The Lucky T-shirt
Written by Betty Wong, Lia Lei,
Tinki Lam and Winnie Chan
Illustrated by Jenny Wong
Before we read the story, let's do some exercises that will help us understand the story better!
A. The Lucky T-shirt is a friendship story. Who do you think the characters are in the story? Use the pictures from Activity A to help you. Circle the following names.
a) Captain Sam
b) A frog
c) Football player – Jacky
d) Princess Diana
e) Coach Big
The whole football field was filled with noise while the judge excitedly announced, “The winner of this football match is Johnson Smith Primary School!”
Sam, the team captain, ran to the stage and received the trophy from the awarding guest. His teammates followed onstage and were applaused by the audience.
Coach Big was a friendly teacher; he taught Physical Education and was responsible for the school football team in Johnson Smith Primary School. He was very happy after the match, and he invited all the team members for a little party in his house.
Singing, dancing, and cheering were spread all over Coach Big’s house. Everyone enjoyed the party very much.
“Boys, I think everyone worked really hard this afternoon. It’s time to go home, and take a good rest. See you tomorrow at the football field.” said Mr. Big kindly when he saw the sky was getting dark.
When Captain Sam was walking home with his best friend, Jacky, they were still talking about how they scored the last point.
“I think we are really great partners, right Jacky?” said Captain Sam.
“Of course! Our last shot was really amazing. You passed the ball to me and I kicked it right into the goal. When we cooperate, we will surely win!” Jacky answered excitedly.
“Oh! I almost forget about Mr. Dave’s homework for the weekend! Have you finished it?” said Jacky suddenly.
“Oh, yes! I also forgot about it. Why don’t we do it together at my home? We can also play video games afterwards. What do you think?” asked Captain Sam.
“That’s great! Let’s go!” said Jacky.
The next day, Captain Sam walked hurriedly to school to look for Jacky. He wanted to discuss the T-shirt they had seen few days ago. The T-shirt had the autograph of David Feet, Sam's favorite football player
“Jacky, do you still remember the T-shirt we saw online few days ago? I’ve told myself I will buy it if we win the match. I really want it, but… but I still need 200 more dollars.” said Captain Sam disappointedly.
“You mean the one with David Feet’s autograph at the back? That costs 400 dollars! ” said Jacky surprisingly. “Are you sure you want to buy that T-shirt?” he added.
“Yes… but what can I do to get 200 dollars more?” asked Captain Sam.
The two boys were scratching their heads as they looked at each other.
“Hmm…I can sponsor you!” said Jacky.
“But 200 dollars is a lot.” said Captain Sam. “Are you sure you can sponsor me?”
“You always buy me drinks. Now it’s my turn to help you. After all, you are my best friend.” said Jacky.
Captain Sam jumped for joy and gave Jacky a hug. He said gratefully, “Love you, Jacky. You are and will always be my best friend. ”
Not having any patience to wait, Captain Sam wore his famous T-shirt after his purchase. Almost everyone in class surrounded him to have a closer look of the T-shirt. They praised him for his T-shirt and asked for the permission to touch it. Captain Sam suddenly seemed like a famous star and got a lot of attention from his classmates.
While-Reading exercises I:
A. Are these sentences true or false? Write “T” if the statement is true and write “F” if the statement is false. If it is false, rewrite the sentence correctly by changing the word(s) in the shaded box.
1. In the beginning of the story, the winner of the football game was Johnson Smith Primary School. ( )
2. Captain Sam and Coach Big were best friends. ( )
3. Coach Big was a Mathematics teacher. ( )
4. Captain Sam and Jacky were the members of the football team in Johnson Smith Primary School. ( )
5. Captain Sam wanted to buy a coat. ( )
B. Complete the sentences with the words in the brackets.
1. Captain Sam ran onto the stage and took the _ _ _ _ _ _ (p y h r t o) from the award guest.
2. I am going to invite Kelvin to my birthday _ _ _ _ _(r a y t p).
3. Captain Sam wanted to buy a T-shirt with the _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (o t g a r h p a u) of his favourite football player.
