Lesson
Criminalising Climate Protesters Backfires
Read this news story in English at three levels, easy, standard, and advanced (B1–C1) — with vocabulary and a comprehension quiz.
Research shows that punishing climate activists in the UK makes them more determined to protest. Arrests and fines can radicalise rather than deter them.
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Standard — Natural English
82 words · ~1 min readEasy version (A2–B1)
In the UK, climate protesters are being punished for their actions. A study found that when activists are arrested or fined, they often want to protest even more. Some activists feel angry and want to take action, while others feel scared and do less. The UK government has punished many protesters.Standard version (B1–B2)
A recent study of 1,300 climate activists in the UK reveals that criminalising their protests is counterproductive. Instead of deterring them, arrests and fines often increase their determination to engage in disruptive actions. Activists who have faced repression, such as jail time, are less afraid to protest again. The UK government has intensified its crackdown on climate protests, with some activists receiving long prison sentences for their actions. This research suggests that repression may even lead to more extreme forms of protest.Advanced version (C1–C2)
Recent research involving 1,300 climate activists in the UK indicates that the criminalisation of their protests is counterproductive, as it tends to bolster their resolve to engage in disruptive demonstrations. The study found that those who had previously been jailed, fined, or arrested were less intimidated by the prospect of future repression. In contrast, activists who had not experienced such repression were divided; some felt galvanised by anger towards the government's actions, while others became fearful and less inclined to participate in future protests. The UK government has intensified its crackdown on climate activism, with significant penalties imposed on nonviolent protesters, raising concerns about the implications for civil liberties and the effectiveness of climate action.Lesson audio
Standard level
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Test your understanding
01What effect does criminalisation have on climate activists according to the study?
02What percentage of climate activists faced repression according to the article?
03What has the UK government done in response to climate protests?
Discussion
How do you think governments should respond to climate activism?
Vocabulary
criminalisation word
the act of making something illegal
“The criminalisation of climate protests has sparked debate.”
counterproductive word
having the opposite effect of what is intended
“The study found that punishing activists is counterproductive.”
radicalise word
to cause someone to adopt extreme views
“Arrests can radicalise activists, making them more determined.”
repression word
the act of suppressing a group or movement
“Repression of protests can lead to more extreme actions.”
galvanised word
to stimulate or excite someone into taking action
“Many activists were galvanised by the government's crackdown.”