JANUARY 2009

K
PRINT & TEACH LESSON

SEPTEMBER 2011

BOOKS, FILMS & MUSIC

Language Function:
Vocabulary/Topic:

talking about books, films and music

books, films, music; book and music idioms

advanced
upper-intermediate
intermediate
pre-intermediate

focus on talking
Activity 1. Discuss these questions
in pairs or small groups.

What kind of books, films and music do you like best? Are there any particular
kinds of books, films and music that you hate?
When was the last time you read a book, watched a DVD or listened to a CD?
Have your reading, watching and listening habits changed since you were
younger?
What do you prefer doing when you have a free evening: reading a book, watching
a film or listening to music? What does your choice of entertainment depend on?
Can you recommend any book, film or music? Why do you think it is good?

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JANUARY 2009

BOOKS, FILMS & MUSIC

focus on vocabulary
Activity 2. Do the following sentences refer to books, films or music?

books

films

music

1. I always read the blurb before deciding what to buy.

2. He only played a supporting role.
3. I like the tune but not the lyrics.
4. I read it cover to cover in one sitting.
5. Its a catchy tune.
6. Im sure its going to be a blockbuster.
7. I really enjoyed the special effects.
8. They just made a movie out of it.
9. She sang her heart out.
10. Its a real page-turner.
11. The plot was really convoluted.
12. The chorus is very easy to remember.
13. It was so interesting I couldnt put it down.
14. Have they released a new album?
15. The acting was quite wooden.

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JANUARY 2009

BOOKS, FILMS & MUSIC

focus on vocabulary: book & music idioms

Activity 3. Match the idioms to their correct meanings.

1. to be music to somebodys ears

A. to open a book in order to study

2. to crack a book

B. to do something exactly as the rules tell you

3. to blow ones own trumpet

C. in my opinion

4. to change ones tune

D. to know exactly what somebody is feeling or

thinking

5. to go by the book

E. you shouldnt judge the quality or character

of someone or something just by looking at
them

6. to go for a song

F. to make somebody very happy

7. in my book

G. to accept punishment or criticism for

something

8. you cant judge a book by its cover

H. to be very cheap

9. to face the music

I. to boast about ones achievements or talents

10. to read somebody like a book

J. to change ones opinion completely

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JANUARY 2009

BOOKS, FILMS & MUSIC

Activity 4. Fill the gaps in the sentences below with the following phrases and idioms in
the correct form.
to go by the
book

to crack a book

to judge the
book by its
cover

in my book

to read sb like a
book

to blow ones
own trumpet

music to ones
ears

to go for a song

to change ones
tune

to face the
music

1. I dont remember seeing him ............................................... this term.

2. The news that my daughter decided to break up with her useless boyfriend
was ............................................... .
3. In order to avoid trouble, I prefer to ............................................... .
4. He couldnt decide if he should ............................................... or blame someone else for
what happened.
5. ............................................... she shouldnt be taken seriously after what she said.
6. There are a lot of sales around, so you can find good quality
shoes ............................................... .
7. Dont try to pretend youre happy. I can ............................................... .
8. I don't want to ..............................................., but I was quite a good cross country
runner.
9. She might look a bit weird, but you cant ............................................... .
10. He was against the idea to start with, but soon ............................................... when I told
him how much money hed get out of it.

focus on talking
How is technology changing the way we are reading books, watching films and listening
to music. Are these changes positive or negative?
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