A Reading: The Ferryman

Before you read the story, check you understand the meaning of these words.

• storm • clouds • row • boat • ferryman • waves • city • man

Read and listen to the story.

Read the text and correct these sentences.

Example: 1. The ferryman's home wasn't near the sea.

He lived in a village by the river.

1. The ferryman's home was near the sea.

2. He never spoke to his passengers.

3. The ferryman hated learning.

4. The city man wanted to live in the village.

5. The ferryman wanted to visit the city.

6. The city man admired the people from the village.

Who do these sentences describe? Say F (ferryman) or C (city man).

1. He was poor. F

2. He wore elegant clothes.

3. He liked village life.

4. His life wasn't stressful.

5. He was a scientist.

6. He thought village people were ignorant.

7. He never went to school.

8. He couldn't swim.

Discuss these questions.

1. What did the ferryman know?

2. What did the scientist know?

3. Who do you think has the better lifestyle: the ferryman or the city man? Why?

4. Who do you think was happier? Why?

5. How do you think the story ends? Think of some different endings.

6. Where would you prefer to live? In a village or in a city?