Exercise 1: Vocabulary
1. Kingdom
Definition: A country or territory ruled by a king or queen.
Example: The grand kingdom was known for its majestic castles and lush landscapes.
2. Authenticity
Definition: The quality of being genuine or real.
Example: The authenticity of the ancient artifact was confirmed by experts.
3. Concealing
Definition: Keeping something hidden or out of sight.
Example: She was concealing a surprise gift behind her back.
4. Sensitivity
Definition: The ability to perceive or feel things acutely or deeply.
Example: His sensitivity to others’ emotions made him a great friend.
5. Delicate
Definition: Easily damaged or harmed; fragile.
Example: The delicate glass vase needed to be handled with care.
6. Discomfort
Definition: A state of physical or psychological unease.
Example: Sitting in an awkward position caused her discomfort.
7. Discernment
Definition: The ability to judge well and make good decisions.
Example: His discernment in selecting the right candidate for the job was impressive.
8. Nobility
Definition: The quality of having noble or high moral qualities.
Example: Her kindness and generosity reflected her inner nobility.
9. Legacy
Definition: Something handed down or left behind by a predecessor.
Example: The inventor’s legacy included groundbreaking discoveries that changed the world.
10. Essence
Definition: The intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something.
Example: The essence of a good book is its ability to transport readers to different worlds.
Exercise 2: Story
Once upon a time, in a grand kingdom ruled by a wise king, there was a young prince who longed to find a true princess to be his bride. The prince traveled far and wide, meeting princesses from neighboring lands, but he struggled to find one who possessed the qualities he sought.
One stormy night, a young woman seeking shelter arrived at the castle claiming to be a princess. The queen, intrigued by her claim, devised a plan to test her authenticity. She decided to place a tiny pea underneath twenty mattresses and twenty feather beds, believing that only a true princess would be sensitive enough to feel it.
That night, the young woman, known as Princess Rose, was shown to her quarters, where she was to spend the night. Unbeknownst to her, the mattresses were stacked high, concealing the hidden pea beneath them.
As Princess Rose settled into bed, she tossed and turned, unable to find a comfortable position. A sharp pain pierced her back, causing her to lose sleep throughout the night. In the morning, the queen approached her, eager to hear her account of the night.
Princess Rose confessed that she had slept poorly, troubled by an unexplained discomfort. The queen smiled, knowing that her test had yielded the desired result. She declared that Princess Rose was indeed a true princess, for only someone of delicate sensitivity could have felt the pea hidden beneath the layers of bedding.
The prince, overjoyed to have found a genuine princess, proposed to Princess Rose, and she accepted. The kingdom celebrated their union, and the prince and princess lived happily ever after, their love growing stronger with each passing day.
The tale of “The Princess and the Pea” teaches us the importance of true discernment and recognizing the qualities that define a person’s character. It emphasizes that true royalty lies not in wealth or title but in qualities such as sensitivity, empathy, and inner nobility.
Princess Rose’s sensitivity to the tiny pea showcased her true princess nature. It reminds us to value and appreciate the unique qualities that make each individual special and to look beyond external appearances when seeking genuine connections and relationships.
And so, the prince and Princess Rose reigned over their kingdom with compassion and grace, leaving a legacy that celebrated the essence of true royalty.
Exercise 3: Questions
1. What did the young prince in the story desire to find?
2. How did the queen test the authenticity of Princess Rose’s claim to be a princess?
3. Why did Princess Rose have trouble sleeping during the night of the test?
4. What did the queen conclude about Princess Rose after the test with the pea?
5. What qualities does the story emphasize as defining true royalty?
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?
