11. Grammar structures.

The Objective –with-the- Infinitive Construction.

e.g. People believe that he is stubborn.

People believe him to be stubborn.

Transform the structure of the following sentences to use the Objective-with-the-Infinitive Construction:

1. People consider that I’m a bit shy.

2. We expect that she is loyal and reliable.

3. They think that we are ambitious.

4. Peter believes that she is impatient.

5. Jane supposed that he was impulsive.

The Subjective-with-the-Infinitive Construction.

e.g. People believe that he is trustworthy.

He is believed to be trustworthy. ( by people)

1. They expect that he is impractical.

2. People think that I am pretty .

3. We consider that she is funny-looking.

4. We suppose that they are conservative.

5. Jack believed that she was stable.

Questions for Discussion:

1. Do you believe there is some truth in what is written above? Give reasons.

2. Prove (or disprove) the theory by describing how someone’s facial characteristics agree (or disagree) with their personality. Try to sound convincing by giving as many examples as you can.

3. Do you believe your face reveals your character or conceals it? What makes you think so?

4. What can you say about the character of the people in the picture? Explain what you base your opinion on?

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Reading II

Popular Misconceptions

It is common knowledge that appearances are deceptive. Practically everybody has met at least someone whose character and appearance differ radically.

When one sees a tall and broad-shouldered man, one expects him to be strong-willed and brave. One thinks: “A model to follow!” How often a hunky guy turns out to be petty, weak-willed or even cowardly. Then one thinks: 'A mediocrity!'

At the same time everyone knows that a lot of great people were of poor build: short and fragile. It did not stop them from displaying intelligence and courage. Ingenuity does not depend on one's complexion or constitution.

Plump or fat people create an impression of generous and kind individuals. Strangely enough, they often turn out to be thrifty or even greedy. One usually thinks: 'A scrooge!' On the other hand, thin or slim nervous ladies often tend to be very generous and extravagant. They like to buy and never think twice when they pay. One thinks: 'I would call her open-handed and Mother would call her a waster. Yes, mothers are always stricter in judgments.

Has it ever happened to you that you come to an important office and see a powerful boss? You immediately notice what he looks like: 'Round-faced, small narrow eyes, dimples in his cheeks and an upturned nose. What a nice fellow!' You tell the boss of your troubles and expect immediate help. But the boss appears to be rude and wilful. You never get your help and think: 'An iron fist in a velvet glove’.

When someone sees a delicately built pretty blonde with curly hair, blue eyes, a straight nose and a high forehead, one is inclined to think that the beauty is intelligent and nice. It may be disappointing to think later 'What an impolite stupid bore! On the contrary, when one sees a skinny brunette with ugly irregular features — a hooked nose, pointed chin, close-set eyes and thin lips, strange thoughts come to one's head; because it is the image of evil people — cruel and cunning. It may be a relief some time later to find her a clever, gentle and well-mannered lady and think: 'What charm! A heart of gold!'

Another general misconception lies in the fact that children are always expected to resemble their parents. And parents like it when children take after them. Relatives like to compare moles, the shape of noses, etc. The greatest compliment is: 'They are as like as two peas'. To find nothing in common is a huge disappointment. We want to deny people their uniqueness. We don't want to admit that nature has selected other options from an enormous genetic fund developed over generations. Why do we like our doubles? Who knows!

Nature likes to play tricks on us - it creates a brilliant kaleidoscope of characters and appearances which often clash. But don't you think it is nature’s way of making life more interesting and exciting? After all, variety is the spice of life.

Topical Vocabulary

1. Bore/ a bore/ bored (boring – first list)

2. Brave/ bravery

3. Courage/ courageous

4. Cruel

5. Evil

6. Extravagant

7. Greedy

8. Ingenuity

9. Open-handed

10. Petty

11. Strong-willed/ weak-willed

12. Thrifty

13. Unique/uniqueness

14. Waster/waste

15. Well-mannered

16. Wilful