Task: Reading Text
Freedom to a
Why
Word Deco General Delegates from various
tend greatly meaning to speak before the World Health Assembly, a gering
convened to overcome COMID-19 and usher in new hope. First of all, I would like
offer my deepest condolences and words of comfort to the victims of COVIO 19 ore
te word. Moreover, my utmost respect and gratitude go to the medical and quarantine
protestante in each country putting themselves at risk to protect the health and safety
of humanity
Today, I would like to introduce to you the choice made by the Korean people to
overcome COVID-19-the choice of a freedom for all. In this moment of crisis and
challenge the Korean people made a bold decision. We took our own individual
freedoms and turned it to an even greater freedom-freedom for all
Rather than regarding our neighbors as dangerous spreaders of the virus or
enforcing nationwide lockdown measures, we chose to protect their safety for the sake
of our own safety. In order to uphold free movement and keep the economy going, the
Korean people chose to wear face masks, and participate actively in social distancing
Even in the face of this social distancing, however, we grew closer and our hearts
fonder. Healthcare workers gave their all through volunteer service, while citizens
encouraged them through various acts of sharing. In the recent nationwide general
elections, despite the rigorous quarantine procedures in place, over 29 million Korean
voters went to the ballots. As a result, we had a true celebration of democracy all
without a single new infection, with an even higher voter tumout than usual.
The Republic of Korea, however, has not yet achieved complete victory over this
virus. We have transitioned from social distancing to routine distancing and are working
to balance our daily lives with ongoing quarantine efforts, and yet we are still seeing
instances of sporadic cluster infections. Moreover, the ongoing global pandemic still
poses grave threats. If we do not come up with a viable treatment option or a vaccine,
a new wave of infections could break out once again. However, one thing is absolutely
clear. Sharing information and cooperating with one another demonstrate a power that
no virus will ever have a power that only humans possess. COVID-19 is threatening
our freedoms, a universal virtue of all humankind, but it is solidarity and cooperation,
based on such freedoms, that will prove to be the strongest weapon we have to triumph
over COVID-19
Source: Korean Embassy to the Philippines
Comprehension Questions:
1. What is the speech about?
2. To whom is the speech addressed?
3. What is the purpose of the speech?​