Why International Women's Day Is Celebrated on March 8?

                                                BY SELENA BARRIENTOS AND HANNAH JEON Mar 4, 2020

Celebrated on March 8 every year, International Women's Day is a day dedicated to honoring the achievements of women throughout history and all across the globe, and is typically a day for women from all different backgrounds and cultures to band together to fight for gender parity and women's rights. International Women’s Day (IWD) is dedicated to celebrating women’s achievements in the social, economic, cultural, and political spheres. The day, collectively founded by women, also brings attention to gender parity and women's rights.

Gender parity is a statistical measure that compares women and men through their income, education, and work hours, among other points. This sociological metric helps researchers understand how society is progressing or regressing in specific areas. It’s also an important tool for policymakers striving towards gender equality. Of course, the global celebration of International Women’s Day is a time for reflection of how far women have come, advocacy for what is still needed, and action to continue breaking down barriers. With over a century of history, IWD is a growing movement centered around unity and strength.

International Women’s Day has a rich history dating back 108 years — the first glimpse of it was in 1909 when the Socialist Party of America celebrated 15,000 women who protested long work hours, low pay, and the lack of voting rights in New York City. Originally called National Woman’s Day, the monumental annual celebration spread across the world (officially celebrated in 1911), but it was Russia who unknowingly set the March 8 trend.

Although International Women’s Day became an official holiday in Russia in 1913, women still experienced difficulties caused by WWI. While men were off at war, women dealt with food shortages and a government who wouldn’t listen to them. On March 8, 1917 (February 23 in the former Russian calendar), tens of thousands of Russian women took to the streets demanding change. The unified cry for help paved the way for Russian women to be granted voting rights soon after.

International Women's Day is an official holiday in at least 20 countries, including: Afghanistan, Cuba, Laos, Russia, and Vietnam. In many of these countries, tradition holds that men honor their mothers, wives, girlfriends, and colleagues with flowers and small presents. In other nations, the day is much like the holiday of Mother's Day, in which children give gifts to their mothers and grandmothers. In other countries, however, like Nepal and China, IWD is a holiday only for women.

There are many ways you can participate in the celebration for International Women's Day, including joining in on the numerous events that will be held worldwide. These special events will span from global gatherings and informative conferences to powerful art exhibitions and festivals, and will be held by women's networks, charities, political parties, corporations, and other communities. You can easily search for an IWD event happening near you before the big day in this website:  https://www.internationalwomensday.com/EventSearch.

Even if you can't attend an IWD event, though, you can still join millions of participants by wearing purple on March 8. Signifying justice and dignity, the color purple has become an international symbol for women since the origination of purple, green, and white as a symbol of women's equality from the Women's Social and Political Union in the UK in 1908.

Adapted from: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/a26539742/international-womens-day-march-8/

 

Question 1: (2 points) Indicate whether the following statements are TRUE OR FALSE and write down the sentence or the part of the text that justifies your answer. No points will be given if the evidence is not correct.

a)    8^th March´s celebration has the aim of protesting against gender violence.

b)    There is a big necessity to support IWD fighting against obstacles

c)    It was not until 1913 in Russia, when 8^th March was officially proclaimed as a national holiday for women.

d)    Worldwide meetings will spread with artistic, musical and cultural events. 

Question 2: (3 points): Answer the following questions in your own words according to the text.

a)    Why did the Socialist Party of America go on strike?

b)    Explain the different ways of celebrating IWD in different countries, including yours.

c)    What the real origin of purple colour? 

Question 3: (2,5 points, 0,25 each) Find words or phrases in the text that correspond to the words and definitions given.

a)    Equality (p.1)

b)    Salary (p.2)

c)    Sight (p.3)

d)    Lack of or with very few (p.4)

e)    Custom (p.5)

f)     to be celebrated (p.5)

g)    globally (p.6)

h)    group of organizations (p.6)

i)     to go (p.7)

j)     to be included (p.7) 

Question 4: ( 2,5 points) Written production

Write a short essay ( 120-150 words). Essays up to 200 won´t be penalized.

OPINION: What´s your opinion on the celebration of IWD?

KEY

Question 1:

FALSE: “dedicated, to honoring the achievements of women through history and all across the globe”

b)    TRUE: “advocacy for what is still needed, and action to continue breaking down barriers”.

TRUE: “Although IWD became an official holiday in Russia in 1913”

TRUE: “These special events will span from global gatherings and informative conferences to powerful art exhibitions and festivals”.

Question 3:  

Equality (p.1) parity

Salary (p.2) income

Sight (p.3) glimpse

Lack of or with very few (p.4) shortage

Custom (p.5) tradition

to be celebrated (p.5) holds, to hold

globally (p.6) worldwide

group of organizations (p.6) networks

to go (p.7) to attend

to be included (p.7) to join

 

Bruce Springsteen's son has been sworn in as a firefighter in New Jersey, an achievement proudly witnessed by his famous parents.

The Boss and Patti Scialfa proudly attended the swearing-in ceremony for their son, Sam, one of New Jersey's newest firefighters.

Sam Springsteen, 25, joined the Jersey City Fire Department on Tuesday, along with 15 others. The new recruit's parents sat in the front row at the City Hall ceremony. Legendary rocker Bruce Springsteen - known for hits like Born In The USA, Dancing In The Dark and I'm On Fire - told reporters at the event that he and his wife, Patti Scialfa, were "just excited for him today".

Jersey City officials said it was the fire department's tenth class since the US city's mayor, Steven Fulop, took office seven years ago, taking its membership to the record number of 666. He tweeted that The Boss and Scialfa also attended, adding, "They're such nice people. We got to spend some time in my office talking about music but more than that they're proud parents of a new JC Firefighter. Congrats to all the new FF joining the best FD anywhere."

Scialfa first publicly announced her son was training to become a firefighter last August, in a congratulations message posted on Instagram. In the post, she noted her son's "brave heart", told him to "stay safe" and wrote that he had followed his dreams.

Bruce Springsteen has sold more than 135 million records worldwide and more than 64 million records in the United States, making him one of the world's best-selling artists. He has won 20 Grammy Awards, two Golden Globes, an Academy Award, a Tony Award and was inducted into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 1999.

Scialfa is well known as a backing vocalist for Springsteen's E Street Band, and has also released her own albums. The couple married in 1988.

Question 1. Indicate whether the following statements are true or false and write down which part of the text justifies your answer.

a. Bruce and Patti are not really happy with their son's decision to become a firefighter.

b. The number of members in Jersey City Fire Department is usually around 700.

c. Steven Fulop is proud of the fire department in jersey.

d. Patti Scialfa only performs accompanying Bruce's band.

Question 3. Find words and phrases in the text that correspond to the words and definitions given.

a. to be present at (par 1)

b. to remark (par. 4)

c. prize (par.5)

d. to bring in (par.5)

e. renowned (par.6)

Question 5. Write a short essay (about 120-150 words) about the following topic.

How important is music in your life?

KEY

Question 1

a. False. " The Boss and Patti Scialfa proudly attended the swearing-in ceremony for their son, Sam, one of New Jersey's newest firefighters...." he and his wife, Patti Scialfa, were "just excited for him today"

b. False. " it was the fire department's tenth class since the US city's mayor, Steven Fulop, took office seven years ago, taking its membership to the record number of 666"

c. True. " Congrats to all the new FF joining the best FD anywhere"

d. False. " Scialfa is well known as a backing vocalist for Springsteen's E Street Band, and has also released her own albums."

Question 3

a. attended / to attend

b. noted / to note

c. award

d. inducted / to induct

e. well known

Mum sits next to son during maths class to teach him a lesson about behaviour

     A mother has been hailed a hero after she gatecrashed her son’s class to get him to behave. Becky Crandley walked into Sittingbourne Community College in Kent as part of a ‘surprise’ experiment on Friday. She was reacting to reports that her son, Harley, 12, had shown signs of a bad attitude. Becky had warned him that unless he improves his behaviour she would be going to school with him but said little changed. 

So when school returned recently she stuck to her word and when she got emails from the year eight pupil’s teacher about two incidents she triggered Operation Mummy Bear. Becky said: ‘It all started last year with his behaviour change, it’s part of growing up I think, but it’s his rudeness and disrespect I cannot stand. ‘I have had phone call after phone call about his behaviour. He’s had an untold amount of detentions and isolations but nothing seemed to bother him. She had told the school of her plan and they accepted so at 2pm on Friday she went to the school. 

Becky, who has another four children, said: ‘I constantly threatened that I’d sit with him in school if needed, and he always laughed it off. ‘Since they’ve been back this year I’ve had several phone calls already. So when his maths teacher emailed last week and said about an incident, I said to her I would join him. ‘He didn’t have a clue, and he was very embarrassed for sure, I was introduced as his mum.’ 

