lesson seconde 1 tuesday the 14 th of april

 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.

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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

 

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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

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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 (