לומדים אנגלית / קוראים ספרי ילדים

The following is the third post on Reading.

In the first post of this unit, I introduced the first aspect of the general subject of the unit: Reading.

In the second post of this unit, I introduced the second aspect of the general subject of the unit: Reading for Pleasure.

Today we will discuss another aspect:

Book Clubs

Let's talk about it.

• What are Reading / Book Clubs?
• Why do people join such clubs?
• Would you like to join a Book Club? Justify your answer.
• How often do you buy a book?
• Do you borrow books from the library? Why / Why not?

Getting ready to read

First Step

• Read the title of the next passage.
• What does the word bookworm mean?
• What does it suggest?
• What could the phrase Bookworms Anonymous mean?
• What other organizations of this type do you know?
• What is the main idea behind these organizations?

One Step Further

• Read the first sentence of the next text.
  Who is the article addressed to?
  What seems to be the purpose of the article?

• Read the first sentence of the second paragraph.
  Who else might enjoy book groups?

• Read the first two sentences of the third paragraph.
  Can you define bookworms?
  State two characteristic features.

• Read the last sentence of the passage.
  What are the two advantages of book groups?

Reading Passage

Bookworms Anonymous 

Read the passage and answer the questions that follow.

1. If you enjoy reading books, you may find that joining a book club can be the answer to your prayers. Members of such groups think that reading may be the most satisfying and enlightening thing to do, but discussing books with others may provide even more pleasure. Book clubs are springing up all over the world to meet this need.

2. Book groups are not for bookworms only. Even if you are not addicted to reading and can go through a whole day without even throwing a glance at the cover, you may profit from joining a reading club. The aim of these groups is to expand the members' reading horizons. Each member is expected to provide a list of his personal favorites. Due to the natural diversity of the group, each member usually ends up reading books he might not have read if he hadn't joined the group. Even if he strongly believes science fiction is not for him, for instance, he may find himself absorbed in the plot and discover a new unexplored planet.

3. A bookworm is not just somebody who can't do without reading. He usually can't do without buying either. Although he usually owns a library card, he can't go by a bookstore without dropping in for a quick visit. He may just pretend to be browsing around, but he will usually end up buying a few  books. Joining a book club may be the ideal solution. He will be able to exchange books with other members and he will also enlarge his social circle by meeting people suffering from the same addiction.

Questions

1. What words in paragraph 1 mean: the best solution for you?
………………………………………………………………………………………………

2. What do the words such clubs refer to (paragraph 1)?
………………………………………………………………………………………………

3. What are the two things members of reading clubs enjoy most (paragraph 1?

a. ……………………………………………………………………………………………

b. ……………………………………………………………………………………………

4. What is the purpose of book clubs (paragraph 2)?
………………………………………………………………………………………………

5. Why should a person who dislikes science fiction read a science fiction story (paragraph 2)?
………………………………………………………………………………………………

6. What may happen in that case (paragraph 2)?
………………………………………………………………………………………………

7. What does a bookworm intend to do when he enters a bookstore (paragraph 3)?
………………………………………………………………………………………………

8. What happens eventually (paragraph 3)?
………………………………………………………………………………………………

9. How are bookworms described in the last paragraph?
………………………………………………………………………………………………

10. Book clubs have two advantages for bookworms. What are they (paragraph 3)?

a. ……………………………………………………………………………………………

b. ……………………………………………………………………………………………

After Reading

Talking about it …

• Does the word bookworm have a negative connotation? Discuss.
• The word addiction is usually connected to drugs or alcohol.
  What is wromg about any addiction?
• Can you think of a positive addiction? Discuss!

Writing about it…

Write an ad inviting people to join a book club.

You may begin as follows:

If you are a book addict, looking for friends with a similar hobby, this ad may be for you.

The following words / ideas may help you:

join the club

experimental basis

meet people

have fun

discuss new titles

membership fee

You may end as follows:

For further details, please contact…

And that's all for today. More texts and suggestions in my next post.