• how our ears hear and our brain understands when we learn a new language

The Ears and the Brain in Language Learning

When we learn a new language, listening is very important. Our body has two helpers for listening: the ears and the brain. They work together all the time.

The ears hear sounds from outside. They hear words, voices, and sentences. The ears do not understand the meaning, but they bring all sounds to the brain. The ears are like doors. They open and let the sounds go inside.

The brain takes the sounds from the ears. Then it starts to work. The brain listens again inside, and it looks for meaning. It remembers old words and connects them with new ones. When the brain finds the meaning, we understand.

When we listen many times, the brain becomes faster. It learns the correct sounds, the right stress, and the rhythm of the language. Later, this helps us to speak more clearly and with more confidence.

So, the ears and the brain are a team. The ears bring the sounds, and the brain builds the meaning. Without ears, no sounds come in. Without the brain, no meaning comes out. Together, they make language learning possible.

____________________

Vocabulary:

brain – the part inside your head that thinks and remembers.
to listen – to pay attention with your ears.
important – something we really need.
a helper – a person or thing that helps.
to work together – to do something with another person or thing.
all the time – always, every moment.
to hear – to get sounds with your ears.
sounds – noises we hear with our ears.
from outside – not inside, but in the world around us.
a voice – the sound from a person when they speak.
a sentence – a group of words that go together.
a meaning – what a word or sentence tells us.
to listen again inside – the brain hears the sounds one more time and thinks.
to look for meaning – to try to find what the words want to say.
to remember – to keep something in your mind.
to connect – to join things together.
stress (pronunciation) – the part of a word we say stronger or louder.
rhythm of a language – the music or beat of how people speak.
to speak clearly – to say words in a way that people can understand.
confidence – to feel strong and sure, not afraid.
to make possible – to help something happen.

###############

Multiple choice, one answer correct:

1. What is the brain?
   a) The part inside the head that thinks
   b) A sound from outside
   c) A group of words together
2. What does to listen mean?
   a) To speak loudly
   b) To pay attention with your ears
   c) To write words on paper
3. What does important mean?
   a) Something very big
   b) Something funny
   c) Something we really need
4. What is a helper?
   a) A person or thing that helps
   b) A strong feeling
   c) A word in a sentence
5. What does to work together mean?
   a) To do something alone
   b) To say words clearly
   c) To do something with another person or thing
6. What does all the time mean?
   a) Always, every moment
   b) Only one time
   c) Sometimes
7. What does to hear mean?
   a) To look with your eyes
   b) To get sounds with your ears
   c) To remember something
8. What are sounds?
   a) Pictures we see with our eyes
   b) Words we write on paper
   c) Noises we hear with our ears
9. What does from outside mean?
   a) In the world around us
   b) Inside your head
   c) Something we remember
10. What is a voice?
    a) A place to study
    b) The sound from a person when they speak
    c) The brain inside the head
11. What is a sentence?
    a) A group of words that go together
    b) A word we say louder
    c) A sound from outside
12. What is a meaning?
    a) A kind of rhythm
    b) What a word or sentence tells us
    c) A strong voice
13. What does to listen again inside mean?
    a) To write the words again
    b) To speak in a loud voice
    c) The brain hears the sounds one more time and thinks
14. What does to look for meaning mean?
    a) To speak with stress
    b) To connect two things together
    c) To try to find what the words want to say
15. What does to remember mean?
    a) To keep something in your mind
    b) To forget something
    c) To speak very clearly
16. What does to connect mean?
    a) To say a word louder
    b) To join things together
    c) To work alone
17. What is stress (pronunciation)?
    a) The beat of a language
    b) The part of a word we say stronger or louder
    c) A group of words
18. What is rhythm of a language?
    a) A helper in the brain
    b) The sound of one voice
    c) The music or beat of how people speak
    ———————————-
19. What does to speak clearly mean?
    a) To say words in a way people understand
    b) To say words very quickly
    c) To read silently
20. What is confidence?
    a) To work with a helper
    b) To feel strong and sure, not afraid
    c) To listen to sounds again
21. What does to make possible mean?
    a) To remember something important
    b) To stop something from happening
    c) To help something happen.

Answer key (one line):
1a 2b 3c 4a 5c 6a 7b
8c 9a 10b 11a 12b 13c 14c
15a 16b 17b 18c 19a 20b 21c
___________________

Answers:

1. What is the brain? → a) The part inside the head that thinks
2. What does to listen mean? → b) To pay attention with your ears
3. What does important mean? → c) Something we really need
4. What is a helper? → a) A person or thing that helps
5. What does to work together mean? → c) To do something with another person or thing
6. What does all the time mean? → a) Always, every moment
7. What does to hear mean? → b) To get sounds with your ears
8. What are sounds? → c) Noises we hear with our ears
9. What does from outside mean? → a) In the world around us
10. What is a voice? → b) The sound from a person when they speak
11. What is a sentence? → a) A group of words that go together
12. What is a meaning? → b) What a word or sentence tells us
13. What does to listen again inside mean? → c) The brain hears the sounds one more time and thinks
14. What does to look for meaning mean? → c) To try to find what the words want to say
15. What does to remember mean? → a) To keep something in your mind
16. What does to connect mean? → b) To join things together
17. What is stress (pronunciation)? → b) The part of a word we say stronger or louder
18. What is rhythm of a language? → c) The music or beat of how people speak
19. What does to speak clearly mean? → a) To say words in a way people understand
20. What is confidence? → b) To feel strong and sure, not afraid
21. What does to make possible mean? → c) To help something happen

##############

Gap-fill exercise, one answer correct:

1. The _____ is the part inside your head that thinks and remembers. (a) brain (b) helper (c) confidence
2. Listening is very _____ when learning a new language. (a) rhythm (b) voice (c)important
3. A _____ is a person or thing that helps. (a) helper (b) meaning (c) sentence
4. The ears and the brain _____ to understand language. (a) stress (b) work together (c) connect
5. They do this _____ , every moment. (a) to speak clearly (b) from outside (c) all the time
6. The ears _____ sounds from the world around us. (a) hear (b) listen again inside (c) confidence
7. Sounds are the _____ we hear with our ears. (a) sentences (b) stress (c) noises
8. The ears hear sounds _____ the body. (a) helper (b) to look for meaning (c) from outside
9. A _____ is the sound from a person when they speak. (a) brain (b) voice (c) rhythm
10. A _____ is a group of words that go together. (a) sentence (b) helper (c) confidence
11. The ears cannot understand the _____ by themselves. (a) to speak clearly (b) meaning (c) stress
12. The brain _____ the sounds one more time and thinks. (a) listens again inside (b) remembers (c) connects
13. The brain tries _____ what the words want to say. (a) to look for meaning (b) to speak clearly (c) from outside
14. The brain _____ old words and joins them with new ones. (a) stress (b) remembers (c) confidence
15. It also _____ words and ideas together. (a) rhythm of a language (b) helper (c) connects
16. Listening many times teaches the correct _____ of words. (a) brain (b) stress (c) confidence
17. It also helps us learn the _____ of a language. (a) rhythm of a language (b) to speak clearly (c) helper
18. Later, this helps us _____ words in a way people understand. (a) to speak clearly (b) from outside (c) to remember
19. It also builds our _____ , so we feel strong and sure. (a) helper (b) confidence (c) stress
20. The ears bring sounds, and the brain builds meaning to _____ learning possible. (a) make (b) hear (c) stress
21. Both the ears and the brain are _____ in learning a new language. (a) sentences (b) rhythm (c) helpers

Answers:

1a 2c 3a 4b 5c 6a 7c 8c 9b
10a 11b 12c 13a 14b 15c 16b
17a 18c 19b 20a 21c

________________________

Full version:

The brain is the part inside your head that thinks and remembers.

Listening is very important when learning a new language.

A helper is a person or thing that helps.

The ears and the brain work together to understand language.

They do this all the time, every moment.

The ears hear sounds from the world around us.

Sounds are the noises we hear with our ears.

The ears hear sounds from outside the body.

A voice is the sound from a person when they speak.

A sentence is a group of words that go together.

The ears cannot understand the meaning by themselves.

The brain connects the sounds one more time and thinks.

The brain tries to look for meaning what the words want to say.

The brain remembers old words and joins them with new ones.

It also connects words and ideas together.

Listening many times teaches the correct stress of words.

It also helps us learn the rhythm of a language.

Later, this helps us to remember words in a way people understand.

It also builds our confidence, so we feel strong and sure.

The ears bring sounds, and the brain builds meaning to make learning possible.

Both the ears and the brain are helpers in learning a new language.

