TAPESCRIPTS
UNIT 1
Lesson 1, ex4a, b
1) The youngest person in my family is my niece Rosemary. She was born only
three weeks ago. My sister and my brother-in-law named her after our greatgrandmother. Rosemary is such a beautiful name, isn’t it?
2) My great grandfather would be the oldest person in our family. 84 years make
him not only the oldest but also the wisest person of our family. We all love
grandpa Ron.
3) Well, I would say that my uncle David is the most successful person in our
family, though it hasn’t always been like that. At the age of 20 he dropped out of
college and his parents, my grandparents, were very disappointed with him. But he
started his own business and now when he is only 35, he is a C.E.O. of a very
influential corporation in our country. I am very proud to be a nephew of such a
smart uncle.
4) The most extraordinary person in my family is definitely my half-sister Kim.
She looks like a teenager even though she is 24. She has short dark hair, her nose
and eyebrow are pierced and she has a couple of tattoos. She is extremely fond of
wearing leather clothes and riding a motorcycle. Kim is an amazing photographer
and people pay her a lot of money to shot their weddings.
5) I have never met my brother-in-law. My sister Anna moved to Sydney to do her
degree in science 3 years ago. There she met John who also studied at the same
college. They fell in love and got married. My parents went to Australia for the
wedding, but unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to go with them. But Anna and
John are going to visit us here in the US next summer, so I am very excited to meet
my brother-in-law!
Lesson 2, ex2b
Song.
(CHORUS:)
We are family
I got all my sisters with me
We are family
Get up everybody and sing
Everyone can see we're together
As we walk on by
(FLY!) and we fly just like birds of a feather
I won't tell no lie
(ALL!) all of the people around us they say
Can they be that close
Just let me state for the record
We're giving love in a family dose
(CHORUS x2)
Living life is fun and we've just begun
To get our share of the world's delights
(HIGH!) high hopes we have for the future
And our goal's in sight
(WE!) no we don't get depressed
Here's what we call our golden rule
Have faith in you and the things you do
You won't go wrong
This is our family Jewel
(REPEAT CHORUS TO FADE)
Lesson 4, ex.4, 5
Virtual Dating
Virtual dating combines online dating with online gaming. It involves the use of
avatars for people to interact in a virtual place that resembles a real life dating
environment. For example, individuals can meet and chat in a romantic virtual cafe
in Paris or on a Caribbean resort. They can explore together, play games and take
relationship quizzes to get a better, deeper understanding of each other. While
online dating sites allows members to search on attributes such as education and
social status, virtual dating allows users to explore compatibility, sense of humor
and rapport. According to Scientific American virtual dating is "the next step in
online dating".
Researchers at Harvard have found that "people who had had a chance to interact
with each other (by computer only) on a virtual tour of a museum afterwards had
more successful face-to-face meetings than people who had viewed only profiles."
Speed dating
The fast-paced world of speed dating gives singles the opportunity to date up to ten
other lovelorn singles in one evening. How is this possible, you ask? Each date
lasts seven minutes. So even if someone is not a good mixer by nature they don't
have to worry as the date doesn't take long. The rules of speed dating are quite
simple. A group of singles gathers at a cafe. Armed with a nametag, a card to put
down the scores and their sparkling personality, couples are paired up to begin
their first date. They are allowed to discuss anything, except their careers, or where
they live. After seven minutes of conversation, a bell rings, and the men move on
to meet their next date. Following each date, participants mark on a card whether
they would have an interest in meeting their date again. If a mutual interest is
noted, speed-dating organizers provide each party with the other's phone number
within 48 hours.
Arranged Marriages
We live in a society where we are free to fall in love, to date and to make our own
mistakes. Our parents can give us suggestions who they think would be good for
us. But the decision is ours as our lives. Its not easy for us to imagine that things
don’t go this way in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh or Shri Lanka. Families over there
have a tradition of getting their child married through their own selection. Its your
family who are responsible for your future financial security and stability. We keep
worrying about finding “the right one”. Love often makes us blind to how a person
really is. With arranged marriages you don’t have to worry about choosing the
wrong person or your parents‘disapproval. Moreover, it was noticed that arranged
marriages tend to be more long-lasting and stable. However, you are not
guaranteed a romantic soul either.
Lesson 6, ex.4a, c
1. In Italy, weddings usually start in the morning, ideally on a Sunday. According
to regional Italian folklore, you should never marry (or leave for your honeymoon)
on a Friday or Tuesday, or you will have lots of bad luck.
In Italy brides don’t bother with make up because in addition to a white dress, they
wear a veil. Meanwhile, the groom can carry a piece of iron (preferably a small
one) in his pocket to keep evil spirits away.
Traditional Italian brides and grooms forget about the limo and walk to the chapel
on foot. In certain villages, people throw symbolic things in your path to see their
future as man and wife. After the wedding ceremony, the couple break a glass or
vase - the number of pieces represents the amount of years they’ll stay happily
married.
The main dish of the Italian wedding is a roasted baby pig or lamb. Confetti -sugar-covered almonds represent the bitter and sweet of life.
2. The date of a wedding in China depends on your astrologer. Chinese couples
may consult a fortune-teller to find a favorable date which depends on their birth
dates.
Brides wear a red silk dress that is embroidered with a dragon and phoenix. If you
think choosing one dress is tough, take a look at this: Chinese brides buy as many
dresses as their budgets allow and change from one to the other throughout the
wedding to show that their family is not poor.
On the morning of the big day, loyal bridesmaids get to give a husband-to-be a
hard time, forcing him to negotiate his way into the bride’s house. Once the
girlfriends are satisfied with his offerings he is let in.
They usually have a 10- to 12-course banquet in China. The most impressive dish
served is shark’s soup, which costs $150 per guest. Other delicacies include bird’s
nest soup (yes, made from real birds’ nests) and a whole fish!
3. Weddings in Mexico take place in the evening around 9 p.m. The bride wears a
brightly colored, Flamenco-style dress. But the groom gets off easy: he wears a
guayabera. This light, short-sleeved shirt is not only perfect for tropical
temperatures, it’s a Latin symbol of masculine elegance.
During the ceremony, the groom offers his bride 13 gold coins, called arras, which
stand for Christ and his apostles. The priest wraps a large rosary, or a band of
flowers in a figure eight around the couple to symbolize their eternal unity.
The Food is quite traditional: spicy rice, beans, and tortillas.
4. A liberal bunch, Swedes often decide to marry after living together for a few
years, or after the woman is pregnant with their first child. With almost 20 hours of
sunlight each day, summer is the most popular wedding season.
A crown belonging to the bride’s family or church, and, although it hardly sounds
comfortable, a gold coin in your right shoe and a silver one in your left for good
luck.
A seriously old-school tradition forces bridesmaids to carry bouquets of weeds that
stink in order to keep trolls away. According to another old tradition, men dance
around the bride, trying to knock her crown off, and the one who succeeds will
have good luck.
The traditional Swedish smorgasbord (The Swedish table) lasts for three days and
can include herring, lingonberry jam and köttbullar (Swedish meatballs).
Lesson 7, ex.2c
Mark Schultz
Everything To Me
I must have felt your tears
When they took me from your arms
I’m sure I must have heard you say goodbye
Young and so afraid had you made a big mistake
Could an ocean even hold the tears you cried
But you had dreams for me
You wanted the best for me
And you made the only choice you could that night
(Chorus)
You gave life to me
A brand new world to see
Like playing baseball in the yard with dad at night
Mom reading Goodnight Moon
And praying in my room
So if you worry if your choice was right
You gave me up but you gave everything to me
And if I saw you on the street
Would you know that it was me
And would your eyes be blue or green like mine
Would we share a warm embrace
Would you know me in your heart
Or would you smile and let me walk on by
Knowing you had dreams for me
You wanted the best for me
And I hope that you’d be proud of who I am
(Chorus)
You gave life to me
A chance to find my dreams
And a chance to fall in love
You should have seen her shining face
On our wedding day
Oh is this the dream you had in mind
When you gave me up
You gave everything to me
And when I see you there
Watching from heaven’s gates
Into your arms
I’m gonna run
And when you look in my eyes
You can see my whole life
See who I was
And who I’ve become
(Chorus)
You gave life to me
A brand new world to see
Like playing baseball in the yard with my son at night
And reading Goodnight Moon
And praying in his room
I am so greatful that I have this life
When you gave me up
You gave everything to me
Lesson 8, ex.3b, c, 4b
PART 1
Are people surprised at your age, and that you're working?
Everybody seems to be surprised at my age. Sometimes they make me feel like that
saying that this dog stands on its back legs, it's amazing; if you're 94 and can still
ride on a bus, you're the human equivalent.
Why?
Well, because most old people don't try to do the things that younger people do.
My work fortunately is the kind that you can do in the office or you can sometimes
work from home. But I try to be in the office, where you're more in touch with
things.
What makes it harder for you, being your age?
People's attitude. People are a little skeptical about your ability.
When do things start to change, your perception of growing older?
It's a very gradual thing. In your 30s you start seeing wrinkles, and they're a little
shocking, and then you get used to them. I think it's hard to feel old. I'm always a
little surprised that I'm this old. I just never feel like a very old person. I think
inside every old person there probably is a young person screaming to get out, but
your audience doesn't let you.
What health problems have you had?
What my health record is? Just, oh, good God. Four cancers, all different. Major
heart attack. Chemotherapy. Radiation. You name it, I've had it.
What does that mean when you go to work every day?
It means that you are participating; you have some enthusiasm; you have some
energy.
Do people get nervous with you, with their money?
Well, I don't have a lot of clients left. It's hard to get new clients. How many
people are going to come to a 94-year-old person? It's usually the people who have
known me, or their parents have used me. My partner -- my daughter -- has many
more customers than I do.
Why are you still working?
Everybody asks me that, so I should be prepared with an answer, shouldn't I? But I
usually say, if I didn't go to work every day, my alternative would be to have lunch
with some of my 80-year-old friends and listen to them talk about their
grandchildren. This is better.
What does it give you?
There's an excitement. And I still, even though I'm 94, I still have ambitions, and
one of them is to do the job well each day.
PART 2
Does it get isolating?
I suppose I spend a lot of time alone, but I don't feel isolated. I have a lot of
interests. I have a lot of good support from my family and friends.
Did you go through a time when friends started passing away?
Yes, yes. That teaches you to get over your fear of death, because it goes together
with life, just like ham and eggs. And it's hard. There are empty holes that can't be
filled. But it's all a normal part of living. I have lost a lot of people physically but
they are all still part of my life, all part of who I am.
How old do you feel inside?
I can't put a chronological age on it. I feel old. Well, we all have the inner child,
but the body lets us down, and the inner child walks around in this old carcass. But
life is still fun and interesting.
As we get older, do we get wiser?
You can't help but get wiser. You watch so many people, so many events, so many
relationships, the good ones, the bad ones -- if you can't learn, my God! You have
to be wiser. I don't know many old people who aren't pretty wise.
Would you ever consider living with your kids as you grow older?
I wouldn't do that to them. Actually, my daughter has asked me to do that, and I
said, "I like my son-in-law too much to do that to him."
I live alone, and I like as little help as possible. I have a rather large apartment, but
I only have someone come in four hours a week. I do everything else myself. ...
Some people go to exercise class. I find that I never needed exercise class. I found
a lot of exercise around the house. And it isn't always just boring work. It's taking
care of things you love.
Since you've been a widow, have you wanted to date and meet people?
I happen to have been married to an extraordinary man. He just had everything:
tall, handsome, looked like a Greek god, brilliant, witty. It would be hard. I wasn't
so young when it happened -- 15 years ago. I was close to 80. If I were young,
probably I would have.
What role does love play in your life now?
Well, my theory about love is that being loved is not the important part about love.
It's loving that's important. I don't know how to make you understand that. You're
not growing in any way when somebody loves you and adores you but the feeling
of loving somebody, it's so enlarging. And you will do anything for the person you
love. So that's the important part about love for me, is loving, not being loved.
You'll keep putting one foot in front of another?
At some point I may not be able to do that. But as long as I can open an eye and
see someone I love, I want it.
UNIT 2
Lesson 1, Ex. 2d
Best Friend
SCLUB 7
C'mon, c'mon, best friend
We all need a best friend, a best friend
I remember when we was young
Playing pool after school, keeping it cool
People say we were the troublesome two
I know the girls like me and you
I can never forget the times you've covered my back
You helped me out and cut me slack
There was nothin' you'd never do
It's all about me and you
You're my brother, you're my sister
We'll stick together
No matter what, no matter what
Best friend, never gonna let you down
Best friend, always gonna be around
You know, whatever life puts you through
I'll be there for you
We all need a best friend, to understand
A best friend, to take your hand
You know, whatever life puts you through
I'll be there for you
You remember the days when we would
Kick back, lay back
We'd be chillin' with the ladies
Those times were the greatest
So don't worry about a thing my friend
Cos you can count on me, thick and thin
Cos I'll be there right till the end, till the end
LESSON 2
3. Listening script
This is the recipe which I have been trying from the past..should say 10 years. Let
me see if you like it or not… 2 table spoons of TRUST. The most important
ingredient without which the recipe is a failure.
1 full cup of SELFLESSNESS — The less this ingredient (which should be in
liquid state) in your recipe, the more is the chance of spoiling it.
1 table spoon each of SINCERITY and UNDERSTANDING both of which are
very very important for the dish to be successful. Take all the ingredients and pour
the ingredient selflessness into it and mix it. Then sprinkle the ingredient “I’LL BE
THERE FOR YOU” all over the dish. Don’t even get SPICES like arrogance and
possessiveness because they will spoil the recipe forever!! TaDaaaaaa!!!!!! There
you go!!
Lesson 3, Ex.2.c
Good friends listen to each other.
Good friends don't put each other down or hurt each other's feelings.
Good friends try to understand each other's feelings and moods.
Good friends help each other solve problems.
Good friends give each other compliments.
Good friends can disagree without hurting each other.
Good friends respect each other.
Good friends are trustworthy.
Good friends give each other room to change.
Good friends care about each other.
Lesson 4, Ex.3b
It was once said that “Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay
for a while and leave footprints on our hearts. And we are never ever the same”
(Unknown). What is a “best friend”? Almost everyone has one, and almost
everyone is one. An ideal friend possesses all the qualities of head and heart.
Sandra is my best friend. She is from the UK, a young girl of 15. She has scholarly
looks. She has a personality and manners that never fail to make an impression on
others. Her presence in a company always makes it lively. She is always fun!
Straightforward and easy-going, she never feels shy in a new company. She
respects elders and is affectionate and kind to the youngsters. Sandra is loyal and
trustworthy, thoughtful and sincere. We rarely have fights and even if we do they
are never over anything too serious. We like to have talks about things that bother
us and we help out each other a lot.
I am proud of my friend. She is intelligent in studies. All the students of our class
admire her for being smart and reliable.
She speaks English fluently. She is also very good at writing. She has a good style
of her own. Besides, she is a good thinker and always stays positive. I am so happy
to have her as my best friend! She is always there for me. I help her out a lot too.
We can always count on each other! No doubt in that!
UNIT 3
Lesson1, Ex.2a,c
Sylvia's mother says, "Sylvia's busy, too busy to come to the phone."
Sylvia's mother says, "Sylvia's tryin' to start a new life of her own."
Sylvia's mother says, "Sylvia's happy now, why don't you leave her alone."
And the operator says, "Forty cents more for the next three minutes."
Chorus: Please Missus Avery, I just gotta talk at her, I'll only keep her a while.
Please Missus Avery, I just wanna tell her goodbye.
Sylvia's mother says, "Sylvia's packin', she's gonna be leavin' today."
Sylvia's mother says, "Sylvia's marryin' a fellow down Galveston Way."
Sylvia's mother says, "Please don't say nothin' to make her start cryin' and stay."
And the operator says, "Forty cents more for the next three minutes."
Chorus
Sylvia's mother says, "Sylvia's hurryin', she's catchin' the nine o'clock train."
Sylvia's mother says, "Take your umbrella 'cause Silvie, it's startin' to rain."
Sylvia's mother says, "Thank you for callin' and Sir, won't you call back again."
And the operator says, "Forty cents more for the next three minutes."
Chorus
Lesson 2, Ex.2a)
1. She believes that if you smile more, people are attracted to you. (Sarah)
2. She confirms that love makes you want to improve yourself. (Julie)
3. He says that first and foremost love is an emotional exercise. He adds that just
like physical exercise fills you energy, emotional exercise fills you with inspiration
and mental energy. (John.)
