Taylor Swift has been named Time Magazine’s person of the year for 2023, joining the ranks of influential figures such as Barack Obama and Greta Thunberg. The singer expressed her pride and happiness at receiving the award. In the interview, Swift also discussed the physical toll of her Eras tour, admitting that she often felt exhausted after performing for three hours straight. She also opened up about her relationship with American Football star Travis Kelce.
Swift’s cultural impact has been significant, especially with her Eras tour, which broke box office records and led to an investigation into Ticketmaster’s sales practices. The demand for tickets was so high that it crashed the Ticketmaster website, and fans even gathered in car parks just to hear the music. Swift’s career reached new heights in 2023, with her albums Folklore and Evermore showcasing her songwriting talent and receiving critical acclaim.
Despite facing criticism for her views on feminism and politics, Swift’s comeback has been strong. She spoke out against Donald Trump and in favor of abortion rights, and her albums during the pandemic era reflected a more organic and indie-folk approach. Swift’s success extends beyond her music, as she also released a re-recording of her album 1989, which became the biggest-selling record of 2023.
In addition to her musical achievements, Swift has broken numerous records and achieved milestones throughout the year. She became the first living artist to have five albums in the US Top 10 simultaneously, broke the record for the most number one albums by a woman in US chart history, and received seven Grammy nominations for song of the year. Swift’s success has also made her a billionaire, making her the first musician to achieve this milestone based solely on music.
Swift is currently on a break before continuing her Eras tour in Asia and Australia, with plans to bring the tour to Europe in May. She is also expected to release a re-recorded version of her Reputation album in the new year. Swift’s decision to re-record her albums came after her master tapes were sold without her consent. Despite initial hesitation, she went ahead with the project as an act of rebellion.
Overall, Taylor Swift’s influence and success in 2023 have solidified her status as a global superstar and a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
Original news source: Taylor Swift named Time Magazine’s person of the year (BBC)
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Group or Classroom Activities
Warm-up Activities:
– News Summary
Instructions: Have students read the article individually or in pairs. Then, ask them to write a brief summary of the article, highlighting the key points and main ideas. Afterward, have students share their summaries with the class and discuss any differences or similarities.
– Opinion Spectrum
Instructions: Divide the class into two groups: Swift supporters and Swift critics. Give each group time to discuss and gather their arguments supporting their opinion. Then, create a spectrum in the classroom, with one end representing strong support for Swift and the other end representing strong criticism. Have students take turns expressing their opinions and placing themselves on the spectrum according to their level of agreement or disagreement with Swift’s achievements and influence.
– Pros and Cons
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups and assign each group a specific topic related to the article, such as “Swift’s impact on the music industry” or “Swift’s political activism.” Have the groups brainstorm and discuss the pros and cons of their assigned topic, encouraging them to think critically and consider different perspectives. Afterward, have each group present their findings to the class and facilitate a class discussion.
– Future Predictions
Instructions: Ask students to imagine it is now 2024 and Taylor Swift’s career has continued to evolve. In pairs or small groups, have students brainstorm and discuss their predictions for Swift’s future, considering factors such as her music, public image, and impact on society. Afterward, have students share their predictions with the class and engage in a discussion about the possibilities and potential challenges Swift may face in the future.
– Think-Pair-Share
Instructions: Write the following question on the board: “What do you think makes Taylor Swift such a successful and influential artist?” Give students a few minutes to think individually, then have them pair up with a partner to discuss their thoughts. Afterward, invite pairs to share their ideas with the class, promoting a discussion on the qualities and strategies that contribute to Swift’s success.
Comprehension Questions:
1. Who has been named Time Magazine’s person of the year for 2023?
2. How did Taylor Swift feel about receiving the award?
3. What did Taylor Swift discuss in the interview about her Eras tour?
4. What impact did Taylor Swift’s Eras tour have on Ticketmaster?
5. How did Taylor Swift’s albums Folklore and Evermore fare in 2023?
6. What criticisms has Taylor Swift faced regarding her views on feminism and politics?
7. What milestones and records has Taylor Swift achieved in 2023?
8. What are Taylor Swift’s upcoming plans for her Eras tour and music releases?
Go to answers ⇩
Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
Taylor Swift has been (1)______ Time Magazine’s person of the year for 2023, joining the ranks of influential figures such as Barack Obama and (2)______ Thunberg. The singer expressed her pride and happiness at receiving the award. In the interview, Swift also discussed the physical toll of her Eras tour, admitting that she often felt exhausted after performing for three hours straight. She also opened up about her relationship with American Football star (3)______ Kelce.
