Saturday Morning Lesson #226
This week’s lesson is all about getting into that quiet, cozy holiday vibe. The lights are up, Warsaw looks magical, and let’s be honest: it’s the perfect time for books.
And who better to turn to for book inspiration than Bill Gates?
In this lesson, you’ll watch a short, charming video where he recommends a novel featuring… an octopus.
It’s a fun, slightly quirky clip, great for learning English through themes like human connection, storytelling, and (of course) holiday reading.
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Our phrase #1 is curl up
phrasal verb
: to sit or lie down with your arms and legs close to your body, often in a comfortable, relaxed, or protective position:
The cat curled up on my lap and fell asleep.
Please take a look at this example and repeat it out loud:
(You have to reload the page if you want to watch the clip more than once.)
Our word #2 is remarkably
adverb
: in a way that is unusual, surprising, or worthy of notice:
The weather has been remarkably warm for this time of year.
Please take a look at this example and repeat it out loud:
(You have to reload the page if you want to watch the clip more than once.)
Our word #3 is compelling
adjective
: extremely interesting, convincing, or difficult to stop paying attention to. When something is compelling, it captures your attention strongly and keeps you engaged:
She gave a compelling speech that moved the audience to tears.
Please take a look at this example and repeat it out loud:
(You have to reload the page if you want to watch the clip more than once.)
Our word #4 is get into something
phrasal verb
: to become interested in or absorbed in something, especially after spending some time with it:
The book starts slowly, but you’ll really get into it after the first few chapters.
Please take a look at this example and repeat it out loud:
(You have to reload the page if you want to watch the clip more than once.)
“Once you get into it, once you get into the habit, which is the most important thing about any physical exercise, you feel better.”
Please fill in the blanks out loud with our word #1, 2, 3, or 4:
She remained …………. calm during the crisis.
She remained remarkably calm during the crisis.
She remained …
He tried learning the piano, but he never really ………… ……….. it.
He tried learning the piano, but he never really got into it.
He tried learning the piano, but he never really …
On cold nights, I like to …………. ………… under a blanket with a good book.
On cold nights, I like to curl up under a blanket with a good book.
On cold nights, I like to …
The mystery’s plot is ………… from the very first chapter.
The mystery’s plot is compelling from the very first chapter.
The mystery’s plot is …
Time for our final clip. Watch the clips first, and then fill in the blanks out loud.
(You have to reload the page if you want to watch the clip more than once.)
Source: “Great reads this holiday season.” Bill Gates. YouTube, Nov 25, 2025
If you like …………. ………….. with a good book over the holidays, I’ve got some suggestions.
……………. Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt.
This book is really good. I mean, it’s so …………….. .
You’ve got this octopus in this aquarium, sort of observing humans in their unusual ……………..
You know, it’s about human …………….. .
It’s a very …………….. book once you …………….. …………….. …………….. .
If you like curling up with a good book over the holidays, I’ve got some suggestions.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt.
This book is really good. I mean, it’s so well-developed.
You’ve got this octopus in this aquarium, sort of observing humans in their unusual behaviors.
You know, it’s about human relationships.
It’s a very compelling book once you get into it.
If you like …
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt.
This book is really good. I mean, it’s so …
You’ve got this octopus in this aquarium, sort of observing humans in their …
You know, it’s about …
It’s a very compelling book once …
That’s all for today, see you next week 🙂
Ela Augustyniak