HOW TO USE THIS LESSON
1. Read all 5 articles BEFORE starting the exercises.
2. Work through each tab: Vocabulary → Fill in Blank → Grammar → Phrasal Verbs → Idioms → Prepositions.
3. Use the Discussion tab to practice speaking and writing.
4. No time limits — go at your own pace!
YOUR READING ASSIGNMENT — CLICK EACH ARTICLE TO OPEN IT
1. Newsweek
US 250th Anniversary: 2026 Dates, Events and Celebrations
Neutral / Factual2. White House — Official Page
Freedom 250 — Official White House Initiative
MAGA / Nationalist — Read intro + Signature Events only3. Fox News
Trump Launches Massive ‘Freedom 250’ Push to Ignite America’s 250th Birthday
MAGA / Nationalist (Media)4. The New Republic
A Very Authoritarian Semiquincentennial Celebration
Progressive / Critical5. The Hill
America at 250: Battling Over National Identity
Centrist / Analytical
Tip: Articles 2 & 3 share a perspective — compare how they sound.
Tip: Article 4 is most critical. Is it fair? What does it leave out?
Tip: Article 5 uses poll data. What do the numbers mean?
10 Key Words — Tap each card to flip it and see the definition!
Vocabulary Check
Fill in the Blank — Type the missing word from the articles!
Grammar: Verb Tenses — Choose the correct verb form.
Phrasal Verbs — Study These First!
Now Use Them in Context
Idioms & Expressions — Study These First!
Comprehension Check
Prepositions in Context — Choose the correct preposition.
Discussion Questions — Answer in 3-5 sentences. Use vocabulary from this lesson!
About the Articles
1
Which of the five articles surprised you the most? Why? What did you expect, and what was different?
2
Articles 2 and 3 come from the same political perspective. How are they similar? How are they different in tone or language?
3
The New Republic says Freedom 250 reflects “authoritarianism, not democracy.” Do you agree? What evidence supports or challenges this view?
4
The Hill says political fractures “cast a pall” on the celebrations. Do you think a divided country can still celebrate its history together?
5
What is the difference between “creedal identity” and “blood-and-soil nationalism”? Which idea is more common in the world today?
Connect to Your Own Experience
6
If your country were celebrating a 250th anniversary, how would it be covered in the news? Would different outlets tell the story differently?
7
The Declaration says “all men are created equal.” Do you think the United States has lived up to this ideal? Give specific examples.
8
Is there something in your own country’s history that still needs a national reckoning? Why is it difficult for countries to confront their past?
Writing Prompt
Which article gives the fairest picture of America’s 250th anniversary? Which is least fair?
Write 1-2 paragraphs and use at least 3 vocabulary words from this lesson!