Learning English with CBC Edmonton Monthly feature story: Training to excite September 2013 Learning plan created by Justine Light www.alberta.ca http://www.cbc.ca/edmonton/learning‐english/ © CBC 2013 Permission is granted reproduction of these pages for educational purposes only. For more information on copyright please see http://www.cbc.ca/permissions/ 1 Feature Story Objectives CLB competency outcomes Listening: Reading: Speaking: Writing: Training to excite L: Identify factual details and some implied meanings in extended narration; identify situation, purpose of speech, and relationship between speakers. R: Access, locate, integrate, interpret, and analyze information contained in a two or three page moderately complex text S: (knowledge and strategies) Produce intelligible and communicatively effective pronunciation focussing on linked sounds W: Use a note taking table to take effective notes and avoid plagiarism Language skills Vocabulary: Use vocabulary words in context Grammar: Understand and use present simple Pronunciation: Understanding linked sounds Language Activities (in order of appearance in materials) Completing pre‐listening activities to build vocabulary and prepare learners for audio Listening to the audio to identify facts and details Listening to audio to identify which comments and opinions came from which speaker Identifying meanings of simple present forms Recognising linking sounds in speech and understanding when words link Completing pre‐ reading vocabulary activity Reading for meaning – Identify true false statements, sometimes with inferred meaning Reading strategies – developing skills to build sentence structure skills Writing notes using a table to be clear and concise and avoid plagiarism © CBC 2013 Permission is granted reproduction of these pages for educational purposes only. For more information on copyright please see http://www.cbc.ca/permissions/ 2 The Audio In this audio, you will hear CBC journalist Adrienne Lamb during a visit to Canadian Forces Base Wainwright speaking with Colonel Anderson about a novel training program known as ‘Training to excite.’ Photo credit: Adrienne Lamb Before you listen: Do you have any family members in the military? Does your home country have military service? Getting started SPEAKER TRAINING TO EXCITE Adrienne Colonel Dave Anderson takes a slurp of coffee from his travel mug. Lamb From the coolest cup holder on the coolest car on the planet. Colonel Anderson Adrienne This car is a LAV. A light armoured vehicle rumbling down a muddy dirty road. And the cup holder ‐ a gift from his troops. Magnetic? Lamb Colonel Anderson It’s magnetic. Necessity is the mother of invention ‐ and they really don't want to piss off the boss by spilling his coffee again so we now have the very first magnetic LAV cup holder. © CBC 2013 Permission is granted reproduction of these pages for educational purposes only. For more information on copyright please see http://www.cbc.ca/permissions/ 3 Pre‐listening vocabulary The words below are from the audio. The definitions are next to the words. Read the definitions then complete the sentences on the following page. WORD DEFINITION A. slurp (noun/verb) eat or drink something with a loud sucking noise B. armoured (adjective) covered with metal for defense C. rumbling (verb/present a continuous, deep sound participle) D. laden [with] (adjective) weighed down by something E. dude (noun) informal for a man F. unfold (verb) open or spread out from a folded position G. practice their craft to do the activity you have trained for (expression) H. arduous (adjective) difficult and tiring and need strenuous effort I.
a powerful desire or want for something craving (verb/present participle) J.
