B2 – Upper Intermediate
Imagine receiving a generous amount of money from a total stranger. How would that make you feel? This is exactly what happened to the small town of Thiberville as it becomes the unexpected beneficiary of an astounding amount of inheritance from a Parisian meteorologist who never once set foot in the town.
Let’s read the article and know more about the circumstances around this generous inheritance.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does the phrase “to leave someone in disbelief” mean? “The unexpected inheritance amounts to five times the town’s annual budget, leaving officials and residents in disbelief.” Use it in a sentence.
- What does the word “windfall” mean in this context? “Mayor Guy Paris described the windfall as“exceptional” and shared that the town would manage the money carefully.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
- What does it mean to “to set foot in some place“? “The quiet town of Thiberville in Normandy, France, was left stunned when it inherited an astonishing fortune of $10.2 million from a man who had never set foot in the town.” Use it in your own sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- What do you think of Roger Thiberville leaving $10 million to a town?
- What would you consider doing with your money if you didn’t have anyone to leave it to?
- What would you do if you unexpectedly inherited a huge amount of money?
- Who are some of the most generous people you’ve met? What makes them generous?
- What do you know about the laws on inheritance tax in your country?
2 replies on “French Town Inherits $10.2mn from Unknown Benefactor”
1. What do you think about Roger Thiberville leaving $10 million to a town?
Well, I think it is a good act of generosity, but on the other hand a little strange because according to the article he didn’t know the city, and leaving so much money like that without knowing is a little strange.
2. What would you consider doing with your money if you had no one to leave it to?
I would leave it to someone close to me, even if they are not family members, assuring myself that they are a very good person, not selfish at all, and that they will manage the money well. I would never leave it to the government, or banks.
3. What would you do if you suddenly inherited a huge amount of money?
Invest it for my future and that of my children, and give myself some treats, like traveling, and of course try not to work anymore, or work less hours not 8 hours a day.
4. Who are some of the most generous people you’ve met? What makes them so generous?
The most generous people I have ever met are my parents, they have always helped my sister and me, and everyone else.
5. What do you know about inheritance tax laws in your country?
In Spain, they charge you a certain amount of taxes for inheritances and the percentage they charge depends on the Autonomous Communities. For example, in Madrid, with the current government, we do not pay much, and it also depends on the family relationship, that is, if they are parents, uncles, grandparents, etc.
Good job staying very consistent with your English studies and writing practice.
See where to put commas (,) in this response and note some better expressions you can use:
Until your next entry!