Cards

Unit 7, lesson 4, ex. 1b (WB)

People’s Writer of Belarus Vasil Bykov

Vasil Bykov was a Belarus prose writer and playwright. He was born _in_ 1924 in Bychki village _in_ the Vitebsk region.

Vasil Bykov rose to popularity with the publication _of_ his story ‘Third Rocket’ in 1962. In the 1960s he published ‘The Alpine Ballad’ and ‘The Dead Don’t Feel Pain’, and _in_the 1970s ‘Sotnikov’, ‘The Obelisk’, ‘Live to See the Dawn’ and ‘To Go and Not to Return’. These works have marked Vasil Bykov as one _of_ the greatest writers _about_ war _in_ the 20th century.

Bykov’s creativity centres on the drama and tragedy _of_ war. His marvellous stories express rich thoughts and deep feelings _of_ his characters, and have a thoughtful philosophical subtext.

In 1974 Vasil Bykov was awarded [ w d d] (награжден) the State award of the USSR (for the story ‘Live to See the Dawn’, 1973). In 1980 he received the National Writer _of_ Belarus Award and in 1984 was made a Hero of Socialist Labour [ le b ] (Герой Социалистического Труда). _In_ 1986 he got the Lenin Award _for_ the story Sign of Trouble.

Vasil Bykov died _on_ 22 June 2003.

Robert Louis Stevenson

Robert Louis Stevenson was born _in_ Edinburgh, Scotland, _in_ 1850. He was a sickly child who spent much time reading about travel and adventure. His love _for_ adventure and poor health made him spend many years travelling the world. He was looking _for_ a climate that was healthier and warmer than Britain’s.

One of the main travels _of_ his life was to America to join the woman he loved – Fanny Osbourne [ zb n], whom he had met _in_ France _in_ 1876. When he came to New York _in_ August 1879 he was without any money and often between life and death _on_ his way to San Francisco, where Fanny lived. _In_ May 1880 Fanny and Robert got married (поженились) and went back _to_ Britain together with Fanny’s children from her first marriage (от первого брака). He loved her children as his own, and they gave back this love. His family encouraged a lot _of_ literary works – ‘Treasure Island’ (1883), ‘Kidnapped’ (1886), ‘Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hide’ (1886), ‘The Black arrow’ (1888), as well as a number _of_ essays and plays. _In_ 1892 he wrote ‘The Wrecker’ and _in_ 1894 ‘the Ebb-Tide’ together with his stepson Lloyd Osbourne. The family continued to travel _in_ Switzerland, France and other warmer places. _In_ 1890, with his family and mother he went to live in the faraway Samoan Islands _in_ the South Pacific [p s f k] (Тихий океан). He died there in 1894 at the age of 44. Stevenson’s life is mirrored _in_ many of his works – he left a treasure of essays, diaries, poetry, letters, short stories and novels.

Unit 7, lesson 6, III. Reading

Where were you born?

Bath, Somerset – but I’ve lived in Kingston in Surrey since I was three.

How old are you?

Older than your mum, but maybe not as old as your granny.

What sort of family do you have?

I have one lovely grown-up daughter, Emma (and a fiercely independent old mum who lives ten minutes away). I don’t have any brothers or sisters, though I have always wanted to be part of a big family.

When is your birthday?

17th December, which is a pity as it’s so near to Christmas.

What sort of music do you like?

All sorts – especially ‘Queen’ and Freddie Mercury.

What’s your favourite film?

An old black and white movie called ‘Mandy’ about a little girl who couldn’t hear.

What’s your favourite colour?

Black and silver.

What was your favourite subject at school?

I liked English and Art.

What was your worst subject at school?

I hated Maths and I was useless at P.E.

Did you have any job apart from writing?

I was a journalist in my late teens. The girls’ magazine ‘Jackie’ was named after me!

Did you always want to be a writer?

Yes. From the age of six I was always making up stories.

How many books have you published?

About eighty? I’ve lost count!

Where do you get your ideas from?

I don’t know. They just seem to pop into my head!

Do you base your characters on real people?

No, it’s much more fun making them all up. I wish some of them were real though. I’d love to meet Elsa from ‘The Bed and Breakfast Star’ – she’s such a kind, cheerful girl.

What are your favourite books now?

I love Charlotte Bronte’s ‘Jane Eyre’, ‘The Bell Jar’ by Sylvia Plath and Katherine Mansfield’s short stories. My favourite children’s book now is ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ by Maurice Sendak.

Have you ever written any books for adults?

I’ve written five crime novels – but they all have children in them.

Where do you write?

I write in special pretty notebooks. I take one with me everywhere I go. I often write on trains! When my story is finished I type it out on my computer, changing bits and pieces as I go.

How long does it take you to write a book?

Between three and six months.

Do you travel much?

Yes, I zoom all over Great Britain! I’ve even been lucky enough to do book tours in Australia and New Zealand.

Do you get lots of fan mail?

I get lots and lots of emails sent to the fan club. I can only reply to a few each month – I wish I could manage more! I also get around 200 letters a week. I read them all and try very hard to write back to anyone who has sent a very special letter or a beautiful drawing. I wish I could clone myself so I could have the time to write to everyone.

Have you got any special ambitions?

I’d like to write a hundred books. I’d also like to have a little spare time!

If you could have one wish for the twenty-first century what would it be?

That people still make up stories.

What’s it like being a famous writer?

It’s wonderful – but it’s very hard work too!

Unit 7, lesson 6, ex. 3d

… is a book by ….

The book is about …, who is a lovely / amazing / marvellous child / person, whom you can’t but like / admire / respect / hate. The other character called … is very similar / completely different / completely the opposite.

The action takes place in …

You’ll have to read the book yourself to learn the plot / enjoy it.

The author does not only examine the … but discovers the … We can also see …

All of these are / Everything is described in a realistic / believable / amusing / friendly way , where … is placed at the top, which is a great positive / optimistic / enthusiastic message for the reader.

… is an outstanding book, with an extremely adventurous / exciting / amusing / touching / moving / interesting plot. It is a very entertaining read that I would recommend to anyone / children / teenagers. … is a fantastic book that lives up to any expectations. This book is well worth reading.

Unit 7, lesson 7, ex. 4

kind – unkind, friendly – unfriendly, clever – silly, intelligent – unintelligent, interested – disinterested, lazy – hard-working, enthusiastic – unenthusiastic, optimistic – pessimistic, critical – tolerant, helpful – unhelpful, pleasant – unpleasant, polite – impolite, correct – incorrect, honest – dishonest, caring – uncaring, respectful – disrespectful, fair – unfair, lucky – unlucky, happy – unhappy