Print and Go ESL eBook

DEAR JULIO





















A. Reading

Julio and Juanita dated for six months. But now, Juanita wants to break up with
him. She doesn’t love Julio anymore, and she wants to date other guys. She tried to
break up with him in person, but it was difficult. She feels guilty, and she doesn’t know
what to say. She doesn’t want to hurt Julio’s feelings.
Juanita thought about her problem. She decided to write Julio a letter and tell him
how she feels. Juanita’s mother and friends think Juanita should talk to Julio in person or
call him on the phone. They think it’s wrong to break up with someone in a letter. What
do you think? Is it okay to break up with someone in a letter?


B. True or False

1. ________ Juanita feels guilty.

2. ________ Juanita and Julio are in love.
3. ________ Juanita wants to hurt Julio’s feelings.

4. ________ In this story break up means that someone broke a bone.
5. ________ Juanita and Julio dated for half a year.



C. Yes or No – Share Your Opinion

1. ________ It’s okay to break up with someone in a letter.

2. ________ Juanita should tell Julio that she wants to see him and other guys.


D. Writing – Write the first two sentences of Juanita’s letter.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________



4

BEST CHOICE TOWING




















A. Reading

Rasmi and his brother Aamir moved to the United States in 1997. Soon after they
arrived, Rasmi got a job driving a cab and Aamir got a job driving a catering truck. The
brothers worked long hours and saved their money. After five years, they had $85,000,
and they were ready to buy a business. They decided to buy two used tow trucks and
start a towing company. They painted the trucks blue and had gold lettering painted on
the doors. They called the company Best Choice Towing. For the first several years,
they drove the tow trucks themselves. Eventually, they bought more trucks and started
leasing them to drivers. Soon the brothers were each earning over $100,000 a year.

B. True or False


1. ________ Rasmi and Aamir are brothers.
2. ________ They moved to the United States in 1987.

3. ________ Rasmi drove a cab and a tow truck.
4. ________ They painted the tow trucks gold with blue lettering on the doors.

5. ________ Now, Rasmi and Aamir each earn more than $100,000 a year.


C. Yes or No – Share Your Opinion


1. ________ Small business owners are often immigrants.
2. ________ It is difficult for relatives to work together.


D. Writing – What kind of business would you like to own? Why?


________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________




5

BEAUTIFUL SUNRISE





















A. Reading

Christina drove to Lake Tahoe to take pictures of the lake, trees, and mountains
for her photography class. She woke up early and left the house at 4:00 while it was still
dark outside. She stopped at a small restaurant to eat breakfast and then continued
driving. When she arrived at Lake Tahoe, the sky was pink and the sun was rising over
the water. She sat on a rock next to the lake and watched the fish swim in the water and
listened to the birds chirp. She thought about how lucky she was to be in such a
beautiful, peaceful place. Then she hurried to her car to get her camera so she could take
pictures for her class project.


B. True or False

1. ________ Christina ate breakfast before she left her house.

2. ________ She took a train to Lake Tahoe.
3. ________ She left her house at 4:00 PM.

4. ________ Christina watched the birds swim and listened to the fish chirp.
5. ________ She left her camera in her car and had to go back to get it.



C. Yes or No – Share Your Opinion

1. ________ I t is good to wake up early while it is still dark outside.

2. ________ The sound of chirping birds is relaxing.


D. Writing – Imagine a place that is relaxing. What does it look like?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________



6

SWING SETS






















A. Reading


It is Saturday morning and Miguel and his friends are playing on the swing set in
Miguel’s backyard. Tomas is climbing up a rope, Anthony is swinging on a swing,
Mario is standing on a swing, and Miguel is hanging upside down from the top bar of the
swing set. The boys are talking, laughing, and having fun. Mario is a year older than the
other boys, and he is the leader of the group. He likes to make most of the decisions.
Miguel is the funniest one. He likes to make the other kids laugh. Tomas is the most
athletic. He likes to run, climb, and sweat. Anthony is the quiet one. He seldom speaks.


