Unit 4 · Work and Leisure
Work and Leisure
Reading I: Cabbage White
A. Match the following meanings in the left column with the correct words in the right.
a. to laugh at somebody in an unkind way → mock
b. very unpleasant → hideous
c. to twist and turn body or part of it with quick, short movements → wriggle
d. in a cheerful way → gaily
e. very surprised or shocked → open-mouthed
f. to ask for something in a serious and emotional way → plead
g. to make a facial expression indicating disapproval → frown
h. to argue or disagree strongly with somebody → dispute
B. The word tiptoe refers to the way of walking with one's heels off the ground, in order to make them taller or to move very quietly. Consult a dictionary and find the meanings of the following words related to walking.
a. sneak → to move in a stealthy or quiet manner, especially to avoid being noticed or heard
b. stroll → to walk in a leisurely way, often for pleasure or exercise
c. lurch → to make an abrupt, unsteady, and uncontrolled movement, typically forward or sideways
d. stagger → to walk or move unsteadily, as if about to fall, due to a lack of balance or coordination
e. stride → to walk with long, decisive steps in a confident or purposeful manner
f. stumble → to trip or lose one's balance while walking, often due to an obstacle or uneven surface
C. Answer these questions.
a.Why do you think the man frowned his face when Sarah and Jamie gave him their school card?
Answer: The man frowned his face because he was surprised to see children looking for work instead of being in school.
b.Why were Sarah and Jamie looking for a job instead of going to school?
Answer: Sarah and Jamie were looking for a job because they were on holiday and wanted to earn money to support their parents.
c.Why was the man ready to give them work in his farm?
Answer: The man was ready to give them work because he needed someone to check the cabbages and remove all the caterpillars from his farm.
d.What work were they supposed to do at the man's farm?
Answer: They were supposed to inspect every single cabbage in the garden and eliminate all the caterpillars by picking them off and collecting them into buckets.
e.Were there really a million or billion caterpillars in the cabbage field? If not, what do Sarah and Jamie mean by a million or billion caterpillars?
Answer: No, there were not literally a million or billion caterpillars. Sarah and Jamie meant that there were an enormous number of caterpillars, too many to count.
f.What were Sarah and Jamie desperate about?
Answer: Sarah and Jamie were desperate about the overwhelming number of caterpillars they had to remove from the cabbages.
g.What was the final suggestion of the children to finish the work quickly?
Answer: The final suggestion of the children was to bring a flock of birds to eat all the caterpillars.
h.How did they get rid of the caterpillars?
Answer: They got rid of the caterpillars by bringing a flock of birds to the cabbage field. The birds ate all the caterpillars.
i.Why do you think the children ran away from the farm secretly?
Answer: The children ran away from the farm secretly because they feared the farmer might be angry when he discovered they had brought birds to his field instead of picking the caterpillars by hand.
D. Read the story again and rearrange the events in the correct order.
Answer: d → b → f → e → c → a
E. Imagine you are Sarah or Jamie. Write a diary entry about your experience at the farm.
Dear Diary,
Today was one of the strangest days of my life. Jamie and I decided to find some work during the holidays to help our parents. We went to a farm and the owner agreed to pay us to remove caterpillars from his cabbage field. It sounded simple enough.
But when we reached the field, our jaws dropped. There were not just a few caterpillars. There were thousands and thousands of them, crawling over every single cabbage. We started picking them off one by one, but after an hour, we had barely made a dent. We were exhausted and desperate.
Then Jamie had a brilliant but risky idea. We ran to the nearby woods and somehow managed to lure a whole flock of hungry birds back to the field. The birds went crazy, feasting on every caterpillar in sight. Within minutes, the cabbages were clean!
We were thrilled the job was done, but then panic set in. What would the farmer say when he saw birds all over his precious cabbages? We did not wait to find out. We grabbed our things and ran away from the farm as fast as our legs could carry us, without even collecting our payment.
I feel a little guilty, but also relieved. I hope the farmer understands when he sees his caterpillar-free cabbages. As for me, I think I will stick to helping at home from now on.
Goodnight,
Sarah
Today was one of the strangest days of my life. Jamie and I decided to find some work during the holidays to help our parents. We went to a farm and the owner agreed to pay us to remove caterpillars from his cabbage field. It sounded simple enough.
But when we reached the field, our jaws dropped. There were not just a few caterpillars. There were thousands and thousands of them, crawling over every single cabbage. We started picking them off one by one, but after an hour, we had barely made a dent. We were exhausted and desperate.
