Lesson
Sonam Wangchuk's Hunger Strike Protests Education System
Read this news story in English at three levels, easy, standard, and advanced (B1–C1) — with vocabulary and a comprehension quiz.
Sonam Wangchuk, a climate activist, is on a hunger strike in Delhi, demanding the resignation of the education minister after a nationwide exam cancellation devastated students.
Pick your level
Standard — Natural English
60 words · ~1 min readEasy version (A2–B1)
Sonam Wangchuk is a climate activist in India. He is on a hunger strike to protest against the education system. He wants the education minister to resign. Many students were upset when an important exam was canceled. Wangchuk is weak after many days without food.Standard version (B1–B2)
Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent climate activist and engineer, is currently on a hunger strike in Delhi, protesting against the Indian education system. He demands the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan after a key exam was canceled, causing distress among two million students. Wangchuk has lost significant weight and is being monitored for his health as he continues his protest.Advanced version (C1–C2)
Sonam Wangchuk, a renowned climate activist and engineer, has entered the 19th day of his hunger strike in Delhi, becoming a significant figure in the Cockroach Janta Party's protest against the Indian education system. His demands include the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, following the cancellation of a crucial nationwide medical college entrance exam that left two million students devastated. Reports of student suicides have emerged, highlighting the dire consequences of this educational crisis. As Wangchuk's health deteriorates, with significant weight loss and severe weakness, authorities have been ordered to monitor his condition closely, raising concerns about the implications of his protest.Lesson audio
Standard level
Tap to play
Test your understanding
01What is Sonam Wangchuk protesting against?
02How much weight has Wangchuk lost during his hunger strike?
03What was the cause of distress for two million students?
04What did the Indian court order regarding Wangchuk's health?
Discussion
What impact do hunger strikes have on political movements?
Vocabulary
hunger strike word
a protest where someone refuses to eat
“Sonam Wangchuk is on a hunger strike to demand change.”
protest word
a public demonstration against something
“The students organized a protest against the exam cancellation.”
resignation word
the act of leaving a job or position
“Wangchuk is calling for the education minister's resignation.”
devastated word
deeply shocked or upset
“Two million students were devastated when the exam was canceled.”
monitor word
to watch and check something closely
“Doctors were ordered to monitor Wangchuk's health.”