In this festive post, Bita sings the classic Christmas song Jingle Bells while Dr. Mohammad Hossein Hariri Asl plays the keyboard. The lyrics are shared for learners and families who want to practice singing together. This joyful sing-along activity helps improve listening, pronunciation, and confidence in English during the holiday season.

Jingle Bells was written in 1857 by James Lord Pierpont and is now in the public domain. This means anyone can freely sing, perform, record, or publish the song without needing permission or paying royalties.

Video of Jingle Bells Song

Lyrics of Jingle Bells Song

Dashing through the snow
In a one-horse open sleigh
O’er the fields we go
Laughing all the way
Bells on bobtails ring
Making spirits bright
What fun it is to ride and sing
A sleighing song tonight, oh!

Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh, hey!
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh

Now the ground is white
Go it while you’re young
Take the girls tonight
Sing this sleighing song
Get a bobtailed bay
Two forty for his speed
And hitch him to an open sleigh
And you will take the lead

Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh, hey!
Jingle bells, jingle bells
Jingle all the way
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh
Oh, what fun it is to ride
In one horse open sleigh!

Jingle Bells Vocabulary Box

1. Sleigh – A vehicle on runners used to ride on snow.

2. Dashing – Running or moving quickly.

3. Snow – Soft white ice crystals that fall from the sky in winter.

4. Fields – Open areas of land.

5. Laughing – Making sounds when happy or amused.

6. Bells – Hollow metal objects that make a ringing sound.

7. Ring – To make a sound like a bell.

8. Spirits – Feelings or mood; happiness.

9. Ride – To sit on a vehicle or animal and travel.

10. Sleighing – Traveling in a sleigh.

About Jingle Bells Song

Jingle Bells is a classic Christmas song written in 1857, so some of its words and expressions sound old-fashioned today. The lyrics describe riding a one-horse sleigh through snowy fields, laughing, and enjoying the sound of bells. While the language is simple, phrases like “dashing through the snow” and “bells on bobtails ring” reflect 19th-century style. Singing it helps learners experience traditional English and festive vocabulary in a fun, seasonal way.

English Presentation on Great Britain as a Tourist Destination

Handout Provided by the Lecturer

General Facts

• Great Britain is an island in northwestern Europe.
• It is part of the United Kingdom.
• It includes England, Scotland, and Wales.
• It is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea.
• The official language is English.
• The currency is the British Pound (£).

Famous Cities

• London – The capital and largest city, known for its history, culture, and attractions.
• Edinburgh – Scotland’s capital, famous for its castle and festivals.
• Cardiff – The capital of Wales, known for its waterfront and sports scene.
• Manchester – A vibrant city, especially for football fans.
• Liverpool – The birthplace of The Beatles and home to a rich maritime history.

Cool Places for Teenagers

• Harry Potter Studios (near London) – A magical experience for fans of the famous series.
• Thorpe Park & Alton Towers – Exciting theme parks with thrilling rides.
• Brighton – A seaside town with a fun pier, shops, and beach activities.
• Camden Market – A trendy shopping area known for unique fashion and street food.
• Oxford & Cambridge – Historic university cities with beautiful architecture.
• Stonehenge – A world-famous prehistoric monument.

Activities Teens Enjoy

• Shopping on Oxford Street in London.
• Taking selfies at iconic spots like the London Eye or Tower Bridge.
• Football stadium tours at Old Trafford, Emirates Stadium, and more.
• Street art tours in London and Bristol.
• Exploring free museums and science centers.
• Ghost tours in Edinburgh for a spooky adventure.
• Hiking in national parks for nature lovers.

Food Teens Might Like

• Fish & Chips – A classic British dish.
• Full English Breakfast – Includes eggs, bacon, sausage, beans, and toast.
• Burgers & Fries – Popular and widely available.
• Afternoon Tea – A fancy experience with tea, cakes, and sandwiches.
• International Cuisine – Indian, Chinese, and Italian food are available everywhere.

Transport Tips

• Use an Oyster Card or contactless payment for public transport in London.
• Double-decker buses are a fun and budget-friendly way to explore.
• The Underground (Tube) is the fastest way to get around London.
• Trains connect major cities and offer scenic routes.
• Student discounts are available with a valid student ID.

