Bad books? Good books?

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Do you know the English phrases “to be in someone’s bad books” and “to be in someone’s good books“?

Can you guess what they mean?

Question 1.

“Harry is in his teacher’s bad books because he didn’t do his homework” means

a) Harry’s teacher is angry with him

b) Harry’s teacher is pleased with him

c) Harry’s teacher wrote his name in a book with a list of bad children

Question 2.

“Wendy is in her teacher’s good books because she got 100% on the test” means

a) Wendy’s teacher is pleased with her

b) Wendy’s teacher is angry with her

c) Wendy’s teacher wrote her name in a book with a list of good children

The answers are below! ↓

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Answers: 1. a) and 2. a)

Harry is in his teacher’s bad books means Harry’s teacher is angry with him.

Wendy is in her teacher’s good books means Wendy’s teacher is pleased with her.

Have you been in anyone’s good books or bad books recently?

[Easy English Blog] Summer fireworks

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We went to a summer firework display last week.

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In Japan, many cities have firework displays in summer. When I first came to Japan, I was very surprised to see fireworks in summer. When I lived in England, I only saw fireworks in winter, on 5th November. (Why 5th November? See here!)

I think summer firework displays are a  great idea. All the local people gather outside in the warm summer evening and enjoy eating and drinking while watching the fireworks.

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We had a lot of rain just before the fireworks display, so some people were worried. They thought the display might be cancelled. Luckily, it stopped raining a few hours before the display started.

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It was an impressive display. It seems to get bigger and better every year. We are already looking forward to the next one! 🙂

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to hang on

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Do you know the English phrase “to hang on“?

Look at these examples. Can you guess what it means?

Eg 1

A: Come on! We’re going to be late!

B: Hang on a minute. I can’t find my keys!

Eg 2

A: Can you help me tidy the room?

B: Yeah, hang on. I’m just going to the bathroom. I’ll be right back.

 

“to hang on” means:

a) to wait

b) to go away

c) to be quiet

 

The answer is below ↓

 

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Answer: a) to wait.

 

 

[Easy English Blog] Sand Museum

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When I was a child, in the summer time, I used to go to the beach. I enjoyed digging in the sand, and building sandcastles. The castles were only small, but because I was a young child, they seemed really big to me.

I was reminded of long summers on the beach playing in the sand when my friend showed me some photographs from his trip to a sand museum.

A few weeks ago, my friend went to the sand museum in Tottori. It is the only sand museum in Japan. He sent me some pictures, which I would like to share with you on this blog.

When my friend showed me the pictures, I said, “These sand sculptures look amazing”. He said, “They are even more impressive when you see them in real life! If you get the chance, you really should go and see them!”

Here are some of the photographs. I hope you enjoy them!

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This sculpture is huge! It must have taken a long time to make!

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The detail on this sculpture is stunning.

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This photo is my favourite. The colours and design are beautiful.

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I think this one is still being made. I’d like to watch the artist finish it! I hope I can go to Tottori to see the sand sculptures someday!

Andre’s Dream Activities

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In this category there are two quizzes for the I Talk You Talk Press graded reader Andre’s Dream.

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1. True/False Quiz

2. Comprehension Quiz

To start the quizzes, click on the “Start Quiz” buttons on the quiz pages. Good luck!

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We hope you enjoyed reading Andre’s Dream!