###############

True or false:

1. The ears can hear words, voices, and sentences.
2. The ears and the brain do not need to work together for language learning.
3. Listening many times improves (make better) understanding and speaking confidently.
4. Without the ears, no sounds come into the brain.
5. The brain listens again inside and looks for meaning.
6. The ears understand the meaning of the words they hear.
7. Repeated listening helps the brain learn the correct sounds, stress, and rhythm.
8. Listening does not help with speaking clearly.
9. The brain and the ears work together in language learning.
10. Without the brain, the sounds from the ears have no meaning.
11. The ears can connect old words with new words by themselves.
12. Language learning is only possible when the ears bring sounds and the brain builds meaning.
13. The brain remembers old words and connects them with new ones through repeated listening.
14. Repeated listening does not help the brain remember old words.

Answers:
1T 2F 3T 4T 5T 6F 7T
8F 9T 10T 11F 12T 13T 14F
___________________

Full version:

1. The ears can hear words, voices, and sentences. T
2. The ears and the brain do not need to work together for language learning.
   F True is: The ears and the brain do need to work together for language learning.
3. Listening many times improves understanding and speaking confidently. T
4. Without the ears, no sounds come into the brain. T
5. The brain listens again inside and looks for meaning. T
6. The ears understand the meaning of the words they hear.
   F True is: The ears do not understand meaning; the brain finds the meaning.
7. Repeated listening helps the brain learn the correct sounds, stress, and rhythm. T
8. Listening does not help with speaking clearly.
   F True is: Listening does help with speaking clearly.
9. The brain and the ears work together in language learning. T
10. Without the brain, the sounds from the ears have no meaning. T
11. The ears can connect old words with new words by themselves.
    F True is: The brain connects old words with new words, not the ears.
12. Language learning is only possible when the ears bring sounds and the brain builds meaning. T
13. The brain remembers old words and connects them with new ones through repeated listening. T
14. Repeated listening does not help the brain remember old words.
    F True is: Repeated listening does help the brain remember old words.

################

Gap-fill exercise, one answer correct:

1. The ears _____ sounds from the outside world.
   (a) hear (b) ignore (c) confuse
2. Listening many times helps the brain _____ old words with new ones.
   (a) connect (b) forget (c) ignore
3. The brain listens again inside and tries to _____ the meaning.
   (a) find (b) hide (c) repeat
4. Without the ears, no _____ would reach the brain.
   (a) words (b) sounds (c) meaning
5. The ears and the brain work together _____ learning a language_____.
   (a) to make possible (b) to confuse (c) to avoid
6. Repeated listening helps improve the correct _____ and rhythm of words.
   (a) stress (b) voice (c) noise
7. The ears alone cannot _____ the meaning of the words.
   (a) understand (b) hear (c) connect
8. The brain helps us speak more clearly and with more _____.
   (a) fear (b) confidence (c) mistakes
9. Sounds enter through the ears, but the brain gives them _____.
   (a) rhythm (b) stress (c) meaning
10. The ears do not _____ words; they only bring sounds to the brain.
    (a) connect (b) understand (c) remember
11. The brain becomes faster at processing sounds after _____ listening sessions.
    (a) little (b) many (c) no
12. Without the brain, sounds from the ears have no _____.
    (a) voice (b) meaning (c) noise
13. Listening helps the brain remember words and _____ them with others.
    (a) ignore (b) connect (c) confuse
14. Both the ears and the brain are _____ in making language learning possible.
    (a) helpers (b) obstacles (c) noise

_______________

Answers:

1a 2a 3a 4b 5a 6a 7a 8b
9c 10b 11b 12b 13b 14a
_______________

Full version:

1. The ears hear sounds from the outside world.
2. Listening many times helps the brain connect old words with new ones.
3. The brain listens again inside and tries to find the meaning.
4. Without the ears, no sounds would reach the brain.
5. The ears and the brain work together to make possible learning a language.
6. Repeated listening helps improve the correct stress and rhythm of words.
7. The ears alone cannot understand the meaning of the words.
8. The brain helps us speak more clearly and with more confidence.
9. Sounds enter through the ears, but the brain gives them meaning.
10. The ears do not understand words; they only bring sounds to the brain.
11. The brain becomes faster at processing sounds after many listening sessions.
12. Without the brain, sounds from the ears have no meaning.
13. Listening helps the brain remember words and connect them with others.
14. Both the ears and the brain are helpers in making language learning possible.

#################

Interview with an expert on learning a language, ears, and brain, fill in, words below:

meaning – remembers – words – sounds – brain –
stress – important – hear – understand – speak –
confidence – many times – word

________________________

1. Q: Why is listening important when learning a new language?
A: Listening helps us hear __________ and understand meaning.

2. Q: What do the ears do in language learning?
A: The ears hear sounds and send them to the __________ .

3. Q: Can the ears __________ words alone?
A: No, the ears only hear sounds. The brain finds the meaning.

4. Q: What does the brain do with the sounds?
A: The brain listens again and looks for __________.

5. Q: Why should we listen many times?
A: Listening many times helps us learn correct sounds and __________.

6. Q: How does listening help speaking?
A: Listening helps us speak clearly and with __________.

7. Q: What happens if we only read words and do not listen?
A: We can read words but cannot __________ well or understand spoken words.

8. Q: How does the brain connect old and new words?
A: The brain __________ old words and joins them with new words.

9. Q: Does the brain work faster with practice?
A: Yes, listening __________ makes the brain faster.

10. Q: Can we learn language without listening?
A: No, listening is very __________.

11. Q: What is stress in a __________?
A: Stress is the strong part of the word we say louder.

12. Q: Why do we need both ears and the brain?
A: The ears bring __________ and the brain finds meaning.

___________________

Full version in A1:

1. Q: Why is listening important when learning a new language?
A: Listening helps us hear words and understand meaning.

2. Q: What do the ears do in language learning?
A: The ears hear sounds and send them to the brain.

3. Q: Can the ears understand words alone?
A: No, the ears only hear sounds. The brain finds the meaning.

4. Q: What does the brain do with the sounds?
A: The brain listens again and looks for meaning.

5. Q: Why should we listen many times?
A: Listening many times helps us learn correct sounds and stress.

6. Q: How does listening help speaking?
A: Listening helps us speak clearly and with confidence.

7. Q: What happens if we only read words and do not listen?
A: We can read words but cannot speak well or understand spoken words.

8. Q: How does the brain connect old and new words?
A: The brain remembers old words and joins them with new words.

9. Q: Does the brain work faster with practice?
A: Yes, listening many times makes the brain faster.

10. Q: Can we learn language without listening?
A: No, listening is very important.

11. Q: What is stress in a word?
A: Stress is the strong part of the word we say louder.

12. Q: Why do we need both ears and the brain?
A: The ears bring sounds and the brain finds meaning.

###############

The same dialogue in A2:

1. Q: Why is listening important when learning a new language?
A: Listening is very important because it helps us understand words, sentences, and meaning.

2. Q: What do the ears do in language learning?
A: The ears hear sounds, words, and sentences, and send them to the brain.

3. Q: Can the ears understand words alone?
A: No, ears cannot understand meaning. The brain finds the meaning of the sounds.

4. Q: What does the brain do with the sounds?
A: The brain listens again inside, remembers old words, and looks for meaning.

5. Q: Why should we listen many times?
A: Listening many times helps the brain learn the correct sounds, stress, and rhythm.

6. Q: How does listening help speaking?
A: Listening helps us speak clearly and with confidence.

7. Q: What happens if we only read words and do not listen?
A: We can read and write, but we cannot speak well or understand spoken language.

8. Q: How does the brain connect old and new words?
A: The brain remembers old words and joins them with new words.

9. Q: Does the brain work faster with practice?
A: Yes, listening many times makes the brain faster and stronger.

10. Q: Can we learn a language without listening?
A: No, listening is necessary for learning a language.

11. Q: What is stress in a word?
A: Stress is the part of the word we say stronger or louder.

12. Q: Why do we need both ears and the brain?
A: The ears bring sounds and the brain gives them meaning.

##############

The same dialogue in B1:

1. Q: Why is listening important when learning a new language?
A: Listening is very important because it helps us understand not only words but also sentences and overall meaning.

2. Q: What do the ears do in language learning?
A: The ears receive sounds, words, and sentences from the environment and pass them to the brain.

3. Q: Can the ears understand words on their own?
A: No, ears cannot understand the meaning by themselves; the brain interprets the sounds.

4. Q: What does the brain do with the sounds?
A: The brain listens again internally, connects new words with words you already know, and searches for meaning.

5. Q: Why should we listen repeatedly?
A: Listening repeatedly helps the brain learn correct pronunciation, stress, and the rhythm of the language.

6. Q: How does listening help speaking?
A: Listening trains the brain to recognize language patterns, which improves clarity and confidence when speaking.

7. Q: What happens if we only read words and do not listen?
A: We may understand written words, but we will have difficulties pronouncing them correctly and understanding spoken language.

8. Q: How does the brain connect old and new words?
A: The brain remembers old words and links them with new words to build understanding.

9. Q: Does the brain become faster at processing language with practice?
A: Yes, repeated listening strengthens neural connections, allowing the brain to process language more quickly.

10. Q: Can someone learn a language without listening?
A: No, listening is essential for acquiring proper pronunciation, rhythm, and comprehension.

