Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Can you name any popular boy bands or musical groups that have achieved international fame?
- What do you think contributed to their success?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- split up /SPLIT uhp/
- fame /feym/
- unlike /uhn-LAHYK/
- viewer /VYOO-er/
- tough /tuhf /
[phrasal verb] – to separate or disband
After years of performing together, the band decided to split up and pursue solo careers.
[noun] – the state of being known or recognized by many people because of your achievements, skills, etc.
The band’s album propelled them to international fame, leading to sold-out concerts worldwide.
[preposition] – different from
Unlike traditional cooking shows, this new series focuses on global street food.
[noun] – a person who watches television programs
The new drama series has captured the attention of millions of viewers worldwide.
[adjective] – difficult or challenging
The competition’s tough selection process requires participants to demonstrate exceptional talent and perseverance.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Simon Cowell, famous for starting One Direction on “The X Factor” fourteen years ago, is now trying to create another popular boy band in the UK. He plans to find new talent aged 16–18 in Liverpool, Dublin, and London this summer. His goal is to make these new singers as famous as One Direction, who became well-known on his TV singing show and later split up.
In a recent interview, Cowell expressed surprise at the lack of successful UK bands since One Direction’s peak. He highlighted the important role such shows play in launching aspiring musicians to fame, mentioning examples like Diana Ross and Beyonce, who became famous through their groups. Unlike “The X Factor,” Cowell’s latest project will not have weekly TV shows or viewer voting. Instead, it may become a documentary series, giving viewers and performers a rare look into the tough selection process and its ups and downs. Cowell stressed how talent shows still help new artists get noticed in today’s music scene, amidst many new songs uploaded daily and a few UK artists achieving global fame. While acknowledging the popularity of K-pop bands like BTS, Cowell remains focused on forming a boy band known for its unique identity and authenticity. He noted that the response to auditions has been uncertain, pointing out the challenges of finding talent that meets his high standards.
In a recent interview, Cowell expressed surprise at the lack of successful UK bands since One Direction’s peak. He highlighted the important role such shows play in launching aspiring musicians to fame, mentioning examples like Diana Ross and Beyonce, who became famous through their groups. Unlike “The X Factor,” Cowell’s latest project will not have weekly TV shows or viewer voting. Instead, it may become a documentary series, giving viewers and performers a rare look into the tough selection process and its ups and downs. Cowell stressed how talent shows still help new artists get noticed in today’s music scene, amidst many new songs uploaded daily and a few UK artists achieving global fame. While acknowledging the popularity of K-pop bands like BTS, Cowell remains focused on forming a boy band known for its unique identity and authenticity. He noted that the response to auditions has been uncertain, pointing out the challenges of finding talent that meets his high standards.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What is Simon Cowell famous for?
- Where does Simon Cowell plan to find new talent this summer?
- What does Simon Cowell want to achieve with the new boy band?
- Why did Simon Cowell express surprise in a recent interview?
- How does Simon Cowell plan to show the selection process of his new project?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever followed the journey of a music group or band from its beginnings? If so, how did their story unfold? If not, what do you think are the key factors that contribute to the success or failure of a music group?
- Have you ever auditioned for a talent show or similar competition? If so, what was the experience like for you, and what did you learn from it? If not, do you think participating in such a competition would be exciting or stressful, and why?
- Do you think forming a boy band focused on authenticity and identity, like Cowell’s goal, is important in today’s music industry?
- How might the success of K-pop bands like BTS influence Simon Cowell’s approach to forming a new boy band in the UK?
- What challenges do you think Simon Cowell might face in finding and maintaining talent for his new project, given the changing landscape of the music industry?