Prime Time 7, Coursebook plus Semester Self-checks

Britain’s search for an identity In search for a motto In November 2007 The Times reported that the Prime Minister Gordon Brown was searching for a national motto (a report which was, however, denied by his press office). The columnist Daniel Finkelstein asked readers to suggest five- or six-word slogans, possibly based around ideas of fair play or national pride. Over 2,000 were submitted – many of them were tongue-in-cheek, but some of them were more serious. Finkelstein then chose ten and put them to the vote. These are listed below in descending order of popularity. a) Look at the suggested mottoes and add the most appropriate word from the ones given below. Give reasons why you have chosen these words. Birthplace inconvenience business motto CCTV slightly Tolerant qualify Tesco Without No 1   please, we’re British. (David, London) Dipso, Fatso, Bingo, Asbo, 2 (JCL) Try Writing History 3   Us! (Simon Ludkin) We apologise for the 4   . (Matthew Bailey) Mathematically, we could still 5   . (Wobbly) Smile, you’re on 6   . (Les) Once mighty empire, 7   used (J Harris) Britain: The 8   of Freedom (Kat) Free, 9   , Fair-minded & True (Benj) Mind your own 10   ! (Brian Clacey) b) Each of these mottoes refers to a specific aspect. Make a list of these issues and guess why the mottoes referring to them were so popular. c) Discuss your ideas in class and make a mind map on the board. d) Which motto do you like best and why? Think about the reasons behind the motto you have chosen. Speaking: Your turn – Our motto Think of ideas that characterise your country and make suggestions for a national motto. Your suggestions need not be dead serious. In your presentation you should: • explain the main idea • analyse what it means • discuss why you think it’s good Add visual ideas as well. 1  2  11 Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eig ntum des Verlags öbv