Clive Emson Dies at 79

Introduction

Clive Emson was a famous man who sold houses. He was on the BBC TV show Homes Under the Hammer. He died at the age of 79.

Main Body

Clive started his job as a young agent. He earned very little money at first. Later, he started his own big company to sell houses in many cities. He worked on a BBC TV show for over 20 years. He wanted the show to be honest. He did not use fake people to buy houses on TV. Clive helped poor children in Kent. The Queen gave him a special medal called an MBE in 2019. He loved old British cars and spent time with his family.

Conclusion

Mr. Emson died on Wednesday. His family was with him. He was a good businessman and a kind man.

Learning

The Magic of "-ed"

Look at these words from the story: started, earned, worked, wanted, helped, loved.

These words tell us about the past. In English, we often just add -ed to the end of an action word to move it from 'now' to 'before'.

How it works:

  • Work \rightarrow Worked
  • Help \rightarrow Helped
  • Love \rightarrow Loved (we just add 'd' if there is already an 'e')

People & Descriptions

Notice how the author describes Clive:

  • A famous man
  • A good businessman
  • A kind man

In English, the describing word (adjective) always comes before the person or thing.

Man famous \rightarrowFamous man

Vocabulary Learning

agent
a person who works for a company and helps sell or buy things
Example:The real estate agent showed us the house.
company
a group of people who work together to make or sell things
Example:She started her own company to sell houses.
honest
truthful and fair, not lying
Example:He wanted the show to be honest about the houses.
fake
not real, made to look real
Example:The show did not use fake people to buy houses.
medal
a small metal award given for achievement
Example:The Queen gave him a medal for his work.
businessman
a man who works in business, especially in selling or buying
Example:He was a good businessman.
kind
friendly and helpful
Example:He was a kind man.
sold
to exchange something for money
Example:He sold many houses.
homes
houses where people live
Example:He sold homes in many cities.