hoc et illud

Autor: wolfgang kugler

  • Bangkok – a city that rocks

    a guest approaches you at the front desk, he asks you if you’ve information on Bangkok, what you think about the city.



    Bangkok is a super cool place for tourists to visit! It’s the capital city of Thailand, which is in Asia. There are so many fun things to do and see there.

    First off, Bangkok is famous for its awesome temples, like Wat Arun and Wat Pho. These temples are super old and really beautiful. You can see amazing statues and colorful decorations. It’s like stepping into a different world!

    And guess what? Bangkok is also a paradise for food lovers! You can find delicious street food everywhere. From yummy noodles to tasty mango sticky rice, there’s something for everyone. Plus, the flavors are out of this world!

    If you like shopping, Bangkok is the place to be. There are huge markets like Chatuchak Weekend Market where you can buy anything you can imagine. Clothes, souvenirs, you name it! And don’t forget to haggle for a good deal.

    But that’s not all! Bangkok has a buzzing nightlife scene too. There are tons of cool bars and clubs where you can dance the night away. And if you want to relax, you can take a cruise along the Chao Phraya River and see the city lights twinkle.

    Lastly, Bangkok is super affordable, which means you can have an amazing time without breaking the bank. So if you’re looking for adventure, delicious food, shopping, and fun, Bangkok is the place to go! Trust me, you won’t regret it!

    _________

    Definitions:

    1. **Capital city**: The most important city in a country where the government is located.

    2. **Awesome**: Really great or fantastic.

    3. **Amazing**: Something that is very impressive or surprising.

    4. **Decoration**: Things that make something look pretty or nice, like ornaments or designs.

    5. **Delicious**: When food tastes really good and makes you want more.

    6. **Yummy**: Another way to say food tastes really good and you like it a lot.

    7. **Tasty**: Food that has a nice flavor and is enjoyable to eat.

    8. **Flavors**: Different tastes that you can experience when eating food, like sweet, salty, or spicy.

    9. **Haggle for a deal**: To negotiate or argue with someone to get a better price when buying something.

    10. **Buzzing**: When a place is full of energy and activity, like a busy street or a lively party.

    11. **Twinkle**: When small points of light shine or sparkle, like stars in the sky.

    12. **Affordable**: When something doesn’t cost too much money and is within your budget.

    13. **Regret**: Feeling sad or sorry about something you did or didn’t do, wishing you could change it.

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    Find the correct words in the text. What are the words we are looking for?

  • Siem Reap – new airport – going big

    Siem Reap has a new airport called the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport. It opened in October 2023 and is about 40 kilometers from the city and Angkor Wat. The old airport was very close to Angkor Wat, which caused worries about damage to the ancient temples because of airplane noise and pollution. So, the new airport was built farther away to protect the site.

    The new airport is bigger and can handle more flights, which will help bring more tourists to the area. This is especially important as Cambodia’s tourism was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The airport will make it easier for people to visit the famous Angkor temples and help the local economy grow. A new area is also being developed nearby, with homes, businesses, and tourist attractions.

    Definitions:

    1. Cause: To make something happen.
    2. Worries: Concerns or things that make you feel anxious.
    3. Damage: Harm or injury that makes something broken or not work properly.
    4. Ancient: Very old, from a long time ago.
    5. Noise: A sound, especially one that is loud or unpleasant.
    6. Pollution: Harmful things in the air, water, or land that are bad for the environment.
    7. Farther away: At a greater distance.
    8. To protect: To keep something safe from harm or damage.
    9. To handle flights: To manage or deal with airplane travel.
    10. To be affected: To be changed or influenced by something.
    11. Famous: Well-known by many people.
    12. Economy: The system of money and business in a country or region.
    13. To develop: To grow or improve over time.

