Exercise 1: Vocabulary
1. Cozy (adjective):
Definition: Comfortably warm and snug, providing a feeling of comfort and security.
Example: The cozy cottage by the forest was the perfect place for the old woman to bake her gingerbread man.
2. Mixture (noun):
Definition: A combination of different substances or elements blended together.
Example: The dough for the gingerbread man was a mixture of flour, sugar, and spices.
3. Sprinkle (verb):
Definition: To scatter or distribute something in small drops or particles over a surface.
Example: She decided to sprinkle a bit of ginger into the dough to give the gingerbread man some extra flavor.
4. Mischievous (adjective):
Definition: Playfully causing annoyance or minor harm; often with a sense of fun or trickery.
Example: The mischievous squirrel in the forest liked to hide nuts in unexpected places.
5. Entice (verb):
Definition: To attract or tempt someone with something appealing or desirable.
Example: The delicious aroma of the gingerbread man enticed various animals in the forest.
6. Taunt (verb):
Definition: To provoke or tease someone with insulting, mocking, or scornful remarks.
Example: The gingerbread man taunted his pursuers by saying, “You can’t catch me!”
7. Wane (verb):
Definition: To decrease or diminish in size, intensity, or importance.
Example: The gingerbread man’s luck began to wane as he encountered more determined pursuers.
8. Vulnerability (noun):
Definition: The state of being open to physical or emotional harm or attack.
Example: The gingerbread man’s vulnerability became evident when he accepted the fox’s offer.
9. Perils (noun, plural):
Definition: Serious and immediate dangers or risks.
Example: The story of the gingerbread man teaches us about the perils of overconfidence.
10. Underestimating (verb):
Definition: To fail to recognize or consider the true nature or abilities of someone or something, often leading to a mistake.
Example: The gingerbread man underestimated the fox’s cunning nature, which ultimately led to his demise.
Exercise 2: Story
In a cozy cottage nestled by the edge of a magical forest, a sweet old woman decided to bake a special treat. She gathered flour, sugar, and spices, creating a doughy mixture that would soon become a gingerbread man. She added a sprinkle of ginger for flavor and two shiny raisins for eyes, giving the gingerbread man a cheerful face.
As she placed the gingerbread man into the oven, a touch of magic filled the air. The oven’s warmth brought the dough to life, and before the old woman’s eyes, the gingerbread man leaped from the tray and ran out the door, shouting, “Run, run, as fast as you can! You can’t catch me, I’m the gingerbread man!”
The gingerbread man darted through the forest, his legs carrying him swiftly along the winding paths. Along the way, he encountered various animals—a mischievous squirrel, a playful bunny, and a sly fox—who were all enticed by the delicious aroma of the gingerbread man.
Each animal, eager to taste the gingerbread man, joined in the chase. But the gingerbread man was quick and cunning, always staying just out of reach. He taunted his pursuers, singing his playful rhyme, confident in his ability to outsmart them all.
However, the gingerbread man’s luck began to wane when he encountered a clever fox. The fox, with a glint in his eyes, offered to help the gingerbread man cross a river by allowing him to ride on his back. The gingerbread man, seeing no harm in accepting the fox’s offer, climbed onto the fox’s back.
As they crossed the river, the water grew deeper, and the fox’s sly smile widened. Sensing the gingerbread man’s vulnerability, the fox proposed a change in their arrangement. He suggested the gingerbread man climb onto his nose, assuring him it would provide a safer ride.
In an instant, the fox flicked his nose, tossing the unsuspecting gingerbread man into the air. With a swift snap of his jaws, the fox caught the gingerbread man and devoured him in one gulp, his mischievous plan finally realized.
And so, the tale of the gingerbread man reminds us that arrogance and overconfidence can lead to unexpected consequences. It teaches us the importance of humility and the perils of underestimating others.
Though the gingerbread man met an unfortunate end, his spirited run through the forest will forever be remembered. His joyful chant, “Run, run, as fast as you can!” continues to echo in our hearts, reminding us to savor the moments of freedom and joy that life brings.
Exercise 3: Questions
1. What ingredients did the old woman use to make the gingerbread man?
2. Why did the gingerbread man run away from the old woman’s cottage?
3. Who were the various animals that chased the gingerbread man in the forest?4. How did the fox ultimately capture and eat the gingerbread man?
5. What lesson does the story of the gingerbread man teach us?
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?