Swift’s cultural impact has been (4)______, especially with her Eras tour, which broke box office records and led to an investigation into Ticketmaster’s sales practices. The (5)______ for tickets was so high that it crashed the Ticketmaster website, and fans even (6)______ in car parks just to hear the music. Swift’s career reached new heights in 2023, with her albums Folklore and Evermore showcasing her songwriting talent and receiving critical acclaim.
Despite facing criticism for her (7)______ on (8)______ and politics, Swift’s comeback has been strong. She spoke out against Donald Trump and in favor of abortion rights, and her albums during the pandemic era reflected a more organic and indie-folk approach. Swift’s success extends beyond her music, as she also released a re-(9)______ing of her album 1989, which (10)______ the biggest-selling record of 2023.
In addition to her (11)______ achievements, Swift has broken numerous records and achieved milestones throughout the year. She became the first living artist to have five albums in the US Top 10 simultaneously, broke the record for the most number one albums by a woman in US chart history, and received seven Grammy nominations for song of the year. Swift’s success has also made her a billionaire, making her the first (12)______ to achieve this milestone based solely on music.
Swift is currently on a (13)______ before continuing her Eras tour in Asia and Australia, with plans to bring the tour to (14)______ in May. She is also expected to release a re-recorded version of her Reputation album in the new year. Swift’s decision to re-record her (15)______ came after her master tapes were sold without her consent. Despite initial hesitation, she went ahead with the project as an act of rebellion.
Overall, Taylor Swift’s influence and success in 2023 have solidified her (16)______ as a global superstar and a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
Go to answers ⇩
Discussion Questions:
Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.
1. How do you feel about Taylor Swift being named Time Magazine’s person of the year?
2. What do you think it takes to become a global superstar like Taylor Swift?
3. Do you think it’s fair for artists to re-record their albums if their master tapes are sold without their consent? Why or why not?
4. How would you feel if you attended a concert and the demand for tickets was so high that it crashed the ticket website?
5. What is your opinion on Taylor Swift speaking out about her views on feminism and politics? Do you think it’s important for celebrities to use their platform to express their opinions?
6. How do you think Taylor Swift’s music has evolved over the years? Do you prefer her earlier or more recent work?
7. Do you think it’s impressive that Taylor Swift became a billionaire solely based on her music? Why or why not?
8. How do you think Taylor Swift’s success has impacted the music industry as a whole?
9. Have you ever attended a concert where you felt physically exhausted afterwards? How did you feel about the experience?
10. How do you think Taylor Swift’s success has influenced other female artists in the industry?
11. Do you think it’s important for artists to break records and achieve milestones in their careers? Why or why not?
12. How would you feel if your master tapes were sold without your consent? Would you take the same approach as Taylor Swift and re-record your albums?
13. What is your opinion on artists using their music as a form of rebellion or activism?
14. How do you think Taylor Swift’s success has impacted her personal life and relationships?
15. Do you think Taylor Swift’s success will continue to grow in the future? Why or why not?
Individual Activities
Multiple Choice Questions:
1. Who was named Time Magazine’s person of the year for 2023?
(a) Barack Obama
(b) Taylor Swift
(c) Greta Thunberg
(d) Travis Kelce
2. What was the physical toll of Taylor Swift’s Eras tour?
(a) She felt energized and invigorated after each performance.
(b) She hired a team of personal trainers to keep her in top shape.
(c) She didn’t experience any physical challenges during the tour.
(d) She often felt exhausted after performing for three hours straight.
3. What impact did Taylor Swift’s Eras tour have on Ticketmaster?
(a) It caused Ticketmaster to shut down its website temporarily.
(b) It resulted in lower ticket prices for fans.
(c) It led to an investigation into Ticketmaster’s sales practices.
(d) It had no effect on Ticketmaster.
4. Which albums of Taylor Swift received critical acclaim in 2023?
(a) 1989 and Reputation
(b) Fearless and Red
(c) Lover and Speak Now
(d) Folklore and Evermore
5. What records did Taylor Swift break in 2023?
(a) She broke the record for the most number one albums by a woman in US chart history.
(b) She became the first living artist to have five albums in the US Top 10 simultaneously.
(c) She received seven Grammy nominations for song of the year.
(d) All of the above.
6. How did Taylor Swift become a billionaire?
(a) Based solely on her music.
(b) Through endorsement deals and business ventures.
(c) Through investments in real estate.
(d) She inherited her wealth.
7. Where is Taylor Swift planning to bring her Eras tour in May?
(a) Europe
(b) Asia
(c) Australia
(d) South America
8. Why did Taylor Swift decide to re-record her albums?
(a) She wanted to improve the quality of the original recordings.
(b) She wanted to include bonus tracks on the re-recorded versions.
