Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis wants the Elgin Marbles, also known as the Parthenon Sculptures, to be returned from the British Museum in London. He compared it to cutting the Mona Lisa in half to show how important it is to bring these ancient Greek treasures back together. Some of the marbles are already in Greece, but the rest are in London.

This plea from the Greek Prime Minister brings attention to the ongoing debate about who should own cultural artifacts. The Elgin Marbles are seen as important symbols of Greece’s heritage, and many people think they should be returned to their home country. The comparison to cutting the Mona Lisa in half shows how we should keep historical artifacts intact and preserve their cultural meaning.

The Elgin Marbles have been causing arguments for a long time, with Greece always asking for them to be returned. The British Museum, however, says that Lord Elgin got them legally and that they are better looked after in London. This debate makes us think about who really owns cultural artifacts and how museums should respect the heritage of other countries.

The issue of returning cultural artifacts is not just about the Elgin Marbles. Many countries, especially ones that used to be colonies, want their cultural treasures back from Western museums. This debate is often about colonialism, cultural identity, and preserving heritage. It’s a complicated and sensitive topic that needs careful thinking and talking between countries.

The Greek Prime Minister’s request for the Elgin Marbles to be returned reminds us that there are ongoing discussions and arguments about cultural heritage. It shows that countries need to work together to find solutions that respect everyone’s rights and interests. This debate reminds us how important it is to protect and keep cultural artifacts safe for future generations to enjoy and learn from.

Original news source: Elgin Marbles in UK ‘like cutting Mona Lisa in half’ (BBC)

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Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions: Have students read the article and then write a brief summary of the main points. They should focus on capturing the key information and the different perspectives presented in the article. After they have written their summaries, have them share with a partner and discuss any similarities or differences in their summaries.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups and give each group a set of statements related to the topic of cultural artifacts and ownership. Have the groups discuss each statement and indicate whether they agree or disagree by raising their hand or using a thumbs-up/thumbs-down gesture. After each group has discussed all the statements, have a representative from each group share their group’s responses with the class.

– Word Association
Instructions: Write the words “Elgin Marbles” on the board and have students take turns saying the first word or phrase that comes to mind when they hear those words. Encourage them to think creatively and make connections to the topic of cultural artifacts and ownership. Write down all the responses on the board and discuss any interesting or surprising associations.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Prepare a list of key vocabulary words from the article related to the topic of cultural artifacts and ownership. Divide the class into pairs or small groups and give each group a set of vocabulary words. One student from each group will draw a picture representing one of the words without using any words or letters. The other students in the group must guess the word based on the drawing. After each round, switch roles so that each student has a chance to draw.

– Future Predictions
Instructions: Have students work in pairs or small groups to discuss and make predictions about the future of cultural artifacts and ownership. They should consider factors such as changing attitudes towards colonialism, advancements in technology for preservation and replication, and the role of international agreements and organizations. After they have made their predictions, have each group share their ideas with the class and facilitate a discussion about the different perspectives and possibilities for the future.

Comprehension Questions:

1. What are the Elgin Marbles and why does the Greek Prime Minister want them to be returned?
2. Why does the Prime Minister compare cutting the Mona Lisa in half to the situation with the Elgin Marbles?
3. Where are the Elgin Marbles currently located?
4. Why do many people believe that the Elgin Marbles should be returned to Greece?
5. What is the British Museum’s argument for keeping the Elgin Marbles in London?
6. What does the ongoing debate about the Elgin Marbles make us think about?
7. Besides the Elgin Marbles, what other cultural artifacts are countries asking to be returned from Western museums?
8. What does the Greek Prime Minister’s request for the return of the Elgin Marbles remind us about the importance of?
Go to answers ⇩

Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Greek (1)______ Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis wants the Elgin (2)______, also known as the Parthenon Sculptures, to be returned from the (3)______ Museum in London. He compared it to cutting the Mona Lisa in half to show how important it is to bring these ancient Greek treasures back together. Some of the marbles are already in Greece, but the rest are in London.

This plea from the Greek Prime Minister (4)______ attention to the ongoing debate about who should own cultural artifacts. The Elgin Marbles are seen as (5)______ symbols of Greece’s heritage, and many people think they should be returned to their home (6)______. The comparison to cutting the Mona Lisa in half shows how we should keep historical artifacts (7)______ and (8)______ their cultural meaning.

The Elgin Marbles have been causing arguments for a long time, with Greece always asking for them to be returned. The British Museum, however, says that Lord Elgin got them legally and that they are better looked after in (9)______. This (10)______ makes us think about who really owns cultural artifacts and how museums should respect the heritage of other countries.

The issue of returning cultural artifacts is not just about the Elgin Marbles. Many countries, especially ones that used to be (11)______, want their cultural treasures back from Western museums. This debate is often about (12)______, cultural identity, and preserving heritage. It’s a complicated and sensitive topic that needs (13)______ thinking and talking between countries.

