Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales

The document under study is an extract from an article from the newspaper Tatler, published in January 2025. It is about Prince William (heir to the throne) and his wife, Princess Catherine and their social media usage. Indeed, they share their daily lives and their work on different social media platforms. Moreover, they also share sad news for instance, they shared about Kate’s serious disease. Contrary to the Queen, they prefer to share more about their daily lives to be closer to the people.

The Royal couple is definitely modern/trendy because they use social media and share videos and pictures. They want to look like ordinary people. For Kate and William it may be easier to use social media as they grew up with it as opposed to the late Queen or King Charles who are older and may not really understand the impact of the use of social media on the nation.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales

The document under study is an extract from an article from Tatler newspaper, published in January 2025. It is about how Prince William (heir to the throne) and his wife, Princess Catherine share with the nation their life through social media. For example, they share about their parenting, bits of their family life with their children and also sad news such as Kate’s serious disease.

The Royal couple is definitely trendy/modern because they use social media platforms to share their daily lives and work. Through their posts, people can see that they are like a normal family and can have the same problems as ordinary people.

Homework: Learn teh lesson.

(at the following of what we did last time)

 In 1613 Pocahontas was kidnapped by the British settlers. There, she met John Rolfe, a tobacco planter. They got along well and decided to get married in April 1614. Their goal was to create a peaceful union and cohesion between the two peoples. As a result, Pocahontas decided to become a Christian and changed her name from Pocahontas to Rebecca, a biblical name which means “Mother of two peoples”. They had a son in 1615 named Thomas, born in Virginia.

How Relevant/trendy are the Royals Today?

The document under study is an extract from an article from the New York Times, published in May 2023. It is about what people think about the British monarchy nowadays.

The British people see the Royal family in their daily lives as they see them on TV. Moreover, they see them everywhere as the Royals are present on coins, stamps, the street names… Hence, the Royal family is a tradition, it is part of the British culture.

However, for some people, mainly under 50 years old, they think that the British monarchy is not really relevant to them. Besides, some other people think the monarchy should not exist anymore. On top of that, some people prefer to have a republican system. Besides, the Royal family is to blame for its colonial past.

On another hand, some British are proud to have a Royal family that has been existing and prevailing throughout the years with an unbroken chain.

According to Tracy Borman, an ideal monarchy should keep its tradition and at the same time, it should be able to adapt with the times.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

 The Aboriginal Peoples’ situation in Canada

The document under study is an extract from a British newspaper, The Guardian, published in 2019. It deals with the relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Canadian government. We have learned that their relationship is complicated because there are treaties between Indigenous communities and the Canadian state. Through the treaties, the Canadian government declared some authority on the Indigenous’ lands.

In this article, we have learned about a project led by the Canadian state who would like to build gas pipelines that would cross Aboriginal’s lands against their will. As a result, Aboriginals started to protest against the Canadian government to protect their rights and their lands.

In the future, the Canadian government and the Aboriginal peoples might find common ground solutions in order to live peacefully as a united nation.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

A Very Attractive Country

The document under study is a video from Citizenship immigration organization’s YouTube channel. It introduces the process to become a Canadian citizen. The country is depicted as welcoming and open-minded. Becoming a Canadian requires efforts and determination.

The reasons people decide to move to Canada are sometimes they want to escape dangerous situations (wars or political tensions in their home country) to look for safety in Canada. Some others move to Canada to study or to find a job as there are plenty of job opportunities. At the beginning of the 20^th century, many immigrants came from Europe to Canada for economic reasons. At the end of the century, more and more people from the Middle East Asia and Africa immigrated to Canada.

To move to Canada can be seen as easy on one hand, because it has had a tradition of welcoming immigrants and refugees over the last 100 years. On another hand, it takes  3 years to become a Canadian citizen: one has to learn about the geography and the history of the country, become proficient in at least one of the two official language. Moreover, they also have to learn about the Canadian rights and responsibility as a citizen. Lastly, people will have to go through a security and health checks to complete the process.

Homework: Learn the elsson.

 An Attractive Country

The document under study is a video of presentation about the process of becoming a Canadian citizen. It is from Immigration and citizenship Canada organization’s YouTube channel, published in 2015. This video gives a welcoming image of Canada. It also shows that becoming a Canadian citizen is actually a long process that requires efforts and determination.

