Inspiring Stories of the American Dream
CBS News shared a special video about the United States. The country has a big anniversary soon. The video shows positive stories about American heroes and pastimes. We see the founder of the makeup company e.l.f. Cosmetics. He decided to change his life completely. Today, he is a Catholic priest. Viewers can watch these stories online now.
CBS News recently shared a special video in their entertainment section. This video has the title 'The Uplift: The American Dream'. It celebrates the United States before its 250th anniversary. The program shows stories about different American heroes. It also talks about popular pastimes in the country.
The video shows massive changes in the lives of people. For example, it tells the story of one specific man. This man was the founder of a makeup company. The name of the company is e.l.f. Cosmetics. He was very successful in his business. However, he decided to change his life completely. He chose a very different path. Today, he is a Catholic priest. He works to help his community.
People in America will celebrate the 250th anniversary of their country soon. The news program wants to show positive stories before this big event. It focuses on the ideas of hope and hard work. These ideas are part of the American Dream. The stories show a simple fact: anyone can change.
Many viewers find these stories very interesting. You can watch this video online today. It shows different ways to find happiness. Some find it in business, but others find it in religion. The video is short and easy to understand.
The program is part of a series about positive news. It helps people feel good about the future. It also shows simple heroes in everyday life. You can learn more about these people on the CBS News website. These amazing stories will surprise you and they will make you happy.
Take a position. Out loud, if you can.
Four ways to start. Pick one and try saying it before you scroll on.
Tip · Record yourself, use in a notebook, or practice with a language partner.
What is the title of the video shared by CBS News?
past simple for completed actions
We use the past simple to talk about actions that happened and finished in the past.
“However, he decided to change his life completely.”
What to know · A2
Try saying this aloud
Scenario: You want to tell someone about a positive news story you found.
- 01“The stories show a simple fact.”
- 02“You can learn more about these people.”
- 03“These amazing stories will surprise you.”
Register tip · informal
🔑Key Phrases
The title of the news show segment.
We are watching The Uplift: The American Dream.
Describes the man's previous job using everyday A2 vocabulary.
She works as a assistant to the founder of a makeup company.
Describes the major turning point in the story using past simple.
My brother decided to change his life completely last year.
Article Audio — Kokoro TTS
Inspiring Stories of the American Dream
💬Discussion Questions
Open-ended questions to talk or write about — alone, with a partner, or in class.
- 1
Why do you think some people want to change their careers completely?
Opinion - 2
How do people celebrate national anniversaries in different countries?
Compare - 3
What will happen to the American Dream in the next fifty years?
Predict - 4
Who is a real-life hero that you know personally?
Personal - 5
Is it better to have a rich job or a helpful job?
Evaluate - 6
What kind of video entertainment makes you feel happy?
Opinion - 7
How do you think the man's family felt about his big change?
Predict - 8
Why do news channels share positive stories instead of bad news?
Opinion
Adapted from CBS News · Read the original. LectoPress rewrites the facts as original graded-reader text for language learners.
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