famous greeks and americans essay contest€¦ · · 2009-07-09george exadaktylos, coordinator,...

website: http://www.hau.gr email: [email protected]

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Famous Greeks and Americans

Essay ContestOctober 2008 - February 2009

2 © Copyright Hellenic American Union 2008. These materials are photocopiable for classroom use.

Many thanks to the following people for their enthusiasm and support for this project:

U.S. Embassy AthensGloria Berbena, Cultural Attaché

Vasilis Tsiboukis, Co-Director, U.S. Information Resource Center, Public Affairs

Hellenic American UnionEleni Alexiou, Examination Support Center

Stefanos Bacigkal, Director, Division of Planning, Research, and Information Technology

George Exadaktylos, Coordinator, Center for Applied Linguistics and Language Studies

Catherine Georgopoulou, Associate Director, Center for Applied Linguistics and Language Studies

Mary Kontaratou, Director, Division of Financial Services

Maria Lionoudaki, Examination Support Center

Ira Papadopoulou, Director, Division of Cultural Affairs

Nikos Pylarinos, Associate Director, Examination Services

Elena Xanthi, Coordinator, Educational Publications

Many thanks to the writers, voice actors, proofreaders and others who contributed to the development and

production of these materials:

Denis Cheng

Triantafyllos Kalogeridis

Marianna Katsaounou

Anne Nebel

Michael Onushco

John Petropoulos

Michael Robbs

Alexander Sergeant

Alexandra Tsakogianni

Lyn Waldie

Copyright © Hellenic American Union, 2008

3© Copyright Hellenic American Union 2008. These materials are photocopiable for classroom use.

Contents of the materials:

ECCE Listening Part 2a: The Benaki Museum (Greek theme)ECCE Listening Part 2b: The Freedom Trail (American theme)ECCE Grammar PracticeECCE Vocabulary PracticeECCE Reading Task 1a: Rigas FeraiosECCE Reading Task 1b: Thomas JeffersonECCE Reading Task 2a: Activities in commemoration of the 1821 War of IndependenceECCE Reading Task 2b: Historic sites in PennsylvaniaECCE Reading Task 3a: Pedion Areos eventsECCE Reading Task 3b: Statue of Liberty and Ellis IslandECCE Writing 1: Leaders to rememberECCE Writing 2: What makes a hero?ECCE Speaking 1: Choosing a special historical event to discussECCE Speaking 2: Choosing a famous American to present


ECCE Listening part 2a: The Benaki Museum

Imagine you are listening to the radio. You are going to hear someone from a radio station interviewing a tour guide at the Benaki Museum in Athens for a radio program called “Visiting Greece”.

First, you will hear some information about the Benaki Museum.•Then, you will learn more about a museum exhibit. •Next, you will hear about some of the works in the galleries.•Finally, you will hear information about paintings and heirlooms of 1821 revolutionary heroes.•

You will hear the interview in several parts. After each part you will hear some questions. There are 3 answer choices for each question. You select, from the three answer choices, the best answer to the question. If you want to, you may take notes as you listen.

Now, you will hear the beginning of the first interview. For this part, there will not be any actual test questions. The questions that follow this part are examples only.

Example 1: What is Mr. Michalis Stergiou going to talk about?arranging tours of the Benaki MuseumA. an overview of the entire Benaki MuseumB. one of the galleries in the Benaki MuseumC.

The correct answer is C: one of the galleries in the Benaki Museum.

Now we will continue the interview. Remember, after each section of the interview you will hear 2 to 4 questions. You will have 12 seconds to mark your answers to each question. Mark your answers on the separate answer sheet. There will be 20 questions, numbered 1-20. Are there any questions before we begin? Now, let’s continue. Listen carefully to the interview.

You may take notes here.

NOTES


1. A. Sunday B. Monday C. Tuesday

2. A. at Syntagma Square B. next to the National Gardens C. opposite the National Gardens

3. A. one B. two C. three

4. A. upcoming exhibits at the Benaki Museum B. the new Benaki Museum C. statues of heroes

5. A. at the new Benaki Museum only B. in the Psiri area C. throughout Greece

6. A. on the ground floor B. on the first floor C. on the third floor

7. A. a portrait B. glasses C. songs 8. A. at the back of two window displays B. between two window displays C. in front of two window displays

9. A. on its own B. with Ipsilandis’ tomb C. with Miaoulis’ statue

10. A. the area it belonged to B. the words written on it C. who made it

11. A. Kolokotroni’s cup B. Kolokotroni’s plate C. Kolokotroni’s portrait

12. A. two B. three C. five

13. A. to gather money for the revolution B. to inform the Europeans about the Greek

revolution C. to make the heroes popular in Europe

14. A. when the war began B. when he was about to die C. when his son went to see him

15. A. everything he had B. his house C. nothing

16. A. in spring B. in summer C. in winter

17. A. battle scenes B. Greek landscapes C. portraits of the heroes

18. A. to improve the appearance of a palace B. to inform the future generations C. to sell them to Greeks living abroad

19. A. because the original paintings are in Germany

B. because the original paintings were lost during the revolution

C. because the original paintings were destroyed during World War II

20. A. a portrait of a well-known Greek hero B. the positive side of the revolution C. the suffering of a revolutionary soldier


ECCE Listening part 2b: The Freedom Trail

INSTRUCTIONS: Imagine you are listening to the radio. You are going to hear someone from a radio station interviewing 3 people along the Freedom Trail in Boston.

