ESL: A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS (Handout for week of December 9-11, 2008)

A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS

"A PENNY FOR your thoughts" is a common expression, coaxing from quiet people what they're thinking of. But what if you knew what people were thinking?
    This is the subject of our in-class assignment next week (December 9-11). Review the questions and vocabulary below so you're prepared.
    Since this is an in-class assignment with no home preparation, it should not interfere with your other assignments, including the Christmas cartoon.

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    1. How would you react if someone bumped into you on the street (or, how do you normally react when someone bumps into you)?
    2. Have you ever felt a conflict between saying what's on your mind but afraid to say it? Give examples.
    3. Who, according to Mr. Bagby in the film, always steals the company's funds? Discuss the general principle involved. Give examples from your personal experience.
    4. Discuss some comic moments in the film that follow Mr. Poole's being able to read someone's thoughts, including the discrepancy between what is thought and what is shown.
    5. Do you have a dream like that of Mr. Smithers which you'd like to see fulfilled or satisfied? Explain.
    6. Cowardice prevents Mr. Smithers from fulfilling his dream. What prevents you from fulfilling your dream?
    7. Which dream of others would you like to satisfy if you could? Examples: Send someone to college. Buy someone what they want or need. Find a romantic partner for your friend. Help your parents retire early. The list is endless.
    8. A key line in the film is, "We do things without thinking and we think things we'd never do."
    Many people, for example, imagine scenes of violent revenge they'd never act out. A timid man imagines planting a kiss on his gorgeous neighbor. You imagine telling off your boss or your teacher. But these remain fantasies. Similarly, a timid person may be so inflamed with jealousy from someone staring at his girlfriend he might start a fight, more to defend his male pride of possession than his girlfriend's respect. On the spur of the moment, a person may pocket a wallet left unattended in the library. Discuss these possible scenarios (plots) or temptations you've had (you cannot be imprisoned for your thoughts).
    9. If you could read thoughts, would that make you happy or unhappy? How does Mr. Poole in the film feel about his mind-reading skill?

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VOCABULARY

lame brain
jay walk
prim type
revert to the jungle
good for you
he (you) had it coming
notches on a gun
so darn confused
guessing game
where I (you) stand
using me
people (like to) (will) talk
face to face
sinking ship
leave me behind
crystal ball

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SONG
This 1982 Grammy-nominated record, by the soul group, Tavares, reached #16 on the R&B chart. To access, go here.

Penny for your thoughts
A penny for your thoughts!
I've got to know where I stand
I just got to know where I am with you

So here's penny for your thoughts, a nickel for a kiss
A dime if you tell me that you love me
A penny for your thoughts, a nickel for a kiss
A dime if you tell me that you love me

Walkin' holdin' hands, you say you're mine all mine
Then soon another face steals your eyes away
It's just a guessing game and I can't help feelin' used
Love shouldn't be so darn confused

So here's penny for your thoughts, a nickel for a kiss
A dime if you tell me that you love me
A penny for your thoughts, a nickel for a kiss
A dime if you tell me that you love me

People love to talk, they say you're usin' me
Though face to face you swear I'm the only one
If I had a crystal ball I would gaze into your mind
And see what you were thinkin', if my ship was sinkin'
If you're leavin' me behind

So here's penny for your thoughts, a nickel for a kiss
A dime if you tell me that you love me
A penny for your thoughts, a nickel for a kiss
A dime if you tell me that you love me

Girl, it should be so darn easy to do
If you love me like I love you

Girl, if I had a crystal ball I would gaze into your mind
I'd see what you were thinkin', if my ship was sinkin'
If you're leavin' me behind

So here's penny for your thoughts, a nickel for a kiss
A dime if you tell me that you love me
A penny for your thoughts, a nickel for a kiss
A dime if you tell me that you love me

Girl, it should be so darn easy to do
If you love me like I love you

So here's penny for your thoughts, a nickel for a kiss
A dime if you tell me that you love me
A penny for your thoughts, a nickel for a kiss
A dime if you tell me that you love me. {Repeat}

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