Teen@ Readers A2

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•
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The ELI Readers collection is a

complete range of books and plays
for readers of all ages, ranging from
captivating contemporary stories
to timeless classics. There are three
series, each catering for a different
age group; Young ELI Readers, Teen
ELI Readers and Young Adult ELI
Readers. The books are carefully
edited and beautifully illustrated to
capture the essence of the stories and
plots. The readers are supplemented
with 'Focus on' texts packed with
background cultural information about
the writers and their lives and times.
 Maria Luisa Banfi.

A Faraway
World
Illustrated by LibellulArt

• .
lllliltllM Teen (lJj Readers
 Contents

6 Characters
8 Befare you read
10 Chapter 1 The New School
18 Activities
AFaraway World
by Maria luisa Banfi
20 Chapter 2 A Good Friend
Activities by Angela Tomkinson
lllustrated by libellu!Art
28 Activities

ELI Readers 30 Chapter 3 Alex's Birthday

Founder and Series Editors
Paola Accattoli, Grazia Ancillani, Daniele Garbuglia (Art Director) 38 Activities
Eli Editorial Staff 40 Chapter 4 A Serious Problem
Natalie Bayne
48 Activities
Eli Design Department
Fabrizio Redaelli so Chapter 5 Bullies
Production Manager 56 Activities
Francesco Capitana
58 Focus on ... Wales
Photo credits
Shutterstock. Marka 60 Focus on ... Immigration in Britain
The publisher would like to take this opportunity to thank Sarah Howell for her contribution 62 Test yourself
to the development of the project.
63 Syllabus
The publisher would like to take this opportunity to thank lisa Kester Dodgson

©2009 El! s.r.I.

P.O. Box 6
62019 Recanati MC
ltaly
T+39 071750701
F+39 071977851
info@elionline.com
www.elionline.com

Typeset in 13/18 pt Monotype Dante

Printed in ltaly by Tecnostampa Recanati - ERT201.01

ISBN 978-88-536-0432-3

First edition: September 2009

These icons indicate thepartsof the storythat arerecorded
www.elireaders.com
start ... stop • 5
Before you read 3 Complete the crossword with 9 family members.
'"''"''''""''"'''''""'''''"''''''""''"'''"''"''"'''""'''''''""'''''"'''''"' 1
Vocabulary 2 s
F 4
1 Read the descriptions of school vocabulary. What is the 3 p 1

word for each one? The first letter is already there. There o
is one space for each other letter in the word. 5 u
The exercises you do at home after school 6 8 9
h Q !]] §. '!'! Q [_ !s.. 7 D

1 The school you go to after nursery school

u
N
p ______ school
T H
2 French, physics, music, drama are ali examples
s ______ _
p 10 1B1
3 In the classroom you usually sit ata d __ _ A
4 lt's where you eat your lunch at school
e _____ _
5 The person who works in a school and teaches 4 Look at the pictures of adjectives of feeling. Solve the
the students anagrams to find the right words.
t _____ _

2 Match the parts of the body to the pictures.

~~ ~ ~~~
..
-
)
_...,,.,., ~ ¡, ~
~ (
DAS 1 SEPUT 2 HYS 3 RADECS

6
1 __b__

.~n ~..
'T
<:l
..,,.
1;

..2

--
7
~
~
3

8
~ ~
4

9
4
5

10
sad

!'.
<Sl ? ~~~

a lips b mouth e skin d eyes e face

4 PRUSIDERS 5 GARNY 6 FODECUSN
f hand g body J(feet i back j nose

8 9
 J fia:pter 1 A Faraway World
The Neiv School
~2 1\.1\ARQ.VA r is 14 years old. He lives with his
family in Cardiff, in Wales. He lives with his family
in a small flat in Westgate Street, near Bute Park. His
parents come from Nigeria, a country in Africa, but
Marquat feels* British because his home is here, in
Britain.
Today is a very important day for him because it's
his first day at the new school, new classmates*, new
teachers, new everything!
School starts at about 9.15, but before going to
school Marquat has to* take his two little sisters to
their schools: one is at nursery school* and the other
is at primary school*.
Marquat's mother always says to him, 'School is
important, Marquat, but you have to help at home,
too!' Marquat knows this and he usually helps his
mother at home.
feels (here) is
classmates the other people in his class
has to it's necessary
nursery school the school you go to between 3and 5years of age
primary school tl1e scl1ool vou go to between 5and10 years of age
10
When he's got time, he also works in his father's
supermarket. Marquat doesn't like working in the
supermarket because he finds it really* boring!
He prefers reading and studying, but his father
doesn't understand this, 'Marquat, you study too
much! Why don't you work for me and make
sorne money? I know school is important, but
money is, too!'
His mum and dad always talk about money. They
work very hard* and they make enough* money
to look after the family and the house. They also
send money back to Nigeria where Marquat' s
grandparents still* live. Marquat's mother always
says that they need the money. 'Poor grandma
and grandpa!' thinks Marquat to himself.
really very
hard (here) alot
enough sufficient
still (here) continue to live in Alrica
11
 Chapter 1

Marquat wants to study. When he finishes school,

he wants to go to Cardiff University and then he
wants to find a job as a journalist. It's very hard
when you have to study and work at the same
time, but he knows he can do it!

