Belfast : How does political conflict influence identity, memory and family choices?

c - Featurette

• Who are the characters?
• What are they talking about?
• What do you think about the atmosphere of the shooting?

II - The movie :

Instructions: Choose the correct answer for each question. Only ONE answer is correct.

1. From whose perspective is the story mainly told?

A. The father

B. The mother

C. Buddy, the young boy

D. A journalist

2. In which historical context does the film take place?

A. World War II

B. The Troubles in Northern Ireland

C. The Irish Famine

D. Brexit negotiations

3. What major event disrupts Buddy's peaceful childhood at the beginning of the film?

A. A natural disaster

B. An economic crisis

C. Violent riots in the street

D. A school closure

4. What dilemma does Buddy's family face?

A. Whether to change religion

B. Whether to leave Belfast or stay

C. Whether to report their neighbours

D. Whether to open a business

5. Why is Buddy's father often absent?

A. He is in prison

B. He works in England

C. He is involved in politics

D. He has left the family

6. What role do Buddy's grandparents play in the story?

A. They support the idea of violence

B. They encourage the family to leave immediately

C. They represent stability and emotional support

D. They ignore the situation

7. How is religion presented in the film?

A. As a minor and irrelevant detail

B. As the main source of community division

C. As something that unites everyone

D. As a private family issue only

8. What does the black-and-white cinematography mainly suggest?

A. A documentary style

B. A futuristic atmosphere

C. A nostalgic memory of the past

D. A lack of budget

9. What theme is strongly developed throughout the film?

A. Technological innovation

B. Immigration in the USA

C. Identity and belonging

D. Environmental issues

10. By the end of the film, the family's decision can best be described as:

A. A political statement

B. An act of revenge

C. A painful but protective choice

D. A financial strategy

III - Grammar practice

1. Reported Speech (Discours Indirect)

Belfast's history is rich with personal stories, political statements, and historical narratives. Reported speech enables students to convey these perspectives accurately.

Key Points:
- Verbs to Introduce Reported Speech: say, tell, explain, claim, admit, deny, suggest.
- Tense Changes:
- Direct: "We want peace," they said.
- Reported: They said that they wanted peace.

Practice:
- Convert famous quotes from figures involved in the Northern Ireland conflict into reported speech.

Make some resesearches and find, then write 2 other examples

2. Grammar time line

3. Debating Techniques 

Understanding Belfast's socio-political context requires the ability to express and debate differing viewpoints respectfully.Key 

Phrases:
- Agreeing and Disagreeing:
- I agree with... because...
- I see your point, but I believe...
- While it's true that..., it's also important to consider...- Moderating Opinions:
- perhaps, it seems, to some extent, arguably, on the one hand... on the other hand...

Practice:
Organize a group debate on a historical question such as: 

1. "Was the Good Friday Agreement the best solution for lasting peace in Northern Ireland?"
2. "Should young generations be taught more about The Troubles in school?"
3. "Is it better to forget or to remember painful historical events?"
4. "Do commemorative events help communities heal or keep wounds open?"
5. "Should former paramilitary members be allowed to participate in politics?"
6. "Is economic development more important than cultural reconciliation in post-conflict Northern Ireland?"

IV - Final task : "Voices of Belfast"

Objective:
In groups of 3-4, you will create and perform an oral presentation that gives voice to different perspectives from Belfast during and after The Troubles. The presentation should incorporate the grammar tools, emotional vocabulary and demonstrate a deep understanding of the historical and social context.

Instructions for Students:

1. Choose a Perspective:
   Each group will select a specific point of view to present, such as:

   • A resident living in Belfast during The Troubles.

   • A journalist covering the conflict.

   • A politician advocating for peace.

   • A young person growing up in post-conflict Belfast.

2. Prepare Your Script:

   • Write a dialogue or monologue for each group member, ensuring each person speaks for 2-3 minutes.

   • Use emotional vocabulary to express feelings like fear, hope, anger, grief, pride, and reconciliation.

   • Include at least one reported speech and one inversion in your script.

   Example with Reported Speech:
   "My father always said, 'We must never forget our roots,' and I carry that with me today."

   Example with Inversion:
   "Never have I felt such fear walking down my own street."

3. Visual Support:

   • Use photos, drawings, or symbols relevant to your perspective as part of your presentation.

4. Rehearse and Perform:

   • Practice your presentation as a group to ensure smooth transitions and clear delivery.

   • Perform in front of the class, focusing on expressing emotions and engaging your audience.

Assessment Criteria:

1. Use of Emotional Vocabulary (accuracy and variety)

2. Correct Use of Grammar Structureswe have studied

3. Clarity and Fluency in Speaking (pronunciation, intonation, and expression)

4. Group Collaboration and Creativity (balanced participation and engaging storytelling)