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    Here are 6 multiple choice questions based on the definitions:

    1. What does „cause“ mean?
    a) To make something happen
    b) To fix something
    c) To stop something from happening

    2. Which of the following are examples of „worries“?
    a) Feeling nervous about a test
    b) Being excited about a vacation
    c) Thinking about something that might go wrong

    3. What can „damage“ refer to?
    a) Something that is fixed
    b) Harm or injury to something
    c) Making something better

    4. Which of the following words mean „very old“?
    a) Ancient
    b) New
    c) Modern

    5. What is „pollution“?
    a) Clean air and water
    b) Harmful things in the environment
    c) Healthy plants and animals

    6. What does „to develop“ mean?
    a) To stay the same
    b) To grow or improve over time
    c) To make something worse


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    Here are 6 multiple-choice questions, more than one may be correct

    1. Why was a new airport built in Siem Reap?

    • A) To make it easier for tourists to visit Angkor Wat.
    • B) To protect Angkor Wat from airplane noise and pollution.
    • C) To replace the old airport that was too far from the city.

    2. When did the Siem Reap-Angkor International Airport open?

    • A) October 2020
    • B) October 2023
    • C) January 2023

    3. What will the new airport help improve?

    • A) More international flights to Cambodia.
    • B) Protecting the environment.
    • C) Cambodia’s tourism and economy.

    4. What is one of the features of the new airport?

    • A) It is located near the center of Siem Reap.
    • B) It has a larger terminal than the old airport.
    • C) It can handle larger airplanes.

    5. How far is the new airport from Angkor Wat?

    • A) 5 kilometers
    • B) 40 kilometers
    • C) 10 kilometers

    6. What is being developed near the new airport?

    • A) A new city with homes and businesses.
    • B) A new shopping mall.
    • C) More temples and historical sites.
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  • APOPO, rats, the heroes, that save lives

    Training Rats to Detect Landmines –
    a must-visit when in Siem Reap

    In Siem Reap, Cambodia, a unique method is employed to detect landmines: training rats. These rodents possess a keen sense of smell, which makes them valuable assets in detecting explosive devices buried underground. Let’s delve into how this extraordinary training process works.

    Training Method:

    Firstly, baby rats, called pups, are selected for training. These rats are introduced to the smell of TNT, the explosive found in landmines. They learn to associate this scent with rewards, such as food or praise. This forms the basis of their training.

    Practical Training:

    As the rats grow, they undergo practical field training. They are taken to areas suspected of containing landmines. Guided by their trainers, the rats sniff around the ground. When they detect the scent of TNT, they signal by scratching the earth’s surface.

    Positive Reinforcement:

    Each time a rat successfully identifies a landmine, they receive a reward. This reinforces their behavior and encourages them to continue searching diligently. Trainers closely monitor the rats‘ progress, providing support and guidance throughout the process.

    Conclusion:

    In conclusion, training rats to detect landmines in Siem Reap involves conditioning them to recognize the scent of TNT and rewarding them for signaling its presence. This innovative approach offers a cost-effective and efficient solution to the ongoing challenge of landmine detection, ultimately saving lives and making communities safer.“
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    **Interview with an APOPO Expert**

    **1. What is APOPO and what do you do there?**

    APOPO is a group that trains rats to help find landmines and detect diseases. I’m an expert there, helping to train and care for these special rats.

    **2. How do rats help find landmines?**

    Rats have a great sense of smell. We train them to sniff out the explosives in landmines. When they find one, they scratch at the ground to let us know.

    **3. Why use rats instead of other animals or machines?**

    Rats are small and light, so they don’t trigger the landmines. Plus, they’re really good at learning and can cover a lot of ground quickly.

    **4. How do you train these rats to detect landmines?**

    We start by teaching them to recognize the smell of explosives using a reward system. When they find the scent, they get a tasty treat. It’s like a game for them.

    **5. Is it safe for the rats to be around landmines?**

    Yes, it’s safe for them because they’re too light to set off the landmines. They’re trained to stay on a leash or in a safe area while they work.

    **6. How accurate are the rats at detecting landmines?**

    The rats are very accurate. They have a success rate of over 95%, which is much better than other methods like metal detectors.

    **7. What happens after a rat detects a landmine?**

    When a rat finds a landmine, we mark the area and then have experts safely remove or detonate the landmine.

