Unit 1: America’s 250^th Anniversary (The Semiquencentinnial)

How did Americans honor the past and welcome the future through the celebration of the country’s 250^th birthday?

Axis: Territory and Memory

Nation Wide Festivities

The document under study is an extract from a news report by ABC News, published on July 5^th, 2026. It deals with the celebration of the 250^th birthday of America. We have learned that Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is the birthplace of America.

Moreover, we have learned that at Ellis Island, 12 million immigrants went there, as it was a checkpoint for them before being allowed to get in the country.

For this celebration, the government organized flyovers over NYC, the parades of military ships on the Hudson River. Furthermore, the American citizens all over the country celebrated through the parade of classic cars, even children were parading in red, white and blue. On top of that, elite NAVY parachutists descended the sky with the America flag (the Star-Spangled Banner) over National Mall in Washington DC. A famous African-America singer and actress, Sheryl Lee Ralph sang the American anthem in Philadelphia next to Liberty Bell. To finish with, we heard the name of “Monticello”, located in Virginia, it was the former plantation of Thomas Jefferson (3^rd president of the USA 1801-1809, wrote and signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776). On July 4^th,

2026, 75 people sworn in to become new American citizens. In the evening, there were several fireworks all over the country.

Unit 1: America’s 250^th Anniversary (The Semiquencentinnial)

How did Americans honor the past and welcome the future through the celebration of the country’s 250^th birthday.

Axis: Territory and Memory

Nation Wide Festivities

The document under study is a news report from ABC News, published July 5^th, 2026 in which the different journalists show how American citizens celebrated the birthday of their country.

We have learned that the birthplace of America is Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

We have also learned that Ellis Island was the checkpoint for 12 million immigrants who came to America decades ago to become American citizens.

On July 4^th, 2026, the government organized military flyovers over NYC, military tall ships were parading on the Hudson River. One famous celebrity sang the American national anthem broadcast on TV. Furthermore, In all the states, American citizens organized several events: classic cars were showcasing in the streets, there was the famous Nathan Hot dog challenge, people were parading wearing outfits that represented American symbols such as the Statue of Liberty or Uncle Sam. To finish with, big fireworks took place in the evening all over country.

To conclude, we could hear the name of “Monticello”, it was the former plantation of Thomas Jefferson (3^rd American president 1801-1809 and he wrote and signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776), located in Virginia. On July 4^th 2026, there was a ceremony in which 75 people sworn in to become American citizens.

Unit 1: America’s 250^th Anniversary (The Semiquencentinnial)

How did Americans honor the past and welcome the future through the celebration of the country’s 250^th birthday.

Axis: Territory and Memory

Nation Wide Festivities

The document under study is a news report from ABC News, published on July, 5^th 2026. It deals with the Semiquencentinnial, which is the 250^th anniversary of America that celebrates America’s independence from Great Britain (July 4^th, 1776). We have learned that Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is the birthplace of America, where the Declaration of Independence was signed.

Moreover, we have learned that at Ellis Island 12 million people arrived decades ago in order to become American citizens.

Many celebrations took place all over the country, for example, in NYC there was the biggest marathon gathering of ships on the Hudson River. There were military flyovers over the city. This was an opportunity for the government to show their military strength.

In Washington DC, over the National Mall, there were elite parachutists from the Navy who descended the sky with the American flag (The Star-Spangled Banner). In addition, American citizens took part to eating contests. Children also too part to the event riding bikes with the colors of the flag parading in Washington DC. Furthermore, some people even dressed up as Uncle Sam or the Statue of Liberty (Lady Liberty).

We could hear the name of “Monticello” which was the plantation of Thomas Jefferson (3^rd president of the USA 1801-1809). He also wrote and signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776. It is located in Virginia. On July 4^th, 2026, 75 people became officially American citizens there.

Unit: America’s 250^th Anniversary (The Semiquencentinnial)

How did Americans honor the past and welcome the future through the celebration of the country’s 250^th birthday.

Axis: Territory and Memory

Nation Wide Festivities

The document under study is an extract from a news report extracted from ABC News that covers the celebration of the 4^th of July for the occasion of America’s 250^th birthday. It was published on July 5^th 2026. We have learned that Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is the birthplace of America. Some of the celebrations took place at Ellis Island because in memory of the immigration of 12 million people who came there decades ago.

