Check in + Step 1: California love

• Engels
• Secundair onderwijs

Unit 5: This is America

Check in: Loony landmarks

Ex. 1

Do you recognise these famous landmarks?

a Write down the name of the landmark.

b How do these landmarks differ from the real ones?

c In which states and cities can you find the actual landmarks?

Space Needle

The Statue of Liberty

Mount Rushmore

The White House

The Lincoln Memorial

Grand Canyon

The Empire State Building

South Dakota

New York

New York

Washington D.C.

Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Colorado

Washington D.C.

Seattle, Washington

5

6

7

EX. 3

Trivia quia! Name as many … as you can.

• Play in groups of 2 or 3. 
• You will get a question with many answers.
• Your teacher will start a timer (90 seconds).
• Write down as many answer as you possibly can.
• The group with most correct answers scores 1 point.

Name as many 

US presidents

as you can.

Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, Richard Nixon, Lyndon B. Johnson, John F. Kennedy, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Harry S. Truman, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover, Calvin Coolidge, Warren G. Harding, Woodrow Wilson, William Howard Taft, Theodore Roosevelt, William McKinley, Grover Cleveland, Benjamin Harrison, Chester A. Arthur, James A. Garfield, Rutherford B. Hayes, James Buchanan, Franklin Pierce, Millard Fillmore, Zachary Taylor, James K. Polk, John Tyler, William Henry Harrison, Martin Van Buren, Andrew Jackson, John Quincy Adams, James Monroe, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, George Washington

Name as many 

US states

as you can.

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

Montana

Nebraska

Nevada

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Name as many 

US sports teams : baseball, basketball, American football and hockey 

as you can.

Philadelphia Eagles

Pittsburgh Steelers

Chicago Bears

Chicago Bulls

Detroit Lions

Boston Red Sox

Denver Broncos

Golden State Warriors

Kansas City Chiefs

Minnesota Vikings

Dallas Cowboys

New York Yankees

San Francisco 49ers

Green Bay Packers

Los Angeles Lakers

Miami Dolphins

New York Giants

Boston Celtics

New England Patriots

New York Knicks

Name as many 

supermarket and fast food chains 

as you can.

Target, Albertsons, Safeway, Whole Foods Market, Costco, Walmart

Burger King, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Subway, Chipotle Mexican Grill, KFC, Dairy Queen, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Sonic Drive-In, Little Caesars Pizza, In-N-Out Burger, Papa John’s Pizza, Jack in the Box, Whataburger, Culver’s, Panda Express, Shake Shack, Five Guys, Wendy’s, McDonald’s, Chick-Fil-A, Jimmy John’s, White Castle, Domino’s, Arby’s

Step 1: California love

Using descriptive language

1 / Coast to coast

Ex. 1

Watch the video. Then let California lure you in. 

places/activities I recognized

Ex. 1

Do the following exercises. 1 person focuses on ex. a, the other on ex. b.

a Complete the box with the missing words. Choose from the following words.

b Listen to the descriptions of ‘all things California’ and write down the number of the description next to the corresponding picture.

All things California

Ex. 1a

Ex. 1a

alluring: verleidelijk 

iridescent: regenboogkleurg, veelkleurig

ample: uitgebreid

Ex. 1b

Add the number of the description.

Ex. 1b

2

13

1

14

10

20

8

18

17

19

5

11

6

9

7

12

15

16

3

4

Ex. 1d

Complete the table with the missing parts of speech. Leave the 2 last columns open for now.

whiteboard

/strain

Ex. 1e

Complete the sentences with a suitable word from the table in exercise d. 

1 California’s world-renowned attractions have always ___ the experience of travellers from around the world.

2 California’s ___ diverse culture is a reflection of its vast immigrant populations.

3 The Hollywood sign is a ___ structure in Los Angeles that is on many people’s bucket list.

4 The sunrise over Joshua Tree National Park was ___ beautiful. It filled the sky with vibrant colours.

5 The ___ of the ocean’s surface mesmerised everyone watching the sunset from the Santa Monica Pier.

6 Hollywood has a reputation for___ , as fame and scandal often intersect.

7 ___ , California has been a land of opportunity, drawing pioneers, dreamers and gold-seekers from around the world.

