Listen&Learn: Marilyn Monroe

Posted by: Jaksyn Peacock

Learn about an iconic movie star from the 1950s

Pre-listening vocabulary

foster home: a place where a child lives temporarily when their parents are unable to care for them
role: the character an actor plays in a movie or play
tension: dislike or disagreement between two or more people
studio: a company that produces movies or TV shows
stage fright: nervousness about performing
addiction: a dependency on drugs or alcohol
iconic: very recognizable, often symbolic of a certain culture or time period

Listening activity

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Gapfill exercise

Marilyn Monroe was an American . She was born in 1926 in Los Angeles. Her birth name was Norma Jeane Mortenson. She lived in multiple foster homes during her childhood. When she was only 16, she married her first . Her career began three years later, after a man named David Conover her working in a drone factory during the war. She began to receive modelling offers, and later movie roles. Monroe quickly became a popular symbol of . Although she wanted to be seen as a actress, she was often cast in “dumb blonde” roles, which caused tension between her and her studio. Fame was also difficult for Monroe because of extreme stage fright. She struggled with addiction for many years, and she died when she was only 36. Even though her life was short, Monroe is still known as one of the most iconic actresses in history.

Comprehension questions

See answers below

When she was 16, Marilyn Monroe
a. took her first movie role
b. changed her name and dyed her hair
c. married her first husband
The photo that started Monroe’s career was taken
a. on a beach
b. in a factory
c. on a subway grate
The stereotypical role that Monroe often played was the
a. “dumb blonde”
b. “girl next door”
c. “obedient housewife”

Discussion/essay questions

The “dumb blonde” is a much less common character type today. How have stories about women changed since Marilyn Monroe’s life? Do you think there is still room for improvement?
Why do you think fame can be harmful to people’s health? Would you ever want to be famous? Why or why not?

Transcript

Marilyn Monroe was an American actress. She was born in 1926 in Los Angeles. Her birth name was Norma Jeane Mortenson. She lived in multiple foster homes during her childhood. When she was only 16, she married her first husband. Her career began three years later, after a man named David Conover photographed her working in a drone factory during the war. She began to receive modelling offers, and later movie roles. Monroe quickly became a popular symbol of sexuality. Although she wanted to be seen as a serious actress, she was often cast in “dumb blonde” roles, which caused tension between her and her studio. Fame was also difficult for Monroe because of extreme stage fright. She struggled with addiction for many years, and she died when she was only 36. Even though her life was short, Monroe is still known as one of the most iconic actresses in history.

Answers to comprehension questions

1c 2b 3a

Written and recorded by Jaksyn Peacock for EnglishClub

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8 comments

jorge iván hernández says:

excelent sistem
France says:

yes, I think there is still room for improvement. The girls are still very stigmatized when they undress slightly. In addition, we still require a skinny waist to be part of the beauty criteria.
English Club Indonesia says:

When there is a stereotype about something, there must be a cause for it. But, of course, we won’t do that anymore. We can’t discriminate against someone because he/she has a certain type of physical appearance. So, for the studios, they should give blondes other positive types of roles to play.

Fame becomes negative when the tight schedule and expectations from the public creep up. I want to be famous, but only to a moderate level. Being famous is good; it’s something that not everyone can achieve. Just keep in mind not to get drowned in it, as it could stress you out.
Elza Testa says:

Marilyn was The woman expression in The first as pioneer when The women have no chance to Express your feelings.
Gabriela says:

Comprehension cuestions:
1) She married her first husband
2) In a factory
3) Dumb blonde

Discussion essay questions:
1) I think the women has advanced since Marilyn’s life, but still, women continue fight for being respected and not look vulnerables by our femininity.

2) Famous people ussualy receive a lot of social pressure, also they’re don’t have total freedom, they’re managed so it’s difficult for them.
I think everyone want to be remembered and admired, but I wouldn’t like to lose my privacy and my freedom.
jue says:

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Archana says:

The given exercises benefit English language reading, vocabulary, and listening skills.
zulma says:

The “dumb blonde” is a much less common character type today. How have stories about women changed since Marilyn Monroe’s life? Do you think there is still room for improvement?