A group of hikers in Germany was reported to the police by a concerned citizen who suspected them of being illegal migrants attempting to cross the border from Czechia. The hiking group, mostly consisting of Syrians living in Germany, was part of a registered German hiking club and were in the country legally. The police were called to investigate the situation, but upon verifying the group’s documents, they confirmed that the hikers were not migrants and were in Germany legally.
The incident has sparked a strong reaction on social media, with many expressing support for the hikers and condemning the racist comments that have emerged. The incident highlights the growing concerns in Germany about the treatment of minorities, particularly in areas where far-right political parties, such as the Alternative for Germany (AfD), are gaining popularity.
Saxon Switzerland, where the incident took place, is known for its stunning natural beauty and is a popular tourist destination. However, it is also a region where far-right political parties have seen electoral success. As Germany prepares for upcoming regional elections, the issue of migration and the rise of far-right ideologies is becoming increasingly contentious.
The current political climate in Germany has seen a shift in rhetoric and policies regarding migration, with the government facing pressure to tighten border controls. This has raised concerns about the impact on international tourism and the country’s economic prospects, particularly in regions where far-right sentiments are prevalent.
The incident involving the hiking group serves as a reminder of the complex and divisive issues surrounding migration and the rise of far-right ideologies in Germany, as the country grapples with the implications for its society, economy, and political landscape.
Original news source: Germany hiking group reported to police as illegal migrants (BBC)
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Group or Classroom Activities
Warm-up Activities:
– News Summary
Instructions: Divide the students into small groups. Each group is tasked with summarizing the article in their own words, focusing on the main points. They have 5 minutes to prepare, and then each group presents their summary to the class. The rest of the class can ask clarifying questions after each presentation.
– Opinion Spectrum
Instructions: Create a line in the classroom that represents a spectrum of opinions, from ‘strongly agree’ to ‘strongly disagree’. Read out statements related to the article’s themes, such as “All hikers should carry identification to prevent misunderstandings” or “Racial profiling is a significant problem in society today.” Students position themselves along the spectrum according to their opinion, and then discuss their reasons with the nearest classmates.
– Keyword Taboo
Instructions: Write down keywords from the article (e.g., hikers, migration, far-right, racism, tourism). Students play in pairs or small groups. One student tries to describe the keyword to their group without using it or five other related words that are commonly associated with it, which are also written on the card. This encourages students to use synonyms and descriptions to convey their ideas.
– Future Predictions
Instructions: Students work in pairs and discuss the potential future implications of the incident described in the article. They should focus on the social, political, and economic consequences for Germany. Afterward, pairs share their predictions with the class, and the class discusses the likelihood and impact of these predictions.
– Headline Creation
Instructions: Students work individually or in pairs to create a compelling newspaper headline for the article that captures the essence and controversy of the incident. Encourage them to consider the impact of different word choices and the connotations they carry. Share and discuss the headlines as a class, analyzing which ones are the most effective and why.
Comprehension Questions:
1. What was the initial suspicion that led to the group of hikers being reported to the police in Germany?
2. From which country were the hikers suspected of illegally crossing the border?
3. What was the status of the Syrian hikers in the hiking group?
4. How did the police confirm the legal status of the hikers?
5. What has been the reaction on social media to the incident involving the hikers?
6. In which region of Germany did the incident occur and what is it known for?
7. What political party in Germany has been gaining popularity in the region where the incident took place?
8. What concerns have been raised about the current political climate in Germany regarding migration and border controls?
Go to answers ⇩
Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
A group of hikers in Germany was reported to the police by a concerned (1)______ who (2)______ them of being (3)______ migrants attempting to cross the border from Czechia. The hiking group, mostly consisting of Syrians living in Germany, was part of a registered German hiking club and were in the country legally. The police were called to investigate the (4)______, but upon verifying the group’s documents, they confirmed that the hikers were not migrants and were in Germany legally.
The incident has sparked a strong reaction on social media, with many expressing support for the hikers and condemning the racist comments that have (5)______. The incident highlights the growing concerns in Germany about the treatment of (6)______, particularly in (7)______ where far-right political parties, such as the Alternative for Germany (AfD), are gaining popularity.
Saxon Switzerland, where the incident took (8)______, is known for its stunning natural beauty and is a popular tourist destination. However, it is also a region where far-right political parties have seen electoral success. As Germany prepares for upcoming regional elections, the issue of (9)______ and the rise of far-right (10)______ is becoming increasingly contentious.
The current political climate in Germany has seen a shift in rhetoric and policies regarding migration, with the (11)______ facing (12)______ to tighten border (13)______. This has raised concerns about the impact on (14)______ tourism and the country’s economic prospects, particularly in regions where far-right sentiments are prevalent.
