Happy NASA Anniversary Day! English Lesson

MP3 Listening

THE READING / PRESCRIPT

NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration was established on July 29th, 1958. It was responsible for the USA’s space exploration programme. NASA has changed the way we live here on Earth, and the way we look at the universe. President Dwight D. Eisenhower created it to counter the Soviet Union’s space programme. For several decades, NASA became involved in the Space Race that saw some of the greatest achievements in human history. The Apollo project put the first man, Neil Armstrong, on the Moon in 1969; Skylab was launched in 1973 and became the first space station; and the first reusable Space Shuttle blasted off in 1981. Other milestones include the Hubble Telescope and the International Space Station.

NASA will never stop exploring. Its mission is to find out as much as it can about our universe. In early February 2006, NASA said its aim was: “To explore the universe and search for life; to inspire the next generation of explorers ... as only NASA can.” US President George W. Bush announced a new plan for astronauts to return to the Moon by 2018. He said NASA would set up a Moon Base for future missions to Mars and beyond. In 2007, NASA stated it aimed to put a man on Mars by 2037. There are also plans to explore Saturn and study the Sun. NASA spacecraft are presently on their way to Mercury and Pluto. Other planned missions cover over half the solar system. As NASA’s motto says, this is “For the benefit of all”.

PHRASE MATCH

Match the following phrases from the article.

Paragraph 1

1.	the National Aeronautics and	a.	at the universe
2	the USA’s space exploration	b.	blasted off in 1981
3.	the way we look	c.	Hubble Telescope
4.	the greatest achievements	d.	and Space Administration
5.	the first reusable Space Shuttle	e.	in human history
6.	Other milestones include the	f.	programme

 

Paragraph 2

1.	NASA will never	a.	and search for life
2	find out as much as it can	b.	and beyond
3.	To explore the universe	c.	of explorers
4.	inspire the next generation	d.	stop exploring
5.	future missions to Mars	e.	“For the benefit of all”
6.	As NASA’s motto says, this is	f.	about our universe

LISTENING GAP FILL

NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration was established on July 29th, 1958. It ____________________ USA’s space exploration programme. NASA has ____________________ live here on Earth, and the way we look at the universe. President Dwight D. Eisenhower _____________________ the Soviet Union’s space programme. For several decades, NASA became involved in the Space Race ____________________ greatest achievements in human history. The Apollo project put the first man, Neil Armstrong, on the Moon in 1969; Skylab ____________________ 1973 and became the first space station; and the first reusable Space Shuttle blasted off in 1981. Other ____________________ the Hubble Telescope and the International Space Station.

NASA will never stop exploring. Its mission is ____________________ as it can about our universe. In early February 2006, NASA said its aim was: “To ____________________ and search for life; to inspire the next generation of explorers ... as only NASA can.” US President George W. Bush ____________________ for astronauts to return to the Moon by 2018. He said NASA would set up a Moon Base for future missions to Mars and beyond. In 2007, NASA stated ____________________ on Mars by 2037. There are also plans to explore Saturn and study the Sun. NASA spacecraft ____________________ way to Mercury and Pluto. Other planned missions cover over half the solar system. As NASA’s motto says, this is “____________________”.

WHILE READING / LISTENING GAP FILL

Put the words into the gaps in the text.

NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration was ____________ on July 29th, 1958. It was responsible for the USA’s space exploration programme. NASA has ____________ the way we live here on Earth, and the way we look at the universe. President Dwight D. Eisenhower created it to ____________ the Soviet Union’s space programme. For several decades, NASA became ____________ in the Space Race that saw some of the ____________ achievements in human history. The Apollo project put the first man, Neil Armstrong, on the Moon in 1969; Skylab was ____________ in 1973 and became the first space station; and the first ____________ Space Shuttle blasted off in 1981. Other ____________ include the Hubble Telescope and the International Space Station.		greatest counter established reusable milestones involved changed launched
NASA will never stop exploring. Its ____________ is to find out as much as it can about our universe. In early February 2006, NASA said its aim was: “To ____________ the universe and search for life; to ____________ the next generation of explorers ... as only NASA can.” US President George W. Bush announced a new ____________ for astronauts to return to the Moon by 2018. He said NASA would set up a Moon Base for ____________ missions to Mars and beyond. In 2007, NASA stated it ____________ to put a man on Mars by 2037. There are also plans to explore Saturn and study the Sun. NASA spacecraft are ____________ on their way to Mercury and Pluto. Other planned missions cover over half the solar system. As NASA’s motto says, this is “For the ____________ of all”.		inspire  aimed explore future benefit presently mission plan

CHOOSE THE CORRECT WORD

Delete the wrong word in each of the pairs of italics.

NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration was established / establishing on July 29th, 1958. It was responsible from / for the USA’s space exploration programme. NASA has changed the way we live here / there on Earth, and the way we look at the universe. President Dwight D. Eisenhower created it to count / counter the Soviet Union’s space programme. For several decades, NASA became involved in the Space Race that saw / seen some of the greatest achievements in human / humans history. The Apollo project put the first man, Neil Armstrong, on the Moon in 1969; Skylab was launched in 1973 and became the first space station; and the first reusable Space Shuttle blasted up / off in 1981. Other milestones / gemstones include the Hubble Telescope and the International Space Station.

NASA will never stop explores / exploring. Its mission is to find out as much as it can about our universe. In early February 2006, NASA said its aim was: “To explore the universe and search for lives / life; to inspire the next generation of explorers ... as only NASA can.” US President George W. Bush announcement / announced a new plan for astronauts to return to the Moon by / until 2018. He said NASA would set up a Moon Base for future missions to Mars and beyond / before. In 2007, NASA stated it aimed to put a man on / in Mars by 2037. There are also plans to explore Saturn and study the Sun. NASA spacecraft are current / presently on their way to Mercury and Pluto. Other planned missions cover over half the solar system. As NASA’s motto says, this is “For the benefit of some / all”.

MULTIPLE CHOICE

NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration was established on July 29th, 1958. It was responsible (1) ____ the USA’s space exploration programme. NASA has changed the way we live (2) ____ on Earth, and the way we look at the universe. President Dwight D. Eisenhower created it to (3) ____ the Soviet Union’s space programme. For several decades, NASA became (4) ____ in the Space Race that saw some of the greatest achievements in human history. The Apollo project put the first man, Neil Armstrong, on the Moon in 1969; Skylab was (5) ____ in 1973 and became the first space station; and the first reusable Space Shuttle blasted (6) ____ in 1981. Other milestones include the Hubble Telescope and the International Space Station.

NASA will never stop exploring. Its mission is to find (7) ____ as much as it can about our universe. In early February 2006, NASA said its aim was: “To explore the universe and search for (8) ____; to inspire the next generation of explorers ... as only NASA can.” US President George W. Bush announced a new plan for astronauts to return to the Moon (9) ____ 2018. He said NASA would set up a Moon Base for future missions to Mars and (10) ____. In 2007, NASA stated it aimed to put a man on Mars by 2037. There are also plans to explore Saturn and study the Sun. NASA spacecraft are (11) ____ on their way to Mercury and Pluto. Other planned missions cover over half the solar system. As NASA’s motto says, this is “For the benefit of (12) ____”.

Put the correct words from this table into the article.

1.	(a)	from	(b)	for	(c)	of	(d)	by
2.	(a)	there	(b)	down	(c)	up	(d)	here
3.	(a)	counter	(b)	counting	(c)	counts	(d)	count
4.	(a)	involved	(b)	involves	(c)	involving	(d)	involved
5.	(a)	lunched	(b)	launcher	(c)	launched	(d)	launching
6.	(a)	on	(b)	up	(c)	down	(d)	off
7.	(a)	in	(b)	out	(c)	up	(d)	of
8.	(a)	life	(b)	living	(c)	lives	(d)	live
9.	(a)	until	(b)	since	(c)	by	(d)	at
10.	(a)	behind	(b)	beyond	(c)	before	(d)	begin
11.	(a)	present	(b)	presence	(c)	presently	(d)	presenter
12.	(a)	some	(b)	few	(c)	half	(d)	all

SPELLING

Spell the jumbled words (from the text) correctly.

Paragraph 1
1.	weanling Aeronautics and Space Administration
2.	look at the Evangelist
3.	unicorn the Soviet Union’s space programmer
4.	some of the graticule achievements
5.	Skylab was chalcedony in 1973
6.	milestones enlighten the Hubble Telescope
Paragraph 2
7.	NASA will never stop prehensile
8.	Erin the next generation
9.	George W. Bush anchormen a new plan
10.	future pianissimo to Mars
11.	spacecraft are Petronella on their way
12.	“For the Firestone of all”

PUT THE TEXT BACK TOGETHER

Number these lines in the correct order.

