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New Lesson! Easy Reading Series - Let's read "Great Expectations"

Mar 11, 2019

Dear Cafetalk Community,

thank you for stopping by my page! I'm happy to announce another classic English book for the "Easy Reading Series!" We will read a short book called "Great Expectations" together during each of the five lessons. You do not have to prepare for anything outside of class time. This is a 5-Lesson series where we will read about two chapters during a 50-minute lesson. Each book has approximately ten chapters in total. (2 Chapters x 5 lessons = 10 Chapter Book)
(*Reading Materials are Provided)

[Lesson's Goal:]
This lesson is intended to enhance your English reading skills. If reading is one of your weaker skills or if you simply love reading in English, this value pack is perfect for you! I attempted to choose the most respected books from American and British (English) classic literature since they are timeless and beautifully written.  I believe you should know this renown book as a cultured English learner.

[Reading Level:]
This lesson is suitable for upper-beginning to intermediate English readers. This book is specially chosen for you if you love reading an exceptional and memorable story. "Great Expectations" is normally required-reading in primary and secondary schools in America/Great Britain and it is a beloved story around the world. 

[Introducing a classic book:]
"Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens
[Summary of "Great Expectations"]
Great Expectations Summary. Great Expectations is the story of Pip, an orphan boy adopted by a blacksmith's family, who has good luck and great expectations, and then loses both his luck and his expectations. Through this rise and fall, however, Pip learns how to find happiness.
[Reference:] Great Expectations Summary | GradeSaver
https://www.gradesaver.com/great-expectations/study-guide/summary

[Storyline:]
"Pip lives with his sister and her husband, Joe Gargery, the village blacksmith. Then, he discovers that someone has given him a large fortune and his life changes. Pip moves to London and learns how to live like a gentleman. Can he win the love of the cold but beautiful Estella? And who is the person behind Pip's 'great expectations'?
(Scholastic Book - Back Cover)

[About the author - Charles Dickens wrote "A Christmas Carol"]
Commonly known as A Christmas Carol, a novella by Charles Dickens was first published in London by Chapman & Hall in 1843 and illustrated by John LeechA Christmas Carol recounts the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly miser who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the spirits of Christmas PastPresent and Yet to Come. After their visits, Scrooge is transformed into a kinder, gentler man.Dickens wrote A Christmas Carol during a period when the British were exploring and re-evaluating past Christmas traditions, including carols and newer customs such as Christmas trees

(Wikipedia:) 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Christmas_Carol

If you would like to know more about the famous author, Charles Dickens, you should see the movie called "The Man Who Invented Christmas." The movie illustrates what an imaginative genius Charles Dickens was always creating characters in his head.

"The Man Who Invented Christmas" (film 2017)
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6225520/



As you can imagine, Charles Dickens was a prolific British writer who wrote many other famous stories:

  • Oliver Twist
  • The Tale of Two Cities
  • Nicholas Nickleby
  • David Copperfield
  • Christmas Carol
Please consider reading this classic book aloud with me. I can read the book first and then you can shadow me, or you can read it by yourself if you feel comfortable. I'm certain you will learn new vocabulary words that you will understand since it is used within the context of the story. I will be happy to explain the new vocabulary words and describe any part of the book you don't understand. Then, we can have a discussion about the book afterward. 

It would be a pleasure to read and work with you. If you need to polish up on your reading skills, I think you will enjoy this book! Thank you for reading the lesson description! I hope to see you at the lesson! Feel free to contact me if you are interested.

Looking forward to meeting you or seeing you again! Have a wonderful day!

Warmest regards,

Lady Ayame
(Patricia Ayame Thomson)

This column was published by the author in their personal capacity.
The opinions expressed in this column are the author's own and do not reflect the view of Cafetalk.

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