(It is the first day of school. Mr. Harris, the teacher, is sitting on a stool in front of the class and asking students about t
heir vacation.) MR. HARRIS: So what all did you do? Scott, how did you spend your vacation?
(Scott smiles and sits up straight when his teacher calls on him.)
SCOTT: I had a lovely trip, Mr. Harris. My family and I went to Italy. We saw the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain, and Vatican City. The place has such rich history and culture. And the food there was fantastic. The pizza and pasta there are so much better than what you get here.
MR. HARRIS: I’m glad you enjoyed it, Scott. Now, Jason, what about you? How did you spend the summer break?
(A shy and frail looking boy glances around nervously before turning his attention to the teacher. His clothes look old and worn. The students look at him with a bored expression.)
JASON: I went to live with my grandparents on their farm. (He looks around the class once again and notices Scott snickering.)
MR. HARRIS: Really? How was life on the farm?
JASON: Umm . . . it was great. Every day I would wake up early and help my grandpa feed the farm animals. Then later we would work on the fields. Sometimes he even took me fishing. And then my grandma would cook us delicious meals from things we grew on the farm.
MR. HARRIS: That sounds wonderful, Jason. It seems you had just as much fun as Scott.
(Jason gives a big smile and nods. Scott gives Jason an odd look and speaks before Mr. Harris can respond further.)
SCOTT: Mr. Harris, how can looking after animals on a farm be as good as a trip to Italy? I’ve read farm life is really boring. Clearly, learning about new cultures is way more fun than working on a farm.
(Jason looks away, clearly upset by Scott’s words. Mr. Harris sighs and looks at Scott.)
MR. HARRIS: But Scott, how do you know that life on a farm is boring? You said yourself that you’ve never been to one.
(The class continues with Mr. Harris asking some other students with about their summer break. Jason smiles with a newfound respect for Mr. Harris.)
Jason is fun-loving and likes to visit new places and meet new people. Scott prefers to be with his family and learn more about the art and history of the world.
Jason is a shy boy who is satisfied with spending his summer with his grandparents. Scott is an enthusiastic boy who likes to explore new places.
Jason dislikes the idea of going far and prefers to spend time with his family. Scott is more adventurous and likes to travel around the world and explore new places.
Jason is timid and is afraid to talk in class. Scott is very confident and seems to like to talk about himself.
Jason does not believe in going out and enjoying his summer vacation. Scott thinks spending time with family during the summer is a bad idea.