Speaking about the motive for her actions, Becky said it was necessary as ‘today’s children are getting worse by the second. ‘I think more parents need to act upon their children’s behaviour. It’s scary to think what we will leave behind one day.’ Becky added: ‘Most people know I’m a big softy when it comes to my kids but I’m also straight up and try my hardest to teach them the right way in life. ‘One thing I will not tolerate is disrespect from my sons towards any woman and my eldest has been rude recently in secondary school towards his female teachers. ‘His mummy bear has had enough for sure, my foot is down and I will not lose.

‘If only I got a picture of his face when I walked in and sat down next to him, he went so red there’s nothing I can compare it to.’

By Richard Hartley-Parkins (METRO) 23 Sep 2019 

Question 1: [2 POINTS] Indicate whether the following statements are true or false and write down which part of the text justifies your answer.

a) Many people disagreed with Becky’s plan.
b) Harley had always behaved badly.
c) Harley had been punished several times at school.
d) Becky is quite severe with her children.

Question 3: [1,5 POINTS] Find words or phrases in the text that correspond to the words and definitions given. 

a) activated, detonated (p. 2)
b) annoy, irritate (p. 2)
c) always (p. 3)
d) alarming, frightening (p.4)
e) allow (p. 4)

Question 4: [1,5 POINTS] Choose and write the most suitable answer (a, b or c) according to the text  

1. Becky gets angry when her children are rude ..
a) with old people.
b) with women.
c) with his classmates.
d) with all the teachers.
2. Harly ...
a) had never paid attention to his mother’s threats.
b) was scared to have his mother in class.
c) introduced his mother to the class
d) didn’t like his maths teacher.
3. Becky said: “ If only I got a picture of his face”. So she wishes she...
a) would have a picture of his face.
b) has a photo of his face.
c) had had a picture of his face.
d) had a picture of his face.

Question 5: [3 POINTS] Write a short essay (about 120-150 words) on the following topic: 

“Do you think parents should follow Becky example?'





KEY

Question 1: [2 POINTS] Indicate whether the following statements are true or false and write down which part of the text justifies your answer.
a) False. “A mother has been hailed a hero after she gatecrashed her son’s class”
b) False. “Becky said: ‘It all started last year with his behaviour change”
c) True. “He’s had an untold amount of detentions and isolations”
d) False. “Becky added: ‘Most people know I’m a big softy when it comes to my kids”

Question 3: [1,5 POINTS] Find words or phrases in the text that correspond to the words and definitions given.
a) triggered
b) bother
c) constantly
d) scary
e) tolerate

Question 4: [1,5 POINTS] Choose the most suitable answer (a, b or c) according to the text. 
1. b) with women.
2.    a) had never paid attention to his mother’s threats.
3.    d) had a picture of his face.

BUY NOTHING DAY

Once a year, in countries around the world, people demonstrate their discontent with consumer culture by holding a Buy Nothing Day. Buy Nothing Day began in 1990 in ten countries and has been celebrated every year since then. Each year, more and more people and countries join in the celebration. The intention is to encourage people to say no to consumerism and to remind them that they shouldn’t be slaves to material possessions.

On Buy Nothing Day, activists organise various free and creative forms of entertainment to prove to people that it is possible to have fun without spending money. Activists also pass out colourful booklets and stick up posters to encourage people to think twice about the dangers of consumerism. Some activists publicly cut up their credit cards at mass demonstrations, as a protest against the pressure on people to spend more than they can afford.

Buy Nothing Day campaigners in the United States have also produced a special TV commercial called an “uncommercial”, which asks people not to buy anything! However, the most imaginative suggestion of the Buy Nothing Day activists is their “Christmas Gift Exemption Vouchers”. The idea is to give people you love a voucher which states that they are exempt from buying Christmas presents, on condition that they spend quality time with you instead.

The message of Buy Nothing Day is not supposed to be heard only once a year. Its supporters insist that the spirit of simplicity is timeless, and they want people to fight materialism with imagination and creativity all year round.

Question 1 Indicate whether these sentences are true or false. Justify your answers with evidence from the text
a) The aim of the Buy Nothing Day activists is to show people how consumerism is enslaving them.
b) The more money you spend, the more fun you have.
c) Buy Nothing Day activists try to make people aware of the dangers of consumerism.
d) The idea behind Buy Nothing Day is to criticise materialism once a year.

