Language in Progress: Modal Auxiliaries

1)

a. Nowadays, the Commonwealth of Nations can bring positive change.

b. The heads of government must look for sustainable solutions.

c. The Commonwealth Youth can make this world a better place.

d. Climate Justice must be heard by the International Court of Justice.

2)

a. We are not able to change the past.

b. But we have to build a brighter future.

c. Many member states said that Britain has to held/had to be held accountable for its colonial past.

d. The Youth have/has to pave the way to a more inclusive world.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Work on the exercises you received in class for Monday, March 23rd.

Language in Progress: Modal Auxiliaries

1)

a. Nowadays, the Commonwealth of Nations can bring positive change

b. The heads government must look for sustainable solutions.

c. The Commonwealth Youth can make this world a better place.

d. Climate Justice must be heard by the International Court of Justice.

2)

a. We are not able to change the past.

b. But we have to build a brighter future.

c. Many member states said that Britain has to be held / had to be held accountable for its colonial past.

d. The Youth have/has to pave the way to a more inclusive world.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Work on the exercises you received in class for Monday, March 23rd.

What is Black History Month?

The document under study is a video from USA Today, published in 2021. It deals with the evolution of Black History Month. We have learned that it is celebrated every February in the USA and in Canada. Carter G. Woodson, and African-American teacher, historian and publisher was the founder of the concept, even though, at first he thought that Black History Month would not be useful in the USA as Black history would be already part of American culture. Nevertheless, in February 1926, he put in place “Negro History week” on the second week of this month. At the time, the goals were on one hand, to show the importance of Black people in the history of the USA and that they should be equally treated. He also encouraged schools to have black history in their curricula. On another hand, to increase the visibility of black life and history at a time when the media would portray/ depict anti-black racist imagery.

Later, some activists fought for this week to become a month. As a result, in 1976, President Gerald Ford proclaimed the first Black History Month. It became official ten years later (signed by Congress).

However, BHM has been controversial because some people think that one month is too short, or that it is not useful anymore, some others even ask for a White History Month or even a Confederate History Month. To conclude, there is an average of 9% of history class spent on Black History. Besides, in some states it is completely ignored.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

First Nations Inspiring sustainable Futures.

The document under study is a video about the daily struggle of some First Nations communities in Canada: mainly the lack of clean water. This video was published in 2020 by CBC Kids News Channel. At the time, Autumn was a 16-year-old activist, she was Chief Water Commissioner. She lived in Ottawa. Canada is part of the 56 nations of the Commonwealth, besides, she is a youth leader and defender of water rights.

In order to take action to change the situation, they should reorganize the supply system so that every can have access to clean water.

The messages that are conveyed are that, first anyone can start to fight for what they think is right in order to make a change. In the Commonwealth, developed countries, everyone deserves clean water and sanitations. On top of that, young citizens are called to fight for global justice and progress for a common resilient future.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Be ready for the Final Project : Monday, March 26th

 First Nation Inspiring Sustainable Solutions

The document under study is a video from CBC Kids News, published in 2020. It deals with an ecological activist called Autumn Peltier. Indeed, at the time, she was a 16-year-old activist fighting for clean water for First Nations communities in Canada. She is Chief Water Commissioner of the First Nations Committee.

Canada is one of the 56 nations that belonged to the Commonwealth. Autumn is denouncing the fact some communities from the First Nations do not have access to clean water therefore they have to boil it before using it to kill the germs. Therefore, others have to walk 2km to have access to a well shared by everyone where they can take some water to use. These people are living in third world country conditions when they are actually living in a first world country. This situation is unfair.

The actions that remain to be done would be to establish proper installations that would purify the water for everyone with equal and easy access.

To conclude, the messages that are conveyed are that through youth leaders messages are more powerful and have a greater impact on people for global justice and progress in order to build a resilient future.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Be ready for the Final Project : Thursday, March 26th

Black History Month

The document under study is a video published in 2021 on USA Today Youtube Channel. It deals the concept of Black History Month. We have learned that Black History Month is celebrated in February every year In the USA and in Canada (in October in the UK). The founder of the concept was Carter G.Woodson, a famous African-American teacher, historian and publisher. At first, Woodson thought that black history would be part of/rooted in the American culture that he did not see the need for a Black History Month. However, in 1926 there was the first “Negro Week History” in the second week of February. The goals were on one hand, to prove that  black people had played a major role in American history and deserved to be treated equally. On another hand, to improve the visibility and reputation of black people against the media that was portraying/depicting them negatively.

Then, in 1976, it became a month thanks to some activists who lobbied for it to become a month. As a result, president Gerarld Ford made the first proclamation at the time. It then became official, approved by Congress in February 11^th, 1986.

Nevertheless, Black History Month has been controversial because some people think it is useless, some other people think there should be a white history month or even a confederate history month.

To finish with, despite the official recognition, only 9% of history class is spent on Black History month in American schools. Besides, in some states it is completely ignored.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

 (at the following of what we did last time)

To conclude, the three documents have several common points: both authors used rhetorical devices to describe their experience of slavery. Moreover, they both denounced the cruelty of slavery. On another hand, one document is a mere testimony, and the two others are speeches denouncing the lack of respect and injustices of slavery at the time.

To finish with, the most effective document is doc B because Douglass was attacking core values of the USA that were in complete contradiction with what was going on in the country at the time.

Homework: Learn the lesson.