Listen&Learn: Joan of Arc

Posted by: Jaksyn Peacock

Learn about the young girl who led the French army in battle.

Pre-listening vocabulary

peasant: a historical term for a poor farmer living under feudalism
conflict: a struggle between two sides
vision: a dream or mental image
persuade: to convince someone to do something
accompany: to go somewhere with someone
witchcraft: the practice of magic, especially in a way that is considered evil or dangerous

Listening activity

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:07 — 1.0MB)

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | More

Gapfill exercise

Comprehension questions

See answers below

Joan of Arc grew up during a war between France and
a. England
b. Germany
c. Spain
Joan started having visions when she was
a. 12
b. 13
c. 17
She was put on trial for
a. spying
b. witchcraft
c. war crimes

Discussion/essay questions

It is uncertain how much of Joan of Arc’s story is true. There are many common myths about Joan and her life. Have you heard the story before? What do you believe?

Transcript

Joan of Arc was a French military leader. She was born in 1412 and grew up as a peasant during the Hundred Years’ War, a conflict between France and England. When she was 13 years old, Joan began to have visions of religious figures. She eventually came to believe that God had given her a mission to save France. At age 17, Joan persuaded the king to let her accompany the French army into Orléans, where the English had invaded. The mission succeeded, but Joan was captured soon after. She faced trial for witchcraft and was burned at the stake. 25 years after her death, Joan of Arc was declared innocent. The Catholic church recognized her as a saint in 1920.

Answers to comprehension questions

1a 2b 3b

Written and recorded by Jaksyn Peacock for EnglishClub

Search for more Listen&Learn stories:

Subscribe to this podcast

RSS feed

10 comments

English Club Indonesia says:

I never heard any stories about saints in my life, but this kind of ignites my curiosity to look for them.
Stephen J. says:

Thank you for sharing this, amazing help for practice for ym hsitory test!I got a A! THANK YOU SOOO MUHC SIRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!
Ivan says:

Yes, I read about her and watched some movies that mentioned her. At that time, I think people used to believe in unnatural things, such as religious visions, so it is not unbelievable that a person like a King could trust in her. Also, don’t forget what proper motivation can achieve.
Mara says:

I´ve studied about her. She had an impressive life.
Angela says:

It´s worth reading Joan´s biography. Thank you for this article.
Christine PENNEC says:

Very interesting. Excellent character came from FRANCE.
Thanks.
The King Of Love From IRAN says:

Thank❤️YOU❤️for sharing it with us,
David Martín says:

I’ve heard the story on films.

No one can claim what it’s absolutely truth but in my view Joan of Arc was a good persuader who convinced the French army to go to war against England and they succeeded.

That victory turned her into an excellent captain and it gives the French a great momentum and to think that God was with the French, but soon after the English capture Joan of Arc and burnt her in the stake, so perhaps she wasn’t the magnificent leader she claimed herself.
Lee says:

Thanks, it is interesting.
Danka Hlavata says:

lovely I like it