For more than 25 years, David and Victoria Beckham have been one of the most famous families in the United Kingdom. David became a football star, playing for Manchester United and captaining the England national team. Victoria first became famous as «Posh Spice» in the Spice Girls, one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. Together, they have built successful careers in sport, fashion and business. Because of their popularity, many people see the Beckhams as Britain’s «second royal family». Their lives have often been followed by newspapers, television and millions of people on social media.
TASK 1
Listen to your partner:
Explain who the Beckhams are and why are they famous
Remember to justify your answer 
You could add complexity to your answer by using multi-word verbs
You could add complexity to your answer by using multi-word verbs
TASK 2
Listen to the question
Tell your partner whether you had already heard of the Beckhams and how
Remember to use the past tense in your answer
You could use multi-word verbs to develop your answer
You could use multi-word verbs to develop your answer
TASK 3
Ask your partner about their opinion of the Beckhams
Find out who their favourite member is
TASK 4
Listen to the question
Tell your partner your favourite member of the Beckham family
You can use multi-word verbs (e.g. look up to, relate to, stand out, come across as) to make your answer sound especially fluent
You can use multi-word verbs (e.g. look up to, relate to, stand out, come across as) to make your answer sound especially fluent
TASK 5
Listen to your partner’s question
Explain whether it surprises you that the Beckhams are still so famous and that their lives are followed by the Press
TASK 6
Listen to your partner’s question
Give your opinion on the advantages and disadvantages of being a celebrity
You can use phrases such as ‘On the one hand… on the other hand ….’ to give balance and nuance to your answer
Give your opinion on the advantages and disadvantages of being a celebrity
You can use phrases such as ‘On the one hand… on the other hand ….’ to give balance and nuance to your answer
TASK 7
Listen to your partner’s question:
Tell your partner why you think so many people are fascinated by celebrities’ lives
You can use modal verbs to express uncertainty or possibility
You could also expand your answer by talking about the different places to go to depending on who you are travelling with
You could also expand your answer by talking about the different places to go to depending on who you are travelling with
TASK 8
Listen to your partner’s question
Say whether there are any celebrity couples in your country who are as famous as the Beckhams
If so, explain who they are, and why they are so well known
However, the family’s image of unity was questioned when their eldest son, Brooklyn Beckham, posted on social media accusing his parents of putting «Brand Beckham» before family relationships. His comments surprised many people and attracted worldwide media attention, as the Beckhams have always presented themselves as a close and supportive family.
Shortly afterwards, David Beckham spoke about the challenges that young people face on social media. Although he did not directly criticise his son, he said that parents need to teach children about both the positive and negative sides of social media. He also said that young people are allowed to make mistakes and that parents should continue to support them as they grow up. His comments reminded people that life in the public eye can be difficult, even for one of Britain’s most famous families.
TASK 9
Explain to your partner why the Beckham’s family image of unity was questioned
Remember to use the past tense in this answer
TASK 11
Listen to your partner’s question
Give your opinion as to whether family disagreements should remain private or not and explain why
TASK 12
Listen to your partner
Say whether you think the Beckhams are using social media well
TASK 13
Listen to the question
Tell your partner whether you would share your private life on social media if you were famous
TASK 14
Listen to the question
If you still have time, you can improvise a conversation about social media
You can discuss whether you use it, whether you enjoy it, what you like to post, and what parts of your life you prefer to keep private