Jared Leto, a well-known actor and musician, recently made headlines by becoming the first person to legally climb the 102-storey Empire State Building in New York. The 51-year-old artist undertook this daring feat to promote the upcoming world tour of his band, Thirty Seconds To Mars. Leto, dressed in a bright orange jumpsuit and equipped with a rope and harness, described the climb as both exciting and challenging, emphasizing the physical endurance and stamina required.

During an interview with NBC’s Today show, Leto expressed his enthusiasm for the climb, despite its difficulty. He also shared his emotional experience of seeing his mother through a window on the 80th floor, calling it a “nice surprise.” Reflecting on the significance of New York City in his life, Leto mentioned that the city has always symbolized a place where dreams come true, making the climb a meaningful and memorable achievement for him.

Leto’s band, Thirty Seconds To Mars, known for their popular songs like “Kings and Queens,” is set to embark on their first headline tour in five years, starting in Buenos Aires in March 2024. The actor, who won an Oscar for his role in “Dallas Buyers Club” and has appeared in various films, including “Morbius” and “Suicide Squad,” is known for his dedication to his craft, whether in acting or music.

The Empire State Building, once the world’s tallest building, stands at 380m (1,250ft) high and holds historical significance. Leto’s climb not only garnered attention for his band’s tour but also showcased his determination and adventurous spirit. The images from Leto’s climb captured the attention of many, adding to the excitement surrounding his remarkable achievement.

Original news source: Jared Leto climbs Empire State Building (BBC)

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Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Reporter Role-play
Instructions: Students are divided into pairs. One student plays the role of a news reporter interviewing Jared Leto after his climb of the Empire State Building. The other student plays the role of Jared Leto. The “reporter” asks questions about the climb, the upcoming tour, and Leto’s music and acting career. Students should use information from the article and can also improvise additional details to make the interview more engaging. After 5 minutes, students switch roles.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Write down key vocabulary from the article on small pieces of paper (e.g., climb, harness, endurance, stamina, significance, embark, dedication, adventurous). Students take turns drawing the words on the board without speaking or writing any letters, while the rest of the class tries to guess the word. This helps reinforce new vocabulary and engages students in a visual and interactive way.

– Opinion Spectrum
Instructions: Place a line of tape on the floor to create a spectrum. One end signifies “Strongly Agree,” the other end “Strongly Disagree.” Read statements related to the article and have students physically place themselves along the spectrum according to their opinion. Example statements: “Climbing the Empire State Building is an effective way to promote an event,” or “Celebrities should engage in extreme activities to draw attention to their work.” After positioning themselves, students can share their opinions and debate.

– Future Predictions
Instructions: Students work in small groups to discuss and write down predictions about the future based on the article. They might predict the success of Leto’s band’s upcoming tour, the potential impact of his climb on future publicity stunts, or Leto’s next big challenge. Each group then shares their predictions with the class, and the class discusses the likelihood and potential outcomes of these predictions.

– Speed Summarizing
Instructions: Set a timer for 2 minutes. Students must individually write a summary of the article, capturing all the key points (Jared Leto climbing the Empire State Building, the reason behind it, his feelings, his career, and the significance of the building). After the time is up, students pair up to compare summaries and discuss any important details that may have been missed. This exercise emphasizes comprehension and the ability to convey information concisely.

Comprehension Questions:

1. What was the primary reason for Jared Leto climbing the Empire State Building?
2. How did Jared Leto describe his experience of climbing the Empire State Building?
3. What was a memorable moment for Jared Leto during his climb of the Empire State Building?
4. How did Jared Leto relate his climb of the Empire State Building to his life and dreams?
5. When is Thirty Seconds To Mars scheduled to start their world tour?
6. What are some of the notable roles that Jared Leto has played in his acting career?
7. How tall is the Empire State Building?
8. What personal qualities of Jared Leto were highlighted by his climb of the Empire State Building?
Go to answers ⇩

Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Jared Leto, a well-known actor and musician, recently made headlines by becoming the first person to legally climb the 102-storey Empire State (1)______ in New York. The 51-year-old artist undertook this (2)______ feat to promote the upcoming (3)______ tour of his band, Thirty Seconds To Mars. Leto, dressed in a (4)______ orange jumpsuit and equipped with a rope and harness, described the climb as both exciting and challenging, emphasizing the physical endurance and stamina required.

During an interview with NBC’s Today show, Leto expressed his enthusiasm for the climb, despite its (5)______. He also (6)______ his emotional experience of seeing his mother through a window on the 80th floor, calling it a “nice (7)______.” (8)______ on the significance of New York City in his life, Leto mentioned that the city has always symbolized a place where dreams come true, (9)______ the climb a (10)______ and memorable achievement for him.

