Unit 1: Take shelter!
Survivalism in American Culture
Extracts from The Guardian, Always prepared: why prepping for doomsday is a logical choice for many Americans, written by Robert Kirsch and Emily Ray
1. “Doomsday prepping used to be associated with conspiracy theorists and men in camouflage, but the pandemic, climate change, and political instability have turned it into a mainstream phenomenon.”
2. “Sales of emergency food kits, water filters, and survival gear have surged in recent years, with some companies reporting record profits as middle-class families join the ranks of the preppers.”
3. “For many Americans, prepping is not just about survival; it reflects deep mistrust of the government and fear of social collapse.”
Let's create a mindmap to recap what you just learned.
Business/economy
Social perception
American preppers
Mistrust / politics
What else?
If you’re anything like me, following the news makes it feel like the world is on the verge of collapse. There are wars on multiple continents, millions are dying because of famine, extremism is on the rise, natural disasters caused by climate change have become the new norm, and the economy seems headed for a recession.
What is the tone of this article ? Serious ? Ironic ? Both ?
As American as Apple pie?
Pronunciation lesson!
In English, we stress the important words (nouns, verbs, adjectives) => content words We don’t stress the little grammar words (is, as, the, of, etc.) => function words Strong statements usually end with a falling intonation (↓).
Underline one sentence that you found striking (because it is surprising, funny, scary, or important). Then, explain to your neighbor why you chose it.
Pick words in both texts and sort them in those different categories:
Are these fears irrational or realistic ?
Is prepping something you would do? Why / Why not?
05:00
Take 5 minutes to answer this question on a sheet of paper. I will collect and mark some of your answers.
Would you like to be prepared for a catastrophe? Why / why not?
06:00
Let's watch a video about a family of preppers.
Focus on stressed words, words you can understand, and words related to the family.
Second viewing: Spot the threats they fear the strategies they use
Third viewing: Spot • the role of Holly (the wife).
• the “insurance” metaphor.
Do you think the Blevins look normal or paranoiac ? Justify in your own words.
Take 5 minutes to sort the information on the board in your charts.
05:00
Let's watch a second video about preppers to compare how they are depicted.
First viewing: Focus on what is said about Roger.
Second viewing: Spot • his preparations (food, bunker, water, weapons).
• his vision of society.
Third viewing: Focus on the editing (music/images/tone,...)
Do you think the editing is trying to make him look paranoid? Why?
That's why I'm a prepper.
5' to fill the second part of the chart with the information on the board.
05:00
Which portrait do you find more convincing: the Blevins' or Roger's? Support with 2 arguments.
On phonology
Stress the __________ words: that’s WHY I’m a PREPper. _______________ in strong statements and WH-questions.
______________________ in YES/NO questions: Would you like to live in such a family?
For next class, do the exercises on the HW sheet.
What should the government do to protect citizens in case of a disaster?
1. Focus on who made the film. 2. Spot advice given to families. 3. Explain the contradiction between advice and real nuclear threat.
A. What does the article show about the role of government during the Cold War? B. Spot the verbs used to give advice or orders. Are they strong (obligation), or softer (advice)?
"...videos about what to expect in the event of an attack, and how to protect one’s family and home."
Let's read an article about the role of the government during disasters.
Spot sentences with « if » that show what happens when institutions fail. What do they mean?
Compare Civil Defense (propaganda, reassurance) vs FEMA (real disaster, inefficiency).
Can people really trust public institutions, or should they prepare by themselves ?
DEBATE!
07:00
HW: go on this website:
Focus on the map. Spot current conflicts. Where are they ? What might happen if they get worse ?
Would you rather survive alone or in a community ? Why ?
Spot the steps in the recruitement process.
Focus on selection criteria. List what they look for.
Why do they select people with specific skills?
Spot all the "must" and the "have to". What do they express? Spot the persuasive words/strategies.
05:00
Now we are going to watch a video about Vivos shelters.
First viewing :
Focus on stressed words and words you can understand.
Second viewing : Focus on numbers and the facilities inside the bunkers.
Third viewing: Spot what makes life comfortable and the people who join Vivos.
Recap the video in your own words (3/4 sentences)
Do you think this is survival, or a business ? Why ?
"each / every" Are they that different?
Vivos “Life assurance for a dangerous world.”
“Just do it.” Nike
Using the Vivos video/text, create ONE short slogan with strong words.
