At an art market, Ash and Stephen find themselves in an argument about who is the better artist. They decide to have a competition, but first they need to find out what art is.

Do the Preparation task first. Then watch the video. Next go to the Tasks and do the activities. If you need help, you can read the Transcript at any time.

Preparation

Before you watch

Think about the following questions:

  • Are there open-air art markets in your country?
  • Do you have any artistic talents?
  • What do you think makes for good art?

Now watch to find out how Ashlie and Stephen get into their fight.

Transcript

Ashlie: What about this, Stephen?

Stephen: Typical, Ash. You choose the biggest thing in the market for your tiny flat.

Ashlie: Well, yeah... I guess it is a bit too big. Let's look over there.

Stephen: We can’t take too long. We’ve got to go and say hello to Pete.

Ashlie: Yeah, OK... We're at an art market – it's a kind of market where artists sell their art.

Stephen: Ashlie wants to buy some art for her flat and she’s already seen about ten things she wants to buy.

Stephen: Hi, Pete. How's it going?

Pete: Hi, guys. Great, thanks. It’s quite busy today. There’s lots of people buying things.

Ashlie: Wow... so you're actually making some money?

Pete: Yeah, of course. This is a great place to sell art.

Stephen: Right, well, let me give you a hand. You need a proper salesman!

Ashlie: Right, OK – you stay here. I'm off to find some art for my flat.

Stephen: OK, but don’t be gone too long – and don’t spend all your money!

…..

Ashlie: Hi there. Ooh, how much are these?

Stallholder: They’re twelve pounds.

Ashlie: They’re very cool. Are they all your own designs?

Stallholder: Yeah, they are. Liachild is my own brand.

Ashlie: Good luck with it!

Stallholder: Thanks a million.

Ashlie: Thanks.

Stallholder: Thank you.

…..

Stephen: So what did you buy, then?

Ashlie: Nothing, actually, but I’ve got an idea that could make us some money!

Stephen: What is it?

Ashlie: Well, I'm going to make some art, come back to the market and sell it! Brilliant idea, huh?

Stephen: Yes, excellent idea! Except one thing... You're not an artist.

Ashlie: Well, I can learn, can't I? All great artists had to start somewhere.

Stephen: Well, if it's that easy, why don't we both try and make some art? And then come back next week and try and sell it?

Ashlie: Stephen, I reckon you won’t be able to sell a single thing.

Stephen: Sounds like a challenge. Why don't we make it a bit more exciting?

Ashlie: In what way?

Stephen: Well, the one who sells the most is the winner... and the winner gets to keep all the money we make. Agree?

Ashlie: Agree.

Stephen: Ah! You’re going to be giving all your money to me!

Ashlie: Oh, yeah, right, whatever. Come on then, I need to get some inspiration.

.....

Stephen: So this is art, is it?

Ashlie: Err, yes, Stephen, it is.

Stephen: Looks like a pile of old junk to me.

Ashlie: Art is all about ideas. Try and look at what the artist is trying to say.

Stephen: This is harder than I thought.

Ashlie: Come on, let's have a look over there.

…..

Stephen: So Ash – what do you think of this? I have been trying to understand the message. What is the artist trying to say here?

Ashlie: Well, what do you think, Stephen?

Stephen: I guess he's trying to make us think about the modern world. He’s using a rubbish bin to show how everyday objects...

Ashlie: Stephen – that is a rubbish bin. Come on, you. Let’s make some art!

Task 1

Order the sentences according to the video.

Exercise

Task 2

Decide if these statements are true or false.

Exercise

Task 3

Order the words to make useful expressions from the video.

Exercise

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Profile picture for user alexandeR-Rednaxela

Submitted by alexandeR-Rednaxela on Mon, 12/02/2018 - 12:40

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Hi there! I'm wondering whether I got Stephen right. " Stephen: So this is art, is it? Ashlie: Err, yes, Stephen, it is. " There's no inversion in the tag because of Shephen's misunderstanding of the reason for 'a pile of old junk' is called art. This website is just the ticket for me! You're awesome!

Hello Alexander,

Yes, this question tag is correct. 'is it?' is correctly inverted for a question tag -- were you perhaps asking about why it is affirmative and not negative? This is not uncommon. In this case, Stephen is expressing his doubt -- he is not at all convinced that what he sees is art. By using a question tag, he shows his doubt but leaves open the possibility that he is wrong, which is a way of being polite.

I hope this helps you understand it better. If I've misunderstood your question, please ask us again.

All the best,
Kirk
The LearnEnglish Team

 

Profile picture for user alexandeR-Rednaxela

Submitted by alexandeR-Rednaxela on Mon, 12/02/2018 - 12:21

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Hi there! Can I use 'somewhen' instead of 'somewhere' in this passage ? " Stephen: Yes, excellent idea! Except one thing... You're not an artist. Ashlie: Well, I can learn, can't I? All great artists had to start somewhere. " Thanks a million beforehand!

Hello alexandeR-Rednaxela,

I'm afraid 'somewhen' is not a word, at least in standard British or American English. The good news is that you could say 'sometime' to refer to an uncertain or unspecified time.

All the best,
Kirk
The LearnEnglish Team