Today's Headlines:

US-UK forces in Afghanistan

Cancer not just 'bad luck'

Athletics boss steps down

Transcript:

Elite forces from the US and UK are in Afghanistan's Helmand province to help confront a major Taliban attack. They are said to be there in an advisory role as the militants continue to fight government forces for the control of the town of Sangin.

New research suggests up to 90% of cancer cases are due to environmental factors and lifestyle choices and not bad luck. Health campaigners – they're saying that this reinforces the message that our lifestyle choices can reduce the chances of getting the disease.

A senior official in world athletics, Nick Davies, is temporarily stepping down. An internal investigation is taking place into an email he sent. In it he suggests the naming of Russian drug cheats should be delayed till after the 2013 World Championships in Moscow.  

Words and phrases and definitions:

confront
deal with a difficult situation

reinforces     
confirms

stepping down
resigning from his position

Exercise:

Use one of the words or phrases from Lingohack to complete each of these sentences. Note that you may have to change the form of a word or phrase to complete the sentence correctly.

confront / reinforces / stepping down

1. You have to __________ your fears if you want to succeed in life.

2. The CEO __________ after the company lost its leading position in the marketplace. 

3. John won the race and this __________ the idea that intensive training pays off.

Answers:

1. You have to confront your fears if you want to succeed in life.

2. The CEO stepped down after the company lost its leading position in the marketplace. 

3. John won the race and this reinforces the idea that intensive training pays off.