Hello students. I’m proud of you for completing years 1 and 2 of our American English course. In order for you to become a strong intermediate American English learner, you need to be able to read, understand, and discuss abridged American English short stories. In this lesson, throughout Year 3 of your studies, you will read, listen to, and write about popular American English short stories. Please follow the directions below closely.
- Study the American English vocabulary below.
Words in this Story
will – n. (law) a legal document in which a person states who should receive his or her possessions after he or she dies
billiards – n. any one of several games that are played on a large table by hitting solid balls into one another with the end of a long stick
bacillus– n. a straight rod-shaped bacterium that requires oxygen for growth
safe – n. a strong metal box with a lock that is used to store money or valuable things
ward – n. a person (such as a child) who is protected and cared for by a court or guardian
- Listen to the story.
- Watch the video and read along.
- Take the short story quiz.
Take the quiz: https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/2519124/p1.html?isEmbedded=True
- Write a summary of the short story you just read and listened to in the comments section below. Click here to read an article that teaches you how to summarize a story. Remember to let us know who the characters of the story are, what they do, and what the story is about.
About the Author
Lesson 1.14.2 Year 3
American short stories.
One Thousand Dollars by O.Henry.
” One Thousand Dollars” is a short story written by O.Henry about a young man named Bobby Gillian who inherits a thousand dollars from his uncle and askes various people how he should spend it.The terms of the will state that he must produce an itemization of how he has spent the money. Bobby Gillian, the main character is a selfish rich man and is in love with Miss Hayden, his late uncle’s ward, as his uncle had left only one dollar and a ring to her. The climax of the story occurs when Gillian decides to give the$1000 to Miss Hayden, whom he loves dearly. The theme of the story is that the people scarify for those they love, even if the love is unrequited.
Dear teacher,
Lesson 1.14.2 Year 3
American short stories.
One Thousand Dollars by O.Henry.
” One Thousand Dollars” is a short story written by O.Henry about a young man named Bobby Gillian who inherits a thousand dollars from his late uncle and he found people how he should spend it. The terms of the will state that he must produce an itemization of how he has spent the money. Bobby Gillian, the main character is a selfish rich man and is in love with Miss Hayden, his late uncle’s ward, as his uncle had left only one dollar and a ring to her. The climax of the story occurs when Gillian decides to give the$1000 to Miss Hayden, whom he loves dearly.
It seemed that my uncle had second thoughts and willed you a thousand dollars. Tolman asked me to bring you the money. Here it is.”
Gillian laid the money beside her hand on the desk.
Miss Hayden turned white. “Oh!” she said. And again, “oh”
Gillian turned and looked out the window. In a low voice he said, “I suppose, of course, that you know I
love you.”
“I am sorry,” said Miss Hayden, as she picked up her
money.
“There is no use?” asked Gillian, almost light-heartedly.
“I am sorry,” she said again. “May I write a note?” asked Gillian, with a smile. Miss Hayden supplied him with paper and pen, and then
went back to her. Mr. Gillian, Mr. Sharp and I will examine your report of the one thousand dollars.”
Mr. Tolman reached for the envelope. Gillian was a little quicker in taking it up. He calmly tore the report and its cover into pieces and dropped them into his pocket.
Thank you.