11. Q: What is stress in a word?
A: Stress is the part of the word we pronounce more strongly or louder than the other parts.

12. Q: Why do we need both ears and the brain?
A: The ears bring in sounds, and the brain interprets them to create understanding and meaning.

###########

MORE on the topic => LINK

###########

Bonus text

The Ears and the Brain in Language Learning

When we learn a new language, listening is very important. Our body has two helpers for listening: the ears and the brain. They work together all the time.

The ears hear sounds from outside. They hear words, voices, and sentences. The ears do not understand the meaning, but they bring all sounds to the brain. The ears are like doors. They open and let the sounds go inside.

The brain takes the sounds from the ears. Then it starts to work. The brain listens again inside, and it looks for meaning. It remembers old words and connects them with new ones. When the brain finds the meaning, we understand.

When we listen many times, the brain becomes faster. It learns the correct sounds, the right stress, and the rhythm of the language. Later, this helps us to speak more clearly and with more confidence.

So, the ears and the brain are a team. The ears bring the sounds, and the brain builds the meaning. Without ears, no sounds come in. Without the brain, no meaning comes out. Together, they make language learning possible.

A1 (Beginner)

Doing texts and exercises helps you learn English. You can get better and know more words.

A2 (Elementary)

Non-native speakers should do texts and exercises. This helps them improve their English and learn new vocabulary.

B1 (Intermediate)

Learners of all levels should practice with texts and exercises because this will help them improve their English skills and increase their vocabulary.

B2 (Upper-Intermediate)

Non-native speakers at every level should engage in texts and exercises as these activities enhance their language proficiency and expand their vocabulary.

C1 (Advanced)

It is essential for non-native speakers across all proficiency levels to work with texts and exercises, as doing so significantly boosts their command of the language and enriches their lexical knowledge.

C2 (Proficient)

Regardless of their current proficiency, non-native speakers benefit greatly from engaging with texts and exercises, as these practices profoundly refine their linguistic abilities and considerably broaden their vocabulary repertoire.

• Fatima tells Zayna about her experience at a cultural festival in Solok

Dear Zayna,

How are you? I want to tell you about the Festival 5 Danau, which I visited in Solok with my family last year . We had heard that it was an important cultural event in the area, so we decided to spend a day there. We left our house early because we wanted to arrive before the festival became too crowded.

When we arrived, the area was already full of people. Families had come from nearby villages, and some visitors had travelled from other parts of West Sumatra. There was a lively atmosphere, with music playing, people talking and groups of visitors moving around. We walked through the festival area and looked at the different activities before choosing what we wanted to see.

One of the first performances we watched was a traditional Minangkabau dance. The dancers wore colourful traditional clothes and moved to the music. After that, we watched a martial arts performance. The performers moved very quickly and showed a lot of skill and concentration. I found it particularly interesting because I had never seen this kind of performance at a local festival before.

Later, we explored the area around the five lakes. We enjoyed the beautiful views of the lakes, green hills and nearby villages. We also stopped at several small stalls where local people sold handicrafts, clothes and other products. I bought a small handmade item as a souvenir. While we were looking around, we spoke to some villagers, who told us about their traditions and everyday lives.

In the afternoon, we watched a cultural parade. Groups from different villages walked through the festival area wearing traditional clothes. Each group had its own style, and some carried objects that represented their village. I liked this part of the festival because it showed how much local people valued their traditions.

We stayed until the main events had finished and then returned to Solok. We were tired after such a busy day, but we were happy with our experience. The festival gave us the opportunity to learn more about Minangkabau culture and to meet people from the surrounding area.

I thought you would have enjoyed it too. If you visited Solok one day, I would definitely recommend going to the Festival 5 Danau.

Best wishes,

Fatima

###################

Verbs – regular, irregular

###############

Match the verbs with their definitions

1. want
2. tell
3. visit
4. have
5. hear
6. decide
7. spend
8. leave
9. arrive
10. become
11. come
12. travel
13. talk
14. move
15. walk
16. look
17. choose
18. watch
19. wear
20. show

A. to go from one place to another
B. to decide which thing you want
C. to get to a place
D. to have clothes on your body
E. to go away from a place
F. to give someone information
G. to wish to have or do something
H. to use time doing something
I. to go to a place for a short time
J. to start to be something
K. to go to a place
L. to speak to someone
M. to notice or understand something by listening
N. to change position or place
O. to go somewhere on foot
P. to use your eyes to see something
Q. to make a choice about what to do
R. to look at something for some time
S. to let someone see something
T. to own, hold, or experience something

__________________________

Answer key:
1-G, 2-F, 3-I, 4-T, 5-M, 6-Q, 7-H,
8-E, 9-C, 10-J, 11-K, 12-A, 13-L, 14-N,
15-O, 16-P, 17-B, 18-R, 19-D, 20-S

###################

Match the words / phrases with their definitions

1. an experience
2. to be crowded
3. a lively atmosphere
4. a performance
5. traditional clothes
6. martial arts
7. a performer
8. skill
9. to explore
10. to enjoy
11. a stall
12. handicraft
13. a parade
14. an opportunity
15. definitely

A. a small place where people sell things
B. the ability to do something well
C. a good chance to do something
D. something made by hand, often using traditional methods
E. without doubt; certainly
F. a person who acts, dances, sings, or does something for an audience
G. to have many people in one place
H. clothes that people wear as part of their culture
I. a group of people walking through a place as part of an event
J. to like something and have a good time
K. an activity where people show something to an audience
L. sports or skills for fighting and protecting yourself
M. something that happens to you and that you remember
N. a place or situation that is full of energy and activity
O. to travel around a place and learn about it

_________________________

Answer key:
1-M, 2-G, 3-N, 4-K, 5-H, 6-L,
7-F, 8-B, 9-O, 10-J, 11-A, 12-D,
13-I, 14-C, 15-E
##################

Multiple choice — understanding the text

1. Why did Fatima and her family leave their house early?
   • A. They wanted to visit a village before the festival.
   • B. They had a long journey to Solok.
   • C. They wanted to watch the first dance.
   • D. They wanted to arrive before the festival became too crowded.
2. What made the festival area feel lively?
   • A. People were dancing everywhere.
   • B. The visitors were preparing for a parade.
   • C. Music, conversations and groups of visitors filled the area.
   • D. There were many shops and restaurants.
3. Why did Fatima find the martial arts performance particularly interesting?
   • A. It was the main event of the festival.
   • B. She had never seen this type of performance at a local festival.
   • C. The performers were from her village.
   • D. She had practised martial arts herself.
4. What did Fatima learn from speaking to the villagers?
   • A. More about the five lakes.
   • B. How to make traditional clothes.
   • C. How to organise the festival.
   • D. More about their traditions and everyday lives.
5. What did the objects carried by the groups in the parade represent?
   • A. Their performances.
   • B. Their families.
   • C. Their villages.
   • D. Their traditional clothes.
6. Why did Fatima’s family stop at the small stalls?
   • A. They wanted to buy local products.
   • B. They needed something to eat.
   • C. They wanted to meet the performers.
   • D. They wanted to find the festival entrance.
7. What did Fatima buy during the visit?
   • A. Some traditional clothes.
   • B. A small handmade souvenir.
   • C. A musical instrument.
   • D. A book about Solok.
8. What was special about the groups in the cultural parade?
   • A. They all came from the same village.
   • B. They all performed martial arts.
   • C. They all carried the same objects.
   • D. Each group had its own style.
9. Why did Fatima like the cultural parade?
   • A. It showed that local people valued their traditions.
   • B. It was the longest event of the day.
   • C. It included her favourite type of music.
   • D. It gave her a chance to buy more souvenirs.
10. How did Fatima feel after the festival?

• A. She was disappointed but interested.
• B. She was tired but happy.
• C. She was surprised and worried.
• D. She was bored but relaxed.

11. What did the festival give Fatima and her family the opportunity to do?

• A. Learn more about Minangkabau culture and meet local people.
• B. Visit every village around the five lakes.
• C. Watch performances from all parts of Indonesia.
• D. Spend several days travelling around West Sumatra.

12. Why did Fatima recommend the festival to Zayna?

• A. Zayna had already visited Solok.
• B. Zayna was interested in buying handicrafts.
• C. Fatima thought Zayna would enjoy the experience.
• D. Fatima wanted Zayna to meet her family.

________________________

Answer key:
1-D, 2-C, 3-B, 4-D, 5-C, 6-A,
7-B, 8-D, 9-A, 10-B, 11-A, 12-C

#################

True or false — think carefully

1. Fatima visited the festival alone.
2. The festival attracted people from outside the immediate area.
3. Fatima’s family watched several activities before deciding what to see.
4. The dancers performed in modern clothes.
5. The martial arts performers demonstrated speed and ability.
6. Fatima had visited a similar local festival before.
7. The family bought several expensive souvenirs.
8. Fatima spoke with local people about their way of life.
9. The different parade groups all looked exactly the same.
10. Fatima thought the festival was a good way to learn about local culture.
11. Fatima and her family stayed at the festival until the main events had finished.
12. Some visitors came from other parts of West Sumatra.
13. The family went directly home after watching the martial arts performance.
14. Fatima saw both a traditional dance and a martial arts performance.
15. The family bought handicrafts from several different stalls.
16. The villagers only talked about the history of the festival.
17. The parade included groups from different villages.
18. Every parade group used the same style of clothing.
19. Fatima felt that the busy day had been worthwhile.
20. Fatima told Zayna that she would not recommend the festival.

