I like to visualize things – particularly happy situations, like receiving my very first pay cheque.
What a wonderful day it would be….
I place my salary cheque very carefully at the bottom of my backpack, so there is no chance of it falling out in the bus.
Then, upon reaching home, I pull it out with a flourish and hold it up before my mother’s face.
I see a few tears flow down her cheeks, as she places it gently in front of my grandfather’s garlanded picture on the table.
My younger sister impatiently tugs at my sleeve, jumps up and down, and demands to know what it is I am going to buy for her.
Just then, my father walks in, looking very fatigued after a hard day’s work.
I turn to him and say, “Papa, from now on, you and I shall share the burden of expenses for the home.”
First, there is a look of surprise on his face, and then, great delight.
In a voice filled with emotion, he says,
“My son, I was happy when you got your first job, and even happier to see how hard you were working every day.
But today, my heart is bursting with joy and pride. May every family be blessed with a child as caring and considerate as you.”
Yes, that is how my first salary cheque would be received in my home!

A) Vocabulary: Make your own sentences with the following words:

1. Visualise – to form a clear picture of something in your mind.
2. Flourish – grand gesture with an arm or hand.
3. Tug    – to pull sharply and strongly.
4. Demand – to ask firmly for something.
5. Fatigue – great tiredness.
6. Burden – something heavy or difficult to carry.
7. Expenses – money spent for various things.
8. Delight –  pleasure.
9. Considerate – thoughtful about others.

B) Discussion points:

1. What would YOU do with your first salary cheque?
2. Would you contribute anything to your home?
3. Do you have any idea what the monthly expenses are in your family?
4. If you were to live alone, let’s make a list of your possible monthly expenses.

C) Fill in the blanks with the correct prepositions from the following list:
off, in, on, in.

1. The cheque is _____   the backpack.
2. She placed the cheque ___   the table.
3. The books have fallen ___   the book shelf.
4. We have a lot ____   common.

Audio courtesy Tara Kriplani: