A2 - B1 Support Grows For Princess Kate

Word Forms

You will read a short text about the UK’s Royal Family.




Modify the verbs below to create nouns to fill the gaps.

Fill in the Blanks

In the past, the Royal Family had a lot of power and they could make (DECIDE) about laws. Today, the real power belongs to the (GOVERN). King Charles performs some (ACT), like opening and closing Parliament, and he speaks for the UK in different countries.

Fill in the Blanks

Members of the Royal Family make public (APPEAR), often to help charities. They also help UK tourism, as many people visit royal houses, events, and (EXHIBIT).

Fill in the Blanks

They receive millions of pounds every year from the public and from places that they own. Some people think that we do not need a royal family and that we should spend the money on important things, like schools and hospitals. Others believe that they make a big (DIFFERENT) to life in the UK.

Reading comprehension

Read the article about Kate Middleton and the pressure on the Royal Family.

How Kate was made to speak about her illness

The news that Kate Middleton has cancer came at a difficult time. King Charles also has the disease, so two important members of the Royal Family are facing health problems. Kate, who is 42 years old and has three children, said she feels positive about her treatment. Politicians in the UK sent kind messages to Kate and her family, saying they hope she gets better soon.

The White House in the United States also sent good wishes. They said they were sad to hear the news and hope she recovers. For the past few months, there have been many rumours about Kate’s health. Some newspapers shared false information. This made things harder for her and her family. Kate’s husband, Prince William, lost his mother, Princess Diana, when he was young, and some people blame the media for this.

Prince Harry also said that the media in the UK was one of the reasons he moved to a different country. He said that they attacked his family and made his mental health worse. People want to know everything about the Royal Family, which can make life difficult for them. Before Kate Middleton was *diagnosed, there was a lot of attention on her because she changed a photograph of her family using Photoshop.

People then started to invent lies about her. Kate said it has been a difficult time for their family, but she wants everyone to know that she’s doing her best to stay strong and hopeful. She hopes that by sharing her diagnosis, people will understand and stop asking lots of questions. She wants to concentrate on her treatment and spend time with her family.

Reading comprehension

For each question, select the correct option to finish the sentence.

Multiple Choice

1. Another person in the Royal Family

• has left the country

• has health problems

• made false stories

Multiple Choice

People around the world

• shared sad news

• do not like Kate Middleton

• sent Kate Middleton kind messages

Multiple Choice

The media

• 1. always tells the truth

• 1. shared lies about Kate Middleton

• said sorry to the Royal Family

Multiple Choice

Prince Harry

• 1. was attacked by the media

• 1. received praise from the media

• 1. likes the media

Multiple Choice

People were talking about Kate Middleton because she

• 1. forgot something important

• changed a photograph

• went to Buckingham Palace

Multiple Choice

Now, Kate Middleton wants to

• stop working forever

• stop treatment

• be with her family

Vocabulary

Find words in the text that mean the same as the definitions.

Fill in the Blanks

1. people in a group

Fill in the Blanks

kind thoughts of someone

Fill in the Blanks

gets better after being sick

Fill in the Blanks

not true

Fill in the Blanks

say someone did something wrong

Fill in the Blanks

new organisations

Fill in the Blanks

hurt by something

Fill in the Blanks

connected to feelings and emotions

Fill in the Blanks

interest in something

Fill in the Blanks

think about a lot

Multiple Select

Good evening, and welcome to ___ the news at seven o’clock. The big story tonight: Kate Middleton is being treated for cancer. ___ a video, she explained that she went to hospital in January because she had a problem ___ her stomach. Doctors found it when they saw her. She is starting chemotherapy to stop it becoming worse.

• in

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Multiple Select

Her husband, Prince William, praised her bravery and King Charles said he is very proud ___ her. She has not been seen since Christmas, and some people started rumours about her. She wanted time to talk to her children, and help them ___ understand that she would get better.

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Multiple Select

Sometimes, there is a lot ___ pressure ___ the Royal Family because people want ___ know everything about them. Many politicians think they need more protection.

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Multiple Choice

She says she is getting stronger and she hopes ___ work again soon. She also sent love to others who have cancer, saying, "For everyone facing this disease...You are not alone." She has received support from lots of people around the world who want her ___ recover.

• in

• to

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• on

Talking point

1. Why do people think the Royal Family are interesting?

2. Should the media write so much about them?

3. Would you like to be in the Royal Family?