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.
Lesson 3.49.2: Year 3
American Story, ”The Diamond Lens” written by Fitz-James O’brien.
I took the quiz of the above story I got 75%.
Lesson 3.49.2: Year 3
American Story
The story of this week is, ”The Diamon Lens” written by Fitz- James O’Brion.
For me it’s very confusing and complicated story. It’s hard to explain my insights, anyhow I have tried write short summary of this story.
The story, ‘The Diamond and Lens’ is fictional story. It does not based on real events, A young rich man, named Linley with a strong desire wants to learn how to use a microscope to see tiny world. The young man has been fascinated by microscope investigators since, he was ten years old. He views the world through his microscope. As he grows older, Linley becomes obsessed with perfecting his micros coping observation. He sets up a laboratory in New York city and dedicates himself to becoming an expert microscopist. However, he feels frustrated by the limitation of his instruments. His dream is to discover a universal and flawless lens. Coincidently, his young neighbor, Jules Simon visits him, and shares secrets learned from Madam Vulpes, a spiritual Madam. Linley hopes that Madam Vulpes will guide him towards to powerful lens, he desires. She advises him to follow her instructions and seeks out, Leeuwenhoek, the great of microscopics.Leeuwenhoek reveals that Linley must find a 140- Carat diamond. Surprisingly, Jules Simon possesses such a diamond. Linley tricks Simon acquires the diamond, and he gets Simon drunk and kills him to get the diamond, afterward calmly concealing his crime by making it look like a suicide.
Linley, the tragic tale of, The Diamond and Lens” reaches it heart wrenching conclusion. As he gazes through the diamond lens, he discovers a delicate, another worldly being, a fairy floating with in water droplet, and he falls deeply love with her. However, his obsession blinds him to her needs, and she weakens. Desperate to save her. He tries to nourish her with his own blood, but it is too late, the fairy fades away, leaving him broken and haunted.