JANUARY 2009

Language Function: talking about books, films and music

Vocabulary/Topic: books, films, music; book and music idioms

PRINT & TEACH LESSON

K

SEPTEMBER 2011

BOOKS, FILMS & MUSICadvancedupper-intermediateintermediatepre-intermediate

focus on talking

www.english-4u.com page 1

Activity 1. Discuss these questions in pairs or small groups.

‣ What kind of books, films and music do you like best? Are there any particular kinds of books, films and music that you hate?

‣ When was the last time you read a book, watched a DVD or listened to a CD?

‣ Have your reading, watching and listening habits changed since you were younger?

‣ What do you prefer doing when you have a free evening: reading a book, watching a film or listening to music? What does your choice of entertainment depend on?

‣ Can you recommend any book, film or music? Why do you think it is good?

JANUARY 2009

BOOKS, FILMS & MUSIC

www.english-4u.com page 2

Activity 2. Do the following sentences refer to books, films or music?

focus on vocabulary

books films music1. I always read the blurb before deciding what to buy.

2. He only played a supporting role.

3. I like the tune but not the lyrics.

4. I read it cover to cover in one sitting.

5. It’s a catchy tune.

6. I’m sure it’s going to be a blockbuster.

7. I really enjoyed the special effects.

8. They just made a movie out of it.

9. She sang her heart out.

10. It’s a real page-turner.

11. The plot was really convoluted.

12. The chorus is very easy to remember.

13. It was so interesting I couldn’t put it down.

14. Have they released a new album?

15. The acting was quite wooden.

JANUARY 2009

BOOKS, FILMS & MUSIC

www.english-4u.com page 3

Activity 3. Match the idioms to their correct meanings.

focus on vocabulary: book & music idioms

1. to be music to somebody’s ears A. to open a book in order to study

2. to crack a book B. to do something exactly as the rules tell you

3. to blow one’s own trumpet C. in my opinion

4. to change one’s tune D. to know exactly what somebody is feeling or thinking

5. to go by the bookE. you shouldn’t judge the quality or character of someone or something just by looking at them

6. to go for a song F. to make somebody very happy

7. in my book G. to accept punishment or criticism for something

8. you can’t judge a book by its cover H. to be very cheap

9. to face the music I. to boast about one’s achievements or talents

10. to read somebody like a book J. to change one’s opinion completely

JANUARY 2009

1. I don’t remember seeing him ............................................... this term.

2. The news that my daughter decided to break up with her useless boyfriend was ............................................... .

3. In order to avoid trouble, I prefer to ............................................... .

4. He couldn’t decide if he should ............................................... or blame someone else for what happened.

5. ............................................... she shouldn’t be taken seriously after what she said.

6. There are a lot of sales around, so you can find good quality shoes ............................................... .

7. Don’t try to pretend you’re happy. I can ............................................... .

8. I don't want to ..............................................., but I was quite a good cross country runner.

9. She might look a bit weird, but you can’t ............................................... .

10. He was against the idea to start with, but soon ............................................... when I told him how much money he’d get out of it.

BOOKS, FILMS & MUSIC

www.english-4u.com page 4

Activity 4. Fill the gaps in the sentences below with the following phrases and idioms in the correct form.

to go by the book to crack a book

to judge the book by its

coverin my book to read sb like a

book

to blow one’s own trumpet

music to one’s ears to go for a song to change one’s

tuneto face the

music

focus on talking

‣ How is technology changing the way we are reading books, watching films and listening to music. Are these changes positive or negative?