Check in + Step 1: California love

• Engels
• Secundair onderwijs

Unit 5: This is America

Check in: Loony landmarks

Ex. 1

Do you recognise these famous landmarks?

a Write down the name of the landmark.

b How do these landmarks differ from the real ones?

c In which states and cities can you find the actual landmarks?

Space Needle

The Statue of Liberty

Mount Rushmore

The White House

The Lincoln Memorial

Grand Canyon

The Empire State Building

South Dakota

New York

New York

Washington D.C.

Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado

Washington D.C.

Seattle, Washington

5

6

7

EX. 3

Trivia quia! Name as many … as you can.

• Play in groups of 2 or 3. 
• You will get a question with many answers.
• Your teacher will start a timer (90 seconds).
• Write down as many answer as you possibly can.
• The group with most correct answers scores 1 point.

Name as many 

US presidents

as you can.

Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, Richard Nixon, Lyndon B. Johnson, John F. Kennedy, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Harry S. Truman, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover, Calvin Coolidge, Warren G. Harding, Woodrow Wilson, William Howard Taft, Theodore Roosevelt, William McKinley, Grover Cleveland, Benjamin Harrison, Chester A. Arthur, James A. Garfield, Rutherford B. Hayes, James Buchanan, Franklin Pierce, Millard Fillmore, Zachary Taylor, James K. Polk, John Tyler, William Henry Harrison, Martin Van Buren, Andrew Jackson, John Quincy Adams, James Monroe, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, George Washington

Name as many 

US states

as you can.

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Name as many 

US sports teams : baseball, basketball, American football and hockey 

as you can.

Philadelphia Eagles

Pittsburgh Steelers

Chicago Bears

Chicago Bulls

Detroit Lions

Boston Red Sox

Denver Broncos

Golden State Warriors

Kansas City Chiefs

Minnesota Vikings

Dallas Cowboys

New York Yankees

San Francisco 49ers

Green Bay Packers

Los Angeles Lakers

Miami Dolphins

New York Giants

Boston Celtics

New England Patriots

New York Knicks

Name as many 

supermarket and fast food chains 

as you can.

Target, Albertsons, Safeway, Whole Foods Market, Costco, Walmart

Burger King, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Subway, Chipotle Mexican Grill, KFC, Dairy Queen, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Sonic Drive-In, Little Caesars Pizza, In-N-Out Burger, Papa John’s Pizza, Jack in the Box, Whataburger, Culver’s, Panda Express, Shake Shack, Five Guys, Wendy’s, McDonald’s, Chick-Fil-A, Jimmy John’s, White Castle, Domino’s, Arby’s

Step 1: California love

Using descriptive language

1 / Coast to coast

Ex. 1

Watch the video. Then let California lure you in. 

places/activities I recognized

Ex. 1

Do the following exercises. 1 person focuses on ex. a, the other on ex. b.

a Complete the box with the missing words. Choose from the following words.

b Listen to the descriptions of ‘all things California’ and write down the number of the description next to the corresponding picture.

All things California

Ex. 1a

Ex. 1a

alluring: verleidelijk 

iridescent: regenboogkleurg, veelkleurig

ample: uitgebreid

Ex. 1b

Add the number of the description.

Ex. 1b

2

13

1

14

10

20

8

18

17

19

5

11

6

9

7

12

15

16

3

4

Ex. 1d

Complete the table with the missing parts of speech. Leave the 2 last columns open for now.

whiteboard

/strain

Ex. 1e

Complete the sentences with a suitable word from the table in exercise d. 

1 California’s world-renowned attractions have always ___ the experience of travellers from around the world.

2 California’s ___ diverse culture is a reflection of its vast immigrant populations.

3 The Hollywood sign is a ___ structure in Los Angeles that is on many people’s bucket list.

4 The sunrise over Joshua Tree National Park was ___ beautiful. It filled the sky with vibrant colours.

5 The ___ of the ocean’s surface mesmerised everyone watching the sunset from the Santa Monica Pier.

6 Hollywood has a reputation for___ , as fame and scandal often intersect.

7 ___ , California has been a land of opportunity, drawing pioneers, dreamers and gold-seekers from around the world.

