Learning Activities

Can you remember what happens in Thief Regrets? Try this exercise - without looking back at the text.


Vocabulary This crossword uses some of the words you read in the story.

Writing

1. You are Pan. Write your diary entries for the week of the robbery.

2. Write Pan's first three messages to the thief. Explain why you need your bag back. Try not to be angry!

Discuss

There have been a lot of comments in response to this story. Here are a few:

The thief realized his mistake People doesn't must judge.I think everybody deserves an opportunity The thief committed a mistake but he regretted stealing her and he wanted to change.   He needs urgent help. Mmm I don't know. I think a person never change

What do you think? Did the thief really change? Write your comments below




2. Imagine you are the judge trying this case. Do you let the thief go free? Why/Why not?

Discuss in small groups


Classroom activities

1. The thief goes on trial for the robbery.

• Pan is a witness for the defence (defense) - she does not want Pan to go to prison.
• The prosecutor argues that this is thief's third robbery like this. He does not believe the thief really regrets the robbery.

Role play the scene in groups:

Possible roles: Pan, the thief, prosecution lawyer, defence/defense lawyer, judge.

Research/Project
This story happens in a city called Shandong, China. Can you find out the following
1. Where is Shandong? Can you find it on a map?
2. What is its population?
3. Which products does Shandong Province produce?
4. What is its climate?
5. Name one other interesting fact about Shandong.


Debate
Debate this statement or motion: 'Prison is the only effective way to deter crime.'

Teaching notes how to organise a debate

ESL Reading: free graded reading materials for English language learners