Norway has opened a new memorial for the victims of a tragic terror attack that killed 77 people. This important event took place just days before the 15th anniversary of the attack on 22 July 2011. A right-wing extremist named Anders Breivik was responsible for this attack. He used a car bomb in Oslo to kill eight people and then shot and killed 69 others on Utoeya island, most of them teenagers at a youth camp. On Sunday, many survivors and family members gathered in Oslo to see the new memorial. The artwork features a bird that is common on Utoeya island. The artist has explained that it serves two purposes: to remember those who lost their lives and to inspire people to resist extreme ideas. The names of all 77 victims are engraved on the memorial, which is near the site of the bombing. This memorial is a symbol of remembrance and resilience for the Norwegian people. The attacks not only injured hundreds of people but also left deep scars on the national psyche. Norway's Crown Prince Haakon attended the opening ceremony, emphasizing the importance of remembering the victims. He stated that we must learn from our past to ensure such violence does not happen again. The 12-meter-high memorial, called Upholding, stands proudly in Oslo's renovated government district. Its design is meant to engage the public in discussions about democracy while paying respect to those who suffered. It is hoped that the memorial will encourage more conversations around tolerance and equality in society.
B1 · Intermediate · 254 words · ~2 min
2026-07-20 · BBC News · culture

Norway unveils memorial for the victims of the 2011 massacre
Word notebook · B1
Tap a highlighted word in the text, or study the list below.
- memorial
- a structure built to remember a person or event
- extremist
- someone who has radical views, especially in politics or religion
- vulnerable
- easily hurt or harmed
- resilience
- the ability to recover quickly from difficult situations
- engage
- to participate or become involved in something
Comprehension check · B1
Finished reading? See how much stuck.
1.What is the purpose of the new memorial in Norway?
2.Where is the memorial located?
3.Who attended the memorial event besides survivors and family members?















