4. He suggests making plans together with someone you love. He admits that they
can never come true, but claims that dreaming is fun anyway. (Sam)
5. She suggests that everyone who wants to take their mind off chocolate or
computer games fall in love. (Jasmine)
6. He promises that when you fall in love, your life will no longer be boring as
you’ll have plenty to dream about. (Steve)
7. She informs you that when you fall in love, you can use short code
conversations, as you catch each other’s meaning at once. (Sylvia)
8. She hopes you start to see beauty in anything and everything, just like her. She
also declares that dark winter nights suddenly become full of mystery and
romance. (Brenda)
9. He invites you to think back to the time when your parents were in love. He
explains that then you will feel more respect for them. (Ben)
10. She warns that you’ll always have butterflies in your stomach. But she
reassures you that they only mean that something exciting is happening in your
life. (Judy)
11. She says that every song you are listening to seems to be about you. (Jane)
12. He insists love is good for your confidence: you feel cool because you ‘re
somebody’s number one. (Bryce)
Lesson 3, Ex.1b)
The one who loves you will also make you cry. Argentinean proverb
One who loves the vase loves also what is inside.
Love makes a man both blind and deaf.
Arabian proverb
A life with love is happy; a life for love is foolish.
Love and let the world know, hate in silence.
African proverb
Chinese proverb
Egyptian proverb
Every father should remember that one day his son will follow his example instead
of his advice. Anonymous
Charity begins at home.
English proverb
There is no love like the first love. Italian proverb
Love makes tine pass, time makes love pass.
Lesson 3, Ex.2a) and 4a)
French proverb
1. Hi, my name’s Sarah and I’m sixteen. My father’s making my life so miserable!
I used to get on so well with him, but these days all we do is argue and yell at
each other. He’s so strict and has these really old-fashioned views. He won’t let
me date boys, he won’t let me wear make-up, and he always says I should learn
to behave and treat him with respect. He’s always commenting on my looks to,
and it really upsets me. I wish he’d just let me alone, but how can I make him
understand this?
2. My name’s Rachel. I’m 15 years old and worried that I might kill myself. A
few months ago my boyfriend split up with me. We had only been going out for
a month, but I had been madly in love with him for the past three years. There’s
nothing I can do to take the heartache away. I went to see my doctor because I
was so depressed, but he said there was nothing he could do to help. I feel under
so much stress. I haven’t told anyone how I feel and I desperately need some
advice.
3. Hi, I’m Anon. This summer I had a holiday romance in France. It lasted for
more than a month, and when I left I was totally heartbroken. Since I’ve been
back, my life just hasn’t felt the same. Although I know that the romance could
never work out, I can’t get back to how I used to be with my boyfriend. We’ve
been going out for a year and I care about him, but I don’t love him anymore. It
would break his heart if I finished with him, and I can’t do that.
4. I’m Steven and I’m 17. I want to kill my brother. I can never do anything right
as far as my parents are concerned. The keep telling me how wonderful my
brother is and that I should be more like him. Last week he won an award for
boxing, but each time I ask my parents if I can join the club they say I’m not cut
out for it. My brother is also good at football. So am I, but he gets all the credit.
My parents go to all his matches but they make excuses not to come and watch
me play. Last Saturday we were on opposite sides and my parents were
cheering for his side to win. I scored a goal that day, but no one said well done.
I really need to hear that right now, because I feel like killing myself. The real
problem is that we are twins.
5. Hello, EasyTalk. The other day my boyfriend was flicking through one of my
magazines when he came across a photo of Gisele Bundchen. He sat there
looking at her, then turned round to me and said, “Why don’t you look like
that?” I know he was only joking but I felt really miserable at the time and now
I’m worried that he thinks I’m not attractive enough. Do you think I should ask
him if he still fancies me?
6. I’m a fifteen-year old boy with a big problem. You see, my mum and dad are
always arguing, in fact they never stop. My dad has beaten up my mum twice
and attacked me twice. All I have ever known is fighting and I can’t take it
anymore. I desperately want to run away but I’m afraid the police will bring me
back, and then it will be worse. Do you think I could get into a foster home
away from my parents?
7. Hi, I’m Josh from Essex. I’m 15 and I’m having a problem with a girl at school.
She just won’t leave me alone. She has asked me out a zillion times and I’ve
said no, but she keeps ringing me and trying to talk to me anyway. She’s been
like this for a year and now it’s getting worse. She doesn’t seem to be able to
accept that I just don’t like her. My friend says I should date her just once and
then she’ll eventually leave me alone. But I think this will just encourage her
more. Please help.
Lesson 3, ex.4a) (Expert’s advice)
A. Why don’t you get a photo of Jared Leto or Daniel Radcliffe and tell your
boyfriend that you feel miserable that he doesn’t look like them! Don’t let this
nonsense get to you. Supermodels look brilliant in photos because they’ve got
teams of make-up artists, hairstylists and soft-focus lighting to make them look
perfect. Real people living in a real world don’t look like that. And without their
make-up on, neither do supermodels! If this boy wants to go out with a
supermodel, then he should hurry up and become Justin Bieber! Your boyfriend is
being very insensitive to your feelings. Perhaps, instead of worrying whether or not
he still loves you, I’d work out if you still love him!
B. If you run away, your life will definitely become worse. For a start, where will
you go? And how will you survive without money? However, there are alternatives
to think about; you don’t have to live with your father; neither does your mum.
You can get help and move away from him. Anyone can see you are living in fear
of your father and need to get away. Talk to your mum and tell her how you feel. If
she won’t do anything, you can still help yourself. Contact your local social
services and tell them what’s happening. No one has to live in fear of another
person, even if they are related to them.
C. Well, Josh, some people just can’t take no for an answer. I think you are right
not to date the girl – even once – as that will give her false hope and make her hang
around even more. In fact, I think you’ve been nice for long enough. Try to talk to
her nicely one last time and if she doesn’t get the message, it might be time for
your parents to step in and contact her parents to get them to do something.
D. Growing up in the shadow of your twin must be difficult. If your twin gets more
attention or wins more, it might be heartbreaking. I think you should try to talk to
your parents about this. Tell tem what you feel. They may not know you feel like
this. Maybe, it’s better not to try to do all the things he does, like joining a boxing
club. Maybe, by doing that you’ll only make yourself feel miserable if he’s better
than you. Why not find things that can be just yours. Don’t follow in his footsteps
but do your own thing.
E. Why haven’t you told anyone how miserable you’re feeling? Is it because your
doctor was so unhelpful? Or because you think no one will understand? The fact is,
people will understand. Anyone who has ever been let down by someone they love
knows how heartbreaking that can be. It makes you feel depressed. However, there
are two things which can help you to get over it. One is time and the other is
talking about how you feel. How is all your heartache going to disappear, if you
never let it out in the open? You need to tell friends, and anyone else you rely on,
how you feel. Help yourself by letting them comfort you, and if you feel so low
that you find yourself thinking about killing yourself, then please contact The
Samaritans ( their number is in the local directory) as soon as possible.
F. I sympathise with how you feel – many fathers seem to be particularly good at
upsetting their daughters with tactless comments and over-the-top rules. Many
fathers find it difficult to get on with their growing daughters because,
subconsciously, they don’t want them to grow. Chances are that he sees you as a
little girl, who listens to everything he says and does what he wants. The fact is
you are becoming an independent person, and sooner or later he will have to deal
with this. Have you ever told him how you feel about his comments? If not, point
out that they’re making you feel very unhappy and even mad at him. At the same
time, try to remember he loves you and only wants the best for you. Try
compromising about his rules, ask him to give you a bit more freedom, and in
return, don’t attack him every time he says something. Believe me, with a little
give and take you can both get what you want, and still have a good father /
daughter relationship.
G. It might break his heart, but it would make him even more miserable if he knew
that you only were staying with him because you were sorry for him. You must tell
him the truth. This doesn’t mean telling him the whole truth about your holiday
romance, but it does mean finishing your relationship with him. People fall out of
love with each other all the time; it’s a natural part of a relationship. Just make sure
you split up with him in a kind way, and try not to feel bad about what’s happened.
Lesson 5, ex.2
Did you have a bad temper as a child?
Oh, yeah, very much so. Looking back, I think it all began with football. As a kid, I
was very passionate about the game. I used to go see Aberdeen play every
Saturday and if they lost or weren’t playing well I’d get angry at them. Then, when
I played with my mates I always tried my best, but if I didn’t play well, I’d get
angry at myself ‘cause I knew I could play better. Sometimes I would take it out on
them, shouting so that they’d play better. Sometimes it would work, and other
times it wouldn’t! It was never physical, only verbal. I would never hit a guy I
played football with.
Did it affect you at other times?
Yeah, at school it did, ‘cause I hated it. I wasn’t very good at school so I would
take it out on my teachers. I’d refuse to do homework, I’d sulk and talk back to
them all the time. Basically, I felt they weren’t treating me fairly, so I would try to
stand up for myself.
There were a couple of occasions when I actually swore at my teachers, and I even
got hit because of it. It’s really sick when a teacher hurts a kid. It shows that he or
she is a coward, which makes you lose all respect for them.
Did these experiences make you worse?
Absolutely, I just wanted to hit them back! I never did, of course, but I thought
about it enough. It just wasn’t worth it.
Looking back, I know it was wrong and very disrespectful to be rude to my
teachers, but at the time I didn’t care. At that age, I was about 15, I was going
through a rebellious period and I went against everything and everybody. I never
took my anger out on my classmates, though and I never picked fights with anyone
‘cause when you’re at school you’re all in the same boat, so what’s the point?
So what are you like now?
Well, the other guys in the band say I’ve got the worst temper of all of us, and I
reckon they’re probably right. For example, when we’re rehearsing and one of the
guys keeps making the same mistake over and over, I shout and I really have a go
at them. I know I shouldn’t but I can’t help it. I’m a perfectionist and I want things
to go the way they’re supposed to. It’s kinda like how I felt about football when I
was a kid. I hate things to go the wrong way.
Have you ever said anything that you are sorry about?
Yeah, once in an argument with a girlfriend I called her a name I shouldn’t have,
then threatened to finfish the relationship. I got really angry over something stupid
– it was so stupid I can’t even remember what it was – and stormed out of the
house. On the way home I just kept thinking, “Why did I do that? Why? Why?” So
I called her and apologised; then I went back to kiss her and say sorry. She
accepted it, but she didn’t forget.
What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done?
I put my fist through a window at school. I was in Maths lesson and I hated it
‘cause I was really bad at Maths. The teacher used to pick on me, too, which made
things worse. Well, one day she told everybody in the class that I was a ‘no-hoper’
and that I would never achieve anything in my entire life. I couldn’t believe she
said it. I felt so humiliated and embarrassed I just went mad, putting my fist
through one of the windows. Afterwards I had a very, very sore hand!
What do you do to calm yourself down? Do you have any tricks?
I don’t do anything really. I just try to chill out and let the anger go ‘whoosh’ over
my head. If I do have an argument with on of the guys in the band, I let the dust to
settle for a bit, then try to sort it out later. There’s no point in carrying it on,
especially in a band situation where you’re with each other 24 hours a day. You’ve
got to get on. But I’ll tell you a secret – my temper’s not as half as bad as it used to
be, ask anyone!
Lesson 6, Ex.1b, 5b
MEAN
You, with your words like knives
And swords and weapons that you use against me
You have knocked me off my feet again
Got me feeling like a nothing
You, with your voice like nails on a chalkboard
Calling me out when I’m wounded
You picking on the weaker man
Well you can take me down with just one single blow
but you don’t know, what you don’t know…
Someday I’ll be living in a big ol’ city
And all you’re ever going to be is mean
Someday I’ll be big enough so you can’t hit me
And all you’re ever going to be is mean
Why you gotta be so mean?
You, with your switching sides
And your wildfire lies and your humiliation
You have pointed out my flaws again
As if I don’t already see them
I walk with my head down
Trying to block you out ’cause I’ll never impress you
I just wanna feel okay again
I bet you got pushed around
Somebody made you cold
But the cycle ends right now
Cause you can’t lead me down that road
And you don’t know, what you don’t know…
Someday …
And I can see you years from now in a bar
Talking over a football game
With that same big loud opinion
But nobody’s listening
Washed up and ranting about the same old bitter things
Drunk and grumbling on about how I can’t sing
But all you are is mean
All you are is mean
And a liar, and pathetic, and alone in life
And mean, and mean, and mean, and mean
But someday …
Lesson 8, ex.3b
What family were you born into?
My father used to be an actor, my aunt – too. I’ve got four brothers and two sisters.
Now it’s one sister, after Dakota died in an accident. When a child, I used to live in
a two-room flat in a poor district in the Eastern part of New York with my family.
When I was four I became an actor – I worked in clips, advertising different things.
How did you become famous?
At the age of 8 I got my first role in the film ‘Uncle Buck’. But real fame came
after ‘Home Alone’. At the age of 9 I couldn’t go out, just go to the cinema – I was
immediately surrounded with people. But I took everything for granted. 20 th
Century Fox was saved by this film. In half a year it got 200 mln dollars. I was
named the best paid young actor of all times and got into Guinness Book of
Records. But I couldn’t spend my money until I was 18. A real understanding of
what it is to be a star came later.
Where did you study to become an actor?
My father became my manager. My life consisted of school, cinema and theatre.
For the first two years I studied at a strict catholic school. Later I was sent to a
specialised school training future musicians, ballet dancers, actors and actresses.
‘Home Alone-2’ became one of the top ten films, bringing a lot of money to its
creators.
Was it easy to combine school and cinema?
First, when I had to skip classes because of the film, I was happy. Later, I started
missing school. Sometimes I had 12 hours of filming a day. 1993 was the climax
of my being tired. But my father was ruthless; he never asked me how I was
feeling. He didn’t take me seriously at all.
What was your relationship with Michael Jackson like?
I met Michael Jackson in 1991. He called and invited my family over. It’s not easy
to be the centre of attention but we weren’t sitting and complaining about how hard
it is to be a star. I am the godfather of Michael Jackson’s children. I also was in his
clip ‘Black and White’. I used to share everything with Michael.
Have you had any personal problems?
After 1993 the films I was in got worse and worse. My father didn’t want to stop;
he was only interested in money. He was stubborn, abusive and cruel. The
atmosphere in the family was terrible. Moreover, he wanted to make the other
children actors as well – it was the Culkins’ attack on Hollywood. But by 1995
nobody wanted to work with my father. My mother split up with him – they had no
contact for 6 years. I think that my father wasn’t a good man, a good father and a
good husband. I hope I won’t meet him again. My mother, however, let me make
my own mistakes.
In 1998 I got married and for two years lived quite happily with my wife. In 2000
we quietly divorced. Tabloids accused me of drug-taking, alcohol taking and selfdestruction, but I’ve never done all that really seriously. If I had all these problems,
they weren’t too serious.
By the way, when I made my theatre debut, I received a telegram from my father. I
was not ready to forgive him though. I think he wanted to be in touch with me
because I’d started making money again.
What are you working on now?
I write poetry and film scripts. I’m enjoying writing not for money, but for selfexpression. At 30 I’m home alone and I think I’ll stay a child forever as I don’t feel
grown-up enough. I’m waiting for a good project – in cinema or theatre and for
good reliable people to enter my life.
UNIT 4
Lesson 3
Presenter:
This part of our Just What the Doctor Ordered programme is about health
idioms. We had an e-mail from Josh who would like to know what the
expression “By the skin of your teeth” mean .I’ll explain it in a minute.
Meanwhile, phone us or send an sms to 3 86 21 47 if you have more questions
of that type.
Now back to “the skin of your teeth”. If you pass a test or exam and get the
lowest satisfactory mark or win a contest by a tiny bit, people might say you did
so "by the skin of your teeth." In other words, one more mistake and you could
fail it. Your teeth have no skin of course! But sometimes they have a film
called plaque on them, especially first thing in the morning. So, If you feel that
sticky film, it's time to brush your teeth!
Q: Hello, My name is Mary. I am 13.I was worried about the concert where I
was singing the other day. The teacher said that having butterflies in my
stomach is useful. But I had no butterflies there. How could they get into my
stomach, especially in winter? I had no time to ask then. Can you help please?
Presenter: How did butterflies get in your stomach? Well, those really aren't
butterflies in there. "Butterflies in the stomach" is a way of describing those
nervous feelings you might get before a concert, a test or an important game. A
writer created the phrase to describe the feeling, and people have been using it
ever since. These feelings are normal and happen to many people — even
grown-ups. Some people believe having butterflies in your stomach might even
help you perform better.
Yes. there is an sms with the question “ What does it mean to “have your heart
in your mouth”?
Mmm…This expression means that you're really afraid of something. Many
years ago in ancient Greece, the poet Homer used the phrase in his famous
poem The Iliad, and people have been saying it ever since. When
your heart starts beating so quickly and strongly that you can feel it in your
throat it means you feel like you "have your heart in your mouth."
Q: Hello, I’m Jane. Why do people say ‘sick as a dog’?
Dogs often eat anything they find and they often get sick. If a person is very
sick, you may use this expression. It describes someone who is not feeling well.
Presenter: One more sms about “Have a frog in one’s throat” It means to have
difficulty in speaking because your throat feels dry and you want to cough
Presenter: The last sms for today. It asks about “Make no bones about something”
If you make no bones about something, you're telling the truth. For example, if you
are honest and admit that you didn't do your homework, you're making no bones
about it. This expression dates back to the 1500s and some people believe it had to
do with soup. If there were no bones in a soup, a person could swallow it without
worrying about choking. So, when you make no bones about something, people
feel confident "swallowing" your answer.