First, you will hear some background information on the American Revolution.•Then, you will hear about the historical sites to visit on the Freedom Trail.•Next, your will hear about some tips for visiting the Freedom Trail.•Finally, you will hear about some museums to visit here in Boston. •

You will hear the interview in several parts. After each part you will hear some questions. There are 3 answer choices for each question. You should select, from the three answer choices, the best answer to the question. If you want to, you may take notes as you listen.

Now, you will hear the beginning of the first interview. For this part, there will not be any actual test questions. The questions that follow this part are examples only.

Example 1: Where are they broadcasting from now?The Boston CommonsA. The Freedom TrailB. WBOS Radio StationC.

The correct answer is A: The Boston Commons.

Example 2: What did the colonists view as tyranny?ParliamentA. taxationB. the expense of warC.

The correct answer is B: taxation.

Now we will continue the interview. Remember, after each section of the interview you will hear 2 to 4 questions. You will have 12 seconds to mark your answers to each question. Mark your answers on the separate answer sheet. There will be 20 questions, numbered 21-40. Are there any questions before we begin? Now, let’s continue. Listen carefully to the interview.

You may take notes here.

NOTES


21. A. 1770 B. 1773 C. 1775

22. A. Bostonians B. Mohawk Indians C. The East India Company

23. A. The Battle of Bunker Hill B. The Boston Massacre C. The Boston Tea Party

24. A. Boston Commons B. Old South Meeting House C. Philadelphia

25. A. a large park B. grass for cows C. training ground for soldiers

26. A. 5 B. 16 C. 44

27. A. a church B. a school C. a tavern

28. A. Faneuil Hall B. New State House C. Old State House

29. A. Faneuil Hall B. New State House C. Old State House

30. A. a market and meeting place B. British Government headquarters C. a tax collection office

31. A. merchant B. messenger C. silversmith

32. A. by foot B. by sea C. on horseback

33. A. 1680 B. 1723 C. 1775

34. A. Anglican B. Catholic C. Puritan

35. A. by a ranger-guided walking tour B. by a self-guided walking tour C. by a trolley tour

36. A. a few hours B. one hour C. one hour and a half

37. A. Faneuil Hall B. North End C. Quincy Market

38. A. Gardner Museum B. Peabody Museum C. Science Museum




GRAMMAR

Greece ______ as an independent country, 41. with the Arta-Volos line as its northern border, in 1830.A. definedB. was being definedC. was definedD. was defining

42. _____ Greece's classical past, there was tremendous sympathy for the Greek cause throughout Europe.

A. Because B. Due to C. Since D. Unlike

43. Overall, 59 fire ship attacks were carried out during the Greek revolution, _____ 39 were successful.

A. of which B. of whom C. of who D. whose

44. Ottoman occupation brought about ______of many monuments and documents as well as heavy taxation.

A. destroying B. destructive C. the destruction D. to destroy

44. Many Greeks _____ administrative positions in the central Ottoman administration of the 17th century.

A. have held B. held C. were held D. were holding

45. The Greek Patriarch of Constantinople, Gregorios V, was accused of _____ perjury and treason.

A. being committed B. committed C. having been committed D. having committed

46. By the end of the Napoleonic Wars in 1815, Greece _____ from centuries of isolation.

A. had re-emerged B. re-emerged C. would re-emerge D. would have re-emerged

47. If the Greeks _____ the advantage of superiority at sea, it would have been difficult for the rebellion to survive.

A. couldn’t have B. didn’t have C. hadn’t had D. haven’t had

48. Ali Pasha's rebellion against the Sultan in 1820 gave the Greeks the opportunity they _____ for.

A. have been waiting B. had been waiting C. waited D. will be waiting

49. Nafplion was _____ the seat of the revolutionary administration and the first capital of the newly formed nation of Greece in 1828.

A. also B. and C. besides D. both

50. ______ a true patriot, Andreas Miaoulis spent almost all of his wealth on the struggle for Greek independence.

A. Being B. Having been C. To be D. To have been

51. The Battle of Navarino on October 20, 1827, was a _____ naval battle in the War of Greek Independence against the Ottoman Empire.

A. decision B. decidedly C. decided D. decisive

GRAMMAR, VOCABULARY, READING COMPREHENSION SECTION (GVR)


53. By the end of 1824, the Peloponnese ______.

A. had been effectively liberated B. had effectively liberated C. has effectively liberated D. effectively liberated

54. _____ the revolt in Macedonia failed, it proved very helpful as it engaged a number of the Ottoman Empire forces in Macedonia.

A. Although B. As a result C. However D. Provided

55. Rigas Velestinlis (1757-1798) helped foster Greek patriotism _____ to the revolt against Ottoman domination.

A. that leads B. which led C. who leads D. whom led

56. In 1750, Benjamin Franklin ________ an experiment to prove that lightning is electricity by flying a kite in a lightening storm.

A. has conducted B. was conducting C. conducted D. conducts

57. Hippies used folk music and psychedelic rock as a way of ________ their lifestyle.

A. expressed B. expressing C. expression D. expressive

58. Huckleberry Finn is a book about a young boy’s belief in doing the right thing ________ how others may feel.

A. even though B. despite C. in spite of D. unless

59. Helen Keller was _________ deaf and blind, but she went on to become a famous international speaker.

A. also B. both C. therefore D. while

60. The success of professional golfer Tiger Woods, who is multiracial, has prompted a rise ________ interest in the game of golf among minorities.

