Understanding Terrorism and Extremism
The UK faces different types of terrorist threats. The most serious threat comes from groups like Al Qa’ida and others that share their views. There are also threats from groups related to Northern Ireland.
What is Terrorism?
Terrorism is the use of violence to scare people or governments. This can include attacks on civilians, buildings, or public places.
Types of Terrorism
- International Terrorism: This involves groups like Al Qa’ida, which may plan attacks in many countries.
- Domestic Terrorism: This can include groups that have specific local issues, such as those related to Northern Ireland.
How Do Terrorist Groups Operate?
Terrorist groups try to recruit new members. This means they might try to convince people to join their cause. They do this in different ways, such as:
- Online propaganda: Using social media to spread their messages.
- In-person meetings: Holding gatherings where they can talk to potential recruits.
Public Support
Research shows that very few people support these extremist groups. Most people want to live in peace and feel safe. It’s important for anyone living in the UK to understand these threats, even if they are not common.
Feeling Safe
It’s essential for all citizens to feel safe from different kinds of extremism, including:
- Religious Extremism: Opposing others based on their religion.
- Far-Right Extremism: This includes groups that might promote hate against certain communities.
What to Do If You Feel Unsafe
If you think someone is trying to convince you to join a terrorist group or extremist cause, it’s important to tell the police. They are there to help you and keep everyone safe.
Questions for Practice
Easy Level Questions
- What is the most serious terrorist threat in the UK?
- A) Animal rights groups
- B) Al Qa’ida
- C) Environmental activists
- D) Local charities
- What does terrorism use to scare people?
- A) Words
- B) Violence
- C) Good deeds
- D) Music
- Which type of terrorism is related to Northern Ireland?
- A) International terrorism
- B) Domestic terrorism
- C) Cyber terrorism
- D) Eco-terrorism
- What do terrorist groups try to do to people?
- A) Teach them to be good
- B) Recruit them to their cause
- C) Help them find jobs
- D) Support their education
- How do many terrorist groups communicate their message?
- A) Through books
- B) By singing
- C) Using social media
- D) In person only
- Who can you tell if you feel unsafe because of extremist behaviour?
- A) Your friend
- B) The police
- C) A stranger
- D) A celebrity
- Which is a form of extremism?
- A) Helping the community
- B) Religious extremism
- C) Supporting sports teams
- D) Volunteering
- What is a common feature of terrorist groups?
- A) High public support
- B) Low public support
- C) Support from all communities
- D) Government backing
- What should you feel in your community?
- A) Fear
- B) Anger
- C) Safe
- D) Confused
- What is the goal of terrorism?
- A) To entertain people
- B) To scare people
- C) To educate people
- D) To provide help
Medium Level Questions
- What is one way that terrorist groups recruit members?
- A) By offering jobs
- B) Through social media
- C) By donating money
- D) By helping with education
- Who are the affiliates of Al Qa’ida?
- A) People who support sports
- B) Groups with similar extremist views
- C) Government officials
- D) Local charities
- What kind of extremism opposes fundamental British values?
- A) Positive extremism
- B) Political extremism
- C) Religious extremism
- D) Cultural extremism
- Why is it important to be aware of terrorist threats in the UK?
- A) To create panic
- B) To ensure safety
- C) To support terrorism
- D) To ignore them
- What do terrorist groups usually show towards the public?
- A) High levels of support
- B) Low levels of support
- C) No interest
- D) Universal acceptance
- What action is encouraged if you are approached by someone promoting extremism?
- A) Ignore them
- B) Join their cause
- C) Notify the local police force
- D) Discuss your feelings with friends
- How do extremist groups generally view British values?
- A) They support them
- B) They oppose them
- C) They are indifferent
- D) They promote them
- What is one reason the UK has a low level of support for terrorist groups?
- A) Education
- B) Media coverage
- C) Cultural values
- D) Strong community ties
- Which type of extremism is associated with hate against certain communities?
- A) Religious extremism
- B) Far-right extremism
- C) Environmental extremism
- D) Political extremism
- What should all citizens strive for in their communities?
- A) Safety from violence
- B) Increased fear
- C) Divisions among groups
- D) Support for terrorism
Hard Level Questions
- What is the main aim of terrorist recruitment strategies?
- A) To influence government policy
- B) To expand their group and ideology
- C) To promote peace
- D) To gain media attention
- How might individuals be radicalised by extremist groups?
- A) By reading positive news
- B) By being isolated and vulnerable
- C) Through community service
- D) By participating in sports
- Why is it crucial for communities to combat extremism?
- A) To create a welcoming environment
- B) To promote division
- C) To increase fear
- D) To distract from real issues
- What does evidence show about public support for extremist groups?
- A) It is increasing
- B) It remains stable
- C) It is very low
- D) It is universal
- What is the impact of terrorism on society?
- A) It brings communities together
- B) It creates fear and distrust
- C) It encourages tourism
- D) It has no impact
- In what ways can communities protect themselves from extremist ideologies?
- A) By ignoring them
- B) By promoting education and awareness
- C) By isolating themselves
- D) By increasing surveillance
- What role do police play in preventing terrorism?
- A) They ignore it
- B) They work to protect and inform the public
- C) They create terrorist groups
- D) They promote fear
- How can social media be misused by extremist groups?
- A) To spread positivity
- B) To share educational content
- C) To share extremist propaganda
- D) To create community events
- Why is it important to report extremist behaviour?
- A) To help the community remain safe
- B) To scare people
- C) To create panic
- D) To support extremism
- What should citizens do if they encounter extremist views?
- A) Join in the conversation
- B) Seek to understand their perspective
- C) Report it to authorities
- D) Ignore it completely
Answer Key
Easy Level Answers
- B) Al Qa’ida
- B) Violence
- B) Domestic terrorism
- B) Recruit them to their cause
- C) Using social media
- B) The police
- B) Religious extremism
- B) Low public support
- C) Safe
- B) To scare people
Medium Level Answers
- B) Through social media
- B) Groups with similar extremist views
- C) Religious extremism
- B) To ensure safety
- B) Low levels of support
- C) Notify the local police force
- B) They oppose them
- A) Education
- B) Far-right extremism
- A) Safety from violence
Hard Level Answers
- B) To expand their group and ideology
- B) By being isolated and vulnerable
- A) To create a welcoming environment
- C) It is very low
- B) It creates fear and distrust
- B) By promoting education and awareness
- B) They work to protect and inform the public
- C) To share extremist propaganda
- A) To help the community remain safe
- C) Report it to authorities