Lesson 4, Ex. 3a)
Q: What causes a cavity?
A: Certain types of bacteria can attach themselves to hard surfaces like the
enamel that covers your teeth. If they're not removed, they grow in number until a
colony forms. They mix with the your saliva or spit (the liquid in your mouth)
and the bacteria colony becomes a whitish film on the tooth. This film is called
plaque, and it's what causes cavities.
Q: What can I do to have no bacteria in my mouth?
A: Having bacteria in your mouth is a normal thing. Your mouth is a busy place.
Bacteria are constantly on the move on your teeth, gums, lips and tongue.While
some of the bacteria can be harmful, most are not and some are even helpful.
Q: Why is it necessary to use toothpaste with fluoride?
A: Fluoride is a natural element that can be found in many things, like the water
we drink and the food we eat. Decades ago, scientists began to notice that
children who lived in places where fluoride occurred naturally in the water, had
fewer dental cavities.
Fluoride that is absorbed by your body is used by the cells that build your teeth to
make stronger enamel. Tooth enamel crystals that have fluoride are much more
resistant to acid. They are less likely to breakdown.
If your dentist recommends a fluoride treatment, follow that advice. The fluoride
in your mouth will help make the crystals in your tooth enamel stronger. Always
use a toothpaste with fluoride.
Q: Why do we need to visit a dentist twice a year?
A: To check if there are any problems with your teeth and gums.But the most
important part of tooth care happens at home. Brushing and flossing properly,
along with regular dental checkups, can help prevent tooth decay and gum
disease. Besides, if you're like most people, you don't exactly look forward to
facing a dentist's drill. So wouldn't it be better to prevent cavities before they
begin?
Lesson 5 ex. 3b
Presenter: The flu is annoying enough on its own. So it doesn't help that flu season
falls at one of the most exciting times of the year.
What should we do to avoid
missing out on school, sports events, parties and holiday fun?
Doctor: 1.First of all, get the flu vaccine. It's the best way to protect yourself
against the flu. Hate shots? Get it as a nasal spray. Getting vaccinated doesn't just
protect your own health. It also helps the people around you because there's less
chance you'll catch the flu and pass it on.
1. Wash your hands often. In addition to getting the flu vaccine, hand washing
is an important line of defense against flu viruses. Why? The body takes
about 2 weeks to build immunity after a flu vaccine — and even a vaccine
may not help if a new strain of virus starts making the rounds. Hand washing
also helps protect against other germs and illnesses that there aren't vaccines
for, like the common cold.
Wash your hands after using the bathroom; after coughing or sneezing;
before putting in or removing contact lenses; before using makeup; and
before eating, serving, or preparing food. The great thing about hand
washing is it's easy protection. So get in the habit of washing your hands
when you come home from school or anywhere else where you're around a
lot of people.
2. Keep your distance if someone is sick (coughing, sneezing, etc.). Flu viruses
travel through the air, so try to stay away from people who look sick. Of
course, people who have the flu virus don't always look sick. That's where
vaccines and hand washing come in.
It's also a good idea to avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth — three
places flu viruses can easily enter the body.
3. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow — not into your hands. That
way, you're not spreading the virus when you touch surfaces that other
people may touch too.
4. Stay home if you have the flu. You don't want to pass your germs to
someone else. Rest can help the body recover faster.
You also can fight the flu on a daily basis by keeping your immune system strong.
Some great immune boosters are getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods
drinking plenty of water, and getting regular exercise.
Don't let the flu mess with your fall and winter fun. Fight back!
Lesson 6 ex. 1b)
1. The human body is home to some 1,000 species of bacteria.
2. We have between 2 and 10 million bacteria between fingers and elbow.
The number of germs on your fingers doubles after you use the toilet.
3. If you drop something on the floor but pick it up in less than four seconds, it
will be OK. False. There is no five-second rule when it comes to food on the
ground. Bacteria needs no time at all to contaminate food.
4. It has been found out that the TV remote control is the worst carrier of
bacteria worse even than toilet handles.
5. Public transport brings you into contact with 5000 hands, many of which are
unwashed!
6. There are more germs on a computer keyboard than there are on your toilet.
7. Germs can stay alive on hands for up to three hours.
8. Soap and water are the simplest form of cleaning.
9. Most people get colds and flu from handling something with germs on it
then putting their fingers in their mouths, touching their noses or touching
food that then goes into their mouths or even from rubbing their eyes.
10.50% of people do not wash their hands after visiting the toilet
Lesson 7, Ex.2
Minor Emergency
Julia: Thank you for agreeing to see me on such short notice, Doctor.
Dr. Miller: Of course. What seems to be the problem?
Julia: I was baking a cake for my friend's birthday, and when I went to check on it,
I accidentally stuck my hand in the oven. It was fine for an hour or two, but now it
really hurts.
Dr. Miller: Yes, I see. It's beginning to blister. What did you do when it first
happened?
Julia: Well, first I screamed. Then I ran my hand under a cold tap. I took some pain
killers and hoped it would be all right. I called you when the blistering started. I
have never had a burn like this one before!
Dr. Miller: Yes, you burnt yourself up pretty good!
Major Emergency
Paramedic: What happened?
Bystander: A car accident. He was in the sedan and she was on a motorcycle. I
didn't see the whole thing, but it seems like he didn't slow down enough as he was
coming around the corner. They collided and spun off to.
Paramedic: Were there just the two people?
Bystander: Yes. She's conscious, and he's in and out of consciousness. They're both
pretty shook up. We have been trying to keep them awake. We suspect he has a
concussion.
Paramedic: You're probably right. Thank you very much for sticking around.
Bystander: Yes, of course. Could someone please let me know what happens? I'm
worried.
Paramedic: Certainly – we will pass along your contact information to their
families. I'm sure they will be very grateful you were on the scene.
Bystander: Good luck.
Lesson 7, Ex.3
Minor Emergency
Doctor: Wow, Chef Spaghettini! My husband and I just love watching your show!
Chef Spaghettini: Thanks, Doctor. Always nice to meet a fan.
Doctor: So, what seems to be the problem? A burn? Did your knife slip? I’ve seen
how fast you slice and dice those onions on TV.
Chef Spaghettini: No, no. Nothing like that. Actually, it’s a bit embarrassing.
Doctor: Oh?
Chef Spaghettini: Yes, I think I have come down with some serious food
poisoning. I haven’t been able to keep food down for days. In fact, I think I’m
going to be sick again…
Doctor: I’ll get a waste bin!
Heart Attack
Professor: And those were Othello’s last words… last…. worrrr.. oh!
Student 1: Is something wrong, Professor?
Student 2: Sir, are you all right?
Professor: I apologize. I just felt a shooting pain in my left arm… ah!
Student 1: Look, he’s clutching his chest.
Student 2: Who has a mobile phone out? Someone call an ambulance!
Student 3: I’m on it. I’m calling! Hello! Yes, hello! We have an emergency. Our
professor at the University of Missouri is in pain, his face is red. He can’t speak.
Yes, he’s holding his chest and he says he has pain. On your left side, Professor?
Professor: …yes…!
Student 3: They think it’s a heart attack. They’re sending an ambulance and with
paramedics now.
Dentist
Dentist: Open wide!
Patient: Uh huh…
Dentist: Well, let’s have a look. It has been awhile since your last appointment,
hasn’t it?
Patient: Uh huh…
Dentist: Pretty teeth! Looks like you’ve been brushing.
Patient: Uh huh…
Dentist: But not flossing. Am I right? I’m going to dig around your gums.
Patient: Uhh…
Dentist: Flossing is key, you know. Look at this plaque build-up. Sugary juices?
Coca Cola? You look like the candy-eating type to me.
Patient: Uh uhhh…
Dentist: Well, no cavities yet. What sort of toothpaste do you use?
Patient: Uhhh….
Dentist: Use the good stuff, I always say. Fluoride and cavity protection.
Patient: Uh huh…
Dentist: Okay, spit!
Flu
(In the waiting room)
Person 1: I have never seen a human being turn that color before.
Person 2: We’re pretty sure it’s the flu.
Person 1: Her face is actually green. Is she your daughter?
Person 2: I think it’s more of a yellow-color, really. And yes, she’s my daughter.
Person 1: How long has she been sick?
Person 2: She got sick on Thursday. She had a fever and terrible chills. This is our
second trip to the doctor.
Person 1: Think it’s contagious?
Person 2: I wouldn’t take any chances. Why don’t you wait on the other side of the
room?
Lesson 8, Ex.3d)
Get a good night's sleep. Getting enough sleep helps keep your body and mind in
good shape. That will help you to deal with any negative stressors. If you stay up
late and still need to get up early for school, you may not get all the hours of sleep
you need.
Treat your body well. Experts agree that getting regular exercise helps people
manage stress. And eat well to help your body function at its best. Under stressful
conditions, the body needs its vitamins and minerals more than ever
Watch what you're thinking. Your outlook and thoughts influence the way you see
things. Is your cup half full or half empty? A healthy dose of optimism can help
you make the best of stressful circumstances.
Solve the little problems. Learning to solve everyday problems can give you a
sense of control. Develop skills to calmly look at a problem and take action
toward a solution. Feeling capable of solving little problems builds the inner
confidence and serves you well in times of stress.
Lesson 9, ex.3b
Sick by Shel Silverstein
"I cannot go to school today,"
Said little Peggy Ann McKay.
"I have the measles and the mumps,
A gash, a rash and purple bumps.
My mouth is wet, my throat is dry,
I'm going blind in my right eye.
My tonsils are as big as rocks,
I've counted sixteen chicken pox
And there's one more--that's seventeen,
And don't you think my face looks green?
My leg is cut--my eyes are blue-It might be instamatic flu.
I cough and sneeze and gasp and choke,
I'm sure that my left leg is broke-My hip hurts when I move my chin,
My belly button's caving in,
My back is wrenched, my ankle's sprained,
My 'pendix pains each time it rains.
My nose is cold, my toes are numb.
I have a sliver in my thumb.
My neck is stiff, my voice is weak,
I hardly whisper when I speak.
My tongue is filling up my mouth,
I think my hair is falling out.
My elbow's bent, my spine ain't straight,
My temperature is one-o-eight.
My brain is shrunk, I cannot hear,
There is a hole inside my ear.
I have a hangnail, and my heart is--what?
What's that? What's that you say?
You say today is. . .Saturday?
G'bye, I'm going out to play!"
UNIT 5
Lesson 1, Ex.1
The best six doctors anywhere
And no one can deny it
Are sunshine, water, rest, and air
Exercise and diet.
These six will gladly you attend
If only you are willing
Your mind they'll ease
Your will they'll mend
And charge you not a shilling.
Lesson 2, Ex. 2
A: Eat a variety of foods. You need more than 40 different nutrients for good health,
and no single food supplies them all. Your daily food selection should include bread
and other whole-grain products; fruits; vegetables; dairy products; and meat, poultry
and fish.
S: How much bread should I eat every day?
A: Eat at least 90 grams of whole grain bread and cereals, rice or pasta everyday.
Look for the word “whole” before the name of the grain as it is very important.
Grains, breads and cereals provide B-vitamins which help turn the food we eat into
energy that our bodies need to work, play and grow.
S: And what about fruit and vegetable?
A; Vegetables provide vitamin A which helps us have healthy skin and good eyesight. Fruits provide vitamin C which helps our bodies heal and grow new cells. It
is very important to eat at least 100- 150 grams of fruit and the same amount of
vegetables every day. You may choose from fresh and frozen as well as dried
fruit, all kinds of fruit and vegetables are good for you.
S: The food pyramid shows very little fat. Why?
A: Your body doesn’t need a lot of fat. Get most of your fat from fish, nuts and
vegetable oils. Eat less fats like butter, margarine and lard. Choose low-fat meat,
chicken or turkey. Bake it or grill it. It is much healthier than frying. Add more
fish, eggs, beans and nuts.
Meat, fish, beans and nuts provide protein and iron which helps build stronger
muscles. Iron carries oxygen to all parts of your body, helps prevent infections, and
also helps your body make more energy to get you through busy day
S: And what about milk and milk products ?
A: Dairy products are very important. They provide calcium which helps build
strong bones and teeth. So, if you can consume milk, yogurt and cheese, do it
everyday. But go for low-fat milk. It’s better. Ice-cream is not very good for your
health. So, try to limit it. The less ice-cream you eat the better for you.
Lesson 6, Ex.2
Mary: Teenage Helpline. Mary Blake. How can I help?
Jane: Hello Mary. I am Jane. Listen! I worry as I have several questions
about my friend and I have no one to talk to as I am afraid to spoil everything.
Mary: Don’t worry. If you wish don’t give me your friend’s name. I will try to
help anyway.
Jane: My friend started missing classes and I don’t know why. At school she
says she is ill but she doesn’t stay at home and her parents don’t know anything.
She tells me nothing . She is avoiding me and Sarah and is hanging on with the
older girls. I am afraid that something went wrong and I don’t understand what
exactly.
Mary: Jane, I have some questions. Could you answer them honestly?
Jane: Yeah…
Mary: Has your friend recently become moody or behaves in ways which are
unlike her usual behaviour?
Jane: Sort of. She sometimes does strange things.
Mary: Like what?
Jane: Like asking for money without explaining what she needs it for. Or she
once said I could buy her new jeans. She new I liked it a lot but she loved her
new jeans so much! I refused and she was unhappy about it.
Mary: Does she get upset, anxious or depressed easily.
Jane: It’s difficult to say as we don’t spend a lot of time together now. But
probably yes.
Mary: There may be different reasons for her behaviour but there is one thing I
am afraid of. Your friend might be becoming drug addict. If you go to our sight
you will find a wider list of signs of addiction. Analyse them and write to me
ASAP (as soon as possible). We don’t really have any time to waste!
Lesson 9, Ex.2.
I'm John Doe. I'm a journalist with an important magazine. The other day I saw a
white-haired man sitting in front of his house. I could see the wrinkles in his face
and neck, and his wrinkled hands. Articles on the secrets of living to an old age are
always popular with our readers so I decided to ask him some questions to discover
the secret of his long life.
JOHN: Is it all right, Sir, if I talk with you for just a moment?
MAN: Sure. I’ll be delighted! It’s so boring to sit here even for a short time. Until
not very long ago I lived a full and active life without a moment's rest.
JOHN: Well, I say, that a lot of activity helps one to live a long time.
MAN: That's true, very true. I still feel very well, though I walk more slowly now.
JOHN: Is it all right if I smoked a cigarette?
MAN: Sure, go ahead.
JOHN: I'd offer you one, but I suppose you probably don't smoke, or drink...
MAN: On the contrary! I've always smoked my head off. Until a little while ago I
went dancing every night. As for alcoholic drinks...
JOHN: You mean to say that you've done all these things all your life?
MAN: Of course. Why does that surprise you so much?
JOHN: I've always been told that doing those things is bad for the health.
MAN: Ridiculous!
JOHN:I suppose that you have another secret - a lot of fruit, vegetables, a lot of
exercise in the fresh air.
MAN: Don't be silly! I hate exercise in the fresh air. I don't like any kind of
vegetables.
JOHN: This is unbelievable!
MAN: What do you mean, unbelievable? What are you talking about?
JOHN: It's just that I can't understand how you've been able to live like that and to
have lasted so long. Tell me, how old are you?
MAN: Me? I'm twenty-seven. Why?
UNIT 6
Lesson 1, ex.3a
Bonsai Trees
Bonsai means "tree in a pot" (or tray) in Japanese, and refers to growing trees in
small pots in such a way as to look old, interesting and artistic. The art is believed
to have originated in China thousands of years ago, and is now practiced all over
the world, e.g. in Japan, where traditional examples are known for their more
formal designs, and in present day China, Vietnam and other south Asian countries
where they are less formal, but may include more of a landscape feel, with large
rocks simulating mountains, pools of water and tiny ceramic figures called
'mudmen' (many of which are fishermen, or storks - a symbol of luck in the far
east).
While bonsai may be decorative, they are very much living things and should first
and always be regarded as such rather than conversation pieces. It can take decades
to produce a beautiful bonsai, weeks to finish it off through lack of care and
experience.
However, if you have the time, interest and vision to want to grow bonsai, and it
doesn't have to be hard, the rewards are terrific, and you'll never be sorry!
Volunteering
They say in order to help yourself, you should do something to help others.
Volunteering involves giving work to an organization for free. The time can range
from an hour to several thousand hours a year. Volunteering as a hobby can be as
rewarding and enjoyable as the individual decides to make it. Some ideas for
volunteering include reading to the elderly in the hospital, playing with children in
an orphanage, helping a child with homework, working in a soup kitchen, taking a
pet into a nursing home to cheer up the residents, shopping for an elderly
neighbour and knitting for charity (There’s always a need for warm blankets, hats
and gloves.) Start slowly with these and before you know it, you’ll find yourself
doing more and more and loving it.
