Students fix three misread adages — 'actions speak louder than words,' 'a stitch in time saves nine,' and 'don't judge a book by its cover.' Part B has four fill-in-the-blank questions about adage definitions and 'look before you leap.' Part C has two short-answer questions distinguishing adages from proverbs and applying a proverb to a real situation.
Correcting literal misreadings of three common adages builds the cultural knowledge base that allows students to interpret traditional sayings they encounter in reading.
Style:
Idioms, Adages & Proverbs
Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1. Fix the sentence:
"Actions speak louder than words" means you should talk more to be heard.
Rewrite: "Actions speak louder than words" means what you do matters more than what you say.
2. Fix the sentence:
"A stitch in time saves nine" is about sewing clothes quickly.
Rewrite: "A stitch in time saves nine" means fixing a small problem early prevents bigger problems later.
3. Fix the sentence:
"Don't judge a book by its cover" means always read the first chapter.
Rewrite: "Don't judge a book by its cover" means do not judge something or someone by outward appearance.
Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. A short, traditional saying that gives advice or states a truth is called a proverb.
2. "Practice makes perfect" is an example of an adage.
3. "Look before you leap" teaches us to think before acting.
4. "Better late than never" means it is better to do something late than not do it at all.
Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1. What is the difference between an adage and a proverb?
An adage is a widely accepted saying that states a general truth, while a proverb is a short saying that usually gives practical advice. They are very similar.
2. Pick one proverb and explain a situation where you would use it.
"Honesty is the best policy" could be used when a friend asks if you should admit to a mistake. It means telling the truth is always the wisest choice.
Idioms, Adages & Proverbs
★ Part A: Fix the Sentence
Each sentence has an error. Rewrite it correctly on the line.
1) Fix the sentence:
"Actions speak louder than words" means you should talk more to be heard.
Rewrite: "Actions speak louder than words" means what you do matters more than what you say.
2) Fix the sentence:
"A stitch in time saves nine" is about sewing clothes quickly.
Rewrite: "A stitch in time saves nine" means fixing a small problem early prevents bigger problems later.
3) Fix the sentence:
"Don't judge a book by its cover" means always read the first chapter.
Rewrite: "Don't judge a book by its cover" means do not judge something or someone by outward appearance.
★ Part B: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1) A short, traditional saying that gives advice or states a truth is called a proverb.
2) "Practice makes perfect" is an example of an adage.
3) "Look before you leap" teaches us to think before acting.
4) "Better late than never" means it is better to do something late than not do it at all.
★ Part C: Short Answer
Answer each question in one or two complete sentences.
1) What is the difference between an adage and a proverb?
An adage is a widely accepted saying that states a general truth, while a proverb is a short saying that usually gives practical advice. They are very similar.
2) Pick one proverb and explain a situation where you would use it.
"Honesty is the best policy" could be used when a friend asks if you should admit to a mistake. It means telling the truth is always the wisest choice.
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9 Questions
15-20 minutes
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