Section B

1b Listen to a conversation between Alex and Dave.

Write A for Alex or D for Dave next to each opinion.

What are you listening to, Alex?

The song sounds really good.

Hey, Dave! I'm listening to a band called "The Toms".

Have you heard of them yet?

No, I haven't.

Are they a new band?

Yes, they only started singing earlier this year.

But they've already made two CDs.

Wow, they must be really popular.

Where are they from?

They're from California, in the United States.

There are five people in the band and they're all teenage boys.

I guess what they're playing is pop music, right?

Yes, but it sounds more like rock.

I like their music because it's loud and full of energy.

I feel excited when I listen to it.

Me, too.

I think if I listen to their music every morning, it will wake me up and make me happy for the rest of the day!

Do you want to borrow my CD then?

Sure, thanks!

That'd be great!

1c Listen again and take notes.

What are you listening to, Alex?

The song sounds really good.

Hey, Dave! I'm listening to a band called"The Toms".

Have you heard of them yet?

No, I haven't.

Are they a new band?

Yes, they only started singing earlier this year.

But they've already made two CDs.

Wow, they must be really popular.

Where are they from?

They're from California, in the United States.

There are five people in the band and they're all teenage boys.

I guess what they're playing is pop music, right?

Yes, but it sounds more like rock.

I like their music because it's loud and full of energy.

I feel excited when I listen to it.

Me, too.

I think if I listen to their music every morning, it will wake me up and make me happy for the rest of the day!

Do you want to borrow my CD then?

Sure, thanks!

That'd be great!

2b Read the passage and complete the fact sheet on page 63.

A Country Music Song Changed Her Life Forever

When Sarah was a teenager, she used to fight over almost everything with her family. But five years ago, while she was studying abroad in England, she heard a song full of feelings about returning home on the radio. It made Sarah think about her family and friends back in the US.  She came to realize how much she actually missed all of them. Ever since then, she has been a fan of American country music.

Country is a traditional kind of music from the southern states of America. Nashville, Tennessee is the home of country music. Many songs these days are just about modern life in the US, such as the importance of money and success, but not about belonging to a group. However, country music brings us back to the "good old days" when people were kind to each other and trusted one another. It reminds us that the best things in life are free laughter, friends, family, and the beauty of nature and the countryside.  

Sarah hasn't been to Nashville yet, but it is her dream to go there one day. She has already read a lot about the place and done some research on it. She knows that there is a Country Music Hall of Fame Museum in Nashville. There are also always a lot of great country music concerts with famous musicians and singers, like Garth Brooks. Sarah has already listened to most of his songs.  "Garth is one of the most successful musicians in American history. He's sold more than 120 million records. I hope to see him sing live one day!"