4. Jacky was going to _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (r s n o o s p) Captain Sam to buy the T-shirt.
5. _ _ _ _ _ (h a c o c) Big was responsible for the football team.
Very soon, the second football match was approaching. All members of the football team were working very hard during their practices. Captain Sam and Jacky believed that their hard work and cooperation would definitely help them win this match again.
Entering into the football field, Captain Sam did not forget to remind his team members about something once again. “Remember the strategy we had discussed before? Just like how we did in our practice. Johnson Smith Team, go go go!” said Captain Sam in high spirits.
Half and an hour passed, the two teams' scores were still a tie.
“We need one more goal. Sunny, Pass the ball to me.” shouted Captain Sam at his team member.
“Jacky, take it!”
After Jacky caught the football, he aimed the goal and shot the ball determinedly.
“Goal!” announced the judge when the referee blew his whistle. “The team that made it to the final is Johnson Smith Primary School!”
All the team members’ friends and classmates rushed down to the field and hugged each other. The cheer squad danced to celebrate their victory.
“Hurray! I’ve told you that we will win.” shouted Captain Sam happily.
“You’re really the best captain. We know we will win every match if you and your lucky T-shirt are here. So, where should we go to celebrate this time, Captain?” shouted one of the boys.
While packing his own football bag, Jacky felt that he was being ignored by his team members. Everyone's attention was on Captain Sam only.
“The best captain? Your lucky T-shirt? Do they remember who scored the last point?” murmured Jacky.
“Hey, my best partner! We are going to McDonald’s to celebrate our victory now!” said Captain Sam patting Jacky’s shoulder. “What are you waiting for? Let’s go!”
To hide his bad feelings, Jacky pretended to be feeling sick. “I am not going, I am not feeling well. Enjoy yourself with them,” he said quietly.
“Oh! Maybe you are exhausted. Alright, you go home and take a good rest, I will see you tomorrow!” said Captain Sam who sounded disappointed.
After all his teammates had left, Jacky went home alone. That night, he could not sleep at all. He tossed about in his bed all night because he was really angry at Captain Sam; he thought Captain Sam took all the fame he deserved.
Thoughts were running in Jacky's head. “Why is everyone praising him? He is just wearing the T-shirt with David Feet’s autograph. Do people really think he is David Feet! Life is really unfair, why does he take all the attention?" The more he thought about Captain Sam, the angrier he became.
“From now on, I will work really hard so that people will know that I am the real best player in the team and I am promising to myself that I will not talk to him anymore,” Jacky grumbled as he truned and tossed in his bed.
On the next day when Captain Sam showed Jacky a big smile as he entered the school's front door, Jacky did not take notice of him and instead he rushed into the crowd of students. Captain Sam was puzzled since he has never seen Jacky react like that before. Since then, whenever Captain Sam tried to approach Jacky, Jacky ran away from him. Captain Sam was very upset; he wanted to find out the reason why Jacky was treating him like this. However, Jacky refused to talk.
A few days had already passed, Jacky’s hatred towards Captain Sam was still in his heart. With his obvious behavior, Coach Big and some other classmates have also noticed that something strange had happened between them but they did not know how to help.
“Jacky, what is happening to you these days? Did I do something wrong? Why are you avoiding me?” said Captain Sam uneasily when Jacky was going back to his seat.
Jacky stared at Captain Sam for a moment and then he shouted out loudly, “Leave me alone. You aren’t my best friend anymore. Let your lucky T-shirt be your best friend, then you will get all the attention you want.”
“My lucky T-shirt? Yup! That T-shirt definitely could bring luck to me, but you know…the luck is not only for me, it is for the two of us since it was bought by…”
“Stop trying to defend yourself. You liar! How could you get that T-shirt if I didn’t sponsor you? How could you win the matches if I didn’t contribute any effort?” said Jacky angrily pointing his fingers at Captain Sam.