    **8. Apart from landmines, what other tasks can these rats perform?**

    These rats are also trained to detect diseases like tuberculosis by sniffing samples of human saliva. They’re helping to save lives in different ways.

    **9. How do you take care of these rats?**

    We make sure they have plenty of food, water, and a clean place to live. They also get regular check-ups to make sure they’re healthy.

    **10. What impact has APOPO had on landmine clearance and disease detection?**

    APOPO has made a big difference. We’ve helped clear thousands of landmines, making land safer for people to use. And with disease detection, we’re helping to catch illnesses early so people can get treatment sooner.“

  • Apsara

    An Apsara is a magical lady from ancient stories. She dances and plays music in the sky. People thought she lived in heaven. She is very pretty and graceful. Apsaras are known for dancing and making beautiful music. Sometimes, they are seen as messengers of the gods. They bring happiness and harmony. Artists draw and sculpt them. They wear colorful clothes. Apsaras are symbols of beauty and joy in stories.

    Find answers in the text:

    1. What is an Apsara?

    2. Where do people think Apsaras live?

    3. What are Apsaras known for?

    4. How do artists show Apsaras?

    5. What do Apsaras wear?

    6. How do Apsaras bring happiness?

    7. Are Apsaras believed to be messengers?

    8. In what cultures are Apsaras found?

    9. What do Apsaras do in the sky?

    10. Why are Apsaras considered symbols of beauty and joy?

  • Oum, she wants to live her dreams

    Oum is a young girl. She goes to a school for tourism.
    She is a beginner in English. English lessons are not easy for her. But she knows what she has to do to be successful and learn the language.
    Every day, she studies English. She listens carefully in class. She practices speaking with her classmates. She reads English books and listens to English songs. Oum knows it takes time to learn a new language.
    She is patient and works hard. She believes she will improve if she keeps trying. Oum is determined to become good at English.
    She knows it will help her in her future career in tourism.

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    1. Beginner: Someone who is starting to learn something new.

    2. Tourism: Traveling for pleasure or business, usually to visit different places.

    3. Successful: Achieving a desired outcome or reaching a goal.

    4. Language: A system of communication used by a particular country or community.

    5. Lessons: Sessions where learning takes place, often in a classroom setting.

    6. Patient: Being able to wait calmly without getting upset.

    7. Determined: Having a strong desire and commitment to achieve something.

    8. Improve: To make or become better than before.

    9. Career: A job or profession that someone does for a long time.

    10. Future: The time that is yet to come.

    11. Classmates: People who study together in the same class or school.

    12. Successful: Achieving a desired outcome or reaching a goal.

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    Rewrite the story, starting with

    „I am a young girl/boy. I go to a school for tourism. I am a beginner in English. English lessons are not easy for me…..“

    Make all changes necessary..…


    If you want, send me your version via SMFrockZ(at)gmx(dot)at, I’ll have a look at it, if necessary comment on it, and send it back.

  • Shadow puppet theater, Khmer culture

    a guest apporaches you at the front desk, he wants to have information on the shadow puppet theater.

    Khmer Shadow Puppet Theater is a traditional form of storytelling in Cambodia. It is called “Sbek Thom” in the Khmer language. People use large, flat puppets made from cow leather. The puppets are cut into beautiful shapes and show people, animals, or gods. They are held on sticks and moved behind a white screen with a bright light.

    The light makes the puppet shadows appear on the screen, and the audience watches the shadows. While the puppets move, people tell stories, sing, and play traditional music. Many stories come from the Reamker, the Khmer version of the Ramayana, an old and famous story from India.

    This kind of theater is usually performed during special festivals, ceremonies, or important events. It is a way to share culture, history, and religion. Khmer Shadow Puppet Theater is very old and has been part of Cambodian culture for hundreds of years. It is a beautiful mix of art, music, and storytelling.