The Greek Prime Minister’s request for the (14)______ Marbles to be (15)______ reminds us that there are ongoing discussions and arguments about cultural heritage. It shows that countries need to work together to find solutions that respect everyone’s rights and interests. This debate reminds us how important it is to protect and keep cultural artifacts safe for future (16)______ to enjoy and learn from.
Go to answers ⇩

Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What are the Elgin Marbles?
2. How would you feel if a valuable artifact from your country was displayed in a museum in another country?
3. Do you think cultural artifacts should be returned to their home countries? Why or why not?
4. Why do you think the Greek Prime Minister compared the situation to cutting the Mona Lisa in half?
5. What is colonialism and how does it relate to the debate about returning cultural artifacts?
6. How important is it to preserve and protect cultural heritage for future generations?
7. Do you think museums should prioritize the preservation of cultural artifacts or the return of those artifacts to their home countries? Why?
8. How do you think the ownership of cultural artifacts should be determined?
9. What are some potential solutions to the ongoing debate about returning cultural artifacts?
10. How would you feel if your country’s cultural artifacts were taken during a time of colonization?
11. Do you think the British Museum should return the Elgin Marbles to Greece? Why or why not?
12. What are some potential benefits of returning cultural artifacts to their home countries?
13. How do you think the debate about cultural artifacts impacts international relations?
14. How can countries work together to find solutions that respect everyone’s rights and interests in regards to cultural artifacts?
15. Do you think the debate about cultural artifacts will ever be resolved? Why or why not?

Individual Activities

Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. Elgin Marbles
2. British Museum
3. Greece
4. cultural artifacts
5. heritage
6. colonialism
7. preserve
8. debate

Meanings:
(a) A museum in London that has the marbles
(b) A discussion or argument about a topic
(c) To protect and keep something safe for the future
(d) Important objects from the past, like statues or paintings
(e) When a powerful country takes control of a weaker country
(f) A country in Europe that wants the marbles back
(g) The history and traditions of a country or group of people
(h) Ancient Greek sculptures that are in London
Go to answers ⇩

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What are the Elgin Marbles also known as?
(a) Mona Lisa
(b) Parthenon Sculptures
(c) Greek Treasures
(d) Cultural Artifacts

2. Where are the Elgin Marbles currently located?
(a) Acropolis Museum in Athens
(b) Louvre Museum in Paris
(c) British Museum in London
(d) Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York

3. Why does the Greek Prime Minister want the Elgin Marbles returned?
(a) They were illegally obtained by Lord Elgin
(b) They are important symbols of Greece’s heritage
(c) They are better looked after in Greece
(d) They have more cultural meaning in Greece

4. What does the comparison to cutting the Mona Lisa in half represent?
(a) The importance of keeping historical artifacts intact
(b) The value of cultural artifacts in museums
(c) The debate about colonialism and cultural identity
(d) The need for careful thinking and talking between countries

5. Why does the British Museum argue against returning the Elgin Marbles?
(a) Lord Elgin obtained them legally
(b) They are better preserved in London
(c) They have more value in the British Museum
(d) Greece does not have the proper facilities to care for them

6. What does the debate about returning cultural artifacts often involve?
(a) Legal ownership and international agreements
(b) Financial compensation for the artifacts
(c) The role of museums in preserving history
(d) Colonialism, cultural identity, and preserving heritage

7. What does the Greek Prime Minister’s request remind us about?
(a) The importance of protecting and preserving cultural artifacts
(b) The need for countries to work together to find solutions
(c) Ongoing discussions and arguments about cultural heritage
(d) The rights and interests of all parties involved in the debate

8. What is the main message of the article?
(a) Museums should respect the heritage of other countries
(b) The debate about cultural artifacts is complex and sensitive
(c) Cultural artifacts should be preserved for future generations
(d) Cultural artifacts should be returned to their home countries

Go to answers ⇩

True or False Questions:

1. The debate about who should own cultural artifacts is brought up by the Greek Prime Minister’s plea.
2. The British Museum argues that Lord Elgin obtained the marbles illegally and that they are poorly cared for in London.
3. All of the marbles are already in Greece, none of them are in London.
4. The Greek Prime Minister does not want the Elgin Marbles to be returned from the British Museum.
5. The Elgin Marbles are seen as important symbols of Greece’s heritage.
6. The Elgin Marbles are also known as the Parthenon Sculptures.
7. Many countries, especially former colonies, are not interested in getting their cultural treasures back from Western museums.
8. The ongoing discussions and arguments about cultural heritage require countries to work together to find solutions that respect everyone’s rights and interests.
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 are the Elgin Marbles and why does the Greek Prime Minister want them returned?
2. Why does the Greek Prime Minister compare the Elgin Marbles to cutting the Mona Lisa in half?
3. What is the ongoing debate about cultural artifacts and who should own them?
4. What is the British Museum’s argument for keeping the Elgin Marbles in London?
5. Why is the issue of returning cultural artifacts often related to colonialism and cultural identity?

