Fill the gaps in the sentences using these key words from the text. The paragraph numbers are given to help you

 Hellraiser Dennis Hopper dies from cancer

Level 2    

Intermediate

   

   Film star quiz

6

Work in two groups. Each group should complete one set of cards with bio-data of eight film stars of your 

choice. Do not include the name of the star!

Exchange cards with the other group and try to find out whose bio-data is on the cards. You may ask four 

questions per card to gain further clues and information.

born/died

nationality

famous films

awards

family 

other

born/died

nationality

famous films

awards

family 

other

born/died

nationality

famous films

awards

family 

other

born/died

nationality

famous films

awards

family 

other

born/died

nationality

famous films

awards

family 

other

born/died

nationality

famous films

awards

family 

other

born/died

nationality

famous films

awards

family 

other

born/died

nationality

famous films

awards

family 

other

---

NEWS LESSONS / Hellraiser Dennis Hopper dies from cancer / Intermediate

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 Hellraiser Dennis Hopper dies from cancer

  

Level 2    

Intermediate

1  Warmer

They are all acclaimed American films. The connecting 

factor is Dennis Hopper who starred in, appeared in, 

directed or co-wrote them all.

Teacher’s note:

Dates of film release: Cool Hand Luke (1967); Easy 

Rider (1969); Apocalypse Now (1979); 

Blue Velvet 

(1986); Speed (1994)  

Additional task:  

Ask the students to skim-read the article to find other 

film titles. Find out whether any of the students have 

seen any of the films mentioned.

2  Key words

1.   acclaimed

2.   flowered

3.   era

4.   psychotic villains

5.   restraining order

6.   bedridden

7.   sober up

8.   binge

9.   portrayal

10.  brute

11.   hung out

12.  heart-throb

13.  nomination

14.  frail

3  Find the information

4  Fixed expressions

 

1.   he passed away  

b.    died 

2.   rest in peace  

e.    may his soul and body  

 

  

 

 

       be untroubled 

3.   lessen the blow  

g.    make the shock easier  

 

  

 

 

       to deal with 

4.   the stuff of    

f.    the content of film-

 

Hollywood legend  

       related stories 

5.   paved the way for  

c.    to prepare the path,    

 

  

 

                     making it easier for 

 

  

 

 

       those who follow 

6.   go his own way  

a.    do what he wants and   

 

  

 

 

      not listen to others 

7.   a pain in the neck  

d.   difficult and problematic  

 

  

 

 

      for others 

6  Film star quiz

Teacher’s note:

Copy at least one sheet per group, more if necessary.

Information on film stars can be found on the Internet 

Movie Database: 

www.imdb.com

   

Variations: 

1.   Students write the name of the star on the back of  

 

the card. The cards can then be used as memory  

 

cards, e.g. What can you remember about (name)?

2.   Students can only ask closed questions to obtain   

 

further information. 

3.   Write bio-data for music/pop/sports stars instead of  

 

film stars.

KEY

name

Dennis Hopper

born

Dodge City, Kansas, in 1936

died

Venice, California, in 2010

nationality

American

profession

actor, director, scriptwriter

alternative career / hobbies

photographer, artist, poet

most famous films

Cool Hand Luke, Easy Rider, Apocalypse Now, Blue Velvet, Speed

awards / recognitions

two Oscar nominations (but no Oscars), star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame

family

married five times, four children

other

...

---

NEWS LESSONS / Dogs are either optimists or pessimists, claim scientists / Intermediate

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•

CAN BE DOWNLOADED

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 Dogs are either optimists or pessimists, claim scientists

Level 2    

Intermediate

If you feel _________________________, you feel sad and without hope. (para 1)

1. 

If a person or an animal is _________________________, they are not affected by strong emotions, such as  

2. 

 

excitement, anger, shock or fear. (para 1)

If someone is 

3. 

_________________________, they are worried because they think that something bad might  

 

happen. (para 2)

If you _________________________ something, you give up ownership of it. (para 3)

4. 

Someone who is _________________________ deliberately tries to upset others or cause problems for them.  

5. 

 

(para 3)

If you have _________________________, you have problems of some kind. (para 3)

6. 

A _________________________ is a doctor for animals. (para 3)

7. 

A _________________________ is a particular type of animal that is different from others but not so different  

8. 

 

that it is another species. (para 4) 

A _________________________ is a round container used for eating, serving or preparing food. (para 5) 

9. 

If something is described as _________________________, it is not clear or it is capable of being understood  

10. 

 

in more than one way. (para 5)