The Maestro
Script:
Ana always thought she had it all figured out. She had the perfect guy and the perfect life, until he said that he didn't love her anymore. Oh...how those words had broken her heart. So now she would be on her own again. With that came many new changes, one being a new apartment. The apartment had another advantage. At first, she would only hear him from time to time. But then one night, when her plans didn't go as planned, she sat and listened. His music was so beautiful, it seemed to sweep over her. And for that moment, all the pain went away. But who was he? What did he do? She didn't even know what he looked like. All she knew was that he lived in 3B, but that was enough, for now. And from then on, she would call him the Maestro.
Whenever she had a bad day, the Maestro's music would make everything better. But then one day, the Maestro left. Days became weeks. Nothing. Not a single note played. But then inspiration hit. She got it from a man who even agreed to deliver it, and once she figured out the perfect spot, she was ready to begin.
Ah...this didn't sound like the Maestro's music. And what would he think of her, she being a novice compared to him? She knew what she must do. It was hard to start, but she worked at it. And worked. Nothing came easy. One note became notes. Simple songs became more complex. She would learn something new everytime she would play.
She practiced every day, until finally, that fateful day, the Maestro had returned. And now, with all that she had learned, she did not want to miss a single note. What was this? This wasn't the Maestro, but it was.
And then, and only then, did she realize, that she, she had become...(the Maestro).
Task 1Match the word with its definition
These words are chosen from the video. Talk with a partner or consult the dictionary, and match the word with its definition.
1. advantage A. creativity, ingenuity
2. inspiration B. to move swiftly and smoothly
3. maestro C. something that puts one in a favorable position
4. sweep D. a person just starting to learn a skill or activity
5. novice E. a distinguished musician
Keys:
1.C 2.A 3.E 4.B 5.D
Task 2Complete the following sentences with the words in Task 1.Change the form when necessary.
1. The maestro loved conducting his orchestra.
2. My dreams provide me with inspiration for my paintings.
3. The advantage of arriving at the theatre early is that we are more likely to get good seats.
4. This is a difficult plant for novice gardeners togrow.
5. Rains swept over the dry plains, and ended the long drought.
Task 3Identify main ideas
Watch the video for the first time. Choose the best answer to the following questions.
1. Why did Ana need to move into a new apartment?(A)
A. She and her boyfriend ended their relationship.
B. She wanted to move closer to her job.
C. She needed a cheaper place to live.
D. She wanted more space for her things.
2. What did Ana particularly like about the new apartment?(D)
A. It had a large swimming pool.
B. It was quiet.
C. She had a wonderful view of the city skyline.
D. One of her neighbours played beautiful music.
3. What did Ana do after the maestro left?(B)
A. She began playing the radio more often.
B. She began to write her own music.
C. She began going to concerts.
D. She joined a rock band.
Task 4Understanding details
Read the following statements. Then watch the video again and mark each statement with T for True or F for False .
| 1. Ana told her boyfriend that she did not love him anymore. | T | F |
| 2. Ana had a roommate living with her. | T | F |
| 3. The Maestro lived in Apartment 3B. | T | F |
| 4. Ana found it easy to write music. | T | F |
| 5. Ana practiced her music every day. | T | F |
Keys:
1.F 2.F 3.T 4.F 5.T
Task 5Work in groups. Based on what you have watched in the video, talk about the following questions in a group.
1. How is being inspired by aperson different from copying him or her?
Suggested answer:
When we are inspired by people, we consider what we find interesting about their work, and put our own unique spin on it. When we copy them, we imitate exactly what they are doingwithout the addition of any originality or thought.
2. What is a human quality that you find inspiring? Why?
Suggested answer:
A human quality that I find inspiring is humility. I cannot relate to people who act as though they do not have any faults. However, I am inspired by people who are humble and willing to acknowledge their flaws. They remind me to stay grounded in life and teach me to accept that I do not have to be perfect in order to be successful.
