Ex. 6. Change these sentences into British English

1.Can you go to the drugstore, honey? We need some diapers for the baby and a band-aid for my finger.

2.Last fall, I was driving along a freeway when I ran out of gas. Luckily, a truck driver gave me a ride.

3.Our apartment is quite near the subway station.

4.It's my turn to pay the check. Pass me my purse; I've got a $20 bill in it.

5.Cookies and candy are bad for our teeth.

6.Nothing works round here! Not only is the elevator broken but so is the faucet in the bathroom.

Ex. 7. Translate into American English.

A). У тебя есть собственная машина? B). В отпуск мы поедем к морю.

C). В нашем доме на первом этаже кухня, столовая и гостиная. D). Не говори с ним сейчас. Он очень зол на тебя.

E). Я люблю ходить в кино.

F). Мой брат не ходил сегодня в школу. Он болеет.

G). Обычно я езжу на работу на трамвае, а вот мой брат предпочитает брать такси.

H). Я живу в общежитии.

I). Я думаю, что этот магазин очень хороший.

J). Когда я был в одиннадцатом классе, каждый день по расписанию у нас было шесть уроков.

Ex. 8. Answer the question.

1.What differences do British and American English have in?

2.Why did these differences appear?

3.What do American vocabulary reflect?

4.Why was British English influenced by Americanisms?

5.What opinions do linguists have about the development of British and American English? What opinion do you agree with? Why?

INTERNATIONAL ENGLISH

Ex. 1. Read and translate the text.

Millions of people are learning English. One billion people speak English. That's 20% of the world's population. 400 mln people speak English as their first language. For the other 600 mln it's either a second language or a foreign language.

In other countries it is used as a second language: it is a way in which people who have different languages communicate with each other. This is especially true in many parts of Africa and India. In these countries and former British colonies like Malta and Hong Kong, as well as some countries like the Philippines and Papua New Guinea, English is an 'official language'.

Why? Because it's the most important international language in the world. But how did it become so important?

The export of English began in the Elizabethan Age' (1558-1603) due to Sir Francais Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh who brought England a lot of land, money and power and who spread English to the new world and the West Indies. The English language went also to Australia with Captain Cook (1770).

In 1620 "Mayflower" sailed to America, in the next 30 years more than 250,000 people from all over Britain followed the pioneers.

Between 1800 and 1900 Britain became the richest country in the world and the most powerful. The British Empire included many foreign countries like New Zealand, Nigeria, India, Canada, South Africa; English was an important language on every continent. At the same time the USA and its language — both grew very quickly in the 19 century.

English is the language of summit meetings and the UNO. English is also becoming increasingly the language of international trade: nearly 50% of all the companies in Europe communicate with each other in English. 75% of all international telexes and letters are in English. 80% of all information in the world's computers is in English. Pop singers writing their songs often use lyrics or phrases in English. America and Britain export 1000s of films and TV programmres every year. The International Olympic Committee meets in Lausanne, the official language of all the meeting is English. Now English words have started to become a part of other languages, too. In France, this new vocabulary is called "Franglais" (the mixture of English and French words); in Spain – Spanglish, in Japan – Japlish, in Sweden – Swinglish. So, English is slowly becoming more than one language. English is changing in many countries of the Third World – which were once a part of the British Empire – now they're independent. For example in Jamaica. There are 2 kinds of English in this West Indian island. One is standard – the language of the government and newspapers and the other is Creole – the day-today language of the people.

In Sierra Leone they speak Krio — 80% of the words in the Krio dictionary come from English. In India you can hear 3 languages: Hindi, Indian English and the local Indian language.

So, English is becoming more than one language, but it doesn't mean the end of standard English and the stronger position of local dialects in the future.

People need standard English for international communication.

Ex. 2. Expand the statements.

1.One billion people speak English.

2.In many countries English is used as a second language.

3.The export of English began in the Elizabethan Age.

4.In 1620 "Mayflower" sailed to America.

5.The British Empire included many countries.

6.English is the language of international trade.

7.English words have to become a part of other languages.

8.English is changing in many countries of the Third World.

GCSE exams – экзамены на получение аттестата о среднем образовании snow blurry - снежный вихрь

blurry - порыв

that dress is very flattering – это платье скрывает все недостатки

Ex.1. Mind your pronunciation.

Ex. 2. Read and translate the text.

