8. Writing
Arriving in Britain, you have to fill in a UK landing card. In the USA, there is a special Arival/Departure Record. Look at the samples and say what information you have to write about. Practise filling in both cards.
OVER TO YOU:
1. Can you describe the best holiday in your life?
2. Can you describe an interesting / unusual event from your past?
3. Can you describe your ideal holiday?
M
odule
8
IT’S A SMALL WORLD
Who do you think these myths are about? Do you think these myths are true?
They drink tea every day at five o’clock.
They enjoy bullfighting.
They are very keen on fast food.
They eat pasta every day.
They keep bears as pets.
1. Pronunciation and vocabulary
Practise saying the names of the countries. Complete the chart with nationalities and languages. Listen and check.
|
Country |
Nationality |
Language |
|
The United Kingdom |
The British |
English |
|
Spain |
|
|
|
Japan |
|
|
|
Brazil |
|
|
|
Italy |
|
|
2. Reading and vocabulary
2.1 Read the article. What does it say about national stereotypes?
|
Are we typical? The English are cold and reserved, Brazilians are lively and fun-loving, and the Japanese are shy and hardworking – this is what people usually think about these nationalities. How much truth is there in national stereotypes? Two scientists, Robert McCrae and Antonio Terraciano, investigated the subject, and the result was surprising. |
|
The scientists tested people of 49 different nationalities. Then, they interviewed them and asked them to describe a typical member of their society. The analysis showed that the stereotype was very different from the reality. For example, Italians and Russians think of themselves as sociable and open, but the tests show they are more reserved. The Spanish see themselves lazy, but in fact they are very hardworking. The English are the most open-minded nationality, which is very far from the stereotype! The tests also showed that all nationalities don’t have many differences. In fact, we have a lot in common! |
2.2 In the text, find the words describing character.
2.3 Complete the sentences with the personality adjectives.
|
hardworking open-minded lazy reserved sociable hospitable shy fun-loving practical reliable talkative organized moody |
______ people who are open and enjoy the company of other people
______ people who are happy one minute and sad the next minute
______ people who like chatting
______ people who like to work
______ people who don’t like to show their feelings
______ people who can be self-disciplined
______ people who don’t like to work
______ people who like visitors
______ people who are not confident in themselves
______ people who know how to spend their money
______ people you can trust or believe
______ people who love parties
______ people who are open to new ideas
2.4 What kind of person are you? Describe yourself in three words. Are you a typical representative of your nationality?