Retour au programme
This lesson covers advanced vocabulary about citizenship, democracy, and human rights — key topics for the BFEM oral and writing exams.
🔹 Citizenship vocabulary :
• citizen — a member of a state with rights and duties
• democracy — a system of government chosen by the people
• constitution — the fundamental law of a country
• election — a vote to choose representatives
• parliament — the legislative body that makes laws
• freedom of speech — the right to express opinions freely
• civil rights — rights guaranteed to all citizens
• duty — a responsibility (paying taxes, obeying the law)
🔹 Human rights vocabulary :
• the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)
• dignity — the quality of being worthy of respect
• equality — being treated the same regardless of race, gender, religion
• justice — fair treatment under the law
• discrimination — unfair treatment based on race, gender, religion
• oppression — cruel and unjust use of power
• refugee — a person forced to leave their country
• asylum — protection given by a country to refugees
🔹 Useful phrases :
• Every person has the right to life, freedom and security.
• We must fight against injustice and discrimination.
• Citizens have both rights and responsibilities.
• The right to education is a fundamental human right.
• Democracy cannot exist without freedom of speech.
📝 Match the word with its definition :
1. democracy → a system of government in which citizens vote
2. discrimination → unfair treatment based on race, gender or religion
3. refugee → a person who flees their country due to danger
4. dignity → the quality of deserving respect and fair treatment
5. constitution → the fundamental law of a country
📝 True or False :
1. Every person has the right to education. → True
2. Only rich people have human rights. → False
3. Freedom of speech means you can say anything without consequences. → False (it has limits, e.g. incitement to hatred)
📝 Translate :
• Tout être humain naît libre et égal en dignité. → Every human being is born free and equal in dignity.
• Le droit à l'éducation est fondamental. → The right to education is fundamental.
What is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights?
Correction
It is an international document adopted by the United Nations in 1948 that sets out the fundamental rights and freedoms to which all human beings are entitled, regardless of nationality, race, gender or religion.
What is the difference between a right and a duty?
Correction
A right is something you are entitled to (education, freedom, health). A duty is a responsibility you have towards your community and country (paying taxes, obeying the law, respecting others).
Name three human rights and explain why they are important.
Correction
1. Right to education — allows people to develop their potential. 2. Right to health — ensures a dignified life. 3. Freedom of speech — allows citizens to participate in democracy.
Write two sentences about citizenship in Senegal.
Correction
Example: Senegal is a democratic country where citizens have the right to vote and elect their president. As citizens, Senegalese people also have duties, such as respecting the law and paying taxes.
What does 'equality before the law' mean?
Correction
It means that every person, regardless of their wealth, gender, race or religion, must be treated the same way by the justice system.