2. Report these questions beginning with the words:

The tourists asked…

TEXT B

English in the Third Millennium

a) Read the text

Where will English be at the end of the third millennium?

One view is that English is going to become even more important as a global language, dominating the world's trade and media while most other languages will become localised or just die out. At present, over half the world's 6,500 languages are in danger of extinction. Another view is that English is already breaking up, as Latin did, into several separate languages. There are already dictionaries of the 'New Englishes', such as Australian English, full of words that a British English speaker would not recognise.

Hopefully, neither of these things will happen. Although different

varieties of English will continue to develop around the world, standard English will survive for international communication. Already, other languages are fighting back against the iron grip of English on the Net. Governments around the world are also starting to protect smaller languages and recognise the importance of cultural and linguistic diversity. English will probably stay in control for a long time, at least while the USA remains the top superpower, but it definitely won't become the only language in the world.

b) Express your attitude to the main question of the text.

Use In my opinion, As far as I understand, To tell the truth, To my mind, It’s really so, It’s rubbish.

Ex. 5. Read the dialogue. Do you agree with Lynne or Greg? Speak for and against their statements. Use the phrases mentioned above.

Q.: Do you think that English will soon be the universal language?

Lynne: I think most adults already speak some English… even if it’s only a word or two. Well, English is very common and very useful.

Q.: What about you, Greg?

G.: I think that’s right. Because there are so many words, for example to do with computers that are in English and that are used internationally. And there are a lot of words connected with sport, business or entertainment for example radio, television, football, businessman - these are all international words, English words though. So I think in years to come there’ll be very few people who don’t speak English.

Q.: Right. Now what about British and American life and habits, do you think that it’s important to know about those?

L.: I don’t, not at all. I mean I don’t think that English as a language has anything to do with double-decker buses, and bowler hats and hamburgers and yellow taxis. I don’t think cultural roots of English are important at all.

G.: Oh, sorry. Can I just come in there. I really do disagree there, because I think you have to understand the culture of a country, simply because there are some words that mean different things to different people depending on what country they’re in, for example the word “tea” can be a drink to some people in one country and in another country if means an entire meal. The word “police” means different things to different people. You always have to know a little bit about the background and the culture of a country before you can fully understand the language.

Q.: What about the work situation. How important is English there, what’s its role?

L.: Well, I think it’s really important and I think more and more people will use it at work. Everyone will need to use more English for their work.

Q.: Mmm. Greg?

G. I think some people will need to use more English, particularly people working in big companies who have to travel a lot and do a lot of business between countries, but I think for the majority of the population in any country who aren’t involved in international business or moving around or traveling, then I think they’ll be very happy sticking to their own language.

Ex.6. Translate the following sentences into English.

Use : They say; to tell the truth, it is a common knowledge, in my opinion, as far as I know.

1. Говорять, що англійська мова найпопулярніша у світі.

2. Відомо, що англійська мова – це мова авіації, міжнародного спорту та сучасної музики.

3. Правду кажучи, я ще не досить добре знаю англійську мову.

4. На мою думку, ніхто не знає, скільки людей говорять англійською мовою як іноземною.

5. Наскільки мені відомо, англійська мова переважає в науці, бізнесі, торгівлі і вона необхідна для укладання угод та контрактів.

Ex.7. Give equivalents to these English proverbs:

1. It is never too late to learn. 2. He who makes no mistakes, makes nothing. 3. First think then speak. 4. It is the first step that costs. 5. Never do things by halves. 6. No pains, no gains.7. So many countries, so many customs. 8. Where there is a will, there is a way. 9. What is worth doing at all is worth doing well.

Ex.8. Learn the poem:

His English is wonderful

He speaks very well

His accent is perfect

You really can’t tell

That he isn’t a native

of the USA.

There is only one problem:

He has nothing to say.

Ex.9. Speak on the topic: English as a world language.

Grammar Exercises

Ex. 1. Study the table and consult the Grammar Focus.( p.106)

Ex.2. Make the following questions indirect:

1. “What do you think of our canteen?”, I asked my cousin.

2. “When did you stop smoking?”, the nurse asked the patient.

3. “How much is the bus fare?”, my guest asked me.

4. “Why do people go in for sports?”, the boy asked his father.

5. “Who was this book written by?”, the teacher asked the student.

6. “How did Maria get to school today?”, the teacher asked.

7. “Does your friend live in London?”, I asked Boris.

8. I asked Tom : “Have you already had breakfast?”

9. I asked my sister: “Will you stay at home or go for a walk after dinner?”

10. I asked a young man: “Can you call a taxi for me?”

Ex.3. Report these sentences from direct into indirect speech.

1. “When I arrived in England I thought I knew English,” Mary said.

2. “Are those 500 words the average Englishmen uses enough for communication?” the tourist asked.

3. “Why do all foreigners have trouble in English speaking?” they wondered.

4. “The English grammar is simpler than in other languages but the spelling is difficult,” answered the guide.

5. “Two thousands years ago English did not exist,” said the guide.

Ex. 4. Write down six questions to ask you partner, starting with:

Are you…? Have you ever…? Did you…? How often do you…? Where…? What…?

- In pairs, ask and answer the questions. Write down the questions your partner asked you.

• Then form new pairs. Report the questions which your first partner asked you, and give your answers.

Ex. 5. Turn these reported questions into direct questions. Use you .

Model: “Where do you work?”, he asked her.

1. He asked where she worked.

2. She asked what his favorite sport was.

3. He asked if she heard the sports news.

4. She asked why he disliked his business partner.

5. She asked when he was going to participate in the conference.

Unit III