{"id":1153,"date":"2018-08-13T08:51:27","date_gmt":"2018-08-13T15:51:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pages.palomar.edu\/mcastillo\/?page_id=1153"},"modified":"2025-08-14T01:00:17","modified_gmt":"2025-08-14T08:00:17","slug":"cambodia-the-lotus-lady","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/pages.palomar.edu\/mcastillo\/cambodia-the-lotus-lady\/","title":{"rendered":"B – Cambodia – the lotus lady"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

(for AI assistance – click on Artificial Intelligence (AI)<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n

The Lotus Lady<\/em><\/strong><\/h1>\n

(lesson – Verb “Be”, using “Be” with adjectives, “Be” with pronouns, nouns, and time – B Level)<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"

Chang Chantrea working in the morning making flower arrangements from lotus flowers.<\/p><\/div>\n

My name is Chang Chantrea.\u00a0 I am from Cambodia.\u00a0 I have two brothers and one sister.\u00a0 I am 28 years old.\u00a0 I am the oldest in the family.\u00a0 All of my family members are Buddhist .<\/p>\n

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The Shanti Mani Hotel – one of the most popular hotels in Siem Riep.<\/p><\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"

Riding in a tuc tuc is inexpensive and fun and a good way to sightsee.<\/p><\/div>\n

I live in Siem Riep, Cambodia. It is a big city and it is located 191 miles north of Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. My two brothers and sister all work in Siem Riep.\u00a0 My brother, Kosal, is 24 years old.\u00a0 He is a tuc tuc driver. \u00a0(Tuc tuc is a method transportation using a motor scooter pulling a carriage- very common in Cambodia and Thailand.) My brother, Sothy, is 20 years old.\u00a0 He is a cook in a hotel.\u00a0 My sister, Mony, is 18 years old.\u00a0 She also works in a hotel as a housekeeper.\u00a0 As for me, I also work in a hotel making flowers and floral arrangement, and I also do housekeeping.\u00a0 So I have two jobs in the hotel.\u00a0 The hotel\u2019s name is Shanti Mani. It is a very popular hotel for tourists from all over the world. The hotel is big and beautiful, and it has good food and services.\u00a0That is why many tourists stay there.<\/p>\n

My work is fun and exciting, so I am never bored.\u00a0 I call myself a \u201cflower artist.\u201d\u00a0 I make flowers from the petals of a lotus flower. \u00a0I love to use the lotus flower because they smell good and have beautiful colors.\u00a0 The lotus flower is found in the rivers or lakes of Cambodia.<\/p>\n

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Chang brings new cut lotus flowers every morning.<\/p><\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"

Chang sits 4 to 5 hours every day making these lotus flower arrangements.<\/p><\/div>\n

Early in the morning at 6:00 a.m, I pick lotus flowers near my house or in the fields next to the river.\u00a0 \u00a0I cut the long stems from the plant which contain the lotus flower.\u00a0 I bring all the flowers to the hotel at 8:00 a.m.\u00a0 Then, I sit outside near the lobby of the hotel and I start making the flower arrangements from lotus flowers. \u00a0After I make about 30 or 40 artistic flowers using the pedals of the lotus flower, I put them in big bowl of water supported by a short table.\u00a0 Many tourists walk by the lobby and immediately stop, see my flower arrangements and then smell them.\u00a0 They look at them and say \u201cWow! How beautiful!\u201d \u00a0When they stop, they always talk to me and ask questions about how I make the flowers.\u00a0 They then take pictures of me and the flowers. \u00a0That is why I love my job because I meet many people from all over the world.\u00a0 Also, I can practice my English with them.<\/p>\n

\"\"

My wife and daughter admiring the beautiful lotus flower arrangements.<\/p><\/div>\n

A meeting with Marcel, his wife and daughter<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n
\n

On the first day of his Cambodia trip, Marcel and his family meets Chang Chantrea at the lobby of the Shanti Mani Hotel in Siem Riep.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood morning.\u00a0 These flowers are so beautiful!\u00a0 How are you today?\u201d Marcel asks.<\/p>\n

\"\"

This is the Cambodian greeting – palms together next to the chest. The person bows to you and says, “Chum Reap Sur” to show respect to you.<\/p><\/div>\n

With her palms together in a prayer position next to her chest, Chang bows and greets by saying, \u201cChum Reap Sur (a Cambodian greeting to all people) Good morning, sir.\u00a0 I am fine.\u00a0 And you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFine, thanks.\u00a0 What is your name?\u201d Marcel asks.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy name is Chang Chantrea. You are new here at the hotel. \u00a0Welcome. \u00a0Where are you from?\u201d she asks.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am from the Philippines.\u00a0 My wife is from Vietnam.\u00a0 We live in San Diego, California,\u201d\u00a0 I reply.<\/p>\n

