Mini Lesson: Traditions and Ferrari

Introduction: Traditions and Ferrari

Before we being, think about these questions:

1. What is a “TRADITION”? Are TRADITIONS important? Why?
2. Why do some people GET ANGRY or TAKE OFFENCE when traditions are changed?
3. Are some traditions PRESERVED mainly for tourists rather than local people?
4. Should these traditions be protected?

• Bullfighting (Spain and Latin America)
• Fox hunting (UK)
• Child beauty pageants (USA)
• Arranged marriages (India)
• Monarchy (UK)

Vocabulary

Check the meanings of the words below

stir (verb) evoke (verb) unveil (verb) disparage (verb)

gripe (verb + noun) plunge (verb) convince (verb) glitzy (adj)

backlash (noun) humble (adj)

Complete the sentences using the words above. Change the form and add other words if needed.

1. In any office, there are always people with small _____ (PLURAL FORM). The coffee in the kitchen tastes bad, the seats could be better, hours should be changed, salaries are too low….
2. At the _____ _____ (-ING FORM) of our new product, there was lots of nice food, and the owner gave a long, boring speech.
3. There was a huge _____ against Amazon Prime when they used black actors in “Lord Of The Rings”.
4. In court, Jeff’s explanation for his actions was _____ (ADJECTIVE, NEGATIVE) and the judge didn’t believe him.
5. Tim has said a number of _____ (-ING FORM)> things about me. I don’t know why…
6. Share prices _____ (REGULAR VERB) when the USA attacked Iran.
7. Despite his huge success, the man stayed _____ , driving a small car and living in a small apartment.
8. The smell of fresh bread always _____ (PRESENT SIMPLE) memories of my grandmother’s kitchen.
9. The King gave a _____ (-ING FORM) speech to encourage his soldiers before the battle.

Key

Reading and Use of English Part Two

Read your text quickly and complete the gaps with a single word in each space

Ferrari Fans Shocked by New Electric Car

For many Ferrari enthusiasts, the company’s cars are much more than vehicles. Their famous red sports cars have STIRRED strong emotions for decades and EVOKE feelings similar to ____________ (1) inspired by great art or music.

So, that is why the recent UNVEILING of Ferrari’s first fully electric car, the Luce EV, caused ____________ (2) a strong reaction. Ferrari had decided to UNVEIL the new model in Rome, hoping to impress customers and investors. However, many fans were disappointed by its appearance.

Fabio Barone, president of the Ferrari owners’ club in Italy, said he supported the move towards electric technology but disliked the design. His main GRIPE was that the car lacked the powerful engine sound traditionally associated ____________ (3) Ferrari. And other critics were even harsher, using social media posts to DISPARAGE the car and compare it to ordinary family vehicles.

The company has tried to solve the sound problem ____________ (4) using sensors and speakers to recreate engine noises. ____________ (5) this will CONVINCE traditional Ferrari fans remains uncertain.

Investors also reacted negatively.

After the launch, Ferrari’s share price experienced a sharp PLUNGE, suggesting that many people doubted the car’s success. Nevertheless, Ferrari’s chief executive, Benedetto Vigna, insisted that customers were already placing orders.

The launch ____________ (6) was a GLITZY event attended by wealthy guests, industry experts and public figures. Despite the impressive presentation, Ferrari faced a significant BACKLASH from some loyal supporters ____________ (7) felt that the Luce did not reflect the company’s heritage.

Interestingly, Barone, who owns a rare Ferrari sports car, drives a HUMBLE Fiat for everyday journeys. He remains passionate about the brand, and believes Ferrari should be careful not to lose the qualities that made its cars famous in the first place.

____________ (8) time will tell whether the Luce becomes a success or a costly mistake.

Key

Word-Building Extension

COMPLETE THE SENTENCES USING THE CORRECT FORMS OF THE WORDS IN (BRACKETS). THE BASIC WORDS ARE TAKEN FROM THE READING TASK ABOVE

1. The council is _____ (STRONG) the bridge over the river, to avoid any accidents.
2. We’ve employed a team of _____ (DESIGN) to revamp our webpage.
3. Fred spoke _____ (EMOTION) about his days in the army and the friends he had seen killed.
4. Despite all our hard work, sales rose _____ (SIGNIFICANT), and we were hugely disappointed.
5. Hundreds of thousands of _____ (SUPPORT) will visit the USA for the football World Cup.
6. The food in the new restaurant was _____ (DISAPPOINT) bland, and we never returned.
7. There are numerous _____ (SIMILAR) between Apple phones and Samsung phones. They look almost identical.
8. In the World Cup final 2022, M’bappe played _____ (IMPRESS).
9. The new intern does everything _____ (ENTHUSIAST). He’s got lots of energy!
10. The police are investigating the _____ (APPEAR) of a local girl.

Key