Racism — B1–C2 | AllEnglishStudy

B1–B2

Tom’s Story

Text 1

Tom’s Story

B1–B2

Racism is a big problem in the world. It happens when people don't like someone because of their skin colour or where they come from. This is not fair. Everyone should be treated everyone the same, no matter what they look like.

One day, a boy named Tom saw a girl at school who had darker skin than him. He started to make fun of her and call her names. The girl felt very sad and didn't want to go to school anymore.

Tom's teacher found out what was happening and talked to him about why it was wrong to treat someone badly because of their skin colour. She also spoke to the girl and told her that she was important and special, just like everyone else.

Tom realized that he had made a mistake and apologized to the girl. They became friends and played together at recess.

Tom learned that everyone is different and that's what makes the world interesting. He promised to never judge someone based on their skin colour again.

Task 1

Fill in the blanks with the words from the original text.

Word bank: wrong, matter, colour, interesting, based, treated, call, judge, treat, sad, racism, fair, different, apologized

_____(1) is a big problem in the world. It happens when people don't like someone because of their skin _____(2) or where they come from. This is not _____(3). Everyonee should be _____(4) the same, no _____(5) what they look like.

One day, a boy named Tom saw a girl at school who had darker skin than him. He started to make fun of her and _____(6) her names. The girl felt very _____(7) and didn't want to go to school anymore.

Tom's teacher found out what was happening and talked to him about why it was _____(8) to _____(9) someone badly because of their skin colour. She also spoke to the girl and told her that she was important and special, just like everyone else.

Tom realized that he had made a mistake and _____(10) to the girl. They became friends and played together at recess.

Tom learned that everyone is _____(11) and that's what makes the world _____(12). He promised to never _____(13) someone _____(14) on their skin colour again.

Task 2

Choose the correct answer.

1

What is racism?

aWhen people don't like someone because of their skin colour or where they come from.

bWhen people like someone because of their skin colour or where they come from.

cWhen people don't like someone because of their clothes.

dWhen people don't like someone because of their hobbies.

2

Why is racism not fair?

aBecause everyone should be treated the same, no matter what they look like.

bBecause everyone should be treated differently, depending on what they look like.

cBecause everyone should be treated differently, depending on where they come from.

dBecause everyone should be treated differently, depending on their hobbies.

3

What did Tom do when he saw the girl at school?

aHe started to make fun of her and call her names.

bHe ignored her.

cHe asked her to play with him.

dHe complimented her on her skin colour.

4

How did the girl feel when Tom made fun of her?

aShe felt very sad.

bShe felt very happy.

cShe felt very angry.

dShe felt very excited.

5

Who found out what was happening between Tom and the girl?

aTom's friend.

bTom's teacher.

cThe girl's parents.

dThe school principal.

6

What did Tom's teacher do when she found out what was happening?

aShe talked to Tom about why it was wrong to treat someone badly because of their skin colour.

bShe talked to the girl about why it was wrong to have darker skin.

cShe talked to the girl about why it was wrong to go to school.

dShe talked to Tom about why it was okay to make fun of someone's skin colour.

7

What did Tom learn from his teacher?

aThat it was wrong to treat someone badly because of their skin colour.

bThat it was okay to treat someone badly because of their skin colour.

cThat it was wrong to treat someone badly because of their clothes.

dThat it was wrong to treat someone badly because of their hobbies.

8

What did Tom do after he realized he had made a mistake?

aHe apologized to the girl.

bHe continued to make fun of the girl.

cHe ignored the girl.

dHe asked the girl to play with him.

9

What happened after Tom apologized to the girl?

aThey became friends and played together at recess.

bThey never spoke to each other again.

cThe girl continued to feel sad.

dTom continued to make fun of the girl.

10

What did Tom promise to do?

aHe promised to never judge someone based on their skin colour again.

bHe promised to continue to judge someone based on their skin colour.

cHe promised to never talk to the girl again.

dHe promised to never go to school again.

Task 3

Answer the questions.

1

What is racism and why is it a problem?

2

Why did Tom make fun of the girl at school, and how did she feel as a result?

3

Who found out what was happening between Tom and the girl, and what did they do about it?

4

How did the teacher help Tom understand why it was wrong to treat someone badly because of their skin colour?

5

What did the teacher say to the girl to help her feel better after being bullied by Tom?

6

Did Tom apologize to the girl for his behavior? If so, what happened next?

7

What did Tom learn from his experience with the girl at school?

8

Why is it important to treat everyone the same, regardless of their appearance or background?

Text 2

Tom’s Story – a Dialogue

Tom

Hey, look at her. Why is she so dark? She looks weird.

Girl

(looking down) Please stop saying that. It's not nice.

Teacher

What's going on here, Tom?

Tom

Nothing...I was just talking to the new girl.

Teacher

That doesn't sound like nothing. Would you mind explaining what's happening?

Tom

Oh, well...she looks different from me and I was just teasing her a little.

Teacher

Teasing can be hurtful, Tom. And calling someone names because of their skin colour is wrong. It's called racism, and it's something we need to fight against. How would you feel if someone said mean things about you because of the way you look?

Tom

I guess I wouldn't like it very much...I'm sorry, Miss.

Teacher

That's a good start. Now apologize to the girl for your behaviour and try to make up for it by being kinder in the future.

Tom

(turning to the girl) I'm really sorry for making fun of you. You seem like a nice person, and I'd like to get to know you better.

Girl

(smiling) That's okay. I accept your apology.

Teacher

See how easy it is to treat people with respect and kindness, no matter what they look like? We can all learn from each other and celebrate our differences instead of attacking them. Let's play together during recess and enjoy our time as friends.