8 The underwater ecosystems from kelp forests to coral reefs show how ___ California’s marine life actually is.

9 The ___ of California’s geography lies in the fact that it encompasses everything from deserts to snowy mountains.

10 I was ___ by the iconic Griffith Observatory as its stunning views tempted me to check it out. What an awe-inspiring experience that was!

11 Even though the ___ climb to the Hollywood sign is recommended by many, you must be prepared for a long and steep hike.

12 In the evening, downtown Los Angeles is illuminated by ___ city lights. 

1 California’s world-renowned attractions have always enriched the experience of travellers from around the world.

2 California’s ___ diverse culture is a reflection of its vast immigrant populations.

3 The Hollywood sign is a ___ structure in Los Angeles that is on many people’s bucket list.

4 The sunrise over Joshua Tree National Park was ___ beautiful. It filled the sky with vibrant colours.

5 The ___ of the ocean’s surface mesmerised everyone watching the sunset from the Santa Monica Pier.

6 Hollywood has a reputation for___ , as fame and scandal often intersect.

7 ___ , California has been a land of opportunity, drawing pioneers, dreamers and gold-seekers from around the world.

8 The underwater ecosystems from kelp forests to coral reefs show how ___ California’s marine life actually is.

9 The ___ of California’s geography lies in the fact that it encompasses everything from deserts to snowy mountains.

10 I was ___ by the iconic Griffith Observatory as its stunning views tempted me to check it out. What an awe-inspiring experience that was!

11 Even though the ___ climb to the Hollywood sign is recommended by many, you must be prepared for a long and steep hike.

12 In the evening, downtown Los Angeles is illuminated by ___ city lights. 

1 California’s world-renowned attractions have always enriched the experience of travellers from around the world.

2 California’s incredibly diverse culture is a reflection of its vast immigrant populations.

3 The Hollywood sign is a ___ structure in Los Angeles that is on many people’s bucket list.

4 The sunrise over Joshua Tree National Park was ___ beautiful. It filled the sky with vibrant colours.

5 The ___ of the ocean’s surface mesmerised everyone watching the sunset from the Santa Monica Pier.

6 Hollywood has a reputation for___ , as fame and scandal often intersect.

7 ___ , California has been a land of opportunity, drawing pioneers, dreamers and gold-seekers from around the world.

8 The underwater ecosystems from kelp forests to coral reefs show how ___ California’s marine life actually is.

9 The ___ of California’s geography lies in the fact that it encompasses everything from deserts to snowy mountains.

10 I was ___ by the iconic Griffith Observatory as its stunning views tempted me to check it out. What an awe-inspiring experience that was!

11 Even though the ___ climb to the Hollywood sign is recommended by many, you must be prepared for a long and steep hike.

12 In the evening, downtown Los Angeles is illuminated by ___ city lights. 

1 California’s world-renowned attractions have always enriched the experience of travellers from around the world.

2 California’s incredibly diverse culture is a reflection of its vast immigrant populations.

3 The Hollywood sign is a colossal structure in Los Angeles that is on many people’s bucket list.

4 The sunrise over Joshua Tree National Park was ___ beautiful. It filled the sky with vibrant colours.

5 The ___ of the ocean’s surface mesmerised everyone watching the sunset from the Santa Monica Pier.

6 Hollywood has a reputation for___ , as fame and scandal often intersect.

7 ___ , California has been a land of opportunity, drawing pioneers, dreamers and gold-seekers from around the world.

8 The underwater ecosystems from kelp forests to coral reefs show how ___ California’s marine life actually is.

9 The ___ of California’s geography lies in the fact that it encompasses everything from deserts to snowy mountains.

10 I was ___ by the iconic Griffith Observatory as its stunning views tempted me to check it out. What an awe-inspiring experience that was!

11 Even though the ___ climb to the Hollywood sign is recommended by many, you must be prepared for a long and steep hike.

