And the Oscar goes to

A Discuss 1-6 in pairs.

1 When was the last time you spoke in public? How did you feel?
2 Whats the largest crowd youve ever spoken to?
3 On a scale of 1 (I hate it) to 5 (I love it), how do you like speaking in public?
4 Whos the best / worst public speaker you know?
5 Have you ever made / sat through a thank-you speech? What was the occasion?
6 What kinds of TV shows do you usually associate thank-you speeches with?
B Watch eight short thank-you speeches from the 2015 Oscar Awards. Write A-F next to
photos 1-8. Use video 1.
What is each person doing?
a Describing a landmark event in US history.
b Raising awareness to a cause.
c Thanking his/her family (two excerpts).
d Describing a contradiction.
e Saying the award is not really theirs (two excerpts).
f Expressing his/her admiration for a colleague.

C Which speech struck you as the most / least sincere? Which one do you think people might
still remember next year?

D Watch video 2 from the beginning to 0:30 and pay attention to the yellow sounds. Then
watch the rest of the video and complete sentences 1-7. Use 2-4 words in each gap.
1 And I am grateful every day _______________ remarkable person I know.
2 Under extremely difficult conditions, you showed us the _______________ and under
that leadership a creative collaboration blossomed.
3 Its our time to have wage equality once _______________ all and equal rights
_______________ in the United States of America.
4 They supported him and they believed him and, _______________ bottom of his
heart, he thanks them. Thank you.
5 The _______________ bridge connects the kid from the south side of
Chicago, _______________ a better life, to those in France standing up for their freedom
of expression.
6 I dont think _______________ articulating quite how I feel right now, please know
this. Im fully aware that I am a lucky, lucky man.
7 Theres no such thing as best actress, as is evidenced by _______________ fellow
nominees. Ive been honored to be among you every _______________ way.
E Write the blue words and expressions next to their meanings.
very sincerely: ______________________________
become successful: ___________________________
defend, support: _____________________________
completely and finally: _________________________
It doesnt exist: ______________________________
I know well, beyond doubt: ______________________
during the whole process: _______________________
extraordinary, very special: ______________________
facing adversity: _____________________________
F Discuss 1-6 in groups. Which blue words / phrases:
1 Were you familiar with but had never actively used?
2 Is / Are already part of your active vocabulary?
3 Do you instinctively like / hate the sound of?
4 Can you easily use in a sentence now?
5 Do you think you will be able to use next class, spontaneously?
6 Do you doubt you will ever use spontaneously?
Answers:

Exercise B:
1C, 2D, 3F, 4B, 5C, 6A, 7E, 8E
Exercise D:
Answers on the screen
Exercise E:
very sincerely: from the bottom of his heart
become successful: blossom(ed)
defend, support: stand up for
completely and finally: once and for all
It doesnt exist: Theres no such thing as
I know well, beyond doubt: Im fully aware that
during the whole process: every step of the way
extraordinary, very special: remarkable
facing adversity: under difficult conditions
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