Lesson
Civilian Cost of War in Iran
Read this news story in English at three levels, easy, standard, and advanced (B1–C1) — with vocabulary and a comprehension quiz.
The article highlights the tragic stories of civilians affected by the ongoing war in Iran, including a pharmacist and a young girl who lost their lives due to airstrikes.
Pick your level
Standard — Natural English
60 words · ~1 min readEasy version (A2–B1)
The war in Iran is hurting many innocent people. A pharmacist named Parastesh was killed while working. A 3-year-old girl named Eilmah also died after being hurt in an airstrike. Many stories like these are not known. People are suffering greatly.Standard version (B1–B2)
The ongoing war in Iran has led to significant civilian casualties, with heartbreaking stories emerging from the conflict. Parastesh Dahaghin, a young pharmacist, was killed in an explosion while helping patients. Eilmah Bilki, a 3-year-old girl, died after being injured in an airstrike. These tragic events highlight the human cost of war, as many civilians are caught in the crossfire.Advanced version (C1–C2)
The civilian toll of the ongoing conflict in Iran has reached alarming levels, with numerous tragic stories surfacing amidst the chaos. Parastesh Dahaghin, a dedicated pharmacist, lost her life in an explosion while serving her community, emphasizing the bravery of those who remain in war-torn areas. Meanwhile, the heartbreaking case of 3-year-old Eilmah Bilki, who succumbed to injuries from an airstrike, underscores the indiscriminate nature of such violence. As the war continues, the plight of civilians remains largely overlooked, with many stories of loss and suffering going untold, revealing the profound human cost of geopolitical conflicts.Lesson audio
Standard level
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Test your understanding
01What profession did Parastesh Dahaghin have?
02How old was Eilmah Bilki when she died?
03What tragic event led to the death of Parastesh Dahaghin?
Discussion
How can the international community better support civilians affected by war?
Vocabulary
civilian word
a person who is not a member of the military or armed forces
“The ongoing war has resulted in many civilian casualties.”
casualty word
a person killed or injured in a war or accident
“The conflict has led to significant casualties among innocent people.”
heartbreaking word
causing overwhelming distress or sorrow
“The heartbreaking stories of victims are often overlooked in discussions about war.”
explosion word
a violent burst or rupture, often causing damage or destruction
“An explosion occurred while the pharmacist was assisting patients.”
airstrike word
an attack by military aircraft dropping bombs on a target
“The young girl was injured in an airstrike that targeted her neighborhood.”