Stories of Missing Children

Introduction

Some children are missing in the UK and Canada. People are still looking for them.

Main Body

Madeleine McCann disappeared in 2007. Her family thinks she is alive. The UK government spends a lot of money to find her. But police in Germany think she is dead. Lilly and Jack Sullivan disappeared in Canada in 2025. Their family is angry. They think the police do not give enough information. The police say it is unlikely the children are alive. Some people think the McCann case gets too much money. They say other missing children need help too. Also, a woman lied and said she was Madeleine. She went to court for this.

Conclusion

The families have hope. But the police think the children are dead.

Learning

🔍 The 'Opinion' Pattern

In this text, we see how to say what people believe using the word think.

The Pattern: Person/GroupthinkIdea

Examples from the text:

  • Her family → think → she is alive.
  • Police in Germany → think → she is dead.
  • Some people → think → the case gets too much money.

Quick Tip for A2: Use think when you are not 100% sure.

  • Fact: The sun is hot.
  • Opinion: I think it is too hot today.

Vocabulary Learning

missing (adj.)
not present or not found
Example:The missing child was searched for by the police.
children (n.)
young people who are not adults
Example:Many children love to play outside.
family (n.)
a group of people related by blood or marriage
Example:The family gathered for dinner.
government (n.)
group that runs a country
Example:The government made new rules.
money (n.)
paper or coins used to buy things
Example:She saved her money for a trip.
police (n.)
people who keep the law
Example:The police helped find the lost dog.
disappeared (v.)
to no longer be seen
Example:The dog disappeared behind the bushes.
alive (adj.)
living or still living
Example:The baby is alive and healthy.
dead (adj.)
no longer living
Example:The old tree is dead.
think (v.)
to use your mind to decide
Example:I think this is a good idea.
find (v.)
to locate or discover
Example:We will find the missing book.
hope (n.)
a wish for something to happen
Example:We have hope that the child returns.