live (adjective) K. enlisting (verb/present when military exercises uses weapons in a practice situation to sign up for the armed forces participle) L. combat (noun) fighting between armies M. scramble (verb) to rush to do something quickly N. lugging ( verb/present carry something very heavy participle) O. antsy (adjective) feel impatient or restless P. strides (verb) walk with long steps in a particular direction © CBC 2013 Permission is granted reproduction of these pages for educational purposes only. For more information on copyright please see http://www.cbc.ca/permissions/ 4 Use the vocabulary words to complete the following sentences. (Answers can be found in the appendix.) 1. I heard a __________________ noise when the truck came around the corner. 2. I have been __________________ chocolate since I started my diet. 3. Once my daughter decided to go to College, we had to __________________ to get her application in on time. 4. My children sometimes __________________ when they eat noodles so I have to remind them to eat quietly. 5. I gave my friend a ride home as she was __________________ with so many groceries. 6. My brother enjoys his life in the military. He likes not only the __________________ but also the opportunity to help in different parts of the world. 7. The soldiers always have to be extra careful when their practice exercises include __________________ fire. 8. When we go camping, we have to __________________ a lot of our equipment including our tent and sleeping bags in order to fit everything into the trunk. 9. When I went to visit my sister in Toronto I was __________________ two very heavy suitcases. 10. Sitting on a plane all night makes me __________________ because I am not good at doing nothing. 11. When I saw the President’s car drive by, I noticed it was an __________________ car with dark windows. 12. This is a very __________________ class to take as you can expect at least four hours homework tonight. 13. It is hard to walk around the park with my brother as he __________________ along at a very fast pace. 14. I have three cousins in the army and now my brother is __________________ in the navy. 15. Many teachers enjoy _________________________ and would rather teach than do any other job.. 16. My older brother has always been a very cool __________________. © CBC 2013 Permission is granted reproduction of these pages for educational purposes only. For more information on copyright please see http://www.cbc.ca/permissions/ 5 Listening for meaning Listen to the interview and answer the following questions. 1. What kind of training exercise is in this audio? 2. Why do the soldiers need to be challenged by this kind of training? 3. Where has Corporal Nikoloyuk visited overseas with the military? 4. Why does he enjoy going overseas with the military? 5. How does Corporal Nikoloyuk’s wife feel about him going overseas? How do you know she feels this way? 6. How did enlistment numbers in the military change in Edmonton in the last year? 7. Give two reasons why enlisting has decreased. 8. In your own words, describe how Benson Chow feels about the training exercises? 9. What reward do the soldiers receive for completing the training exercise? (Answers can be found in the appendix.) © CBC 2013 Permission is granted reproduction of these pages for educational purposes only. For more information on copyright please see http://www.cbc.ca/permissions/ 6 Listening strategies – Who said what? The goal of the listening strategies section of the monthly feature lesson is to help you to improve your listening skills for all listening situations– not just this audio. Can you keep track of who said what and who expressed which feelings? What was journalist Adrienne Lamb’s opinion and what did Colonel Anderson say? Which opinions did Bombardier Benson Chow and Corporal Nikoloyuk express? Listen to the audio again. Put a check mark in the column for what each person expressed. There may be more than one check mark in a row if more than one person expressed the same thing. Comment Benson Chow Adrienne Lamb – Journalist Colonel Anderson Corporal Nikoloyuk It is uncomfortable for him to squeeze into the small armoured car. Soldiers need to be challenged physically and mentally. Using live fire adds to the excitement of training. Going overseas is a great experience. My wife doesn’t like it when I go overseas. Firing canons is very exciting and satisfying. Training exercises are very hard work. This live fire training exercise was completed to a very high standard. (Answers can be found in the appendix.) © CBC 2013 Permission is granted reproduction of these pages for educational purposes only. For more information on copyright please see http://www.cbc.ca/permissions/ 7 Grammar Activity – The simple present tense The simple present tense tells us about the immediate fact of our statement. Julia lives in Red Deer. It is most common in conversation and academic writing1. This tense is describing a fact that is happening now and is not about to change. It can be thought of as a complete thought. The form of the present simple is: 1st and 2nd person singular and 1st, 2nd, & 3rd person plural = Subject + verb (base form) 3rd person singular = Subject + verb (base form) + s Celce Murcia & Larsen Freeman (1999)2 provide the following different uses for the simple present: Use for the simple present Example Habitual actions in the present She takes the school bus every morning. Timeless truths Water freezes at zero degrees centigrade. To indicate states, using be and stative verbs The house smells bad when we cook fish. In the subordinate clause when the After he graduates, he will take a trip main clause contains a future time verb around the world. th
