Lesson 13: Happy Birthday, William Shakespeare!

Let's Learn English Lesson 13: Happy Birthday, William Shakespeare!

 

Anna: Hello! In Washington D.C. there are many things to do on a Sunday afternoon. I like to exercise. I like to shop. I like to garden. But today I feel bored. When I feel bored I always look for something unusual to do! I hear music. Let’s go see! What is going on here?

Rebecca: It’s a big birthday party for the writer William Shakespeare.

Anna: This is a party for William Shakespeare?

Rebecca: Yes!

Anna: Awesome!

Rebecca: Awesome!

Anna: This is a drum band. I never listen to a drum band. But today I am listening to a drum band because it’s Shakespeare’s birthday!

Anna: This is a puppet show.  I never watch puppet shows. But today I am watching a puppet show because it’s Shakespeare’s birthday!

Anna: My clothes are usual. His clothes are unusual.

Anna: In Washington, D.C. seeing a politician or even the President is usual. Seeing the Queen of England is very unusual! Your majesty!

Anna: This is sword fighting. I never sword fight. But today I am sword fighting because it’s Shakespeare’s birthday!

Anna: There are many things to do on a Sunday in Washington, D.C. -- some usual, some unusual.

Anna: Today, I am not bored because … it is William Shakespeare’s birthday!

Writing

Activity Sheet Lesson 13

What do you usually do on a Sunday afternoon? (Or on your day off.)​ Send us an email or write about how frequently you do different activities in the Comments section. Click on the image below to download the Activity Sheet and practice with a friend.

Learning Strategy

Learning Strategies are the thoughts and actions that help make learning easier or more effective.
The learning strategy for this lesson is Make an Inference. Learning English is easier when you can make an inference about meaning. Here is an example.
Rory is traveling. At the airport, he is looking for his airline when he walks into a woman by mistake. She yells at him, "Hey, don't be so inconsiderate! Watch where you're going!" Rory does not know the word "inconsiderate." But the woman's angry face and loud voice help him to understand that she is angry. He makes the inference that "inconsiderate" means "rude," or "impolite," and he quickly apologizes. "Oh, I'm very sorry! I am looking for the airline desk."  The woman say, "Okay, but be more careful."
How do you make inferences in studying English? Write to us in the Comments section or send us an email. Teachers, see the Lesson Plan for more details on teaching this strategy.