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What is Eurovision Song Contest? B1

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Reading Lesson - What is Eurovision Song Contest?

This is a free B1 intermediate level English reading lesson about Eurovision Song Contest. It includes the reading and reading comprehension exercises in 4 different formats together with the answer keys and explanations.

  1. True/False questions
  2. Multiple choice questions
  3. Short answer questions
  4. Multiple choice cloze exercise
Click for more reading text

What is Eurovision Song Contest?

Reading Lesson - What is Eurovision Song Contest?

Once a year, many countries in Europe come together for a music show. This event is called the Eurovision Song Contest and it’s very popular. People from all around watch their favorite singers perform. The competition started a long time ago, in the year 1956. Since then, it has grown a lot and many countries now take part.

Each country sends one song to compete in Eurovision. The songs can be in any language, but often they are in English. The singers can be solo artists or groups, and the styles of music vary. Some songs are fast and make you want to dance. Others are slow and tell a touching story through their lyrics.

The contest has two main parts: the semifinals and the grand finale. In the semifinals, countries compete to get into the finale. Not all countries make it, which adds to the excitement. During the grand finale, the countries that made it through compete to win. People watching the show can vote for their favorite songs. The votes from the viewers are combined with points from a professional jury.

The country with the most points at the end of the night wins. After the winner is announced, there is a big celebration. The winning country’s song is played again and everyone cheers for them. The next year, that country gets the honor of hosting the Eurovision. This means they organize the event and people from all over come to see it. The Eurovision Song Contest is a time of fun, music, and unity for many people. It brings countries together and helps people share their love of music.

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CEFR Level Card

General Level: B1.1

Vocabulary: A2.7

Verb Form: B1.0

Clause: A2.4

Wordlist

cheer    VERB    B2    1

Definition (En):

  1. a cry or shout of approval
    v. give encouragement to
    v. show approval or good wishes by shouting
    v. cause (somebody) to feel happier or more cheerful

 

finale    NOUN    +∞    3

Definition (En):

  1. the closing section of a musical composition
    n. the concluding part of any performance

 

grand    ADJ    B2    2

Definition (En):

  1. large and impressive in physical size or extent
    s. the most important and magnificent in adornment

 

honor    NOUN    B2    1

Definition (En):

  1. the state of being honored
    n. the quality of being honorable and having a good name
    n. a woman’s virtue or chastity

 

host    VERB    B2    1

Definition (En):

  1. a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there
    n. an animal or plant that nourishes and supports a parasite; it does not benefit and is often harmed by the association
    n. archaic terms for army
    n. any organization that provides resources and facilities for a function or event

 

jury    NOUN    B2    1

Definition (En):

  1. a body of citizens sworn to give a true verdict according to the evidence presented in a court of law
    n. a committee appointed to judge a competition

 

lyric    NOUN    B2    1

Definition (En):

  1. the text of a popular song or musical-comedy number
    n. a short poem of songlike quality
    v. write lyrics for (a song)
    s. expressing deep emotion

 

semifinal    NOUN    C1    2

Definition (En):

  1. one of the two competitions in the next to the last round of an elimination tournament

 

solo    ADJ    B2    1

Definition (En):

  1. any activity that is performed alone without assistance
    n. a musical composition for one voice or instrument (with or without accompaniment)
    n. a flight in which the aircraft pilot is unaccompanied
    v. fly alone, without a co-pilot or passengers

 

touching    ADJ    C2    1

Definition (En):

n the event of something coming in contact with the body
n the act of putting two things together with no space between them
v make physical contact with, come in contact with
v perceive via the tactile sense
v affect emotionally
v be relevant to
v be in direct physical contact with; make contact
v have an effect upon
v deal with; usually used with a form of negation
v cause to be in brief contact with
v to extend as far as
v be equal to in quality or ability
v tamper with
v make a more or less disguised reference to
v comprehend
v consume
v color lightly
s arousing affect

 

unity    NOUN    B2    1

Definition (En):

n an undivided or unbroken completeness or totality with nothing wanting
n the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
n the quality of being united into one

 

vary    VERB    B2    1

Definition (En):

  1. be subject to change in accordance with a variable
    v. make something more diverse and varied

