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Question
An activity:
Speak fast, think faster! Form groups of 4-6. Discuss each of the following topics. Then each person in the group should choose a topic and speak about it for one minute. Try to say as many sentences as you can in that time.
Imagine you are watching a scene. For example, someone learning to ride a bicycle; or a cricket match. Give a running commentary on what you see.
‘Monu is sitting on the bicycle. It has side wheels. Monu tries to push the pedal down - No - he stops. His uncle holds the seat in one hand and the handle in the other hand. He says, ‘Come on, Monu’... etc.
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Solution
Objective:
- Improve observation, quick thinking, and speaking skills.
- Practice describing events as they happen.
Example Commentaries:
- Learning to Ride a Bicycle: "Monu is sitting nervously on the bicycle. His uncle is holding the seat tightly. Monu places one foot on the pedal and pushes off. Oh, no! The bicycle wobbles, but his uncle steadies it. Monu tries again. He’s pedaling now, slowly but surely. Look at him go! He’s smiling, but wait—he’s heading straight for the tree! His uncle shouts, ‘Turn, Monu!’ Monu manages to swerve just in time!"
- Cricket Match: "The bowler is running in fast. The batsman is ready at the crease. Here comes the ball—it’s a perfect delivery! The batsman swings hard, and—crack! The ball flies high into the air. The crowd is cheering loudly! A fielder runs to catch it, but no—it lands just beyond his reach. It’s a four! The batsman smiles and gets ready for the next ball."
- School Assembly: "All the students are lined up neatly in rows. The Principal steps forward and greets everyone. The National Anthem begins, and the students sing in perfect harmony. Now, the sports captain is announcing the winners of yesterday’s race. Look, Rahul is walking up to receive his medal. Everyone is clapping. What a proud moment!"
- A Birthday Party: "The balloons are tied, and the decorations look amazing. The birthday girl, Ria, is wearing a beautiful pink dress. Her friends gather around as the big chocolate cake is brought out. Everyone sings ‘Happy Birthday’ loudly. Ria blows out the candles and cuts the cake. Oh, look! Her little brother is trying to grab a piece of cake. Everyone laughs!"
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A Dog Chasing a Ball: "Rex is standing eagerly, his tail wagging furiously. His owner throws the ball far into the park. Off Rex goes, running like the wind! He leaps over a small bush and reaches the ball. He grabs it in his mouth and runs back proudly. Oh no, now he won’t let go of the ball! His owner laughs and tries to take it, but Rex wants to play more."
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Read the following incident carefully to answer the question that follow.
The tie that does not bind
“Oh, so you’re going abroad? Can you bring me back…..?” I’ve been asked to bring back a vaccine for a course. Once I searched the suburbs of Paris for two days for a special brand of ceramic paint. Having spent a lot of money for Cartier lighter refills, I had them confiscated at the airport just before boarding because the gas might be dangerous in the air.
Now, two months before a trip, I stop talking to people so they won’t suspect I’m about to travel. But someone always catches me.” I’ve heard you’re going to New York, and I want you to get something for me. It’s just a little thing you can find anywhere. I don’t know exactly how much it costs, but it shouldn’t be much. We’ll settle up when you get back”.
What Gilson asked me to buy was, in fact, a little thing: a tie. But not just any tie. He wanted a tie with a small embroidered G. Any colour would do, as long as it had his initials. Look, this is a special flight, I explained. We are only staying Saturday through Tuesday. On the day we arrived I didn’t have time to think about the tie, but strolling around on Sunday I did see ties bearing various letters in more than one shop window. They were cheap, just a dollar, but all the shops were closed.
On Monday, lunch lasted the whole afternoon. Then it was Tuesday morning, time to leave. It was only when I saw our airport bus waiting outside the hotel that I remembered the tie.
I told the group to go on. I would get a taxi to the airport. And so I went in search of a nearby shop where I had seen ties.
But I couldn’t find it. I walked further down the street-one, two, three blocks - all in vain. Back at the hotel, a bit anxious now, I took my suitcase, got a taxi and asked the driver to rush to the street where I had seen them.
The driver stopped at each shop we passed so I could look from the window. The stores had all sorts of ties, but not the kind I was looking for.
When I finally thought I had located the right shop, I decided to go in and check. The driver refused to wait. Parking was prohibited, he said. I promised to double the fare, jumped out and ran into the shop. Was I going to miss the plane just for a damned tie?
The salesman was unbearably slow. When I realized that the smallest change I had was a ten dollar note , I grabbed ten ties of different colours so I wouldn’t have to wait for change. I rushed out with the ties in a paper bag.
On the street I looked around. The taxi had vanished, taking my suitcase. What is more, I was going to miss the plane.
I ran to the corner, and hope flared up again: the taxi was waiting in the next street. Quick to the airport! As I settled down inside the taxi. I sighed with relief. Gilson was going to have enough initialized ties to last him a lifetime.
When I reached the airport, I paid the taxi driver the double fare and grabbed my suitcase. Panting, I boarded the plane under the reproachful gaze of the other passengers, all primly seated with their seat belts fastened. Ready to take off. Departure had been delayed because of me.
“At least I hope you found your tie”, said one who knew the story.
“I did”, I answered triumphantly.
After making myself comfortable, I reached for the paper bag to show the ties.
I had left it behind; in the taxi.
Fernando Sabino.
Read the incident again and answer the following question.
What was the writer always asked to do whenever he planned to go abroad?
He always had lunch with his family.
How did Alice reach Wonderland?
What did the library door say?
From where did the naughty boy come?
