Primary ESL Reading: The Adventures of the Twin Knights!
Prereading Activity (10 minutes)
Key Vocabulary:
Parry (Verb): To deflect or ward off a weapon or attack.
Example: The knight skillfully parried the blow from his opponent's sword.
Intimidated (Adjective): Made afraid or timid; frightened.
Example: She wasn't intimidated by his size and faced him bravely.
Sparring (Verb): Engaging in a practice fight, especially in boxing or martial arts.
Example: The twin knights enjoyed sparring in the training yard to improve their skills.
Lunged (Verb): Moved forward suddenly in order to attack or seize something.
Example: The knight lunged forward with his sword, attempting to strike his foe.
Shattered (Verb): Broke or caused to break suddenly and violently into pieces.
Example: A loud shout shattered the quiet of the training yard.
Hoarse (Adjective): Rough or harsh-sounding, as from a sore throat or strain.
Example: The peasant's voice was hoarse as he yelled about the troll.
Polished (Adjective): Made smooth and shiny by rubbing.
Example: Mady grabbed the polished spear from the weapon rack.
Chainmail (Noun): A type of armor consisting of small metal rings linked together.
Example: Sir Galliant was pulling on his heavy chainmail armor.
Gauntlets (Noun): Protective gloves, often made of metal and part of a suit of armor.
Example: Mason helped Sir Galliant secure his armored gauntlets.
Hideous (Adjective): Extremely ugly or unpleasant.
Example: The hideous beast turned and fled back into the woods.
Photo by Egor Myznik on Unsplash
Reading Activity: (20 minutes)
Chapter 1: A Troll!
The clang of steel on steel echoed through the training yard. Madison, or Mady as everyone called her, parried her brother Mason's blow with a grunt. Mason, who had recently shot up in height, towered over her now, but she wasn't intimidated. Their sparring matches were always fierce, a whirlwind of movement and clashing metal. Today was no different.
"Come on, slowpoke!" Mady teased, ducking under his next swing. "Is that all you've got?"
Mason grinned, his awkwardness momentarily forgotten. "Just warming up!" He lunged, but Mady sidestepped, her own blade flashing out. They were evenly matched, their years of training and sibling rivalry fueling their every move.
Just as it seemed one of them might gain the upper hand, a shout shattered the rhythm of their fight. "Troll! Troll in the city!"
A peasant, face pale with fear, came running down the street, his voice hoarse. Mady and Mason froze, their sparring forgotten. A troll? In Knights Bridge?
Without a word, they both turned and sprinted towards their knight's chambers. Sir Galliant would need their help. They knew exactly what to do.
"Spear!" Mady called, grabbing the polished weapon from its rack.
"Shield!" Mason added, snatching the sturdy wooden shield.
"And the saddle!" Mady finished, as they rushed into Sir Galliant's room.
Their knight was already pulling on his chainmail, his brow furrowed with concern. The twins quickly set to work, helping him into his armor.
"Breastplate," Mady said, fastening the metal plate over his chest.
"Gauntlets," Mason added, securing the armored gloves.
"And the helmet," Mady finished, placing the heavy helmet on his head.
With a nod, Sir Galliant strode out, ready for battle. The twins didn't hesitate. They raced to the city wall, where archers were already firing arrows at something in the distance. But the arrows stopped as the city gates opened and a line of knights rode out.
The sound of their horses' hooves and the clanging of their armor filled the air. It was enough to scare off the troll. The hideous beast turned and fled back into the woods, disappearing into the trees.
The knights returned, victorious. The day was saved, for now. But Mady and Mason knew this was just the beginning of their adventures.
Photo by Sean Foster on Unsplash
Post-Reading Activity (15 minutes)
Reading Comprehension:
I. Warm-up: True or False (Write "True" or "False" on your paper.)
Mady was afraid of her brother Mason during their sparring matches. (True/False)
A dragon attacked the city in the story. (True/False)
Sir Galliant was already wearing his armor when the twins ran to his chambers. (True/False)
II. Short Answer (Answer the following questions with a few words or sentences.)
What were Mady and Mason doing when they first heard about the troll?
What weapons did Mady and Mason grab to help Sir Galliant?
How did the knights ultimately get rid of the troll?
III. Long Form Discussion (Answer the following questions with full sentences and explanations. Be prepared to share your thoughts with the group.)
Why do you think Mady and Mason reacted so quickly to the news about the troll? What does this tell us about their character?
The story ends by saying, "But Mady and Mason knew this was just the beginning of their adventures." What do you think might happen in the next chapter of "The Adventures of the Twin Knights! Part 1"? What challenges might they face?
Answer Key:
I. Warm-up: True or False
Mady was afraid of her brother Mason during their sparring matches. (False)
A dragon attacked the city in the story. (False)
Sir Galliant was already wearing his armor when the twins ran to his chambers. (False)
II. Short Answer
What were Mady and Mason doing when they first heard about the troll?
They were sparring/practicing fighting in the training yard.
What weapons did Mady and Mason grab to help Sir Galliant?
Mady grabbed a spear, and Mason grabbed a shield.
How did the knights ultimately get rid of the troll?
The knights rode out on their horses, and the troll got scared and ran away into the woods.
III. Long Form Discussion
Why do you think Mady and Mason reacted so quickly to the news about the troll? What does this tell us about their character?
Possible Answers:
They are brave and want to help protect the city.
They look up to Sir Galliant and want to assist him.
They have a strong sense of duty and responsibility as knights-in-training.
They are adventurous and want to experience fighting a real threat.
This shows they are selfless, courageous, and eager to serve.
The story ends by saying, "But Mady and Mason knew this was just the beginning of their adventures." What do you think might happen in the next chapter of "The Adventures of the Twin Knights! Part 1"? What challenges might they face?
Possible Answers:
The troll might return with more trolls or other monsters.
Mady and Mason might go on a quest to track down the troll and ensure it doesn't bother the city again.
They might encounter another, more dangerous creature or villain.
They might have to leave the city for a journey to help someone else.
They may face tests of courage and skill that will challenge their training.
They could uncover a deeper mystery about the troll's presence or its origins.
Credits:
Story and lesson written by… Tyler W. Golec
Mandarin Translations by… Lien Ji-Cho
Art contributed by… Mark Boss, Egor Myznik and Sean Foster.