Hello everyone! I’m very happy to be with you for another year of Ready for English. Did you miss the Forest Farm Friends? I wonder what they did in the summer holidays… I’m sure they learned how to play some musical instruments. In fact, we find them at a rock concert in this issue: what will happen? We’ll also travel to Dublin to find out about the capital city of Ireland and we’ll learn about a very special day in the international calendar – The International day of Peace. Let’s go! Happy reading!
Lynn
The crowd all cheer, they love us so, Our talent shines, it’s ours to show. Hands raised high, voices in sync, This concert’s amazing, don’t you think?
We play music, we play rock Making videos for TikTok, He’s on piano, she plays violin, 1, 2, 3… and the music begins.
The singer’s voice is so profound, The saxophone music’s a magic sound. The song is coming to an end, Sweet rock music is life, my friend!
Do you play an instrument? Which one?
Is there a musical instrument that you like a lot?
Mini dictionary
Modern music
Read the words aloud.
guitar bass drums piano violin saxophone
score notes singer she plays he sings she composes
Illustrator: Laura Deo
microphone
Fun and Games!
1 Look at the pictures and complete the crossword.
2 Listen to the rhyme again then answer the questions.
A postcard from
As a UNESCO City of Literature, Dublin has been home to many famous writers, including the author of Dracula. But who wrote the novel Dracula?
a. James Joyce
b. Bram Stoker
c. Oscar Wilde
Answer on page 11.
Dublin
Dublin is the capital city of Ireland and is full of charm and history. There are many sites of special interest, including Dublin Castle and Trinity College – one of the most famous and prestigious universities in the country! Dublin is also a UNESCO city of literature.
As a popular destination for students, Dublin has lot of exciting treasures to offer young people. Temple Bar, an area in the city centre, is full of curious shops, places to eat and drink, music venues and bookstores. It is also home to the largest city park in Europe – Pheonix Park.
Did you know…?
The word Dublin comes from the Irish language and means ‘black pool’!
An unforgettable
The day of the concert has arrived. Our friends are ready to go into the theatre. It’s going to be a great evening!
“We play music, we play rock”…
Oh, I’ll never do it! I always forget the words!
Gracie, I’m really nervous!
Tell me about it! My legs are shaking!
The musicians get ready in the dressing rooms. They’re very nervous: it’s their first concert.
What is Robby wearing
Don’t be scared Hattie, I’ll provide the beat! Errrm...
Charlotte goes over the words of the song which Hattie wrote. Charlotte is really good at composing music.
The concert begins. They’re all ready to… rock! Especially Robby! concert!
What’s happening?
Bravo, Robby! You’re the best!!!
Robby shows off with an incredible guitar solo and the audience cheers with happiness.
Charlie! That’s who was missing!
The lights have come back on and Charlie has appeared on stage and is playing the violin beautifully. What a surprise! Where was he?
Maybe the volume was too high…
Suddenly the theatre goes dark. What’s happened?
Charlie! What are you wearing? The electric has gone off!
We’re at a rock concert! You look like the conductor of an orchestra!
As soon as Chalie finishes playing there is loud applause. But…
Culture site
Celebrating Peace
Every year on 21st September, people all around the world come together to celebrate the International Day of Peace.
Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981, the International Day of Peace is observed in communities all around the world. The theme is different every year and in 2024 it focuses on the United Nations Sustainable Development goals. These goals include no poverty or hunger, good health for all, clean water and, of course, peace and justice. Peace means different things to different people. It doesn’t only mean trying to resolve conflict and war; it can mean talking about fairness, justice, inner-peace or respect for others and the environment. Above all, it’s about being kind and friendly to others, sharing, helping each other, and solving problems without
Symbol of peace: the dove. Doves are white birds which are a symbol of peace for many cultures, countries and religions. You can see them in most countries of the world.
On the International Day of Peace, schools, communities, and families do special activities to promote peace. We might make peace signs, draw pictures of what peace looks like to us, or even plant flowers together to symbolize peace and harmony. What will you do on the International Day of Peace?
What other symbols of peace do you know? Use the space here to draw a symbol of peace that you know and write its name.
Read the story again and do the
1 True or false?
1 It’s the first concert for the Forest Farm Friends.
2 Charlie practises the violin in the dressing rooms.
3 Dylan the duck plays the drums.
4 Charlotte plays the bass and talks to Dylan.
5 Robby is dressed like a rockstar.
6 Suddenly, there is a fire in the theatre.
7 Hattie has decided not to go to the concert.
8 At the end, no one applauds.
2 Did you know that lots of seeds that we can eat have a part of the outside (the shell) which protects them? In autumn, we eat chestnuts and these seeds have a hard shell to protect them from hedgehogs. They are full of minerals which are very good for you. Do you know the names of any other nuts?
Sweet treats
Pumpkin pies
It will soon be Halloween and maybe you will carve a pumpkin with a scary or funny face. But don’t throw away the part you carve out – make a pumpkin pie with it!
Ingredients:
· 1 pack sweet pastry
· 450g pumpkin (peeled, deseeded and cut into chunks)
· 75g dark soft brown sugar
· 2 large eggs
· 1 egg yolk
· 1 teaspoon cinnamon
· 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
· 1/2 teaspoon allspice
· 1/4 teaspoon cloves
· 1/2 teaspoon ginger
· 275ml double cream
Method:
· Roll the pastry into a dish and bake in the oven 20-25 minutes on 170C.
· Bake the chopped pumkin in the oven for 20-25 minutes.
· Mash the cooked pumpkin with a fork then puree it with an electric liquidiser.
· In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and egg yolk.
· In a pan, heat the cream, sugar and spices and mix well.
· Add the mixture to the eggs and whisk again.
· Add the pumpkin puree, mixing everything together.
· Pour into the pastry case and cook at 180C for 35-40 minutes.
· Let your pumpkin pie cool down, then serve with some whipped cream or ice-cream! Happy Halloween!
