Exercises

I. Translate the following sentences paying attention to the sequence of tenses.

1. He said that his friends lived near the railway station. 2. My friend said he had a good dictionary. 3. They knew that the students were organizing a meeting. 4. Our teacher said that the term "engineering" had many Russian equivalents. 5. The teacher was glad that the students were listening to him so attentively. 6. He was told that his friend was a good driver. 7. I thought you spoke Russian. 8. I knew he was a historical person. 9. I thought the seafront was a long way from the hotel. 10. He said the embankment was worth seeing. 11. I wasn't sure the book was worth reading.

II. Change the following sentences into indirect speech.

1. He has just said, “I want to speak to you”. 2. She said, “I have been very ill, but I am feeling much better”. 3. He said, “She is going abroad next month”. 4. Then she added, “I have been waiting for you since two o’clock”. 5. He promised, “I’ll come as soon as I can”. 6. She tried to explain, “I’m afraid I can’t go there now but I’ll probably be able to go there tomorrow”. 7. He said, “We were just discussing the terms of the agreement when the telephone call interrupted us.

III. Put the following sentences into indirect speech with the introducing verb in the Past Tense. (Vary the introducing verb).

a) He said, told us, stated, declared, etc.

1. I have never been here before. 2. She is sorry he didn’t come yesterday. 3. He will answer the letter when he gets the information. 4. She must go there at once if she still wants to see him. 5. You have been very generous today. 6. I expect to hear some news tomorrow, I’ll tell you if I do.

b) He asked, wanted to know, didn’t know, wondered, etc.

1. Is she invited to the party ? 2. Do you know when she will arrive in Moscow ? 3. Must we be here by six or can we come a bit later ? 4. Does the doctor allow you to smoke ? 5. Shall we have our meal now ? 6. Where shall we meet tonight ? 7. Why are you insisting on it ? 8. What exhibition did you visit last week ? 9. Who must follow these instructions ?

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Performing arts in Britain: drama

Britain is one of the world's major centres for theatre and has a long and rich dramatic tradition. Actors, directors and audiences continue to perform and appreciate the classical British repertoire, such as works by Shakespeare, Sheridan and Priestly. Many present-day writers continue this standard of excellence and writers such as Harold Pinter and Alan Bennett have won international acclaim.

There is also a thriving experimental and avant-garde theatre movement. There is mime, theatre for young people, street theatre, community drama and drama that specifically represents the culture of different ethnic groups. In every town and village, amateur drama groups gather to perform plays, pantomimes, musicals. There are more than 6,000 amateur drama groups in England alone.

London's West End plays an important role in the success of drama in Britain. There are about 50 theatres in the West End of London, with a few larger theatres in the surrounding areas. London also has a thriving «fringe» theatre. People can choose from up to 60 different performances a night in a variety of small theatres in pubs, clubs and other venues. The West End has more theatres, more shows and larger audiences than Broadway in New York. Many jobs depend on West End theatre which is one of the biggest attractions to tourists visiting London. A show is regarded as a success when it moves from a regional theatre to London's West End and many British productions move from there to Broadway.