8 The underwater ecosystems from kelp forests to coral reefs show how ___ California’s marine life actually is.

9 The ___ of California’s geography lies in the fact that it encompasses everything from deserts to snowy mountains.

10 I was ___ by the iconic Griffith Observatory as its stunning views tempted me to check it out. What an awe-inspiring experience that was!

11 Even though the ___ climb to the Hollywood sign is recommended by many, you must be prepared for a long and steep hike.

12 In the evening, downtown Los Angeles is illuminated by ___ city lights. 

1 California’s world-renowned attractions have always enriched the experience of travellers from around the world.

2 California’s ___ diverse culture is a reflection of its vast immigrant populations.

3 The Hollywood sign is a ___ structure in Los Angeles that is on many people’s bucket list.

4 The sunrise over Joshua Tree National Park was ___ beautiful. It filled the sky with vibrant colours.

5 The ___ of the ocean’s surface mesmerised everyone watching the sunset from the Santa Monica Pier.

6 Hollywood has a reputation for___ , as fame and scandal often intersect.

7 ___ , California has been a land of opportunity, drawing pioneers, dreamers and gold-seekers from around the world.

8 The underwater ecosystems from kelp forests to coral reefs show how ___ California’s marine life actually is.

9 The ___ of California’s geography lies in the fact that it encompasses everything from deserts to snowy mountains.

10 I was ___ by the iconic Griffith Observatory as its stunning views tempted me to check it out. What an awe-inspiring experience that was!

11 Even though the ___ climb to the Hollywood sign is recommended by many, you must be prepared for a long and steep hike.

12 In the evening, downtown Los Angeles is illuminated by ___ city lights. 

1 California’s world-renowned attractions have always enriched the experience of travellers from around the world.

2 California’s incredibly diverse culture is a reflection of its vast immigrant populations.

3 The Hollywood sign is a ___ structure in Los Angeles that is on many people’s bucket list.

4 The sunrise over Joshua Tree National Park was ___ beautiful. It filled the sky with vibrant colours.

5 The ___ of the ocean’s surface mesmerised everyone watching the sunset from the Santa Monica Pier.

6 Hollywood has a reputation for___ , as fame and scandal often intersect.

7 ___ , California has been a land of opportunity, drawing pioneers, dreamers and gold-seekers from around the world.

8 The underwater ecosystems from kelp forests to coral reefs show how ___ California’s marine life actually is.

9 The ___ of California’s geography lies in the fact that it encompasses everything from deserts to snowy mountains.

10 I was ___ by the iconic Griffith Observatory as its stunning views tempted me to check it out. What an awe-inspiring experience that was!

11 Even though the ___ climb to the Hollywood sign is recommended by many, you must be prepared for a long and steep hike.

12 In the evening, downtown Los Angeles is illuminated by ___ city lights. 

1 California’s world-renowned attractions have always enriched the experience of travellers from around the world.

2 California’s incredibly diverse culture is a reflection of its vast immigrant populations.

3 The Hollywood sign is a colossal structure in Los Angeles that is on many people’s bucket list.

4 The sunrise over Joshua Tree National Park was ___ beautiful. It filled the sky with vibrant colours.

5 The ___ of the ocean’s surface mesmerised everyone watching the sunset from the Santa Monica Pier.

6 Hollywood has a reputation for___ , as fame and scandal often intersect.

7 ___ , California has been a land of opportunity, drawing pioneers, dreamers and gold-seekers from around the world.

8 The underwater ecosystems from kelp forests to coral reefs show how ___ California’s marine life actually is.

9 The ___ of California’s geography lies in the fact that it encompasses everything from deserts to snowy mountains.

10 I was ___ by the iconic Griffith Observatory as its stunning views tempted me to check it out. What an awe-inspiring experience that was!