12 In the evening, downtown Los Angeles is illuminated by ___ city lights. 

1 California’s world-renowned attractions have always enriched the experience of travellers from around the world.

2 California’s incredibly diverse culture is a reflection of its vast immigrant populations.

3 The Hollywood sign is a colossal structure in Los Angeles that is on many people’s bucket list.

4 The sunrise over Joshua Tree National Park was astoundingly beautiful. It filled the sky with vibrant colours.

5 The ___ of the ocean’s surface mesmerised everyone watching the sunset from the Santa Monica Pier.

6 Hollywood has a reputation for___ , as fame and scandal often intersect.

7 ___ , California has been a land of opportunity, drawing pioneers, dreamers and gold-seekers from around the world.

8 The underwater ecosystems from kelp forests to coral reefs show how ___ California’s marine life actually is.

9 The ___ of California’s geography lies in the fact that it encompasses everything from deserts to snowy mountains.

10 I was ___ by the iconic Griffith Observatory as its stunning views tempted me to check it out. What an awe-inspiring experience that was!

11 Even though the ___ climb to the Hollywood sign is recommended by many, you must be prepared for a long and steep hike.

12 In the evening, downtown Los Angeles is illuminated by ___ city lights. 

1 California’s world-renowned attractions have always enriched the experience of travellers from around the world.

2 California’s incredibly diverse culture is a reflection of its vast immigrant populations.

3 The Hollywood sign is a colossal structure in Los Angeles that is on many people’s bucket list.

4 The sunrise over Joshua Tree National Park was astoundingly beautiful. It filled the sky with vibrant colours.

5 The iridescence of the ocean’s surface mesmerised everyone watching the sunset from the Santa Monica Pier.

6 Hollywood has a reputation for___ , as fame and scandal often intersect.

7 ___ , California has been a land of opportunity, drawing pioneers, dreamers and gold-seekers from around the world.

8 The underwater ecosystems from kelp forests to coral reefs show how ___ California’s marine life actually is.

9 The ___ of California’s geography lies in the fact that it encompasses everything from deserts to snowy mountains.

10 I was ___ by the iconic Griffith Observatory as its stunning views tempted me to check it out. What an awe-inspiring experience that was!

11 Even though the ___ climb to the Hollywood sign is recommended by many, you must be prepared for a long and steep hike.

12 In the evening, downtown Los Angeles is illuminated by ___ city lights. 

1 California’s world-renowned attractions have always enriched the experience of travellers from around the world.

2 California’s incredibly diverse culture is a reflection of its vast immigrant populations.

3 The Hollywood sign is a colossal structure in Los Angeles that is on many people’s bucket list.

4 The sunrise over Joshua Tree National Park was astoundingly beautiful. It filled the sky with vibrant colours.

5 The iridescence of the ocean’s surface mesmerised everyone watching the sunset from the Santa Monica Pier.

6 Hollywood has a reputation for notoriety , as fame and scandal often intersect.

7 ___ , California has been a land of opportunity, drawing pioneers, dreamers and gold-seekers from around the world.

8 The underwater ecosystems from kelp forests to coral reefs show how ___ California’s marine life actually is.

9 The ___ of California’s geography lies in the fact that it encompasses everything from deserts to snowy mountains.

10 I was ___ by the iconic Griffith Observatory as its stunning views tempted me to check it out. What an awe-inspiring experience that was!

11 Even though the ___ climb to the Hollywood sign is recommended by many, you must be prepared for a long and steep hike.

12 In the evening, downtown Los Angeles is illuminated by ___ city lights. 

1 California’s world-renowned attractions have always enriched the experience of travellers from around the world.

2 California’s incredibly diverse culture is a reflection of its vast immigrant populations.

3 The Hollywood sign is a colossal structure in Los Angeles that is on many people’s bucket list.

4 The sunrise over Joshua Tree National Park was astoundingly beautiful. It filled the sky with vibrant colours.

5 The iridescence of the ocean’s surface mesmerised everyone watching the sunset from the Santa Monica Pier.

6 Hollywood has a reputation for notoriety , as fame and scandal often intersect.

7 Historically, California has been a land of opportunity, drawing pioneers, dreamers and gold-seekers from around the world.

