'The Gift of the Magi' Discussion Questions: · What is important about the title? Does it suggest that the story has a religious lesson, or just that Christmas will figure into the plot somehow?
· What are some central ideas or themes of the story?
· What are some conflicts in the story? Are they internal or external?
· List a metaphor or comparison in the story. Explain it.
· Why do we spend so much time getting to know Della in the story, while Jim is introduced only near the very end? Is her perspective more or less important than his?
· What are some symbols in "The Gift of the Magi?" Is it telling that Jim gives up something material that can't be reclaimed while Della gives up something that will regrow?
· Relate a symbol to a central idea or theme of the story.
· Does the story end the way you expected? Did you find it endearing that the two gave up their possessions for each other, or were you exasperated that neither could enjoy the other's gift?
· How essential is the setting, both the time and place, to the story? Could the story have taken place anywhere else?
Understanding 'The Gift of the Magi':
· Describe a time when you picked out the perfect gift for someone or someone picked out the perfect gift for you. Why was it perfect?
· Describe a time when a gift didn't work out. What could have made the situation different? How was the situation handled?
· Describe an ironic incident in your own life. What was expected to happen, and why was the actual event ironic?
1 Hello Peter! What are you doing right now?
2 What are you doing at the moment?- I am watching an interesting film on TV. (тут говорится о действиях, протекающих сейчас, в момент речи, поэтому нужно использовать Present Continuous)
3 It is raining cats and dogs. Take your umbrella. (Сейчас идёт дождь - Present Continuous)
4 Does it often rain in summer in London? (вопрос об типичной погоде летом - Present Simple)
5 I can't give the newspaper to you. I am reading it now. (now - маркер/индикатор Present Continuous)
6 Do you read much? - Yes, I like reading and I read very much. (речь о привычках - Present Simple)
1.You were in your English class on Monday? - Yes, I was.
2. Was Petrov also at this level? - No, he's not in town.
3. Anna's daughter was a good student. She is now a good student.
4. I was not at the university yesterday, I was at the clinic. Tomorrow I will be at the university.
5. Have you been to Moscow last week? - No, I was in St. Petersburg.
6. When were you in the movies? - Last tuesday.
7. Was your friend's son in kindergarten last week? - Yes, I was.
8. Jane was not in class last Thursday. She felt bad.
9. Was your daughter in Odessa last year? - No, it was not.
10. Were you at the club yesterday? - No, I wasn’t, I was at home.
11. I won't be in town next week.
12. Will you be home tomorrow?
13 Will you be at work next week?
14. They didn't attend the lecture evening.
15. The day after tomorrow I will not be at the university.