A. by B. for C. in D. of

61. Liberty is a political philosophy in which individuals can act according to their own ________.

A. claim B. demand C. plea D. will

62. The Greek women from Souli danced the dance of Zalongo and killed themselves one by one to avoid ______ by the enemy.

A. being captured B. captured C. capturing D. to be captured

63. Today in Zalongo _____ statues to honor the women who sacrificed their lives there.

A. there are B. these are C. they are D. will be

64. No one could have believed that Kolokotronis, who was the symbol of heroism in the War of Independence, would have had _____ unjust end.

A. a so B. a such C. so an D. such an

65. ______ that Athanasios Diakos had gathered to delay the Ottoman Empire forces who were moving southwards to the Peloponnese.

A. Few Greeks were B. Few were the Greeks C. The few Greeks were D. Were the Greeks few


66. On the bridge of Alamana, Athanasios Diakos _____ the Ottoman Empire forces in April, 1821.

A. fight B. fought C. had fought D. has fought

67. Athanasios Diakos wished _____ more men to fight the enemy.

A. having had B. he had had C. he would have D. to have had

68. Neither the number of Ottomans _____ the lack of organization of Greeks prevented the Greeks from starting the War of Independence.

A. and B. nor C. not D. or

69. The Greeks with the Revolution of 1821 put an end to a _____ occupation of Greece by the Ottoman Empire.

A. four-hundred-year B. four hundred year of C. four hundred years D. four hundred years of

70. ______ an important role in organizing the revolution but he was also a good general.

A. Did Makriyannis not only play B. Makriyiannis only played C. Not only did Makriyannis play D. Only Makriyannis played

71. Papaflessas was one of many clergymen _____ played an active role in the

Revolution. A. when B. which C. who D. whose

72. Remember _____ Paul Vrellis’ wax museum when you go to Giannena to see many of the heroes of the War of Independence.

A. that you visit B. to visit C. visiting D. you visit

73. Hydra, Spetses and Psara played an important role in the Revolution _____ turning their many trading ships into fighting ships.

A. because B. by C. how D. why

74. Bouboulina would not have been able to help the Greeks in the Revolution as much as she did if she _____ her ships and fortune.

A. did not have B. had not had C. has not had D. would not have

75. The struggle of the Greeks for their independence _____ have been more

difficult if Greeks from other countries had not helped.

A. can’t B. must C. should D. would

VOCABULARY

76. There were numerous failed _____ at regaining independence throughout the history of the Ottoman occupation of Greece.

A. attempts B. challenges C. energies D. tries

77. The early successes of the Greek fleet _______ greatly to the success of the uprising in the Peloponnese.

A. contributed B. donated C. provided D. supplied

78. Mani _____ autonomous during the Ottoman occupation of Greece.

A. continued B. insisted C. maintained D. remained


79. A heavy _____ of taxation was placed on the Christian peasantry.

A. burden B. weight C. load D. trouble

80. The Orthodox Church assisted in preserving the Greek _____.

A. birthright B. heritage C. inheritance D. property

81. In the 18th century, the Ottomans increasingly _____ Greeks who had the necessary administrative skills.

A. engaged B. recruited C. registered D. occupied

82. The monasteries of Meteora and elsewhere kept the Greek Orthodox religious traditions and Hellenic culture _____ during the Ottoman occupation of Greece.

A. living B. lively C. live D. alive

83. The leaders in the “Filiki Etairia” held the firm _____ that armed force was the only effective means of liberation.

A. approach B. belief C. idea D. direction

84. The “Filiki Etairia” _____ members, raised money, and gathered weapons in the Greek communities of the Balkans.

A. connected B. enlisted C. joined D. related

85. The Ottoman defeat at Navarino _____ the sultan to accept the creation of an independent Greece in 1829.

A. forced B. made C. needed D. involved

86. The battle Athanasios Diakos gave against the Ottomans in 1821 can be _____ to the battle Leonidas, King of Sparta, had given against the Persians.

A. compared B. designed C. estimated D. imagined

87. Artists from different countries painted _____ from the Greek War of Independence.

A. contests B. roles C. scenes D. views

88. Solomos _____ the heroes of the Greek Revolution in the national anthem.

A. comprises B. notifies C. praises D. regards

89. Many rich Greeks _____ money to the Greek struggle for independence.

A. borrowed B. donated C. gathered D. saved

90. If the Greeks had been unified, they would have _____their independence earlier.

A. absorbed B. fought C. gained D. made

91. When Odysseas Androutsos was _____ that the Ottomans were going to attack the inn in Gravia, where he and his men were staying, he decided to escape with them.

A. claimed B. informed C. mentioned D. suggested

92. Odysseas Androutsos and his men successfully escaped from the inn in Gravia which had been _______ by the Ottomans.

A. circulated B. hugged C. surrounded D. tolerated


93. Many poets and writers were _____ by the Greek Revolution and wrote about it.

A. expired B. inspired C. prescribed D. subscribed

94. Most of the army generals in the Greek Revolution were members of “Filiki Eteria,” which had been _____ twenty-four years before the Revolution started.

