INSTRUCTIONS to teachers and students:
ENGLISH: These English lessons are designed to be used either by students to help themselves improve their English or by teachers to use when delivering lessons to their students. Every lesson has six sections. Common idioms and expressions, a gap fill exercise, a reading text with new vocabulary, a grammar section, a speaking section and a writing section. These six sections help students and teachers cover the main elements of the English language.
Grammar included: ‘Received Pronunciation’ and ‘The Correct Pronunciation of “ED” in a regular verb.
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SECTION ONE A
Expressions: Being British & Eccentric
Here are 3 expressions related to ‘CHEESE’ along with their meanings and sample sentences:
1. “Say cheese”
Meaning: Used to ask someone to smile, typically when taking a photograph.
Example sentence: “Everyone gathered for the family photo, and the photographer said, ‘Say cheese!'”
2. “Cheesy”
Meaning: Something that is overly sentimental or corny.
Example sentence: “The romantic movie was so cheesy that I couldn’t stop laughing.”
3. “Big cheese”
Meaning: An important person in a company or organization.
Example sentence: “The big cheese of the company will be attending the meeting today.”
Homework section
SECTION ONE B (Gap fill) Find the missing irregular verbs.
Cheese making is a fascinating process that has been ____ (1) for centuries. The journey ____ (2) with fresh milk, which is then ____ (3) to a controlled environment. The milk ____ (4) into curds and whey after rennet or bacterial cultures are ____ (5). The curds are ____ (6) gently and then ____ (7) into molds. After the cheese is formed, it is often ____ (8) for aging to develop its flavour.
THE ANSWERS TO THIS EXERCISE ARE AT THE END OF THE LESSON BELOW.
Business Vocabulary
SECTION ONE C (Words used in a business setting related to cheese making.
1. “Cut the cheese”
Meaning: To produce a foul smell, typically as a result of flatulence.
Example: During the board meeting, someone cut the cheese, making it uncomfortable for everyone.
2. “Like chalk and cheese”
Meaning: Two things that are incredibly different from each other.
Example: The management styles of the two department heads are like chalk and cheese; one is very strict while the other is quite lenient.
What is cheese rolling? Watch the short 1 minute video first before starting the reading.
Remember that during the lesson we are continuing our RP practice to be able to improve our pronunciation and diction.
SECTION TWO:
READING (Concentrate on your pronunciation of the ‘ed’ sounds. You will find the ‘ed’ lesson at the end of this English lesson.
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INTRODUCTION:
Cheese Rolling: A Wild Tradition
Cheese rolling is one of the most bizarre and exhilarating traditional events you may ever encounter. Originating in the picturesque village of Brockworth in Gloucestershire, England, this event has gained international fame for its sheer madness and audacity. Participants hurl themselves down a steep hill in pursuit of a round of Double Gloucester cheese, risking life and limb for a chance at victory. In this English lesson, we’ll explore the origins, thrills, and risks associated with this unconventional sport.
VOCABULARY: Now discuss any new vocabulary. https://translate.google.co.uk/
The Origins of Cheese Rolling
The roots of cheese rolling can be traced back to ancient times, with some suggesting that it originated as a pagan ritual meant to celebrate the return of spring. Regardless of its beginnings, the event has been firmly entrenched in British culture since at least the early 19th century. Held annually on Cooper’s Hill during the Spring Bank Holiday, cheese rolling has evolved from a local custom into an international spectacle, drawing both participants and spectators from around the world.
VOCABULARY: Now discuss any new vocabulary. https://translate.google.co.uk/
The Thrill of the Chase
What makes cheese rolling truly unique is the sheer thrill it offers. The event consists of several races in which competitors chase a nine-pound wheel of cheese down a 200-yard-long hill with a gradient that reaches up to 45 degrees. While overtaking the cheese is nearly impossible because of its rapid speed—often hitting up to 70 miles per hour—the first person to cross the finish line wins. The adrenaline rush and sense of accomplishment that come from participating in such a daring challenge are unparalleled.
VOCABULARY: Now discuss any new vocabulary. https://translate.google.co.uk/
VIDEO LISTENING SECTION: Watch the video below about cheese rolling and then answer the six questions below.
