Exercises Verb

Fill in the gaps with the correct form of the verb in brackets, then translate the text into Romanian:

DAVID CLINCH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Despite years of campaigns against them, the Cambodian government (has failed / had failed) to dislodge Khmer Rouge rebels from their remote bases. There, a force estimated at between five and seven thousand, is led by Ta Mok, the man who (has ousted / ousted) Pol Pot from power last June. A WTN crew recently spoke with Ta Mok from his jungle hideout in Anlong Veng. TA MOK, KHMER ROUGE COMMANDER: We continue to struggle in the spirit of self sufficiency and self help. You can imagine from 1990 until now, we have no more foreign assistance. We try to educate the people in self sufficiency, and we are confident that we can continue our struggle. Cambodian society has reached a point where Hun Sen (has divided / has been divided) Cambodia up and sold it to foreigners. CLINCH: Two decades ago, the Khmer Rouge (presided / has presided) over a reign of terror in Cambodia, killing over a million of their countrymen. Now, they're a rag-tag band, fighting with what they can. The approaches to their bases (defended / are defended) by primitive, hand-built and mines, filled with sharp metal shavings and cut bolts to inflict maximum damage on the victims. While the Khmer Rouge are likely to remain a military force (to reckoned with / to be reckoned with), their political participation in the next elections, (scheduled / be scheduled) for July, is very unlikely. Khieu Samphan, the titular head of the Khmer Rouge, (was leading / is leading) the fight for a political role for the rebels. Political ambitions led the Khmer Rouge to agree to help forces loyal to (ousted / ousting) co-premier Prince Norodom Ranariddh defend their stronghold in northwestern Cambodia. But now that the royalists (have agreed / had agreed) to a

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cease-fire with the government in Phnom Penh, the Khmer Rouge could once again be fighting their battles alone. David Clinch, CNN, reporting.


THE BAMBOO FLUTE

HENDERSON: Our next piece is about the complexities of something very simple, a bamboo flute in the hands of a master. We visited with an Indian flutist who gave us some insight into his art. May Lee has more. MAY LEE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Chaurasia began his musical career on the sly because his father wanted him to follow in his footsteps as a professional wrestler. CHAURASIA, INDIAN FLUTIST: So I used to hide myself and practice, so that my father will not know about this activities. Otherwise -- he was a wrestler -- if he starts slapping me, then I won't be alive. LEE: But with practice came acceptance from his father and eventually success. Chaurasia (is now reocognizing / is now recognized) as one of India's most accomplished flutists. (It's taken / It's been taken) him decades to achieve this mastery of traditional Indian ragas, but he still marvels at the simplicity of his instrument. CHAURASIA: The most simplest instrument I (had ever seen / have ever seen). Why? Because this is just a hollow piece of bamboo. These few holes, there is one extra hole as mouthpiece -- that's all -- a cork piece fitted above the blowing holes -- not much. LEE: Not much to the eye maybe, but the source of endless melodious variety to the ears. CHAURASIA: And while playing for many years, we have different kind of ideas, different kind of improvisations,

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different kind of movement of notes. So like one raga we are playing since last 40 years, one scale we are playing since last 40 years and we might play every day, but we will find the different colors, the different moment, the different beauty and the different kind of mood also. LEE: Chaurasia (is having / has had) many teachers, or gurus, in both flute and other forms of music. And now he (had repaid / is repaying) that debt by teaching others. His best advice to them? CHAURASIA: Somebody is listening to you and guiding you. That force, that power, is always there. So try to make him happy. Once he or she is happy, the power, then everybody will -- the whole world, the whole universe -- will be happy with your music. LEE: May Lee, CNN, reporting.


SIERRA LEONE'S SPIRITUAL FORCE

Sierra Leone tops Newsroom Worldview today. The African country (has been divided / has divided) by civil war for the last five years. Government troops (have been fought / have fought) off attacks by a rebel army called The Revolutionary United Front. Some communities (are being protected / are protecting) by "civilian" fighters who claim to draw super-power from a mysterious tradition. Bob Coen has the story.A certain African Juju warrior claims he is the real thing and it's not just an act. He and his band of cosmic conquerors are ready to face the enemy rebels. Resplendent in their magical uniforms and armed with their assortment of old rifles, cutlasses, mirrors, and strange fetishes, they (believe / are believed) nothing can stop them: not bullets, not grenades, not even rockets."(Are you scared / Are you scaring) of the rebels?"

