Read the text and answer the questions that follow.
the grammys
5
10
15
20
While the ambition of film stars in the United States is to win an Oscar at the Academy Awards, musicians dream
of winning a Grammy. There are four major music awards, but the Grammys are considered the most
prestigious.
Unlike the other three music awards, the Grammys are awarded to artists solely for their artistic and technical
achievements, and decisions are not based on public opinion or sales and chart positions. The winners are
chosen by the Recording Academy, an association of professional individuals who are involved in some way
with the recorded music industry. They meet annually to decide who should get the awards. Choosing the
winners is not easy because it’s a case of professionals honouring the artistic and technical achievements of
their colleagues.
There are 30 types of music and a total of 105 categories within these genres ranging from rap to classical, rock
to jazz and pop to gospel. In addition, music scores written for films and for musicals in the theatre are also
submitted. The awards presentation ceremony, which is held in February, is very impressive. Many artists
perform during a very popular televised, live programme, making it a spectacular event.
Like the Oscars, the Grammys are often criticised. People claim that too many awards go to
well-established artists. They would also like to see talented newcomers getting awards. Another criticism is
that the awards are sometimes given to musicians whose work is being promoted by the recording industry.
The Grammys are more than an award. In 1989, the Grammy committee decided to establish the Grammy
Foundation. Its aim is to increase the public’s awareness of the role recorded music plays in the country’s
culture. In addition, it organises programmes and activities for schools, believing that music has a positive
influence on young people.
1 Choose the correct answer.
1. The Grammys
a. are considered more important than the Oscars.
b. are awarded to winners at the Academy Awards.
c. are the most important music award.
2. Winners of a Grammy
a. must first have won another contest.
b. are not chosen by the public.
c. must be members of the Recording Academy.
3. The annual awards presentation
a. takes place before a popular TV programme.
b. is part of a live programme.
c. is recorded in a studio.
2 Choose the best meaning for each word or phrase.
1. ambition (line 1)
a. fear
b. aspiration
c. promise
2. well-established (line 16)
a. wealthy
b. talented
c. famous
3 Answer the questions according to the information
in the text. Use your own words as far as possible.
1. How do the Grammys differ from the other music
awards?
2. Why do some people criticise the Grammys?
4 Rewrite the sentence without changing the original
meaning.
In 1989, the Grammy committee decided to establish a
Grammy Foundation.
In 1989, a decision
5 Write a composition of about 100-150 words.
Choose one option.
1. Describe your favourite musician.
2. Describe a performance that you have attended or
watched on TV.