White Terror History | Elementary ESL Reading Worksheet PDF

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Taiwan is a small island in Asia. Many years ago, Taiwan had a very difficult time in its history. This time was called the White Terror. It lasted from 1949 to 1987. That is almost 40 years of very hard times for the people of Taiwan.

During the White Terror, the government made very strict rules. People could not say bad things about the leaders of the country. They could not talk about new ideas for Taiwan. If someone broke the rules, they were in danger. Life was very difficult for many families.

Some people were put in prison because they talked about freedom. Others were punished because they wanted to change how the country worked. The government was very powerful. Soldiers and police watched what people said and did every day.

Many people felt very 害怕的 during this time. They did not know if they could trust their friends or neighbors. Some people were taken away by the government. Their families sometimes did not know where they went. It was a very sad and scary time for many people.

Today, Taiwan is a free country. People can speak and think freely. They can vote and choose their leaders. Taiwan remembers this difficult time in its history. There are museums and special days to honor the people who suffered. People learn about the White Terror so it does not happen again.

1. government ____
2. rules ____
3. afraid ____
4. prison ____
5. change ____
6. history ____
7. freedom ____
8. punished ____
9. trust ____
10. suffer ____

• a. things that happened in the past
• b. to feel great pain or sadness
• c. to make or become something different
• d. right to speak and act without being controlled
• e. feeling fear or worry about something
• f. to believe that someone is honest and good
• g. group of people who control and run a country
• h. made to suffer for doing something wrong
• i. things people must do or must not do
• j. building where people are kept as punishment