The English Lesson 14 theme is SOUTH AFRICAN DIAMONDS

Part One: Learn English Skills

Read the following text and answer the questions that follow:

Kimberley Big Hole South Africa has long been one of the leading diamond-producing countries in the world.

During the late 1800s Kimberley was the site of a major diamond rush that attracted thousands of people to the little town. At the time, mines in the area produced 95% of the world's diamonds. Although this is no longer the case, Kimberley is still well known for its "Big Hole". This huge crater is what remains of the deepest open-pit mine ever dug.

The type of rock that contains diamonds was also named after Kimberley. Millions of years ago volcanic explosions forced these rocks and the diamonds to the earth's surface. This means that the diamonds themselves were formed deep inside the earth. What is amazing though is that to make a single diamond weighing one carat (0,2 grams), roughly 250 tons of rock must be mined and processed.

This is one of the reasons why diamonds are so rare and special. Their beauty also adds to their appeal and today diamonds are seen as the world's ultimate symbol of love. In the past, the gems were associated with healing, magic and strength. Kings and queens in the Middle Ages wore diamonds as symbols of power. The Hindus also believed this and put diamonds in the eyes of their holy statues. The ancient Greeks and Romans even thought that diamonds were the tears of the gods or splinters from falling stars. Although we now know much more about where diamonds come from, they are still surrounded by a sense of magic.

Your Turn

What is the "Big Hole"?
What word in the text means "more or less"?
Name a reason why diamonds are so rare and special?
What does the word "ultimate" mean?
What did the Hindus do with diamonds?

Part Two: Learn English Structure

DO and MAKE

It's sometimes difficult to choose between "DO" and "MAKE". Both words are verbs and have rather general meanings, but there are clear differences. You usually use "do" to talk about work:

What do you do? (What is your job?)
Who does the mining?
The jeweller doesn't want to do any work today. You generally use "make" to show the idea of construction or creation.
The jeweller will make a diamond ring for her birthday.
This diamond necklace was made in Kimberley.

A useful tip: Remember that you normally use "make" for products or goods that are manufactured. That's why you see labels like "Made in South Africa" on products that you buy.

Now compare:

Do the mining. (You don't really create anything. You just "do" an activity.)

Make a diamond ring. (You really create something.)

In the next example, see how you use make for creation (the ring) and then use do (for the general activity) even though you're really talking about the same thing:

The jeweller must make Sarah's ring. He'll do it now.

Your Turn

The mine owner likes the miners to _____ the digging.
Diamonds _______ good presents.
How do the Hindus ____ a statue?
Did you ____ your job?
It is easy to ________ a diamond bracelet.

Part Three: Funnies

Two old ladies met in Cape Town after not having seen each other for several years.

"My goodness, what an incredibly large diamond ring you've got. Is it a very valuable diamond?", asked the one. "Oh yes, Hermione, it is worth a fortune, but it's got a curse with it". "Really, what's the curse?" "My husband, of course!", said Rachel.

Part Four: Quotations

The stars are the jewels of the night and possibly surpass anything which day has to show. - Henry David Thoreau

Youth is like diamonds in the sun, and diamonds are forever. - Unknown

I would rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck. - Emma Goldman

Diamonds are a girl's best friend. - Marilyn Monroe

Part Five: Links

The American Museum of Natural History website has everything you would ever like to know about diamonds, and perhaps a little more.

http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/diamonds/