Introduction
From 1892 to 1914 millions of European immigrants reached America through the Atlantic Ocean. They were looking for work and better conditions. Lots of them had to stop at immigration stations such as Ellis Island in New York City's harbour. Unfortunately lots of them were sent back home and most of those on board the Titanic never arrived.
Discrimination was another problem immigrants had to face. The Irish immigrants - for example - were discriminated both in the USA and in Britain as discussed in the lyrics of the song No Irish Need Apply.
Undoubtedly, immigration has changed the population of world countries. What’s Britain like nowadays?
Read and complete the tasks.
Task
Work in group. Visit the websites given and complete the activities below.
ELLIS ISLAND
http://teacher.scholastic.com/ACTIVITIES/immigration/tour/index.htm
Read and find out the following information
What were some reasons people immigrated at the beginning of the 20th century?What was Ellis Island? How long was the trip across the Atlantic Ocean? What was the first thing the passengers saw when they arrived in NY Harbour?
WORKING CONDITIONS
http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/immigrating.htm
Read and find out
Which immigrants were forced to stop at Ellis Island before continuing their journey?
Where did they usually work after passing the inspection?
Where was Sadie from? How old was she? Who did she go to America with? Who welcomed them? What job did she find at first? Where did her mother get work? What happened to her mother? What did Sadie do after that? How old was she when she met Harry? What time did she go to the factory? What time did she finish work? Where did she go with Harry in the evening?
TITANIC
http://www.kidzworld.com/article/5529-the-titanic-history History
http://www.titanicfacts.net/the-titanic.html FACTS AND NUMBERS
Read and find out information about the ship (ship type, layers and passengers, years and cost to build it, its “sisters”) the disaster (date, time and reason of the sinking), the Carpathia, the survivors (passengers and crew)
NO IRISH NEED APPLY (NINA)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXkgUqD4_EY MUSIC
http://www.antiwarsongs.org/canzone.php?id=36982&lang=it LYRICS
https://apps.cndls.georgetown.edu/projects/borders/items/show/86 MEANING
Find lines in the song you think are significant
Listen, read and understand the song lyrics. Then read the comment and find out
What the song is about – when the Irish Potato Famine was – why the Irish left Ireland – where they went – how they were considered – how they were depicted in cartoons – how the Irish helped the English – the Irish in the USA
MULTICULTURAL BRITAIN
http://inenglish.loescher.it/video-on-immigration-.n1906 On immigration in Britain
Watch the video and find out information about
pupulation in Britain – the immigration process – Examples of immigrants’ lives, stories, opinions and problems - the advantages of a multicultural society – Brick Lane and other areas worth visiting in London
BLUE CARD
http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/blue_card definition
http://www.translegal.com/european-union/blue-card EU - BLUE CARD
Read And find out
What the Blue Card is – its purpose – the reason why it has been introduced – how you can get it – what it is also useful for – its validity – UK and Ireland''s decision
Process
Prepare a group PPT presentation about your topic (IMMIGRATION).
You'll have to use it to present the topic to your classmates.
Don't write too much on the PPT slides. Insert pictures, key words and data only.
Evaluation
Assessment of speaking skills
oral production, pronunciation, intonation, fluency, accuracy, vocabulary and voice quality.
Conclusion
History and evidence show that the number of immigrants is increasing in lots of countries.
How would you define the word "home"?
Should an immigrant have the same rights as a native citizen? Why/why not?
Would you like to live and work in another country? Why/Why not?