8 The underwater ecosystems from kelp forests to coral reefs show how ___ California’s marine life actually is.

9 The ___ of California’s geography lies in the fact that it encompasses everything from deserts to snowy mountains.

10 I was ___ by the iconic Griffith Observatory as its stunning views tempted me to check it out. What an awe-inspiring experience that was!

11 Even though the ___ climb to the Hollywood sign is recommended by many, you must be prepared for a long and steep hike.

12 In the evening, downtown Los Angeles is illuminated by ___ city lights. 

1 California’s world-renowned attractions have always enriched the experience of travellers from around the world.

2 California’s incredibly diverse culture is a reflection of its vast immigrant populations.

3 The Hollywood sign is a colossal structure in Los Angeles that is on many people’s bucket list.

4 The sunrise over Joshua Tree National Park was astoundingly beautiful. It filled the sky with vibrant colours.

5 The iridescence of the ocean’s surface mesmerised everyone watching the sunset from the Santa Monica Pier.

6 Hollywood has a reputation for notoriety , as fame and scandal often intersect.

7 Historically, California has been a land of opportunity, drawing pioneers, dreamers and gold-seekers from around the world.

8 The underwater ecosystems from kelp forests to coral reefs show how rich California’s marine life actually is.

9 The ___ of California’s geography lies in the fact that it encompasses everything from deserts to snowy mountains.

10 I was ___ by the iconic Griffith Observatory as its stunning views tempted me to check it out. What an awe-inspiring experience that was!

11 Even though the ___ climb to the Hollywood sign is recommended by many, you must be prepared for a long and steep hike.

12 In the evening, downtown Los Angeles is illuminated by ___ city lights. 

1 California’s world-renowned attractions have always enriched the experience of travellers from around the world.

2 California’s incredibly diverse culture is a reflection of its vast immigrant populations.

3 The Hollywood sign is a colossal structure in Los Angeles that is on many people’s bucket list.

4 The sunrise over Joshua Tree National Park was astoundingly beautiful. It filled the sky with vibrant colours.

5 The iridescence of the ocean’s surface mesmerised everyone watching the sunset from the Santa Monica Pier.

6 Hollywood has a reputation for notoriety , as fame and scandal often intersect.

7 Historically, California has been a land of opportunity, drawing pioneers, dreamers and gold-seekers from around the world.

8 The underwater ecosystems from kelp forests to coral reefs show how rich California’s marine life actually is.

9 The uniqueness of California’s geography lies in the fact that it encompasses everything from deserts to snowy mountains.

10 I was ___ by the iconic Griffith Observatory as its stunning views tempted me to check it out. What an awe-inspiring experience that was!

11 Even though the ___ climb to the Hollywood sign is recommended by many, you must be prepared for a long and steep hike.

12 In the evening, downtown Los Angeles is illuminated by ___ city lights. 

1 California’s world-renowned attractions have always enriched the experience of travellers from around the world.

2 California’s incredibly diverse culture is a reflection of its vast immigrant populations.

3 The Hollywood sign is a colossal structure in Los Angeles that is on many people’s bucket list.

4 The sunrise over Joshua Tree National Park was astoundingly beautiful. It filled the sky with vibrant colours.

5 The iridescence of the ocean’s surface mesmerised everyone watching the sunset from the Santa Monica Pier.

6 Hollywood has a reputation for notoriety , as fame and scandal often intersect.

7 Historically, California has been a land of opportunity, drawing pioneers, dreamers and gold-seekers from around the world.

8 The underwater ecosystems from kelp forests to coral reefs show how rich California’s marine life actually is.

9 The uniqueness of California’s geography lies in the fact that it encompasses everything from deserts to snowy mountains.

10 I was allured by the iconic Griffith Observatory as its stunning views tempted me to check it out. What an awe-inspiring experience that was!

11 Even though the ___ climb to the Hollywood sign is recommended by many, you must be prepared for a long and steep hike.

