XX. Act out the following situation.

A group of Russian students arrives in London on an exchange programme. They decide to make a tour of London the very first Saturday. Only the group leader knows London as it is her/his third visit to the capital of Great Britain. The students know quite a lot about London from books and they are looking forward to seeing everything with their own eyes, But their interests are totally different and it takes them time to come to an agreement.

ROLES:

Student 1 cares for painting;

Student 2 is interested in historical monuments;

Student 3 wants to see what Speakers' Corner really is;

Student 4 prefers just to stroll about London parks.

Each tries to prove his suggestion is the best. The group leader tries to remain neutral and help the students to work out a programme acceptable to everyone.

Language Notes:

making suggestion

What about... (doing smth.)

Why don't we (do smth.)

We could always...

I've got a great/marvelous idea; we could...

I think we should

Suppose we ... (do smth.)

The only way out is to ...

My suggestion is that...

Have you thought of... (doing smth.)

In my opinion the best thing is to...

refusing suggestion

It's out of the question (to do smth.) Of course we couldn't... What a ridiculous idea... It'd be a complete waste to ...

agreeing

I fully (quite) agree with you That's just what I was going to say Beyond all doubt

disagreeing

I wouldn't say so

I disagree with you

There's something in what you say, but...

Oh, but you've got it all wrong, I'm afraid.

I wonder what makes you say so.

I agree with you on the whole but it could be said that

I'm not sure I go along with you on that.

raising objections or difficulties

It's all very well to say..., but...

It's not as easy as all that, if we..., it means that...

Yes, but look, Peter (girls, people), that would mean...

Yes, but on the other hand...

Let's be realistic about this...

That's all very well, but you've got to take... into

account/consideration.

expressing likes and preferences

I'm keen on (doing) smth.

I'd rather do smth. than do smth. else.

I would prefer smth.

breaking into a conversation

If you'd let me get a word in edgeways I'd ...

If you'd only listen to me...

That's nonsense/stupid/ridiculous!

calming the argument

Listen, please, all of you... Wouldn't it be a good idea to ... Don't get upset/angry! Well, you could always... Keep your hair on! One way out would be to...

criticizing attitudes

I think you're being rather selfish/unrealistic/inconsiderate I don't think you're being very helpful about... You don't seem to realize/understand that...

XXI. Topics for oral and written composition.

1. Speak in favour of doing the sightseeing of London on your own.

2. Prove that a guided tour of London is the best way to see it.

3. Imagine you are a student of London University and you take a friend of yours on a tour of London. Prepare a list of places and buildings you recommend your friend to see and give your reasons trying to get him interested in these places.

4. Prove that London is a city of contrasts.

5. Explain how this or that London street (square) got its name.

6. Speak of the history of a famous Donetsk street (square).