Easy Exercises

Animal antics

Here is a picture taken from the �Bangkok Post.� It is a group of people protesting against hunting wild animals. Don�t worry about the context; examine the picture closely and answer the questions that follow.

Photograph courtesy of AFP

Questions

1. What are these animals called in English?

2. The animal playing the drums is also playing a cymbal. In English, there is a homonym (a word that sounds exactly the same) for cymbal. How is it spelled and what does it normally mean? Can you use it in a sentence?

3. Where was this photograph taken? List the things that give you clues, then discuss in groups or with the class until you come up with the correct answer.

Discussion

Working in groups, imagine a band made up of animals � any animals, not just these � and think up an English name for the band. Be imaginative and avoid calling the band the name of the animal itself. For example, if the band is made up of eagles, don�t call it The Eagles!

Vocabulary

cymbal (n): a musical instrument in the form of a round metal plate. It is hit with a stick, or two cymbals are hit against each other

Comedian serious about skin-care venture

Here is a story that was in the �Bangkok Post� recently, although it�s been slightly shortened. In the story, there are some words you may not be familiar with � so we�ve taken them out and put them at the end. Use the vocabulary guide to help you fill in the gaps.

By Bamrung Amnatcharoenrit

Members of Chuen Yim, one of Thailand�s leading comedy groups, want to prove that they�re no laughing stock when it comes to serious business as they ...................... their own ......................... of herbal skin-care products including shampoo and soap. �The careers of performers in Thailand are uncertain. One day, we�ll have to face a drop in...................... We have to do something to survive before the time comes,� said Thunya Phovijittra, better known as Ped Chuen Yim. Thunya, 50, is leading the establishment of Comedy Marketing Co., with......................... of 3 million baht. Initially, 13 herbal-based products including soap, hair-care and skin-care products will be offered.

�I believe Chuen Yim is a strong and popular name. Many people will want to support and try it,� Thunya said. One Tambon, One Product ventures will make the products using the company�s own ....................... and will be sold via their TV programme � Khon Bai Khlai Khread on Channel 3 � and by word of mouth among friends in the industry. In November, the products will also be featured in 7-Eleven ................... Thunya himself gave up his comedy job eight years ago. He now manages Khon Bai Khlai Khread and has enrolled for a master�s degree in management at Sripathum University to widen his business horizons

Vocabulary

venture (n): a business project or activity, especially one that involves
laughing stock (n): a person that everyone laughs at because they have done something stupid
herbal (adj): dealing with plants whose leaves, flowers or seeds are used to flavour food, in medicines or for their pleasant smell
formula (n): a list of the things that something is made from, giving the amount of each substance to use
capital (n): a large amount of money that is invested or is used to start a business
catalogue (n): a complete list of items, for example of things that people can look at or buy
brand (n): a type of product made by a particular company
launch (v): to make a product available to the public for the first time
popularity (n): the state of being liked, enjoyed or supported by a large number of people

Idiom

by word of mouth: because people tell each other and not because they read about it