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"No, not at all.""Why?" "Because I (am protected / am protecting) from the gun, all types of guns.""What are some of the types of things that protect you?" "This and this." "Can you show me?" "No." The Karimajors, members of a secret society of traditional hunters, (are being protected / are protecting) with legendary supernatural powers. Like some ancient army come back they (have been resurrected / have resurrected) on the front line of Sierra Leone's civil war, using the mysteries of their ancestors to protect their communities from rebel attack."You see, they used to hunt wild animals like leopards, which are very wild and dangerous, and elephants. They used these kinds of things which makes them (be disappeared / disappear). It has been in existence for quite some time, only that we are using it now as a kind of preventive something from the bullets of other enemies." For five years a savage civil war (has been waged / has been waging) by rebels of the Revolutionary United Front. Tens of thousands of civilians (have been forced / have been forcing) to flee their villages for the protection of towns.Here, despite the large numbers of government troops the Karimajors (are played / play) the role of a civil defense force. And many believe it is only thanks to their presence that these areas remain safe."They fear us. Even the name, when they hear that the Karimajors (have been traveled / have traveled) to a particular area, then in that area there will be no more rebels." In full combat gear the Karimajors are fearless, confident of the power of their Juju, their protective shells, their charms, their boys with magic mirrors.The sacred costume (is worn / is wearing) to ward off their enemies. At all other times they appear like everyday members

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of society. But when outsiders query the Karimajors, few clues (are revealed / are revealing)."Ah, it is difficult to explain. You see, some who do these things get it from sleep. They dream about it and it (is just being poured / is just pouring) on like that, like an almighty god. And some have to learn it from those who used to do it."Sierra Leone's Karimajors are a living testament to Africa's mysterious traditions, invoking the forces of their forefathers and the spirits of the past to protect the present, so as to ensure their future. Bob Coen, CNN, Bo, Sierra Leone.


FLOODING IN CHINA:

Now on Newsroom Worldview . . . returning to a ruined home after a natural disaster. Starting off today in southern China-- where hundreds of people (have been killed / have killed) by massive flooding this summer. Parts of the region (have been drenched / have drenched) by rain that's so heavy, rivers surged over their banks. Highways were underwater and (have been swept / have swept) away. In other areas, the floodwaters (have been drained / have drained), and people are coming home to sort through muddy wreckage. More now, from Peter Arnett.The village of Ma An in southeast China (had been survived / had survived) a century of war, revolution, and natural disaster--until this summer's torrential rains. Now, residents pick through the ruins of their once prosperous community and try to put their lives back together, as are millions of other Chinese whose homes and crops (were swept / swept) away in the worst flooding in years.The month-long heavy rains and the onslaught of Typhoon Herb directly (were affected / affected) 125 million people in nine central and southern Chinese provinces, according to the

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government. Nearly 1,800 people are reported dead, and five million tons of grain (have been destroyed / have destroyed) in flood waters.Helping the Chinese authorities assess the damage and care for the displaced population are teams from international relief agency "Doctors without Borders", who (#9 are particularly concerned / particularly concern) about the spread of disease as flood waters in some areas recede. Says one member of this agency, "The situation (has been described / has described ) by some of our team members as a catastrophe." Among the tens of millions of people displaced is the population of Hong Wei village in Guangxi Province adjoining Vietnam. In the aftermath of the flood, residents go through the wreckage of their homes and begin the slow task of rebuilding. For the authorities, the priorities are to provide temporary shelter for the residents, and clean out the contaminated wells to bring in a permanent clean source of drinking water.Peter Arnett, CNN Beijing.


IMMIGRANTS' RUSH FOR CITIZENSHIP

The United States is making changes in its welfare program . . . imposing new restrictions on who can get benefits for the poor. That's causing thousands of people to re-think the benefits of U.S. citizenship. Greg Lamotte explains.There is a crush and a rush of immigrants from around the globe becoming U.S. citzens. In fact, at no time in history has the number of applicants been so large. They ________________ in just two years. Here are the statistics just from Los Angeles County. One official said, "In 94 I think we ________________ about 75,000 applications a year. Last year, we ________________ about 175,000 and we ________________ at about 300,000 this year."

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It's not so much that more people ________________ to the U.S. Instead the rush for citizenship is due, in large part, to fear of losing federal benefits especially under welfare reform. One 69-year old Armenian immigrant has been in the U. S. for 10 years but ________________ for citizenship because she is afraid of losing SSI which is her only source of income. She says, "I have no income and I don't know what will happen to me. How am I going to live or pay the rent?" Legal residents, many of whom ________________ in the U.S. 20 or 30 years, ________________ through the citizenship partly because they ________________ the language, but more importantly they ________________ to in order to receive federal benefits. The average age before was maybe 40 to 50. Now it's over 65 because they are afraid of losing their benefits. Immigration and naturalization service officials say they hope to reduce the citizenship process from fifteen months to just six. But with increase in applicants, especially among the elderly and disabled, who knows. One woman, for instance, is 101 and ________________ a citizen to protect her benefits. Another man is 31 and ________________ because he says it is important. He says, "I want to be a part of this country. I want to be a part of these people. I want to vote. I want to know what's going on in the United States. It________________ really important for me.. . . and important for many other people as well, for whatever reason, to say they are proud to be Americans.Greg Lamotte, CNN, Los Angeles.


