1. Give the English equivalents for the Russian words and word combinations.

Цель, вещество, созданные человеком материалы, отрасль, инвестиции, важный товар, подрядчик, строительный лес, мелкий заполнитель, крупный заполнитель, оконные проемы, гибкий материал, недорогой, высокий спрос, строительный раствор, физические свойства, дамбы, порты, вырубка лесов, конструкция потолка, розничный торговец, предприятия по производству цемента, стропильная ферма, балка, каркас, арка, переработка, в результате.

2. Divide the words and word combinations in the box describing construction materials into groups.

Combined with aggregates, cheap, raw earth materials, reasonable cost, a favourite of designers, strong material, versatile capability, stones, flexible, main ingredient of concrete blocks, good for the environment, attractive appearance, volume combined with cement, heavy capital investment, sand, very small diameter, resistance to wear or erosion, the oldest construction material, door and window frames, recycled easily, in trusses.

Cement 1. 2. 3. 4.

Aggregates 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Steel 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Timber 1. 2. 3. 4.

3. What is each construction material used for? Match the words as it is given in the example.

Pointing ,plastering

Dams

Door and window frames

General finishing

Beams

Roof and ceiling

Plastering

Cement Steel Timber

Masonry work

Trusses

Flooring

Frames

Panelling

Roads

Columns

4. Speak briefly about each construction material (from task 3) using the plan:

• Physical properties

• Economic advantages

• Usage

5. Listen to the dialogue and fill in the gaps. Act out the similar dialogue with your information (see Teacher’s manual).

Manager: Balton Lamber Company, this is ______ speaking. How may I help you?

Client: Hi, do sell maple plywood?

Manager: Yes … how many sheets?

Client: I need _____ sheets.

Manager: Ok, our order minimum is ______ sheets.

Client: Ok, I’ll get ______ sheets.

M anager: 10 sheets of maple plywood would be ______dollars.

Client: How much would the freight be to the ______?

Manager: OK, about shipping, I will call the freight company today ... and I will call you tomorrow with a freight quote. Could I get your name and phone number, please?

Client: OK, my name is ______and my number is _______.