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. Part 1
Words in This Story
microscope – n. a device used to make very small things look larger so they can be studied
lens – n. a clear curved piece of glass or plastic that is used to make things look clearer, smaller, or bigger
magnify – v. to make (something) appear larger
ignorant – adj. lacking knowledge or information
carat – n. a unit for measuring the weight of jewels (such as diamonds) that is equal to 200 milligrams
enormous – adj. very great in size or amount
- Study the American English vocabulary below. Part 2 of 2.
Words in This Story
Anton Leeuwenhoek – a Dutch tradesman and scientist, best known for his work on the development and improvement of the microscope and also for his contribution towards the study of microbiology
carat – n. a unit for measuring the weight of jewels (such as diamonds) that is equal to 200 milligrams
drunk – adj. having drunk so much alcohol that normal actions (such as talking, thinking, and moving) become difficult to do
commit – v. to do (something that is illegal or harmful)
drop – n. a very small amount of liquid that falls in a rounded shape
wrinkle – n. a small line or fold that appears on your skin as you grow older — usually plural
- Listen to the story. Part 1
- Listen to the story. Part 2 of 2
- Watch the video and read along. Part 1
- Watch the video and read along. Part 2 of 2
- Take the short story quiz.
Take the quiz: https://learningenglish.voanews.com/a/fitz-james-o-brien-the-diamond-lens-part-two/2850651/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.