Diverse Narratives: Understanding Key Details
The Man Who Wanted to Sell His House
A man was tired of living in his old house in the country and wanted to buy a new one that he really liked to live in.
Why did the man want to sell his house?
He was a bit fed up with his old house in the country and wanted to buy a new one that he really liked to live in.
Why did he finally have to sell it?
He wasn't able to sell it after advertising it for a long time.
What did the estate agent do?
As an expert, the first thing the estate agent did was to take a very nice photograph of the house and send it to a very expensive magazine to advertise it. He also had a very good description of the house and its gardens.
How did he lose a sale?
The agent was exceptionally good at advertising the house by describing it with good pictures. He was so good that the owner realized he wanted to keep the house he was selling for himself.
The American Civil War
In 1861, a Civil War started in the United States.
Who won the American Civil War?
The Northerners did.
How did Southerners feel about it?
They have neither forgotten nor forgiven the Northerners for being victorious.
The Village Wine Festival
Some villages were going to celebrate an important wine festival.
Why did the villagers borrow?
Because an important wine festival was going to be celebrated.
How did they plan?
They had to empty a bottle of wine into the barrel.
What did the villager who put in his wine expect?
He expected the others to put in excellent wine.
Jean's Striking Beauty
Jean was a very beautiful young girl.
How did Jean's beauty affect men?
As Jean was so beautiful, men admired her everywhere she went. When they saw her, most men were embarrassed or timid in her presence.
How did it affect other men?
Other men were affected differently; they looked at her and admired her, probably complimenting her as she walked along the street.
How did it affect the young man?
Initially, nothing happened because he didn't notice her presence. But when he saw her properly, he rushed to the table where she was sitting. When he saw her in front of him, he became very red at the sight of Jean's beauty.
What did he do that showed his confusion?
He was so confused that he probably didn't even listen to her order. He just heard a word and went back, saying they didn't have any cream at the bar. He then asked if she wanted the coffee without milk instead.
Carol and Susan: Friendship and Babies
Carol and Susan were friends from school.
How many children did Susan's parents have?
Susan's parents only had one child, Susan, so she was an only child.
Why did Susan get tired of Carol's sister?
Susan was initially pleased to hear about Carol's sister, but as Carol continued talking about her little sister, Susan grew tired of it.
What did Carol boast to Susan about?
Carol told Susan that her baby sister had gained two hundred grams that week, which meant the baby was growing healthy and fast.
What did Susan do to try to make Carol stop?
She told her that she knew a baby who gained 5 kg a day. When asked whose baby it was, she answered.