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The Machine Gunners-Halifax Grammar Schools
A Tale of Two Cities-City of London School
Frankenstein
Moby Dick-Eton College
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer-North London Collegiate School
Dracula
Brave New World-Eton College
My Family and Other Animals-Eton College
The Call of the Wild-Alleyn’s School
Martin Chuzzlewit-Winchester College
Great Expectations-Aldenham School
A Christmas Carol -Haberdasher’s Aske’s Boys’ School
Hard Cash-Winchester College
Pride and Prejudice
Wind in the Willows
Wuthering Heights
Jane Eyre
Gulliver’s Travels
The Great Gatsby
The Picture of Dorian Gray
The Mill on the Floss
Hard Times
Emma
Vanity Fair
The Thirty-nine Steps
War and Peace
Crime and Punishment
The Scarlet Letter
To the Light House
The three Musketeers
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Hello everyone! Really excellent work for today. Here is the lesson report, along with the homework. The vocabulary list will follow shortly!
What we did today:
– An adjective game
– Reading an extract from The Machine Gunners by Robert Westall
– Defining and exploring a list of new vocabularyReport:
Both groups A and B did exceptionally well today, and impressed me with the breadth of their existing vocabulary. Almost across the board students were able to confidently answer questions, and were also able to take guesses and explore words they didn’t know.
The adjective game proved particularly useful in warming the students up and getting them to think creatively about vocabulary and language. It also provided an opportunity for the students to share their vocabulary with one another, thereby increasing their collective vocabulary bank. This game also helped the students develop their confidence when speaking up.
Literacy levels were impressive when reading the given extract, and unknown words were approached with confidence. I encouraged the students to use the context of the words (i.e. the sentence around it) to help them figure out what an unknown word might mean on their own. This skill will help them to acquire new words outside of our lessons together.
Both groups proved mostly competent when identifying whether a word was a noun, verb, adverb or adjective, although some were clearly more confident than others. It appeared that some vocabulary might have been too simple for some of the students, and so difficulty will be increased as the lessons progress.
Homework
1. Complete the crossword.
2. Learn the definitions of the vocabulary covered in this lesson.
3. Pick five words from the list above and write me a story. The story must include all five of the words you have picked. It must also include a moment of recognition, something blue, and a moment of humour.
Vocabulary:
1. Insurance – something providing protection against a possible eventuality
2. Milk-cart – a cart designed to deliver milk
3. Paraffin-heater – a heater that burns paraffin, a thick, flammable oil
4. Pane – a segment of glass in a window
5. Cardboard – a material, stiff paper
6. Fussy – hard to please
7. Weary – very tired, exhausted
8. Warden – someone in charge of a place or group of people
9. Beret – a French style hat
10. Lass – Scottish, colloquial word for a girl
11. Hunched – stand or sit with the shoulders raised
12. Chrysanthemums – a type of colourful flower
13. Queer – strange or odd
14. Announce – to declare, loudly or officially
15. Proclaim – to announce clearly or officially
16. Authority – having the power or right to give orders or make decisions
17. Engine – a machine that turns power into energy
18. Doubtful – uncertain or unsure
19. Greenhouse – a shed made of glass designed to grow plants in
20. Compensation – usually money given after a bad event or accident
21. Souvenir – an object kept to remember an event or person
22. Gutter – a shallow trough designed to carry off rainwater
23. Privet hedge – a small bush or shrub
24. Incendiary – designed to cause fire
25. Inflammable – easily catches fire
26. Effervescent – bubbly or fizzy
27. Flaxen – pale yellow, especially of hair
28. Frigid – very cold, or stiff and formal
29. Lucid – clear and vivid
30. Sceptical – not easily convinced, doubtful
31. Phosphorescent – giving off light after radiation has hit
32. Attaché Case – a small square case designed for carrying papers
33. Lush – growing well, fertile
34. Azure – bright blue like a cloudless sky
35. Aqua – blue, the colour of water
36. Melancholy – a kind of pensive sadness
37. Prosperous – wealthy
38. Knightly – like a Knight
39. Sacred – connected with God
40. Policy – a course of action adopted by an organisation
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Very good work from everyone today. I presented the students with a particularly tricky passage from Charles Dickens’ Tale of Two Cities, which they approached with curiosity and energy, despite the difficulty of the vocabulary used within it. We began the lesson with a quiz on last week’s vocabulary, which the students tackled very well. I was impressed with how much they had maintained from last week’s lesson. It is imperative, however, that the students do not use the list of vocabulary with definitions when participating in the quiz, as it is important that I know how well they are retaining the new vocabulary. Not knowing something isn’t bad, it just helps me know what we need to work on in future lessons.
The students struggled slightly with the comprehension questions, but I believe this is due to the difficulty of the vocabulary in the passage as it inhibited understanding of meaning.
Otherwise the students were focused and engaged today, and did some excellent work. The important part now is that these words are being revised and revisited in the students’ own time:
1. Scarcely – adv. Only just, almost not
2. Justify – v. to give reason for doing something
3. Boast – v. to talk proudly of your achievements
4. Burglary – n. theft
5. Cautioned – v. warned against something
6. Upholsterer – v. cover the walls or furniture with fabric
7. Gallantly – adv. In a brave or heroic manner
8. Mall – n. a walkway bordered by trees
9. Waylay – v. to stop por interrupt something
10. Consequence – n. a result or effect of an action; importance or relevance
11. Ammunition – n. a supply or bullets
12. Magnificent – adj. extremely beautiful or elaborate
13. Potentate – n. a monarch or ruler (King or Queen)
14. Despoiled – v. stole or violently removed a valuable possession
15. Illustrious – adj. well known or respected
16. Retinue – n. a group of adviser or assistants that accompany an important person
17. Occurrence – n. an incident or event
18. Lumbered – v. to move in a slow or heavy way
19. Mire – n. boggy or swampy ground
20. Relish – n. great enjoyment; v. to enjoy something greatly
21. Mutinous – adj. refusing to obey orders; disobedient
22. Combination – n. a joining or merging of different things
23. Forbade/forbid – v. refuse to allow something
24. Otherwise – adv. Or else
25. Brute – n. a savagely violent person or animal
26. Endued – v. endowed or provided with a quality or ability
27. Capitulate – v. stop resisting an opponent or a demand; yield
28. Drooping – v. bending or hanging down limply
29. Tremulous – adj. shaking or quivering
30. Mashed – adj. reduced to a pulpy mass
31. Flounder – v. struggle or stagger in mud or water; show great confusion
32. Hollow – n. a dip or dent in something; adj. empty inside
33. Forlorn – adj. pitifully sad and lonely
34. Clammy – adj. unpleasantly damp or sticky to touch
35. Unwholesome – adj. not healthy, or causing bad health
36. Labour – v. work hard; n. physical work
37. Ample – More than enough, plentiful
38. Commit – To carry out an action (mistake, crime)
39. Punctual – Happening at an agreed time
40. Suspect – V. To have an idea of impression of something without certainty
41. Wretched – In a very unhappy or unfortunate state
42. Betray – To break a promise or be disloyal to someone
43. Grieve – To feel intense sorrow for the loss of something
44. Leisure – Free time for enjoyment
45. Meticulous – Showing great attention to detail; careful and precise
46. Volatile – Likely to change rapidly and unpredictably
Homework:
– Revise the vocabulary we have learned today.
– Write a story about a modern-day robbery. Use five words from the list above, and five synonyms or antonyms.
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Lesson 3 Report:
Very good work from everyone this week! I was really impressed with how much everyone engaged with the discussion about the text this week. I was especially pleased to hear that a few of the students are now set on reading Frankenstein after our discussion of it.
The refresher quiz at the beginning of the lesson went really well, and it seems that the students had retained a lot fo the vocabulary we have covered in the last couple of weeks. It is also good to see that the students are becoming more and more willing to take a guess at vocabulary that they don’t already know. This means that they will now have a better chance at understanding new vocabulary after this course is over.
The comprehension questions went down well, and we had a good discussion about the genre of the novel Frankenstein and how it paved the way for many of the horror and sci-fi novels and movies that we have today. Overall, a very good lesson!
1. Dreary – depressingly dull
2. Beheld – to see or observe
3. Agony – Extreme physical or emotional pain
4. Infuse – to fill or instil something
5. Dismally – in a gloomy or depressed manner
6. Convulsive – jerky, moving in an uncontrollable or violent way
7. Agitated – feeling or appearing troubled or nervous
8. Catastrophe – an event causing great and usually sudden damage or suffering; a disaster
9. Delineate – describe or portray precisely
10. Wretch – an unfortunate or unhappy person
11. Endeavour – to try hard to do or achieve something
12. Proportion – the relationship of one thing to another in terms of size or number
13. Arteries – tubes that form the circulation system in the body in which blood is carried
14. Lustrous – having lustre; shining
15. Luxuriance – a sense of richness or extreme comfort
16. Dun – of a dull grey colour
17. Shrivelled – wrinkled and shrunken, especially due to age or dryness
18. Complexion – the natural colour of a person’s skin
19. Inanimate- not alive; showing no signs of life
20. Ardour – great enthusiasm or passion
21. Moderation – the avoidance of excess or extremes
22. Traverse – travel across or through
23. Lassitude – a lack of energy or state of physical or mental weariness
24. Tumult – a loud or confused noise
25. In vain – producing no result; useless
26. Livid – furiously angry
27. Hue – a colour or shade
28. Inarticulate – unable to express one’s ideas or feelings; unable to speak
29. Detain – keep someone from doing something
30. Demoniacal – elating to or characteristic of a demon or evil spirit.
31. Caution – Care taken to avoid danger or mistakes
32. Broad – Having a distance larger than usual; wide
33. Affable – Friendly or good natured
34. Habitat – The natural home or environment of something
35. Latter – Occurring or situated nearer to the end than the beginning
36. Restrain – To prevent someone or something form doing something; to control
37. Passive – Without resistance; accepting
38. Secure – Fixed or fastened in place
39. Sane – Not mad or mentally ill; reasonable or sensible
40.Temptation – The desire to do something, especially something wrong or unwise
Homework:
– Revise the vocabulary we have learned today.