(    )	generation of explorers ... as only NASA can.” US President George W. Bush announced a new plan for astronauts
(    )	launched in 1973 and became the first space station; and the first reusable Space Shuttle blasted
(    )	achievements in human history. The Apollo project put the first man, Neil Armstrong, on the Moon in 1969; Skylab was
(    )	to return to the Moon by 2018. He said NASA would set up a Moon Base for future missions to Mars and
(  1  )	NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration was established on July 29th, 1958. It was responsible
(    )	NASA will never stop exploring. Its mission is to find out as much as it can about our
(    )	off in 1981. Other milestones include the Hubble Telescope and the International Space Station.
(    )	at the universe. President Dwight D. Eisenhower created it to counter the Soviet Union’s space
(    )	programme. For several decades, NASA became involved in the Space Race that saw some of the greatest
(    )	over half the solar system. As NASA’s motto says, this is “For the benefit of all”.
(    )	beyond. In 2007, NASA stated it aimed to put a man on Mars by 2037. There are also plans to explore
(    )	universe. In early February 2006, NASA said its aim was: “To explore the universe and search for life; to inspire the next
(    )	Saturn and study the Sun. NASA spacecraft are presently on their way to Mercury and Pluto. Other planned missions cover
(    )	for the USA’s space exploration programme. NASA has changed the way we live here on Earth, and the way we look

SCRAMBLED SENTENCES

With a partner, put the words back into the correct order.

1.	for     responsible     was     It     exploration     space     USA’s     the
2.	has     way    here    NASA     the     live    Earth     changed    we     on
3.	in     achievements     greatest     the     of     Some    history     human
4.	Shuttle     off     first     Space     blasted     The     reusable
5.	Hubble     the     include     milestones     Other     Telescope
6.	find     out     as     much     as     it     can     Its     mission     is     to
7.	next     of     To     the     generation     explorers     inspire
8.	astronauts     to     A    for     return     Moon     plan     to    the     new
9.	to     man     NASA     aimed     a     Mars     it     put     on     stated
10.	Planned     system     solar     the     half     over     cover     missions

DISCUSSION (Write your own questions)

STUDENT A’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)
1.	________________________________________________________
2.	________________________________________________________
3.	________________________________________________________
4.	________________________________________________________
5.	________________________________________________________
6.	________________________________________________________

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STUDENT B’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)
1.	________________________________________________________
2.	________________________________________________________
3.	________________________________________________________
4.	________________________________________________________
5.	________________________________________________________
6.	________________________________________________________

THE NASA’S ANNIVERSARY SURVEY

Write five questions about NASA’s Anniversary in the table. Do this in pairs/groups. Each student must write the questions on his / her own paper.

Without your partner, interview other students. Write down their answers.

	STUDENT 1 _____________	STUDENT 2 _____________	STUDENT 3 _____________
Q.1.
Q.2.
Q.3.
Q.4.
Q.5.

Return to your original partner(s) and share and talk about what you found out.  Make mini-presentations to other groups on your findings.

WRITING

Write about NASA’s Anniversary for 10 minutes. Show your partner your paper. Correct each other’s work.

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HOMEWORK

1. VOCABULARY EXTENSION: Choose several of the words from the text. Use a dictionary or Google’s search field (or another search engine) to build up more associations / collocations of each word.

2. INTERNET: Search the Internet and find more information about NASA’s Anniversary. Talk about what you discover with your partner(s) in the next lesson.

3. MAGAZINE ARTICLE: Write a magazine article about NASA’s Anniversary. Write about what happens around the world. Include two imaginary interviews with people who did something on this day.

Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Give each other feedback on your articles.

4. POSTER: Make your own poster about NASA’s Anniversary. Write about will happen on this day around the world.

Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Give each other feedback on your articles.

Amy Winehouse English Lesson MP3

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 MP3 Listening 

THE READING / TYPESCRIPT

Amy Jade Winehouse is an English singer and songwriter. She is known for her marvelous voice and controversial private life. She debuted in 2003 at the age of 20 with the album ‘Frank’. It set her on the road to fame. Music lovers everywhere were excited about her talents and how her career would progress. Today she is one of music’s hottest stars.

She grew up in a family that loved jazz. Her musical talents were clear to see from a very young age. Aged ten, she formed a rap group called Sweet 'n' Sour with a childhood friend. She got her first guitar when she was 13 and she began writing music. She signed to a major record label after they heard her distinctive voice.

Winehouse’s second album “Back To Black” made her an acclaimed international star. She won dozens of awards, including five at the 2008 Grammy’s. Some of the biggest names in rock are waiting to collaborate with her. George Michael said: "Amy is the best female vocalist I have ever heard in my entire career, as well as one of the best writers."

Winehouse is constantly the focus of media attention. She cannot escape the reporters who follow her every move.  She has given them good reason to write about her. She battles with drug and alcohol abuse and her self destructive behaviour is often tabloid news. Regardless, the world is holding its breath for her next recordings.

242 words

Fletch Kinkily 6.7

SYNONYM MATCH

Match the words from the article on the left with their synonyms on the right. Are your answers the same as other students’?

