There are certain topics which very seldom, if ever, appear in the language textbooks. The list of these taboo topics is traditionally represented with the abbreviation PARSNIP, which stands for:
Politics, Alcohol, Religion, Sex, Narcotics, -ISMs and Pork.
Although I understand that publishers need to make money and that schools do not wish to create tensions and problems among their students, I do feel that all these things should be, on occasion, discussed within the classrooms, although in the manner appropriate to the age of students and in a common-sense way. Not only because it would limit people’s freedom of speech not to allow these topics, but also because they simply exist and are spoken about outside classrooms.
Perhaps such an approach is hard to implement in schools, but, for a private tutor, such as myself, it is less… unthinkable. I teach mostly adults, my classes are way smaller and I do tend to get to know my students better than school teachers who have far larger groups on their hands.
So, let me try one thing. I will try to write at least one blog entry about each and every one of those topics and let’s see how many taboos I will manage to break. I believe I have already written about religion at least on two occasions. Specifically about David and Goliath and also about Hell, so, today’s topic is going to be politics.
There is hardly any lack of politically controversial topics. One such big topic is the personality and policy of the current US President. Although I certainly have rather strong views in this respect, I would like to let others express those views for me, as they are more knowledgeable and far better English speakers.
Let me present to you the honourable gentlemen Mr. Nate White, a copywriter at Saatchi and Saatchi, and Mr. John Bercow, the Speaker of The House of Commons of the British Parliament.
And because I am a teacher whose opinion is that students should be active and not just passively absorb what they are presented with, both the text and the video go with a list of T/F statements. Those who wish to participate even more are welcome to write a text expressing their own views on the subject(s). If you wish, I can even send you feedback. More info here.
If you find the video challenging due to unfamiliar vocabulary, click here to go to QUIZLET, where you will find most of it and you’ll be able to learn, practise and have fun.
Comprehension task:
After watching the video, decide whether the following statements are true or false. To check the key, click here.
- According to J. Bercow, all the representatives of foreign countries should be allowed to address the British Parliament, if they wish so.
- J. Bercow says that there are three people who decide who would be allowed to address the Houses of Parliament.
- J. Bercow says that before Trump imposed the Migrant Ban, he had been willing to let him speak in the British Parliament.
- J. Bercow says that he is considering not allowing Trump to visit the UK altogether.
- J. Bercow says he wants to send the message that Britain is a democratic country where people are equal before the law, no matter their race or sex.