– Write a diary entry from the point of view of Frankenstein, describing his thoughts and feelings about the events in the extract. Use ten of the words in the vocabulary list above, or any of their synonyms or antonyms.
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Lesson 4 Report
Very good work from everyone this week! I was very impressed with the thorough engagement and focus showed by every member of the class, and I continue to enjoy each student’s readiness to engage with new vocabulary. The opening activity went down well, with every student participating in the game, matching unknown words to their definitions.
The quiz at the beginning of the lesson was also successful, and I’m pleased to see that the students are retaining the vocabulary that we cover in lessons. Comprehension remains a little slow. In order to help with this, I would advise that the students read through the extracts before each lesson (even doing some background research) in order to help stimulate discussion in class.
Otherwise, I am very impressed with each student’s progress!
Vocabulary:
1. Precise – marked by exactness and accuracy
2. Spleen – an organ in the abdomine which forms part of the immune system
3. Circulation – movement around something; especially liquid
4. Involuntary – done without control or purpose
5. Deliberate – done with intention
6. Methodical – done with a system or established procedure
7. Substitute – a suitable replacement for something
8. Philosophical – the study of knowledge and existence
9. Flourish – a bold or extravagant gesture or action
10. Cherish – to hold dear
11. Insular – lacking contact with other people; ignorant
12. Wharves – a place by the sea where a ship may load or unload
13. Commerce – the activity of buying and selling
14. Surf – the line formed by waves breaking on the seashore
15. Battery – a place for guns on a ship
16. Mole – a large solid structure that serves as a pier
17. Sabbath – day of religious observance kept by Jewish people; Saturday
18. Sentinel – a soldier or guard who keeps watch
19. Spile – a small wooden peg
20. Bulwark – a defensive wall
21. Rigging – a system of ropes or chains to support a ship’s mast
22. Peep – a brief and secretive look
23. Lath – a thin strip of wood
24. Clinched – conform or settle a bargain or debate
25. Loiter – to remain somewhere without meaning or purpose
26. Lee – the sheltered side of something, away from the wind
27. Suffice – enough, sufficient
28. League – measurement of distance, about three miles
29. Magnetic – attractive to a certain material
30. Virtue – a quality that is regarded as good (e.g. patience)
31. Compass – an instrument that shows where north is
32. Perish – Die in an especially violent or sudden way; rot or decay (of food)
33. Halt – Bring or come to an abrupt stop
34. Wither – become dry and shrivelled
35. Liberal – Willing to respect or accept behaviour or opinions different from one’s own; open to new ideas
36. Rural – In or relating to the countryside rather than the town
37. Vessel – A ship or large boat; something in which liquid is contained
38. Mortal – subject to death, able to die
39. Procure – to obtain with effort or care
40. Sinister – something that gives the impression of something harmful or evil about to happen
41.Selfish – Lacking consideration for others; only thinks about themselves
Homework:
– Revise the vocabulary we have learned today.
– Write a story about a particularly exciting sailing trip using ten of the words from the list above, or their synonyms or antonyms.
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Lesson 5 Report
A lovely, fun and energetic lesson today! We began the lesson with a round of Vocabulary Bingo in order to refresh and test our retention of the vocabulary from previous lessons, which went really well. I was pleased to see the students engage with it in a competitive way.
We then moved on to a descriptive exercise, looking and describing a picture of a cave, which allowed us to put some of the words we had learned into practice. We then read through the extract from The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and discussed some comprehension questions. Engagement with the comprehension section of the lesson has improved, which I’m glad to see.
I have left some of the words blank in the vocabulary list below this week as I would like the students to complete the definitions as part of their homework.
Vocabulary:
1. Murky
2. Aisles – a passage between rows of seats or shelves
3. Endow – give an income or property to someone
4. Presently – at the present time; now
5. Frolicking – play or move about in a cheerful and lively way
6. Zeal – great energy or enthusiasm
7. Exertion –
8. Wearisome –
9. Sinuous – having many curves and turns
10. Aloft
11. Motto – a short sentence or phrase chosen to sum up beliefs of an individual or institution
12. Frescoed – done in the style of a fresco, which is a rapidly done painting on wet plaster or a ceiling
13. Scarcely
14. Scored – gain a point in a game; cut or scratch a line in something
15. Sediment – particles that settle to the bottom of a liquid
16. Ruffled – disordered or disarranged by running hands through it
17. Imperishable
18. Illuminate
19. Gratification – pleasure from the satisfaction of a desire
20. Curtained – provided with a curtain
21. Ambition
22. Novelty – the quality of being new or original
23. Spacious
24. Multitude
25. Stalactites – an icicle-like structure that hangs from the roof of a cave
26. Circumference
27. Bewitching – enchanting or delightful
28. Basin – a bowl for washing
29. Encrusted
30. Frostwork – attractive patterns made by frost on a window or other surface
31. Stalagmites – like stalactite, but rising from the floor
32. Ceaseless
33. Flocking – congregate or join in a big group
34. Conduct – the manner in which a person behaves
35. Fugitives
36. Plunged – jump or dive quickly and energetically
37. Perilous – full of danger or risk
38. Subterranean – under the surface of the earth
Homework:
– Revise the vocabulary we have learned today and fill in the gaps.
– Imagine you are on an expedition, travelling deep underground into dark and dangerous caves. Suddenly, you realise you are lost. Describe your situation using ten of the words in the vocabulary list above.
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Lesson 6 Report
A very focused and energetic lesson this week! I was very impressed with the amount of vocabulary that the students have now assimilated, as demonstrated by the opening quiz. The students engaged really well with the extract too, and a few of the students also said they’d now read the book in full which is exciting!
Just a not on the definitions below: if a definition has a semi-colon between the phrases, it means that they are two DIFFERENT definitions of the word. So that’s for words that have multiple possible meanings!
Homework:
– Revise the vocabulary we have learned today and fill in the blanks.
– Write a diary entry from the point of view of Harker detailing his experience on the first night of his stay with Dracula. Use at least five of the words in the vocab list above.
Vocabulary:
1. Remarkable – worthy of attention, striking
2. Gloom
3. Considerable – notably large in amount, size or extent
4. Caleche – a light and low-wheeled carriage
5. Assist – help someone
6. Alight – descend from a train, bus or carriage
7. Prodigious – impressively great in size, extent or degree
8. Vice – a metal tool used to hold something in place
9. Reins – a strap used in horse riding
10. Frowning – forming an expression of disapproval
11. Penetrate – go through or into something
12. Grim
13. Embarked – begun a course of action
14. Customary
15. Incident
16. Solicitor – a lawyer responsible for drawing up wills and executing contracts
17. Full-blown
18. Deceived – caused to believe something that is not true
19. Carpathians – A section of the Carpathian mountains
20. Chink – a crack or hole in something otherwise strong
21. Clad – clothed
22. Speck – a tiny spot
23. Quiver
24. Courtly
25. Intonation
26. Impulsive – done without forethought, on an impulse
27. Wince
28. Akin – similar to
29. Interrogatively – in a questioning tone
30. Craven – Cowardly or lacking courage
31. Trivial – Of little value or importance
32. Nauseous – Feeling sick or inclined to vomit
33. Perplexed – Entirely baffled or puzzled
34. Cultivate – Raise or grow plants; nurture or develop a quality or skill
35. Subdue – Overcome or quieten a feeling or person
36. Stoop – Bend forward and down; lower one’s moral standards
37. Repent – Feel or express sincere regret or remorse about your sin or mistake
38. Pompous – Performatively grand, solemn or self important
39. Vacant – Empty or unoccupied
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It was a dreary night, and I sat slaving over a chair. I was to infuse life with a body, creating a human. I attached some wires to the person’s chest. The plan was quite simple- to create an electric shock and the heart would pump blood and the arteries would be up and running. Would this work? I thought as I stared at the inanimate body, the hands limping, it’s legs like spaghetti. Would this body be lustrous again? This was after all, a very arduous task.
I went back to the wires. I untangled some of them and began the process. I had cut off the electricity from the house and used it for this. 240 volts were to be zooming in to this body, creating a friend for me. I pulled the rusted lever…
Suddenly, a blinding flash of light filled the room. The light blinded me, so I closed my eyes. I could hear a tumult as the machine processed what was going on. Was this going to work, or was I doing this in vain
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Lesson 7 Report
Very fun, energetic and focused lesson this week! Everyone brought a fantastic energy, and the Vocab Bingo really helped to kick things off at the beginning. The students engaged really well with the extract, despite it being quite a difficult one. They were able to speculate and discuss the themes and content despite the sense of the extract being a bit tricky. I would advise everyone to take another look at the extract once they’ve gone over the vocab to properly pick up the sense!
1. Squat – short and thickset’ disproportionately broad or wide
2. Hatchery –
3. Lay – not having professional qualifications or expert knowledge
4. Pallid – pale, typically because of poor health
5. Overalls – loose-fitting one-piece garment worn for protection against dirt
6. Luscious – having a pleasantly rich, sweet taste
7. Recession – a period of temporary economic decline
8. Fertilize –
9. Absentminded – having or showing a forgetful or inattentive disposition
10. Soliloquise – speak one’s thoughts aloud when by oneself
11. Callow – inexperienced and immature
12. Abject – extremely unpleasant and degrading
13. Conduct – organize and carry out
14. Generality – a statement or principle having general rather than specific validity or force
15. Intellectual
16. Geniality – the quality of having a friendly and cheerful manner
17. Privilege – a special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group
18. Prominent – important or famous
19. Florid – having a red or flushed complexion
20. Zealous – having or showing great enthusiasm or energy
21. Incubator an enclosed apparatus in which premature or unusually small babies are placed and which provides a controlled and protective environment for their care.
