Learning English with Movies 4: The Great Escape.

Grammar included:  “Received Pronunciation”     

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GRAMMAR SECTION   ”Received Pronunciation”

Received pronunciation, often abbreviated as RP, is a particular accent of standard English in the United Kingdom. Known also as “the King’s English” or “BBC English,” RP has been considered the prestige UK accent without regional distinctions. Historically, it was the standard language of the British aristocracy and educated elite, and over time, it became associated with authority and professionalism, particularly within broadcasting. Though relatively few people in England speak with an RP accent today, it remains an influential form of English English and is often taught to non-native speakers as a clear model of English pronunciation. Using RP in your language sets you apart from others. The way to try to speak RP is simply to pronounce every syllable and to pronounce every letter in each word as if you were reciting the alphabet.  For example, a ‘T’ has a ‘te’ sound.  For example say the word “letter” .  For example, say the word ‘can’t’  as ‘carrrrn’t or ‘cannot’.

Example: Scene from the  English TV series Downton Abbey.

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Movie Study Three:  ‘The Great Escape’ 1963

CAST LIST:   Steve McQueen, James Coburn, James Garner, Richard Attenbough, Charles Bronson, Donald Pleasance  et al.

(What does “et al.” mean? “Et al.” is an abbreviation of the Latin term  “et alia,” which means and others.” It’s used in source citations to save space when there are too many authors to name them all.)

OPTIONAL  ADVANCED  HOMEWORK  ASSIGNMENT:    https://oxford-institute-education.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/40-MINUTES-WRITING-EXERCISE-2.pdf

 

Introduction:

The 1963 war film  “The Great Escape”  is more than just a cinematic classic; it’s a tribute to the indomitable human spirit. The movie is based on the true story of a mass escape from Stalag Luft III, a German POW camp during World War II, and it has since become an emblem of resilience and courage.

POSSIBLE NEW WORDS: 

Section One:  

Directed by John Sturges and boasting an ensemble cast including Steve McQueen, James Garner, and Richard Attenborough, “The Great Escape” captures the meticulous planning and execution of the daring prison break. The prisoners, primarily  Allied airmen, dig three tunnels codenamed Tom, Dick, and Harry – with the intention of smuggling out 250 prisoners. Despite facing numerous obstacles, their unwavering commitment to freedom keeps them digging.

POSSIBLE NEW WORDS: 

GRAMMAR:  Q1 

1. In the movie “The Great Escape,” Steve McQueen’s character is famously known as “The Cooler King.” Which of the following sentences correctly uses a possessive form?
A) Steve McQueens motorcycle jump is iconic.
B) Steve McQueen’s motorcycle jump is iconic.
C) Steve McQueens’ motorcycle jump is iconic.
D) Steve Mcqueens motorcycle’s jump is iconic.

OPTIONAL HOMEWORK EXERCISE:    

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Video Listening Section ONE:  Watch the short video and answer the three questions below:

Questions:

            1.    To put all the ‘rotten eggs in one basket’ .  What does this expression mean?
            2.    What does it mean, ‘to dig a tunnel’ ?
            3.    What does the verb ‘to plot’ mean’?

Section Two:

Building suspense with every inch of soil excavated from under the guards’ noses, the movie emphasizes the importance of hope as a survival tool. The spot-on depiction of camaraderie among men from various backgrounds highlights that in the face of adversity, differences dwindle into insignificance. Each character in this gripping tale brings unique skills to the table; whether it’s forging documents or tailoring civilian clothes for escapees.

POSSIBLE NEW WORDS: 

GRAMMAR:  Q2

2. During “The Great Escape,” the prisoners of war hatch a plan to break out of a German POW camp. Which sentence correctly uses the past tense?
A) The soldier dig three tunnels for the escape.
B) The soldiers digs three tunnels for the escape.
C) The soldiers dug three tunnels for the escape.
D) The soldiers are digging three tunnels for the escape.

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Section Three:

The film’s iconic motorcycle chase scene featuring Steve McQueen epitomizes the craving for liberty and adds to an already thrilling escape narrative. Although only a few manage to taste freedom while others are recaptured or tragically killed, their undying spirit leaves a lasting impression – both onscreen and off.

“The Great Escape” also starkly portrays the horrific realities of war without losing focus on individual heroism. Through careful storytelling, rich characters, and precise historical context, it inspires viewers with its portrayal of strategic genius fused with raw human willpower. The film suggests that even within confinement’s oppressive walls, there is always room for ingenuity and bravery.

POSSIBLE NEW WORDS:  

Grammar Q3

3. “The Great Escape” features a diverse group of characters each bringing their own skills to the escape effort. Choose the option that correctly fills in the blank with a plural noun.
A) All the _______ (prisoner/prisoners) must work together to pull off the escape plan.
B) All the _______ (prisoner/prisoners’) must work together to pull off the escape plan.
C) All of the _______ (prisoners/prisoner’s prisons’) efforts were crucial to the escape plan.
D) All of the _______ (prisoners/prisoner’s/prisoners’) efforts were crucial to the escape plan.

POSSIBLE NEW WORDS: 

 

STEVE’S  NEW BOOK RELEASED January 2024:  CLICK THE LINK BELOW

WAR:   From Trenches to Drones to Space

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