The most fun I've had in ages

When Sabrina Cohen was barred from sitting her GCSE exams because she had dyed her hair bright red, I sympathized. I, too, have scarlet hair.

What Cohen's experience did reveal is how little our social attitudes have changed since the late 1 970s and the heyday of the punk Mohican. In the press Cohen was described as "rebellious" and "out to shock". I have also discovered what poor manners many people show when it comes to reacting to other people's choice of hair colour.

If someone I knew had changed their hair style, I would always try to be complimentary, unless explicitly asked for an honest opinion that I was unable to give.

When you dye your hair an unnatural colour, people feel that as you are so obviously trying to draw attention to yourself it is acceptable for them to pass comment.

Thus, in the first couple of days of becoming a redhead, several strangers felt free to tell me that they "hated the colour". While most friends and work colleagues did enthuse about my new scarlet hair, one person went so far as to laugh out loud.

I have also had to endure the ignominy of being gawped at in the pub. One minute I can be enjoying a quiet drink in the garden of a country pub, the next I am surrounded by fascinated kids, all pointing and yelling to their mothers, "Look - it's a punk!"

Cohen, I am not the first to dye my hair a shocking colour - and nor will I be the last. In the fashion and music industries, hair styles change as quickly as traffic lights but bright red regularly dominates the catwalks. The model Stella Tennant recently took the lead in the Jil Sander campaign with her hair dyed a resplendent shade of red. Last autumn Kate Moss pranced down the catwalk for Versace with shocking tomato-red hair. Linda Evangelista, Uma Thurman, Dannii Minogue, Annie Lennox, Vivienne Westwood and Saffron of the group Republica have all gone red. Where trend-setters like these lead, others will follow.

And sure enough, according to Vogue, "a flurry of redheads - covering the spectrum from burgundy to ginger - is turning up all over town. The more shocking, the better".

I have also discovered I am not alone in my desire for a different look. After years of anonymity as a brunette, I find I am constantly stopped by people in the street eager to ask whether I think red would suit them.

According to Philip Kingsley, a trichologist: "Only a few women are actually happy with their hair colour and they are either natural red or blonde. By changing hair colour not only does the person know they are going to create a minor sensation, but often they are fulfilling a fantasy."

Minor sensation or not, and disregarding the boorishness of the badmannered minority, I have found the overall attitude to my hair flattering -and the effect on men has been extraordinary. In the first week of having red hair, I was bought more glasses of champagne than ever before in my life.

I have also discovered I no longer need to queue at the bar for a drink or wait for a table in a restaurant. Both seem to materialize very quickly.

But I still have to get used to the fact that people are fascinated by what my hair must feel like, even though it has half a jar of gel in it to keep it looking spiky.

Strangers, from bus conductors to shop assistants, seem unable to resist the temptation to touch it. Which is disconcerting to say the least? If this is flirting in the new era of sexual equality, I want none of it.

After Portia Colwell, The Times

Ex. 3. Give Russian equivalents.

was barred from sitting her GCSE exams; scarlet hair; social attitudes; the late 1970s; poor manners; an honest opinion; an unnatural colour; to draw attention to yourself; to pass comment; felt free to tell me; hair styles change as

quickly as traffic lights; a resplendent shade of red; eager to ask; to get used to the fact; no longer need to queue.

to allow, heyday, rebellious, ignominy, resplendent, spiky, to endure, bright, honest, natural, quickly, blond, extraordinary, before.

Ex. 6. Complete the sentences.

1.In the press Cohen was described as ... .

2.If someone I knew had changed ... .

3.I have also had to endure ... .

4.By changing hair colour not only ... .

5.In the first week of having red hair ... .

Ex. 7. Put in the correct preposition where necessary.

1.Thus ... the first couple ... days ... becoming a redhead, several strangers felt free to tell me that they "hated the colour".

2.I have also had to endure the ignominy of being gawped ... the pub.

3.I have also discovered I am not alone ... my desire ... a different look.

4.According ... Philip Kingsley, a trichologist: "Only a few women are actually happy ... their hair colour and they are either natural red or blonde.

5.I have also discovered I no longer need to queue ... the bar ... a drink or wait

... a table ... a restaurant.

Ex. 8. Expand the statements and express your ideas on the point. Work in groups.

1.When Sabrina Cohen was barred from sitting her GCSE exams because she had dyed her hair bright red, I sympathized. I, too, have scarlet hair.