Phrases and Idioms

Lemma

Sentences

add to (something)

·  Not all countries make it, which adds to the excitement.

all over something

·  This means they organize the event and people from all over come to see it.

bring (someone or something) together

·  It brings countries together and helps people share their love of music.

combine (something) with (something)

·  The votes from the viewers are combined with points from a professional jury.

come together

·  Once a year, many countries in Europe come together for a music show.

compete in (something)

·  Each country sends one song to compete in Eurovision.

end of

·  The country with the most points at the end of the night wins.

get into (someone or something)

·  In the semifinals, countries compete to get into the finale.

long time

·  The competition started a long time ago, in the year 1956.

make it (something)

·  During the grand finale, the countries that made it through compete to win.

make it some place

·  Not all countries make it, which adds to the excitement.

take part

·  Since then, it has grown a lot and many countries now take part.

vote for (someone or something)

·  People watching the show can vote for their favorite songs.

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True / False / Not Given

  1. The Eurovision Song Contest is an annual event where European countries gather.

 

  1. The Eurovision Song Contest was created in 1965.

 

  1. People can only watch the Eurovision Song Contest on TV.

 

  1. All countries send songs in English to the Eurovision Song Contest.

 

  1. Every participating country in the Eurovision has to pass through the semifinals to reach the finale.

 

  1. The viewers’ votes are not important for a song to win in Eurovision.

 

  1. The Eurovision Song Contest has only one winner each year.

 

  1. The winning country plays its song only once during the contest.

 

  1. The next Eurovision will always be held in the country that won the previous year.

 

  1. Eurovision is an event that focuses on competition instead of bringing people together.
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Multiple Choice

1)     What is the main purpose of the Eurovision Song Contest?

a) To choose the best sports team

b) To bring countries together through music

c) To display paintings from European artists

d) To organize a cooking competition

 

2)     When was the first Eurovision Song Contest held?

a) In the year 1975

b) In the year 2000

c) In the year 1956

d) In the year 1982

 

3)     What happens to the country that wins the Eurovision Song Contest?

a) They are excluded from next year’s contest

b) They get a cash prize

c) The winning song is played at the end

d) They have to compete twice the next year

 

4)     Why do some countries not make it to the grand finale?

a) They don’t want to participate

b) They don’t get enough votes in the semifinals

c) They don’t have a national flag

d) Their songs are too long

 

5)     What kinds of songs can be sent to compete in Eurovision?

a) Only solo singers with pop songs

b) Songs in the country’s national language only

c) The songs can be in any language with various music styles

d) Only instrumental music without lyrics

 

6)     Who contributes to choosing the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest?

a) Only the singers who participate

b) Only the host country’s government

c) Viewers and a professional jury

d) Only the previous year’s winner

 

7)     What do the varying styles of music in Eurovision songs offer to the audience?

a) A chance to learn a new language

b) Tours of European countries

c) Different emotions and experiences

d) Technical knowledge about music

 

8)     Why is Eurovision considered very popular?

a) Because it has a large cash prize

b) Because it features famous movie stars

c) Because people can vote for their favorite songs

d) Because it only allows classical music

 

9)     What is the honor given to the country that wins Eurovision?

a) They receive a gold trophy

b) Hosting the next Eurovision event

c) Their national anthem is played for a whole year

d) They become the capital of Europe

 

10)  How do the songs in Eurovision vary?

a) Only by the color of the stage lighting

b) By their rhythm and the stories they tell

c) By the age of the singers

d) By the number of instruments used

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Short Answer Questions

  1. When did the Eurovision Song Contest start?

 

  1. What can vary in the songs that compete in Eurovision?

 

  1. Why does not every country make it to the grand finale of Eurovision?

 

  1. How is the winner of Eurovision decided?

 

  1. What happens after the winning country is announced at Eurovision?

 

  1. Which language are the songs in Eurovision often performed in?

 

  1. What two main parts make up the Eurovision Song Contest?

 

  1. What privilege does the winning country of Eurovision earn for the following year?

 

  1. Who can vote for the songs during the Eurovision Song Contest?

 

  1. What is the Eurovision Song Contest a symbol of for many people?
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Multiple Choice Cloze

Once a year, many countries in Europe come together for a music show. This event is called the Eurovision Song Contest and it’s very ___1___. People from all around watch their favorite singers ___2___. The competition started a long time ago, in the year 1956. Since then, it has ___3___ a lot and many countries now take part.