Paragraphs 1 and 2
1.	marvelous	a.	unique
2	debuted	b.	develop
3.	progress	c.	started
4.	clear	d.	wonderful
5.	formed	e.	made her first appearance
6.	distinctive	f.	obvious
Paragraphs 3 and 4
7.	acclaimed	g.	continually
8.	collaborate	h.	whole
9.	entire	i.	damaging
10.	constantly	j.	admired
11	destructive	k	waiting excitedly
12	holding its breath	l	work together

PHRASE MATCH

Match the following phrases from the article:

1.	singer and	a.	see from a very young age
2	the road	b.	drug and alcohol abuse
3.	Her musical talents were clear to	c.	dozens of awards
4.	she formed	d.	to fame
5.	her distinctive	e.	to collaborate with her
6.	She won	f.	songwriter
7.	the biggest names in rock are waiting	g.	is often tabloid news
8.	She cannot escape the reporters	h.	voice
9.	She battles with	i.	a rap group
10.	her self destructive behaviour	j.	who follow her every move

LISTENING GAP FILL

Amy Jade Winehouse is an English ___________________. She is known for her marvelous voice and controversial private life. ________________ 2003 at the age of 20 with the album ‘Frank’. It ________________ to fame. Music lovers everywhere were excited about her talents ________________ would progress. Today she is one of music’s hottest stars.

She grew up in a family ________________. Her musical talents were ________________ a very young age. Aged ten, she formed a rap group called Sweet 'n' Sour with a childhood friend. She got her first guitar when she was 13 and she ________________. She signed to a major record label after they ________________ voice.

Winehouse’s second album “Back To Black” made ________________ international star. She ________________ awards, including five at the 2008 Grammy’s. Some of the biggest names in rock are _________________ with her. George Michael said: "Amy is the best female vocalist I have ever heard ________________, as well as one of the best writers."

Winehouse is constantly ________________ attention. She cannot escape the reporters ________________ move.  She has given them good reason to write about her. She ________________ and alcohol abuse and her self destructive behaviour is often tabloid news. Regardless, the world is holding ________________ next recordings.

CHOOSE THE CORRECT WORD

Delete the wrong word in each of the pairs of italics:

Amy Jade Winehouse is an English singer and songwriter. She is known / know for her marvelous voice and controversial private live / life. She debuted / debut in 2003 at the age of 20 with the album ‘Frank’. It set her on the road to fame. Music lovers everywhere were excited about her talents and how her career would progressive / progress. Today she is one of music’s hottest stars.

She grew up in a family that loved / loving jazz. Her musical talents were clearly / clear to see from a very young age. Aged ten, she formed a rap group called Sweet 'n' Sour with a childhood friend. She got her first guitar when she was 13 and she began wrote / writing music. She signed to a major record label after they heard / listened her distinctive voice.

Winehouse’s second album “Back To Black” made her an acclaimed international star. She beat / won dozens of awards, including five at the 2008 Grammy’s. Some of the biggest names in / on rock are waiting to collaborate with her. George Michael said: "Amy is the best female vocals / vocalist I have ever heard in my entire / entirely career, as well as one of the best writers."

Winehouse is constantly the focus of media / medium attention. She cannot escaped / escape the reporters who follow her every move.  She has given them good reason to writing / write about her. She battles with drug and alcohol abuse and her self destructive behaviour is often tabloid news. Regardless, the world is holding its breath / breathing for her next recordings.

SPELLING

The underlined, jumbled words are from the text. Spell them correctly.

Paragraph 1
1.	singer and worse turnip
2.	controversial triplet life
3.	Music lovers everywhere
4.	one of music’s eat too stars
Paragraph 2
5.	a family that dole jazz
6.	she reform a rap group
7.	She got her first arbitrage when she was 13
8.	her distinctive divorce
Paragraph 3
9.	She won snogged of awards
10.	naivete to collaborate with her
11.	the best female cocktail I have ever heard
12.	in my soiree career
Paragraph 4
13.	constantly the unfrock of media attention
14.	She cannot Caspar the reporters
15.	She wheelbase with drug and alcohol abuse
16.	the world is jailhouse its breath

PUT THE TEXT BACK TOGETHER

Number these lines in the correct order.

(    )	career, as well as one of the best writers."
(    )	private life. She debuted in 2003 at the age of 20 with the album ‘Frank’. It set her on the road to fame. Music lovers everywhere
(    )	a rap group called Sweet 'n' Sour with a childhood friend. She got her first guitar when she was 13 and she began
(    )	with her. George Michael said: "Amy is the best female vocalist I have ever heard in my entire
(    )	Winehouse is constantly the focus of media attention. She cannot escape the reporters who follow
(    )	She grew up in a family that loved jazz. Her musical talents were clear to see from a very young age. Aged ten, she formed
(    )	were excited about her talents and how her career would progress. Today she is one of music’s hottest stars.
(  1  )	Amy Jade Winehouse is an English singer and songwriter. She is known for her marvelous voice and controversial
(    )	abuse and her self destructive behaviour is often tabloid news. Regardless, the world is holding
(    )	its breath for her next recordings.
(    )	her every move.  She has given them good reason to write about her. She battles with drug and alcohol
(    )	writing music. She signed to a major record label after they heard her distinctive voice.
(    )	Winehouse’s second album “Back To Black” made her an acclaimed international star. She won dozens
(    )	of awards, including five at the 2008 Grammy’s. Some of the biggest names in rock are waiting to collaborate

SCRAMBLED SENTENCES

With your partner, put the words back into the correct order.