2.When you dye your hair an unnatural colour, people feel that as you are so obviously trying to draw attention to yourself it is for them to pass comment.

3.In the fashion and music industries hair styles change as quickly as traffic lights but bright red regularly dominates the catwalks.

4.The effect of men was extraordinary. In the first week of having red hair, I was bought more glasses of champagne than ever before in my life.

Ex. 9. Describe a person looking extraordinary.

Additional vocabulary:

hair cut – стрижка hair do – прическа

old-fashioned – старомодный

to take after smb. – быть похожим на кого-либо to look alike – быть похожим друг на друга attractive – привлекательный

plump – пухленький features – черты brave – смелый innocent – невинный

sloppy – небрежный, неухоженный firm – крепкий

droopy – обвислый sluggish – дряблый wrinkles – морщины

dark circles – темные круги under-eye-bags – мешки под глазами beard – борода

moustache – усы tall – высокий short – невысокий

delicate – утонченный, нежный ill-mannered – невоспитанный tactful – тактичный

predisposition – предрасположенный full lips – полные губы

thin lips – тонкие губы

fair complexion – белесое лицо olive complexion – смуглое лицо complexion – цвет лица

peaches and cream – кровь с молоком bone-structure – овал лица

ash-blond hair – пепельно-русые волосы handsome – хорошенький (о мальчике)

pretty – хорошенькая (о девочке) neck – шея

posture – осанка

proud walk – горделивая походка shoulders – плечи

broad shoulders – широкие плечи juvenile – юношеский

waist – талия feet – ступни

wrists – кисти рук belly – живот

protruding chest – выпуклый живот hairy chest – волосатая грудь finger nails – ногти на пальцах рук sun tan – загар

well-groomed – хорошо ухоженный dressy clothes – нарядная одежда pure – чистый

jewelry – ювелирные изделия accessories – украшения evening-wear – вечерний наряд silk blouse – шелковая блузка pantyhose – колготки bath-robe – халат

tie – галстук scarf – шарф belt – пояс

arrogant – высокомерный ugly – уродливый

to remind – напоминать irresistible – неотразимый slim – худенький

fat – толстый

long shapely legs – длинные стройные ноги inner beauty – внутренняя красота

a noble look – благородный вид eyelashes – ресницы

to take after smb – походить на кого-либо she is not my type – она не в моем вкусе a heavy walk – тяжелая походка

to loose weight – похудеть to grow taller – вырасти

a cheap look – дешевый вид

She has a mole on her cheek – у нее родинка на щеке

to dress in the latest fashions – одеваться во все самое модное she wears tasteful make up – она красится со вкусом

she is a walking fright – она ходячий ужас to gain some weight – поправиться

to be genetically predisposed – быть генетически предрасположенным к полноте

to look one's age – выглядеть на свои годы plain – обыкновенный, некрасивый dimples – ямочки

aquiline – орлиный (о носе)

wide-set – широко поставленные (о глазах) of medium height – среднего роста

stout – полный, плотный snub (turned up) – курносый

even/uneven – ровный/неровный

bushy – пушистые, лохматые (о бровях) deep-set – глубоко посаженные (о глазах) hazel – карие (о глазах)

Ex.10. Use the following in short dialogues or situations of your own.

How do you keep so slim?; Her face is round/square/oval; long shapely legs; to act arrogant; peaches and cream, waist; long neck; proud walk; to remind; charm; evening-wear; accessories; inner beauty; physical beauty; her face looks angry all the time.

Ex.11. Describe a famous person or an acquaintance of yours using vocabulary.

Ex.12. Read the dialogue. Make up your own using vocabulary.

Ex.13. Answer the following questions.

1. How old are you? Do you resemble your mother or father? Is your mother dark of fair? What colour of eyes has your father? Are your parents tall? Who docs your sister (brother) resemble? Are sisters and brothers always alike? 2. Is your girl-friend good-looking? Is she slender or plump? tall or short? dark-eyed or blue-eyed? Is her hair long or short? Is it straight or wavy? What is her haircut? Does she wear her hair loose or does she have a hairdo? What is her complexion? 3. Your father is a tall broad-shouldered man, isn't he? Does he wear a beard or a moustache? 4. What is the most beautiful thing about your friend's face? (a dimple in the chin, dimples in the cheeks, a mole in the right check, fair complexion, beautiful eyes). 5. What is your ideal of the woman (man)?

Ex.14. Complete the following sentences.

1.Your sister is a regular beauty ... .