22. Insulator – a substance which does not readily allow the passage of heat or sound
23. Ova – female reproductive cell
24. Scurry – move hurriedly with short quick steps
25. Illegible – not clear enough to be read
26. Excised – having been cut out surgically
27. Ovary – female reproductive organ
28. Optimum
29. Salinity – the quality or degree of being salty
30. Viscosity – the state of being thick, sticky and semi-fluid in consistency
31. Abnormalities
32. Porous
33. Receptacle – a hollow object used to contain something
34. Immersed – dip or submerge in a liquid
35. Bouillon – thin soup or stock made by stewing meat, fish or vegetables
36. Embryo – an unborn or unhatched offspring
37. Proliferate – increase rapidly in number
38. Abyss – A deep or seemingly bottomless chasm
39. Nefarious – Wicked or criminal
40. Languid – Relaxed an peaceful; not inclined to make physical effort
41. Pale – Light in colour or shade
42. Flag (verb) – To mark something for attention/sign to a vehicle or driver to stop
43. Alternate – Occur in turn repeatedly
44. Sporadic – Occurring at irregular intervals or only in a few places
45. Yearn – Having an intense feeling of longing for something
46. Shrill – High pitched and piercing
47. Proficient – Competent or skilled in doing or using something
Homework
– Revise the vocabulary we have learned today.
– Imagine that you are living in the Brave New World. Write a description of a day in the life.
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Lesson 8 Report
The students did very well today! We had a fun and productive lesson beginning with a round of Vocab Bingo which helped raise the energy of the class. We then looked at an extract from My Family and Other Animals which seemed to go down very well with the class, and all students participated in fruitful discussion about the extract and its connotations. The students are continuing to perform well and retain the vocabulary that we cover from week to week.
1. Fascinating – extremely interesting
2. Resist
3. Eager – strongly wanting to do or have something
4. Infrequent
5. Remote
6. Rippling – move in a way that resembles a series of small waves
7. Nasal – relating to the nose; pronounced by breathing through the nose
8. Slanting – positioned or directed in a sloping direction
9. Vacant
10. Cataract – a medical condition in which the lens of the eye becomes unclear, resulting in blurred vision
11. Hue – a colour or shade
12. Garment – an item of clothing
13. Riot
14. Pompom – a large woollen ball attached to a garment for decoration
15. Occasionally – on occasion; now and then
16. Launching – send or hurl something on its course; set sail
17. Denote
18. Whirled – move or cause to move rapidly round and round
19. Beamed – smile radiantly; transmit a radio signal in a specified direction
20. Banked – tilt or cause to tilt sideways when making a turn
21. Swooped
22. Peevish
23. Omen – An event that predicts something good or bad happening
24. Desiccated – Having had the moisture removed; dried out
25. Stunted – Having been prevented from growing or developing properly
26. Abundance – A very large quantity of something
27. Accustomed – Customary; usual
28. Predicament – A difficult, unpleasant or embarrassing situation
29. Odious – Extremely unpleasant; repulsive
30. Oasis – A fertile spot in a desert where water is found
31. Pensive – Engaged in, involving, or reflecting in deep or serious thought
32. Mollify – Appease the anger or anxiety of someone
Homework
– Revise the vocabulary we have learned today.
– Write a diary entry from the point of view of Gerald about what happens next, using the vocabulary we have learned today.
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Lesson 9 Report
Really excellent lesson today, was very happy to see every student fully engaged with all activities, including the comprehension work we did in the second half of the lesson. Vocab Bingo went down very well, and am pleased to see the students improving each week, demonstrating their increased retention of the vocab. Also, congratulations to Sissie for winning this week’s round! This week we looked at an extract from the Call of the Wild by Jack London which was received very well, and we had some in depth discussion about the presentation of the dog in the extract and the way in which the author had created tension and suspense.
Vocabulary
1. Contagion – the transmission of disease from one person to another by close contact
2. Admiration
3. Splendid
4. Superfluous – unnecessary, especially through being more than enough
5. Grit – courage and resolve, strength of character
6. Virility – (in a man) the quality of having strength and energy
7. Sheen – a soft shine on a surface
8. Mane – a growth of long hair on the neck of a horse or lion
9. Repose – a state of rest, sleep or tranquility
10. Vigour – physical strength and good health
11. Affair – an event that has been previously referred to
12. Conjuration
13. Traces – (in this context) a path or track
14. Plunge
15. Arrested – seize and detain; stop
16. Quivered
17. Duplicate
18. Manoeuvre
19. Pivot – turn as if on a pivot
20. Jarring – causing a physical shock, jolt or vibration; clashing
21. Writhing – making twisting, squirming movements or contortions of the body
22. Lurch – make an abrupt, unsteady, uncontrolled movement or series of movements
23. Succession – a number of people or things of a similar kind following one after the other
24. Perceptible – able to be seen or noticed
25. Momentum
26. Cheery
27. Incoherent
28. Babel – a confused noise made by a number of voices
29. Fervent – having or displaying a passionate intensity
30. Voracious – engaging in an activity with great eagerness or enthusiasm
31. Obligatory – required by a legal, moral or other rule; compulsory
32. Tedious – Too long, slow or dull; tiresome or monotonous
33. Turbulent – characterised by conflict, disorder or confusion; not stable or calm
34. Wither – become dry and shrivelled; fall into decay or decline
35. Venerable – Given a great deal of respect, especially because of age, wisdom or character
36. Raucous – Making a disturbingly harsh and loud noise
37. Ally – A person or organisation that cooperates with or helps another
38. Sleek – Smooth and glossy (of hair, fur or skin)
39 .Supple – Bending and moving easily and gracefully; flexible
Homework
– Revise the vocabulary we have learned today and fill in the missing definitions.
– Write a modern-day story about a heroic dog using 10 of the words from the vocab list above.
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I stared up at the huge and stately manor, lurking in the gloom. There was a considerable amount of mist that hung around it, like a toddler clinging to their mother. I steadied myself and embarked through the rough nettles and thorns about, but I knew that beyond these plants was a person’s home.
I looked back at the driver and thanked the driver, and returned to the house. I felt suddenly like a solicitor bringing a will to a beast. Walking up to the door, I stood in silence and took in the frowning nettles, the grim clouds and quivered. I closed my eyes to check if I was deceived. Was this really someone’s home? I opened my eyes and took in the vice-like nettles. It was truly remarkable to be able to live here, I thought. Just as I was about to turn back, I heard a small ‘click’ as the door was opened, and through the small chink of a keyhole I saw the steel of a key. Massive bolts were drawn back, and put on a smile.
What I saw of a man was a tall old man, wearing black head to toe, giving him the impression of a dark hole. There was no speck of colour on his face. He was holding a sort of antique lantern, and gestured courtly and said:
‘Welcome to my house! Enter freely and of your own free will!’
He spoke in perfect English, but with a strange intonation.
I decided to ask him; ‘Count Dracula?’ and he bowed, and answered in his strange English:
‘I am Dracula and I bid you welcome, Mr. Harker, to my house’…
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Lesson 10 Report
Very energetic and engaged lesson this week, as usual! Vocab Bingo ran very smoothly and the students are getting more and more confident with their vocabulary. The shortness of the extract this week allowed us to dive a littler deeper into the comprehension questions and the vocab included within the extract, facilitation a more in-depth discussion. The students continue to assimilate the vocab we have learned in a very satisfactory way.
Vocabulary
1. Turnpike – a toll gate
2. Territory – an area of land under the jurisdiction of a ruler or state
3. Temporary – only for a short period of time
4. Superb – very good; excellent
5. Establishment – a business organization, public institution or household
6. Transaction – a trade, swap or deal of goods, money or services
7. Agent – a person who acts on behalf of another person or group
8. Tremendous – very great in amount, scale or intensity
9. Fellow – a man or boy; a person in the same position, involved in the same activity, or associated with another
10. Arrears – money that is owed and should have already been paid
11. Hatching – to sit on an egg until it hatches; think about something to make it happen
12. Gaunt – lean and haggard, especially because of suffering or hunger
13. Cravat – a strip of fabric worn by men around the neck
14. Harpsichord – an old-fashioned keyboard instrument
15. Feeble – weak, usually due to fatigue or lack of food
16. Endeavour – v. to try with great effort; n. a project, something that you endeavour to do
17. Profile – an outline of something, especially a face as seen from one side
18. Calculate – to work out a sum or a problem
19. Intent – intention or purpose; adj – determined to do something
20. Rumpled – creased, ruffled or dishevelled
21. Kindred – of the same (usually related, or tied by blood), but from the same situation
22. Prey – to hunt something to kill
23. Salute – a gesture of respect or of polite recognition
24. Sympathetic – feeling sorry for someone or something; understanding the situation
25. Deceit – The action or practice of deceiving someone by concealing or misrepresenting the truth
26. Conspire – Make secret plans with someone to commit an unlawful or harmful act
27. Privilege – A special right, advantage or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group
28. Charred – Burnt and blackened
29. Shun – Persistently ignore, avoid or reject
30. Abysmal – Extremely bad; appalling
31. Aristocrat – A member of the aristocracy, the highest class in society
32. Lacerate – Tear or make deep cuts
33. Flaccid – Soft and hanging loosely or limply, usually unpleasant
34. Admonish – Warn or reprimand someone firmly
Homework
– Revise the vocabulary we have learned today.
– Write a story about a business deal using the extract above as inspiration. Use ten of the words from the vocab list above.
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Lesson 11 Report
Today’s lesson went very well! Every student was fully engaged and focused during the lesson, particularly during our discussion about the extract from Great Expectations. The Vocab Bingo went down very well and energised the class for the following activities. I was impressed with some of the thoughts and comments that the students offered this week, and am looking forward to continuing next week!