Gadgets
Gadgets of any type are the new trends in hobbies, especially among the young
people. Gone are the days when children innocently collected stamps or match
boxes or even buttons. Most teens will be happy to collect electronic gadgets such
as cell phones, iPods, cameras, video cameras, voice recorders and more. If you are
thinking of a present, you really can't go wrong with these. As soon as one gadget
hits the shelf, another newer model is already in production and on its way. New
gaming systems and games are also a big hit with teen guys.
Children and young men enjoy remote control toys, guns, boats and aero planes
that provide thrill and realism in outdoor hobbies. Even competitions are held at
various levels where young people demonstrate their flying and driving skills.
Besides, in daily life, the cellular phones, TV remotes, i-Phones and EBook readers
are the newest trends in hobbies and pastimes of the younger generation. Without
these gadgets, one seems to be totally lost and helpless. The excessive use of
cellular phones in messaging (SMS) and using these as mini computers is the
hobbyists’ best pastime toy.
Beatboxing
Beatboxing is the art of producing drum beats, rhythm, and musical sounds using
one's mouth, lips, tongue, and voice. In classic beatboxing, there are 3 main sounds
plus the beat.You have to train very hard to become able to make the sounds and
beats faster one after the other, which has the effect of sounding as though the
sounds and beats are made at the same time. Listen ... (beatboxing)
After a lot of practise the beats sound like drums (with a bad bass) and additional
melodies. Actually, it's quite easy to create some simple beats to begin, but
afterwards it's hard to make them clear and strong.
"Human beatboxing" originated in 1980s. Today beatboxing is connected with hiphop culture, being one of "the elements", although it is not limited to hip-hop
music.
Beatboxing is practised all over the world and also in European countries where it's
growing in popularity.
Scrapbooking
One of the greatest things about taking up scrapbooking as a hobby is that anyone
can do it. It doesn't matter what your budget is, how much time you have to
dedicate to it, or even how artistic you are. Beginners can start slow and on a small
scale with simple, inexpensive projects. Those who are more enthusiastic have just
the sky as their limit when it comes to creating scrapbooking memories.
Scrapbooking is taking things like photos, printed pictures, decorations, and
colorful paper and arranging them artfully in an album to create a sort of
memorabilia. A scrapbook in itself can be considered as an extra fancy photo
album. The size of a scrapbook will vary depending on the person making it and
the event they are covering.
Scrapbooking can be a very personal experience. Some eventful occasions to
scrapbook for include: love stories, milestones in a child's life, graduations, travels
and holidays. Scrapbooks can also be made in a more general sense as a tribute to a
favorite activity like fishing and bowling or to pay homage to an occupation like
nursing, firefighting, teaching, and more. It doesn't take talent to create a good
scrapbook. All you need is a little creativity, as few or as many supplies as you
like, and a desire to have some fun.
Lesson 2, ex.2b, 3a
Q: You’re not from Minnesota, where are you from?
A: I’m from Somerset, Wisconsin. It’s about 20 minutes east of Stillwater.
Q: How old were you when you first started beatboxing?
A: I was about 15 when I started. Frankly speaking, I started out of pure boredom.
I saw someone do it and I thought, 'I could do that too”. By the way, beatboxing
could make an enjoyable hobby for anyone as it’s neither time nor money
consuming.
Q: What other beatboxers do you look up to?
A: The biggest influence on me must be Reeps One. He started out with some
simple dubstep stuff, but now he’s awesomely technical in addition to the dubstep
element.
Q: Besides beatboxing, do you sing or play any instruments?
A: I’m awful at singing so I try to avoid it in my set, but you might hear me sing a
cover of Pony by Ginuwine occasionally just to show people that it’s possible. I’ve
been playing guitar for about six years, but I’ve definitely slowed down on it. It
doesn’t really interest me as much as beatboxing.
Q: How did you get started beatboxing?
A: I saw the video of Roxorloops and instantly had to start learning it. I just
searched “how to beatbox” on Youtube and pretty much learned from there. Then
after that it was pretty much creating my own style.
Q: What are you trying to accomplish with beatboxing? Can you earn money this
way?
A: You can’t be serious. Just to have fun, really. It’s hard to get paid for a set that’s
only 10-20 minutes.
Q: What are your future goals?
A: I think I’m going to try and start a serious You tube channel. I know people
enjoy my beatboxing, and because I don’t have a lot of material on the internet I
don’t get my name out as much as I probably should. And Youtube pays once you
get enough views.
Q: Some of the noises you make are literally crazy. Something I couldn’t ever do.
Did you always have this talent, or what is something you taught yourself?
A: Well my brother and I always did impressions of funny actors/movies, so that
could have helped me in some way, but other than that it was really just teaching
myself.
Q: What was it like to be on stage in front of all of those people? Were you
nervous?
A: I don’t really get nervous any more. I know I’m good at what I do, so I just try
not to panic and just think of what I should do next.
Q: Right now beatboxing is a hobby, could you see it being a career ever?
A: It’s just a hobby. It’s a nice way to have fun and make money on the side, but
because it’s hard to go longer than 20 minutes, you’re only going to get paid for a
20 minute set.
Q: What are your plans regarding the workshops you’ll be holding with
schoolkids?
A: I do an introduction to beatboxing workshop, which is designed to get
absolutely anybody making music with their voice within 60 minutes, whether they
are a baby or a granny.
Q: Where do you see yourself in ten years?
A: Most likely working some sort of IT job, I enjoy computers so I think I’ll do
well in that industry.
Q: Where can the listeners hear or see all of your work?
A: www.soundcloud.com/nwbeatbox
ex.4a (звуки)
a) beatboxing and singing b) a girl beatboxing c) beatboxing and harmonica d) a
drum set e) beatboxing, piano and fluite f) beatboxing and fluite g) beatboxing
Lesson 4, ex.1b
OLD HOBBY
I've rediscovered an old hobby of mine
It brings me great joy and fills in the time
Now I don’t have to participate
In silly sports or games that I hate
It encourages me to do beautiful things
I can even do it as the birds sweetly sing
It requires a lota lota words
Adjectives and the most pesky of verbs
It sometimes surprises little wee me
Just how good this old hobby can be
It keeps my mind on an even track
I'm so glad that my old hobby came back
A few more lines I'll write this night
Poetry is a hobby of sheer deligt!
Lesson 5, Ex.2b,c
My name is Trish and I volunteer because it is my hobby and my passion. I love to
help others out and provide knowledge and guidance where needed. I have met
some amazing people who have inspired me to do new things, take chances and get
involved in things I normally don't participate in.
I remember my first year to volunteer in a summer day camp with kids, and what a
great experience it was. I was always in position of a student, never a leader. As a
volunteer I was helping others, but I also helped myself. I was very nervous on my
first day, after going through preparation programs. I wanted to do a good job.
What a surprise my first day was. It was great! It built my self confidence a lot!
Since I've grown up, I've forgotten what it's like to be a little kid. I didn't
realize that even the simplest things could make them happy.
Ever since I've been volunteering at Summer Day Camps, I've really enjoyed
getting to know the children and learning more about myself. All the time I've
spent with these children taught me a great deal of things and I hope to see them
again next summer!
My name is Ready, I’m from Jakarta, Indonesia. I am just an ordinary student who
has a lot of hobbies. One of my hobbies is photography and more often than not
I’m taking photographs. I am not really serious about photography, but I am doing
it because I want to express the ideas that come into my mind.
I am not really very good at writing, but with a photo I can explain the messages
that I want to share, just as some people write out what they think and feel. Some
people, like me, pour their imagination into whatever work they choose to give
their time to.
I have known about photography since I was in elementary school. I was interested
in trying the cameras that my grandfather had, and he taught me a little about
photography as a hobby. Then he gave me an SLR camera that he had used before
— a Canon FTB — and I started taking pictures of the environment around
me. Later I decided to get a more formal education about the basics of
photography, and I started to learn about the photography Internet forums in
Jakarta. Now I also follow some small exhibitions and photography competitions
on the forums, and several were held at my school. One of my achievements is the
first prize for the series of photographs that today illustrate my school catalogue.
My name is Peter Tringham and as a hobby I enjoy carving emu eggs. I started
carving eggshells about four and one half years ago and over time I hope this
hobby becomes a business of which I would be very proud.
Carved and painted emu eggs are a genuine part of our Australian
Aboriginal Culture. Carving continues today with dozens of artists depicting
important animals, people, traditions and scenes from the past or present. Together,
these egg-images provide us with a rich visual history - they illustrate and tell
stories of Australian traditions, adventure and environment.
The process is simple and costs you nothing. All the equipment you need to start is
a penknife and good light. Of course you need safety glasses as I have had a few
trips to hospital to have the shell removed from my eyes.
Ostrich eggshells are my favorite to carve because of their thickness and size. I like
the Emu eggs because of the 3 color tone and they are easier to carve but will also
crack easier.
My mum is very supportive of my art. We are both waiting patiently for the time
when I finish my studies and will be able to move to art full-time.
My name is Megan and I'm an Irish dancer. Irish dancing is what I'm passionate
about, it is what makes me me. It makes me stand out from the crowd. I don't do
judo, I don't sing in the choir, instead I'm an Irish dancer.
Irish dancing is a competitive global sport, and it is not an easy sport to do. I’ve
been doing it for 4 years and still I do 2 hour classes four nights a week. It is a
hobby which takes up enormous amount of time, which is why it's the only hobby I
do. But I don't mind, because Irish dancing is the only thing for me.
It’s also money consuming. Dancers that participate in championships would wear
a wig, their dresses are either second hand or designed and cost thousands. They
also wear heavy make-up and fake tan; this is so they won't look pale on stage.
From reading the description above you would think that Irish dancing was more
like a beauty contest than a talent competition. If you do, then I would agree with
you. Sometimes, I feel like throwing up my hands in the air and wonder, "Why am
I still doing this?" after a bad result.
However, I can't. Because I love Irish dancing. Call me crazy, but it's my life.
When I'm stuck with a load of homework to do, or I have a bad day, I just start
dancing. Hopefully I would like to get in as a troupe dancer for Riverdance for a
year, just to see what it's like.
Lesson 8, Ex.2a,b
Weddings are the worst, they're long, boring, and I thought I liked my cousin until
he dragged me to his wedding.
We were in Toledo, Ohio, all my family was there, my brother, mom, dad,
grandmas, grandpa, aunt, uncle, and cousins I never even knew about. The actual
wedding was alright, until the reception. The reception was the worst time of my
life except the cake, which was so good I could tell an entire story about that. The
food was also delicious, but besides that it was horrible. I even fell asleep for a half
an hour and there was music and lots of people talking, it sounded like the cafeteria
during lunch. I thought I was going to die of boredom. All this reception was, was
people dancing and having a good time, except for me.
The worst part was when my mom asked me to dance. She dragged me to the
dance floor before I could even react to her question because I was in such a
terrible mood. Then when we were out there, everybody was going on, and on, and
on, about how nice I looked with my mother. By the time I could sit down the chef
had left, so I had to get dessert and cake.
And as soon as I ate another piece of cake, I heard the words from my mom, the
words I was ready to hear all night long, 'Christian, we can leave now.' My eyes
grew to the size of watermelons, I swear they almost connected, and I had a smile
that went from ear to ear. I was practically sprinting out the doors and when I
turned around they were far behind me, then I said, 'Come on, let's get out of here!'
Well, if I have to go to another wedding, which I probably will because my cousin
got divorced to the girl he married in this story and he's dating a new one, I will be
prepared, with either a book or a pillow, or maybe both.
We moved from Fremont, California to Chandler, Arizona in June of 2010. Since
this was a new house for us, we decided to throw a house warming party for us,
inviting all of our cousins, during Thanksgiving. We had a total of 32 guests at our
house, and it was the greatest four-day weekend of the year.
During this housewarming “party”, we had an Indian priest who performed rituals,
bringing in a good fortune into our new home. These rituals started from nine or
ten in the morning till seven at night. Then after these, it’s important to have
homemade vegetarian food. We had buckets and buckets of food, and by the end of
the night, they were all empty.
The next couple days were just fun filled days; we all got together and hung out,
and caught up with each other. We had so many people at our house, that there
never was a minute of boredom, every minute of every day was filled with
laughter, screaming, and anyone can just feel the love coming out of our home. It
felt as if we never moved, we were just in a new surrounding, but the people we
love will always be with us. We even had some of our close family friends come
and hang out with us those four days, and each and every day they were treated as
if they were a part of the family. I also was able to get closer to my cousins that I
haven’t talked to in a while, or have ever seen, it was a wonderful weekend.
The most exciting part of our trip, was that when we dropped off everyone at the
airport, we had a local newspaper reporter come and ask us what we had done for
our Thanksgiving, and how we were able to manage having about 40 people at our
house. Then when the newspaper was published, to come to think of it, the
weekend was a house-warming, Thanksgiving, family reunion, and we haven’t had
a better one since.
UNIT 7
Lesson 1, Ex.3a)
A. Early museums began as the private collections of wealthy individuals, families
or institutions of art and rare or curious natural and manmade objects. These were
often displayed in so-called wonder rooms or cabinets of curiosities. The oldest
such museum in evidence was Ennigaldi-Nanna's museum, dating from c. 530 BC
and devoted to Mesopotamian antiques.
The oldest public museums in the world opened in Rome during the Renaissance.
The Capitoline Museums, the oldest public collection of art in the world, began in
1471 when Pope Sixtus IV donated a group of important ancient sculptures to the
people of Rome. However, many significant museums in the world were not
founded until the 18th century and the Age of Enlightenment.
B. The history of theatre charts the development of theatre over the past 2,500
years. Since classical Athens in the 6th century BCE, colourful traditions of theatre
have flourished in cultures across the world.
Greek theatre, most developed in Athens, is the root of the Western
tradition; theatre is in origin a Greek word. It was part of a broader culture of
performance in classical Greece that included festivals, religious rituals, politics,
athletics and gymnastics, music, poetry, weddings and funerals. Participation in
the city-state's many festivals—and attendance at the City Dionysia as an audience
member (or even as a participant in the theatrical productions) in particular—was
an important part of citizenship. The theatre of ancient Greece consisted of three
types of drama: tragedy, comedy, and the satyr play.
C. The cinema was invented during the 1890s, during the industrial revolution. It
was considered a cheaper, simpler way to provide entertainment to the masses.
Theatre and dance are ancient predecessors of film and include many common
elements: scripts, sets, lighting, costumes, direction, choreography, and music.
The Lumière brothers gave their first show of projected pictures to an audience in
Paris in December 1895.
The first public exhibition of projected motion pictures ("movies" or "films") was
in USA at Koster and Bial's Music Hall in New York City in April, 1896.
However, the first cinema (movie theatre) dedicated exclusively to showing motion
pictures was Vitascope Hall, established on Canal Street, New Orleans, in July,
1896 - it was converted from a vacant store. This 72-seat theater was designed
from scratch solely to show motion pictures. The theater remained open for two
years making it the first permanent, purpose built movie theater in the world.
Lesson 3, ex,3b,d
Reporter:
Many believe that Avatar, the largely computer-generated, 3-D film by James
Cameron—and the top-grossing movie in history, earning nearly $3 billion
worldwide—has changed the moviegoing experience. Like Avatar, Cameron’s
1984 thriller Terminator, about an indestructible human-machine cyborg, and
1997’s Titanic, with its hyper-realistic feel for the “unsinkable” ship’s disastrous
end, are morality tales about technology’s risks—created with the most advanced
technology. The director spoke with our reporter Lorenza Muñoz.
One
(James Cameron):
Terminator was my first real film, and you can directly contrast 1984 to 2010. No
single technique we used then was used today. We shot Terminator on film, and
we don’t shoot on film today. All of the visual effects are digital now. Back then
we used glass paintings, foreground miniatures and stop-motion animation. We
thought we were being tremendously innovative—and we were. The technology
has changed but the basics of the job haven’t. It is still about storytelling, about
placing images side by side, about creating a feeling with images and music. Only
the technical details have changed.
Two
We always planned to make this as a series of two or three movies. The appeal of
going into the second film is that we can continue with the system we created.
Now we will just speed it up, refine and make it more intuitive for the artists
working on the film. The next movies will be more about details but not
fundamentally different.
Three
I think there will be movie theaters in 1,000 years. People want the group
experience, the sense of going out and participating in a film together. People have
been predicting the end of movie theaters since I started in the business.
Four
We have to wait until the technology is available in every home. I think it will be
standard in 4 years, not 40. We will have a glasses-free technology in five years at
home and three years for laptops. The limiting factor is going to be content. You
can’t rely on a few films a year for this. It is going to have to be 3-D broadcast
sports, scripted television, non-scripted television and reality television.
Five
It will always be a filmmaking center. Filmmakers from China and Japan and
Germany come to Hollywood to have meetings with studio executives and to get
money for their movies. It is a central switching station for global entertainment.
