The Course of English for University Students (Step 4). Учебное пособие

A:Sometimes I feel like complaining to…………………………………

B:Great. Tell them we need……………………………………….. too.

Ex. 4. Complete the sentences with the words below:

garbage, crowded, comfortable, tall, outdoor, polluted, air,

6)There is a lot of _____________ pollution from the factories.

7)There are lots of _____________________________concerts.

8) There is too much .

9) The ____________________________________ is very good.

Create short conversations about your city using the vocabulary and sentences above and try to expand:

A: What do you like about your city? B:_________________________________

A:Why is that?/ What do you mean? B:_________________________________

A: And what do you dislike about your city? B:_________________________________

A: Why is that a problem? B:_________________________________

(example 1)

A:What do you like about your city?

B:I like that my city is small and that I know most of the people

in it.

A:Why is that?

B:I like feeling like I'm a part of a community and that I can trust the people around me.

A:And what do you dislike about your city?

B:I dislike that there isn't much to do and that it can be pretty boring.

A:Why is that a problem?

B: I get bored easily and I like to be able to go out and do things.

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(example 2)

A:What do you like about your city?

B:It's really convenient. There are a lot of things close by.

A:What do you mean?

B:It's just really easy to get around and there's always something

to do.

A:And what do you dislike about your city?

B:The traffic. It's really bad.

A:Why is that a problem?

B:It's just really frustrating. It's hard to get around and it's always congested.

Ex. 5. Expressing opinions about cities. Match the words to the sentences above. Decide whether you agree or disagree and give a reason for your choice.

crowded, get around , cost of living, 24 hours, can't stand, things to do, be myself, hate, energy, excitement

Reason:__________________________________________

6) Cities are open ____ a day. You can always get what you need. Agree / Disagree

Reason:__________________________________________

Reason:__________________________________________

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Possible answers

1.I agree with the statement that I love the energy and excitement of cities. I like that there is always something going on and that there are a lot of people around.

2.I disagree with the statement that I can't stand the noise in cities. I actually find the noise to be one of the things that I enjoy about cities. It makes me feel like I am in a busy place and it is exciting.

3.I agree with the statement that there are always things to do in cities. I like that there are a lot of options for entertainment and that there is always something going on.

4.I agree with the statement that cities are too crowded. I find that the crowds can be overwhelming and that it is difficult to move around in cities.

5.I agree with the statement that I love how easy it is to get around in cities. I like that I can walk or take public transportation to get where I need to go.

6.I agree with the statement that cities are open 24 hours a day. I like that I can find places to eat and shop at all hours of the day.

7.I agree with the statement that I hate how dirty cities are. I find that the pollution and the garbage can be really overwhelming.

8.I agree with the statement that the cost of living in cities is too high. I find that it is difficult to afford rent and groceries in cities.

9.I agree with the statement that I feel like I can really be myself in cities. I like that there is a lot of diversity and that I can find people who share my interests.

Ex. 6. Choose the best alternative.

1.What is one advantage of a city with cultural activities? A) Availability of shows and events

B) Low cost of living C) Little traffic

D) Quiet environment

2.What is one reason someone might choose to live in a city with many restaurants?

A) Lack of traffic

B) Quiet neighborhoods C) Affordable housing

D) Access to a variety of food options

3.What is one advantage of a city with many stores?

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A)Little traffic

B)Low cost of living

C)Convenient shopping

D)Quiet environment

4.What is one downside of a city with a high cost of living? A) Little access to amenities

B) High expenses

C) Lack of job opportunities D) Quiet environment

5.What is one disadvantage of a city with a lot of traffic? A) Affordable housing

B) Easy access to public transportation C) Long commutes

D) Availability of cultural activities

6.What is one advantage of a city with many opportunities? A) Quiet environment

B) Affordable housing C) Career prospects

D) Access to cultural activities

7.What is one disadvantage of a city with too much noise? A) Lack of sleep

B) Quiet neighborhoods C) Access to amenities D) Affordable housing

8.What is one downside of a city with too many people?

A)Cheap housing

B)Access to amenities

C)Crowded streets and public spaces

D)Quiet environment

9. What is one advantage of a city with good public trans­ portation?

A)Easy and convenient travel

B)Quiet environment

C)Affordable housing

D)Access to cultural activities

Ex. 7. Read the conversation about living in the city. Make a similar conversation of your own.

Grace: Yeah, I've definitely thought about it. There are a lot of advantages to city living.

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Alfie: Like what?

Grace: Well, there are so many job opportunities, and cultural activities too. Plus, there's always something going on.

Alfie: That's so true! But, what about the downsides?

Grace: The cost of living is definitely higher in the city. And there's a lot of traffic. It can be a nightmare.

Alfie: Yes, that's for sure! But there are also a lot of amenities. There are so many restaurants, and stores, that are all within walking distance.

Grace: That's definitely a plus. And there's always public transportation available, so you don't have to worry about owning a car.

Alfie: Very convenient! But there are too many people. And there's so much noise. The crowds and noise can be overwhelming.