    ——————————————–

    Below are simple English definitions for each of the terms you provided:

    • flat: A surface that is even and smooth, without bumps or curves.
    • leather: A durable material made from animal skin that has been treated to be soft and strong.
    • a stick: A thin, small piece of wood that usually comes from a tree.
    • a screen: A flat surface, like on a TV or computer, where images or videos are shown.
    • bright light: A strong, intense light that makes things look clear and well-lit.
    • a shadow: A dark shape that appears on a surface when something blocks light.
    • to appear: To become visible or come into sight.
    • the audience: The group of people who are watching or listening to a performance or event.
    • to perform: To put on a show, act, or carry out an activity for others to watch.
    • an event: A planned public or social occasion, like a concert, party, or sports game.
    • to share: To give some of what you have with others or to tell someone about something you know.

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    Here are 10 multiple-choice questions based on the Khmer Shadow Puppet Theater text. Each question has 4 answer choices, and more than one answer may be correct.

    1. What is the Khmer Shadow Puppet Theater called in the Khmer language?
    A. Sbek Thom
    B. Reamker
    C. Angkor Wat
    D. Sbek Touch

    2. What material are the shadow puppets made from?
    A. Wood
    B. Plastic
    C. Cow leather
    D. Paper

    3. What do the puppets usually show?
    A. Cars and planes
    B. People, animals, or gods
    C. Buildings
    D. Trees and flowers

    4. What is used to hold and move the puppets?
    A. Ropes
    B. Wires
    C. Sticks
    D. Strings

    5. What makes the puppet shadows appear on the screen?
    A. The wind
    B. A bright light
    C. The moon
    D. A flashlight
    ✅ Correct: B, D

    6. What do people do during a puppet performance?
    A. Sleep
    B. Tell stories
    C. Sing
    D. Play traditional music

    7. Where do many of the stories in the performances come from?
    A. The Bible
    B. The Reamker
    C. The Ramayana
    D. Cambodian newspapers

    8. When is the Khmer Shadow Puppet Theater usually performed?
    A. At special festivals
    B. During lunch breaks
    C. At ceremonies
    D. At important events

    9. What are the main parts of the Khmer Shadow Puppet Theater?
    A. Art
    B. Music
    C. Sports
    D. Storytelling

    10. What does the puppet theater help to share?
    A. Fashion
    B. Culture
    C. History
    D. Religion

    Sure! Here are 10 multiple-choice questions based on the Khmer Shadow Puppet Theater text. Each question has 4 answer choices, and more than one answer may be correct.

    1.
    ✅ Correct: A

    2.
    ✅ Correct: C

    3.
    ✅ Correct: B

    4.
    ✅ Correct: C

    5.
    ✅ Correct: B, D

    6.
    ✅ Correct: B, C, D

    7.
    ✅ Correct: B, C

    8.
    ✅ Correct: A, C, D

    9.
    ✅ Correct: A, B, D

    10.
    ✅ Correct: B, C, D

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    Correct or incorrect?

    1. Khmer Shadow Puppet Theater is a modern art form.
    2. The puppets are made from cow leather.
    3. People use computers to move the puppets.
    4. The theater is called “Sbek Thom” in the Khmer language.
    5. The puppets are shown in the middle of the day in sunlight.
    6. A bright light makes shadows appear on a screen.
    7. The audience watches the shadows, not the puppets.
    8. The stories are usually about science and technology.
    9. This theater is part of Cambodian culture.
    10. The puppets are made from plastic and metal.

    ______________

    1. ❌
    2. ✅
    3. ❌
    4. ✅
    5. ❌
    6. ✅
    7. ✅
    8. ❌
    9. ✅
    10. ❌

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    Answer these statements:

    1. Are the puppets made of leather or wood?
      They are ________________
    2. Is the puppet theater called „Sbek Thom“ or „Sbek Touch“?
      It is ________________
    3. Do the puppets move behind a screen or in front of it?
      They move ________________
    4. Is the light used to create shadows bright or dim?
      It is used ________________
    5. Are the stories in the puppet theater from the Reamker or the Bible?
      They are ________________
    6. Is the Khmer Shadow Puppet Theater performed during festivals or at work?
      It is performed ________________
    7. Are the puppets made by hand or by machine?
      They are ________________
    8. Do people tell stories, sing, and play music during the performance or just watch the puppets?
      People ________________
    9. Is the puppet theater a recent tradition or hundreds of years old?
      It is ________________
    10. Are the puppets used in Khmer Shadow Puppet Theater small or large?
      The puppets are ________________

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  • Oum’s daily life when 21,

    in a more elaborate language.

