English, baby!

Biggie Smalls

Date: Sep 26 2004

Intro

1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.

2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.

This week, we are focusing on growth and change. What better way to start than by talking about bigness and smallness. Not literally, rather in a name. Check it out as Jen and Em talk about Biggie Smalls, a performer Jen’s cousin had asked her about.

Dialog

1. Listen and Read - Listen to the audio and read the dialog at the same time.

2. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.

Jen

Jen: So Emily, my cousin was asking me the other day if I knew who Biggie Smalls was. And, his name’s familiar. Do you know who he is?

Em: I think he’s a rapper.

Jen: Oh. That sounds right.

Em: Ya know. The name sounds really familiar. And I know he died. A couple years ago? I dunno. There was some mystery surrounding his death. Like east coast-west coast. I dunno. I dunno.

Jen: Hmm. That does sound kinda familiar to me.

Em: Mmmhmmm.

Jen: I wish I knew one of his songs.

Em: I think, I think he was involved with Puff Daddy.

Jen: Oh. OK.

Em: I think. I dunno. I don’t really know. Like, I couldn’t sing a song right off the top of my head.

Jen: Yeah.

Em: But, the name sounds familiar.

Jen: Cool.

Quizzes

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Lesson MP3

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Discussion

The rapper Biggie Smalls, born Christopher Wallace, was an inspiration to many young rappers. He rose up out of a difficult life and made the big time. Unfortunately, his life ended early. He was killed by a gunman in Los Angeles in 1997. There are a lot of theories about what happened. All I can say is that I hope it never happens again.
Peace!
-Steph