24.8 Out of the ordinary Free practice

Work in groups. Tell the others about someone you know who lives in a way that you find unusual or surprising. Say:

1. what is unusual about him/her

2. what you think he/she lives like that

24.9 Spokes

Listening

You will hear an interview with a woman who represents an organisation called ‘Spokes’.

a) What is ‘Spokes’? b) What are its two main purposes ? According to the woman, what facilities are provided for: pedestrians? motorists? cyclists ? a) What kind of cycle lanes does the woman think there should be ? b) What kind of cycle lanes are there at the moment? The woman gives two reasons why she thinks it is worth spending money on cycle lanes. What are they ?

5. What exactly does she say about: the causes of accidents involving cyclists ? why so few people in Britain cycle in cities ? the effect of better facilities for cyclists ? the attitude of British people to pollution and the energy crisis ? the advantages of cycling? 6. a) The woman mentions three things that ‘Spokes’ has done to promote its cause. What are they? b) In what two ways have they been successful ?

Writing

Using information from the interview, write a paragraph of 100-150 words saying:

1. how facilities for cyclists in Britain are inadequate

2. what should be done about it

Discussion

Work in groups. Discuss:

1. what facilities are provided for cyclists in your country

2. what facilities you think should be provided

Unit 24 Summary of language In this unit you have learnt how to: explain reasons -explain purposes explain causes and results talk about unexpected results key points 1. Reason and purpose Many people do yoga because they want to keep fit. in order to keep fit. She joined a drama group because she felt lonely. so that she could meet people. 2. General purpose The purpose of this organisation is to draw attention to the problems of old people. Trade unions exist in order to protect workers. ‘Actors Anonymous’ is especially concerned with helping young actors to establish themselves. 3. Causes and results The hot weather caused many forest fires. Many forest fires were caused by the hot weather. As a result of cigarette price rises, many people are giving up smoking. In the summer, thousands of tourists come to the town. This often leads to causes traffic congestion in the streets. 4.‘Concessive’ structures Although/Even though he was very popular, he didn’t win the election. In spite of Despite his popularity, he didn’t win the election. In spite of Despite the fact that he was very popular, he didn’t win the election. 5 ‘Because’ and ‘because of We stayed indoors because there was fighting in the streets, because of the fighting in the streets. Because of the heavy rainfall, Because it had rained so heavily, many crops were destroyed.

Activities

CONTACT

You are going to a cocktail party. Your teacher will give you a role-card. When you get it:

i Read it carefully, and put it in your pocket. Do not show it to anyone else, z Go to the cocktail party.

COMPOSITION

Write 150-200 words on one of the following:

1. Write a review for a newspaper of a recent film, play or book.

2. You recently bought either a car or a washing machine or a TV. You’ve had a lot of trouble with it ever since you bought it, and the after-sales service has been very unsatisfactory. Finally, you write a letter to the radio programme Any Complaints?, telling them about your problem.

3. Write a story about someone whose plans went horribly wrong.

JUST A MINUTE

Talk for one minute about one of the topics below, as fluently as you can. You can say anything you like about the topic, but try not to:

a) hesitate for too long b) repeat yourself c) make any mistakes

If you do, the teacher will stop you, and ask someone else to continue.

topics

suntan oil flying getting up being a parent hiccups

space travel hill-walking Africa Venice parties

landladies hotels James Bond flatmates bathrooms

the street where you live saving money your future plans puppets

smoking time

ON THE ROCKS

Pair A: You are Ann, Bill’s wife. You’ve been married for five years, and over the past couple of years your marriage hasn’t been going very well. In your opinion, your husband:

1. has given too little attention to the children

2. has spent too much time at the pub with his friends, whom you dislike

3. hasn’t helped you enough in the house

4. has only offered to take you out in the evening when he knows you’re busy

5. has not given you enough money for housekeeping

You want to save your marriage, and decide to have a serious talk with him. Think of some of the things you will say, including how you will answer his criticisms of you.

Pair В: You are Bill, Ann’s husband. You’ve been married for five years, and over the past couple of years your marriage hasn’t been going very well. In your opinion, your wife:

1. has given all her attention to the children, not to you

2. hasn’t tried to make herself look attractive

3. hasn’t done enough housework or cooking

4. has been rude to several of your friends

5. has often unreasonably refused to go out with you

You want to save your marriage, and decide to have a serious talk with her. Think of some of the things you will say, including how you will answer her criticisms of you.

Now form new pairs (one A and one B) and have your discussion.

SITUATIONS

1. Someone you don’t like invites you to a party tomorrow evening. Make an excuse.

2. You are with a friend who is trying on a coat in a shop. You don’t think it looks good. Advise her not to buy it, and say why.

3. Someone asks you ‘What’s “Spokes” ?’ What do you say ?

4. Your sister is upset because her boyfriend has left her. You think it’s her own fault. Tell her so, and why.

5. A foreigner wants to study at a university in your country. Advise him what to do.

6. There was a road accident yesterday near your house. You arrived on the scene a few minutes after the accident. Describe what you saw.

7. You recently took up yoga. A friend asks you why. Explain.

8. Explain the rules of Just a Minute

TO BE USED 4.4

Listening texts