“Jacky, I guess you’ve misunderstood me. I just…”
While Captain Sam was trying to explain to Jacky, Jacky continued to express his anger, "But what have you done to me? What I can see is you are just showing off your T-shirt to everybody. Do you think you can win with your T-shirt only?"
Just before Captain Sam could explain more, Ms. Lee came into the classroom and cut off their conversation. Jacky then angrily sat down on his seat. At that time, Captain Sam realized that the blazing feud which made such a great trouble between them was the T-shirt with David Feet’s autograph.
One day, while Jacky was on his way to the football field, he heard Captain Sam and one of the teammates chatting.
“Captain Sam, what are you going to do next? Are you going to solve the problem? Everyone knows the reason why Jacky is angry. He is jealous of your T-shirt! It’s obvious!” said Sunny.
“I know that that’s the problem between us!”
“I guess…the only thing you can do is... Give him your shirt. Afterwards, maybe he will forgive you,” suggested Sunny.
“No, I will not give my shirt to him...”
“Why not? I think it is the best way for you both to patch up,” interrupted Sunny.
Jacky’s rage was growing to his upmost point after overhearing what they both said. He immediately ran to the football field, and decided to end their friendship.
While-Reading exercise II:
Choose the correct words to complete these sentences.
1. Jacky aimed the goal and (shot, took) the ball.
2. The (cheer squad, chess squad) danced to celebrate their joyful moment.
3. Jacky had to pack his football (bucket, kit) before he left the football field.
4. Jacky thought Captain Sam took all his (fame, fun) when everyone was praising Captain Sam.
5. At school, Captain Sam wanted to explain to Jacky, but Jacky did not listen to him and went back to his (home/seat).
6. “Let your (dirty, lucky) T-shirt be your best friend.” said Jacky.
7. All the classmates thought that Jacky was (greedy, jealous) of Captain’s T-shirt.
8. After overhearing what Captain Sam and Sunny were talking, Jacky decided to end their (friendship, tears).
While-Reading exercise III:
Here are 12 words that related to "The Lucky T-shirt". Can you find them all?
In fact, at the time when Jacky ran away from Captain Sam and Sunny, the conversation between them had not yet finished. Captain Sam then continued to explain to Sunny.
“No, it’s because I’ve already bought a new one for him. On the day he lent me the money, I have told myself that I would buy him the same shirt too, so we both can wear it during our final competition.” said Captain Sam.
“Oh! No wonder! Whenever we ask you to have a snack together after school, you always say you have something to do at home. It’s because you were saving up your pocket money to buy this shirt. You’re so nice, Captain Sam. I hope you will become friends again just like before,” said Sunny.
The final match was on the coming Saturday. Knowing the disharmony within his team, Coach Big was a bit worried since he knew the key for victory is cooperation.
The final came without hesitation, this time their opponent was a strong team, Gordon George Primary School Football Team. Right before the match started, Captain Sam approached Jacky and wanted to give the T-shirt to him. However, not giving any chance for Captain Sam to speak out a single word, Jacky ran out to the field immediately after he got dressed. Once the whistle was blown, Captain Owen from Gordon George School ran like a rocket towards the goal with the football. With his excellent football skill and the cooperation of his teammates, they have already scored one point immediately after the match started. Knowing they are at the disadvantaged position, the boys of Johnson Smith Primary School worked really hard to change the situation.
“Now the ball is with Number 7, Jacky. He is trying to escape from his opponents,” said the commentator excitedly. “Is he able to keep the ball to himself?” “OH NO! Captain Owen….Captain Owen got the ball and immediately passed it to his teammates… Goal!” At the same time, the referee blew the whistle which implied that the champion of this year’s tournament is Gordon George Team!
All the team members in Johnson Smith Primary School felt so sad and angry because they lost the game. They started to blame Jacky as the group gathered in the field because they believed he was the cause of their loss.
“Jacky, why didn’t you pass the ball to Captain Sam? He was not marked and was standing at an advantageous position.”
