Song Library
What It Is
Dire Straits
About this song worksheet
A printable ESL song worksheet for “What It Is” by Dire Straits, for Level 3 (intermediate) learners, with a focus on present continuous. Students listen and fill 14 gaps in the lyrics, then discuss the song.
Discussion questions
- The song describes people eating, drinking, and sheltering from the cold. What does this scene tell us about human community and the need to be with others?
- Mark Knopfler uses very specific images — a tollgate, a parapet, a candlestick. Why do you think songwriters use precise, concrete details instead of general descriptions?
- Have you ever been in a city at night and felt a strong atmosphere — something historical, mysterious, or emotional? Describe what you saw or felt.
A printable song worksheet for What It Is by Dire Straits, focusing on Present continuous. Includes gap-fill, vocabulary, and discussion activities.
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