1

Dad and his children are in the living-room. They are talking
about mum’s birthday.
“It’s mum’s birthday in four days”, dad says.
“How can we celebrate it?”, Todd asks.
“Let’s think about it”, Tay says.

“We can take her to the ice skating rink”, says Tay.
“I know! Let’s go to the circus!”, says Jasmine.
“What about the theatre? Mums loves plays”, says Dad.
2
Todd is looking at the newspaper. “There are lots of plays”, he
says.
Todd is reading a review about a play called ‘The Giant Bug’.
“A giant bug takes over the city and the people have to
escape”.
“That is a horror play. Mum doesn’t like horror plays or films”,
Jasmine says.
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“What about this one?” says Todd. “It’s called ‘Lost in the “Mum likes comedies”, Dad says.
Jungle’. Some young elephants are lost and can’t find their way
“There aren’t any comedies”, Todd says.
home.
“What can we do?”, Jasmine thinks.
“That is a sad play. Mum doesn’t like sad plays or films”, Tay
says.
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The family decide to prepare a play of their own to surprise

“I’ve got a terrific idea!”, Jasmine says. “Listen”.
mum.
Jasmine whispers something in their ears.
On the first day, they write the script. Everyone has lines.
“This is awesome, darling”, Dad says.
On the next day, they paint and paste the scenery.
“It’s the best present for mum!”, Tay says.
“There is no time to lose. Get on with it!”, Todd says.

On the day before mum’s birthday, they all dress up
in funny costumes and practise the play several times.
“I hope mum likes the play,” says Todd.
5
On mum’s birthday, everyone is so excited.
The surprise is ready. “Happy birthday!” shouts everyone as
mum enters.
“We’d like to present a play called The Very Funny Family Day
Out,” announces Dad.
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“This is our own play, mum,” says Todd. “This is the kind of play I like!”, mum says. “I’m very happy with
my birthday present”.
“And this is our scenery.”
“Sit down in your favourite armchair, darling”, dad says.
“The family sit on one huge, long bike, like this,” adds Jasmine.
“Enjoy!”
“They travel to lots of places,” says Tay.
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Answer these questions in complete sentences.

1. How many children are there in the story?

2. Whose birthday is it?

3. Who wants to take mum to the circus?

4. What is ‘The Giant Bug’ about?

5. Does mum like sad stories?

6. What type of plays does mum like?

7. Who has got a terrific idea?

8. What is her idea about?

9. What are the children wearing for the play?

10.Does mum like her birthday present?

The play begins. It is very funny, and mum laughs and laughs.
“This is the best birthday,” she says.
“I know you’d like it,” says Jasmine.
“We can write another play next year!” says Todd.