Each country sends one song to compete in Eurovision. The songs can be in any language, but often they are in ___4___. The singers can be solo artists or groups, and the ___5___ of music vary. Some songs are fast and make you want to ___6___. Others are ___7___ and tell a touching story through their lyrics.

The contest has two main parts: the semifinals and the grand ___8___. In the semifinals, countries compete to get into the finale. Not all countries make it, which adds to the excitement. During the grand finale, the countries that made it through compete to win. People watching the show can ___9___ for their favorite songs. The votes from the viewers are combined with points from a professional jury.

The country with the most points at the end of the night wins. After the winner is announced, there is a big ___10___. The winning country’s song is played again and everyone cheers for them. The next year, that country gets the honor of hosting the Eurovision. This means they organize the event and people from all over come to see it. The Eurovision Song Contest is a time of fun, music, and unity for many people. It brings countries together and helps people share their love of music.

 

  1. A. popular B. unusual C. quiet    D. angry   

 

  1. A. relax B. perform C. sleep    D. eat   

 

  1. A. grown B. shrink C. stopped    D. vanished   

 

  1. A. English B. Spanish C. French    D. Italian   

 

  1. A. colors B. flavors C. types    D. shapes   

 

  1. A. dance B. cry C. run    D. read   

 

  1. A. slow B. fast C. loud    D. silent   

 

  1. A. beginning B. end C. finale    D. start   

 

  1. A. listen B. vote C. record    D. ignore   

 

  1. A. celebration B. silence  C. meeting    D. lunch   
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1.

Answer: True

Explanation: The text states the event happens once a year with European countries.

Answer location: “Once a year, many countries in Europe come together for a music show.”

 

2.

Answer: False

Explanation: The text mentions the competition started in 1956, not 1965.

Answer location: “The competition started a long time ago, in the year 1956.”

 

3.

Answer: Not given

Explanation: The text does not specify the medium through which the event is watched.

Answer location: “N/A”

 

4.

Answer: False

Explanation: The text states that songs can be in any language.

Answer location: “The songs can be in any language, but often they are in English.”

 

5.

Answer: True

Explanation: The text explains countries must compete in the semifinals to reach the finale.

Answer location: “In the semifinals, countries compete to get into the finale.”

 

6.

Answer: False

Explanation: Viewers’ votes are combined with jury points to determine the winner.

Answer location: “People watching the show can vote for their favorite songs.”

 

 

7.

Answer: True

Explanation: The text states there is one country that wins each year.

Answer location: “The country with the most points at the end of the night wins.”

 

8.

Answer: False

Explanation: The text shows the winning song is played again after the winner is announced.

Answer location: “The winning country’s song is played again and everyone cheers for them.”

 

9.

Answer: True

Explanation: The winner from the previous year hosts the next event.

Answer location: “The next year, that country gets the honor of hosting the Eurovision.”

 

10.

Answer: False

Explanation: The text emphasizes the event is about unity and sharing the love of music.

Answer location: “It brings countries together and helps people share their love of music.”

1.

Answer: B

Explanation: The text mentions that Eurovision brings countries together and helps share the love of music, indicating its main purpose is related to music, not sports, art, or cooking.

Answer location: “The Eurovision Song Contest is a time of fun, music, and unity for many people. It brings countries together and helps people share their love of music.”

 

2.

Answer: C

Explanation: The text clearly states that the first Eurovision Song Contest was in 1956.

Answer location: “The competition started a long time ago, in the year 1956.”

 

 

3.

Answer: C

Explanation: According to the text, after the winner is announced, their song is played again, which means the correct answer is that the winning song is played at the end.

Answer location: “After the winner is announced, there is a big celebration. The winning country’s song is played again and everyone cheers for them.”

 

4.

Answer: B

Explanation: The text implies that not making it to the finale is a consequence of the competition in semifinals, indicating it’s related to not getting enough votes.

Answer location: “In the semifinals, countries compete to get into the finale. Not all countries make it, which adds to the excitement.”

