Set the Scene:
Let’s start with some engaging questions to connect your everyday life to the subject of the activity:
- Have you ever visited a city that was once thriving but is now facing decline? What were your impressions?
- How do you think the economy and industry of a city impact the daily lives of its residents?
- What do you think are some common challenges that cities face when trying to revitalize and recover from decline?
- Have you heard of the city of Detroit or its history as the Motor City? What comes to mind when you think of Detroit?
- How do you think the history and culture of a city can influence its ability to recover and thrive again?
Featured Image Analysis & Prediction:
Take a look at the featured image and answer the following questions:
- What do you see in the image?
- What do you think this activity will be about based on this image?
- Do you think the image depicts a city in decline or a city in revival? Why or why not?
Introduction:
Read the introduction to the activity and get a sense of what the topic is about. Pay attention to key terms and concepts that will be explored in the activity.
Video Engagement:
Watch the video associated with the activity, available at https://maestrocursos.com.br/quizzed-esl-activities/how-detroit-lost-its-glory-ghosts-of-the-motor-city-70000-abandoned-buildings-history-documentary/. Pause the video at the following points and discuss the questions:
- Pause at 5:00 minutes: What were some of the factors that contributed to Detroit’s decline? How do you think these factors impacted the city’s residents?
- Pause at 10:00 minutes: What role did the automobile industry play in Detroit’s history? How did the industry’s decline affect the city?
- Pause at 15:00 minutes: What efforts are being made to revitalize and recover the city of Detroit? Do you think these efforts will be successful? Why or why not?
Key Vocabulary:
Review the key vocabulary terms and their definitions. Try to use these terms in your own sentences to practice your understanding:
| Term | Definition | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Motor City | A nickname for Detroit, referencing its historical significance in the automobile industry. | Detroit is often called the Motor City due to its role in the automotive industry. |
| Prohibition | A period in the United States (1920-1933) during which the manufacture, sale, and transportation of intoxicating liquors were banned. | Gangs smuggled liquor from Canada into Detroit during prohibition, contributing to the city’s criminal activity. |
| The Great Depression | A global economic downturn that lasted from 1929 to the late 1930s, characterized by high unemployment and economic hardship. | The Great Depression hit Detroit hard, with unemployment reaching nearly 50% by 1933. |
| Arsenal of Democracy | A term used to describe the United States’ role in producing war materials during World War II, with Detroit being a significant contributor. | Detroit earned the nickname “the arsenal of democracy” for its production of war materials during World War II. |
| Motown | A genre of music and a record label that originated in Detroit, characterized by its unique sound and influential artists. | Motown music emerged in Detroit in the 1950s and 1960s, giving birth to legendary artists like Stevie Wonder and Diana Ross. |
| Big Three Automakers | The three largest automobile manufacturers in the United States, typically referring to General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler. | The Big Three automakers dominated the automotive industry in Detroit during its Golden Age. |
| Suburban Development | The process of building and expanding suburbs, often leading to the migration of people from urban areas to surrounding suburban areas. | Suburban development in the 1950s and 1960s contributed to the decline of Detroit as middle-class families moved out of the city. |
| Bankruptcy | A legal status of an individual or organization that is unable to pay its debts, often resulting in the restructuring or elimination of debt. | Detroit filed for bankruptcy in 2013 with a debt of $18 billion, but was able to restructure and exit bankruptcy in 2014. |
| Revitalization | The process of renewing or restoring something, such as a city or neighborhood, to a more vibrant or thriving state. | Efforts to revitalize downtown Detroit have brought new businesses, real estate developments, and investments to the area. |
| Resilience | The ability to withstand or recover from difficult conditions or challenges. | Despite facing numerous challenges, Detroit has shown remarkable resilience in its efforts to recover and revitalize the city. |
Vocabulary Quiz:
Test your understanding of the key vocabulary terms with the following quiz:
- Which term best describes Detroit’s ability to recover from its decline and bankruptcy?
- A) Despair
- B) Resilience
- C) Prosperity
- D) Decline
- What event in 1943 highlighted the increased racial tensions in Detroit during World War II?
- A) The Great Depression
- B) The 1973 oil crisis
- C) The 1943 Detroit race riot
- D) The rise of foreign automakers
- Which industry was primarily responsible for Detroit’s initial growth and prosperity?
- A) Technology
- B) Manufacturing
- C) Automobile
- D) Agriculture
- What was the result of Detroit’s bankruptcy filing in 2013?
- A) The city was abandoned
- B) The city’s debt increased
- C) $7 billion of its debt was restructured or wiped out
- D) The city’s population grew
- What is a notable feature of Detroit’s current revival efforts?
- A) The decline of the arts and cultural scene
- B) The abandonment of iconic landmarks
- C) A thriving arts and cultural scene
- D) A decrease in community resilience
Answer Key:
- B) Resilience
- C) The 1943 Detroit race riot
- C) Automobile
- C) $7 billion of its debt was restructured or wiped out
- C) A thriving arts and cultural scene
Grammar Focus:
The past perfect tense is used to describe an action that occurred before another action in the past. It is formed using the auxiliary verb “