b) Now, work in groups/pairs and look at these pictures related to WWI
outbreak.
COMPARE and CONTRAST them using some of the words above. You have 5 minutes to do so.
A B
C D
2 c) Now, match the pictures above with their descriptions:
____ = Many soldiers were excited about the prospect of war. But the Austro-Hungarian Army contained men of a number of different nationalities and ethnic backgrounds, and not all of them were equally as enthusiastic.
____ = Antwerp: As the German Army advanced through Belgium in August 1914, tens of thousands of civilian refugees left their homes to escape the war.
____ = Paris: Mobilization of French reserve soldiers (they had some military experience). They are leaving for their regimental depots where they will be issued uniforms and equipment.
____ = Crowds outside Buckingham Palace, London (home of the British royal family) on the day when war was declared in 1914.
IV. TEXT WORK (WWI FACTS)
a) In class (in pairs) share what you know about the opposing sides in the WWI conflict.
b) What was these countries´ position in WWI?mat
Great Britain, Italy, Austria-Hungary, Serbia, Russia, France, Germany
Match the countries above with the descriptions below.
3 V. USE of ENGLISH
a) Read the text on WWI and complete it with the correct form of the words in brackets.
Britain and its allies played a central role in the First World War, which happened at the start of the 20th Century.
The early 20th century was a time of 1…………... (OPTIMISTIC) in Britain. The nation with its 2……………… (EXPAND) Empire, well-admired navy, thriving industry and strong political institutions, was what is now 3………….. (KNOW) as a global 'superpower'. It was also a time of social progress. Financial help for the 4…………….. (EMPLOY), old-age pensions and free school meals were just a few of the important measures introduced. Various laws were passed to improve safety in the workplace; town planning rules were 5…………….. (TIGHT) to prevent the further development of slums; and better support was given to mothers and their children after divorce or separation. Local 6………………. (GOVERN) became more democratic and a salary for members of Parliament (MPs) was introduced for the first time, making it easier for more people to take part in public life.
The era of optimism and progress was cut short when war broke out between several European nations. On 28 June 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was 7………………. (ASSASSIN). This set off a chain of events leading to the First World War (1914-18). But while the assassination provided the trigger for war, other factors - such as a growing sense of nationalism in many European states; increasing militarism; imperialism; and the 8…………… (DIVIDE) of the major European powers into two camps - all set the conditions for war.
The conflict was centred in Europe, but it was a global war involving nations from around the world. Britain was part of the 9………….. (ALLY) Powers, which included (amongst others) France, Russia, Japan, Belgium, Serbia - and later, Greece, Italy, Romania and the United States. The whole of the British Empire was involved in the conflict - for example, more than a million Indians fought on behalf of Britain in lots of different countries, and around 40,000 were killed. Men from the West Indies, Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Canada also fought with the British. The Allies fought against the 10………….. (CENTRE) Powers - mainly Germany, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Ottoman Empire and later Bulgaria. Millions of people were killed or wounded, with more than 2 million British casualties. One battle, the British attack on the Somme in July 1916, resulted in about 60,000 British casualties on the first day alone.
The First World War ended at 11.00 am on 11th November 1918 with victory for Britain and its allies.
4 b) Look at the text again and decide if each statement is true or false.
1. T/F In Britain in the early 1900s, people were full of hope for the future.
2. T/F In the early 20th century, people respected and approved of the part of the army that operates at sea.
3. T/F Before the First World War, the manufacture of goods for sale was growing successfully.
4. T/F Life for people living in pre-war Britain was getting more difficult.
5. T/F World War One was a war between two countries.
6. T/F The killing of Archduke Franz Ferdinand started a series of actions that resulted in the First World War.
7. T/F The First World War lasted for six years.
8. T/F Fighting only took place in Europe.
9. T/F Britain worked with other countries to fight against the Central Powers.
10. T/F At the time of the First World War, Britain ruled over a number of countries, and all of them were involved in the war.
11. T/F The Central Powers won the First World War.