11 Even though the ___ climb to the Hollywood sign is recommended by many, you must be prepared for a long and steep hike.

12 In the evening, downtown Los Angeles is illuminated by ___ city lights. 

1 California’s world-renowned attractions have always enriched the experience of travellers from around the world.

2 California’s incredibly diverse culture is a reflection of its vast immigrant populations.

3 The Hollywood sign is a colossal structure in Los Angeles that is on many people’s bucket list.

4 The sunrise over Joshua Tree National Park was astoundingly beautiful. It filled the sky with vibrant colours.

5 The ___ of the ocean’s surface mesmerised everyone watching the sunset from the Santa Monica Pier.

6 Hollywood has a reputation for___ , as fame and scandal often intersect.

7 ___ , California has been a land of opportunity, drawing pioneers, dreamers and gold-seekers from around the world.

8 The underwater ecosystems from kelp forests to coral reefs show how ___ California’s marine life actually is.

9 The ___ of California’s geography lies in the fact that it encompasses everything from deserts to snowy mountains.

10 I was ___ by the iconic Griffith Observatory as its stunning views tempted me to check it out. What an awe-inspiring experience that was!

11 Even though the ___ climb to the Hollywood sign is recommended by many, you must be prepared for a long and steep hike.

12 In the evening, downtown Los Angeles is illuminated by ___ city lights. 

1 California’s world-renowned attractions have always enriched the experience of travellers from around the world.

2 California’s incredibly diverse culture is a reflection of its vast immigrant populations.

3 The Hollywood sign is a colossal structure in Los Angeles that is on many people’s bucket list.

4 The sunrise over Joshua Tree National Park was astoundingly beautiful. It filled the sky with vibrant colours.

5 The iridescence of the ocean’s surface mesmerised everyone watching the sunset from the Santa Monica Pier.

6 Hollywood has a reputation for___ , as fame and scandal often intersect.

7 ___ , California has been a land of opportunity, drawing pioneers, dreamers and gold-seekers from around the world.

8 The underwater ecosystems from kelp forests to coral reefs show how ___ California’s marine life actually is.

9 The ___ of California’s geography lies in the fact that it encompasses everything from deserts to snowy mountains.

10 I was ___ by the iconic Griffith Observatory as its stunning views tempted me to check it out. What an awe-inspiring experience that was!

11 Even though the ___ climb to the Hollywood sign is recommended by many, you must be prepared for a long and steep hike.

12 In the evening, downtown Los Angeles is illuminated by ___ city lights. 

1 California’s world-renowned attractions have always enriched the experience of travellers from around the world.

2 California’s incredibly diverse culture is a reflection of its vast immigrant populations.

3 The Hollywood sign is a colossal structure in Los Angeles that is on many people’s bucket list.

4 The sunrise over Joshua Tree National Park was astoundingly beautiful. It filled the sky with vibrant colours.

5 The iridescence of the ocean’s surface mesmerised everyone watching the sunset from the Santa Monica Pier.

6 Hollywood has a reputation for notoriety , as fame and scandal often intersect.

7 ___ , California has been a land of opportunity, drawing pioneers, dreamers and gold-seekers from around the world.

8 The underwater ecosystems from kelp forests to coral reefs show how ___ California’s marine life actually is.

9 The ___ of California’s geography lies in the fact that it encompasses everything from deserts to snowy mountains.

10 I was ___ by the iconic Griffith Observatory as its stunning views tempted me to check it out. What an awe-inspiring experience that was!

11 Even though the ___ climb to the Hollywood sign is recommended by many, you must be prepared for a long and steep hike.

12 In the evening, downtown Los Angeles is illuminated by ___ city lights. 

1 California’s world-renowned attractions have always enriched the experience of travellers from around the world.

2 California’s incredibly diverse culture is a reflection of its vast immigrant populations.

3 The Hollywood sign is a colossal structure in Los Angeles that is on many people’s bucket list.

4 The sunrise over Joshua Tree National Park was astoundingly beautiful. It filled the sky with vibrant colours.

5 The iridescence of the ocean’s surface mesmerised everyone watching the sunset from the Santa Monica Pier.

6 Hollywood has a reputation for notoriety , as fame and scandal often intersect.

7 Historically, California has been a land of opportunity, drawing pioneers, dreamers and gold-seekers from around the world.

