Learning English

President defies a nation

President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe has refused to step down despite demands from his own party, ZANU-PF.

Language challenge

Zimbabwean president Mugabe has defied demands for him to resign. Mugabe is a president, but which word would we use for kings or queens?

a)    abdicate                                       

b)    advocate                                            

c)    placate                                    

d)    defecate                                  

Watch the video and complete the activity

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The story

Zimbabwe’s ruling party says it will begin impeachment proceedings today against President Robert Mugabe.

The 93-year-old leader has defied demands from his party ZANU-PF to resign, and has insisted that a regular cabinet meeting will take place later.

Key words and phrases

an ultimatum
a threat of punishment if someone does not do something

ebbing away
becoming weaker

buying it
believing it

To do

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

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Language challenge - answer

a) abdicate

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