December 17 • Cultural Insight

Wright Brothers Day

Wright Brothers Day, celebrated on the 17th of December, commemorates the first successful flight in a mechanically propelled aeroplane by Orville and Wilbur Wright in 1903. The day honours the pioneers of aviation and the rapid technological evolution of flight.

Speaking Discussion

Would the world be better if we still had to take boats to cross the ocean?
Should private jets be banned for the sake of the environment?
Why is the airport the most stresful place on Earth?
If you could fly (with wings) at 20km/h for free, or fly in a jet at 900km/h for $500, which would you choose?
Is exploring only real when it is difficult?

Activity 1: The CEO of green airways

The Task: You are launching an electric airline. Your planes are slow (take 10 hours for a 2-hour trip). You have 3 minutes to market the slowness as a luxury experience to busy executives. Sell the view.

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Debate

Justify in 30 seconds: 1. 'Cheap flights have destroyed the soul of travel.' 2. 'Technology will eventually make flight 'Carbon Neutral'; we shouldn't worry.' 3. 'Distance is the only thing that makes a 'Home' feel special.'

Key Vocabulary

Commemorate (V) Recall and show respect for (someone or something).
Wingspan (N) The maximum extent from tip to tip of the wings of an aircraft, bird, or other animal.
Miracle (N) A surprising and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws.
Carbon-Neutral (Adj) Making or resulting in no net release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Commute (V/N) Travel some distance between one's home and place of work on a regular basis.

Fluency Catalyst

Native Phrase: When discussing impact, use: "To fly by the seat of your pants (to do something without a plan)."

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