Table of Contents
Listening Activity
This listening activity is based on the song “One Moment in Time by Whitney Houston“. The song lyrics are beautiful and ideal for English learners and include many interesting language topics, such as the simple present, present continuous, and simple future.
One Moment in Time by Whitney Houston
“One Moment in Time” is a worldwide hit performed by Whitney Houston. This page provides information about the song, a link to the lyrics, and the official video.
One Moment in Time by Whitney Houston
Level
Beginner and intermediate students.
Facts about the Song
- Song: One moment in time
- Album: 1988 Summer Olympics Album: One Moment in Time
- Date of release: July 1988
- Genre: R&B, soul, gospel, adult contemporary, urban culture
- Length of the song: 4 minutes and 42 seconds.
- Writer: Albert Hammond, John Bettis
- Produced by: Narada Michael Walden
Interesting Information about the Song
“One Moment in Time” was recorded by Whitney Houston for the 1988 Summer Olympics and the 1988 Summer Paralympics held in Seoul, South Korea. The song became an anthem for athletes and others, celebrating the triumph of the human spirit and the belief in oneself against all odds. Whitney Houston, known for her powerful voice and emotional delivery, captures the essence of striving for greatness in the lyrics:
“One moment in time when I’m racing with destiny Then, in that one moment of time, I will feel eternity.”
The song was written by Albert Hammond and John Bettis, both of whom have penned numerous hits for other artists. “One Moment in Time” topped the charts in several countries and remains one of Houston’s most iconic performances, epitomizing her ability to convey deep emotion and inspiration through her music.
Whitney Houston, often referred to as “The Voice,” was one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 200 million records sold worldwide. She left a lasting legacy not only through her music but also as an actress and producer, impacting popular culture in profound ways.
The Video
The Lyrics
Language Points
The song includes many interesting language points:
Expressions that may be useful to students:
- Each day I live
I want to be
A day to give
The best of me
I’m only one
But not alone - When I’m racing with destiny
Then in that one moment of time
I will feel
I will feel eternity
Listening Comprehension
Sentence Completion Exercise
Complete these sentences while listening to the song:
- “Each day I live, I want to be a day to give the ________ of me.”
- “I broke my heart, fought every gain to taste the sweet, I face the ________.”
- “Give me one moment in time, when I’m more than I thought I could be when all of my dreams are a ________ away.”
- “Then in that one moment of time, I will feel ________.”
- “You’re a winner for a lifetime if you seize that one ________ in time.”
Gap-Fill Exercise
These words are used in the lyrics of the song:
- Seize: To take hold of something quickly and firmly.
- Destiny: The events that will necessarily happen to a particular person or thing in the future.
- Heartbeat: A very short space of time; an instant.
- Eternity: Infinite or unending time.
- Shine: To emit light or be bright.
- Gain: Something that is obtained, especially an increase in wealth or resources.
- Race: To compete or move quickly.
Complete these sentences with the words provided above:
- She believes that every person has a unique ________ that they will fulfill in life.
- The athlete managed to ________ the opportunity just in time, securing the victory.
- His decision brought him much ________ in both wealth and knowledge.
- In that crucial moment, every second felt like a ________.
- The star will ________ brightly in the night sky.
- During the competition, the runners will ________ to the finish line.
- The concept of ________ can be difficult to comprehend because it suggests time without end.
Source: Wikipedia
