Workbook Lesson 8B—Good News, Bad News |
Student's Name:_____________________________ |
Think of a situation comedy. A plot might go something like this:
- A boy has passed his driving test. (good)
- He does not have enough money to buy a car. (bad)
- He buys a car for a very low price. (good)
- The car needs expensive repairs. (bad)
Notice the pattern here. The story switches back and forth between hope and disappointment. If there is a problem, a solution is found or we learn that the situation was misunderstood and it is actually good. Then a new difficulty arises.
You already have most of the skills you need to tell real or fictional stories which follow this good news, bad news pattern. It is relatively easy to do because only simple statements are required. Here are some of ways to firm simple statements:
- Describe something using a noun and an adjective (“is” is implied): Карандаш плохой.
- State that something is needed or needs to be done: Нам нужен хлеб. Нам надо кушать.
- State that something is or is not present: Яблоко есть. Карандаша нет.
- Use the pattern subject + verb + direct object: Я вижу Ивана.
- Use the pattern subject + verb + indirect object + direct object: Иван дал мне хлеб.
An Example
Тема: колбаса
- Хоро́шая но́вость–Ру́сский магази́н откры́т.
- Плоха́я но́вость–Я о́чень голо́дный.
- Хоро́шая но́вость–В магази́не есть моя́ люби́мая колбаса́!
- Плоха́я но́вость–Я забы́л мой кошелёк.
- Хоро́шая но́вость–В магази́не даю́т попро́бовать беспла́тно.
- Плоха́я но́вость–Беспла́тной пи́щи уже́ нет.
A Shorter Version of the Example
Тема: колбаса
- Хоро́шая но́вость–В магази́не есть моя́ люби́мая колбаса́!
- Плоха́я но́вость–У меня́ нет де́нег.
- Хоро́шая но́вость–Даю́т попро́бовать беспла́тно.
- Плоха́я но́вость–Беспла́тной пи́щи уже́ нет.
Create Your Own Script
Now write your own simple story. You will need creative thinking caps and funny bones! Use verbs in the past tense, adjectives, and vocabulary words from past lessons. Follow these steps:
- Working with a partner choose a theme and 'brainstorm'!
- Write a first draft of your script in English.
- Identify the words you are familiar with and could easily translate into Russian.
- Identify words which you need but do not yet know. Consult fellow students, classroom helpers, or a dictionary for help finding suitable Russian words.
- Translate your script using the language generators, case charts, and help from fellow students.
- Be ready to read in class next week.
Past Lessons with Words You Can Use
Some Possible Themes
-
Вчера в служении (yesterday in service)
-
Вчера на работе (yesterday on the job)
Your Good News, Bad News Story
Тема:__________________________
- Хоро́шая но́вость–______________________________________________________________.
- Плоха́я но́вость–_______________________________________________________________.
- Хоро́шая но́вость–______________________________________________________________.
- Плоха́я но́вость–_______________________________________________________________.