1.	and   English   songwriter   singer   an
2.	about   excited   were   everywhere   lovers   Music   talents   her
3.	one   is   she   Today   stars   hottest   music’s   of
4.	She   family   grew   that   up   loved   in   jazz   a
5.	a   record   She   to   major   label   signed
6.	with   her   the   biggest   names   in   rock   are   waiting   to   collaborate
7.	have   I   vocalist   female   best   the   heard   ever
8.	constantly   attention   media   of   focus   the
9.	and   abuse   battles   drug   alcohol   She   with
10.	the   breath   its   holding   is   world

DISCUSSION (Write your questions)

STUDENT A’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)
1.	What do you know about Amy Winehouse?
2.	Would you like to meet Amy Winehouse?
3.	What would you like to know about Amy Winehouse and why?
4.	___________________________________________________
5.	___________________________________________________
6.	___________________________________________________
7.	___________________________________________________
8.	___________________________________________________

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STUDENT B’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)
1.	What did you learn from this text about Amy Winehouse?
2.	What questions would you like to ask Amy Winehouse?
3.	What would her answers be to those questions?
4.	___________________________________________________
5.	___________________________________________________
6.	___________________________________________________
7.	___________________________________________________
8.	___________________________________________________

THE AMY WINEHOUSE SURVEY

Write five questions about Amy Winehouse in the table. Do this in pairs/groups. Each student must write the questions on his / her own paper.

Without your partner, interview other students. Write down their answers.

	STUDENT 1 _____________	STUDENT 2 _____________	STUDENT 3 _____________
Q.1.
Q.2.
Q.3.
Q.4.
Q.5.

Return to your original partner(s) and share and talk about what you found out.  Make mini-presentations to other groups on your findings.

WRITING

Write about Amy Winehouse for 10 minutes. Show your partner your paper. Correct each other’s work.

______________________________________________________________________________

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HOMEWORK

1. VOCABULARY EXTENSION: Choose several of the words from the text. Use a dictionary or Google’s search field (or another search engine) to build up more associations / collocations of each word.

2. INTERNET: Search the Internet and find more information about Amy Winehouse. Talk about what you discover with your partner(s) in the next lesson.

3. AMY WINEHOUSE POSTER: Make a poster showing the different stages of the life of Amy Winehouse. Show your poster to your classmates in the next lesson. Did you all find out similar things?

4. MAGAZINE ARTICLE: Write a magazine article about Amy Winehouse. Include an imaginary interview with her. Write about what she does every day and what she thinks about.

Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Give each other feedback on your articles.

5. LETTER: Write a letter to Amy Winehouse. Ask her three questions about her life. Give her three suggestions on what she should do in her future. Read your letter to your partner(s) in your next lesson. Your “Amy Winehouse expert” partner(s) will try and answer your questions.

ANSWERS

SYNONYM MATCH:

Paragraphs 1 and 2
1.	marvelous	a.	wonderful
2	debuted	b.	made her first appearance
3.	progress	c.	develop
4.	clear	d.	obvious
5.	formed	e.	started
6.	distinctive	f.	unique
Paragraphs 3 and 4
7.	acclaimed	g.	admired
8.	collaborate	h.	work together
9.	entire	i.	whole
10.	constantly	j.	continually
11	destructive	k	damaging
12	holding its breath	l	waiting excitedly

PHRASE MATCH:

1.	singer and	a.	songwriter
2	the road	b.	to fame
3.	Her musical talents were clear to	c.	see from a very young age
4.	she formed	d.	a rap group
5.	her distinctive	e.	voice
6.	She won	f.	dozens of awards
7.	the biggest names in rock are waiting	g.	to collaborate with her
8.	She cannot escape the reporters	h.	who follow her every move
9.	She battles with	i.	drug and alcohol abuse
10.	her self destructive behaviour	j.	is often tabloid news

ALL OTHER EXERCISES:

Check your answers in "THE READING / TAPESCRIPT" section at the top of this page.

