Today we will look at a small section of the low-intermediate audio course based on The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.
Just listen to the small section of story and enjoy. It is a good idea to read the story and look up any words you do not know first.
Tom was a country boy who lived with his Aunt Polly and little brother, Sid, in a small Missouri town next to the Mississippi River. Tom’s aunt wondered if she was doing a good job of raising him. She could not bring herself to be harsh with him because he is her dead sister’s child. Tom played hooky from school, and he would have gotten away with it, if his little brother, Sid, did not tell Aunt Polly. “Playing hooky” is another way of saying that Tom did not go to school.
Now, you will hear a small part of the story. Then, you will hear a simple question followed by a pause. During this pause, you should answer the question out loud. Short and quick answers are best. This question and answer technique simulates a conversation and is designed to help you to start thinking in English. You should answer the questions as if you were Tom.
Tom was a country boy who lived with his Aunt Polly and little brother, Sid, in a small Missouri town next to the Mississippi River.
-Tom, do you live in the country or the city?
I live in the country with my Aunt Polly and little brother, Sid. We live by the mighty Mississippi River. Tom’s aunt wondered if she was doing a good job of raising him.
-Is your aunt sure that she is doing a good job of raising you?
No, she is not sure, she tries to do a good job, but she is not sure. She could not bring herself to be harsh with him because he is her dead sister’s child.
-Is your Aunt Polly harsh with you?
No, my Aunt Polly cannot bring herself to be harsh with me because I am her dead sister’s child. Tom played hooky from school, and he would have gotten away with it, if his little brother, Sid, did not tell Aunt Polly.
-Did your little brother, Sid, tell your Aunt Polly that you did not go to school?
Yes, and I would have gotten away with it if he kept his big mouth shut.
However, before Aunt Polly could question Tom about skipping school, he escaped. In the small town of St. Petersburg, Tom met a stranger; another boy who Tom did not know. The other boy was dressed like a “city slicker” according to Tom. Both boys exchanged insults, and both threatened to get their bigger bothers involved.
However, before Aunt Polly could question Tom about skipping school, he escaped.
-Did your Aunt Polly question you about skipping school?
No, she tried to question me about skipping school, but I escaped before she had the opportunity. In the small town of St. Petersburg, Tom met a stranger; another boy who Tom did not know.
-Did you meet an old friend?
No, I met a stranger, another boy who I did not know. The other boy was dressed like a “city slicker” according to Tom.
-Did the other boy dress like he was from the city?
Yes, the other boy was dressed up all fancy, like he was from the city. Both boys exchanged insults, and both threatened to get their bigger bothers involved.
-Did you threaten to get your little brother, Sid, involved?
No, I did not threaten to get my little brother, Sid. I threatened to get my bigger brother involved. I do not really have a bigger brother, but the other boy does not know that.
-The Story-
Now, just relax, listen to the story, and try to paint a picture in your mind as it is being told.
Tom was a country boy who lived with his Aunt Polly and little brother Sid in a small Missouri town next to the Mississippi River. Tom’s aunt wondered if she was doing a good job of raising him. She could not bring herself to be harsh with him because he is her dead sister’s child. Tom played hooky from school, and he would have gotten away with it if his little brother, Sid, did not tell Aunt Polly. However, before Aunt Polly could question Tom about skipping school, he escaped. In the small town
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