Macmillan Literature Collections (Advanced): 20th Century Stories

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Macmillan Literature Collections are designed for advanced English students, featuring a selection of unedited short stories. The authors included write in a language that advanced learners can easily understand. This collection offers various elements to enhance the reading experience: A glossary highlights challenging words, which are indexed and explained on the page below the text. Key terms that students may not know but can infer from context are printed in bold and defined at the book's end. Before reading each story, a brief summary provides insight into the plot, making it easier to follow without revealing the ending. Additionally, exercises precede each story to help students master the more difficult vocabulary they will encounter. After reading, further exercises reinforce useful vocabulary and grammatical concepts present in the story. The collection showcases the evolution of literary styles and perspectives throughout the twentieth century, featuring stories like "Lesson on a Tortoise" by D. H. Lawrence, where a teacher faces challenges in class; "The Teddy-bears' Picnic" by William Trevor, which explores a newly married couple's issues; and "The Rough Crossing" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, depicting a turbulent Atlantic crossing. Other notable stories include Roald Dahl's "Lamb to the Slaughter," about a pregnant wife's dilemma, and Annie Proulx's "The Blood Bay," where a cowboy takes a dead man's shoes.