Vocabulary
1. Wax – a sticky yellowish substance made by honeybees, used to make models
2. Glimpse – a momentary, quick view of something
3. Prominent
4. Draped – arranged loosely or casually on or around something
5. Gilded – covered thinly with gold leaf or paint
6. Veil
7. Dependent – unable to do without
8. Bridal
9. Splendid – magnificent; very impressive
10. Bosom – a woman’s chest
11. Trinket
12. Lustre – a gentle sheen or soft glow
13. Sunken – at a lower level than the surrounding area
14. Ghastly
15. Waxwork
16. Personage – a person of importance or elevated status
17. Marsh – an area of low-lying land which is flooded
18. Vault – a large room or chamber used for storage; a secure room
19. Pavement – a path for pedestrians on the side of a road
20. Enormous
21. Comprehend – understand
22. Utter – to make a sound with one’s voice
23. Emphasis
24. Calamity – A disaster; an event causing great damage or distress
26. Fervent – Having or displaying a passionate intensity
27. Opulent – Very expensive and luxurious
28. Chagrin – Annoyance or distress at having failed or been humiliated
29. Gloat – Boast about your own success or another’s misfortune with pleasure
30. Bland – Lacking taste or strong features; uninteresting
31. Shard – A piece of broken metal, glass or rock, typically with sharp edges
32. Abandon – Stop supporting or looking after someone or something; leave a place empty
33. Conceal – Not allow to be seen; hide
34. Digest – Break down food or information to be absorbed
Homework
– Revise the vocabulary we have learned today.
– Imagine how Miss Havisham ended up where she is in this extract. What do you think her story is? Include ten of the words from the vocab list.
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It starts of under the glittering golden chandelier in Margret Hall Dorothy Havisham smiles near the fire, “Will I ever be fortunate as you”? Her mother nodded confidently “Why yes darling”. She sighed in relief and said now that will be good. She then went to bed like the usual schedule. As she slept a shadow creaked and smiled with a glinting eye he then swept into her room and then just about she got her parents came in with a pistol and loaded it in the shadows head. It slowly steps back not showing their face then he drew a dagger not cautious that the police was here. He then stabs himself making him suffer constant blood. Before he dies he… BANG! It was raining and thunder ruled over the land, blood was draining rivers and the graveyard came alive with ghost and haunted the land. A dreadful funeral took place near the river where a dead body lie, its blood expanded beyond its limit a shocked face stares at Dorothy her eyes drooling with tears, she bent down to her knees dreaded of what happened on the same night before her birthday. Then next day passed so terribly slow, it was her birthday and none one was happy but one he smirked with a ferocious grin of grim he had come back alive. Ten years has passed and life has been more luxurious. Birds was cheeping and sun rise over the sky and a disaster that will change her life forever. She was skipping to her garden to have some fresh air as normal but something was lurking behind the berry bush, a handsome boy named Compeyson a young and charming Victorian, he was bold and brave and bright though he had few friends all his mothers’ friends children, he was always cunning and secretive not to let his mother notice. Although as little as he know he has a trick up his sleeve. 20 years past and their relationship was really close and tight. As the next few years past everything was great and all but their relation was falling apart as he lived further and further away from each other making Miss Havisham devastated in her conditions, her father got murdered a long time ago, she hoped that her hard work payed of after being a high class associate. Just as her wedding day came she expected to see him but never came she was emotionless and stayed in her house forever and never came back.
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Lesson 12 Report
Really fun and energetic lesson today with a little bit of a Christmas theme! Vocab bingo went really well (well done Eric for winning!) and was solved in record time. We then took a look at Charles Dickens’ Christmas Carol, and spent a long time analysing and discussing the character of Scrooge and how he is presented in the opening of the novel.
Vocabulary
1. Tight-fisted – selfish and un-generous – unwilling to spend or give away money
2. Grindstone – a wheel of stone used to sharpen metal objects
3. Flint – a hard grey rock used as a tool or weapon, or to create a spark for fire
4. Oyster – an edible, grey shellfish
5. Nip – bite or pinch sharply
6. Shrivelled
7. Gait – the way that a person walks
8. Shrewd
9. Grating – sound harsh and unpleasant
10. Wiry – resembling wire in form and texture
11. Bleak
12. Wheezing
13. Dense – closely compacted in substance or (of a person) stupid
14. Phantoms
15. Clerk – a person employed in an office or bank to keep records or accounts
16. Dismal – causing a mood of gloom or depression
17. Replenish – fill something up again
18. Rapid
19. Stake – a strong wooden or metal post
20. Holly – an evergreen shrub with prickly dark green leaves and red berries, usually seen at Christmas
21. Hoax – a humorous or malicious deception
22. Insane – Characterised by madness
23. Ramble – Talk or write at length in a confused way
24. Robust – strong and healthy; vigorous
25. Tranquil – free from disturbance; calm
26. Provoke – make someone react emotionally (usually in a strong or unpleasant way)
27. Revive – restore to life or consciousness; give strength
28. Lenient – more merciful or tolerant than expected
29. Condemn – express complete disapproval of something
30. Sanitary – hygienic and clean
Homework
Homework
– Revise the vocabulary we have learned today and fill in the blanks.
– Write a modern reimagining of the Scrooge story. What would Scrooge’s job be today? Use ten words from the vocab list from today.
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I think that Scrooge today would work as a business man because it is impossible to be so rich without being a hard working job. Business men also could get a ton of money and if you start a business then you could relax and people do the work for you after making the company. Also being a business man could make you bored and grumpy, although having too much money will make you realize importance of life when money just flow through you every time. Though when your poor your not happy, but when your too rich, it is the same thing, if your too rich and you bought every single item there is on the planet, what’s the point? Its the same with Scrooge if he is so rich and all what is life? He think everything is boring because he have so much money. What is the point of being a billionaire with everything on eBay and it is a special holiday where you get cheap stuff with stocked markets and you standing there with everything in your hands, that’s the life of a accomplished business men. It is also what scrooge is right now in the passage staring at his worker(clerk). He who uses less stuff to show off when he already have all the stuff he needs, at least stuff had improved these days… A guy who don’t like Christmas is because of his money so that one day he could be swimming in gold. Although money kind of ruins the merry times when you enjoy with your family. I don’t understand the system of money when it just make you feel very bored. So that is my reason why Scrooge’s modern job is a business men.
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Lesson 13 Report
We had a very fun and energetic lesson today, looking at an extract from Charles Reade’s Hard Cash. Although the extract was a little difficult (due to its technical language) the students were able to have a lively discussion about the extract and its effect. The students began writing their homework task in class and I look forward to reading them later this week!
1. Pistol – a small, one handed gun
2. Oars – a pole with a flat blade designed to row
3. Continuous
4. Craning
5. Bulrushes – a tall reed-like water plant
6. Straggler
7. Jersey – a distinctive shirt worn by a player in a certain sport
8. Lash – to strike or beat
9. Vicious
10. Vociferate – shout, complain or argue loudly
11. Monitory – giving or serving as a warning
12. Foreshortened – dramatically or prematurely shorten or reduce something
13. Treble
14. Hitherto – until now
15. Broadside – on the side
16. Palpitate – (of the heart) beat rapidly, strongly or irregularly
17. Elastic
18. Surging – increase or move forward suddenly and powerfully
19. Glutinous
20. Writhing – make twisting, squirming movements or contortions of the body
21. Sinews – a piece of tough tissue connecting muscle to bone
22. Coxswains – the person who steers a ship’s boat
23. Imperious – arrogant and domineering or controlling
24. Jockey – a person who rides horses in races
25. Rowlock – a fitting on a boat that serves to keep the oar in place
26. Spurt – gush out in a sudden and forceful stream
27. Acquaint – To make someone aware of or familiar with someone else
28. Cultivate – Raise or grow something; develop a quality or skill
29. Perish – die in a violent or sudden way
30. Obstinate – Stubbornly refusing to change your opinion or your course of action
31. Ruthless – Having or showing no pity or compassion for others
32. Lavish – Very rich, elaborate or luxurious
33. Grotesque – Comically or repulsively ugly or distorted
34. Impudent – Not showing due respect for another person
35. Immense – extremely large or great
36. Forbid – refuse to allow something
Homework
– Revise the vocabulary we have learned today.
– Write a story using all ten of the words from our opening activity. What sort of story do the words make you think of?
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Lesson 14 Report
Fun, engaged and energetic lesson today! We began with a round of Vocab Bingo (congrats to Sissie for winning this week!) and then moved on to an extract from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. I was really pleased to see everyone engaging with the extract eagerly, and we had some good discussions about the presentation of character and the dynamics of relationships in the extract. I hope you all have a lovely Christmas and I look forward to seeing you in the New Year!
Vocabulary
– Define each word, put it into one of four categories (noun, adjective, verb or adverb) and, where applicable, note down a synonym or antonym.
1. Universal – applicable to all cases
2. Acknowledge – accept or admit something
3. Let – allow someone to live somewhere for money
4. Impatient – unwilling to wait for something
5. Objection – a reason against something
6. Chaise – a horse-drawn carriage for two people
7. Michaelmas – the period from the end of September to Christmas
8. Tiresome – exhausting or difficult
9. Design – a plan or purpose
10. Flatter
11. Establishment – (archaic) a marriage
12. Merely – just; only
13. Scrupulous – careful and thorough
14. Assure – tell someone something to convince them and ease any doubts
15. Hearty
16. Preference – a greater liking for one thing over another
17. Ignorant
18. Vex – make someone feel annoyed or worried, especially over something small
19. Sarcastic
20. Reserve – a lack of warmth or openness in manner
21. Caprice – a sudden and shocking change of mood
22. Insufficient
23. Solace – comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness
Homework
– Revise the vocabulary we have learned today and fill in the blanks.
– Imagine you are either Mr or Mrs Bennet. Write a diary entry describing the first time you meet the mysterious newcomer, Mr Bingley. Use ten words from the vocab list above.
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Voab Homework
Dear, Diary
It has been a hot summer during this month the wind danced around with joy and excitement and it has been fluctuating everything else it entwined. This morning, while I was looking at the newest daily express, my wife Mrs Bennet told me about a park that has opened and was owned by a North-London gentlemen, with about a few thousand pounds. I, who had no objection of hearing it let her flow with her words, she planned to let one of our five daughters to marry him, also known as Mr Bingley. She thought that it would be perfect for Jane , or perhaps Lydia. But me, just as normal suggested Lizzy (Elizibeth) to go. She was the most polite, quickest and smartest, not like her ignorant and absent-minded sisters that no one would reject her. By my words of wisdom, my wife acknowledge with me since I had more wisdom than her. My voice were sometimes sarcastic, so I tried it again upon my absent-minded wife. It was the Michelmas and need to start reserving warmth since taking care of five daughters were fairly tough. Then I went outside for a daily stroll for some exercise. Then I saw a chaise with a rather smart gentlemen to be in this simple and humble village. “Good morning sir, isn’t it a good time to have a stroll around the glistening water fountain? Please pardon me, but what is you very enchanted name?”asked me
“Nice to meet you my sir, I am known as Mr Bingley, are you familiar?”replied with such polite manners.
