “where it appears the Russians have been less careful.”

 

For example, in one satellite image from Planet Labs, a crane can be seen extending to one of Russia’s naval landing ships, which researchers believe is the Nikolay Vilkov, at the port on October 17, and a covered cargo truck is on the dock next to it. By October 20, the crane is retracted, and it appears a transfer of soldiers is complete.

Researchers could identify the Russian “Ropucha-class” and “Alligator-class” ships in the satellite images because they match with photos captured by the Japanese Defense Ministry in March 2022, when the vessels passed through Japanese waters.

Image removed.

A crane is seen extending to one of Russia’s naval landing ships, which researchers believe is the Nikolay Vilkov, at Dunai port on October 17, and a covered cargo truck is on the dock next to it. 

James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies/Planet Labs PBC

Image removed.

By October 20, the crane is retracted from the Russian landing ship at Dunai port, and it appears a likely transfer of North Korean soldiers is complete. 

James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies/Planet Labs PBC

Each landing ship is believed to have capacity to hold several hundred soldiers, possibly as many as 400, according to the researchers.

Lair explained that Dunai is a secure military facility, making it much more conducive to under-the-radar transfers than the large, nearby port of Vladivostok, which is in an area where civilians live.

“This is an isolated place where they can do these exchanges, where people aren’t going to notice… (where) their own citizens, and folks in the intelligence community might not notice,” Lair said.

An estimated 12,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent to Russia, according to Ukrainian officials and Western intelligence reports in January, which say around 4,000 of those troops have been killed or injured. Kyiv says it has captured at least two North Korean soldiers. Neither Moscow nor Pyongyang have confirmed the existence of North Korean troops on the front lines.

CNN has reached out to the Russian Ministry of Defense for comment.

North Korean troops have been deployed to Kursk since late October to repel Ukraine’s incursion in the southern Russian border region.

 

© Mapbox © OpenStreetMap Improve this map

Rajin Port, North Korea

Dunai Port, Russia

“The Russians seem to have been very careful to limit the exposure of the North Korean soldiers, moving them directly to military training facilities. The motive behind all the secrecy surrounding the North Koreans is uncertain, but moving some of them through Dunai would aid in that effort,” Lair wrote in his analysis.

Dunai port has previously been used to transport cargo between Russia and the North Korea since Pyongyang started aiding the invasion of Ukraine in 2023, according to the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies.

Satellite images taken in October show a cargo ship being loaded at Rajin port in North Korea, and the same ship docked two days later at Dunai in Russia.

An October 2023 report from the UK-based think tank The Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies (RUSI) said that “Russia has likely begun shipping North Korean munitions at scale” to the “inconspicuous naval facility” tucked away in Dunai.

Image removed.

A cargo ship, the Angara, is loaded at Rajin port in North Korea, on October 27, 2023. 

James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies/Planet Labs PBC

Image removed.

The same ship, the Angara, is docked two days later on October 29, 2023, at the secluded port of Dunai in Russia. 

James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies/Planet Labs PBC

“We spend a lot of time looking at North Korea in general, because of North Korea’s nuclear weapons program, their conventional weapons program, their missile programs… So, we’ve been monitoring the North Korea-Russia connection since it started, in part because we think that that relationship might be going both ways,” Lair said.

Alyona Getmanchuk, director of the New Europe Center think tank in Kyiv, told a forum in South Korea this week that North Korea is gaining valuable combat experience with its involvement in Ukraine.

“It’s not only about supplies of missiles, it’s about testing their missiles in real battlefield conditions,” Getmanchuk said during the forum at the Goethe Institute in Seoul.

She said North Korea has used that experience to upgrade missiles to make them more accurate.

Pyongyang’s ground troops are also getting better, Getmanchuk said.

“They came totally unprepared… Now they are learning very quickly,” adapting to their tactics to be effective in “modern, hi-tech warfare,” she added.

Lair said the Pyongyang-Moscow relationship has deepened since the invasion began. “Sending your own soldiers to fight in someone else’s conflict really suggests the strength of the connection,” he said.

There are indications that Russia and North Korea are no longer using the sea route to transport troops, according to the think tank. Meanwhile, South Korean intelligence has reported that Russian military planes are frequently flying between Vladivostok and Pyongyang.

Road not Taken

English

1. Describe how the poet/speaker acts at the end and explain why you think he acts that way.

The speaker acts with a sense of acceptance at the end, saying that his choice "has made all the difference." He reflects on his decision calmly, knowing it shaped his life. This shows he understands that life choices have lasting effects. I think he acts this way because he realizes his journey is unique to him.

