Iran's president killed in crash: BBC News Review

Summary

In this BBC Learning English News Review, hosts Beth and Phil discuss the death of Iran's President Ebrahaim Raisi in a helicopter crash. The segment explores the mixed reactions to his death, with thousands mourning in the streets, while critics celebrate covertly on social media. The program also covers the vocabulary needed to discuss the story, including 'furtive' for secret celebrations, 'reverberate' for the wide impact of his death, and 'condolences' for expressions of sympathy. The US government's contrasting actions of offering condolences while criticizing Raisi's human rights record are highlighted.

Takeaways

• 🔹 The BBC Learning English News Review discusses the death of Iran's President, Ebrahaim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash.
• 🌧️ The accident occurred in poor weather conditions in a mountainous area in the northwest of Iran.
• 😢 Thousands have mourned Raisi's death, while others have celebrated it, reflecting a divided public opinion.
• 👎 Raisi's human rights record was heavily criticized, which may have influenced the mixed reactions to his death.
• 📰 The news headlines highlight the contrasting reactions to his death, with some expressing muted mourning and others furtive celebration.
• 🔍 The term 'furtive' is explained as secretive or hidden, describing the way some people are celebrating Raisi's death.
• 🌊 The word 'reverberate' is used metaphorically to discuss the potential wide-reaching impact of Raisi's death across the Middle East.
• 🇺🇸 The US government has offered condolences to Iran while also strongly criticizing Raisi's human rights record.
• 💬 The vocabulary 'condolences' is defined as an expression of sympathy, which the US has extended to the Iranian people.
• 📈 The script provides insights into how significant events can have unintended and far-reaching consequences, or 'reverberations'.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the News Review from BBC Learning English in this transcript?

The main topic is the death of Iran's President Ebrahaim Raisi in a helicopter crash and the subsequent reactions, including mourning and criticism.

How did President Ebrahaim Raisi of Iran die according to the news?

President Ebrahaim Raisi died in a helicopter crash in a mountainous region in the northwest of Iran during bad weather.

What is the meaning of the word 'furtive' as used in the context of the news story?

In the context of the news story, 'furtive' means secret or hidden, describing the celebrations by Raisi's critics in a secretive or discreet manner.

What does the term 'reverberate' imply in the headline from The Times of India?

The term 'reverberate' in the headline implies that the impact of Raisi's death will spread and have consequences across the Middle East.

What does the word 'condolences' signify in the context of the news headline from The Times of Israel?

In the context of the news headline, 'condolences' signifies an expression of sympathy from the US government towards the Iranian people following the death of President Raisi.

How is the reaction to Raisi's death described in the Reuters headline mentioned in the script?

The reaction to Raisi's death is described as 'divided' with 'muted mourning and furtive celebration', indicating a mix of public grief and secret celebration.

What is the meaning of 'muted mourning' as used in the Reuters headline?

'Muted mourning' refers to a period of sadness that is not very noticeable or expressed in a subdued manner after someone's death.

What does the adverb 'furtively' describe according to the script?

The adverb 'furtively' describes actions that are done in a suspicious or secretive manner, as if the person does not want to be noticed.

Can you provide an example of how the word 'reverberation' might be used outside of the news context?

Outside of the news context, 'reverberation' might be used to describe the echoing sound in a large room or the unintended consequences of a significant decision.

What is the difference between 'offering condolences' and 'condoling' as per the script?

According to the script, 'offering condolences' is a way of expressing sympathy formally, while 'condoling' is the verb form of the action, but it is more common to use verbs like 'offer' or 'extend' in this context.

How does the script suggest one can find more episodes of News Review from BBC Learning English?

The script suggests that one can find more episodes of News Review by clicking on the provided link and subscribing to the channel to receive updates on new episodes.

Outlines

00:00

🔥 Iran's President's Death Sparks Mixed Reactions

The BBC News Review discusses the death of Iran's President Ebrahaim Raisi in a helicopter crash, which occurred in adverse weather conditions in a mountainous area. The incident has led to a divided public response, with thousands mourning his death in the streets, while others, particularly his critics, are celebrating. Raisi's controversial human rights record has been a significant point of contention. The vocabulary words 'furtive', 'reverberate', and 'condolences' are introduced to help viewers understand the nuances of the news story. 'Furtive' describes the secretive celebrations, 'reverberate' is used metaphorically to discuss the potential wide-reaching impact of his death, and 'condolences' refers to the formal expression of sympathy offered by the US government, despite their criticism of Raisi's human rights record.

