An Australian politician has made headlines by legally changing his name to Austin Trump, a decision he attributes to a political protest against the ruling Labor Party in Australia. Ben Dawkins, who serves as an independent member of the upper house of parliament in Western Australia, aims to draw attention to what he perceives as the “tyranny and systematic corruption” of the current government. His name change reflects his admiration for former U.S. President Donald Trump and his approach to political discourse.

Dawkins has taken steps to ensure that his new identity is recognized officially. On the Western Australia parliamentary website, he is now listed as “Aussie Trump.” Additionally, he has updated his social media presence, adopting the username “Hon. Aussie Trump MLC” on his X account. This transformation is part of his broader strategy to engage with constituents and express his political views in a more impactful manner.

In a recent post on social media, Dawkins elaborated on his motivations for this change. He stated, “I’ve launched a political protest against the tyranny and systematic corruption of the Labor government in WA.” His message resonates with those who share his frustrations about the current political climate, and he has invited dialogue with supporters and critics alike. He expressed a desire to discuss these issues further, indicating that he is open to communication.

Dawkins has also echoed some of Donald Trump’s more controversial political stances, particularly regarding energy policies. In a subsequent post, he encouraged his followers to “Vote Labor Out! & Drill Baby Drill!” This phrase mirrors Trump’s advocacy for increased oil and gas extraction in the United States, suggesting that Dawkins is not only inspired by Trump’s persona but also by his policy positions.

In a light-hearted yet earnest invitation to the former president, Dawkins said, “I would love you to reach out Donald, just ring the office here.” This statement underscores his intention to connect with Trump and perhaps gain further visibility for his cause. By adopting the name Austin Trump, Dawkins is not only making a bold statement but also positioning himself as a figure of political resistance in Western Australia.

Original news source: Australian politician changes his name to ‘Aussie Trump’ (Sky News)

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– CHARADES
Instructions: Students will act out key concepts and terms from the article without speaking, while their classmates guess the word or phrase. This can include words like “politician,” “protest,” “tyranny,” and “corruption.”

– OPINION POLL
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups and ask them to discuss their opinions on political protests and name changes as a form of expression. Each group will then share their main points with the class, allowing for a larger discussion on the topic.

– HEADLINE CREATION
Instructions: Students will work individually or in pairs to create catchy headlines for the article. They should focus on making it engaging and reflective of the article’s main ideas. Afterward, they can share their headlines with the class for feedback.

– THINK-PAIR-SHARE
Instructions: Pose the question, “What impact do you think changing one’s name for political protest can have on public perception?” Students will first think individually, then pair up to discuss their thoughts, and finally share their conclusions with the whole class.

– FUTURE PREDICTIONS
Instructions: Students will predict how Ben Dawkins’ name change might influence his political career or the political landscape in Australia. They can share their predictions in small groups, discussing potential outcomes and the implications of his actions.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. What motivated Ben Dawkins to change his name to Austin Trump?
2. How does Dawkins aim to engage with his constituents through his name change?
3. In what ways has Dawkins updated his social media presence to reflect his new identity?
4. What specific issues does Dawkins highlight in his political protest against the Labor government?
5. How does Dawkins’ message resonate with his supporters according to the article?
6. Which controversial political stances of Donald Trump has Dawkins echoed in his own messaging?
7. What invitation did Dawkins extend to Donald Trump, and what does it signify about his intentions?
8. How does the name change to Austin Trump position Dawkins within the political landscape of Western Australia?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

An Australian (1)______ has made headlines by legally changing his name to Austin (2)______, a (3)______ he attributes to a political protest against the ruling Labor Party in Australia. Ben Dawkins, who serves as an independent member of the upper house of parliament in Western Australia, aims to draw attention to what he perceives as the “tyranny and systematic corruption” of the current government. His name change reflects his admiration for former U.S. President Donald Trump and his approach to political discourse.

Dawkins has taken steps to (4)______ that his new identity is recognized officially. On the Western Australia parliamentary website, he is now listed as “Aussie Trump.” Additionally, he has updated his social media presence, adopting the username “Hon. Aussie Trump MLC” on his X (5)______. This transformation is part of his broader strategy to engage with constituents and express his political views in a more impactful manner.

In a recent post on social media, Dawkins elaborated on his motivations for this change. He (6)______, “I’ve launched a political protest against the (7)______ and (8)______ corruption of the Labor government in WA.” His message (9)______ with those who share his frustrations about the current political climate, and he has invited dialogue with supporters and critics alike. He expressed a desire to discuss these issues further, indicating that he is open to communication.

Dawkins has also echoed some of Donald Trump’s more controversial political stances, particularly regarding energy (10)______. In a subsequent post, he (11)______ his followers to “Vote Labor Out! & Drill Baby Drill!” This (12)______ mirrors Trump’s advocacy for increased oil and gas extraction in the United (13)______, suggesting that Dawkins is not only inspired by Trump’s persona but also by his policy positions.