“Oh yes I am sure to be so familiar to you, a newcomer too! Please may I introduce me to you Mr Bennet! Delighted to meet you my young sir!”replied me.
“My wife has heard of you and asked very politely to come and visit our home and have a cup of tea to celeberate your fabulous welcome!” I replied with just the merely strength to sound convincing.
“My sir, that will indeed flatter me, wil you be too kind to lead me to you estate, I would surely happy to have a stay under you roof!” with caprice manner.
So I led him to our humble little cottage and then my wife with a happy and tempting voice, “Welcome, welcome Mr Bingley, God bless you upon you to come to our humble cottage you are welcome here any time!” bursted my wife.
“Delighted!” said Mr Bingley, then stepped into our house.
“This is sure a welcoming place to come!” he said after rubbing his lorgnette. We then welcomed him into our living room and gave him a seat as a honour of our guests. Lydia rushed into the room and welcomed Mr Bingley. “Hi sir, I would be happy to accompany you throughout the house.” said Lydia with a conceited and softening voice. Mr Bingley looked absured but then affectionate. “Well, if it may please you!” whispered Mr Bingley, under his breath.
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Lesson 15 Report
Lovely, energetic lesson today! Glad to see everyone is having a fun and relaxing Christmas! Vocab Bingo went very well, one of the closest rounds we’ve had so far, but congratulations to Sissie for winning this round! We then took a look through an extract from Wind in the Willows, paying particular attention to the depiction of home.
Vocabulary
1. Transparent – see-through
2. Pulsate – produce a regular throbbing sensation or sound
3. Silhouette
4. Perch – an object on which a bird sits, usually a branch or horizontal bar
5. Appurtenance – an accessory associated with a particular activity or style of living
6. Plumage – all of a bird’s feathers
7. Gape
8. Sleet – rain that contains some ice
9. Weary
10. Braced
11. Plod
12. Obedient – complying or willing to comply with an order or request
13. Summon
14. Incite – encourage or stir up (violent or unlawful behaviour)
15. Filament – a slender or threadlike object or fibre
16. Telegraphic – of or by a telegraph
17. Caress
18. Forsake – abandon or leave
19. Captivate
20. Shabby
21. Reproach – express to someone your disapproval of their actions
22. Plaintive
23. Oppress – Keep someone in subjection or hardship through the use of authority
24. Ruthless – Having or showing no pity or compassion for others
25. Obstinate – Stubbornly refusing to change one’s opinions or course of actions, despite attempts to change
26. Noxious – Harmful, poisonous or very unpleasant
27. Persevere – Keep going in the face of difficulty
28. Poultry – A group of domestic foul including chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese
29. Quell – Put an end to something, usually by force
30. Stagnant – Having no current or flow running through it, therefore smelling unpleasant
31. Soothe – Gently calm a person or their feelings
32. Trample – To tread on and crush
Homework
– Revise the vocabulary we have learned today.
– Write a story about coming home. Use ten of the words explored today.
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Lesson 16 Report
Excellent work today! I was very impressed with the energy and focus of everyone in the lesson today. We began with some vocab bingo (well done again Sissie!) and then moved on to define some words from the Wuthering Heights extract. The students then had a go at constructing a short story using the words we had defined, and the results were excellent! Well done everyone! Our discussion about the extract and the presentation of character was also very lively and fruitful.
Vocabulary
1. Misanthropist
2. Desolation
3. Tenant
4. Inconvenienced
5. Perseverance
6. Solicit
7. Hinder
8. Manifest
9. Precede
10. Domestic
11. Compound
12. Hale
13. Sinewy
14. Soliloquised
15. Conjecture
16. Pious
17. Ejaculation
18. Provincial
19. Tumult
20. Ventilation
21. Gaunt
22. Grotesque
23. Principal
24. Surly
25. Aggravate
26. Penetralium
27. Pre-eminent
28. Culinary
29. Cullenders
30. Pewter
31. Tankards
32. Anatomy
33. Inquiring
34. Villainous
35. Gaudily
Homework
– Revise the vocabulary we have learned today.
– Write a story about what happens next. What do we think will happen to Heathcliff and Mr. Lockwood?
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As they draw to the end of the tour they went back to Mr Heatherfield’s office. “So”
Mr Lockwood began, “About the money of my rent, how much is it?”“Seven hundred pounds a year” he replied with not an amusing voice.
Mr Lockwood drew out his wallet and said, “No extra fees?”
He shook his head in a darkened way.
Mr Lockwood then drew out seven hundred and put it aside the table.
“There” he said in a soft tone. Then he took of his hat and wandered into the stable
to retreive his horse. While he was there a mystifying figure slumbered into the
stable.Silence
Aargh! Help! I, save me…..
The next day, when Mr Heatherfields was having a walk around the park he saw a
corpse dead frozen stiff. He forgetting to wher his monocle walked right past it
having no sense of what will haunt him later on. While he went back he put down his
cane and drank his morning tea. “Sir” someone interupted, he turnes towards it,
“Yes Joseph?”“Someone wants to meet you my honourable.”
“Show them in.”
Awomen with a scotish accent came in and sat down “Our economy is going down,
where out of money!” Mr Heaterfields sat in silence shocked. It has never been that
way, never. He then put the seven hundred pounds and said to use this as a base.
She ran then shrieked. “A corpse a corpse!” she yelled with horror! The next day
police came to investigate the case. The only clue was blood and marks on the
neck,“Probably strangled and the only question is who? Then a sad and lonely place
filled the fields and forests and far beyond into the ground where ther dead lives…Then out of nowhere a ghost appeared and choked the head chief leaving him to die
with an untolerable pain. Then she looked at Mr Heatherfields and laughed then she
vapourized into thin air. Before she left she said “ Heatherfields, our ….” then left
without another breath. He went up into his bedroom haunted , unable to sleep it
was hard to breath, he knew he was the next objective and then AARGH. So it was
you all along….. help. -
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Lesson 17 Report
Thank you everyone for a lovely, fun and energetic lesson today! We began with vocab bingo (congratulations again Sissie!) and then moved on to looking at some vocabulary from the extract, taking some time to write a story using the words we’d learned. We then had a read through the extract from Jane Eyre and discussed first impressions.
1. Shrubbery
2. Sombre
3. Chide
4. Humble
5. Inferior
6. Recline
7. Quarrel
8. Dispense
9. Endeavour
10. Acquire
11. Sprightly
12. Frank
13. Cavillers
14. Moreen
15. Retirement
16. Drapery
17. Aspect
18. Lamentable
19. Vignette
20. Billow
21. Ghastly
22. Sentiment
23. Inscribe
24. Girdle
25. Crescent
26. Attest
27. Eventide
28. Becalm
29. Torpid
30. Fervent
31. Conception
32. Diffidence
33. Dependant
34. Rummage
35. Poise
36. Climax
Homework
– Revise the vocabulary we have learned today.
– Write a diary entry from the point of view of Jane, exploring her feelings about what happens in the extract.
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Lesson 18 Report
Thank you to everyone for a very fun and energetic lesson today, and congratulations to Luis for winning Vocab Bingo, especially as it was a particularly difficult round. We then had a go at writing a story using some of the vocabulary from Gulliver’s Travels, before reading the extract and discussing the way that Swift presents the character of Gulliver.
1. Inducement
2. Scanty
3. Eminent
4. Navigation
5. Voyage
6. Resolve
7. Several
8. Conscience
9. Imitate
10. Brethren
11. Consult
12. Acquaintance
13. Successively
14. Disposition
15. Advantageous
16. Prosperous
17. Suffice
18. Latitude
19. Immoderate
20. Computation
21. Mercy
22. Overset
23. Flurry
24. Conclude
25. Fortune
26. Declivity
27. Conjecture
28. Reckon
29. Slender
30. Ligature
31. Posture
32. Quiver
Homework
– Revise the vocabulary we have learned today.
– Continue the story – what do we think will happen next?
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Lesson 19
Another fun and energetic lesson! We got off to a little bit of a late start today – can I please encourage everyone to be as on time as possible as I can’t start the Bingo until everyone is present! Congratulations to Eric for winning this week’s round of Bingo! Today we looked at an extract from the Great Gatsby which the students approached with creativity and confidence, using the historical context I gave them to dissect the extract in detail. Given the students’ performance in the bingo, I’m confident that they are assimilating all of the vocab very well!
Vocabulary
– Define each word, put it into one of four categories (noun, adjective, verb or adverb) and, where applicable, note down a synonym or antonym.
1. Commute
2. Reputation
3. Extravagant
4. Enigmatic
5. Aquaplane
6. Cataract
7. Omnibus
8. Brisk
9. Hors-d’oeuvre
10. Harlequin
11. Bewitched
12. Cordial
13. Veranda
14. Gaudy
15. Shorn
16. Permeate
17. Innuendo
18. Lurch
19. Prodigality
20. Stout
21. Triumph
22. Opal
23. Obliging
24. Erroneous
25. Chauffeur
26. Majestic
27. Allusive
28. Oblique
29. Disparaging
Homework
– Revise the vocabulary we have learned today.
– Write a diary entry from the point of view of Nick Carraway after the party has finished. What happened at the party?
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Lesson 21
Great lesson today! It was so lovely to see familiar faces as well as some new ones. Well done to everyone on the vocab bingo, particularly those who joined today who weren’t familiar with the words. Today we looked at an extract from George Eliot’s Mill on the Floss. The students engaged with the extract really well today, especially considering how difficult some of the language is, and we had some great discussions about context, themes and the author.
Vocabulary
– Define each word, put it into one of four categories (noun, adjective, verb or adverb) and, where applicable, note down a synonym or antonym.
