Vocabulary

humble adj.: At that time she was just a humble mechanic.

variety n.: This variety of rose is especially drought-resistant. / Our supermarket stocks apples in several different varieties. / The equipment could be used for a variety of purposes.

various adj.: The author gave various reasons for having written the book. / Various people whom we were not expecting turned up at the meeting.

varied adj.: With its varied climate, the country attracts both winter and summer sports enthusiasts.

vary v.: My taste in classical music varies greatly, but I usually prefer Mozart or Brahms.

price n.

high / low price: We thought they were asking a very high price.

price cuts: The large supermarkets are offering big price cuts.

(not) at any price: He wanted success at any price. / I wouldn’t invite her again at any price.

at / for a price: You can buy the best of gourmet cuisine here, for a price (=expensively)

price v.: There is a lack of reasonably priced housing for rent. / He went around all the travel agents pricing the different tours.

priceless adj.: A priceless collection of vases was destroyed.

consternation n.

to fill smb. with consternation: The prospect of so much work filled him with consternation.

to one’s consternation: To his consternation, when he got to the airport he found he’d forgotten his passport.

unmatched adj.: Four years they have enjoyed a standard of living unmatched by any other country in Europe.

worship v.: As a child I worshipped my elder brother. / In the various regions of India, Hindus worship different gods and observe different religious festivals.

worship n.: We are in the era of fitness and health worship. / Local people have complained about improperly dressed tourists entering places of worship.

cuisine n.: Do you like French cuisine?

iodized adj.: Now you can buy iodized salt almost everywhere.

Iodine n.

flavour n.: This wine has a light, fruity flavour (=the taste of fruit).

flavour v.: This sauce is flavoured with garlic and herbs. / You can use fresh herbs to flavour the soup.

cookery n.: At the time she’s attending cookery classes.

award v.: He was awarded first prize in the essay competition. / The university awarded her a $500 travel grant.

award n.: They have authorized awards of ₤900 to each of the victims.

Word Combinations

to be at the centre of

to smash records

food snobs

new potatoes

annual ritual

to hold a ritual

to be (un)worthy of

to provoke uproar

to agree on smth.

to be in (no) doubt

to be of good quality

to verge on heresy

Exercises

1. Comprehension. Answer the following questions:

1. What is the point of the debate about potatoes?

2. What is the cause of anxiety at French market?

3. What amount of new potatoes is produced on Ré island every spring? Are the potatoes of high quality?

4. Have potatoes always been so popular among the French?

5. Do all people agree the potato is worth its price?

6. What makes the Ré potato so good?

7. Are all kinds of potatoes so pricey?

8. In what way do people show their admiration for the Ré potato? How often do they act in this way?

9. What is the best way to cook the Ré potato?