In a light-hearted yet earnest invitation to the former (14)______, Dawkins said, “I would love you to (15)______ out Donald, just ring the office here.” This statement underscores his intention to connect with Trump and perhaps gain further visibility for his (16)______. By adopting the name Austin Trump, Dawkins is not only making a bold statement but also positioning himself as a figure of political resistance in Western Australia.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your opinion on using a name change as a form of political protest?
2. How would you feel if a politician in your country changed their name to make a statement?
3. Do you think that adopting a controversial figure’s name, like Donald Trump’s, is an effective way to gain attention? Why or why not?
4. What is a political protest you have participated in or would like to participate in?
5. Do you believe that social media is a powerful tool for political engagement? Why or why not?
6. How would you respond if someone you knew changed their name for political reasons?
7. Do you think that political figures should adopt unconventional strategies to engage with their constituents? Why?
8. What is your opinion on the idea of “tyranny and systematic corruption” in government? Do you think these issues are prevalent in your country?
9. How would you feel if a politician echoed the controversial policies of another leader from a different country?
10. Do you think that the admiration for political figures like Donald Trump can influence local politicians? Why or why not?
11. What is a political issue in your country that you feel passionate about?
12. How would you feel if a political figure invited dialogue with both supporters and critics?
13. Do you think that humor has a place in political discourse? Why or why not?
14. What is your opinion on the effectiveness of bold statements in politics?
15. How would you feel if your political beliefs were challenged by someone adopting a name or persona you disagree with?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. headlines
2. attributes
3. tyranny
4. systematic
5. discourse
6. constituents
7. impactful
8. resonates
9. frustrations
10. echoed
11. stances
12. extraction
13. persona
14. earnest
15. resistance

Meanings:
(A) Prominent news stories or reports
(B) The process of removing something, especially resources
(C) Positions or viewpoints on particular issues
(D) Repeated or imitated a statement or idea
(E) Evokes a feeling of shared emotion or belief
(F) Cruel and oppressive government or rule
(G) Opposition or pushback against something
(H) Written or spoken communication or debate
(I) Showing sincere and intense conviction
(J) Done or acting according to a fixed plan or system
(K) Ascribes or credits something as a cause
(L) The aspect of someone’s character that is presented to or perceived by others
(M) Having a strong effect or influence
(N) Feelings of dissatisfaction or annoyance
(O) People who live in a particular area and are represented by an elected official
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What name did the Australian politician legally change to?
(a) Austin Trump
(b) Ben Dawkins
(c) Donald Trump
(d) Aussie Dawkins

2. What is Ben Dawkins’ political affiliation?
(a) Labor Party
(b) Liberal Party
(c) Independent
(d) Green Party

3. What does Dawkins attribute his name change to?
(a) Personal preference
(b) Political protest
(c) A bet
(d) A family tradition

4. How is Dawkins officially recognized on the Western Australia parliamentary website?
(a) Ben Dawkins
(b) Austin Dawkins
(c) Hon. Ben Trump
(d) Aussie Trump

5. What phrase did Dawkins use to encourage his followers regarding political action?
(a) Make Australia Great Again!
(b) Change the Government!
(c) Stand Up for Australia!
(d) Vote Labor Out! & Drill Baby Drill!

6. Which former U.S. President does Dawkins express admiration for?
(a) Donald Trump
(b) Barack Obama
(c) George W. Bush
(d) Joe Biden

7. What issue has Dawkins echoed from Donald Trump’s political stances?
(a) Immigration reform
(b) Energy policies
(c) Healthcare
(d) Education

8. What does Dawkins invite Donald Trump to do in his light-hearted statement?
(a) Visit Australia
(b) Join him in a protest
(c) Reach out and call his office
(d) Endorse his campaign

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. He has rejected Donald Trump’s invitation to reach out to him, indicating a lack of desire for connection and visibility for his cause.
2. Dawkins has updated his social media username to “Hon. Aussie Trump MLC” on his X account.
3. Dawkins’s name change is intended to draw attention to what he views as tyranny and systematic corruption in the Labor Party.
4. An Australian politician has legally changed his name to Austin Trump as a fashion statement.
5. Ben Dawkins is an independent member of the upper house of parliament in Western Australia.
6. Dawkins has echoed Donald Trump’s controversial energy policies, encouraging his followers to “Vote Labor Out! & Drill Baby Drill!”
7. He has expressed a reluctance to engage in dialogue with both supporters and critics regarding his political views.
8. He is now unofficially listed as “Aussie Trump” on the Western Australia parliamentary website.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
Check your writing now with the best free AI for English writing!

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.
Check your answers with our free English writing assistant!