Famous People Lessons: English Lesson on Amy Winehouse

PT. 2: Learn English with Michael Jackson's OD - Breaking News English Lesson Plan on Michael Jackson

June 27, 2009

PRINT:  WORD | PDF (13-page handouts)
LISTEN: MP3 (2:07 - 990KB)
PLAY:    ONLINE QUIZ

1. MICHAEL JACKSON: Walk around the class and talk to other students about Michael Jackson. Change partners often. With your first partner(s), share your findings.

2. CHAT: In pairs / groups, decide which of these topics or words from the article are most interesting and which are most boring.

heart attacks / rushed to hospital / respecting privacy / tough times / pop icon / talent / tributes / being sad and confused / massive loss / genius / solo artists / albums

Have a chat about the topics you liked. Change topics and partners frequently.

3. LEGEND: What do you remember about Michael Jackson? Complete this table. Talk about what you wrote to your partner. Change partners and share what you heard.

	My memories
His songs
Thriller
His clothes
His dancing
His face
His private life

4. THE KING: Students A strongly believe Michael Jackson is the greatest ever singer; Students B strongly believe Michael Jackson isn’t the greatest.  Change partners again and talk about your conversations.

5. ICONS: Who are the world’s biggest icons? With your partner, decide on the biggest icons in each category. Change partners and share what you talked about.

pop star (male) pop star (female) sports star cartoon character

fashion model politician world leader (alive or dead) actor

6. BAD: Spend one minute writing down all of the different words you associate with the word ‘bad’. Share your words with your partner(s) and talk about them. Together, put the words into different categories.

BEFORE READING / LISTENING

1. TRUE / FALSE: Look at the article’s headline and guess whether these sentences are true (T) or false (F):

a.	Michael Jackson died after suffering a cardiac arrest.	T / F
b.	Michael Jackson’s brother asked reporters to stay away from his family.	T / F
c.	Michael Jackson’s nickname was the Prince of Pop.	T / F
d.	People will remember his forgettable songs and dances.	T / F
e.	Many people from across the globe said nice things about Jackson.	T / F
f.	Michael’s ex-wife could not say what she wanted about his death.	T / F
g.	Michael performed solo throughout his musical career.	T / F
h.	Jackson’s album Thriller is the second-biggest seller ever.	T / F

2. SYNONYM MATCH: Match the following synonyms from the article:

1.	heart attack	a.	huge
2	trying	b.	changed
3.	tough	c.	record
4.	transformed	d.	attempting
5.	influenced	e.	brilliance
6.	tributes	f.	legends
7.	greats	g.	cardiac arrest
8.	massive	h.	praise
9.	genius	i.	difficult
10.	album	j.	affected

3. PHRASE MATCH: Match the following phrases from the article (sometimes more than one. combination is possible):

1.	died aged 50 after having	a.	this tough time
2	He was rushed	b.	and a true ambassador
3.	respect our privacy during	c.	songs
4.	influenced generations	d.	in from all over the world
5.	his unforgettable	e.	fail me
6.	Tributes to Jackson have poured	f.	a heart attack
7.	his music will live	g.	of singers
8.	words	h.	a solo artist
9.	We have lost a genius	i.	to hospital
10.	globally famous as	j.	on forever

 

WHILE READING / LISTENING

GAP FILL: Put the words into the gaps in the text.

Michael Jackson has died aged 50 after having a heart __________ at his Los Angeles home. He was __________ to hospital, where doctors spent over an hour trying to __________ him. His brother Germaine told reporters: "The family request that the media please respect our privacy during this __________ time." Jackson was perhaps the greatest singer and dancer the world has ever seen. He transformed the music industry forever. The pop __________ greatly influenced generations of singers with his unrivalled professionalism. Michael was __________ as the king of pop and there is perhaps no one close to challenging his legendary __________. He will be remembered forever for his __________, his unforgettable songs, and his Moonwalk dance.		save status attack talent rushed tough known icon
Tributes to Michael Jackson have __________ in from all over the world. Pop star Madonna said: "The world has lost one of its __________, but his music will live on forever." Jackson’s ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley said she was “so sad and __________”. She added: "This is such a __________ loss on so many levels, words fail me." Pop star Justin Timberlake wrote online: "We have lost a __________ and a true ambassador of not only pop music, but of all music." Jackson began his __________ as a child in his family group The Jackson 5. He went on to become globally famous as a solo artist with __________ hits such as Billie Jean and Bad. His album Thriller, released in 1982, is the biggest-selling __________ of all time. It has sold 65 million copies worldwide.		confused smash greats album poured genius career massive

LISTENING:  Listen and fill in the gaps.