A. established B. fastened C. maintained D. rested

95. Makrigiannis _____ the fact that the Greeks were not unified during and after the War of Independence.

A. haunted B. resented C. scared D. suffered

96. Women in the United States were not given the ________ to vote until 1920.

A. approval B. permission C. reason D. right

97. Some people argue that individualist goals are not selfish so long as they do not ________ others.

A. deny B. harm C. promote D. spoil

98. Meryl Streep made her film ________ in 1977 in the film Julia with Jane Fonda.

A. access B. debut C. entrance D. retreat

99. The Greek-American Andrews Sisters, setting ________ in the 1950s, are the best-selling female group in the history of popular music.

A. accounts B. critiques C. records D. reports

100. Michael Jordan is considered one of the greatest basketball players ________.

A. for the time being B. of all time C. to some degree D. without a break

101. Geronimo was an Apache Indian who bravely fought against American ________ to keep tribal lands for the Indians.

A. conservatives B. crowds C. radicals D. troops

102. Kennedy said: “Only those who ________ to fail greatly, can ever achieve greatly.”

A. dare B. develop C. inspire D. provoke

103. Benjamin Franklin _________ both the first public library and volunteer fire department in America.

A. created B. discovered C. nourished D. resisted

104. In August 1969, the Woodstock Music Festival, which was the highlight of the hippie movement, took ________ in Bethel, New York.

A. place B. position C. situation D. space

105. The ________ rights movement in the US started in 1955 when Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus to a white man.

A. civil B. compassionate C. fortunate D. polite

106. The 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, was an outspoken ________ of slavery.

A. competitor B. opponent C. participant D. rival


107. Starbucks Cafes got their start in Seattle, Washington, which has a reputation for ________ coffee consumption.

A. gloomy B. heavy C. silly D. upbeat

108. Pete Sampras showed ________ of outstanding athletic ability from the time he was a little boy.

A. clues B. drops C. signs D. tones

109. Leonardo DiCaprio is famous for his roles in ________ movies like Titanic.

A. blockbuster B. blueprint C. cakewalk D. goldmine

110. The animated cartoon, The Simpsons, is a satirical ________of the middle class American lifestyle.

A. microcosm B. panorama C. parody D. rhetoric


READING Task 1a: Rigas Feraios

Rigas Velestinlis was born in 1757 in the town Velestino of Magnesia in near the ruins of the ancient city of Feres. His birth name was "Rigas," a common name in the region. For his last name, according to the habit of scholars of his time, he adopted the name of the area where he was born.

Rigas Velestinlis studied at a school in Zagora, and when he was about 20 years old, he went to Constantinople where he worked near the Phanariotes and began to learn foreign languages. He lived through many important events in Europe which greatly influenced his thinking. The Orlof, the war be-tween Russia, Austria and the Ottoman Empire, and the aftermath of the French Revolution were important events that helped to shape his thinking. He was a true leader and rebel and never hesitated to publish his thoughts. He criticised the nobility titles that existed in Europe and wrote that true nobility lies within a man himself and not in the vain title he is born with.

Rigas started publishing his works in 1790 and wrote enthusiastic poems and books about Greek history which became very popular. He wrote in a simple language in order to be understood by the people. He managed to convey scientific concepts in common Greek in a fluent and polished style. He also empha-sized that his goal was for everybody to understand his writings, and he did not care to impress a handful of educated people who wrote in an archaic dialect that was difficult to understand.

Being a true revolutionary, Rigas gave priority to inspiring Greeks to take arms against the Ottoman Empire. The first thing he wanted was to raise their morale and then to encourage them to start a rebellion where their lives might be sacrificed. He also tried to make people understand the great legacy they had inherited from the ancient Greeks, the magnitude of the ancient Greek city-states—the bravery, the economic and political power of their forefathers.

In order to forward his revolutionary message, Rigas used music as well as his writings. He composed a war song with the title "Thourios" in which he wrote: "It's better to have an hour as a free man than forty years as a slave." The word “thourios” means intense, strong and spontaneous force in Ancient Greek. It was not commonly used in Rigas’ time, and he borrowed it from the Attic poets. Since that time, it has been recorded in Modern Greek vocabulary and has become synonymous with revolution and the pursuit of freedom.

111. What did Rigas’ last name refer to? A. his birthplace B. his family C. his school D. scholars of his time

112. According to the text, what influenced Rigas’ thinking?

A. books that he read B. developments in Europe C. the nobles of Europe D. the Phanariotes

113. What style of language did Rigas use in his writing?

A. archaic B. formal C. simple D. scientific

114. Why did Rigas use this style of language? A. to be understood by Europeans B. to be understood by everyone C. to make it easy to translate D. to show his knowledge to educated people

115. What did Rigas give priority to? A. the economic growth of the Greek cities B. the educational background of political

leaders C. the military preparation of common

people D. the psychological preparation of the

Greeks for revolution

116. What is the meaning of the word “thourios” in the ancient Greek tradition?

A. revolution against authority B. overwhelming force C. pursuit of freedom D. self-sacrifice


READING Task 1b: Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, was born in 1743 in Virginia into a wealthy fam-ily. As a political philosopher, he was a man of the Enlightenment. He supported the separation of church and state and was a powerful advocate of liberty. He achieved distinction as a horticulturist, statesman, architect, archaeologist, paleontologist, author, inventor, and the founder of the University of Virginia.

Jefferson was a persuasive writer, but he was no public speaker. He contributed his pen rather than his voice to the patriot cause. As the "silent member" of the Congress, Jefferson, at 33, wrote the Declaration of Independence in 1776. He followed Benjamin Franklin as Minister to France in 1785. He later became Secretary of State under President George Washington. His support of the French Revolution brought him into conflict with other members of Washington’s government. This conflict led to the establishment of two separate parties, the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans. Jefferson gradually assumed leadership of the Republicans, defending the right of states, while the Federalists wanted a strong centralized govern-ment.