1. Impetuous
2. Laden
3. Borne
4. Fluted
5. Gables
6. Wharves
7. Tinging
8. Transient
9. Tint
10. Remnant
11. Ricks
12. Tributary
13. Placid
14. Withy
15. Croft
16. Bough
17. Submissive
18. Meek
19. Blinker
20. Haunch
21. Ineffectual
22. Remonstrance
23. Rapt
24. Benumbed
25. Parlour
26. Resolution
27. Flourish
28. Arbitrations
29. Comely
30. Fowl
31. Defiantly
32. Sanguinary
33. Rhetoric
34. Calico
35. Victual
Homework
– Revise the vocabulary we have learned today.
– Using the narrator’s description of the scene at the Floss for inspiration, write a description of a beautiful view. Use ten of the words from the list above.
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Oscar’s homework
In the peaceful valley where the tributary lay ,I stood gazing at the comely sight, though it was impetuous and the roots were becoming fowl , there was still a majestic sight in view. The house and gable all resting calmly on the plain . I held my smooth calico ,that was swaying in the cool breeze. Here I stood , next by the parlour enjoying the wonderful sight in front of me . Fluted rooves illuminated the horizon, the running of the water , the rustling of the bough made it seem more rapt. The sight would be transient , I like this field and all the ducks that commonly come here everyday . The sky, oh the beautiful sky above it shone with a gorgeous orange beam ,but now it is getting dimmer . I shall have to go back right now, but I always will remember the incredible sight.
Now I stand in Dorlcote mill, leaning my face against the window, looking at the fields of grass. My arms are benumbed, soon after I am dreaming of standing back in the field next by the bridge , just like the old times. I heard some voices and woke up back in the reality, it was MR and MRS Tulliver and they were talking about me!
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Really excellent work, Oscar! You get into the voice of the speaker really well, and have managed to imitate the tone and register of the extract perfectly, while still making it your own. I can tell how strongly your speaker feels about her surroundings through your description. I particularly like the image of ‘swaying in the cool breeze’, really great use of appeals to the senses there.
Just be careful with how you use a couple of the words. For example, ‘impetuous’ is usually used to describe a person, and ‘rapt’ is a word used to describe someone looking at something. The word you might have been looking for is ‘enrapturing’ – which means to cause someone to feel rapt.
Otherwise, great work!
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With the wind blowing my calico dress, I gaze upon the divinely comely croft in rapt silence. The transient storm passed through rather quickly and the sky, surrounded by Fowl’s, is taking on a blue -green tint. The fluted wood treehouse held up by the bough of the flourish tree provides so much scope for the imagination. Across the field, a horse wagon laden with victuals sets off to take on an adventure. Not far from this valley, I hear the ripples of the glorious tributary. Leaning over to look at my reflection in the lake, I imagine myself in wonderland.
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Beautiful work, Joy! This is a really evocative and emotive – your descriptive writing is very good. I particularly enjoy the sense of possibility, potential and adventure in this piece. It’s a very reflective and pensive piece of writing.
Just be careful about the use of one or two of the words, such as ‘flourish’, which isn’t used quite correctly here. Have a look and double check the meaning.
Otherwise – great work!
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Great work, Candice! This is a really well written and thoughtful piece of writing. I really like the calm and peaceful feeling that you’ve generated with this – it feels like a very relaxed and observational piece.
Just be careful with your grammar here, making sure to use punctuation to separate your sentences. ‘Know why’ should be ‘knowing why’. Otherwise, great work!
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Oscar’s homework
Dear Diary, 08/09/1802
It was my first day at school today and it did not go well at all. Firstly, being in the classroom was like being in a vault. There was nothing to do and it was very boring. Secondly, our teacher ( Thomas Gradgrind ) said life was all about facts, facts and facts ( also calculations to get these facts ). I wish my mum hadn’t got me into this, she already spent a lot of money cellarage on this so there is no turning back now. In class we also did some arithmetic questions, they were hard but I managed to do them all. Another problem I am going to say is that when I said what my name was ( Sissy ) the teacher that was nonsensical and there wasn’t a name called Sissy and instead he wanted me to be called Cecilia ! After that we had dinner ,I muzzled all my food down and wiped my lips with a cloth .The water came from a large pitcher. Next he showed us a plantation and said we were going to do that later on in the year.
Through the first day at school I had already found my favorite lesson which is learning about principles and imperial cities. I hope it will be better tomorrow.
from Sissy
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Excellent work, Oscar! Very well written, concise and clear. You’ve also used all of the vocabulary words successfully. Although with ‘cellarage’ you don’t need to write ‘money’ as well as cellarage means money paid as tax on a cellar, so it would be tautological. Also I might question whether it’s appropriate in this context?
Otherwise, really great work. I get a great sense of voice and tone from this piece of writing, and you order your writing very nicely. Keep up the good work!
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Linxi’s Homework
Dear Miss Taylor,
Today was a dreadful day! Oh I wish so much that I could come back! I had an teacher that was an nightmare! His name was Thomas Gradgrind, he said in today’s lesson that life is all about facts! What monster would say such an thing? I mean, no playtime? What about lunch? We don’t get to eat? It’s monstrous, I’m quite dumbfounded! This sir not only has no sense of life nor humor, but an insult! He said that Sissy was not an name and that my name was Cecilia! I will report this instantly if I could. I am having such a temper already! Break was definitely not better, there were nearly no domestic animals and all there was, where a clearing of grass and air, nothing else.
Lunch was could not be even terrible! As you know that I am an valetudinarian, all there was were meat and no vegetables, although the lunch staff were pretty amiable, they refused to give me vegetables. Th food was rational so I got barely anything. We were in a lower rank, so we had to have one slice of sausage and mash potato. (I could only get promoted if I know all the facts!) No GRAVY! I.. I’m speechless. Please get me out here! I can’t be here any longer. The service here is terrible and I can’t stand it anymore! I need God’s blessing to get out of this wrecked place! I could only hope that I was never born! Although, if I did run away. I wouldn’t know where to go. This place sure is peculiar, I mean there is nothing here that makes sense. From facts to no gravy. I feel like something is wrong.
On the wall across the hall was the constitution of facts. I honked and laughed. It was signed by Thomas Gradgrind. Not like I never suspected that. Mr Gradgrind then entered the hall, I had no time to waste and got back to my classroom. It was a mournful day, I hope I could get away, or things can better. At least. Now that Mr Gradgrind was out of the way, I could finally relax and not bother about facts. This is a boarding school so I suppose we would have dinner then go to sleep. I would write to you soon!
The best of luck,
Sissy
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This is a really lovely piece of writing, Linxi! You achieve a really fantastic sense of voice and tone, and we really get an idea of what Sissy’s character is through your writing. This reads very well as a letter, and is very entertaining and informative, as a letter should be. Your use of vocabulary is near perfect as well, well done!
Just be careful with the use of the article ‘an’. We only use ‘an’ instead of ‘a’ when the next word begins with a vowel. Also make sure not to confuse ‘rational’ with ‘rationed’ – which I think is what you mean in this context. And finally watch the beginning of the second paragraph – the first couple of sentences don’t quite make sense.
Otherwise, great work!
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Dear Diary,
Can you believe that the Dolores Umbridge in Harry Potter or Mrs. Trunchbull in Matilda has come to real life? School was a total nightmare. The whole class was based on principles not to mention the monotonous curriculum. Our teacher, Mr. Thomas Gradgrind, who appeared to have little acquaintance in teaching, kept underscoring that facts are essential. The first principle that we were forced to remember was that girls are required to curtsey in front of an adult. In addition, we were told that calculations and arithmetic problems will be given on a daily basis. Aside from the principles, the classroom was far from commodious even though there were paintings of vessels on the vault. On the gray speckled wall beside me, hanged thousands of nonsensical principles and facts which were designed to turn all the students into mechanical fact machines. There was a large pitcher sitting in front of Mr. Gradgrind’s muzzle as this specific tactic galvanized him to drink more water. The worst part of today was that I was humiliated in front of the whole class. When I said that my name is Sissy, Mr.Thomas Gradgrind’s face turned into a displeased toad as he smacked my forefinger and howled peremptorily “Sissy is not a name”, “Call yourself Cecilia”. I was startled and stood speechless… If this continues, my life would be an apocalypse.
Sissy
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Fantastic work, Joy! You write very clearly and concisely, and you use an impressive range of sophisticated and difficult vocabulary very confidently. The only small correction I could make is when you state that Mr Gradgrind has ‘little acquaintance in teaching’ which should be ‘with’ not ‘in’. Otherwise, this is and impressive, entertaining, and descriptive piece of work. The tone and voice that you achieve in this piece of writing is spot on. Great work!
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Lesson 22 Report
Great work last week guys! As always, very impressed with how quickly you’re all picking up the vocabulary from the previous week. Thank you all for some very creative and fun stories as well. Keep up the good work!
Vocabulary
– Define each word, put it into one of four categories (noun, adjective, verb or adverb) and, where applicable, note down a synonym or antonym.
1. Principle
2. Monotonous
3. Vault
4. Forefinger
5. Underscore
6. Commodious
7. Cellarage
8. Inflexible
9. Dictatorial
10. Plantation
11. Obstinate
12. Unaccommodating
13. Vessel
14. Imperial
15. Calculation
16. Peremptorily
17. Parcel
18. Arithmetic
19. Nonsensical
20. Supposition
21. Acquaintance
22. Substitute
23. Pitcher
24. Muzzle
25. Discharge
26. Galvanising
27. Apparatus
28. Mechanical
29. Curtsey
Homework
– Revise the vocabulary we have learned today.
– It is Sissy Jupe’s first day at school. Write a diary entry detailing her experience of her first day using ten words from the vocab list above.
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Lesson 23 Report
Excellent work today from everyone! Special shoutout to Joy for winning Vocab Bingo in record time! Also some fantastic stories today from Sissie, Oscar and Luis – very nice work. Really great discussion about the extract today, some excellent points from Candice and Linxi about how to raise kids and whether to spoil them or not. Keep up the good work!
Vocabulary
– Define each word, put it into one of four categories (noun, adjective, verb or adverb) and, where applicable, note down a synonym or antonym.