 

5.

Answer: C

Explanation: The text says songs can be in any language and include a variety of music styles, indicating multiple genres and arrangements are allowed.

Answer location: “The songs can be in any language, but often they are in English. The singers can be solo artists or groups, and the styles of music vary.”

 

6.

Answer: C

Explanation: The text explains that both viewers’ votes and points from a professional jury determine the winner, so they both contribute.

Answer location: “People watching the show can vote for their favorite songs. The votes from the viewers are combined with points from a professional jury.”

 

7.

Answer: C

Explanation: The variation of song styles, from fast dance to slow storytelling songs, suggests that they provide different emotional experiences.

Answer location: “Some songs are fast and make you want to dance. Others are slow and tell a touching story through their lyrics.”

 

8.

Answer: C

Explanation: The ability for viewers to watch and vote for their favorite performances is mentioned as a characteristic of Eurovision, suggesting a reason for its popularity.

Answer location: “People from all around watch their favorite singers perform. People watching the show can vote for their favorite songs.”

 

9.

Answer: B

Explanation: The winning country is honored by having the opportunity to host the next Eurovision as stated in the text.

Answer location: “The next year, that country gets the honor of hosting the Eurovision.”

 

10.

Answer: B

Explanation: The text mentions songs being fast and motivating dance or slow and telling stories, indicating variation in rhythm and narrative.

Answer location: “Some songs are fast and make you want to dance. Others are slow and tell a touching story through their lyrics.”

1.

Answer: 1956.

Explanation: The text provides the start year of the Eurovision Song Contest.

Answer location: “The competition started a long time ago, in the year 1956.”

 

2.

Answer: The styles of music.

Explanation: The text states that the styles of music vary for the competing songs.

Answer location: “The singers can be solo artists or groups, and the styles of music vary.”

 

3.

Answer: Not all countries make it, which adds to the excitement.

Explanation: The text explains that not all countries make it through the semifinals to the grand finale, which adds excitement to the contest.

Answer location: “In the semifinals, countries compete to get into the finale. Not all countries make it, which adds to the excitement.”

 

4.

Answer: The country with the most points at the end of the night wins.

Explanation: The text mentions that the winner is determined by which country has the most points at the end of the night.

Answer location: “The country with the most points at the end of the night wins.”

 

5.

Answer: There is a big celebration.

Explanation: The text describes that a big celebration occurs after the Eurovision winner is announced.

Answer location: “After the winner is announced, there is a big celebration.”

 

6.

Answer: English.

Explanation: The text states that songs in Eurovision can be in any language but are often in English.

Answer location: “The songs can be in any language, but often they are in English.”

 

7.

Answer: The semifinals and the grand finale.

Explanation: The text breaks down Eurovision into two main parts: the semifinals and the grand finale.

Answer location: “The contest has two main parts: the semifinals and the grand finale.”

 

8.

Answer: Hosting the eurovision.

Explanation: The text says the winning country gets to host Eurovision the next year.

Answer location: “The next year, that country gets the honor of hosting the Eurovision.”

 

9.

Answer: People watching the show.

Explanation: The text indicates that the viewers of the show can vote for their favorite songs.

Answer location: “People watching the show can vote for their favorite songs.”

 

10.

Answer: Fun, music, and unity.

Explanation: The text explicates that Eurovision represents fun, music, and unity for many people.

Answer location: “The Eurovision Song Contest is a time of fun, music, and unity for many people.”

  1. A

Explanation: The Eurovision Song Contest is described as ‘very popular’.

 

  1. B

Explanation: Singers ‘perform’ at the event.

 

  1. A

Explanation: The competition has ‘grown’ a lot over the years.

 

  1. A

Explanation: Songs in Eurovision are often in ‘English’.

 

  1. C

Explanation: There are different ‘types’ of music.

 

  1. A

Explanation: Some songs make you want to ‘dance’.

 

  1. A

Explanation: There are songs that are ‘slow’ and emotional.

 

  1. C

Explanation: The second part of the contest is the ‘grand finale’.

 

  1. B

Explanation: People can ‘vote’ for their favorite songs.

 

  1. A

Explanation: After the winner is announced, there is a big ‘celebration’.

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