As a Republican candidate for President in 1796, Jefferson lost by very few votes to John Adams. At that time however, according to the Constitution, Jefferson had enough electoral votes to become Vice President and took office in 1797. Four years later Jefferson was elected as the third president of the United States.

There were two major events during his presidency. In 1803 Jefferson bought the Louisiana Territory from Napoleon, adding over 2 million square kilometers of French territory to the nation. And from 1804 to 1806 Lewis and Clark made the first American overland expedition to the Pacific coast.

Thomas Jefferson died on July 4, 1826 the same day as John Adams, 50 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

117. What is the meaning of the word advocate in the first paragraph?

A. counselor B. investor C. resistor D. supporter

118. Why did Jefferson lose the presidential nomination in 1796?

A. He didn’t have enough votes. B. He wasn’t a good public speaker. C. He wasn’t a member of the Federalist

Party. D. The Constitution didn’t allow it.

119. Who was the second president of the United States?

A. Benjamin Franklin B. George Washington C. John Adams D. Thomas Jefferson

120. What did Jefferson NOT support? A. the French Revolution B. separation of church and state C. strong centralized government D. strong individual state government

121. In what year was Thomas Jefferson elected President of the United States?

A. 1793 B. 1796 C. 1801 D. 1803

122. What was important about buying the Louisiana Territory?

A. It expanded the United States to the Pacific coast.

B. It helped Lewis and Clark make an expedition.

C. It increased the size of the United States. D. It was bought from Napoleon.


INSTRUCTIONSHigh school teachers want to organize a school celebration to commemorate the beginning of the Greek War of Independence of 1821. They have come up with five different options. On the opposite page there is information about these options. Look at the options and answer the questions.

123. Which option allows students’ friends or parents to attend?

A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4

124. Which options focus on only one hero? A. 1,2 B. 1,3 C. 3,4 D. 4,5

125. For which option is the help of the music teacher required?

A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4

126. After which options will students need to do homework?

A. 1,5 B. 1,3 C. 3,4 D. 4,5

127. For which option will students need to have money?

A. 2 B. 3 C. 4 D. 5

128. Which option will give students information about heroes from other countries?

A. 1 B. 3 C. 4 D. 5

129. After which option will students need to cooperate to do their assignment?

A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 5

130. For which option is the help of the class teacher required?

A. 1 B. 2 C. 4 D. 5

131. Which option does not require the participation of any teacher?

A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4

132. Which option does not require any students to do any preparation before the event?

A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4

133. Which option are the students most likely to find old-fashioned?

A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4

134. For which option is the presence of the students not compulsory?

A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4

READING Task 2a: Activities in commemoration of the 1821 War of Independence


1.Students will meet at the school theater at 9 o’clock. The headmaster will give the usual traditional short talk on the revolution of 1821 and then the students will watch a film—the famous Greek movie "Papaflessas" with Dimitris Papamichail, Katia DandoulakiI and Alekos Alexandrakis, as shown on Greek TV. It is the story and adventures of the Greek priest Papaflessas, who was among the first people to start the War of Independence of 1821. For homework, the students will complete a worksheet which will be handed out to the students as they enter the school theater.

2.The school drama club will perform a play based on the biography of Miaoulis, who victoriously commanded the Greek Navy during the Greek War of Independence. The actors will be drama club members directed by members of the school staff. The school choir will accompany the play with songs connected to the revolution. The performance is free and will be given at night. All students are invited to attend. The play will also be open to the public.

3.Students will create a PowerPoint presentation with information on the heroes of the Greek War of Independence based on material they find on the Internet. Students will compare the personalities and achievements of the Greek heroes of 1821 with other heroes of the time in Europe and America to find similarities and differences. The presentation should include pictures to illustrate the points made. Students will work in pairs in the school computer lab to prepare their presentations with the help of an Information Science teacher.

4.Two students from each class will read a short biography of a revolutionary hero. They will mention how he or she helped during the revolution, how much his or her work was respected by Greeks at the time and what the Greek government has done to honor this hero. The work will be prepared in class with their teacher’s assistance. Two more people from each class will read poems connected with the revolution.

5.A school excursion will be organized. Accompanied by their teachers, students will go either to Spetses, Messolonghi or Aghia Lavra. Spetses was one of the first islands to raise the flag of the Revolution. There the students can visit Laskarina Bouboulina’s mansion. Messolonghi, in Western Greece, is a city that played an important role during the revolution. Today there is a park with the tombs of the heroes who sacrificed their lives for their country. Another suggestion is to visit the monastery of Aghia Lavra. The bishop, Paleon Patron Germanos, on 25th March, raised the historical flag of the revolution. This area is closely connected with the revolution. The students will need to pay for their accommodation and food. After the excursion students will be asked to do a home assignment. They will work in small groups to write a description of what they have seen.

Activities in commemoration of the 1821 War of Independence


READING Task 2b: Historic sites in Pennsylvania

INSTRUCTIONS: You are looking through a flyer of Historic Sites in the State of Pennsylvania. Read the questions, and then look through the flyer for the answers.

