Learn English British Council | A1 - Elementary - Checking understanding

Summary

In this whimsical story, a boy named Jake and his ancient pet crow, Birdie, embark on magical adventures. After noticing the moon disappearing, Jake learns that Birdie helped nurse the moon back to health after it swallowed a black hole. Using magical Stardust, Birdie shows Jake how to make wishes come true. During a family vacation to Cornwall, Jake uses the Stardust to create a stunning light display, bringing joy and wonder to everyone around. Filled with humor, magic, and heart, the story highlights the power of friendship, wishes, and the beauty of nature.

Takeaways

• 😀 The script provides useful phrases for checking understanding in English, such as 'Could you say that again, please?' and 'Can you repeat that more slowly, please?'
• 😀 The story of Birdie and Jake introduces the concept of a magical crow who is ancient and has extraordinary adventures.
• 😀 Birdie shares stories with Jake at night, helping him dream of fantastical adventures like traveling to the edge of the Earth.
• 😀 The moon's transformation is a key plot point, with Jake initially thinking it’s sick, but his mom explaining it’s part of the moon's cycle.
• 😀 Jake learns about Birdie's adventures, including his visit to the moon to nurse it back to health after it swallowed a black hole.
• 😀 Birdie gives Jake magical Stardust, which can be used in various ways, such as making wishes or making chocolate cake taste amazing.
• 😀 The Stardust is suggested for use in various creative ways like sprinkling it on food or using it as a teeth whitener.
• 😀 Jake goes on a journey to Cornwall with his family, which feels like an epic adventure with some humorous moments (like a traffic jam).
• 😀 The story emphasizes the importance of family and imagination, with Jake wishing for peace and happiness for everyone during their holiday.
• 😀 In the final scene, Jake's wish with the Stardust creates a magical display, transforming the night sky and bringing joy to everyone around.
• 😀 The script mixes fantasy elements like magic and adventure with everyday family experiences, blending the ordinary with the extraordinary.

Q & A

What does Jake's friend Birdie do when he's not with Jake?

Birdie is often away attending Crow conventions or solving mysteries, but when he is home, he perches on Jake's windowsill and tells him enchanting tales.

How does Jake first explain his concern about the moon?

Jake thinks the moon is feeling unwell because it looks pale and thin, and he expresses his concern to his mother.

What does Jake's mother explain about the moon's appearance?

Jake's mother tells him that the moon is simply playing its monthly game of hide and seek, getting smaller and then growing bigger again.

What is Birdie's explanation for the moon's disappearance?

Birdie reveals that the moon is sick and has swallowed a black hole. He stayed with the moon to nurse her back to health.

How does Birdie cure the moon's illness?

Birdie cures the moon by giving her a special drink made from comets and enchanting stars.

What special gift does Birdie give Jake?

Birdie gives Jake Stardust, which can be sprinkled in his mother's cooking or used as toothpaste. Jake is also told he can use it to make a wish.

How does Birdie advise Jake to use the Stardust for making a wish?

Birdie advises Jake to sprinkle the Stardust into the evening sky in a place with lots of space, like a beach or mountaintop, to make a wish.

What happens when Jake uses the Stardust at the beach?

When Jake tosses the Stardust into the air at the beach, it creates a beautiful display of swirling colors and lights, with the magic filling the sky and creating a peaceful, radiant atmosphere.

How do the people around Jake react to the Stardust display?

People watching the display are amazed, clapping and cheering. The mood becomes joyful, and even Jake's parents are smiling and enjoying the moment.

What is the significance of Birdie in the story's conclusion?

Birdie remains a wise, magical figure who continues to bring joy and wonder to Jake's life. The moon shines brightly, and every time someone makes a wish, Birdie calls out joyfully.