KOREAN ECONOMIC EXPANSIONSouth Korean corporations are looking overseas to invest big money. There are a number of reasons for the upsurge in such moves. And as Sohn Jie-ae tells us, many of them might sound familiar to executives in other countries.

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South Korean products are already well (known / knowing) around the world. Now come the Koreans themselves to buy, to invest, and to do business in markets across the globe.South Korean conglomerates, (knowing / known) as "The Chaebol", are already major investors overseas.In 1996 alone, Samsung announced plans to build a 1.3 billion dollar computer chip factory in Austin, Texas, the same amount Hyundai will (spent / spend) in building their own computer chip plant in Eugene, Oregon.In Europe, Hyundai plans to build a 3.6 billion dollar semiconductor plant in Scotland while LG announced a 2.6 billion dollar semiconductor and electronics plant in South Wales.These reflect the overall growth of South Korea's foreign investment. Foreign investments have (jump / jumped) from 2.3 billion dollars in 1994, to 3.4 billion dollars just in th first ten months of 1996.The effects can also be (felt / feeling) in manufacturing plants at home, like LG's VCR plant in Pyongtaek."Right now, this plant accounts for more than 80% of the company's total VCR production. But as the company's plants across the globe spring up and expand, that percentage is (expected / expecting) to drop."And future sites are not (limiting / limited) to (advancing / advanced) markets."We have some studies going for CIS, the former Soviet Union, and some Middle East countries, and we already have a lot of operations in China, Indonesia, and Brazil. And so we may add to (existing / existed) ones."One major motivation for such an overseas spending spree is the high cost of labor in South Korea. Wages, in the plant LG will build in South Wales, are (said / saying) to be nearly half of what they are in this factory.Other factors include South Korea's high land prices, high interest rates, and excessive government regulation. And many

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analysts expect as long as these factors exist, the expansion of South Korean companies overseas will continue.Sohn Jie-ae, CNN, Pyongtaek, South Korea.


INDONESIA'S PRESIDENTIAL FAMILY

President Suharto has been the centerpiece of Indonesia's government for nearly 30 years. As he concludes his sixth term in office, there's been growing speculation about who will take over, once he steps down. One name that (has been mentioned/ has mentioned) is that of his eldest daughter. The story, from Maria Ressa.It's the sixth anniversary of the television station she owns and her 48th birthday. Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana, known in Indonesia as Tutut, is President Suharto's eldest daughter and considered one of the nation's most powerful women.In 1991, she (was received/received) a license for TPI, Indonesia's first privately owned television station, allowed to broadcast nationwide and fund itself through advertising. Although the industry is relatively young, she predicts a rosy future."The prospect is very good because Indonesia has a lot of people. We have a large population. They need information about culture, education and politics." . . . ironic words since her father (has long been accusing/ has long been accused) of maintaining a tight hold on information. At 75 years old, Suharto (has been/ has being) in power for nearly 30 years and is coming to the end of his sixth term in office.He (is largely crediting/ is largely credited) with turning Indonesia from an economic backwater to a Southeast Asian giant whose growth rate hit 8.1% last year.But critics say no one (has benefited/ has been benefited) more than his business associates and his six children.

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"In 1983, Tutut (was founded/ founded) the Citra Samtoro Gung group, famous in Indonesia for building the toll road which runs through the middle of Jakarta. In a sweetheart deal, Citra (#8 receives/ is received) a share of the toll revenues well above the percentage of its construction costs."Company executives defend the move saying, they were the first private company to go into infrastructure development taking the risk to develop a key industry.Tutut is regarded as one of the most intelligent of Suharto's children. Her social and charitable activities (have placed/ have been placed) her in the spotlight. She is politically active as chairman of the ruling government party, fueling rumors that she may become the next vice-president."I don't think about that. I'm not thinking in that direction. We have a system. The best thing is for us to do our best for the country."Despite that, many believe if Suharto were to pass the reigns on to any of his children, Tutut would be the prime candidate to (carry/ be carried) on the Suharto legacy.Maria Ressa, CNN, Jakarta.


"Unusual E-commerce Test in South Africa"TOM HAYNES, CO-HOST: We're in South Africa for our next report. For the most part, South Africa is an isolated country. It sits on the southernmost tip of the African continent and is more than 6,000 miles from most of Europe, North America, and Eastern Asia, where many of South Africa's economic links are located. So it's safe to say the country relies heavily on communication. And lately, that means doing business over the Internet. How is e- commerce faring in South Africa?