Marquat learns things very fast, faster than his

classmates. All his teachers know this and one of
them, his English teacher, always says, 'You have
to keep* studying, Marquat, because you've gota
bright future ahead of you*!'

In class, Marquat sits at the front*. There is always

a free desk there. His new classmates don't usually
like sitting at the front because they're too close to
the teacher! They like sitting at the back.

keep continue
abright future ahead of you your future looks very good
at the front at the front of the class

12
 Chapter 1 A Faraway World

The boy sitting next to Marquat is small and
wears glasses.
Marquat smiles at him and says, 'Hi, I' m ... ' but
he doesn't finish his sentence because the boy puts
a finger to his lips* and says, 'Shhh ...'
Just then *, the teacher walks in and explains
what they are going to study this year. Then he
calls out* everybody's name.
When he says, 'Marquat!' all the other students
look at him because his name isn't English. The
small boy sitting next to him asks, 'What's your
name?' but he doesn't wait for Marquat to answer.
He just laughs.
The next day, when Marquat goes and sits at his
desk, he's all alone.
Marquat's classmates don't talk to him very much.
At school, Marquat knows everything. He always
answers the teacher' s questions and he always
<loes his homework.
'He's a swot*!' says the small boy with the
glasses. He doesn't like Marquat.
Kylie and Jay are two girls in his class. They
sometimes talk to Marquat, but he's very shy* and
quiet. He just answers 'yes' or 'no' when they ask
him something.
He doesn't talk to anyone because he thinks
that nobody likes him.

,. . . .
.·.tJ UNIVERSIDAD DEL NORTE$
diBLIOTECA ~

puts afinger to his lips moves his finger to his mouth to say 'be quiet' '.i~B·b. C. PARR!.SH ~
just then at that moment swot (slang) aperson who works very hard al school
calls out reads, says shy tim1d
14 15
 Chapter 1

'My skin's black,' he says to his mum, 'and I'm

very good at school. That's why nobody likes me.'
His mother looks at him, confused*, 'Marquat,
that's ridiculous*! I've got black skin, too, but I've
got lots of friends. A lot of people have got black
skin: that doesn't mean you can't have friends!
You're very special, my love*, especially* because
you're so good at school!' she smiles.
•

confused (here) she doesn't understand

ridiculous silly
mv love (here) an affectionate way of talking to somebody
especially part1cularly

16
After-reading Activities
Grammar
''"''''''''''''''''''''"'''''''''''''''"''''''''''"''''''''''"''''''''''''''~'''''''''''
3 Complete this summary. Write ONE word in each space.
Reading
Marquat is 14 and .......... /i.Y.ft~ .......... in Cardiff, but
1 Are the sentences 'Right' or 'Wrong'? lf there is not grandparents live in Nige ria . Marquat
Cl ) ......... ...... .. ..............

enough information to answer 'Right' or 'Wrong' choose is (2 ) ...... .... ................. .. .. very busy person . He helps his Mum
'Doesn't say'. (3) ...... ......................... home and his Dad at the superma rket.

He likes studying and always ( 4 ) .................. ......... .. .. his

Marquat lives in Scotland .
homework. He also wants to go es) .............................. .
A Right 0 B Wrong IZJ C Doesn 't say 0
uni versity.
1 Marquat's parents were born in Nigeria.
A Right0 B Wrong 0 C Doesn't say 0
Pre-reading Activities
2 Marquat lives with his parents and sisters.
A Right 0 B Wrong 0 C Doesn't say 0 "'""""""""""""""""""'"""""'"""""""""""''"'"""'''''""''
4 Who do you think says these lines? Choose between:
3 Marquat doesn't like studying very much.
Marquat / Marquat's friend. Discuss in pairs.
A Right O B Wrong O C Doesn't say O
4 Marquat's grandparents also live with them in Cardiff.
A Right 0 B Wrong 0 C Doesn 't say 0 1 Every bod y likes y ou . You ' re very popula r.

5 Marquat has a science lesson on his first day at school.

A Right O B Wrong O C Doesn 't say O

Grammar 2 1 have to get good ma rks this year.

