The English Lesson 7 theme is SOUTH AFRICAN JAZZ MUSICIAN ABDULLAH IBRAHIM

Part One: Abdullah Ibrahim South African Jazz Musician

Read the following text and answer the questions that follow:

Cape Town Jazz The vibrant Jazz scene in South Africa has produced many stars. One of the most famous is Abdullah Ibrahim, who is also known as "Dollar Brand".

Born in Cape Town, he started playing the piano at the age of seven. As a teenager he was already well known by professional musicians. Although he has been influenced by many international musicians, Abdullah Ibrahim's music is uniquely South African.

"Dollar" earned his nickname from international sailors, who were so impressed by the boy that they would throw American dollars at him.

Jazz genius Duke Ellington said that Abdullah Ibrahim would become one of the greatest Jazz musicians of his time. This is a statement that South African Jazz fans will agree has become true.

Your Turn

What instrument does Abdullah Ibrahim play?
What is Abdullah Ibrahim's nickname?
Who gave him his nickname?
Which word from the text means "famous"?
Genius question: What do you call somebody who says what will happen in the future?

Part Two - Grammar Groans

Structure Adverbs of Time - Where they fit

Adverbs or "Adverbial Phrases of Time" are words that tell us when something happens. In English we have 3 rules that tell you where to place these words in a sentence.

Words that indicate a definite time (for example "yesterday") are placed right at the beginning or right at the end of the simple sentence. They can't be placed in the middle of the simple sentence.

These include phrases like "today, this morning, next week, at 3 o’clock, before, next and weekly".

For example: On Thursday evening Abdullah Ibrahim will perform at the Company Gardens. Outlaw Records, a local music shop, opens at 9 o’clock in the morning.
Words that indicate an indefinite time (for example "recently") or frequency (for example "often") are often placed just before the verb, but they can also stand at the beginning or the end of the sentence. These include words like recently, sometimes, usually, often and seldom.

For example: I often listen to Abdullah Ibrahim's music. Abdullah Ibrahim recently recorded in London. Recently I saw an excellent concert.
The words never and always can only stand directly before the verb, not at the beginning or end of the sentence like other time words.

For example: I always prefer African Jazz.

Your Turn

Use words from the following list to complete the sentences below. Each word can be used only once!

usually; monthly; on Wednesday evening; sometimes; never; before 7 o'clock.

I ________ enjoy jazz music. Answer: I usually enjoy jazz music.
__________ they will go to a concert.
We _________ go dancing at jazz clubs.
I receive the Jazz magazine _________.
We must buy the concert tickets __________.
I have ________ seen Miriam Makeba.

Part Three: Funnies

A man goes to the doctor with a broken arm. While the doctor is putting his arm in a cast, the man asks: "Doctor, will I be able to play the saxophone when this cast comes off?" "Of course!" the Doctor replies. "That's strange", says the man. "I've never been able to play the saxophone before!"