Downton Abbey

This document aims to allow you to work on the trailer of the upcoming movie Downton Abbey at a B1 level.

Downton Abbey was originally a British historical period drama television series that aired from 2010 to 2015. It was set as a fiction based in a historical landscape between 1912 and 1926, in the post-Edwardian era where historical events had a real influence on the British social hierarchy. The movie takes place after the end of the last season. Fans will definitely recognise the famous characters.

At a 2nde level, it could be used within the theme “the past in the present”. Question suggested: what place for the past in our present?

At a 1e level, it could be used within the theme “private spaces and public spaces” or “fiction and reality” or even “identities and exchanges”.

Vocabulary: British aristocracy, mansion lifestyle, modern versus old-fashioned
Phonology: final “s”, the various sounds for “i”, syllable stress
Grammar: preterite, passive form
Cultural element: British social classes and history