Практика устной речи по английскому языку - Малышева О.Л., Валько О.В., Щёголева Т.П

Exercise12. Write a description of someone who you think is strange or Writing eccentric. Give details of their appearance, character, habits and opinions. Use words and phrases from this unit.

UNIT 19. THINKING, WANTING, KNOWING

Exercise 1. Can you explain what thinking is? Read the text below Introduction and answer the questions.

The Art of Thinking

What is thinking? The word ‘thinking’, like other words, has several meanings. The word is used popularly in the sense of ‘to have an opinion’. This opinion may be our own or may be merely an echo of somebody else’s opinion. One of the definitions of the verb ‘to think’ as given in the dictionary is ‘to express the mind otherwise than by passive reception of another’s ideas’. And indeed the word is best used to mean real thinking: putting two and two together, and try ing to find out the truth … .

To accept as true certain thoughts because they happen to be popular, or modern, or because some person with a great name has told us that they are true, is not real thinking at all. It is precisely against this bad habit of looking to authority that Roger Bacon warned us over 500 years ago, and Aristotle long before that.

The most active form of thinking is found when we are discussing or arguing with others. A discussion consists in comparing our views or thoughts with those of others in order to see in what degree or measure our thoughts agree or disagree. By discussing we may modify our views or the views held by others. An argument is more in the nature of a battle, with thoughts used as weapons.

Therefore when we argue, we sometimes are less interested in finding the truth than winning our case and defeating (getting the better of) our opponent.

Thinking may also be called ‘the machinery of association’, for it is to a large extent connected with memory: when we think we are putting the facts into combination with facts – we are ‘putting two and two together’, as the saying is.

We may now ask ourselves the question: ‘May we, by striving, become good thinkers?’ This depends largely upon the nature of our interest. There are false or doubtful kinds of interest, as well as good ones. A man may be interested simply in making money, and the machinery of association in his mind will work with astonishing skill and rapidity; or boy may be interested only in passing an examination, and so his machinery

111

of association works hard for a time at something or other, and after the examination, he seldom or never thinks of it again.

Worst of all, perhaps, in its results, is the kind of interest which sets men studying things only in order to defeat someone else, or to prove that they are right, or to make success for the party or the class to which they belong … This kind of interest is extremely powerful and very general. Unfortunately, interest of this kind and interest in money are the driving powers of most of the thinking that is done in the Western world.

Let us, rather, resolve to found our thoughts on the sort of interest which leads toward the discovery of truth, for there can be no higher ideal. The English translation of a certain Latin proverb runs, ‘Great is truth, and it shall prevail’ or to put it more briefly: ‘Truth will conquer’. And for truth to prevail we require thinkers, real thinkers, unprejudiced thinkers, who are able to find and remember facts, and draw valid conclusions from them.

*What meanings does the word ‘thinking’ have?

*Why is an argument more in the nature of a battle?

*What may be the driving force of thinking?

*How is thinking associated with memory?

*Do you know any proverbs associated with thinking? Which?

*What is the highest aim for a thinking individual as stated in the text?

Exercise 2. Scan through this excerpt from a Scandinavian film script and Vocabulary give the Russian equivalents to the underlined variations of

the word ‘think’.

Scene 246 from ‘Brakbordsma’ (Breakfast) by Ingmar Pintman.

Leni stares into her coffee cup, contemplating her life in the bottom of it. Leni: Can you picture us in … ?

She breaks off. Haro looks up from his paper; their eyes meet briefly. Leni: Do you envisage us doing this for the rest of … ?

Long pause. Haro is lost in thought, in a world of his own. He gazes out of the window, reflecting on the chances they have missed.

Leni: I can’t imagine anything any more that will break the routine of … The camera passes over Haro’s meditating face.

Leni: It’s become impossible to visualize a time or place in which we won’t …

Pause. Suddenly she collects her thoughts, pulls herself together. Leni: How’s breakfast?

Haro is not concentrating, pre-occupied with the falling snowflakes. Haro: Cold. (Pause) Cold bacon.