The incident involving the hiking group serves as a reminder of the complex and divisive issues surrounding migration and the rise of far-right ideologies in (15)______, as the country grapples with the (16)______ for its society, economy, and political landscape.
Go to answers ⇩
Discussion Questions:
Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.
1. What is your definition of racial profiling, and how do you think it affects those who experience it?
2. How would you feel if you were questioned or suspected of something based on your appearance or nationality?
3. Do you think it’s important for citizens to report suspicious activities, and where should we draw the line to avoid discrimination?
4. What is your opinion on the rise of far-right political parties in some European countries?
5. How do you think the success of far-right parties in certain regions can impact the daily lives of minorities living there?
6. Have you ever experienced or witnessed discrimination while traveling or living in a foreign country?
7. Do you think the fear of illegal migration justifies stricter border controls? Why or why not?
8. How would you address the concerns of those who feel their culture or safety is threatened by immigration?
9. What role do you believe social media plays in shaping public opinion on incidents like the one involving the hikers?
10. Do you think international tourism can be negatively affected by the political climate of a country? Why or why not?
11. How do you think countries should balance the need for security with the desire to be welcoming to tourists and immigrants?
12. What are some effective ways to combat the spread of far-right ideologies in society?
13. In your opinion, what can be done to ensure that minority groups feel safe and included in countries where they are not the ethnic majority?
14. Do you think incidents like the one with the hikers in Germany are isolated, or do they reflect a broader societal issue?
15. How do you think local communities can show support for legally residing immigrants in their area, especially in regions with strong far-right sentiments?
Individual Activities
Vocabulary Meanings:
Match each word to its meaning.
Words:
1. hikers
2. Germany
3. migrants
4. Syrians
5. police
6. social media
7. minorities
8. far-right
Meanings:
(a) A group of people on a long walk
(b) People who move from one place to another
(c) The country where Berlin is located
(d) Political groups with extreme conservative views
(e) People from a country in the Middle East
(f) People who enforce the law
(g) Websites and applications used for sharing information
(h) Groups of people who are different from the majority
Go to answers ⇩
Multiple Choice Questions:
1. What was the hiking group accused of by a concerned citizen?
(a) Stealing
(b) Vandalism
(c) Trespassing
(d) Being illegal migrants
2. What is the name of the region where the incident took place?
(a) Bavarian Alps
(b) Black Forest
(c) Saxon Switzerland
(d) Rhine Valley
3. What is the political party mentioned in the article that is gaining popularity in Germany?
(a) Alternative for Germany (AfD)
(b) Green Party
(c) Social Democratic Party
(d) Free Democratic Party
4. What is the main concern raised in the article regarding the upcoming regional elections in Germany?
(a) Economic instability
(b) The issue of migration and the rise of far-right ideologies
(c) Environmental policies
(d) Healthcare reform
5. What has the current political climate in Germany seen a shift in regarding migration?
(a) Rhetoric and policies
(b) Funding for social programs
(c) International trade agreements
(d) Military alliances
6. What has the incident involving the hiking group sparked on social media?
(a) Support for the concerned citizen
(b) Calls for stricter border controls
(c) A debate about tourism in Germany
(d) A strong reaction and condemnation of racist comments
7. What is Saxon Switzerland known for?
(a) Historical landmarks
(b) Stunning natural beauty
(c) Urban nightlife
(d) Industrial development
8. What concerns have been raised about the impact of tightening border controls in Germany?
(a) The rise of far-left ideologies
(b) The increase in crime rates
(c) The impact on international tourism and the country’s economic prospects
(d) The strain on social welfare programs
Go to answers ⇩
True or False Questions:
1. Saxon Switzerland is also a region where far-right political parties have seen electoral success.
2. The incident involving the hiking group serves as a reminder of the complex and divisive issues surrounding migration and the rise of far-right ideologies in Germany.
3. The incident has sparked a strong reaction on social media, with many expressing support for the hikers and condemning the racist comments that have emerged.
4. A group of hikers in Germany, mostly consisting of Syrians living in Germany, was reported to the police by a concerned citizen who suspected them of being legal migrants attempting to cross the border from Czechia.
5. The current political climate in Germany has seen no shift in rhetoric and policies regarding migration, with the government facing no pressure to tighten border controls.
6. Saxon Switzerland, where the incident took place, is known for its dull natural beauty and is an unpopular tourist destination.
7. The hiking group was part of a registered German hiking club and were in the country legally.
8. The police were called to ignore the situation, but upon verifying the group’s documents, they confirmed that the hikers were migrants and were in Germany illegally.
Go to answers ⇩
Write a Summary:
Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
Writing Questions:
Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.
