PREMIERES
Find out more about Scotland with our series of fun and informative facts, from the country's geography, history, and population, to its politics & economy.
Recap: What can you say about Scotland after reading these main facts? Use the words of the previous mind map.
Scotland has got a spirit of its own because there are many historical and cultural facts that can be attributed to this country/ it has a rich cultural and historical background which is deeply-rooted in the country. It is both diverse and unique. It has its own identity but it is open to the world and the future. It is also a progressive nation which is creative.DOC 3 WILLIAM WALLACE (BRAVEHEART)
This is a poster from a film which is entitled ‘Braveheart’. It was released in 1995. The main character is a Scottish warrior/hero called William Wallace and his nickname
his Braveheart probably because he was very brave/courageous. The scene/story
probably takes place in Scotland, at the beginning of the 14th century. It may deal with a war between Scotland and England. He may have fought for the independence / freedom of Scotland.
Braveheart: Freedom Speech
1)This document is extracted from a film, entitled ‘Braveheart’. This is the nickname of the main character William Wallace who was a Scottish warrior/knight/hero in the late 13th/early 14th century. The scene takes place in Scotland in a meadow when the Scottish warriors are gathered in order to listen to William’s Wallace
speech. It was during the first war between England and Scotland.
read more2) William Wallace is called Braveheart because he is very brave/courageous.He even seems to be bold/daring and fearless. He is also very patriotic
and proud because he defends his
country’s values. Indeed, he is a nationalist and he is committed. He also appears defiant/challenging and resistant. He is passionate and determined too.
3) He embodies the spirit of Scotland that is to say pride, defiance, determination and
he fought for freedom and independence. He was a hero. He stood up to defend his values
and his country. In the extract, he
is encouraging the warriors/ the army to sticktogether and fight against oppression. These are deep-rooted values: Alba gu bràth / ɑ:lɑpɑ kə pr ɑ:x/
(Gaelic motto) à Scotland Forever à Today it is the political slogan/motto of the SNP (Scottish National Party) for
independence. Its origins date back to William Wallace.
Brexit?
Brexit: So far, the UK has been a part of the EU (European Union) but they want to leave it, they want to exit: Brexit is a kind of pun for Britain and exit ? Br + exit.
Brexit: So far, the UK has been a part of the EU (European Union) but they want to leave it, they want to exit: Brexit is a kind of pun for Britain and exit ? Br + exit.
Scotland may be against Brexit. They may want to stay in the EU, but they are part of the UK and if the UK leaves, Scotland will automatically leave too, even if they don’t want.
If Scottish people want to belong to the EU, they will have to be independent.
If Scotland were free, they could stay in the EU.
If they didn’t belong to the UK, they would be free to decide for themselves/to choose.
If Scotland had been free, they would have stayed in the EU.
Video: Should Scotland choose the EU over the UK?
Most Scots oppose Brexit. Many hope another referendum on Scottish independence could allow the country to remain in the EU, if or when Brexit goes ahead. But the British parliament would have to agree to the vote.Intro: This doc is a TV report from September 8th, 2019 which takes place in Edinburgh during the world’s largest Art Festival, called the Fringe. It is very recent. It deals with Brexit and Scotland. Four Scottish people are interviewed and give their opinion about this controversial situation.
à Group Work: Your task: Give the opinion/ the point of view of the different interviewees. What if?
Group 1: beginning to 0:46: Trump’s parody (the actor)
Group 2: 0:46 à 2:19: The kilt maker
Group 3: 2:19 à 3:17: The young man/student
Group 4: 3:17 à end: The politician
1) Trump’s parody: (the actor)
The first interviewee is an actor. He is a parody of the American President: Donald Trump. He gives his opinion as Donald trump. The president thinks that Brexit is a relevant thing and if he had been in charge of the question, he would have built a huge wall between France and Great Britain. It is clearly a reference to the US-Mexico border. Here, implicitly Brexit is compared to a real separation between the UK and the EU. It is an original way to show that Scotland is not in favour of Brexit. They want to be a part of Europe, they want to fit in the EU. If Brexit is effective, the UK will be cut from the rest of Europe.2) The kilt Maker:
The second interviewee is a kilt maker, named Gordon Nicholson. According to him Brexit is a serious matter and it has already affected his business. A kilt is expensive (about 1000 pounds Sterling) and because of Brexit, people don’t order/buy kilts any more. He is clearly against Brexit and Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s plans, because he thinks they are too uncertain. Therefore, he is worried for his country and his business. The kilt represents tradition and the Scottish identity. More people are involved in the SNP (Scottish national Party) and according to a poll, 52 percent of the Scots are now in favour of independence. It is the thing to do according to the kilt maker because Scotland is determined, innovative and if they were (to be) independent, their strength of character, their temperament would help them to go through and their diversity would be a quality to allow/enable them to adapt themselves.3) The young student:
The third interviewee is a young student, named Finlay MacFarlane. First, the reporter informs us that many Scots are turning their backs on Britain. It is especially visible in the Scottish Capital (Edinburgh), although in 2014, two-thirds of the population there, voted to stay in the UK. But since Brexit, many have changed their minds, especially young people who worries for their careers and their future.Finlay studied abroad in Czech Republic and travelled across Europe by train but now he feels abandoned by the British government. He is in favour of independence. In his view, it is a way to step forward and secure/ensure the future of Scotland. If they stay/remain in the UK, they will probably have to undergo another conservative Prime Minister, they won’t have chosen. So, it is unfair.4) The politician:
The fourth interviewee is Daniel Johnson, a politician who is a Scottish Labour Party MP (Member of Parliament). He thinks that if Scotland left the UK but stayed in the EU, it would be a mistake. It is not the right moment to claim independence because it would magnify the consequences. Another reason is: if Scotland got their independence, it would create a precedent and it would have an impact on some European countries which might ask to be independent too and would take Scotland as a model.Moreover, the reporter informs us that if Scotland wants to be free, government will have to grant/consent them another referendum. The journalist concludes on a note of humour saying that the favourite attraction at the festival this year, is obviously a flame bearing bagpiper, who undoubtedly reminds us of the burning relation and situation between the British and the Scottish government.
Rappel: questions fermées et ouvertes
mots interrogatifs: who, what, when, where, how (+ composes: how old, how far…), how much, how many, which (choix restraint)
(Mot interrogatif) + auxiliaire (porte la marque du temps) + S + BV + (complément) ?
Attention questions avec WHO ou WHAT: WHO/WHAT + AUX/V + GN? à Le mot interrogatif sert de sujet
compléter les phrases par l'article indéfini approprié