12 In the evening, downtown Los Angeles is illuminated by ___ city lights. 

1 California’s world-renowned attractions have always enriched the experience of travellers from around the world.

2 California’s incredibly diverse culture is a reflection of its vast immigrant populations.

3 The Hollywood sign is a colossal structure in Los Angeles that is on many people’s bucket list.

4 The sunrise over Joshua Tree National Park was astoundingly beautiful. It filled the sky with vibrant colours.

5 The iridescence of the ocean’s surface mesmerised everyone watching the sunset from the Santa Monica Pier.

6 Hollywood has a reputation for notoriety , as fame and scandal often intersect.

7 Historically, California has been a land of opportunity, drawing pioneers, dreamers and gold-seekers from around the world.

8 The underwater ecosystems from kelp forests to coral reefs show how rich California’s marine life actually is.

9 The uniqueness of California’s geography lies in the fact that it encompasses everything from deserts to snowy mountains.

10 I was allured by the iconic Griffith Observatory as its stunning views tempted me to check it out. What an awe-inspiring experience that was!

11 Even though the strenuous climb to the Hollywood sign is recommended by many, you must be prepared for a long and steep hike.

12 In the evening, downtown Los Angeles is illuminated by ___ city lights. 

1 California’s world-renowned attractions have always enriched the experience of travellers from around the world.

2 California’s incredibly diverse culture is a reflection of its vast immigrant populations.

3 The Hollywood sign is a colossal structure in Los Angeles that is on many people’s bucket list.

4 The sunrise over Joshua Tree National Park was astoundingly beautiful. It filled the sky with vibrant colours.

5 The iridescence of the ocean’s surface mesmerised everyone watching the sunset from the Santa Monica Pier.

6 Hollywood has a reputation for notoriety , as fame and scandal often intersect.

7 Historically, California has been a land of opportunity, drawing pioneers, dreamers and gold-seekers from around the world.

8 The underwater ecosystems from kelp forests to coral reefs show how rich California’s marine life actually is.

9 The uniqueness of California’s geography lies in the fact that it encompasses everything from deserts to snowy mountains.

10 I was allured by the iconic Griffith Observatory as its stunning views tempted me to check it out. What an awe-inspiring experience that was!

11 Even though the strenuous climb to the Hollywood sign is recommended by many, you must be prepared for a long and steep hike.

12 In the evening, downtown Los Angeles is illuminated by bright city lights. 

Ex. 1f

f Finally, complete the last 2 columns of exercise d with synonyms and antonyms of the words.

Pick words from the list on the next slide!

ancient

astronomical

arduous

astonishing

common

contemporary

credible

dim

effortless

enticing

gloomy

impoverished

inconceivable

infamous

insignificant

luminous

miniscule

repulsive

shimmering

unequalled

unremarkable

wealthy

'unequalled' is a synonym of ...

1. colossal
2. unique
3. bright
4. alluring

'impoverished' is an antonym of ...

1. notorious
2. astounding
3. bright
4. rich

'arduous' is a synonym of ...

1. iridescent
2. strenuous
3. bright
4. rich

'arduous' is an antonym of ...

1. effortless
2. miniscule
3. credible
4. dim

'dim' is an antonym of ...

1. notorious
2. unique
3. bright
4. strenuous

'gloomy' is an antonym of ...

1. alluring
2. dim
3. bright
4. iridescent

'insignificant' is an antonym of ...

1. miniscule
2. notorious
3. luminous
4. unremarkable

2/ Anyone who is anyone

Ex. 1

Listen to the song ‘City of Stars’ and answer the questions.

a Complete the interpretation of the song. Choose from the following words: to accomplish – to aspire – glittering – hustle and bustle –to lure – to remain – stardom

b What emotions does this song evoke in you? Choose 2 emotions from the list and add 2 of your own. 

ecstatic – energised – hopeful – inspired – joyous – longing – melancholic – moved –nostalgic – reflective – uplifted – whimsical

City of stars

A lot of people (1) to achieve their dreams in Los Angeles, but not everyone is able to (2) their goals. The city’s (3) lights and opportunities (4) them in, but they soon realise that the path to success is not easy. People feel

lost in the (5) of the busy city. Nonetheless, they (6) hopeful on their road to (7) , and they keep believing that their moment to shine is still to come. 