_________________________

Answer key:
1-False, 2-True, 3-False, 4-False, 5-True, 6-False, 7-False, 8-True, 9-False, 10-True, 11-True, 12-True, 13-False, 14-True, 15-False, 16-False, 17-True, 18-False, 19-True, 20-False

##################

Find evidence in the text

1. The festival was already very busy when Fatima arrived.
   
   EVIDENCE IN TEXT:
   “the area was already full of people”
   
2. People came from places outside the local area.
3. The performers were highly skilled.
4. Fatima was interested in the performance because it was new to her.
5. The family saw more than just the festival itself.
6. Local people were willing to talk about their lives.
7. The villages represented themselves in different ways.
8. Fatima’s family stayed for a long time.
9. The day was tiring but positive.
10. Fatima believed Zayna would probably like the festival.
11. The festival included activities connected with Minangkabau culture.
12. The family bought something to remember the visit.
13. The parade showed that local traditions were important to the people.
14. The family did not leave immediately after the main festival activities.

______________________________

Correct answers:

1. The festival was already very busy when Fatima arrived. – “the area was already full of people”
2. People came from places outside the local area. – “some visitors had travelled from other parts of West Sumatra”
3. The performers were highly skilled. – “showed a lot of skill and concentration”
4. Fatima was interested in the performance because it was new to her. – “I had never seen this kind of performance at a local festival before”
5. The family saw more than just the festival itself. – “we explored the area around the five lakes”
6. Local people were willing to talk about their lives. – “who told us about their traditions and everyday lives”
7. The villages represented themselves in different ways. – “Each group had its own style”
8. Fatima’s family stayed for a long time. – “We stayed until the main events had finished”
9. The day was tiring but positive. – “We were tired after such a busy day, but we were happy with our experience”
10. Fatima believed Zayna would probably like the festival. – “I thought you would have enjoyed it too”
11. The festival included activities connected with Minangkabau culture. – “a traditional Minangkabau dance”
12. The family bought something to remember the visit. – “I bought a small handmade item as a souvenir”
13. The parade showed that local traditions were important to the people. – “it showed how much local people valued their traditions”
14. The family did not leave immediately after the main festival activities. – “We stayed until the main events had finished and then returned to Solok”

##################

Why? — Give a reason – answer in one or two sentences.

1. Why did Fatima’s family decide to spend a day at the festival?
2. Why did the family arrive early?
3. Why was the festival area already busy when they arrived?
4. Why did Fatima find the martial arts performance interesting?
5. Why did Fatima buy a handmade item?
6. Why did Fatima like the cultural parade?
7. Why were Fatima and her family tired at the end of the day?
8. Why did Fatima recommend the festival to Zayna?
9. Why did the family explore the area around the five lakes?
10. Why did Fatima speak to some villagers?
11. Why did the family stop at several small stalls?
12. Why did Fatima think the festival was a valuable experience?

________________________

Answers:

1. Why did Fatima’s family decide to spend a day at the festival? – They had heard that it was an important cultural event in the area.
2. Why did the family arrive early? – They wanted to arrive before the festival became too crowded.
3. Why was the festival area already busy when they arrived? – Families had come from nearby villages, and some visitors had travelled from other parts of West Sumatra.
4. Why did Fatima find the martial arts performance interesting? – She had never seen this kind of performance at a local festival before.
5. Why did Fatima buy a handmade item? – She wanted a small souvenir of the visit.
6. Why did Fatima like the cultural parade? – It showed how much local people valued their traditions.
7. Why were Fatima and her family tired at the end of the day? – They had spent the day taking part in many activities and exploring the area.
8. Why did Fatima recommend the festival to Zayna? – She thought Zayna would have enjoyed the experience too.
9. Why did the family explore the area around the five lakes? – They wanted to enjoy the beautiful views of the lakes, hills and villages.
10. Why did Fatima speak to some villagers? – She wanted to learn about their traditions and everyday lives.
11. Why did the family stop at several small stalls? – Local people were selling handicrafts, clothes and other products there.
12. Why did Fatima think the festival was a valuable experience? – It gave her the opportunity to learn more about Minangkabau culture and meet local people.

####################
What does the word or phrase between – _____ – refer to?

“…we decided to spend a day -there-.”

“…before -the festival- became too crowded.”

“After -that-, we watched a martial arts performance.”

“I found -it- particularly interesting…”

“We also stopped at several small stalls -where- local people sold handicrafts…”

“…villagers, -who- told us about their traditions and everyday lives.”

“Each group had its own style, and -some- carried objects that represented their village.”

“I liked -this part of the festival- because it showed how much local people valued their traditions.”

“-There- was a lively atmosphere, with music playing…”

“Families had come from nearby villages, and -some visitors- had travelled from other parts of West Sumatra.”

“…before choosing -what we wanted to see-.”

“The performers moved very quickly and showed a lot of skill and concentration. I found -it- particularly interesting…”

“We also stopped at several small stalls -where- local people sold handicrafts, clothes and other products.”

“-While we were looking around-, we spoke to some villagers…”

“…some carried objects that represented -their village-.”

“We were tired after such a busy day, but we were happy with -our experience-.”

________________________

Correct answers:

“…we decided to spend a day -there-.” – the Festival 5 Danau in Solok

“…before -the festival- became too crowded.” – the Festival 5 Danau

“After -that-, we watched a martial arts performance.” – the traditional Minangkabau dance

“I found -it- particularly interesting…” – the martial arts performance

“We also stopped at several small stalls -where- local people sold handicrafts…” – the small stalls

“…villagers, -who- told us about their traditions and everyday lives.” – the villagers

“Each group had its own style, and -some- carried objects that represented their village.” – some of the groups

“I liked -this part of the festival- because it showed how much local people valued their traditions.” – the cultural parade

“-There- was a lively atmosphere, with music playing…” – the festival area

“Families had come from nearby villages, and -some visitors- had travelled from other parts of West Sumatra.” – some of the visitors

“…before choosing -what we wanted to see-.” – the activities they wanted to see

“The performers moved very quickly and showed a lot of skill and concentration. I found -it- particularly interesting…” – the martial arts performance

“We also stopped at several small stalls -where- local people sold handicrafts, clothes and other products.” – the small stalls

“-While we were looking around-, we spoke to some villagers…” – while we were looking around the stalls

“…some carried objects that represented -their village-.” – the village of each group

“We were tired after such a busy day, but we were happy with -our experience-.” – their visit to the festival

##################

What happened first?

(A) Fatima spoke with some villagers.
(B) The family watched a martial arts performance.
(C) The family returned to Solok.
(D) Fatima bought a handmade souvenir.
(E) The family watched a traditional dance.
(F) The family arrived at the festival.
(G) The family watched a cultural parade.
(H) The family explored the area around the five lakes.
_________________________

Correct order

1. (F) The family arrived at the festival.
2. (E) The family watched a traditional dance.
3. (B) The family watched a martial arts performance.
4. (H) The family explored the area around the five lakes.
5. (D) Fatima bought a handmade souvenir.
6. (A) Fatima spoke with some villagers.
7. (G) The family watched a cultural parade.
8. (C) The family returned to Solok.

##################

Give correct form of verb in past simple:

Fatima ______ (go) to the Festival 5 Danau in Solok with her family last year. They ______ (leave) home early and ______ (come) to the festival before it became too crowded. When they ______ (get) there, many families and visitors had already ______ (come) from nearby villages and other parts of West Sumatra.

They ______ (see) a traditional Minangkabau dance, where the performers ______ (wear) colourful clothes and ______ (move) to the music. They also ______ (see) a martial arts performance and ______ (find) it very interesting because Fatima had never ______ (see) one before.

Later, they ______ (go) around the five lakes and ______ (see) beautiful views of the lakes, hills and villages. They ______ (meet) local people, ______ (speak) to villagers and ______ (buy) a small handmade souvenir. In the afternoon, they ______ (watch) a cultural parade. Different groups ______ (wear) traditional clothes and ______ (bring) objects from their villages.

They ______ (stay) until the main events had ______ (finish), then ______ (go) back to Solok. Fatima ______ (feel) tired but ______ (think) the festival was a wonderful cultural experience.

—————————————

Correct version:

Fatima went to the Festival 5 Danau in Solok with her family last year. They left home early and came to the festival before it became too crowded. When they got there, many families and visitors had already come from nearby villages and other parts of West Sumatra.

