Government Charges James Comey

Introduction

The government says James Comey threatened the President. Now, people are arguing about the law.

Main Body

Mr. Comey posted a picture of shells on Instagram. The numbers were 86 47. The government says this is a threat to kill the President. Mr. Comey says this is not true. He says the numbers mean something else. Some politicians are angry. Senator Tillis and Senator Schiff say the case is not fair. They think the government is just angry at Mr. Comey. Many workers are leaving the Department of Justice because they are worried. Todd Blanche is the leader of the case. He says they studied the evidence for eleven months. He says the court will decide if Mr. Comey is guilty. Mr. Comey's lawyers say he has the right to speak freely.

Conclusion

Mr. Comey must go to court soon. The government says the trial will show the truth.

Learning

🗣️ People and their Opinions

In this story, we see people saying different things. To reach A2, you need to know how to report what someone thinks.

The Pattern: [Person] + says + [Idea]

  • The government says \rightarrow it is a threat.
  • Mr. Comey says \rightarrow it is not true.
  • He says \rightarrow the numbers mean something else.

💡 Quick Tip: 'SAY' vs 'THINK'

When we use SAY, it is about the words coming out of the mouth. When we use THINK, it is about the idea inside the head.

  • Example: Senator Tillis thinks the case is not fair. (This is his opinion).
  • Example: Todd Blanche says the court will decide. (These are his words).

📝 Useful Vocabulary from the Text

WordSimple Meaning
GuiltyDid something wrong
EvidenceProof/Facts
FairRight or equal
ThreatA promise to hurt someone

Vocabulary Learning

government (n.)
The group of people who run a country.
Example:The government announced a new tax.
threaten (v.)
To say you will do something bad to someone.
Example:He threatened to leave if he was not paid.
president (n.)
The leader of a country.
Example:The president met with the diplomats.
law (n.)
A rule made by the government that everyone must follow.
Example:The law says you must wear a seatbelt.
picture (n.)
An image or photograph.
Example:She showed a picture of her family.
shells (n.)
The hard outer part of a sea creature or a weapon.
Example:The shells were on the beach.
instagram (n.)
A social media app where people post pictures.
Example:He posted a photo on Instagram.
politician (n.)
A person who works in government and helps make laws.
Example:The politician promised to improve schools.
angry (adj.)
Feeling or showing strong dislike or frustration.
Example:She was angry when she lost her keys.
senator (n.)
A member of a group that makes laws for a country.
Example:The senator voted for the new bill.