The Commonwealth of Nations

Queen Elizabeth II of Britain died on 8 September 2022. She was 96. She was the queen of the United Kingdom and also fourteen other countries, including Canada and others across the Asia-Pacific and the Caribbean. She was also Head of the Commonwealth.

 

Words

• The population of a country or area is all the people who live in this country or area.
• Former British colonies are countries that used to be controlled by British rulers.
• Rule of law is a situation in which everyone in a country obeys the laws of that country.
• A legacy of Britain’s colonial past means the things that remain from the time when Britain had many colonies.
• If you acknowledge past events you admit they happened and accept this.
• If something has been delayed due to the pandemic, it will take place at a later date because of the pandemic.

 

Assignment

1. What is the Commonwealth of Nations?
   a      A massive sporting event  that takes place every four years.
   b      A partnership of all former British colonies that share the same values.
   c       An association of 54 countries that are home to 2.5 billion people.
   d      An organization of 19 African nations that was formed in 1949.

 

2. The Commonwealth “is a young organisation” (0:13). Why is it young?
   a      All members of the Commonwealth are young countries.
   b      Sixty percent of the people living in the Commonwealth is younger than 30 years.
   c       The organisation was formed in 2012, and is therefore only 10 years old.
   d      The Secretary General of the Commonwealth is always younger than 30 years.

 

3. How often does the Commonwealth meet to discuss their plans?
   a      Every year.
   b      Every very two years.
   c       Every four years.
   d      Only when necessary.

 

Extra background question

1. Name the Dutch word for the Commonwealth.