A lot of people aspire (1) to achieve their dreams in Los Angeles, but not everyone is able to (2) their goals. The city’s (3) lights and opportunities (4) them in, but they soon realise that the path to success is not easy. People feel lost in the (5) of the busy city. Nonetheless, they (6) hopeful on their road to (7) , and they keep believing that their moment to shine is still to come. 

A lot of people aspire (1) to achieve their dreams in Los Angeles, but not everyone is able to accomplish (2) their goals. The city’s (3) lights and opportunities (4) them in, but they soon realise that the path to success is not easy. People feel lost in the (5) of the busy city. Nonetheless, they (6) hopeful on their road to (7) , and they keep believing that their moment to shine is still to come. 

A lot of people aspire (1) to achieve their dreams in Los Angeles, but not everyone is able to accomplish (2) their goals. The city’s glittering (3) lights and opportunities (4) them in, but they soon realise that the path to success is not easy. People feel lost in the (5) of the busy city. Nonetheless, they (6) hopeful on their road to (7) , and they keep believing that their moment to shine is still to come. 

A lot of people aspire (1) to achieve their dreams in Los Angeles, but not everyone is able to accomplish (2) their goals. The city’s glittering (3) lights and opportunities lure (4) them in, but they soon realise that the path to success is not easy. People feel lost in the (5) of the busy city. Nonetheless, they (6) hopeful on their road to (7) , and they keep believing that their moment to shine is still to come. 

A lot of people aspire (1) to achieve their dreams in Los Angeles, but not everyone is able to accomplish (2) their goals. The city’s glittering (3) lights and opportunities lure (4) them in, but they soon realise that the path to success is not easy. People feel lost in the hustle and bustle (5) of the busy city. Nonetheless, they (6) hopeful on their road to (7) , and they keep believing that their moment to shine is still to come. 

A lot of people aspire (1) to achieve their dreams in Los Angeles, but not everyone is able to accomplish (2) their goals. The city’s glittering (3) lights and opportunities lure (4) them in, but they soon realise that the path to success is not easy. People feel lost in the hustle and bustle (5) of the busy city. Nonetheless, they remain (6) hopeful on their road to (7) , and they keep believing that their moment to shine is still to come. 

A lot of people aspire (1) to achieve their dreams in Los Angeles, but not everyone is able to accomplish (2) their goals. The city’s glittering (3) lights and opportunities lure (4) them in, but they soon realise that the path to success is not easy. People feel lost in the hustle and bustle (5) of the busy city. Nonetheless, they remain (6) hopeful on their road to (7) , and they keep believing that their moment to shine is still to come. 

A lot of people aspire (1) to achieve their dreams in Los Angeles, but not everyone is able to accomplish (2) their goals. The city’s glittering (3) lights and opportunities lure (4) them in, but they soon realise that the path to success is not easy. People feel lost in the hustle and bustle (5) of the busy city. Nonetheless, they remain (6) hopeful on their road to stardom (7) , and they keep believing that their moment to shine is still to come. 

Ex. 1

b What emotions does this song evoke in you? Choose 2 emotions from the list and add 2 of your own. 

ecstatic – energised – hopeful – inspired – joyous – longing – melancholic – moved –nostalgic – reflective – uplifted – whimsical

Ex. 2

Now listen to the song ‘Hollywood’ by Marina. Answer the questions.

a Which things that are typical for Hollywood and the US are shown in this video? Look closely at the people in the background. 

b Is Marina’s take on the American Dream different than that of ‘City of Stars’? How so?

c What can you say about the portrayal of the 

city of LA?

Ex. 2

a Which things that are typical for Hollywood and the US are shown in this video? Look closely at the people in the background. 

things that are typical for Hollywood and the US

Ex. 2

a Which things that are typical for Hollywood and the US are shown in this video? Look closely at the people in the background. 

