News Mash-up: Popular Entertainers

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Category: Lifestyle/Entertainment

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. bid / bɪd / (n.) – an attempt
    Example:

    The baseball team sent its top athletes to the competition in its bid for the championship title.


  2. defendant / dɪˈfɛn dənt / (n.) – a person who’s accused of a crime
    Example:

    The court declared the defendant not guilty.


  3. genuine / ˈdʒɛn yu ɪn / (adj.) – real or sincere
    Example:

    You have to show genuine interest in a job when you’re applying to a company.


  4. unconventional / ˌʌn kənˈvɛn ʃə nl / (adj.) – not normal or different from the usual
    Example:

    Working from home is an unconventional setup, but a lot of employees like it.


  5. quest / kwɛst / (n.) – a mission or journey with a goal
    Example:

    We’re currently on a quest to find the best ramen in Japan.


Article

Read the text below.

Taylor Swift to face copyright lawsuit from girl group over lyrics to Shake It Off


Pop superstar Taylor Swift must face a lawsuit from songwriters who claim the Grammy-winning singer copied their lyrics in her 2014 hit single Shake It Off, a California judge has ruled.


In a decision issued on Dec. 9, U.S. District Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald rejected Swift’s bid to throw out a suit that said she took wording from 2001 song Playas Gon’ Play by R&B girl group 3LW.


Fitzgerald said there were “some noticeable differences” between the songs but also “enough objective similarities” that the case should go to a jury trial.


“Although Defendants have made a strong closing argument for a jury, they have not shown that there are no genuine issues of triable fact,” the judge wrote. (Reuters)


Kim Kardashian passes ‘baby bar exam,’ a key test in her bid to become a lawyer


Kim Kardashian has cleared a key hurdle in her unconventional quest to become an attorney.


The reality television star and entrepreneur said Dec. 13 on Twitter that she passed California’s First-Year Law Students’ Examination — a daylong test required of aspiring lawyers in the state who are not taking the traditional path of attending an accredited law school.


“OMFGGGG I PASSED THE BABY BAR EXAM!!!!” she wrote to her 70.7 million followers, posting photos of herself posing in a bright blue jumpsuit. “For anyone who doesn’t know my law school journey, know this wasn’t easy or handed to me.” (Reuters)


These articles were provided by The Japan Times Alpha.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • Fitzgerald rejected Swift’s bid to throw out a suit that said she took wording from 3LW’s Playas Gon’ Play. He said there were “some noticeable differences” between Swift’s and 3LW’s songs but also “enough objective similarities” that the case should go to a jury trial. Do you agree with Fitzgerald’s decision? How do you think this lawsuit should end (ex. songwriters getting paid for damages, Swift winning the case)? Why? Discuss.
  • Do you think this issue will affect Taylor Swift’s reputation or popularity? Why or why not? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • California’s First-Year Law Students’ Examination is a daylong test required of aspiring lawyers in the state who are not going to an accredited law school. Do you think passing the bar is enough to be a good lawyer? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Although Kim Kardashian is a popular reality star and entrepreneur, she wants to pursue a new career by becoming a lawyer. If you were given a chance to pursue a new career, what would it be? Why? Discuss.