UN Supports New Map of the World
The United Nations supports a new world map. This map is the Equal Earth map. It shows the real size of Africa. On old maps, Africa looks small. But Africa is fourteen times bigger than Greenland. Many countries vote yes for this new map. Only the United States votes no.
The United Nations has a new map. Many countries like this map. It is the Equal Earth map. This map is very good. It shows the real size of Africa.
Africa is a very big continent. But old maps are not correct. The old map is the Mercator map. It is from the sixteenth century. On the old map, Greenland and Africa look the same. But that is wrong. In real life, Africa is fourteen times bigger than Greenland.
On Friday, many countries vote for the new map. One hundred and sixty-four countries vote yes. Togo is a country in Africa. Togo helps a lot with this vote. Only the United States votes no. Six other countries do not vote. These countries are Serbia, Estonia, Georgia, Lithuania, Moldova, and Ukraine.
The United Nations does not ban the old map. The United Nations only says nice things about the new map. The United Nations wants schools and businesses to use the new map.
Robert Dussey is a leader in Togo. He says that maps are very important. Maps help children learn. Maps change how we see the world.
Another leader is Jean-Noël Barrot. He is from France. He says that a map cannot change the world. But a correct map shows the truth.
An old mapmaker is Gerardus Mercator. He makes the old map for ships. Ships need the old map for travel on the water. But the old map makes North America and Greenland look too big. It makes Africa look too small.
Now, teachers can use the new map. Many people are happy about the new map.
Take a position. Out loud, if you can.
Four ways to start. Pick one and try saying it before you scroll on.
Tip · Record yourself, use in a notebook, or practice with a language partner.
Which map shows the real size of Africa?
Present Simple for Facts
We use the present simple tense to talk about things that are always true or are general facts.
“Africa is a very big continent.”
What to know · A1
Try saying this aloud
Scenario: You are talking to a friend about a geography class and explaining why you prefer a new map.
- 01“This map is very good.”
- 02“It shows the real size.”
- 03“Maps help children learn.”
Register tip · informal
🔑Key Phrases
This is the specific name of the new map endorsed by the UN.
Our school has the Equal Earth map on the wall.
Used to compare the size of Africa to Greenland.
My house is three times bigger than your apartment.
Explains that the old map is still allowed to be used.
The teacher does not ban mobile phones in class.
Article Audio — Kokoro TTS
UN Supports New Map of the World
💬Discussion Questions
Open-ended questions to talk or write about — alone, with a partner, or in class.
- 1
Do you like looking at maps of the world?
Personal - 2
Why is it important for a map to be correct?
Opinion - 3
How do you think children feel when they see a new map in school?
Predict - 4
Do you prefer using paper maps or digital maps on a phone?
Compare - 5
Is your country big or small on a world map?
Personal - 6
Do you think maps can change how we think about other countries?
Evaluate - 7
What other things in school should we change to show the truth?
Opinion - 8
Why do you think the United States voted no?
Predict
News sourced from: CBS News →. LectoPress rewrites the facts as original graded-reader text for language learners.
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