1. The name of the capital city of a country is used to refer to that country’s government: “Washington” refers to the Obama administration; “Moscow” for Vladimir Putin’s government; “Seoul” for the South Korean government.  (Also, the name of a the building(s) that house the leader’s offices are often used to refer to that leader: “the White House” or “the Kremlin” for the Russian government or “Downing Street” for the British prime minister.)

How does the reporter refer to the North Korean government?

2. a) What are the dates for the upcoming joint US-South Korean military exercises?
b) How many US troops will take part in the exercises?
c) What US military equipment will be deployed for the exercises?

3. What is the purpose of the exercises? Be specific.

4. How many South Korean troops will take part in the exercises? How does this differ from previous years?

5. a) Define simulate as used in the article.
b) What will the drills simulate? Be specific.

6. What weapons tests has North Korea just concluded?

7. What are the Ssangyong exercises? How will this year’s differ from previous years? How does the reporter refer to the North Korean government?