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Allison Tom reports on one company who's putting it to an unusual test.ALLISON TOM, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Chris Botha is being dubbed "Dotcoza." [He'd/He's] volunteered to be South Africa's first cyber pioneer. He spends between eight and 16 hours a day online, surviving by using only his computer and the Internet. A webcam [tracked/tracks] him 24 hours a day, allowing others worldwide to see him. CHRIS BOTHA, DOTCOZA: [It'd/It's] been great so far. It's been something completely new and different. [I am/I was] learning a tremendous amount about e-commerce, about technology, and [it has/it was] just been a really fun experience. TOM: Botha is living in this empty house in Johannesburg for a total of three months. [He/He'd] arrived with only a mattress, a sleeping bag and a few clothes. Now he [has/having] an allowance of $4,000 a month to buy food, clothing and appliances from online retailers. This experimental research project is the brainchild of Andersen Consulting. With the help of other technology companies, they hope to explore the value of electronic commerce in the region. ERIC JACKSON, ANDERSEN CONSULTING: Right now, the Internet economy [is/is being] at the tip of the iceberg and it [is progressing/progresses] rapidly. The issues for countries like South Africa and companies in South Africa is, how do they fit into it and how do they find the right niche for themselves? TOM: South Africa, with a population of 40 million people, has 1.6 million Internet users to date. Researchers [will be testing/will have been testing] the efficiency and availability of different industries in South Africa, from retail to high tech, to financial services and travel. Allison Tom, CNN.

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"Changing Others' Futures by Telling His Past"

BAKHTIAR: Henry David Thoreau once said, "be not simply good, be good for something." Well, our next story is about a man who seems to have taken that to heart. He's lost so much, but through his loss many are gaining. A word of caution: his story is intense but inspiring. DAN DAVIDSON: How you doing today? Great to see you. We are going to the Collier County Drill Academy. Some of them are career criminals. And I am to speak to them about choices, because I am one of them. UNIDENTIFIED ACADEMY GUARD: He's going to explain a little bit about mistakes that he made in his past, what he's done to correct that. So I want your full attention and you understand. UNIDENTIFIED MALES: Sir, yes sir. DAVIDSON: Thank you very much, Commander Bloom. UNIDENTIFIED ACADEMY GUARD: Thank you. DAVIDSON: [Had you ever made/Have you ever made] a choice that didn't turn out anything like you thought it would? A choice that spun 180 degrees and blew up in your face? I am here today to share with you the results of my choices. This is what's left of my hands. This is now my left leg. [This is now my right leg/This was now my right leg]. Five years ago, [I have lived/I lived] in Chicago. I was involved in a lot of illegal activity. One night, when I was high on cocaine, making angels in the snow, I slipped, I cracked my head. I was exposed for 13 1/2 hours at 40 below wind chill. My eyes were frozen solid. My fingers and thumbs were just black. [I had put myself/I put myself] in a lot of bad positions before: gun fights, car chases, all be kinds of gang activity, always came out smelling like a rose. This time, [I knew I wasn't/I know I wasn't] going to get out. So I decided to die.

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I thought about what a liar I was. I thought about what a thief I was. I thought about my daughter and [Verb Tense #6 how she will live/how she would live] the rest of her life knowing that her father, stoned out of his mind on cocaine, froze to death. And then I chose to live. So a lot of [what keeps me going/what kept me going] is the thought that I can help other people. I strongly believe that if I can do it, anybody can do it. What kind of candidates are you guys? [Are you seriously trying/Had you seriously tried] to change your life, or are you just playing the system? If you are, that's your choice. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Are we tracking? UNIDENTIFIED MALES: Sir, yes sir. DAVIDSON: [It has been my pleasure/It was my pleasure] to speak to you today. I will be at your graduation. Thank you. I feel that if I would have been caught and placed in a program like this, [I never would have gone/I never would have went] down the path that I did . TIM WALL, CNN VIDEOGRAPHER: Now you've accomplished a lot in five years. DAVIDSON: Thank you. You know, when you're in this to help people and help, you know, provide a life of service, that does a lot. You know what I'm saying? Your life is a game. It's the World Cup. It's the World Series. It's the Super Bowl all wrapped into one. If you're the president of a company; or if you're a quad amputee, you can take full responsibility for putting yourself there. And I often say that it was the best thing that ever happened to me. And I feel I'm richer today than I've ever been.