(c) Her master tapes were sold without her consent.
(d) She wanted to retire the original versions of her albums.
True or False Questions:
1. Swift is currently on a break before continuing her Eras tour in Asia and Australia, with plans to bring the tour to Europe in May.
2. Swift expressed her disappointment and sadness at receiving the award.
3. Swift released a re-recording of her album 1989, which became the biggest-selling record of 2023.
4. Swift’s albums Folklore and Evermore showcased her songwriting talent and received critical acclaim.
5. Swift’s Eras tour did not break box office records and did not lead to an investigation into Ticketmaster’s sales practices.
6. Swift did not discuss her relationship with American Football star Travis Kelce in the interview.
7. Swift often felt exhausted after performing for three hours straight during her Eras tour.
8. Taylor Swift has not been named Time Magazine’s person of the year for 2023.
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 honor did Taylor Swift receive from Time Magazine?
2. How did Taylor Swift’s Eras tour impact Ticketmaster?
3. What were some of the milestones and records Taylor Swift achieved in 2023?
4. Why did Taylor Swift decide to re-record her albums?
5. What are Taylor Swift’s plans for her Eras tour in the future?
Answers
Comprehension Question Answers:
1. Who has been named Time Magazine’s person of the year for 2023?
Taylor Swift.
2. How did Taylor Swift feel about receiving the award?
She expressed her pride and happiness at receiving the award.
3. What did Taylor Swift discuss in the interview about her Eras tour?
She discussed the physical toll of her Eras tour, admitting that she often felt exhausted after performing for three hours straight.
4. What impact did Taylor Swift’s Eras tour have on Ticketmaster?
The demand for tickets was so high that it crashed the Ticketmaster website, and fans even gathered in car parks just to hear the music.
5. How did Taylor Swift’s albums Folklore and Evermore fare in 2023?
They showcased her songwriting talent and received critical acclaim.
6. What criticisms has Taylor Swift faced regarding her views on feminism and politics?
She faced criticism for her views on feminism and politics.
7. What milestones and records has Taylor Swift achieved in 2023?
She became the first living artist to have five albums in the US Top 10 simultaneously, broke the record for the most number one albums by a woman in US chart history, and received seven Grammy nominations for song of the year. She also became a billionaire, making her the first musician to achieve this milestone based solely on music.
8. What are Taylor Swift’s upcoming plans for her Eras tour and music releases?
She is currently on a break before continuing her Eras tour in Asia and Australia, with plans to bring the tour to Europe in May. She is also expected to release a re-recorded version of her Reputation album in the new year.
Go back to questions ⇧
Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:
(1) named
(2) Greta
(3) Travis
(4) significant
(5) demand
(6) gathered
(7) views
(8) feminism
(9) record
(10) became
(11) musical
(12) musician
(13) break
(14) Europe
(15) albums
(16) status
Go back to questions ⇧
Multiple Choice Answers:
1. Who was named Time Magazine’s person of the year for 2023?
Answer: (b) Taylor Swift
2. What was the physical toll of Taylor Swift’s Eras tour?
Answer: (d) She often felt exhausted after performing for three hours straight.
3. What impact did Taylor Swift’s Eras tour have on Ticketmaster?
Answer: (c) It led to an investigation into Ticketmaster’s sales practices.
4. Which albums of Taylor Swift received critical acclaim in 2023?
Answer: (d) Folklore and Evermore
5. What records did Taylor Swift break in 2023?
Answer: (b) She became the first living artist to have five albums in the US Top 10 simultaneously.
6. How did Taylor Swift become a billionaire?
Answer: (a) Based solely on her music.
7. Where is Taylor Swift planning to bring her Eras tour in May?
Answer: (a) Europe
8. Why did Taylor Swift decide to re-record her albums?
Answer: (c) Her master tapes were sold without her consent.
Go back to questions ⇧
True or False Answers:
1. Swift is currently on a break before continuing her Eras tour in Asia and Australia, with plans to bring the tour to Europe in May. (Answer: True)
2. Swift expressed her disappointment and sadness at receiving the award. (Answer: False)
3. Swift released a re-recording of her album 1989, which became the biggest-selling record of 2023. (Answer: True)
4. Swift’s albums Folklore and Evermore showcased her songwriting talent and received critical acclaim. (Answer: True)
5. Swift’s Eras tour did not break box office records and did not lead to an investigation into Ticketmaster’s sales practices. (Answer: False)
6. Swift did not discuss her relationship with American Football star Travis Kelce in the interview. (Answer: False)
7. Swift often felt exhausted after performing for three hours straight during her Eras tour. (Answer: True)
8. Taylor Swift has not been named Time Magazine’s person of the year for 2023. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧
