When Basic Needs Fail: How Local Shocks Become Wider EmergenciesCEFR A1
15 Nov 2025
Adapted from Hilal Sahin, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Frederick Shaw, Unsplash
- The author writes from close experience in Turkey.
- A brother works as an ER doctor in rural areas.
- The author spoke with teachers, shopkeepers, and families.
- Families come to the hospital tired and often hungry.
- An infant arrived with cracked lips and a watered bottle.
- Two brothers were drowsy after bringing a stove inside.
- Their heating bill rose and oxygen revived them.
- A failed harvest can make food prices rise.
- When safe routes close, people take more dangerous paths.
- Local help like school meals or cash can prevent emergencies.
Difficult words
- important — Something that is needed or valuable.
- together — In one place or with others.
- people — Men, women, and children.person
- food — What we eat to live.
- healthcare — Services to keep people healthy.
- bad — Not good; unpleasant.
- helping — Doing something for others.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What do you think about helping each other?
- Why do you think food is important?
- How do you feel about tough times?
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