They say that the British …, but I think that …

The British are considered …, but I suppose them …

The British never …, but I should say that …

Travellers to Britain from all over the world say …, though I strongly for/ against the fact that…

British people like order in everything. They always have… , and I dis/agree to the idea that …

It’s typical of the British …, nevertheless I believe …

To sum it up I should say that my image of the British doesn’t/ differ from that described in the table.

Exercise 6. Here is what people in different countries think about the British. Read the young people's opinions of the British character and compare your list of characteristics with theirs.

Ann: What do I think of the British? They are cold, reserved, rather haughty people, who don't yell in the streets, don't make love in public, change their governments as often as they change their underclothes or have revolutions. They are steady, easy-going and fond of sport. One of the most striking features of English life is the self-discipline and courtesy of people of all classes. There is little noisy behaviour and practically no loud disputing in the street. People don't rush excitedly for seats in buses or trains, but take their seats in queues at bus stop in a quiet and orderly manner.

Kate: British people? Frankly speaking, I really value some of their character traits. They are naturally polite and are never tired in saying "Thank you", "Beg your pardon". If you follow anyone who is entering a building or a room, he will hold a door open for you. Englishmen don't like any boasting or showing off in manners, dress or speech. Sometimes they conceal their knowledge: a linguist, for example, may not mention his understanding of a foreigner's language. Besides, English people are reserved. They don't like displaying their emotions even in dangerous and tragic situations and ordinary people seem to remain good-tempered and cheerful under difficulties.

Peter: What is typical of the British? The British are a nation of stay-at-homes. There is no place like home, they say. And when the man is not working, he withdraws from the world to the company of his wife and children and busies himself with the affairs of the home. Many Englishmen help their wives at home in many ways. They clean the windows on Saturday afternoon; they often wash up the dishes after supper in the evening. "The Englishman's home is his castle" is a saying known all over the world. It is true that English people prefer small houses, built to house one family, perhaps with a small garden.

Exercise 7. Say whom these words belong to according to the opinions.

• Englishmen don't like any boasting or showing off in manners, dress or speech.

• The British don't rush excitedly for seats in buses or trains, but take their seats in queues at bus stop in a quiet and orderly manner.

• Many Englishmen help their wives at home in many ways.

• English people prefer small houses, built to house one family, perhaps with a small garden.

• One of the most striking features of English life is the self-discipline and courtesy of people of all classes.

• The British don't like displaying their emotions even in dangerous and tragic situations.

Exercise 8. Look through the opinions once again and say if:

1. Kate considers that the British are very polite;

2. Peter believes that for an Englishman there is no place like home;

3. Kate thinks that the British are reserved and unemotional;

4. Ann considers that the British people are cold and reserved.

Exercise 9. Explain why the British are considered to be …

• cold

• helpful

• reserved

• unboastful

• a nation of stay-at-home

• unemotional

• disciplined