B. True or False

1. ________ Mario is hanging upside down.

2. ________ Tomas is climbing up a rope.
3. ________ Miguel, Tomas, and Anthony are younger than Mario.

4. ________ Miguel likes to make the other kids laugh.
5. ________ Anthony doesn’t talk very often. He is quiet.



C. Yes or No – Share Your Opinion

1. ________ I am athletic. I like to run, climb, and exercise.

2. ________ When I am in a group, I like to be the leader.


D. Writing – Describe your personality. Write three sentences.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________



7

CAFETERIA WORKER





















A. Reading

Paula works in a school cafeteria. She starts work at 6:30 and finishes at 2:30.
She prepares food, serves meals, and cleans up at the end of her shift. She likes her job
and she makes good money, but the students are difficult to handle. Some of them try to
cut ahead of the other kids when they are standing in line. Some of them spill things on
the floor, and Paula has to mop up the mess. Others are slow and hold up the line.
On the weekend, Paula likes to cater parties. Last Sunday, she catered a wedding
for thirty-five people. She charged $18 per person, and had about $245 left after she paid
all the bills. She is happy she made a profit.


B. True or False

1. ________ Paula works at a school.

2. ________ When students spill food on the floor, Paula cleans it up.
3. ________ Her shift at the school is from 6:30 until 2:30.

4. ________ Paula charged $630 to cater a wedding last Sunday.
5. ________ She had money left after she paid the bills from the party.



C. Yes or No – Share Your Opinion

1. ________ School lunches are nutritious.

2. ________ Eighteen dollars per person is a good price for food for a wedding.


D. Writing – What is your favorite meat? Favorite fruit? Favorite vegetable?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________



8

RAINY DAYS






















A. Reading


Franco is from Brazil, and he loves rain. Madge is from Canada, and she hates
rain. Sometimes when it rains, Franco asks Madge to walk around the block with him.
Madge tries to be agreeable when Franco wants to go for a walk in the rain, but she really
doesn’t like it. Franco thinks it’s romantic, but Madge thinks it’s stupid! She would
rather stay inside and read magazines, complete crossword puzzles, and drink hot tea.
But she loves Franco, so when it rains she puts on her jacket and walks around the block
with him. Franco smiles and carries the umbrella.


B. True or False

1. ________ Franco and Madge are from the same country.

2. ________ Madge likes rainy weather.
3. ________ Franco thinks it is romantic to walk in the rain.

4. ________ Madge carries the umbrella when they walk in the rain.
5. ________ Madge loves Franco.



C. Yes or No – Share Your Opinion

1. ________ Walking in the rain with someone you love is romantic.

2. ________ Marriage is difficult, and partners have to make compromises.


D. Writing – What do you do to relax?


________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________



9

FARMERS WORK HARD





















A. Reading


Barry is a farmer, and he owns twenty acres of land. On the land, he grows
lettuce, tomatoes, radishes, and corn. He also raises chickens and rabbits. Barry’s wife,
Susan, helps with the farm chores. Seven days a week, they wake up early, eat breakfast,
and then start to work. First they feed the chickens and rabbits, and then they clean the
barn. Next, they gather the eggs the hens have laid. By ten o’clock, they start working in
the fields. They continue working until noon when they eat lunch. After lunch, they go to
an outdoor market and sell their vegetables and eggs to the vendors. The price they get
for their vegetables and eggs changes each day.

B. True or False

1. ________ Barry owns two acres of land.

2. ________ Barry and Susan grow crops on their farm.

3. ________ They don’t work on Sundays.
4. ________ After they eat breakfast, they feed the chickens and rabbits.

5. ________ The price they get for their vegetables and eggs varies each day.


C. Yes or No – Share Your Opinion


1. ________ It is difficult to be a farmer because food prices vary.
2. ________ I want to work seven days a week so I can make lots of money!