Hollywood is also the place for filmmakers who want to make movies for a global
market. China and Russia make films for their own markets, but I don’t see the
likelihood of those places replacing Hollywood. India has a huge film industry that
supplies hundreds of films a year, but it is very much about that market.
Six
If I’m alive. I will be 96, so I will be making films very, very slowly.
Lesson 4, ex.2b
1. Theatre tends to be more, let me say, aristocratic while cinema is aimed mostly
at mass audience. I doubt that any film will be around as long as a play written in
the nineteen century.
The major difference, though it sounds strange, is in the fact that cinema, as you
probably meant to say, speaks to millions at the same time whereas a theatre
performance to a few hundred. Cinemas will never have a problem with bringing
in big business money.
2. There is a fundamental difference when we contrast theatre to cinema (and it has
nothing to do with technical differences) – it is in the relationship of the actor to
the audience.
3. Theatre also has a democratic element that cinema cannot have. Something is
happening on stage in front of you and the audience has the possibility of showing
their reaction, communicating their feelings. That makes each performance
original.
4. The performance of emotion is the most difficult aspect of film acting: while the
theatre actor can use enlarged gestures and loud voice to express emotion, the
cinema actor must rely on tiny facial ticks and lifts of the eyebrow to create a
believable character.
5. Of course, more people go to the cinema just because it offers more visual
entertainment through visual effects, whereas theatre offers more speech and real
eye-contact.
6. Theatre is different from all other forms of visual presentation because it is live.
Lesson 6, Ex.3b,d
THE HISTORY OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMIC BOLSHOI OPERA AND
BALLET THEATRE OF THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS
The National Opera and Ballet Theatre was opened on May 25 1933 with the
performance “Carmen”. But its history began in 1920s on the stage of the National
Drama theatre that had the opera and ballet troupe and a small symphonic orchestra
in its structure. Already then musical-drama performances, parts of operas and
ballets were staged and national music was played.
In 1920s the future stars of Belarusian opera and ballet were trained in Minsk,
Vitebsk, Gomel technical schools. And also in the National Studio of opera and
ballet, founded in 1930, that was headed by a famous singer Anton Bonachich,
who had worked as Shalyapin’s partner in Mariinsky Theatre St Petersburg. Three
years later the operas “Golden Cockerel”, “Carmen” and “Eugeny Onegin” were
staged.
The theatre building on the Trinity Hill was opened on May 10, 1939 with the
night of the opera “Mihas Podgorny” by a Belarusian composer Eugene Tsikotsky.
The new building was constructed by the project of a famous Belarusian architect
Iosif Langbard. The first ballet performance, shown in 1939 on stage of a new
building, was “the Swan Lake” in production of Muller, who graduated from St.
Petersburg’s choreographic college and danced the leading parts in the biggest
theatres of the country.
The young ballet group set themselves a task to create a national ballet repertoire.
The production of the first national ballet “Nightingale” (from a book written by
Źmitrok Biadula) 1940, was a meaningful event for the theatre. The success of the
theatre depended on a successful integration of a classical dance and a national
Belarusian folk dance.
Of course, classical ballets and works and, above all, the immortal creations by
Peter Tchaikovsky, never leave the stage; they are an excellent school of mastery
for the dancers of all generations.
During World War II (1941-1945) many actors of theatre left to fight on the front
or have joined guerrilla movement. The theatre was evacuated to the Volga region
Russia. Actors of different genres created front concert brigades and acted before
the soldiers of the Soviet Army. Right after the liberation of the capital the team
returned to Minsk and in December, 1944 a new season was opened with a
premiere of an opera by Evgenie Tikotsky "Alesya". This event marked the revival
of the Theatre. After the renovation and reconstruction of the building damaged by
bombs, theatre activity has renewed.
The theatre repeatedly went on tour on the most prestigious stage of the former
USSR – in the Bolshoi theatre in Moscow. Successful tours of 1940 have brought
to theatre an honorary title "Big", 1964 – "academic".
In 50th years considerable achievements of the Belarusian ballet are connected,
basically, with an embodiment of ballet classics – performances "Esmeralda" on
Caesar Puni, "Giselle" and "Corsair" music by Adolf Adana's, "La Bayadere" by
Ludwig Minkus. All ballets by Peter Tchaikovsky ("Swan lake", "the Sleeping
beauty", "Nutcracker") were also staged at that time.
Since that time the repertoire was greatly enriched. The most famous operas staged
in this theatre include Boris Godunov by Modest Mussorgsky, Otello and Don
Carlo by Giuseppe Verdi, Jacques Offenbach's The Tales of Hoffmann, Sadko and
The Golden Cockerel by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov.
The development of national tendencies in ballet is connected with the works of
Evgenie Glebov. Three ballets by this talented composer have been staged in the
theatre: "Dream", "the Alpine ballad" and "the Chosen one”.
The national operas created by the Belarus composers, are devoted to the pages of
history of Belarus: "the Star Venus" and "New land" by Jury Semenjako, "Grey
legend" by Dmitry Smolsky, "the Way of a life" by Henry Wagner, "Visit of the
lady" and "Anniversary" by Sergey Cortess, "The wild hunt of king Stah" by
Vladimir Soltan," the Master and Margarita" by Evgenie Glebov, and a number of
others.
The basic theatre repertoire also includes operas from the treasury of the European
and Russian classics, and first of all – Italian masterpieces belсanto: "Nabukko",
"Masquerade", "Aida", "Othello" by Juseppe Verdi, "Madam Butterfly",
"Melancholy", "Bohemia" and "Turandot" by Dzhakomo Puccini. The most
favourite performances of the Belarusian audience are an opera by Alexander
Borodin "Prince Igor", George Bizet's "Carmen", "Traviata" by Juseppe Verdi and,
certainly, Russian opera smash hit "Evgenie Onegin" of Peter Tchaikovsky.
The theatre building, which is a historical monument today, was renovated and it
reopened in 2009. Many sculptures were added around the theatre, its stage was
slightly moved and audience space expanded. The latest lighting and motion
equipment was added still sticking to the original design.
For the last 15 years the theatre troupe has visited more than 30 countries of the
world: from Portugal and Spain to Japan and China, from Norway and Great
Britain to Turkey and Thailand – everywhere the theatre has found the keen
admirers.
Lesson 7, Ex.1b
When I look back at the museums I have enjoyed the most, I have been involved in
an experience that cannot be replicated in a book, on a website, in a movie, or on
TV. I have been surrounded by the things that real people have used, and the power
that flows from those artifacts is outstanding.
I have been to a play at Ford’s Theater, and I swear when I looked across the way
to the infamous box, I could see Abraham Lincoln sitting there enjoying the show.
I have seen artifacts recovered from the Titanic, a space capsule that landed on the
moon, and the original Constitution.
I have been inside a slave cabin on a South Carolina plantation and a World War II
aircraft carrier.
I have stood in a one room schoolhouse, sat at a desk, rung the school bell.
I have seen terrific dresses worn by Jackie Kennedy, complete with matching
pillbox hats and tight, ladylike gloves.
I have looked at fabulous works of art -- Hudson River School landscapes,
Frederick Remington sculptures.
I have seen the workshop where the Wright Brothers worked on bicycles, the
house where Heinz ketchup was invented, and Thomas Edison's laboratory.
So you see, there is no substitute for the “real thing.” In an era of text-messaging,
computer games, and virtual reality, we must ground ourselves with something that
is REAL. Museums are in the unique position to provide these incredible
experiences.
Lesson 8, Ex.2b,c
What is the best museum/art gallery in the world?
This was the question put on Facebook and Twitter. Unsurprisingly, the most
popular tourist destinations in the world came out on top. None of the top ten
museums were outside North America and Europe. Well, the top ten most popular
museums were:
1. The Louvre
The Louvre may be the world’s greatest art museum – but it’s also the one most
avoided by visitors to Paris. Discouraged by its size and richness, many people
head to smaller galleries. But if you have even the merest interest in the fruits of
human civilisation from antiquity to the 19th century, then visit you must. The
most famous works from antiquity include the Jewels of Rameses II and the
armless duo – the Winged Victory of Samothrace and the Venus de Milo. From the
Renaissance, don’t miss Michelangelo’s Slaves, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona
Lisa and works by Raphael, Botticelli and Titian.
2. British Museum
The British Museum was established in 1753, largely based on the collections of
the physician and scientist Sir Hans Sloane. It is widely considered to be one of the
world's greatest museums of human history and culture. Its permanent collection,
numbering some eight million works, is amongst the finest, largest in existence,
illustrating and documenting the story of human culture from its beginnings to the
present. There are galleries devoted to Egypt, Western Asia, Greece, the Orient,
Africa, Italy, the Romans, prehistoric and Roman Britain and medieval antiques.
3. Musée d’Orsay
Housed in the former railway station, on the left bank of the Seine, in Paris, the
Gare d'Orsay holds a spectacular collection of French Art, making it a must-see for
any art lover. The museum displays France’s national collection of paintings and
sculptures, furniture, and photography, and is probably best known for its
extensive collection of impressionist and post-impressionist works (the largest in
the world) by such painters such as Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Cézanne,
Seurat, Gauguin and Van Gogh.
4. Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) New York
Its grand reopening in 2004, following the most extensive renovation project in its
75-year history, created a genuine art universe of more than 100,000 pieces. You
could easily hole up for a couple of days and still not properly see it all. Most of
the big hitters – Matisse, Picasso, Cezanne, Rothko, Pollock – are housed in the
central five-storey atrium. The sculpture garden – returned to its original, larger
vision – is a joy to sit in.
5. Metropolitan Museum of Art
What can you say about this beautiful behemoth? Its size, and the depth and
breadth of its collection is simply terrific. More than five million come a year for
special exhibits, or just to see the Great Hall entrance, the Tiffany windows in the
American Wing, the collection of African, Oceania and other works. Also great is
the famed European Collection on the 2nd floor – it’s a city within a city, really,
and it’s easier to get lost here than in Central Park outside.
6. Galleria degli Uffizi
The Galleria degli Uffizi, home to the Medici family’s private collection, was
passed to Florence in 1743 by the last of the family, Anna Maria Ludovica, on
condition that it never leave the city. Housed inside the vast U-shaped Palazzo
degli Uffizi its sheer size alone impresses (don’t dream of viewing the 50-plus
rooms and 1555 works of art properly in one visit – preselect which artists or
period of art interest you most). In high season (particularly in July), waiting times
can be up to five hours. Visitors who reserve a ticket in advance have a much
shorter wait.
7. Museo del Prado
Welcome to one of the best and most important art galleries anywhere in the world.
Converted in 1819 from a natural history museum to a gallery of Spanish art held
in royal collections, the Museo del Prado hosts over 7000 works. The strongest
collections are the 17th- and 18th-century Spanish paintings featuring the likes of
Velázquez, Goya and Ribera. It’s an artistic feast that is many visitors’ main reason
for visiting Madrid. Spend as long as you can at the Prado or, better still, plan to
make a couple of visits because it can all be a little too much if you try to take it all
at once.
8. Vatican museums
Vatican museums in Rome, inside the Vatican City, are display works from the
incredible collection built up by the Roman Catholic Church throughout the
centuries, including some of the most renowned classical sculptures and
outstanding works of Renaissance art. The museums are huge and you’ll never
manage to see everything in one go – you’d need several hours just for the
highlights. Each starts at the domed Quattro Cancelli area, near the entrance, and
finishes at the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo's famous ceiling frescos are
found.
9. Smithsonian museums
There are 18 Smithsonian museums in Washington DC. The Portrait Gallery’s
permanent collection contains more than 4000 images of known faces from all
walks and eras of life. The presidential portraits are particularly notable. Look for
Gilbert Stuart’s famous portrait of George Washington and a carefree bust of a
first-term Bill Clinton. The sports and performing arts paintings and photographs
are also fascinating. The Museum of American Art has the largest collection in the
world. It is a bit of a holding facility for the Smithsonian’s 38,000-odd pieces of
art, from sculpture to photography, folk art, crafts, prints and drawings.
10. Tate Modern
5 million visitors make it the world’s most popular modern art gallery, and
London’s most visited sight. The critics say, though: this ‘Tate Modern effect’ is
really more about the building and its location than about the mostly 20th-century
art inside. Famous Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron won the Pritzker,
architecture’s most prestigious prize, for their reconstruction of the empty
Bankside Power Station. Leaving the building’s single central chimney, adding a
two-storey glass box onto the roof and using the huge Turbine Hall as a dramatic
entrance space were three strokes of genius. Then, of course, there are the
wonderful views of the Thames and St Paul’s, particularly from the restaurant-bar
on the 7th level and coffee bar on the 4th. Still, be sure to explore the Tate's vast
collection of Surrealism paintings and specifically Salvador Dali's work.
UNIT 8
Lesson 1, ex. 2b
(Different designers present clothes at a fashion show)
1. It’s ideal for chilly autumn days. It’s long so that your legs are warm. When it
gets really chilly you can cover your head with the hood and you can put your
hands into the big pockets. It’s got six large decorative buttons. Six buttons on a
coat is a fad this season! For this collection I used plain material, no patterns or
other colours. Just a simple light brown. Simple and elegant.
2. It’s a must for a man’s wardrobe next spring! Its silhouette is simple but nice. It
goes well with jeans of any type. It’s got a zip but you can leave it open if you
wear a sweater under it. It looks very good with a long scarf. A striped scarf will
make you look stylish this season!
3. If you wear it, you’ll be the center of attention! It’s bright and very smart! It’s
got long loose sleeves and a big collar. The collar and the buttons are of a
contrasting colour. The shirt is ideal for a day out at a café or a disco. Girls,
beware!
4. It’s a nice outfit for a warm spring day. The blouse isn’t baggy or loose, it fits
the body well. It’s because of the zip that goes from top to bottom. The sleeves are
also tight and long. The floral pattern makes the blouse look romantic. The skirt is
simple – it’s knee-length and has no pictures or design on it. A floral top and a
plain skirt is a good outfit to wear at work or school.
5. It’s the most romantic outfit in the collection! The top is really very simple – no
collar, no buttons, no pockets but it looks as if it’s made for a princess. The light
pink colour and the material make it look so very romantic! The polka-dotted skirt
with pink and grey polka dots is a good match to the top.
6. It’s ideal for a warm summer day if you go out. The material is natural so you
won’t feel hot in it. It doesn’t have many decorations - just a small collar and short
sleeves. It’s got a classic silhouette, so you can wear this dress for several
summers.
7. It’s perfect for teenage boys – the baggy jeans and a checked shirt over a yellow
T-shirt will make it easy to make friends with new people. The jeans are very
comfortable – you can skateboard or roller skate or dance in them. You can put
many useful things into the pockets, and you won’t lose them because the pockets
have zips. The shirt is good in the evenings when it gets cooler. You can wear any
T-shirt under it and you still will feel comfortable in this outfit.
Lesson 2, ex. 2a,b
(Buyers say why they choose items for their shops)
1. I’m taking this beautiful white silk blouse.
2. This warm jacket with a fur collar will be popular with boys under 20.
3. I think these tight leather trousers will be popular for discos.
4. I’m sure this short plain linen skirt will be a hit this season.
5. I’m sure this plain hooded cotton T-shirt will be popular this season and next
season too.
6. This pale pink sleeveless lace top looks romantic.
7. This warm light colour woolen sweater is a must for cold days!
8. These baggy blue denim jeans have been popular for a couple of seasons.
Lesson 3, ex. 3b,c
I like this tasteful dress in blue
And other people like it too.
I’ll try it on: too loose – no luck.
This brown dress is tasteless – yuk!
Can I try in those trendy jeans?
Oh, no, they are too tight for me.
Could you give me another pair,
The pair of jeans from over there?
Which bag to choose: this one, that one?
The brown one looks like a bun,
The other one is also great –
I can’t decide. Please, help me, Kate!
Lesson 3, ex.5c
Hello. Can I help you?
Yes, please. I’m looking for a warm sweater to match my jeans.
Follow me please. Sweaters are over there. What colour would you like?
Mmm. I’m not sure. I like… grey.
What size do you take?
I think I’m a ‘small’.
OK. Here you are. You can try it on. The fitting room is over there.
OK, I’ll try it on.
Excuse me, do you have another colour? I look boring in grey.
Sure. How about chocolate brown? I think it’ll look good on you. Is the size
alright?
Yes, it fits me like a glove*. S is just right.
Here’s another colour.
Oh, it’s perfect! It matches my hair and makes me feel warm and cozy! I’ll take it.
Sure.
Thank you.
Lesson 4, ex. 2a,b
(Two old ladies listen to a radio interview with Vivienne Westwood)
Nina: Hey, Sonya! Put the volume up! My favourite radio programme is on! Oh,
we’ve missed a lot of it!
Sonya: Don’t worry, dear. In a second it’ll be on… Is it Ten Questions to a Guru?
Who’s on today?
Nina: Shh! That’s Vivienne Westwood!
Sonya: Sorry.
Radio host: … Well, we have already heard what Vivienne Westwood thinks about
politics and environment, the role of women and modern art. We have two more
questions today… Here we go! Someone’s calling. Hello!