2 Underline the correct word in the sentences.

Marquat is fourteen / thirteen.
1 School starts ata quarter to nine / past nine . 3 This is my country. My count ry is Brita in .
2 Marquat's parents a!ways / often talk about money.
3 Marquat never / sometimes has problems learning
things at school.
4 Marquat always sits at the front / back of the class .
5 Marquat does / doesn't do ali his homework.
6 Marquat talks / doesn't ta!k to his classmates.
7 Marquat's Mum / Dad tells him he is special. ~ 3 5 Listen to the next chapter. Check your predictions from
exercise 4.
•
18 19
 ter 2 A Faraway World

A Good Friend

Marquat doesn't say anything because he doesn't

~3 l\J\ARQ.U Ar has only got one friend at school.

really* know how much he studies. The only
thing he knows is that he' s never got enough time
His name is Alex. Marquat sits with him during*
to study!
the lunch break*. After school they sometimes
'You're very good at school,' Alex says to him,
walk home together because they live next <loor*
'nobody is as good as you* in every subject!'
to each other.
'But I like studying. 1like discovering new things
about the world. It's very exciting! My problem is
Alex is very chatty* and fun to be with.
that I don't have enough time to study!'
'Everybody likes you, Alex! You're very
popular,' Marquat tells him.
It's true, Alex doesn't like studying very m uch.
Alex smiles and looks at Marquat, 'Yes, but I'm
He likes listening to music and reading adventure
not good at school, am I?'
stories. He finds* most school subjects really*
'Why not?' asks Marquat.
boring: biology, French, physics and maths are
'I don't know. 1 don't think 1 study enough,' and
his worst subjects! PE*, music and drama* are his
then he says, 'You study a lot, don't you?'
best ones.

really (here) in reality, actually

as good as you good, like you
during (here) in finds (here) he thinks they are boring
lunch break lunch time really (here) very
next door their liouses are next to each other PE physical education, gymnastics
chatty talks alot drama tlieatre studies and actiog
20 21
r Chapter 2

11

This year is more difficult than last year for

Alex, 'I have to get good marks this year!' he says,
'My parents say 1 can go to watch the final
Manchester-Liverpool in the Millenium Stadium.
But first*, 1 have to study very hard.'

Marquat's parents don't promise* him things like

that! In fact, they sometimes want him to study
less! But for Alex, the football final is a good reason
to study, 'The two best English teams playing
against each other! It'll be so exciting!'

first (here) before going to tl1e football match

promise (here) say

22
 Chapter 2 A Faraway World

Alex and Marquat walk home together through
Bute Park. Alex stops outside Marquat's house
and looks at him. Alex is very sad.
'What's wrong?' asks Marquat.
Tve got the results of my French test. They're
not good .. .'replies* Alex. 'When I' m 18, I want to
go to a faraway* world, to visit Africa or Australia.
I want to work here and there * and travel as much
as possible. I don't want to live like my parents:
they do the same things every day! That's not my
kind* of life! What do you think, Marquat?'
'You're right, I don't want to live like my
parents, either*. But I don't want to travel.'
'Don't you want to visit Nigeria, the country you
come from, at least once* in your life?' asks Alex.
'This is my country, Alex . . . my country is
Britain! Nigeria, Africa ... they're just names on a
map for me,' replies Marquat.
'Oh!' says Alex, a little surprised, 'Don't you
feel African at all*?'
'No, not at all!' Marquat replies firmly*, 'Just
because I'm black doesn't mean I'm not British.
I am British, just like you!'

replies answers
faraway distant, very far from here
here and there in one country and then another, free to move to another job
when you want to at least once one time
kind (here) type, sort at all in any way, jusi alittle
either (11ere) also, too firmly (11ere) strongly
24 25
 Chapter 2

Marquat is angry and Alex is sorry for upsetting*

his friend, so he changes the subject*, 'What do
you want to do when you' re older, then?' asks
Alex, smiling.
'I want to do something 1 like, 1 don't want to
do the same job my parents do. They only work
to make money: 1 want to do a job 1 like.'
Tm sure you can do that, Marquat. After
school you can go to university and then get a
really good job!' •

upsetting: making him angry and sad

changes the subject: talks about sometl1ing different

26
After-reading Activities
Writing
''''''''''''"''''"'''''''''''''''''"'"''''''''"'''''"'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' 3 Look at the information in the chart and write a short
Speaking description of Marquat.

