Tasks: to explain the significance of the American flag

to learn some facts and the flag's history

Preparation: make copies of the worksheet (1 copy per student)

Skills: speaking, reading

Language: symbols and emblems

general grammar and vocabulary

Sources: WIKIPEDIA (en.wikipedia.org) - the FREE encyclopaedia [Tasks & - pictures, & - texts]

Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English [definitions in Task ]

Task 1 - lead-in

(speaking)

• Write Stars and Stripes on the board. Elicit it as a name of the American flag. Ask your Ss to describe the meaning of the nickname. Do not offer any explanation at this stage.

• Distribute the worksheets. Explain that there are 3 flags which the US used at some point in history. Ask your Ss to put them in the correct order, starting with the first US flag. Do not offer any answers at this stage.

Order	[ 2^nd ]	[ 1^st ]	[ 3^rd ]
Flag
Dates	1777-1795	1776	1960-present
Description	The first official flag	Betsy Ross Flag	Modern Flag

Tasks 2 & 3

(speaking, reading)

• Divide your group into pairs. Ask the pairs to predict the answers to the questions on the worksheet. Ask some pairs to present their ideas. Ask Ss to skim the text and check their predictions. Check the answers as a group. You may want to give Polish equivalent of the words describing the colours of the American flag.

• Check the correct order of the flags in Task , too.

Key Key

There are 13 red and white stripes. Each of the stripes honours one of the original colonies which formed the United States of America back in the 18^th century. There are 50 stars, as each star stands for a state. The colours are: white - purity, innocence red - hardiness and valour blue - vigilance, perseverance, justice

Task 4

(reading, vocabulary)

• Ask Ss to read the text more carefully in order to find five words which match the definitions on the worksheets.

• Check the answers with your group. Ask comprehension questions and/or explain any other new vocabulary items.

Key Key

commission Union Jack perseverance clutter current

Task 5

(reading, vocabulary)

• Ask Ss to complete each fact with one word only.

Key Key

Independence Hawaii anthem

Notes & Comments

• [FOLLOW-UP] Ask Ss (working as a group or in pairs) to write a short description of the flag of the European Union. For some facts and ideas, check the other worksheet (elementary level).

Designed by Bartosz Michałowski for Pearson Longman 2

FESTIVAL WORKSHEETS

Flag Day Intermediate+ Teacher's Notes

Designed by Bartosz Michałowski for Pearson Longman 1