São Paulo Police Use “Power Rangers” Disguises to Stop Crime

Lesson made on March 4, 2025

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Reading Lesson:

During Carnival in Brazil, many people wear costumes of famous superheroes like Batman and Spider-Man. This year in São Paulo, some police officers wore costumes too, but they were working in secret. These undercover officers, who pretend to be regular people to catch criminals, dressed up as the Power Rangers–characters from a popular 1990s TV show about a team of superheroes who fight evil.

A video showed officers disguised as the red, blue, yellow, green, and black Power Rangers stopping a suspected phone thief while a crowd cheered them on, chanting “Power Rangers! Power Rangers!” In another part of the video, one Power Ranger held up several stolen phones that had been recovered. The governor of São Paulo even shared the moment online, saying, “It’s morphin’ time!”–a famous phrase from the show.

Brazilian police have used creative disguises like these to catch criminals during big festivals. Large crowds make it easier for thieves to steal from people, so officers dress up as partygoers to blend in. This strategy has helped reduce crime during Carnival. Compared to the same time last year, there were far fewer reports of stolen phones and robberies.

The police don’t just dress as Power Rangers. In the past, they have used other disguises too. Recently, an officer dressed as El Chapulin Colorado (The Red Grasshopper), a famous Mexican comedy superhero, was seen arresting a suspect.

Comprehension Quiz:

1. The first paragraph mentions “undercover officers.” What does undercover mean?

a) Officers who wear bright uniforms.
b) Officers who work in secret.
c) Officers who are sleeping under blankets.
d) Officers who do not catch criminals.

2. Why did the police dress as Power Rangers?

a) To entertain the crowd.
b) To celebrate Carnival.
c) To secretly catch criminals.
d) To promote the Power Rangers show.

3. Why did the crowd cheer while they arrested a man?

a) They were confused about what was happening.
b) They supported the police officers’ actions.
c) They were upset about the police intervention.
d) They thought the Power Rangers were real.

4. Why did the governor of São Paulo share the video?

a) To criticize the police for dressing up.
b) To encourage people to dress as superheroes.
c) To show support for the police’s strategy.
d) To announce new episodes of Power Rangers.

5. Why do thieves find it easier to steal during Carnival?

a) People are distracted and in large crowds.
b) Police officers are not working during Carnival.
c) Everyone is wearing costumes.
d) Thieves are also dressed as Power Rangers.

6. Brazilian police used disguises. What is another word for “disguise”?

a) celebration.
b) weapon.
c) jiu jitsu.
d) costume.

7. What does the article say about crime during Carnival this year compared to last year?

a) Crime increased this year.
b) Crime stayed the same.
c) Crime decreased this year.
d) Crime was not reported this year.

8. How did the thieves react to the disguised police?

a) They did not expect the police to wear costumes.
b) They were happy to see the police in costumes.
c) They knew the police were wearing disguises.
d) They were not afraid of the police.

9. Which of these statements is false?

a) Police officers dressed as Power Rangers to catch criminals.
b) The governor of São Paulo did not support the police’s actions.
c) The crowd cheered for the disguised police officers.
d) Crime rates during Carnival decreased compared to last year.

10. What is the main idea of the article?

a) The Power Rangers are popular in Brazil.
b) Police in Brazil used costumes to catch criminals during Carnival.
c) Carnival in Brazil is fun event where many people wear costumes.
d) Thieves in Brazil steal many phones during Carnival.

Speaking and Writing Activities:

– Discuss these questions with a partner or a small group.

– Choose one topic and write a response to it. Show your writing to a classmate or teacher.

1. Do you think dressing as superheroes is a good way for police to catch criminals? Why or why not?

2. Carnival in Brazil is a huge festival with music, dancing, and costumes. What is a big celebration or festival in your country? What do people do?

3. What are some things people should do to stay safe in crowded places like festivals or concerts?

More Reading Practice:

Carnival

Carnival is a big festival that happens every year in many countries, especially in places like Brazil. It is a time when people celebrate with music, dancing, and colorful costumes. Many cities have large parades where people march through the streets, play drums, and wear bright, decorated outfits.

Carnival usually happens before Lent, a period of fasting and prayer for some Christians. Because of this, Carnival is often seen as a time to enjoy food, music, and parties before a more serious time begins. People of all ages take part, and the streets are full of energy, excitement, and fun.

In Brazil, Carnival is one of the biggest celebrations in the world. Samba music fills the air, and groups called samba schools prepare all year to perform in giant parades. Tourists from around the world come to see the costumes, dancing, and performances.

In the United States, the most well-known Carnival celebration is Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Mardi Gras, which means “Fat Tuesday” in French, is the final day of Carnival and is marked by parades, masked balls, and people throwing beads and trinkets to the crowds. The streets are filled with music, especially jazz, and the atmosphere is lively and fun.

Other countries also have their own Carnival traditions. In Italy, the Carnival of Venice is famous for its beautiful masks and elegant costumes. In Trinidad and Tobago, Carnival is a major event with calypso music, steelpan bands, and colorful street parties. Even smaller celebrations, like the ones in the Caribbean or parts of Europe, bring people together to enjoy music, dance, and community.

Power Rangers

The Power Rangers are fictional superheroes from a popular TV show that started in the 1990s. The show is about a group of young people who are chosen to protect the world from evil. Each Power Ranger wears a special colored suit and a helmet, and they work as a team to fight powerful villains. They use martial arts, special weapons, and giant robots called “Zords” to defeat their enemies.

The Power Rangers can also transform, which gives them extra strength and abilities. When they face a very strong enemy, they combine their Zords to create a bigger robot called the “Megazord.” This helps them win battles that would be too difficult alone.

The show has been made in many different versions over the years, with new teams, costumes, and stories. However, the main idea always stays the same: ordinary people become heroes by working together, being brave, and never giving up.


Link: Photos of the Power Rangers police in São Paulo

Link: Photos of Carnival in Brazil

Link: Photos of the Power Rangers

Link: Power Rangers official YouTube channel

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