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Listening

Advanced Level Listening on Ballet

Average: 1.7 (211 votes)

Misty Copeland is a ballerina who is currently dancing for American Ballet Theatre (ABT). I was lucky to see her perform with the company earlier this year and witnessed her wonderful stage presence and beautiful dancing. I found this interview with her and think it is worth listening to, even if you are not interested in the dance world! Misty has overcome many obstacles to become a successful dancer and her story is very inspiring. Listen to the interview and then try and answer the true or false questions below. Are there any other professional or aspiring dancers out there?

The Plastic Surgery Debate

Average: 4 (23 votes)

All over the world, people are using plastic surgery to change their body and make themselves ‘more beautiful’.

In days you can do anything from lose a few inches around your hips to completely changing your face. The only thing putting people off at the moment, is the possibility of complications and the fact that they will have to undergo surgery, sometimes major surgery. Now, a new treatment claims that it can create the exact same results as liposuction, a fat removal surgery, without any cuts or incisions.

Music Video Lesson - Corinne Bailey Rae - 'Put Your Records On'

Average: 3.3 (20 votes)

This is one of my favourite songs to listen to on lovely days, it reminds me of summer. Listen to the song and complete the gaps with the missing words. This time there is no list of missing words to choose from!

Lesson by Caroline

Music Video Lesson - The Corrs 'At Your Side'

Average: 3.6 (19 votes)

This was the first song I ever learnt to play on the guitar! Of course that was more than a few years ago and I doubt I can play it now, but I still remember it fondly! Do any of you play instruments? If so, what was the first song you learnt to play? I didn't play guitar for very long, but I played piano for years and I really miss it. If anyone has a piano to give away then let me know!

Listen to the song and complete the gaps with the missing words, then look around for a free piano.

Music Video Lesson - Michael Buble 'Home'

Average: 3.9 (12 votes)

I went home this weekend and thought of this song by one of my favourite singers, Michael Buble. Before you listen to the song, see if you can complete the gaps with the words below using the meaning of the lyrics to help you. Then, check your answers by listening to the song. Good luck!

Lesson by Caroline

Harry Potter's Daniel Radcliffe Interview

Average: 3.5 (20 votes)

When did Harry Potter grow up?! The last film has been out for a while and fans across the world have loved the final instalment.

Here is a recent interview with Daniel Radcliffe about the new movie. Listen carefully and try to decide which word is being said. This is great practice for developing your ability to listen for specific information.

Lesson by Caroline Devane

Music Video Lesson - 'Sixteen Going on Seventeen'

Average: 2.9 (18 votes)

The Sound of Music was my favourite film as a child! This song is about two young teenagers that are starting to fall in love. The man (Rolf) is telling the woman (Liesl) that she needs protecting because she is young.

This song is full of adjectives that describe people's personality. Listen to the song and then try and put the correct adjective in each gap.

What was your favourite film when you were a child?

Music Video Lesson - 'Foundations'

Average: 2.8 (25 votes)

Before you read the lyrics and listen to this song, I want you to look at the vocabulary below. The song is about a relationship. Answer the following questions just by looking at the words:

1. Is the relationship good or bad?

2. Do you think the two people are still together?

3. Can you make a story about this relationship using these words?

When you have answered those questions, listen to the song and put the words in the correct gaps. Let us know what you think!

Listening - Blood Brothers

Average: 3.1 (20 votes)

Are you superstitious?

Superstition: a belief not based on knowledge on reason that certain actions will bring about negative results.

Superstitious: a person who believes in superstitions. e.g. 'She thinks that if you break a mirror you will have seven years bad luck, she’s so superstitious!'

Music Video Lesson - 'Hey There Delilah'

Average: 2.6 (18 votes)

This song was a number one hit in 2007 and was also nominated for a grammy!

With this listening exercise, I want you to try and complete the gaps before you listen to the song.

You should be able to guess the missing word from the context. Let us know how you get on!

Lesson by Caroline