Caller 1: … Hello. I’m Sharon from Portsmouth. Missis Westwood, I was
wondering if the fashion magazines we read today are really important? Should we
listen to their opinions about fashion?
Vivienne Westwood: Thank you for the question, Sharon. Fashion magazines? I
hate them! I hate them and I hate television, radio, the internet and cinema! Do you
know why? They’re our biggest enemy because they feed people information, they
don’t let people think. The problem is people are not thinking now. If we don’t
start thinking, then we really don’t have any future.
Nina: Sonia, what does she say?
Sonya: She says the problem is people are not thinking today.
Nina: Oh, yes, I agree. Shh. Let’s listen!
Radio host: What can be done, do you think?
Vivienne Westwood: Well, I am attracted to people who know what suits them they are individual and stylish. I think dress, hairstyle and make-up are the most
important factors in making an attractive person. By the way, I was the first person
to have a punk rock hairstyle.
Radio host: Thank you, Vivienne. I’m so glad you are in the studio today and you
have to say something on any topic… Well, here comes the last question today…
Hello!
Caller 2: Hello! I’m Claire from Bath.
Radio host: Hello, Claire.
Caller 2: Mrs Westwood, could you tell us how you make your style individual?
Vivienne Westwood: I don't feel comfortable defending my clothes. I'm not trying
to do something different, I'm trying to do the same thing but in a different way.
I’ve always had my own little shop and I don’t need other people to tell me what
the public wants.
Radio host: This is all for today. Thanks for the questions…
Nina: … Sonya, what does she say?
Sonya: She says she’s always had her own little shop.
Nina: Oh, I see. Vivienne is great, isn’t she?
Sonya: Oh, yes, dear. She’s always been.
Lesson 6, ex. 2a,b,c
(at a school radio station)
Reporter: Hi, everyone! Today in our studio we’re having Mrs. Venutti, a mother
of Michael and Melanie from Class 9 and today we’re speaking about what was in
fashion when she was 16.
Mrs. Venutti: Hi everyone! Glad to be here with you today.
Reporter: Mrs. Venutti, do you remember what you used to wear when you were
16, what was in fashion?
Mrs. Venutti I started school in the late 70s so I was 16 in the 1980s. Yes, I
remember that we cared about fashion a lot then.
Reporter: How did you know what was in fashion?
Mrs. Venutti: Well, back then we didn’t have Fashion TV or the many fashion
magazines that you have today. And we weren’t very excited with what we could
buy in clothes shops either. In my class there was a girl whose parents were
working in the fashion business so her clothes always looked cool. I secretly
copied her style and thought I was cool too.
Reporter: Mrs. Venutti, do you remember what clothes were your favourite?
Mrs. Venutti Yes, I liked my blue jeans and a baggy sweater that my granny
knitted for my 16th birthday. I also liked my polka-dotted dress and polka-dotted
blouse. Polka-dots were very popular then!
Reporter: Did you wear skirts or trousers then?
Mrs. Venutti: We wore both but when I was 16, trousers were becoming more and
more popular with girls. I liked trousers – they were very casual and comfortable
but I also wore skirts.
Reporter: Did you wear mini-skirts then?
Mrs. Venutti: Skirts had become shorter by the time I finished school, but I never
liked them. I wore knee-length and longer skirts.
Reporter: I see. Do you remember what hair style was popular then?
Mrs. Venutti Oh, yes. We had a lot of hair! Even when the hair was short we made
it look as if we had a lot of it – we used hair driers to make our hair stand up and
look bigger.
Reporter: What can you say about the fashion of today?
Mrs. Venutti: Well, it’s different for adults and teenagers. It has always been like
this, but in general I think that twenty years ago we didn’t have a big choice of
colours, materials and designs that were ok to wear. We didn’t understand than that
one design wouldn’t look good on everybody – on tall and short, skinny and plump
people. Now almost any colour or material or shape can look ok on people. Now
it’s more important how people put items of clothes together and what style they
choose for different occasions.
Lesson 6, ex. 3D
Mrs. Venutti went to school in the late70s so she was 16 in 1980s. She cared about
fashion a lot. They didn’t have fashion magazines for teenagers then, so they
copied people who were dressed cool.
When Mrs. Venutti was 16, trousers and jeans were becoming more and more
popular because they were comfortable and casual. Everybody was wearing them.
Skirts had become shorter by the time she finished school. The choice of colours,
materials and patterns in fashion was small then. When she was 16, the most
popular pattern was polka-dots.
Lesson 9, ex.2
Once upon a time a young man named Madan lived in a village in northern India.
Madan’s father wanted him to become a farmer. But Madan wished to leave the
village and find work in town. He promised his father that he would send a part of
his earnings home regularly.
In town, Madan learned to be a tailor. He worked hard and soon became known for
the fine clothes he made. All people in the town wanted clothes made by Madan.
The more dresses he made, the more proud and boastful Madan became.
One night Madan sat looking at the full moon high up in the sky. The moon was
beautiful above a tall coconut tree*. Madan said, “I am sure I can make a dress for
the moon. The moon will like my handiwork, and then the sun and stars will want
me to make dresses for them.”
The coconut tree heard his words. Laughing softly, the tree bent down** and
whispered, “That’s one thing you can’t do.”
Madan didn’t like that. “How do you know what I can do?” he said. “You are only
a tree.”
The coconut tree tried to say something more, but Madan would not listen.
“If you want to be of some help, tell the moon that I want to make a dress for her.
You are tall enough to do that,” he said.
So the tree told the moon about Madan. The moon said she would like to have a
dress made by the famous tailor from Earth.
Madan was excited. Quickly he began to make a dress of wonderful white silk for
the moon. When it was done, he said to the coconut tree, “The dress is ready. Give
it to the moon.”The coconut tree did so.
The following evening, the moon didn’t come out in her new dress. The coconut
tree bent down and whispered, “The moon says your dress doesn’t fit. It’s too
loose.” Madan was shocked. “It can’t be!” he cried. “The clothes I make always fit
perfectly.” But the moon gave the dress back to him, and he had to redo it. Madan
spent the night making the dress a little bigger.
The next evening the moon rose a little later. She wasn’t wearing her new dress
again. And again the coconut tree bent down and whispered, “The dress is still too
loose.”
Madan couldn’t believe that! “How could I go wrong?” he cried.
“I tried to tell you before but you didn’t listen,” said the tree. “I have seen for many
years that after the moon is full, she grows smaller each day until you can’t see her
at all. Then, she starts growing bigger day after day until she gets full. So how can
you make one dress that would fit the moon perfectly?”
Brokenhearted, Madan sat with his head in his hands all night long. When he saw
the moon on the other side of the sky, he whispered, “I am sorry, dear Moon. I am
not as great a tailor as I thought.”
“It’s all right,” said the moon. “After all, I’m the moon. How can I wear clothes as
people do?”
From that day on, Madan worked harder than before. He was not proud or boastful
anymore, and his hard work brought him more money. He remembered to send a
good part of it to his father. People liked him better because he was an excellent
tailor and a humble*** one, too.
UNIT 9
Lesson 2, Ex.1
There once was a young man called Brett
Who would spend his free time on the Net.
He stayed home all alone –
No TV and no phone,
A computer mouse - his only pet.
Lesson 3, ex.1b, 2c,4b
Communication is the ability to share information. We need communication.
Communication keeps businesses and factories running. It helps people in trouble
to contact police, fire departments, ambulances and doctors. Our armies would be
useless, and our government would not work without it. We would lose contact
with our families and friends that live far away. There would be no radio or
television stations to entertain us, or films to see.
The word ‘telecommunication’ comes from Greek and means ‘communication at
distance’. Now it is a general term for systems or technologies that are used in
sending and receiving messages over a distance electronically. Mobile and satellite
phones, radio, television and networks are a few examples of telecommunication.
It is sometimes hard to realize that as you sit at your computer clicking on keys it
began with primitive and even ancient forms of telecommunication.
There was a time when cave drawings were painted on the walls of caves and
canyons to tell the story of people’s culture. But real communication began with
language. Story-telling was used to tell stories before there were books. Town
criers shouted their messages across short open spaces. People ran to deliver
messages faster. When running with a message, to deliver it in spoken from, it is
safer to do it oneself. Sending anyone else is unreliable, as the game of Chinese
whispers demonstrates. So a system of writing was necessary. When writing
appeared, messages on stone columns communicated very well across time, but
they were an inefficient method of communication across space. The system
became more efficient when it was the message that travelled. People ran with the
written messages, rode horses to save time. For example, the network of Persian
roads in the 5th century BC made communication faster and more reliable. New
men and fresh horses were available at posting stations. A message could travel the
full distance of the road from Susa to Sardis (3200 km) in ten days. What helped to
make communication even more efficient was the Aramaic language as a Lingua
Franca used in Ancient Persia.
There were forms of long-distance communication not based on words. The smoke
signals used by American Indians are of this kind. So are fires which usually meant
‘danger’ or ‘victory’. Drums in the jungles of Africa and Asia were one way to
send signals to neighbouring groups. Ancient Egypt was the first country where
birds - domesticated pigeons were used for sending messages. Genghis Khan saw
their potential and pigeons carried news of each new victory to his homeland in
Mongolia. Ship’s flags and semaphores – mechanical devices on towers - were
other forms of telecommunication.
The true ‘jump’ came with the electricity leading to the telegraph and signal lamps.
1843 was the year when Samuel Morse proposed a way to give every letter and
number a special code (point, line and space). It was Morse’s Symbol code, which
we can still find used today.
Seven years later, Antonio Meucci and Graham Bell independently managed to
build an early telephone. Since Meucci didn’t have the money to patent their
invention (the cost was $250 at the time), it was Bell who managed to register it
first.
Many other innovations were soon to come: in 1895 Guglielmo Marconi invented
the ‘wireless telegraph’ – radio. Alexander Popov from Russia whose invention of
the radio came before Marconi’s, did not patent it.
In 1923, the television was invented, in 1947 the invention of transistors gave
birth to the field of electronics, in 1969 the first microprocessor was invented. The
rest of the story is widely known: in 1983, the military project Arpanet became
available to universities and research centres, which finally gave birth to the
Internet. Email began to take place of snail mail.
In the 20th century, telecommunications also reached beyond our planet. Radio
waves have already travelled to the planet of Neptune and back. In short,
telecommunication has come a long way from cave paintings and smoke signals.
Maybe someday, we will have telephones like wrist watches... or, televisions with
only interactive 3D programming... or, we will have a mental connection with
things so all we have to do is think, and it is done... or, computers will be able to
visually connect with anyone in the world, without cameras...
Only the future will tell... after all, hundreds of years ago no one would have
dreamed of all the things we have today.
Lesson 4, ex.1
Daytime Television
A newspaper reporter was writing a story about prison life and was interviewing
one of the prisoners. "Do you watch much television here?"
"Only the daytime shows," the prisoner said. "At night we're locked in our cells
and don't see any television."
"That's too bad," the reporter said, "But I do think it is nice that the warden lets you
watch TV in the daytime."
"What do you mean, nice?" the inmate said. "That's part of the punishment."
Lesson 6, ex.2a, 3
One day I was standing in line at the local department store. There was a teenage
girl in front of me talking on her mobile. As I was in my mid forties, it brought
back memories of communications between friends when I was that age.
We had one phone in our house. It was not only wired to the wall, it was on the
wall and had a very short cord. In other words, the only "roaming" allowed was
within three feet – one metre only. If you wanted to call someone, you stood facing
the phone to dial the number.
Once you made the connection to your friend you had to be careful what you said
and how long you said it because this was a "party" line. (For those who don't
remember, the word "party" refers to several neighbours having to share the same
phone line, not a happy wonderful celebration for some occasion.) You never knew
if one or more neighbours were listening as all they had to do is pick up their
receiver to eavesdrop on your conversation. Also, if one of them wished to use the
phone they could break into your call at any time. Back then teenage conversations
weren’t so important. Any adult wanting the line could interrupt you.
Unfortunately, there were no other options for communicating. There were no
personal computers, no internet, no e-mail, no text messaging or chat rooms. That
landline telephone was all we had. I couldn't help thinking how things had changed
in the short thirty years since I was a teenager.
Being a polite person, I turned away from the girl in front of me so as not to hear
her conversation. As I slowly turned I noticed a teenage girl in line behind me. Not
surprisingly, she too was talking on her mobile. Still trying to avoid
eavesdropping, I turned sideways trying not to listen to either of them.
You see, I'm old enough to control my behaviour but not old enough to have poor
hearing. I could not help hearing their conversation. Both girls were talking about
school. Both were talking about teachers they found difficult. A name was said by
both which I couldn't quite understand but which sounded the same. I was
surprised to hear how similar their conversations were until I realized they were
talking to each other!...Now I couldn’t help laughing!
Lesson 8, Ex. 2d
What we need to know is whether new means of communication will be available
in the future and whether they will change the quality of our life. We don’t know
what can be invented in 10, 20 or 50 years from now.
It is always possible that new ways of keeping in touch will appear and replace the
old ones. Though it seems as if everything has already been created, inventors
surprise us with new gadgets every year.
Sometimes we take it for granted that our life is becoming more and more
comfortable and successful with all the new means of communication and new
devices – plasma TVs, portable computers, wireless Internet and smart phones.
When we think about the future, we imagine something really revolutionary like
time travel or telepathy. The question is whether new technologies will be just fads
or whether they will improve our communication seriously.
But the thing that worries many of us most is what we are going to do about the
changes that all these new inventions bring along and how they will affect our
lives. It appears that there is a contradiction between the advantages of new
technologies and the disadvantages we can’t help noticing. If we don’t do anything
about aggression-promoting TV programmes, Internet and mobile phone
addictions today, it might be too late tomorrow.
Lesson 9, Ex.2
TELEVISION
The most important thing we've learned,
So far as children are concerned,
Is never, NEVER, NEVER let
Them near your television set Or better still, just don't install
The idiotic thing at all.
In almost every house we've been,
We've watched them gaping at the screen.
They loll and slop and lounge about,
And stare until their eyes pop out.
(Last week in someone's place we saw
A dozen eyeballs on the floor.)
They sit and stare and stare and sit
Until they're hypnotised by it,
Until they're absolutely drunk
With all that shocking ghastly junk.
Oh yes, we know it keeps them still,
They don't climb out the window sill,
They never fight or kick or punch,
They leave you free to cook the lunch
And wash the dishes in the sink But did you ever stop to think,
To wonder just exactly what
This does to your beloved tot?
IT ROTS THE SENSE IN THE HEAD!
IT KILLS IMAGINATION DEAD!
IT CLOGS AND CLUTTERS UP THE MIND!
IT MAKES A CHILD SO DULL AND BLIND
HE CAN NO LONGER UNDERSTAND
A FANTASY, A FAIRYLAND!
HIS BRAIN BECOMES AS SOFT AS CHEESE!
HIS POWERS OF THINKING RUST AND FREEZE!
HE CANNOT THINK -- HE ONLY SEES!
'All right!' you'll cry. 'All right!' you'll say,
'But if we take the set away,
What shall we do to entertain
Our darling children? Please explain!'
We'll answer this by asking you,
'What used the darling ones to do?
'How used they keep themselves contented
Before this monster was invented?'
Have you forgotten? Don't you know?
We'll say it very loud and slow:
THEY ... USED ... TO ... READ! They'd READ and READ,
AND READ and READ, and then proceed
To READ some more. Great Scott! Gadzooks!
One half their lives was reading books!
The nursery shelves held books galore!
Books cluttered up the nursery floor!
And in the bedroom, by the bed,
More books were waiting to be read!
Such wondrous, fine, fantastic tales
Of dragons, gypsies, queens, and whales
And treasure isles, and distant shores
Where smugglers rowed with muffled oars,
And pirates wearing purple pants,
And sailing ships and elephants,
And cannibals crouching 'round the pot,
Stirring away at something hot.
(It smells so good, what can it be?
Good gracious, it's Penelope.)
The younger ones had Beatrix Potter
With Mr. Tod, the dirty rotter,
And Squirrel Nutkin, Pigling Bland,
And Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle andJust How The Camel Got His Hump,
And How the Monkey Lost His Rump,
And Mr. Toad, and bless my soul,
There's Mr. Rat and Mr. MoleOh, books, what books they used to know,
Those children living long ago!
So please, oh please, we beg, we pray,
Go throw your TV set away,
And in its place you can install
A lovely bookshelf on the wall.
Then fill the shelves with lots of books,
Ignoring all the dirty looks,
The screams and yells, the bites and kicks,
And children hitting you with sticksFear not, because we promise you
That, in about a week or two
Of having nothing else to do,
They'll now begin to feel the need
Of having something to read.
And once they start -- oh boy, oh boy!
You watch the slowly growing joy
That fills their hearts. They'll grow so keen
They'll wonder what they'd ever seen
In that ridiculous machine,
That nauseating, foul, unclean,
Repulsive television screen!
And later, each and every kid
Will love you more for what you did.
