The Women Behind the Crown: Exploring England’s Iconic Queens (ADVANCED ENGLISH LESSON)

INSTRUCTIONS to teachers and students:

ENGLISH: These English lessons are designed to be used either by students to help themselves improve their English or by teachers to use when delivering lessons to their students. Every lesson has six sections. Common idioms and expressions, a gap fill exercise, a reading text with new vocabulary, a grammar section, a speaking section and a writing section. These six sections help students and teachers cover the main elements of the English language.

 

Grammar included: ‘Received Pronunciation’ and ‘The Correct Pronunciation of “ED” in a regular verb.

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Remember that during the lesson we are continuing our RP practice to be able to improve our pronunciation and diction.

READING (Concentrate on your pronunciation of the ‘ed’ sounds. You will find the ‘ed’ lesson at the end of this English lesson.

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SECTION ONE (READING)

Introduction:

The Five Most Famous Queens of England

England has a rich history filled with remarkable monarchs, but the queens stand out for their unique contributions and enduring legacies. From the formidable rulers who navigated political upheavals to the beloved figures who captured the hearts of their people, these queens have left an indelible mark on the annals of history. Here, we explore the lives and reigns of five famous queens of England, including the iconic Queen Elizabeth II.

1).

Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022)

Queen Elizabeth II holds the record for the longest-reigning British monarch, surpassing even Queen Victoria.  Ascending to the throne in 1952, Elizabeth II witnessed and adapted to extraordinary changes in the world, from the decline of the British Empire to the advent of the digital age. Her steadfast dedication to her role and her ability to remain a symbol of continuity and stability have endeared her to generations of people around the world. Elizabeth II’s reign has been characterized by her unwavering commitment to public service, her modernization of the monarchy, and her efforts to maintain the relevance of the royal family in contemporary society.

England’s queens have each brought their unique strengths and perspectives to the throne, shaping the course of the nation’s history in profound ways. From Elizabeth I’s golden age to Elizabeth II’s record-breaking reign, these queens have left legacies that continue to inspire and influence the world today.

Now discuss any new vocabulary:

2).

Queen Mary I (1516-1558)

Queen Mary I, also known as “Bloody Mary” for her persecution of Protestants, was the first queen regnant of England. The daughter of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, Mary sought to restore Roman Catholicism in England following her father’s establishment of the Church of England. Her reign was marked by religious turmoil and conflict, but her determination and resilience in the face of opposition cannot be overlooked. Despite her controversial legacy, Mary’s efforts to reclaim England for Catholicism and her role in the Tudor dynasty make her a significant figure in English history.

VIDEO QUESTIONS:

QUESTIONS:

          1. Who did Mary I marry and when?
          2. Where was she born?
          3. Who were her parents?
          4. Why was Mary I referred to as ‘Bloody Mary’?
          5. How old was she when she became engaged to be married?
          6. How many people did Mary I burn?

3).

Queen Anne (1665-1714)

Queen Anne, the last monarch of the House of Stuart, played a crucial role in the union of England and Scotland, leading to the formation of Great Britain in 1707. Her reign was marked by the War of Spanish Succession and significant political changes, including the rise of the two-party system in England. Despite her struggles with health and personal tragedies, Anne’s ability to navigate the complexities of her time and her dedication to her duties left a lasting impact on the British monarchy. Her support for the arts and the construction of numerous buildings, including Blenheim Palace, are part of her enduring legacy.

VOCABULARY: Now discuss any new vocabulary. https://translate.google.co.uk/  

4).

Queen Victoria (1819-1901)

Queen Victoria, the second longest-reigning British monarch, presided over a period of immense change and expansion for the British Empire. Her reign, known as the Victorian Era, saw the Industrial Revolution, significant social reforms, and the expansion of the British Empire to its zenith. Victoria’s personal life, marked by her deep love for her husband Prince Albert and her extended period of mourning after his death, humanised her to her subjects. Her image as the grandmother of Europe and her influence on global politics and culture make her one of the most iconic queens in history.

VOCABULARY: Now discuss any new vocabulary.  https://translate.google.co.uk/

5).

Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603)

One cannot discuss famous English queens without mentioning Queen Elizabeth I. Known as the Virgin Queen, Elizabeth I was the daughter of King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. Her reign, known as the Elizabethan Era, was marked by significant achievements in the arts, exploration, and the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. Elizabeth’s astute political acumen and her ability to maintain relative peace within her kingdom earned her the admiration of her contemporaries and the lasting respect of historians. She was a patron of the arts, supporting figures like William Shakespeare, and her legacy continues to influence the cultural and political landscape of England.

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SECTION TWO    (REVISION)

How to pronounce the ‘ed’ sounds in regular verbs.

 

‘ED’ practice text

In this text remember that we are practicing our RP but at the same time we are going to practice how to pronounce the ‘ed’ in regular verbs. Here is an explanation.

In English, the pronunciation of the past tense suffix “-ed” varies and is determined by the final sound of the root verb:

1. /t/ Sound: We use this sound when the root verb ends in voiceless consonants (except for /t/), such as /p/, /k/, /s/, /ʃ/ (sh), /ʧ / (ch), and /f/. For example:
– “walk” becomes “walked” and is pronounced as /wa: kt/
– “laugh” becomes “laughed” and is pronounced as /laugh: ft/

2. /d/ Sound: We use this sound with root verbs ending in voiced sounds, which include all vowel sounds and voiced consonants (except for /d/), such as /b/, /g/, /v/, / z/, etc. For example:
– “call” becomes “called” and is pronounced as /ca lld/
– “rob” becomes “robbed” and is pronounced as /rob bd/

3. /ɪd/ or just /d/ Sound: We use this sound distinctly when the root verb ends in either a /t/ or a /d/. This additional syllable makes it easier to pronounce. For example:
– “want” becomes “wanted” and is pronounced as /ˈwant: id/
– “need” becomes “needed” and is pronounced as /ˈneed: id/

 

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