Online English Lessons

The English Lesson 16 theme is DESMOND TUTU

Part One: Learn English Skills

Read the following text and answer the questions that follow:

Desmond TutuDesmond Tutu played a major role in bringing racial equality to South Africa. For nearly twenty years the church leader led a peaceful campaign to end the old government's policy of apartheid (racial separation). As a result of this work to gain equal civil rights for all South Africans he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984.

It is difficult to believe that such an important man began earning money by caddying on a golf course and selling peanuts. After school he wanted to become a doctor but, because his family couldn't afford the medical student fees, he became a teacher like his father. However, he soon found his way into the church and by 1986 had become the Archbishop of Cape Town. Although this was the highest position in the Anglican Church, he remained a very humble man and liked to be known simply as "the Arch".

South Africans grew fond of his sense of humour and fun. To many he will always be remembered for dancing a jig when casting his vote during South Africa's first democratic election.

Desmond Tutu is also respected for his wisdom, intelligence and sincerity. For this reason it wasn't surprising that he was appointed as head of the Truth and Reconciliation* Commission to investigate crimes of the apartheid era. During the process he gained even more respect for the empathy, warmth and tears he shared with the people who spoke to the commission.

This behaviour brings to mind something that Nelson Mandela once said about him. According to the former South African president, "Desmond Tutu's voice will always be the voice of the voiceless."

* "Reconciliation" means "to settle differences between people". 

Your Turn

  1. Why did Desmond Tutu win the Nobel Peace Prize?
     
  2. What did he originally want to become?
     
  3. What was his nickname while he was Archbishop of Cape Town?
     
  4. What did he do when he voted during South Africa's first democratic election?
     
  5. Find a word in the text that means "knowledge"
     
  6. Why did he gain respect as head of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission?
     
  7. Genius question: what is the meaning of "sincerity"?

Part Two: Learn English Structure

HOW and WHAT...LIKE

Although both these terms are used to ask questions they each convey a slightly different meaning.

You would use "how" to ask about things that change - for example people's moods and health.

  • "How's Archbishop Tutu?" "He's very well."
     
  • "How does he look?" "Surprised."

You use "what...like" to ask about things that don't normally change - for example people's appearance or character.

  • "What's Archbishop Tutu like?" "He's short and he has a good sense of humour"
     
  • "What does he look like?" "He has grey hair"

We often use "how" to ask about people's reactions to their experiences.

  • How was the church service?
     
  • How's the new job?

Remember, don't confuse the preposition "like" in "what...like?" with the verb "like". The following example shows the difference between the preposition and the verb "like".

  • "What is he like?" "Friendly." (preposition)
  • "What does he like?" "Telling jokes." (verb)

DURING and FOR

DURING and FOR are often confused "During" says WHEN something happens.

  • Desmond Tutu was in the United States during the summer.

"For" says HOW LONG something lasts.

  • Desmond Tutu was in the United States for six weeks. (NOT "during six weeks") 

Your Turn

Complete the following sentences using "during" and "for"

  1. It rained _______ the night _____ two to three hours.
     
  2. I'll call in and see you ______ a few minutes _____ the afternoon.
     
  3. Desmond Tutu was in hospital _____ a month.
     
  4. Desmond Tutu was in hospital _______ August.

Part Three: Funnies

During the days of apartheid, Archbishop Tutu was walking past a construction site in Cape Town. There was a temporary sidewalk only wide enough for one person to walk on it at a time.

A white man at the other end of the sidewalk recognised the archbishop and said, "I don't give way to gorillas."

Upon which Tutu stepped aside, made a low sweeping gesture and said, "Ah, yes, but I do."

Part Four: Quotations

A leader in both struggle and reconciliation, Archbishop Tutu reminds us that the search for justice begins in the heart. His appeal to conscience brought out the best in all South Africans. - President Bill Clinton

His contribution to the struggle against oppression and apartheid is indelible in the life of this country. - Rev Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane

True reconciliation is never cheap, for it is based on forgiveness which is costly. - Desmond Tutu, on reconciliation

Hey! It has happened at last! Apartheid has bitten the dust! - Desmond Tutu, on the first democratic elections in South Africa (1994)

Answers

Answers to Part One

  1. His work to gain equal civil rights for all South Africans.
  2. Doctor
  3. "The Arch"
  4. He danced a jig.
  5. Wisdom
  6. The empathy, warmth and tears he shared with the people who spoke to the commission.
  7. Honesty, truthfulness, being genuine

Answers to Part Two

  1. during, for
  2. for, during
  3. for
  4. during

 


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