They saw a traditional Minangkabau dance, where the performers wore colourful clothes and moved to the music. They also saw a martial arts performance and found it very interesting because Fatima had never seen one before.

Later, they went around the five lakes and saw beautiful views of the lakes, hills and villages. They met local people, spoke to villagers and bought a small handmade souvenir. In the afternoon, they watched a cultural parade. Different groups wore traditional clothes and brought objects from their villages.

They stayed until the main events had finished, then went back to Solok. Fatima felt tired but thought the festival was a wonderful cultural experience.

#################

Matching exercise, question and answer:

– Interview with Fatima

Questions

1. Where did you spend the day last year?
2. Why did you start your journey early?
3. Who had already arrived when you got there?
4. What kind of dance did you watch?
5. How did the martial arts performers impress you?
6. What did you discover around the five lakes?
7. What did you purchase [buy] at one of the stalls?
8. Who did you talk to while you were looking around?
9. What did the villagers explain to you?
10. What did the groups show during the afternoon parade?
11. How did you feel when you returned to Solok?
12. Why would you recommend the festival to Zayna?

Answers

A. They showed their village traditions through their clothes and the objects they carried.
B. I bought a small handmade item as a souvenir.
C. I felt tired, but I was happy with the experience.
D. I found it very interesting because they moved very quickly and showed great skill and concentration.
E. Families from nearby villages and visitors from other parts of West Sumatra had already come.
F. I spent the day at the Festival 5 Danau in Solok with my family.
G. I met some villagers while we were looking around the stalls.
H. I saw a traditional Minangkabau dance.
I. They told us about their traditions and everyday lives.
J. I saw beautiful views of the lakes, green hills and nearby villages.
K. We left early because we wanted to arrive before the festival became too crowded.
L. I would definitely suggest it because visitors can learn about Minangkabau culture and meet local people.

_______________________

Answer key:
1-F, 2-K, 3-E, 4-H, 5-D, 6-J, 7-B,
8-G, 9-I, 10-A, 11-C, 12-L

_______________________

Correct version:

Interview with Fatima

Interviewer: Where did you spend the day last year?
Fatima: I went to the Festival 5 Danau in Solok with my family, and we stayed there for the day.

Interviewer: Why did you start your journey early?
Fatima: We left our house early because we wanted to arrive before the festival became too crowded.

Interviewer: Who had already arrived when you got there?
Fatima: Many families from nearby villages and visitors from other parts of West Sumatra had already come.

Interviewer: What kind of dance did you watch?
Fatima: We saw a traditional Minangkabau dance with colourful clothes and music.

Interviewer: How did the martial arts performers impress you?
Fatima: I found their performance very interesting because they moved quickly and showed great skill and concentration.

Interviewer: What did you discover around the five lakes?
Fatima: We saw beautiful views of the lakes, green hills and nearby villages.

Interviewer: What did you purchase at one of the stalls?
Fatima: I bought a small handmade item as a souvenir.

Interviewer: Who did you talk to while you were looking around?
Fatima: We met some villagers while we were looking at the stalls.

Interviewer: What did the villagers explain to you?
Fatima: They told us about their traditions and everyday lives.

Interviewer: What did the groups show during the afternoon parade?
Fatima: They showed their village traditions through their clothes and the objects they carried.

Interviewer: How did you feel when you returned to Solok?
Fatima: I felt tired, but I was very happy with our experience.

Interviewer: Why would you recommend the festival to Zayna?
Fatima: I would definitely suggest it because visitors can learn about Minangkabau culture and meet people from the surrounding area.

##################
##################
##################

Please use the box below
to write your feedback.
Only I can read it.
It is not public.

Please tell me:

• Are the texts and exercises OK?
• Are the topics OK?
• Is the level OK?
• Is it too easy or too difficult?
• Do you want texts about other topics?

Thank you! I appreciate your feedback.

##################

##################

##################

Remember how babies
learn a language:

Babies learn a language by listening.
They use their ears to hear sounds.
Their brain remembers these sounds.
Babies connect sounds with people and things.
They listen to their parents.
Then they copy the sounds they hear. They imitate words.
Slowly, babies learn to speak.

So,
LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN……………

SMFrockZ@gmx.at

• Siti from Solok

Dear Chanra,

How are you? I hope everything is going well. I wanted to tell you about a trip I made to Solok in West Sumatra last year. I travelled there with my family during the school holidays, and we spent several days exploring the area.

We arrived in Solok in the morning and checked into our hotel. After leaving our bags there, we set off to explore the town. We soon came across several rice fields, where farmers were working and looking after the crops. I took several photographs and watched them for a while because I wanted to understand more about their daily work.

That afternoon, we visited a nearby village. While we were walking around, we saw several traditional Minangkabau houses with unusual roofs. I had never seen houses like them before, so I took some pictures. We also stopped to talk to some local people, who told us about their everyday lives.

The next morning, we visited a local market. It was crowded and lively, with sellers offering vegetables, fruit and other local products. While I was looking at one of the stalls, I started talking to a girl named Siti. She told me that she lived in Solok and went to a school near the town centre. We talked about our schools, families and hobbies and soon discovered that we had several interests in common.

Later that day, Siti showed me some places near her home. We walked past rice fields and stopped at a small food shop. She recommended nasi kapau, which I had never tried before. I really enjoyed it, and we continued talking over tea.

Before I left Solok, I met Siti once more. We took some photographs together and exchanged contact details because we wanted to keep in touch.

The trip was very memorable, especially because I made a new friend. I hope I can visit Solok and see Siti again one day.

Best wishes,

Aisyah

_________________________

Vocabulary:

################

Verbs, regular, irregular in text:

####################

Match the word with the definition

1. to explore
2. to check into a hotel
3. a bag
4. soon
5. to come across
6. several
7. crops
8. for a while
9. daily work
10. nearby
11. unusual roofs
12. to be crowded
13. to be lively
14. a seller
15. vegetables
16. a local product
17. a stall
18. to discover
19. in common
20. to recommend
21. to try food
22. to enjoy
23. to exchange contact details
24. to keep in touch
25. to be memorable
26. to make a friend

Definitions

A. to continue talking or communicating with someone
B. something made or grown in the area
C. to find or see something by chance
D. plants that farmers grow for food
E. to arrive at a hotel and get your room
F. to become friends with someone
G. not far away
H. a person who sells things
I. to find something or learn something for the first time
J. to have many people in a place
K. to travel around a place to learn about it
L. to like something and have a good time
M. more than two but not many
N. a small place where someone sells things, often in a market
O. to eat something for the first time
P. after a short time
Q. shared by two or more people
R. to tell someone that something is good and they should try it
S. to be easy to remember because it was special or interesting
T. for a short period of time
U. the work that someone does every day
V. to give your contact information to someone and get theirs
W. to be full of activity and people
X. something you use to carry clothes or other things
Y. roofs that are different from normal roofs
Z. plants that people eat, such as carrots and beans

___________________________

Answer key:
1-K, 2-E, 3-X, 4-P, 5-C, 6-M, 7-D,
8-T, 9-U, 10-G, 11-Y, 12-J, 13-W, 14-H,
15-Z, 16-B, 17-N, 18-I, 19-Q, 20-R, 21-O,
22-L, 23-V, 24-A, 25-S, 26-F

###################

Match the definition with the word

1. to continue talking or communicating with someone
2. something made or grown in the area
3. to find or see something by chance
4. plants that farmers grow for food
5. to arrive at a hotel and get your room
6. to become friends with someone
7. not far away
8. a person who sells things
9. to find something or learn something for the first time
10. to have many people in a place
11. to travel around a place to learn about it
12. to like something and have a good time
13. more than two but not many
14. a small place where someone sells things, often in a market
15. to eat something for the first time
16. after a short time
17. shared by two or more people
18. to tell someone that something is good and they should try it
19. to be easy to remember because it was special or interesting
20. for a short period of time
21. the work that someone does every day
22. to give your contact information to someone and get theirs
23. to be full of activity and people
24. something you use to carry clothes or other things
25. roofs that are different from normal roofs
26. plants that people eat, such as carrots and beans

Words

A. vegetables
B. to be memorable
C. a stall
D. to enjoy
E. nearby
F. to recommend
G. a bag
H. to keep in touch
I. crops
J. to explore
K. a seller
L. several
M. to make a friend
N. unusual roofs
O. soon
P. to exchange contact details
Q. daily work
R. to try food
S. to discover
T. to check into a hotel
U. to be crowded
V. for a while
W. in common
X. to come across
Y. a local product
Z. to be lively

_________________________

Answer key:
1-H, 2-Y, 3-X, 4-I, 5-T, 6-M, 7-E, 8-K,
9-S, 10-U, 11-J, 12-D, 13-L, 14-C, 15-R,
16-O, 17-W, 18-F, 19-B, 20-V, 21-Q,
22-P, 23-Z, 24-G, 25-N, 26-A

##################

Fill in the correct past simple form

Last year, Aisyah ________ (go) to Solok in West Sumatra with her family during the school holidays.