2.He was a handsome young man ... .

3.The woman who opened the door was ... .

4.My niece is such a nice little thing ....

5.The most remarkable thing about her face is ... .

6.She looks the very picture of her mother: she has the same ... .

7.The girl charmed everybody: she ... .

8.Can you describe that man? - Sure, he ... .

9.Is your friend still as beautiful as she was some years ago? - It's a pity, but she is not. She ... .

10.She is twenty five but she looks ... .

Ex.15. Mix and match.

1. Её мать невысокого роста, полная, с темными волосами и серыми глазами. Дочь совсем на нее не похожа. Она высокая блондинка, очень стройная, с большими голубыми глазами, темными бровями и ресницами. У нее большой, но красивый рот, прямой нос и прекрасный цвет лица. 2. Мой сосед был высокий худой мужчина лет пятидесяти. Его лицо было не очень привлекательным (attractive). У него был крупный нос, небольшие темные глаза и тонкие губы. Однако (but), когда он говорил и улыбался, лицо его сразу же становилось очень приятным. 3. Это была пожилая (elderly) женщина лет 60, с седыми волосами, довольно полная, но все еще красивая. 4. Девочка была прелестна с её круглым личиком, большими темно-голубыми глазами и вздернутым носиком.

Ex.19. Make up your own dialogues on the topic

Ex.20. Describe your favourite film star.

Ex.21. Take somebody's photograph or portrait and describe it.

ADITIONAL READING

Read and translate the text below. Find the main idea and express your opinion

General Statements

"All Spaniards have dark hair and dark eyes". "People from Sweden never get excited". "Redheads get angry quickly". "People who wear glasses are intelligent". "Women are very emotional". "Track drivers are tough". "Doctors and lawyers are rich". "Americans eat only hamburgers, hot dogs and ice cream".

Are these statements accurate? Of course not. Some Spaniards have dark hair and dark eyes, but others have dark hair and light eyes. Some have light hair and light eyes; some have light hair and dark eyes. Some redheads get angry quickly, but many others do not.

Many people who wear glasses are not intelligent. Many doctors are rich, but others are not. Many Americans love hamburgers and hot dogs, but some Americans hate them.

Of course, everyone likes ice cream!

The statements in the first paragraph are generalizations. They are general statements about groups of people. Generalizations may be dangerous because not all the people are the same. If we accept generalizations, we may judge individuals incorrectly. Judging people before we know them is called prejudice. And, if we are prejudiced, we may make mistakes that will hurt other people and us.

PART II

CHARACTER DISCRIPTION

Ex. 1. Read these brief character descriptions. Find as many words describing people's character as you can. Which of these four people sounds most like you? If you are like one, of these people say why. Use the expressions underlined.

Angela "I'm an active and energetic person - I can't bear just sitting around doing nothing. - It makes me impatient and restless. But I know what I want, and I think I've got what it takes to achieve my goals. Does that make me sound horribly ambitious and selfish? I hope not!"

Kevin"I'm the kind of person who knows how to have a good time. I suppose you would call me fun-loving, but it's more than that. I

actually believe in a calm, easy-going approach to life and I can't bear unnecessary anxiety and pressure. I believe in being and taking life as it comes ..."

Larry"My problem can be summarized in one word: self-confidence. I

just don't have enough. I'm shy with other people, who must think I'm boring and stupid sometimes. Lack of confidence also makes me indecisive: I spend days trying to make up my mind what to do about quite simple things. I'm told I sometimes look moody, but in fact I like being with other people ..."

Katherine "How do I see myself? Well, I'm forgetful and disorganized - some would say absent-minded! But I've got quite a lot of willpower, really, and I've got ideas. I'm a hardworker too when I'm doing something I'm interested in. I'm not very articulate when it comes to public speaking but I quite enjoy being the center of attention, and I don't get in the least bit nervous."

Now you can learn more words and then use them in a character description.

Ex. 2. Group the words from the list according to the word-building suffixes.

Charming, generous, kind-hearted, lovely, boring, active, courageous, reserved, greedy, studious, angry, talkative, funny, hard-working, sensitive, gifted

Ex. 3. Mind the meaning of the suffixes - ful, - less and the prefixes un -, im -, ir, - dis -, il - and translate the following pairs of words.

thoughtful – thoughtless careful – careless hopeful – hopeless tactful – tactless

kind – unkind patient – impatient

responsible – irresponsible sincere – insincere tolerant – intolerant logical – illogical

truthful – untruthful practical – unpractical decisive – indecisive selfish – unselfish honest – dishonest polite – impolite

Ex. 4. Form nouns from adjectives.

