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Bruce Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen

Date: Mar 09 2009

Themes: History, Sports

Grammar: Definite & Indefinite Articles

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.

There’s nothing more American than the Super Bowl. And Bruce Springsteen is an American legend. Sounds like a perfect match, right?

Well, not everyone would agree. Springsteen is known as a champion of the working man. Many of his songs speak out against corruption and injustice, and he is known for his liberal politics. So he’s the last musician many people expected to take part in a huge commercial spectacle like the Super Bowl.

Marni doesn’t like watching the Super Bowl, but she tuned in just to see the Boss perform. Listen to her and Dale discuss Springsteen’s performance and his new album, Working on a Dream.

Dialog

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

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

Dale

Dale

Marni

Marni

Dale:  Are you familiar with the Boss, Bruce Springsteen?

Marni:  Well of course! Who isn’t?!

Dale:  Exactly. Did you see him in the Super Bowl?

Marni:  I did. In fact, I actually really don’t like the Super Bowl. I didn’t watch it, but I specifically tuned in for the 12 minutes…

Dale:  And what did you think? How do you think he did?

Marni:  I thought he did great. I thought he was very…you know…he puts on a great show. He has such high energy. But I always think it’s interesting that “Born in the U.S.A.” was his big hit, because really, if you listen to the lyrics, it’s all about how you can be kinda screwed over by the system, by the U.S.

Dale:  That’s the part I think with the Boss, knowing that he’s a working-class, working man…He got pretty much a lot of the blue collar people of America to join, listening in to “Born in the U.S.A.”

Marni:  Yeah. Well he definitely I think represents sort of the heartland. I mean, I feel like that’s his demographic. But he…I think he’s just an incredible person. And he’s had a really incredible career. His new album’s really good too.

Dale:  So he has a new album out.

Marni:  He does.

Dale:  And how does that sound?

Marni:  It sounds good!

 

Grammar Point

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Quizzes

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Lesson MP3

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Discussion

Bruce Springsteen is a musical legend in America, like Bob Dylan or Johnny Cash. Marni thought he did a great job at the Super Bowl. His performance was full of passion and high energy. Not bad for a guy who’s nearly 60 years old!

The Boss is best known for his song “Born in the U.S.A.” Many people misinterpret this song. They think it’s just patriotic. But the song is actually very critical of the U.S. government. The lyrics talk about the damage done to the American people by the Vietnam War.

 

Comments

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guobingyou

guobingyou

China

That  phrase means "take advantage"

02:47 AM Mar 09 2009 |

Child

Child

China

I just don't know what does "screw over"mean.

Is there any one can help me?

01:27 AM Mar 09 2009 |

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