EnglishClub

Pre-listening vocabulary

• activist: someone who fights for political change
• politician: someone who works in government
• segregation: the separation of people based on race
• advocate: to actively support or promote something
• marginalized: cast out and treated poorly by society
• elect: to vote someone into public office

Listening activity

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:16 — 1.2MB)

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Gapfill exercise

John Lewis was an American activist and politician. He was born in 1940 in Troy, Alabama. When Lewis was growing up, segregation was still in Southern states. As a teenager, Lewis was inspired by the of activist Martin Luther King, Jr. While he was a student in college, Lewis became involved in the American civil rights movement, which aimed to gain rights and opportunities for Black people. He even helped to the March on Washington, one of the most important of the entire movement. Lewis continued to advocate for the rights of Black Americans long after the Civil Rights Act was passed in 1964. He decided to run for office in the 1980s to help marginalized communities. Lewis was elected to Congress in 1986, and he served until his death in 2020.

Comprehension questions

[wp_quiz id=”19525″]

Discussion/essay questions

1. Although the civil rights movement ended a long time ago, racism did not. In recent years, a new movement called Black Lives Matter has gained international support. This movement aims to end racism and abuse of power within the police system. What are some of the major similarities and differences between this movement and the movement of the 1960s?

Transcript

John Lewis was an American activist and politician. He was born in 1940 in Troy, Alabama. When Lewis was growing up, segregation was still common in Southern states. As a teenager, Lewis was inspired by the speeches of activist Martin Luther King, Jr. While he was a student in college, Lewis became involved in the American civil rights movement, which aimed to gain equal rights and opportunities for Black people. He even helped to organize the March on Washington, one of the most important events of the entire movement. Lewis continued to advocate for the rights of Black Americans long after the Civil Rights Act was passed in 1964. He decided to run for office in the 1980s to help marginalized communities. Lewis was elected to Congress in 1986, and he served until his death in 2020.

Pre-listening vocabulary

• publish: to make something available to the public
• racism:  poor treatment of a person or group because of their race
• lawyer: someone who gives legal advice or defends people in court
• backlash: a negative reaction from a large group of people

Listening activity

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:04 — 1,006.0KB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | More

Gapfill exercise

Summary: To Kill a Mockingbird

In 1960, American author Harper Lee published her first , To Kill a Mockingbird. The book was made into an award-winning movie two years later. The story takes place in the 1930s. It follows a young girl named Scout who lives in Alabama. Scout to learn about racism in her time when her father, defence lawyer Atticus Finch, receives backlash for representing a black man in court. This is for Scout and her brother, Jem, because they have to deal with insults from their friends, , and even family members. During this time, Atticus teaches them to all people, regardless of race.

Comprehension questions

[wp_quiz id=”19251″]

Discussion/essay questions

1. The novel To Kill a Mockingbird is still taught in many schools today. Do you think the issues in this novel are still relevant? Why or why not?

Transcript

In 1960, American author Harper Lee published her first novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. The book was made into an award-winning movie two years later. The story takes place in the 1930s. It follows a young girl named Scout who lives in Alabama. Scout begins to learn about racism in her time when her father, defence lawyer Atticus Finch, receives backlash for representing a black man in court. This is difficult for Scout and her brother, Jem, because they have to deal with insults from their friends, neighbours, and even family members. During this time, Atticus teaches them to respect all people, regardless of race.