The Red Cross Read the text and answer the questions.
T
his international organisation was formed in 1863 after a young Swiss, Henri Dunant, saw a battlefield covered with dead and wounded soldiers. Now there are well over 100 Red Cross societies around the world. Its top committee is formed of well-known Swiss volunteers. In Muslim countries they are called Red Crescent societies and they also aim to reduce human suffering. Both groups have around 100 million volunteers worldwide and combine to hold an international conference every four years.
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Chosen members from each country’s Red Cross society and government officials from those countries attend regular meetings. They are held in Geneva, Switzerland, usually every two years, and delegates discuss any world problems and ways to solve them.
During peacetime, the Red Cross provides volunteers to aid victims of natural disasters such as earthquakes, forest fires and outbreaks of infectious diseases. It also provides blood donor services in many countries and serves in hospitals and first aid stations. In wartime, its nurses treat the wounded on both sides, and help fleeing refugees and prisoners of war.At a local level you will see its volunteers door-knocking or sitting patiently in shopping centres hoping for donations from the public.
To help the organisation, donations of money come from governments, large companies and each country’s Red Cross society—this could include a donation from you or your family!
© R. I . C.Publ i cat i ons 1. Why do you think the Red p 5. o When does the Red Cross help • f o r r e v i e w p u r s e s o n l y • Cross head office is in Geneva, refugees? Switzerland?
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2. How many years have passed since the Red Cross was formed
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6. Explain the difference between the Red Cross symbol and the Swiss flag.
o c . c e h 3. In which countries is the Red 7. The Redr Cross attends many e o t r s s Cross called the Red Crescent? natural disasters not mentioned. r u e p Give examples. Name some.
4. Which word in paragraph 2 means persons who attend a meeting?
8. Find words from the text for: gifts, contagious, escaping, unite, help
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