"Small Town, USA"

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JORDAN: Next stop in "Worldview": the U.S. state of Virginia and a valley that sits between the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains. The Shenandoah Valley got its name from an ancient Native American legend about the valley and a river that runs through it. Local legend has it that the stars rejoiced in the valley and named it "The Daughter of the Stars." While the Shenandoah River flows into the Potomac, which dissects the U.S. capital city, the spirit that permeates one area along the Shenandoah River is unmistakably small town America. Larry Woods has a look. LARRY WOODS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: As the new millennium descends on us with great expectations and historic pomp, let us move forward by looking back -- looking back on one of the touchstones of our social evolution, small-town America. Under the microscope, Harrisonburg, Virginia, founded in 1780, and today a bucolic backdrop to farms and homes, places of worship, and steadfast businesses, a community where 33,000 people [work/worked] through the calendar of time in reasonable harmony and economic stability. Like most small towns anchored to a proud past, a past that [has been preserved/was preserved] to validate the antiquity of a people and place caught up in the vagaries of early 20th century growth pains and promises, gauging the rationale for lifestyle and location in the Shenandoah Valley comes quick and easy for our local folk. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, one thing, Harrisonburg is known as a friendly town. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Our economy is very strong. We [had/have] a diverse economy. UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Well, I just really don't know, I can go anywhere I want to and get back in five minutes. UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: This is where I want to raise my kids. This is a great place. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There's always been an incredible diversity.

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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We know everybody and we know their problems. When they have problems, we're there to be with them and to assist. WOODS: Many who [had/have] grown up in a small-town ethos say the experience spawns strong values, manners, character, a lasting work ethic, concern for others. To revere such attributes is readily explained. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We have a very good family system at home, and I rely on my parents, and my parents [rely/relied] on me a lot. UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think it's more or less the closeness in families and neighbors. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You have relatives, both real close relatives and distant relatives. UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We are able to a little better degree enjoy what's going on around us. UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Oh, it's a good place to raise your family too. Crime is very low, and not crowded. NOLEN MCCOMB, HARRISONBURG RESIDENT: The stockyards have bid... WOODS: But you know what's high on the list of men like Nolen McComb, a lifelong resident of Harrisonburg? Lifelong friends. Each year, as a new one advances, he hosts a down-home buffet at his construction workshop for business associates, employees, and good old boys he [has treasured/treasured] since childhood. MCCOMB: And if you're a friend here, your -- it's sort of a responsibility. You're supposed to stay a friend. WOODS: Caring comes in unsuspecting ways in small-town America. Artist Ken Schuler [gave/has given] 60 percent of his liver last year to save the life of Deborah Parka, a young woman he never knew until he saw her father on television cry for help. He immediately picked up the phone. KEN SCHULER, ARTIST: Because I had a 20-year-old daughter, and I [think/thought] if she was in that predicament, I

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would want somebody to help me. And I just got up and went right straight to the phone. WOODS: At Harrisonburg High School, small gestures of help out too. Stephanie Spangler, a senior, and Lucien Riddles, a varsity athlete, are part of a pal program that identifies and [works/worked] with students often excluded from teenage inner circles. LUCIEN RIDDLES, HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT: Once you talk to them, they're just totally different than what they may seem like. WOODS: Earlier this year, one such student considered suicide. The girl's depression [frightened/has frightened] Stephanie. STEPHANIE SPANGLER, HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT: We got her some help, and she's a lot better now.


LESS WORKING DAYS FOR MONGOLIANS

HENDERSON: We have another work related story, this one from Mongolia. Mongolians are learning to live with something (they'd never known / they've never known): a five-day work week. After decades of communist rule, the government of this remote Asian nation (has decided / decides) to give workers Saturdays off.But as Mimi Mees tells us, not everyone is happy with the move. MIMI MEES, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The weekend is finally here after a long work week. And by the looks of it, the children (had / have) the biggest reason to celebrate because their parents can now take them out to play in the park. Others use the Saturday to shop or generally unwind. Mongolia (has introduced / introduced) the five-day work week at the beginning of the year as part of a pledge by the new

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rulers in Ulaanbaatar. Elections in 1996 threw out the Communist Party, which (has ruled / had ruled) the nation for almost 75 years. The Democratic coalition that (took / takes) power argued a five-day week would bring Mongolia in line with international practice, improve industrial efficiency and create new jobs. Earlier, the work week (has / had) 46 hours, including six hours on Saturday. It's a society where leftover communist catch phrases urge people to work harder. But the reality is that many of Mongolia's factories (are / were) still inefficient, state-run enterprises.Mongolia is looking to capitalize on its position as a major producer of cashmere. Some factories (are being restructured / had been restructured); others have introduced new shifts. Company executives and other officials say the new work pattern (had not worked / is not working). HASBAZAR, CITY OFFICIAL (through translator): I don't like it that Saturdays (had been made / have been made) a day of rest. I don't think Mongolia has the right conditions for a five-day work-week. SEDVANCHIG, GOBI CASHMERE FACTORY (through translator): Big companies have to introduce more shifts. Sometimes people may need to work on holidays, especially in seasons with more work. In such cases certainly, production costs (had increased / increase), and it might be quite a burden for the companies. MEES: For its part, the government says workers benefit from an additional day of rest, adding that if people (spend / had spent) the day shopping, it can only stimulate the economy. That seems to be working, as more hawkers set up shop near the city center. And the government (is making / was making) an appeal to the workaholics among Mongolians: if you have nothing to do on a Saturday, why not volunteer to clean up your city? The appeal

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obviously (has worked / worked) one weekend, when thousands turned up to clear the icy streets. Mimi Mees, CNN, reporting.


