English Level:
Advanced
Content Warning:
Strong language, Sexism, War
British Accent, Colloquial, Idiomatic
I have chosen not to include the definitions here to give you the opportunity to find the information yourself. The information you find this way will stay with you longer. Please take the time to find out the meaning of the vocabulary.
Surface-to-air missile (SAS)
Drip feed (information)
One big hurdle
Uni (abv.)
Open the door to
Thick skinned
Bloke / Blokey
Having a wee
Willie (body part)
Long johns
A spike in the data
Nappy (British slang)
Wetting yourself
Debilitating
Rubble
Debrief
Measured
Pitch black
Complacent
Decoy
These warmup questions are intended to introduce you to the topic
- Militaries were traditionally dominated by men. Recently, more women have been joining the armed forces. What obstacles might women encounter?
- Are there any downsides to having a gender specific job? Should all jobs be open to all people?
- Why are there a lot of mental health issues for war veterans?
- What are some jobs for men?
As you listen, try to answer these questions.
You may need to listen more than once.
- Why couldn’t she become a fighter pilot?
- When did the rules change?
- What is JUNTA?
- What were on the screen savers? How did she handle that situation and what was the result?
- What were some of the things that she had to get used to because she was the only woman in her squadron?
- In what ways did she become blokey?
- How do you go to the washroom (have a wee) in a jet?
- Describe her experience trying to take a wee in the jet.
- What are the symptoms of shock?
- What is a predator (aircraft)?
- Describe her mission in Iraq.
- Describe her experience in Saudi Arabia.
- What are flares? How did they help?
- What is good leadership to Mandy?
Reflect on what you have learned.
- In the interview she says, “That was it, I couldn’t get my papers in quick enough.” It follows the sentence structure “I couldn’t (do something) quick enough.” The sentence is used to show a frantic and fast action. Make your own sentence that follows this structure.
- Is there anything about the opposite gender that you wish you could do?
- How did she change her personality to fit in?
- How does a pilot go to the washroom while on a jet? Describe her experience going to the washroom?
- Describe her first experience “in action.”
- Jargon is language that is specific to a job or segment of the population. Can you recall any of the jargon she used and what does it mean?
- Will drones replace human pilots one day?
- What is the reality of being a fighter pilot?
- How would you handle killing another person?
- She said “it hit the fans”, which is a polite way of saying “shit hits the fan.” What does that mean? Can you describe a situation where shit has hit the fan in your life?
- Is she a good role model?
- Identify at least one key issue from this video that you could research more.