I Opened a Book - Living English - Class 6 - English

The ideas expressed in the poem and the matching lines:

• How much the poet enjoys reading. (Lines 1-7, 14-16)
• That the poet forgets the world while reading a book. (Line 2-5)
• That the poet enters another world by wearing a cloak and a ring. (Line 6-8)
• That a book creates a world the poet escapes to like a magic gateway. (Lines 1-3)
• That when the poet finishes the book, she comes back to the real world. (Line 9-11)

Therefore, the ideas that are expressed in the poem are that the poet enjoys reading, forgets the world while reading a book, enters another world by wearing a cloak and a ring, a book creates a world the poet escapes to like a magic gateway, and when the poet finishes the book, she comes back to the real world.

The speaker wears a clock, slips on a ring, swallows a magic potion, fights a dragon, dines with a king, dives into a bottomless ocean and makes friends.

Possible debate:

Teacher: Today we are going to have a debate on a topic that affects you all: whether students should be given holiday homework. I want you to form groups of four and work together to make a list of points for or against the topic. You have 10 minutes. 

[Students form groups and discuss their ideas.]

Teacher: Okay, let's hear from the first group. Who wants to argue for holiday homework?

Student 1: Thank you, ma'am. We think that students should be given holiday homework because it helps us to study regularly. When we take a break from school, we tend to forget what we learned and lose our momentum. By giving us some assignments to complete, teachers can ensure that we keep practicing our skills and consolidating our knowledge. 

Student 2: Additionally, interesting homework keeps us happily engaged. We don't want to spend all our holidays watching TV or playing games. If we have some challenging tasks to do, we can feel productive and proud of ourselves. Some students might even discover new passions or talents that they want to explore further. 

Student 3: Finally, we need activity for both the brain and body. If we just laze around all day, we might become lazy and lethargic. By assigning us some reading, writing, or research projects, teachers can stimulate our curiosity and creativity. Moreover, some homework may require us to go outside, attend events, or interact with other people, which can be a healthy and fun way to spend our time. 

Teacher: Thank you for your arguments. Now, who wants to argue against holiday homework?

Student 4: We do, ma'am. We think that students should not be given holiday homework because we do not feel free. We already spend so much time in school and doing homework during the term that we deserve a break from all that pressure and supervision. We want to relax, recharge, and be ourselves without any academic expectations or obligations. 

Student 5: Moreover, even when we go away on a holiday we do homework. We have to carry textbooks, laptops, or notebooks with us, and we have to take time away from our family or friends to complete the assignments. We may also miss out on some important experiences or opportunities because we have to finish our homework first. It's not fair that our education interferes with our enjoyment of life. 

Student 6: Finally, we are not able to enjoy the holidays if we have homework. Even if we try to do it quickly or efficiently, we know that we have work to do and that we cannot fully relax or enjoy ourselves. We feel guilty, stressed, or bored because we can't escape from the academic routine. Some students may even suffer from anxiety, depression, or burnout if they are constantly pressured to perform well at school. 

Teacher: Thank you for your arguments as well. Now, I want you to challenge the views expressed by the other side. Each group will have two minutes to ask questions or make counter-arguments. Let's see if you can persuade each other or find common ground. 

[Students ask questions, clarify doubts, and present counter-arguments.]

Teacher: Excellent job, everyone. Now, it's time to take a vote on whether giving holiday homework is a good idea. I want you to raise your hand if you agree with the statement "Students should be given holiday homework." 

[Students raise their hand or remain neutral.]

Teacher: Okay, let's count the votes. [Counting...] It seems that the majority of you disagree with the statement. However, that doesn't mean that the debate is over. You have expressed some valid and interesting opinions, and you have learned how to argue rationally and respectfully. Keep practicing these skills and learning from each other. Thank you for your participation.