Exercise 1: Vocabulary
1. Curiosity
Definition: A strong desire to know or learn something new.
Example: Hansel and Gretel were always full of curiosity, seeking adventure in the world around them.
2. Abandon
Definition: To leave someone or something behind, often with no intention of returning.
Example: Their parents intended to abandon Hansel and Gretel in the forest due to their desperate circumstances.
3. Dense
Definition: Closely compacted or crowded together, often referring to a forest or an area with many trees or plants.
Example: The dense forest made it difficult for Hansel and Gretel to find their way home.
4. Cunning
Definition: Showing skill in achieving one’s ends by deceit or evasion.
Example: The wicked witch used her cunning to lure Hansel and Gretel into her candy cottage.
5. Enchanted
Definition: Under the influence of magic or a spell, often in a delightful or captivating way.
Example: Hansel and Gretel were enchanted by the sugary aroma of the candy cottage.
6. Insatiable
Definition: Impossible to satisfy or quench; having an unending appetite or desire.
Example: The wicked witch had an insatiable hunger for children.
7. Resourceful
Definition: Having the ability to find quick and clever ways to solve problems or overcome challenges.
Example: Hansel was resourceful in pretending to be weak to outsmart the witch.
8. Devised
Definition: To plan, invent, or create something, often through careful thought or consideration.
Example: Hansel and Gretel devised a plan to escape from the witch’s clutches.
9. Impatient
Definition: Restless or eager for something to happen, often unwilling to wait.
Example: The wicked witch grew impatient as Hansel appeared to be taking too long to fatten up.
10. Embrace
Definition: To hold someone closely in one’s arms as a sign of affection or to accept something willingly.
Example: The parents embraced Hansel and Gretel with love and forgiveness.
11. Unity
Definition: The state of being united or joined as a whole; harmony or togetherness.
Example: The family learned the importance of unity and forgiveness.
12. Adversity
Definition: Difficulties or misfortune; challenging circumstances.
Example: Hansel and Gretel stayed strong in the face of adversity.
13. Cherish
Definition: To hold dear and treat with affection and care.
Example: Hansel and Gretel cherished the love of their family.
14. Bonds
Definition: Connections or ties that link individuals or groups together, often emotionally.
Example: The bonds of love between Hansel, Gretel, and their parents grew stronger.
15. Etched
Definition: Marked or engraved with a design or image; firmly imprinted.
Example: The memory of their journey through the forest was forever etched in their hearts.
Exercise 2: Story
Once upon a time, in a small village, there lived a brother and sister named Hansel and Gretel. They were kind-hearted and full of curiosity, always seeking adventure in the world around them. However, their lives took a dark turn when their parents, burdened by poverty and unable to provide for them, made a heartbreaking decision.
One night, their parents led Hansel and Gretel deep into the forest, intending to abandon them there. Unbeknownst to the children, their parents’ hearts were heavy with guilt, but they believed it was the only way to ensure their survival.
As Hansel and Gretel woke the next morning, they found themselves alone and frightened. The dense forest surrounded them, and they had no way to find their way back home. However, they pressed on, clinging to hope and each other.
After wandering for hours, Hansel and Gretel stumbled upon a peculiar sight—a cottage made entirely of candy and sweets. Their eyes widened with delight, and hunger overcame their fear. They cautiously approached the cottage, unaware of the danger that lay ahead.
Little did they know that the cottage belonged to a wicked witch who used it as a trap for unsuspecting children. The witch, with a sweet voice and a cunning smile, invited Hansel and Gretel inside, promising them comfort and warmth.
As they stepped into the cottage, the children were enchanted by the sugary aroma that filled the air. They feasted on the candy-coated walls, gingerbread roof, and delectable treats that adorned the cottage.
But soon, their joy turned to fear when the wicked witch revealed her true intentions. She planned to fatten them up and devour them, for her hunger for children was insatiable.
Realizing the witch’s wicked plan, Hansel and Gretel knew they had to act swiftly to save themselves. With quick thinking, they devised a plan to outwit the witch and escape her clutches.
Hansel, being clever and resourceful, pretended to be slow and weak, so the witch would believe he needed more time to fatten up. Meanwhile, Gretel, brave and determined, waited for the perfect moment to strike.
Days turned into weeks, and as the witch grew impatient, she decided to check Hansel’s progress. She ordered him to extend his finger for her to feel if he had gained enough weight. However, Hansel, knowing the witch’s poor eyesight, offered a bone instead.
In a surprising turn of events, Gretel seized the opportunity and pushed the witch into the oven, trapping her inside. With the witch defeated, the children escaped from the candy cottage, vowing never to return.
Lost once again in the depths of the forest, Hansel and Gretel relied on their wits and instincts to find their way home. Following a trail of breadcrumbs they had left behind, they managed to navigate through the woods and finally reunite with their overjoyed parents.
Their parents, filled with remorse for their past actions, embraced Hansel and Gretel, vowing to love and care for them forever. The family learned the importance of unity, forgiveness, and the strength that can be found in the bonds of love.
The tale of Hansel and Gretel serves as a reminder to trust one’s instincts, stay strong in the face of adversity, and cherish the love of family. From that day forward, Hansel and Gretel lived a life filled with happiness and gratitude, their journey through the forest forever etched in their hearts.
Exercise 3: Questions
1. Who are the main characters in the story, and what kind of children are Hansel and Gretel portrayed as?
2. What led Hansel and Gretel’s parents to make the difficult decision to abandon them in the forest?
3. Describe the enchanted cottage that Hansel and Gretel discovered in the forest. What was unusual about it?
4. How did Hansel and Gretel outsmart the wicked witch, and what was the witch’s ultimate fate?
5. What are the key lessons and themes conveyed in the story of “Hansel and Gretel,” and how did the story conclude for the main characters?
Exercise 4: Discussion
- Who are the main characters?
- What is the moral of the story?
- Do you have a similar story in your culture? How is it the same? How is it different?
- What did you like or dislike about the story?