Answers

Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What are the Elgin Marbles and why does the Greek Prime Minister want them to be returned?
The Elgin Marbles are ancient Greek sculptures that were taken from the Parthenon and other buildings in Athens by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century. The Greek Prime Minister wants them to be returned because they are seen as important symbols of Greece’s heritage and he believes they should be brought back to their home country.

2. Why does the Prime Minister compare cutting the Mona Lisa in half to the situation with the Elgin Marbles?
The Prime Minister compares cutting the Mona Lisa in half to show how important it is to bring the Elgin Marbles back together. Just like cutting the Mona Lisa would damage its beauty and meaning, keeping the Elgin Marbles separated from each other takes away from their historical and cultural significance.

3. Where are the Elgin Marbles currently located?
The Elgin Marbles are currently located in the British Museum in London.

4. Why do many people believe that the Elgin Marbles should be returned to Greece?
Many people believe that the Elgin Marbles should be returned to Greece because they are important artifacts of Greece’s cultural heritage. They were taken from their original location without permission and are seen as belonging to the Greek people. Returning them to Greece would help preserve their historical and cultural context.

5. What is the British Museum’s argument for keeping the Elgin Marbles in London?
The British Museum argues that Lord Elgin obtained the marbles legally and that they are better looked after in London. They believe that the marbles are part of world heritage and are best displayed in a museum that can provide proper care and access to a global audience.

6. What does the ongoing debate about the Elgin Marbles make us think about?
The ongoing debate about the Elgin Marbles makes us think about who really owns cultural artifacts and how museums should respect the heritage of other countries. It raises questions about colonialism, cultural identity, and the preservation of heritage.

7. Besides the Elgin Marbles, what other cultural artifacts are countries asking to be returned from Western museums?
Besides the Elgin Marbles, many countries, especially ones that used to be colonies, are asking for their cultural treasures to be returned from Western museums. This includes artifacts such as the Benin Bronzes from Nigeria and the Rosetta Stone from Egypt.

8. What does the Greek Prime Minister’s request for the return of the Elgin Marbles remind us about the importance of?
The Greek Prime Minister’s request for the return of the Elgin Marbles reminds us about the importance of protecting and preserving cultural artifacts for future generations. It highlights the ongoing discussions and arguments about cultural heritage and the need for countries to work together to find solutions that respect everyone’s rights and interests.
Go back to questions ⇧

Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) Prime
(2) Marbles
(3) British
(4) brings
(5) important
(6) country
(7) intact
(8) preserve
(9) London
(10) debate
(11) colonies
(12) colonialism
(13) careful
(14) Elgin
(15) returned
(16) generations
Go back to questions ⇧

Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. Elgin Marbles
Answer: (h) Ancient Greek sculptures that are in London

2. British Museum
Answer: (a) A museum in London that has the marbles

3. Greece
Answer: (f) A country in Europe that wants the marbles back

4. cultural artifacts
Answer: (d) Important objects from the past, like statues or paintings

5. heritage
Answer: (g) The history and traditions of a country or group of people

6. colonialism
Answer: (e) When a powerful country takes control of a weaker country

7. preserve
Answer: (c) To protect and keep something safe for the future

8. debate
Answer: (b) A discussion or argument about a topic
Go back to questions ⇧

Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What are the Elgin Marbles also known as?
Answer: (b) Parthenon Sculptures

2. Where are the Elgin Marbles currently located?
Answer: (c) British Museum in London

3. Why does the Greek Prime Minister want the Elgin Marbles returned?
Answer: (b) They are important symbols of Greece’s heritage

4. What does the comparison to cutting the Mona Lisa in half represent?
Answer: (a) The importance of keeping historical artifacts intact

5. Why does the British Museum argue against returning the Elgin Marbles?
Answer: (a) Lord Elgin obtained them legally

6. What does the debate about returning cultural artifacts often involve?
Answer: (d) Colonialism, cultural identity, and preserving heritage

7. What does the Greek Prime Minister’s request remind us about?
Answer: (c) Ongoing discussions and arguments about cultural heritage

8. What is the main message of the article?
Answer: (d) Cultural artifacts should be returned to their home countries
Go back to questions ⇧

True or False Answers:

1. The debate about who should own cultural artifacts is brought up by the Greek Prime Minister’s plea. (Answer: True)
2. The British Museum argues that Lord Elgin obtained the marbles illegally and that they are poorly cared for in London. (Answer: False)
3. All of the marbles are already in Greece, none of them are in London. (Answer: False)
4. The Greek Prime Minister does not want the Elgin Marbles to be returned from the British Museum. (Answer: False)
5. The Elgin Marbles are seen as important symbols of Greece’s heritage. (Answer: True)
6. The Elgin Marbles are also known as the Parthenon Sculptures. (Answer: True)
7. Many countries, especially former colonies, are not interested in getting their cultural treasures back from Western museums. (Answer: False)
8. The ongoing discussions and arguments about cultural heritage require countries to work together to find solutions that respect everyone’s rights and interests. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