Now, in pairs choose the best slogan and 3 arguments/selling points from the documents.
Present it to the class for 1 minute, as if you were convincing people to join.
Let's write a few sentences to recap what we did today.
What arguments / slogans did we study in this unit?
Today, you will work in groups of 3-4 students.
Your goal is to create a poster to promote your shelter (Vivos-like or your own invention).
You could use:
- Word
- Powerpoint
- Canva
- Or just do it on paper!
Step 1 : Define your concept (10 min) Choose your survival solution: → A real shelter (like Vivos) → OR your own invention (community, island, bunker, etc.) Decide on your target audience (families, young people, rich people, etc.)
00:00
Step 2: Brainstorm ideas (10 min) Write down: - What makes your shelter special? - What problems does it solve? - What makes people want to join? - Think of 3–4 selling points (safety, comfort, technology, community, price…)
00:00
Step 3: Design your poster (40 min) - A slogan (short, powerful, emotional) - 3–4 selling points (write a paragraph) - 1 image/illustration - Price and conditions
00:00
Step 4: Practice for your oral pitch (15 min) Each group member speaks for 30–40 seconds. Mind the intonation! Explain: What your shelter offers Why people should join What makes it unique
00:00
Listen to your classmates' productions. List the positives (+) and the things they could improve (-).
Last time, what strategies did you invent to survive? Were they about comfort, or necessity ?
Today, we will focus on the different reasons people turn to survivalism, be they philosophical, imposed, or collective.
Educated, Tara Westover, Random House, 2018.
Skim: Underline all the “no / never” in the text.
Spot: What did she NOT have?
Reformulate: So what made her childhood different?
What face of survival is this?
So we have talked about individual and forced prepping/survival in culture.
What type of survival could this series be about?
Your goal: : Compare that new face/representation of survival to those we have seen today.
2nd viewing : Focus on the editing (music/images/…) and the atmosphere.
3rd viewing: Spot rules.
Now we are going to read an excerpt from the novel.
Start by reading the text once.
What elements mirror the trailer we saw? What is different?
In pairs, answer the questions on your sheet.
10:00
DEBATE!
Do you think Holston’s decision to go outside is an act of courage or despair? Justify with at least 3 arguments.
Pick a side: Very brave act
Brave act
Kinda desperate
Very desperate
Place yourself on the axis based on the position you are defending.
Very brave
Very desperate
- Complete the table using the texts we studied in class.
- Then, write 3 sentences comparing the three authors’ visions of survivalism.
What kind of skills are useful to survive?
Does it influence the kind of people you would accept in your community?
Intermediate task's scenario
You are survivalist communities. You must recruit new members to survive.
Mission – Recruitment Speed Dating Today, you are survivalists looking for new members! Each community must recruit the best people to survive. You will meet candidates, ask questions about their skills and experience, and decide who to accept or reject. Goal: Find the best people for your survivalist group and explain your choices.
Preparation for the speed dating session.
15:00
Speed dating:
- Candidates start by introducing themselves, and why they would be a great addition to the community.
- The community then asks qustions and takes notes.
Deliberations
Each community picks two candidates and tells us why they picked them.
We chose ___ because he/she can… We rejected ___ because…
In pairs, write a short paragraph using this structure:
To attract members, our community must highlight ___, ___, and ___. Our slogan will be ___. We offer....
Final Task!
Task: You are a survivalist. You must present your survival plan to the class. Your goal is to convince people to join your community.
Prepare a 2-minute speech with:
1. Introduction: Who you are and what your shelter/community is.
2. Goal: What are you preparing for? (disaster, war, catastrophe…)
3. Arguments (3–4 strong points):
o Safety and comfort
o Food and medical facilities
o Skills and organization
o Location / price / community rules
4. Slogan: a short, strong sentence 5. Conclusion: Why people should join you.
You will prepare this task, as well as a slideshow / flyer if you wish to, at home.
NO MORE THAN 30 WORDS on your notes on the day of. If you exceed this limit, you will not be allowed your notes and will have to make do without it.
Ce qu’on attend : Slogan court et fort : “Survive together, live better.” 3 arguments (tirés des docs étudiés) : You will be safe with your family. You will have food, water and medical care. You can live with a strong community. Modal verbs : You must join us to survive. You should prepare now. Intonation descendante pour affirmer / convaincre. Regard et gestuelle pour appuyer les arguments.
