Louisa May Alcott · Family, ambition and kindness
B1 · Louisa May Alcott · Classic Literature
I will be able to:
Remember and Use — 3 minutes
Recall three words from last time. Use one in a sentence. Ask a partner a question. Check and improve.
First lesson? Predict from the picture.
The March sisters live in New England during the American Civil War. Their father is away serving as a chaplain, and their mother guides them at home. Money is limited, but Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy have plenty of hopes for the future.
Meg enjoys beautiful clothes and dreams of a comfortable home. Jo is more interested in writing stories than behaving like a traditional young lady. Beth is shy and loves music. Amy wants to become an artist. The sisters are different, yet they learn to help one another.
Their neighbour Laurie becomes a close friend. As the sisters grow up, they face mistakes, disappointments and difficult choices. Jo must learn to control her temper. Amy learns that kindness matters more than looking impressive. Their mother encourages them to think about other people as well as themselves.
Later, Meg marries and builds a family. Beth becomes seriously ill and eventually dies, leaving the family deeply sad. Amy develops her art and marries Laurie. Jo continues writing and, with her husband, opens a school.
The sisters do not all follow the same path. Their story explores how people can develop their talents while caring for others. Success means more than money or public praise.
Original simplified overview; not a quotation. Read the original novel. AI illustration.
Read the additional reading sheet.
The complete text appears after the two activity pages. Read it before answering the reading questions.
As you read, underline details that support your answers. Use the vocabulary panel to help with unfamiliar words.
Match 1–6 with A–F.
A. a natural ability
B. willing to give or share
C. a strong wish to achieve something
D. to help someone
E. a feeling when hopes are not met
F. a tendency to become angry
Use two words in your own sentences.
Answer in sentences. Find evidence in the reading.
Comparatives: adjective + -er + than; more + longer adjective + than. Use better for good.
Complete with the comparative form.
Write one comparison between two sisters.
Discuss in pairs:
Useful language: I think… because… / The reading says… / For example… / I agree, but…
Ask your partner a follow-up question.
Write 80–100 words. Write a letter from Jo to one of her sisters about a hope and a difficulty. Use two lesson words and two comparisons.
Check meaning, sentence structure and punctuation.
Put these events in story order. Write the letters.
A. Jo opens a school.
B. Their mother guides the sisters at home.
C. Laurie becomes a close friend.
D. The sisters face choices as they grow up.
E. Their father is away during the war.
Retell with first, next, later and finally.
Exit reflection: One idea I understand better…
One thing to practise…
Check: Use three lesson words. Check the language focus, capital letters and full stops.
Improve: Choose your response from panel 7. Check it and write an improved version here. For a longer response, use the space below or another sheet.
Share: Tell a partner one thing you can now say. Reflect: What did you improve?
The March sisters live in New England during the American Civil War. Their father is away serving as a chaplain, and their mother guides them at home. Money is limited, but Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy have plenty of hopes for the future.
Meg enjoys beautiful clothes and dreams of a comfortable home. Jo is more interested in writing stories than behaving like a traditional young lady. Beth is shy and loves music. Amy wants to become an artist. The sisters are different, yet they learn to help one another.
Their neighbour Laurie becomes a close friend. As the sisters grow up, they face mistakes, disappointments and difficult choices. Jo must learn to control her temper. Amy learns that kindness matters more than looking impressive. Their mother encourages them to think about other people as well as themselves.
Later, Meg marries and builds a family. Beth becomes seriously ill and eventually dies, leaving the family deeply sad. Amy develops her art and marries Laurie. Jo continues writing and, with her husband, opens a school.
The sisters do not all follow the same path. Their story explores how people can develop their talents while caring for others. Success means more than money or public praise.
Original simplified overview; not a quotation. Read the original novel. AI illustration.