Cover of the textbook Identity A2 to B1

The key answer of exercise 3

The key to exercise solutions in chapter Real-World Task 7-9 for the textbook Identity A2 to B1 with authors Carla Leonard from Oxford University Press

Question

Decide on a time in history for your group to learn about. Here are some suggestions.

  • the Middle Ages
  • the Renaissance
  • the Industrial Revolution
  • the 1960s

Answer

Middle Ages:

  • The Middle Ages, also known as the medieval period, spanned roughly from the 5th to the late 15th century.
  • It was characterized by feudalism, where society was structured around land ownership, with kings and lords holding power and peasants working the land.
  • The Catholic Church played a dominant role in both spiritual and secular affairs.
  • The period saw significant cultural and intellectual achievements, including the construction of cathedrals, the development of chivalry, and the preservation and transmission of classical knowledge by scholars and monks.
  • Key events include the Crusades, the Black Death, and the rise of centralized monarchies.

Renaissance:

  • The Renaissance, which means "rebirth," occurred roughly from the 14th to the 17th century, with its epicenter in Italy.
  • It was characterized by a revival of interest in classical art, literature, and learning, leading to significant cultural and intellectual achievements.
  • Humanism emerged as a philosophical and intellectual movement, emphasizing the importance of human potential, reason, and individualism.
  • Key figures of the Renaissance include Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and William Shakespeare.
  • The period also witnessed advances in science, exploration, and the development of printing, which facilitated the spread of ideas and knowledge.

Industrial Revolution:

  • The Industrial Revolution began in the late 18th century in Britain and spread to other parts of the world over the 19th century.
  • It was characterized by the transition from agrarian economies to industrialized societies, marked by mechanization, urbanization, and technological advancements.
  • Key inventions such as the steam engine, cotton gin, and spinning jenny revolutionized production processes and led to the rise of factories and mass production.
  • The Industrial Revolution had profound social, economic, and environmental impacts, including the growth of cities, the rise of the working class, and increased pollution and urbanization.
  • It also sparked labor movements and political reforms aimed at addressing the challenges of industrialization.

1960s:

  • The 1960s was a decade of significant social, cultural, and political change, particularly in Western countries.
  • It was characterized by the civil rights movement, the feminist movement, and anti-war protests against the Vietnam War.
  • The counterculture movement emerged, challenging traditional norms and values, with movements like hippies advocating for peace, love, and environmentalism.
  • Technological advancements, such as the space race and the rise of television, shaped popular culture and communication.
  • The 1960s also saw significant developments in music, fashion, and art, with the rise of iconic figures like The Beatles and Andy Warhol.