News by Levels · Level 2 · For teachers

Teacher guide & answers

In this lesson: Explain how a physical link can support a wider message.

A Border Visit Gives Pope Leo a Bridge Metaphor

How to use these two pages

Give learners the student worksheet. It contains the story and questions, without the answers. Keep this guide for yourself. Use it to lead the activity and explain the answers afterwards.

Student worksheet

A simple 15–20-minute lesson

Before reading · 2 minutes
Show the title. Ask: “What do you think this story is about?”
Read and answer · 8–10 minutes
Give out the student worksheet. Learners read for the main idea, then reread to answer the 2 questions. They can compare answers with a partner.
Discuss and write · 5–8 minutes
Check the answers below together. Ask learners to point to the clue in the story, then finish with the open question.

Adjust the support: Let learners use word help or Level 1 if needed. For a challenge, compare the wording in another level. This activity is not a proficiency test.

Answers to the 2 questions

The question numbers match the student worksheet. Each answer includes a reason and the clue learners can find in the story.

Which countries does the bridge connect?
Correct answer: C — Uruguay and Argentina
Why: The final paragraph identifies both countries.
Clue in the story: The bridge connects Uruguay and Argentina. In his message, a physical link became an example of communication and cooperation.
How certain is the crowd figure?
Correct answer: A — It is presented as an estimate
Why: Estimated qualifies the reported figure of 40,000.
Clue in the story: Pope Leo addressed an estimated 40,000 people in Paysandú, Uruguay, on November 7, Reuters reported. Many had waited overnight in rain.

The open question: accept different answers

Ask learners: Explain the connection between the landmark and the message.

One possible answer: The landmark connects two countries. The speech uses that physical connection to represent communication and cooperation between people.

This is an example, not the only correct answer. Look for a relevant idea, a reason and the learner’s own words. Learners can answer aloud or write one or two sentences.

Grammar to discuss

Figurative use of bridge

bridge their differences

Bridge is a verb meaning overcome a separation here. The nearby physical bridge supports the comparison.