Grace: Yeah, absolutely that's a disadvantage. But overall, I think the advantages of city living outweigh the disadvantages.

Alfie: Sure, I can see that. It's definitely something to consider.

Ex. 8. Read a text about an unusual town in Alaska, and for questions 1 to 6, choose the correct answer.

A Town that Lives in One Building

LocatedinthebeautifulstateofAlaska,alittletowncalledWhittier is tucked away in a picturesque area surrounded by mountains and the ocean. This hidden gem is hard to reach: the only ways to and from Whittier are either by ferry or through a one-lane tunnel that cuts through the mountains. This tunnel is unique because it is shared by both vehicles and trains, necessitating a precisely managed schedule to accommodate both modes of transportation and both directions of traffic.

Whittier's economy thrives on its port, the town's main source of employment, where cargo ships drop off their containers for rail transportation across Alaska. The town also has a grocery store, a museum, two hotels, and various other job opportunities for all its citizens: police officers, municipal workers, educators at the local school, and marina staff. Tourism has grown over the last few years to become an alternative source of income, drawing visitors to attractions such as the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel, glacier jet ski tours, and scenic boat excursions that offer breathtaking views of marine wildlife and icebergs.

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But the most fascinating aspect of Whittier is perhaps the fact that nearly all of its 200-odd residents live under the same roof. The Begich Towers, a 14-story building, is more than just an apartment complex; it's a self-contained town! The harsh winter weather helps to explain the convenience of this unusual way of living. Whittier's winter months are known for their heavy snowfalls and fierce winds. By having all the necessary facilities and services in one building, the residents don't have to brave the cold weather every time they need to run an errand or go to church. Not even the children need to step outside to attend school, which is in an adjacent building connected through a tunnel. It's an ingenious solution that makes life in such an extreme climate much more manageable.

However, the origins of Whittier's unique living situation date back to the early last century when the area was chosen for a military base. Shielded by towering mountains and situated by a bay with unfreezing waters, this location offered an ideal strategic position. Initially, wooden camps housed the soldiers, but as the need for more permanent structures grew with the increasing population, two significant buildings were erected: the once largest building in Alaska, the Buckner Building, and the Begich Towers. The construction of the tunnel in the 1940s, intended to provide railway access, marked Whittier's transformation into an essential cargo and passenger port. After the military left in the 1960s, the Buckner Building was abandoned, and the Begich Towers became the main residential and communal space for the town's inhabitants.

Nowadays, Whittier's residents just need to hop on the elevator to go grocery shopping, visit the police station, or eat 'out'—though in this case, 'eat in' might be more accurate. There's even a health clinic, which is far from being a hospital but more than enough for minor ailments. In essence, everything the residents may need is a few steps away from their homes. Living in Begich Towers offers a sense of community and convenience that is hard to find elsewhere. The close proximity of homes and businesses fosters a strong bond among the residents. Whether they're sharing a cup of coffee at the café on the ground floor or attending a community meeting, the people of Whittier have created a unique and supportive environment.

Whittier might be small, but it's a remarkable example of adaptability and community spirit. Its single-building town, surrounded by Alaska's breathtaking landscape, is a testament to human ingenuity and resilience.

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Ex. 9. Choose the right alternative for the previous text.

1) Which adjective would better describe Whittier? A. remote B. reachable C. mountainous

2)If you are going to Whittier through the tunnel...

A. your only option is to take a train.

B. you can't use the tunnel while other people are leaving. C. you can go by car at any time.

3)Most people in Whittier work in...

A.having a town in one building is not ideal.

B.the school is in the same building.

C.the town's church is in the Begich Towers. 5) The towers were built...

A.to protect the soldiers from the weather.

B.to accommodate an expanding population.

C.to mark Whittier's transformation.

6) Which of these can you NOT find in Begich Towers?

A.a restaurant B. a hospital C. a supermarket

Ex. 10. Read about Alicia's experiences living in four different cities. For questions 1-10, choose from the cities A-D. You may choose each city more than once.

Finding calm in cities

A.Trinka

While studying here, I stayed in an apartment in Saint Catherine's

Square. In medieval times, this would have been a bustling area used for markets and public gatherings, but now it's a little haven of calm, away from traffic and commerce. There are places like this dotted around the city, most of which have benches where you can rest your feet. There's no greenery in them, though. It would have been nice to get some shade from a tree or enjoy its blossom. The city as a whole lacks green spaces or paths beside the river where you can enjoy nature. Even so, under the canopy of a sidewalk café, with your back against a café window, you can detach yourself from the fast pace of city life and while away the hours even on the city's busiest streets.

B. Kampela

As a city, Kampela is entirely utilitarian. The purpose of its streets is simply to shift people and goods from one place to another.

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Consequently, they are devoid of any aesthetic attributes, like statues or old decorative features. Since there's nothing of appeal to make you want to linger, everyone just puts their head down and gets where they want to be as quickly as possible. As a result, it doesn't give the impression of a relaxing city. That said, once you get where you want to be, you will often find yourself somewhere peaceful and serene. For there is no shortage of quiet tea shops and bars designed with soft lighting and comfortable furniture to calm your nerves. Many of these have outdoor spaces at the back, which are quiet and welltended despite being overlooked by other buildings.

C. Pokamarka

Urban planners in Pokamarka seem to have not considered that people might enjoy eating or drinking outside since wide pavements or pedestrianized zones which might house a bench or a café don't exist here. If you want to keep moving, though, you can get some quiet time in plenty of places. The routes along the canal are perfect for stretching the legs. Moreover, the city's park is barely used, though it's not terribly well maintained. It's hard to find somewhere to sit which looks both clean and able to support someone's weight. There's rather a lot of graffiti and vandalism, which has probably discouraged the local council from planting trees and flowers. The few that exist look rather unkempt.

D. Melwick

From an aerial photograph, you would think that Melwick would have plenty of peaceful outdoor spaces. After all, its harbour location offers lots of paved walkways and open plazas, and Great Park is wellknown for its stunning trees and botanical gardens, which are just as spectacular in real life as in pictures. The problem is that these spaces are always heaving with tourists trying to take selfies against the statues and memorials, so trying to relax there will make you stressed and irritated. Your best option is to get on a ferry or cable car at a quiet time of day. Then, you can watch the city drift past in peace. However, time it wrong and you'll be queuing next to a load of noisy school kids. Even the cafes don't give you any kind of refuge, as the servers want you in and out as quickly as possible.

1 The city has no attractive outdoor features.

2 You are unlikely to find peace eating or drinking indoors here.

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3 The city has many popular historical monuments. 4 You can have a peaceful walk beside the water here.

5 The most peaceful areas are inside or behind buildings. 6 Areas that used to be busy are now peaceful.

7 Sitting outdoors in this city is pleasant and relaxing.

8 You may find peace when taking some forms of transport. 9 You won't find many people in this city's park.

10 The public park has attractive, well-kept plants.

Ex. 11. Read the text and choose the correct answer for each gap.

Amelia's heart raced as she walked down the dimly lit street. She had a nagging feeling that she was being followed. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw that the shadowy figure was 1…… behind her. Her mind raced back to the past few days, wondering if this was the same person who 2 …… stalking her.

The more she thought about it, 3 …. certain she became. The unnerving sensation of 4 …… had grown too strong to ignore. She quickened her pace, hoping to lose 5 ……… it was, but the footsteps behind her grew louder, closer.

Amelia wished she 6 ……… so long at the café earlier. It was 7 ………

nice evening, and she had lost track of time enjoying her coffee. Now, that moment of relaxation seemed like a dangerous luxury.

Turning a corner, she found herself in a narrow alleyway, desperate 8 ……… a way out. Suddenly, a figure stepped into her path. Her pursuer was revealed: a man with a black 9 ……… hoodie pulled low over his face.

Trying to keep her voice steady, Amelia warned 10 ……… following her.

'We need to talk,' the man said, his voice surprisingly soft. 'It's about your brother.'

Amelia's heart 11 …….. a beat. Her brother had been missing 12 ……… months. Could this stranger have information about him?

'Can you tell me 13 …… ?' she asked, her fear momentarily overshadowed by curiosity.

'It seems we have 14 ……. been looking for him,' the man said. 'I'm a private investigator. I didn't want to alarm you.'

Amelia was relieved and a bit annoyed. 'You 15 …… me directly.'

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'I'm sorry,' the investigator said. 'I didn't want to scare you more than necessary. Your brother is in serious trouble, and I believe you're the key to finding him.'

1.ever /already / yet /still

2.was being / had been / was / had

3.the more / the most / more / so

4.watching / having watched / being watched / being watching

5.whose / whom / whoever / whichever

6.didn't spend / wouldn't have spent / hadn't spent / wouldn't spend

7.so / so much / such / such a

8.find / for finding / to find / to finding

9.cotton / big / old / cheap

10.to stop / he stop / him to stop / him stopping

11.had skipped / skipped / was skipped / was skipping

12.during / for / such / while

13.what's your name / who are you / your name's / who you are

14.neither / both / either / none

15.couldn't have approached / could have approached / must have approached / can approach

Ex. 12. Read about strange driving rules around the world, and for questions 1 to 6, choose the correct option.

If you are driving your car in Germany, you mustn't run out of fuel, or there might be consequences. This is because cars can go very fast on the Autobahn, Germany's motorway, as some places have no speed limits. As it can be very dangerous to stop on the Autobahn, you can't do it unless there is an emergency. Running out of fuel is not considered an emergency because it can be prevented – you just need to remember to fill up the tank. If you run out of fuel, you can get a fine between £25 and £60 and get points on your driving record. But if you cause traffic congestion or an accident, the consequences could be more severe.

In Denmark, you must check for children under or behind the car before starting it. Small children can be hard to see from the driver's seat, and the Danish want to keep their children safe. You can face legal consequences if you are caught starting your car and driving away without checking for children. This can include fines and possibly points on your driving record. So, you must remember to do this check every time you drive.

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