It looks like stars live a charmed life.
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
What is a celebrity?
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 about, and whom we follow on the social networks.
- 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?
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.
Let’s watch this short video about fame.
Reading text:
Celebrities are not born, they are made.
Listen to the audio and read the text at the same time.
Fame is rarely something that simply falls from the sky. Instead, it is usually created through a mix of media attention, personal image, and sometimes real talent.
For some people, their moment in the spotlight is very short. They appear once or twice in a television program, or they are written about in the newspaper, and suddenly everyone knows their name. But just as quickly as they rise, they disappear from the public eye. For others, especially those who have strong skills in acting, singing, or sports, fame can last for years, or even for a lifetime.
Think about it. We call someone a “celebrity” even if they only appeared a few times on TV or online. That short exposure is often the entrance ticket into the world of fame. Once someone has been seen by a large audience, their name is remembered, at least for a while. In today’s world, the internet and social media have made this process even faster. A single viral video can create a new celebrity overnight.
Of course, not all celebrities are the same. Some of them are talented actors, musicians, athletes, or writers. They work hard and build a career that can keep them in the public eye for decades. But many others are simply ordinary people who, for one reason or another, became visible to a wide audience. Think of people who appear in reality shows. Often, they do not need to show any particular talent. They only need to be interesting, unusual, or even controversial. The audience starts talking about them, and the media keeps repeating their names. Before long, they are celebrities.
The life of a celebrity is not always easy. While fame can bring money, opportunities, and admiration, it also comes with pressure. Celebrities are often followed by cameras, judged for their appearance, and criticized for their actions. For those without real talent or strong character, this pressure can be difficult to handle. This is one reason why some celebrities disappear so quickly. Their fame was built on attention, not on ability, and when the attention fades, so does their celebrity status.
At the same time, there are celebrities who manage to reinvent themselves. They might start as singers and later become actors. Or they begin as reality show stars and eventually build businesses or charities. In this way, they extend their fame and make it more stable.
In the end, the idea of celebrity shows us something important about modern society. We live in a culture where visibility is power. Being seen is often more important than being skilled. Celebrities are not born; they are made—sometimes through talent and hard work, sometimes simply through being in the right place at the right time.
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?
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