Tom

(nodding) Yeah, let's do that! And thanks for teaching me about why racism is bad.

Girl

(smiling again) No problem. Everyone deserves to be treated equally.

Task 1

Fill in the blanks with the words from the original text.

Word bank: wrong, teasing, differences, deserves, fight, dark, problem, equally, accept, different, sound, weird, names, racism, behaviour, apologize, respect, treat

Tom

Hey, look at her. Why is she so _____(1)? She looks _____(2).

Girl

(looking down) Please stop saying that. It's not nice.

Teacher

What's going on here, Tom?

Tom

Nothing...I was just talking to the new girl.

Teacher

That doesn't _____(3) like nothing. Would you mind explaining what's happening?

Tom

Oh, well...she looks _____(4) from me and I was just _____(5) her a little.

Teacher

Teasing can be hurtful, Tom. And calling someone _____(6) because of their skin colour is _____(7). It's called _____(8), and it's something we need to _____(9) against. How would you feel if someone said mean things about you because of the way you look?

Tom

I guess I wouldn't like it very much...I'm sorry, Miss.

Teacher

That's a good start. Now _____(10) to the girl for your _____(11) and try to make up for it by being kinder in the future.

Tom

(turning to the girl) I'm really sorry for making fun of you. You seem like a nice person, and I'd like to get to know you better.

Girl

(smiling) That's okay. I _____(12) your apology.

Teacher

See how easy it is to _____(13) people with _____(14) and kindness, no matter what they look like? We can all learn from each other and celebrate our _____(15) instead of attacking them. Let's play together during recess and enjoy our time as friends.

Tom

(nodding) Yeah, let's do that! And thanks for teaching me about why racism is bad.

Girl

(smiling again) No _____(16). Everyone _____(17) to be treated _____(18).

Text 3

Four Opinions

John

I don't think racism is a big deal anymore. I haven't seen any racist behavior, and even if there was, people can handle it themselves.

Example

My best friend is black, and he has never mentioned feeling discriminated against. He's just like everybody else.

Emily

Racism is terrible, and we need to do more to prevent it. Nobody should feel excluded or oppressed because of the color of their skin.

Example

I was in the store last week and saw a woman being followed around by the security guard, even though she wasn't doing anything. It was obvious to me that it was because she was black.

Sam

I see both sides of the argument, but I'm not sure where I stand. I want to believe that everyone is equal, but there are still so many instances of racial prejudice out there.

Example

I heard a story recently about a guy who got pulled over for driving while black. The police officer searched his car for no reason other than the fact he was black. It made me think about how much further we still have to go.

Sarah

Racism makes me so angry! I can't stand it when people judge others based on their race or nationality. We're all human beings, and we should treat each other with respect and kindness.

Example

I was at a party last month, and I overheard someone making racist comments about one of the guests. I couldn't believe what I was hearing, and I ended up getting into an argument with him about it.

Creative Writing

Writing Topics

Personal essay topics

1

My experience with racism and how it made me feel.

2

How I can be a good friend to someone who is different from me.

3

The importance of treating everyone equally.

4

What I can do to help stop racism in my community.

5

My favourite story or movie that teaches about diversity and acceptance.

General essay topics

1

Racism is still a big problem in our world today. Do you agree?

2

Some people believe that racism is getting better. What do you think?

3

Discrimination based on race is unfair. Do you agree or disagree?

4

Everyone should be treated the same, no matter what they look like. What do you think?

5

It's important to learn about different cultures and traditions. Do you agree?

C1–C2

Discussion Questions

1

What does the term "racism" mean to you? How would you define it in your own words?

2

Have you ever witnessed or experienced racism? If so, can you share your story or observation?

3

How do you think racism affects individuals and communities?

4

In your opinion, what are some common stereotypes or misconceptions associated with different races or ethnicities?

5

How can we challenge and overcome racial stereotypes and prejudices?

6

What role do you think education plays in combating racism?

7

Can you think of any historical events or movements that have fought against racism? How did they contribute to creating change?

8

In what ways can individuals be allies in the fight against racism?

9

How does racism impact social harmony and unity within a society?

10

What steps can individuals and communities take to promote equality and inclusivity?

11

How can we create a safe and respectful environment for everyone, regardless of their race or ethnicity?

12

Do you think racism exists in your country? If so, what actions can be taken to address it?

13

How can the media influence or perpetuate racial stereotypes? Can it also be used as a tool for change?

14

Can you think of any famous individuals or organizations that have worked towards racial equality? What impact have they had?

15

What lessons can we learn from different cultures and their experiences with racism?

Role Play Games

Walk in Their Shoes

Instructions

1

Divide the class into small groups of 4-5 students.

2

Assign each group a specific scenario related to racism or discrimination.

3

Provide each group with a brief description of their scenario, including the roles and backgrounds of the individuals involved.

4

Instruct the groups to create a short role-play based on the scenario. They should focus on portraying the emotions, challenges, and perspectives of the characters involved.

5

Give the groups some time to prepare and rehearse their role-plays.

6

Have each group perform their role-play in front of the class.

Suggested scenarios

1

A student being excluded or bullied based on their race or ethnicity.

2

A person facing racial profiling in a public setting.

3

Job discrimination based on race.

4

Unequal access to resources or opportunities due to race.

5

Segregation or discrimination in a school or community setting.

Post-performance reflection

After each performance, encourage a class discussion to reflect on the experiences depicted in the role-play.

1

How did the role-play make you feel?

2

What challenges or injustices did you observe?

3

How did the characters' experiences relate to real-life situations?

4

What actions or solutions can be proposed to address the issues presented?