Lesson 4: Gun Control
Everyone has the constitutional right to bear arms.

I can talk about gun control.

INTRODUCE

Recent events in the US have once again sparked a heated debate over the issue of gun control.

PRESENT

STEP A EXPRESSIONS

Go over the first two expressions with your tutor and answer the questions. Then, guess the meaning of the third expression based on the clues provided.

    1. To pose a threat means to potentially cause danger, harm, or injury.

     

    The newly-constructed chemical factory poses a threat to the village’s water supply.

     

    Q: Which picture shows something that poses a threat to the environment? Why?

    A

    B

     

     

    2. Every US citizen has constitutional rights, which are rights given by the US Constitution. The most famous of these rights are freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom of the press.

     

    I have the constitutional right to express my opinion about the current government.

     

    Q: Which picture shows people exercising a constitutional right? Why?

    A

    B

     

     

    3. _____________          ______.

     

    My father always carries a gun because he believes he has the right to bear arms.

     

    Q: What do you think to bear arms means?

     

STEP B SPEAK YOUR MIND

Sometimes you want to express that you feel now is the right time to do something.

    His immaturity is driving me crazy!

    I think it’s high time that you two sat down together and talked about your issues.

UNDERSTAND

SPEAKING

Earl and Hiro are shopping at a superstore in Mississippi.

Hiro:

Am I seeing clearly?! Are those guns for sale?

Earl:

Yup! Do you want to take a look?

Hiro:

No, thanks. I was just surprised to see them at a store like this.

Earl:

You don’t sell guns like this in Japan? Huh. In the US, everyone has the constitutional right to bear arms. In fact, I have one on me right now.

Hiro:

Whoa, really? Where? I don’t see one!

Earl:

In Mississippi, you can do concealed carry. I have my gun tucked safely right here. (points inside jacket)

Hiro:

I had no idea! I really don’t know if that knowledge makes me feel more or less safe. (chuckles) But doesn’t having people carry hidden guns around pose a threat to public safety?

Earl:

On the contrary, I think it promotes public safety. As they say, the only thing that can stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun!

Hiro:

Hmm… I don’t know… A bad guy with a gun can still hurt a lot of people before a good guy with a gun starts to fight back. I think it’s high time that the government here passed stricter laws on gun control.

Earl:

I don’t think you can blame the issue on guns. I mean, we don’t ban cars just because some people drive drunk! (laughs)

Hiro:

But cars aren’t designed to kill…

TRIVIA

There are two ways to carry a gun in the US, open carry and concealed carry. Open carry means to keep a handgun where everyone can easily see it. Concealed carry, on the other hand, means to keep a handgun hidden from view by tucking it inside one’s clothes or bag.

PRACTICE

Choose the best follow-up sentences.

1. Jed says he has a right to bear arms. __________.

  • That’s why he always carries a gun with him.
  • That’s why he’s against owning a gun.

 

2. You have a constitutional right to free speech. __________.

  • The government can send you to jail for criticizing your leaders.
  • The government can’t punish you for what you say.

 

3. The gas station poses a threat to the neighborhood’s safety. __________.

  • Many homeowners are against its construction.
  • A lot of residents are happy with the development.

 

4. Erin feels it’s necessary to bear arms in times like these. __________.

  • The rate of violent crimes in her neighborhood is going down.
  • The rate of violent crimes in her neighborhood is going up.

 

5. It’s your constitutional right. __________.

  • The fundamental laws of this country guarantee this right.
  • A new law passed by your local government guarantees this right.

CHALLENGE

Challenge 1

Your friend lives in a high-crime area and is worried about his/her safety. He/She wants to talk with you about an idea he/she just had. Share your opinion about it.

Today's Expressions

  • pose a threat
  • constitutional right
  • bear arms

Speak Your Mind

  • It's high time that…

Challenge 2

What do you think? What does your tutor think? Discuss.

If Time
Allows
1

GUN CONTROL
2

RIGHTS
1

GUN CONTROL

  1. What do you think should be the necessary qualifications to own a gun?
  2. Are there any situations in which you feel it’s necessary to own a gun?
  3. Are you satisfied with gun control laws in your country?

2RIGHTS

  1. Are you happy with the rights that you have in your country?
  2. What personal rights do you value the most?
  3. Are there any other rights that you would like to have?

FEEDBACK

I can talk about gun control.

LESSON GOAL ACHIEVEMENT

  • 4
    Very Good

    Could complete the task with ease

  • 3
    Good

    Could complete the task with some clarifications

  • 2
    Fair

    Could complete the task with additional instructions

  • 1
    Poor

    Could somehow complete the task with difficulty

PERSONALIZED FEEDBACK