Table of Contents
In 1928, a short movie about Mickey Mouse called “Steamboat Willie” was made. This year, in 2024, people in the US can use it freely because its copyright ended.
Now, many people enjoy using this Mickey Mouse. They make music, art, and videos with him. There will also be new video games with Mickey Mouse, like a horror game and a shooting game.
Mickey Mouse is very popular worldwide. Disney tried to stop other people from using Mickey Mouse for many years. But this year, his old version became free to use.
New versions of Mickey Mouse are still safe and can’t be used freely. Only Disney can use the new versions of Mickey Mouse.
Also, characters like Peter Pan and Tigger are free to use now in the US.
Vocabulary
- Freely – Without any cost or payment; permission not needed
- Copyright – ©; protection from someone copying your work
- Horror – A scary story or movie; something extremely unpleasant and shocking
- Shooting – situation where a person shoots a gun at other people
- Popular – Liked by many people; something many people like
- Worldwide – all around the world; everywhere in the world
- Version – a copy of something that has been changed so it’s a little different; something a little different from others of the same type
- Character – A made-up person or creature in a story
Discussion Questions
- How do you feel about people making new music, art, and videos using the old Mickey Mouse?
- Would you be interested in playing the new video games featuring Mickey Mouse, such as the horror game or the shooting game? Why or why not?
- Why do you think Disney tried to protect Mickey Mouse for so many years?
- Do you think Mickey Mouse will become less popular now?
- English teachers looking for teaching ideas, check out my post on using easy news articles for lessons.
- English learners looking for study ideas, check out my post on using news stories for English practice.
Original Story
Fill-in-the-Blank Listening Practice
In _____, a short movie about Mickey Mouse called “Steamboat Willie” was _____. This year, in 2024, people in the US can use it freely _____ its copyright ended.
Now, many people _____ using this Mickey Mouse. They make music, art, and videos with him. There _____ also be new video games with Mickey Mouse, like a _____ game and a shooting game.
Mickey Mouse is very _____ worldwide. Disney tried to stop other people from using Mickey Mouse for _____ years. But this year, his old version became free to _____.
New versions of Mickey Mouse are still _____ and can’t be used freely. Only Disney can use the new _____ of Mickey Mouse.
Also, characters _____ Peter Pan and Tigger are free to use now in the US.
