1. How to make a toy.

Read this description of how to make a toy. Then choose the picture that matches the description.

This is an idea of how to make a balloon-powered jet boat. To make it you need: an empty margarine container, a rubber band, a balloon, a drinking straw, and some plasticine or clay. Make a hole in the centre of one of the shorter sides of the container about 1 cm from the bottom. The hole should be the size of the straw, so that it just passes through. Cut the straw in half and fix the balloon firmly to it with a rubber band. Push the straw through the hole and hold it in place with the plasticine or clay. Put some more plasticine at the back of the container, in the centre. Once the boat is finished, blow up the balloon through the straw and hold the end closed. Put the boat in the water and let go. The air coming out of the straw pushes the boat along.

2. Can you remember?

How much can you remember? Here are some sentences from the description. Put them in order.

3. How to make a toy.

Now complete the same description with the words in the box. This exercise is in two parts. Scroll down to see the second part.

Part 1

Now complete the second part of the description.

Part 2

4. Write.

Choose ONE of the alternatives below.

Alternative 1 – How to make a toy
Choose another toy that people make in your country and write a description of it for Wikipedia.
In the first section describe the toy. In the second section describe how to make it. To help you, you can look at the reading text again.

Write about 120 words. Check spelling and grammar before sending the text to your tutor.


Alternative 2 – Making things by hand
Do you or does anybody you know make anything by hand? Write to your tutor about it Include the following information:

  • A description of the object: size, material, colour, design etc.
  • A short description of how it is made

Write about 150 words. Check spelling and grammar before sending the text to your tutor.