News & Current Affairs Vocabulary
Learn the English words used in news and current events: controversy, backlash, allegations, policy, and more.
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Terms in this deck
- controversya public disagreement about a topic
- backlasha strong negative reaction from the public
- allegationsclaims that someone has done something wrong, not yet proven
- policya plan of action adopted by a government or organization
- outbreaka sudden start of a disease or violence spreading
- shortagea situation where there isn't enough of something
- scandalan event or action that causes public shock or disgrace
- protesta public expression of disagreement, often with signs or marches
- petitiona formal written request signed by many people
- coveragethe reporting of an event by news media
- headlinethe title of a news article, usually in large text
- breaking newsvery recent, important news being reported right now
- sourcea person or document that provides information for a news story
- press conferencea meeting where officials answer questions from journalists
- leakto release secret information without authorization
- whistleblowersomeone who exposes wrongdoing within an organization
- censorshipthe suppression of information, speech, or media
- propagandamisleading or biased information used to promote a viewpoint
- public opinionwhat most people in society think about an issue
- polla survey that measures public opinion
- turnoutthe number of people who participate in something, like voting
- ceasefirean agreement to stop fighting
- sanctionspenalties imposed by one country on another
- diplomata government official who deals with other countries
- summita formal meeting between heads of government or important officials
- coupthe sudden, illegal seizure of power from a government
- uprisinga rebellion or revolt against an authority
- refugeesomeone forced to leave their country due to danger or conflict
- fact-checkto check whether a claim or statement is actually true
- referenduma public vote on a single specific issue
- bipartisansupported by two opposing political parties
- exclusivea news story that only one outlet has and no other
- correspondenta journalist who reports from a specific place or on a specific topic
- op-edan article expressing the writer's personal opinion, not the outlet's
- editorialan article that gives the official opinion of a newspaper or magazine
- spokespersonsomeone who officially speaks on behalf of a group or organization
- press releasean official statement given to the media by an organization
- boycottto refuse to buy from or support something as a form of protest
- death tollthe total number of people who died in an event
- humanitarian aidassistance given to people affected by disaster or conflict
- treatya formal agreement between two or more countries
- rebela person who fights against the government or authority
- extremista person with very radical political or religious views
- grassrootsorganized by ordinary people rather than by leaders
- campaigna series of organized actions to achieve a political or social goal
- incumbentthe person who currently holds a political position
- candidatea person running for a political position
- ballota paper or system used to cast a vote
- landslidea victory by a very large margin in an election
- lobbyingtrying to influence a government official or policy on behalf of a group
- tabloida newspaper known for sensational, less serious stories
- mainstream mediathe large, widely followed news organizations
- fake newsfalse stories presented as if they were real news
- embargoan official ban on trade or the release of information
- gag ordera legal order that forbids someone from discussing a case publicly
- aftermaththe period or situation that follows a harmful event
- alliancea formal agreement between countries or groups to work together
- moderateholding political views that are not extreme
- conservativefavoring traditional values and cautious political change
- liberalfavoring social progress and reform
- electorateall the people in a country or area who are entitled to vote
- exit polla survey of voters taken right after they vote
- impeachmenta formal process to charge a government official with wrongdoing
- vetothe power to officially reject a decision or law
- amendmenta formal change or addition to a law or document
- watchdogan organization that monitors institutions to prevent wrongdoing
How to study this deck
This vocabulary helps you read news in English and comment on current events. Study by type of story: politics (policy, protest, petition), problems (scandal, shortage, outbreak) and media (headline, coverage, source, press conference). Reading one headline a day in English and underlining these words is a very effective way to reinforce them.
The trickiest words
- allegations: they are claims not yet proven. Almost always plural: "allegations of fraud".
- coverage: it is how much attention the media gives a story. It is uncountable.
- backlash: it is a strong negative public reaction to a decision or remark.
Examples in context
The new policy caused a lot of controversy.
Over 10,000 people signed the petition.
The film faced censorship in some countries.
Leaders gathered for the climate summit.
She wrote an op-ed about climate policy.
Rebel forces took control of the city.
The industry spent millions on lobbying.
The candidate ran as a moderate.
Mini dialogue
- A: Did you see the headline today?
- B: Yes, there was a scandal and a big protest.
- A: The allegations caused a backlash.
- B: The mayor will hold a press conference tomorrow.