    Oum is 21 and just started working at a hotel. Everything is new for her. Her first language is Khmer, so English is a bit hard for her. But she’s trying her best to learn.

    Her job at the hotel includes helping guests and cleaning rooms. Sometimes, understanding English instructions is tough for her.

    But Oum doesn’t give up. Every day, she practices speaking English with her coworkers. She listens carefully and watches how they talk to guests.

    Even though it’s hard, Oum is getting better. She feels happy when she can understand what guests want or talk to them in English. Her coworkers cheer her on and help her learn.

    Oum knows that learning English will help her at work and in life. She’s determined to keep going, step by step.

    +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    FIND THE WORDS IN THE TEXT DEFINED BELOW.

    1. Steps or directions to help do something.

    2. To understand or discover new things.

    3. Doing something again and again to get better.

    4. To shout or show happiness or support.

    5. Language spoken in Cambodia.

    6. A place where people stay when they’re away from home.

    7. Someone who stays at a hotel or visits a place.

    8. The words and sounds people use to communicate.

    9. To stop trying or to quit.

    10.People who work together at the same place, like friends at work.

    11.Feeling good or joyful.

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  • Oum, young girl in Siem Reap, a typical day

    In the morning, at 6:30am, Oum wakes up when her alarm rings. She quickly gets ready and has breakfast with her family. Then, she goes to school, walking with her friends.

    At school, Oum attends classes like Khmer Literature, Math, English, and History. During breaks, she chats with her friends and eats snacks.

    After school, Oum may do activities like dancing or playing volleyball. When she gets home, she relaxes, does homework, and spends time with her family.

    In the evening, they have dinner together and talk about their day. After finishing any remaining homework, Oum gets ready for bed.

    She brushes her teeth, changes into pajamas, and goes to sleep, ready for another day at school tomorrow.

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    Sure! Here are 10 statements based on the text. Six of them are correct, and four are incorrect:

    1. Oum wakes up at 6:30am when her alarm rings.
    2. Oum goes to school by bicycle.
    3. At school, she attends classes like Khmer Literature, M ath, English, and History.
    4. Oum eats lunch at school with her family.
    5. During breaks, she chats with friends and eats snacks.
    6. After school, Oum always goes shopping with her friends.
    7. Oum sometimes does dancing or plays volleyball after school.
    8. When she gets home, she watches TV all evening.
    9. In the evening, Oum has dinner with her family and they talk about their day.
    10. Before bed, she brushes her teeth, she changes into pajamas, and goes to sleep.

    Incorrect: 2,4,6,8.

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    Here are 10 multiple choice questions based on the text. Each has 4 answer options, and more than one may be correct.

    1. What time does Oum wake up?
    A. 5:00am
    B. 6:30am
    C. 7:00am
    D. 6:00am

    2. What does Oum do after waking up?
    A. She goes to school right away
    B. She eats breakfast
    C. She gets ready
    D. She goes back to sleep

    3. How does Oum go to school?
    A. By bus
    B. By bicycle
    C. Walking with friends
    D. In a car

    4. What subjects does Oum study?
    A. Science
    B. Khmer literature
    C. Math
    D. History

    5. What does Oum do during breaks?
    A. Sleeps
    B. Eats snacks
    C. Plays video games
    D. Chats with friends

    6. What activities might Oum do after school?
    A. Swimming
    B. Dancing
    C. Playing volleyball
    D. Cooking dinner

    7. What does Oum do when she gets home?
    A. Does homework
    B. Watches movies all night
    C. Relaxes
    D. Goes to sleep right away

    8. What does Oum do with her family in the evening?
    A. Has dinner
    B. Plays games
    C. Talks about their day
    D. Goes shopping

    9. What does Oum do before bed?
    A. Brushes her teeth
    B. Does exercise
    C. Changes into pajamas
    D. Eats dinner

    10. When does Oum sleep?
    A. In the morning
    B. After doing homework
    C. After dinner
    D. At school

    1b, 2bc, 3c, 4bcd, 5bd, 6bc, 7ac, 8ac, 9ad, 10bc are correct

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    Here are 10 question-style statements, what is correct?

