Conversational Formulas

Ex.10. Use the phrases below in your micro dialogues when one shows interest in something. Work in pairs. Ask and answer questions about the objects below:

A stereo, a computer, a wall-unit, Venetian blinds, standard lamp, reproduction, chandelier, a fan heater, video

• I am quite fascinated by …

• My particular interest is …

• I have some interest in …

• … intrigues me a great deal.

• I don’t find it so very interesting.

• I find it extremely interesting.

• My main interest is …

• It has always interested me.

Ex.11. Ask your group-mates as many questions as you can about their rooms.

Ex.12. Describe your room.

Ex.13. Do you think children’s rooms are different in different countries of the world? Comment on it.

Ex.14. Explain the proverbs and sayings:

1. As you make your bed, so you must lie on it.

2. Between two stools one goes/falls to the ground.

3. Sweep before your own door.

Ex.15. Say in which situations we use the phrases:

1. I am fascinated by …

2. I have some interest in …

3. I don’t find it so very interesting.

Ex.16. Guess what it is:

1. Four legs but not a beast, full of feathers but not a bird.

2. They stare at one another all time, but never meet. What are they?

Ex.17. Role-play a family talking to a shop assistant in a furniture shop and inquiring about the furniture they need and its prices.

Section V

Vocabulary and Pre-Reading Work

Ex.1. Read and translate the words below.

To let a room, to require, a double-bedded room, a single room, a furnished room, boarding, attendance, to intend, a feather-bed, wash-stand, to remove, to include, to take the room by the month / by the week, to make difference, to have a room for 6 pounds a month, to be charged, a latch-key, to disturb, to provide smb with smth, to expect.

Ex.2. Read and translate the dialogue.

Renting

(Tenant and Landlady)

T: Have you a room to let?

L: Yes, sir. What room do you require? A double-bedded room or single?

T: I want a furnished living-room on the ground floor with boarding and attendance.

L: How long will you require it?

T: I intend to stay about two months. Will you show me what rooms you have?

L: Certainly. Will you come this way?

T: I like the room. It is tidy and comfortable. Is this a feather-bed?

L: Yes, sir. The room is furnished and carpeted all over as you see. Here is a wardrobe where you can hang up your clothes.

T: I need a table to work at. This wash-stand I would like to be removed.

L: Yes, sir.

T: I shall want hot water and my boots cleaned every morning.

L: Yes, sir.

T: And my breakfast must also be ready at eight precisely. What will the price be including board and attendance?

L: How will you take the room, by the week or by the month?

T: Does it make any difference?

L: It does, sir. If you take it for two months you can have it for 6 pounds a month.

T: And, suppose I take it by the week?

L: You will be charged much more, sir.

T: All right. I take it for two months in that case.

L: When will you move in, sir?

T: Today. Can you let me have a latch-key of my own? By the way, where does this door lead to?

L: To the street, sir.

T: That’s very good. I wouldn’t like to disturb you when I come home late in the evening.

L: I shall provide you with a key, sir.

T: Very good. Is there a post-office near by? I shall have a large correspondence.

L: Over at the station, sir.

T: That’ll be very convenient. You may expect me in the evening.

L: Yes, sir.

Ex.3. Ask questions to the dialogue.

Ex.4. Act the dialogue out.

Ex.5. What do you think of the man talking to the landlady in the dialogue? Does he have many claims to the room? What should a person ask bout while renting a flat / room? Write a list of these questions.