6/28/2011

Venezuelan Government Dismisses Reports

Photo: AP/Granma
In this June 17, 2011 photo released by Granma newspaper, Cuba's former President Fidel Castro, left, and brother, Cuba's President Raul Castro, right, speak with Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez at a hospital in Havana, Cuba



  • These are the facts

Yesterday Venezuelan officials dismissed reports that President Hugo Chavez could be seriously ill. His opponents demand information about his health, more than 2 weeks after he underwent surgery in Cuba.

President Chavez has not been seen in public since the June 10 operation for what authorities say was an abscess in his pelvic area. Mr. Chavez's voice was last heard publicly June 12, when he called a television network

Officials say the president is recovering well. The president's opponents say Mr. Chavez and his aides should be more straightforward.

Chavez should be back for a regional summit beginning July 5 that coincides with the 200th anniversary of Venezuela's independence from Spain.

Some opposition politicians say Vice President Elias Jaua should replace Mr. Chavez until he recovers.. Jaua does not agree

The 56-year-old president's Twitter stream is active. On Saturday, Mr. Chavez posted messages, including one mentioning visits by his daughter and grandchildren.


  • Let's include some linkers now. Choose the right option.


Yesterday Venezuelan officials dismissed reports that President Hugo Chavez could be seriously ill. (However - Although - So - Despite) his opponents demand information about his health, more than 2 weeks after he underwent surgery in Cuba.

(However - Although - So - Despite) officials say the president is recovering well, the president's opponents say Mr. Chavez and his aides should be more straightforward.

Some opposition politicians say Vice President Elias Jaua should replace Mr. Chavez until he recovers. (However - Although - So -Despite) Jaua does not agree

(However - Although - So -Despite) the absence of the 56-year-old president, his Twitter stream is active. On Saturday, Mr. Chavez posted messages, including one mentioning visits by his daughter and grandchildren.


  • The colored words are the answers. Could you please think of suitable questions?

1. Yesterday Venezuelan officials dismissed reports that President Hugo Chavez could be seriously ill.
2. Yesterday Venezuelan officials dismissed reports that President Hugo Chavez could be seriously ill.
3. His opponents demand information about his health
4. He underwent surgery in Cuba .
5. He underwent surgery more than 2 weeks ago.
6. The president's opponents say Mr. Chavez and his aides should be more straight forward .
7. Chavez should be back for a regional summit .
8. The regional summit will begin on July 5 .
9. Some opposition politicians say Vice President Elias Jaua should replace Mr. Chavez
10. Vice President Elias Jaua should replace Mr. Chavez until he recovers.
11. No, Juau does not agree .
12. Chavez is 56 years old .
13. On Saturday Mr. Chavez posted messages
14. He mentioned visits by his daughter and grandchildren.