1 Answer the questions. Discuss in pairs. Na me: Marquat

How many friends does Marquat have? Lives: Cardiff, Wales
He has one. Nationality: British
······································ ····· ········· ································· ·· ·· ······ ······· ··· ··················
1 Where does Alex live? Family: mum, dad, two sisters, grandparents
·············· ···· ··· ···· ······ ····· ········· ···· ············ ··········· ······· ····················· ········ ······· ······· · Dad's job: shop owner
2 What's Alex like? Mum's job: housewife
······································································································ ····················· Li kes: reading, studying
3 Does Marquat have a lot of time to study? Disl ikes: working in his dad's supermarket
········ ······ ····· ········· ······ ····· ················· ···· ······ ····· ··········· ······· ········ ······· ····· ·············· Ambitions: go to university, find a good job
4 What subjects is Alex good at?
·· ·········· ·························· ····· ·· ·········· ·· ····· ······························· ······························
Pre-reading Activities

Reading """"""""""""""""""""'"""""""""'""""""""""""""""'"
4 Tick (.!) what you think is going to happen in the next
2 Complete the sentences with the correct words. chapter. Discuss in pairs.
Alex and Marquat A D cycle home together. 1 Marquat goes to a disco. D
B [ZJ walk home together. 2 He argues with Alex . D
e D get a bus home together. 3 He finds a girlfriend. D
1 Alex enjoys A D playing tennis. 4 He learns to dance. D
B D listening to music .
5 He's insulted by four bullies. D
e D playing video games.
2 Al ex wants to A D he cango to a football match .
get good marks so B D he can visit London .
5 Look at the picture on page 33. Describe what you can
see.
e D his parents will be happy.
3 Marquat feels A D African.
B D African and British . . ................ ............ .. ........................ .. .. .... .... .... .¡:····· ····· ........... ................ .. .. ..... .. .

e D British.
4 Marquat wants to A D travel.
B D earn a lot of money.
e D have an interesting job.
28 29
 A Faraway World

Alex's Birthday

He breaks up* at half past three and then goes

to pickup* his sisters. Their schools are next <loor
~4 l\J\AR.Q.VA T'S life isn't easy at all! His mum to each other in St Mary Street. He takes his sisters
and dad leave the house at six o' dock in the
home and plays with them from four until five
morning and he has to get up at quarter past six.
o' dock. He then studies for an hour. H e m akes
He makes his sisters' breakfast and helps them to
dinner at six o' dock and finally sits clown to eat
get washed and dressed. He takes them to school
with his family at seven o' dock.
at nine o' dock. Marquat has to be at his school at
quarter past nine when assembly* begins, but his
He sometimes goes to work in his father's
lessons start at half past nine.
supermarket on Saturdays. On Sundays he <loes
He has a fifteen-minute break at eleven o' dock
his homework. This is why Marquat doesn't see
and then an hour for lunch, between quarter to
his friends very often!
one and quarter to two. He always has lunch in
the school canteen* with Alex.

assémbly asd10ol meeting with all the teachers and students breaks up finishes school
canteen the scl1ool 'restaurant' pickup collect

30 31
 Chapter 3

Alex's birthday is on February the 4rh and he's

organising a disco to celebrare, but Marquat
doesn't want to go. He's very shy and he doesn't
like the idea of going to a disco!
Alex knows this, but he wants his friend to come,
'Come on, Marquat! Don't be such a spoilsport*!
Come and have sorne fun!' he says.
Marquat shakes his head*, but Alex says firmly,
'Don't say no! You're coming and that's it*!'
Marquat sighs* and says, 'Yes, ok, ok! I'll come.'

- u ,-,n
1,UU

spoilsport (expression) aperson who never wants to have fun, who doesn't like
the partv atmosphere
shakes his head moves his head from left to right to say ·no'
that's it (expression) no more discussion
sighs breatl1es in verv heavily and accepts

32
 Chapter 3
The disco is on Saturday afternoon. It's in a
small room, but there are lots of flashing* lights
and the music is very loud. Marquat gets there * at
five o' dock. His sisters are staying with a cousin
and he has to pick them up at seven. He's got two
hours to have sorne fun!
There are a lot of people, but it's very dark inside
the disco and Marquat can't find Alex. His other
classmates are there and there are also a lot of
people that he doesn't know.
flashing aliglit that goes on and off very quickly
gets there arrives at the disco
34
A Faraway World
Marquat goes towards* the dance floor. Alex is
there, dancing and singing the words to 'Halo' by
Beyoncé. Alex sees his friend. He stops dancing
and goes towards him. 'Marquat!' he screams*,
'Hi! Come on, come and dance!'
'Happy Birthday!' Alex' shouts Marquat, but
Alex can't hear him.
In the meantime*, two girls come up to Alex and
one of them says something in Alex' s ear.
Alex looks at Marquat, but listens to the girl.
He starts laughing. The girl laughs, too.
towards in the clirection of
screams shouts very loudly
in the meantime at the sarne tj¡11e
35
 Chapter 3

