lesson seconde 1 tuesday the 14 th of april
WORDS OF THE DAY
to describe = to depict
we are like 2 peas in a pod = we get along very well ( on s'entend très bien )
STEP 1
Exercise: The Monarchy Debate
Instructions: Below is a list of arguments regarding the role of a monarchy in the modern world. Read each statement carefully and decide whether it is a Pro (a benefit) or a Con (a drawback).
Write the corresponding letter of each argument in the correct column of the table provided at the bottom.
What is a Monarchy?
A monarchy is a system of government where a King or Queen is the head of state. In most modern countries, like the UK or Spain, they have a Constitutional Monarchy, meaning the monarch has symbolic power, but elected politicians make the laws.
The Arguments
- A. Taxpayers have to fund expensive security, palace maintenance, and official travel.
- B. The monarch is a neutral figure who doesn't belong to a political party, allowing them to represent all citizens.
- C. Leaders stay for decades, providing a sense of historical "sameness" while politicians come and go.
- D. Having a royal family can feel old-fashioned because it implies some people are born "better" than others.
- E. The Royal Family acts as a "brand" that attracts millions of tourists and boosts the economy.
- F. In many modern systems, the monarch is just a figurehead with no actual power to create or change laws.
- G. The monarch serves as a powerful symbol of national identity and helps unite people during celebrations.
- H. The position is not democratic; the leader is chosen by birthright rather than by a public vote.
|
The pros |
The cons |
|
B C E G
|
A D F H
|
Summary Table
|
Feature |
Pro |
Con |
|
Selection |
Guaranteed leader for life |
Not chosen by the people |
|
Money |
Brings in tourism dollars |
Costs taxpayers for maintenance |
|
Politics |
Stay neutral and "above" arguments |
Can't actually change laws |
STEP 4 SO DEFEND THE KING AGAINST THE REVOLUTIONARIES
DEFEND YOUR SIDE OF THE ARGUMENT
EXTRA VOCABULARY
- To represent: "The Crown represents the people."
- To support: "Many people support the tradition."
- To abolish: "Some people want to abolish (end) the monarchy."
- To fund: "The government funds the Royal Family."
- To modernise: "The monarchy needs to modernise to survive."
.Stability:
.Election
.Symbolic:
.Heritage:
.Equality: Everyone has the same status.
Tourism: Attracting visitors.
Outdated: Old-fashioned; not modern.
Neutral: Not involved in politics.
Privilege: Special rights for one family.
STEP 2 DEBATE : should we have a monarchy in France ?
I believe that we should not have a monarchy in france for the simple reason that we are a democracy which means that the citizens have to decide what is best for the country.
It is true / it is fair to say that a king would bring stability in the country .Moreover as the king does not belong to a political party , he or she could remain neutral and choose the best option for the people at large ( at large = en général)
On the other hand if we opt for = choose a constitutional monarchy , the monarch will not have much power of decision and thus having a king will not be worthwhile ( be worthwhile = valoir la peine)
Besides having a monarch conveys ( convey = transmettre) the idea that some people stand above others ( above = au dessus) which is contrary to our French values of liberty and equality.
In a nutshell i reckon that we should not have a monarchy in France because it could soon lead to a dictatorship and we have to respect what the people have to say.
STEP 3 WHAT IS YOUR FAMILY LIKE ?
1. The Multi-Generational Household
Painting: The Bellelli Family Artist: Edgar Degas Date: 1858–1867
This portrait depicts Degas's aunt, her husband, and their two daughters. It captures the tension and psychological complexity of a multi-generational family living under one roof, including a portrait-within-a-painting of the deceased grandfather.
Vocabulary tool
Austere
We can see …= we can catch a glimpse of …we can perceive …= we can notice …
In the background ( à l arrière)
In the foreground ( à l avant)
On the left hand side // on the right hand side
They seem = they look + adjectif
Extranged ( brouillé)
Patriachal
Somber = dark
Composition
Apron ( tablier)
A painting = a picture =a work of art
2. The Nuclear Family
Painting: American Gothic Artist: Grant Wood Date: 1930
While often debated whether they represent a husband and wife or a father and daughter, this duo represents the stoic, traditional nuclear unit of the American rural landscape. It emphasizes the roles and shared labor of a small, tight-knit family.
VOCABULARY TOOL
We can see …= we can catch a glimpse of …we can perceive …= we can notice …
In the background ( à l arrière)
In the foreground ( à l avant)
On the left hand side // on the right hand side
They seem .= they look + adj
stiff ( coincé)
Austere
Stoic
Resolute
3. The Chosen Family (Community)
Painting: Luncheon of the Boating Party Artist: Pierre-Auguste Renoir Date: 1881
This masterpiece represents a chosen family—a group of friends, lovers, and acquaintances who share a deep bond. It captures the warmth, laughter, and relaxation of a modern social unit that exists outside of biological ties.
VOCABULARY TOOL
We can see …= we can catch a glimpse of …we can perceive …= we can notice …
In the background ( à l arrière)
In the foreground ( à l avant)
On the left hand side // on the right hand side
They seem .= they look + adj
convivial
friendly
effervescent
gaiety
4. The Single-Parent Household
Painting: The Cradle Artist: Berthe Morisot Date: 1872
Morisot captures an intimate, quiet moment between a mother and her child. While a father might exist in the background of this family's life, the painting highlights the maternal bond and the singular focus of a caregiver, representing the core of a single-parent dynamic.
VOCABULARY TOOL
We can see …= we can catch a glimpse of …we can perceive …= we can notice …
In the background ( à l arrière)
In the foreground ( à l avant)
On the left hand side // on the right hand side
They seem .= they look + adj
Tender
Pensive = contempla
Vulnerable
Nurturing
Contemplative
Protective
HOMEWORK
test ecrit : would you like a king or a queen in france ? cf STEP 1 +step 2 debate pour ecrire une réponse avec 5 arguments (
