British and American National Holidays - Queen’s Jubilee & Memorial Da

British and American National Holidays - Queen’s Jubilee & Memorial Day

Level B2

by STEFANIA MANEA

INDEX

OBJECTIVES

DISCUSSION & SPEAKING

WRAP-UP

WARM-UP

VOCABULARY

GAP-FILLING

VIDEO 1

VIDEO 2

OBJECTIVES:

By the end of the lesson, the students will:

• understand and use key vocabulary related to national holidays, monarchy, and remembrance (e.g. "jubilee," "monarch," "veterans," "patriotism");

• explore the cultural significance of the Queen's Jubilee and Memorial Day;

• enhance their listening skills by watching video clips about the Queen's Platinum Jubilee and Memorial Day;

• engage in discussions about the Queen's Jubilee and Memorial Day, comparing the two holidays and reflecting on their significance;

• analyze the similarities and differences between British and American national holidays.

1. WARM-UP

TASK 1. Answer the questions:

• What are some national holidays in your country that you celebrate every year?
• Can you name any holidays or celebrations that are important in the UK or the USA?
• Do you know any famous royal figures or celebrations in the UK?
• What does "patriotism" mean to you? How do people show patriotism during national holidays?
• What are some ways that people honor or remember important historical events or figures?

2. Vocabulary Introduction

TASK 2. Match the words with their definitions:

A. a formal event or ritual performed on a special occasion, often involving traditional customs B. a structure, event, or activity created to honor and remember a person or event, especially something significant or historical. C. a king, queen, or emperor who is the head of state. D. a special anniversary, especially a significant milestone in the reign of a monarch. E. the yearly observance of a significant event or date. F. the act of remembering or honoring something or someone, often through a ceremony. G. something handed down from the past, often referring to a person's achievements, values, or influence that continues to affect future generations. H. people who have served in the military, especially those who have fought in wars. I. a sense of love, loyalty, and pride in one's country. J. to honor the memory of an important event, person, or occasion, typically through a ceremony or ritual.

1. Jubilee 2. Monarch 3. Commemorate 4. Anniversary 5. Legacy 6. Memorial 7. Veterans 8. Patriotism 9. Ceremony 10. Remembrance

Key:

3. GAP-FILLING EXERCISE

TASK 3. Fill in the blanks with the correct word from the list below. Each word can only be used once. Jubilee | Monarch | Commemorate | Anniversary | Legacy | Memorial | Veterans | Patriotism | Ceremony | Remembrance 1. The Queen’s ________ marks the 70th year of her reign as the longest-serving British ________. 2. In many countries, people ________ significant events through special days, monuments, or gatherings. 3. The ________ of the end of World War II is observed every year on the 11th of November with a moment of silence. 4. Every year on Memorial Day, Americans honor their ________, those who have served in the military, by visiting graves and attending parades. 5. The ________ of the country's independence is a major event, celebrated with fireworks and festivals. 6. The city built a ________ to honor the soldiers who died in the war. 7. ________ is shown when citizens feel strong loyalty and love for their country, often celebrating national holidays. 8. As a young man, he dedicated his life to charity, leaving a lasting ________ for future generations. 9. On the ________ of a historical event, people come together to reflect on its importance and remember those involved. 10. A wedding ________ typically includes exchanging vows, wearing special clothing, and celebrating with friends and family.

Key:

4. VIDEO WATCHING

TASK 4.1. Before watching the video "Platinum Jubilee: Seven Decades of Memories and Milestones" answer the question, then watch the video to check your answer:

• What kinds of activities or events do you think take place during the Queen's Jubilee celebrations?

4. VIDEO WATCHING

TASK 4.2. Watch the video again and answer the questions:

5. VIDEO WATCHING

TASK 5.1. Answer the question, then watch the video "What is the Origin of Memorial Day?" to see if you were right:

• What do you think Memorial Day is about? Why do you think it is celebrated in the U.S.?

5. VIDEO WATCHING

TASK 5.2. Watch the video again and answer the questions:

6. DISCUSSION & SPEAKING ACTIVITY

TASK 6. Discuss the following questions in pairs/groups, then, share your ideas with the rest of the class:

• What similarities and differences can you find between the Queen's Jubilee and Memorial Day?
• How do you think national holidays like these help strengthen national identity?
• Why is it important to honor veterans and historical figures in these ways?

7. WRAP-UP

TASK 7. Answer the question:

• Which celebration do you find more interesting, the Queen's Jubilee or Memorial Day? Why?

KEY

TASK 2. 1-D, 2.C, 3.J, 4.E, 5.G, 6.B, 7.H, 8.I, 9. A, 10.F TASK 3. 1. Jubilee, Monarch, 2. Commemorate, 3. Remembrance, 4. Veterans 5. Anniversary, 6. Memorial, 7. Patriotism, 8. Legacy, 9. Anniversary, 10. Ceremony

Thank you!