English Conversation Club

Topic: ‘Monarchies & Government’

(Make sure you introduce yourselves as necessary, perhaps joined to the first question. Also remember that you don’t have to limit yourselves to these questions.. the more conversation and interaction the better!)

1. Recently Crown Prince Frederick of Denmark and his Australian wife Princess Mary have been visiting Australia. Do you know anything about them? What do you think about it?

2. Does your home country have some kind of monarchy (eg King, Queen, Emperor)? If so, what role does the monarchy play in the life of the country?

3. Most monarchies have been replaced by another kind of government. Do you think there is a place for a monarchy in the modern world?

4. How old is your current system of government, and do you know what it was like previously?

5. Explain what you know about the system of government in your country; for example:

• How are people chosen to govern?

• What different levels of government are there? (local, state, national, etc)

• How often does the government change?

6. What do you think the attitude of most people is toward your government? (eg respect, despise, don’t care, cynical, etc)

7. Recently the marriage of Prince Charles to Camilla Parker Bowles has been an issue because Camilla is a divorcee. What do you think about that?

8. Do you have any special holidays relating to the government or monarchy? Are there special activities on those days?