 

2. How do the poet's thoughts affect him?

The poet’s thoughts make him reflect deeply about his life and the choices he made. He wonders how different life might have been if he had chosen the other road. This thinking brings some regret but also pride. His thoughts show he values his journey.

 

3. Explain why you think the poet does not choose the road that many people trod by.

The poet avoids the common path because he wants a unique experience. By choosing the less-traveled road, he believes he can have a life that stands out. This choice shows his desire to explore and be different. It also suggests he values making his own path.

 

 4. Explain the poet's thinking pattern throughout the poem. Does it change at the end? Explain why or why not.

The poet’s thinking is reflective and hesitant at first, as he wonders which path to take. He carefully considers each road, not wanting to miss an opportunity. At the end, he accepts his choice with some mixed feelings, showing that he’s at peace with his decision. His thinking pattern does change from uncertainty to acceptance.

 

5. Is the setting important to the story? How?

Yes, the setting is very important because the two roads symbolize choices in life. The fork in the woods represents a moment when the poet must make a decision. This setting highlights the theme of life’s different paths. Without this setting, the poem would lose its central meaning.

 

 6. What is the turning point of the story? Who/What changes as a result? How? Why?

The turning point is when the poet finally chooses one road over the other. This decision shapes his life, making him realize that choices define our journey. The poet changes by accepting his choice, understanding it’s a part of who he is now. He realizes that he cannot go back.

 

7. What problem does the speaker in the poem face? How does he/she solve it?

The speaker faces the problem of choosing between two paths, each leading to different futures. He solves it by picking the road less traveled, accepting that it’s his personal choice. By doing this, he takes responsibility for his life path. This decision helps him feel unique.

 

 8. Analyzing the poet's thinking pattern and choices, explain why you would/would not like to have him/her as a friend.

I would like to have the poet as a friend because he is thoughtful and reflective. He considers his choices deeply, which shows he values life and decisions. This quality would make him a supportive and understanding friend. I think he could give good advice.

 

 9. Write about what would happen if you brought the poet to school or home for a day.

If I brought the poet home, he might observe everything closely and think deeply about ordinary things. He would likely enjoy nature and quiet spaces to reflect. I think he would be a calm guest, talking about how every choice has meaning. His thoughts would make simple things feel special.

 

 10. Pick a stanza in which you disagreed with how the poet handled a situation and rewrite it in the way you think it should have happened.

In the second stanza, instead of hesitating, I would write, "Without a doubt, I chose the path ahead / With courage, I walked and never looked back." This version shows more confidence in choosing. It shows the poet embracing life boldly, without second thoughts.

 

11. What quality of the poet strikes you as a good characteristic to develop within yourself over the years? Why? Describe how the poet demonstrates this quality.

The poet’s courage to take a different path is a quality worth developing. This shows bravery in facing unknown challenges, which is important for a meaningful life. He demonstrates this quality by choosing the less-traveled road, even though it’s uncertain. This makes him unique.

 

 12. How would the poem be different if told through another speaker's eyes?

If another speaker told the poem, they might see the two paths differently, maybe without hesitation. They might describe the paths with different emotions, like excitement or fear. This would change the poem’s tone. The story might feel less reflective and more practical.

 

 13. What is the main conflict for the speaker in the poem? How does he resolve it? Do you think he resolved the conflict well or not? Explain.

The main conflict is choosing between two paths, representing different life choices. He resolves it by choosing the less-traveled road and accepting his choice. I think he resolves it well because he finds meaning in his decision. He doesn’t seem unhappy, showing he made peace with his choice.

 

7 Deadly Sins of Presentations

English as a Second Language (ESL)

 

The 7 Deadly Sins of Presentations

 

