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
king – n. a boy or man who is highly respected and very successful or popular
queen – n. a girl or woman who is highly respected and very successful or popular
cowboy(s) – n. a man who rides a horse and whose job is to take care of cows or horses especially in the western U.S.
ranch – n. a large farm especially in the U.S. where animals such as cattle, horses, and sheep are raised
foreman – n. a person who is in charge of a group of workers
cattle – n. cows, bulls, or steers that are kept on a farm or ranch for meat or milk
cross – n. an object or image in the shape of a cross that is used as a symbol of Christianity
proud – n. very happy and pleased because of something you have done, something you own, someone you know or are related to
- Study the American English vocabulary below. Part 2 of 2.
Words in This Story
ranch – n. a large farm especially in the U.S. where animals such as cattle, horses, and sheep are raised
foreman – n. a person who is in charge of a group of workers
cattle – n. cows, bulls, or steers that are kept on a farm or ranch for meat or milk
cowboy – n. a man who rides a horse and whose job is to take care of cows or horses especially in the western U.S.
queen – n. a girl or woman who is highly respected and very successful or popular
proud – n. very happy and pleased because of something you have done, something you own, someone you know or are related to
Cupid – n. the god of attraction, affection and love in ancient Rome
king – n. a boy or man who is highly respected and very successful or popular
- 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/3357764/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 3.52.2: Year 3
American Story.
”Hearts and Crosses”, written by O.Henry.
Hearts and Crosses is a classic American tale. The story revolves around Webb Yeager, a ranch foreman who marries Santa Mcallister the cattle queen. She is the daughter of the cattle king of West Texas. Despite their marriage Webb feels overshadowed by Santa authority. She manages all business affairs, handle the money and known as the cattle queen. Being her husband, Webb has no role in all these important affairs. Because that’s what happens to a man in Europe, if he marries the king’s daughter and his wife becomes a queen, his only duty to appear with the pictures and be the father of the next king.
A friend of Webb and fellow cowboy, named Boldy, suggests that Webb should be a king not just the queen’s husband. Boldly diverts his thinking towards having equal rights and participation in all important matters. Webb starts thinking of his friend’ suggestions. According to Boldy if he were in Webb’s place, he would turn everything upside down and become a king. Now there was choice for Webb, ether remains the queen’s husband or assert his own authority. Webb chooses to assert his authority. Webb decides to become a king rather than merely queen’s husband. Daring and heroic decision of Webb makes Santa cheerful and recognizes Her’s husband newfound strength and determination. She admires his courage.