Fun Facts

• In Great Britain, there is a museum dedicated entirely to failed inventions. It’s called the Museum of Failure!

Reading Practice on Great Britain as a Tourist Destination

Great Britain, part of the United Kingdom, is a must-visit destination for young travelers looking for adventure, history, and culture. This island nation includes England, Scotland, and Wales, offering diverse landscapes and vibrant cities. London, the capital, is a top attraction with iconic landmarks such as the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye. Edinburgh, known for its historic castle and lively festivals, provides a glimpse into Scotland’s rich heritage. Cardiff, the capital of Wales, offers a mix of modern attractions and medieval sites, making it an exciting stop for visitors. With English as the official language and the British Pound (£) as its currency, Great Britain is easy to navigate for international travelers.

Teenagers visiting Great Britain will find endless entertainment and attractions tailored to their interests. Fans of fantasy can explore the magical world of Harry Potter Studios, while thrill-seekers can enjoy roller coasters at Thorpe Park and Alton Towers. The seaside city of Brighton offers beautiful beaches and a famous pier with arcades and rides. Camden Market, with its alternative fashion and street food, is a hotspot for young shoppers. History lovers can visit Oxford and Cambridge, two of the world’s most prestigious university towns. Those interested in ancient mysteries should not miss Stonehenge, a prehistoric site that continues to fascinate visitors from around the world.

Aside from attractions, Great Britain offers plenty of activities and experiences that make it a dream destination for teenagers. Shopping on Oxford Street in London provides access to trendy fashion stores, while football fans can tour legendary stadiums such as Old Trafford and Emirates Stadium. Street art tours in London and Bristol showcase the country’s vibrant creative scene. Many museums and science centers offer free admission, making cultural exploration accessible to all visitors. For those who enjoy a good scare, ghost tours in Edinburgh provide spine-chilling stories of the city’s haunted past. Whether it’s indulging in traditional fish and chips, experiencing a classic afternoon tea, or traveling on a double-decker bus, every moment in Great Britain is packed with excitement and adventure.

Video of the Two Soldiers and the Robber

The Two Soldiers and the Robber

Two soldiers travelling together were set upon by a robber. One of them ran away, but the other stood his ground, and laid about him so lustily with his sword that the robber was fain to fly and leave him in peace.

When the coast was clear, the timid one ran back, and, flourishing his weapon, cried in a threatening voice, “Where is he? Let me get at him, and I’ll soon let him know whom he’s got to deal with.”

But the other replied, “You are a little late, my friend: I only wish you had backed me up just now, even if you had done no more than speak, for I should have been encouraged, believing your words to be true. As it is, calm yourself, and put up your sword: there is no further use for it. You may delude others into thinking you’re as brave as a lion: but I know that, at the first sign of danger, you run away like a hare.”

English proverbs from the short story

Here are a few English proverbs that resonate with the themes in the fable “The Two Soldiers and the Robber”:

1. Actions speak louder than words.
2. The proof of the pudding is in the eating.
3. Empty vessels make the most noise.

These proverbs emphasize the importance of genuine actions over empty talk, similar to the moral of this Aesop’s fable.

Vocabulary in real context

1. set upon: to attack someone, assault, assail, pounce on
2. stand one’s ground: to stand firm, persevere, persist
3. lustily: vigorously, heartily, robustly
4. fain: obliged, had to, was forced to do something
5. lay about: to strike out, beat, hit, strike, attack, lay into
6. the coast was clear: it was safe to proceed, there was no obstacle or danger
7. timid: fearful, timorous, faint-hearted
8. flourish his weapon: to shake and show his weapon
9. threatening: intimidating, hostile, menacing
10. back someone up: to support him/her
11. delude: to deceive, chat
12. brave: courageous

Moral of the short story

The moral of Aesop’s fable “The Two Soldiers and the Robber” is that true bravery is demonstrated through actions, not empty boasts. The story highlights the importance of standing by one’s words and supporting others in times of need. The soldier who ran away showed that his earlier bravado was hollow, contrasting sharply with the soldier who stood his ground and fought off the robber. The lesson here is that courage and loyalty are revealed through our behavior in challenging situations, not through mere talk. It underscores the value of reliability and the impact of our actions in defining our character and earning the trust of others.

