The White Oryx: An Exciting Adventure in the Desert

Introduction

The White Oryx is a book by Bernard Smith. It is part of the Penguin Readers series at the Easystarts level. This book is perfect for A1 English learners. It tells the story of a girl named Mandy Brown. She travels to the Arabian desert to take photos of the oryx. But something dangerous happens! This book is full of adventure and excitement.

Who is Mandy Brown?

Mandy Brown is the main character of the story. She is from Australia. She loves animals and photography. Mandy is writing a book about oryx. She wants to take many photos of them in their natural home, the desert. She is brave, smart, and curious. She is always ready for an adventure!

What is an Oryx?

An oryx is a beautiful animal that lives in the desert. It has long, straight horns and a white body. Oryx are very special, but they are also in danger. Some people, called poachers, try to steal or kill them. The oryx are hunted for their skin and horns. Protecting the oryx is very important.

The Story of The White Oryx

Mandy travels to the Arabian desert to see the oryx. She meets a man named Abdullah. He is a ranger who protects the oryx. He is also Mandy’s guide. Together, they go into the desert to look at the oryx and take photos.

One day, Abdullah gets a message on his radio. There are poachers in the area! Poachers are people who hunt animals illegally. They steal or kill animals for money. Abdullah and Mandy must find them quickly.

They follow footprints in the sand. Soon, they find a dead mother oryx. This is very sad. But where is her baby? The poachers must have taken it!

Mandy and Abdullah jump into their jeep. They follow the poachers. The poachers see them and start shooting! It is very dangerous. Abdullah calls for help on his radio. A police helicopter arrives just in time! The poachers try to run away, but the police catch them.

Mandy and Abdullah look inside the poachers’ truck. They find the baby oryx! It is scared but safe. It is not a small baby, so it will be okay in the wild. Mandy is happy. She takes many pictures of the oryx, the police, the helicopter, and the poachers. Maybe she will write a new book about her adventure and the danger of poaching.

Why is The White Oryx a Good Book?

This book is great for beginners. Here’s why you should read it:

1. Easy to Read – The book uses simple words and short sentences.
2. Exciting Story – The story is full of action and adventure.
3. Interesting Characters – Mandy and Abdullah are brave and kind.
4. Important Message – The book teaches us about protecting animals.

What Can You Learn from This Book?

This book helps English learners in many ways:

• New Words – You will learn words about animals, travel, and adventure.
• Reading Practice – The book is easy to read but very interesting.
• Storytelling – You can learn how to tell a short and exciting story.
• Protecting Nature – The book teaches us why we must protect animals from poachers.

Conclusion

The White Oryx is a wonderful book. It is easy to read, fun, and full of adventure. Mandy and Abdullah show us that protecting animals is important. If you love animals and adventure, this book is perfect for you!

Happy reading!

Bernard Smith teacher and writer 

Bernard Smith: A Lifelong Contributor to English Language Teaching and Literature

Early Career and Teaching Journey

Bernard Smith has dedicated over 40 years to the fields of teaching and writing, with a strong focus on English as a Foreign Language (EFL). His career began in diverse and challenging environments, working in South Yemen, Libya, and Oman. These international experiences provided him with deep insights into language acquisition and the unique challenges faced by learners from different linguistic backgrounds. His ability to bridge cultural and linguistic gaps made him a highly respected figure in the world of English language education.

Contributions to ELT: Teaching and Administration

During his career, Bernard Smith held prominent positions in various educational institutions. He served as the Director of Studies at multiple ARELS (Association of Recognised English Language Services) schools in the United Kingdom. His expertise in curriculum design and language assessment played a pivotal role in shaping the teaching methodologies adopted by these institutions.

One of his most significant contributions was his role as the Controller and principal author of the Oxford-ARELS oral examinations. Over a period of twenty years, he worked to develop, refine, and implement these examinations, ensuring they remained both challenging and effective for language learners. His involvement in these oral assessments highlighted his commitment to improving spoken English proficiency among students worldwide.

Writing Career: Shaping EFL Materials

Beyond his contributions as an educator, Bernard Smith is widely recognized for his work in developing teaching books and materials for EFL learners. His publications reflect a deep understanding of language learning pedagogy and a keen awareness of learners’ needs. Even after retiring from active teaching, he has continued to write EFL books on a freelance basis, demonstrating his ongoing passion for language education.

One of his most notable works is Learner English, which he co-edited with renowned linguist Michael Swan. This book has been instrumental in helping teachers understand the common difficulties faced by English learners from various language backgrounds. By providing practical insights and detailed explanations, Learner English has become an essential resource in the ELT field.

Fiction Writing: The Man from Nowhere

In addition to his contributions to EFL education, Bernard Smith has also explored the realm of fiction. He authored The Man from Nowhere, a title in the Cambridge English Readers series. This book, designed for English learners, combines engaging storytelling with accessible language, making it an excellent tool for improving reading skills. By blending linguistic simplicity with compelling narratives, Bernard Smith has successfully created literary works that not only entertain but also educate.

Legacy and Influence

Bernard Smith's extensive career in teaching, administration, and writing has left a lasting impact on the ELT community. His work in oral assessments, language teaching, and instructional materials has helped shape modern English language education. Through his books and innovative approaches, he has empowered both teachers and students to navigate the complexities of language learning with greater confidence.

Even in retirement, Bernard Smith continues to contribute to the field, proving that passion for education and language never fades. His dedication to creating high-quality EFL materials ensures that his influence will be felt by generations of learners and educators to come.