D. Writing – Would you like to live on a farm? Why or why not?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________



10

MONKEY IN A PET SHOP





















A. Reading

Blackjack is a lucky little monkey. He lives in a pet shop and has plenty of food
to eat and animals to tease. The owner of the pet shop lets Blackjack roam freely in the
store. He doesn’t have live in a cage like the snakes, birds, and hamsters. He isn’t for
sale like the other animals either. And no matter what Blackjack does, his owner thinks
it’s cute and funny. When he pulls things off the shelves, his owner smiles. When he
swings from the birdcage, his owner laughs. Some people come into the store just to
meet Blackjack. Others watch him from the store’s front window. Blackjack loves
putting on a show for his audience!


B. True or False

1. ________ Monkeys, snakes, birds, and hamsters are animals.

2. ________ Blackjack teases the other animals.
3. ________ None of the animals in the pet shop are for sale.

4. ________ All the animals except Blackjack are kept in cages.
5. ________ Blackjack’s owner gets angry when he misbehaves.



C. Yes or No – Share Your Opinion

1. ________ Blackjack should stay in a cage because he is scaring the customers.

2. ________ Owning a pet is expensive!


D. Writing – Do you have pets? How many? What kind?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________



11

MOVING DAY





















A. Reading

Robby and Crystal Von Kern are crying because they are moving. They don’t
want to move because they like their school and their friends. Their parents don’t want to
move either, but the company Mr. Von Kern works for is relocating to Colorado. Mr.
Von Kern tried to find a new job, and he went on several interviews. No one hired him,
so he decided to keep his old job and move the family to Colorado.
Mr. Von Kern paid a moving company to move the furniture and other household
items. A few items wouldn’t fit in the truck, so the Van Kerns are putting them in their
minivan. Mrs. Von Kern is worried about the children. They are still crying.


B. True or False

1. ________ The Van Kern family is moving to Colorado.

2. ________ The company Mrs. Van Kern works for is relocating.
3. ________ Robby and Crystal are excited because they will meet new friends.

4. ________ Mrs. Van Kern is worried about Robby and Crystal.
5. ________ Mr. Von Kern went on several job interviews.



C. Yes or No – Share Your Opinion

1. ________ Robby and Crystal will find new friends and forget about their old ones.

2. ________ It is easy to find new friends.


D. Writing – Write three questions you can ask a new friend?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________



12

SCHOOL FIELD TRIP






















A. Reading


The fifth grade students from James Anderson Elementary School are going on a
field trip. They are going to the Albany Movie Museum in downtown Chicago. The
museum is located beside Lake Michigan. It has an exhibit on old movies. The students
are going to watch a silent black and white movie. It doesn’t have sound. An organ
player will play music to go along with the action in the movie. Their teacher, Mrs.
Daniel, gave them a list of rules for the trip: (1) turn off your cell phone (2) don’t chew
gum (3) stay with the group (4) no hats (5) wear your name tag (6) speak softly.


B. True or False

1. ________ Mrs. Daniel teaches fifth grade.

2. ________ The Albany Movie Museum is located in Chicago.
3. ________ The students are allowed to use their cell phone if they speak softly.

4. ________ Students need to wear a name tag on their hats.
5. ________ Students should stay with the group.



C. Yes or No – Share Your Opinion

1. ________ Men shouldn’t wear hats inside a building.

2. ________ It’s okay for women to wear hats inside a building.


D. Writing – Write three more rules that Mrs. Daniel should add to her list.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________



13

BUYING A USED CAR




















A. Reading


Jeff is trying to buy a used car. He is at a dealership and is negotiating with a car
salesman. He can afford to put $1,200 down on a car and pay up to $275 per month. The
car salesman said Jeff needs to put more money down on the car if he wants the payments
under $300. The asking price for the car is $8,500. This includes a ninety-day warranty.
Jeff told the salesman that he can’t afford to put more money down and he can’t afford
higher payments. He needs to keep some money to cover the cost of car insurance. A
friend at work is selling a similar car, but it doesn’t come with a warranty.


B. True or False

1. ________ Jeff is talking to his friend at work.

2. ________ Dealerships sell cars.
3. ________ Jeff can afford $275 per month in car payments.

