WW1 Christmas Eve Football Match

Please share my lesson using your social media platforms. Use the links above.

Student FREE Bookstore   (CLICK HERE)

_______________________________________________________________________________

The story of the World War One Christmas Eve football match between the British and the Germans.

 

Introduction:  Let’s watch the short video first and answer the questions below.

Questions:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. What is a truce?
            2. Which well known Christmas carol are they singing?
            3. Which supermarket is the film advertising?

The Truce

Section One:

The Christmas Truce: When Football United Foes

In the heart of one of history’s bloodiest and most devastating conflicts, the Christmas Truce of 1914 shone as a remarkable, albeit brief, beacon of hope and humanity. During this extraordinary event, British and German soldiers ceased hostilities on Christmas day to engage in a friendly game of football. In this lesson, we will explore what led to this unparalleled occurrence and evaluate its deeper significance.

Now discuss any new vocabulary:

Grammar Section 1:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Identify any comparatives and superlatives in the previous paragraph
               2.  Choose the correct form of the adjective in parentheses:
                  Which city is _____, London or New York? (busy)
                  a) busier
                  b) busiest
                  c) more busy

Section Two:

As World War I raged on, trenches separated the warring parties across the Western Front. Amidst the most challenging circumstances, an unlikely bond formed between enemy soldiers as winter gained ground. The festive season ignited a stronger longing for home and peace in these war-weary men who now found themselves closer to their adversaries than ever before.

Now discuss any new vocabulary:

Grammar Section 2:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1.  Identify any comparatives and superlatives in the previous paragraph
               2.  Identify the error in the following sentence:
                  She is the most smartest person I know.
                  a) Change “most smartest” to “smartest”
                  b) Change “most smartest” to “more smart”
                  c) No error

Section Three:

On 24th December 1914, an informal truce emerged as British and German troops began singing carols within earshot of one another. Despite being bitter rivals, they exchanged seasonal greetings across the frosty no-man’s land that separated them. By Christmas day, something even more unexpected occurred: footballs soared through the air as soldiers from both sides participated in impromptu matches with their wartime foes.

Now discuss any new vocabulary:

Grammar Section 3:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1.  Identify any comparatives and superlatives in the previous paragraph
            2. Complete the sentence using the correct form of the adjective in parentheses:
               Antarctica is _____ (cold) than Australia, but Greenland is the _____ (cold) place on Earth.
               a) colder; coldest
               b) more cold; most cold
               c) colder; most cold

The common love for football served as a powerful unifying force that transcended linguistic barriers and national animosities. It revealed a beautiful truth – at heart, these soldiers possessed more similarities than differences. What made this truce especially poignant was how it illustrated humanity’s innate desire for peace amidst chaos; the simplest gestures of goodwill proved more resonant than any act of aggression.

Now discuss any new vocabulary:

Grammar Section 4:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Identify any comparatives and superlatives in the previous paragraph
               2.  Choose the best option to complete the sentence:
                  Out of all my friends, Tom has the _____ hair.
                  a) longest
                  b) longer
                  c) more long

In retrospect, the Christmas Truce stands out as one of the most memorable moments in World War I – if not military history at large. Though brief and temporary, it remains symbolic of an unstoppable human spirit that sought camaraderie in opposition to violence.

Now discuss any new vocabulary:

Grammar Section 5:

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Identify any comparatives and superlatives in the previous paragraph
               2. Pick the correct option to complete the sentence:
                  The movie was _____ (interesting) than I expected.
                  a) more interesting
                  b) most interesting
                  c) interestinger

If you get all five grammar questions correct you can download this free book (ENGLISH FOR TRAVEL)  as a reward.  CLICK HERE 

In conclusion, as combatants participated in perhaps the most unexpected game of football in history, the Christmas Truce became a shining example of the human capacity for compassion and understanding. Even in the darkest hours, a light can emerge – and sometimes, that light appears in the form of a few passionate footballers eager to forget conflict for a day.

Now discuss any new vocabulary:

Writing Homework:

Write a short 150 word story about the decorations, foods, and atmosphere during Christmas in your house. Use descriptive language and make sure to include at least three superlatives and three comparatives.