Leni is dreaming of her childhood.

112

Leni: I wasn’t aware you liked it hot.

Haro continues to speculate on what might have been. Haro: I don’t.

Long pause. They both have a lot on their mind.

Haro: If you weigh up both sides, balance the pros and cons, consider it from each angle, bear in mind every little detail, you begin to realize that the importance of hot bacon can be greatly exaggerated in one’s mind.

Leni is inventing an excuse for not going with him this evening, making up a story on which to improvise later.

Leni: I was day-dreaming.

Pause. She has a sudden brainwave.

Leni: Suppose … just suppose that there was another opportunity, another chance to …

Haro: I’ve been toying with the idea of cutting out the bacon … at breakfast.

Pause.

Leni: This evening … you know, this evening, I’m sorry, but I’m … Haro: I’m seriously thinking of doing without it.

The word is going over and over in Leni’s brain until she whispers it, almost inaudibly.

Leni: That’s just make-believe. Haro pretends not to have heard.

Haro: I’ve come to a decision. (Pause) This conclusion I’ve reached… it’s that…

His mind begins to wander. She is trying to guess what is going on in his head.

Haro: I’ve discovered certain things about myself in the last few weeks, you see … and I’ve decided …

He is suddenly miles away, his mind is a blank. (Pause) He tries again. Haro: Yes, I’ve resolved …

Leni thinks she understands; her mind is racing.

Haro: Made up my mind, you know … . I’m going to try sausages. Leni: Why don’t you sleep on it, think it over?

Haro: I never change my mind after breakfast. (Pause) On second thoughts … A flash of inspiration from Leni:

Leni: It strikes me that … they’ve been very foolish. Has it occurred to you that they might … reconsider?

She is confused.

Haro: What do you mean?

The camera tracks to the window and the falling snow. Leni: Nothing.

113

Exercise 3. Choose the best explanation in each case.

Meaning

1.If you say that a person is disinterested, you mean he or she

a.has lost interest in something.

b.is not interested in something.

c.has no personal bias when making a decision.

2.Evidence is

a.information that might be produced in court to support a case.

b.a statement in court which does not require any proof.

c.something that is extremely obvious to everybody.

3.We would use the word effectively

a.to say that a person really did something.

b.to describe an activity that produced good results.

c.like indeed, to add emphasis to what we say.

4.If you verify something, you

a.confirm or show that it is true.

b.examine it closely.

c.consider it carefully.

5.Curiosity refers to

a.the quality of wanting to know about people and things.

b.the strangeness of people and things.

c.a quality of being peculiar or exotic.

6.Fantasy refers to

a.dreams that can’t be realized.

b.the power to make the imagined seem real.

c.creations that are quite original.

7.You could use the word logical to describe, for example,

a.a just and fair request for a rise in salary.

b.a sensible investment of money.

c.a well-argued case.

8.A person who is interrogated is probably someone who

a.has been arrested by the police.

b.is applying for a job.

c.is being examined by a doctor.

9.A rumour refers to

a.information that is passed around which may or may not be true.

b.the reputation of a person who is known to a lot of people.

c.the qualities that make up a person’s character.

Exercise 4. Choose the right word to fill in the blanks.

Word Use

1. I wish you wouldn’t keep ___ me. Let me finish what I’m saying. a. intruding b. disturbing c. interrupting d. butting in

114

2. After a while I was so tired that I couldn’t ____ .

6. I was too slow on the ____ to realize that he was trying to trick me.

13. I ____ it. I thought he was happy here, so why has he left? a. don’t get b. can’t follow c. misunderstand d. miss

14. You’ve all ____ the point. The film itself is not racist – it simply tries to make us question our own often racist attitudes.

a. mistaken b. missed c. misunderstood d. lost 15. I often wonder what people abroad make ____ Britain. a. from b. by c. for d. of

Exercise5. For each of the sentences below, write a new sentence as Activate similar as possible in meaning to the original sentence, but using the word given. This word must not be altered

in any way.