Inside an underground prepper's shelter | Vargas Reports
NewsNation, 2024
01:00
1' to recap with your neighbor.
01:00
Recap with your neighbor.
01:00
Group up! + choose whether you'll work on a Vivos-like shelter or on your own shelter.
07:00
Recap with your neighbor.
02:00
Student A: Trust public institutions
Student B: Prepare by themselves
1' to recap with your neighbor.
01:00
01:00
Discuss with your neighbor:
- What image of preppers do you get from these excerpts?
- Which quotation surprises you the most? Why?
- Do you think prepping is a marginal or mainstream phenomenon today?
05:00
He wish(ed) to + BV He want(ed) to + BV => Projet délibéré.
Which portrait do you find more convincing: the Blevins' or Roger's? Support with 2 arguments.
05:00
On phonology
Stress the important words: that’s WHY I’m a PREPper. - Falling intonation in strong statements and WH-questions.
- Rising intonation in YES/NO questions: Would you like to live in such a family?
When to use each / every
Each and every are not quite the same:
- every generalizes, puts it all in the same category (every violinist => they play together)
- each separates (each violinist => they do things in their own way, rhythm)
- The difference is sometimes not that great, so don't stress about it
- WHOLE GROUP = __________ /
- EACH can be used when referring to 2 or more things
- EVERY can only be used when referring to 3 or more things (*every two = both)
Underline one sentence that you found striking (because it is surprising, funny, scary, or important). Then, explain to your neighbor why you chose it.
05:00
Underline the stressed syllables in the sentence.
That's why I'm a prepper.
That's why I'm a prepper.
Intonation?
2 minutes to recap with your neighbor.
02:00
"How to + verb” is used to explain a method. Example: How to build a shelter. The verb always is in its base form.
should
Conditional sentences are complex sentences with two parts: a condition (starting with if or unless) and a result, used to express possibilities or hypothetical situations.
01:00
Must and Have to
Must can be used to give strong advice or orders, to oneself or to other people.
Generally, when must is used, the obligation comes from the speaker (I must clean my room). If we talk about an obligation that comes from the outside (a regulation or an order from somebody else, for example), must is possible, but have to is more common.
What do you think preppers get prepared for?
03:00
Recap with your neighbor.
01:00
1' to recap with your neighbor.
01:00
1' to recap with your neighbor.
01:00
1' to recap with your neighbor.
01:00
Prepping is as American as apple pie.
PREPping is as AMEriCAN as APple PIE
Unit 1: Take shelter!
Chloé Rusch
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Transcript
Unit 1: Take shelter!
Survivalism in American Culture
Extracts from The Guardian, Always prepared: why prepping for doomsday is a logical choice for many Americans, written by Robert Kirsch and Emily Ray
1. “Doomsday prepping used to be associated with conspiracy theorists and men in camouflage, but the pandemic, climate change, and political instability have turned it into a mainstream phenomenon.” 2. “Sales of emergency food kits, water filters, and survival gear have surged in recent years, with some companies reporting record profits as middle-class families join the ranks of the preppers.” 3. “For many Americans, prepping is not just about survival; it reflects deep mistrust of the government and fear of social collapse.”
Let's create a mindmap to recap what you just learned.
Business/economy
Social perception
American preppers
Mistrust / politics
What else?
If you’re anything like me, following the news makes it feel like the world is on the verge of collapse. There are wars on multiple continents, millions are dying because of famine, extremism is on the rise, natural disasters caused by climate change have become the new norm, and the economy seems headed for a recession.
What is the tone of this article ? Serious ? Ironic ? Both ?
As American as Apple pie?
Pronunciation lesson!
In English, we stress the important words (nouns, verbs, adjectives) => content words We don’t stress the little grammar words (is, as, the, of, etc.) => function words Strong statements usually end with a falling intonation (↓).
Underline one sentence that you found striking (because it is surprising, funny, scary, or important). Then, explain to your neighbor why you chose it.
Pick words in both texts and sort them in those different categories:
Are these fears irrational or realistic ? Is prepping something you would do? Why / Why not?
05:00
Take 5 minutes to answer this question on a sheet of paper. I will collect and mark some of your answers.
Would you like to be prepared for a catastrophe? Why / why not?
06:00
Let's watch a video about a family of preppers.