Ex. 5. Combine the words to form compound adjectives. Translate them into Russian and use in your own sentences.

strong

willed

weak

Ex. 6. Show the difference in meaning between these sets of adjectives by placing them in the correct position on the scale.

1.violent, quiet, shy, irritated

2.hard-working, lazy, passive, studious

3.polite, rude, impolite, good-mannered

4.active, passive, energetic, indifferent

5.cold, angry, friendly, open-hearted

6.arrogant, modest, shy, snobbish

7.talkative, boastful, sullen, reserved

Ex. 7. Put correct forms of the words in the spaces. Use a dictionary to help you if necessary. Mind word-formation.

A. Try to explain the nouns (personality types) according to the model.

B. Now think of the best translation of the words explained.

Ex. 8. Look at the two groups of adjectives below. Those in group A are supposed to be favourable, in group B - unfavourable. Pair the adjectives in A with their opposites in B.

Which five adjectives in group A do you think are the most important in a friend? Which five adjectives in group B describe people you dislike most?

Ex. 9. Sometimes we can't but notice some unfavorable features in a man's character or behavior. But we should pay more attention to positive or favorable features. Complete the following according to the model.

St A: John is a bit impatient. St B: But I like his optimism. or He always has different ideas. or People enjoy his company, because he is kind and possesses a good sense of humor.

1.St A: Susan seems to be narrow-minded. St B: ... .

2.St A: I don't like Steve. He is easily-influenced. St B: ... .

3.St A: She is lazy sometimes.

St B: ... .

4.St A: I can't stand her at all. She is so tactless. St B: ... .

5.St A: I should say Jackson is a very jealous guy. St B: ... .

6.St A: Sue is not practical at all. St B: ... .

7.St A: I don't want a husband like Tom. He's so sentimental. St B: ... .

Ex. 10. Check your vocabulary.

A. Find an adjective in the box for each of these descriptions.

hard-working cruel vain mean boring shy funny jealous lazy crazy

1. Someone who never says anything interesting is boring .

2.Someone who always tells jokes which make people laugh is ______.

3.Someone who works a lot of hours every day is ______.

4.Someone who wants things other people have got is _______.

5.Someone who never does any work and always gets up late is ______.

6.Someone who never gives anything to anyone is _______.

7.Someone who says and does strange things is _______.

8.Someone who enjoys hurting people is _______.

9.Someone who finds meeting new people difficult is _______.

10.Someone who likes looking in the mirror is _______.

B. How do you qualify a person who is.

Ex. 11. Read the text, then put one of the following words into each of the gaps.

talents independent teaching sticky various skilled must alone proudly opinions squabbling tolerant embark boisterous

My grandfather was a man who held strong 1) ... . He was an 2) ... sort, and loved to spend his free time 3) ... working in his garden, or sometimes with us grandchildren. Looking back, he 4) ... have been remarkably 5) ... not to get frustrated by having three 6) ... toddlers running riot round his garden, often 7) ... with each other. He was also a 8) ... carpenter and made 9) ... items of furniture such as desks and chairs. His 10) ... did not stop there either, because every summer he would throw my grandmother our of the kitchen and 11) ... on a jam-making session. I remember him 12) ... me how to make lemon curd, a kind of jam made from lemons, and I would 13) ... return home bearing a 14) ...

pot or two for my mother.

Now retell the story. Think of your grandparents. Write a story of your own. Use the underlined expressions.

Ex. 12. These four shapes below represent different personality types.

A. Work in pairs, match these phrases with what you think is the appropriate shape.

B. Now check if you matched the expressions to the shapes correctly

This eccentric symbol is favored by those who thrive on variety and like being involved in a great many activities at the same time. These people are enthusiastic and bursting with

The inspirer energy and are attracted by unfamiliar challenges.

C.What shape do you think demonstrates your personality type? How accurately does the description reflect your personality?

D.Do you think tests like this are valid? Why or why not?

Ex. 13. Fill the gaps with a word from the word-box. Use each word once only. Translate the sentences into Russian paying attention to the meaning of the underlined words.

1.Janet is incredibly ... . She always arrives on time and does her job well.

2.It's impossible to say anything to his grandmother. One word and she starts crying. She is so ... .