Marquat starts to feel uncomfortable*, 'What

are they saying?' he thinks to himself, 'Why are
they laughing? Are they laughing at me?'
'Come and dance!' Alex screams again.
'I can't dance!' Marquat screams back.
Suddenly*, Marquat hears a voice in his ear, 'All
black boys* know how to dance ... ' •

uncomfortable (here) not happy, not calm

suddenly at that moment
black boys (here) avery clisrespectful way to talk to or about someone
After-reading Activities 3 Read Alex's invite.
'''''''''''''~''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''~''~''''''''''''~'''''''''''' You are invited to my l3irthday Party!
Saturday tf th réburary
Reading Can you bring some CDs?
Can you come?
1 Put Marquat's daily routine in the correct order. The first
sentence is already given. Number the sentences from 2 to 12. Write Alex a message. Ask the time of the party. Answer
A He has an hour for lunch. D his questions.
B He studies for an hour. D
e He gets up. D H; A/ex,
D He plays with his sisters for an hour. D ···························································································································
E He helps his sisters to get dressed. D ···························································································································
F He has dinner with his family. D ···························································································································
G His parents leave the house. m ···························································································································
H He starts his lessons. D
1 He takes his sisters to school. D ···························································································································
J He finishes school. D Pre-reading Activities
L He picks up his sisters. D
M He makes dinner. D '""'~""""""""""~"""""""""'~'~""""""""""""""~'~""""
4 Look at the picture in the next chapter on page 43 and
answer the questions.
2 Match the two parts of the sentences.
A Are the boys happy?
[5] Marquat doesn't a for two hours at the B What do you t hink Alex is saying?
1 O Alex's organising party. e What do you think w ill happen next?
a disco ):{ have an easy life.
2 O Alex tells Marquat e inside.
5 Finish the sentences.
3 O His sisters are staying d the words to the new
1 1 thin k Marquat will ................................................................................ .
4 O Marquat can stay Beyoncé song .
2 1think Alex will ........................................................................................ ..
5 O Marquat shouts e to celebrate his 3 1think it w ill be a/ an ............................................................. ending.
birthday.
6 O lt is very dark
f he has to come.
7 O Alex is dancing
and singing g 'Happy Birthday' 6 Read and check your answers.
to A lex.
h with a cousin .

39
 ter 4 A Faraway World

A Serious Problem

Alex doesn't like the atmosphere now, 'Ok,

guys*, that's enough*! Marquat, come and dance
.,. s l\J\AR.Q.U AT turns round: there are four boys
with me! I don't want any trouble, this is my
in front of him, all older and bigger than him.
party!' he says firmly.
Nobody uses that expression - black boy -
One of the bullies laughs, 'Let's get out of here *!
anymore. It's very racist* and patronising*, too.
Let's go to a real party!' he says to his friends.
,, '
Marquat now wants to go home, but Alex
The boys stand in front of Marquat and look at
doesn't want him to go, 'Come on Marquat, come
him straight in the eye.
and dance!'
One of them waves* at Alex, 'Hi, Alex! How's
it going*?' he asks.
Marquat follows his friend onto the dance floor.
'Not bad ... ' replies Alex.
Alex is a very good dancer. Marquat watches him
'So, black boy, why aren't you dancing?' The
other boys laugh. and doesn't move.

racist (here) unfriendly and dangerous wav of talking to people from other races
(African, lndian, Chinese, etc.)
patronising disrespectful, unkind guys (slang) bovs and girls, evervbody
waves moves his hand to sav helio that's enough stop it
how's it going? l1ow are vou? let's get out of here (slang) let's go
40
41
 Chapter4

'Come on, Marquat,' repeats Alex.

'Move your body ... left, right, left ... move
your feet ... '
Marquat moves one foot. 'Look,' says Alex 'like
this ... just follow the rhythm, listen to the beat!'
But Marquat can't follow the rhythm, he can't
hear the beat: basically*, Marquat can't dance!
'.An elephant can dance better than me,' he
shouts and walks away from the dance floor.
Alex doesn't understand him.
He's disappointed in* his friend, but he goes
after him*, 'Why can't you dance?' he asks him,
'.Africans are usually very good at dancing!'