To describe the future when an event is He has a dental appointment on the 25 . scheduled A demonstration or procedure I add six eggs to the mixture. 1 Biber, D., Johansson, S., Leech, G., Conrad, S. & Finegan, E. (1999). Longman grammar of spoken and written English. Essex, England: Pearson Education. 2 2 Celce‐Murcia, M,. & Larsen – Freeman, D. (1999). The grammar book. Heinle & Heinle. Adapted. © CBC 2013 Permission is granted reproduction of these pages for educational purposes only. For more information on copyright please see http://www.cbc.ca/permissions/ 8 Present speech act – when speaking completes the action. I resign my position on the Board. Narration of past stories “Mr Bean tries to put the turkey in the oven but it ends up on his head!” There are at least twenty examples of the simple present in the transcript. Can you figure out for each example of the present simple in the transcript, which use from the table above is correct? Don't forget negatives! Sample answers can be found in the answer key in the Appendix. © CBC 2013 Permission is granted reproduction of these pages for educational purposes only. For more information on copyright please see http://www.cbc.ca/permissions/ 9 Building Speaking Skills: Linking sounds Vowels and consonants Read the excerpt from the transcript below. Pay attention to how the sounds with the arrows ( ) link together. 2:23 CORPORAL NIKOLOYUK My wife is probably going to kill me in saying this but i hope we go somewhere's else. Why? Excitement ‐ being able to go out there and do my job. I'm sure the guys back there, with all the planning, they'll find something exciting for us to go out and try. When one word ends with a consonant and the next word starts with a vowel, or ends with a vowel and starts with a consonant, and some consonants to consonants, the sounds link together and often sound like one word. For example: My son is… The bottom of the hill… The cup is empty and don't call me too early Linking can make it more difficult to understand what people are saying, but by using it in your own speech, you can sound smoother and more native speaker like. Now look at another passage from the audio. Mark the consonants that link to nouns by drawing an arrow, just like passage above. (Answers can be found in the appendix) 2:42 ADRIENNE LAMB But what will that be? That's the question being asked by members in the military now and Canadians who might be looking to sign up. Take Edmonton for example. Military stats show the number of people walking into the recruitment office and enlisting is down. From about 250 ‐ to just 80 last year. A third of what it was just seven years ago. At the same time, the military is studying the number of members getting out and why they're leaving. Anderson says there are many reasons. From the lure of big money in the oil patch to the lack of an obvious fight. © CBC 2013 Permission is granted reproduction of these pages for educational purposes only. For more information on copyright please see http://www.cbc.ca/permissions/ 10 Reading Activity ‐ Pre‐reading vocabulary The following vocabulary activity will help you to understand the reading below. Match each word to its correct definition. The first one is done for you. (Answers can be found in the appendix.) 1. granted F A. an abrupt or unexpected change of opinion 2. timeline B. a schedule or calendar of planned events 3. appetite C. simple or inexperienced 4. turnaround D. proud to be male, or masculine 5. macho 6. naïve E. letting people be part of something and making everyone feel welcome F. given or agreed to 7. hesitated G. of great importance 8. coming out H. willingness or liking 9. monumental I.
10. inclusiveness J.
11. diversity A strong and adverse reaction by a large number of people K. to hold back or delay 12. sprawling L. acceptance and respect of people who are different 13. backlash M. very important 14. vital N. Spread out over a large area openly saying you are gay Extra definitions to help your understanding of the reading: gay‐pride ‐ the idea that gay people should not keep the fact of their sexuality secret and that they should be proud of it instead, or the social and political movement that is based on this idea (Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/british/gay‐pride ) LGBT ‐ referring collectively to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT © CBC 2013 Permission is granted reproduction of these pages for educational purposes only. For more information on copyright please see http://www.cbc.ca/permissions/ 11 