Active Skills for Reading Intro (Unit 6: Comparing Cultures)


CHAPTER 2 Homestay Diary

My Homestay Diary

June 13

It's my first week in the United States and my first time in another country. So much is new and unusual (to me). It's great to be here. I hope I do well!

June 25

I live with an American host family: Valerie and Tim and their daughter, Megan. They're really nice. Every day I learn something new. For example, this morning Valerie said, "Tim and I work late, and I can't cook tonight. Help yourself to anything for dinner."

I didn't understand Valerie. I thought she wanted help with dinner. So I bought takeout1 for everyone. When Valerie came home, she said, "Daniela, why did you buy food? We have a lot." I explained. She said, "Help yourself means eat anything you want." I was confused! We laughed and ate the Chinese food anyway.

July 1

My best friend from Brazil called today. I was really happy to talk to her, but after, I felt kind of down. Everything here is so different from home-the food, the people, even the weather (It gets cold here even in the summer sometimes!).

July 5

Yesterday was Independence Day. It's a big holiday here. My host family had a barbecue in their yard2 Their friends and neighbors came. Everyone was very friendly and warm. Later, I went with some friends from school to watch the fireworks. Then we went dancing. It was fun!

1 Takeout is food you get at a restaurant and take home to eat.
2 A yard is an open area in front of or behind a house.

Reading Skill - Making Inferences

When we read, the author does not tell us everything. Sometimes we also see new vocabulary. We can guess the author's feelings or the meaning of new words because of the information in the passage.

A. Read the diary. As you read, ask yourself: How does Daniela feel?

Answer

Have students write one feeling word next to each diary entry or paragraph. Possible answers include: 1. good, positive, happy; 2. worried, confused. anxious: 3. sad. unhappy, homesick; 4. happy, pleased

B. Complete the sentences below. Write the correct answer.

  1. On June 13, Daniela (was / was not) happy to be in the United States.
  2. On June 25, Daniela was (angry at Valerie / unsure about what to do) .
  3. After talking to her friend on July 1, Daniela felt (sad / confused) .
  4. July 5 was a (bad / good) day for Daniela.

C. What information helped you choose your answers in B?

Answer

Answers will vary.Possible answtlfS include: June 13: new, unusual, great, hope to do well; June 25: didn't understand, confused; July 1: kind of down, so different, cold; July 5: very friendly and warm, fun

Chapter - 2: Before You Read - Dear Diary Chapter - 2: Reading Comprehension - Check Your Understanding

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