Self-study and classroom lessons based on newspaper feature stories

This column is for self-study or classroom use and gives guided help with reading the wide variety of writing styles and topics that appear as feature articles in the Bangkok Post. The lessons include background information, skill-building practice and vocabulary explanations.

October 7, 2003

A new challenge

INTRODUCTION

Some of the most popular features in the Outlook section are stories about the lives and activities of local stars. Today’s story features an established TV star, Suwanan Kongying, who is taking on a new challenge.

You can see from the picture what that new challenge is. In the story you will find out how she has made the transition from TV actress to skating star. Read to find the answers to these questions:

In addition to improving her skating, what other performance skills did Suwanan have to learn to be able to appear in the show?

She gained more than performance skills from her skating training. In what other ways did she improve herself?

Does she feel it was easy for her to make the transition from TV star to skater?
Building vocabulary

This story is nicely written to help you figure out the meanings of some unfamiliar words. Look at the words in List A first and match those you already know with meanings from List B.

Then as you read the story, use the context – the sentences around the word – to help you figure out the other meanings.

List A
…… dubbed
…… command
…… rekindled
…… disciplined
…… a piece of cake
…… choreography
…… tailor-made
…… petrified
…… expertise
…… collaborative
List B

extremely frightened

made for a particular person or purpose, therefore very suitable

to deserve and get something because of your special qualities

able to control your actions; strict in following a plan of action

named; labeled

to make something active again

or done by several people working together

the steps and movements in a particular ballet or show

a thing that is very easy to do

expert knowledge or skill in a particular subject, activity or job

What do you think?

The writer used common expression “There’s bad news and good news” as a way of starting the story. The news – both good and bad was for fans of Suwanan. But what about Suwanan? Do you think leaving the TV screen – even for a short time – will be bad for her career, or will it be a good move? Share your ideas with classmates, study group friends or in conversation with friends.

Answers: e, c, f, d, i, h, b, a, j, g

OUR STORY FROM THE BANGKOK POST

‘Kob’ hits the ice

TV star will lace up skates for upcoming live shows
Bad news: Fans of superstar Suwanan “Kob” Kongying will not see her face on Channel 7 TV dramas for a long time.

Good news: The much-loved actress will charm her fans in person on ice over the next two months in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Hat Yai.

“I’m so excited to join this international group. It’s my first-ever [professional] ice-skating show. I feel like it’s my first day in showbiz,” exclaimed the actress-cum-skater.

Dubbed the “Princess of TV Soaps”, Suwanan is known for her sweet nang-ek characters in many hit series over the past decade. She commands a loyal audience whenever a new TV drama hits the small screen.

The actress first skated when she entered show business a decade ago.

“But I fell down terribly during one of my practices and was so ashamed that I gave up,” recalled Kob.

A few years later (six years ago) she appeared on a game show where she told the host she would like to ice skate and buy a pair of skates if she won. She did, and the show gave her a membership to the rink at the World Trade Centre. She then rekindled her passion for ice-skating.

Since then, skating has become more than just a hobby, and she has surprised her fans as a star on skates. She took skating so seriously that she entered skating competitions and won five gold medals in Skate Asia 2001 in Hong Kong. She scored five more gold medals from Skate Asia 2002 held in Bangkok.

“Skating teaches me to be more patient and disciplined. You have to love it to excel. The more time I spend skating, the fewer mistakes I make,” she said proudly.

With her acting and skating talents, this show should be a piece of cake for her. Not so, she said.

“This is different,” she said, shaking her head. “I have to learn about choreography and moves while I am skating. It’s tough but fun.”

Kob will skate in five numbers in the two-hour Star On Ice show. She will take a lead role in a 15-minute Cinderella number.

“I’ve been practising for weeks — from 11pm to 2am. I’m giving it my all!” she said enthusiastically.

The show is specially designed to feature the Thai heart-throb.

“It’s a tailor-made show for Thai audiences,” said Vanida Wannasirikul, managing director of the show’s production company, Terminal Xtra Entertainment (formerly M-Line). The variety show will feature pop music ranging from Gloria Estefan and Michael Jackson to boy bands like the Backstreet Boys and N’Sync.

Working with the international skating team, Kob has gained a lot of experience and tips on figure skating.

“I felt petrified at first at their expertise. But they are very helpful and always teach me new tricks,” the actress said.

She added humbly that the show is not hers alone.

“It’s a collaborative effort of teamwork. I would love for all TV fans and skating fans to come and see our work,” she said.

• This lesson was prepared by Maureen Paetkau, a professional teacher of English as a second and foreign language and Assistant Manager and Webmaster for Learning Post at the Bangkok Post.

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