05:02

🌐 US Criticizes Raisi's Human Rights Record While Offering Condolences

The second paragraph delves into the US government's response to President Raisi's death. It highlights the dichotomy in their stance, where they have offered condolences to the Iranian people, expressing sympathy for the loss, while also strongly criticizing Raisi's human rights record. The term 'condolences' is further explained as a formal expression of sympathy, often used in situations involving death. The paragraph clarifies that while the US has extended their condolences, they have not shied away from condemning Raisi's past actions, indicating a complex relationship and a multifaceted approach to international diplomacy.

Keywords

💡muted mourning

Muted mourning refers to a subdued or restrained expression of grief. In the context of the video, it describes the reaction to the death of Iran's president, suggesting that while there is sadness, it is not openly or loudly displayed. This term is significant as it reflects the mixed feelings towards the president's death, with some mourning and others celebrating.

💡furtive

Furtive is an adjective used to describe something that is done secretly or in a hidden manner. In the video, it is used to characterize the celebrations of the president's death, indicating that these celebrations are not openly acknowledged. This term is crucial as it highlights the dichotomy of reactions to the event, with some people being secretive about their feelings.

💡reverberate

To reverberate, metaphorically speaking, is to have a widespread impact or influence, much like the ripples created when a stone is thrown into water. In the video, this term is used to discuss the potential far-reaching consequences of the president's death across the Middle East. It emphasizes the significance of the event and its potential to affect regional dynamics.

💡condolences

Condolences are expressions of sympathy and慰问 offered to someone who has experienced a loss, such as the death of a loved one. In the script, the US offers condolences to Iran over the president's death, which is a formal way of acknowledging the loss while also maintaining diplomatic protocol. This term is important as it signifies a gesture of respect and empathy, despite any political differences.

💡helicopter crash

A helicopter crash refers to an accident involving a helicopter, often resulting in serious consequences such as injury or death. The video discusses the president's death as a result of such a crash, which occurred in bad weather conditions in a mountainous region. This term is central to the narrative as it provides the context for the president's death and the subsequent news coverage.

💡human rights record

A human rights record refers to the historical actions and policies of a government or individual concerning the treatment of its citizens' rights. The video mentions that Raisi's human rights record has been heavily criticized, indicating that his administration was not seen as upholding the principles of human rights. This term is significant as it provides insight into the controversial nature of the president's legacy.

💡criticized

To criticize means to express disapproval or find fault with something or someone. In the context of the video, Raisi's human rights record is criticized, suggesting that there were significant issues with how his administration handled human rights. This term is important as it reflects the negative perception some had of the president's policies.

💡mountainous region

A mountainous region is an area characterized by the presence of mountains. The video mentions that the helicopter crash occurred in a mountainous region in the northwest of Iran, which could imply challenging terrain and weather conditions. This term is relevant as it helps to explain the circumstances surrounding the accident.

💡bad weather

Bad weather refers to adverse or unfavorable atmospheric conditions, such as heavy rain, strong winds, or fog. The video script indicates that bad weather was a factor in the helicopter crash, suggesting that it may have contributed to the accident. This term is significant as it provides context for the tragic event and its potential causes.

💡thousands mourned

To mourn means to express sorrow or grief over a death or loss. The video mentions that thousands mourned the president's death, indicating a large number of people who were saddened by the event. This term is important as it demonstrates the impact of the president's death on the public and the scale of the mourning.

💡social media

Social media refers to online platforms where people can create and share content or engage in social networking. The video mentions that the president's death was celebrated by his critics on social media, showing how digital platforms can be used to express a range of reactions to news events. This term is relevant as it highlights the role of social media in shaping public discourse and opinion.

Highlights

Iran's president, Ebrahaim Raisi, killed in a helicopter crash.

Funeral of President Raisi is taking place after the accident.

The crash occurred in bad weather in a mountainous region.

Thousands mourn Raisi's death in the streets.

Critics on social media celebrate Raisi's death.

Raisi's human rights record was heavily criticized.

News Review from BBC Learning English helps understand news headlines.

Vocabulary words: furtive, reverberate, and condolences are introduced.

Iran is divided in response to Raisi's death.

Muted mourning and furtive celebration are observed.

Definition of 'furtive': secret or hidden.