3.I wonder why he is so ... . He has got lots of money but he hates spending.

4.When she was a child, her parents were incredibly ... . Whenever she did the smallest thing wrong, they would send her to bed.

5.Come on, Maria! You can't go on a country walk wearing high heels. Do be ...

for once.

6.She was so ... and understanding. When I told her my problems, I immediately felt better afterwards.

7.In westerns, the hero is always ... . He always beats his enemies and can put up with any hardship.

8.That's the second plate you've broken this week. Why do you have to be so ?

9.I think he is an extremely ... boy. He laughs at stupid things and never concentrates in class.

10.Children are often really ... . They hide behind their mothers when guests come.

11.Don't be ..., Cathy. You've got to learn to share things with other children.

12.She is 100% ... . I'd leave my money, car, anything, for her to look after.

13.Why do you get angry all the time? You are so ... .

14.Bob is my best friend. He remained ... through all my problems.

15.He is terribly ... . Once he has made up his mind, it is impossible to get him to change it even if it's obvious that he is wrong.

Ex. 14. Translate into Russian. Consult a dictionary if necessary. Use underlined words or word combinations in sentences of your own.

bad-mannered = ill-mannered – с плохими манерами bad-tempered – злой, раздражительный

boisterous [ ] – 1) неистовый, буйный; 2) шумливый cold – равнодушный, неприветливый

disagreeable – неприятный, хмурый even-tempered – уравновешенный excited – взволнованный

frank-hearted – чистосердечный, искренний generous – 1) великодушный; 2) щедрый good-looking – красивый, интересный (о внешности) high achiever – целеустремленный

hypocritical – лицемерный, ханжеский, притворный

indifferent – 1) равнодушный; 2) беспристрастный; 3) незначительный irritated – раздраженный

logical – 1) логический; 2) логичный, последовательный

mean – 1) посредственный; 2) подлый; 3) скупой; 4) недоброжелательный; miserable – жалкий, несчастный

open-hearted – 1) чистосердечный; 2) великодушный plain – прямой, откровенный

progressive – передовой, прогрессирующий quick-tempered – вспыльчивый, раздражительный reserved – сдержанный, замкнутый, осторожный restless – беспокойный, тревожный

sensitive – чувствительный, восприимчивый self-confidence – самоуверенность, самонадеянность skilled – квалифицированный, искусный

sociable – общительный

suggest – 1) предлагать; 2) внушать, подсказывать (мысль) thoughtful – 1) задумчивый; 2) of – чуткий, внимательный touchy – обидчивый, раздражительный

unbalanced – неуравновешенный unfeeling – бесчувственный, жестокий vain – тщеславный, полный самомнения witty – остроумный

weak-willed – слабохарактерный

Word combinations:

be attracted by challenges – трудности привлекают кого-либо be like smb. – быть похожим на кого-либо

be suspicious of people – быть подозрительным к людям burst with energy – испытывать прилив энергии

sense of direction – умение ориентироваться

deal with people – общаться, иметь дело с кем-либо enjoy a challenge – любить трудности (испытания)

find fault with smb/smth – придираться к чему-либо/кому-либо get in the least bit nervous – совсем не нервничать

get along with smb – ладить с кем-либо have got a willpower – иметь силу воли

heart sink into one's boots – душа в пятки ушла (струсить) hold strong character – иметь сильный характер

I'm the kind of person... – Я тот человек, кто... Я такой, что...

I quite enjoy being... – Мне нравится быть...

I can't bear doing ... – Я не выношу ...

prove to be – оказаться run riot – беситься

remember smb doing smth – помнить, как кто-то делал что-то reach a conclusion – довести до конца

set clear goals – ставить четкие цели

sacrifice oneself for the sake of smb – жертвовать ради кого-либо work single-mindedly – работать целеустремленно

You would call me... – Вы скажите, что я...

Some would say... – Кто-то скажет...

PART III

HOUSING

Ex. 1. Remember the following word combinations with the key words house, lodging, floor, furniture, bed, table, to face, to share and practice them in your speech. Use the expressions after the word combinations.

I prefer …

I'd like to …

I dream to have

I live in ...

There is a ... in my flat/house.

At the moment I'm ...

I have to ...

My room/flat/house has ...

My room faces .../ The rooms in my flat face ...

I'm going to ...

Ex. 2. Read the texts for some particular information about the most traditional types of housing in Great Britain and in the United States.

