Short Texts from Oz © copyright Thorold May 1998 All Rights Reserved; published by The Plain & Fancy Language Company
go to end; go to Table of Contents / 16. As Ugly As Sin / 17. New Year Resolutions
pattern: x is as y as z; x is like a y; when x did y;
text:Timothy learned young that things are not always what they seemed to be. By nature he was as as friendly as a little puppy dog. When some kids said he was as ugly as sin, he shrugged and went off to play marbles. When he was twelve a girl said he was as creepy as a spider, and that hurt. "Stuff her" he muttered, and went off to have a cigarette. When he was twenty-two a drill sergeant said he was as soft as a marshmellow. Timothy blinked, bit his lip, and waited for the drill sergeant to come off duty. He waited outside the guardhouse gate, then thrashed the bastard.
response:
1. What did young Timothy learn?
2. What was Timothy's nature?
3. How did the kids taunt Timothy?
4. How did he react to the taunt?
5. What did the girl say to hurt Timothy's feelings?
6. Make a question using the words why and cigarette.
7. What words did the drill sergeant use to call him soft?
8. How did Timothy sort out the drill sergeant?
pattern: will /will have V-ed/ be going to V
text:Rex knows that he will never keep all of his New Year resolutions, but he still goes through the ritual. He is going to give up smoking, he says, but his girlfriend, Jean, doesn't believe him. He says that he will save. He is sure he will have saved $3000 by next Christmas because Jean is making him bank something every payday. He will try to keep this woman happy, but it is going to be a tough year.
response:
1. What will Rex have trouble with?
2. What is his first New Year resolution?
3. Make a question with the words why and believe.
4. How much does he think he will save?
5. Why is he likely to keep saving?
6. How do you think Rex feels about Jean?
7. What bothers him about the coming year?
Short Texts from Oz © copyright Thorold May 1998 All Rights Reserved; published by The Plain & Fancy Language Company
go to top; go to Table of Contents