People decide to move to Canada because they want to start a new life. Some immigrants are looking for safety because in their home countries there can be wars, and other political tensions. In the 19^th century, immigrants mainly came from Europe. Then, in the 20^th century, more and more came from Asia, Middle East and Africa. These people were led to go to Canada because this country has a tradition of welcoming immigrants and refugees.

In order to settle in Canada, one has to learn about Canada’s history, geography, at least one of the two languages and learn about the responsibility of being a citizen to prepare for a citizenship test. The process can last up to three years to be completed.

Homework: Learn the elsson.

 An Iconic Figure

The document under study is the back cover of a book entitled “The Queen”, a biography of Queen Elisabeth II written by the American author Andres Morton, published in 2022 after the death of the Queen.

We have learned that as a young queen, she was modest, honest and shy. Moreover, she liked riding horses, she loved dogs. She wanted to have a quite life in the countryside. On top of that, she was strong and courageous as she had to face a lot of challenges. She was also resolute, self-disciplined and dedicated to her people.

The very first challenge she had to face/confront as a young queen was that she had to assume the role of queen in spite of her shyness. Besides, she had to deal with family matters: her husband’s rumors of infidelity, the divorce of her sister, Diana’s tragic death and Prince Harry’s departure. Above all, her duty was to keep the monarchy alive.

Titles for each paragraph:

-Introducing the book/the author and his book

-Her beginnings as a Queen/A princess not raised to be queen

-The challenges she had to face.

-Her legacy / a mother and grandmother figure.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

An Iconic Figure

The document under study is the back cover of the biography of Queen Elisabeth II, written by an American author, Andrew Morton, entitled “The Queen”, published in 2022, after her death.

In the text, the Queen was a shy young woman at the beginning of her reign. She is described as an ambitious person with a strong work ethic. She loved dogs, horses and the countryside. On top of that, she was strong enough to face challenges, self-disciplined and dedicated to her people.

Throughout her reign, she had to face many challenges: she had to assume the role of queen in spite of her shyness and her desire to have a quite life. Her duty was to keep the monarchy alive. She tackled various problems, family issues and disagreement: Diana’s tragic death, rumors about Prince Philip’s infidelity, oppositions with the British government, her sister’s divorce and Prince Harry’s departure.

Titles for each paragraph:

-Introducing the book

-The start of her story / a princess not raised to be queen.

-A life of courage and struggles

-A mother and grandmother figure to the world

Homework: Learn the lesson.

The Real Story of Pocahontas

The document under study is an article from the Jamestown Rediscover Website, published in 2011. It deals with the real story of the life of Pocahontas. She was a Native American woman who was born around 1595 in the region of Virginia. Her father was Chief Powhatan, supreme chief of most of the tribes of the area.

In 1607, it was her meeting with Captain John Smith. She saved him from a traditional ritual where he would have been killed by Chief Powhatan. Pocahontas was only 12 years old.

As a result, they became friends and he taught her English. Nevertheless, the relationship between the Native Americans and the British worsened because of trading discussions. On top of that, Smith was seriously injured and had to go back home in England. The settlers who stayed told Pocahontas that he died.

(We will continue the study of the text next time. Be ready!)

Homework: Learn the lesson.

 The Real Story of Pocahontas.

The document under study is an article extracted from Jamestown Rediscover Website published in 2011. It deals with the real story of Pocahontas.

Pocahontas was A Native American woman, born in 1595 in the region of Virginia. Her father was Chief Powhatan, supreme chief of most of the tribes of the area.

In 1607, Pocahontas was around 12 years old, she met John Smith during a traditional ritual where John Smith was about to be killed by her father. Fortunately, SHE came with bravery to save him. As a result, Smith and Pocahontas became friends. He taught her English, and Chief Powhatan considered him as his son. Nevertheless, in 1609, tensions rose between the Native American and the settlers because of trading. On top of that, Smith got injured and had to go back to his native country, England, to be healed. The British settlers who left told Pocahontas that Smith died.

(We will continue the study of the text next time. Be ready!)

Homework: Learn the lesson.

 (At the following of what we did last time)

Throughout her reign, Queen Elisabeth witnessed several social, technological and political changes at the same time going through tensions inside her family.

First of all, her coronation was the very first to be broadcast on TV in 1953. Besides, in the 2020s, she made a sketch comedy with her grandson that was broadcast on the Internet.

On a political part, she saw the United Kingdom join the European Union in the 1970s, and saw it leave it with the Brexit in the 2020s. In the UK, there were tensions with Scotland and Northern Ireland who wanted their independence to stay in the EU.

