I know our protests will not stop the war. But we're saying that we won't be ignored.

Source: BBC


1. Before reading, find the following words:

AGREEMENTARGUMENTCOMPROMISE
EFFECTGENERATIONNAIVETY
POPULATIONTERRORISTWEAPONS
WORRIED
GTSIRORRET
AEQWORRIED
HSNOPAEWDV
AGREEMENTF
SRBZRFYKNO
POPULATION
EFFECTTBNO
YTEVIANIOX
ESIMORPMOC
ARGUMENTPN

2. Read quickly the article and match the opinions to people - Michael, Wayne, Fawad, Hazel, Jez.

School children cannot understand the situation. Wayne
I want to fight in this war.  
Nothing, even war, is black or white  
Young people are responsible for future.  
I was naive when I was young.  

Teenagers are supposed to be apathetic. But when the attack on Iraq opened, who were first on the streets to protest? School children. Michael Williams, 16, tells what got him motivated.

When I came back from the demonstration last week, I was really charged up and on a high. It was inspiring to be surrounded by people of my generation who are not prepared to compromise; not prepared to say 'oh, okay then, I'll support the war'.

The war is a big issue at school. There are anti- posters and leaflets around and people are talking about it, arguing, disagreeing. Certainly a lot of strong feeling.

The majority are against. Some people feel really strongly against and some are less worried. Actually, a few support it.

Whatever side you're on, everyone agrees that America will win in Iraq. They'll win the war, but the big question is what will happen then. The effects of this war, not only in Iraq but what happened with the UN, are going to be felt for year.

Now you might be able to say that's all in the future, but it's people of my age who are going to have to deal with the situation and with over-population, weapons of mass destruction.

It's not accurate to say that teenagers are apathetic and only worried about trivial things. In terms of traditional politics, we are not in one party, but I've seen people younger than me get fired up about this war - they're old enough to know what's right and wrong.

I'm not totally opposed to war. I can see a situation in which the military must be used as a last solution.

But this has to be through the UN. I think that's the heart of the issue.

I know our protests will not stop the war. But we're saying that we won't be walked over and ignored.


Some of comments so far:

School "children" lack the intelligence and experience and they don´t have a useful opinion. Their views should be heard, but only taken lightly.
Wayne, UK

Michael does not offer an alternative to war. Such regimes will not just go away.
Hazel, UK

Well this is a good thing as I´m also a teenager and here teenagers in Pakistan are very curious to go and take part in the war as we believe this is a war not on Iraq but on Islam.
Fawad Imam, Karachi, Pakistan

The last few weeks have been great, they have reminded me what youthful naivety looks like. When I was the same age it was animal rights, I am now 35 and a little more realistic. All I would say is at that age it all looks very clear, black and white, right and wrong. As people grow older they change, their outlook on life changes too (everyone does). I think its probably a good balance having generations with different view points.
Jez Daughtry, UK


3. Answer the following question:

A) Are young people in Great Britain apathetic regarding war in Iraq? And in Czech Republic?

B) Do you think that this war is war on Islam?

C) Do you believe that this war is because of oil?

D) Are young people more naive than the adults?

E) Would you join the protest against war in Iraq/ make anti-war poster or write a leaflet?


4. Correct the modal verbs.


Young people should to say what they think. incorrect
They can take part in protest. correct
Young people might to be worried as the adults.  
When you are older you shouldn´t forget what is important.  
People don´t must fight against other religions.  
If you think that war is dangerous you could write a leaflet.  
People mustn´t kill somebody who doesn´t agree with them.  
If you argue with somebody you have explain your opinion.