Fireworks Debate – C1 English Speaking Lesson | Learn with Simon

In my Simon in Germany post, Remember, Remember, the 5th of November, I asked whether fireworks should stay, be limited or be replaced.

In this lesson we'll learn language for debating politely, take on a role in a fireworks debate, and practise conceding, challenging and hedging like a confident C1 speaker.

Level: C1.

This lesson comes from my Simon in Germany blog post.

Read: Remember, Remember, the 5th of November

Activity

How do you feel about fireworks: excited, annoyed, or something in between? Why?

Reading: Two countries, two sets of rules

In the UK, people can buy fireworks for several weeks around Bonfire Night and New Year, and many families hold small displays in their gardens. There is a curfew, but it is relaxed on special nights. In Germany, most fireworks can only be sold in the last few working days of December, and the sky lights up almost entirely on New Year’s Eve. In both countries, the debate is growing louder. Vets report frightened pets, hospitals treat injuries, and towns are left to clean up the litter. Supporters reply that fireworks are a harmless tradition, that most people use them responsibly, and that a ban would punish the many for the mistakes of the few.

Vocabulary

Word / phrase	Meaning	Example
a display	a public show of fireworks	Many families hold small displays in their gardens.
a curfew	a time after which something is not allowed	There is a curfew, but it is relaxed on special nights.
to concede	to admit that a point is true, often unwillingly	She conceded that fireworks frighten some animals.
to hedge	to avoid giving a direct or strong answer	The councillor hedged when he was asked about a ban.
to back up (a claim)	to give evidence that something is true	Can you back up that claim with any figures?
a compromise	an agreement where each side gives up something	Public displays only could be a good compromise.
to punish the many for the few	to make everyone suffer because of a small group	A ban would punish the many for the mistakes of the few.

Language for debate

Word / phrase	Meaning	Example
As I see it… / I'd argue that…	to give your opinion	I'd argue that public displays are safer for everyone.
That's a fair point, but… / I take your point, however…	to concede	That's a fair point, but most people use fireworks responsibly.
I'm not sure that follows. / Where's the evidence for that?	to challenge	I'm not sure that follows. Fewer sales don't always mean fewer injuries.
It could be argued that… / To some extent…	to hedge	It could be argued that the litter is the bigger problem.
What if we met halfway and…? / Could we all live with…?	to find a compromise	What if we met halfway and only allowed fireworks on New Year's Eve?

Practice A: Which function?

Is each sentence giving an opinion, conceding, challenging, hedging or finding a compromise?

I take your point about the dogs, however the displays bring the town together.
Where's the evidence that a ban would reduce injuries?
To some extent, the problem is the people, not the fireworks.
Could we all live with public displays only?
As I see it, private fireworks should be banned completely.

Show answers

1. conceding
2. challenging
3. hedging
4. finding a compromise
5. giving an opinion

Practice B: Find the mistake

Each sentence has one mistake. Correct it.

As I'm seeing it, private fireworks should be banned.
I take your opinion, however the displays bring people together.
Where are the evidences for that?
It could argue that the problem is the people, not the fireworks.
What if we met in the half and only banned them in cities?

Show answers

1. As I see it…
2. I take your point…
3. Where's the evidence for that?
4. It could be argued that…
5. What if we met halfway…

Practice C: Now read my blog

Read my Simon in Germany post about November, then answer these questions.

Read the story

Why doesn't Simon think drone shows are a real alternative?
What change has he noticed at Bonfire Night since he was a child?
How is the attitude to fireworks different in Germany?

Show answers

1. They don't have the same bang, smell or magic
2. It's much warmer now. He didn't need a coat, and the fire was too warm to go near
3. People mostly use them only on New Year's Eve, and they sell out within hours

Now find these words in the blog. Can you work out what they mean?

a dusting (of snow)
an effigy
the inner circle
to hit the shelves
well and truly

Show the meanings

1. a dusting: a very thin layer
2. an effigy: a model of a person, often burnt as a protest or tradition
3. the inner circle: the small group of people who are part of something
4. to hit the shelves: to go on sale in shops
5. well and truly: completely

Simon says: I’ve always loved fireworks, but the older I get, the more I think about the effect on animals and the environment. Drone shows are impressive, but for me they don’t have the same bang, the same smell or the same magic.

Language learning can be really challenging. I know, because I'm a language learner myself. I hope the information and activities were helpful. Try the following:

Choose a role:

A – Pet owner (your dog panics every New Year's Eve)
B – Firework seller (this is your busiest week of the year)
C – Local councillor (you have complaints and a limited budget)
D – Parent (your children love the displays)
E – Environmental campaigner (you're worried about air quality and litter)
With a partner or group, discuss three options: a total ban on private fireworks, public displays only, or keep things as they are. Agree on one option. Did you use at least two phrases for conceding? Did you ask someone to back up a claim? Did you suggest a compromise?

Then write a 150-word opinion piece for a local newspaper on the option you chose. Use at least one phrase for conceding and one for hedging.

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This lesson comes from my Simon in Germany blog post.

Read: Remember, Remember, the 5th of November

Image credit: Photo by Alex Jones on Unsplash

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