©AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato, File
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Who are some music artists you admire and why?
- What do you think makes a music artist successful?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- praise /preyz/
- expression /ik-SPRESH-uhn /
- conventional /kuhn-VEN-shuh-nl/
- harmony /HAHR-muh-nee/
- advocacy /AD-vuh-kuh-see/
[verb] – to express approval or admiration for someone or something
The teacher praised the students for their hard work in completing the project on time.
[noun] – the process of making known one’s thoughts or feelings
His art was a powerful expression of his inner turmoil and struggles
[adjective] – following traditional standards or accepted practices
She chose to pursue a career in unconventional medicine rather than conventional treatment methods.
[noun] – refers to a state of peaceful coexistence, agreement, or compatibility.
Despite their differences, the diverse members of the community lived together in harmony, respecting each other’s beliefs and traditions.
[noun] – public support for or recommendation of a particular cause or policy
Her tireless advocacy for environmental conservation has inspired many to take action in protecting our planet.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Yoko Ono, a famous artist who has done amazing things in art, film, and music, just got a super important award called the Edward MacDowell Medal. It is a big deal and shows how awesome she has been throughout her life, always coming up with new and cool stuff. Yoko’s known for doing things in her own special way, which has inspired lots of people all over the world. This award is like a gold star for artists, and it suits Yoko perfectly because she is always breaking the rules and starting important conversations. Nell Painter, head of the MacDowell board, praised Yoko Ono’s transformative influence in art and culture. Yoko’s art sparks new perspectives and has contributed to positive change. Her son, Sean Ono Lennon, proudly acknowledges her recognition. Despite being unable to attend due to age, Yoko’s manager will accept the award on her behalf, a fitting tribute to her lifelong impactful art.
Yoko Ono’s creative journey has been a multifaceted exploration of activism, collaboration, and avant-garde expression, with her innovative artworks transcending conventional boundaries and her poignant music echoing her unwavering commitment to promoting harmony and understanding. Her legacy resonates not only through the profound impact of her art installations and performances but also through her enduring advocacy for social change, inspiring generations to challenge the status quo and envision a world of unity and compassion.
Yoko Ono’s creative journey has been a multifaceted exploration of activism, collaboration, and avant-garde expression, with her innovative artworks transcending conventional boundaries and her poignant music echoing her unwavering commitment to promoting harmony and understanding. Her legacy resonates not only through the profound impact of her art installations and performances but also through her enduring advocacy for social change, inspiring generations to challenge the status quo and envision a world of unity and compassion.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- How does the article describe Yoko Ono’s impact on art and culture?
- Who praised Yoko Ono’s artistic contributions, and what did they emphasize?
- Why is the Edward MacDowell Medal considered significant for Yoko Ono?
- How does Yoko Ono’s son, Sean Ono Lennon, react to her recognition?
- Despite being unable to attend, who will accept the award on Yoko Ono’s behalf, and why is it described as fitting?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever experienced a piece of art or literature that challenged your thoughts on a topic? If so, how did it affect your perspective? If not, what kinds of art or literature do you believe have the potential to provoke thought?
- Can you remember a time when you were inspired by a trailblazer in a specific field? What characteristics do you think distinguish pioneers, and how do their actions shape future generations?
- Is it significant for society to acknowledge and honor pioneers?
- Do you believe that art possesses the ability to initiate meaningful discussions about social issues and cultural norms? Why or why not? How might art contribute to addressing societal challenges?
- Given the notion of resonance, do you think certain messages or themes are more likely to connect with individuals from various cultures and backgrounds? How can artists and creators ensure that their work resonates with diverse audiences while maintaining their own perspectives?