The Eurovision Song Contest is often described as a bit like Marmite — people tend to love it or hate it. Marmite is a famous British food spread made from yeast extract, and its slogan for many years has been “Love it or hate it.” The phrase has now become a common expression in English. When something is called “Marmite,” it means it strongly divides opinion: some people are enthusiastic fans, while others cannot stand it. Eurovision has this reputation because for some viewers it is a joyful celebration of music, costumes, and international culture, while for others it feels over-the-top, strange, or even chaotic.
Discussion question:
Can you think of other things that are a bit like Marmite — things that people either love or hate? For example: certain foods, music styles, TV shows, fashion trends, or hobbies. Share your ideas with the class and explain why you think they divide opinion.
‘You Are Beautiful*’
I have a Mika song stuck in my head since Eurovision Song Contest.
It’s making me think about what makes a song catchy — and whether that’s a sign of a good song, a Eurovision winner, or both. Some songs seem designed to stay in your mind long after you’ve heard them.
Do your favourite songs get stuck in your head — or is it sometimes songs you don’t like that keep repeating?
Psychologists sometimes call this an “earworm”: a piece of music that plays in your mind over and over again without you choosing it.
Discussion questions
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Do your favourite songs get stuck in your head?
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Or are they sometimes songs you don’t like very much?
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What do you think makes a song catchy?
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Have you ever heard any tips for getting a song out of your head once it’s there?
Known Remedies
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Listen to the song properly
Sometimes the brain keeps repeating a short part because it feels unfinished. Listening to the whole song once can give your brain a sense of completion. -
Chew gum
Some studies suggest that chewing gum occupies the same mental processes used for repeating music in your mind, which can help interrupt the loop. -
Switch your attention to another task
Try doing something that requires concentration — a puzzle, reading, cooking, or a short conversation. -
Replace it with another song
Some people deliberately think of a different song that is calmer or less repetitive. -
Accept it and let it pass
Sometimes the more you try to force the song away, the stronger it comes back. Letting it sit there for a while often makes it fade on its own.
Language Work
1. Modal Suggestions
Structure
You could + verb
You might + verb
You should + verb
Examples
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You could listen to the whole song once.
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You might try chewing gum.
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You should focus on another activity.
3. “Why don’t you…?”
Structure
Why don’t you + verb?
Examples
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Why don’t you listen to the song once?
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Why don’t you go for a walk?
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Why don’t you play a different song?
2. “Try + -ing”
Structure
Try + verb-ing
Examples
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Try listening to another song.
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Try doing a puzzle.
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Try talking to someone.
4. “You could try…”
Structure
You could try + verb-ing
Examples
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You could try chewing gum.
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You could try concentrating on another task.
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You could try listening to the song properly.
Practical Exercise
Now invent your own remedies for getting a song out of your head.
Try to make your remedy sound convincing, but also a little strange or unusual. Imagine you are giving serious advice, even if the idea is a bit ridiculous.
Explain:
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What the person should do
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Why it works
You can use suggestion structures such as:
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You could…
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You might try…
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Why don’t you…?
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One idea is to…
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Some people say that…
Example
Some people say that you should eat something very sour, like a lemon. The strong taste surprises your brain and interrupts the music loop.
Now invent two or three remedies of your own.
Listening Exercise
Not sure if Eurovision is for you?
Here’s Ruth talking about last weekend’s Eurovision Song Contest.
Listening Comprehension Practice
Here’s a sneak peek at the questions our mailing list subscribers will receive along with the video:
- What adjectives do I use to describe Holland’s entry?
- Why did I watch Eurovision at my dad’s house?
- Why do you think I loved Eurovision this year? (I give several reasons).
- Do you think I will watch it again next year?
ELT Lesson Plans
Lesson Plans and Class Ideas
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They’re a by-product of our own teaching work, which we post on our site for free, as we are: anti-waste, pro-independent teachers & collaboration pro-making English learning interesting for all.
→ FREE ELT Resources for English Teachers
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