05 - 6 minute - Six-word stories.pdf - BBC 6Minute English - Pingwiny-Z-Madagaskaru

Six-word stories

Ernest Hemingway

The American writer, Ernest Hemingway bet ten dollars that he could write a complete story in just

six words. He wrote: "For Sale: baby shoes, never worn." He won the bet.

Could you tell the story of your life in just six words? Join Jackie and Callum as they share theirs.

This week's question: Who said "Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know."

a) William Shakespeare

b) Oscar Wilde

c) Ernest Hemingway

Expressions to describe stories/books you like and that make you feel strong emotions

poignant

moving

touching

powerful

gripping

'I just couldn't put it down' (usually only to describe books)

Expressions to describe stories or books you are not enjoying

boring

dull

slow-moving

difficult to get into

Other words in the programme

a crackhead (very informal!)

slang word for someone who uses the drug crack-cocaine

a twist and turn

when unexpected things happen

Example: Life has many twists and turns.

'a twist' is often used when talking about a book or a film where something unexpected happens

Example: The film has a very clever twist near the end.

05 - 6 minute - Six-word stories.pdf