Independence Day
Before you read
When is Independence Day in your country?
What do you know about Independence Day in the U.S.A?
Why do you think having independence in your country is so important?
If you’re reading this on July 4th and you know about U.S. history then you will know that today, July 4, is America’s Independence day. It is also something that Korea and the U.S. have in common, that is, freedom from a colonial ruler.
So why is Independence such a big deal for Americans? Well, The Declaration of Independence is more than just a piece of paper or a bunch of fireworks. It is a symbol of America’s independence and commitment to certain ideas and ideals. A symbol is something that stands for something else. Most people can look at a check mark on a shoe and know that it stands for "Nike." Well, the signers of the Declaration of Independence wanted the citizens of the United States to have a document that spelled out what was important to their leaders and citizens. They wanted to be able to look at the Declaration of Independence and immediately think of the goals they should always be working for, and about the people who have fought so hard to make these ideas possible. The people who signed the Declaration risked being hanged for treason by the leaders in Great Britain. They had to be very brave to sign something that would be considered a crime! So every time we look at the Declaration of Independence, we should think about all of the effort and ideas that went into the document, and about the courage it took for these people to stand up for what they knew was right -- independence! Can you see some similarities with your own country?
Guessing Meaning From Context
Now, match the letters of the phrasal verbs/words with the closest numbered meaning in the right column. The meanings here are based on the way the words are used in this writing. The answers are at the bottom
Note: some of these have very similar meanings.
|
big deal |
A |
1 |
Some sign or some image that reminds you of something everytime you see it |
|
a bunch of something |
B |
2 |
something you support or believe in |
|
a symbol of |
C |
3 |
Very important |
|
ideals |
D |
4 |
Make something very clear. Want people to understand clearly |
|
stands for |
E |
5 |
Doing something to assist or help something or someone or to reach a goal or dream |
|
spelled out |
F |
6 |
Betray, something like a spy |
|
be working for |
G |
7 |
Support what you believe in |
|
treason |
H |
8 |
Common phrase to talk about/refer to many things |
|
stand up |
I |
9 |
Belief, morals, things you strongly believe in |
A=3, B=8, C=1, D=9, E=2, F=4, G=5, H=6, I=7
Some example sentences using the new words/phrases
I was not happy because my friend was late, but I didn’t make a big deal out of it when I eventually met her.
The politician is in a bunch of trouble for accepting bribes.
The Taegokki is Korea’s flag, it is symbolic of many things important to Korean people.
Mother Teresa’s ideals were for helping poor people.
Kim Dae Jung stood for democracy when Korea was still not a democratic country.
My employer spelled out exactly what he wanted me to do today.
Nelson Mandela worked for a more equal country.
The punishment for treason is death.
It is important to know what you stand up for.
Some Questions to help you use the new words/phrases
What kinds of things would your boy/girlfiend/husband/wife make a big deal out of if you did wrong?
Tell me about a time you got in a bunch of trouble.
Describe one of your favorite brand symbols.
Can you describe some of your ideals?
Who is someone you admire (maybe you could think of someone who is a great leader or has changed the world or someone you know)? What do or did they stand for?
Please spell out what you do every day in your job.
What dream or hope are you working for in the future?
What is the punishment for treason in Korea?
What is something that you would feel angry about and have to make a stand on? Why?
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