I’m 12 years old and maybe we have

something in common: I can’t figure out

math. You know, I study and do my
homework on time, but it simply doesn’t
make sense for me. Does it make sense
for you? - John

I have a huge problem with my English

homework: I understand everything in
class, but when I arrive home I can’t
remember a thing!
My teacher told me that I need more
practice because only practicing I’ll learn.
Do you agree with her? - Matt

I like my school and teachers and make efforts to be a good

student, but when I get home and see how much homework I
have to do, I get tired before starting. I can’t waste so much time
writing and answering questions when everybody else seems to
be on the beach or at the shopping mall. I know I’m wrong, but I
just can’t help it. I wish I could focus on my homework and
perhaps I’d get better grades. - Norbert

Mark the problem each student has and give a suggestion:

John Matt Norbert Problem Suggestion

Gets tired doing homework

No focus or concentration

Can’t understand math

Forgets the explanation

Studies but it doesn’t make

sense

Can’t start his homework

( ) difficulty focusing on the topic ( ) can’t finish on time

Mark the problems you have. ( ) getting tired or bored easily ( ) turning homework incomplete
( ) can’t remember explanations ( ) doesn’t understand directions
( ) can’t memorize rules ( ) forgetting about homework
 Answer the questions about the texts:

1. What’s John’s problem?

_______________________________________________________________________________________
2. What is that he can’t figure out?
_______________________________________________________________________________________
3. What does he do in order to learn?
_______________________________________________________________________________________
4. Does it work?
_______________________________________________________________________________________
5. What does he want to know?
_______________________________________________________________________________________
6. What’s Matt’s problem?
_______________________________________________________________________________________
7. Does he understand the teacher’s explanation?
_______________________________________________________________________________________
8. What happens when he arrives home?
_______________________________________________________________________________________
9. What does his teacher think he should do?
_______________________________________________________________________________________
10. What’s Norbert’s problem?
_______________________________________________________________________________________
11. What does he try to be?
_______________________________________________________________________________________
12. Does it work? Why (not)?
_______________________________________________________________________________________
13. What does he think about while he should be doing homework?
_______________________________________________________________________________________
14. What does he think he should do to get better grades?
_______________________________________________________________________________________

We use should + verb in the infinitive without “to” to give or ask for suggestions. Give suggestions
with should / shouldn’t as in the model:
1. Martha forgot about the test and didn’t study. She should have an appointment book.
2. Alfred bought a pair of ice skates but they are a little tight. _________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
3. Ann ate too much candy and now she has a stomachache. ________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
4. I live in an apartment and I want to have a pet. _________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
5. My sister saw her boyfriend kissing another girl. _________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
6. I love Italian food but the doctor told me to eat more vegetables. ____________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
7. I’d like to go to the beach but it’s raining today. _________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
8. I got a computer but I don’t know how to use it. _________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
9. I want to read a book but can’t think of a good title. ______________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
10. I’m in love with my neighbor. ________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________