The greatest band the planet has ever known: The BEATLES (Advanced/Intermediate English Lesson)

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INSTRUCTIONS to teachers and students:

ENGLISH: These English lessons are designed to be used either by students to help themselves improve their English or by teachers to use when delivering lessons to their students. Every lesson has six sections. Common idioms and expressions, a gap fill exercise, a reading text with new vocabulary, a grammar section, a speaking section and a writing section. These six sections help students and teachers cover the main elements of the English language.

 

Grammar included: ‘Received Pronunciation’ and ‘The Correct Pronunciation of “ED” in a regular verb.

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Remember that during the lesson we are continuing our RP practice to be able to improve our pronunciation and diction.

READING (Concentrate on your pronunciation of the ‘ed’ sounds. You will find the ‘ed’ lesson at the end of this English lesson.

 VOCABULARY SECTION  

Regular and irregular verbs and ten interesting facts about the Beatles

  • Formed in Liverpool in 1960, The Beatles became one of the most influential bands in history.  (FORMED, BECAME, INFLUENCIAL)
  • John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote most of the band’s songs, creating a legendary songwriting partnership.  (WROTE, CREATE,  LEGENDARY, SONGWRITING, PARTNERSHIPS)
  • The Beatles released their first single, “Love Me Do,” in 1962, which soon climbed the charts.  (RELEASED, SOON, CLIMBED, CHARTS)
  • George Harrison played the lead guitar, while Ringo Starr joined the band as the drummer in 1962.   (PLAYED, LEAD GUITAR, JOINED, DRUMMER)
  • They achieved unprecedented popularity, often referred to as “Beatlemania,” during the 1960s.   (ACHIEVED, UNPRECIDENTED, POPULARITY, REFERRED TO)
  • Their album “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” won four Grammy Awards in 1968.    (Sgt.  SARGENT, WON, GRAMMY, AWARDS)
  • The Beatles performed their last live concert on August 29, 1966, at Candlestick Park in San Francisco.   (PERFORMED, CANDLESTICK)
  • The band broke up in 1970, but their music continues to influence artists and fans worldwide.   (BROKE UP, CONTINUE, INFLUENCE, FANS, WORLDWIDE)
  • Paul McCartney formed the band Wings after The Beatles disbanded.   (FORMED, DISBANDED)
  • The Beatles were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988.   (INDUCTED, FAME)

1).

Introduction: The Beatles

The Beatles, an iconic British rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960, revolutionized the music industry with their innovative sound and cultural impact. Comprising John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, the quartet’s eclectic mix of rock, pop, and experimental music captivated audiences worldwide. Their groundbreaking albums, such as “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and “Abbey Road,” showcased their musical versatility and lyrical depth. Beyond their chart-topping hits, the Beatles influenced fashion, film, and social movements, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture and solidifying their legacy as one of the greatest bands in history.

VIDEO LISTENING SECTION ONE: Watch and listen to the video and answer the questions below

QUESTIONS:

        1. What does the phrasal verb, ‘Don’t let me down‘ mean?
        2. Can you name the musical instruments that John, Paul, George and Ringo are playing?
        3. Google this question:  Which roof of which building and in what city are the band playing  ‘Don’t let me down’ and why?

Now discuss any new vocabulary:

2).  John Lennon

John Lennon, born on October 9, 1940, in Liverpool, England, was a visionary musician, peace activist, and founding member of The Beatles, one of the most influential bands in history. His songwriting partnership with Paul McCartney produced some of the most enduring songs of the 20th century, including classics like “Imagine,” “Hey Jude,” and “Let It Be.” Beyond his musical genius, Lennon was an outspoken advocate for peace and social justice, using his platform to protest against war and promote messages of love and unity. His solo career further cemented his legacy as an icon of counterculture and a voice for change. Tragically, Lennon’s life was cut short when he was assassinated on December 8, 1980, but his impact on music and society continues to resonate with generations of fans worldwide.