1. What motivated Ben Dawkins to change his name to Austin Trump?
2. How does Dawkins’ name change reflect his political views and strategies?
3. In what ways has Dawkins sought to engage with his constituents following his name change?
4. What specific political stances of Donald Trump has Dawkins echoed in his own messaging?
5. How does Dawkins’ invitation to Donald Trump illustrate his goals for his political protest?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What motivated Ben Dawkins to change his name to Austin Trump?
Ben Dawkins changed his name to Austin Trump as a political protest against what he perceives as the “tyranny and systematic corruption” of the current Labor government in Australia.

2. How does Dawkins aim to engage with his constituents through his name change?
Dawkins aims to engage with his constituents by adopting a more impactful identity that reflects his political views and invites dialogue with both supporters and critics.

3. In what ways has Dawkins updated his social media presence to reflect his new identity?
Dawkins has updated his social media presence by changing his username to “Hon. Aussie Trump MLC” on his X account and is officially listed as “Aussie Trump” on the Western Australia parliamentary website.

4. What specific issues does Dawkins highlight in his political protest against the Labor government?
Dawkins highlights issues related to tyranny and systematic corruption within the Labor government in Western Australia.

5. How does Dawkins’ message resonate with his supporters according to the article?
Dawkins’ message resonates with supporters who share his frustrations about the current political climate and are encouraged to engage in dialogue about these issues.

6. Which controversial political stances of Donald Trump has Dawkins echoed in his own messaging?
Dawkins has echoed Donald Trump’s advocacy for increased oil and gas extraction, particularly through his statement “Vote Labor Out! & Drill Baby Drill!”

7. What invitation did Dawkins extend to Donald Trump, and what does it signify about his intentions?
Dawkins invited Donald Trump to reach out to him, signifying his intention to connect with Trump and gain further visibility for his cause.

8. How does the name change to Austin Trump position Dawkins within the political landscape of Western Australia?
The name change to Austin Trump positions Dawkins as a figure of political resistance, aligning him with Trump’s persona and policies, and potentially attracting attention to his protest against the Labor government.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) politician
(2) Trump
(3) decision
(4) ensure
(5) account
(6) stated
(7) tyranny
(8) systematic
(9) resonates
(10) policies
(11) encouraged
(12) phrase
(13) States
(14) president
(15) reach
(16) cause
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. headlines
Answer: (A) Prominent news stories or reports

2. attributes
Answer: (K) Ascribes or credits something as a cause

3. tyranny
Answer: (F) Cruel and oppressive government or rule

4. systematic
Answer: (J) Done or acting according to a fixed plan or system

5. discourse
Answer: (H) Written or spoken communication or debate

6. constituents
Answer: (O) People who live in a particular area and are represented by an elected official

7. impactful
Answer: (M) Having a strong effect or influence

8. resonates
Answer: (E) Evokes a feeling of shared emotion or belief

9. frustrations
Answer: (N) Feelings of dissatisfaction or annoyance

10. echoed
Answer: (D) Repeated or imitated a statement or idea

11. stances
Answer: (C) Positions or viewpoints on particular issues

12. extraction
Answer: (B) The process of removing something, especially resources

13. persona
Answer: (L) The aspect of someone’s character that is presented to or perceived by others

14. earnest
Answer: (I) Showing sincere and intense conviction

15. resistance
Answer: (G) Opposition or pushback against something
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What name did the Australian politician legally change to?
Answer: (a) Austin Trump

2. What is Ben Dawkins’ political affiliation?
Answer: (c) Independent

3. What does Dawkins attribute his name change to?
Answer: (b) Political protest

4. How is Dawkins officially recognized on the Western Australia parliamentary website?
Answer: (d) Aussie Trump

5. What phrase did Dawkins use to encourage his followers regarding political action?
Answer: (d) Vote Labor Out! & Drill Baby Drill!

6. Which former U.S. President does Dawkins express admiration for?
Answer: (a) Donald Trump

7. What issue has Dawkins echoed from Donald Trump’s political stances?
Answer: (b) Energy policies

8. What does Dawkins invite Donald Trump to do in his light-hearted statement?
Answer: (c) Reach out and call his office
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. He has rejected Donald Trump’s invitation to reach out to him, indicating a lack of desire for connection and visibility for his cause. (Answer: False)
2. Dawkins has updated his social media username to “Hon. Aussie Trump MLC” on his X account. (Answer: True)
3. Dawkins’s name change is intended to draw attention to what he views as tyranny and systematic corruption in the Labor Party. (Answer: True)
4. An Australian politician has legally changed his name to Austin Trump as a fashion statement. (Answer: False)
5. Ben Dawkins is an independent member of the upper house of parliament in Western Australia. (Answer: True)
6. Dawkins has echoed Donald Trump’s controversial energy policies, encouraging his followers to “Vote Labor Out! & Drill Baby Drill!” (Answer: True)
7. He has expressed a reluctance to engage in dialogue with both supporters and critics regarding his political views. (Answer: False)
8. He is now unofficially listed as “Aussie Trump” on the Western Australia parliamentary website. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