Question 2 Answer these questions in your own words:
a) Why was Buy Nothing Day created?
b) What things do activists do on Buy Nothing Day?

Question 3 Find a word or phrase in the text that means the same as:
a) deny (par.1)
b) distribute (par. 2)
c) excused, without obligation (par. 3)

Question 5 Write a short essay (120 to 150 words) on the following topic:

Are we easily influenced by advertising?

KEY

Question 1
a) TRUE “... and to remind them that they shouldn’t be slaves to material possessions.”
b) FALSE “On Buy Nothing Day, activists organise various free and creative forms of entertainment to prove to people that it is possible to have fun without spending money.”
c) TRUE “Activists also pass out colourful booklets and stick up posters to encourage people to think twice about the dangers of consumerism. “
d) FALSE “... , and they want people to fight materialism with imagination and creativity all year round.”

Question 2
a) Buy Nothing Day was created because people felt the need to express their rejection of materialism and consumerism and wanted to encourage others to spend less money and enjoy having fun more.

b) On Buy Nothing Day, activists prepare interesting things for people to do or watch free of charge, to make them realise that having fun does not always have to cost money. They also distribute advertising literature to make people aware of the problems of consumerism and some even destroy their credit cards as a protest against over-spending.


Question 3
a) say no
b) pass out
c) exempt

Should High School Students Wear Uniforms?

There are differing opinions on whether uniforms school be required in high schools. It' important to consider the pros and cons specific to teenagers when making up your mind about this controversial question.

                                                          High School Uniform Pros

High schools require students to wear uniforms for many good reasons. Here are some of the advantages.

1.-_______________________________________________________________ 

       Wearing uniforms can be a great way for high schoolers to show pride for their institutions. Schools often want their students to proudly wear attire with the school's symbol embroidered somewhere on the outfit.

2.- _______________________________________________________________

         Some secondary schools want to choose what teenagers wear so they can ensure no one wears something indecent that would potentially harm the school's reputation.

3.- ______________________________________________________________

        Teenagers who wear uniforms don't face ridicule from other students when they are unable to wear the latest styles. The elimination of this type of bullying can preserve self-esteem and keep the focus on education.

4.- _______________________________________________________________

      A September 1999 article from “Psychology Today” reported that after a Long Beach, California school adopted uniforms their crime rate dropped by 91 percent, school suspensions dropped by 90 percent, sex offenses decreased by 96 percent and vandalism incidences declined by 69 percent.

                                                      High School Uniform Cons

The use of uniforms in high schools can help students and school officials in many ways, but it's not without it's downfalls.

5.- _______________________________________________________________

        Adolescence is a time of self-discovery and expression. This expression is common through what teenagers wear. Requiring a uniform deprives adolescents of the ability to express themselves through clothing, which could result in expressing themselves in other inappropriate ways.

6.- ______________________________________________________________

        Adolescents struggle to break away from parents and other authority figures to find their own identity. In the process, they often reject restraints put on them, including uniforms. Teenagers may resist the uniform by refusing to wear it, changing it, or engaging in risky or deviant behavior.

7.- _______________________________________________________________

      Uniforms can be expensive, and they are usually not worn outside of school. Parents may also have to endure the added expense of buying trendy teen clothing for functions outside of school.

8.- _______________________________________________________________

        While some uniform advocates may say that they promote better learning environments, critics argue that some are uncomfortable, which may distract students.

9.- _______________________________________________________________

          Some critics warn that uniforms may inhibit successful transition to adulthood. Since teenagers are told what to wear each day, they haven't learned which types of clothing are considered appropriate or inappropriate in certain settings.

Another consideration is that since teenagers had to wear uniforms for years, they may not be as willing to dress as professional when they don't have to anymore, which could become a problem with some jobs.

10.- _______________________________________________________________

          The great uniform debate continues and there doesn't seem to be a satisfactory conclusion for both teens and school officials. Many teens find that uniforms are boring and wish they could wear something much more their style. School officials want uniforms so teens can forget what they are wearing and how they look so they can pay attention to the real reason why they are in school. Answer the question of whether uniforms should be required in secondary schools involves determining what you believe are the true influences of them on teenagers and their education.

