The USA

We are going to work with a country where they speak English: the USA. We will watch films about the country, discuss current events and reflect on American culture in different ways.

Why the USA?

In English class you need to be able to reflect on the way of life in areas where English is spoken. The USA is a country that influences and affects many countries in the world. It is a country that has been both praised and criticized in, for example, areas of politics and culture. That makes it a country important to learn more about and discuss.

The purpose is for you to get a chance to develop your ability to:

- read English texts and listen to spoken English.

- speak and write English.

- reflect on culture in areas where English is used.

 

During the lessons

We are going to look at different areas of life, as well as facts, important places and history. We will read, listen, discuss/present and write. In addition, we will look at differences between American and English/British English. At the end there will be a writing assignment.

To be able to see the films that we will be using, you need to create an account on https://sli.se.

Do you know where all the states are? Practise using the game Name That State!

 

 

Uppgifter

Extra: Native Americans

1) Read the text about Native Americans (link) and watch the YouTube film.

Text about Native Americans: https://www.ducksters.com/history/native_americans.php

2. Answer these questions:

a) What are Native Americans? (The text)

b) Where did the Native Americans live before the European settlers came to America? (The text)

c) Where do Native Americans live today? (The text)

d) How does the boy in the YouTube film live? Does it seem like a nice place to live? Why/why not? (The YouTube film)

e) What are some of the problems Native Americans might have on the reservations? (The YouTube film)

Write in this assignment or in a shared Word document. Put the link to the document here in the assignment.

Speaking 1 - USA

You will discuss questions and statements in small groups (in group rooms in Teams). Look words up if you need to.

Speaking 1 - The USA.pdf

The USA: facts

Read the text on this page and answer the following questions. Copy the questions and paste them here in the assignment or in a Word document. Put the link to the document here in the assignment.

Text: https://www.kids-world-travel-guide.com/usa-facts.html

(tips: högerklicka, öppna i ny flik)

Questions:

1. What continent in North America is bigger than the USA?
2. How many states are there in the USA?
3. Explain what the 13 stripes on the American flag stand for.
4. What motto is there in the USA?
5. What is the national bird of the USA?
6. What is the difference between Washington D.C. and Washington?
7. What country shares borders with the south of the USA?
8. Which is the largest city in the USA?
9. Which state is about the same size as five European countries combined?
10. Name the longest river of the USA!
11. When do Americans celebrate their national holiday and what is it called?
12. When was the USA formed?
13. What are these words in American English:

a) Rubber

b) Autumn

c) Lift

d) Trainers

14. Name one famous person Americans should have heard of and why that person is famous.

15. What is the U.S. American money called?

16. How many time zones are there in the USA?

USA Part 2: From the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean

1. Watch this film: https://sli.se/r/6jfD

You can find it on SLI:

https://sli.se: "USA Del 2: från Klippiga bergen till Stilla havet" (engelskt tal).

2. Answer the questions in this document. Save the document and share it with me. Put a link to the document here in the assignment.

Multiple choice: delete the wrong answers or underline the right answer.

SLI_usapart2.docx

Inauguration Day

1. Watch this film, "Inauguration Day Explained":

*****************************************************************************

2. Watch and listen to Jennifer Lopez sing at the inauguration:

*****************************************************************************

3. Watch these highlights of Joe Biden's speech during the inauguration: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1087325495073720

*****************************************************************************

4. Answer these questions (copy them and paste them in this assignment or in a Word document):

1) What happens during inauguration day? (Film 1: "Inauguration Day Explained")

2) Who was the first president of the USA, and when did he become president? (Film 1: "Inauguration Day Explained")

3) What do you think the message is of the song that Jennifer Lopez sang during the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris? (Film 2 with Jennifer Lopez)

4) What do you think Joe Biden wants to say with these words?

"We can join forces, stop the shouting and lower the temperature. For without unity there is no peace; only bitterness and fury. [...] This is our historic moment of crisis and challenge, and unity is the path forward. And we must meet this moment as the United States of America."

(Film 3: Joe Biden's inauguration)

*****************************************************************************

Speaking: old national exam grade 9

This is an old national exam for grade 9. You will discuss in small groups in group rooms in Teams.

1. First do the warm up.

2. Then discuss the blue cards.

3. After that, discuss the red cards.

The World Around Us - warm up.pdf

The World Around Us - blue and red cards to discuss.pdf

In the capital!

In the near future we might start traveling again. If you were going to visit Washington D.C. for a day, where would you go and why?

1. Do some research! What tourist attractions are there in Washington D.C? You can use the following links or look places up on your own:

https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/district-of-columbia-usdc.htm

https://travel.usnews.com/Washington_DC/Things_To_Do/

2. Choose 1-3 tourist attractions to visit.

3. Answer the following questions for each :

• What is the tourist attraction called?
• What can you do there?
• Why would you want go there?
• Where did you find your information?

*********************************************************************************

Write here in this assignment or in a shared document (put the link to the document here).

The USA - From the East Coast to the Great Plains

1. Watching and listening. Watch the film The USA - From the East Coast to the Great Plains. You need an account on https://sli.se/.

The film is called "USA Del 1: från östkusten till de stora slätterna" (engelskt tal).

2. Writing. Answer these questions here in the assignment or in a shared document:

1. What, for example, can you find in New York City (according to the film)?
2. Why is Washington D.C. an important city?
3. What is the Dairy Belt? (Dairy - milk products)
4. What is the Rust Belt?
5. What industry is big in Detroit?
6. What is the Corn Belt?
7. What is the Wheat Belt?

Definition of "belt":

*********************************************************************************

If you are finished and have time to kill, test your geography knowledge in "Name That State!":

https://www.bls.gov/k12/games/geography-quiz/