Learn English with Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know”! This post helps you practice vocabulary through a fun fill-in-the-blank quiz. You’ll also learn 20 key vocabulary words with meanings and examples, as well as common expressions like “cut me off” and “stoop so low” that you can use in real-life conversations.
After the quiz, try the post-quiz activities: create your own story using the vocabulary and practice asking questions about the song with a partner. Finally, learn more about the song and the artist, Gotye. Let’s make learning English fun and meaningful!
Table of Contents
Quiz Overview
- Song Title: “Somebody That I Used to Know”
- Artist: Gotye
- Skills: Listening, Vocabulary, Grammar
- Focus: Vocabulary Building
- Quiz Type: Fill-in-the-blanks
- Level: Suitable for intermediate English learners
- Goal: To help learners recognize and use key vocabulary in context.
ESL Quiz on “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye
Play the song below and take the Quiz. [Turn off the subtitles]
Fill in the blanks with the correct words as you listen to the song. Pause the song if you need.
Post-Quiz Activities on “Somebody That I Used to Know”
A. Create Your Own Story
Write a short story (5-7 sentences) about a past relationship or friendship using at least 5 vocabulary words from the song.
For example:
Toggle to see the example.
“I used to know someone who made me feel happy, but sometimes I felt lonely in their company. When we broke up, I was glad it was over, but they treated me like a stranger, which felt so rough. I didn’t understand why they cut me off completely, but I realized I didn’t need their love anymore. Now, they’re just somebody that I used to know.”
B. Discussion Questions
Discuss these questions with a partner:
- Have you ever felt like the singer in the song? What happened?
- What does it mean to “cut someone off”? Have you ever done this or had it done to you?
- How do you handle relationships that end badly?
- Do you think it’s better to stay friends after a breakup, or is it better to cut off contact completely? Why?
- What does the phrase “treat me like a stranger” mean to you? Have you ever experienced this?
- Why do you think the singer says, “I don’t even need your love”? Do you think he really means it?
- Have you ever been “hung up on” someone from your past? How did you move on?
- What does it mean to “stoop so low” in a relationship? Can you think of an example?
- How do you think the singer feels about his ex-partner now? Do you think he still cares?
- What advice would you give someone going through a tough breakup?
Key Vocabulary from “Somebody That I Used to Know”
Here are 20 key vocabulary words from the song, with meanings and example sentences:
1. Happy – Feeling joy or pleasure.
- Example: She felt happy when she saw her friends.
2. Lonely – Feeling sad because you are alone.
- Example: He felt lonely after moving to a new city.
3. Ache – A continuous pain or strong feeling.
- Example: She felt an ache in her heart after the breakup.
4. Addicted – Unable to stop doing something.
- Example: He was addicted to playing video games.
5. Resignation – Accepting something unpleasant.
- Example: She accepted the news with resignation.
6. Sense – Meaning or understanding.
- Example: The story didn’t make sense to me.
7. Friends – People you like and spend time with.
- Example: We’ve been friends for years.
8. Glad – Feeling happy or relieved.
- Example: I’m glad the exam is over.
9. Cut off – To stop talking to someone.
- Example: She cut off all contact with her ex.
10. Nothing – Not anything.
- Example: There was nothing left in the fridge.
11. Love – A strong feeling of affection.
- Example: They fell in love at first sight.
12. Stranger – Someone you don’t know.
- Example: He treated me like a stranger after the fight.
13. Rough – Difficult or unpleasant.
- Example: The breakup felt so rough.
14. Stoop – To lower yourself morally.
- Example: She didn’t have to stoop so low to hurt him.
15. Records – Music albums or files.
- Example: He collected all his favorite records.
16. Number – A series of digits used to call someone.
- Example: She changed her phone number after the breakup.
17. Know – To be familiar with someone or something.
- Example: I used to know her very well.
18. Screwed – Treated unfairly.
- Example: He felt screwed over by his boss.
19. Believing – Thinking something is true.
- Example: She kept believing in his promises.
20. Hung – Attached or stuck on something.
- Example: He was hung up on his past mistakes.
Common Expressions from “Somebody That I Used to Know”
Here are 5 common expressions from the song that you can use in real-life conversations:
- “Cut me off” – To stop talking to someone.
- Example: After the argument, she cut me off completely.
- “Stoop so low” – To behave in a way that is morally wrong.
- Example: I can’t believe he stooped so low to spread rumors.
- “Treat me like a stranger” – To act as if you don’t know someone.
- Example: After the breakup, he treated me like a stranger.
- “Hung up on” – To be emotionally stuck on something.
- Example: She’s still hung up on her ex-boyfriend.
- “Somebody that I used to know” – Someone you were close to but aren’t anymore.
- Example: He’s just somebody that I used to know.
About the Song: “Somebody That I Used to Know”
“Somebody That I Used to Know” is a song by Gotye featuring Kimbra. It tells the story of a past relationship and the emotions that come with a breakup.
The singer reflects on how his ex-partner cut him off and treated him like a stranger, even though they were once close.
The song’s haunting melody and relatable lyrics made it a global hit, resonating with anyone who has experienced heartbreak.
About Gotye
Gotye (real name: Wouter De Backer) is a Belgian-Australian singer, songwriter, and musician. He became internationally famous with his 2011 hit “Somebody That I Used to Know,” which topped charts worldwide.
Known for his unique voice and experimental music style, Gotye continues to create music that blends pop, rock, and electronic sounds.
Conclusion
By practicing with “Somebody That I Used to Know”, you’ve learned new vocabulary, explored common expressions, and reflected on the emotions of relationships and breakups.
Keep using these words and phrases in your conversations, and don’t forget to enjoy the process of learning English through music!
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