Reading text: In what is being called a first in Canada, a rainbow‐coloured gay‐pride flag was raised at an Alberta military base today during a ceremony attended by senior officers and civilian members of the LGBT community. Master Warrant Officer John McDougall, 47, made the request for the flag‐raising a few weeks ago through the military chain of command at Canadian Forces Base Edmonton. A gay‐pride flag is raised as Master Warrant Officer John McDougall and LGBT activist Murray Billet look on. (CBC) McDougall, who is a company sergeant‐major in a field medical unit, said he was surprised when his request was quickly granted. "I expected [to hear] no, the timeline is going to be too short, or perhaps the appetite isn't quite there. I could not be more surprised, more impressed and more pleased." He said times have changed since he joined the army as a private 23 years ago. "This is a huge turnaround from what used to be. When I first joined, I would never even consider telling anyone that I was gay. It just wasn't macho," he said. "I think it is a little naive to think there weren't gay soldiers then, [but] the culture really didn't lend itself to identify who you were," he added. Even after a Charter of Rights and Freedoms challenge in 1992 that guaranteed gay and lesbian individuals could serve openly in the military, he hesitated in coming out. It wasn’t until five years later that McDougall formally acknowledged his relationship with his long‐
term partner. “I still was a little hesitant to come out because nobody wants to be the first one to step up when decisions are changed,” he said. © CBC 2013 Permission is granted reproduction of these pages for educational purposes only. For more information on copyright please see http://www.cbc.ca/permissions/ 12 History in the making The rainbow flag, a symbol for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people, was raised near the base headquarters building. It will remain in place for one week to coincide with Edmonton's Pride Festival. "It was history in the making, it was monumental,” said McDougall, speaking about the ceremony. “That being said ... it’s a big deal but it really shouldn’t be that big of a deal. We’re such an inclusive society — Canada as a whole, not just the military — it shouldn’t be a big deal to be gay. “But it is a big deal that the flag is being raised for the first time at a military base. I think that’s part of the sign of the times and it’s a further reflection of the military’s inclusiveness and their diversity.” The gay‐pride flag will fly at the Edmonton Garrison throughout Pride Week. (CBC) Lt. (navy) Jessica MacDonald, a military spokeswoman, said those who work at the sprawling base that includes infantry and armoured units have been supportive. There has been no backlash, she said. "The flag‐raising is really a symbol to all members of the LGBT community,” she said, “whether they are civilian or serving members, that the Canadian Forces promotes principles of inclusiveness, equality and dignity." The ceremony was attended by base commander Lt.‐Col. John Reiffenstein, soldiers, civilians from the LGBT community and their supporters. "It’s vital that we are an inclusive, tolerant, military community, defence community,” Reiffenstein said Friday. “These are Canadian values." And it is important to recognize those values in a physical way, he added. © CBC 2013 Permission is granted reproduction of these pages for educational purposes only. For more information on copyright please see http://www.cbc.ca/permissions/ 13 "Symbols matter — and we understand that in the army." As for McDougall, he said the experience was “amazing.” "To be at the stage now, where it is not only recognized and accepted and tolerated, but the base commander of one of the largest bases of Canada is willing to have that flag put up, it is just an amazing feeling." McDougall attended the ceremony with his partner of 18 years. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/story/2013/06/07/edmonton‐garrison‐pride‐
flag.html © CBC 2013 Permission is granted reproduction of these pages for educational purposes only. For more information on copyright please see http://www.cbc.ca/permissions/ 14 Reading for meaning Read the following statements. Identify whether the statements are true or false. (Answers can be found in the appendix). 1.
Canadian Forces Base Edmonton is the first base in Canada to fly a rainbow flag. True or False 2.
John McDougall requested the rainbow flag be raised a few years ago. True or False 3.
McDougall has noticed a change in attitudes since he joined the military. True or False 4.
In 1993, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guaranteed gay and lesbian people could join the military. True or False 5.
The rainbow flag is a symbol for LGBT people. True or False 6.
McDougall believes that flying the flag is an important symbol that shows the military is an inclusive organization. True or False 7.
Most people at the Edmonton base have not been supportive of flying the rainbow flag. True or False 8.
The Canadian military wants to reflect wider Canadian values. True or False 9.
