English Conversation – Royal Families
This is the preparation material for an English conversation lesson about Monarchies and Royal Families.
A monarchy is a kind of government where a monarch, a kind of hereditary ruler is the head of state. Monarchs usually rule until they die or resign (when a monarch resigns it is called abdication). Most monarchies are hereditary, but some are elected. Some common titles for monarchs are King, Queen, Emperor, Empress, Czar, Kaiser, Shah, Emir and Sultan. One of the most famous Monarchs is Queen Elizabeth II.
Video – The Royal Family at Work
- Do you think it is important for The Queen to host dinners for public relations?
- Do you think the dinner table looks too extravagant?
- Would you like to work for The Royal Family
Vocabulary
Nouns | Adjectives | Verbs |
Monarchy
Royal Family King / Queen Emperor / Empress Prince / Princess Duke / Duchess Crown Throne Coronation Celebration Palace |
Monarchist
Republican Extravagant Royal Noble Regal Magnificent Ruler Aristocratic |
Host
Entertain Reign Govern Rule Abdicate
|
Idioms
- To live the high life – To have an extravagant or luxurious style of living.
- On a silver platter - If you hand or give something on a silver platter to someone, you let them have it too easily.
Conversation Questions
- Does your country have a Royal Family?
- How much power does it have?
- Are you a monarchist or a republican?
- Would you like to be a member of a Royal Family?
- What would be the advantages?
- What would be the disadvantages?
- Do you think Kings and Queens do real work?
- Do you think it is unfair for taxpayers to pay for Royal Families? Why?
- Do you think Royal Families benefit society?
- Do you think the public has the right to know their earnings?
- What would you do if you were King/Queen for a day?
- What do you think is the main reason for having a Royal Family?
- What are some of the good things they bring to a country?
- Are there any bad things?
- Do you think Royal Families spend too much public money?
- Do you think Monarchies are old fashioned?
- Do you think members of a Royal Family live a privileged life?
- Which of the world’s monarchies do you think is best?
- How do you think monarchies started?
- Do you think monarchs should have the power to change governments and constitutions?
- What do you think monarchs think about their people?