Will people fight to get it back? The people of Afghanistan face a total internet blackout. The effect has already been enormous — and could change the face of the country forever.
Taliban shuts down Afghan internet
Blackout blow: In cutting off the internet, Afghanistan's Taliban government has stopped girls over 12, whose lives were already very difficult and restricted, from being able to learn at home. Comprehension quiz
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The word “enormous” most nearly means:
A: Tiny
B: Huge
C: Confusing
D: Sudden
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What is the word, used in the text, to describe the blackout taking place over the entire country of Afghanistan?
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Add the correct punctuation to this sentence:
the taliban sees its actions as religious
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The article states that the internet blackout is preventing people from calling for help. Which emergency service is mentioned as being unreachable?
A: Fire engines
B: The bank
C: Local markets
D: Aeroplane services
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What is one main reason, the article suggests, that the Taliban ordered the internet shutdown, besides their religious views?
A: They want to punish shopkeepers who rely on mobile business.
B: They are trying to confirm their rule and quieten their enemies.
C: They want to improve the country’s economy.
D: They are trying to stop international aid from entering the country.
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The article suggests the internet ban might lead to the economy crumbling and people becoming even more miserable. Why does the author think this suffering could have the opposite effect of what the Taliban intends?
A: It will encourage people to rely more on relatives sending money from abroad.
B: It could make the Taliban’s enemies feel stronger and encourage them to fight back.
C: It will allow international aid to enter the country more easily.
D: It might make the Taliban realise they need to follow a more liberal version of Sharia law.
Answers
Tap to reveal
1: B, 2: Nationwide, 3: The Taliban sees its actions as religious., 4: A, 5: B, 6: B.
1: B, 2: Nationwide, 3: The Taliban sees its actions as religious., 4: A, 5: B, 6: B.
Glossary
Afghanistan - A mountainous Asian country, slightly larger than France, whose neighbours include Pakistan, Iran and China.
Taliban - A violent fundamentalist Islamic movement that enforces sharia law and denies education to women.
Watchdog - A watchdog is an individual, organisation or media outlet that monitors the activities of another entity.
Sharia law - A legal system based on Islamic teaching. Gay Afghans and Afghan women say the Taliban’s strict reading of Sharia is not compatible with their human rights.