basically (here) in other words

disappointed in sad and angry with
goes after him follows him

42
 Chapter4
Marquat is shocked*! He can't believe what Alex
is saying, 'You ... ' he starts 'you still think I'm
African, don't you? You also think that Africans
can only sing and dance, don't you? Well I can't,
Alex, sorry to disappoint you* ... ' Marquat is now
very angry with Alex.
He looks at Alex and says, 'You're the same as
all the others ... '
He leaves the disco, but Alex goes after him again
because he wants to talk to him.
The four racist bullies follow, too.
shocked very, very surprised in anegative way
sorry to disappoint you (11ere; sarcastic) l'm sorry 1 can't dance
44
A Faraway World
It's only 6 o' dock in the evening, but it's already
dark. In February it always gets dark early.
Marquat walks towards the bus stop, but Alex calls
him: 'Marquat! Marquat! Stop!' he shouts.
Marquat can hear him, but he carries on*
walking. He' s angry and disappointed.
Alex catches up with him* and starts talking, Tm
sorry, Marquat' he apologises*, 'don't be upset*!'
carries on continues
catches up with him gets to where he is
apologises says sorry
upset sad
45
 Chapter4

'Please, Marquat,' continues Alex, 'I can be

really stupid sometimes ... 1 know. It's just that
with the lights, the music, the girls, the noise ...
1 just don't think before opening my mouth* ,
sometimes! 1 know that's not right. 1 really don't
want to upset you, Marquat. '

Marquat understands what his friend is trying

to say:
'Ok, Alex' he says. 'I understand.'
'Friends?' smiles Alex and puts his hand out.
Marquat smiles too, and shakes his friend's
hand*: 'Friends!' he replies. •

. ~r;~,º. ;~~;;'· .~<lt( , »mv-mouth (here) before speak1ng

\ ',d:i:
,~.
~ ~~;~#); . ·. ~M:~nañttta~es his hand as as1gn of fr1endsh1p
: ·.,f.-~-::~··:;;;"~·... ::'·'"'r.: .,. ,_~.·-.:'."·

¡¡~.::t¡~:~~~,~~~:~,t .~~~.-.:Lt.:~~f\ : '.·

After-reading Activities 3 Match the two halves of the sentences
'''"''''''''''"''"'''''''''''''""''''''''''"''"'"''''''''''"'''""'''"'''''''''''''' [lJ Alex is a understand him .
b disappointed in Alex .
1 D Marquat doesn't
Grammar 2 D Marquat is e know how to dance.
1 Read the chapter and choose the best word (A, B or C) for 3 D Alex doesn't d follow Alex and
Marquat.
each space. 4 D The four bullies
Marqat turns around and there are four boys .... .....(:;..... .... front D Alex and Marquat
e Amake friends again.
5
of him. They are all Cl ) ... .... .. ............ than him. Alex doesn't want / a very good dancer.
C2 ) ............ ......... trouble at the party so he tells Marquat to
come and dance. Alex walks back to the dance floor
C3) ..................... starts dancing . They argue and Alex runs after 4 Write a summary of the story so far.
to Marquat because he wants to talk to ( 4) ................... . .
He ( 5 ) ..................... want to upset Marquat.

A on @ in e at
1 A old B oldest e older
2 A any B a e sorne
3 A but B and e so
4 A he B him e his
5 A doesn 't B isn 't e not

Pre-reading Activity
2 You are a witness to what happened at the disco
between Marquat and the bullies. The police want to
""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""'"
question you. Fill in the table with the right information.
5 Tick (.1) what you think is going to happen in the next
chapter. Discuss in pairs.
time of incident 1 Marquat fights the bullies. D
place of incident
2 Marquat breaks an arm . D
victim
suspects 3 The police come. D
description of suspects 4 Alex and Marquat become friends again. D
details of event 5 Life at school doesn't change for,Marquat. D

48 49
 A Faraway World

At this point, Alex steps in*, 'Look guys, just

~6 SUDDfNLY *, the four bullies are in front of drop it*. Let him go ... he's a friend.'
'A friend?' laughs one of the bullies. 'How can
them again.
this little black boy be your friend?'
'So, black boy' shouts one of them, nastily*,
'Get lost*, Alex' shouts another. But Alex
'why don't you learn to dance?'
doesn't move.
'Why do they keep* using that expression?!'
Marquat looks at the boys: there are four of
Marquat thinks angrily* to himself and turns
them and they' re too big for him and Alex to take
round. The four rasist bullies are in front of him,
on alone*.
laughing and pointing* at him.
'Alex, just go, please ... ' says Marquat.
Marquat wants to run, but they stop him.
Alex doesn't really know what to do, but in the
'We'll teach you a lesson*, little black boy!' they
end he decides to run.
say aggressively. 'Except that* it's not going to be
Marquat now finds himself alone on the dark
a dance lesson!'
road. He doesn't know why, but he's not scared.
The bullies keep on saying things to him, 'Hey,
black boy! Why don't you go home, go back to
Africa! ' they sneer*.

suddenly (here) quickly and unexpectedly

nastily in abad and cruel way
keep continue steps in (here) says something
angrily with anger just drop it (idiom) stop it
pointing indicating with their finger get lost (idiom) go away
we'll teach you alesson (idiom) you say this when you want to hurt somebody take on alone light against by U1e1nselves
except that (here) but sneer laugh nastily
so 51
 Chapter 5

Suddenly, one of the boys pushes Marquat.