8 The underwater ecosystems from kelp forests to coral reefs show how ___ California’s marine life actually is.

9 The ___ of California’s geography lies in the fact that it encompasses everything from deserts to snowy mountains.

10 I was ___ by the iconic Griffith Observatory as its stunning views tempted me to check it out. What an awe-inspiring experience that was!

11 Even though the ___ climb to the Hollywood sign is recommended by many, you must be prepared for a long and steep hike.

12 In the evening, downtown Los Angeles is illuminated by ___ city lights. 

1 California’s world-renowned attractions have always enriched the experience of travellers from around the world.

2 California’s incredibly diverse culture is a reflection of its vast immigrant populations.

3 The Hollywood sign is a colossal structure in Los Angeles that is on many people’s bucket list.

4 The sunrise over Joshua Tree National Park was astoundingly beautiful. It filled the sky with vibrant colours.

5 The iridescence of the ocean’s surface mesmerised everyone watching the sunset from the Santa Monica Pier.

6 Hollywood has a reputation for notoriety , as fame and scandal often intersect.

7 Historically, California has been a land of opportunity, drawing pioneers, dreamers and gold-seekers from around the world.

8 The underwater ecosystems from kelp forests to coral reefs show how rich California’s marine life actually is.

9 The ___ of California’s geography lies in the fact that it encompasses everything from deserts to snowy mountains.

10 I was ___ by the iconic Griffith Observatory as its stunning views tempted me to check it out. What an awe-inspiring experience that was!

11 Even though the ___ climb to the Hollywood sign is recommended by many, you must be prepared for a long and steep hike.

12 In the evening, downtown Los Angeles is illuminated by ___ city lights. 

1 California’s world-renowned attractions have always enriched the experience of travellers from around the world.

2 California’s incredibly diverse culture is a reflection of its vast immigrant populations.

3 The Hollywood sign is a colossal structure in Los Angeles that is on many people’s bucket list.

4 The sunrise over Joshua Tree National Park was astoundingly beautiful. It filled the sky with vibrant colours.

5 The iridescence of the ocean’s surface mesmerised everyone watching the sunset from the Santa Monica Pier.

6 Hollywood has a reputation for notoriety , as fame and scandal often intersect.

7 Historically, California has been a land of opportunity, drawing pioneers, dreamers and gold-seekers from around the world.

8 The underwater ecosystems from kelp forests to coral reefs show how rich California’s marine life actually is.

9 The uniqueness of California’s geography lies in the fact that it encompasses everything from deserts to snowy mountains.

10 I was ___ by the iconic Griffith Observatory as its stunning views tempted me to check it out. What an awe-inspiring experience that was!

11 Even though the ___ climb to the Hollywood sign is recommended by many, you must be prepared for a long and steep hike.

12 In the evening, downtown Los Angeles is illuminated by ___ city lights. 

1 California’s world-renowned attractions have always enriched the experience of travellers from around the world.

2 California’s incredibly diverse culture is a reflection of its vast immigrant populations.

3 The Hollywood sign is a colossal structure in Los Angeles that is on many people’s bucket list.

4 The sunrise over Joshua Tree National Park was astoundingly beautiful. It filled the sky with vibrant colours.

5 The iridescence of the ocean’s surface mesmerised everyone watching the sunset from the Santa Monica Pier.

6 Hollywood has a reputation for notoriety , as fame and scandal often intersect.

7 Historically, California has been a land of opportunity, drawing pioneers, dreamers and gold-seekers from around the world.

8 The underwater ecosystems from kelp forests to coral reefs show how rich California’s marine life actually is.

9 The uniqueness of California’s geography lies in the fact that it encompasses everything from deserts to snowy mountains.

10 I was allured by the iconic Griffith Observatory as its stunning views tempted me to check it out. What an awe-inspiring experience that was!

