2.3 Expressing impressions and reactions

• You can express positive impressions of a place by

a) using a variety of adjectives such as:

awe-inspiring, breathtaking, delightful, elaborate, eye-catching, exquisite, majestic, outstanding, overwhelming, picturesque, quaint, spellbinding, superb, tranquil, etc

b) using a variety of present or past participles from such verbs as:

amaze, astonish, astound, impress, inspire, overwhelm, refresh, stimulate, etc

c) using a variety of nouns in expressions such as:

to my amazement/ astonishment/ delight/ surprise/ etc

• You can express negative impressions of a place by:

a) using a variety of adjectives such as:

barren, bleak, derelict, dilapidated, disreputable, inhospitable, neglected, squalid, etc

b) using a variety of present or past participles from such verbs as:

depress, disappoint, dismay, terrify, shock, etc

c) using a variety of nouns in expressions such as:

to my disappointment/ surprise/ etc

(Successful Writing. Proficiency. St’s book. p.24)

2.4 Explaining impressions

• Paris makes an immediate/ enduring/ lasting impression on all who visit it, since it is such a glamorous city.

What strikes/ impresses/ delights visitors about the resort most is its unique surroundings.

The most noticeable/ outstanding feature of the place is its golden dome.

A huge statue of a lion is the first thing one notices upon entering the temple.

One cannot help but be impressed/ moved/ struck by the natural beauty of the region.

Without doubt, the most impressive thing about San Francisco is he Golden Gate Bridge.

The thing which makes the strongest/ most enduring impression is the hospitality of the locals.

I was immediately struck by the staggering number of huge skyscrapers.

One particularly marvels/ wonders at the variety of attractions offered.

You cannot fail to be struck by the quaintness of the irregular, half-timbered houses.

One thing that makes York unique among English towns is the саге with which it has been preserved.

York is also notable for the fact that it has managed to incorporate modern life into such а historic setting.

The combination of ancient and modern held such а fascination fоr me during that first visit that I have been back many times since, еасh time discovering something new.

When visiting Paris, one particularly marvels at the incredible architecture of the Роmрidоu Centre.

What impressed me most about the entire building was the lavishy-decorated, exception hall.

The first thing that one notices about the city is that there аre sо many well-preserved medieval buildings.

Undoubtedly the thing that will impress you most about Sydney is the amazing 0pcra House.

What strikes visitors to Mykonos most is the рerfeсt сombination of glamour and tradition.

The thing which makes the strongest impression is the hospitality оf the locals.

Few visitors can fail to be charmed by the welcoming smiles and the genuine interest that the villagers show in anyone who has bothered visiting their small community.

• The first thing one notices about the house is its overgrown garden.

The reason that the area is so depressing is that there are so many derelict buildings.

The filthy, congested streets confirmed my initial impression that it was an unpleasant city.

Undoubtedly, the thing/ feature that will disappoint any visitor is the lack of facilities.

(Successful Writing. Proficiency. St’s book. p.25)