THE MAGICAL BULLS OF CAMBODIA

A pair of bulls has been drawing crowds to a Cambodian village. As Eric Olander (reported / reports), many believe the animals can perform miracles.These two ordinary-looking bulls (are / will be) said to be Preko and Prekio, sacred animals of an ancient Cambodian legend. Their owner, a farmer, dreamed they were the sacred pair and (has since claimed / since claimed) the two have cured people of their illnesses. One account is of a lame man who was licked on his leg and then was miraculously cured. "I heard from my friend, so I (have come / came) here four days ago. The bull licked my hand. Now I can walk a bit further, and I (felt / feel) better." The feeble, the afflicted, and just the plain curious (have been flocking / are flocking) to the farm ever since. The news even travelled to the Cambodian government, though the prime minister says he (was / is) skeptical of "bull magic." But that doesn't stop hundreds of people from coming to see, touch and feed the pair. Others (go / went) to extremes in hopes of experiencing a magical cure. "I (have come / came) here four days ago. The bull (had helped / has helped) give me power and strength." There is a special shrine in the village so people can pray and light incense in homage. Wooden beds (are / were) set up so the invalids can rest while they wait for the bulls to return from the fields. They (have paid / pay) a small donation for their cure.

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Some local entrepreneurs (had even set up / have even set up) stalls, selling bundles of grass and herbs to feed the animals. So what the villagers have lost in tranquil ambiance, they (have gained / gained) in extra income. And what's in it for the bulls? Well, the farmer no longer (had / has) plans to take them to the butcher block.


FLOODING IN CHINA

Now on Newsroom Worldview . . . returning to a ruined home after a natural disaster. Starting off today in southern China-- where hundreds of people (have been killed / have killed) by massive flooding this summer. Parts of the region (have been drenched / have drenched) by rain that's so heavy, rivers surged over their banks. Highways were underwater and (have been swept / have swept) away. In other areas, the floodwaters (have been drained / have drained), and people are coming home to sort through muddy wreckage. More now, from Peter Arnett.The village of Ma An in southeast China (had been survived / had survived) a century of war, revolution, and natural disaster--until this summer's torrential rains. Now, residents pick through the ruins of their once prosperous community and try to put their lives back together, as are millions of other Chinese whose homes and crops (were swept / swept) away in the worst flooding in years.The month-long heavy rains and the onslaught of Typhoon Herb directly (were affected / affected) 125 million people in nine central and southern Chinese provinces, according to the government. Nearly 1,800 people are reported dead, and five million tons of grain (have been destroyed / have destroyed) in flood waters.Helping the Chinese authorities assess the damage and care for the displaced population are teams from international relief

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agency "Doctors without Borders", who (are particularly concerned / particularly concern) about the spread of disease as flood waters in some areas recede. Says one member of this agency, "The situation (has been described / has described ) by some of our team members as a catastrophe." Among the tens of millions of people displaced is the population of Hong Wei village in Guangxi Province adjoining Vietnam. In the aftermath of the flood, residents go through the wreckage of their homes and begin the slow task of rebuilding. For the authorities, the priorities are to provide temporary shelter for the residents, and clean out the contaminated wells to bring in a permanent clean source of drinking water.Peter Arnett, CNN Beijing.


IMMIGRANTS' RUSH FOR CITIZENSHIP

The United States is making changes in its welfare program . . . imposing new restrictions on who can get benefits for the poor. That's causing thousands of people to re-think the benefits of U.S. citizenship. Greg Lamotte explains.There is a crush and a rush of immigrants from around the globe becoming U.S. citzens. In fact, at no time in history has the number of applicants been so large. They ________________ in just two years. Here are the statistics just from Los Angeles County. One official said, "In 94 I think we ________________ about 75,000 applications a year. Last year, we ________________ about 175,000 and we ________________ at about 300,000 this year." It's not so much that more people ________________ to the U.S. Instead the rush for citizenship is due, in large part, to fear of losing federal benefits especially under welfare reform. One 69-year old Armenian immigrant has been in the U. S. for 10 years but ________________ for citizenship because she is

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afraid of losing SSI which is her only source of income. She says, "I have no income and I don't know what will happen to me. How am I going to live or pay the rent?" Legal residents, many of whom ________________ in the U.S. 20 or 30 years, ________________ through the citizenship partly because they ________________ the language, but more importantly they ________________ to in order to receive federal benefits. The average age before was maybe 40 to 50. Now it's over 65 because they are afraid of losing their benefits. Immigration and naturalization service officials say they hope to reduce the citizenship process from fifteen months to just six. But with increase in applicants, especially among the elderly and disabled, who knows. One woman, for instance, is 101 and ________________ a citizen to protect her benefits. Another man is 31 and ________________ because he says it is important. He says, "I want to be a part of this country. I want to be a part of these people. I want to vote. I want to know what's going on in the United States. It ________________ really important for me.. . . and important for many other people as well, for whatever reason, to say they are proud to be Americans.Greg Lamotte, CNN, Los Angeles.


