Audio Time: 5
min 29 sec
Level: Intermediate
and up
Vocabulary: To help learners fully understand the audio
and transcript, most vocabulary that might be unknown for this lesson’s level is
provided. Vocab in bold
is more useful for learners at the lesson’s target level. Try to choose 8
to 10 new words to learn from the story (in general, it’s best to try to learn
no more than 8-10 new words a day).
Definitions
are written with the help of various sources including Merriam-Webster’s Learner’s
Dictionary
Ambient: of
electronic music : quiet and relaxing with melodies that repeat many times.
To collaborate: to work with another person or group in order
to achieve or do something.
Synthesizer: an
electronic machine that produces and controls sound and is used especially in
music and for reproducing speech.
Belief: something that a person accepts as true or right : a
strongly held opinion about something.
Venerable: old and respected : valued and respected because of
old age, long use, etc.
To show up: to arrive or appear at a place.
A
capella: a group that sings without instrumental music.
To insist: to demand that something happen or that someone do
something.
To balloon: to become bigger quickly.
Temperament: the usual attitude, mood, or behavior of a person or animal.
Lungs: either one of the two organs that people and animals use to breathe air.
Aloud: in a way that can be clearly heard.
Levity: a lack of seriousness.
Contentedness: pleased and satisfied : not needing more.
Subsume: to take into or include as part of a larger whole.
Consciousness: to be conscious: the normal state of being awake and able to understand what is happening around you.
Immersion: complete involvement in some activity or interest.
Immersion: complete involvement in some activity or interest.
Empathy: the ability to share someone else's feelings.
Virtue: a good and moral quality.
Snack: a small amount of food eaten between meals.
Cooperation: a situation in which people work together to do something.
Snack: a small amount of food eaten between meals.
Lyrics: the
words of a song.
To warm up: an
exercise or set of exercises done to prepare for a sport or other activity.
To turn out:
to happen, end, or develop in a particular way.
Chord: a
group of three or more musical notes that are played or sung at the same time.
Vowel: a
letter (such as a, e, i, o, u, and sometimes y in English) that represents a
vowel.
Rhythm: a
regular, repeated pattern of sounds or movements.
Dead right: totally correct.
Tempo:
the speed at which a
musical piece is played or sung.
Pitch:
the highness or
lowness of a sound.
To an extent:
something that it is partly but not completely true.
To encourage:
to make (someone) more determined, hopeful, or confident.
Cooperation: a situation in which people work together to do something.
Discussion
questions:
1. Do you agree that singing is important for a happy life?
2. Do you enjoy singing?
3. Have you ever sung with other people?
4. What are some important activities for a happy life?
5. "If you can talk, you can sing." Is this proverb true?