4. ________ Ninety days is about three months.
5. ________ Jeff will also need to pay for car insurance.



C. Yes or No – Share Your Opinion

1. ________ It’s better to buy a new car than a used car.

2. ________ Jeff should tell the car salesman he doesn’t want the car.


D. Writing – Describe your car. If you don’t have one, describe a friend’s car.
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________





4

COMMUNITY COLLEGE






















A. Reading


Anita saved $975 for community college tuition and other expenses, but now she
is confused. Her older sister is going to Hawaii next month, and she wants Anita to go
with her. They can get a discount on a hotel room and share the costs of renting a car.
Anita knows college is important, but she wants to visit Hawaii. The problem is she can’t
afford both. If she goes Hawaii, she won’t have enough money for college. It will take
her a year to save enough money for tuition. Anita wants to be a nurse someday and work
in a hospital. She doesn’t know what to do. She has to make a difficult decision.


B. True or False

1. ________ Anita saved money for college.

2. ________ Her sister is going to Hawaii next year.
3. ________ Anita works in a hospital.

4. ________ Colleges charge tuition.
5. ________ Anita and her sister can get a discount on a hotel room.



C. Yes or No – Share Your Opinion

1. ________ Anita should use her money for college instead of vacation.

2. ________ Anita’s sister is a “bad influence”.


D. Writing – Describe a difficult decision you made.


________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________



5

CRIMES AROUND TOWN






















A. Reading


Frank was in a good mood when he woke up this morning. He showered, shaved,
got dressed for work, and ate breakfast. When he opened his front door to go to work, he
was surprised. His car was on concrete blocks and all four tires were missing. A
neighbor saw his car and came out to talk to him. Frank asked his neighbor if he saw
anything suspicious. The neighbor said no. Frank went back into the house and called
the police. They sent an officer to take a report and investigate the crime. Frank’s
neighbor gave him a ride to work.


B. True or False

1. ________ Frank woke up happy.

2. ________ Police officers investigate crimes.
3. ________ All of the tires on the car were stolen.

4. ________ Frank’s neighbor is helpful.
5. ________ Frank took the day off from work.



C. Yes or No – Share Your Opinion

1. ________ Does the city you live in have a lot of crime?

2. ________ You should report all crimes to the police.


D. Writing – Where do you park your car at night? Is it a safe place?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________



6

DREAM VACATION



 
















A. Reading

It’s 3:00 in the morning and Irma is sound asleep. She is dreaming about a
vacation. In her dreams she is on a beach in Acapulco, Mexico. She is staying at a resort
overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The water is blue and warm and the sand is white. A
gentle breeze cools the heat of the Mexican sun. Irma can hear mariachis in a nearby
restaurant. They are playing traditional music. Tropical plants are everywhere. The
blooms of their flowers are yellow, pink, red, and blue. Everything there is slower and
more relaxed. Irma is happy. She stretches and smiles. She continues to sleep and
dream.


B. True or False

1. ________ Acapulco is in Mexico.

2. ________ Irma is on vacation.
3. ________ Mariachis are performing in a play.

4. ________ Some tropical plants have blooms.
5. ________ Irma is awake.



C. Yes or No – Share Your Opinion

1. ________ Mexico is a great place for vacation.

2. ________ Most people feel happier when the weather is warm.


D. Writing – Where do you want to go on vacation?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________



7

EDNA’S ON A DIET





















A. Reading

Edna is on a diet. She lost five pounds, but she wants to lose ten more pounds
before her trip to Italy next month. She is going with a group of friends, and she wants to
look her best. Everyone tells her she looks great, but she doesn’t agree. She bought new
clothes for her vacation, but she can’t fit into them. Edna got a diet book that lists the
calories of foods. She writes down everything she eats and adds up the calories. She
tries to eat no more than a thousand calories per day. Right now she is thinking about
eating a slice of cherry pie. Dieting is not easy!


B. True or False

1. ________ Edna wants to lose five more pounds.