Moreover, within her own family, she had to handle with Charles and Diana’s divorce. Later on, Harry and Meghan’s couple had some tensions with the rest of the family. On top of that, her son Andrew had judiciary issues that made him lose his royal titles.  

Homework: Learn the lesson.

 (At the following of what we did last time)

During her reign, she witnessed several social and technological changes: her coronation was the very first to be broadcast on TV. Besides, even Diana and Charles’ wedding was broadcast on TV. During her reign, the United Kingdom joined the European Union in the 1970s, then it left it with the Brexit in the 2020s. There were also other political tensions with Scotland and Northern Ireland’s will to be independent. Moreover, she also had to face tensions within her family with the divorce of Prince Charles and Diana in the 1990s, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s relationship with the rest of the royal family, and recently her son, Andrew, who had problems with the justice.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Text B

The document under study is an official document extracted from the Defense Appropriation act of 2010. In this document, the American government officially recognizes/acknowledges their wrong doings/misdeeds done to the Native American community back then. The purpose/goal of this document is to move forward and unite the American people together. In fact, Native Americans were victims of violence, maltreatment and neglect at the time. The document is from 2010 when Barack Obama was President. We could believe that  this decision was made by Obama because he felt empathy for their cause as he himself belonged to a minority as an African–American man. The American government owes something to the Native Americans, hence/therefore a presidential apology is a good way to be forgiven and give them back what belonged to them in a way.

Text C

This document is an extract from a speech made by Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper in December 2014. He apologized for the Sand Creek massacre in 1864. In fact, at the time, during this tragic event, many Natives were slaughtered and their lands were stolen by the American government.

The speech was pronounced in 2014, meaning 150 years after the massacre to commemorate the dead in front of their descendants.

To conclude, with all that said, we can understand why the Native Americans observe a day of mourning on Thanksgiving day as their  ancestors went through a lot of mistreatments.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

The Queen’s Legacy

The document under is a video from Bloomberg Television, released on September 8th, 2022 the day of the death of Queen Elisabeth II. This video was made to pay tribute to her life and legacy.

We have learned that Elisabeth was born on April 21st 1926 in London. She married in 1947 with Prince Philip. She became the youngest queen at the age of 25 years old when her father died in 1952. As she was the eldest child and direct heiress to the throne. She reigned over 70 years and worked with 15 Prime Ministers. She had the longest reign in British history.  

(We will continue the study of the video next time. be ready!)

Homework: Learn the lesson.

 An Open-Minded Country…

The document under study is an article written by John Ibbitson, published in 2014. It deals with Canada’s culture of accommodation. Canada is a very welcoming country as every year 1% of its population are immigrants who settle in the country which referred to 258,000 new immigrants in 2012. Hence, in the last 20 years more than 5 million new immigrants have settled in the country. Moreover, the three main political parties  are all pro-immigration. Unlike European countries, Canada does not have a lot of refugees on its territories as the only physical border they have is with the USA. They have three natural borders with the oceans that in a way protects them and control immigration. In addition, Canadians are very open-minded regarding people’s religion, origin and sexual orientation.

It is interesting to note that multiculturalism is the basis of the country as it was created through the union of the French and the British who drafted the first Constitution in 1867.

Canada is seen as the most tolerant country because its government accepts people as they are regardless their ethnic backgrounds or sexual identity.

The author seems to be proud of Canada’s open-mindedness. At the same time, he states that Canada’s history and geography may actually contribute more to its open-minded attitude than Canadians themselves (irony).

Homework: Learn the lesson.

 (At the following of what we did last time)

Canada is part of the Commonwealth, therefore, the country has a connection with the British Royal family, that is the reason why we could see in the video the Royal guards and a visit of Queen Elisabeth II at the time.

On top of that, Canada is a country where people from different cultural backgrounds live together. The video combines the modernity of scientific and technological developments such as solar panels, in parallel with the traditions from the people of the First Nations.

Moreover, lots of families from different countries immigrate to Canada to have a better life. Everyone seems friendly, helpful and supportive to one another, everyone is accepted as they are.

This video is shown during the citizenship ceremony where naturalized Canadians are invited to take part to celebrate their new identity. The goal of this video is to show that Canada is an open-minded country and remind the newly Canadians what kind of community they are about to join.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

 (At the following of what we did last time)

Indeed, this video gives an image of a welcoming country with a large set of values, like unity, helpfulness and empathy. Everything seems to be possible in this country, the same as in the USA, you can be whatever you want. In addition, the video also highlights how much Canada is attractive especially thanks to the various landscapes and the cultural elements such as the different sports. On top of that, the document portrays a vibrant and multicultural atmosphere with people from different cultural backgrounds.