QUESTIONS:
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- What does the TV presenter mean when he says, “look whats happening ACROSS THE POND?
- What is the secret to getting down the hill according to Abby?
- What does he mean when he says, “there are six chunks of cheese UP FOR GRABS?”
- What does it mean, “to be a bit cocky?”
- Abby is the big cheese. What does this mean?
- What does it mean, “The hill is STEEP?”
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VOCABULARY: Now discuss any new vocabulary. https://translate.google.co.uk/
Risks Involved
However exciting it may be, cheese rolling is not for the faint-hearted. The steep incline and uneven terrain make for treacherous conditions. Falls are inevitable, and injuries such as sprains, fractures, and concussions are common occurrences. Emergency medical teams are always on standby to handle any mishaps, yet this hardly deters thrill-seekers from all corners of the globe who yearn to take part in this wild race.
VOCABULARY: Now discuss any new vocabulary. https://translate.google.co.uk/
A Spectacle Worth Watching
Even if you’re not brave enough to participate, cheese rolling is an event worth witnessing in person or through various video recordings available online. The sight of participants tumbling uncontrollably downhill evokes both laughter and admiration from onlookers. The camaraderie among competitors and spectators alike adds to the festive atmosphere, making it an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
VOCABULARY: Now discuss any new vocabulary. https://translate.google.co.uk/
In Conclusion
Cheese rolling remains one of the world’s most eccentric yet captivating traditions. Its mix of historical significance, adrenaline-pumping action, and inherent risk have ensured its place as a beloved annual event. Whether you’re planning to watch or take part yourself, one thing is certain: cheese rolling offers an unforgettable glimpse into human nature’s love for adventure and excitement.
VOCABULARY: Now discuss any new vocabulary. https://translate.google.co.uk/
GRAMMAR SECTION: (The future perfect progressive) Find the missing words.
Cheese rolling is a fascinating tradition that has been practiced for centuries. By the time the event starts, contestants _____ (to train) for months. Some participants _____ (to travel) from other countries just to take part in the excitement. As they chase the wheel of cheese down the hill, they _____ (to dodge) obstacles and navigating steep slopes. By the end of the race, many of them _____ (to push) themselves to their physical limits. Spectators _____ (to cheer) for their favorite contestants for hours by the time it finishes.
SPEAKING SECTION:
- After reading about cheese rolling spend 5 minutes speaking about how you feel about dangerous sports.
WRITING SECTION:
Write a 500 word article for your local online newspaper describing what cheese rolling is and where it happens.
SECTION THREE (REVISION)
How to pronounce the ‘ed’ sounds in regular verbs.
‘ED’ practice text
In this text remember that we are practicing our RP but at the same time we are going to practice how to pronounce the ‘ed’ in regular verbs. Here is an explanation.
In English, the pronunciation of the past tense suffix “-ed” varies and is determined by the final sound of the root verb:
1. /t/ Sound: We use this sound when the root verb ends in voiceless consonants (except for /t/), such as /p/, /k/, /s/, /ʃ/ (sh), /ʧ / (ch), and /f/. For example:
– “walk” becomes “walked” and is pronounced as /wa: kt/
– “laugh” becomes “laughed” and is pronounced as /laugh: ft/
2. /d/ Sound: We use this sound with root verbs ending in voiced sounds, which include all vowel sounds and voiced consonants (except for /d/), such as /b/, /g/, /v/, / z/, etc. For example:
– “call” becomes “called” and is pronounced as /ca lld/
– “rob” becomes “robbed” and is pronounced as /rob bd/
3. /ɪd/ or just /d/ Sound: We use this sound distinctly when the root verb ends in either a /t/ or a /d/. This additional syllable makes it easier to pronounce. For example:
– “want” becomes “wanted” and is pronounced as /ˈwant: id/
– “need” becomes “needed” and is pronounced as /ˈneed: id/
GAP FILL EXERCISE ANSWERS:
Answers:
1. practiced
2. begins
3. brought
4. separates
5. added
6. stirred
7. placed
8. left
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