After they ________ (arrive), they checked into their hotel.

They ________ (leave) their bags there before they set off to explore the town.

They soon ________ (come across) several rice fields.

There, they ________ (see) farmers working and looking after their crops.

Aisyah ________ (take) photographs and watched the farmers for a while.

That afternoon, the family ________ (go) to a nearby village.

They ________ (see) traditional Minangkabau houses with unusual roofs.

They also ________ (meet) local people in the village.

The local people ________ (tell) them about their everyday lives.

The next morning, Aisyah ________ (go) to a crowded market.

There, she ________ (meet) Siti, a girl from Solok.

They ________ (talk) about their schools, families and hobbies.

They ________ (discover) that they had several interests in common.

Later, Siti ________ (show) Aisyah places near her home.

She ________ (recommend) nasi kapau to Aisyah.

Aisyah ________ (try) it and enjoyed the meal.

Before she left Solok, she ________ (meet) Siti again.

They ________ (exchange) contact details so they could keep in touch.

Aisyah ________ (make) a new friend.

________________________

Correct version:

Last year, Aisyah went to Solok in West Sumatra with her family during the school holidays. After they arrived, they checked into their hotel and left their bags there before they set off to explore the town. They soon came across several rice fields, where they saw farmers working and looking after their crops. Aisyah took photographs and watched them for a while because she wanted to understand more about their daily work.

That afternoon, the family went to a nearby village. They saw traditional Minangkabau houses with unusual roofs and met local people who told them about their everyday lives.

The next morning, Aisyah went to a crowded market, where she met Siti, a girl from Solok. They talked about their schools, families and hobbies and discovered that they had several interests in common. Later, Siti showed Aisyah places near her home and recommended nasi kapau. Aisyah tried it and enjoyed the meal. Before she left Solok, she met Siti again, and they exchanged contact details so they could keep in touch. The trip was especially memorable because Aisyah made a new friend.

################

Multiple choice, one answer correct

1. Why did Aisyah watch the farmers for a while?

a) She wanted to take photographs of the village.
b) She wanted to understand more about their daily work.
c) She wanted to talk to the local people.
d) She wanted to learn how to grow rice.

2. What did Aisyah and her family do after arriving in Solok?

a) They visited a local market.
b) They went to a nearby village.
c) They checked into their hotel.
d) They talked to some local people.

3. What did Aisyah see in the rice fields?

a) Farmers working with their crops.
b) Traditional houses near the fields.
c) Sellers preparing food for the market.
d) Children playing near the fields.

4. Why did Aisyah take photographs of the traditional houses?

a) Her family wanted to buy one.
b) Siti asked her to photograph them.
c) They were close to the market.
d) She had never seen houses like them before.

5. Where did Aisyah meet Siti?

a) At a local market.
b) At the family hotel.
c) In a nearby village.
d) At a small food shop.

6. What did Aisyah and Siti talk about?

a) Rice farming and local products.
b) Their schools, families and hobbies.
c) Hotels and places to visit.
d) Traditional houses and their roofs.

7. What did Siti do later that day?

a) She took Aisyah back to the hotel.
b) She introduced Aisyah to her family.
c) She showed Aisyah some places near her home.
d) She took Aisyah to another village.

8. What did Siti recommend to Aisyah?

a) A local vegetable dish.
b) A traditional market.
c) A type of local product.
d) Nasi kapau.

9. Why did Aisyah and Siti exchange contact details?

a) They wanted to keep in touch.
b) They wanted to visit the same school.
c) They planned to travel together.
d) They wanted to meet the local people again.

10. Why was the trip especially memorable for Aisyah?

a) She stayed in Solok for several weeks.
b) She visited many famous tourist places.
c) She made a new friend.
d) She learned how to work in the rice fields.

___________________________

Answer key:
1-b, 2-c, 3-a, 4-d, 5-a, 6-b, 7-c, 8-d, 9-a, 10-c

####################

Put the events in order:

A. Aisyah tried nasi kapau.
B. Aisyah arrived in Solok.
C. Aisyah and Siti exchanged contact details.
D. Aisyah visited a nearby village.
E. Aisyah met Siti at a market.

F. Aisyah took photographs of the farmers.
G. Aisyah checked into the hotel.
H. Aisyah and Siti talked about their hobbies.
I. Siti showed Aisyah places near her home.
J. Aisyah met Siti again before leaving Solok.

___________________________

Answer key:
1-B, 2-G, 3-F, 4-A, 5-D, 6-C, 7-E, 8-H, 9-I, 10-J

####################

Information correction

1. Aisyah met Siti in a small food shop.
2. Aisyah travelled to Solok alone during the school holidays.
3. The family arrived in Solok in the afternoon.
4. Aisyah saw farmers working in a village.
5. The family visited a nearby village the next morning.
6. The traditional houses had ordinary roofs.
7. Siti lived in a nearby village.
8. Siti recommended a vegetable dish to Aisyah.

___________________________

Answer key:

1. Aisyah met Siti in a small food shop.
   Correct: Aisyah met Siti at a local market.
2. Aisyah travelled to Solok alone during the school holidays.
   Correct: Aisyah travelled to Solok with her family during the school holidays.
3. The family arrived in Solok in the afternoon.
   Correct: The family arrived in Solok in the morning.
4. Aisyah saw farmers working in a village.
   Correct: Aisyah saw farmers working in rice fields.
5. The family visited a nearby village the next morning.
   Correct: The family visited a nearby village that afternoon.
6. The traditional houses had ordinary roofs.
   Correct: The traditional houses had unusual roofs.
7. Siti lived in a nearby village.
   Correct: Siti lived in Solok.
8. Siti recommended a vegetable dish to Aisyah.
   Correct: Siti recommended nasi kapau to Aisyah.

#####################

Vocabulary in Context – choose the correct meaning of the bold word or phrase in each sentence:

1. “Then they set off to explore the town.”

a) stopped travelling
b) started their journey
c) returned to the hotel
d) changed their plans

2. “We soon came across several rice fields.”

a) found them by chance
b) left them quickly
c) worked in them
d) travelled away from them

3. “I watched them for a while.”

a) for the whole day
b) for many weeks
c) for a short period
d) until the evening

4. “That afternoon, we visited a nearby village.”

a) very large
b) difficult to reach
c) far from Solok
d) not far away

5. “The market was crowded and lively.”

a) quiet and empty
b) full of activity and people
c) small and difficult to find
d) closed to local people

6. “We discovered that we had several interests in common.”

a) interests we both shared
b) interests we wanted to change
c) interests that belonged to other people
d) interests we did not understand

7. “She recommended nasi kapau.”

a) asked Aisyah to cook it
b) explained how to prepare it
c) told Aisyah that she should try it
d) said that she had never eaten it

8. “We exchanged contact details because we wanted to keep in touch.”

a) forgot each other’s names
b) gave each other their contact information
c) visited each other’s homes
d) talked about their contact details

9. “The trip was very memorable.”

a) difficult to plan
b) easy to forget
c) expensive and unusual
d) easy to remember because it was special

10. “I really enjoyed it.”

a) I liked it and had a good time.
b) I wanted to prepare it myself.
c) I thought it was difficult to eat.
d) I decided not to eat it.

_______________________
Answer key:

1. Then they set off to explore the town. – started their journey
2. We soon came across several rice fields. – found them by chance
3. I watched them for a while. – a short period
4. That afternoon, we visited a nearby village. – not far away
5. The market was crowded and lively. – full of activity and people
6. We discovered that we had several interests in common. – interests we both shared
7. She recommended nasi kapau. – told Aisyah that she should try it
8. We exchanged contact details because we wanted to keep in touch. – gave each other their contact information
9. The trip was very memorable. – easy to remember because it was special
10. I really enjoyed it. – I liked it and had a good time

###################

Cause and result – match the cause with the result:

A. Aisyah and her family arrived in Solok in the morning.

YOU WRITE:
They checked into their hotel.

B. Aisyah wanted to understand more about the farmers‘ daily work.
C. Aisyah had never seen traditional Minangkabau houses before.
D. The family visited a nearby village that afternoon.
E. Aisyah met Siti at the local market.
F. Aisyah and Siti talked about their schools, families and hobbies.
G. Siti showed Aisyah some places near her home.
H. Siti recommended nasi kapau to Aisyah.
I. Aisyah really enjoyed the nasi kapau.
J. Aisyah and Siti wanted to keep in touch.

1. They exchanged contact details.
2. They saw traditional Minangkabau houses.
3. Aisyah and Siti talked over tea.
4. Aisyah watched the farmers for a while.
5. They checked into their hotel.
6. They walked around places near Siti’s home.
7. Aisyah took some pictures of the houses.
8. They discovered that they had several interests in common.
9. Aisyah tried the local dish.
10. They stopped at a small food shop.

