Celebrities seem to lead a “charmed” life, they are rich, famous and so popular.

Duration: 50 minutes.

Let’s take a look at today’s lesson

In this lesson, we will talk, specifically, about celebrities and why we are so fascinated by them. We will watch a video and learn some new vocabulary.

Lesson Key: (U) = Understanding. (R) = Reading. (L) = Listening

There is no need to define what a celebrity is, since most people are very well acquainted with this term. These are the people, who often appear on the screen of our TV, about whom we read in the newspapers, and whom we follow on the social networks. They are the idols the media and public relations have created.

Quick questions about celebrities.

Who are the most famous people in the world right now?
Tell me some people who are famous in Brazil and why?
What is Brazil famous for?

Have we always had celebrities? And are we more obsessed with celebrity culture now than in the past? A brief cultural history of celebrity – from Oscar Wilde, to Andy Warhol to Kim Kardashian and social media influencers today on YouTube, Instagram and elsewhere.

Watch the short video about Kim Kardashian new business venture.

Kim Kardashian’s latest business venture is an entry into Private Equity as she teams with Carlyle Group Inc. Dani Burger reports on Bloomberg Television.

Reading text:
Celebrities are not born, they are made.

Sometimes, their fame is quite short, and sometimes, if they are talented, their fame might last longer.

Think about it, we call people celebrities, if they appeared a few times on TV or in the newspaper. This is usually the entrance ticket to the club of celebrities. These people might be talented, or just ordinary people with no special talent, who, for one reason or another appeared, at least, several times on TV, in films, on the stage, or people who have appeared on reality shows.

Who are the people whom we consider as celebrities?

Singers
Actors
Reality show participants
TV presenters
Social media influencers
Athletes
Politicians

Vocabulary about celebs.

Word	Usage	Definition
Glamorous	She wore a glamorous black gown to the opening night.	This word refers to Hollywood personalities who are beautiful or handsome, they always present themselves to maintain their popularity.
Fame	She went to Hollywood seeking fame and fortune.	When a famous personality is recognized by the masses for his or her work or contribution in any field.
Claim to fame	Their biggest claim to fame is their award-winning pizza.	Something that someone or something is famous for. The restaurant’s claim to fame is its barbecue sauce.
Versatile	Benedict Cumberbatch is a versatile actor.	This word is used to describe a personality who is able to adapt to many functions, roles / activities.
Big break	He got his big break with a TV show in the 90s.	This word is used for the celebrity who had got a good opportunity to showcase his or her talents.
Victim of their own success	The actor could not go out in public, he was a victim of his own success.	It means to have problems because of your success.

Discussion questions about celebrities.
I have written some examples of answers in simple and advanced English.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a celebrity?

Simple English: The advantages of being a celebrity are fame, money, and recognition. The disadvantages are lack of privacy, constant media attention, and pressure to maintain a public image.

Advanced English: The advantages of being a celebrity include the ability to wield influence, command attention and make a difference in the world through their social status. Many celebrities also have the opportunity to earn significant wealth, access exclusive events and travel to exotic locations. However, there are several disadvantages that come with being famous. Celebrities are constantly in the public eye, and their every move is scrutinized by the media and public, often leading to the loss of privacy and personal freedom. They may also experience a lack of trust in their relationships and an inability to form deep connections with others, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation. Additionally, the pressure to maintain a certain public image can be overwhelming, leading to a lack of authenticity and difficulty in expressing one’s true self. Finally, the constant attention and scrutiny can take a toll on the mental health and wellbeing of the celebrity, leading to stress, anxiety, and other negative outcomes.

What qualities are most important in a friend?

Simple English: It’s hard to say for sure.

Advanced English: The happiness of famous people can vary widely and is influenced by many factors, such as their level of fame, how they handle the pressures of celebrity, their personal life, and their individual personality and temperament. Some famous people find their fame and success very fulfilling and enjoyable, while others may feel overwhelmed and unhappy with the constant attention and scrutiny. It’s also worth noting that the public image of famous people can be quite different from their actual experiences and emotions, so it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment about their overall happiness.

Have you ever seen or met a famous person?
What did you do or say to them?
What are the advantages (good points) and disadvantages (bad points) of being a celebrity?
Do you think people who are rich and famous are better than the average person?
If you could spend one whole day with a famous person, who would it be?
Do you think famous people are happy or unhappy?
Would you be happier or unhappy if you were famous?
How would your life change if you suddenly became famous?

Photo by Daria Volkova on Unsplash