11 Even though the ___ climb to the Hollywood sign is recommended by many, you must be prepared for a long and steep hike.

12 In the evening, downtown Los Angeles is illuminated by ___ city lights. 

1 California’s world-renowned attractions have always enriched the experience of travellers from around the world.

2 California’s incredibly diverse culture is a reflection of its vast immigrant populations.

3 The Hollywood sign is a colossal structure in Los Angeles that is on many people’s bucket list.

4 The sunrise over Joshua Tree National Park was astoundingly beautiful. It filled the sky with vibrant colours.

5 The iridescence of the ocean’s surface mesmerised everyone watching the sunset from the Santa Monica Pier.

6 Hollywood has a reputation for notoriety , as fame and scandal often intersect.

7 Historically, California has been a land of opportunity, drawing pioneers, dreamers and gold-seekers from around the world.

8 The underwater ecosystems from kelp forests to coral reefs show how rich California’s marine life actually is.

9 The uniqueness of California’s geography lies in the fact that it encompasses everything from deserts to snowy mountains.

10 I was allured by the iconic Griffith Observatory as its stunning views tempted me to check it out. What an awe-inspiring experience that was!

11 Even though the strenuous climb to the Hollywood sign is recommended by many, you must be prepared for a long and steep hike.

12 In the evening, downtown Los Angeles is illuminated by ___ city lights. 

1 California’s world-renowned attractions have always enriched the experience of travellers from around the world.

2 California’s incredibly diverse culture is a reflection of its vast immigrant populations.

3 The Hollywood sign is a colossal structure in Los Angeles that is on many people’s bucket list.

4 The sunrise over Joshua Tree National Park was astoundingly beautiful. It filled the sky with vibrant colours.

5 The iridescence of the ocean’s surface mesmerised everyone watching the sunset from the Santa Monica Pier.

6 Hollywood has a reputation for notoriety , as fame and scandal often intersect.

7 Historically, California has been a land of opportunity, drawing pioneers, dreamers and gold-seekers from around the world.

8 The underwater ecosystems from kelp forests to coral reefs show how rich California’s marine life actually is.

9 The uniqueness of California’s geography lies in the fact that it encompasses everything from deserts to snowy mountains.

10 I was allured by the iconic Griffith Observatory as its stunning views tempted me to check it out. What an awe-inspiring experience that was!

11 Even though the strenuous climb to the Hollywood sign is recommended by many, you must be prepared for a long and steep hike.

12 In the evening, downtown Los Angeles is illuminated by bright city lights. 

Ex. 1f

f Finally, complete the last 2 columns of exercise d with synonyms and antonyms of the words.

Pick words from the list on the next slide!

ancient

astronomical

arduous

astonishing

common

contemporary

credible

dim

effortless

enticing

gloomy

impoverished

inconceivable

infamous

insignificant

luminous

miniscule

repulsive

shimmering

unequalled

unremarkable

wealthy

'unequalled' is a synonym of ...

1. colossal
2. unique
3. bright
4. alluring

'impoverished' is an antonym of ...

1. notorious
2. astounding
3. bright
4. rich

'arduous' is a synonym of ...

1. iridescent
2. strenuous
3. bright
4. rich

'arduous' is an antonym of ...

1. effortless
2. miniscule
3. credible
4. dim

'dim' is an antonym of ...

1. notorious
2. unique
3. bright
4. strenuous

'gloomy' is an antonym of ...

1. alluring
2. dim
3. bright
4. iridescent

'insignificant' is an antonym of ...

1. miniscule
2. notorious
3. luminous
4. unremarkable

2/ Anyone who is anyone

Ex. 1

Listen to the song ‘City of Stars’ and answer the questions.

a Complete the interpretation of the song. Choose from the following words: to accomplish – to aspire – glittering – hustle and bustle –to lure – to remain – stardom

b What emotions does this song evoke in you? Choose 2 emotions from the list and add 2 of your own. 

ecstatic – energised – hopeful – inspired – joyous – longing – melancholic – moved –nostalgic – reflective – uplifted – whimsical

City of stars

A lot of people (1) to achieve their dreams in Los Angeles, but not everyone is able to (2) their goals. The city’s (3) lights and opportunities (4) them in, but they soon realise that the path to success is not easy. People feel

lost in the (5) of the busy city. Nonetheless, they (6) hopeful on their road to (7) , and they keep believing that their moment to shine is still to come. 