ATOMIC BOMB MEMORIAL

The dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan is a lingering image of World War II. Now a memorial (has been established/ had been established/ is been established) to remember those who died at Hiroshima.May Lee (reported/ reports/ is reporting) that while some welcome the site, others do not. It is, without a doubt, the most symbolic reminder of what (takes/ took/ has taken) place 51 years ago when the world's first atomic bomb was dropped on

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Hiroshima killing some 140,000 people. And now the A-Bomb Dome is officially a World Heritage site. . . making it only the second World War II-related structure approved by the U.N.'S cultural division, UNESCO. The Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz (was/ is/ has been) the other site.Hiroshima officials say the World Heritage distinction is well-deserved. "It's very meaningful that the A-Bomb Dome, which (is representing/ represents/ had represented) the devastation of the atomic bomb, is recognized as the common heritage of humankind." But not every member of the international community is pleased with UNESCO's decision. The United States (opposed/ had been opposing/ has been opposing) the inscription of the A-Bomb Dome."The United States (will not support/ would not support/ had not supported) the inclusion of Hiroshima as a site on this list, essentially because we (made/ had made/ have made) the decision that we don't believe that war-related sites are within the scope of the convention." Japan's central government, however, disagrees. "The Japanese government (has been believing/ believes/ had believed) it is important to convey to future generations the tragic consequences of the nuclear bomb together with strong messages that such tragedies must never be repeated.""Despite the U.S. opposition, Prime Minister Hashimoto (welcomed/ had welcomed/ was welcoming) the UNESCO decision, saying that he finds nothing wrong with war-related site receiving a cultural distinction.May Lee, CNN, Tokyo.


CASTRO'S BIRTHDAY

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The leader of Cuba recently marked a milestone, his seventieth birthday. President Fidel Castro says he's ready and able to lead his nation into the next century. But there are those--including the U.S. government--who believe he's wrong. Lucia newman looks at the Castro legacy-- four decades after he staged a stunning revolution.He confesses he never ever thought he would reach the age of 70. His enemies, and there are many, who never (thought / have thought) so either. But endurance is only one of the characteristics that (made / has made) Cuba's Fidel Castro perhaps the most controversial and enigmatic living world leader of this century.One young woman says, "The older he gets, the wiser he'll be to lead this country." Another woman contradicts with, "I have nothing good to say about him." A man adds, "He (ruins / is ruining) this country. People are desperate." But a boy on a horse exclaims, "I hope he'll last forever." The man who 37 years ago (led / has led) the first and only lasting Marxist revolution in the Western Hemisphere now can't believe he once thought life was eternal. Castro himself says, "And now suddenly, you discover that almost everything is behind you, and that life has its limits." Indeed, the years (mellowed / have mellowed) Castro, who once wore only battle fatigues and rarely (spoke / speaks) for less than seven hours. But despite his grey beard and new statesman look, perhaps the only limit Castro (has ever set / ever sets) is making any concession to the United States. Eight American presidents, countless assassination attempts, including a C.I.A. plan to poison his cigar, and a U.S.-backed invasion by Cuban exiles who regard him as a ruthless dictator. "Fidel is a person who is really in love with the mission he performs, and it's been like that throughout his life. Castro's greatest pride is having achieved free education and health care for all Cubans. But he (has also denied / also

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denies) them political freedom: Cuba's Communist Party is the only choice and dissident movements are not tolerated. Over the years, tens of thousands of Cubans (have fled / fled) the island and its economic and political hardships. The son of a Spanish immigrant who (is / was) born in a certain house in Beran, Olguin 70 years ago grew up to inspire revolutionary movements all over the world, especially in Latin America. And while most (have now rejected / now reject) his Marxist model, there are those who still admire Fidel Castro, if nothing else for his ability to continue defying Uncle Sam, despite all the odds.In recent years, Cuba (has managed / managed) to break out of its political and economic isolation. Castro's enemies at home and abroad are betting that as soon as he is gone, so too will be Cuba's communist state that (survived / has survived) even the fall of the Soviet Union and nearly four decades of U.S. economic sanctions.Party leaders say that's absurd. "It's like a work of art, but the work doesn't disappear when the author disappears." But as the fall of the Soviet Union demonstrates, politics can be more fragile than art. Still that does not daunt Fidel Castro, who continues to turn his back on his critics, apparently determined to continue leading Cuba until the end of his days.Lucia Newman, CNN, Olguin, Cuba.


