Every Detail Tells a Story

Descriptions are not only about looks, but also about meaning. In this subchapter, you will learn how to ask and answer questions using why and because, and how to put details together in a description text.

Mission 1. Command It Right!

Read the dialogue carefully and understand the situation between Maya and Ardi. Then, answer the questions in complete sentences. Use the information from the dialogue to explain your answers clearly. After school, two friends, Maya and Ardi, are sitting in the library. Maya: Hi, Ardi. You look a little tired today. Did something happen? Ardi: Yeah, I didn't sleep well last night. I had to help my cousin with his homework. Maya: Oh, no wonder. I thought you were studying for the science quiz. Ardi: I wanted to, but I couldn't focus. My cousin really needed me. Maya: That's kind of you. Anyway, are you ready for tomorrow's class presentation? Ardi: Not really. I haven't finished my slides yet. Maya: Really? What made you late in preparing? Ardi: The football team had extra practice this week. Our coach said it's important because the competition is getting closer. Maya: I see. So, you had to balance practice and schoolwork. That sounds stressful. Ardi: Yeah, it is. But I like football, and I don't want to disappoint my team. Maya: That's true. I get it now. You care about both your studies and your team. Ardi: Exactly. I just hope I can finish everything on time. Questions: 1. What happened to Ardi last night? 2. What stopped Ardi from studying for the quiz? 3. What is the problem with Ardi's class presentation? 4. What made the football team have extra practice this week? 5. What does Ardi feel about balancing football and schoolwork?

Mission 2. The Reason Behind It

Read the short text carefully and understand the reasons given in each sentence. Then, answer the questions in complete sentences. Use the information from the text to explain your answers clearly. My name is Ardi. Today I am late for school because I missed the bus. My friend Dimas is not in class because he is sick. Our teacher is happy because we finished our homework. At break time, I stay in the classroom because I forget to bring money for snacks. Dimas does not play football with us because he is still resting at home. After school, I go to the library because I need to borrow a science book. In the afternoon, my mother is proud of me because I help her clean the house. Questions: 1. Why is Ardi late for school? 2. Why is Dimas not in class? 3. Why is the teacher happy? 4. Why does Ardi stay in the classroom at break time? 5. Why doesn't Dimas play football? 6. Why does Ardi go to the library after school? 7. Why is Ardi's mother proud of him? 8. What do you learn about Ardi from this story?

Mission 3. My Daily Life!

Think about your daily activities, such as studying, eating, playing, or helping at home. Write four questions using why about your daily life, and then answer them using because. Make sure your sentences are clear and connected to things you really do every day. Q: Why are you studying English? A: Because I want to speak with my friends. Q: …………………………………………………………….. A: …………………………………………………………….. Q: …………………………………………………………….. A: …………………………………………………………….. Q: …………………………………………………………….. A: …………………………………………………………….. Q: …………………………………………………………….. A: ……………………………………………………………..

Mission 4. Find the Reason!

Complete the following sentences by adding your own reasons using because. Be creative and think of personal or fun reasons that explain each situation. This will help you practice using because in different contexts, while also improving your ability to form meaningful sentences. 1. I am tired because I slept late. 2. She is happy because __________. 3. They are running because __________. 4. He is sad because __________. 5. We are excited because __________. 6. They are laughing because __________. 7. I am worried because __________. 8. My friend is hungry because __________.

Mission 5. Find the Right Reason!

Match the questions with the correct answers by connecting them with logical because reasons. This will help you practice forming why questions and understanding the connection between questions and answers.