Moreover, Canada is also a modern country using technological advances. The video emphasizes the soft power of the country by attracting international scientists to always improve the living conditions of Canadians.

This video is made to welcome new citizens to Canada. It is shown during the citizenship ceremony in order to remind naturalized Canadians what kind of community they are about to join.

 Homework: Learn the lesson.

 The British Crown Mind Map

-It is a noun. It refers to where you live if you are a king, a queen, a prince or a princess. è a palace, a castle

-It’s a noun. It refers when the crown is passed down from parents to offspring’s. è Hereditary Monarchy

-It’s a noun. I’m not the king but I’m his right hand. è the Prime Minster.

-It’s a noun. Someone that is on the road of the crown. è a prince or a princess. A successor to the crown

-It’s a noun. It refers to the people who live in a monarchy and over who the royals reign. è the subjects

-It’s a verb. You use it when you choose mercy over hatred so you don’t kill someone you were supposed to. è To spare

-It’s a noun. It serves as a substitute when the first plan is not working any more. è a spare

-It’s a noun. It is an area that is governed by a king. è a kingdom.

-It’s a noun. It is the title of king and queen’s children. è Duke and duchess

-It’s a noun. It is an object that is on the head of a monarch. è A crown

It’s a verb. It means to put an end to something. è to abolish

Homework: Learn the new vocabulary

 Vocabulary Mind map

-It’s a noun. It refers to where you live if you  are a king, a queen, a prince or a princess. è A palace or a castle

-It’s a noun. It’s the ceremony when a king or a queen receives the crown. è The coronation

-It’s a noun. It is when someone is used against their will. è Exploitation

-It’s a verb. It means to definitely stop something. è To abolish

-It’s a noun. It is something we put on the head of a king or a queen. è a crown

-It’s a verb. A synonym of the word to reign. It is when someone can give orders to other people and is above them. è to rule, to govern

-It’s a noun, when territories become independent. è Decolonization

Homework: Learn the new vocabulary.

Making Amends

The document under study is an extract of speech pronounced by Kevin Gover, a Native American man from the Pawnee Nation. He is also a representative of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. It is a department created by the American government in the 19^th century to take care of Native American issues.

During the ceremony of the 175^th anniversary of the founding of the agency, he gave this speech to apologize for all the misdeeds/wrong doings this agency did to the Native Americans back then.

He does not mention any concrete crimes, nevertheless, he grieves the tragic consequences on the Native Americans. This speech was pronounced in 2000, a new millennium that might have made Americans become aware of their wrong doings so that they were then ready to apologize to the Native Americans.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

 Grandmother of Europe

The second document under study is a video from Britannica about Queen Victoria. This video describes her reign, the different traditions that she created and passed down onto generations. It also describes her personality and her family. We have learned that she had 9 children, 40 grandchildren and 88 great-grandchildren. Because of that, she was called the “Grandmother of Europe”. On top of that, she had this nickname because many of her descendants became European monarchs.

Queen Victoria ruled for 63 years from 1838 till 1901, when she died at 81 years old. It was the longest reign of a monarch in the UK.

At the time of her reign, she was one of the most powerful women, as a result the era was even named after her: Victorian Era. She was above criticism.

On top of that, she considered the people from the British colonies as her own children whatever her different skin color, creeds/beliefs and traditions. It is interesting to note that at the time, one third of the world’s population belonged to the British Empire. The British Empire was present on every continent. Nevertheless, there were some revolutionary movements in some colonies, indeed, some of them wanted to be free from the British rules.

She decided to settle in Buckingham Palace in the 19^th century, since then, all the royal families that have followed after her would continue to live there.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

 Grandmother of Europe

Native American Timeline

40,000 to 11, 000 years ago: The first Native Americans immigrated to North America.

8,000 years ago: N.A. started to cultivate vegetables and plans (corn, sunflowers…

In 300: they created the bow and the arrow to hunt.

In 1492: Christopher Columbus traveled from Spain to discover the Americas.

Early 1600’s: there conflicts between the Europeans and the N.A.

In 1607: Jamestown was founded in Virginia by English colonists.

1700-1800: for a 100 years, diseases and wars with the European massively killed the N.A.

1709: Native Americans were sold as slaves in New York, enslaved by white people.

1848: A huge massacre of N.A. in California during the Gold Rush.

