©REUTERS/Kim Soo-hyeon
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What genre of books do you enjoy reading the most? Why?
- Do you prefer fiction or nonfiction? What do you think are the benefits of each?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- novelist /NOV-uh-list /
- stock /stok/
- pride /prahyd/
- resonate /REZ-uh-neyt/
- theme /theem/
[noun] – a person who writes novels
The novelist spent years developing the characters for her new book.
[noun] – the goods or merchandise available for sale
The store needs to reorder its stock of winter clothing.
[noun] – a feeling of pleasure and satisfaction that you get because you or people connected with you have done or got something good
She felt a sense of pride after completing her first marathon.
[verb] – to produce or be filled with a deep, full sound; to evoke a strong emotional response
The music continued to resonate in her mind long after the concert ended.
[noun] – the main subject of a talk, book, film, etc.
In her latest novel, the theme of friendship is explored through the lives of the main characters.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
On Friday, October 11, South Korea celebrated the surprise win of novelist Han Kang, who received the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature. This is a historic moment for the country, as she is the first Korean author to earn this prestigious award. After the announcement, bookstores in South Korea saw a huge surge in demand for her books, leading to rapidly depleting stock. According to Kyobo Book Centre, nine of the ten best-selling titles were written by Han Kang.
The excitement surrounding her win shows a strong sense of national pride, especially given South Korea’s low success rate in winning Nobel Prizes. Han Kang’s powerful stories explore the complexities of South Korean history, resonating deeply with readers. Despite her significant achievement, she has chosen to stay out of the spotlight. Her father, Han Seung-won, a noted writer, mentioned that Han Kang learned about her win shortly before it was announced and felt disbelief at first. Han Kang’s works, including “The Vegetarian” and “Human Acts,” often focus on themes of trauma and loss, providing insights into painful moments in South Korean history. The translations of her novels have helped her gain international recognition. Her Nobel Prize win not only honors her literary contributions but also emphasizes the importance of cultural representation in global literature, giving voice to her nation’s experiences.
The excitement surrounding her win shows a strong sense of national pride, especially given South Korea’s low success rate in winning Nobel Prizes. Han Kang’s powerful stories explore the complexities of South Korean history, resonating deeply with readers. Despite her significant achievement, she has chosen to stay out of the spotlight. Her father, Han Seung-won, a noted writer, mentioned that Han Kang learned about her win shortly before it was announced and felt disbelief at first. Han Kang’s works, including “The Vegetarian” and “Human Acts,” often focus on themes of trauma and loss, providing insights into painful moments in South Korean history. The translations of her novels have helped her gain international recognition. Her Nobel Prize win not only honors her literary contributions but also emphasizes the importance of cultural representation in global literature, giving voice to her nation’s experiences.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What prize did Han Kang win?
- Why is Han Kang’s award significant for South Korea?
- What themes do Han Kang’s stories often explore?
- What happened to the demand for Han Kang’s books after the announcement of her award?
- How did Han Kang feel when she learned about her win?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Do you enjoy reading books that explore historical themes? If so, which book has had the most impact on you? If not, what kind of stories do you prefer, and why?
- How would you feel if a writer from your country gained international recognition?
- Do you believe that winning awards like the Nobel Prize can inspire younger generations of writers?
- What do you think is the impact of winning a major literary award like the Nobel Prize on an author’s career?
- How can literature help in understanding complex social issues?