McDougall attended the flag raising ceremony with his partner. True or False © CBC 2013 Permission is granted reproduction of these pages for educational purposes only. For more information on copyright please see http://www.cbc.ca/permissions/ 15 Reading Strategies ‐ Who does what? The goal of the reading strategies section of the monthly feature lesson is to help you to become a better reader of all reading texts – not just this text. All of the following verbs are taken from the reading text above, and are highlighted. For each verb, identify who does that action, or the subject of the sentence. Then write a completely new sentence using the noun and verb. The first one has been done for you. VERB (WHAT) SUBJECT (WHO/WHAT) have changed times Sentence: Times have changed greatly since my parents came to Canada in 1951. will remain Sentence: promotes Sentence: understand Sentence: willing Sentence Sample answers in the appendix © CBC 2013 Permission is granted reproduction of these pages for educational purposes only. For more information on copyright please see http://www.cbc.ca/permissions/ 16 Writing Activity Look at the reading text above. Often when you are doing research in college or university, you will need to take notes from a written text. It is important not to copy the text word for word. Copying from a text is called plagiarism. If you use your notes to write to essay and you forget to change the words into your own, you will be plagiarising. This is an illegal activity in academic life. For some technical terms you will need to use the same words as the original text. It may be that no other synonym is exactly the same in meaning and to change the word would affect the readability of your writing. You can use quotation marks in your notes to show that you have taken the words directly from the text. It can also help to use abbreviations when you are taking notes from a text. Use the table below to guide your note taking from the Flag‐raising text. Details of the rainbow flag raising ceremony held in Edmonton How attitudes to gay and lesbian soldiers have changed over the past 23 years. Impact of the 1992 Charter of Rights and Freedoms challenge on gay & lesbian people in the military The rainbow flag ‐ as a symbol for LGBT people The values the military is trying to promote through the flag raising ceremony. Sample answers in the appendix © CBC 2013 Permission is granted reproduction of these pages for educational purposes only. For more information on copyright please see http://www.cbc.ca/permissions/ 17 Links For more practice and explanation of linking sounds check out this website with American pronunciation: http://pronuncian.com/Linking/ The BBC Learning English website has comprehensive information on linking sounds and other aspects of pronunciation: http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/grammar/pron/features/connected.shtml For information on the Canadian Forces: http://www.forces.ca/ To check out the Facebook page of Canadian Forces Base Edmonton: https://www.facebook.com/pages/CFB‐BFC‐Edmonton/418107668256957 Every year Edmonton and Calgary host Gay Pride Parades. For more information about each city’s celebration: http://www.edmontonpride.ca/ http://pridecalgary.ca/ You can access the Cambridge online dictionary for free at: http://dictionary.cambridge.org/ © CBC 2013 Permission is granted reproduction of these pages for educational purposes only. For more information on copyright please see http://www.cbc.ca/permissions/ 18 Appendix ‐ Answer Keys Pre‐listening vocabulary 1. I heard a rumbling noise when the truck came around the corner. 2. I have been craving chocolate since I started my diet. 3. Once my daughter decided to go to College, we had to scramble to get her application in on time. 4. My children sometimes slurp when they eat noodles so I have to remind them to eat quietly. 5. I gave my friend a ride home as she was laden with so many groceries. 6. My brother enjoys his life in the military. He likes not only the combat but also the opportunity to help in different parts of the world. 7. The soldiers always have to be extra careful when their practice exercises include live fire. 8. When we go camping, we have to fold a lot of our equipment including our tent and sleeping bags in order to fit everything into the trunk. 9. When I went to visit my sister in Toronto I was lugging two very heavy suitcases. 10. Sitting on a plane all night makes me antsy because I am not good at doing nothing. 11. When I saw the President’s car drive by, I noticed it was an armored car with dark windows. 12. This is a very arduous class to take as you can expect at least four hours homework tonight. 13. It is hard to walk around the park with my brother as he strides along at a very fast pace. 14. I have three cousins in the army and now my brother is enlisting in the navy. 15. Many teachers enjoy practicing their craft and would rather teach than do any other job. 16. My older brother has always been a very cool dude. Listening for meaning 1. What kind of training exercise is in this audio? This is a live fire exercise.
2. Why do the soldiers need to be challenged by this kind of training? It gives them a challenge and allows them to practice all of their training.
© CBC 2013 Permission is granted reproduction of these pages for educational purposes only. For more information on copyright please see http://www.cbc.ca/permissions/ 19 3. Where has Corporal Nikoloyuk visited overseas with the military? He has been to Afghanistan, twice.
4. Why does he enjoy going overseas with the military? It’s exciting to be able to go and do his job.
5. How does Corporal Nikoloyuk’s wife feel about him going overseas? How do you know she feels this way? She doesn’t like it. Because he says, “ My wife is probably going to kill me…”
6. How did enlistment numbers in the military change in Edmonton in the last year? They have decreased from 250 to 80 in the last year.
7. Give two reasons why enlisting has decreased. Potential candidates are going to work in the oil patch and also there is no
current combat going on to attract people.
