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The outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential election has created significant unrest within the country and has reverberated globally, leading to varying interpretations of the event’s implications. In light of this divisive atmosphere, the Merriam-Webster dictionary has chosen “polarization” as its word of the year. Peter Sokolowski, the editor at large of Merriam-Webster, explained that polarization refers to a specific type of division that pushes individuals toward extreme viewpoints rather than fostering a middle ground.
The election was characterized by intense division, with many voters perceiving the opposing candidate as a serious threat to the nation’s well-being. A survey conducted by AP VoteCast, which included over 120,000 voters, revealed that approximately 80% of those who voted for Kamala Harris expressed concerns about Donald Trump’s views being too extreme. Similarly, around 70% of Trump supporters felt that Harris’s views were excessively radical. This stark contrast illustrates the deep-seated divisions that have emerged within the American electorate.
Merriam-Webster’s selection of “polarization” is not merely a reflection of political discourse; it also highlights broader societal fractures. The term is often used to describe significant disagreements in various contexts, including pop culture and technology. For instance, controversies surrounding celebrities or events, such as Taylor Swift’s private jet usage or disputes between musicians, have also been labeled as polarizing. This indicates that polarization is a pervasive phenomenon affecting multiple aspects of contemporary life.
Interestingly, the term “polarization” has its roots in the early 1800s, making it a relatively recent addition to the English language. Sokolowski noted that while the word is frequently associated with political discussions, it also applies to other areas of society. He emphasized that the dictionary’s role is to provide an objective understanding of words, especially in an age where misinformation is prevalent. The choice of “polarization” as the word of the year underscores the importance of recognizing the divisions that exist in society.
In addition to “polarization,” Merriam-Webster has identified several other notable words that have gained prominence in 2024. These include “demure,” “fortnight,” and “totality,” among others. Each of these words reflects current cultural trends and societal interests, demonstrating how language evolves in response to contemporary events. The consistent interest in words such as “democracy” also suggests that people are increasingly engaged with the concepts that shape their political landscape, highlighting a collective desire for understanding and clarity in a complex world.
Original news source: โPolarizationโ is Merriam-Websterโs 2024 word of the year (AP News)
๐ง Listen:
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๐ Vocabulary:
1 | polarization | A division into two sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions or beliefs |
2 | reverberated | To have an effect or impact that spreads widely |
3 | implications | Possible effects or results of an action or decision |
4 | divisive | Tending to cause disagreement or hostility between people |
5 | electorate | All the people in a country or area who are entitled to vote in an election |
6 | pervasive | Spreading widely throughout an area or group of people |
7 | objective | Not influenced by personal feelings or opinions; considering only facts |
8 | misinformation | False or inaccurate information spread deliberately |
9 | prominence | The state of being important or famous |
10 | demure | Reserved, modest, and shy |
11 | fortnight | A period of two weeks |
12 | totality | The whole of something |
13 | contemporary | Belonging to or occurring in the present |
14 | discourse | Written or spoken communication or debate |
15 | fractures | Cracks or breaks, often used metaphorically to describe divisions or splits in society or groups |
Group or Classroom Activities
Warm-up Activities:
– OPINION POLL
Instructions: Students will be divided into small groups and asked to create a poll related to the article’s themes, such as “Do you believe polarization is a significant issue in society?” Each group will gather responses from the class and share the results, discussing the differing opinions within the group.
– HEADLINE CREATION
Instructions: Students will work in pairs to come up with catchy headlines for the article. They should consider the main themes such as polarization, division, and societal impact. After creating their headlines, pairs will share them with the class, and the group will vote on the most compelling one.
– VOCABULARY PICTURIONARY
Instructions: One student will choose a word from the article (e.g., polarization, democracy) and draw it on the board without using letters or numbers. The rest of the class will attempt to guess the word being illustrated. This activity will help reinforce vocabulary understanding in a fun and engaging way.
– MIND MAP
Instructions: Students will create a mind map on a large sheet of paper or digitally, starting with the central word “polarization.” They will branch out to include related concepts, examples from the article, and their own ideas about the impact of polarization in society. Afterward, they will present their mind maps to the class.
– FUTURE PREDICTIONS
Instructions: Students will discuss in pairs or small groups how they think polarization will evolve in the future. They will consider factors such as technology, social media, and political changes. After the discussion, each group will share their predictions with the class, fostering dialogue on the potential consequences of increasing polarization.