1. Disposition
2. Blessing
3. Vex
4. Indulgent
5. Indistinct
6. Carrels
7. Intimacy
8. Nominal
9. Temper
10. Impose
11. Mutual
12. Esteem
13. Alloy
14. Unperceived
15. Rank
16. Consciousness
17. Mournful
18. Continuance
19. Prospect
20. Unexceptionable
21. Promote
22. Peculiar
23. Domestic
24. Solitude
25. Rational
26. Disparity
27. Constitution
28. Valetudinarian
29. Amiable
30. Matrimony
Homework
– Revise the vocabulary we have learned today.
– Write a letter from Emma to her governess, Miss Taylor, describing her situation and how much she misses her. Use ten words from the vocab list above.
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This is Luis’ homework for lesson 21, 22 and 23.
I would like you to read “The thirty-nine Steps” from John Buchan.
Thanks
Luis
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Lesson 21
This is really quite beautiful, Luis! I genuinely felt moved while reading this. You describe the scene with great care, precision and detail, and you use the vocabulary in surprising but very effective ways. The detail of the ‘matrix of colour’ is particularly impactful. Fantastic work!
Lesson 22
Great work, Luis! You adopt the voice of Sissy very well here. Just be careful with the use of ‘underscore’ – just double check the meaning of that word. Otherwise, great use of voice and tone!
Lesson 23
Nice work, Luis. Nice tone and voice here, very similar to the way in which the author writes in the extract which is good! Just be careful with the use of the word ‘valetudinarian’ – just double check what it means. Otherwise, lovely work! And I’ll check out The Thirty Nine Steps for next week, thanks for the suggestion!
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Joy’s homework for lesson 23. Thank you, Ms. Rachel!
Dear Miss.Taylor,
I hope everything is going well between you and Mr.Weston. Things have altered so much since your matrimony. Being an unconscious person, my surroundings have always been unperceived and just in the blink of an eye, you are gone. I am aware your house is within my daily reach, nevertheless, I feel utter disparity. I have to admit I am in a mournful disposition without you. It has been a while since solitude became my best friend and decreased my self – esteem. The prospect that father is still by my side is a blessing however, his constitution and valetudinarian habits promote an awkward silence and gaze once we look at each other. To make things worse, yesterday I lost my temper, through a piece of alloy on to the carrel and said something incredibly impolite which almost caused him a heart attack. For the first time, I saw how vexed he was. Thankfully, I managed to come up with a rational apology. The household feels peculiar without your intimate voice and indulgent amiable temper, especially while doing imposed domestic chores. My future here is indistinct and until I know what is happening next, I hope to hear from you soon.
Lots of love,
Emma
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Really lovely work, Joy! This is a very impressive piece of writing, and you’ve used all of the words from the vocab list with flare and confidence. I especially like the description of the future as ‘indistinct’ – I feel like this really captures her position perfectly. You also adopt the perfect tone of voice for the era that the book was written – great work!
Just be careful with the use of the word ‘through’ – I think what you’re looking for here is ‘threw’. Otherwise, fab work! Keep it up!
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Really lovely work, Joy! This is a very impressive piece of writing, and you’ve used all of the words from the vocab list with flare and confidence. I especially like the description of the future as ‘indistinct’ – I feel like this really captures her position perfectly. You also adopt the perfect tone of voice for the era that the book was written – great work!
Just be careful with the use of the word ‘through’ – I think what you’re looking for here is ‘threw’. Otherwise, fab work! Keep it up!
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Lesson 24 Report
Fantastic work from everyone today! Congratulations to Linxi for winning today’s Vocab Bingo. Some excellent stories from everyone today, thank you so much for sharing them with me and the group – you’re all so creative! Great discussion about the extract too – some really enlightening thoughts and contributions from everyone. Keep up the good work!
Vocabulary
– Define each word, put it into one of four categories (noun, adjective, verb or adverb) and, where applicable, note down a synonym or antonym.
1. Bandy
2. Equipage
3. Score
4. Stately
5. Acute
6. Geranium
7. Incident
8. Majestic
9. Correspondent
10. Genteel
11. Billet
12. Autograph
13. Veneration
14. Sovereign
15. Console
16. Pious
17. Eloquent
18. Composition
19. Industry
20. Endear
21. Orthography
22. Deportment
23. Requisite
24. Morality
25. Patronage
26. Humble
27. Distinction
28. Avail
Homework
– Revise the vocabulary we have learned today.
– Write a newspaper report on Miss Pinkerton’s school, imagining that it has just opened. What might you say about it? How might you describe it?
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Dear, Miss Taylor
It is a pleasure to write to you for getting your address was not the simplest task. All I want to say is that I miss you after your matrimony with your such kind husband and that I am proud of you and grateful. I am mournful for your voice and your friendly blessing upon our home. I do not have a temper for your leave, one day I will be like you and leave like all women do. You were amiable and esteemed, you were loyal and respectful. We were like sisters, or best friends, but happy days never last. You were never vexing or mean, you were a women that has a heart of gold. You only had a rational time to be with me and now you left I can’t see you again. You were a valetudinarian, just like me. It was unexceptionable for us to have a completely different life. I am rich and you aren’t, don’t you agree? You and I were best friends and all, you remembered all the good times we had? Now that we are way from each other, we could right letters daily, don’t you think so? Now the activities are supposed to be done mutually, but now I have a hard time to do such chores. Here we have a profusion of domestic life, remember Bones? He is still here! That is what I call nominally amazing! I hope to get in touch with you sooner or later! But make sure to send one in next Tuesday, okay? I wish you a merry time for your husband and you! Hope to get in touch and if you could, arrange a meeting place between us, alright? Then bye!
The best of wishes,
Emma!
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Really lovely work here, Linxi! I really enjoyed reading this, in particular your use of voice and character. You’ve created a very vivid voice for Emma here, I get a great sense of the kind of person she is. I can tell you’ve really put some thought into it – I especially like the moments when she’s a little bit rude to Miss Taylor, such as when she says ‘I am rich and you aren’t’ – this is very in character for Emma!
There are one or two misuses of words – such as ‘nominally’ and ‘right’ instead of ‘write’. I’m also not sure if Emma would call herself a valetudinarian? Maybe have a look back at the definition.
Otherwise, really fantastic work, Linxi. I really enjoyed reading this!
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Really great work, Luis! Very effective tone here – you’ve managed to get a sense of the age of this really well. You’ve adapted your register perfectly for audience and purpose. You also use a nice range of vocab. This is a very convincing piece of writing!
However, next time you might try and include some of the words from the vocab list. Otherwise, great work!
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Beautiful work, Joy! I can tell how much care, attention, time and effort you’ve put into this piece. You’ve achieved the tone and register of a newspaper article perfectly, as well as the language of the time too. You’ve used all of the vocab perfectly as well, and well done for using many more than ten! This is a very concise and well-written piece of writing, and lovely to read! Well done!
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Lesson 25 Report
Great work for today! Congratulations to Sissie for winning this week’s Vocab Bingo – a lot of tough words in there today as well. Thanks to Luis for suggesting this week’s extract from John Buchan’s Thirty Nine Steps. Everyone engaged well with the extract and the new vocabulary introduced today. The stories everyone created using the new vocab were unique and very entertaining to read – thank you to everyone who shared theirs!
Vocabulary
– Define each word, put it into one of four categories (noun, adjective, verb or adverb) and, where applicable, note down a synonym or antonym.
1. Loft
2. Nausea
3. Palsy
4. Lade
5. Dovecot
6. Moor
7. Chaff
8. Threshold
9. Cobbled
10. Merciful
11. Prospect (v)
12. Ascent
13. Giddy
14. Masonry
15. Parapet
16. Swoon
17. Fumes
18. Prospect (n)
19. Wisp
20. Rotund
21. Captor
22. Lisp
23. Ransack
24. Blistering
25. Glen
26. Fringed
27. Plateau
Homework
– Revise the vocabulary we have learned today.
– How did Richard Hannay get into this situation? Write a diary entry exploring how Hannay ended up where he is in this extract. Use ten words from the vocab list in your writing.
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Dear diary,
The stake was high, the pressure was intense. A secret message was passed on to a foreigner, now we need to capture him and put him in hostage. Although, the foreigner was a foreigner. He had a special spy collaboration to protect the spy and take him back safely. Then retrieve the military secrets to win the grand prize of a lifetime supply of cash.
I, and many others have been chosen to retrieve the message and also expose the collaboration of spies sent to protect the foreigner. This no ordinary job, we were all trained in full combat. We all had the main features, dual pistols, wireless operator, disguise and a map of the location of which the foreigner was seen in. I started at west coast were the foreigner was seen, dead silence, I then saw a spy scanning the area for spies. I shot at him in the head. Dead, cold silence, then the foreigner ran towards east coast, I warned the east coast spies about the approach. They ganged up and I ran towards the foreigner. Then shots came at my direction, I knew it, the shots alarmed the other collaborators to protect the foreigner. I then shouted for reinforcements. They came in no time. Immediately, the collaborators threw a
Smoke grenade and the fumes blocked our sight. The foreigner ransacked the nearest house and make his escape. All of a sudden, a gang of collaborators stormed out. We were not merciful and shot the members immediately.
We prospected that he was still was hiding in the house, but no. He already escaped from an underground passage way. I volunteered to go down, but as soon as I was not visible, I was kidnapped and taken a threshold. There I was forced to talk, but luckily, my team entered the seen. Before being rescued, I saw a rotund figure approaching me. We followed what we heard on the radio was that the foreigner was in a wonderful glen, south of their lair (the one we were in). There was a cottage, and they hid in the loft, where they stored their supplies. There was a secret waiting for the foreigner. As soon as as we can, we shot down the blistering plane. Though he had a trick up their sleeves, me team was actually spies and they knocked me out with a bat on and I fainted with disbelief. When I woke up, I was dragged over a cobbled pavement. My captor was a cowboy who wore a fringed jacket. When he saw me, he bolted a club at my head and I fainted again.
