Survival of the richest

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 4

Survival of the richest

In this lesson you will do various assigments about a certain topic.

This lesson contains listening, reading, speaking an writing assigments.

objectives

At the end of this lesson:

1️⃣ I can identify the main idea and at least two key arguments from the video and text about survival bunkers.

2️⃣ I can express my opinion and support it with at least two reasons, both orally and in writing.

What do you think "survival of the richest" is about?

Listening

Now watch and listen to the following video about bunkers. Take notes while listening. After the video, you have to answer four questions. 

0

What underlying motivation do billionaires have for building bunkers, according to the video?

1. A genuine fear of impending global catastrophes
2. A desire to create exclusive underground communities
3. A belief that wealth can buy absolute safety from crises
4. A philanthropic intention to shelter as many people as possible

Which argument is presented regarding the ethical implications of luxury bunkers?

1. The bunkers promote technological innovation for disaster preparedness.
2. They reveal a disconnect between the wealthy elite and the rest of society.
3. They are necessary because governments have failed to prepare.
4. They will ultimately be open to the public in case of emergencies.

What is one surprising or shocking idea you heard in this video?

If you were a billionaire, would you prepare for a crisis like this? Why or why not?

READING

Learning Objectives (SMART):

• I can summarize the main arguments presented in an article about luxury bunkers.
• I can identify and explain at least ten new vocabulary words from the text.

Vocabulary

After reading the article given to you, do the following assignments.

Match the words with the correct synonyms. There are two synonyms too many.

large painting on a wall - strongly and heavily built - enrich - bravery - tailspin - looming - adjacent to - macrocosm - backward - renewable - convert - do down 

1. meltdown (lead)                                           6. reverse  (l.  89)

2. hulking (l. 5)                                                   7. sustainable  (l.  119)

3. repurposed (l.  19)                                       8. mural  (l.  126)

4.  imminent ( l.  45)                                        9.  flanked by (l. 130)

5.  fertilise  (l.  84)                                           10.  descended  (l.  199)

Find 10 more words from the article you don't know the meaning of. Write the words down and give the Dutch translations. 

Reading

Answer the questions in correct Dutch. Write full sentences. 

1. Noem een voordeel van een wapensilo die als een ondergrondse bunker wordt gebruikt.

2. Beschrijf het zakelijke inzicht die Larry Hall had in de context van het bouwen van bunkers.

3. Waarom willen sommige rijke mensen toegang tot een luxe ondergrondse bunker?

4. Wat is een mogelijke mentale effect van een langdurig ondergronds verblijf?

5. Wat voor voorziening heeft Larry Hall getroffen om deze effecten te voorkomen?

6. Hoe zelfvoorzienend is het complex dat Larry Hall heeft gebouwd?

7. Waarom zijn er wapens aanwezig in de bunker?

8. Wat zou de reden kunnen zijn dat sommige eigenaren 'elusive and tight-lipped' zijn?

speaking - 

Now make groups of 4 and divide the roles. 

preparation

1️⃣ The Billionaire – You are a wealthy entrepreneur building your own bunker to prepare for global disasters.

2️⃣ The Climate Activist – You believe it’s unfair that rich people can isolate themselves and think everyone should work together on solutions.

3️⃣ The Government Official – You represent the government and must decide whether to allow private bunkers.

4️⃣ The Journalist – You are reporting on this trend, uncovering the truth and gathering opinions from different perspectives.

preparation 

Each student prepares their role and arguments.

Use ideas from the video or text to support your role.

Discuss the three questions as a group of 4.

The journalist asks questions, takes notes, and wraps up with a short summary of the discussion.

1️⃣ Is it fair that the rich are building bunkers to protect themselves?

2️⃣ Should the government allow or ban private bunkers? Why?

3️⃣ What does this trend say about our society and how we handle crises and inequality?

speaking

1. Is it fair that the rich are building bunkers to protect themselves? 

speaking

2. Should the government allow or ban private bunkers? Why?

speaking

3. What does this trend say about our society and how we handle crises and inequality?

 

In class: writing 

Choose one writing assignment B1, B1/B2 or B2 level. 

Write down in your notebook.

deadline: 2nd of June

writing B1

Do you think it is fair for rich people to build special shelters or bunkers to survive a disaster? Why or why not?

Write 80–100 words.

Give at least one reason to support your opinion.

writing B1/B2

Write a short letter to a billionaire who is building a bunker. In your letter, explain whether you agree or disagree with their decision and why. 

Suggest one alternative way they could help others instead of building a bunker.

Write 100–120 words.

writing B2

Write an argumentative essay (150–200 words) discussing the question: 

“Should the government allow billionaires to build bunkers to protect themselves during a disaster?” 

Give at least two reasons for your opinion and explain them clearly.

Exit ticket:
What is one idea from this lesson that surprised you or made you think?