8. In your own words, describe how Benson Chow feels about the training exercises. He enjoys them because they are exciting and he likes to do what he is trained
for.
9. What reward do the soldiers receive for completing the training exercise? They get a Brigade Commander’s coin.
© CBC 2013 Permission is granted reproduction of these pages for educational purposes only. For more information on copyright please see http://www.cbc.ca/permissions/ 20 Listening strategies – Note taking Comment Benson Chow Adrienne Lamb – Journalist Colonel Anderson Corporal Nikoloyuk It is uncomfortable for him to squeeze into the small armored car. ✔ Soldiers need to be challenged physically and mentaly. ✔ Using live fire adds to the excitement of training. ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Going overseas is a great experience. ✔ My wife doesn’t like it when I go overseas. ✔ Firing canons is very exciting and satisfying. ✔ Training exercises are very hard work. ✔ ✔ This live fire training exercise was completed to a very high standard. ✔ Grammar – simple present Sample of possible answers 0:00 ADRIENNE LAMB Colonel Dave Anderson takes a slurp of coffee from his travel mug. 0:23 COLONEL ANDERSON It’s magnetic. Necessity is the mother of invention ‐ and they really don't want to piss off the boss by spilling his coffee again so we now have the very first magnetic lav cup holder. © CBC 2013 Permission is granted reproduction of these pages for educational purposes only. For more information on copyright please see http://www.cbc.ca/permissions/ 21 0:33 ADRIENNE LAMB We're rolling past fields, brush and big blue sky. It could be anywhere ‐ and that'S the point. Medics, engineers, infantry ‐ they'RE all here. And today the commander says they're going to war. Anderson reaches for a heavy green vest laden with ammo, knives and a first aid kit. 0:54 COLONEL ANDERSON So you’re going to hear some grunting and groaning cause I’m a big man in a small space here. This was not designed for a 6 foot 4 dude as I try to put on my battle rattle. ADRIENNE And this is a battle. The brigadier commander unfolds himself from the vehicle. 1:02 LAMB Stands, surveys and smiles. 1:16 COLONEL ANDERSON You know the troops love this, practice their craft." 1:28 COLONEL ANDERSON So they need to be physically challenged and they NEED to be mentally challenged. Things NEED to be arduous. They NEED to have the war stories as it were, to tell from training as we have from war. This IS meant to be hard and they'RE craving that. They want the challenge and that's what ‘train to excite’ IS about. Use for the simple present Transcript Habitual actions in the present Timeless truths need have (2) want To indicate states, using be and stative verbs have (1) is In the subordinate clause when the main clause © CBC 2013 Permission is granted reproduction of these pages for educational purposes only. For more information on copyright please see http://www.cbc.ca/permissions/ 22 contains a future time verb To describe the future when an event is scheduled A demonstration or procedure try Present speech act – when speaking completes the action. Narration of past stories says unfolds takes stands surveys smiles Pronunciation – Linking sounds 2:42 ADRIENNE LAMB But what will that be? That's the question being asked by members in the military now and Canadians who might be looking to sign up. Take Edmonton for example. Military stats show the number of people walking into the recruitment office and enlisting is down. From about 250 ‐ to just 80 last year. A third of what it was just seven years ago. At the same time, the military is studying the number of members getting out and why they're leaving. Anderson says there are many reasons. From the lure of big money in the oil patch to the lack of an obvious fight. © CBC 2013 Permission is granted reproduction of these pages for educational purposes only. For more information on copyright please see http://www.cbc.ca/permissions/ 23 Reading Activity Pre‐reading vocabulary 1. granted F A. an abrupt or unexpected change of opinion 2. timeline B B. a schedule or calendar of planned events 3. appetite H C. simple or inexperienced 4. turnaround A D. proud to be male, or masculine 5. macho D 6. naïve C E. letting people be part of something and making everyone feel welcome F. given or agreed to 7. hesitated K G. of great importance 8. coming out I H. willingness to agree to or liking something 9. monumental G/M I.
10. inclusiveness E J.
11. diversity L A strong and adverse reaction by a large number of people K. to hold back or delay 12. sprawling N L. acceptance and respect of people who are different 13. backlash J M. very important 14. vital M/G openly saying you are gay N. Spread out over a large area Reading for meaning 1. Canadian Forces Base Edmonton is the first base in Canada to fly a rainbow flag. True or False 2.
