Speech exercises

Exercise 1. Answer the following questions.

1. What quality of the English character do most commentators agree over?

2. What is the basis of the English patriotism?

3. Why were Frenchmen often puzzled by the vehemence of English political debates?

4. What characteristics of English people have been almost universally noted by foreigners?

5. Give the difference in meaning and usage of the English words "Sorry" and "Pardon".

6. When were fireplaces most popular?

7. What is British girls' attitude to dressing up?

Exercise 2. Discuss the following .

1. English people as a nation have been for centuries secure, serene in their national successes. What is their security based on? Can you say that our people (your family and you, your friends) may be secure and serene in the future? Can you agree that Englishmen lack the respect for authority and discipline, as some Germans think? What do you think about the English people's respect for authority and discipline? Prove your opinion.

2. Why do English people like to have a fireplace in their home? Do you want to have a fireplace in your home? Why do people like to sit round and near the fireplace and watch the dancing flames? Do they simply want to warm near the fire? Does the fireplace help people to dream and relax? What do you think about it?

3. What do most of the British girls think about their fashion? Is there any difference in the attitude of British and Russian girls to their clothes? What clothes do your girlfriends prefer? And what can you say about your mother's fashion? Why do people want to be better dressed? Is it so important?

Written tasks

Exercise 1. Here is a part of the letter from your friend Ben from Australia.

“ … As far as I know you have been to England lately. I wonder if it’s true that girls don't trouble to dress up there. What is your opinion? Do the youth follow fashion and what style in clothes do they prefer?

Hope to hear from you soon.

Love,

Ben”

Write the answer observing rules of letter writing.

Exercise 2. Write a composition: Would you like to have an Englishman as a friend.