135. Which historic site can you only visit in the summer?

A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4

136. Where was the US Constitution signed? A. 2 B. 3 C. 4 D. 5

137. Which site is not located in Philadelphia? A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 4

138. Which texts mention when Philadelphia was occupied by the British?

A. 1 & 4 B. 2 & 3 C. 3 & 4 D. 2 & 5

139. Which site requires that you take a tour? A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 5

140. Where was the first free lending library in the United States?

A. 1 B. 2 C. 3 D. 5

141. At which sites can you see a video presentation?

A. 1 & 2 B. 1 & 5 C. 2 & 4 D. 2 & 5

142. At which sites can you buy souvenirs? A. 1 & 2 B. 1 & 4 C. 2 & 4 D. 2 & 5

143. Which sites offer audio tours? A. 1 & 2 B. 1 & 5 C. 2 & 4 D. 2 & 5

144. Where would you go if you wanted to see 18th century furniture?

A. 1, 2 & 3 B. 1, 2 & 5 C. 1, 3 & 5 D. 2, 3 & 5


1. Betsy Ross HouseVisit the home of Betsy Ross who sewed the first American flag. Betsy Ross was a Philadelphia Quaker, born in 1752, the 8th of 17 children. She eloped at 21 with John Ross. George Washington personally asked Betsy to sew the first flag. The Georgian-style house where Besty Ross lived was built in 1740. It has 2 ½ floors with 9 rooms. The house is filled with colonial-era furniture and artifacts.OPENSummer: 7 days a week, 10-5 pmWinter: Tuesday-Sunday 10-5 pmFee: $5 adults, $2 children, Audio tour $7Gift Shop: Postcards, jewelry, clothing, dolls239 Arch Street, Philadelphia

2. Valley ForgeVisit the site where General George Washington and his soldiers camped during the winter of 1777-78 while the British occupied Philadelphia. The soldiers arrived at the camp hungry, cold and ragged in December 1777. They left in June 1778 disciplined, self-confident, and dignified.See free exhibits and an 18-minute film. Free 40- minute ranger-led walking tours,2 hour ranger-led bike tours on weekends. $49 family rate. Self-guided tours on 18 miles of trail, CDs $12 Museum Shop: Books & Memorabilia Restaurant and Coffee ShopSummer only. Free.20 miles NW of Philadelphia.

3. Carpenters’ HallCarpenters' Hall hosted the First Continental Congress in 1774 to air the colonists’ grievances against King George III. It was home to the first free lending library started by Benjamin Franklin and the first bank in the United States. Built in 1770 by the Carpenters' Company to help its members develop architectural skills and to aid their families in times of need. During the Revolutionary War the Hall served as a hospital and an arsenal for American forces. The largest building in Philadelphia at the time, it is of Georgian style, with period piece furniture. Open year round. FreeChestnut Street, Philadelphia

4. Liberty BellVisit the Liberty Bell which rang on July 8, 1776, to announce the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence.Inscription: "Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof" - Lev. XXV, v. x. The Liberty Bell Center offers a video presentation and exhibits focusing on its origins and its modern day role as an international icon of freedom. The Liberty Bell is displayed in a magnificent glass chamber with Independence Hall in the background. Open year round 9-5 pm. Free.Market Street, Philadelphia

5. Independence HallVisit the site where the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution were signed. Built in 1732 as the Pennsylvania State House, it is considered a fine example of Georgian architecture. From 1775 to 1783 (except for the winter of 1777 - 1778 when Philadelphia was occupied by the British Army), this was the meeting place for the Second Continental Congress. Most of the furnishings are period pieces. March-December: Free timed ticket tour only. Brochures available.Chestnut Street, Philadelphia

Historic sites in Pennsylvania


145. What was the Pedion Areos named after? A. God Ares of the ancient religion B. Its use as a firing range C. The Greek revolution heroes D. Its location in the city

146. What events about the Independence War are presented in the activities section?

A. Sound and light shows B. Theatrical performances C. Lectures on the life of the heroes D. Documentaries on the events the first day

147. Why is “Agamemnon” mentioned in the text about Bouboulina?

A. It is a very large ship. B. It played an important part in the

revolution. C. It was Bouboulina’s favorite ship. D. She was the captain of that ship.

148. Why were the symbols on Bouboulina’s flag important?

A. They resembled a Byzantine flag. B. They showed her strong belief in the

revolution. C. They showed her wealth and power. D. They showed ownership of the ship.

149. What is true about the father of Theodoros Kolokotronis?

A. He served in the Russian army. B. He died when he was fifteen. C. He died fighting for freedom. D. He knew how to organize a modern army.

150. What is true about Theodoros Kolokotronis? A. He had little military experience before

the revolution. B. His leadership skills had shown at a

young age. C. He left Zakynthos after the beginning of

the war. D. He was well educated.

151. Why was he called “The Old Man of the Morea” according to the text?

A. He was fifty when he joined the revolution.

B. He was too old to be actively involved in warfare.

C. He was respected for his abilities. D. He was rather old when he died.

152. What is true about Makriyannis’s early life according to the text?

A. He came from a wealthy family. B. His father was very strict with him. C. He suffered a lot in his childhood. D. He decided to change his name.

153. What did he do after liberation according to the text?

A. He contributed a lot to the political life of the early Greek state.

B. He withdrew from public life and wrote his memoirs.

C. He became interested in reading contemporary literature.

D. He became interested in increasing his wealth.

154. Why are Makriyannis’s memoirs important? A. They present his views on people and

events. B. They offer an unbiased historical record

of the period. C. They give us a written record of the

popular language of the time. D. They are generally considered highly

poetic.

