Reading Exercise
PRE READING-ACTIVITY:
Instructions: Match the pictures to the descriptions of the cities
A. New York City, USA
In New York City, the day starts early with the hustle of commuters heading to work via subways and taxis. The streets are alive with the buzz of activity as people rush through the busy avenues and skyscrapers. Lunchtime brings a flurry of activity to cafes and parks, where New Yorkers enjoy a quick bite. Evenings are vibrant, with many heading to Broadway shows, exploring diverse restaurants, or enjoying the nightlife in neighborhoods like Brooklyn and Manhattan. The city that never sleeps offers lots of different opportunities for both leisure and work, reflecting its dynamic spirit.
B. Tokyo, Japan
A typical day in Tokyo begins with a crowded commute on meticulously timed trains. The city pulses with cutting-edge technology and ancient traditions. Workers often grab breakfast on the go, such as rice balls or miso soup from convenience stores. Lunch might be a quick bento box or ramen in bustling food alleys. After work, many Tokyoites enjoy socializing in izakayas or exploring the bright lights of districts like Shibuya or Shinjuku. The blend of the new and the old defines Tokyo’s unique rhythm.
C. London, United Kingdom
Londoners start their day with a brisk walk to the Tube or a double-decker bus ride, passing historic landmarks and modern skyscrapers. Breakfast is often a quick coffee and a pastry. The city offers a mix of work and leisure, with many spending their lunch breaks in expansive parks like Hyde Park or along the Thames. Evenings might include a visit to a pub for a pint, a West End theatre performance, or dining out in one of the city’s diverse neighborhoods. London’s rich history and cultural diversity are evident in its daily life.
D. Paris, France
Morning in Paris might start with a leisurely coffee and croissant at a sidewalk café. Parisians value the beauty around them, from the architecture to the Seine River, often taking the time to enjoy their surroundings on their way to work or school. Lunch is an important social activity, possibly enjoyed outdoors. Afternoons might be spent browsing boutiques or visiting an exhibition. Dinner is a lengthy affair, enjoyed late in the evening at a bistro or restaurant, followed by a stroll through the illuminated streets, embodying the city’s romantic ambiance.
E. Sydney, Australia
Sydney wakes up to the sound of the surf and the sight of the sun glistening off the Opera House. Mornings often begin with a beach walk or a coffee at a local café. The city’s laid-back vibe blends with a busy work ethic. Lunch could be a picnic in the Royal Botanic Garden or a seafood meal by the harbor. After work, many Sydneysiders enjoy outdoor activities like surfing, hiking, or barbecues with friends. Evenings offer vibrant nightlife, cultural events, or simply relaxing by the beach, showcasing Sydney’s love for the outdoors and community.
Answers: P3D – P4C – P5E – P1A – P2B
City Life Around the Globe: A Cultural Snapshot
Dive into the daily rhythms of five major cities across the world with our interactive quiz! From the bustling streets of New York City and the meticulously timed commutes of Tokyo to the leisurely mornings in Paris, the rich history of London, and Sydney's love for the outdoors, this quiz offers a glimpse into the diverse lifestyles and cultural nuances that define each city. Test your knowledge and explore the unique blend of work, leisure, and community life that characterizes these urban landscapes. Whether you're a city dweller yourself or dreaming of your next urban adventure, this quiz will transport you to the heart of each metropolis.
Life in the City
Maria lives in a bustling city. Every day, the streets are filled with people rushing to their destinations. Right now, Maria is walking to the subway station. She takes the subway to work every morning because it is fast and convenient. The subway is usually crowded, but today it seems more crowded than usual.
At work, Maria is part of a marketing team. She designs advertisements for various products. Currently, she is working on a campaign for a new smartphone. She finds her job exciting because it challenges her creativity. Her team meets regularly to discuss new ideas and strategies. They are meeting later today to finalize the campaign details.
During her lunch break, Maria often eats at a small café near her office. She likes to eat a light meal, such as a salad or a sandwich. Today, she is trying a new salad the café has introduced. She enjoys exploring different foods and often visits new restaurants with her friends.
After work, Maria sometimes goes for a walk in the park. The park is a quiet escape from the noise of the city. Right now, she is sitting on a bench, watching children play. The park is a great place for her to relax and clear her mind after a busy day.
In the evening, Maria enjoys cooking dinner at home. Cooking is a hobby for her, and she loves trying new recipes. Tonight, she is making a traditional dish from her childhood. Cooking brings back fond memories and allows her to experiment with flavors.
While Reading: Find and Highlight
Objective: Identify and highlight specific information in the text to enhance comprehension and attention to detail.
Instructions:
- Key Details: As you read about Maria’s day, highlight or underline:
- The modes of transportation Maria uses.
- The main tasks Maria performs at her job.
- What Maria does during her lunch break.
- Maria’s after-work activities.
- Adjectives and Adverbs: Look for and highlight all the adjectives and adverbs that describe:
- The city and its atmosphere.
- Maria’s workplace and her feelings about her job.
- The park Maria visits after work.
- Actions: Highlight the verbs that describe Maria’s actions throughout her day. Pay attention to whether the actions are in the simple present or present progressive tense.
- Food and Meals: Highlight or note down what Maria eats for lunch and what she plans to cook for dinner. Discuss why these choices might be significant or reflective of her lifestyle.
Key Details Answers:
- Modes of Transportation Maria Uses: Maria walks to the subway station and takes the subway to work.
- Main Tasks Maria Performs at Her Job: Maria designs advertisements for various products and is currently working on a campaign for a new smartphone.
- Maria’s Lunch Break Activities: Maria often eats at a small café near her office, preferring a light meal such as a salad or a sandwich. Today, she is trying a new salad introduced by the café.
- Maria’s After-Work Activities: Maria sometimes goes for a walk in the park, which serves as a quiet escape from the city noise. In the evening, she enjoys cooking dinner at home.
Adjectives and Adverbs Answers:
- City and Its Atmosphere: bustling, crowded (more crowded than usual).
- Maria’s Workplace and Feelings About Her Job: exciting (job), creative (challenges her creativity), new (ideas and strategies).
- The Park: quiet (escape), great (place to relax).
Actions Answers:
- Maria’s Actions:
- Walking to the subway station.
- Taking the subway.
- Working on a campaign.
- Eating at a café.
- Trying a new salad.
- Going for a walk in the park.
- Sitting on a bench, watching children play.
- Cooking dinner at home.
- Making a traditional dish.
Note: The verbs related to Maria’s actions are primarily in the simple present tense (“walks,” “takes,” “eats,” “goes,” “sits,” “enjoys,” “cooks,” “is making”), with “is working,” “is trying,” “is sitting,” and “is making” being in the present progressive tense, indicating actions happening at the moment.
Food and Meals Answers:
- Lunch: Maria is trying a new salad the café has introduced.
- Dinner: Maria is making a traditional dish from her childhood for dinner.
POST Reading: CLASS DISCUSSION
- About Commuting:
- “Is traveling to work or school like Maria’s subway ride for you? How is it the same or different?”
- About Maria’s Job:
- “What do you like or not like about Maria’s work making ads? Why?”
- About Quiet Places:
- “Maria likes the park for quiet time. How important is a quiet place to you? Do you have a favorite quiet place?”
- About Cooking and Hobbies:
- “Maria enjoys cooking to relax. Do you have a fun activity that makes you happy or reminds you of good times?”
