Image: Swan

Exercise 1: Vocabulary

1. Serene (adjective):

Definition: Calm, peaceful, and untroubled.

Example: The pond by the farm was so serene that it became a favorite spot for picnics.

2. Peculiar (adjective):

Definition: Strange or unusual in an interesting or distinctive way.
Example: The peculiar-looking duckling stood out from the rest of the ducklings due to its unique appearance.

3. Ridicule (verb):

Definition: To subject someone or something to scornful or contemptuous language or actions; to mock.
Example: The other animals on the farm would ridicule the Ugly Duckling for being different.

4. Endured (verb):

Definition: To bear or suffer (something difficult or unpleasant) patiently or persistently.
Example: The Ugly Duckling endured the harsh winter weather during his journey.

5. Resilience (noun):

Definition: The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
Example: Despite facing hardships, the Ugly Duckling’s resilience helped him continue his journey.

6. Astonishment (noun):

Definition: A feeling of great surprise or wonder.
Example: The Ugly Duckling watched in astonishment as his gray feathers transformed into pristine white plumage.

7. Embrace (verb):

Definition: To accept or support willingly and enthusiastically.
Example: The family of swans embraced the Ugly Duckling, welcoming him as one of their own.

8. Revered (verb):

Definition: To regard with deep, often rapturous love.
Example: The once Ugly Duckling was now revered by all who saw his majestic transformation.

9. Inherent (adjective):

Definition: Existing in something as a permanent, essential, or characteristic attribute.
Example: The story of the Ugly Duckling teaches us to appreciate the inherent worth and beauty within each individual.

10. Journey (noun):

Definition: A long and often difficult process of personal change and development.
Example: The Ugly Duckling’s journey of self-discovery led him to a place of acceptance and happiness.

Exercise 2: Story

Once upon a time, on a beautiful farm by a serene pond, a mother duck eagerly awaited the hatching of her eggs. As each little duckling emerged from its shell, the mother duck’s heart filled with joy. However, one egg took longer to hatch than the rest, and when it finally did, a peculiar-looking duckling appeared.

Unlike his siblings, this duckling was different. He was gray, clumsy, and much larger than the others. The other animals on the farm would mock and ridicule him, calling him the Ugly Duckling. Feeling lonely and misunderstood, the Ugly Duckling yearned for acceptance and a place where he could belong.

One day, unable to bear the taunts any longer, the Ugly Duckling decided to leave the farm in search of a place where he would be accepted for who he truly was. He embarked on a journey through meadows, forests, and lakes, facing hardships and rejection at every turn.

Winter arrived, and the Ugly Duckling endured the biting cold and the piercing winds. He sought shelter wherever he could find it, often feeling lost and alone. But beneath his gray feathers, a spark of resilience and determination burned bright.

As the seasons changed, the Ugly Duckling noticed a transformation taking place within him. His once gray feathers began to shed, revealing pristine white plumage underneath. In awe of his newfound beauty, he realized that he was no ordinary duckling—he was a magnificent swan.

One day, as the Ugly Duckling gazed at his reflection in a shimmering lake, a family of swans glided by. To his astonishment, they welcomed him with open wings, recognizing him as one of their own. The Ugly Duckling had finally found his true family, a group that embraced his uniqueness and celebrated his inner beauty.

From that moment on, the Ugly Duckling lived a life filled with love, acceptance, and happiness. He swam alongside his new family, feeling a sense of belonging that he had longed for throughout his journey. The once ridiculed and misunderstood duckling had transformed into a majestic swan, admired and revered by all who saw him.

The tale of the Ugly Duckling serves as a powerful reminder that appearances can be deceiving, and true beauty lies within. It teaches us the importance of accepting ourselves and others for who we truly are, celebrating our differences, and embracing our unique journey in life.

The Ugly Duckling’s story resonates with people of all ages, inspiring them to look beyond outer appearances and appreciate the inherent worth and beauty within each individual. And so, the Ugly Duckling lived happily ever after, reminding the world that everyone has the potential to become a magnificent swan.

Exercise 3: Questions

1. What made the Ugly Duckling different from his siblings, and how did the other animals on the farm react to him?

2. Why did the Ugly Duckling decide to leave the farm and embark on a journey?

3. Describe the transformation that the Ugly Duckling underwent during his journey.

4. What lesson does “The Ugly Duckling” story teach us?

5. How did the Ugly Duckling’s life change after he found the family of swans?

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?
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