Clinton and Trump face off in first presidential debate
The competitors for the White House are facing off in what could be the most-watched presidential debate in US history.
A record 100 million people are expected to watch the first TV debate between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton, starting at 9pm local time (01:00 GMT) in New York.
The stakes are high as the candidates head into the debate tied in most national polls. They both know their performance could help them win, or lose the November 8 election.
The first topic discussed was job creation, with candidates being asked how they would make American manufacturers bring back production to the US.
The debate heated up as the rivals discussed the NAFTA trade deal.
Off topic while still debating under the banner "Achieving Prosperity", Trump mocked Clinton for spelling out on her website how she would fight the ISIL.
"At least I have a plan," Clinton ｃountered, later saying that before the night was over, she would be "blamed for everything".
The two other topics for Monday's showdown at Hofstra University, chosen by the Presidential Debate Commission, are "Securing America" and "America's Direction".
Trump's popularity has been rising in the lead-up to the debate.
Quinnipiac University declared the race "too close to call" on Monday, with its latest national poll of likely voters suggesting 47 percent of support for Clinton and 46 percent for Trump.
It is the first time the two candidates will stand side by side since becoming their parties' nominees.
One of the big questions ahead of the debate is whether Trump will stick to the calmer tone adapted in the last few weeks or return to the wild comments and insults that marked the early stages of his campaign.
"Trump's campaign have been a spreading a rumour in the media and on social media that he's not been trained for the debate," political science professor Jason Johnson told Al Jazeera. "We know that's not true."
Two more debates are to follow on October 9 and October 19.
Vocabulary Words:
1. Face off -(phrasal verb) to argue, fight or compete with somebody, or to get ready to do this
2. Heated up - (phrasal verb) to become more exciting or to show an increase in activity
3. Mock - (verb) to laugh at somebody/something in an unkind way, especially by copying what they say or do
4. To close to call - (idiom) impossible to guess the result in advance
5. Nominee -(noun) a person who has been formally suggested for a job, a prize, etc.
Discussion Questions:
1. Why are presidential debates important?
2. Do you think debates would help people choose who to vote for? Why?
3. If you were to ask a question in this debate, what would you ask the presidential candidates and why?
4. What do you think is the most important political issue at the moment?
5. Do you think politicians, in general, honest about their campaigns? Why do you think so?
