The history of the Barbie doll
1
Think about these questions before watching.
- What was your favorite toy when you were a child? What made it special to you?
- Many toys become very popular and stay popular for a long time. Why do you think some toys become cultural icons, while others are quickly forgotten?
- How do you think fashion and popular culture influence the design of toys and other products over the years?
2
Watch the video carefully. Pay attention to the main ideas and key details.
3
Answer these questions in your own words. Support your answers with evidence from the video.
01How did Ruth Handler get the idea to create the Barbie doll?
Sample answerRuth Handler saw her daughter, Barbara, playing with paper dolls that looked like adults. She realized there was a need for a three-dimensional fashion doll in the market.
02When and where was Barbie first shown to the public, and what was she wearing?
Sample answerBarbie was first shown on March 9th, 1959, at an American international toy fair. She was wearing a black and white striped bathing suit and open-toed heels.
03In what ways did Barbie's appearance change from the 1950s to the 1970s?
Sample answerIn the 1950s, Barbie had red lips and a sassy hairstyle. By the 1960s, her makeup was softer, and her hair became straight and blonde. In the 1970s, Malibu Barbie was tan, had long blonde hair, and her eyes looked directly forward instead of sideways.
04What important changes happened for Barbie in the 1980s and 2000s, and what did these changes represent?
Sample answerIn the 1980s, Barbie got a rock band, and African-American and Hispanic Barbies were introduced, showing more diversity. In the 2000s, she got a more athletic body and broke up with Ken, which represented 'girl power' and a more independent image for the doll.
4
Vocabulary
Vocabulary
These expressions will help you communicate more naturally about this topic.
Examples
fill a gap in the market — to create a product or service that is needed but doesn't exist yet
This is a common business collocation. You can use it when a company sees an opportunity to sell something new.
cultural icon — a person or thing that is famous and represents a particular culture or way of life
Use this to describe something or someone very well-known and important in society, like a famous movie or a popular brand.
come up with an idea — to think of a new idea, plan, or solution
This phrasal verb is very common in everyday English. You can use it when talking about creating something new or finding a solution to a problem.
keep up with trends — to stay informed about or to follow the latest developments or fashions
This phrase is useful when talking about staying modern or relevant, especially in fashion, technology, or business.
target audience — the specific group of people that a product or service is aimed at
This is a common business term. It helps explain who a company wants to sell its products to, for example, children or adults.
5
Understanding product history
Match the vocabulary words and phrases with their correct definitions.
Match each item on the left with the correct item on the right.
A
B
6
Match each word on the left with its natural partner on the right.
A
B
7
Grammar: Present perfect vs. past simple
Grammar
When we talk about history, we often need to choose between the past simple and the present perfect. Use the past simple for actions that finished at a specific time in the past. Use the present perfect for actions that started in the past and continue to the present, or for past actions where the exact time isn't important but the result is relevant now.
Examples
Barbie was first unveiled at a toy fair in 1959.
We use the past simple ('was unveiled') because 'in 1959' is a specific, completed time in the past.
Since then, Barbie has become one of the most famous dolls in the world.
We use the present perfect ('has become') because the action started in the past ('since then') and continues to have an effect or is true in the present.
The company created many different doll accessories over the years.
Past simple ('created') describes a series of completed actions in the past. If we wanted to emphasize the ongoing impact, we might use the present perfect: 'The company has created many accessories, and they are still popular today.'
Ruth Handler had an idea for a new doll after watching her daughter play.
Past simple ('had') for a specific event that happened and finished in the past.
Her innovative idea has changed the toy industry forever.
Present perfect ('has changed') because the change started in the past and its effects are still felt today.
Key points
- Use the past simple for actions completed at a definite time in the past (e.g., 'yesterday', 'last year', 'in 1959').
- Use the present perfect for actions that started in the past and continue to the present, or for past actions with a present result where the time is not specified (e.g., 'since 1959', 'for many years', 'already', 'never').
- Avoid using specific past time expressions (like 'last week') with the present perfect.
8
Correct the errors
Each sentence contains one error. Find and correct it.
01The creator of Barbie has seen that there was a gap in the market for adult fashion dolls.
Corrected version
The creator of Barbie has seen saw that there was a gap in the market for adult fashion dolls.
02Many people consider Barbie a cultural icon for many decades.
Corrected version
Many people consider have considered Barbie a cultural icon for many decades.
03To stay popular, the doll's designers must keep up with latest trends.
Corrected version
To stay popular, the doll's designers must keep up with the latest trends.
04The company aimed Barbie for a young target audience.
Corrected version
The company aimed Barbie for at a young target audience.
05It took a lot of creativity to coming up with the original concept for Barbie.
Corrected version
It took a lot of creativity to coming come up with the original concept for Barbie.
06Barbie has changed a lot for the past 60 years.
Corrected version
Barbie has changed a lot for over the past 60 years.
07Barbie have had more than 200 different careers.
Corrected version
Barbie have has had more than 200 different careers.
9
Rewrite each sentence using the present perfect tense, focusing on the lasting impact or connection to the present.