By Marcelina Hardy, MSEd, BCCBoard Certified Coach

1.- Write the appropriate headline to each paragraph

a.- Promotes Rebellious Behavior

b.- Decreases School Violence

c.- Displays School Pride

d.- Emphasizes Education

e.- Affects Transition to Adulthood

f.- Costs More Money

g.- Preserves School Integrity

h.- Suppresses Individuality

j.- Uncomfortable and Distracting

i.- The Great Uniform Debate

2.- Find words or expressions in the text with similar meaning.

Pros

1.- cause 2.- clothes 3.- hurt 4.- most recent 5.- protect 6.- narrate 7.- decrease 

Cons

1.- usual 2.- fight 3.- limit 4.- cost 5.- fashionable 6.- claim 7.- divert attention 

KEY

1.- Write the appropriate headline to each paragraph

a.- 6.- Promotes Rebellious Behavior b.- 4.- Decreases School Violence c.- 1.- Displays School Pride d.- 3.- Emphasizes Education e.- 9.- Affects Transition to Adulthood f.- 7.- Costs More Money g.- 2.- Preserves School Integrity h.- 5.- Suppresses Individuality j.- 8.- Uncomfortable and Distracting i.- 10.- The Great Uniform Debate 

2.- Find words or expressions in the text with similar meaning.

Pros

1.- reason 2.- attire / outfit 3.- harm 4.- latest 5.- preserve 6.- report 7.- decline 

Cons

1.- common 2.- struggle 3.- restrain 4.- expense 5.- trendy 6.- argue 7.- distract 

Question 5: Essay Writing

Lesson Procedure

1. Students brainstorm as many words as possible related to the topic of exercise: for example: nouns, verbs, adjectives, expressions. Teacher feedback to board.

2. In pairs students think of the advantages and disdavantages of doing exercises. Feedback to whole class.

3. Students read the essay and compare their list of advantages and disadvantages with the essay.

4. Students highlight the useful functional language and linkers in the essay.

5. Students write an essay about a similar topic.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of doing exercise? (120-150 words)

With so much in the news about the importance of exercise in our lives, it is a relevant topic for people of all ages. However, doing regular exercise has both advantages and disadvantages, which I will discuss in this essay.

Firstly, doing exercise clearly improves your physical well-being. Not only does it It help you to lose weight, it aso helps you to keep fit and reduces the risk of several serious illness, such as diabetes and heart disease. In addition, it relaxes you, often burning adrenalineand allowing you to get a better night’s sleep. Another point to add is that regular exercise makes you look better; it tones your muscles and increases your muscle mass. It is also thought to provide a good option to a healthy social life, particularly for teenagers, who spend time and dedication practising team sports, such as hockey and basketball, instead of just hanging out in city centres.

Nevertheless, exercising also has some drawbacks. The most important ones are that it takes up time, young people may spend from 6 -10 hours a week training and taking part in matches. It can also be costly, as you need to pay for classes, expensive equipment ad transport to and from training and matches. Another disadvantage is that young people, in particular, may suffer serious injuries while exercising, which interfere with their daily lives.

To sum up, I would say that exercising clearly has many advantages and is definitely worth doing, because of the health benefits it has. However, it is important to choose what type of exercise you do, so that it does not take up too much of your free time.

from Mary Finbow

KEY

What are the advantages and disadvantages of doing exercise?

With so much in the news about the importance of exercise, it is a topic of importance to people of all ages. However, doing regular exercise has both advantages and disadvantages, which I will discuss in this essay.

Firstly, doing exercise clearly improves your physical well-being. Not only does it It help you to lose weight, it also helps you to keep fit and reduces the risk of several serious illness, such as diabetes and heart disease. In addition, it relaxes you, often burning adrenaline and allowing you to get a better night’s sleep. Another point to add is that regular exercise makes you look better; it tones your muscles and increases your muscle mass. It is also thought to provide a good option to a healthy social life, particularly for teenagers, who spend time and dedication practising team sports, like hockey and basketball, instead of just hanging out in city centres.

Nevertheless, exercising also has some drawbacks. The most important ones are that it takes up time, young people may spend from 6 -10 hours a week training and taking part in matches. It can also be costly, as you need to pay for classes, expensive equipment ad transport to and from training and matches. Another disadvantage is that young people, in particular, may suffer serious injuries while exercising, which interfere with their daily lives.

To sum up, I would say that exercising clearly has many advantages and is definitely worth doing, because of the health benefits it has. However, it is important to choose what type of exercise you do, so that it does not take up too much of your free time.