“You fool! We lost because you didn’t cooperate!”
“We lost just because you kept the ball to yourself.”
“We lost because you are jealous of other’s T-shirt.”
“We lost because of you,” shouted the teammates altogether.
Jacky did not say anything. He kept his head bowed and thought about what he had done just now.
“Why don’t you explain? You know this match is very important to us, we could have got the reward of “The Best Football Team” if we had won this match,” the team members continuously blamed him.
Jacky still did not say anything at this moment. His head was still bowed down. He was sobbing.
“Stop blaming Jacky!” said Captain Sam to the team members. “Why are we blaming one another for not winning the match? Why don’t we blame ourselves for not working hard? Jacky is our team member, one of our good players. So, we should not blame him but care about him. We won many matches when we cooperated with each other, didn’t we? Though we lost this time, we will win the other matches if we do, right? As Coach Big said, the result is not important. The most important thing is our friendship and teamwork. How can we blame our friend just because of the bad match result? Where is our team spirit?” he asked all of them.
Jacky did not stop crying, but he cried even more seriously after he heard what Captain Sam just said. He was so surprised that Captain Sam still defended him even though he was so mean to him. He realized his mistake and apologized to Captain Sam and his team members for what he did during the game.
“We’re sorry for blaming you. I know you have put a lot of effort in this match as well. Please forgive us,” said Sunny.
“I should be the one begging for your forgiveness," cried Jacky.
At this point, all boys embraced Jacky and showed their love for each other. Suddenly, Captain Sam brought out the T-shirt from his bag, and handed it to Jacky. Jacky was shocked when he saw the T-shirt. “A new T-shirt for me? Why? Last time I heard you talking with Sunny that you would not give me your T-shirt. Why are you giving me a new one now?
“Conversation with Sunny? Oh! I remember that, but what we were really talking about was…,” explained Captain Sam.
After Captain Sam told the whole story, Jacky realized that he misunderstood everything.
“I’m really sorry for not trusting you. I should not be jealous and angry at you for a senseless reason. Could we be best friends again?” asked Jacky as he grinned broadly.
Captain Sam and Jacky hugged each other, and became best friends again. Whenever they had competition, they wore the same T-shirts with David Feet’s autograph at the back.
Post-Reading exercises:
A. Re-arrange the following sentences into correct order.
1. Jacky refused to talk to Captain Sam.
2. Captain Sam, Jacky, and other football teammates were having a party in Coach Big’s house after their football match.
3. Jacky decided to sponsor Captain Sam 200 dollars for the T-shirt.
4. Captain Sam decided to give Jacky a new T-shirt with David Feet’s autograph before the final match.
5. Jacky bent his head down and sobbed while his teammates were blaming him.
6. The next day, Captain Sam told Jacky that he wanted to buy a football T-shirt with David Feet’s autograph.
7. Jacky was angry with Captain Sam after the second match because he thought that Captain Sam took all the fame.
8. Captain Sam won the second football match with his lucky T-shirt.
9. Jacky did not cooperate with his teammates, so Gordon George Team won the tournament.
10. Jacky realized that he misunderstood Captain Sam, and they became best friends again.
__--> __ --> __--> __ --> __ --> __ --> __--> __ --> __ --> __
B. Answer the following questions.
1. What kind of sport did Captain Sam and Jacky play?
2. Where did Captain Sam and Jacky celebrate their first victory?
3. What did Captain Sam want to buy?
4. Who sponsored Captain Sam for the T-shirt?
5. What happened when Captain Sam wore the T-shirt to school?
6. Why was Jacky angry with Captain Sam?
7. Did Jacky hear everything that Captain Sam spoke to Sunny?
8. What did Captain Sam do secretly for Jacky to patch up their friendship?
9. Why did Johnson Smith Primary School lose the tournament?
10. What is the most important thing in a match according to Coach Big?
11. How did Jacky feel about Captain Sam when his teammates were blaming him?
12. What would they wear in their future matches?