Leto’s band, Thirty Seconds To Mars, (11)______ for their popular songs like “Kings and Queens,” is set to embark on their first headline tour in five years, (12)______ in Buenos Aires in March 2024. The actor, who won an Oscar for his role in “Dallas Buyers Club” and has appeared in various films, including “Morbius” and “Suicide Squad,” is known for his dedication to his craft, whether in acting or (13)______.

The (14)______ State Building, once the world’s tallest building, stands at 380m (1,250ft) high and holds historical significance. Leto’s climb not only garnered (15)______ for his band’s tour but also showcased his determination and adventurous spirit. The images from Leto’s climb captured the attention of many, (16)______ to the excitement surrounding his remarkable achievement.
Go to answers ⇩

Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your opinion on celebrities performing daring stunts to promote their work? Why?
2. How would you feel if you saw someone climbing a skyscraper like the Empire State Building in person?
3. Do you think it’s important for artists to engage in physical challenges to gain publicity? Why or why not?
4. What is the most adventurous thing you have ever done and how did it make you feel?
5. How do you believe Jared Leto’s climb might inspire his fans or the public?
6. Do you think that achieving such a physical feat at the age of 51 is impressive? Why or why not?
7. If you had the opportunity to climb a famous landmark legally, would you do it? Why or why not?
8. What role do you think personal challenges play in an individual’s life?
9. Do you like the idea of combining different careers, like acting and music, as Jared Leto does? Why?
10. How do you think seeing a loved one during a challenging activity, like Leto saw his mother, might affect your performance?
11. Do you believe that cities like New York truly represent places where dreams can come true? Why or why not?
12. What is your favorite song by Thirty Seconds To Mars, and what do you think makes their music appealing?
13. Do you think that publicity stunts can overshadow the actual talent or work being promoted? Why or why not?
14. How would you prepare mentally and physically for a challenge similar to climbing the Empire State Building?
15. Do you think that Jared Leto’s climb will have a lasting impact on his career or is it just a temporary highlight? Why?

Individual Activities

Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. climb
2. Leto
3. Empire
4. tour
5. artist
6. window
7. band
8. building

Meanings:
(a) A large and imposing structure
(b) A group of musicians who perform together
(c) A person who creates art, such as paintings or music
(d) To ascend or move upward
(e) A journey for musical performances in different locations
(f) An opening in a wall to let light in
(g) The first person to legally climb the Empire State Building
(h) A structure with walls and a roof
Go to answers ⇩

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What was the purpose of Jared Leto’s climb up the Empire State Building?
(a) To set a new world record
(b) To raise money for charity
(c) To promote his band’s upcoming world tour
(d) To film a new movie

2. What did Jared Leto wear during his climb up the Empire State Building?
(a) A tuxedo
(b) A superhero costume
(c) A Hawaiian shirt and shorts
(d) A bright orange jumpsuit

3. Where is Thirty Seconds To Mars’ first headline tour in five years set to begin?
(a) Buenos Aires
(b) Paris
(c) Tokyo
(d) London

4. What is the historical significance of the Empire State Building?
(a) It was the first skyscraper ever built
(b) It was once the world’s tallest building
(c) It was the site of a famous battle
(d) It was the location of a historic peace treaty signing

5. What award did Jared Leto win for his role in “Dallas Buyers Club”?
(a) A Grammy
(b) A Tony
(c) An Oscar
(d) An Emmy

6. What is Jared Leto known for, in addition to his acting career?
(a) His dedication to his music with Thirty Seconds To Mars
(b) His career as a professional athlete
(c) His work as a chef in a famous restaurant
(d) His successful business ventures

7. What did Jared Leto see during his climb that he described as a “nice surprise”?
(a) A rainbow over the city
(b) His mother through a window on the 80th floor
(c) A famous celebrity on a nearby building
(d) A banner promoting his band’s tour

8. What did Leto emphasize about the climb up the Empire State Building?
(a) The breathtaking view from the top
(b) The ease and simplicity of the climb
(c) The lack of excitement and challenge
(d) The physical endurance and stamina required

Go to answers ⇩

True or False Questions:

1. Leto’s climb did not garner attention for his band’s tour and did not showcase his determination and adventurous spirit.
2. Leto did not win an Oscar for his role in “Dallas Buyers Club” and has not appeared in films like “Morbius” and “Suicide Squad.”
3. Jared Leto did not recently climb the 102-storey Empire State Building in New York to promote his band’s upcoming world tour.
4. Leto was dressed in a bright orange jumpsuit and used a rope and harness for the climb.
5. Leto’s band, Thirty Seconds To Mars, is set to embark on their first headline tour in five years, starting in Buenos Aires in March 2024.
6. Leto described the climb as both exciting and challenging, emphasizing the physical endurance and stamina required.
7. The Empire State Building stands at 380m (1,250ft) high and holds historical significance.
8. Leto did not share his emotional experience of seeing his mother through a window on the 80th floor during the climb.
Go to answers ⇩

Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. What was the primary reason Jared Leto climbed the Empire State Building?
2. How did Jared Leto describe his experience of climbing the Empire State Building?
3. What emotional moment did Jared Leto share during his interview about the climb?
4. What is the name of Jared Leto’s band and what event are they promoting with the climb?
5. How does Jared Leto’s climb of the Empire State Building reflect on his personal view of New York City?