Now discuss any new vocabulary:

VIDEO LISTENING SECTION ONE: Watch and listen to the video and answer the questions below

QUESTIONS:

        1.  What is this song about?  ‘Imagine’
        2. What is a ‘dreamer’

Now discuss any new vocabulary

3). Paul McCartney

Paul McCartney, born on June 18, 1942, in Liverpool, England, is a legendary figure in the world of music. Best known as a member of The Beatles, McCartney’s contributions as a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist have left an indelible mark on the history of rock and pop music. Alongside John Lennon, he formed one of the most successful songwriting partnerships of all time, crafting timeless hits such as “Hey Jude,” “Let It Be,” and “Yesterday.” After The Beatles disbanded in 1970, McCartney continued to enjoy a prolific solo career and formed the band Wings, with whom he achieved further success. His innovative approach to music, characterized by melodic bass lines, versatile vocal range, and genre-spanning compositions, has earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice—once as a member of The Beatles and once as a solo artist. Beyond music, McCartney is also known for his activism in animal rights and vegetarianism, cementing his legacy as both an artist and humanitarian.

VIDEO LISTENING SECTION ONE: Watch and listen to Paul McCartney’s video and answer the questions below

QUESTIONS:

        1.  Where and what is The Mull of Kintyre?
        2. What are bagpipes?
        3. Paul and his wife have special dietary needs.   What are they.

VOCABULARY: Now discuss any new vocabulary. 

 

4).  George Harrison

George Harrison, born on February 25, 1943, in Liverpool, England, was an influential musician, singer, songwriter, and member of the iconic band The Beatles. Known as “The Quiet Beatle” due to his reserved nature, Harrison made significant contributions to the band’s music, bringing a unique blend of rock, folk, and Indian classical influences. He penned several of The Beatles’ notable songs, including “Something,” “Here Comes the Sun,” and “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” Beyond his work with The Beatles, Harrison enjoyed a successful solo career, with his album “All Things Must Pass” being particularly acclaimed. He was also a pioneer in introducing Indian music and culture to Western audiences, collaborating with famed sitarist Ravi Shankar. Harrison’s spiritual journey and philanthropic efforts, including the Concert for Bangladesh, left a lasting legacy. He passed away on November 29, 2001, but his contributions to music and his message of peace and love continue to resonate.

VIDEO LISTENING SECTION:   Listen to the words of George Harrisons song and what do the notice?

Questions: 

      1. Who is George singing about?

VOCABULARY: Now discuss any new vocabulary.

 

4).  Ringo Starr

Ringo Starr, born Richard Starkey on July 7, 1940, in Liverpool, England, is a celebrated musician, singer, songwriter, and actor best known as the drummer for the Beatles. Joining the band in 1962, Starr’s steady rhythm and distinctive drumming style became a key element of the Beatles’ sound. Beyond his contributions to the band’s music, he occasionally took the lead vocals on tracks such as “Yellow Submarine” and “With a Little Help from My Friends.” After the Beatles disbanded in 1970, Starr embarked on a successful solo career, releasing numerous albums and touring with his All-Starr Band. His influence on music and culture has been recognized with numerous accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice—both as a member of the Beatles and as a solo artist. Ringo Starr’s legacy endures as a testament to his talent and enduring appeal in the world of music.

VIDEO LISTENING SECTION:  Listen to the words of Ringo’s song and answer the questions below.

Questions: 

      1. Listen to the lyrics and answer this question:  What are the three things Ringo get’s from his friends?

VOCABULARY: Now discuss any new vocabulary. 

