Skills 1 Unit 4: Life in the past

Unit 4: Life in the past - Skills 1

In Unit 4 of Skills 1, you will focus on improving your reading and speaking skills. The content below provides suggestions and guidance on how to approach the exercises in the textbook.

Reading

1. Think about the differences in how teenagers entertain themselves now compared to in the past. Consider the biggest changes that have occurred.

2. Read the conversation between Phong and his mother and answer the questions below:

Phong: Mum, how did you use to entertain yourself when you were a teenager?
Mother: In my days, we engaged in a lot of physical activities outdoors like playing football, riding bikes, and flying kites. We also spent quality time together, interacting face-to-face rather than through a screen like today.
Phong: That sounds great!
Mother: Yes, it was. This lifestyle kept us healthy and in good shape. We didn't have to worry about obesity or dieting like young girls do nowadays.
Phong: Did you eat out with friends?
Mother: No, we mostly ate at home or grabbed a snack from a street vendor.
Phong: I enjoy street food. Did you watch a lot of TV?
Mother: Only well-off families owned a TV. We preferred reading; it required imagination unlike watching TV. I also kept a diary.
Phong: A diary? What did you write in it?
Mother: I wrote about events, emotions, and personal thoughts.

1. Where did teenagers in the past play?
- They used to play outdoors, in the fresh air.

2. How did they communicate with each other?
- They interacted face-to-face.

3. What was the advantage of this lifestyle?
- It kept them healthy and in shape.

4. Where did they mostly eat?
- At home.

5. What did Phong's mother say about reading?
- Reading required the use of imagination.

6. Did teenagers in the past express their emotions publicly?
- No, they didn't.

Speaking

3. Discuss your opinions in groups about teenagers' pastimes in the past. Share your thoughts on various activities mentioned in the conversation.

4. Work in groups and express your views on preserving certain long-practised children's habits in Vietnam. Consider habits like hand-written homework, playing traditional games, following customs when greeting, and respecting elders.

By engaging in these reading and speaking activities, you'll gain insight into the past lifestyle of teenagers and reflect on the cultural practices that have been preserved over time.