France Prepares for Big Strike on November 5
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France is preparing for a major strike and protest day on Thursday, November 5.
A strike happens when workers stop working to show they disagree with something, often about pay or rules.
Several groups are expected to take part in this day of mobilisation, which means many people acting together for a cause.
High school students, the Gilets jaunes movement, railway workers from SNCF, and the large union CGT are all expected to join.
The Gilets jaunes, or "yellow vests," is a protest movement that began because of anger over rising living costs and taxes.
SNCF is France's national railway company, and its workers often take part in national strikes.
CGT is one of the biggest trade unions in France. A trade union is a group that represents workers' interests.
In the city of Rennes, local people say the protest planned for November 5 could be one of the largest in recent years.
One resident said, "I have never seen this," showing how unusual the size of the expected crowd is.
With so many different groups involved, people across France are wondering exactly what will happen on Thursday.
The strike could affect transport, schools, and other public services, though the full details are not yet confirmed.
Many are watching closely to see how big the demonstration will actually be once the day arrives.
Vocabulary7 words
- strike
- when workers stop working to show anger about something
- protest
- an action to show you do not agree with something
- mobilisation
- when many people come together to act for a cause
- Gilets jaunes
- a French protest group known for yellow jackets
- SNCF
- France's national train company
- CGT
- a large French trade union
- demonstration
- a public event where people show their opinion
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Quiz
Answer key
1. A national strike and protest day 2. SNCF 3. "I have never seen this"
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Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
France is preparing for a major strike and _____ day on Thursday, November 5.
A strike happens when workers stop working to show they disagree with something, often about pay or _____.
Several groups are expected to take part in this day of _____, which means many people acting together for a cause.
High school students, the _____ movement, railway workers from SNCF, and the large union CGT are all expected to join.
The Gilets jaunes, or "yellow vests," is a protest movement that began because of anger over rising living costs and _____.
SNCF is France's national _____ company, and its workers often take part in national strikes.
CGT is one of the biggest trade _____ in France.
In the city of _____, local people say the protest planned for November 5 could be one of the largest in recent years.
One resident said, "I have never seen this," showing how unusual the size of the expected _____ is.
The strike could affect transport, schools, and other public _____, though the full details are not yet confirmed.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think different groups like students and railway workers join the same protest day?
- What effects can a national strike have on daily life in a country?
- Why might a local resident in Rennes say they have 'never seen' such a large protest before?
- Do you think strikes are an effective way to bring about change? Why or why not?
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