Brexit is a word made from "British Exit". It refers to the decision of the United Kingdom to leave the European Union (EU), a political and economic organisation made up of many European countries that work together.

On June 23rd, 2016, British people voted in a referendum to decide whether the UK should stay in or leave the EU. The result was very close: 51.9% voted to leave, while 48.1% voted to remain. This showed that the country was deeply divided.

People who supported Brexit had different reasons. Some wanted the UK to have more control over its borders and reduce immigration. Others believed Britain should make its own laws without following EU rules. Many also thought leaving the EU would give the UK more freedom to sign trade agreements with countries around the world.

However, many people disagreed. The "Remainers" believed that being part of the EU was good for the economy, trade, jobs and travel. They also thought that working closely with European countries made Britain stronger.

After the referendum, the UK and the EU had to negotiate the terms of Brexit. The process was long and difficult, lasting almost four years. Finally, the United Kingdom officially left the European Union on January 31st, 2020, when Boris Johnson was Prime Minister.

Brexit: Several Years Later

Several years after Brexit, people still have different opinions about whether it was a good decision.

Many economists believe that leaving the European Union has made trade with European countries more difficult because businesses now have to deal with more customs checks and paperwork. Some companies have also reduced their investments in the UK, and economic growth has been slower than expected.

On the other hand, supporters of Brexit say that the UK has regained control over its laws, its borders and its trade policy. Since leaving the EU, Britain has signed new trade agreements with countries such as Australia and New Zealand and has more freedom to make its own decisions.

Today, Brexit is still debated in the United Kingdom. Some people believe it was the right choice, while others think the country would have been better off remaining in the European Union.

Ex 1: Answer the following questions in complete sentences.

1. What does the word "Brexit" mean?
2. What was the purpose of the referendum held on June 23rd, 2016?
3. What percentage of British voters chose to leave the European Union?
4. Give two reasons why some people wanted the UK to leave the EU.
5. Who were the "Remainers"?
6. Why did the Brexit process take much longer than expected?
7. When did the United Kingdom officially leave the European Union?
8. According to the text, what difficulties have some businesses faced since Brexit?
9. What arguments do Brexit supporters use to defend the decision to leave the EU?
10. In your opinion, why do you think Brexit is still a controversial topic today? (Justify your answer in one or two sentences.)

Ask someone to correct your answers.