Marquat falls to the ground*. One of the others
kicks* him. Marquat gets up and manages* to hit
one of the boys, but they're faster and stronger
and Marquat falls to the ground again.

Suddenly, there are footsteps* and people start to

arrive. Marquat sees Alex first, then he sees other
boys and girls from his class running towards him:
'Leave him alone' they all shout together. The
bullies suddenly stop and run away. Marquat is
still on the ground. Alex helps him to get up.
'.Are you O K?' he asks his frien d.
'Yeah*, I'm fine' answers Marquat, looking at
everyone.
'Thanks very much, guys!'

falls to the ground falls down

kicks hits him with afoot
manages is able to
footsteps the noise vou make wl1en you walk
veah (slang) yes

52
 Chapter 5

'That' s what friends are for* ... ' says Alex, patting*
his friend on the back. Then he says:
'Marquat, 1 think you've got sorne blood on
your face. '
'It's nothingto worry about' Marquatreassures*
him. The bus arrives while they're talking.
Marquat looks at the time: it's quarter to seven!
'I have to go, I'm late' he says.
'See you tomorrow. '
He gets on the bus and goes to pickup his sisters.

Marquat's life at the new school is now completely

different: he respects his friends and they respect
him. He understands why his friends are sometimes
confused about his nationality and his friends
understand that Marquat is British, except that his
parents are Nigerian! In the end, everybody agrees*
that friendship is what it's all about*! •

that'swhat friends are for (expression) friends are there to help you i11 difficult
situations
patting touching
reassures tells him not to worry, comforts him
everybody agrees (here) everybody knows
friendship is what it's all about friendship is the most importan! thing

54
 After-reading Activities
Grammar
'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''~'''''''''~'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
3 Complete the sentences with the words below.
Listening decide gets on respect ~ arrive is
... 6 1 Listen to chapter 5 and choose the answer (A, B or C) The bullies .... /<?..1./.9.f:i. ........ and point at Marquat.
that fits the best. 1 Marquat ........ .. .. ............ alone on a dark road.
2 Lots of his friends .. ...................... .
The four bullies are A dancing . D 3 Marquat ........................ the bus to pickup his sisters.
B laughing at Marquat. [Z]
4 Marquat and his friends ........................ each other.
C listening to the music . D 5 They ........................ that friendship is the most important
1 The bullies are A faster and stronger. D thing.
B tallier and uglier. D
C younger and more intelligent. D 4 True or False? T F
2 The bullies A cry. D Four bullies are in front of Marquat. IZl D
B go back to the party. D 1 Marquat thinks angrily to himself and turns round . D D
C run away. D 2 Marquat wants to run, but they stop him . D D
3 At 6.45 Marquat A gets on a bus. D 3 Marquat is faster and stronger than the bullies. · D D
''-----
B runs home. D 4 Marquat sees boys and girls from his class running
c goes back to the party. D • towards him. DO
5 Kylie helps Marquat to get up . DO
Reading
Writing
2 Complete the sentences with the correct words.
A bully Alex (x2) Marquat (x2) 5 Write a dialogue between Alex an Marquat one day after
A bullv shouts, why don't you learn to dance to Marquat. school.
1 "He's my friend" says .. ..... ...... .......... ............ .. ... .. .
2 .............. .. .. ....... .. ................ runs away.
3 .. ....................................... .. pushes Marquat.
4 .............. .. .. .. .. ...... ....... .. ...... is on the ground .
5 ... ................... .............. .. ... .. is not scared.

.
···························································································································