1870: Bison were nearly extinct: crisis.

1871: The Indian Appropriation Act by the government to take sway/to have power over NA’s lands.

1872: The number of NA dropped from 300,000 to 30,000.

1924: NA had the right to vote in the USA.

From the 1930s to the 1990s: NA won the right to govern themselves.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Unit 2: Canadian Tale

To what extent can Canada be seen as a land of freedom and tolerance?

#ThankYouCanada

The document under study is a video from Citizenship and Immigration Canada organization, published in 2017. This video introduces Canada through its different and beautiful landscapes, activities, a range of wildlife, people and vibrant cities. We could recognize the city of Toronto with its skyscrapers skyline with the CN Tower, and Ontario and its river.

Besides, Canada is depicted as a multicultural country through this video.

(We will continue the study of the video next time)

Homework: Learn the lesson.

 Queen Victoria’s Impact on the British Monarchy

The document under study is an article from  the Museum of British Colonialism published in May 2023. It is about the reign of Queen Victoria.

She called herself “Empress of India” because India was part of the British colonies before gaining its independence in 1947. She was not only the Queen of the UK, but she also reigned over the countries of the British Empire.

On the one hand, she is described as self-declared anti-racist, humanitarian, loving and protective. On the other hand, she promoted colonialism saying the British civilization was the best model to follow for the rest of the world.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Unit 2: The Crown at a Crossroads – The British Monarchy, an unshakable institution.

Axe: The past in the present

The document under study is a video from BBC news, published in 2023. It is about the polls that were conducted on the British population 2 weeks before the coronation of King Charles III. We have learned that the majority of the British population wants the monarchy to continue. However, throughout the years the public opinion has changed a lot and now less than a third of the young people are supporting the monarchy. Most of the adults interviewed tend to like the monarchy, nevertheless, there has been a decrease in the monarchy’s popularity going from 75% to 58% in ten years. In the meantime, an anti-monarchy movement has emerged. In fact, in ten years there has been an increase of 9%. The people against the monarchy think the royal family costs too much to the country. On top of that, with the majority of young people they want an elected head of state, meaning a republic for the country. To finish with, people from ethnic minority background think that the crown/the royal family has a problem with race and diversity.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Unit 2: The Crown at a Crossroads – The British monarchy, an unshakeable institution?

God Save my Son!

The document under study is an extract of a news report from BBC news published in 2023. It is about the popularity of the monarchy in the UK on the eve of King Charles III’s coronation. There has been a declining support since Elisabeth’s death. Indeed, for the young British their support has gotten divided by 2 from 2013 to 2023 (from 64% to 32%). On top of that, in 2013, 17% of adults were against the monarchy and wanted an elected Head of State, meaning a republic. Contrary to 2023, 26% of adults are now anti-monarchists. As a result, an anti-monarchy movement is emerging. Usually, most of the old people are pro-monarchy. For the people in favor of the monarchy, they like it because they have been used to the royal family and the way it works. Besides, they see it as a tradition. The royal family has an international impact as being a soft power for the country. They are also a form of stability for the country. The UK might also want to stay part of the few countries who still have a monarchy as it is the most powerful one.

Nevertheless, 58% of the population are supporting the monarchy compared to 75% in 2013. There has been a decline since the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. To finish with, young people from ethnic minority backgrounds dislike the monarchy because they think that the monarchy has problems with race and diversity.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

 The Pilgrims’ Point of View

The document under study is an article taken from an encyclopedia published in 1994. It is about the Pilgrims’ point of view on Thanksgiving. We have learned that the settlers used to gather and celebrate their harvest in November to thank God for the abundant crops He granted them to enjoy. Nevertheless, the relationship between the Native Americans and the Pilgrims was tense. Indeed, the colonists were afraid of the Native Americans whom they saw as savages. What is striking is that in a few years, the attitude of the colonists towards the Native Americans completely changed. The latter were no longer seen as helpers, the Pilgrims dehumanized them.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Thanksgiving on the Pilgrims’ side.

The document under study is an extract from an encyclopedia published in 1994. It is about one side of the original story of Thanksgiving, the Pilgrims’ point of view. We have learned that the settlers organized their Thanksgiving celebration because they were grateful/thankful for their abundant harvest composed of various vegetable and a few sea dishes. Furthermore, they felt thankful and free to be able to worship their God without being persecuted. Nevertheless, the text sheds light on the existing tensions between the Native Americans and the colonists at the time. For example, the colonists considered the Native Americans as savages. Indeed, they had a dehumanized vision of the Native Americans.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

 Unit 2 The Crown at a crossroads

The British Monarchy, an unshakable institution?

