The River

 
 
 

Vocabulary

 
 
 
 
 
 

 

The Thermometer Reading

The thermometer on the sign read seven degrees Celsius.

Ronald crossed a bridge in the town center. He was going to visit his friend on the other side.

Half-way across, he stopped and looked down at the river below.

There were a few boats tied to a dock. Almost directly below the bridge was a canoe with a girl paddling it.

Ronald walked on.
 

Help! Help!

“Help! Help!”

The cry came from the river. Ronald looked down again. The girl was in the water and her canoe and paddle were floating away. “Help! Help!” she yelled again.

Ronald took off his coat — and dived into the river .

The icy water chilled his whole body.

But he ignored it.
 

A Swimmer

Ronald swam to the girl, and in a few seconds he reached her.

“Don’t panic!” Ronald said as he grabbed her. “Just relax — and I’ll soon get you out of the water.”

But the girl began to struggle and shout something at Ronald. Ronald could not make out (understand) her words, but kept swimming.
 

Don’t Panic!

“Don’t panic!” Ronald said again as he swam towards the riverbank, pulling the girl with him.

At that moment, Ronald noticed (saw) a large motor boat under the bridge. There were several people on board, all looking in his direction. Ronald swam toward the boat.

“Give me a hand,” he shouted as he got near the boat. He looked up into a row of faces.
 

Funny (Strange)

That’s funny (strange), Ronald thought. Those on the boat didn’t seem to care about what’s going on. Without saying a word, they helped the girl aboard and wrapped her in a blanket.

But they ignored Ronald.
 

Freezing Water

“Aren’t you going to pull me out of the water too?” Ronald asked. Then he noticed a large camera on board.
“You!” said one of the men. “We were making a movie and you spoiled a whole afternoon’s filming! You can stay in the water!”

 

 

Questions

Bridge. Did the story take place in the spring, summer, autumn/fall, or winter? What time of the year was it?

Canal. Where was Ronald in the beginning? Where was he going?

Tunnel. Ronald saw many fishes in the river. True or false?

Boulevard, Street. After that, did Ronald hear anything? When he looked back down, what did he see?

Municipal Building. Ronald was a good Samaritan; he was a good person. Yes or no? What did he do?

Bazaar, Marketplace. The river was refreshing and relaxing. Is this right or wrong? Could Ronald swim?

School, University. Was the girl cooperative? Did she cooperate? Did she stay calm and relaxed?

Clinic, Hospital. What happened in the end?
 
 
 
Police Station. My city or town has several bridges. Yes or no?

Fire Station. Have you ever rescued anyone? Has anyone ever rescued you?

Radio Station, TV Station. I have seen film or camera crews in my city. Yes or no? Is there a lot of movie making or filming for TV programs in your city?

Store, Shop. What are your favorite types of movies? Who are your favorite actors and actresses?

Restaurant. Would you like to make your own movies, shows, programs, videos or vlogs?

Cafe, Bar. What will films and TV programs be like in the future?