Teacher: Huynh Phong Dinh
WELCOME TO OUR CLASS 9/1
Unit 4: Life in the past
Lesson 5: Skills 1
Reading
How different is the way teenagers entertain
themselves nowadays compared to the past?


2. What do you think might be the biggest difference?

1. Think.
2. Read the conversation between Phong and his mother, and answer the questions.
Phong: Mum, how did you use to entertain yourself when you were a teenager?
Mother: Well, kids in my days did a lot of physical activities in the fresh air: playing football, riding bikes, flying kites... We used nature as our playground. We also spent a lot of time with each other, playing and talking face to face, not on a screen like today.
Phong: It sounds nice, actually.
Mother: Yes. And this lifestyle kept us healthy and in shape. We didn`t know about obesity. Girls didn`t worry about getting fat and going on a diet.
Phong: Didn`t you eat out with your friends?
Mother: No, we ate at home. Sometimes we just had a snack from a street vendor.
Phong: I like street food. And did you watch much TV?
Mother: Only wealthy households had a TV. Instead, we read a lot. Unlike watching television, you had to use your imagination when you read. Ah! Now I remember - I used to keep a diary.
Phong: A diary? What did you write in it?
Mother: Lots of things: events, feelings, my private thoughts... you know.
Phong: Nowadays we just post them on Facebook.
Mother: I know. Life has changed so much, my darling.
2. Read the conversation between Phong and his mother, and answer the questions.
1. Where did teenagers in the past use to play?

2. How did they communicate with each other?

3. What was the advantage of this lifestyle?

4. Where did they mostly eat?

5. What did Phong`s mother say about reading?

6. Did teenagers in the past publicise their emotions?
- They used to play outdoors, in the fresh air.
- They met and talked face-to-face.
- It kept them healthy and in shape.
- At home.
- You had to use your own imagination.
- No, they didn’t.
3. Discuss in groups: What do you think about the pastimes of teenagers presented in the reading?
Example:
Pastime: riding a bicycle
Response A: I love it. I wish I could do it more often.
Response B: I think it`s inconvenient, especially
when it rains. I prefer a fitness centre.

Pastimes:
1. doing physical activities in the fresh air
2. using nature as your playground
3. meeting and talking face-to-face
4. reading
5. keeping a diary
4. Work in groups.
What do you think about these habits which have been long practised by children in Viet Nam? Would you like to preserve them? Why/Why not?
1. hand-written homework
2. playing traditional games like hide-and-seek, elastic-band jumping, skipping, and catch the chickens
3. crossing one`s hands in the front and bowing when you greet a person of seniority
4. obeying your parents/teachers without
talking back
Remember!
When you express your opinion, you can you:
In my opinion, …
I think/ believe …
I totally agree …
I’m afraid/ I can’t agree (with) …
I’m sorry but I have to say that …