The Magna Carta

◎供稿：英国大使馆文化教育处

Activity 1

Before you read, decide which word(s) (1–7) go(es) with which meaning (a–e).

1. baron 2. break the rules 3. fair 4. protect 5. rule 6. sign 7. taxes

a. an important person in a country that has a king or queen

b. an instruction saying what you can or cannot do

c. keep someone safe

d. money everyone has to pay from their job that pays for roads, schools, etc.

e. not do what the rules say

f. the same for everyone; giving everyone the same

g. write your name on a document to say you agree with it

In England in 1215 there was a king called John. He was not very popular because he made people pay a lot of taxes. The barons of England were very angry because King John was unfair. They wanted things to change. So, they went to London and asked King John to meet with them.

The barons wanted King John to sign a document with new rules. The rules would protect them and all the people living in England. The document was called the “Magna Carta”, which means “big charter” (list of rules). King John said yes.

In 2015 the Magna Carta was 800 years old. It is very old, but it is still a very important document today. It was the first document to protect “normal” people and what they could do. Kings and queens couldn’t do anything they wanted any more. If someone broke a rule, then other “normal” people (not kings or queens) decided what should happen. This is still true today, 800 years later.

The Maɡna Carta had sixty-three different rules. Many of the same rules are used today in the UK and other countries, like the USA. They make sure that normal people are protected and that the rules are fair for everyone.

Activity 2

Put the words from Activity 1 in the correct sentences (1–7). Add an“s”to nouns (plural) or verbs if you need to.

1. In the past, England had kings and queens, and also________and other important people who decided what people could and couldn’t do.

2. At school we had a lot of_______ .For example, we had to wear a uniform and we couldn’t eat in class.

3. My teacher is very________.She doesn’t give us too much homework and she is nice to everyone.

4. My parents always_______ me if there is something dangerous happening.

5. You have to________lots of documents when you buy a house.

6. Joanna always________at school. Now she has to leave because the teachers are angry.

7. Every month I pay a lot of_______,but our town is very nice, so I don’t mind.

Activity 3

Underline the correct answer in each question.

1. King John was friends with the barons of England / was not liked by many people.

2. The barons wanted Enɡland to be different / wanted fewer rules.

3. The Magna Carta would protect everyone in England / the barons.

4. The Magna Carta is / is not useful today.

5. Normal people and not just kings and queens could / couldn’t decide what happens to someone who breaks the rules.

6. The USA and other countries have rules like the rules in the Magna Carta / sixty-three rules.