The Stars and Stripes and the colours, red, white and blue, the White House,

cheerleader outfits and pom poms, paparazzi, jocks, band, trophies, pageants/ beauty queens, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, popcorn …

Ex. 2

 Is Marina’s take on the American Dream different than that of ‘City of Stars’? How so?

Ex. 2

 Is Marina’s take on the American Dream different than that of ‘City of Stars’? How so?

Yes, it is the complete opposite. In the first song, the American Dream stands for aspiration, ambition and the desire for love and success. The second song is more a critique of the American Dream, as the portrayal of the pursuit of fame and success leads to disillusionment and emptiness.

Ex. 2

c What can you say about the portrayal of the city of LA?

Ex. 2

c What can you say about the portrayal of the city of LA?

In ‘City of Stars’, LA is a city full of opportunities and dreams. In ‘Hollywood’, LA can seduce you and suck you in. You will ‘get infected by it’ and you will become obsessed. 

Ex. 2

d To which of the 2 songs would you link the following words? Put the given words in the correct column.

bittersweet – cynical – desire – downhearted – fabricated – hollow – loathsome – melancholic – minimalist – opportunities – phony – provoking – vapid – yearning

City of stars

Hollywood

bittersweet

cynical

desire

downhearted

fabricated

hollow

loathsome

melancholic

minimalist

opportunities

phony

provoking

vapid

yearning

Ex. 2

Ex. 4

Expand your vocabulary with these idioms related to ‘fame’.

a Complete the following sentences with the correct phrase or idiom.

A In the competitive world of Los Angeles auditions, only the most talented actors ... and get cast in major productions.

A In the competitive world of Los Angeles auditions, only the most talented actors 3 and get cast in major productions.

(make the cut)

B The iconic Hollywood sign has long been Los Angeles' ... , attracting tourists from around the world.

B The iconic Hollywood sign has long been Los Angeles' 10 ,  attracting tourists from around the world.

(claim to fame)

C To make it big in Hollywood, aspiring actors often have to ... by attending countless auditions and networking events.

C To make it big in Hollywood, aspiring actors often have to 5 by attending countless auditions and networking events.

(go the extra mile)

D To establish himself in the entertainment industry, he will have to ... , taking on multiple roles and projects.

D To establish himself in the entertainment industry, he will have to 8 , taking on multiple roles and projects.

(work his fingers to the bone)

E Many aspiring actors come to Los Angeles hoping for their ... , but only a few achieve lasting stardom.

E Many aspiring actors come to Los Angeles hoping for their 1 , but only a few achieve lasting stardom.

(fifteen minutes of fame)

F Becoming a Hollywood superstar was ... when he first moved to Los Angeles to pursue his acting career.

F Becoming a Hollywood superstar was 4 when he first moved to Los Angeles to pursue his acting career.

(beyond his wildest dreams)

G Living in Los Angeles means constantly being ... , where paparazzi are a common sight.

G Living in Los Angeles means constantly being 2 , where paparazzi are a common sight.

(in the public eye)

H Coming to Los Angeles with just a dream, he worked hard to ... in the music industry.

H Coming to Los Angeles with just a dream, he worked hard to 7  in the music industry.

(make a name for himself)

I Her first major film role was ... that catapulted her to fame overnight.

I Her first major film role was 9 that catapulted her to fame overnight.

(a lucky break)

J Her debut album will ... in the music industry, earning her recognition as a rising star.

J Her debut album will 6 in the music industry, earning her recognition as a rising star.

(make a splash)

b  Read the stories. Which of the idioms do you think fits the story? Write an appropriate sentence with the idiom.

Ex. 5

Everything is always bigger and better in LA.

a Complete the following text with comparative and superlative forms.