_________________________

Answer:
A–5, B–4, C–7, D–2, E–8, F–3, G–6, H–10, I–9, J–1

##################

Find vvidence in the text

1. Find a phrase that shows Aisyah did not travel to Solok by herself.
2. Find a phrase that tells us when the family reached Solok.
3. Find a phrase that shows the family did not take their bags with them when they went exploring.
4. Find a phrase that shows people were busy working in the fields.
5. Find a phrase that explains why Aisyah spent time watching the farmers.
6. Find a phrase that shows the houses looked different from the ones Aisyah knew.
7. Find a phrase that tells us where Aisyah first got to know Siti.
8. Find a phrase that shows Aisyah and Siti liked some of the same things.
9. Find a phrase that shows Siti thought nasi kapau was worth trying.
10. Find a phrase that shows the two girls did not want their friendship to end with the trip.

________________________
Answers:

1. Find a phrase that shows Aisyah did not travel to Solok by herself.
   Answer: “I travelled there with my family”
2. Find a phrase that tells us when the family reached Solok.
   Answer: “We arrived in Solok in the morning”
3. Find a phrase that shows the family did not take their bags with them when they went exploring.
   Answer: “After leaving our bags there”
4. Find a phrase that shows people were busy working in the fields.
   Answer: “where farmers were working and looking after the crops”
5. Find a phrase that explains why Aisyah spent time watching the farmers.
   Answer: “because I wanted to understand more about their daily work”
6. Find a phrase that shows the houses looked different from the ones Aisyah knew.
   Answer: “I had never seen houses like them before”
7. Find a phrase that tells us where Aisyah first got to know Siti.
   Answer: “While I was looking at one of the stalls”
8. Find a phrase that shows Aisyah and Siti liked some of the same things.
   Answer: “we had several interests in common”
9. Find a phrase that shows Siti thought nasi kapau was worth trying.
   Answer: “She recommended nasi kapau”
10. Find a phrase that shows the two girls did not want their friendship to end with the trip.
    Answer: “we wanted to keep in touch”

#################

#################

Please use the box below
to write your feedback.
Only I can read it.
It is not public.

Please tell me:

• Are the texts and exercises OK?
• Are the topics OK?
• Is the level OK?
• Is it too easy or too difficult?
• Do you want texts about other topics?

Thank you! I appreciate your feedback.

##################

##################

##################

Remember how babies
learn a language:

Babies learn a language by listening.
They use their ears to hear sounds.
Their brain remembers these sounds.
Babies connect sounds with people and things.
They listen to their parents.
Then they copy the sounds they hear. They imitate words.
Slowly, babies learn to speak.

So,
LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN……………

SMFrockZ@gmx.at

• how to……………

Modal verbs

Modal verbs are special verbs that help us talk about ability, possibility, permission, advice, rules, and necessity.

_____________________________

• Ability – being able to do something.
• Possibility – something that can happen.
• Permission – being allowed to do something.
• Advice – an idea about what is good to do.
• Rules – things you must or must not do.
• Necessity – something you need to do.

_____________________________

1. Common modal verbs

2. Basic grammar

After a modal verb, use the infinitive without “to”:

• She can speak English. ✅
• She can to speak English. ❌
• You should study more. ✅
• You should to study more. ❌

The modal does not change with he/she/it:

• I can swim.
• She can swim.
• They can swim.

For questions, put the modal before the subject:

• Can you help me?
• Should we leave now?
• Could she come tomorrow?

For negative sentences, add not:

• cannot / can’t
• could not / couldn’t
• should not / shouldn’t
• must not / mustn’t

3. Important differences

Must / have to = something is necessary.

You must show your passport.
I have to work tomorrow.

Should = good advice, but not a strict rule.

You should drink more water.

Mustn’t = it is not allowed.

You mustn’t smoke here.

Don’t have to = it is not necessary.

You don’t have to come early.

These two meanings are very different:

• You mustn’t come. = You are not allowed to come.
• You don’t have to come. = You can come, but it is not necessary.

####################.

Exercise 1 – Choose the correct modal

Choose can, could, should, must, have to, may or might.

1. You ______ wear a seat belt in a car.
2. ______ you open the window, please?
3. My brother ______ swim when he was four.
4. You have a headache. You ______ take a rest.
5. We ______ go out tonight, but we are not sure.
6. ______ I borrow your pen, please?
7. Maria ______ speak English and Spanish.
8. I ______ work tomorrow because it is Sunday.
9. All visitors ______ show their tickets at the entrance.
10. When I was young, I ______ ride a bicycle very well.
11. You ______ bring an umbrella. It looks like rain.
12. ______ I sit here, please?
13. He ______ be at home, but I am not sure.
14. Students ______ wear their school uniform every day.

________________________

Answers:

1. You must wear a seat belt in a car.
2. Could you open the window, please?
3. My brother could swim when he was four.
4. You have a headache. You should take a rest.
5. We might go out tonight, but we are not sure.
6. May I borrow your pen, please?
7. Maria can speak English and Spanish.
8. I don’t have to work tomorrow because it is Sunday.
9. All visitors have to show their tickets at the entrance.
10. When I was young, I could ride a bicycle very well.
11. You should bring an umbrella. It looks like rain.
12. May I sit here, please?
13. He might be at home, but I am not sure.
14. Students have to wear their school uniform every day.

Exercise 2 – Correct the mistake

1. She can to drive a car.
2. You should to drink more water.
3. He must wears a jacket.
4. Could you to help me?
5. They might goes to the beach tomorrow.
6. We mustn’t to park here.
7. I can speaks English.
8. You have to wears a uniform.
9. She may comes later.
10. He should studies more.
11. Can I to use your phone?
12. We could to take the train.
13. You must to be quiet here.
14. They might stays at home tonight.

Answers

1. She can drive a car.
2. You should drink more water.
3. He must wear a jacket.
4. Could you help me?
5. They might go to the beach tomorrow.
6. We mustn’t park here.
7. I can speak English.
8. You have to wear a uniform.
9. She may come later.
10. He should study more.
11. Can I use your phone?
12. We could take the train.
13. You must be quiet here.
14. They might stay at home tonight.

Exercise 3 – Mustn’t or don’t have to?

Choose mustn’t or don’t have to.

1. You ______ pay for the entrance. It is free.
2. You ______ touch this machine. It is dangerous.
3. We ______ bring food. The hotel provides breakfast.
4. Guests ______ smoke inside the restaurant.
5. You ______ come tomorrow if you are busy.
6. You ______ use your phone during the exam.
7. We ______ wear formal clothes. The party is informal.
8. Children ______ play near the road. It is dangerous.
9. You ______ bring a towel. The hotel gives you one.
10. Visitors ______ take photos in this room.
11. I ______ cook tonight. We are going to a restaurant.
12. You ______ give your password to anyone.
13. We ______ buy tickets because they are free.
14. You ______ drive so fast. The road is wet.

Answers

1. You don’t have to pay for the entrance. It is free.
2. You mustn’t touch this machine. It is dangerous.
3. We don’t have to bring food. The hotel provides breakfast.
4. Guests mustn’t smoke inside the restaurant.
5. You don’t have to come tomorrow if you are busy.
6. You mustn’t use your phone during the exam.
7. We don’t have to wear formal clothes. The party is informal.
8. Children mustn’t play near the road. It is dangerous.
9. You don’t have to bring a towel. The hotel gives you one.
10. Visitors mustn’t take photos in this room.
11. I don’t have to cook tonight. We are going to a restaurant.
12. You mustn’t give your password to anyone.
13. We don’t have to buy tickets because they are free.
14. You mustn’t drive so fast. The road is wet.

##################

Fill in:

1. Getting Ready for Work

Anna: What time do we have to leave?
Ben: We _____ leave at seven.
Anna: _____ I have some coffee first?
Ben: Of course, but you _____ be quick.
Anna: I know. I _____ take the bus today.
Ben: You _____ take the train. It is usually faster.

2. Making Plans

Tom: What are you doing this weekend?
Lisa: I’m not sure. I _____ visit my sister.
Tom: _____ you come to the cinema with us?
Lisa: I _____, but I _____ check first.
Tom: No problem. You _____ let me know tomorrow.
Lisa: Thanks. I _____ know by then.

3. At Home

Mum: You _____ clean your room today.
Sam: _____ I do it after lunch?
Mum: Yes, but you _____ forget.
Sam: I won’t. _____ I also invite Daniel tonight?
Mum: Yes, but you _____ finish your homework first.

4. At the Doctor

Doctor: How are you feeling today?
John: I don’t feel very well.
Doctor: You _____ rest for a few days.
John: _____ I go to work tomorrow?
Doctor: You _____, but you _____ feel worse.
John: So I _____ stay at home?
Doctor: Yes. You _____ work when you are sick.

5. Shopping

Customer: _____ I try this jacket on?
Assistant: Of course. You _____ use that changing room.
Customer: _____ I also see it in black?
Assistant: Yes, we _____ have one in black. Let me check.
Customer: Thanks. I _____ buy it.
Assistant: You _____ try both colours before you decide.

