Title: A Lucky Break or a Big Mistake?
Before You Read:
- Would you enjoy winning a huge sum of money? Why or why not?
- Do you believe that wealthy people are always happy?
A. Read the text.
Liam Parker purchased his first and only lottery ticket in August 2003. That very night, he won a staggering $15 million. “It felt like a dream,” said Liam. “I thought I could achieve everything I had ever wanted.” Liam, a single father, decided to take his parents and two children on a luxurious trip around the world. “It was amazing,” Liam shared. “We traveled on a magnificent cruise ship. We visited places like the Maldives, Tokyo, New Zealand, and Dubai. It was unforgettable.”
However, everything changed when Liam returned home. “I just wanted to stay the same,” he said. Before his win, Liam worked as a chef at a local secondary school. But once he went back to work, his colleagues behaved differently. “They couldn’t understand why I still wanted to work. They stopped talking to me like they used to,” he explained.
Liam eventually left his job and relocated with his children to a spacious house in the suburbs, complete with a swimming pool and a stable for their two horses. “It was an incredible home,” said Sophie, Liam’s thirteen-year-old daughter. “At first, I was the most popular girl in school.” “Everyone wanted to hang out with me,” added ten-year-old Noah, Liam’s son. “They would come over to swim or ride our horses.”
But soon, Liam, Sophie, and Noah realized that their new ‘friends’ were more interested in their money than their company. “I would get over 200 letters a month asking for donations,” said Liam. “I just wanted to go back to being a regular person, but it seemed impossible.”
In February 2006, Liam and his children made a life-changing decision. They chose to sell their house and donate nearly all their winnings to various charities. “It was a huge relief,” said Liam, who now lives in a small townhouse with his family. “I even got my old job back at the school. My coworkers think I’m crazy, but I’m happier without the money.”
B. Read the text again and mark each statement as T (True), F (False), or DS (Doesn’t Say). Correct the false statements.
After Liam won the lottery:
- _______ He went on a luxury vacation with his family.
- _______ He purchased a new home in the city.
- _______ Even his best friend changed after his win.
- _______ His colleagues no longer treated him the same.
- _______ He lost all his money due to poor investments.
C. Match the words on the left with the definitions on the right.
- _____ A cruise (n) a. A place where horses are kept
- _____ Relief (n) b. An organization that assists those in need
- _____ A stable (n) c. The feeling you get when stress or worry ends
- _____ Charity (n) d. A journey taken on a large ship
- _____ Colleagues (n) e. People you work with
D. Critical Thinking: Answer the following questions:
- Do you believe Liam was foolish to give away most of his fortune to charity?
- Will Liam, Sophie, and Noah’s friends accept them as ‘ordinary people’ again?
- Would you consider buying a lottery ticket today? Why or why not?
Answer Key
B. True/False Statements
- T – He went on a luxury vacation with his family.
- F – He purchased a new home in the suburbs, not the city.
- DS – It doesn’t specify if his best friend changed.
- T – His colleagues no longer treated him the same.
- F – He didn’t lose his money due to poor investments; he donated it.
C. Matching
- d – A cruise
- c – Relief
- a – A stable
- b – Charity
- e – Colleagues
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Blog Post: How Winning the Lottery Can Change Your Life – For Better or Worse
Winning the lottery is often seen as the ultimate dream. Imagine the freedom to do anything you want, travel anywhere, and buy whatever you desire. But what happens when that dream turns into a challenge? In this post, we explore the story of Liam Parker, who went from winning millions to rediscovering what truly made him happy.
The Story Behind the Worksheet
Our newest English comprehension worksheet titled, “A Lucky Break or a Big Mistake?”, is designed to improve reading skills while engaging students in thought-provoking discussions. It’s not just about reading but about critical thinking too. This worksheet explores themes of wealth, happiness, and the true value of relationships.
Why Use This Worksheet?
- Builds vocabulary and comprehension: The text introduces real-life scenarios and relatable characters, enhancing understanding.
- Encourages critical thinking: By reflecting on Liam’s decisions, students are encouraged to express their opinions on material wealth and personal fulfillment.
- Engaging content for all levels: Suitable for intermediate English learners who wish to expand their vocabulary and comprehension skills.
How to Use the Worksheet
Incorporate this worksheet into your lesson plan to stimulate conversation and foster deeper comprehension. It’s perfect for individual or group activities and can be complemented with writing exercises.
