“Conversation Starter Lesson Series: Upper-Intermediate” is designed for intermediate-level ESL learners who want to improve their fluency and confidence in speaking English.
Each lesson includes an engaging reading material with audio, vocabulary and expressions, comprehension questions, and discussion questions to be used for one to one class, group class, or self-study for both online and offline classes.
Unit 9: Entertainment and Pop Culture
Story 05: The Dark Side of Fame: Exploring the Downsides of Being a Celebrity
Key Lesson Vocabulary & Expressions: Look over and review before proceeding.
- Glamorous
- Downsides
- Invasion of privacy
- Paparazzi
- Scrutiny
- Overwhelming
- Mental health issues
- Financial pressures
- Strain
- Loss of self-identity
Read or Listen to the following passage:
Being a celebrity is often viewed as a glamorous and exciting lifestyle. However, the reality is that fame comes with a price, and many celebrities struggle with the downsides of being in the public eye. From invasion of privacy to mental health struggles, the negative aspects of fame can take a toll on even the most successful and beloved celebrities.
One of the biggest downsides of being a celebrity is the loss of privacy. Celebrities are often hounded by paparazzi and fans, who take photos and videos without their consent. This can make it difficult for celebrities to go about their daily lives, and can even put them in danger in some cases.
Another downside of fame is the constant scrutiny and criticism that celebrities face. They are judged for everything from their appearance to their personal lives, and the pressure to maintain a certain image can be overwhelming. This can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and even addiction.
Financial concerns can also be a downside of being a celebrity. While many people assume that celebrities are wealthy and secure, this is not always the case. Many celebrities have to deal with financial pressures such as high taxes, debt, and legal fees.
In addition, being a celebrity can have a big impact on personal relationships. The constant demands of work and the public eye can strain marriages and friendships, and many celebrities struggle to maintain healthy relationships with their loved ones.
Finally, the lack of control over their own image can also be a downside of fame. Celebrities often find that their public persona is shaped by the media and public opinion, rather than their own desires and beliefs. This can be frustrating and can even lead to a loss of self-identity.
In conclusion, being a celebrity may seem glamorous, but it comes with many downsides. The loss of privacy, constant scrutiny, financial concerns, impact on personal relationships, and lack of control over one’s own image can all take a toll on even the most successful celebrities. It is important to remember that celebrities are people too, and they deserve respect and empathy for the challenges they face.
Comprehension Questions:
- What is one of the biggest downsides of being a celebrity?
- How does the constant scrutiny and criticism impact celebrities?
- What financial concerns can celebrities face?
- How can fame impact personal relationships?
- What is one downside of fame related to a lack of control over one’s own image?
Conversations Starters:
- Who is your favorite celebrity?
- Should celebrities be expected to give up their privacy?
- How do you think the media contributes to the scrutiny that celebrities face?
- Can being famous lead to mental health issues? Why or why not?
- What are some financial pressures that celebrities might face?
- Do you think the media has a responsibility to report on celebrities’ personal lives?
- How can we support celebrities who are struggling with the negative aspects of fame?
- Can being a celebrity strain personal relationships? Why or why not?
- What role do celebrities play as role models in society?
- Is being famous worth the loss of self-identity?
