2.3 Spelling and oral descriptions  (Page 2/2)

We know this when the learner:

6.4 develops own vocabulary:

6.4.1 analyses word formation (e.g. drum, drummer);

6.4.3 understands between 3 000 and 4 500 common spoken words in context by the end of grade 5.

Memorandum

ACTIVITY 1

Spend time with the learners when doing this task. It is important that they make the connection between the given clue (eg. ‘ph’) and the sound (eg. ‘f’).

Keep in mind that the learners will need to check their answers, using the dictionary.

Do not attempt to do all the sub-sections (a – i) in one lesson. Rather spend 20 – 30 minutes every second day, completing 2 sub-sections at a time. Allow them to write the meanings of the difficult/challenging words down on the page.

Answers :

ACTIVITY 2

Read the following extract to the learners, slowly and clearly the first time; less slowly the second time.

Ensure that the learners understand what to do when answering on the given answer sheet.

This is a very simple piece of reading and the T / F questions that follow are designed to test how well they have listened to detail.

Once the educator has checked the answers (the learners can mark their own answer sheets, under the guidance of the educator), read the extract once more. This enables the learners to realize where they went wrong.

The Checklist has been provided so that the learners can analyse their performance in a more personal way.

Once they were FREAKS, today the girls adore them!

Victor and Gabriel Gomez, known worldwide as the Wolf Boys, have become heroes since joining the circus.

People used to avoid them and they were called ‘freaks’, but now they are even more popular than the musclemen in the show.

These Mexican brothers suffer from a rare and incurable disease called hypertrichosis or “werewolf syndrome.” This means that thick, dark animal-like hair covers their faces, neck and arms from a very young age.

The townsfolk were certain that they were cursed. The brothers were stared at and teased in their home town and they became so unhappy that they refused to go to school, preferring to stay at home.

But this all changed when the circus came to town and their grandmother insisted they join. Robert Campa, the manager, trained the very intelligent boys to be trapeze artists, jugglers and acrobats and he hired a teacher so that they could continue with their education.

“I am so happy,” says Gabriel, “I earn a good salary, I have learnt and seen interesting things and I have self-respect. We can afford to send our family money.”

Instead of hurtful comments and insults, the boys are admired and receive many compliments, especially from their female admirers.

Victor (13) says his life changed into a fairy-tale with a happy ending, since joining the circus. “People still call us the Wolf Boys, but they do it with love,“ he says.

British children’s rights organisations have condemned using children in freak shows. They have insisted that the practice end, pointing out that even animal acts have been banned in circuses.

Victor and Gabriel do not agree and hope to continue with their profession.

(Adapted from the You magazine, 9 Nov. 1995)

Answers to the questions (listening skill)