4. Multiple-choice options

In the multiple-choice task, you need to apply skills of interpretation, both to what is in the text and to what exactly is stated in the multiple-choice options.

When you are answering multiple-choice questions and you are unsure which is the right answer, one strategy is to try to rule out answers which you know are incorrect. This 'process of elimination' helps you to evaluate all four options carefully. Look at this question:

1. Low self-esteem can be improved by

A using body language to hide what you really feel.

В using threatening behaviour to make others feel small.

С recognizing that everyone else feels secure.

D recognizing that body language need not be a threat.

To decide whether an option is incorrect, you first need to locate the parts of the text which are potentially relevant. Look at the underlined text from the section called Learning the Language.

Watching other people’s body language can also help your own self-image.

'The main problem when people are insecure or lack self-esteem is that they imagine everyone else is secure,' he says. 'If you spot the tricks someone is using to intimidate you, they seem less threatening.'

So body language tactics are not to hide these signs of tension, but to gain mastery and confidence over the environment, to spot when others are being threatening or belittling, and take counter-measures. 'If you don't feel good about yourself, it's going to show. You can only fake it to an extent,' says psyсhologist Dr. David Lewis, who teaches people how to use body language tactics to think themselves into a more confident manner.

Notice that options which use the same or similar words as those in the text do not necessarily produce the right answer! For example:

Option A picks up the word hide but in fact states the opposite of what is in the text.

Option В mentions the word small but is incorrect as the text refers to others doing the belittling.

Option С says that recognizing that everyone else feels secure is a solution but the text states that imagining everyone else feels secure is the main problem.

Option D is the correct answer as it reflects what is said in the text.

Look at how the original wording has been changed in the option.

If you spot the tricks someone is using to intimidate you (recognizing that body language) they seem less threatening (need not be a threat).

5. Now look at the following multiple-choice questions. Use the above technique to help you to decide on the correct options.

2. One of the ways to become more confident is to

A relax more with friends.

В imitate the facial expressions of others.

С alter the way you walk.

D avoid direct eye contact with people.

3. Some people have poor postural echo because they

A do not co-operate with their parents.

В do not mix with people of equal status.

С have not received the proper training.

D have not understood the signals in a relationship.

4. How can you show that you want to end a conversation?

A cross your legs

В move back a little

С fold your arms

D nod your head slightly

5. People dominate space in a meeting in order to

A give themselves an advantage.

В put other people at their ease.

С make themselves more comfortable.

D hide their own nervousness.

6. What should you try not to do in a "social encounter"?

A fail to return an eyebrow flash

В glance away while talking to someone

С look directly into someone's eyes

D appear too friendly and interested

6. Do you agree with the views in this text? How important is body language in the way we relate to other people? Discuss your answers with a partner.

LISTENING

SIGN LANGUAGE

You’ll hear a talk about the signs that gypsies used to leave for each other in the past outside people’s houses.

1. Listen to the recording and draw the signs beside their meanings.

1. Beware of the dog.

2. Fierce dog.

3. Friendly people.

4. Friendly, generous people.

5. Very friendly, generous people.

6. Work to be hard here.

7. Gypsies not liked.

8. Nothing to be had.

9. Work available with good pay.

10. These people will buy from you.

11. This place has been robbed.

2. Mark the statements as True or False.

1. Gypsies had a whole system of communications.

2. They left behind paint marks on the wall.

3. Only gypsies could read these signs.

4. These signs were usesful because many gypsies were illiterate.

3. Find English equivalents.

2. послание

3. безграмотный

4. понятный

5. редкий, необычный

6. косой

TEST

LANGUAGES