DIFFICULT QUESTIONS: Am I a MAN or am I a MUPPET?

For those born less than 20 years ago, this question might not only seem difficult, it might prove impossible. On the other hand, for everybody else, it might make a little more sense.

Either way, here is the main Music Video from The Muppets movie recently released, sung and acted by Jason Segel and his muppet brother.

As you will see, it's not only fun, but provides three interesting language points:

• Asking questions about yourself (Am I... ?)
• Wondering about "possible" situations with the ever-popular First Type of conditional in the form of an If - then statement.
• Using a noun as an adjective: a hell of a day, the beauty of it all, a muppet of a man

Enjoy!



Lyrics:

I reflect on my reflection

And I ask myself the question

What's the right direction

to go

I don't know

Am I a man?

or am I a muppet?

(Am I a muppet?)

If I'm a muppet

then I'm a very manly muppet

(Very manly muppet)

Am I a muppet?

(Muppet)

Or am I a man?

(Am I a man?)

If I'm a man that makes me a muppet of a man

(A muppet of a man)

I look into these eyes

And I don't recognize

The one I see inside

It's time for me to decide

Am I a man?

Or am I a muppet?

(Am I a muppet?)

If I'm a muppet

well I'm a very manly muppet

(Very manly muppet)

Am I a muppet?

(Muppet)

Or am I a man?

(Am I a man?)

If I'm a man that makes me a muppet of a man

(A muppet of a man)

Here I go again

I'm always running out of time

I think I've made up my mind

Now I understand who I am

I'm a man

I'm a muppet

I'm a muppet of a man

I'm a very manly muppet

I'm a muppet-y man

That's what I am

Birthday QUESTIONS?

For many, turning 21, 30, 40, 50 or whatever represents something to celebrate. A birthday celebration. For others, it represents a major crisis.

Well, we're not sure, but since the Chinese say that crisis is opportunity, today we're going to take the opportunity to ask you questions about birthdays.

Some are fun, some are innocent, others you might consider inappropriate.

But whatever your answer, whatever your age, the most important thing is that you take these questions as an opportunity to review question-building in English.

And when you think of the answers, try to make them complete and meaningful. 

In fact, you could use this as a template to ask questions on a number of subjects.

• How are birthdays celebrated in your country?
• What are some birthday traditions you know of from other countries?
• How do you like to celebrate your birthday?
• What is your best birthday memory?
• What is your worst birthday memory?
• Have you ever had a surprise birthday party for yourself or someone else?
• What is the best birthday gift you have ever received?
• What is the worst birthday gift you have ever received?
• What are some things you like to do for your birthday?
• When is your birthday?
• Did your parents give you birthday parties when you were a child?
• In your opinion, What is the best time of year to have a birthday?
• How do people you know celebrate turning 40?
• Do you think getting older (40, 50, 60) is depressing for people, or a happy occasion?
• What do you think is the best age?
• Do you like going to work on your birthday?
• Did you like going to school on your birthday when you were a child?
• Have you ever had a surprise party?
• Whose birthday do you always remember?
• Among your close friends and relatives, whose birthday is coming up next?
• About how many birthday gifts or cards do you send or give to people each year?
• Have you ever forgotten someone's birthday that you should have remembered?
• Do you know any famous people's birthdays? (Are any the same as yours?)
• Do you know of any big events that happened the year you were born?
• What is the best birthday gift you have ever received?
• What is the best birthday gift you have ever given?
• What is the worst birthday gift you have ever received?
• What is the worst birthday gift you have ever given?
• If you are in your teen years, tell how old you will be in twenty years time and say whether you look forward to that age or does it scare you.
• If you could celebrate your own birthday the way you wanted, what would you do?
  • Where would you like to go?
  • How many people would you invite?
• Would you rather celebrate your birthday with just your relatives or just your friends?
• Do you remember what gifts you received on your last birthday?
• What would you like to get most for your birthday this year?
• Is the cost of a present important to you?
• What kind of gift do you usually prepare for your friend's birthday?
  • Your mother's?
  • What about for other family members?
• Which is a better present, a well-chosen gift or money?
• Are birthdays really important?
• How do you celebrate your birthday?

So speaking of birthdays, here's wonderful short animated film called "Bob's Birthday" about a man who discovers that turning 40 might be a great opportunity for some changes. Enjoy!