Michael Jackson ____________________ after having a heart attack at his Los Angeles home. He was rushed to hospital, where doctors spent over an hour ____________________. His brother Germaine told reporters: "The family request that the media please respect our ____________________." Jackson was perhaps the greatest singer and dancer the world has ever seen. He transformed the music industry forever. ____________________ influenced generations of singers with his unrivalled professionalism. Michael was known as the king of pop and there is perhaps no one close to challenging ____________________. He will be remembered forever for his talent, ____________________, and his Moonwalk dance.

Tributes to Michael Jackson have ____________________ over the world. Pop star Madonna said: "The world has lost one of its greats, but his music ____________________." Jackson’s ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley said she was “so sad and confused”. She added: "This is such a massive loss on so many levels, ____________________." Pop star Justin Timberlake wrote online: "We have lost a genius and a true ambassador of not only pop music, but of all music." Jackson began his ____________________ in his family group The Jackson 5. He went on to become globally _____________________ with smash hits such as Billie Jean and Bad. His album Thriller, released in 1982, is the biggest-selling ____________________. It has sold 65 million copies worldwide.

AFTER READING / LISTENING

1. WORD SEARCH: Look in your dictionaries / computer to find collocates, other meanings, information, synonyms … for the words ‘pop’ and ‘icon’.

pop

icon

• Share your findings with your partners.

• Make questions using the words you found.
• Ask your partner / group your questions.

2. ARTICLE QUESTIONS: Look back at the article and write down some questions you would like to ask the class about the text.

• Share your questions with other classmates / groups.
• Ask your partner / group your questions.

3. GAP FILL: In pairs / groups, compare your answers to this exercise. Check your answers. Talk about the words from the activity. Were they new, interesting, worth learning…?

4. VOCABULARY: Circle any words you do not understand. In groups, pool unknown words and use dictionaries to find their meanings.

5. TEST EACH OTHER: Look at the words below. With your partner, try to recall how they were used in the text:

heart rushed media icon king status

poured greats fail genius solo album

STUDENT MICHAEL JACKSON SURVEY

Write five GOOD questions about Michael Jackson in the table. Do this in pairs. Each student must write the questions on his / her own paper.

When you have finished, interview other students. Write down their answers.

	STUDENT 1 _____________	STUDENT 2 _____________	STUDENT 3 _____________
Q.1.
Q.2.
Q.3.
Q.4.
Q.5.

• Now return to your original partner and share and talk about what you found out. Change partners often.
• Make mini-presentations to other groups on your findings.

MICHAEL JACKSON DISCUSSION

STUDENT A’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student B)

a)	What did you think when you read the headline?
b)	What springs to mind when you hear the name ‘Michael Jackson’?
c)	Where were you when you heard about Michael’s death?
d)	What do you think caused Michael Jackson’s heart attack?
e)	How do you think Michael Jackson changed music?
f)	What do you think of the media coverage of Michael Jackson’s death?
g)	What do you think of Michael Jackson’s music and dancing?
h)	Where do you think Michael Jackson is in the list of musical greats?
i)	What is Michael Jackson’s most unforgettable song?
j)	How did Michael Jackson change American society?

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STUDENT B’s QUESTIONS (Do not show these to student A)

a)	Did you like reading this article?
b)	What tribute would you pay to Michael Jackson?
c)	The rapper P Diddy said: “Michael Jackson showed me that you can actually see the beat.” What do you think of this?
d)	Was Michael Jackson a part of your life?
e)	Why do you think Michael Jackson was such a music icon?
f)	The music producer Quincy Jones said: "To this day [his] music is played in every corner of the world, and the reason is because he had it all.” What do you think of this tribute?
g)	How should the world remember Michael Jackson?
h)	What do you think about Michael Jackson’s private life?
i)	What three adjectives would you use to describe Michael? Why?
j)	What questions would you like to have asked Michael Jackson?

LANGUAGE

Michael Jackson has died aged 50 after (1) ____ a heart attack at his Los Angeles home. He was rushed to hospital, where doctors (2) ____ over an hour trying to save him. His brother Germaine told reporters: "The family request that the media please respect our (3) ____ during this tough time." Jackson was perhaps the greatest singer and dancer the world has ever seen. He transformed the music industry forever. The pop icon (4) ____ influenced generations of singers with his unrivalled professionalism. Michael was (5) ____ as the king of pop and there is perhaps no one close to challenging his legendary (6) ____. He will be remembered forever for his talent, his unforgettable songs, and his Moonwalk dance.

Tributes to Michael Jackson have (7) ____ in from all over the world. Pop star Madonna said: "The world has lost one of its greats, but his music will live on forever." Jackson’s ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley said she was “so sad and confused”. She added: "This is such a massive (8) ____ on so many levels, words (9) ____ me." Pop star Justin Timberlake wrote online: "We have lost a (10) ____ and a true ambassador of not only pop music, but of all music." Jackson began his career as a child in his family group The Jackson 5. He went on to become globally famous as a solo artist with (11) ____ hits such as Billie Jean and Bad. His album Thriller, released in 1982, is the biggest-selling album of (12) ____ time. It has sold 65 million copies worldwide.

