Episode 111

EPISODE 111
LEVEL A1.2/A2.1

 

READING COMPREHENSION 

 

MUSIC

Ben is a musician. He has always dreamt of having his own band (= a group of musicians) and now his dreams have come true. His band is called ‘Rabbit’. Ben is the lead singer (= the main singer in the group) and the composer (= someone who writes music) of most of their songs. They play different types of music, such as rock, pop or blues. This year they are planning to release  their first record (=  make the CD available for the public). ‘Our songs are mainly about love’ – says Ben. ‘I compose, and Bob – the drummer – writes lyrics’ (= the words of a song). ‘I think we are talented enough to be successful and famous’.

 

More contexts for the new words: 

• This radio station plays all of your favorite tunes. (= pieces of music, songs)
•  The best thing about the film is its soundtrack. (= the music of a film)
   

 

EXERCISE 1 

Give words for the definitions 

1. the main singer in the group = a l………. singer
2. someone who plays drums = a d…………….
3. a music group = a b………….
4. the music played during a film = s……………………..
5. the words of a song = l…………………
6. a piece of music = a t…………….

 

EXERCISE 2 

Complete the question with correct words and then answer them.

1. What t………. of music do you like listening to?
2. What’s your favourite b…………..?
3. Would you like to be a m…………….? Why/ why not?

 

ENGLISH IN USE  

This time we are going to look at the difference between too and enough.  We use too and enough with adjectives.

Too expresses a negative idea.
It’ hot in the summer. I like it.
It’s too hot for me in the summer. I don’t like it.

You can use enough to express a positive or a negative idea. When we want to express a negative idea we need to put not before enough.

It’s hot enough for me in the summer. The temperature is perfect.
It’s not hot enough for me in the summer. I prefer it when it’s hotter.

 

When we want to express the same idea using too and not enough we need to use opposite adjectives.

This car is too expensive for me.
This car is not cheap enough for me.

 

IDIOM CLOSE-UP 

Mary broke a dining-room window and had to FACE THE MUSIC when her father got back home.

If you face the music, you have to accept the punishment or criticism for something you have done.

 

PHRASAL VERBS CLOSE-UP

 

1. If you PLAY AROUND, you behave in a silly way.

Stop playing around and do your homework!

 

2. If you TUNE IN, you watch or listen to a particular TV or radio programme or station.

Be sure to tune in to next week’s show.

 

EXERCISE 3 

Complete the sentences with words from the idiom/phrasal verbs you’ve learned.

1. He was caught stealing. Now he has to f………… the music.
2. We have to quit playing a………….. and get down to work.
3. Let’s t………….. in on the latest news.

 

NEWS

SAD MUSIC HELPS PEOPLE WITH A BROKEN HEART

New research suggests listening to sad music can help overcome the heartbreak of an ended relationship. The research is from the University of California at Berkeley. It says people find comfort in listening to tunes that reflect their negative mood. It also says sad movies and books provide comfort for broken hearts. Consumers experience serious emotional distress when an intimate relationship ends, and look for something to replace the lost personal bond. That is why they prefer sad music rather than dance or ‘happy’ tunes.

 

GLOSSARY 

• overcome – to be successful in dealing with or controlling a problem
• comfort – a pleasant feeling of being relaxed and free from pain
• reflect – show
• mood – the way you feel at a particular time
• distress – a feeling of extreme worry, sadness or pain
• bond – a close connection with another person

 

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