John McDougall requested the rainbow flag be raised a few years ago. True or False 3.
McDougall has noticed a change in attitudes since he joined the military. True or False © CBC 2013 Permission is granted reproduction of these pages for educational purposes only. For more information on copyright please see http://www.cbc.ca/permissions/ 24 4.
In 1993, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guaranteed gay and lesbian people could join the military. True or False 5.
The rainbow flag is a symbol for LGBT people. True or False 6.
McDougall believes that flying the flag is an important symbol that shows the military is an inclusive organization. True or False 7.
Most people at the Edmonton base have not been supportive of flying the rainbow flag. True or False 8.
The Canadian military wants to reflect wider Canadian values. True or False 9.
McDougall attended the flag raising ceremony with his partner. True or False Reading strategies Answers may vary VERB (WHAT) SUBJECT (WHO/WHAT) have changed times Sentence: Times have changed greatly since my parents came to Canada in 1951. will remain it – the flag Sentence: The flag will remain flying for the whole month. promotes Canadian Forces © CBC 2013 Permission is granted reproduction of these pages for educational purposes only. For more information on copyright please see http://www.cbc.ca/permissions/ 25 Sentence: The Canadian Forces promotes women in the armed forces. understand We – the people in the military Sentence: We understand that some soldiers find it more exciting to train with live fire. willing the base commander Sentence The base commander is willing to allow visitors to visit the base every Labour Day weekend. Writing activity – Details of the rainbow flag raising ceremony held in Edmonton Raised at an Alberta military base ceremony w/ military leaders & non military personnel Request for ceremony made by John McDougall McDougal surprised to see ceremony happen so quickly How attitudes to gay and lesbian soldiers have changed over the past 23 years. McDougall has noticed: •
•
•
•
•
Impact of the 1992 Charter of Rights and Freedoms challenge on gay & lesbian Macho attitudes meant gay soldiers had to hide their sexuality in the 1980s and start of the 1990’s Gay soldiers were in military but did not acknowledge 1192 Charter challenge made it legal to be gay in army but stil not comfortable for gay soldiers Late 1990s things began to change 2013 Gay pride flag raised 1192 Charter challenge many gay and lesbian people could legally be part of the military – however note not all LGBT people felt confident in admitting their sexuality. © CBC 2013 Permission is granted reproduction of these pages for educational purposes only. For more information on copyright please see http://www.cbc.ca/permissions/ 26 people in the military Rainbow flag id a symbol for LGBT people flying this flag shows that LGBT people are included in an organization such as the military – it is a sign of “inclusiveness and diversity” The rainbow flag ‐ as a symbol for LGBT people Canadian values = The values the military is trying to promote through the flag raising ceremony. •
•
•
“inclusiveness” “equality” “dignity” © CBC 2013 Permission is granted reproduction of these pages for educational purposes only. For more information on copyright please see http://www.cbc.ca/permissions/ 27 Appendix – Transcript SPEAKER TRAINING TO EXCITE 0:00 Adrienne Colonel Dave Anderson takes a slurp of coffee from his travel mug. Lamb 0:08 Colonel From the coolest cup holder on the coolest car on the planet. Anderson 0:12 Adrienne Lamb 0:23 Colonel Anderson 0:33 Adrienne Lamb 0:54 1:02 Colonel Adrienne And this is a battle. The Brigadier Commander unfolds himself from the vehicle. Colonel Adrienne Lamb 1:28 Colonel 1:49 Stand, surveys and smiles. You know the troops love this, practice their craft." Dozens of soldiers trying to pick off big black targets you can barely see 200 meters away. Lamb So they need to be physically challenged and they need to be mentally challenged. Things need to be arduous. They need to have the war stories as it were, to tell from training as we have from war. This is meant to be hard and they're craving that. They want the challenge and that's what ‘Train to excite’ is about. Part of that excitement ‐ live ammunition. In past years, they just used it for a couple of days. This year… Colonel Ten days of live fire. So what makes it different is they’ve been live rounds up the Anderson 1:41 We're rolling past fields, brush and big blue sky. It could be anywhere ‐ and