Listen&Learn: Alex Trebek

Learn about the host of one of the most popular game shows of all time.

Pre-listening vocabulary

• host: to present a show or event
• game show: a show where people compete for money or prizes
• contestant: a person who participates in a competition
• reporter: a person who writes or broadcasts for a news company
• producer: a person who manages a movie or show
• hire: to choose someone for a job

Listening activity

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Gapfill exercise

Alex Trebek was a Canadian-American television personality. He was known for hosting the game show Jeopardy!, a show where contestants are given a clue, and guess a that the clue would answer. Trebek was born in Sudbury, Ontario in 1940. At age 12, he moved to Ottawa, Ontario to go to boarding school, and later . Before moving to the United States to find a job as a game show host, Trebek worked as a reporter for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). Trebek hosted a few smaller game shows until 1984, when Jeopardy! producers hired him to be the host of their show. Jeopardy! was an instant , and the show currently holds a world record for the most game show episodes ever produced. Trebek worked as the host of Jeopardy! from 1984 until his death in 2020, at age 80.

Comprehension questions

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Discussion/essay questions

1. Jeopardy! was an extremely successful show, winning multiple awards and inspiring adaptations around the world. What do you think made the show so special?

Transcript

Alex Trebek was a Canadian-American television personality. He was known for hosting the popular game show Jeopardy!, a show where contestants receive a clue, and guess a question that the clue would answer.  Trebek was born in Sudbury, Ontario in 1940. At age 12, he moved to Ottawa, Ontario to go to boarding school, and later university. Before moving to the United States to find a job as a game show host, Trebek worked as a news reporter for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). Trebek hosted a few smaller game shows until 1984, when Jeopardy! producers hired him to be the host of their show. Jeopardy! was an instant success, and the show currently holds a world record for the most game show episodes ever produced. Trebek worked as the host of Jeopardy! from 1984 until his death in 2020, at age 80.