EnglishPod

Upper-Intermediate - Live from Washington (D0034)

A: This is Madeline Wright, for BCC News reporting

live from Washington D. C. where, very shortly,

the new President will deliver his inaugural address. Just moments ago, the President was

sworn-in to office; following the United States

Constitution the President swore an oath to faithfully execute the office of the presidency.

B: And what exactly is going on now, Madeline?

A: Well, Tom, true to American tradition, the band

has just played “Hail to the Chief”, and the President has been honored by a 21-gun salute. Now

we’re waiting for the President to take to the stage

and deliver his speech. Tom, it’s like a who’s who

of the political world here on Capital Hill, with dignitaries representing several different countries.

B: What’s the mood on the ground like, Madeline?

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c 2008 Praxis Language Ltd.A: In a word, the mood here is electric. The excitement in the air is palpable; I’ve never seen a larger

crowd here on Capital Hill, and the audience is

shouting, crying, and embracing each other. On

this, a most historic day, you can feel the hope and

the excitement in the air. The 20th of January will

go down in history as the . . . . Oh, Tom, it looks

like the President is about to begin. . .

C: My fellow Americans, today I stand before you...

Key Vocabulary

deliver Verb give information by

speaking; say something officially

swear in Verb place someone in a new

position by holding an

official ceremony where

he promises to do the

job well

oath Noun (singular)

official, serious promise

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c 2008 Praxis Language Ltd.who’s who Phrase important and famous

people in a particular

industry

dignitary Noun (plural)

person with a high rank

or position, especially

in government or religion

palpable Adjective so strong you can feel it,

obvious

in a word Phrase to describe it in one

word

fellow Adjective used to describe people

of the same group

go down in history Phrase be remembered

Supplementary Vocabulary

ceremony Noun (singular)

activity or action that

are the official part of

a formal official state or

social occasion

festivities Noun (noncount)

celebration, enjoyment,

and happiness

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c 2008 Praxis Language Ltd.president-elect Noun (singular)

a person who has been

voted president, but

not yet officially made

president

parade Noun (singular)

a public celebration of

an event where many

people move down a

street in groups or on

vehicles; usually involves a marching band

term Noun (singular)

time allowed for one

person to remain President after one election;

in America a presidential term is four years

affirmation Noun (singular)

a show of agreement or

dedication

inaugural luncheon

Phrase formal lunch celebrating the inauguration

Visit the Online Review and Discussion (text version). 

c 2008 Praxis Language Ltd.