6. At a Restaurant

Waiter: Are you ready to order?
Sarah: Almost. _____ I have another minute?
Waiter: Of course. You _____ take your time.
Sarah: What _____ you recommend?
Waiter: You _____ try the chicken. It is very popular.
Sarah: OK. I _____ have that.

7. On the Bus

David: _____ I sit here?
Mark: Sorry, you _____. My friend is sitting there.
David: No problem. _____ you tell me when we get to the station?
Mark: Sure. We _____ arrive in about ten minutes.
David: Thanks. I _____ get off there.

8. At the Hotel

Guest: _____ I have a late check-out?
Receptionist: You _____ stay until 2 p.m.
Guest: That’s great. _____ I pay extra?
Receptionist: No, you _____ pay anything.
Guest: Thank you. _____ I leave my bags here after that?
Receptionist: Yes, you _____ leave them at reception.

9. Helping a Friend

Mike: I have a lot of work today.
Paul: _____ I help you?
Mike: Thanks. You _____ help me with these boxes.
Paul: Sure. Where _____ I put them?
Mike: They _____ go into the storage room.
Paul: OK. We _____ do it together.

10. Going Out

Emma: Shall we go out tonight?
Jack: We _____ go to the new café.
Emma: We _____ have to wait for a table.
Jack: That’s OK. We _____ wait.
Emma: What time _____ we meet?
Jack: We _____ meet at seven.
Emma: Good. You _____ be late!

————————————–

Correct version:

1. Getting ready for work

Anna: What time do we have to leave?
Ben: We have to leave at seven.
Anna: Can I have some coffee first?
Ben: Of course, but you should be quick.
Anna: I know. I might take the bus today.
Ben: You could take the train. It is usually faster.

2. Making plans

Tom: What are you doing this weekend?
Lisa: I’m not sure. I might visit my sister.
Tom: Could you come to the cinema with us?
Lisa: I could, but I have to check first.
Tom: No problem. You can let me know tomorrow.
Lisa: Thanks. I should know by then.

3. At home

Mum: You must clean your room today.
Sam: Can I do it after lunch?
Mum: Yes, but you mustn’t forget.
Sam: I won’t. Could I also invite Daniel tonight?
Mum: Yes, but you have to finish your homework first.

4. At the doctor

Doctor: How are you feeling today?
John: I don’t feel very well.
Doctor: You should rest for a few days.
John: Can I go to work tomorrow?
Doctor: You could, but you might feel worse.
John: So I should stay at home?
Doctor: Yes. You don’t have to work when you are sick.

5. Shopping

Customer: Could I try this jacket on?
Assistant: Of course. You can use that changing room.
Customer: May I also see it in black?
Assistant: Yes, we have to have one in black. Let me check.
Customer: Thanks. I might buy it.
Assistant: You should try both colours before you decide.

6. At a restaurant

Waiter: Are you ready to order?
Sarah: Almost. Could I have another minute?
Waiter: Of course. You can take your time.
Sarah: What would you recommend?
Waiter: You could try the chicken. It is very popular.
Sarah: OK. I might have that.

7. On the bus

David: Can I sit here?
Mark: Sorry, you can’t. My friend is sitting there.
David: No problem. Could you tell me when we get to the station?
Mark: Sure. We should arrive in about ten minutes.
David: Thanks. I have to get off there.

8. At the hotel

Guest: Could I have a late check-out?
Receptionist: You can stay until 2 p.m.
Guest: That’s great. Do I have to pay extra?
Receptionist: No, you don’t have to pay anything.
Guest: Thank you. May I leave my bags here after that?
Receptionist: Yes, you can leave them at reception.

9. Helping a friend

Mike: I have a lot of work today.
Paul: Can I help you?
Mike: Thanks. You could help me with these boxes.
Paul: Sure. Where should I put them?
Mike: They have to go into the storage room.
Paul: OK. We can do it together.

10. Going out

Emma: Shall we go out tonight?
Jack: We could go to the new café.
Emma: We might have to wait for a table.
Jack: That’s OK. We can wait.
Emma: What time should we meet?
Jack: We could meet at seven.
Emma: Good. You mustn’t be late!

#################

Some more:

1. Planning a Day Trip

Nina: What are we going to do on Saturday?
Ali: I’m not sure yet. We _____ go to the lake if the weather is good.
Nina: That sounds nice. _____ we take the bus there?
Ali: Yes, but we _____ leave early because the journey takes two hours.
Nina: What time do you think we _____ leave?
Ali: We _____ leave at seven. Then we _____ arrive before nine.
Nina: OK. _____ I bring some food?
Ali: Of course. You _____ bring some sandwiches. There are also some small restaurants there.
Nina: Good. We _____ also take some water.
Ali: Yes, and we _____ forget our umbrellas. It might rain.
Nina: Right. We _____ check the weather forecast on Friday.

2. Looking After a Neighbour’s Cat

Maria: Hi, David. I’m going away for three days. _____ you look after my cat?
David: Yes, of course. What do I _____ do?
Maria: You _____ give her food twice a day, in the morning and evening.
David: No problem. _____ I give her milk too?
Maria: No, you _____ give her milk. She doesn’t drink it.
David: OK. _____ I play with her?
Maria: Yes, please. You _____ play with her for a few minutes every day.
David: Where _____ I find her food?
Maria: It is in the kitchen. You _____ use the blue bowl.
David: What about water?
Maria: You _____ give her fresh water every day.
David: OK. What if she looks sick?
Maria: You _____ call me immediately. If you can’t reach me, you _____ call the vet.
David: Don’t worry. I _____ take good care of her.

3. Preparing for a Job Interview

James: I have a job interview tomorrow, and I’m nervous.
Sophie: Don’t worry. You _____ prepare well tonight.
James: What do you think I _____ wear?
Sophie: You _____ wear something clean and smart.
James: _____ I wear a suit?
Sophie: Yes, you _____, but you don’t have to. A nice shirt and trousers _____ be enough.
James: What else _____ I do?
Sophie: You _____ read about the company before the interview.
James: Yes, I _____ find some information on their website.
Sophie: Good. You _____ arrive late.
James: Of course not. I _____ leave home early.
Sophie: Exactly. You _____ also think about some questions they might ask you.
James: That’s a good idea. I _____ practise my answers tonight.
Sophie: And remember, you _____ be too worried. Just speak clearly and be yourself.

—————————————

Correct answers:

1. Planning a day trip

Nina: What are we going to do on Saturday?
Ali: I’m not sure yet. We might go to the lake if the weather is good.
Nina: That sounds nice. Could we take the bus there?
Ali: Yes, but we have to leave early because the journey takes two hours.
Nina: What time do you think we should leave?
Ali: We could leave at seven. Then we can arrive before nine.
Nina: OK. May I bring some food?
Ali: Of course. You can bring some sandwiches. There are also some small restaurants there.
Nina: Good. We should also take some water.
Ali: Yes, and we mustn’t forget our umbrellas. It might rain.
Nina: Right. We should check the weather forecast on Friday.

2. Looking after a neighbour’s cat

Maria: Hi, David. I’m going away for three days. Could you look after my cat?
David: Yes, of course. What do I have to do?
Maria: You have to give her food twice a day, in the morning and evening.
David: No problem. Can I give her milk too?
Maria: No, you mustn’t give her milk. She doesn’t drink it.
David: OK. Can I play with her?
Maria: Yes, please. You can play with her for a few minutes every day.
David: Where can I find her food?
Maria: It is in the kitchen. You should use the blue bowl.
David: What about water?
Maria: You have to give her fresh water every day.
David: OK. What if she looks sick?
Maria: You must call me immediately. If you can’t reach me, you should call the vet.
David: Don’t worry. I can take good care of her.

3. Preparing for a job interview

James: I have a job interview tomorrow, and I’m nervous.
Sophie: Don’t worry. You should prepare well tonight.
James: What do you think I should wear?
Sophie: You should wear something clean and smart.
James: Could I wear a suit?
Sophie: Yes, you can, but you don’t have to. A nice shirt and trousers should be enough.
James: What else should I do?
Sophie: You should read about the company before the interview.
James: Yes, I can find some information on their website.
Sophie: Good. You mustn’t arrive late.
James: Of course not. I have to leave home early.
Sophie: Exactly. You should also think about some questions they might ask you.
James: That’s a good idea. I can practise my answers tonight.
Sophie: And remember, you shouldn’t be too worried. Just speak clearly and be yourself.

#################

#################

Please use the box below
to write your feedback.
Only I can read it.
It is not public.

Please tell me:

• Are the texts and exercises OK?
• Are the topics OK?
• Is the level OK?
• Is it too easy or too difficult?
• Do you want texts about other topics?

Thank you! I appreciate your feedback.

##################

##################

##################

Remember how babies
learn a language:

Babies learn a language by listening.
They use their ears to hear sounds.
Their brain remembers these sounds.
Babies connect sounds with people and things.
They listen to their parents.
Then they copy the sounds they hear. They imitate words.
Slowly, babies learn to speak.

So,
LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN, LISTEN……………

SMFrockZ@gmx.at