Answers

Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What was the primary reason for Jared Leto climbing the Empire State Building?
Jared Leto climbed the Empire State Building to promote the upcoming world tour of his band, Thirty Seconds To Mars.

2. How did Jared Leto describe his experience of climbing the Empire State Building?
Jared Leto described the climb as both exciting and challenging, emphasizing the physical endurance and stamina required.

3. What was a memorable moment for Jared Leto during his climb of the Empire State Building?
A memorable moment for Jared Leto was seeing his mother through a window on the 80th floor, which he called a “nice surprise.”

4. How did Jared Leto relate his climb of the Empire State Building to his life and dreams?
Jared Leto related his climb to his life and dreams by mentioning that New York City has always symbolized a place where dreams come true, making the climb a meaningful and memorable achievement for him.

5. When is Thirty Seconds To Mars scheduled to start their world tour?
Thirty Seconds To Mars is scheduled to start their world tour in Buenos Aires in March 2024.

6. What are some of the notable roles that Jared Leto has played in his acting career?
Some of the notable roles Jared Leto has played include his Oscar-winning role in “Dallas Buyers Club,” and appearances in films like “Morbius” and “Suicide Squad.”

7. How tall is the Empire State Building?
The Empire State Building stands at 380m (1,250ft) high.

8. What personal qualities of Jared Leto were highlighted by his climb of the Empire State Building?
The personal qualities highlighted by his climb include Jared Leto’s determination and adventurous spirit.
Go back to questions ⇧

Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) Building
(2) daring
(3) world
(4) bright
(5) difficulty
(6) shared
(7) surprise
(8) Reflecting
(9) making
(10) meaningful
(11) known
(12) starting
(13) music
(14) Empire
(15) attention
(16) adding
Go back to questions ⇧

Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. climb
Answer: (d) To ascend or move upward

2. Leto
Answer: (g) The first person to legally climb the Empire State Building

3. Empire
Answer: (a) A large and imposing structure

4. tour
Answer: (e) A journey for musical performances in different locations

5. artist
Answer: (c) A person who creates art, such as paintings or music

6. window
Answer: (f) An opening in a wall to let light in

7. band
Answer: (b) A group of musicians who perform together

8. building
Answer: (h) A structure with walls and a roof
Go back to questions ⇧

Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What was the purpose of Jared Leto’s climb up the Empire State Building?
Answer: (c) To promote his band’s upcoming world tour

2. What did Jared Leto wear during his climb up the Empire State Building?
Answer: (d) A bright orange jumpsuit

3. Where is Thirty Seconds To Mars’ first headline tour in five years set to begin?
Answer: (a) Buenos Aires

4. What is the historical significance of the Empire State Building?
Answer: (b) It was once the world’s tallest building

5. What award did Jared Leto win for his role in “Dallas Buyers Club”?
Answer: (c) An Oscar

6. What is Jared Leto known for, in addition to his acting career?
Answer: (a) His dedication to his music with Thirty Seconds To Mars

7. What did Jared Leto see during his climb that he described as a “nice surprise”?
Answer: (b) His mother through a window on the 80th floor

8. What did Leto emphasize about the climb up the Empire State Building?
Answer: (d) The physical endurance and stamina required
Go back to questions ⇧

True or False Answers:

1. Leto’s climb did not garner attention for his band’s tour and did not showcase his determination and adventurous spirit. (Answer: False)
2. Leto did not win an Oscar for his role in “Dallas Buyers Club” and has not appeared in films like “Morbius” and “Suicide Squad.” (Answer: False)
3. Jared Leto did not recently climb the 102-storey Empire State Building in New York to promote his band’s upcoming world tour. (Answer: False)
4. Leto was dressed in a bright orange jumpsuit and used a rope and harness for the climb. (Answer: True)
5. Leto’s band, Thirty Seconds To Mars, is set to embark on their first headline tour in five years, starting in Buenos Aires in March 2024. (Answer: True)
6. Leto described the climb as both exciting and challenging, emphasizing the physical endurance and stamina required. (Answer: True)
7. The Empire State Building stands at 380m (1,250ft) high and holds historical significance. (Answer: True)
8. Leto did not share his emotional experience of seeing his mother through a window on the 80th floor during the climb. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