Paragraph 1 — The Journey 🚆
Last December, Martha went to her grandparents’ house in Leeds. She travelled by train and arrived on 23 December in the afternoon. She didn’t drive, of course—she can’t! Did she pack her sketchbook? Yes, she did, and she drew the winter fields from the window. At the station, she met her cousin Leo and they walked home together in the cold.
Questions:
- True/False: Martha arrived in the morning. ______
- True/False: She travelled by train. ______
- Who met Martha at the station? __________________
- Multiple choice: When did she arrive?
- a) 20 December
- b) 23 December
- c) 25 December
Paragraph 2 — Christmas Eve ✨
On Christmas Eve, Martha helped her gran in the kitchen. They baked ginger biscuits and decorated the tree. She didn’t watch a scary film; she listened to calm music and wrapped presents. Did the family go out? Yes, they went to a carol concert at the local hall and came back early because it snowed.
Questions:
- True/False: Martha baked biscuits. ______
- True/False: She watched a horror film. ______
- Where did the family go on Christmas Eve? __________________
- Multiple choice: Why did they come back early?
- a) It snowed.
- b) The hall was closed.
- c) They were tired of music.
Paragraph 3 — Christmas Day 🎁
On Christmas Day, everyone woke up at seven. Martha opened a small box and found a second-hand camera—she loved it. She gave her mum a blue scarf and gave her grandad a funny card. They had roast lunch at one o’clock and told jokes. In the afternoon, they didn’t sleep; they went for a long walk by the river. Did Martha take photos? Of course she did—lots!
Questions:
- True/False: Martha received a camera. ______
- True/False: The family had lunch at three o’clock. ______
- What did Martha give her mum? __________________
- Multiple choice: What did they do in the afternoon?
- a) Slept at home
- b) Went for a walk
- c) Drove to the city
Paragraph 4 — Boxing Day 🧣
On Boxing Day, Martha visited a small museum with Leo. They saw an exhibition about old winter clothes and sports. She took photos of the displays and wrote notes for her art project. She didn’t spend the whole day on her phone. Did they buy anything in the shop? Yes, they bought postcards for their friends.
Questions:
- True/False: Martha visited a museum. ______
- True/False: She spent all day on her phone. ______
- What did Martha buy in the shop? __________________
- Multiple choice: What did the exhibition show?
- a) Summer beaches
- b) Old winter clothes and sports
- c) Space travel
Paragraph 5 — The Last Days ❄️
From 27 to 30 December, Martha stayed at home with her grandparents. She helped in the house, read her new book, and learned how to use the camera. She didn’t go to bed late; she wanted energy for the mornings. On 31 December, she cooked simple pasta for the family and wrote three goals for the new year. Did she return home on 1 January? Yes, she went back by train and felt ready for school.
Questions:
- True/False: Martha stayed up very late every night. ______
- True/False: She set goals for the new year. ______
- How did she return home? __________________
- Multiple choice: What did she learn to use?
- a) A guitar
- b) A camera
- c) A bike
Lingua-Franca 