4.2 Modern-day heroes

6. to take someone else’s child as one’s own

Did you know?

• Superman made his first appearance in 1938 in Action Comics #1.
• The meteorites, in which Superman fell to earth, were parts of the planet Krypton where he originated. The rock is known as kryptonite.
• Superman and his people did not have supernatural powers on Krypton, because there was a red sun. The sun in our solar system is yellow and this is what gives Superman his extraordinary power. However, it has a negative effect on kryptonite. This makes kryptonite toxic for Superman.
• Superman is powerless against magic.
• Clark Kent’s favourite dish is Boeuf Bourguinon with tomato sauce.
• Superman moves his head from side to side at a speed that is so great that one cannot see he is doing it. The result of this is that his face is always unclear if someone takes a photo of him.
• In the very first Superman comics he could not fly. He could only jump very far.
• Superman’s real name on Krypton was Kal-el. His father was Jor-El and his mother was Lara.
• His five greatest rivals are Doomsday, Batman, Captain Marvel, Mohammed Ali and Lex Luthor. The Incredible Hulk comes sixth only.
• (Adapted and translated from JIP, Die Burger , 11 November 2002.)

Source: www.supermanthemovie.com

Activity 3

To read a family tree [lo 3.3.4]

• A family tree is a diagram showing the various members of a family through the generations. Here is a simple family tree to serve as an example:

Activity 4

To use a dictionary [lo 3.6.1]

• Use your dictionary to find the meanings of any five words that are to be found in the passage titled “Did you know?”. Write the words and their meanings in your personal dictionary and make sure that you know how to use them.
• Pick one of your classmates and ask him/her whether he/she knows the words. Explain their meanings if necessary. Then he/she can do the same. If you are not sure, ask the teacher to help you.

It is interesting to note that whereas in the past heroes usually rode on horseback, or sailed the seas in ships, today’s heroes have other means of transport. Superman flies by his own magical powers, and Luke Skywalker flies through space in a spaceship. Even Nash Bridges has his old yellow convertible! As in the past, the heroes of today still fight for what is good and they always succeed in conquering the forces of evil.

Activity 5

To develop vocabulary [lo 3.6.2]

1. What is a convertible?

A convertible is ……………………………………………………..

2. Name five different modes of transport.

………………………………………………

………………………………………………

……………………………………………….

……………………………………………….

……………………………………………..

3. What do you think is the most-used form of transport in the Polar Regions:

The most-used form of transport in the Polar Regions is ………………

…………………………………………………………………………………

4. What kind of animal is used in this form of transport?

A .…………………………………. is used.

Assessment

Learning outcome 3: reading and viewing

The learner will be able to read and view for information and enjoyment, and to respond critically to the aesthetic, cultural and emotional values in texts.

Assessment standard

We know this when the learner:

3.3 reads for information:

3.3.4 reads diagrams, graphs and charts (e.g. a family tree;

3.5 reads for pleasure and information:

3.5.1 reads fiction and non-fiction books at an appropriate reading and language level;

3.5.3 reads and solves puzzles;

3.6 uses reference books and develops vocabulary:

3.6.1 uses a dictionary;

3.6.2 demonstrates a reading vocabulary of between 1 000 and 2 5000 common words. learners who will study the other learning areas through their additional language should aim at 2 5000 words.