that's the point. Medics, engineers, infantry ‐ they're all here. And today the commander says they're going to war. Anderson reaches for a heavy green vest laden with ammo, knives and a first aid kit. Anderson Anderson 1:21 It’s magnetic. Necessity is the mother of invention ‐ and they really don't want to piss off the boss by spilling his coffee again so we now have the very first magnetic LAV cup holder. So you’re going to hear some grunting and groaning cause I'm a big man in a small space here. This was not designed for a 6 foot 4 dude as I try to put on my battle rattle. Lamb 1:16 This car is a LAV, a light armoured vehicle rumbling down a muddy dirty road. And the cup holder ‐ a gift from his troops. Magnetic? Adrienne © CBC 2013 Permission is granted reproduction of these pages for educational purposes only. For more information on copyright please see http://www.cbc.ca/permissions/ 28 1:56 Anderson spout. All the threats are live, all the responses are live. Adrienne And Corporal Patrick Nikoloyuk (NICK‐o‐lie‐ic) is loving it. The 28 year old is from BC and he did two tours in Afghanistan. Lamb 2:04 2:20 Corporal Nikoloyuk I've been around the guys before overseas. It’s nice ‐ nice to see them being able to go out there and do their job and actually being this close and hearing their gun drills. Live fire is always … you're going to have your heart racing. Adrienne And when you ask the corporal what he’s hoping for next… Lamb 2:23 Corporal Nikoloyuk 2:42 Adrienne Lamb 3:18 Colonel Anderson 3:35 Adrienne Lamb My wife is probably going to kill me in saying this but I hope we go somewhere's else. Why? Excitement ‐ being able to go out there and do my job. I'm sure the guys back there, with all the planning, they'll find something exciting for us to go out and try. But what will that be? That's the question being asked by members in the military now and Canadians who might be looking to sign up. Take Edmonton for example. Military stats show the number of people walking into the recruitment office and enlisting is down. From about 250 ‐ to just 80 last year. A third of what it was just seven years ago. At the same time, the military is studying the number of members getting out and why they're leaving. Anderson says there are many reasons. From the lure of big money in the oil patch to the lack of an obvious fight. Are there some soldiers who are purely motivated by what comes with combat? Certainly there are and if those come or go that's fine. The way I look at it is I have 20% that will stay in the army no matter what happens to them. There are 20% that are going to get out of the army no matter how they entice them. My focus is on the 60%. That focus includes Benson Chow. The bombardier and his team now bring out the big guns. They scramble to load another round into their Howitzer, five of these modern day canons going off. Each group being scored for time and accuracy. Chow watches the white smoke circle out of the barrel. 4:04 Benson Chow Definitely got the blood flowing. After a while we have kind of been sitting around waiting for something to happen, lugging around all these bullets on the backs of our trucks and not actually shooting. I think all the guys are getting a little bit antsy so it's good to actually get out and do what we're trained to do. 4:21 Adrienne Lamb He shivers and snuggles his green helmet down a bit further. Chow's from Southern Ontario, and admits he's not used to the windy prairies. Benson Chow Waking up cold, sleeping in a tent, do a sentry shift, go back try warm up before you 4:30 © CBC 2013 Permission is granted reproduction of these pages for educational purposes only. For more information on copyright please see http://www.cbc.ca/permissions/ 29 get up, and you wake up to a meal in a bag. 4:39 Adrienne Lamb 4:51 Colonel Anderson 4:54 Adrienne Lamb 5:01 Colonel Anderson This back to basics feel ‐ all part of Colonel Anderson's plan. Dave Anderson strides across the field to a group of soldiers. They snap to attention around their gun. "So how cool was that?" He chats them up and then opens his massive hand, in it a shiny Brigade Commanders coin. The coin is to mark excellence and ‐ that was freaking excellent. So – Sergeant Ingram... forward... 5:07 Adrienne Lamb Forward to receive honours. An exciting end to this day of training. For whatever mission may lie ahead. In Wainwright, Alberta, I'm Adrienne Lamb. © CBC 2013 Permission is granted reproduction of these pages for educational purposes only. For more information on copyright please see http://www.cbc.ca/permissions/ 30