A lot of people aspire (1) to achieve their dreams in Los Angeles, but not everyone is able to (2) their goals. The city’s (3) lights and opportunities (4) them in, but they soon realise that the path to success is not easy. People feel lost in the (5) of the busy city. Nonetheless, they (6) hopeful on their road to (7) , and they keep believing that their moment to shine is still to come. 

A lot of people aspire (1) to achieve their dreams in Los Angeles, but not everyone is able to accomplish (2) their goals. The city’s (3) lights and opportunities (4) them in, but they soon realise that the path to success is not easy. People feel lost in the (5) of the busy city. Nonetheless, they (6) hopeful on their road to (7) , and they keep believing that their moment to shine is still to come. 

A lot of people aspire (1) to achieve their dreams in Los Angeles, but not everyone is able to accomplish (2) their goals. The city’s glittering (3) lights and opportunities (4) them in, but they soon realise that the path to success is not easy. People feel lost in the (5) of the busy city. Nonetheless, they (6) hopeful on their road to (7) , and they keep believing that their moment to shine is still to come. 

A lot of people aspire (1) to achieve their dreams in Los Angeles, but not everyone is able to accomplish (2) their goals. The city’s glittering (3) lights and opportunities lure (4) them in, but they soon realise that the path to success is not easy. People feel lost in the (5) of the busy city. Nonetheless, they (6) hopeful on their road to (7) , and they keep believing that their moment to shine is still to come. 

A lot of people aspire (1) to achieve their dreams in Los Angeles, but not everyone is able to accomplish (2) their goals. The city’s glittering (3) lights and opportunities lure (4) them in, but they soon realise that the path to success is not easy. People feel lost in the hustle and bustle (5) of the busy city. Nonetheless, they (6) hopeful on their road to (7) , and they keep believing that their moment to shine is still to come. 

A lot of people aspire (1) to achieve their dreams in Los Angeles, but not everyone is able to accomplish (2) their goals. The city’s glittering (3) lights and opportunities lure (4) them in, but they soon realise that the path to success is not easy. People feel lost in the hustle and bustle (5) of the busy city. Nonetheless, they remain (6) hopeful on their road to (7) , and they keep believing that their moment to shine is still to come. 

A lot of people aspire (1) to achieve their dreams in Los Angeles, but not everyone is able to accomplish (2) their goals. The city’s glittering (3) lights and opportunities lure (4) them in, but they soon realise that the path to success is not easy. People feel lost in the hustle and bustle (5) of the busy city. Nonetheless, they remain (6) hopeful on their road to (7) , and they keep believing that their moment to shine is still to come. 

A lot of people aspire (1) to achieve their dreams in Los Angeles, but not everyone is able to accomplish (2) their goals. The city’s glittering (3) lights and opportunities lure (4) them in, but they soon realise that the path to success is not easy. People feel lost in the hustle and bustle (5) of the busy city. Nonetheless, they remain (6) hopeful on their road to stardom (7) , and they keep believing that their moment to shine is still to come. 

Ex. 1

b What emotions does this song evoke in you? Choose 2 emotions from the list and add 2 of your own. 

ecstatic – energised – hopeful – inspired – joyous – longing – melancholic – moved –nostalgic – reflective – uplifted – whimsical

Ex. 2

Now listen to the song ‘Hollywood’ by Marina. Answer the questions.

a Which things that are typical for Hollywood and the US are shown in this video? Look closely at the people in the background. 

b Is Marina’s take on the American Dream different than that of ‘City of Stars’? How so?

c What can you say about the portrayal of the 

city of LA?