- When you read it
- What the story or novel was about
- Who wrote it
- And explain why it was interesting
Vocab / Idioms
- Capture – Take hold
- Constantly – Always repeatedly
- Throughout – All over
- Lasting impression – Strong memory
- Mystery – Unknown secret
- Curious – Eager interested
Throughout my life, I have read many stories — some were quite interesting, while others were boring. Here, I would like to talk about a story that truly captured my attention and taught me an important life lesson. The name of the story is “An Old Man Had Four Sons.”
I read this story during my school years when I was in 8th or 9th grade. It was in our moral education textbook. The story was very short but had a strong message.
The story revolves around an old man who was deeply concerned because his four sons were constantly fighting with one another. To teach them the value of unity, he gave each of them a single stick and asked them to break it. They did so easily. Then, he tied all four sticks together in a bundle and asked them to break the bundle. This time, none of them could break it. The father then explained that just like those sticks, if they stayed united, they would be strong and unbreakable. However, if they stayed divided, they would be weak and easily broken.
I don’t remember the name of the author, as this is a traditional folk tale passed down through generations, but it is clear that the author had great knowledge about the topic.
I found this story particularly interesting because it conveyed a powerful message about unity, teamwork, and family bonds in a simple and effective way. It didn’t involve any dramatic twists or complex characters, and the moral was clear and impactful. Even today, I often think of this story when I see people arguing unnecessarily or when I witness situations that need cooperation and understanding.
To sum up, this short but meaningful story left a lasting impression on me, and I believe its message is still highly relevant in today’s world.
Follow-ups
- Do you prefer to read ebooks or printed books?
To start with, printed books give a more natural and enjoyable feeling. The touch of paper and even the smell of a new or old book creates a special reading atmosphere. For example, many people enjoy reading novels in bed or at the library, which feels more relaxing with a physical book. Although ebooks are handy and easy to carry, printed books still hold a special place for many readers. - What kinds of novels are suitable for a film adaptation?
Usually, novels with a clear storyline, strong characters, and visual scenes are great for films. Action, mystery, and fantasy novels are especially popular because they keep the audience engaged. For example, the Harry Potter series became very successful as films due to its magical settings and well-developed characters. These types of stories easily capture the attention of both readers and moviegoers. - How does technology help people tell stories?
These days, technology supports storytelling in many ways such as through websites, blogs, videos, and social media platforms. It allows writers, artists, and ordinary people to share their ideas with the world easily. For instance, many people now publish their stories on YouTube or podcast platforms, which can reach thousands of viewers. This has made storytelling more creative and global. - Why are mystery novels so popular nowadays?
One reason is that mystery novels are full of twists and exciting moments. They make readers curious and encourage them to keep reading till the end. - Is there any difference between the popular novels now and those in the past?
Modern novels often talk about today’s life, problems, and different cultures. In contrast, older novels focused more on simple stories and traditional topics. - Why do some people prefer reading novels to playing computer games in this digital world?
Many people find reading more peaceful, meaningful, and educational compared to playing games. Novels help improve imagination, vocabulary, and focus. For instance, someone reading a historical novel can learn about a different time period while enjoying a good story.