1. What was the initial suspicion that led to the police being called on the hiking group in Germany?
2. What is the nationality of the hikers, and what is their legal status in Germany?
3. How has social media responded to the incident involving the hikers in Germany?
4. What is the significance of Saxon Switzerland in the context of the incident and the broader political climate in Germany?
5. How is the incident with the hikers indicative of the broader issues of migration and the rise of far-right ideologies in Germany?
Answers
Comprehension Question Answers:
1. What was the initial suspicion that led to the group of hikers being reported to the police in Germany?
The group of hikers was suspected by a concerned citizen of being illegal migrants attempting to cross the border.
2. From which country were the hikers suspected of illegally crossing the border?
The hikers were suspected of illegally crossing the border from Czechia.
3. What was the status of the Syrian hikers in the hiking group?
The Syrian hikers were part of a registered German hiking club and were in the country legally.
4. How did the police confirm the legal status of the hikers?
The police confirmed the legal status of the hikers by verifying their documents.
5. What has been the reaction on social media to the incident involving the hikers?
The reaction on social media has included expressions of support for the hikers and condemnation of the racist comments that have emerged.
6. In which region of Germany did the incident occur and what is it known for?
The incident occurred in Saxon Switzerland, which is known for its stunning natural beauty and is a popular tourist destination.
7. What political party in Germany has been gaining popularity in the region where the incident took place?
The Alternative for Germany (AfD), a far-right political party, has been gaining popularity in the region.
8. What concerns have been raised about the current political climate in Germany regarding migration and border controls?
Concerns have been raised about a shift in rhetoric and policies regarding migration, with the government facing pressure to tighten border controls, and the impact this may have on international tourism and the country’s economic prospects, particularly in regions where far-right sentiments are prevalent.
Go back to questions ⇧
Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:
(1) citizen
(2) suspected
(3) illegal
(4) situation
(5) emerged
(6) minorities
(7) areas
(8) place
(9) migration
(10) ideologies
(11) government
(12) pressure
(13) controls
(14) international
(15) Germany
(16) implications
Go back to questions ⇧
Vocabulary Meanings Answers:
1. hikers
Answer: (a) A group of people on a long walk
2. Germany
Answer: (c) The country where Berlin is located
3. migrants
Answer: (b) People who move from one place to another
4. Syrians
Answer: (e) People from a country in the Middle East
5. police
Answer: (f) People who enforce the law
6. social media
Answer: (g) Websites and applications used for sharing information
7. minorities
Answer: (h) Groups of people who are different from the majority
8. far-right
Answer: (d) Political groups with extreme conservative views
Go back to questions ⇧
Multiple Choice Answers:
1. What was the hiking group accused of by a concerned citizen?
Answer: (d) Being illegal migrants
2. What is the name of the region where the incident took place?
Answer: (c) Saxon Switzerland
3. What is the political party mentioned in the article that is gaining popularity in Germany?
Answer: (a) Alternative for Germany (AfD)
4. What is the main concern raised in the article regarding the upcoming regional elections in Germany?
Answer: (b) The issue of migration and the rise of far-right ideologies
5. What has the current political climate in Germany seen a shift in regarding migration?
Answer: (a) Rhetoric and policies
6. What has the incident involving the hiking group sparked on social media?
Answer: (d) A strong reaction and condemnation of racist comments
7. What is Saxon Switzerland known for?
Answer: (b) Stunning natural beauty
8. What concerns have been raised about the impact of tightening border controls in Germany?
Answer: (c) The impact on international tourism and the country’s economic prospects
Go back to questions ⇧
True or False Answers:
1. Saxon Switzerland is also a region where far-right political parties have seen electoral success. (Answer: True)
2. The incident involving the hiking group serves as a reminder of the complex and divisive issues surrounding migration and the rise of far-right ideologies in Germany. (Answer: True)
3. The incident has sparked a strong reaction on social media, with many expressing support for the hikers and condemning the racist comments that have emerged. (Answer: True)
4. A group of hikers in Germany, mostly consisting of Syrians living in Germany, was reported to the police by a concerned citizen who suspected them of being legal migrants attempting to cross the border from Czechia. (Answer: False)
5. The current political climate in Germany has seen no shift in rhetoric and policies regarding migration, with the government facing no pressure to tighten border controls. (Answer: False)
6. Saxon Switzerland, where the incident took place, is known for its dull natural beauty and is an unpopular tourist destination. (Answer: False)
7. The hiking group was part of a registered German hiking club and were in the country legally. (Answer: True)
8. The police were called to ignore the situation, but upon verifying the group’s documents, they confirmed that the hikers were migrants and were in Germany illegally. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧
