Elementary podcasts -> Podcast 09 Home -> Like to meet
This page has the online practice materials for:
LearnEnglish Elementary Podcast Magazine No. 09
Section 2 -I'd like to meet...
You can listen online or download the podcast at Podcast 09 Home
You can also get print versions of the practice materials below in our Podcast 09 Support Pack (pdf file - 351 KB)
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This section begins when the counter on your audio player is on (approximately) 02mins.36secs
Section 2 is based on someone talking about somebody or something they like. It helps you to practise speaking for a little bit longer – for example, when you're explaining something, or telling people something about yourself.
Suggestion: The best way to practise is with a friend who speaks English or is also learning English. However, if you can't find someone, you can send us a paragraph in English.
You listened to Sean talking about about Matt Groening, the creator of the cartoon, 'The Simpsons'.
Do you have a favourite cartoon or animation that you can write about? It could be a TV series or a film. If you can think of one, make some notes to answer these questions:
• What's the cartoon called?
• Is it a TV programme or a film?
• What is / was it about?
• Is / was it funny? sad? exciting?
• Where do you / did you see it? When?
• Why do / did you like it?
• Who is / was your favourite character?
• What do you know about the person who created it?
Now put your notes together to write a paragraph about the cartoon or animation. Go to the bottom of the page to do this.
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Transcript
Ravi: Anyway, it’s time now to move on. As usual we’re going to start with Would Like to Meet. In every podcast someone comes to the studio and tells us about a famous person – alive or dead - that they’d like to meet. We’ve got Sean here with us today […]
Tess: And who are you going to talk about today Sean. Who’s the famous person you’d like to meet?
Sean: Matt Groening.
Tess: The Simpsons guy?
Ravi: The Simpsons guy? I always thought it was pronounced ‘groaning’.
Sean: Well I did too, for a long time. But no it isn’t, it rhymes with ‘raining’ – Matt Groening.
Tess: OK, That’s the name sorted out. Tell us a bit about him Sean.
Sean: Well, as you know, he’s the guy who created the Simpsons which is probably the best show on TV anywhere in the world. Ever. And a great film too.
Tess: You’re a fan then.
Sean: Ever since I can remember. And I just think that the man who created something so brilliant must be a really funny guy. To be honest, I don’t know much about him as a person – I know he’s really old – he must be fifty or something – at least.
Tess: I’m not sure fifty is really old Sean. My mother wouldn’t be very happy to hear that.
Sean: Well you know, whatever. He’s older than my dad anyway. That’s why I’d like to meet him – he must be really funny and really smart, but he’s old. Um, what else do I know? Um - and I know he’s got kids – two kids called Abraham and Homer.
Tess: He called his son Homer! After Homer Simpson!
Sean.: Well maybe – maybe not. Homer was his dad’s name too – he got all the names from his own family. His mum and dad were Homer and Margaret – Marge for short. And his little sisters are Lisa and Maggie. Bart was going to be called Matt at first but then he changed his mind. But I read somewhere that the character of Bart Simpson was based on his older brother. I guess I’d like to meet him too.
Ravi: When did the show start?
Sean: In the 1980s – I’m not sure of the year. But it’s about twenty years old. But the characters never get any older - I like that. Oh, and another thing I’ve just remembered – “Doh!” – you know Homer Simpsons’ famous “Doh!” - is now in the Oxford English Dictionary. I think that’s pretty amazing. And I can’t remember anything else. Doh!
Ravi: Don’t worry about it – that was really interesting
Tess: Thanks Sean , another good one there. Ravi, I don’t why I haven’t asked you this before – who would you like to meet? Who would you talk about if you were our guest on the podcast?
Ravi: Oof. That’s a tough one. There’s so many. Matt Groening’s a good one – I’d love to meet him. Peter Jackson who directed the Lord of the Rings films – he’d be really interesting. Erm … J.K. Rowling who wrote the Harry Potter books. Yeah, maybe her – she seems quite an interesting character.
Tess: Yeah, I’d like to meet her too. And remember, listeners, that we’re always interested to hear about people that you’d like to meet. Or even cartoon characters!
Ravi: That’s a good one! Which cartoon character would you like to meet and why. Brilliant idea!
Tess: So send your thoughts to us at learnenglishpodcast@britishcouncil.org.
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Continue to: Practice materials: Section 3: Quiz
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