TAIWAN'S ELECTIONS

With just weeks to go--campaigning for Taiwan's first democratic presidential race (shifts / is shifting) into high gear. Andrea Koppel catches up with the front-runner. When Lee Teng Hui (kicks / kicked) off his presidential campaign in Taipei the other day, he spoke with the confidence of a man about to make history, a man on the verge of victory. And if the polls and popular opinion (were / are) right, he is.

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But with less than a month to go before Taiwan's 21 million citizens vote in the island's first direct presidential election, Lee's three chief rivals can still cut into his margin of victory. Lee (says / had said) he must win at least fifty percent to give his policies a mandate. The main policy he (looks / is looking) to reaffirm, however, is the most controversial--Taiwan's relationship with Mainland China, which considers Taiwan to be a renegade province. Beijing believes Lee's assertive foreign policy (had broken / has broken) the tacit understanding between these two neighbors that Taiwan is a part of China and not a separate country. Said one Taiwanese leader, "He has put us at risk unnecessarily. He (seeks / is seeking) his own political objectives but using 21 million people to do it. I think it's irresponsible and unreasonable." Lee's cross straight strategy is so controversial within the ruling nationalist party, in fact, that two of the three opposition candidates and once running mate, former Premier Hau Pei Tsun, had themselves all worked with and supported Lee until late last year. The turning point (comes / came) after President Lee made a private visit to the United States last June. The visit (has so angered / so angered) Mainland China, it initiated a series of war games off Taiwan's coast. The threat of yet another larger military maneuvre by Mainland China before the March 23rd election day hangs over the island today."It's very obvious that we are under attack," says a Taiwanese national. "That makes Lee Teng Hui more of the man as a leader of Taiwan." Lee's nationalist party also known as the K.M.T. (moved / has moved) its central government to Taiwan in 1949 when Generalissimo Chiang Kai Shek and his troops fled here after losing the Chinese civil war. In the decades since, Taiwan's economy (is being transformed / has been transformed), and over the last eight years, a similar transformation (is taking / has taken) place in Taiwan's politics.

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In the 1960's and 70's Peng Ming Min (spend / spent) eight years in prison and later 22 years in exile for his political views. Today he (is running / runs) for president, openly advocates Taiwan's independence, and freely criticizes Lee Teng Hui, "In my eyes he's speaking from both sides of his mouth". But as the man who will most likely lead a democratic Taiwan into the 21st century, it (was / will be) up to Lee Teng Hui to strike a balance between public opinion and leaders in Beijing who don't trust him. Andrea Koppel, CNN, Taipei.

Fill in the gaps with the correct form of the verb in brackets, then translate the texts into Romanian:

MALAYSIAN ACROBATS

Hard work (is paying / pays) off for teenaged acrobats in Malaysia. Their troupe (is winning / has won) three of theworld's last four "Lion Dance" championships. During the dance, two people in a single costume (are performing / perform) difficult maneuvers atop poles and on high wires. The boys in the troupe range from 12 to 18 years of age. They practice twice a week, and their coach says it can take up to two years to perfect their techniques.They (are becoming / have become) so popular that they now command up to $2500 U.S. per performance. Lion dancing (originates / originated) in China. It's believed to bring good luck, happiness, and prosperity.

THE ELECTRIC CAR

There (have been / are) predictions for years that electric vehicles would one day rule the road. But is there any realistic prospect of that happening anytime soon? CNN's Ed Garsten (gave / gives) us a look.

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Smog-choked Southern California (demands / is demanding) them. It's a car for people who never want to go to a gas station again. But the fact is, for all the talk, selling the gas-less machines (has been / is) a hard-sell. "What we (do / are doing) is trying to make sure that there's a match between customer expectations and what the product really does." General motors (has launched / had launched) a two-year evaluation program of its new E-V One electric car. It's a car that can go up to 90 miles on a charge, at speeds of up to 80 miles an hour. Drivers (have said / had said) to successfully share the road with conventional vehicles, an E-V infrastructure that provides parity and driving conditions must (be established / be being established). One of the problems is the industry (is not being / has not been) able to settle on a standardized battery, although lead-acid (is seeming / seems) to be the cheapest and most common so far. And while the industry may not be unanimous on the best battery system, the one thing they're all together on is the fact that in order for electric vehicles to gain widespread acceptance, there must be a cheap and easy way, not with octane, but with kilowatts. Ford (has been coming / has come) up with this quick and easy conductive charging station. Its charger is the gas-less station of the future. "We (have refueled / had refueled) in seven minutes for races," Ford says. Now all the industry has to do is plug in the public. ("I don't know what an electric vehicle is. Is that like a golf cart?" "Could be!")

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