Then Jamie had a brilliant but risky idea. We ran to the nearby woods and somehow managed to lure a whole flock of hungry birds back to the field. The birds went crazy, feasting on every caterpillar in sight. Within minutes, the cabbages were clean!
We were thrilled the job was done, but then panic set in. What would the farmer say when he saw birds all over his precious cabbages? We did not wait to find out. We grabbed our things and ran away from the farm as fast as our legs could carry us, without even collecting our payment.
I feel a little guilty, but also relieved. I hope the farmer understands when he sees his caterpillar-free cabbages. As for me, I think I will stick to helping at home from now on.
Goodnight,
Sarah
Grammar I: Prepositions of Direction
A. Fill in the blanks with the correct prepositions from the box.
[ along, across, around, into, past, through, up, onto ]
a.The children walked along the narrow path to reach the farm.
b.We drove past the old factory on our way to the countryside.
c.The cat jumped onto the roof to catch the bird.
d.He walked into the room and sat down quietly.
e.The hikers climbed up the steep hill before sunset.
f.The river flows through the valley and into the sea.
g.She ran across the street without looking at the traffic.
h.We wandered around the city, exploring every corner.
B. Complete the following sentences with the correct prepositions of direction.
a.The children ran into the garden to play.
b.The bird flew over the trees and disappeared.
c.He carefully stepped onto the ladder and began climbing.
d.The train passed through a long tunnel before reaching the station.
e.She walked towards the door and opened it slowly.
f.The dog jumped over the fence and ran away.
g.We strolled along the beach, enjoying the sunset.
h.He threw the ball into the basket and scored a point.
Reading II: The Magic of Words
A. Match the words in column A with their meanings in column B.
a. passion → a strong and barely controllable emotion
b. enchant → to attract or delight somebody very much
c. verse → writing arranged with a metrical rhythm, typically having a rhyme
d. aesthetic → concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty
e. contemplation → the act of thinking deeply about something
f. solace → comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness
g. profound → very great or intense; having deep insight or understanding
B. Fill in the blanks with the correct words from the text.
a.Poetry provides solace to those who are suffering or in pain.
b.The poet finds enchant in the simple beauty of nature.
c.Reading poetry requires deep contemplation to understand its true meaning.
d.The aesthetic quality of a poem appeals to our sense of beauty.
e.Words have a profound impact on our emotions and thoughts.
f.A verse is a single line or a group of lines in a poem.
g.The poet's passion for words is evident in every line he writes.
C. Answer the following questions.
a.What is the main idea of the essay "The Magic of Words"?
Answer: The main idea of the essay is that words and poetry have an extraordinary power to move, heal, and inspire people. They can provide comfort, express deep emotions, and help us see the world in new and beautiful ways.
b.How does poetry help people in times of sorrow?
Answer: Poetry helps people in times of sorrow by offering solace and a sense of shared experience. It gives voice to feelings that are difficult to express and reminds us that we are not alone in our suffering.
c.What makes words magical, according to the author?
Answer: According to the author, words are magical because they can transcend time and space, connect people across generations, and capture the essence of human experience in a way that nothing else can.
d.Why does the author compare poetry to music?
Answer: The author compares poetry to music because both have rhythm, harmony, and the ability to stir deep emotions without the need for logical explanation. Both can touch the soul directly.
e.What role does imagination play in appreciating poetry?
Answer: Imagination plays a crucial role in appreciating poetry because it allows the reader to visualize images, feel emotions, and connect with the poet's experience. Without imagination, the true depth of a poem cannot be fully grasped.
f.How can poetry change a person's perspective on life?
Answer: Poetry can change a person's perspective on life by offering new ways of seeing familiar things. It encourages deep contemplation and reveals the beauty and meaning hidden in everyday moments, thereby enriching one's understanding of the world.
D. Write a short paragraph about your favorite poem or song. Explain why it is meaningful to you.
Answer: My favorite poem is "Where the Mind is Without Fear" by Rabindranath Tagore. This poem is deeply meaningful to me because it expresses a vision of a world free from fear, prejudice, and narrow-mindedness. The opening line, "Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high," fills me with hope and inspiration. It reminds me of the importance of freedom, knowledge, and truth in building a just and progressive society. Whenever I feel discouraged by the problems around me, this poem lifts my spirit and renews my faith in the possibility of a better world. It encourages me to work towards that ideal with courage and integrity.