๐ค Comprehension Questions:
1. What does the term “polarization” refer to according to Peter Sokolowski of Merriam-Webster?
2. How did voters perceive the opposing candidate during the 2024 U.S. presidential election?
3. What percentage of Kamala Harris supporters expressed concerns about Donald Trump’s views, according to the AP VoteCast survey?
4. In what other contexts, aside from politics, is the term “polarization” applied?
5. What historical significance does the term “polarization” have in relation to its origins?
6. How does Merriam-Webster’s selection of “polarization” reflect broader societal issues?
7. What other notable words were identified by Merriam-Webster as gaining prominence in 2024?
8. What does the consistent interest in words like “democracy” suggest about societal engagement with political concepts?
Go to answers โฉ
๐งโ๏ธ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
The outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential election has created significant unrest within the country and has reverberated globally, leading to varying interpretations of the event’s implications. In light of this (1)______ atmosphere, the Merriam-Webster dictionary has chosen “polarization” as its word of the year. Peter Sokolowski, the (2)______ at large of Merriam-Webster, explained that polarization refers to a specific type of division that pushes individuals toward (3)______ viewpoints rather than fostering a middle ground.
The election was characterized by intense division, with many (4)______ perceiving the opposing candidate as a serious threat to the nation’s well-being. A survey conducted by AP VoteCast, which included over 120,000 voters, revealed that approximately 80% of those who voted for Kamala Harris expressed concerns about Donald Trump’s views being too extreme. Similarly, around 70% of Trump supporters felt that Harris’s views were excessively radical. This stark contrast illustrates the deep-seated divisions that have emerged within the American electorate.
Merriam-Webster’s selection of “polarization” is not merely a reflection of (5)______ discourse; it also highlights broader societal fractures. The term is often used to describe significant (6)______ in (7)______ contexts, including pop culture and technology. For instance, (8)______ surrounding celebrities or events, such as Taylor Swift’s (9)______ jet usage or disputes between (10)______, have also been labeled as polarizing. This indicates that polarization is a pervasive phenomenon affecting multiple aspects of contemporary life.
Interestingly, the term “polarization” has its roots in the early 1800s, making it a relatively recent addition to the English language. Sokolowski noted that while the word is frequently associated with political discussions, it also (11)______ to other areas of society. He emphasized that the dictionary’s role is to (12)______ an objective understanding of words, especially in an age where misinformation is prevalent. The choice of “polarization” as the word of the year underscores the importance of recognizing the divisions that exist in society.
In addition to “polarization,” Merriam-Webster has identified several other notable words that have (13)______ prominence in 2024. These include “demure,” “fortnight,” and “totality,” among others. Each of these words reflects current cultural trends and (14)______ interests, demonstrating how language evolves in (15)______ to contemporary events. The consistent interest in words such as “democracy” also suggests that people are increasingly engaged with the concepts that shape their political landscape, highlighting a collective (16)______ for understanding and clarity in a complex world.
Go to answers โฉ
๐ฌ Discussion Questions:
Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.
1. What is a significant political event in your country that has caused polarization among its citizens?
2. How would you feel if you were in a situation where your friends held opposing political views?
3. Do you think polarization is a natural part of political discourse? Why or why not?
4. What is a topic that you believe has become polarized in recent years?
5. How do you think social media contributes to the polarization of opinions?
6. Do you like discussing politics with others, even if they have different viewpoints? Why or why not?
7. How would you respond if someone you respect had an extreme viewpoint that you strongly disagreed with?
8. Do you think that polarization can ever lead to positive outcomes in society? Why or why not?
9. What is a personal experience youโve had that reflects the concept of polarization?
10. How do you think education can play a role in reducing polarization among individuals?
11. Do you believe that celebrities have a responsibility to address polarizing issues in their public platforms? Why or why not?
12. How would you feel if you were asked to choose sides in a polarized debate?
13. What is a way you think individuals can bridge the divide created by polarization?
14. Do you think that the use of certain words, like “polarization,” can influence people’s perceptions of issues? Why or why not?
15. How do you think the concept of polarization affects younger generations compared to older generations?
Individual Activities
๐๐ญ Vocabulary Meanings:
Match each word to its meaning.
