QUEEN AMONG KINGS. Text 2. Grandmother and Grandson

Text 2.   Listening.   Grandmother and grandson 

“She has been an incredible role model to me over the years”

   It`s often said grandparents get all the good bits of child rearing and little of the responsibility. That`s not quite true for the Queen, who had a vested interest in tutoring the second in line to the throne. William has known his destiny from a young age and without his mother Princess Diana, who died when he was 15, the Queen`s presence was of unquantifiable importance – as a source of experience, wisdom and support.

   To William, she was granny first…then the Queen. There was a clear affection and maturity to their relationship.

   After the ceremony when he graduated as an army officer in 2006 William posted the photo, saying, ”I felt especially proud to receive my commission as an officer in front of my grandmother…She has been an incredible role model to me over the years, so it was very special to have her present for my graduation”.

   William has spoken effusively of how he values his grandmother`s counsel. “She is a very good listener, so if you do ever have problems you can share them with her…but she won`t ever tell you what to do.” He also knew when her word was law. William repeatedly saw the positive effect his grandmother had.

   Royal biographer Hugo Vickers has said, ”I`m pleased he uses her as a role model. I don`t think he could have a better one. ”

   At a broadcast message to delegates at the 2021 Cop26 Climate Summit in November, the Queen paid tribute to her son and grandson, saying, “It is a source of great pride to me that the leading role my husband played in encouraging people to protect our fragile planet lives on trough the work of our eldest son Charles and his eldest son William. I could not be more proud of them.”

Listen to the text and do some tasks bellow:

1) Multiple Choice Questions

Listen to the text and choose the correct answer:

1. What was the Queen’s primary role in William’s life after Diana’s death?
   a)  his teacher
   b)  his mentor and support
   c)  his formal advisor
   d)  his strict disciplinarian
2. What event did William describe as “very special” in 2006?
   a)  his first public speech
   b)  his commission as an army officer
   c)  his first royal tour
   d)  his wedding
3. What quality of the Queen did William appreciate most?
   a)  her strict rules
   b)  her advice on decisions
   c)  her ability to listen
   d)  her sense of humour
4. At the COP26 Climate Summit, who did the Queen praise for their work on climate issues?
   a)  William and his brother Harry
   b)  William and his father Charles
   c)  her  husband Prince Philip
   d)  all of the royal family

5. What personal milestone did William share with his grandmother in 2006?
a)  his first royal engagement
b)  his graduation as an army officer
c)  his speech at the COP26 summit
d)  his wedding

6. How did the Queen describe William and Charles at the COP26 Climate Summit?
a)  her "greatest achievements"
b) "leading figures in environmental work"
c)  "wonderful sons"
d)  "future leaders of the monarchy"

2) True or False Statements

Listen to the text and mark each sentence True or False:

1. The Queen saw William as her grandson first and foremost.
2. William described his grandmother as a strict and authoritative figure.
3. Hugo Vickers thought the Queen was a poor role model for William.
4. The Queen mentioned her pride in William’s environmental work at COP26.
5. William's relationship with the Queen began improving after he graduated as an officer.
6. William felt his grandmother was both a supportive figure and a strong role model.

3) Fill in the Blanks

Listen to the text and complete the sentences:

1. The Queen’s presence in William’s life was a source of ________, ________, and ________.
2. William said the Queen is a good ________, but she won’t tell you ________ to do.
3. Hugo Vickers believes William couldn’t have a better ________ than the Queen.
4. The Queen was proud that her late husband’s work lives on through the work of ________ and ________.
5. William felt ________ to have his grandmother at his graduation ceremony.

4) Order the Events

Listen to the text and put the following events in the correct order:

a) William’s mother passed away.
b) William graduated as an army officer.
c) The Queen praised William and Charles at the COP26 summit.
d) Hugo Vickers commented on the Queen as a role model for William.
e) William reflected on his grandmother’s listening skills.

5) Discussion Questions:

1) General Questions

1. What role do grandparents play in the lives of their grandchildren in your family?
2. How important is communication between grandchildren and grandparents? Why?
3. In your opinion, how has the role of grandparents changed over the past decades?
4. Are there any traditions or habits in your family that involve grandparents?

2) Comparing Generations

1. Are relationships between grandparents and grandchildren today similar to those in previous generations?
2. How do cultural differences influence communication between generations?
3. What are the pros and cons of grandparents being actively involved in raising their grandchildren?

3) Personal  Experience

1. What is your favorite memory of time spent with your grandparents?
2. Have your grandparents taught you anything important that you still use in your life?
3. Do you share any hobbies or interests with your grandparents?

4)  Social and Cultural Aspects

1. How do modern technologies impact communication between grandchildren and grandparents?
2. Do you think grandparents in your country have more influence on their grandchildren’s upbringing than those in Western countries? Why?
3. How can a strong bond between grandchildren and grandparents be maintained if they live far apart?

5)  Imaginary  Situations

1. Imagine creating a program to strengthen relationships between generations. What ideas would you include?
2. How would you explain the importance of relationships with grandparents to a child who doesn’t understand it.

6)   Creative Writing Task

Topic:
"Comparing Generational Relationships and Child Rearing Approaches in Britain and Ukraine"

Task:
Write a short essay (150–200 words) comparing the approaches to child-rearing and the relationships between grandparents and grandchildren in Britain and Ukraine.

Text 2. Grandmother and grandson.                (KEYS)  

Task 1.       1b   2b   3c   4b   5b   6b

Task 2.       1F   2F   3F   4T   5F   6F

Task 3.   

1. …experience, wisdom, support .
2. … listener … what … .
3. … role model … .
4. … Charles … William .
5. … especially proud … .

Task 4.       1a    2b    3e    4d    5c