These things did not pass without notice and censure. We are not made of wood or stone, and the things which connect themselves with our hearts and habits cannot, like bark or lichen, be rent away without our missing them. The farmer’s dame lacked her usual share of intelligence, perhaps also the self-applause which she had felt while distributing the awmous (alms), in shape of a gowpen (handful) of oatmeal, to the mendicant who brought the news. The cottage felt inconvenience from interruption of the petty trade carried on by the itinerant dealers. The children lacked their supply of sugarplums and toys; the young women wanted pins, ribbons, combs, and ballads; and the old could no longer barter their eggs for salt, snuff, and tobacco. All these circumstances brought the busy Laird of Ellangowan into discredit, which was the more general on account of his former popularity.
From ‘Guy Mannering’ (1814) by Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832). Acknowledgements to ‘The Miracles at St Alban’s in English Literature’ by Jeffrey R. Wilson (Harvard University).
Précis
Yet, in a dozen unexpected ways these beggars, tinkers and oddballs had contributed something to the community, from tidbits of news to children’s toys, and with their going daily life lost something of its sweetness. As this became more noticed, local feeling turned against the laird, the more so because he used to be such a easy-going sort of fellow. (60 / 60 words)
Yet, in a dozen unexpected ways these beggars, tinkers and oddballs had contributed something to the community, from tidbits of news to children’s toys, and with their going daily life lost something of its sweetness. As this became more noticed, local feeling turned against the laird, the more so because he used to be such a easy-going sort of fellow.
Variations: 1.increase the length of this precis to exactly 65 words. 2.reduce the length of this precis to exactly 55 words. 3.introduce one of the following words into the precis: about, if, not, or, ought, since, until, whereas.
Archive
Word Games
Sevens Based on this passage
Suggest answers to this question. See if you can limit one answer to exactly seven words.
Variations: 1.expand your answer to exactly fourteen words. 2.expand your answer further, to exactly twenty-one words. 3.include one of the following words in your answer: if, but, despite, because, (al)though, unless.
Jigsaws Based on this passage
Express the ideas below in a single sentence, using different words as much as possible. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.
Spinners Find in Think and Speak
For each group of words, compose a sentence that uses all three. You can use any form of the word: for example, cat → cats, go → went, or quick → quickly, though neigh → neighbour is stretching it a bit.
This exercise uses words found in the accompanying passage.
1 Administration. All. Fate.
2 Picker. Shilling. Supposed.
3 Cause. Enjoy. Pass.
Variations: 1. include direct and indirect speech 2. include one or more of these words: although, because, despite, either/or, if, unless, until, when, whether, which, who 3. use negatives (not, isn’t, neither/nor, never, nobody etc.)
High Tiles Find in Think and Speak
Make words (three letters or more) from the seven letters showing below, using any letter once only. Each letter carries a score. What is the highest-scoring word you can make?
Your Words ()
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