In 2017, the U.S.A. has been commemorating the hundredth anniversary of John Fitzgerald Kennedy’s birth. In this B1-B2 sequence, pupils view a short, downloadable animated slideshow giving basic facts about JFK’s life. They will then work in groups to expand their knowledge before preparing a presentation in the Bac oral format. Language and structures John … Continue reading “President Kennedy Slideshow”
The centennial of John F Kennedy’s birth in 1917, and the recent film about Jackie Kennedy have put this short-lived but much-admired President back in the headlines. Here are some resources that will allow you introduce JFK into your classroom. The JFK Centennial site has a nice section on the President’s legacy. There is a … Continue reading “President Kennedy Webpicks”
John F. Kennedy was born 100 years ago in Brookline, Massachusetts. JFK was the 35th President of the United States (1961-1963) and the youngest man elected to the office. He was assassinated in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963 and became the forever-young president… A political and cultural icon Born in 1917, John Fitzgerald Kennedy would … Continue reading “JFK, a 20th Century American Political Icon”
Once every four years, a U.S. President is inaugurated. This video gives a succinct summary of the significance of this ritualised event. The video was prepared before Barack Obama’s second inaugural ceremony in 2013, but it gives a good overview of the Inauguration as a U.S. political institution. The second minute, where a historian wonders … Continue reading “Presidential Inaugurations: Video”
On Friday, 20 January, Donald Trump will become the 45th President of the United States at his Inauguration in Washington D.C. What does the Inauguration involve, who participates, and what does it cost? The first Inauguration was George Washington’s in New York in 1789. The newly independent United States hadn’t built its new federal capital … Continue reading “Everything You Need to Know About: U.S. Presidential Inaugurations”
In an exceptional electoral year, there is one more chapter to come in the saga of the 2016 Presidential election. The electoral college, normally a very discreet part of the electoral process, could be the scene of unusual drama on 19 December. Until the recent past, the electoral college was barely mentioned in descriptions of … Continue reading “Electoral College: the Final Hurdle?”
These articles about the President-elect of the United States will enable students to say what they already know about Donald Trump and the American election and will provide enough new information to trigger interest. They will serve as a basis for speaking and writing activities as well as interaction. There are two articles and corresponding … Continue reading “President Trump Profile”
Who won the third presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump? According to YouGov’s post-debate poll, which interviewed 1503 registered voters who watched the debate, Hillary Clinton won the debate against Donald Trump by 49% to 39%. The candidates clashed repeatedly over their radically different vision for the future of U.S.A.: Supreme Court justices … Continue reading “Who won the third presidential debate?”
The third and final U.S. presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump will take place on Wednesday 19th October at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. This is the last chance for the two candidates to address the millions of American voters. For the first debate on September 26, there was a record of 84 … Continue reading “This is the End… the Last Debate”
Television adverts, as opposed to the the carefully regulated “party political broadcasts” more common in Europe, are an intriguing aspect of American politics. And they are a fabulous teaching tool, giving an insight into American culture, and perfect for educating your pupils about the media. Pupils should pick up details that repeat from one ad … Continue reading “U.S. Election Adverts”
