Learning English

The Russian Revolution: 100 years on

The Bolsheviks took power 100 years ago and held onto power until 1991. 

Language challenge

If you use the informal expression 'to teach someone a lesson', what does it mean?

a) you show someone how to do something

b) you punish someone

c) you train to become a teacher

Watch the video and complete the activity

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The story

Low-key events are being held in Russia to mark the 100th anniversary of the Bolshevik Revolution.

Members of the communist party, now in opposition, are celebrating the armed uprising by Lenin's Bolsheviks with a march and rally in Moscow.

But President Putin and his government are playing down the significance of the revolution. There are no special events at the Kremlin on what is an ordinary working day.

Key words and phrases

low-key
without much activity or excitement

lessons
experiences that help people make better decisions in future

the promise of
the hope or suggestion something positive will happen

To do

Try our quiz to see how well you've learned today's language.

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Language challenge - answer

b) you punish someone

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