This special day started with a sunrise in Main, a famous celebrity sang the national anthem of America at Liberty Bell. Moreover, tall ships and military ships paraded in NYC on the Hudson River. There also military flyovers over the city. In addition, in many other states they celebrated the birthday in different kind of ways, such as classic cars parades, cheerleaders that were entertaining for spectators. On top of that, children were riding bicycles in red white and blue. Besides, there were also hot dog contests which took place in Coney Island . To finish with, there were also some elite parachutists who descended National Mall, Washington DC, with the American flag.

To conclude, it was also a day of celebration for the new American faces who worked hared to get the nationality. They were in Monticello which were the former plantation of Thomas Jefferson, former president of the USA(3^rd one) and who also wrote and signed the Declaration of Intendance in 1776.

Classroom English

1. Can I turn on the light, please? / Can I turn the light on?

Can I switch on the light, please? / Can I switch the light on?

May I turn on the light, please?

2. Could you repeat, please?

3. Can you speak louder, please?

Can you speak up, please?

4. I’m sorry I have completely forgotten to do my homework.

I have forgotten my homework and I would like to apologize.

I apologize for having forgotten to do my homework.

5. Sorry for being late, I was at the infirmary/ the nurse’s office.

6. What is the name of the object that projects images onto the board?

7. Can you spell this word please?

8. Can I borrow you a red pen?

Can you lend me a red pen?

9. Could you turn the volume up, please?

Could you increase the volume?

10. Could you turn the volume down, please?

Could you lower the volume, please?

Could you decrease the volume, please?

11. Can you draw the curtain, please?

12. Sorry, I do not feel well, can I go to the nurse’s office, please?

13. Is it possible to open the door, please?

Can you open the door, please?

14. What is the definition for the word “highlighter”?

What does “highlighter” mean?

Can you describe a “highlighter”?

15. Should we write the lesson now?

16. When do I have to hand in my homework?

17. I don’t agree with what you have said. I disagree with you.

18. You should use the past tense to speak about your past holidays.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Classroom English

1. Can I switch on the light, please?/ Can I switch the light on?

Can I turn the light on, please?

May I turn the light on, please?

2. Could you please repeat?

Could you repeat please?

3. I can’t hear, can you speak louder, please?

Speak up, please.

4. I’m sorry, I haven’t done my homework.

I apologize for having forgotten to do my homework.

5. I’m sorry for being late, I was at the nurse’s office.

6. What’s the name of the object that projects images onto the screen?

7. Can you spell the word, please?

Could you spell the word, please?

8. Can I borrow a red pen from you please?

Can you lend me a red pen, please?

9. Could you turn the volume up, please?

Could you increase the volume?

10. Could you turn the volume down?

Could you decrease the volume?

11. Can you draw the curtains please?

12. Can I go to the nurse’s office, please?

13. Can you open the window, please?

14. What is the definition for the word “highlighter”?

Can you say what does “highlighter” mean?

Can you explain the word “highlighter”?

15. Should I copy my lesson now or later?

16. Should I come with my book next time?

Should I bring my book next time?

17. I don’t agree with you/ I disagree with you.

18. I think you should use the past tense to speak about your past holidays.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Unit 1: Immortality 2.0

How far should we chase after perfection and immortality?

Axis: Scientific Innovations and Responsibility.

1. The artist used floppy disks to create his artwork. Back then, in the 1980s and the 1990s,  these items were used for data storage. Indeed/in fact/As a matter of fact, people would save their personal information such as pictures, videos, texts, music… The message of the artist could be that even though this hardware device is obsolete, the data inside remains forever. On top of that/Moreover/Furthermore, seeing a human face painted on these items suggests that our identities and memories are “stored” like data. It illustrates the concept of immortality 2.0.

2. The document under study is a trailer for a documentary entitled A.rtificial I.mmortality, published in 2021. It deals with how AI is used to improve people’s lives. Indeed, scientists found a way to fight death and live forever. To do so, they created humanoids in which they can upload people’s memories and emotions. It is seen as a new evolution for mankind. However/nevertheless, scientists fear that these humanoids can take control over mankind in the future if they are careful enough.

3. Living forever may not be a good idea because seeing all your friends and family die one by one would be too difficult. On top of that, it would be boring, because you would find yourself alone.

On another hand, living forever could be a good way to see how the world evolve.