01Ruth Handler came up with the idea for Barbie in the 1950s, which changed the toy market.
Rewrite using the present perfect to emphasize the lasting impact of her idea.
Hint: Think about how the present perfect shows an action's connection to the present, especially with a result.
02Barbie was a popular toy for children around the world for many decades.
Rewrite using the present perfect to show that her popularity continues today, making her a cultural icon.
Hint: Use 'has been' to show something that started in the past and continues up to now.
03Mattel introduced many new doll designs over the years to keep up with trends.
Rewrite using the present perfect to focus on the accumulated actions up to the present day.
Hint: The phrase 'over the years' often signals the use of the present perfect for repeated or ongoing actions.
04When Barbie first appeared, she filled a gap in the market for adult-looking fashion dolls.
Rewrite using the present perfect to highlight the lasting effect of this action.
Hint: Consider how 'since' often signals the need for the present perfect when talking about an action with current relevance.
05The company changed Barbie's appearance several times to appeal to a wider target audience.
Rewrite using the present perfect to show these changes have happened up to the present day.
Hint: The phrase 'several times' suggests an ongoing series of events relevant to the present.
06People considered Barbie a cultural icon from the moment she was launched in 1959.
Rewrite using the present perfect to show that she is still considered a cultural icon.
Hint: Think about using 'since' to connect a past event to a present state or opinion.
10
Words to take with you
Vocabulary
These expressions are not in the video but will help you discuss this topic more fluently.
Examples
product launch — the official introduction of a new product to the public
Use this when talking about when a company first starts selling a new item. For example: "The company planned a big product launch for their new smartphone."
market leader — the company or product that sells the most in a particular market
This phrase describes a product or brand that is very successful and popular in its industry. For example: "For many years, this car brand was the market leader."
design process — the steps involved in creating a product, from idea to final form
You can use this when discussing how something is made or developed. For example: "The design process for the new building took over a year."
influence generations — to have an effect on many different age groups over a long period
This is useful for discussing the long-term impact of a product, idea, or person. For example: "Classic books often influence generations of readers."
stay relevant — to continue to be important or useful over time
Companies often try to stay relevant by updating their products or marketing. For example: "It's important for businesses to stay relevant in a changing world."
11
Use the word in brackets to form a new word that fits each gap.
01
Barbie quickly became a figure, recognized by millions worldwide.
02
The toy's was a clever response to a need in the market for adult-like dolls.
03
Good toy designers need a lot of to create new and exciting products.
04
To remain popular, the doll had to constantly adapt to changing fashion and styles.
05
The company's strategy focused on reaching parents and children through various media.
06
The doll's was undeniable, selling millions of units in its first few years.
12
Useful phrases: discussing a new product idea
Vocabulary
When you're talking about new products or business concepts, it's helpful to have phrases to introduce ideas, ask for opinions, and discuss market needs. These phrases will help you share your thoughts clearly and politely.
Examples
''I've been thinking about an idea for a new product.'' — to introduce a new concept or product idea to others
Register: neutral. Use this at the beginning of a discussion or meeting to present your thoughts.
''I believe this product could really fill a gap in the market.'' — to explain why a product is needed and has potential for success
Register: neutral. Use when you want to emphasize the unique value of your idea.
''What are your thoughts on this concept?'' — to invite others to share their opinions and feedback on your idea
Register: neutral. Use this after you've presented your idea to encourage discussion.
''Who do you think would be the target audience for something like this?'' — to discuss who the product is designed for and how to reach them
Register: neutral. Use when you want to focus the discussion on potential customers.
''We need to make sure this idea keeps up with current trends.'' — to emphasize the importance of the product being modern and relevant
Register: neutral. Use when you want to ensure the product remains competitive and appealing.
''I'm not sure if that would be the best approach.'' — to politely express a different opinion or a concern about a suggestion
Register: neutral. Use this when you want to disagree without sounding too direct or negative.
13
Complete the sentences with words from the box. One word is extra.
Word bank
01The company hoped to by offering affordable, high-quality electronics.
02The famous doll quickly became a around the world.
03The designers tried hard to for their new product line.
04Fashion companies must always to ensure their products remain popular.
05Before advertising, companies must identify their so they know who to reach.
14
The history of the Barbie doll
The Barbie doll has a fascinating history, evolving over time to reflect society.
Fill in each blank with the correct word from the word bank.
Word bank
The Barbie doll, first introduced in 1959, quickly became a global . Her creator, Ruth Handler, had a brilliant idea after watching her daughter play with paper dolls. She realized there was a for a three-dimensional adult fashion doll. Handler decided to a new doll that would appeal to young girls who wanted to imagine their future. Barbie's design and marketing were carefully planned to reach her of young girls. Over the decades, Barbie has continued to by changing her careers, outfits, and even body shapes, reflecting different eras and staying relevant.
15
Discuss these questions with a partner. Try to use vocabulary from the lesson.
- What new product or toy could *fill a gap in the market* today?
- Do you think Barbie is still a *cultural icon*? Why?
- What makes a toy a *cultural icon* in your country?