Today's Headlines:

Hillary Clinton makes history

Thousands flee California wildfires

Cloned animals aging no differently

Transcript:

In a historic move, the Democratic Party's nominated Hillary Clinton as its candidate for the US presidential election in November. So she's the first woman to lead a major American political party towards the White House, breaking through a barrier that eluded her eight years ago. Former president Bill Clinton took on the role of devoted political spouse with a rousing speech in her support.

Wildfires in California have forced thousands of people to evacuate their homes. High winds and hot weather are causing difficulties for the 3,000 firefighters tackling the blazes in the south and centre of the state.

Scientists at Nottingham University say they are confident that cloned animals do not age prematurely. That's raised hopes that cloning as part of medical research might lead to major advances. The first animal cloned from an adult cell, known as Dolly the sheep, did die prematurely. Researchers say her four cloned siblings are in good health.

Words and phrases and definitions:

breaking through
forcefully opening the way through (a barrier)

eluded
failed to be achieved

blazes
very large fires

prematurely
before its expected time

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.

breaking through / eluded / blazes / prematurely

1. Many black actors have been getting awards. Voters for the Emmys made sure that the acting nominees reflected the diversity that __________ the Oscars this year.

2. A __________ has destroyed the old factory in the outskirts of the city. It took too long for the firefighters to reach the area.

3. Some say the top universities are elitist. Poor children who__________ and get a place in one of those most traditional institutions might be the exceptions not the rule.

4. If you drink too much alcohol your health will suffer and you might die__________.

Answers:

1. Many black actors have been getting awards. Voters for the Emmys made sure that the acting nominees reflected the diversity that eluded the Oscars this year.

2. A blaze has destroyed the old factory in the outskirts of the city. It took too long for the firefighters to reach the area.

3. Some say the top universities are elitist. Poor children who break through and get a place in one of those most traditional institutions might be the exceptions not the rule.

4. If you drink too much alcohol your health will suffer and you might die prematurely.