Learning English

Day 1 of Britain's EU divorce talks

The talks to decide the details of Brexit have begun with Britain agreeing to EU demands

Language challenge

Which of these words is NOT a way of describing the end of a relationship?

a) a breakup
b) a split-up
c) a chop-up

Watch the video and complete the activity

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The story

Britain appears to have accepted the European Union's phased approach to the Brexit negotiations on the first day of formal talks in Brussels.

The British Brexit minister, David Davis, agreed to set aside discussion on a future trade agreement until the two sides had addressed issues including the financial divorce settlement and the rights of expatriates, which he said would be settled quickly.

Key words and phrases

caves in
accepts an unwanted position after being put under pressure

lock horns
begin a debate, argument or fight

rules out
decides against

To do

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Downloads

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Language challenge - answer

c) a chop-up

End of Session 2

Join us in Session 3 for Pronunciation in the News - our video which teaches you pronunciation using the latest BBC World News bulletins.