Задания к тексту "Little Women" Module 1d Spotlight 10

“Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott

As young readers like to know ‘how people look’, we will take this moment to give them a little sketch of the four sisters, who sat knitting away in the twilight while the December snow fell quietly outside and the fire crackled cheerfully within. It was a comfortable old room, though the carpet was faded and the furniture very plain; for a good picture or two hung on the walls, books filled the shelves, chrysanthemums and Christmas roses bloomed in the windows and a pleasant atmosphere of home-peace filled the room. Meg, the eldest of the four, was sixteen, and very pretty, being plump and fair, with large eyes, plenty of soft, brown hair, a sweet mouth and white hands of which she was rather vain. Fifteen-year-old Jo was very tall, thin and brown, and reminded one of a colt; for she never seemed to know what to do with her long limbs, which were very much in her way. She had a decisive mouth, a comical nose and sharp, grey eyes, which appeared to see everything, and could be fierce, funny or thoughtful. Her long, thick hair was her one beauty; but it was usually bundled in a net, to be out of her way. Jo had round shoulders, big hands and feet, a fly-away look to her clothes and the uncomfortable appearance of a girl who was rapidly shooting up into a woman and didn’t like it. Elizabeth – or Beth, as everyone called her – was a rosy, smooth-haired, bright-eyed girl of thirteen, with a shy manner, a timid voice and a peaceful expression, which was seldom disturbed. Her father called her ‘Little Miss Tranquillity’, and the name suited her excellently; for she seemed to live in a happy world of her own, only venturing out to meet the few whom she trusted and loved. Amy, though the youngest, was a most important person – in her own opinion at least. A regular snow-maiden, with blue eyes and yellow hair curling on her shoulders, pale and slender, and always carrying herself like a young lady mindful of her manners. What the characters of the four sisters were, we will leave to he found out. The clock struck six; and, having swept up the hearth, Beth put a pair of slippers down to warm. Somehow the sight of the old shoes had a good effect upon the girls; for mother was coming, and everyone brightened to welcome her. Meg stopped lecturing and lighted the lamp. Amy got out of the armchair without being asked, and Jo forgot how tired she was as she sat up to hold the slippers nearer to the fire. They are quite worn out; Mother must have a new pair.’
‘I thought I’d get her some with my dollar,’ said Beth.
‘No, I shall!’ cried Amy.
‘I’m the oldest.’ began Meg, but Jo cut in with a decided:
‘l’m the man of the family now that papa is away, and I shall provide the slippers, for he told me to take special care of mother while he was gone.’
‘I’ll tell you what we’ll do,’ said Beth; ‘let’s each get her something for Christmas, and not get anything for ourselves.’

Open questions:

1. How does the author describe the room where the four sisters are sitting?

2. Can you describe Meg's appearance?

3. What is Jo's physical appearance like, and how does she carry herself?

4. How does the author describe Beth's personality and demeanor?

5. What is Amy's physical appearance like, and how does she behave?

6. Who among the sisters is the youngest, and why is she considered important in her own opinion?

7. Why do the girls brighten up when they see their mother coming home?

8. What is the significance of the old shoes that Beth puts down to warm by the fire?

9. How do the sisters decide who will buy their mother a new pair of slippers for Christmas?

10. What idea does Beth propose for Christmas gift-giving?

ABCD questions:

1. What is the text about?

a) A family of four sisters

b) A group of friends knitting in a room

c) A description of a comfortable old room

d) A Christmas celebration

2. What were the sisters doing while it was snowing outside?

a) Reading books

b) Knitting

c) Watching TV

d) Playing games

3. What was the atmosphere in the room like?

a) Depressing

b) Exciting

c) Peaceful

d) Chaotic

4. Which sister was the eldest?

a) Jo

b) Beth

c) Amy

d) Meg

5. What was Jo's appearance like?

a) Plump and fair

b) Tall, thin, and brown

c) Rosy and smooth-haired

d) Pale and slender

6. What was Beth's personality like?

a) Shy and timid

b) Fierce and funny

c) Confident and outgoing

d) Vain and proud

7. Who was referred to as "Little Miss Tranquillity"?

a) Jo

b) Meg

c) Amy

d) Beth

8. What did the sisters decide to do for Christmas?

a) Get something for themselves

b) Get something for their mother

c) Get something for their father

d) Not celebrate Christmas

9. Who decided to get slippers for their mother?

a) Meg

b) Beth

c) Amy

d) Jo

10. Why did Jo decide to provide the slippers?

a) She was the oldest

b) She was the man of the family

c) She had a dollar to spend

d) She was the most responsible

True/False statements:

1. The four sisters were knitting in the morning.

2. The room was uncomfortable because the furniture was old.

3. Meg was the youngest of the four sisters.

4. Jo had a beautiful nose.

5. Beth was a talkative girl.

6. Amy was the tallest of the four sisters.

7. Beth was always shy and never talked to anyone.

8. The clock struck six in the evening.

9. The girls decided to get their mother slippers for Christmas.

10. The girls decided to get themselves presents for Christmas.