UNIT 10
Lesson 3, Ex.2
1. For me, Fiji is not only beauty, farming, religion and sport. If you counted every
single island that belongs to the Fijian archipelago, this number would be in the
thousands. However, only about 322 islands are big enough to support people. Of
these 322, only 106 are inhabited.
The history of Fiji is as fabulous as the islands themselves. Can you imagine that
until the middle of the 19th century, the practice of cannibalism was a tradition in
Fiji. The last act of cannibalism occurred in 1867, when a group of British
missionaries – Reverend Baker and his colleagues - came to the village of
Nabutautau to convert the locals to Christianity. The missionaries were cooked and
eaten by the Fijians. Reverend Baker’s boot, with teeth marks on it, is on display
in the Fiji Museum now and the local school and college have been named after
Thomas Baker.
By the way, British colonialism shows up in the tastes of the islands. The most
popular sports in Fiji are rugby, football, cricket and golf. The Fiji national rugby
team is one of the best in the world.
However, you can observe local traditions too. On New Year’s Eve, many Fijian
women play a game called ‘‘kick the orange’, in which the winning team presents
new clothes to the losing team. Fire-walking is a popular activity in Fiji, but
nowadays it’s mostly used to entertain tourists.
What else? Fiji is situated on the International Date Line, which means that it is
one of the first places in the world to welcome a new day. There is a particular
place on Taveuni Island where a person can stand with one foot in the current day
and one foot in the day before – in the present and in the past. For me, as a
historian, it’s amazing.
2. If there is a favourite country to stop by on a South Pacific cruise, it’s probably
the Fiji islands. These islands have attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors over
their history. Fiji’s climate is warm and tropical year-round, even in the islands’
“winter” months. The maximum temperature between the summer and winter
months varies very little, with the maximum in the summer being 31°C and in the
winter being 29°C. The ocean surrounding Fiji usually has a pleasant temperature
ranging around 27°C, so ocean activities, such as swimming and diving can be
enjoyed year round. The waters are usually clearer during the drier season, when
divers enjoy good visibility around the coral reefs.
Ovalau, for example, has some of the best diving in Fiji. There are many guides
and companies you can organize your diving excursion with. Ovalau is the “true
paradise” of Fiji. In Ovalau, you can visit a traditional colonial town.
Levuka has a long colonial history, too. Every year, Levuka has an “Old Capital
Festival” in which Fijians, immigrants and Europeans participate. After spending
time at the festival, you can visit smaller islands. The first suggestion is Leluvia,
where you can find the best food in the region. There, you can do some sea
kayaking to the nearby smaller islands.
If you are interested in traditional Fijian life, the Lost Island is perfect. The
hospitality and the traditional life there are amazing.
Between the months of May and October (“the dry season”), the weather is dry and
there is little risk of tropical cyclones. Between November and April (“the wet
season”) the weather is humid, and it can rain continuously for several days. It’s
best to bring clothing for the tropical weather: bathing suits, shorts, T-shirts,
sandals and the like. If you’re travelling during the wet season, raincoats, cottons
and linens would also be useful to bring.
3. A year-round warm tropical climate is one of the main aspects of Fiji that
attracts visitors from all over. However, the hot weather, humidity and its South
Pacific location can also lead to dangerous natural disasters, including cyclones,
floods, droughts, earthquakes and tsunamis.
A cyclone is a tropical type of hurricane and is the main natural disaster in the
Pacific region. Fiji’s cyclone season is from November through April. Severe
tropical storms bring about massive rainfall and they may cause the sea to rise as
much as two meters. The terrible consequences of a cyclone could be destruction
of houses and gardens, blackouts, loss of vegetation, flooding, land erosion,
destruction of coral reefs and pollution of water. The death toll is usually not very
high, but the damage is enormous.
Flooding in Fiji can be the result of cyclones, though it can also occur during the
country’s rainy season. Water gets polluted and clean water has to be delivered, as
well as other supplies, to the flooded areas. People get killed by drowning or in
landslides.
The areas that are driest in Fiji are most prone to droughts. Besides affecting water
supplies, droughts can be devastating for agriculture, which is an extremely
important economic aspect of Fiji.
Moreover, the Fijian Islands are seismically active, which means that they are
prone to earthquakes. In some cases, earthquakes can cause tsunamis as well. A
tsunami is a large ocean wave that is caused by a sudden motion of the ocean floor.
Besides an earthquake, the sudden motion could also be the result of an underwater
landslide or a powerful volcanic eruption. Tsunamis are extremely dangerous and
can quickly result in the loss of lives.
What does the future hold for Fiji? Climate change will cause extreme weather
events like cyclones, floods and droughts, a rise in the sea level, destruction of
coral reefs due to the rise of temperatures. Both locals and tourists will be
vulnerable to floods, storms and other extreme weather events, water will be
polluted and there will be a risk of epidemics. There will also be greater
competition and conflict over water, land and forest.
Fiji islands still look beautiful and for the most part healthy and unspoilt. The
world would be different without Fiji. Something must be done to protect them
from danger.
Lesson 3, ex.3d
The Doomed Island
Tuwalu is a small island nation halfway between Hawaii and Australia in the
tropical Pacific. It is practically the definition of ‘island paradise’ except for the
fact that the country lies only 15 feet above the sea level, which is the size of an
NBA player standing on his own shoulders.
Hot weather, high humidity and heavy rainfall make this island prone to floods.
Floods cause water pollution. Cyclones, earthquakes and tsunamis make the people
of Tuvalu vulnerable. Damage done by natural disasters is always serious.
Together with beaches erosion and deforestation, all these factors lead to people
leaving the islands. But nothing compares to global warming, which results in sea
level rise. Tuvalu is going to disappear completely under the Pacific Ocean. The
consequences of climate change for Tuvalu will be devastating.
Some people say that the solution to the problem must lie at the national level. This
is absurd: the national level may be under water. Tuvaluans say it will be very hard
to accept they are no longer on the map.
Tatou ne Tuvalu Katoa – We are all Tuvaluans – is often used in Tuvalu to bring
people together in the collective interests of their tiny and very vulnerable country.
It is also used by some environmentalists who understand that global warming and
sea level rise are dangerous not only for the Tuvaluans; they are dangerous for us
all.
Lesson 5, Ex.1
Africa
by Regis Auffray, Canada
My sister
Africa
I have heard much about you
We all come from you
We are all part of you
Your beauty
Your mystery
Your history
All this is within me
I know you are hurting
in parts
I wish I could ignore
as most now seem to do
I am lost in the magnitude
of trying to understand you
and what goes on within
my soul
is uneasy
I am insignificant
I am ignorant
I am sorry
I feel helpless
to help
Africa's pain is my pain
by Ayanle Isak
Africa, dear Africa,
Your children are lonely and depressed.
Africa, dear Africa,
Your children are at war with each other.
Africa, dear Africa,
Your children are killing each other.
Africa, dear Africa,
Your children are starving.
Africa, dear Africa,
Your essence is pure but you are suffering.
Africa, dear Africa,
your pain is my pain,
So I sit here crying.
Lesson 5, Ex.2b)
The world produces enough food for everyone. But over 800 million people remain
chronically hungry. That's more than the populations of USA, Canada, Europe and
Japan.
Hunger and malnutrition claim 10 million lives every year, 25,000 lives every day
or one life every five seconds.
Lack of Vitamin A kills a million kids a year.
Drought is the main cause of food shortages in poor countries. Crops can get 4
times as big after irrigation.
Everyone needs 2,350 calories each day. 54 nations do not produce enough to feed
their people.
Lesson 5, ex.4a,b
I: What countries have you visited so far? What disasters do they suffer from?
LK: I’ve been to Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Peru, Darfur in Sudan, many other
African countries. In each of them the situation is dramatic in its own way. In
Bangladesh, the rainy season causes floods which destroy crops and villages. In
Afghanistan, 70% of the population is hungry through lack of food. Severe
droughts and a never-ending war kill crops and make it difficult for aid agencies to
help people. In Peru terrible snowfalls and frosts kill animals used for food and
destroy crops. We also know that The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has
got serious problems with food production. Due to a series of natural disasters
including hailstorms, flooding, droughts and tropical storms only 18% of the land
is available for farming. The people are poor and can’t afford to buy all they need
for farming. Unfortunately, the government will not accept aid from the West.
I: I know you think that Africa is especially vulnerable in this respect.
LK: In Darfur, Sudan, many villages have been burnt during a war between
different groups of people in Sudan. Over 2 million homeless people have been
moved into refugee camps. During the rainy season or monsoon the land is
flooded, making it difficult to get emergency food to people in need. With rain
comes poor sanitation. This means more people are likely to suffer from serious
epidemics such as cholera and malaria.
I: What are the main causes of famine in Africa?
LK: Sometimes there isn’t enough rain for several years, which leads to droughts,
which in their turn result in massive shortages of food. But when it does rain, it can
cause floods that also destroy crops. And some countries suffer tornadoes,
hailstorms and even frost.
I: But these extreme weather conditions are called natural disasters – acts of God.
So, there is no one to blame.
LK: Yes and no. Many scientists say that all these extreme weather conditions are
the result of man-made climate change. The pollution from cars and factories
causes global warming- a rise in temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere.
I: Some people say that global warming is a myth. Well, millions of people are
starving in Africa and it’s a reality.
LK: Yes, they are, and among them – millions of children. They want to go to
school, but they don’t have enough money. Even children who go to school have to
walk for hours to get there. They have to walk several miles to get drinking water.
The countries hit by worst famines are Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Angola and
Ethiopia. Millions of children live on one meal a day; many of them have to eat
grass and roots to survive.
I: What about the man-made disasters they have to suffer from?
LK: Millions of African children grow up surrounded by wars and fighting. They
are sometimes made to become child soldiers and fight – even when they don’t
understand what the war is about. It’s so hard seeing all these scared, starving
children and then coming back to our country, where we have so much food, so
much of everything, and thinking that they’re still there in their poor homes trying
to get enough to eat at least once a day. It’s very hard. Nothing can prepare you for
actually meeting them.
Lesson 5, Ex.5
I interviewed a girl from Malawi, Janet. I’d like you to listen to this short
conversation. Janet lives in a village in Malawi with her brothers, sister and a blind
grandmother. Both her mum and dad died in the epidemic of AIDS – the disease
kills more people in Africa than wars, famines and floods. Janet is just one of
thousands of children who have lost their parents because of AIDS and now must
fend for themselves.
LK: What’s your name?
J: Janet.
LK: How old are you?
J: 15.
LK: Where do you live?
J: I live in Malawi.
LK: Do you go to school?
J: I used to go to school before my parents died. Now I have to work in the fields
to support my brothers, sister and grandmother. I’d love to go back though!
LK: What do you do to have fun with your friends?
J: I don’t have time to have fun.
LK: What time do you have to go to bed?
J: When it gets dark.
LK: Do you have any pets?
J: The village has some chickens.
LK: How did you celebrate your birthday last year?
J: I don’t know when my birthday is exactly.
LK: What do you worry about?
J: Not having enough food to feed my family with.
LK: If you could change anything in your life, what would it be?
J: To have enough food and be able to go to school again.
LK: What do you want to be when you grow up?
J: I feel pretty grown up already, and I can’t imagine my life ever being different to
how it is now.
Lesson 7, ex.2, 3b
100 years after Titanic
The ship that sank 100 years ago, on April 15th, after crashing into an iceberg, was
named Titanic. But it had several nicknames: The Unsinkable Ship, The Last Word
in Luxury, The Millionaire’s Special, The Wonder Ship, and The Ship of Dreams.
History tends to repeat and a century after the Titanic’s shipwreck, it was the
Italian cruise ship Costa Concordia that ran aground off the Italian shores last
week. On board were 4,229 people. Survivors are saying that Celine Dion’s song
from the Titanic was playing in a restaurant on the cruise ship as it started going
down.
So how do the two shipwrecks compare?
 The Titanic struck an iceberg in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The Costa
Concordia was shipwrecked in a populated area 20 metres from shore.
 The Titanic sank in below freezing waters so people died within 10 to 15
minutes after entering the water. The waters at the Costa Concordia sinking
were relatively warm.
 The Titanic’s deaths toll was 1,517. There were 705 survivors. The Costa
Concordia’s death toll is 17. Several people are missing.
 The Titanic went down within two hours of striking an iceberg. Half of the
Costa Concordia remains above sea level and is at rest.
 The Titanic did not have enough lifeboats and the rescuing ship Carpathia was
four hours away. The Costa Concordia was immediately surrounded by a
helicopter and a fleet of pleasure and fishing boats.
Philippines at Risk Again
Landslides caused by heavy rain buried a village on the Philippine island of
Mindanao on Monday killing six people, disaster officials said.
Last month, 5 people were killed in a similar landslide in the southern Philippines.
Across the country, communities are at risk from landslides during the Philippines
rainy season, which usually starts in May and lasts until December.
Last year, at least 1,850 were killed or declared missing and tens of thousands were
left homeless and without livelihoods after several typhoons crashed into the centre
of the country.
Governor Schwarzenegger Declares Emergency
Two separate fires are still burning in California’s wild lands, officials say. A third
fire erupted 60 miles away Thursday afternoon.
“Each time we have one of these fires in California, it points up the need to prevent
such disasters. When you have houses built in a fire-prone area, you’re asking for
trouble. The houses are extremely vulnerable surrounded by dead trees and bush.”
So far several multimillion-dollar mansions and a small college have suffered
damage in the celebrity area in California. Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg,
Michael Douglas and Arnold Schwarzenegger all have houses in the danger area.
“It was nuclear winter. It was like Armageddon. It looked like the end of the
world,” Mitch Mendler, a San Diego firefighter said. “If we weren’t here, the
whole neighbourhood would go up”.
Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency. “It’s tragic time in
California,” he said.
Tornado Hits
At least 89 people have been killed after a tornado hit the city of Joplin in the US
state of Missouri, officials have said. Homes and businesses were destroyed and a
hospital damaged. Power lines are down and telephone connections are largely cut
off. The tornado caused fires around the city overnight.
The Governor of Missouri has declared a state of emergency and warned that more
storms are on the way.
Cities in three other Midwestern states have also been badly affected. Last month,
tornadoes and storms killed at least 350 in Alabama and six other southern states.
The Red Cross opened a shelter at the local University for victims.
New York in Danger
Hurricane Irene officially made landfall in New Jersey. There is a danger of
flooding; the strong wind continues to cause tree damage. Coastal areas will be hit
by large waves and a powerful storm.
There are hurricane warnings for New York and Long Island.
Moscow Choking
Russian health officials are warning people in Moscow to stay inside as smog from
the worst wildfires in modern Russian history fills the city. Smoke is spreading
through Moscow's streets, getting into the Metro network, and some people are
wearing face masks indoors. Air pollution is terrible. According to some experts,
inhaling the polluted air is as dangerous as smoking several packets of cigarettes a
day. Daytime temperatures in Moscow remain close to 40C. Reports suggest it
leads to a 30% rise in the city's mortality rate in July. The national death toll due to
wildfires is 52. Up to 2,000 homes have been destroyed in the blazes, officials say.
Nearly 560 fires were still burning across central Russia as of Friday. Of these, 39
were peat bog fires, 27 of them in the Moscow region alone, accounting for the
acrid smoke choking the capital.
Heatwave in Canada and USA
A massive heatwave has hit the USA and parts of Canada. People are exposed to
temperatures up to 37C. Half the US population has been told that the heat in their
area could be dangerous, and it's thought 22 people have died. Unfortunately,
there's no sign of the intense weather disappearing until Sunday. Canadians who
usually take cool summer weather for granted are especially affected.
Heat combined with humidity makes it hard for the human body to cool itself. In
New York City, children have been out playing in park fountains and even burst
water pipes in the street to cool down.
It’s not only humans who suffer. Crops do not get enough water and more than
1,500 cattle have died in South Dakota because of the high temperatures.
New Year Bang
Mount Etna on the Italian island of Sicily has had its first eruption of 2012. Despite
the big bang and impressive fireworks, no damage was done.
Another Disaster in Haiti
A powerful earthquake has hit the Caribbean island of Haiti. Thousands of people
are feared dead. Haiti was especially vulnerable because it’s the poorest country in
the western half of the world and it hasn’t been able to prepare for big earthquakes.
The earthquake reached 7,0 on the Richter scale and the aftershocks of 5,0 each
resulted in even more damage.
Haiti is a disaster-prone country: floods and earthquakes are common here. Haiti is
regularly hit by devastating hurricanes, which means that people there have
experience in dealing with large natural disasters. However, shortage of clean
water and lack of sanitation spell and even bigger disaster – en epidemic.
Consequences are hard to predict.
Emergency aid is being sent to the area and people from all over the world are
donating money to help Haiti.
Lesson 8, Ex.1
FIRE AND ICE
Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
From what I've tasted of desire
I hold with those who favour fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.
