*Abraham Lincoln

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” 

On Monday you guys interpreted this excerpt from The Declaration of Independence (signed 4^th of July, 1776). It is time to jump forward some 75 years and get to know one of the greatest presidents in U.S. history; namely Abraham Lincoln. This is the guy who led U.S.A. through the Civil War (1861 – 1865) - trying to keep the country united while fighting for the freeing of the slaves. He believed that ALL men was created equal – not just the white man. Let’s just call him “Awesome Abe”, because he was truly awesome – THE Freedom Fighter of the 19^th century.

Take a look at the video-clip above. Write down 10 facts you find important to know when it comes to “Awesome Abe” and bring them to class.

10EF: This is homework for Monday 31st of August

*History of Slavery in the U.S.

You now know that president Lincoln freed the slaves with the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. But what is the history of slavery in the U.S? Click HERE to learn more about it!

HW:
1. Read the article.
2. Write a short summary using your own words (about half a page).

10EF: This is homework for Wednesday September 2nd
10CD: This is homework for Wednesday September 2nd

*The Declaration of Independence

On Monday we will look into the American Revolution. For that lesson you are to read about the causes of the revolution + see the film clip above. This clip is about The Declaration of Independence. This declaration was actually a letter to King George III (in England) written by Thomas Jefferson. He was part of a committee which included Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Robert Livingstone and Roger Sherman. These five gentlemen have later been called "The Founding Fathers". On the 4th of July in 1776 the declaration was signed by all five (plus many many more "important" men) - a new nation was born!

Homework for 10EF for Monday the 24th: Read page 4 and 5 in the compendium. Then see the film clip above. Why do you think Thomas Jefferson and his crew wrote the declaration to the King in England? Think of what you have read and what you see in the film. Write at least half a page.

Homework for 10CD for Monday the 24th: Read page 4 and 5 in the compendium. Then see the film clip above. Why do you think Thomas Jefferson and his crew wrote the declaration to the King in England? Think of what you have read and what you see in the film. Write at least half a page.

*Star Spangled Banner

The Americans love their flag and their national anthem, and who can blame them when they have singers like Whitney Houston to perform it? (Well, had. Houston sadly passed away in 2012) Listen to this!



Others use the anthem to criticize the government, such as Jimi Hendrix at the Woodstock festival in 1969. Listen how he makes his guitar sound like bombs falling, as a critique against the war the American troops fought in Vietnam. This is probably one of the most famous performances of the song.

Homework for 10EF for Wednesday 26th: Listen to the two perfomances of "Star Spangled Banner". Then read page 7 and 8  in the compendium "American History". What do you believe is the main message of this song? Write half a page.

Homework for 10CD for Wednesday 26th: Listen to the two perfomances of "Star Spangled Banner". Then read page 7 and 8  in the compendium "American History". What do you believe is the main message of this song? Write half a page.

*Meet Mr. George Washington

This week we want you to learn more about George Washington, the first US President (Barack Obama is the 44th, by the way).



Homework for 10 CDEF for 26th of August: Watch the movie above. Afterwards, write down everything you remember. Then discuss the following question (at least half a page):

Would you consider George Washington a freedom fighter? Why/why not?

*Oral Presentations

Please don't...

Planning and preparing for the oral presentation will be your only homework the next couple of weeks. 9EF: as you all now hopefully know, the task and the assessment criteria is to be found on Fronter at the English page.

• Click here to find some useful tips and advice on how to do a presentation successfully in class.
• Remember to use transition words and phrases - pick the ones that you feel comfortable using.
• And here are some phrases that might come in handy when we are to discuss your presentation afterwards.

Break a leg!

And remember, Rome wasn't built in a day. Work on your presentation steadily throughout the next weeks, do not wait until the last couple of days.

*Tips and advice for the mock exam!

You have now spent the last couple of weeks preparing for the mock exam. You should know and be able to use the focus words, you have to have read all the texts and you should have made a list of all the things YOU have to remember when it comes to your written English.

When it comes to the actual day of your mock exam there are some things your guys need to remember:

• Do not spend too much time on the shorter answers - remember only two paragraphs on each task. Make sure that you stick to the topic and answer the task – use the same words and phrases as in the task!
• Make sure that you spend quite some time planning your longer answer. 9EF; use the writing frame! Go for an essay/article unless you get a brilliant idea for a short story (and it better be brilliant). MAKE SURE THAT YOU TRULY UNDERSTAND WHAT THE TASK IS ASKING AND THAT YOU ANSWER THE TASK COMPLETELY! Make a solid thesis statement (again; use words and phrases found in the task), stick to the topic, stay away from gibberish and bring a list of things you have to remember when you write.
• You may bring all sorts of aids except gadgets you can use to communicate with others.

Click on the link to find useful transition words and phrases.

BREAK A LEG!