Grammar II: Prepositions of Place and Time
A. Fill in the blanks with the correct prepositions from the box.
[ at, on, in, during, by, until, for, since ]
a.The meeting will start at 10 o'clock sharp.
b.We have been waiting here since morning.
c.She will stay with us until next Sunday.
d.He was born in January, on the 15th day.
e.The shop remains closed during the festival holidays.
f.I have been studying for three hours without a break.
g.She promised to return the book by Friday evening.
h.They live in a small village near the river.
B. Choose the correct preposition to complete each sentence.
a.The children are playing (in / on / at) the park. → in
b.He has been absent (since / for / from) last Monday. → since
c.We will finish the project (by / until / during) the end of this week. → by
d.She waited for me (at / on / in) the bus stop. → at
e.The stars shine brightly (on / in / at) night. → at
f.I will meet you (at / on / in) Friday evening. → on
g.They went on a picnic (during / while / for) the summer vacation. → during
h.My grandfather has been walking (for / since / from) an hour. → for
C. Correct the errors in the use of prepositions in the following sentences.
a.She is very good in mathematics. → She is very good at mathematics.
b.He is suffering with a severe headache. → He is suffering from a severe headache.
c.We discussed about the problem for hours. → We discussed the problem for hours.
d.I am looking forward to meet you. → I am looking forward to meeting you.
e.She insisted to pay for the meal. → She insisted on paying for the meal.
f.He is married with a doctor. → He is married to a doctor.
g.The teacher entered into the classroom. → The teacher entered the classroom.
h.I prefer tea than coffee. → I prefer tea to coffee.
Writing I: Paragraph Writing
Write a paragraph about the importance of leisure activities in our daily life.
Answer: Leisure activities play a vital role in maintaining a healthy and balanced life. In the midst of our busy schedules filled with work and responsibilities, taking time for leisure is not a luxury but a necessity. Engaging in hobbies such as reading, gardening, painting, or playing sports helps to reduce stress and prevent burnout. These activities provide a much-needed break for the mind, allowing it to relax and recharge. Furthermore, leisure pursuits often bring joy and a sense of accomplishment that is separate from our professional achievements. They foster creativity, improve mental well-being, and can even strengthen social bonds when shared with friends and family. By dedicating time to leisure, we invest in our own happiness and overall quality of life, making us more productive and fulfilled individuals in the long run.
Writing II: Dialogue Completion
Complete the following dialogue between two friends discussing their plans for the upcoming holiday.
Riya: The holidays are finally here! What are your plans, Sameer?
Sameer: I am so excited, Riya! My family and I are planning to visit our village in Pokhara. We will be staying with my grandparents.
Riya: That sounds wonderful! What will you do there during the holiday?
Sameer: I plan to spend a lot of time outdoors. I want to go hiking in the hills, help my grandfather in his vegetable garden, and just enjoy the fresh air away from the city noise.
Riya: That sounds like a perfect way to relax. I wish I could join you.
Sameer: You should come along! There is plenty of room. What are you planning to do otherwise?
Riya: I do not have any big travel plans. I think I will mostly stay home and catch up on my reading. I have a stack of novels I have been wanting to read for months.
Sameer: Reading is a great idea. You will have a peaceful holiday.
Riya: Yes, I am looking forward to it. I also plan to learn how to bake. My mother promised to teach me.
Sameer: That sounds fun! You can share some of your baking with me when I return.
Riya: I definitely will. Have a wonderful trip, Sameer. Take lots of pictures!
Sameer: I will. You enjoy your peaceful reading and baking. See you when I get back!
Sameer: I am so excited, Riya! My family and I are planning to visit our village in Pokhara. We will be staying with my grandparents.
Riya: That sounds wonderful! What will you do there during the holiday?
Sameer: I plan to spend a lot of time outdoors. I want to go hiking in the hills, help my grandfather in his vegetable garden, and just enjoy the fresh air away from the city noise.
Riya: That sounds like a perfect way to relax. I wish I could join you.
Sameer: You should come along! There is plenty of room. What are you planning to do otherwise?
Riya: I do not have any big travel plans. I think I will mostly stay home and catch up on my reading. I have a stack of novels I have been wanting to read for months.
Sameer: Reading is a great idea. You will have a peaceful holiday.
Riya: Yes, I am looking forward to it. I also plan to learn how to bake. My mother promised to teach me.
Sameer: That sounds fun! You can share some of your baking with me when I return.
Riya: I definitely will. Have a wonderful trip, Sameer. Take lots of pictures!
Sameer: I will. You enjoy your peaceful reading and baking. See you when I get back!