Focus on stressed words, words you can understand, and words related to the family.
Second viewing: Spot the threats they fear the strategies they use
Third viewing: Spot • the role of Holly (the wife). • the “insurance” metaphor.
Do you think the Blevins look normal or paranoiac ? Justify in your own words.
Take 5 minutes to sort the information on the board in your charts.
05:00
Let's watch a second video about preppers to compare how they are depicted.
First viewing: Focus on what is said about Roger.
Second viewing: Spot • his preparations (food, bunker, water, weapons). • his vision of society.
Third viewing: Focus on the editing (music/images/tone,...)
Do you think the editing is trying to make him look paranoid? Why?
That's why I'm a prepper.
5' to fill the second part of the chart with the information on the board.
05:00
Which portrait do you find more convincing: the Blevins' or Roger's? Support with 2 arguments.
On phonology
Stress the __________ words: that’s WHY I’m a PREPper. _______________ in strong statements and WH-questions. ______________________ in YES/NO questions: Would you like to live in such a family?
For next class, do the exercises on the HW sheet.
What should the government do to protect citizens in case of a disaster?
1. Focus on who made the film. 2. Spot advice given to families. 3. Explain the contradiction between advice and real nuclear threat.
A. What does the article show about the role of government during the Cold War? B. Spot the verbs used to give advice or orders. Are they strong (obligation), or softer (advice)?
"...videos about what to expect in the event of an attack, and how to protect one’s family and home."
Let's read an article about the role of the government during disasters.
Spot sentences with « if » that show what happens when institutions fail. What do they mean?
Compare Civil Defense (propaganda, reassurance) vs FEMA (real disaster, inefficiency).
Can people really trust public institutions, or should they prepare by themselves ?
DEBATE!
07:00
HW: go on this website:
Focus on the map. Spot current conflicts. Where are they ? What might happen if they get worse ?
Would you rather survive alone or in a community ? Why ?
Spot the steps in the recruitement process.
Focus on selection criteria. List what they look for.
Why do they select people with specific skills?
Spot all the "must" and the "have to". What do they express? Spot the persuasive words/strategies.
05:00
Now we are going to watch a video about Vivos shelters.
First viewing : Focus on stressed words and words you can understand.
Second viewing : Focus on numbers and the facilities inside the bunkers.
Third viewing: Spot what makes life comfortable and the people who join Vivos.
Recap the video in your own words (3/4 sentences)
Do you think this is survival, or a business ? Why ?
"each / every" Are they that different?
Vivos “Life assurance for a dangerous world.”
“Just do it.” Nike
Using the Vivos video/text, create ONE short slogan with strong words.
Now, in pairs choose the best slogan and 3 arguments/selling points from the documents.
Present it to the class for 1 minute, as if you were convincing people to join.
Let's write a few sentences to recap what we did today.
What arguments / slogans did we study in this unit?
Today, you will work in groups of 3-4 students.
Your goal is to create a poster to promote your shelter (Vivos-like or your own invention).
You could use:
Step 1 : Define your concept (10 min) Choose your survival solution: → A real shelter (like Vivos) → OR your own invention (community, island, bunker, etc.) Decide on your target audience (families, young people, rich people, etc.)
00:00
Step 2: Brainstorm ideas (10 min) Write down: - What makes your shelter special? - What problems does it solve? - What makes people want to join? - Think of 3–4 selling points (safety, comfort, technology, community, price…)
00:00
Step 3: Design your poster (40 min) - A slogan (short, powerful, emotional) - 3–4 selling points (write a paragraph) - 1 image/illustration - Price and conditions
00:00
Step 4: Practice for your oral pitch (15 min) Each group member speaks for 30–40 seconds. Mind the intonation! Explain: What your shelter offers Why people should join What makes it unique
00:00
Listen to your classmates' productions. List the positives (+) and the things they could improve (-).
Last time, what strategies did you invent to survive? Were they about comfort, or necessity ?
Today, we will focus on the different reasons people turn to survivalism, be they philosophical, imposed, or collective.
Educated, Tara Westover, Random House, 2018.
Skim: Underline all the “no / never” in the text.
Spot: What did she NOT have?
Reformulate: So what made her childhood different?
What face of survival is this?
So we have talked about individual and forced prepping/survival in culture.
What type of survival could this series be about?