When I woke, I was put hostile in a barn, it was the allies’ secret base. They ransacked the place and I was put hostage in the humid condition, I struggled for freedom and managed to get one layer of rope of. I was starving, I fainted for good, and had a hard time to wake up. There, I heard footsteps coming my way…
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Excellent work, Linxi. This is a very tense and impressive story. Really great use of the vocab here, although one or two of the words don’t quite fit, such as ‘prospected’ – a synonym might work here instead? Great description of action here, I especially like the way you have used varied sentence structures to increase tension and impact. I also like how you’ve finished on a cliffhanger – makes me want to read on!
Just be careful with your grammar and punctuation. If you read back through you’ll notice that some of the commas should be full stops. Also the phrase is ‘the stakes were high’, as ‘stakes’ is always plural. Otherwise, really fantastic work!
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Lesson 26 Report
Fantastic work today! Congrats to Candice for winning Vocab Bingo in what must have been record time, and well done to Luis for coming a close second! Today we looked at an extract from Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace. This was a particularly tricky extract, both in terms of vocab and general readability, but the students engaged with it really well. I’m very happy with the progress the students are making with the vocabulary. Everyone is able to define and use the majority of the vocabulary with confidence. Keep up the good work!
Vocabulary
– Define each word, put it into one of four categories (noun, adjective, verb or adverb) and, where applicable, note down a synonym or antonym.
1. Estate
2. Palliate
3. Infamy
4. Atrocity
5. Distinguished
6. Confidential
7. Soiree
8. Livery
9. Indiscriminate
10. Invalid (n)
11. Disconcerted
12. Reception
13. Forefathers
14. Patronising
15. Intonation
16. Peculiar
17. Complacent
18. Indifference
19. Courtesy
20. Fete
21. Pall
22. Listless
23. Pose
24. Inclination
25. Affected
26. Consciousness
Homework
– Revise the vocabulary we have learned today.
– Write a response from the Prince to Anna Pavlovna’s invitation using ten words from the list above.
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Lesson 27 Report
Great work on Sunday! We worked through quite a tricky extract this week, but the students engaged with the text and its themes and vocabulary very well. I continue to be confident that all of the students are picking up the vocabulary very quickly, which is a great sign! Keep up the good work!
Vocabulary
– Define each word, put it into one of four categories (noun, adjective, verb or adverb) and, where applicable, note down a synonym or antonym.
1. Garret
2. Oblige
3. Invariable
4. Scowl
5. Abject
6. Contrary
7. Verging
8. Hypochondria
9. Trivial
10. Pestering
11. Prevaricate
12. Axiom
13. Bustle
14. Scaffolding
15. Overwrought
16. Profound
17. Refined
18. Accustomed
19. Shabbiness
20. Proximity
21. Preponderance
22. Accumulate
23. Fastidious
24. Former
25. Clutch
26. Bespatter
27. Unseemly
28. Akin
Homework
– Revise the vocabulary we have learned today.
– Write a letter from the protagonist to a friend explaining the situation that he’s in and asking for help. Use ten of the words from the vocab list in your response.
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Dear ______,
I apologize for not writing to you more frequently. Life has changed dramatically since I last wrote to you. Recently, I lost all of my money in a deal. I gave it my all and applied for every employment in town hoping for at least one company to accept me. On the contrary, I waited for days, months, and there was no response.
Apart from my liabilities (mostly debt) piling up, meeting my landlady has been a dreadful concern. She continues to pester, scowl and oblige me to pay my rent. Even though I am perfectly aware that I owe her months of rent, I continue to make up excuses and prevaricate when questions are asked. Deep down, I am aware this is an unseemly, horrible action. However, I continue to act this way, on one hand in order to prevent myself from becoming homeless and on the other hand, due to the constant reminder of the axiom “people cannot change”. As I bustle through the streets feeling overwrought, I try to avoid contact with other people as much as possible. A profound nightmare would occur every night. My unpaid rent. My debt. My far from refined clothes. Socialites dressing with fastidious care. My former landlady (extremely akin to my current landlady). The scaffold (I would imagine myself being found and killed). I would wake up screaming, and clutching my bed sheets bespattered with tears. This daily routine has been invariable and gradually, I have become accustomed to it.
Despite that, living in fear and bills piling up forced me to sink into deep depression. In fact, the depression worsened my hypochondriaI and I was on the verge to commit suicide. My mental pain continues and I do not have adequate money to hire a therapist. My issue may seem trivial, however, the suffering is immense.
I sincerely hope you can help me.
Love,
_______
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Really lovely work here, Joy. This is an excellent response. You have used all of the words from the vocab list perfectly here and with flare and imagination too. You have managed to capture the voice of the protagonist very accurately while also making it your own.
Just be careful with ‘hypochondrial’ which should be ‘hypochondria’ in this context, and it should be ‘on the verge of committing suicide’ not ‘to commit’. But otherwise, thorough and fantastic work! Keep it up!
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Lesson 28
Excellent lesson today! Congratulations to Candice for winning this week’s vocab bingo, particularly when the words were so tricky this week. Thank you for everyone’s stories today as well! Today we looked at an extract from Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Scarlet Letter, and discussed a little bit of the context of the novel as well as its modern day implications.
Vocabulary
– Define each word, put it into one of four categories (noun, adjective, verb or adverb) and, where applicable, note down a synonym or antonym.
1. Throng
2. Garments
3. Edifice
4. Colony
5. Utopia
6. Invariable
7. Allot
8. Vicinity
9. Seasonable
10. Nucleus
11. Congregate
12. Sepulchre
13. Ponderous
14. Pertain
15. Unsightly
16. Congenial
17. Condemn
18. Token
19. Narrative
20. Inauspicious
21. Frailty
22. Century
23. Petrify
24. Physiognomy
25. Augur
26. Betoken
27. Culprit
28. Tribunal
29. Verdict
30. Inference
31. Indubitable
32. Scourge
33. Vagrant
34. Solemn
35. Demeanour
36. Meagre
37. Transgress
38. Penalty
Homework
– Revise the vocabulary we have learned today.
– You are a judge, and it is your responsibility to decide whether or not the people brought before you are guilty. Write a report on a particularly difficult case that you have seen that day.
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Joy’s homework for lesson 28. Thank you, Ms. Rachel!
A Case Narrative
On Sunday morning, 2 P.M sharp, a tax fraud case took place Inside a tribunal edifice.
As the nucleus of the court, I allotted everyone (the court reporter, clerk, bailiff, attorney, court interpreter, and jurors) to their positions. Although it seemed just like an ordinary culprit case, I was petrified to learn that the defendant turned out to be a famous singer. It was the first time in a century that a famous individual entered this court. Even though she appeared unsightly, frail and ponderous, while the case took place, her presence attracted many members of the public (including fans, people on their way to work, children, and vagrants) as they congregated around the court in order to catch a glimpse of her. In fact, the entire street was crowded with spectators.
Once everything was settled, the case (which stated that the stock and assets pertaining to the singer’s business were accused of defrauding) began. Initially, the singer’s evidence was inauspicious and meagre in order to win the case. However, after a few hours everything turned around as the singer’s lawyer joined in. He was a nice – looking man, with a solemn demeanour. Immediately, there was a noticeable change in the vibe and physiognomy of the singer. The singer and her lawyer were congenial. It seemed as though they were the same person, linked to one another. The singer’s lawyer, in addition to working for the defendant, lived in the vicinity of the singer’s house, which betokened that he knew the singer’s situation extremely well. The singer, with the assisting of her lawyer, condemned every sentence I said. As they kept going back and forth invariably, the case lasted up to several hours. Finally, after drawing inferences from established evidence and facts, an indubitable verdict was settled. The singer was cleared of any penalty and declared not guilty. The crowd roared with applause, serving as a token of pride and appreciation for the lawyer and the singer herself.
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Fantastic work, Joy! This is an excellent piece of writing, and you’ve used all of the vocab beautifully. This is a very sophisticated piece of work, and I’m very impressed with how you’ve handled some very difficult words here. You write very eloquently, clearly and concisely. Keep up the very good work!
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Lesson 29 Report
Fantastic work from everyone this Sunday! Well done Joy for winning Vocab Bingo! Again, I’m very happy with the progress everyone is making and the excellent engagement with the extract this week. Keep up the lovely work!
Vocabulary
– Define each word, put it into one of four categories (noun, adjective, verb or adverb) and, where applicable, note down a synonym or antonym.
1. Immense
2. Profusion
3. Crevice
4. Dahlia
5. Confounded
6. Ramshackle
7. Venture
8. Musing
9. Ally
10. Endure
11. Perish
12. Steadfast
13. Persistent
14. Blanche
15. Desisting
16. Lament
17. Indefatigable
18. Aloft
19. Kindle
20. Gleam
21. Mellow
22. Penitence
23. Alas
24. Respite
25. Helter Skelter
26. Semblance
27. Promptitude
28. Dwindle
29. Bellow
Homework
– Revise the vocabulary we have learned today.
– You are wondering through a derelict house, thinking about its past inhabitants. Describe what you can see using ten of the words from the vocab list above.
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Lesson 30 Report
Great work this week! Thank you for all of your hard work and energy – and congratulations to Joy for scoring a double win on this week’s Vocab Bingo. The students engaged well with the extract. Although we didn’t have much time this week to discuss the extract, I hope the students will be inspired to read the book, as well as some of the others that we’ve studied over the course of these lessons.
Vocabulary
– Define each word, put it into one of four categories (noun, adjective, verb or adverb) and, where applicable, note down a synonym or antonym.
1. Devise
2. Scope
3. Annals
4. Melodrama
5. Vast
6. Republican
7. Contemporary
8. Barricade
9. Deteriorate
10. Constitutional
11. Bourgeois
12. Preside
13. Propertied
14. Enrich
15. Capitalism
16. Rival
17. Obscurity
18. Penury
19. Vice
20. Intrigue
21. Connive
22. Fidelity
23. Plagiarism
24. Memoir
25. Machination
26. Magnanimous
27. Mythic
28. Trait
29. Instinctive
30. Drone
Homework
– Revise the vocabulary we have learned today.
– Now we’ve read the introduction to the Three Musketeers, have a go at writing the opening. How do you think this story would start?
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