Daily Reads 2: News Sources | Verbal Ability (VA) & Reading Comprehension (RC) - CAT PDF Download

Article 1 

Article Name: How the Film Distributor Zeitgeist Made History

By: Richard Brody

Source: The New Yorker

The film business is notoriously unstable, and the path is especially hazardous for any company that dares to think of cinema as an art as well as a business.
Read the full article here: https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-front-row/how-the-film-distributor-zeitgeist-made-history

Summary and Theme for "How the Film Distributor Zeitgeist Made History":

The article chronicles the journey of Zeitgeist Films, a film distributor that has carved a unique niche in the history of cinema by bringing transformative international films to American audiences. The company, founded by Nancy Gerstman and Emily Russo, has been pivotal in introducing influential filmmakers and their work, which often challenge conventional narratives and aesthetics, to a wider audience. The narrative delves into the founders' passion for cinema that defies the mainstream, their curatorial acumen, and the impact of their work on the film industry and culture.

Difficult Words and Meanings

• Curatorial: Relating to the selection and organization of a museum or other collection.
• Aesthetics: A set of principles concerned with the nature and appreciation of beauty, especially in art.
• Niche: A comfortable or suitable position in life or employment.

Article 2

Article Name: Israeli settlers are causing mayhem in the West Bank

Source: The Economist

Violence perpetrated by Jewish settlers in the Palestinians’ West Bank has risen sharply since October 7th.
Read the full article here: https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2023/11/06/settlers-are-causing-mayhem-in-the-west-bank

Summary and Theme for "Settlers are causing mayhem in the West Bank"

The article discusses the escalating violence in the West Bank, where Jewish settlers and the Israeli army have intensified their aggression, leading to a significant rise in Palestinian casualties. The situation has deteriorated since a recent attack by Hamas, with settlers becoming bolder and the army conducting more raids. This surge in violence is pushing the region closer to a boiling point, with fears of a potential third intifada looming. The article also touches on the political dynamics within Israel, where right-wing elements in the government show little interest in restraining settler violence, further exacerbating tensions.

Difficult Words and Meanings

• Intifada: An uprising or rebellion, specifically used to refer to the Palestinian uprisings against Israeli occupation.
• Boiling point: A critical or crucial stage at which something becomes uncontrollable or volatile.
• Escalating: Increasing rapidly or intensifying.

Article 3

Article Name: ‘Nothing can sway us’: inside Shakhtar’s quest for glory in wartime

By: Nick Ames 

Source: The Guardian

The film business is notoriously unstable, and the path is especially hazardous for any company that dares to think of cinema as an art as well as a business.
Read the full article here: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/nov/07/shakhtar-donetsk-wartime-champions-league-special-report

Summary and Theme for "‘Nothing can sway us’: inside Shakhtar’s quest for glory in wartime"

The piece explores the resilience and determination of Shakhtar Donetsk, a Ukrainian football club, as they navigate the challenges of competing in the Champions League amid the ongoing war in their home country. Despite being displaced from their home stadium and facing logistical nightmares, the team remains committed to their sport and their fans. The article highlights the players' and staff's personal experiences with war, their solidarity, and their efforts to represent Ukraine on the international stage, all while coping with the harsh realities of conflict.

Difficult Words and Meanings

• Peripatetic: Traveling from place to place, especially working or based in various places for relatively short periods.
• Resilience: The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
• Logistical: Relating to the detailed organization and implementation of a complex operation.