Obama says gun law action will save lives

1. US gun law
EPISODE 160105 / 05 JAN 2016
Step 1: Listen
You're going to hear a genuine BBC news report from 5th January 2016. Before
you listen, read these three summaries:
a) US President Obama is using Congress to pass laws to make gun control
stronger.
b) US President Obama has made gun control stronger.
c) US President Obama is using special powers to make gun control stronger.
Now listen and decide which one is correct. Listen again if you need to.
Step 2: Learn the key words and listen again
How was that? Try listening again. Here are three definitions of key vocabulary
items which may help you.
background checks
checks on the things a person has done in their past
bypass
to go around something in order to avoid it

2. executive order
an order given by the president or the governor of a state in the US which is like a
law
Step 3: Transcript and answer
The White House has given details of President Obama's plans to tighten gun
controls in the US.
It says all gun sellers will have to be registered and must carry out background
checks on buyers.
After years of fierce opposition, President Obama has decided
to bypass Congress and introduce the measures through a series of executive
orders.
Answer
c) US President Obama is using special powers to make gun control stronger.
This bulletin comes from BBC World Service Radio.