91 Test practice: The power of political demonstrations (Transcript and key) Political demonstrations are an integral aspect of democratic societies which allow individual citizens to exercise their rights and voice their opinions in public. These gatherings bring together people from diverse backgrounds who share a common cause for advocating change and creating a better future. When you witness a political demonstration, you’ll be fascinated by the energy and enthusiasm of the participants. The vibrant atmosphere is filled with colourful signs, banners and passionate chants that echo through the streets. It represents unity and solidarity, demonstrating the power of collective action. Individuals on their own would find it much harder to be heard in public in spite of the fact that modern social media offer platforms that are extremely powerful as they can address a worldwide audience. Through demonstrations platforms for individuals can be established to express their concerns, demand justice and call for social and political reforms. People use their voices to shed light on pressing matters such as human rights, environmental protection, equality, peace and more. By taking to the streets, demonstrators bring attention to these issues and challenge the status quo, urging policymakers and the public to reconsider their standpoint and to take action. In addition to raising awareness, political demonstrations play a significant role in shaping public opinion. When individuals witness the peaceful assembly of like-minded people promoting change, it can challenge preconceived concepts and inspire empathy and understanding. By presenting different views and ideas demonstrations encourage critical thinking and may lead to extensive media coverage, which can ultimately bring about change. Apart from their influence on political policies, public demonstrations can also inspire a sense of community and empowerment among the people taking part. They come together for and are united by a shared cause. Standing up together for a common cause fuels hope and determination and is also a demonstration of solidarity among the participants. The connections made during these demonstrations often extend beyond the event itself, forming networks and alliances that can have a long-term effect as they help people work towards sustainable change. However, it is essential for political demonstrations to remain peaceful and respectful so that they can provide a space for open discussions among people who do not share the exact same views. By taking part in peaceful protests and demonstrations, everyone can reach out to others to bridge gaps, promote tolerance and encourage a meaningful dialogue about the issues at hand. It is through these conversations and connections that lasting change can be achieved. 0: It is the main function of political demonstrations to make people’s voices heard. 1: On their marches political demonstrators often show (colourful) signs and banners. 2: It would be more complicated for individuals acting alone to voice their concerns. 3: Among others, political demonstrators often raise issues like human rights, equality and peace. 4: Through political demonstrations public opinion can be influenced/changed. 5: Among demonstrators a sense of community can be inspired. 6: Connections formed during political protests can be useful later (in life). 7: It is important that demonstrators stay peaceful and treat each other with respect. Post-listening task: The power of political demonstrations (Key) 1. (political) demonstration 2. participant 3. solidarity 4. audience 5. reform 6. issue 7. policymaker 8. standpoint 9. to witness 10. media coverage 11. alliance 12. discussion, dialogue, conversation 18 Rules, laws and regulations Exploring vocabulary 1: Rules and regulations (Key) a)–b) Individual answers Exploring vocabulary 2: Is breaking the law right? (Transcript and key) a) 1. activist; activist 2. unrelated; unrelated 3. policy; policy 4. to disrupt; to disrupt 5. pressing; pressing 6. unpleasant; unpleasant 7. complication; complication 8. to address; to address 9. to tackle; to tackle 5 + 55 6 + 55 1 2 56 Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv
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