EXERCISE 1
The Unexpected Journey
by Sarah Thompson
My best friend Emma and I had always dreamed of traveling the world. Every weekend, we would
pore over travel magazines and trace imaginary routes on the map. We made lists of places to visit,
promising that one day we would see them all.
Last summer, that dream became a reality. Emma surprised me with two tickets to Italy. As we
boarded the plane, a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation washed over me. It was my first
time leaving the country, and I wasn’t sure what to expect.
From the moment we arrived in Rome, I was captivated. The ancient ruins stood as timeless
reminders of history, while bustling piazzas brought the city to life. Every corner we turned seemed
to reveal something astonishing — a charming café, a hidden fountain, or a street musician playing
a heartfelt melody.
But the most memorable part of the trip wasn’t a landmark or a famous site. One evening, as we
wandered through a small village in Tuscany, we stumbled upon a local festival. Lanterns lit up
the square, children danced, and the air was filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread. We joined
the celebration, sharing laughter and stories with strangers who quickly became friends.
That night, as I gazed at the star-filled sky, I realized that travel wasn’t just about seeing places. It
was about the unexpected moments and the connections we made along the way. Emma and I may
not have visited every place on our list, but we returned home with memories far more precious
than we could have imagined.
1. In the first three paragraphs, the writer creates a positive mood. Find four pieces of
evidence (words or phrases) that are positive. Explain how these words contribute to the
positive tone.
Evidence 1: ___________________________________
Explanation: ___________________________________
Evidence 2: ___________________________________
Explanation: ___________________________________
Evidence 3: ___________________________________
Explanation: ___________________________________
Evidence 4: ___________________________________
Explanation: ___________________________________
2. In the fourth and fifth paragraphs, the mood shifts to a reflective tone. Identify two words
or phrases that create this reflective mood and explain their effect.
Evidence 1: ___________________________________
Effect: _______________________________________
Evidence 2: ___________________________________
Effect: _______________________________________
3. What does the local festival symbolize in the story? Provide evidence from the text to
support your answer.
Answer: _______________________________________
4. How does the writer use the narrator’s thoughts to convey a deeper message about the
meaning of travel? Explain with examples from the text.
Answer: _______________________________________
5. The story ends with a sense of fulfillment. What might the narrator do next to continue
her passion for travel? Write a paragraph predicting how the narrator’s future could
unfold.
6. Vocabulary in Context: Find and define the following words using context clues.
• Captivated: ___________________________________
• Anticipation: ___________________________________
• Precious: _______________________________________
7. Creative Response: Imagine you had a similar unexpected experience while traveling.
Describe a moment when something surprising or memorable happened. What did you
learn from it?
8. Reflection: Do you think traveling is more about the places you see or the experiences
you have? Explain your reasoning with examples from the text or your own
experiences.
Vocabulary List:
1. Captivated - Bị cuốn hút, mê hoặc
2. Anticipation - Sự háo hức, mong chờ
3. Precious - Quý giá, đáng trân trọng
4. Timeless - Vượt thời gian, không bị lỗi thời
5. Bustling - Náo nhiệt, sầm uất
6. Astonishing - Kinh ngạc, đáng kinh ngạc
7. Melody - Giai điệu du dương
8. Lantern - Đèn lồng
9. Gazed - Nhìn chằm chằm
EXERCISE 2
The Haunted Manor
Last autumn, a group of friends decided to explore an old manor that had been
abandoned for decades. The manor, with its grimy windows and sinister silhouette,
stood tall against the gloomy sky. As the friends approached, the wind howled
through the jagged branches, making them shudder with fear.
Inside, the manor was dimly lit, and shadows danced across the walls. A heavy
dresser stood in the corner, covered in dust. Despite the eerie atmosphere, the
friends ventured further, their footsteps echoing through the vast scullery and
empty pantry. They whispered stealthily, fearing they might disturb whatever
remained within the manor.
In one of the rooms, they found a portrait of a man with a piercing gaze. Some said
he was the notorious owner who had vanished without a trace. Rumors suggested
he was poisoned by deadly nightshade, though no proof was ever found.
Suddenly, a low sob echoed through the hall. The friends exchanged nervous
glances, their hearts pounding. But as they reached the grand carriage house
outside, the noise ceased. They dared not return.
Days later, the villagers spoke of the manor’s dark past. Some believed the spirit of
the vanished owner still lingered, bound to the house forever.
True or False
1. The friends explored the manor during the summer. _______
2. The windows of the manor were clean and shiny. _______
3. The silhouette of the manor appeared sinister. _______
4. The friends spoke loudly as they walked through the scullery. _______
5. There was a portrait of a man who had disappeared. _______
6. The villagers thought the owner was killed by a venomous snake. _______
7. A strange sob was heard inside the manor. _______
8. The friends stayed at the manor overnight. _______
9. The villagers believed the spirit of the owner haunted the manor. _______
10. The friends felt brave and confident throughout the exploration. _______