Example: It’s no use in arguing, I’ve made up my mind. (point) There’s no point in arguing, I’ve made up my mind.

1.You should think about the price before you decide whether to buy it or not. (consideration)

2.He’s not sure whether to go or not. (minds)

115

3.I’ve considered the advantages and disadvantages and I’ve decided not to go. (weighed)

4.Considering that she’s only just started, she’s doing very well. (bearing)

5.She’s not sure whether she wants to marry him or not now. (second)

6.They will consider age and experience when they decide the salary. (account)

7.I was going to argue with him, but I decided that it was a bad idea. (better)

8.I’m not considering that suggestion. (out)

9.I’m thinking that I might leave the country, but I haven’t decided yet. (considering)

10.When I agreed to do this, I didn’t think that it would be so expensive. (bargain)

11.I’m planning to sell this car and buy another one. (thinking)

Exercise 6. Here are some comments made by two people at Jigsaw various times in their working life – when they were Reading 16, 26, 36, 46 and 56. Unfortunately, they have become mixed up. Read them and try to decide at which age each was spoken. Notice how many feelings, desires, hopes and fears are expressed.

Which paragraph do you identify with most? Which person do you envy less, feel more sorry for?

A.

1.My twelfth job in ten years; it was the last thing I wanted. All I’ve ever asked for is a bit of security. I’m determined to keep this job with Sutton and Co longer than the others, so I’m keen to make a good impression.

2.I’m between jobs again at the moment. I’ve forced myself to stop worrying about it. I’ll be glad if I can keep finding work until I’m old enough to stop. I could do with three or four more long term temporary contracts. Of course, I wouldn’t say no to a permanent

one, but … Quite frankly, I wouldn’t mind going abroad, but I should think foreign employers would be a bit reluctant to take on someone my age.

3.I’d rather not think about how many jobs I’ve had. I used to dream of making my way up to the top of some firm or other – a firm of accountants, perhaps. Instead, I’ve settled for odd jobs here and

116

there, aimed for posts they didn’t even consider me for, compromised left, right and center and made do with what came my way. At times I would have given my right arm for a comfortable job, regular salary, some sort of prospects. And each time I accepted second or third best. I do so yearn for a second chance. Silly, isn’t it?

4.I’ve just had my notice from Smith Bros. Ltd. I’m dreading having to look round for work again. I’ve given up being choosy. I’d be more than happy just to have any sort of job now. I’m desperate to find anything that’s reasonable. I really have no strong preference any more.

5.I can’t wait to leave school. I’m dying to start work. I mean to find a nice steady job in a well-established firm, and intend to work my way up from the bottom. I’m anxious to learn about all sides of the business, because I hope to be on the management side by the time I’m 40.

* * *

B.

1.I’d love to do something like teaching for a while, as a change from book-keeping. Teaching English to foreign students appeals to me; I really like the sound of it. For two pins, I’d leave James, James and James and try a summer course at the Sunshine School of English just down the road. To be quite honest, I just don’t feel like going into the office today – or ever again. I’m in the mood for something completely different.

2.I’m undecided as to whether to go on to university or leave school now. I feel quite tempted to start work in the real world, but on the other hand I’d quite like three years doing nothing very much and give myself time to make a choice of career. To tell the truth, I don’t really fancy getting tied down to one profession just yet.

3.I suppose I’m resigned to being an accountant with J,J, and J until I’m 65. I know it’s too late to have regrets, but I do wish I had tried harder to make the break. I had every intention of doing so. There seemed to be so many options open once, so many alternatives to pick from, so many possibilities from which to choose. I recall how I flirted with journalism, how I was once quite committed to becoming a social worker, how I turned my back on a teaching career. I hate to admit it, but I fear it’s true. I’m longing for my retirement.

4.Well, I’ve made a resolution to leave the old firm within the next eighteen months. I’m really looking forward to a change. I couldn’t face going on in accountancy until I retire. I feel inclined to try

117

publishing; I’ve got my eye on a company just down the road. I have half a mind to write to them today.

