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Complete English transcript
Welcome to Short Stories with Peter, from Your English Toolbox.
Today, The North Wind and the Sun, an adaptation of a fable by Aesop.
Listen for the difference between forcing someone and persuading them.
One morning, the North Wind and the Sun looked down at a winding country road.
I am the stronger of us, because I can bend trees and shake houses.
Perhaps strength can work in more than one way.
Below them, a traveller walked along the road with a cloak around his shoulders.
Whoever makes that traveller take off his cloak will win.
Then watch what I can do.
The Wind rushed down the road and pulled at the edges of the traveller's cloak.
Dust rose, branches shook, and the traveller stopped walking.
He held on to his cloak and wrapped it more tightly around himself.
I only need to blow harder.
The Wind roared across the fields, but the traveller bent his head and held on even more firmly.
At last, the Wind grew tired and gave up.
Now let me try.
The Sun came out from behind a cloud and gently warmed the road.
The traveller lifted his head and loosened his grip.
As the air grew warmer, he opened his cloak and smiled.
A little later, he took it off and carried it over his arm.
You did not pull at it at all.
I gave him a reason to take it off himself.
The Wind had pushed harder and harder, but the Sun had changed the situation.
Sometimes, a gentle approach can achieve what force cannot.
End of the story.
Now, let's dive into the language and break down some of the key vocabulary from the story.
First, hold on to means keep a firm grip on something.
The traveller held on to his cloak so the Wind could not take it.
You might hold on to a handrail when a bus moves.
Second, give up means stop trying to do something.
The Wind gave up when blowing harder did not work.
After this phrase, we can use an ing form, as in give up trying.
Third, persuade someone to do something means get them to agree through reasons or a convincing approach.
You might persuade a friend to try a new activity by explaining why they would enjoy it.
Notice the pattern: persuade someone, then to, then the action.
Now complete the phrase: keep a firm grip on something means hold...
On to it.
And stop trying means give...
Up.
Think of a time when a gentle approach worked better than pressure.
Find the story, vocabulary and practice on our episode page through the link in the description.
Until next time, keep listening and keep your English growing.
