The Year in Review

2008

January

Since January 1, 2008, it ____________(forbid) to smoke in French cafés and restaurants. Similar laws ____________(enforce) in England since 2007 and in Ireland since 2004.

Since January 1, 2008, it has been forbidden to smoke in French cafés and restaurants. Similar laws have been enforced in England since 2007 and in Ireland since 2004.

February

French President Nicolas Sarkozy ____________ (marry) former model Carla Bruni on February 2, 2008. In this photo _________ (take) the day after the wedding, they __________ (enjoy) the sun in Versailles.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy married former model Carla Bruni on February 2, 2008. In this photo taken the day after the wedding, they are enjoying the sun in Versailles.

March

The scene ________ (take place) in Lhassa, the capital of Tibet. Riots _________ (erupt) all over the city, as Tibetans ________ (protest) against the Chinese government, __________(cause) at least 200 deaths.

The scene takes place in Lhassa, the capital of Tibet. Riots erupted all over the city, as Tibetans protested against the Chinese government, causing at least 200 deaths.

April

French director and actor Danny Boon _______ (release) the biggest blockbuster in the history of French cinema. So far, 20 million people __________ (see) Bienvenue Chez les Ch’tis. Hollywood _________ (plan) a remake which _________ (call) Welcome to the Sticks.

French director and actor Danny Boon released the biggest blockbuster in the history of French cinema. So far, 20 million people have seen Bienvenue Chez les Ch’tis. Hollywood is planning a remake which will be called Welcome to the Sticks.

May

On May 12 a devastating earthquake ________ (shake) the Chinese province of Sichuan.The people in the photo __________ (hold) pictures of their children who _________ (kill) when their primary school __________ (collapse).

On May 12 a devastating earthquake shook the Chinese province of Sichuan.The people in the photo are holding pictures of their children who were killed when their primary school collapsed.

June

Euro 2008: Spain __________ (crown) champion of Europe after _________ (defeat) Germany 1-0. Striker Fernando Torres ________ (score) the goal that ________ (give) Spain its first title in 44 years.

Euro 2008: Spain was crowned champion of Europe after defeating Germany 1-0. Striker Fernando Torres scored the goal that gave Spain its first title in 44 years.

July

Franco Columbian politician Ingrid Bétancourt ________ (free) on July 2. She _________ (rescue) by the Columbian army after ________ (hold) hostage for 6 years in the jungle.

Franco Columbian politician Ingrid Bétancourt was freed on July 2. She was rescued by the Columbian army after being held hostage for 6 years in the jungle.

August

American swimmer Michael Phelps ________ (make) history at the Beijing Summer Olympic Games, where he ____ (win) 8 gold medals. He ____________ (consider) the best swimmer of all times.

American swimmer Michael Phelps made history at the Beijing Summer Olympic Games, where he won 8 gold medals. He is considered the best swimmer of all times.

September

A controversial exhibition by American superstar artist Jeff Koons _______ (open) at the Palace of Versailles. Several of his most famous works, like this “balloon dog”, _________ (be) on display until January 4, 2009.

A controversial exhibition by American superstar artist Jeff Koons opened at the Palace of Versailles. Several of his most famous works, like this “balloon dog”, were on display until January 4, 2009.

October

The photo ________ (show) a worried trader on Wall Street, in New York. On October 24, stock markets __________ (crash) all over the world, __________ (send) the global economy into deeper recession.

The photo shows a worried trader on Wall Street, in New York. On October 24, stock markets crashed all over the world, sending the global economy into deeper recession.

November

On November 4, Barack Obama ___________ (elect) President of the United States. He __________ (inaugurate) on January 20, 2009, and he ________ (move) into the White House with his family.

On November 4, Barack Obama was elected President of the United States. He will be inaugurated on January 20, 2009, and he will move into the White House with his family.

December

An Iraqi reporter________ (throw) his shoes at President Bush a few weeks ago. He __________ (arrest) and _______ (put) in jail.Since then, he_______ (become) a hero in Iraq, where thousands of people __________ (demonstrate) for his release.

An Iraqi reporter threw his shoes at President Bush a few weeks ago. He was arrested and put in jail.Since then, he has become a hero in Iraq, where thousands of people have demonstrated for his release.

Happy New Year2009