Your goal: : Compare that new face/representation of survival to those we have seen today.
2nd viewing : Focus on the editing (music/images/…) and the atmosphere.
3rd viewing: Spot rules.
Now we are going to read an excerpt from the novel.
Start by reading the text once.
What elements mirror the trailer we saw? What is different?
In pairs, answer the questions on your sheet.
10:00
DEBATE!
Do you think Holston’s decision to go outside is an act of courage or despair? Justify with at least 3 arguments.
Pick a side: Very brave act Brave act Kinda desperate Very desperate
Place yourself on the axis based on the position you are defending.
Very brave
Very desperate
What kind of skills are useful to survive?
Does it influence the kind of people you would accept in your community?
Intermediate task's scenario
You are survivalist communities. You must recruit new members to survive.
Mission – Recruitment Speed Dating Today, you are survivalists looking for new members! Each community must recruit the best people to survive. You will meet candidates, ask questions about their skills and experience, and decide who to accept or reject. Goal: Find the best people for your survivalist group and explain your choices.
Preparation for the speed dating session.
15:00
Speed dating:
Deliberations
Each community picks two candidates and tells us why they picked them.
We chose ___ because he/she can… We rejected ___ because…
In pairs, write a short paragraph using this structure:
To attract members, our community must highlight ___, ___, and ___. Our slogan will be ___. We offer....
Final Task!
Task: You are a survivalist. You must present your survival plan to the class. Your goal is to convince people to join your community.
Prepare a 2-minute speech with: 1. Introduction: Who you are and what your shelter/community is. 2. Goal: What are you preparing for? (disaster, war, catastrophe…) 3. Arguments (3–4 strong points): o Safety and comfort o Food and medical facilities o Skills and organization o Location / price / community rules 4. Slogan: a short, strong sentence 5. Conclusion: Why people should join you.
You will prepare this task, as well as a slideshow / flyer if you wish to, at home.
NO MORE THAN 30 WORDS on your notes on the day of. If you exceed this limit, you will not be allowed your notes and will have to make do without it.
Ce qu’on attend : Slogan court et fort : “Survive together, live better.” 3 arguments (tirés des docs étudiés) : You will be safe with your family. You will have food, water and medical care. You can live with a strong community. Modal verbs : You must join us to survive. You should prepare now. Intonation descendante pour affirmer / convaincre. Regard et gestuelle pour appuyer les arguments.
Inside an underground prepper's shelter | Vargas Reports
NewsNation, 2024
01:00
1' to recap with your neighbor.
01:00
Recap with your neighbor.
01:00
Group up! + choose whether you'll work on a Vivos-like shelter or on your own shelter.
07:00
Recap with your neighbor.
02:00
Student A: Trust public institutions
Student B: Prepare by themselves
1' to recap with your neighbor.
01:00
01:00
Discuss with your neighbor:
05:00
He wish(ed) to + BV He want(ed) to + BV => Projet délibéré.
Which portrait do you find more convincing: the Blevins' or Roger's? Support with 2 arguments.
05:00
On phonology
Stress the important words: that’s WHY I’m a PREPper.- Falling intonation in strong statements and WH-questions.
- Rising intonation in YES/NO questions: Would you like to live in such a family?
When to use each / every
Each and every are not quite the same:
Underline one sentence that you found striking (because it is surprising, funny, scary, or important). Then, explain to your neighbor why you chose it.
05:00
Underline the stressed syllables in the sentence.
That's why I'm a prepper.
That's why I'm a prepper.
Intonation?
2 minutes to recap with your neighbor.
02:00
"How to + verb” is used to explain a method. Example: How to build a shelter. The verb always is in its base form.
should
Conditional sentences are complex sentences with two parts: a condition (starting with if or unless) and a result, used to express possibilities or hypothetical situations.
01:00
Must and Have to
Must can be used to give strong advice or orders, to oneself or to other people. Generally, when must is used, the obligation comes from the speaker (I must clean my room). If we talk about an obligation that comes from the outside (a regulation or an order from somebody else, for example), must is possible, but have to is more common.
What do you think preppers get prepared for?
03:00
Recap with your neighbor.
01:00
1' to recap with your neighbor.
01:00
1' to recap with your neighbor.
01:00
1' to recap with your neighbor.
01:00
Prepping is as American as apple pie.
PREPping is as AMEriCAN as APple PIE