5.I didn’t really plan to get into accountancy. I’m not sure I ever really wanted to work in the world of business, but there it is, here I am. I suppose I was just drawn to it somehow, attracted to it like a magnet. I’m going to give it a few more years and then change. I rather like the idea of being a journalist; there is a newspaper office just down the road.

Exercise7. A. Rewritethesentencegivenineachitemfourtimes,using Practice each of the four words beside it.

Example: I wouldn’t like to be a millionaire. (fancy/hate/pleasure/last) I wouldn’t fancy being a millionaire.

I would hate to be a millionaire.

Being a millionaire would give me no pleasure at all. A millionaire is the last thing I would want to be.

1.I want to see him again very much. (forward/dying/wait/longing)

2.I didn’t intend to spend so long there. (planned/mean/planning/intention)

3.I would like a holiday. (could/feel/mind/say no)

4.I want to go to London on Saturday, not Sunday. (rather/prefer/ preferable/preference)

5.I don’t really want to move away from the cost. (keen/reluctant/ fancy/idea)

Listening B. Here is a list of regrets. Practise saying the sentences. Then choose three regrets you share, and add two or more of your own.

a.I wish I had been nicer to my parents when I was younger.

b.I wish my family had had more money when I was small.

c.I wish I had listened to my mother’s advice.

d.I wish I had worked harder at school when I was younger.

e.I wish I had gone to a different school.

f.I wish I had stayed at school for longer.

g.I wish I had left school earlier.

h.I wish I hadn’t started learning English.

i.If only I had saved more money when I was younger!

j.If only I had traveled more when I was younger!

k.If only I had taken a different job!

l.If only I had not got married!

m.If only I had been born more beautiful!

118

n.If only I had been born more intelligent!

o.If only I had looked after my teeth better!

p.If only I had never started smoking!

q.If only I had gone to bed earlier last night!

Activate C. Can you write some more of the thoughts of the person who received this letter? Use I wish … had …

14 Railway Gardens

Other memories flood into my brain. The day we went on the river. The weekend when we went shooting with Joe and Daphne. The time we went swimming – I got into trouble, and you pulled me to safety with your beautiful strong arms.

And then last weekend. We stood on the edge of the cliffs, looking down. You threw a stone into the sea, and I kissed you.You laughed with pleasure, and I told you I loved you, and you were so happy you cried, and you couldn’t say anything. What were you thinking?

Please write. I can’t wait to hear from you. I love you,

Alex

D.Here are some wishes for the present or future. Choose three that you share, and add one or more.

a.I wish it was cooler / warmer.

b.I wish it was the end of the lesson.

119

c.I wish I was at home.

d.I wish I could sing / play the guitar.

e.I wish I had more time / money.

f.If only I spoke better English!

g.If only I knew more people!

h.If only people were more honest!

i.If only the government would do something about student’ problems!

j.If only somebody would ask me out!

Speaking E. Write your most important wish on a piece of paper, but without your name. Give it to the teacher. Work in groups. The teacher will read out all the class’s wishes to you. Write them down and divide them into different kinds of wish (e.g. wishes for material things; wishes for changes inone’s situation). Report to the class: how many kinds of wish haveyou found, and what is the commonest kind of wish? What did you feel was the most surprising wish?

Exercise 8. Make up dialogues based on the following situations:

Interaction

1.You have been very worried that your sister will not pass her exams, as she has been having personal problems. You love her very much, and the exams are important to her. S

2.Yesterday you waited in the rain for an hour for a friend who never came. It made you feel like killing him.

3.You have not got a place on the badminton team, but you know that you will have a good chance of getting one next year.

4.Find out if a friend can go out with you this evening.

5.Tell a friend you can’t go out with them this evening, but try and make them realize that you would like to go with them sometime.

6.Tell a friend you can’t go out with them this evening, and try to make them realize that you really don’t want to go out with them at all.

7.You do want to go out with your friend, but the time suggested is too early. What do you say?

8.You have told someone that you can probably go out with them on Saturday, but you have just looked in your diary and found out that you have promised to spend the day with your grandmother.

120