READING Task 3a: Pedion Areos events

INSTRUCTIONS: On the opposite page is information on the Pedion Areos events. Read the information and answer the questions below.


Pedion Areos events Foreign visitors are invited to join the activities that will take place at the Pedion Areos Park in Athens during July to commemorate the Greek War of Independence of 1821 and the nation's triumph. Pedion Areos is literally an oasis right in the center of the city. The park was once a firing range and was appropriately named for Ares, the god of war. It was created in 1935 on 67.5 acres of land and is decorated with statues of heroes from the Greek Revolution of 1821.

Summer activities in the parkOn March 25, 1821, Bishop Germanos of Patras hoisted the Greek flag at the monastery of Aghia Lavra in the Peloponnese, an act that marked the beginning of the War of Independence. Hellenes had decided to end the Ottoman tyranny or to die. Outnumbered 10 to 1 by the enemy, they declared “Liberty or Death”. This year in July, the city of Athens uses fantastic lighting, gigantic images and a rich tapestry of words, music and sound to tell the story of the nation. Three times a night, in four different languages, one of the heroes of the War of Independence plays the role of storyteller, narrating in their own dramatic way the history of the War. Call ahead to check the time of the performance you want to attend. Admission is free. Read below about the heroes who come to life and tell their stories in the park.

BouboulinaThe year 1811 finds Laskarina Bouboulina twice widowed and the mother of seven children, but at the same time, extremely rich from the fortunes of ships, land and cash inherited from her husbands. She became partner in several Spetsiot vessels and in time managed to build three of her own. Among these was the famous Agamemnon, the first and largest Greek fighting ship of the 1821 War of Independence. On March 13, 1821, twelve days before the official beginning of the War of Independence, the first flag was raised on Spetses by Bouboulina on the main mast of the Agamemnon, and was saluted with cannon fire in front of Spetses harbor. Bouboulina's flag depicted her passion for freedom. It showed an eagle with an anchor at one foot and a phoenix rising from the flames at the other. This symbolises the rebirth of the nation with the help of the naval forces which are represented on the flag by the anchor. Her flag was similar to that of the Byzantine emperor Comnenos. On April

3rd, Spetses revolted, and a few days later Hydra and Psara followed.

KolokotronisTheodoros Kolokotronis was born in Messenia, and grew up in Arcadia. His father, Constantine Kolokotronis, took part in an armed rebellion which was supported by Catherine the Great of Russia and was killed in a battle along with two of his brothers. Theodoros joined the ranks of a Peloponnesian fighting band and by the age of fifteen was the leader ("kapetanios") of his own group. He took service on a series of ships in the Russian fleet in the Russo-Turkish War. After 1810, he served in a corps of Greek infantry in the English service on Zakynthos. Kolokotronis returned to the mainland just prior to the outbreak of the war in order to train and organize local fighters into something resembling a modern army. In May, he was named commanding general. He was only 50-years-old by this time, but it was the respect he commanded from others because of his determination, patience, military acumen and bravery in battle that contributed to his nickname "The Old Man of the Morea" rather than his age. Theodoros Kolokotronis died in 1843 in Athens. In the twilight of his life, Kolokotronis had learned to write in order to complete his memoirs.

Yannis MakriyannisYannis Makriyannis was born Ioannis Triantafyllou, son of a poor family in Avoriti in Eastern Greece. Makriyannis (Long John) was a nickname he ac-quired because of his height. His father, Dimitris Triantafyllou, was killed in a clash with the forces of Ali Pasha. At age seven, he was given as a foster son to a wealthy man from Levadeia, but the menial labour and beatings he endured were, in his own words, "his death". He joined the Greek struggle for independence when he was a teenager and he led his men to notable victories. Despite his remarkable public career after Greek independence, General Makriyannis is mostly remembered for his memoirs. Although the General's objectivity has often been questioned, his text gives the heroic atmosphere of the War of Independence and is a treasure-house of linguistic knowledge concerning the common Greek tongue of the time, Demotic Greek. Indeed, its literary quality led Nobel laureate Giorgos Seferis to call Makriyannis one of the greatest masters of Modern Greek prose.


INSTRUCTIONS: You are looking at a brochure describing The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island National Park in New York. Look at the questions below, and then skim through the information on the opposite page to find the answers to the questions.

155. What percentage of today’s Americans had ancestors who came through Ellis Island?

A. 2% B. 12% C. 40% D. 58%

156. When was the Statue of Liberty put in place? A. 1776 B. 1886 C. 1892 D. 1986

157. Where is Ellis Island located? A. Liberty Island B. Manhattan C. New York Harbor D. Queens, New York

158. How much does it cost for one adult to go to the Statue of Liberty?

A. Free B. $9.50 C. $11.50 D. $23.00

159. When did most immigrants come to America? A. 1855-1890 B. 1855-1954 C. 1880-1924 D. 1892-1954

160. When is the National Park closed? A. On Christmas B. On July 4th C. On New Years Day D. Never

161. Where can you find information on your ancestors who came through Ellis Island?

A. at the exhibits B. in the database C. in a special gallery D. in the immigration museum

162. When would you visit Ellis Island if you wanted to attend both the theatrical program and genealogy workshop?

A. Any time B. March-October C. Spring D. Summer

163. When did the building that we see on Ellis Island today open?

A. October 28, 1886 B. January 1, 1892 C. June 16, 1897 D. December 17, 1900

164. What does the inscription on the tablet that the Statue of Liberty holds signify?

A. the date of American Independence B. the meaning of enlightenment C. the seven seas and continents D. the path to liberty

READING Task 3b: Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island


Statue of Liberty and Ellis IslandLocated on Liberty Island, the Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World was a gift of friendship from the people of France to the people of the United States and is a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. Nearby Ellis Island was the immigration center for relatives of over 40% of the today’s population in the United States.