I've been to a lot of presentations. Some have been good, but many have been bad. Very bad. So I thought it might be helpful to put together a list of the seven deadly sins of presentations.1. Lack of preparation: This is the most common sin. There's no _____(1) for not preparing. You should know your script and your slides inside out. If you don't, then your audience will know you're not prepared and they'll _____(2) interest.2. Too much information: Many presenters try to include too much information in their talks. They think that if they say everything about their subject, then people will be impressed. But actually, people get _____(3) very quickly. Your presentation should be simple and clear.3. Reading from the slides: This is another very common mistake. You should never read directly from your slides. People can read for themselves. Instead, you should use your slides to help explain what you're saying. For example, you could use photos or diagrams.4. No structure: A good presentation needs a clear structure. Your audience wants to know where you're going. You should start by telling them what you're going to talk about, then go into more _____(4), and finally summarise what you've said.5. Not making eye contact: This is a big problem for many presenters. They look at their notes or at the screen, but they don't look at the audience. Eye contact is very important. It helps you connect with your audience and makes them feel involved.6. Speaking too quickly: When you're nervous, it's easy to speak too quickly. But if you speak too fast, people won't understand you. You need to slow down and give people time to think.7. No enthusiasm: Finally, the most serious sin of all is not being enthusiastic about your subject. If you're not interested, then your audience certainly won't be. You need to show how much you care about what you're saying.So those are the seven deadly sins of presentations. Make sure you _____(5) them!

 

Diabetes, a Global Epidemic – What Can Be Done?

English

Diabetes, a Global Epidemic – What Can Be Done?

In 2010, over 255 million people in the world were suffering from type 2 diabetes and it is predicted that this number will double by the year 2030. However, type 2 diabetes is not a disease or an illness, but a condition that can develop because of one's lifestyle choices. There are long-term problems of diabetes, but there are ways it can be prevented. Ultimately, it's the choices we make every day that can stop this serious condition.

Most people know that type 2 diabetes occurs when there is too much sugar in the blood, and many people recognize that this can be dangerous. However, some of the long-term problems of type 2 diabetes are not so well known. High blood sugar levels over a long period of time can affect the eyes. This can lead to a number of symptoms. For example, people might experience blurred vision, when they cannot see clearly. They may see spots or lines or, worst of all, they can lose their sight. At the other end of the body, people's feet can also suffer. High blood sugar can lead to the blood moving more slowly. This may result in a number of problems, such as pain or even loss of feeling – this is particularly dangerous and could lead to a foot being removed. However, because type 2 diabetes is caused by lifestyle choices, it is possible to prevent it.

Type 2 diabetes does not happen suddenly; it is the result of not eating a balanced diet over many years. By making changes, people can have healthier lives. First, people should stop smoking because it can affect blood sugar levels. Second, if someone is overweight, they should manage their eating to reduce weight. Scientists have shown there are clear links between obesity and type 2 diabetes. For instance, people who weigh more tend to have higher blood sugar levels. Third, people need to be active and exercise more. Exercising regularly helps control blood sugar levels, maintains a healthy heart, and helps people lose weight or stay at a healthy weight. An additional benefit is that exercising helps reduce stress, and as stress often leads to eating, exercise can have a great impact. Type 2 diabetes is not a problem which has no solution. However, the solution is not in a pill which the doctor can give.

To summarize, type 2 diabetes is one of the most serious health problems affecting the world today. The number of people with this condition in the future depends totally on the decisions we make about our own lifestyles. If we want to be healthy, then we need healthy lifestyles.

Crea y personaliza fichas interactivas para cada aula

LiveWorksheets facilita a profesorado, familias y personas que educan en casa el diseño y la entrega de materiales de aprendizaje atractivos. Solo tienes que subir un PDF o empezar desde cero para crear lo que necesites: desde fichas interactivas de matemáticas hasta ejercicios de comprensión lectora, fichas de multiplicación o actividades para infantil, todo en unos pocos clics. Nuestro editor de arrastrar y soltar funciona en todos los cursos y asignaturas, lo que te permite adaptar el contenido a tus programaciones, deberes o evaluaciones. Quienes enseñan inglés como segunda lengua (ESL) también pueden crear sus propias fichas, añadir cuadros de sonidos comunes o integrar actividades de ESL para hacer cada clase más participativa. Además, podrás diseñar fácilmente tareas diferenciadas y autocorregidas que ahorran tiempo y apoyan un mejor aprendizaje del alumnado.

Una biblioteca completa de recursos para K-12 y ESL

Accede a miles de fichas listas para usar en todas las asignaturas de K-12, incluidas actividades para infantil, matemáticas, práctica de multiplicación, comprensión lectora y recursos de ESL. Filtra por curso, materia o nivel de competencia para encontrar exactamente lo que necesitas, ya sea para un aula de primaria, una revisión en secundaria o actividades de práctica en bachillerato. El profesorado de ESL puede explorar nuestra colección en constante crecimiento de fichas y actividades de inglés como segunda lengua, diseñadas para apoyar a estudiantes de todos los niveles. Con nuevo contenido añadido de forma regular, LiveWorksheets es un recurso flexible que ayuda a lograr aprendizajes duraderos.