©REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni/File Photo
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What qualities make a superhero or villain stand out in a movie or comic book?
- What movies or shows are you most excited to see, and what makes them exciting or interesting to you?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- mask /mask/
- complex /kuhm-PLEKS/
- thrilled /thrild/
- introduction /in-truh-DUHK-shuhn/
- thoughtful /THAWT-fuhl/
[noun] – a covering for all or part of the face, worn as a disguise, or for protection
She wore a mask to the party to keep her identity secret.
[adjective] – consisting of many different and connected parts; not simple
The puzzle was so complex that it took hours to solve.
[adjective] – extremely happy about something
She was thrilled to receive the invitation to the exclusive event.
[noun] – the action of introducing something or someone; the first part of something
The introduction of the new software was well received by the staff.
[adjective] – showing consideration for the needs of other people; careful and attentive
Her thoughtful gift showed how much she cared about her friend’s interests.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
At San Diego Comic-Con on Saturday, Robert Downey Jr. surprised fans by revealing he would rejoin the Marvel Cinematic Universe. During the Hall H panel, he removed a mask to announce he would play Doctor Doom, one of Marvel’s most famous villains. The audience had been watching figures in similar masks when Downey Jr. made his reveal. He mentioned his enjoyment of complex characters, and fans were thrilled.
The Russo Brothers, who previously directed Marvel movies, will also direct the upcoming “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Avengers: Secret Wars.” They noted that despite Downey Jr. taking on a new role, their aim remains to create excellent films. Another major announcement was the introduction of Galactus, a powerful cosmic villain, in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” directed by Matt Shakman. The panel also featured a performance with actors dressed as Deadpool, celebrating the success of “Deadpool and Wolverine,” which set a new record for the highest-grossing R-rated movie. Additionally, Anthony Mackie discussed his role as Captain America in “Captain America: Brave New World,” noting his character’s more thoughtful and less physical nature. Harrison Ford humorously joined the stage as Thunderbolt Ross, and David Harbour made a fun entrance as his “Black Widow” character, Alexei Shostakov. The Comic-Con panel was packed with exciting updates and entertaining moments for Marvel fans.
The Russo Brothers, who previously directed Marvel movies, will also direct the upcoming “Avengers: Doomsday” and “Avengers: Secret Wars.” They noted that despite Downey Jr. taking on a new role, their aim remains to create excellent films. Another major announcement was the introduction of Galactus, a powerful cosmic villain, in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” directed by Matt Shakman. The panel also featured a performance with actors dressed as Deadpool, celebrating the success of “Deadpool and Wolverine,” which set a new record for the highest-grossing R-rated movie. Additionally, Anthony Mackie discussed his role as Captain America in “Captain America: Brave New World,” noting his character’s more thoughtful and less physical nature. Harrison Ford humorously joined the stage as Thunderbolt Ross, and David Harbour made a fun entrance as his “Black Widow” character, Alexei Shostakov. The Comic-Con panel was packed with exciting updates and entertaining moments for Marvel fans.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What surprise did Robert Downey Jr. reveal at San Diego Comic-Con?
- Which character will Robert Downey Jr. play in the Marvel Cinematic Universe?
- Who are the Russo Brothers and what are they directing next?
- Which new villain was introduced in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”?
- How did Anthony Mackie describe his character in “Captain America: Brave New World”?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever attended a fan convention like Comic-Con? If so, what was the most exciting moment for you? If not, would you like to go to one? Why or why not?
- Do you enjoy movies that feature complex characters, like the villains in Marvel films? If so, can you name a favorite character or movie? If not, what types of characters do you prefer in movies?
- Do you agree that Robert Downey Jr.’s new role as Doctor Doom will be exciting for Marvel fans?
- How do you think having a mix of new and familiar characters can impact a film or TV series?
- Why do you think Marvel and other film studios like to use well-known actors in new roles instead of hiring new ones? What are the advantages of doing this?