Words:
1. polarization
2. reverberated
3. implications
4. divisive
5. electorate
6. pervasive
7. objective
8. misinformation
9. prominence
10. demure
11. fortnight
12. totality
13. contemporary
14. discourse
15. fractures
Meanings:
(A) A division into two sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions or beliefs
(B) The state of being important or famous
(C) The whole of something
(D) Tending to cause disagreement or hostility between people
(E) Reserved, modest, and shy
(F) Belonging to or occurring in the present
(G) False or inaccurate information spread deliberately
(H) Spreading widely throughout an area or group of people
(I) To have an effect or impact that spreads widely
(J) All the people in a country or area who are entitled to vote in an election
(K) Cracks or breaks, often used metaphorically to describe divisions or splits in society or groups
(L) Possible effects or results of an action or decision
(M) A period of two weeks
(N) Not influenced by personal feelings or opinions; considering only facts
(O) Written or spoken communication or debate
Go to answers โฉ
๐ก Multiple Choice Questions:
1. What word did Merriam-Webster choose as its word of the year for 2024?
(a) Democracy
(b) Polarization
(c) Totality
(d) Fortnight
2. Who is the editor at large of Merriam-Webster?
(a) Peter Sokolowski
(b) John Smith
(c) Mary Johnson
(d) Lisa Brown
3. What percentage of Kamala Harris voters expressed concerns about Donald Trump’s views?
(a) Approximately 70%
(b) Approximately 80%
(c) Approximately 60%
(d) Approximately 50%
4. What does the term “polarization” primarily refer to?
(a) A method of communication
(b) A political party
(c) A social gathering
(d) A specific type of division pushing individuals toward extreme viewpoints
5. In what century did the term “polarization” originate?
(a) The late 1700s
(b) The early 1900s
(c) The early 1800s
(d) The late 1800s
6. Besides political discourse, in what other contexts is “polarization” often used?
(a) Pop culture and technology
(b) Sports and recreation
(c) Education and learning
(d) Travel and tourism
7. Which of the following words was NOT mentioned as notable by Merriam-Webster in 2024?
(a) Demure
(b) Fortnight
(c) Innovation
(d) Totality
8. What does the consistent interest in words like “democracy” suggest about society?
(a) A lack of interest in political concepts
(b) A focus on historical events
(c) An increase in misinformation
(d) A collective desire for understanding and clarity in a complex world
Go to answers โฉ
๐ต๏ธ True or False Questions:
1. Merriam-Webster has selected “polarization” as its word of the year in response to the divisive atmosphere following the election.
2. The word “polarization” has its origins in the early 1800s, making it a relatively recent addition to the English language.
3. Alongside “polarization,” Merriam-Webster has highlighted other notable words for 2024, including “demure,” “fortnight,” and “totality.”
4. Approximately 70% of Trump supporters believed that Kamala Harris’s views were moderately radical.
5. The term “polarization” is used to describe insignificant agreements not only in politics but also in pop culture and technology.
6. The 2024 U.S. presidential election has resulted in significant peace both domestically and internationally.
7. A survey by AP VoteCast found that about 80% of Kamala Harris voters viewed Donald Trump’s views as too extreme.
8. Peter Sokolowski, the editor in chief of Merriam-Webster, defines polarization as a unity that leads individuals toward moderate viewpoints.
Go to answers โฉ
๐ Write a Summary:
Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
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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. How does the concept of “polarization” relate to the outcomes of the 2024 U.S. presidential election?
2. What evidence from the AP VoteCast survey illustrates the divisions among voters in the election?
3. In what ways does the term “polarization” extend beyond political discussions according to the article?
4. Why is the historical context of the word “polarization” significant in understanding its current usage?
5. What other words identified by Merriam-Webster in 2024 reflect cultural trends, and what do they suggest about societal interests?
โ Answers
๐คโ Comprehension Question Answers:
1. What does the term “polarization” refer to according to Peter Sokolowski of Merriam-Webster?
Polarization refers to a specific type of division that pushes individuals toward extreme viewpoints rather than fostering a middle ground.
2. How did voters perceive the opposing candidate during the 2024 U.S. presidential election?
Many voters perceived the opposing candidate as a serious threat to the nation’s well-being.
3. What percentage of Kamala Harris supporters expressed concerns about Donald Trump’s views, according to the AP VoteCast survey?
Approximately 80% of those who voted for Kamala Harris expressed concerns about Donald Trump’s views being too extreme.
