This children’s article, Music rewind: Discovering cassette tapes, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It helps children practise reading and comprehension, learn exciting vocabulary, and discover how people listened to music before digital devices. Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.
The tape that changed music
Cassette tapes were small plastic boxes that stored music or sounds on a long, thin tape inside. They became very popular in the 1970s and 1980s, replacing vinyl records, also known as LPs, which had been how people listened to music for nearly 100 years.
People would play music on Walkmans, cassette players or in cars with cassette decks. You could also record songs from the radio or other cassettes onto blank tapes. Making your own musical setlist was called a mixtape, similar to a playlist nowadays!
How do cassette tapes work?
Inside the cassette was a magnetic tape that spun around when you played it. The tape held sounds as tiny magnetic signals. When the cassette player read these signals, it turned them into music or voices you could hear.
The tape moved from one side to the other. To hear the other side of the tape, you had to take it out, flip it over and press play.
Why did cassette tapes become less popular?
In the 1990s, CDs became cheaper and easier to use. CDs sounded clearer and didn’t get tangled like tape. They only remained popular for about 20 years, as in the mid-2000s, digital music and streaming changed how we listen to music.
Cassette tapes are still loved by some people, though. Collectors and music fans enjoy their vintage charm and the retro fun of making mixtapes.
Article vocabulary list
- Cassette tape – A small plastic box with magnetic tape inside that stores music or sounds.
- Mixtape – A tape with a collection of songs recorded by someone.
- Magnetic tape – Thin tape that stores sounds using magnets.
- Cassette player – A machine that plays cassette tapes.
- Flip – To turn something over.
- Vintage – Something old but special or classic.
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. What was inside a cassette tape?
a) A CD
b) A magnetic tape
c) A computer chip
Answer: b) A magnetic tape
2. When did cassette tapes become popular?
a) 1970s and 1980s
b) 1950s and 1960s
c) 1990s and 2000s
Answer: a) 1970s and 1980s
3. What did people use cassette tapes for besides playing music?
a) Recording songs from the radio
b) Making movies
c) Playing video games
Answer: a) Recording songs from the radio
4. Why did CDs replace cassette tapes?
a) Music sounded better on them
b) They looked cooler
c) They were harder to break
Answer: a) Music sounded better on them
5. Who still likes cassette tapes today?
a) Only children
b) Collectors and music fans
c) People who dislike music
Answer: Collectors and music fans
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