2. ________ She is moving to Italy.

3. ________ Her diet book lists the calories of foods.
4. ________ It’s not easy to stick to a diet.

5. ________ Edna is trying to eat a hundred calories per day.


C. Yes or No – Share Your Opinion

1. ________ Edna is not fat. She shouldn’t be on a diet.

2. ________ Exercise is more important then dieting.


D. Writing – Why did Edna buy new clothes that don’t fit?


________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________





8

GOOD NEIGHBORS





















A. Reading

Mr. and Mrs. Russo live in a small house in a small town. Their neighbors are
very friendly and helpful. When they go on vacation, their neighbors watch their house to
make sure it is safe. They also water the grass and get their mail. Mrs. Russo wants to do
something nice for her neighbors. She wants to invite them to her house for dinner on
Saturday. She plans to serve roast beef, baked potatoes, asparagus, and a green salad. For
dessert, she will bake a pecan pie. After dinner, Mr. Russo will play a few songs on his
new guitar.


B. True or False

1. ________ The Russo’s neighbors are helpful.

2. ________ Mr. and Mrs. Russo never go on vacation.

3. ________ Potatoes and asparagus are vegetables.
4. ________ Mr. Russo plays a musical instrument.

5. ________ Mrs. Russo will make a peach pie.


C. Yes or No – Share Your Opinion

1. ________ The best part of dinner is dessert.

2. ________ People in small towns are friendlier than people in large cities.


D. Writing – What would you make for your guests for dinner?


________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________





9

EVERYONE NEEDS A HOBBY






















A. Reading


Janice and her sister, Hilda, like arts and crafts. Janice likes to embroider and
Hilda likes to paint. The sisters get together once a week. One week they meet at
Janice’s house and the next week they meet at Hilda’s house. The sisters work on craft
projects all year. When someone they know has a birthday, they give them a homemade
gift. Friends and family members appreciate the gifts. Many of them have suggested that
the sisters rent a booth at the swap meet and sell their crafts. But Janice and Hilda prefer
to make things for friends. They don’t want to turn their hobbies into a business.


B. True or False

1. ________ Hilda is Janice’s sister.

2. ________ Janice and Hilda meet twice a week.
3. ________ Homemade gifts are made in factories by machines.

4. ________ Hobbies are for fun. Businesses are for money.
5. ________ People can rent a booth at the swap meet and sell things.



C. Yes or No – Share Your Opinion

1. ________ Janice and Hilda should sell their crafts at the swap meet.

2. ________ You can tell a lot about a person by knowing their hobby.


D. Writing – What is your favorite hobby? How much time do you spend on it?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________



10

MESSY TEENAGERS






















A. Reading


Mr. Johnson and his wife have a teenage son named Kyle. Kyle is fifteen years
old. He is a good kid, but he is messy. His hair is messy, his handwriting is messy, and
his bedroom is messy. The Johnsons want to change Kyle’s bad habits. They want him
to comb his hair, write neatly, and keep his room clean. Mr. Johnson gets angry when
Kyle’s room is a mess. He scolds him, but it doesn’t do any good. Mrs. Johnson tries to
reason with Kyle. She explains why he should be neater. Neither parent is able to
change Kyle’s bad habits. Kyle is just a messy teenager.


B. True or False

1. ________ Kyle’s bedroom is messy.

2. ________ Mr. and Mrs. Johnson are Kyle’s grandparents.
3. ________ Kyle is between thirteen and nineteen years old.

4. ________ Kyle doesn’t comb his hair very often.
5. ________ Mrs. Johnson scolds Kyle.



C. Yes or No – Share Your Opinion

1. ________ Most teenagers are messy.

2. ________ Kyle will be neater when he gets older.


D. Writing – Are you a neat person or a messy person?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________



11

MIGUEL IS A RUNNER





















A. Reading

Miguel is training for a marathon. A marathon is a race. It is a little more than
twenty-six miles long. Miguel has been practicing for five months. Every morning he
wakes up at 4:45 to take a practice run. He owns four pairs of running shoes, and he
rotates them. This allows them to dry out between runs. It also extends the life of the
shoes. This morning Miguel’s right foot is sore. He has a blister on the sole of his foot.
He is going to limp home and soak his foot in warm water. He may take a day off from
running tomorrow and allow his foot to heal.


