Exercise 1: Vocabulary
1. Peculiar
Definition: Unusual or strange in a way that attracts attention.
Example: Jack inherited a peculiar cat from his father.
2. Cunning
Definition: Having or showing skill in achieving one’s objectives through deceit or craftiness.
Example: Puss used his cunning to convince people of Jack’s wealth.
3. Charisma
Definition: Compelling attractiveness or charm that can inspire devotion in others.
Example: Puss had charisma that made people believe in Jack’s success.
4. Venture
Definition: To dare to do something or go somewhere that may be dangerous or uncertain.
Example: Puss ventured into the nearby village to execute his plan.
5. Influential
Definition: Having the power to affect decisions, actions, or opinions.
Example: Puss convinced the influential nobleman of Jack’s wealth.
6. Marquis
Definition: A nobleman ranking above a count and below a duke; often associated with significant land ownership.
Example: Puss portrayed Jack as a wealthy marquis to the nobleman.
7. Crafty
Definition: Clever at achieving one’s aims through deceit or trickery.
Example: Puss was a crafty cat who could spin tales convincingly.
8. Captivated
Definition: To attract and hold the interest or attention of someone.
Example: The princess was captivated by Jack’s charm and grace.
9. Suitor
Definition: A man who pursues a romantic relationship with a woman, often with the intention of marriage.
Example: Jack presented himself as a worthy suitor to win the princess’s heart.
10. Prosperity
Definition: The state of being successful, flourishing, or having wealth and abundance.
Example: Puss’s schemes led Jack to a life of prosperity.
11. Outwit
Definition: To defeat or overcome someone by using cleverness or superior intelligence.
Example: Puss hatched a plan to outwit the evil ogre.
12. Quick thinking
Definition: The ability to think and react rapidly in a situation, often solving problems or making decisions on the spot.
Example: Puss relied on his quick thinking to outmaneuver the ogre.
13. Loyalty
Definition: Faithfulness or devotion to a person, group, or cause.
Example: Puss’s loyalty to Jack was unwavering throughout their adventures.
14. Ingenuity
Definition: The quality of being clever, inventive, and resourceful in solving problems or creating new solutions.
Example: Puss’s ingenuity played a crucial role in changing Jack’s life.
Exercise 2: Story
In a faraway land, there once lived a poor miller’s son named Jack. Jack inherited a peculiar cat from his father—a cat who wore boots and possessed a cunning wit. This cat, known as Puss, had a plan to transform Jack’s fortune.
With confidence and charisma, Puss approached Jack, revealing his grand scheme. He would use his cleverness and his dashing appearance to help Jack rise above his humble beginnings and achieve greatness.
Puss set his plan into motion. He donned his beloved pair of boots and ventured into the nearby village, where he encountered a wealthy and influential nobleman. With his charm and wit, Puss convinced the nobleman that his master, Jack, was a wealthy and successful marquis. Puss spun tales of Jack’s vast estates and his remarkable abilities.
Word of the renowned and wealthy Jack spread like wildfire. Jack found himself invited to the nobleman’s grand castle, where he was treated with utmost respect and admiration. Puss, ever the crafty companion, continued his ruse, ensuring Jack’s reputation grew even stronger.
One day, Puss learned that the king’s daughter was passing through the land. He urged Jack to seize the opportunity and win her heart. Puss presented Jack with gifts fit for a nobleman and instructed him on how to present himself as a worthy suitor.
Jack followed Puss’s guidance, and when he met the princess, they were instantly drawn to each other. The princess was captivated by Jack’s charm and grace, and their love blossomed.
Puss, not content with their newfound prosperity, decided it was time to secure Jack’s future. He hatched a plan to outwit an evil ogre who possessed great riches. Puss confronted the ogre, using his quick thinking and cunning to outmaneuver him. With the ogre defeated, Puss claimed the wealth and properties as his own, presenting them to Jack as a token of his loyalty.
Now a wealthy and respected nobleman, Jack married the princess and lived a life of joy and abundance. Puss, content with his role as a faithful companion, continued to serve Jack, sharing in his happiness and success.
The tale of Puss in Boots teaches us the power of wit, resourcefulness, and loyalty. It reminds us that appearances can be deceiving and that true worth lies in character and ingenuity. Puss, with his cunning and loyalty, transformed the life of his master, Jack, and helped him rise above his circumstances.
And so, Jack, the miller’s son, lived happily ever after, forever indebted to the clever and dashing Puss in Boots, whose unwavering loyalty and clever schemes changed their lives forever.
Exercise 3: Questions
1. Who is the main character of the story, and what unique qualities does the cat named Puss possess?
2. How does Puss use his cunning and charisma to help Jack improve his social and financial status?
3. What pivotal role does Puss play in Jack’s relationship with the princess, and how does their love story unfold?
4. Describe Puss’s plan to outwit the evil ogre and secure Jack’s future. What role does quick thinking play in this plan?
5. What are the main lessons and themes conveyed in the story of “Puss in Boots,” and how does the character of Puss exemplify traits like loyalty and ingenuity?
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?