God Save My Son

The document under study is a video from BBC news, published in 2023. It is about the polls that were conducted on the British population before the coronation of King Charles III. We have learned that the majority of the British population wants the monarchy to continue. However, throughout the years the public opinion has changed a lot and now less than a third of the young people are supporting the monarchy.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Finish the lesson for next time.

Fill in the document you receive in class on the Royal Family.

Native Americans’ Ancient Traditions before the Pilgrims

The document under study is an article entitled “Native American Harvest Feasts before  Thanksgiving”, published in 2018. It deals with traditions Native Americans used to do before the arrival of the Pilgrims.

In fact, Native Americans had celebrated Harvest Feast Day before the arrival of the colonists. After surviving the winter, they wanted to thank what they called “The Great Spirit” for their survival and their bountiful/abundant crops. They still celebrate this festival nowadays. They organize Pow Wows where they gather together to celebrate. They perform traditional dances and songs, and share a meal together. It usually takes place after the first full moon of September.

What is striking is that, actually, the Pilgrims were inspired by the Native Americans’ traditions to create their Thanksgiving. On top of that, it is interesting to note that the very first Native Americans came from East Asia. They brought their traditions from there in America.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

 (At the following of what we did last time)

As a result, in 1863, during the Civil War, president Abraham Lincoln was the one who made Thanksgiving official and that it should be celebrated every last Thursday of November. Then, in 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared that Thanksgiving would be celebrated every 4^th Thursday of November.

Finally, in 1989 President George W.H. Bush created a presidential tradition: the Turkey Pardon. Indeed, every year one or two turkeys would be sent to a farm rather than cooked for a Thanksgiving meal. Several presidents had followed the tradition since then: Clinton, Obama, Bush Junior…   

Homework: Learn the lesson.

 The First Story of Thanksgiving

The document under study is a video published on History YouTube Channel in 2012. It is about the story of the first Thanksgiving and the evolution of the festival. We have learned that in 1621, the first Thanksgiving took place between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans. It was a three-day festival. The Pilgrims organized this festival to celebrate their first successful harvest and invited the Native Americans who had helped them in the process. They ate venison, raw cranberries… They hunted and did other entertainments. Nevertheless, they did not have pumpkin pie, neither turkey nor potatoes, elements that belong to the modern Thanksgiving menu nowadays. The festival was not repeated after this event.

Only in 1789, President George Washington announced the first national Thanksgiving celebration on November 26^th. Afterwards, in the 19^th century, an author named Sarah Josepha Hale campaigned for 30 years to make Thanksgiving an official national holiday. To do so, she created recipes to help people organize and prepare their own Thanksgiving dinner and rally her cause.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

 The Story of Thanksgiving

The document under study is a video published in 2012 on History YouTube Channel. It is about the true story about the famous festival Thanksgiving.

We have learned that in 1621 it was the first Thanksgiving celebration between the Native Americans and the Pilgrims. Indeed, the Pilgrims wanted to celebrate their first successful harvest and thank the Native Americans who helped them in the process. The festival lasted three days. They hunted and organized other entertainments. They ate venison, raw cranberries. They did not have pumpkin pie, neither turkey nor even potatoes, elements that belong to the current Thanksgiving menu.

Nevertheless, they did not repeat the celebration until 1789 when President George Washington decided to make it a national celebration. Then, in the 19^th century, a writer, Sarah Josepha Hale campaigned to make Thanksgiving a national holiday. To do so, she created specific menus and recipes to make it possible and encourage people to follow her.

(We will continue the study og the rest of the video tomorrow. be ready!)

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Deadly Selfies

A recording from NPR, an American radio.

People die taking pictures of themselves with dangerous animals or falling off cliffs because they did not pay attention to the edge.

These selfies can be lucrative because for the people who post these pictures on their social media profiles they can attract many followers and sponsorships.

Moreover, the benefits for the social networking sites are that their users spend more time on them. These selfies are used as advertising to attract more and more users.

200 selfie-related deaths have been reported so far all over the world. In the last month, 5 were reported in the USA.

The reactions are a bit severe: people say that those victims were stupid and narcissistic. Hence/so people are judgmental with a lack of empathy.

Homework: Learn the lesson.

Be ready for the Final Task on Thursday November 13th

Be ready for the oral comprehension evaluation on Tuesday, November 18th on the theme of the chapter.