    1. Does she get up at 6:30 or 6:45?
      She gets _____________
    2. Does she eat breakfast with her family or with her friends?
      She eats _____________
    3. Does she walk to school or go by bicycle?
      She walks _____________
    4. Does she study English or Chinese?
      She studies _____________
    5. Does she chat with friends or study during breaks?
      She chats_____________
    6. Does she eat snacks or full meals at school?
      She eats _____________
    7. Does she go dancing or swimming after school?
      She goes_____________
    8. Does she do homework or watch TV when she gets home?
      She does _____________
    9. Does she have dinner alone or with her family?
      She has _____________
    10. Does she brush her teeth before bed or in the morning only?
      She brushes_____________

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    Complete the interview with Oum:

    Interviewer: Hello, Oum! Can I ask you some questions about your day?
    Oum: Yes, of course!

    1. What time do you wake up in the morning?
    Oum:

    2. What do you do after you wake up?
    Oum:

    3. How do you go to school?
    Oum:

    4. What subjects do you study at school?
    Oum:

    5. What do you do during break time?
    Oum:

    6. Do you do any activities after school?
    Oum:

    7. What do you do when you get home?
    Oum:

    8. What do you do in the evening?
    Oum:

    9. Do you do homework at night too?
    Oum:

    10. What do you do before going to bed?
    Oum:

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    Answers:
    Sure! Here’s a simple interview with Oum, using easy English. It includes 10 questions and Oum’s answers:

    Interviewer: Hello, Oum! Can I ask you some questions about your day?
    Oum: Yes, of course!

    1.
    Oum: I wake up at 6:30 in the morning.

    2.
    Oum: I get ready and eat breakfast with my family.

    3.
    Oum: I walk to school with my friends.

    4.
    Oum: I study Khmer literature, math, English, and history.

    5.
    Oum: I chat with my friends and eat snacks.

    6.
    Oum: Yes, sometimes I dance or play volleyball.

    7.
    Oum: I relax, do my homework, and spend time with my family.

    8.
    Oum: We eat dinner together and talk about our day.

    9.
    Oum: Yes, I finish any homework I still have.

    10.
    Oum: I brush my teeth, put on my pajamas, and go to sleep.

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    If you want, describe your typical day, you can send the text to me via SMFrockZ(at)gmx(dot)at, I’ll have a look at it, and then send it back with some info, if necessary.

  • George’s Day

    George is a young boy who lives in a cozy house. Every morning, he wakes up early and eats breakfast with his family. Then, he brushes his teeth and puts on his clothes for school.

    With his friends, George walks to school happily. In class, he listens carefully to his teacher and learns new things. During lunch break, he eats his favorite sandwich.

    After school, George plays games with his friends at the park. When it’s time for dinner, he helps his mom set the table. They enjoy a delicious meal together as a family.

    Before bed, George takes a warm bath and puts on his pajamas. His parents read him a bedtime story, and he falls asleep with a smile on his face, looking forward to another fun day tomorrow.


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    TRUE or FALSE?

    0. George’s favorite color is blue.

    1. George plays soccer with his friends after school.
    2. George walks to school with his friends.
    3. George btakes a cold shower before going to bed.
    4. George reads a book before bed.
    5. George helps his dad cook dinner.
    6. George rides his bike to school.
    7. George’s school starts at 9 AM.
    8. George has two sisters.
    9. George has breakfast alone.

  • Present simle versus present progressive/continuous?

    Some information and exercises.

    Link