 

CONVERSATION QUIZ:  (If you don’t know the answer you can Google it in English only). Use Google.com only    not Google.com.br

  1. Who is known as the “King of Pop”?

    • a) Michael Jackson
    • b) Elvis Presley
    • c) Justin Bieber
    • d) Prince

  2. Which band released the song “Hey Jude” in 1968?

    • a) The Rolling Stones
    • b) The Beatles
    • c) The Who
    • d) Led Zeppelin

  3. What is the title of Adele’s 2011 hit song that begins with the lyrics “Hello, it’s me”?

    • a) Hello
    • b) Someone Like You
    • c) Rolling in the Deep
    • d) Set Fire to the Rain

  4. Which artist sang “Shape of You” in 2017?

    • a) Ed Sheeran
    • b) Bruno Mars
    • c) Justin Timberlake
    • d) Shawn Mendes

  5. What is the name of the album that Beyoncé released in 2016 that includes the song “Formation”?

    • a) Lemonade
    • b) 25
    • c) Reputation
    • d) Anti

  6. Which female artist released the hit song “Bad Romance” in 2009?

    • a) Lady Gaga
    • b) Katy Perry
    • c) Rihanna
    • d) Taylor Swift

  7. Which 2020 song by BTS became a global hit?

    • a) Dynamite
    • b) Boy with Luv
    • c) Butter
    • d) Mic Drop

  8. Who is the lead singer of the rock band Queen?

    • a) Freddie Mercury
    • b) Mick Jagger
    • c) Robert Plant
    • d) Bono

  9. Which song by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee became a worldwide hit in 2017?

    • a) Despacito
    • b) Bailando
    • c) La Bicicleta
    • d) Vivir Mi Vida

  10. Which album by Taylor Swift won the Album of the Year at the 2021 Grammy Awards?

    • a) Folklore
    • b) Lover
    • c) Evermore
    • d) 1989

 

——————————————–

SECTION FOUR

SPEAKING SECTION:

  1. Discuss your favourite Beatles song.

SECTION FIVE (REVISION)

How to pronounce the ‘ed’ sounds in regular verbs.

 

‘ED’ practice text

In this text remember that we are practicing our RP but at the same time we are going to practice how to pronounce the ‘ed’ in regular verbs. Here is an explanation.

In English, the pronunciation of the past tense suffix “-ed” varies and is determined by the final sound of the root verb:

1. /t/ Sound: We use this sound when the root verb ends in voiceless consonants (except for /t/), such as /p/, /k/, /s/, /ʃ/ (sh), /ʧ / (ch), and /f/. For example:
– “walk” becomes “walked” and is pronounced as /wa: kt/
– “laugh” becomes “laughed” and is pronounced as /laugh: ft/

2. /d/ Sound: We use this sound with root verbs ending in voiced sounds, which include all vowel sounds and voiced consonants (except for /d/), such as /b/, /g/, /v/, / z/, etc. For example:
– “call” becomes “called” and is pronounced as /ca lld/
– “rob” becomes “robbed” and is pronounced as /rob bd/

3. /ɪd/ or just /d/ Sound: We use this sound distinctly when the root verb ends in either a /t/ or a /d/. This additional syllable makes it easier to pronounce. For example:
– “want” becomes “wanted” and is pronounced as /ˈwant: id/
– “need” becomes “needed” and is pronounced as /ˈneed: id/

 

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GRAMMAR QUESTION ANSWERS:

  • Relative Clauses:

    • Question: Combine the following sentences using a relative clause: “Climate change is forcing people to migrate. These people are often from coastal regions.”
    • Answer: “Climate change is forcing people who are often from coastal regions to migrate.”

  • Passive Voice:

    • Question: Rewrite the following sentence in the passive voice: “Climate change has displaced thousands of families from their homes.”
    • Answer: “Thousands of families have been displaced from their homes by climate change.”

  • Conditional Sentences:

    • Question: Complete the following conditional sentence: “If the global community does not take action to combat climate change, .”
    • Answer: “If the global community does not take action to combat climate change, millions more people will be forced to migrate due to environmental conditions.”

ANSWERS:

Answer Key:

  1. a) Michael Jackson
  2. b) The Beatles
  3. a) Hello
  4. a) Ed Sheeran
  5. a) Lemonade
  6. a) Lady Gaga
  7. a) Dynamite
  8. a) Freddie Mercury
  9. a) Despacito
  10. a) Folklore