1 most extravagant

1 most extravagant

2 most beautiful

1 most extravagant

2 most beautiful

3 most impressive 

1 most extravagant

2 most beautiful

3 most impressive 

4 more beautifully

1 most extravagant

2 most beautiful

3 most impressive 

4 more beautifully

5 grandest

1 most extravagant

2 most beautiful

3 most impressive 

4 more beautifully

5 grandest

6 the wealthiest

1 most extravagant

2 most beautiful

3 most impressive 

4 more beautifully

5 grandest

6 the wealthiest

1 most extravagant

2 most beautiful

3 most impressive 

4 more beautifully

5 grandest

6 the wealthiest

7 fanciest

1 most extravagant

2 most beautiful

3 most impressive 

4 more beautifully

5 grandest

6 the wealthiest

7 fanciest

8 most exclusive

1 most extravagant

2 most beautiful

3 most impressive 

4 more beautifully

5 grandest

6 the wealthiest

7 fanciest

8 most exclusive

9 most exquisite

1 most extravagant

2 most beautiful

3 most impressive 

4 more beautifully

5 grandest

6 the wealthiest

7 fanciest

8 most exclusive

9 most exquisite

1 most extravagant

2 most beautiful

3 most impressive 

4 more beautifully

5 grandest

6 the wealthiest

7 fanciest

8 most exclusive

9 most exquisite

10 best

1 most extravagant

2 most beautiful

3 most impressive 

4 more beautifully

5 grandest

6 the wealthiest

7 fanciest

8 most exclusive

9 most exquisite

10 best

11 finest

1 most extravagant

2 most beautiful

3 most impressive 

4 more beautifully

5 grandest

6 the wealthiest

7 fanciest

8 most exclusive

9 most exquisite

10 best

11 finest

12 most glamorously 

1 most extravagant

2 most beautiful

3 most impressive 

4 more beautifully

5 grandest

6 the wealthiest

7 fanciest

8 most exclusive

9 most exquisite

10 best

11 finest

12 most glamorously 

13 most gracefully

Ex. 5

b Which words are used in the text for the following descriptions?

 expensive and impressive

2 more than is necessary

3 a rich, important and powerful person

4 covering a large area

5 with the greatest care and attention to detail

6 having no equal, better than any other 

Ex. 5

b Which words are used in the text for the following descriptions?

 expensive and impressive     lavish

2 more than is necessary     

3 a rich, important and powerful person

4 covering a large area

5 with the greatest care and attention to detail

6 having no equal, better than any other 

Ex. 5

b Which words are used in the text for the following descriptions?

 expensive and impressive     lavish

2 more than is necessary     excess

3 a rich, important and powerful person

4 covering a large area

5 with the greatest care and attention to detail

6 having no equal, better than any other 

Ex. 5

b Which words are used in the text for the following descriptions?

 expensive and impressive     lavish

2 more than is necessary     excess

3 a rich, important and powerful person    mogul

4 covering a large area

5 with the greatest care and attention to detail

6 having no equal, better than any other 

Ex. 5

b Which words are used in the text for the following descriptions?

 expensive and impressive     lavish

2 more than is necessary     excess

3 a rich, important and powerful person    mogul

4 covering a large area     sprawling

5 with the greatest care and attention to detail

6 having no equal, better than any other 

Ex. 5

b Which words are used in the text for the following descriptions?

 expensive and impressive     lavish

2 more than is necessary     excess

3 a rich, important and powerful person    mogul

4 covering a large area     sprawling

5 with the greatest care and attention to detail

6 having no equal, better than any other 

Ex. 5

b Which words are used in the text for the following descriptions?

 expensive and impressive     lavish

2 more than is necessary     excess

3 a rich, important and powerful person    mogul

4 covering a large area     sprawling

5 with the greatest care and attention to detail    meticulously

6 having no equal, better than any other 

Ex. 5

   b Which words are used in the text for the following descriptions?

 expensive and impressive     lavish

2 more than is necessary     excess

3 a rich, important and powerful person    mogul

4 covering a large area     sprawling

5 with the greatest care and attention to detail    meticulously

6 having no equal, better than any other    unparalleled

Ex. 6

Revise the form and use of comparisons in English by completing the grammar table below.

Ex. 7

Complete the list of irregular comparatives and superlatives.

Ex. 7

Complete the list of irregular comparatives and superlatives.