Housing in Britain

In Great Britain, families prefer to live in houses rather than flats. Over 70% of people live in houses and only about 20% live in flats. About 35% of people own the houses they live in, or buy them with money borrowed from a bank or building society.

There are different types of housing in Britain. Terraced houses are attached to each other in a long row. They are usually found in towns and cities and many were built in the 19th or early 20th century as houses for workmen.

Today, Victorian terraced houses are very popular city homes. In earlier times, terraced houses were also called town houses. These have three or four stories and very large rooms, and town houses are now very expensive and fashionable.

In the 1930's a large number of semis were built. They share a central wall. Typically, a semi has a small garden in front of it and a fence divides a larger garden at the back. Semis are still built where land is expensive.

A detached house has land round it. More and more modern homes are detached, although in areas where building land is expensive, the houses may be very close to each other.

Country cottages are often old stone buildings, which were part of a farm. Some country cottages are very old and they may have a thatched roof. Today many people who work in the cities buy cottages so that they have a place to go for the weekend.

A bungalow is a house where all the rooms are on the ground floor. As there are no stairs, many older people dream of going to live in a bungalow when they retire.

A block of flats. In the 1950s and the 1960s local councils cleared a lot of slums in the inner city areas and knocked down terraced houses in very poor areas. Block of flats or tower blocks can vary from 3-5 storeys high up to 10-20 storeys. But people don't like to live in them because there are many social problems.

The country mansion. Very few of the British live in country mansions. Today many mansions are used as restaurants, hotels, old people's homes, etc.

Many British people are lucky enough to live in their own homes, and the great majority of these have a small garden. However, housing is a problem in many cities. Many young people have to live in, or share, small one-room flats called bedsitters, and the homeless are still a problem.

Where Americans Live

In the Unites States, many people once lived in large two-and-three-story homes. Today many people would like to live in such dwellings, but most people can't. They don't have enough money to buy them or even to make the first downpayment. So, many people rent from month to month.

But some Americans really want to live in a house of their own, so they build their own home or they buy a house that is situated in a vicinity where homes are cheaper. It is better to reside in a bad part of town, they think, than not to live in a house at all. Or they buy an old house and remove it. Then they decorate it with antique furnishings. Sometimes, they can make an old house look more beautiful than a new one. Usually, it is not difficult for people to find an old home to buy. Many older people decide that they don't need a spacious

home after their children leave, so they sell their house and move to a cosy apartment.

But when people move into a house, they sometimes have problems. Homeowners have to do their own maintenance. For example, if there is a problem with the plumbing, one can't ask the landlord or landlady to fix it. On the other hand, people can remodel their homes in any way they want without having to be afraid of being evicted by the owner. Overall, most Americans would probably prefer to live in a house rather than in an apartment.

Ex. 3. Match the words and word combinations in A to their definitions in B. Make full sentences.

Model: A detached house is a kind of house which is not joined to any other house.

Ex. 4. Where in a typical house would you look for the following things?

Ex. 5. Place in the order of priority three most essential items you cannot live without. Explain why.

Ex. 6. Test your word power completing the following sentences.

9.When you own a house you have to pay a local tax on property called ...

10.These taxes are used on ...

Ex. 7. Play a guessing game. What article of furniture is being described?

Model: It's very convenient. It has a lot of drawers on the right and on the left. It doesn't take much room. I usually do my homework sitting at it

(a writing-table).

Ex. 8. Think of some words which may go with the following adjectives.

Build-in, gaily-coloured, two-storied, thatched/tiled, lovely, two-roomed, papered, painted, convenient/inconvenient, comfortable/uncomfortable, cosy/uncosy, well-planned, well-furnished, reasonable/unreasonable, tidy/untidy, favourable/unfavourable.

Ex. 9. Translate the sentences into Russian paying attention to the use of the words convenient, comfortable, cosy,

Will it be convenient for you to start work tomorrow? This is a convenient tool for the job. Will the 4.30 train be convenient for you? We must arrange a convenient time and place for the meeting. My brother has a very comfortable car. Are you comfortable? I never feel comfortable with him. Make yourself comfortable. Your little room is very cosy. The flat is comfortable and cosy. The whole atmosphere was cosy. They are having a cosy chat.

