Learning Center

This tale by Kathryn Jacson is a neat little story with an interesting moral. You may learn new words and expressions here. If you want to practice your English you can use LEP Feedback (form below) to write your thoughts about the story, or ask questions about it. LEP will gladly give you a feedback about your writing.

The Timid Monkey

A timid monkey and his easy-going friend were going on a hiking trip. "We must be sure to bring everything we may need," said he, packing away. "Warm clothes in case it's cold; cool ones in case it's hot. Pots and pans in case we find something to cook; food in case we don't. Cups for drinking from the stream; water in case there are no streams. Guns in case we see enemies; shields in case they see us!"

"My, oh my!" said his friend. "You certainly think of everything, don't you?"

"I take no chances," replied the timid monkey, tucking in some blankets for sleeping, and books and cards and a lamp in case of not sleeping. And a whole carton full of ham sandwiches.

Then he tried to pick up one big bundle, and his easy-going friend tried to pick up the other. But those bundles were much too big and clumsy for either one to lift.

"Pshaw!" cried the timid monkey. "We just can't go, then!"

"You can't!" grinned his friend, reaching for a gun and one ham sandwich. "You can't, but I can because I shall make do with what I find as I go along!"

And away he went, carefree and easy-going as ever, while the timid monkey stayed at home, shaking his head sadly and putting everything back, carefully where it belonged. 

Vocabulary:

timid = not only shy, but in this context also fearfull. Way too prudent.

easy-going = who is not complicated or demanding.

packing away = packing in a non-stop action.

to take no chances = to take no risks

tucking in (to tuck in) = put something in a small or narrow place; thrust (enfiar, socar algo dentro de algum lugar)

bundle = package, many objects that have been gathered together. Feixe, fardo ou trouxa (de roupa/objetos)

clumsy = awkward, desajeitado

Pshaw! /shó/= interjection like "Ufa!", "Ugh!"

grinned (to grin) = smile broadley

  

---

 Processing the Knowledge

Como Entender Melhor e Permanentemente?

1. How would you define the monkey's personality? (brave, fearful, easy-going, extra-cautious, bold, relaxed...). Write the answers in the box below.
2. The monkey packed "panelas, potes, comida...". Write the paragraph that says it.
3. What did the monkey pack in case he didn't get any sleep?
4. In the end, who did have more fun? Why?
5. In few words, what is the moral of the story?

 Descomplique! A solução é aprender inglês com LEP!