Page 118 - Real English 2024 Book 8

REAL ENGLISH 8

ERNEST [turning round]: Yes, Uncle?

UNCLE: I shouldn’t be too long spending that half-crown, if I were
you. Your father might want it back.

ERNEST: He hasn’t got a hope! [He hurries out.]
CURTAIN

J.A. Bright

A Reflect

A1 Based on your reading of the text, think carefully about the points given below and form your
own views.

1. Ernest’s father is very pleased to see his son improve in some of his school subjects. It
does not bother him when he finds out that Ernest has done poorly in art and woodwork,
which are his son’s favourite subjects.

 Do you have a hobby or a passion that your family or friends do not particularly care
for? Do you try to explain or share your interest with them?

2. Ernest’s father has a materialistic attitude to life. He thinks only commercial subjects are
important while art and craft are a waste of time.
 How are art, literature and other non-commercial pursuits important?
3. Ernest’s father and his uncle have very different attitudes towards school and schoolwork.
His father considers schoolwork to be important whereas his uncle is more relaxed in his
outlook.
 Do you think it is better to live life only following set rules or is it good to follow your
dreams no matter how crazy they might be? How will you find a balance between
the two?

B Understand

B1 Answer these questions.
1. What was Mr Smith complaining about?

2. Why did Mr Smith’s attitude to school differ from that of his son and his brother Thomas?
3. Do you think Ernest was reluctant to show his report to his father? What excuse did he
offer?

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