Lesson Aim
Students watch a CBS News interview about young climate activists winning a Montana climate case and practise language for legal arguments, constitutional rights, climate policy and youth activism.
Before watching
- Can young people influence climate policy?
- Should a clean environment be a constitutional right?
- What role should courts play in climate change cases?
Prep Part 1
Drag the correct sentence ending into each gap.
Sentence endings
people are treated in a way that breaks legal protections.the court gives an official decision.they bring a legal case to court.young people succeed in a legal challenge.it is the first example of this type.Watch Part 1
Watch from 0:12 to about 1:29. Focus on the court decision, the young plaintiffs and how the case affected one young person personally.
Open Part 1 on YouTubeComprehension 1
Click each question to reveal the answer.
Vocabulary from Part 1
The judge ruled that Montana had violated constitutional .
The plaintiffs argued for a clean and healthful .
An unnatural fire destroyed wildlife in the .
The young plaintiffs put in a lot of .
Options
workrightsoffsetsareaenvironmentPrep Part 2
Drag the correct sentence ending into each gap.
Sentence endings
it may guide future legal decisions.they use reasoning to support a case in court.they make governments answer for their actions.it asks a higher court to review it.it has not been effectively challenged.Watch Part 2
Watch from about 1:29 to the end. Focus on the constitutional argument, fossil fuel permits, evidence, appeal and why state courts can matter.
Open Part 2 on YouTubeComprehension 2
Click each question to reveal the answer.
Vocabulary from Part 2
The lawyers looked straight at the state .
The case put forward scientific evidence and .
The state plans to the decision.
State courts can lead the way toward federal .
Options
constitutionpackagingexpertiseprecedentappealVocabulary Review
| Expression | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| constitutional rights | rights protected by a constitution | The plaintiffs argued their constitutional rights had been violated. |
| clean and healthful environment | an environment that protects people’s health and wellbeing | Montana’s Constitution protects this right. |
| turn a blind eye | deliberately ignore a problem | Agencies were accused of turning a blind eye to climate pollution. |
| uncontested evidence | evidence that was not effectively challenged | The lawyer said the evidence was uncontested. |
| hold government accountable | make government answer for its actions | Courts can hold governments accountable. |
Phrasal Verbs and Expressions
The plaintiffs put a lot of work.
Their efforts paid .
The state plans to move with an appeal.
The case put scientific evidence.
Courts can back constitutional arguments.
Options
indownoffforwardforwardupCollocations
climate
legal
scientific
constitutional
federal
Options
evidenceprecedenttourismrightscaseargumentB2/C1 Grammar: Reported Speech for Climate Cases
This section practises reported speech for summarising what plaintiffs, lawyers, officials and journalists said about the Montana climate case.
Grammar Section 1: Reporting Statements
Choose an answer to get instant green/red feedback.
1. Direct speech: “The win is historic and incredible.” Reported speech:
2. Direct speech: “Montana violated the plaintiffs’ rights.” Reported speech:
3. Direct speech: “We are confident.” Reported speech:
Grammar Section 2: Reported Speech in Context
The journalist said that climate activists the court decision.
The plaintiff explained that an unnatural fire wildlife in the area.
The lawyer said that the Montana Constitution young citizens’ rights.
Officials announced that they the decision.
The lawyer argued that courts governments accountable.
Options
protectedwere celebratingwould appealhad destroyedcould holdwill protectGrammar Section 3: Useful Patterns
| Direct speech | Reported speech | Use |
|---|---|---|
| “The ruling is historic.” | He said that the ruling was historic. | Report opinions. |
| “The state will appeal.” | The journalist said that the state would appeal. | Report future plans. |
| “What challenges do you expect?” | The presenter asked what challenges she expected. | Report information questions. |
| “Can courts hold governments accountable?” | She asked whether courts could hold governments accountable. | Report yes/no questions. |
| “We made a change.” | The plaintiff said that they had made a change. | Report past events. |
Thought-Provoking Questions
1. Should children and teenagers be able to bring climate cases to court?
2. Is a clean and healthful environment a basic right?
3. Should courts or politicians lead climate action?
4. Why might state constitutions be important in climate cases?
5. Can one legal case influence national policy?
6. What can young people do before they are old enough to vote?
7. What responsibilities do governments have towards future generations?
Role Play
| Youth plaintiff | State official | Useful language |
|---|---|---|
| Our rights are being affected. We need a clean and healthful environment. The evidence shows real harm. | Policy decisions are complex. Energy policy affects jobs and costs. The state plans to appeal. | The evidence suggests... We are asking the court to... One possible compromise is... |
Context
Student A
You are a youth plaintiff. Explain how climate policy has affected you and why the ruling matters.
Student B
You are a state official. Ask about evidence, policy limits, costs and what changes the plaintiffs want.
Role play task: Agree on three practical steps the state could take after the ruling.