Location & Fees New York Harbor, about 1 mile from Manhattan. Accessible by ferry service only 9:30-5 pm. Open daily year-round. A "time-pass" is required to enter the monuments and is available free from the ferry company.$11.50 Ages 13+ $9.50 Seniors 62 and over $4.50 Children 4-12Food concessions located on both Liberty Island and Ellis Island. Picnic areas.

Statue of LibertyActivitiesSelf-guided tours with brochure.Audio tours are $6 (available in several languages).Free 45 -minute ranger-led tours.Student tours: 1 teacher per 10 students.

HistoryThe Statue of Liberty celebrated her 100th birthday on October 28, 1986. The people of France gave the Statue to the people of the United States in recognition of the friendship established during the American Revolution. The Statue of Liberty symbolizes freedom, democracy and international friendship.

Statue FactsThe Statue of Liberty is made of copper, but has naturally oxidized to have a green “patina.” The tablet held in the Statue's left hand is inscribed with the date of American Independence, July 4, 1776, in Roman numerals. The seven spikes on the crown represent the seven seas and continents of the world. The torch is a symbol of enlightenment, lighting the way to freedom, showing us the path to Liberty. There are 154 steps from the pedestal to the head and 25

windows in the crown. Museum and exhibits are located in the pedestal. Both the crown and torch are closed to the public.

Ellis IslandActivitiesSee all 3 floors at your own pace on a self-guided tour. Allow several hours. Audio tours are $6 (available in several languages).Free ranger-guided tour. "Island of Hope, Island of Tears": 30-minute film and 15 minute talk is shown every hour in two theaters. Each theater seats 140 people. Tickets are required and available for free.

American Immigration History CenterGo through the many galleries in the main building or search the database to find your ancestors (also available on-line). Theatrical Program. See actors bring to life the experiences shared by millions of immigrants who came to the New World through Ellis Island. 30-minutes. Summer only.

Genealogy WorkshopA free workshop for visitors who wish to research their family immigration history is offered each month from March - October. Learn how to gather, interpret and use historical data to trace family histories.

HistoryFrom 1892 to 1954, over 12 million people came through Ellis Island. Immigration was at its peak from 1880 to 1924. From 1855 to 1890, the individual states controlled immigration and New York State alone received about 8 million immigrants, mostly from Northern Europe. Immigration increased with immigrants from Southern and Central Europe, so the US Government opened Ellis Island on January 1, 1892. On June 15, 1897, the original building was destroyed by fire and all records were lost. The building we see today was opened on December 17, 1900. Only third class passengers were required to undergo the 3-5 hour health and legal inspection process at Ellis Island. 2% were not admitted.


WRITING 1: Leaders

ESSAY: Write an essay describing the qualities you consider important in a leader and explain why these qualities are important. Give an example of a leader you feel has these qualities.

WRITING 2: Heroes

ESSAY: Write an essay on the qualities that you believe make a person a hero and why these qualities are important.

Scholastic Times Newsletter“Leaders to Remember” Project

Konstantinos from Patra says “…Kolokotronis is a revered Greek leader who embodied the hopes and dreams of the common man and displayed extraordinary patience and courage in adverse circumstances. He organised an army and led the siege of Tripoli, the surrender of which marked the first success of the Greek revolution. The following year (1822) Kolokotronis led his vastly outnumbered forces against the Ottomans and with his determination and military expertise defeated the army of Dramalis…”

Scholastic Times Newsletter“My hero” Project

Melissa Scott of Seattle Washington says her hero is Robert Kennedy: “He was Attorney General under his brother, President John F. Kennedy, and worked hard to fight corruption. His greatest legacy is his fight for the rights of blacks. He inspired many in his generation with his honesty and fairness …”


CHOOSING AN OPTION

SituationPretend there is a cultural exchange program that you would like to take part in. In order to apply you have to write about an event from the Greek War of Independence that is special for you. I am your history teacher and I can help you decide which one of the these two events you can write your essay on.

FirstLook at the pictures below and ask:

What are the options?•What are the advantages of each option?•What are the disadvantages of each option?•

ThenWhen you have all the information you need, explain to the examiner which option you like best. Also, explain why you didn’t choose the other option. You can also suggest another option if you like.

FinallyAfter you have shared your opinion, the examiner will ask you some more questions about the topic.

Option 1 Option 2

SPEAKING TEST 1


CHOOSING AN OPTIONSituationI am the Principal of the school. I have asked you and your classmates to write an essay about a famous American. I have two options for you to choose from. You would like me to help you decide which one would be the best option.

FirstLook at the pictures below and ask:

What are the options?•When did they live?•Why is he/she famous? •

ThenWhen you have all the information you need, explain to the examiner which option you like best. Also, explain why you didn’t choose the other option. You can also suggest another option if you like.

Finally After you have shared your opinion, the examiner will ask you some more questions about the topic.

SPEAKING TEST 2

famous greeks and americans essay contest€¦ · · 2009-07-09george exadaktylos, coordinator,...

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