Put the correct words from the table below in the above article.

1.	(a)	have	(b)	has	(c)	had	(d)	having
2.	(a)	spend	(b)	spends	(c)	spent	(d)	spending
3.	(a)	private	(b)	privacy	(c)	privately	(d)	privatise
4.	(a)	greatly	(b)	greatest	(c)	greats	(d)	great
5.	(a)	knew	(b)	knowing	(c)	known	(d)	knows
6.	(a)	statistics	(b)	statues	(c)	stats	(d)	status
7.	(a)	pouring	(b)	poured	(c)	pours	(d)	pour
8.	(a)	loss	(b)	lost	(c)	loser	(d)	losses
9.	(a)	failure	(b)	fail	(c)	failing	(d)	fails
10.	(a)	genie	(b)	geneticist	(c)	genius	(d)	general
11.	(a)	smash	(b)	punch	(c)	smack	(d)	break
12.	(a)	whole	(b)	ever	(c)	every	(d)	all

WRITING 1: 

Write about Michael Jackson for 10 minutes. Correct your partner’s paper.

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WRITING 2: 

Singer P Diddy said: “Michael Jackson showed me that you can actually see the beat. He made the music come to life!!” Write about this. Read your partner’s paper.

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HOMEWORK

1. VOCABULARY EXTENSION: Choose several of the words from the text. Use a dictionary or Google’s search field (or another search engine) to build up more associations / collocations of each word.

2. INTERNET: Search the Internet and find out more about Michael Jackson. Share what you discover with your partner(s) in the next lesson.

3. GENIUS: Make a poster about three different areas of Michael Jackson’s genius. Show your work to your classmates in the next lesson. Did you all have similar things?

4. MICHAEL JACKSON: Write a magazine article about Michael Jackson. Include imaginary interviews with two huge fans.

Read what you wrote to your classmates in the next lesson. Write down any new words and expressions you hear from your partner(s).

5. LETTER: Write a letter to Michael Jackson. Ask him three questions about his life. Give him three reasons why you would pay tribute to him. Read your letter to your partner(s) in your next lesson. Your partner(s) will answer your questions.

ANSWERS

TRUE / FALSE:

a.

T

b.

T

c.

F

d.

F

e.

T

f.

T

g.

F

h.

F

SYNONYM MATCH:

1.	heart attack	a.	cardiac arrest
2	trying	b.	attempting
3.	tough	c.	difficult
4.	transformed	d.	changed
5.	influenced	e.	affected
6.	tributes	f.	praise
7.	greats	g.	legends
8.	massive	h.	huge
9.	genius	i.	brilliance
10.	album	j.	record

PHRASE MATCH:

1.	died aged 50 after having	a.	a heart attack
2	He was rushed	b.	to hospital
3.	respect our privacy during	c.	this tough time
4.	influenced generations	d.	of singers
5.	his unforgettable	e.	songs
6.	Tributes to Jackson have poured	f.	in from all over the world
7.	his music will live	g.	on forever
8.	words	h.	fail me
9.	We have lost a genius	i.	and a true ambassador
10.	globally famous as	j.	a solo artist

GAP FILL:

Michael Jackson dies aged 50

Michael Jackson has died aged 50 after having a heart attack at his Los Angeles home. He was rushed to hospital, where doctors spent over an hour trying to save him. His brother Germaine told reporters: "The family request that the media please respect our privacy during this tough time." Jackson was perhaps the greatest singer and dancer the world has ever seen. He transformed the music industry forever. The pop icon greatly influenced generations of singers with his unrivalled professionalism. Michael was known as the king of pop and there is perhaps no one close to challenging his legendary status. He will be remembered forever for his talent, his unforgettable songs, and his Moonwalk dance.

Tributes to Michael Jackson have poured in from all over the world. Pop star Madonna said: "The world has lost one of its greats, but his music will live on forever." Jackson’s ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley said she was “so sad and confused”. She added: "This is such a massive loss on so many levels, words fail me." Pop star Justin Timberlake wrote online: "We have lost a genius and a true ambassador of not only pop music, but of all music." Jackson began his career as a child in his family group The Jackson 5. He went on to become globally famous as a solo artist with smash hits such as Billie Jean and Bad. His album Thriller, released in 1982, is the biggest-selling album of all time. It has sold 65 million copies worldwide.

LANGUAGE WORK

1 - d

2 - c

3 - b

4 - a

5 - c

6 - d

7 - b

8 - a

9 - b

10 -c

11 - a

12 - d

Breaking News English ESL Lesson Plan on Michael Jackson