Ex. 10. Insert the necessary prepositions.

a)A friend of mine got a very comfortable flat ... last month. It is ... the second floor ... a new block .... flats. I got a letter ... my friend ... several pictures

... her flat. ... one of the pictures you can see her family sitting ... the table ... the living-room. Ann is sitting ... her husband and two sons. They are watching TV. It is ... the corner ... the window. There is piano ... the left... the table and a small table ... a telephone ... it ... the right. Ann is going to speak ... me ... the telephone tonight. You can see a lovely carpet ... the middle ... the room and some pictures ... the wall ... the piano. My friend's sons learn to play ... the piano. Besides they are fond ... reading books and have plenty ... them ... the bookcase and ... the shelves.

b)I have got a room ... my own. I have rent it ... my acquaintances. I share the room ... a friend ... mine. We pay ... the room $30 a month. It's hard to find a lodging ... a lower price. I'm pleased ... my flat. It is close ... the center and the bus stop is handy. As a rule we pay our landlady ... advance. We also have to pay a deposit ... the front-door key and to keep ... particular house-rules. I dream

... the times when I'll have a flat ... my own.

Ex. 11. Talk about your flat making various substitutions.

-What kind of flat have you got?

-It's actually a two-room flat with all modern conveniences in a new block of flats.

-Do you live together with your parents or in a flat of your own / private house / hostel / hall of residence / the digs, etc.?

-I rent / take a room from my mother's acquaintances in a three-room flat.

-What kind of room have you got there?

-Actually, it's a separate room with all modern conveniences / well-planned / spacious / good-sized / four metres by four, etc.

-How / what does your room / window / house face / overlook / look on?

-Well, it faces the Gorky park / south. We have a lovely / wonderful view from the window.

-Do you have a single room in the hall of residence?

-No, I've to share it/the room together with my friend/fellow-student/ groupmate.

-Do you have to pay a high rent for your room?

-Yes, the rent is very high / awful, but it can't be helped.

-No, the rent is quite reasonable / fairly cheap.

-Do you find it convenient to live in this flat?

-Not at all. It's on the sixth floor / level and the lift / elevator / escalator is often out of order. Apart from that the house is located in a very busy street and there is a great deal of noise from outside. There's a children's playground just opposite my window. I'd like to find something better and not so far from the University.

-How do you find my new suite of furniture?

-Oh, it's absolutely lovely / modern-looking / comfortable.

Ex. 12. Develop the following situations making use of the words and phrases in brackets.

1.You've got a comfortable well-planned flat (a spacious kitchen, modern conveniences, a lift, a chute to carry rubbish down, a toilet / loo, a bathroom, tiled walls, papered walls, the floor is parquet ['pa:kei, 'pa:kit]).

2.Your living-room is the cosiest room in the flat (to look attractive, to receive guests, to make the room cosy, a good-sized room, a well-furnished room, a new suite of furniture, a fluffy carpet on the floor).

3.The kitchen is small but cosy and warm (build-in cupboards, to face southwest, a lot of sunshine, a lovely view from the window, an electric cooker, convenient, gaily-coloured curtains, to be covered with linoleum, a kitchen suite).

Ex. 13. Describe your room / house, etc. to the partner who would make a sketch of what you are describing. Encourage / stimulate him by asking questions to mention as many details as possible.

Ex. 14. Imagine that you can design your ideal house. Draw a plan and label the parts. Tell the others in the group what furniture and equipment you'd like to have in each room. What about the garden?

Ex. 15. Tell the class what you like and what you don't like about the place where you live. Then tell what things you would like to have done to improve your flat.

Ex. 16. A. Discuss the possible reasons for moving out or choosing a new place to live. Here are some of them. Guess the age group and social status of each person.

Liza wants

-to be near the shops

-to know she could stay there permanently

-to have a good view (not facing north) and a light room

-to be able to walk her dog nearby

-not to be disturbed by noise of kinds, traffic or parties

Rebecca wants

-to spend as little as possible

-to have a safe place for small children

-to live at or near the ground level

-to have all conveniences in the house

Sebastian wants

-to be near his elderly parents

-to have a bus stop handy

-to save money by sharing a kitchen and a dining-room

-to save money by having an upstairs room

Simon wants

-to have breakfasts cooked and his room cleaned

-not to be responsible for maintenance

-to be free to come and go when he wants

-to be comfortable, even if it means paying more rent

B. Look at the advertisements below. Which of the places would it be worth your having a look at, why? Which of them would suit Liza, Sebastian, Rebecca and Simon?

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