French High School Students Protest; Classes Suspended
Listen to the story
High school students across France have begun a wave of protests, leading to disruption in schools nationwide. The movement is being described as a mobilisation.
French official Sébastien Lecornu announced that classes would be suspended until the end of the week because of the unrest. The decision affects students in several regions.
In Paris, a large demonstration took place. According to the préfecture, the local police authority, around 300 people were considered "hostile" and were positioned at the front of the march.
Meanwhile, in the eastern cities of Strasbourg and Mulhouse, further protests began later in the day. The morning had been relatively calm before demonstrations picked up.
In some towns, students organised blockades, physically stopping classmates and staff from entering school buildings. These actions have become a common method for students to express their demands.
The authorities are closely monitoring the situation, as concerns grow about the possibility of unrest spreading to more cities. It remains unclear exactly how long the disruption will continue beyond this week.
Vocabulary7 words
- protests
- public actions showing strong disagreement
- mobilisation
- many people organising to act together
- classes
- lessons at school
- demonstration
- a public march to show an opinion
- préfecture
- a local government office in France
- blockades
- actions that stop people from entering a place
- unrest
- a situation of anger or trouble among people
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Quiz
Answer key
1. Classes would be suspended until the end of the week 2. About 300 people at the front were considered hostile 3. True
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Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
High school students across France have begun a wave of _____, leading to disruption in schools nationwide.
Sébastien Lecornu announced that _____ would be suspended until the end of the week.
In Paris, a large _____ took place.
According to the _____, around 300 people were considered hostile.
In Strasbourg and Mulhouse, further protests began after a calm _____.
In some towns, students organised _____, stopping people from entering school buildings.
Authorities are concerned about the possibility of _____ spreading to more cities.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think students are protesting?
- Do you think suspending classes is a good response to protests?
- Have you ever taken part in a demonstration? What was it like?
- How can governments balance students' right to protest with the need for safety?
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