\u201cWow!\u00a0 So far away.\u00a0Welcome to my country of Cambodia,\u201d\u00a0Chang says.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you.\u00a0 Everyone here at the hotel and in Cambodia is so respectful and friendly.\u00a0 We love your hospitality,” Marcel introduces himself, ” My name is Marcel. This is my wife, Diep, and my daughter, Chant\u00e9e. \u00a0What is your work here in the hotel?\u201d Marcel asks.<\/p>\n

\u201cI make flowers from the petals of the lotus flowers.\u00a0 Many guests call me \u201cthe lotus lady.\u201d\u00a0 Chang replies.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can see why.\u00a0 Your flower arrangements are so beautiful!\u00a0 You make it look so easy.\u201d\u00a0 Marcel remarks.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh thank-you.\u00a0 I have many years of practice. I work here ten years in the hotel making flowers for the guests to see every morning.\u201d\u00a0 She says.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you make it so beautiful?\u201d Marcel asks.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Chang folds each petal of lotus flowers to create a new arrangement.<\/p><\/div>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"

Here is what it looks like when she is finished.<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cOh, you just look at my hands and fingers. \u00a0You take a lotus flower and fold the petals carefully.\u00a0You make one fold and then you do another and then another until the last petal.\u00a0 It\u2019s easy and fun.\u00a0 In 2 to 3 minutes you finish making the flower. Do you want to try?\u201d\u00a0 Chang asks.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no! You can do it better than me. You have more experience.\u00a0 But I tell you what, Chang.\u00a0 Can I take pictures of you making the flowers?\u201d Marcel asks.<\/p>\n

\"\"

Finally, Chang puts the flowers in a very large bowl of water supported by a small table for everyone to see.<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cYes, you can take as many pictures as you wish,\u201d Chang says \u201cMany tourists always take a picture of me and the flowers.\u201d<\/p>\n

“Thank you, Chang. I hope to see you tomorrow,” \u00a0says Marcel as he and his family depart to go site seeing.<\/p>\n

\n

A. \u00a0Greeting people and using the verb “BE.”<\/strong><\/em><\/h2>\n

I. \u00a0When we greet people, we can say:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

– \u00a0Hello or Hi. \u00a0How are you?<\/p>\n

Response – \u00a0Fine, thank you. \u00a0And you? How are you?<\/p>\n

We can also say:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

– \u00a0Good morning, good afternoon, or good evening (depending on the time of day)<\/p>\n

Then your next communication might be:<\/p>\n

– \u00a0What is your name?<\/p>\n

Response: \u00a0My name is _____,<\/p>\n

II. \u00a0Most commonly used verb is “BE” and is used to describe people, to identify, or to state someone’s status.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

am \/ is \/ are<\/p>\n

I am<\/span> from Japan. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0We are<\/span> students of Palomar College.<\/p>\n

You are<\/span> a teacher. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 They are<\/span> soccer players.<\/p>\n

He is<\/span> Toshiro from Japan \/ She is<\/span> Natalya from Russia.<\/p>\n

Elena is<\/span> a librarian \u00a0\/ \u00a0John is<\/span> an uber driver.<\/p>\n

Peter and Tom are<\/span> new students. \u00a0 \/ \u00a0Jill, Michelle and I are<\/span> sisters.<\/p>\n

III. \u00a0Other uses for “BE” – \u00a0to state a person’s\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>origin.<\/i><\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

Example: \u00a0Where are you from? \/ \u00a0I am from Russia.<\/p>\n

Where is she from? \u00a0\/ \u00a0She is from Argentina.<\/p>\n

Where is he from? \u00a0\/ \u00a0He is from Mexico.<\/p>\n

Where are they from? \u00a0\/ \u00a0They are from Cambodia.<\/p>\n

IV – Using “BE” with adjectives of description. <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a01) Adjectives describes nouns or pronouns. \u00a0Example: \u00a0My brother is strong. \u00a0(strong describes “my brother.”)\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a02) They usually come after the verb “BE.” \u00a0Example: \u00a0Abdul is busy today. \/ My teacher is patient with the students <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

3) They can come before nouns. \u00a0Example: \u00a0 I am strong. \u00a0I am a strong person.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a04) The adjective form or spelling does not change for singular or plural nous. \u00a0Example: \u00a0The car is expensive \u00a0\/ \u00a0The cars are expensive. <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

5). \u00a0 It is important to use “a or an” before adjectives + singular nouns. \u00a0Use “a” before an adjective beginning with a consonant sound. \u00a0Use “an” before an adjective beginning with a vowel sound. \u00a0Example: My mother is a good cook. \u00a0\/ \u00a0She is an excellent cook.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

