Prime Time 6, Coursebook mit Audio-CD und DVD

Barack Obama: Inauguration speech Rarely had the expectations for a new president been as high as they were when Barack Obama became president in January of 2009. America’s world reputation was at an all-time low; the country continued to be involved in two unpopular and extremely expensive wars; the healthcare system was a disaster; and the economy was in the worst state of crisis since the 1930s. Over the months before Obama’s election, it had become clear that the majority of Americans felt he could be the person to lead the country and make a difference. Obama’s campaign slogan, “Yes, we can!”, became a synonym for the idea of bringing change to America in many ways. Before you listen You are about to listen to excerpts from Barack Obama’s inauguration speech on 20 January 2009. These are some of the keywords that come up during his speech: greatness success values better life responsibility work What do you think Obama might say about these topics in his speech? Listening for gist Listen to the speech once, take notes and then name the main ideas mentioned, especially with regard to the keywords from task 1. First reactions Describe your reaction to the speech. Think about what Obama says and how he says it. Listening for detail Listen to Obama’s speech again. a) Make a list of five words that you remember from this speech. Compare this list with your neighbour’s and add items you do not have on your list. b) Comprehension: In your own words, explain what Obama means with these key quotes: 1. “[…], we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts and settling for less.” 2. “Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves o‹, and begin again the work of remaking America.” 3. “[…] there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so de‡ning of our character than giving our all to a di˜cult task.” c) Name the values that are important for America’s success, according to Obama. d) What does he say on the subject of duties? VIP file V Barack Hussein Obama • born Barack Hussein Obama in 1961 in Hawaii • his mother, from Kansas, was white; his black father was from a small village in Kenya • attended two of America’s top universities (Columbia and Harvard) • Senator Obama of Illinois became the 44 th president of the United States on 20 January 2009, as the candidate for the Democratic Party • first African-American US president 1 2 3.12 3 4 3.12 109 Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv