Reading Text

I. Read and translate the text into Ukrainian. On the weather (an extract)

I wanted to write about something altogether new, something that nobody else had ever written or talked about before. I went about for days, trying to think of something of this kind, and I couldn't.

When I asked for advice I was suggested to write about weather. And ever since that idiotic suggestion I have been unable to get the weather out of my thoughts

It certainly is most wretched weather. At all events, it is so now, at the time when. I am writing, and if it isn't unpleasant when you read this, it soon will be.

It always is wretched weather, according to us. In summer we say it's too hot, in winter that it's too cold, in spring and autumn we are not satisfied because it's neither one nor the other. If it is fine, we say the country is ruined because it does not rain; if it rains, we wish for fine weather. If December passes without snow, we want to know what has become of our good old winters: and when it snows we are again displeased. We shall never be pleased until each man makes his own weather, and keeps it to himself

(After Jerome К. Jerome)

Notes

I was suggested — мені натякнули

wretched — поганяй

according to us — з нашого погляду

neither one nor the other — ні жарко, ні холодно

at all events — в усякому разі

II. Put 5—7 questions to the text.

Ш. Think and say what kinds of weather are good or bad for doing these things.

Planting flowers in die garden. Being ill with a high temperature.

Having a garden party. Skiing in the mountains.

Doing sightseeing in a big city. Fishing in the river.

Camping out in a tent. Weeding potatoes.

Revising for an exam. Driving long distances.

IV. Read the following sentences and put their numbers in the corresponding column.

SPRING	SUMMER	AUTUMN	WINTER

ALL IS GOOD IN ITS SEASON

1. It is a good time for sledding and tobogganing, making snowmen and playing snowballs.

2. People enjoy picking mushrooms and berries in the woods and forests.

3. Gradually it gets colder and colder and rains more often.

4. It is the time for nature to awake from its sleep.

5 .The rivers and lakes are frozen over and you can see a lot of fishermen on the ice.

6. The days become shorter and the nights become longer.

7. The nightingales start to sing their beautiful melodies.

8. It's a wonderful time when the air is transparent and the trees stand red, brown, golden and yellow against the beautiful cloudless sky.

9. After several chilly weeks people look forward to the wonderful warm days of Indian Summer.

10. There are occasional storms with thunder and lightning but people usually welcome them as they bring a relief from the heat.

11. It is so pleasant to see snowdrops in the woods and to enjoy the fresh breath of the new season.

12. The sun sets very early and rises very late, it's still dark in the morning when you get up.

13. In this season people particularly dislike the sleet and slush under the feet and the dull grey sky.

14. Most nations usually celebrate the shortest night in the year with special rituals.

15. The trees start blossoming and everything around looks festive in white and pink garments.

16. Strawberries are the first fresh fruit that you eat in this season.

17. The roads are icy and it is the most dangerous time for drivers.

18. Most birds fly away to warm countries.

19. New green grass covers the ground and all parks and gardens look pretty spotted with the yellow dandelions.

20. The dry winds usually bring droughts which are bad for crops.