4. In what other contexts, aside from politics, is the term “polarization” applied?
The term “polarization” is also applied in contexts such as pop culture and technology, including controversies surrounding celebrities or events.
5. What historical significance does the term “polarization” have in relation to its origins?
The term “polarization” has its roots in the early 1800s, making it a relatively recent addition to the English language.
6. How does Merriam-Webster’s selection of “polarization” reflect broader societal issues?
The selection of “polarization” highlights broader societal fractures and the significant disagreements that exist in various aspects of life.
7. What other notable words were identified by Merriam-Webster as gaining prominence in 2024?
Other notable words identified include “demure,” “fortnight,” and “totality,” among others.
8. What does the consistent interest in words like “democracy” suggest about societal engagement with political concepts?
The consistent interest in words like “democracy” suggests that people are increasingly engaged with the concepts that shape their political landscape, highlighting a collective desire for understanding and clarity in a complex world.
Go back to questions โง
๐งโ๏ธโ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:
(1) divisive
(2) editor
(3) extreme
(4) voters
(5) political
(6) disagreements
(7) various
(8) controversies
(9) private
(10) musicians
(11) applies
(12) provide
(13) gained
(14) societal
(15) response
(16) desire
Go back to questions โง
๐๐ญโ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:
1. polarization
Answer: (A) A division into two sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions or beliefs
2. reverberated
Answer: (I) To have an effect or impact that spreads widely
3. implications
Answer: (L) Possible effects or results of an action or decision
4. divisive
Answer: (D) Tending to cause disagreement or hostility between people
5. electorate
Answer: (J) All the people in a country or area who are entitled to vote in an election
6. pervasive
Answer: (H) Spreading widely throughout an area or group of people
7. objective
Answer: (N) Not influenced by personal feelings or opinions; considering only facts
8. misinformation
Answer: (G) False or inaccurate information spread deliberately
9. prominence
Answer: (B) The state of being important or famous
10. demure
Answer: (E) Reserved, modest, and shy
11. fortnight
Answer: (M) A period of two weeks
12. totality
Answer: (C) The whole of something
13. contemporary
Answer: (F) Belonging to or occurring in the present
14. discourse
Answer: (O) Written or spoken communication or debate
15. fractures
Answer: (K) Cracks or breaks, often used metaphorically to describe divisions or splits in society or groups
Go back to questions โง
๐กโ Multiple Choice Answers:
1. What word did Merriam-Webster choose as its word of the year for 2024?
Answer: (b) Polarization
2. Who is the editor at large of Merriam-Webster?
Answer: (a) Peter Sokolowski
3. What percentage of Kamala Harris voters expressed concerns about Donald Trump’s views?
Answer: (b) Approximately 80%
4. What does the term “polarization” primarily refer to?
Answer: (d) A specific type of division pushing individuals toward extreme viewpoints
5. In what century did the term “polarization” originate?
Answer: (c) The early 1800s
6. Besides political discourse, in what other contexts is “polarization” often used?
Answer: (a) Pop culture and technology
7. Which of the following words was NOT mentioned as notable by Merriam-Webster in 2024?
Answer: (c) Innovation
8. What does the consistent interest in words like “democracy” suggest about society?
Answer: (d) A collective desire for understanding and clarity in a complex world
Go back to questions โง
๐ต๏ธโ True or False Answers:
1. Merriam-Webster has selected “polarization” as its word of the year in response to the divisive atmosphere following the election. (Answer: True)
2. The word “polarization” has its origins in the early 1800s, making it a relatively recent addition to the English language. (Answer: True)
3. Alongside “polarization,” Merriam-Webster has highlighted other notable words for 2024, including “demure,” “fortnight,” and “totality.” (Answer: True)
4. Approximately 70% of Trump supporters believed that Kamala Harris’s views were moderately radical. (Answer: False)
5. The term “polarization” is used to describe insignificant agreements not only in politics but also in pop culture and technology. (Answer: False)
6. The 2024 U.S. presidential election has resulted in significant peace both domestically and internationally. (Answer: False)
7. A survey by AP VoteCast found that about 80% of Kamala Harris voters viewed Donald Trump’s views as too extreme. (Answer: True)
8. Peter Sokolowski, the editor in chief of Merriam-Webster, defines polarization as a unity that leads individuals toward moderate viewpoints. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions โง