Saturday's Class

English Class 15 February 2025

​Hello everyone! Welcome to today’s English class. How is everyone doing?

​Can you share a quote or piece of advice you’ve received that you always remember?

​Today, we are going to practice reading and pronunciation using an excerpt from The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

​We will also learn new vocabulary and discuss the meaning of the passage.

​Listen carefully to my pronunciation, intonation, and pauses as I read the text.

​Text: The Great Gatsby (Gatsby le Magnifique), F. Scott Fitzgerald, 1925


In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I've been turning over in my mind ever since. "Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone," he told me, "just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had."

He didn't say any more but we've always been unusually communicative in a reserved way and I understood that he meant a great deal more than that.
In consequence I'm inclined to reserve all judgements, a habit that has opened up many curious natures to me and also made me the victim of not a few veteran bores.

​Now, the time has come for you to try reading the text

​Now, I will call on each of you to read a sentence. Focus on your pronunciation and clarity.

​Text: The Great Gatsby (Gatsby le Magnifique), F. Scott Fitzgerald, 1925


In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I've been turning over in my mind ever since. "Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone," he told me, "just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had."

He didn't say any more but we've always been unusually communicative in a reserved way and I understood that he meant a great deal more than that.
In consequence I'm inclined to reserve all judgements, a habit that has opened up many curious natures to me and also made me the victim of not a few veteran bores.

​Let’s read together as a group. Follow my pace and intonation.

​Text: The Great Gatsby (Gatsby le Magnifique), F. Scott Fitzgerald, 1925


In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I've been turning over in my mind ever since. "Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone," he told me, "just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had."

He didn't say any more but we've always been unusually communicative in a reserved way and I understood that he meant a great deal more than that.
In consequence I'm inclined to reserve all judgements, a habit that has opened up many curious natures to me and also made me the victim of not a few veteran bores.

​Repeat words and phrases after me

​Text: The Great Gatsby (Gatsby le Magnifique), F. Scott Fitzgerald, 1925


In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I've been turning over in my mind ever since. "Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone," he told me, "just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had."

He didn't say any more but we've always been unusually communicative in a reserved way and I understood that he meant a great deal more than that.
In consequence I'm inclined to reserve all judgements, a habit that has opened up many curious natures to me and also made me the victim of not a few veteran bores.

​Let’s go over some key words from the text

​Vulnerable – "Easily hurt or affected. Can you use it in a sentence?"
Advantages – "Things that help you succeed or make life easier. What are some advantages of speaking English?"
Judgments – "Opinions or decisions about people or things. Should we always judge others? Why or why not?"
Reserved – "Quiet and not openly expressing emotions. Are you a reserved person?"
Communicative – "Able to talk easily and share thoughts. Do you find it easy to communicate in English?"

​Now, create sentences using these words. I’ll call on some of you to share your sentences.

​Let’s see how well you understood the passage!

"What advice did the narrator’s father give him?"

"Why does the narrator choose to reserve judgment?"

"How does this advice influence the way he interacts with people?

​Do you agree with the father’s advice? Why or why not?"

"Have you ever judged someone too quickly? What happened?"

"Why is it important to understand other people’s backgrounds before judging them?

​Great job today! We worked on pronunciation, learned new vocabulary, and discussed important life lessons.

​Before we go, tell me one new word or idea you learned today!"

"See you in our next class! Keep practicing your English.