happy \u00a0 \u00a0\"\"<\/p>\n

Example: \u00a0I am happy to be in my ESL class.<\/p>\n

sad \u00a0\u00a0\"\"<\/p>\n

Example: \u00a0Monica is sad without her friends.<\/p>\n

married \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\"\"<\/p>\n

Example: \u00a0Jana is married to John.<\/p>\n

single \u00a0 \u00a0\"\"<\/p>\n

Example: \u00a0My cousin is still single.<\/p>\n

excited \u00a0\"\"<\/p>\n

Example: Jing Ping is excited about his new car.<\/p>\n

tired \u00a0\u00a0\"\"<\/p>\n

Example: \u00a0My father is tired from work.<\/p>\n

bored \u00a0\"\"<\/p>\n

Example: \u00a0Montoya is bored in class.<\/p>\n

busy \u00a0\u00a0\"\"<\/p>\n

Example: \u00a0Mr. Taylor is always busy at work.<\/p>\n

\"\"nervous<\/p>\n

Example: \u00a0Rhonda is nervous before her test.<\/p>\n

worried \u00a0\u00a0\"\"<\/p>\n

Example: \u00a0Christine is worried about her daughter.<\/p>\n

mad – angry \u00a0\"\"<\/p>\n

Example: \u00a0My boss is always angry at work.<\/p>\n

confused \u00a0\u00a0\"\"<\/p>\n

Example: \u00a0Ricky is confused about the grammar lesson.<\/p>\n

frustrated\u00a0\"\"<\/p>\n

Arlene is frustrated in her new job.<\/p>\n

tall \u00a0\"\"<\/p>\n

Example: \u00a0Mr. Bongino is tall.<\/p>\n

short \u00a0\"\"<\/p>\n

Example: \u00a0His son, Marco, is short.<\/p>\n

thin – skinny \u00a0\"\"<\/p>\n

Example: \u00a0As a model Constance is thin.<\/p>\n

fat \u00a0\u00a0\"\"<\/p>\n

Example: \u00a0After 20 years Constance is fat.<\/p>\n

before and after \u00a0\u00a0\"\"<\/p>\n

Example: \u00a0This is Constance before and after her diet.<\/p>\n

hungry \u00a0\u00a0\"\"<\/p>\n

Example: \u00a0Luisa is always hungry.<\/p>\n

thirsty \u00a0\"\"<\/p>\n

Example: \u00a0After running 5 miles I am thirsty.<\/p>\n

hot \u00a0\u00a0\"\"<\/p>\n

Exampe: \u00a0You are always hot in the Philippines.<\/p>\n

cold \u00a0\u00a0\"\"<\/p>\n

Example: \u00a0People in Alaska are always cold.<\/p>\n

sick \u00a0\u00a0\"\"<\/p>\n

Example: Ken is sick from the cold weather.<\/p>\n

emotional \u00a0\"\"<\/p>\n

Example: \u00a0Some people are very emotional.<\/p>\n

lost \u00a0\u00a0\"\"<\/p>\n

Example: \u00a0My grandmother is lost all the time.<\/p>\n

upset \u00a0\"\"<\/p>\n

Tatiana is upset about her traffic ticket.<\/p>\n

You can use any of these adjectives to describe people and their state of being. \u00a0Learn these adjectives to improve your communication skills and to describe a physical or emotional state of a person.<\/p>\n

Example 1<\/strong><\/em>:<\/p>\n

Jack: \u00a0How are you Tatiana?<\/p>\n

Tatiana: \u00a0I am tired today. \u00a0And you Jack. \u00a0How are you today?<\/p>\n

Jack: \u00a0Today I am happy and excited. \u00a0I am buying a new iPhone 10.<\/p>\n

Example 2:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

George: \u00a0How are you Teresa?<\/p>\n

Teresa: \u00a0Today, I am very thirsty. \u00a0It is very hot today. How are you today, George?<\/p>\n

George: \u00a0You are thirsty, but I am hungry. \u00a0It is 12:00 and it is time to eat lunch.<\/p>\n

Example 3:<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Abdul: \u00a0How are you Maggie?<\/p>\n

Maggie: \u00a0Today, I am very worried and upset. \u00a0My two kids are sick, and my husband doesn’t help me take care of the kids. \u00a0How about you, Abdul? How are you today?<\/p>\n

Arturo: \u00a0I am nervous and worried. \u00a0I have an ESL test tonight.<\/p>\n

V. \u00a0You can use verb “BE” to ask, give or tell time.”<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Example 1: \u00a0What time is it?<\/p>\n

It is one o’clock \u00a0 \/ \u00a0It is nine o’clock in the morning \/ \u00a0It is 9:30 a.m. \u00a0\/ \u00a0It’s 10:15 p.m. \u00a0\/ \u00a0 \u00a0It is noon \u00a0\/ \u00a0It is midnight \u00a0\/ \u00a0\u00a0It is late. \u00a0\/ \u00a0It is early<\/p>\n

B. \u00a0Exercise on “BE” with pronouns and nouns and time<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n

<\/p>\n

Rubric to self-check your quiz<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

0 mistake – A Student has no problem understanding the concepts<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

1 – mistake – B Student has very little problem understanding the concepts<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

2. – mistakes C Student has some problems understanding the concepts<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

3 -4 \u00a0mistakes D – Student has substantial problems understanding the concepts<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n\n<\/p>\n