Discussion questions

1. How did the actions of the two soldiers differ when they were confronted by the robber?
2. What lesson does the soldier who stood his ground try to teach his timid companion after the robber fled?
3. How does this fable illustrate the difference between true bravery and empty boasting?

/ˌsuː.vənˈɪəʳ/ (noun)

Definition of souvenir

something that you purchase or keep as a reminder of a special place or occasion, memento, keepsake, memorial, relic, trophy, reminder, remembrance, token

Video of souvenir

Souvenir in context

Video of the Wheels on the Bus Song

Lyrics of the Wheels on the Bus Song

The wheels on the bus go round and round
Round and round
Round and round
The wheels on the bus go round and round
All through the town

The doors on the bus go open and shut
Open and shut
Open and shut
The doors on the bus go open and shut
All through the town

The wipers on the bus go swish, swish, swish
Swish, swish, swish
Swish, swish, swish
The wipers on the bus go swish, swish, swish
All through the town

The signals on the bus go blink, blink, blink
Blink, blink, blink
Blink, blink, blink
The signals on the bus go blink, blink, blink
All through the town

The horn on the bus goes beep, beep, beep
Beep, beep, beep
Beep, beep, beep
The horn on the bus goes beep, beep, beep
All through the town

The motor on the bus goes vroom, vroom, vroom
Vroom, vroom, vroom
Vroom, vroom, vroom
The motor on the bus goes vroom, vroom, vroom
All through the town

The people on the bus go up and down
Up and down
Up and down
The people on the bus go up and down
All through the town

The babies on the bus go, “Wah, wah, wah”
“Wah, wah, wah”
“Wah, wah, wah”
The babies on the bus go, “Wah, wah, wah”
All through the town

The mommies on the bus go, “Shh, shh, shh”
“Shh, shh, shh”
“Shh, shh, shh”
The mommies on the bus go, “Shh, shh, shh”
All through the town

The daddies on the bus go, “I love you”
“I love you”
“I love you”
The daddies on the bus go, “I love you”
All through the town

The wheels on the bus go round and round
Round and round
Round and round
The wheels on the bus go round and round
All through the town

Video of the Adventures of Sinbad

The Adventures of Sinbad

This story is about a man named Sinbad. After his father’s death, Sinbad inherited a great fortune. He indulged himself, buying new clothes and expensive food. However, within a year, Sinbad had squandered his inheritance.

Left with nothing, Sinbad decided to sell his father’s prized carpet. He found an old ship willing to take him and his carpet, and upon his return, he was flush with cash again. Emboldened by his success, Sinbad embarked on a grand adventure.

Unfortunately, disaster struck. His ship sank at sea, and Sinbad lost everything. After clinging to wreckage for days, he was rescued by a strange bird. He cleverly used his turban to capture the bird, and it carried him to a valley.

There, Sinbad discovered a vast quantity of what he thought were pebbles. Overcome with despair, he then realized they were jewels! His joy was short-lived, however, as he soon encountered three enormous snakes. Terrified, Sinbad fled.

Yearning to return home to Baghdad, Sinbad generously gave the jewels to the people who helped him escape the island. In return, they secured him passage on a ship.

Upon his arrival in Baghdad, Sinbad excitedly reunited with his friends and recounted his adventures. They eagerly followed him to his father’s house, expecting a celebratory feast.

However, to their surprise, the house was bare. There was no food, no drink, and none of his father’s carpets remained. Disappointed, Sinbad’s friends quickly took their leave.

Realizing his folly, Sinbad resolved to travel again, seeking not just riches but also personal growth. Through his future adventures, Sinbad did indeed acquire wealth, and this time, he generously shared his fortune with those less fortunate.

Questions for discussion

1. Sinbad makes some choices throughout the story that lead him to different outcomes. What was one choice Sinbad made that had a negative consequence, and how could he have made a different decision?
2. The story mentions Sinbad giving away his jewels to secure passage home. Do you think this was a wise decision? Why or why not?
3. The story ends with Sinbad sharing his wealth with those less fortunate. How does this ending change how you view Sinbad’s character?

