Chapter: 16. Building A New State
Word Wonder
Self-Learning Explanation: Understanding Proverbs
Proverbs are like little packets of traditional wisdom. They are short, popular sayings that express a common truth or piece of advice based on common sense or practical experience. Think of them as ancient life hacks or universal observations distilled into a memorable phrase.
Key characteristics of proverbs:
Short and catchy: Easy to remember and repeat. Figurative language: Often use metaphors or comparisons, so their meaning isn’t always literal. For example, “a stitch in time saves nine” doesn’t mean literally sewing, but acting promptly. Offer advice or a moral: They often tell you how to live, what to expect, or how to react to situations. Traditional wisdom: They’ve been passed down through generations, meaning they’ve stood the test of time. How to understand proverbs:
Don’t take them literally: Try to figure out the deeper, often symbolic, meaning. Context is key: While general, their meaning can sometimes become clearer when you think about a specific situation where they might apply. Think about the “lesson”: What common human experience or piece of advice is the proverb trying to convey? Learning proverbs helps you understand culture, improve your vocabulary, and express complex ideas concisely. They are a rich part of language and communication.
A. Match the proverbs with their meanings.
actions speak louder than words b. what a person really does means more than what he/she says will do all that glitters is not gold a. not everything that looks attractive is actually good d. it is wiser to be too careful than to do something you may later regret out of sight, out of mind e. a person will quickly be forgotten when he/she is no longer with you c. a person who seems to be quiet may surprise you by knowing a lot B. Now, use at least three proverbs from the table given above in sentences of your own.
Don’t just promise to help with the charity drive; actions speak louder than words, so come volunteer with us. She thought the flashy car was perfect, but she soon learned that all that glitters is not gold when it broke down constantly. I always double-check my work before submitting it; it’s better safe than sorry when grades are involved. After he moved to a new city, many of his old friends stopped contacting him – for them, it was truly out of sight, out of mind. My quiet classmate rarely speaks up, but during the debate, she revealed surprising depth and knowledge; it just goes to show that still waters run deep. 
Word Wonder - Textbook