B. True or False

1. ________ Marathons are about 26 miles long.

2. ________ Serious runners have more than one pair of running shoes.

3. ________ Miguel’s feet have blisters.
4. ________ A sole is the top of the foot.

5. ________ The words heel and heal mean the same thing.


C. Yes or No – Share Your Opinion

1. ________ Running long distances is bad for your feet.

2. ________ Five months is not long enough to prepare for a marathon.


D. Writing – How do you feel after you exercise?


________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________





12

OFFICE WITH A VIEW






















A. Reading


Brenda is a newspaper reporter in Salt Lake City, Utah. Her office is on the
fourth floor. It has a desk, a bookcase, two file cabinets, two chairs, and a large window.
Brenda can see the mountains and sky from her office window. When she is interviewing
people on the phone, she often stares out the window. Looking at the mountains helps
her relax. Brenda enjoys her job. She likes talking to people and finding out what is
happening in her city. The only thing she doesn’t like about her job is the deadlines. A
deadline is a due date. Reporters have to complete their stories by a deadline.


B. True or False

1. ________ Utah is in Salt Lake City.

2. ________ Brenda is a television reporter.
3. ________ There is a computer on Brenda’s desk.

4. ________ Reporters need to finish their stories on time.
5. ________ Looking at the mountains helps Brenda relax.



C. Yes or No – Share Your Opinion

1. ________ It’s relaxing to look at mountains.

2. ________ Writing is stressful.


D. Writing – What do you do to relax?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________



13

PROBLEMS AT WORK





















A. Reading

Ernesto works in a toy factory to support his wife and two children. He works the
night shift from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. He usually arrives fifteen minutes early and
hangs out with his co-workers Sam, Joaquin, Billy, and Antonio. The guys like to play
around and have fun before their shift starts. They throw things at each other and take
each other’s hats. Last Friday, their supervisor told them to stop playing around. He told
them that someone might get hurt. Ernesto likes hanging out with his co-workers, but he
doesn’t want to have problems at work.


B. True or False

1. ________ Ernesto works from 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

2. ________ He arrives to work early.

3. ________ Sam, Joaquin, Billy, and Antonio like to take each other’s wallets.
4. ________ The factory makes toys.

5. ________ Ernesto is single.


C. Yes or No – Share Your Opinion

1. ________ Ernesto is a responsible person.

2. ________ Ernesto should relax and stop worrying so much.


D. Writing – What should Ernesto say to his co-workers?


________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________





14

RECYCLING FOR CASH






















A. Reading


Oscar has a wife and four children, so he always needs a little extra money. One
way he makes extra money is by recycling the family’s cans, bottles, and other
containers. He earns about eighteen dollars a month by recycling. It isn’t much money,
but he’s happy to have the cash. Sometimes he uses the money to buy pizza for dinner.
His wife is happy because she doesn’t have to cook dinner. His children are happy
because they like pizza. Oscar’s dad taught him to be careful with his money. His mom
taught him to protect the environment by recycling.


B. True or False

1. ________ Oscar has five children.

2. ________ The recycling center pays cash.
3. ________ Oscar’s father taught him to be careful with money.

4. ________ Eighteen dollars is a lot of money.
5. ________ Recycling protects the environment.



C. Yes or No – Share Your Opinion

1. ________ Oscar’s parents gave him good advice.

2. ________ Recycling is a lot of work for a little money.


D. Writing – Would you go through a stranger’s trash can to get recyclables?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________



15

ROBOTS CAN HELP US





















A. Reading

Robots are machines that look and work like people. Robot servants for homes
will be available within the next ten years. They are called “house-bots”. House-bots
can sing a song to wake you up in the morning, walk around the house to guard it, and
instruct other robots to vacuum the carpet. House-bots recognize voice commands.
Some robots teach English. The South Korean government is spending $45,000,000 to
put 500 English teaching robots in preschools by 2011 and 8,000 in preschools and
kindergartens by 2013. The robots will tell stories and conduct sing-a-longs.


B. True or False

1. ________ House-bots are robots.

2. ________ Robots can do many useful things.

3. ________ House-bots recognize voice commands.
4. ________ South Korea is spending $450,000 on English teaching robots.

5. ________ Robots can sing.


C. Yes or No – Share Your Opinion

1. ________ Children will become bored with the robot teachers after a few weeks.

2. ________ Robots should be used to cook burgers and fries at fast food restaurants.


D. Writing – Would you like to own a house-bot? Why or why not?


________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________





16

SHIPWRECKED






















A. Reading


Ricardo, Norma, and Hank were sailing on a small wooden boat. The boat
crashed into an island and broke apart. The only thing the friends were able to save was
one wooden box. The box contains emergency supplies: a blanket, a rope, a flashlight,
bandages, a radio, matches, a box of granola bars, and a few bottles of water. Ricardo
had a cell phone, but it fell into the water and sank. Ricardo and Hank didn’t tell anyone
about their trip. Luckily, Norma told her mother. How will the friends survive? Will
anyone search for them?


B. True or False

1. ________ Ricardo can call 911 on his cell phone.

2. ________ Norma is sitting on a wooden box.
3. ________ Norma’s mother knows about their trip.

4. ________ Either Ricardo or Hank hurt his head.
5. ________ The only food on the island is the box of granola bars.



C. Yes or No – Share Your Opinion

1. ________ The most important item the friends have is the box of granola bars.

2. ________ They should tear the blanket into thirds and each get one piece.


D. Writing – What should the shipwrecked friends do?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________



17

VOLUNTEERS





















A. Reading

Henderson is a small town with only 1,250 residents. The people are friendly
and many of them know each other. Henderson is a nice place to live because it has
many parks, a low crime rate, and good schools. Unfortunately, there aren’t many jobs in
Henderson. Residents have to travel to larger cities to find work. This wasn’t a problem
in the past when the economy was good. But this year, one-fourth of the adults in
Henderson are unemployed. The mayor is asking residents to volunteer to collect cans of
food and used clothes for the poor and to deliver hot meals to the elderly.

B. True or False

1. ________ Henderson is a safe place to live.

2. ________ Twenty-five percent of the adults in the town are unemployed.

3. ________ The economy is not as good as it was in the past.
4. ________ The mayor is asking people to help the poor and the elderly.

5. ________ Henderson is a large city with many residents.


C. Yes or No – Share Your Opinion

1. ________ It’s better to live in a large city because there are more jobs.

2. ________ Crime will probably increase in Henderson.


D. Writing – Why should people volunteer to help their community?


________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________





18

VOTING IS A CIVIC DUTY






















A. Reading


Raymond is at a polling place near his home. He is voting for his favorite
political candidates. His city is electing a mayor and three city council members. When
Raymond arrived at the polling place, there were ten people waiting in line. The line
moved quickly and now it is his turn to vote. He has already decided which candidates to
vote for. He got most of his election information from the local newspaper, but he also
accessed his city’s Web site to learn more about the candidates. Raymond thinks it’s
important for citizens to vote in elections. It is a civic duty.


B. True or False

1. ________ The polling place is near Raymond’s home.

2. ________ Raymond reads a local newspaper and accesses his city’s Web site.
3. ________ Other people were already at the polling place when Raymond arrived.

4. ________ A candidate is a person running in an election.
5. ________ Raymond doesn’t know which candidates to vote for.



C. Yes or No – Share Your Opinion

1. ________ It is important to vote in elections.

2. ________ In recent years, the quality of newspaper articles has declined.