The Persian version of the Donkey Dilemma by Molla Nasreddin

Read the Persian version of this short story by clicking on the link below:

داستان سرانجام دهان بینی برای آموزش زبان فارسی

داستان سرانجام دهان بینی – آموزش آنلاین زبان فارسی به کودکان و نوجوانان

YouTube video of this short story

The Donkey Dilemma by Molla Nasreddin

I heard an incredible story about Molla Nasreddin. One day, he wanted to take his son to a town. He decided to let his son ride the donkey while he walked beside him. As they started down the road, they met some people who looked at the boy on the donkey with disapproval. One person said, “Look at that! The boy rides the donkey while his poor father has to walk!”

When the boy heard this, he felt bad and asked his father to ride the donkey instead. So, Molla Nasreddin got on the donkey, and the boy walked next to him. Again, they met another group of people. This time, someone said, “Well, look at that! That boy has to walk while his father rides the donkey!”

Faced with these conflicting opinions, Molla Nasreddin decided the best course of action was for both of them to ride the donkey. He told his son, “Get on the donkey with me. No one can criticize us now!” Then, they met two old men on the road. One of them remarked, “That poor donkey looks very tired carrying both of you.”

Realizing he couldn’t please everyone, Molla Nasreddin stopped the donkey and they both got off. As they continued walking, they soon met some more people on the road. To his surprise, these people criticized them for walking in the hot weather!

At last, Molla Nasreddin looked at his son and said with a sigh:

“You can’t please everyone.”

Discussion questions

Answer the following questions in the comment box below.

1. Why did Molla Nasreddin keep changing who rode the donkey?
2. What lesson did Molla Nasreddin learn at the end of the story?
3. Imagine you were on this journey with Molla Nasreddin. What would you have suggested he do?

The Dog the Cock and the Fox is now in the public domain available on Gutenberg Project.

Podcast of the Dog the Cock and the Fox

The Dog the Cock and the Fox

A dog and a cock became great friends, and agreed to travel together.

At nightfall, the cock flew up into the branches of a tree to roost, while the dog curled himself up inside the trunk, which was hollow.

• nightfall: dusk, twilight, beginning of night, evening, sunset
• roost: to go to sleep, stay in a place and rest
• curl: make something coiled or curved, twist
• hollow: empty, vacant, unfilled

At break of day, the cock woke up and crew, as usual. A fox heard, and, wishing to make a breakfast of him, came and stood under the tree and begged him to come down.

“I should so like,” said he, “to make the acquaintance of one who has such a beautiful voice.”

• acquaintance: friend, contact, associate

The cock replied, “Would you just wake my porter who sleeps at the foot of the tree? He’ll open the door and let you in.”

• porter: gatekeeper, doorkeeper, caretaker

The fox accordingly rapped on the trunk, when out rushed the dog and tore him in pieces.

• accordingly: therefore, as a result
• rapped on: knocked on, tapped on
• trunk: the main stem of a tree

Source of story: Gutenberg Project

Video of The Boasting Traveller

The Boasting Traveller

A man once went abroad on his travels, and when he came home, he had wonderful tales to tell of the things he had done in foreign countries.

Among other things, he said he had taken part in a jumping-match at Rhodes, and had done a wonderful jump which no one could beat. “Just go to Rhodes and ask them,” he said; “every one will tell you it’s true.”

But one of those who were listening said, “If you can jump as well as all that, we needn’t go to Rhodes to prove it. Let’s just imagine this is Rhodes for a minute: and now—jump!”

Deeds, not words.

/ˈret.ɪ.njuː/ (noun)

Retinue meaning

a group of people or followers who travel with and accompany a very important person, entourage, followers, escort, attendants, company, servants, staff, cortege

Example

Sure, the idea of someone following you around (and, you know, protecting you) at all times sounds like a drag, but considering the supreme level of hotness that celebrity bodyguards have reached, we wouldn’t totally object. Don’t agree? Just take a moment to think about how ridiculously in shape one must be to protect precious cargo like Jennifer Lopez or Beyoncé. Ahead, 20 celebrities who are escorted by a large retinue of attractive bodyguards of all time.

Source of example: https://malaysia.news.yahoo.com/