56 57
 Focuson...
''''''''''''''''''''''''"''''''''"'''''''"''''''''''"''''''"''''''''''"'''''''''''''"'''
Wales
Wales is located on apeninsula
in central west Great Britain. lt
shares its border with England to
the east and is surrounded by the
sea in the other three directions.
2.9 million people live in Wales
and the majoritv of them
live in South Wales, in the
industrialised cities such as
Cardiff and Swansea. In central
and north Wales, the area is
mountainous.
58
The la.nd of coa.l
Wales was once the biggest coal port in the
world and this brought alot of people from
many different countries to Wales to live and
work. The population grew alot and this also
brought adecline in the Welsh language as
the majority of the immigrants didn't speak
Welsh. However, as the coal industry declined
in the first hall of the 201h century, many
people were unemployed and left Wales to
find work in other countries such as America,
England, Canada and Australia. There is also a
big Welsh community in Patagonia, Argentina
The la.nd of song
Wales is known as the 'land of song' and has a
large number of male voice choirs, which were
born in the coal mines and ironworks of Wales.
Every year in Wales various festivals called
'eisteddfod' take place. The most famous is the
'National Eisteddfod of Wales' which is afestival
of literature, music and theatre completely
in Welsh. lt lasts eight days and every year is
located in adifferent place.
Do you speak welsh?
Wales has two official languages - English and Welsh.
Welsh is aCeltic language and is closely related to
languages like Cornish (spoken in Cornwall, in south-
west England) and Breton (spoken in Brittany, in
north-west France). Since 2000, all pupils in Welsh
schools must study the language at school, although
less than aquarter of Welsh people speak it as afirst
language. This is avery different picture from the
1800s and early 1900s when speaking Welsh at school
wasn't allowed and pupils were often punished for not
speaking English.
59
Focuson...
'''''''''~''''~'''''''''''''~''''''''''''''~'''~~''''~'''''~'''''''''~~,~~,,~,,,,,
lmmigration in Britain

Music
and films
Asians have also hada big influence on
the music industry and Bhangra music
(traditional Asían music) has become
popular with young people, and many
non-Asían singers and bands have
used sorne of these influences in their
own music. The daily lives of the Asían
community can be seen in films like
'East is East' and 'Bend it like Beckham',
which portray the problems of growing
up in Britain as asecond-generation
immigrant.

The new generation

In England the largest ethnic minority group
are Asians and can be found in the big
industrial cities. Alarge number of Asians
(lndians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshi) arrived
in Britain after their countries became
independent from the UK in 1947. They
started with manual jobs such as driving
buses and working in textile factories,
but gradually began to open shops and
manage post-offices.
Often the parents are very traditional and
don't want to lose their own culture, while
the children who were born here, want to
follow Western trends and values. This leads
to conflict between the two generations and
can only be resolved through dialogue and
compromise.
Many Asians have had great success in Britain
in sport, music, films, tv and also in business.
Al the moment, Britain's richest man is
the lndian businessman, Lakshmi Mittal.
His family own the world's largest steel
manufacturing company.

60
 Stage 1
Maureen Simpson, In Search of a Missing Friend
Charles Dickens, Oliver Twist

Stage 2
Maria Luisa Banfl, A Faraway World
Maria Luisa Banfl, Francesca's Lave
Maria Luisa Banfl, The Darnley Family's
Long-Lost Necklace

Stage 3
Mary Flagan, The Egyptian Souvenir
Mary Flagan, Val's Diary
Maureen Simpson, Destination: Karminia
Mark Twain, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

1 1
Test yourself Syllabus
1 Read this information about the story. There are nine ~////////////////////////////////////////A
mistakes in the text. Find them and correct the information. Topics
Marquat is 20 years old. He lives with his family in Cardiff, in Family, friends and ourselves
Scotland. His parents come from Nigeria, a country in Africa ,
Occupations and the world of work
but Marquat feels British because his home is here, in Britain .
Befare going to school Marquat has to take his two little School and education: including school subjects
brothers to their schools. When Marquat has got time, he works Daily routine
in his father's shoe shop. Marquat wants to study. When he
finishes school, he wants to go to New York and then he wants N otions and concepts
to find a job as a teacher. Marquat's classmates don't talk to him
Ability
very much. Marquat has only got one friend at school. His name
is Philip. He is very boring and he likes studying very much. He Actions and activities: including routines
finds most school subjects really interesting. and manner
Feelings
O .. f'1?!rni!.i?.U!?. .!4.Yf]?!r.~. Rf9. .. . 5 ........................................... . Obligation
1 ......................................... .. . 6 ........................................... . Offers
2 .............. ... .......... ................ . 7 ........................................... . Likes and d islikes
3 .......................................... .. 8 ........................................... . Predictions
4 ........................................... . 9 .............. ............................ .. Suggestions
Talking about future plans
2 Choose the best answer A, B or C for each question.
Why does Marquat think nobody likes him? Other
A Because his skin is black. [Z] Adverbs
B Because he's very special. O Adjectives
C Because he sits at the front in class. O Prepositions
1 Why does Marquat like studying? Phrases with when
A Because he wants to work in a supermarket. O Comparatives and superlatives
B Because he likes discovering new things about the world. O Gerunds
C Because he wants to find a job as a dancer. O
2 What can Alex do if he gets good marks at school?
Imperatives
A He can organise a birthday party. O Present simple
B He cango on holiday. O Future forms
C He can go to watch the Manchester-Liverpool final. D
3 Who does Marquat meet at the disco?
A Four boys, older and bigger than him. O
B A girl who wants to dance with him. O
e Alex's mother. D
3 Write a d ifferent ending for the story.