6-Word Story

The American writer, Ernest Hemingway bet ten dollars that he could write a complete story in just six words. He wrote:

"For Sale: baby shoes, never worn." He won the bet.

Could you tell the story of your life in just six words? Join Jackie and Callum as they share theirs.

This week's question: Who said "Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know."

a) William Shakespeare
b) Oscar Wilde
c) Ernest Hemingway

Find out in the programme!

boomp3.com

Useful vocabulary for the programme:

Expressions to describe stories/books you like and that make you feel strong emotions:
poignant, moving, touching, powerful,gripping
'I just couldn't put it down' (usually only to describe books)

Expressions to describe stories or books you are not enjoying
boring,dull,slow-moving,difficult to get into

Other words in the programme

a crackhead (very informal!) slang word for someone who uses the drug crack-cocaine

a twist and turn when unexpected things happen
Example: Life has many twists and turns.
'a twist' is often used when talking about a book or a film where something unexpected happens
Example: The film has a very clever twist near the end.

Some anecdotes:

In a boxing match with friend and writer Morley Callaghan, Hemingway's lip was cut. Hemingway spit blood into Callaghan's face and said: "The bullfighters do that when they are injured, it is how they show contempt."

In his will, Shakespeare scarcely mentions his wife. He did make a point, however, of leaving her "my second best bed".

"Those who find ugly meanings in beautiful things are corrupt without being charming. This is a fault.Those who find beautiful meanings in beautiful things are the cultivated. For these there is hope.They are the elect to whom beautiful things mean only Beauty." (from The Picture of Dorian Gray Oscar Wilde)