D. Writing – How do you get your news? (newspapers, radio, TV, Web sites)

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________



19

WALKING THE DOG






















A. Reading


After Jared eats dinner, he takes his dog for a walk. They walk north on Alondra
Boulevard and then turn right on Central Avenue. They walk four more blocks to a large
park on the corner of Central Avenue and Hall Street. Jared takes the leash off his dog
and lets it run and play. Sometimes he throws a stick for his dog to fetch. Jared’s dog is
friendly. It likes people and other dogs. When children ask Jared if they can pet his dog,
he always tells them yes. He gives the children a dog bone from his pocket. The children
give the bone to the dog. It always begs for another.


B. True or False

1. ________ Children at the park feed Jared dog bones.

2. ________ Children at the park feed Jared’s dog bones.
3. ________ The park is on Alondra Boulevard.

4. ________ Jared has a pet.
5. ________ The dog in this story is unfriendly.



C. Yes or No – Share Your Opinion

1. ________ Dogs are easier to take care of than cats.

2. ________ Jared should not take the leash off his dog when they are at the park.


D. Writing – Why should children ask for permission before they pet an animal?


________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________



20

MOLLY IS A WIDOW





















A. Reading

Molly’ husband, Jake, died from cancer in 1991. He was sick for three years and
was unable to work. Jake’s employer provided health insurance, but they still had
financial problems. Without Jake’s income there was no way to pay all the bills, so they
lost their house. Jake got a little money from disability insurance, and Molly worked
part-time at a fast food restaurant for minimum wage. After Jake died, she was able to
collect social security. It isn’t much money, so she collects things and has garage sales.
She makes enough to pay the rent. She doesn’t have any children to help her.


B. True or False

1. ________ Jake died from cancer.

2. ________ The money from disability insurance was less than Jake’s salary.

3. ________ Molly is poor.
4. ________ Molly became a widow in 1991.

5. ________ Molly is buying a house.


C. Yes or No – Share Your Opinion

1. ________ Married women should have careers.

2. ________ Molly should get married again.


D. Writing – What can Molly do to earn more money?


________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________





21

WORKING IN NEW YORK CITY






















A. Reading


Mai lives with her parents in New York City. Her parents own a Vietnamese
restaurant called Flavors of Saigon. Mai helps her parents on the weekend. She serves
food to the customers and orders supplies for the restaurant. During the week, she works
as a teacher at an elementary school near her house. She usually grades papers in the
evening. Mai works seven days a week. She doesn’t own a car because parking is
expensive. When she wants to go someplace far, she takes a taxicab. Mai is saving
money so she can buy a house. She has already saved $18,000.


B. True or False

1. ________ Mai owns a Vietnamese restaurant.

2. ________ Parking in New York City is expensive.
3. ________ On Wednesday, Mai teaches school.

4. ________ Mai works all week.
5. ________ There is an elementary school near her parent’s house.



C. Yes or No – Share Your Opinion

1. ________ Mai should buy a car instead of a house.

2. ________ It’s difficult to save money in the United States.


D. Writing – Would you work seven days a week to buy a house?


________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________



22

YOUNG AND IN LOVE























A. Reading

Craig and Jennifer are boyfriend and girlfriend. They spend all their free time
together. They go to parks, museums, movies, and dinner. Sometimes they just hang out
at Jennifer’s house and play pool or listen to music. When they can’t be together, they
call each other on their cell phones. They talk for hours and hours. They always have
something to say. Whenever Craig tells a joke, Jennifer always giggles. Whenever
Jennifer says something, Craig listens and agrees. Craig and Jennifer are young and in
love, but their parents think they are too young to be so serious about each other.

B. True or False


1. ________ Jennifer is Craig’s boyfriend.
2. ________ Craig and Jennifer play pool and listen to music.

3. ________ When Jennifer says something, her boyfriend listens.
4. ________ Craig tells jokes that make Jennifer laugh.

5. ________ Craig’s parents think he is too young to be so serious about Jennifer.


C. Yes or No – Share Your Opinion


1. ________ Young people should date many people before getting serious.
2. ________ Craig and Jennifer are in love.



D. Writing – Who was your first love? Describe him or her.

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________



23