SKILLS
Reading
- Discuss the partner
| What people need | What to do |
| a. These food victims need food and shelled | We can donate money, rice and old clothes |
| b. These students are studying in a shabby classroom. They need study equipment and a decent place to study | We can donate books and money |
| c. These young cancer patients need care and comfort | We can visit them, give them gifts and organize different fun activities. |
2. Read two people’s life stories and complete the table
Larry Stewart came from humble beginnings. Born in Mississippi in 1948, he was brought up by his grandparents. In 1971, Larry found himself jobless and starving for several days. After a free meal given by a restaurant’s owner, he vowed to help others whenever he could.
Larry then moved to Kansas City, where he was fortunate enough to make money in cable television. He began helping the less fortunate in 1979, and stories of “Secret Santa’ started to emerge from the city. For over 26 years, he handed out thousands of dollars every Christmas to the needy in public places – without ever revealing his identity. The more he gave, the more stories of his generosity spread across the United States. Secret Santa became famous, yet still anonymous.
He kept his identity hidden until 2006, when he was diagnosed with cancer, which later claimed his life. Since Larry Stewart’s death in 2007, his example has inspired others to continue his mission of kindness and charitable work.
Born in 1988, Le Thanh Thuy was awarded the title ‘Ho Chi Minh City Outstanding Young Citizen’ in 2006, a year before she passed away. As soon as Thuy started high school in 2003, she was diagnosed with bone cancer and doctors decided to amputate her leg to save her life.
Thuy’s repeated hospitalisations over four years did not stop her from helping other patients. Her dream was to initiate a fund to help young cancer patients. Whenever Thuy could move around, she organised different charity activities to relieve the young patients’ pain. Thuy’s meaningful work was welcomed and supported by the community. As a result, Thuy’s Dream Programme was launched and is currently managed by The Tuoi Tre.
The Tuoi Tre has continued to hold annual events to support her programme. The most important one is the Sunflower Festival, where children and their families get together and have fun. Gifts are given to the young patients, and the memory of Thuy is kept alive by her story about love and sharing.
| Name | Larry Stewart | Le Thanh Thuy |
| Born | 1948 | 1988 |
| Died | 2007 | 2007 |
| Nationality | American | Vietnamese |
| Health | cancer | bone cancer |
| Dedicated life to | the needy | young cancer patients |
3. Find the words or expressions in the text that have the following meanings. Write them in the correct spaces
| 1. the needy | 2. reveal | 3. anonymous |
| 4. amputate | 5. initiate | 6. memory |
4. Answer the questions
- Every Christmas, Larry handed out thousands of dollars to needy people in public places.
- Because he gave money to people during the festival season of December while his identify was hidden.
- People have been inspired to continue his mission of kindness and charitable work.
- Thuy organised charitable activities to relieve young cancer patient’s pain
- She was awarded the title “Ho Chi Minh City Outstanding Young Citizen”
- The newspaper holds annual events to support her program. One of them is the Sunflower Festival where children and their families get together and have fun. Gifts are given to the young patients and the memory of Thuy is kept alive by her story about love and sharing.
5. Discuss with a partner