Usage of 'furtive' in context of glances and looks.

Reverberate used metaphorically to describe impact.

Reverberation as a noun meaning consequence.

Examples of reverberations from significant events.

US government offers condolences but criticizes Raisi's human rights record.

Condolences as an expression of sympathy.

Different ways to express condolences: offer, express, extend.

Encouragement to subscribe to the channel for more English learning.

Transcripts

Iran's president killed in a helicopter crash.

This is News Review from BBC

Learning English where we help you understand news headlines in English.

I'm Beth. And I'm Phil.

Make sure you watch to the end

to learn the vocabulary that you need to talk about this story.

And don't forget to subscribe to our channel to learn more English

from the headlines. Now, today's story.

The funeral of the President of Iran, Ebrahaim

Raisi, is taking place after he was killed in a helicopter crash.

The accident happened in bad weather

in a mountainous region in the north west of the country.

Thousands have mourned him in the streets,

but his death has also been celebrated

by his critics on social media. Raisi's record on human rights

has been heavily criticised.

You've been looking at the headlines.

What's the vocabulary that people need to understand this news story in English?

We have: furtive, reverberate

and condolences.

This is News Review from BBC

Learning English.  

Let's have our first headline.

This is from Reuters. In divided Iran,

president's death met by muted mourning and furtive celebration.

So, this headline says that Iran is divided. On the one hand,

there is mourning.

Mourning is a period of sadness after someone dies, and mourning

here is being described as muted, which means not so noticeable.

And then on the other side,

we have the celebrations that are described as furtive. Phil,

what can you tell us about furtive?

Well, furtive is an adjective and

it means secret or hidden.

So, if we describe someone as behaving in a furtive way, that means

that they're being secretive or maybe dishonest or suspicious.

So, in the headline,

those who are celebrating are doing it in a furtive way. They are doing it

in a hidden or a secretive way - they don't want people to know necessarily

that they are celebrating. Another way we often use the word

furtive is with words that talk about ways of looking at things.

So you might hear about a furtive glance, a furtive look, a furtive glimpse.

And that's where someone is trying to look at something or someone else,

but not be spotted doing it. Yes, that's right.

And we also have the adverb furtively. If someone acts furtively,

then they act suspiciously.

OK, let's look at that again.

Let's have a look at our next headline.

This is from The Times of India. Iranian President Ebrahim

Raisi's death: How it may reverberate across the Middle East.

This headline asks about the impact that Raisi's

death will have.

We're looking at the word reverberates. This makes me think of sound.

Well, it can be about sound.

It isn't here, but it can be.

Think about sound as vibration.

Vibrations spread across an area -

that's how sound can reverberate across an area. Here,

it's metaphorical and we're talking about impact.

The impact of something can spread across an area. Maybe

think about a pond.

If you throw a stone into the middle, then the ripples will spread across the pond.

Something reverberating spreads in a

similar way. Exactly.

So, this headline is asking about the reverberations -

the impact across the Middle East - and reverberation is a noun.

It means consequence.

Can you give us some examples of reverberation?

OK, well, any significant event can have reverberations.

So, maybe think about a decision to close a factory – that could have strong

reverberations on the local community and some of those consequences

might be things we didn't expect – you can have unintended consequences.

OK, let's look at that again.

Let's have our next headline.

This is from The Times of Israel.

US offers condolences over Iran chopper crash, blasts Raisi's

human rights record.

So, there are two things happening in this headline.

One is that the US government has blasted –

that means strongly criticised – Raisi's human rights record.

And on the other side,

the US have offered their condolences.

And condolences is what we are looking at.

Yes, so condolences are an expression of sympathy

towards someone when someone has died.

So, the US government has offered sympathy towards the Iranian people,

but they have also criticised Raisi heavily.

Now, when someone dies,

you might use the expression

'My condolences', which is quite formal, but it works here.

We also often talk about 'sincere' or 'heartfelt' condolences and

that just makes them even stronger. Now

there is a verb, condole,

but we probably more often use verbs

like 'offer' as we have in the headline here.

Or you can 'express' condolences or 'extend' your condolences to someone.

OK, let's look at that again.

We've had: furtive – secretive, reverberate – have a

wide impact

and condolences – sympathy.

You can find more episodes of News Review by clicking here!

And remember to click here to subscribe to our channel, so you never miss another epsiode.

Thanks for joining us. Bye. Bye!