UNIT 11
Lesson 2 Ex.2a, 2b, 2c
Speaker 1: Oh, what horrible weather we have today. Yesterday it was sunny and
cold and the air was full of magnificent snowflakes that covered every inch of the
ground. And when the snow stopped falling it was quiet and peaceful. It was like a
bit of magic before Christmas. Winter time is definitely my favourite time of the
year. But not today. Look at the street. It’s sleety and there’s mud everywhere!
And look at my new boots, I bet they are spoilt now! I can’t stand when the
temperature goes up and the snows melts and turns into small dirty puddles that I
have to jump over on my way to work.
Speaker 2: It was a fantastic day. Just look at this picture. It was early in the
morning on a chilly autumn day. The whole previous day the sky was overcast and
it rained and rained. That downpour seemed endless, but in the evening the sky
cleared up. And we even saw a flash of the sun before the sunset. And in the
morning I took this picture. Can you see this beautiful and mysterious fog rising
up above the lake? They call it evaporation, but it doesn’t sound so poetic. I prefer
calling it a mist. Though I don’t fancy autumn much, I prefer hot boiling summer
more, that day was the one I’d remember.
Speaker 3: My favourite season is summer since I can spend the weekend in my
garden. I enjoy watching the nature. In summer it so nice that the flowers dance
with the leaves. But that day drove me absolutely crazy. I spent the whole day
planting those roses in my garden. They said it was going to be a mild day with
some gentle showers after lunch. But instead of a light rain black clouds blanketed
the sky, threatening everyone of a heavy downpour. Sparkling bright lightning
flashed, and then a great clap of thunder came close. And at once it started to hail!
Can you imagine, in the middle of the summer! I could collect a hand full of those
little white beads. The hail was short, but hard and of course my roses got frozen.
Speaker 4: I like different times of the year. I enjoy the grass covered with dew or
sleet. I think it’s nice to watch snowflakes or raindrops falling on your window. Or
the beginning of a thunderstorm when a strong wind or gale hits the trees so hard
they bend double. But best of all I like a clear frosty winter day when the sun is so
bright I can hardly open my eyes. On such a day you can see icicles on the roof of
your house or a garage. They shine like diamonds in the sunrays and it’s fun to
watch them growing bigger and bigger.
Lesson 3 Ex.1a
Whether the weather is fine,
Or whether the weather is not,
Whether the weather is cold,
Or whether the weather is hot,
We'll weather the weather
Whatever the weather,
Whether we like it or not!
Lesson 3 Ex.2a, 2b
Whether the weather is hot
Or whether the weather is cold
There's just one thing you need to be told
Whether the weather is hot
Or whether the weather is cold
There's just one thing you need to be told
Climates are different all around the world
They affect every plant, animal, boy, and girl
Now out in the desert there's not too much rain
But the temperature can vary enough to make it insane
Now there aren't gonna be too many storms comin' by
That's 'cause the deserts are warm and dry
Tropical rainforests I'll tell you later
They can get pretty hot
They're usually near the equator
And it rains really hard
On that you can bet
Tropical rainforests are warm and wet
Climates are different all around the world
They affect every plant, animal, boy, and girl
Near the North and South Poles where its really cold
There's a place called the tundra
Or so I'm told
And hardly any rain or snow comes from the sky
So you see that the tundras are cold and dry
The temperate forest is a pretty cool place
Where the low temperature is often the case
And it rains quite a bit so if you don't know yet
Temperate forests are cold and wet
Climates are different all around the world
They affect every plant, animal, boy, and girl
Whether the weather is hot
Or whether the weather is cold
There's just one thing you need to be told
Whether the weather is hot
Or whether the weather is cold
There's just one thing you need to be told
Climates are different all around the world
They affect every plant, animal, boy, and girl
Lesson 4 Ex.1b
Little Johnny walks into his classroom wearing a single glove. His teacher asks
him what he’s doing. ‘Well ma’am,’ says Johnny. ‘I was watching the weather
programme on TV and it said it was going to be sunny, but on the other hand it
could get quite cold.’
Lesson 4 Ex.4a, 4b
Hello and now let’s have a look at tomorrow weather forecast. Although it was
cold this morning, more February like, but I suspect that was the coldest morning
we will see in the next ten days for a cold front is gradually leaving Britain and
moving to the north.
Here in Aberdeen and Orkney Islands the next few days will be spoilt with cold
winds, it is going to be overcast and the rain chances increase greatly. And about 45 degrees above zero here.
In the central part of the country Liverpool, York and Manchester will have sunny
weather with cloudy periods. Since some warm air streams occupy this region the
temperature is going to go up. At the same time don’t leave your umbrellas at
home because these air streams will also causes high humidity and bring heavy
rain tomorrow afternoon.
Let’s take you now to the south and south-west of Britain. Since the temperature
increases up to 8 and 10 degrees, in Plymouth, Barnstaple and Bristol we will have
a dry and warm start of the week.
But the chances of occasional showers are still quite high especially at night and in
the morning.
The rest of the day and tomorrow in the south region will be fine with unbroken
sunshine for the temperature here is warming up nicely to 10 or 12 degrees. In
London it will be mainly sunny. However, the temperature can still drop at night to
4-5 degrees. In the morning there we have some fog and it will be partially cloudy
till lunchtime. By noon it will clear up as strong, but warm winds from Gulf
Stream help to move cloud masses down to the continent. So a pair of sunglasses
will be the right thing to carry around.
Lesson 5 Ex.1b
It was autumn, and the Indians on the remote reservation asked their new Chief if
the winter was going to be cold or mild. Since he was a new Indian Chief in a
modern society, he had never been taught the old secrets, and when he looked at
the sky, he couldn't tell what the weather was going to be. Nevertheless, to be on
the safe side, he replied to his tribe that the winter was indeed going to be cold and
that the members of the village should collect wood to be prepared. But also being
a practical leader, after several days he got an idea. He went to the phone booth,
called the National Weather Service and asked,
"Is the coming winter going to be cold?"
"It looks like this winter is going to be quite cold indeed," the meteorologist at the
weather service responded.
So the Chief went back to his people and told them to collect even more wood in
order to be prepared. A week later he called the National Weather Service again.
"Is it going to be a very cold winter?"
"Yes," the man at National Weather Service again replied, "it's going to be a very
cold winter."
The Chief again went back to his people and ordered them to collect every scrap of
wood they could find. Two weeks later he called the National Weather Service
again.
"Are you absolutely sure that the winter is going to be very cold?"
"Absolutely," the man replied. "It's going to be one of the coldest winters ever."
"How can you be so sure?" the Chief asked.
The weatherman replied, "The Indians are collecting wood like crazy!"
Lesson 5 Ex.3a, 3b
(Host,
Bill Nye,
Mike Davidson)
Host: Hello, this is me, Bill Nye, the Science Guy and my today’s guests, a wellknown meteorologist Simon King and a folklore expert Mike Davison. And what
I’m going to find out today is how our great-grandparents predicted weather and
how accurate those predictions were. So Bill, my first question is for you. What
methods do you as a professional meteorologist use to make a weather forecast?
SK: Well, of course the preparation of any weather forecast involves a lot of
people and gadgets. For example, we use the information from the satellites and
from hundreds of meteorological stations all around the British Isles and on
European and American continents. So I can state that today predicting the weather
is a hi-tech job.
Host: That’s right. But our grandparents and great-grandparents didn’t have any of
the devices and instruments you were talking about. However, the first weather
forecast appeared in Britain more than 150 years ago.
SK: That’s true! But its forthcoming was connected with the invention of telegraph
and a bunch of barometers. As a result of these inventions people were able to
share the weather updates across the continent.
Host: Mike, then we need your help here. Could you please tell us about the
weather forecasts centuries ago? Did people two or three hundred years ago have
any forecasts?
MD: Weather prediction goes back well over two thousand years, with the ancient
Chinese and Babylonians both having a crack at it. But the most they could do was
identifying general weather trends, often with more than a little help from
astrology. Actually, we can say that there were three ways of predicting weather.
Host: Only three? It sounds quite easy. Probably the first was watching the stars?
MD: Yes, you are right. But not only stars. I’d say watching the sky!
Host: Oh, I think I know this! If the sky is overcast it will rain soon!
MD: For example, if the sky is red in the morning, this is an indication that dryer
air has moved past you towards the east and humid air is coming in behind you
from the west, likely bringing rain or bad weather with it.
Host: That’s where the rhyme "Red sky at night, shepherd's delight, red sky in the
morning, shepherd's warning" comes from!
MD: Exactly! To tell the truth, a lot of weather observations are hidden in folk
rhymes. Let’s remember “Circle around the Moon; Rain or snow soon”. This circle
is created by humid air.
Host: So, watching the sky can give us some ideas about tomorrow weather.
What’s the second way?
MD: The second thing you can do is checking the grass for dew in the morning and
the wind direction.
Host: When the dew is on the grass, rain will never come to pass? Simon, is it
right?
SK: Yeah, because if it is cloudy or windy, the grass will likely be dry. This
indicates possible bad weather with upcoming rain. If the grass is wet, there are
chances you are going to have a dry day.
Host: Even professional weathermen know and use folk beliefs.
SK: Why not! They can be very helpful! However, we shouldn’t overestimate
them.
Host: Let’s come back to your three ways, Mike!
MD: Oh, right, so in addition to watching the sky, the wind and the grass you can
also watch the animals. Of course it’s much easier if you live in the countryside.
But even in the city you can observe birds, for example.
Host: If crows fly low, wind’s going to blow; if crows fly high, wind’s going to
die.
MD: Not only crows. Ants build the walls of their hills higher just before bad
weather. Turtles also feel the coming downpour. They become a bit overexcited
and overactive. Even your cat can become a weather indicator. Cats will clean
behind their ears before a rain.
Host: So, you see that if you missed the weather programme with Simon you can
remember Mike’s advice. Go out of your house, and look around carefully! Thanks
Mike, thanks Simon! It was Bill Nye , hope you’ve learned something new from us
today.
Lesson 6 Ex.1a,b
Rain rain
falls on the street,
mud in puddles
cleaning my feet.
Thunder thunder
rumble and roar,
close the windows
and lock the door.
Clouds clouds
black and gray,
heavy with water
to drop all day.
Sun sun
is breaking through,
clouds are moving,
the rain stops too.
Rainbow rainbow
across the sky,
see-through colours
to tickle my eyes.
Lesson 6 Ex.2b, 2c
Host: Everyone talks about the weather and everyone’s an expert, right? Today
we’ll see how good are our competitors’ meteorological knowledge! Meet Ed
and Jason.
Are you ready to start?
Ed and Jason: Yes!
Host: Question number one. What is the main cause of the earth’s weather?.. And
Ed was the first.
Ed: I think it’s water! Its evaporation creates our planet’s atmosphere.
Host: No! That’s a wrong answer! Jason?
Jason: I believe it’s the sun and its energy.
Host: Right! It’s the sun and to be more exact it’s the level of solar radiation that
our planet gets. Question two. Why is the sky blue? And Jason was the first.
Jason: I know that the sunlight that comes to our planet is white, but it consists of a
lot of different colours. Blue sunrays travel to the earth faster that why we see blue
sky.
Host: Well, I think we can give you a point for your answer, Jason. The thing is
that the molecules of air in our atmosphere reflect blue sunrays more than for
example red or yellow ones. Our question number three is: Why does it start
raining? Edward.
Ed: I think that’s because of the water in the air.
Host: Water in the air? What do you mean?
Ed: Well, the air on our planet is damp since water exists in it in form of gas. But
when this air cools the gas turns into water drops. As they become big and heavy
enough they fall down from clouds, so it starts raining.
Host: You are absolutely right! And you get a point, Ed. Number four: since it
starts raining when the air cools at what temperature does the rain turn into snow?
And Ed was the first again.
Ed: When water drops turn into ice, it’s about zero degrees Celsius or 32
Fahrenheit.
Host: Well-done, Ed! Let’s move on to question five. What is dangerous lightning
or thunder? And why?
Ed: Thunder.
Jason: Lightning.
Host: Jason, you were saying…
Jason: Lightning, of course. It can kill people for it carries electricity.
Host: That’s true. Lightning kills an average of 50 people a year? Lightning can
kill or injure you badly. Recovering from lightning strikes can take years. What’s
more lightning can hit people who are holding hands or sitting on one bench for
example at a sporting event. Question six. What is “the eye” of a storm? And it’s
Ed now.
Ed: It’s the central part of the storm. It’s usually calm inside it.
Host: Good. And finally the last question. Why does a rainbow appear? It’s Ed
again.
Ed: It appears when the sunlight passes through very small water drops. They
reflect light at different angles and we see different colours.
Host: Amazing! Looks like Ed is the leader of our game now and we go to the
second round where…
Lesson 7 Ex.3a, 3b
TM: Today our guest is an expert in weather and climate, a member of Royal
meteorological society, a popular weather forecaster Simon King.
Hello Simon. And my first question is … Is it true that it always rains in Britain?
SK: Well, contrary to a popular belief, it DOES NOT rain every day in Britain.
However, it’s always advisable to bring some kind of a waterproof coat if you plan
to visit the Isles and keep yourself psychologically prepared!
TM: So, it’s true that a real Englishman carries around an umbrella and a pair of
sunglasses in case the weather suddenly changes.
SK: You see, Britain is an island country and the surrounding sea gives it a varied
climate. We never know what the weather will be like from one day to other. It can
be sunny one day and rainy the next. As we have such a changeable weather from
day to day it is difficult to predict it.
TM: Could you explain to our readers why it changes so fast. They say in Britain if
you don’t like the weather, wait a minute.
SK: The main influence on our climate is our closeness to the Atlantic Ocean and
the warming of the waters around the land by the Gulf Stream (a warm current of
the northern Atlantic Ocean).
Our island is small compared with the other land masses in the northern
hemisphere – as a result Britain is more influenced by the ocean compared with
other European countries, and the Gulf Stream helps to keep winters milder.
TM: So what is British climate like?
SK: In general we have warm summers and cool winters. Our summers are cooler
than those on the continent, but the winters are milder. The overall climate in
England is called temperate maritime. This means that it is mild with temperatures
not much lower than 0ºC in winter and not much higher than 32ºC in summer. It
also means that it is damp and changes frequently.
TM: What about the best time to visit the UK.
SK: July and August are normally the warmest month in England.
Around the coasts, February is normally the coldest month, but inland there is little
to choose between January and February as the coldest month.
Probably the best months to travel in England are May, June, September and
October. These months generally have the most pleasant temperatures and less
rain. But even at that time be prepared for sometimes harsch weather conditions in
the mountainous regions of Scotland.
July and August are the warmest months, but they are also the wettest. The
sunniest parts of the Britain are along the south coast of England.
TM: And how come that British people have such a fascination with weather and
weather forecasts?
SK: It’s true, we love talking about the forecasts. And to answer we need to go
back to the beginning of our conversation. We’ve already mentioned several times
that the weather changes so often on our Isles and it’s so unpredictable. As a result
it brings some sort of a challenge to our everyday life. So to say we are a
meteorologically-challenged nation! That’s probably why discussing weather
became a part of our daily routine.
TM: I see. And my last question would be what your favourite time of the year is.
SK: Well, I like St. Luke's summer. It is a period of fine, calm weather in the
beginning of October. I normally try to get some days off and travel to the seaside
to enjoy some sunshine before a gloomy winter.
TM: Thank you, Simon.
UNIT 12
Lesson 2, Ex.2b
Anna and Danik
A: Danik, let’s practice our presentation again!
D: Oh, not again! We’ve already done it hundred times!
A: Common! You start!
D: Ok. Our country is often called a blue-eyed land since there are numerous
rivers and lakes in different regions of our republic. But do they influence the
climate conditions we live in and does it have any impact on everyday weather?
They certainly do! Have you ever heard about the water circle? Anna will now tell
you more.
A: Well, you will be surprised to learn that if you live in a country with the
territory as big as Belarus there are more than 320 billion liters of water above
your head on an average day. The thing is that water on our planet driven by the
sun energy evaporates and turns into gas called vapour. This gas rises and
circulates in the atmosphere, cools down and changes back into liquid. It falls on
the earth as precipitations such as rain, snow or hail. Some of the water soaks into
the ground and provides runoff to rivers and lakes. The water left returns to the
atmosphere through evaporation and the whole process begins again. Scientists
call this process the water circle.
D: So as you can see together with the Sun the water circle has a significant
impact on the climate and on the weather in a certain region of the Earth. We have
got lots of water on the territory of Belarus. Does it make the climate more severe
or milder? Let’s think. The more water basins we have the more water evaporates.
The more water evaporates the more precipitations we get. The more
precipitations the milder the climate is. It is very similar to the way the human
body works. When your body becomes too hot, it has a natural built-in mechanism
for cooling itself down and when it’s too cold you body saves its warmth. The
more liquid it has the easier it is done. So, to sum up, rivers and lakes and all the
water that they contain not only make our country more beautiful, but also make
our living conditions more comfortable.
Lesson 2, Ex.2c
A: But from time to time water can bring a lot of troubles and become the cause of
some local disasters. Almost every spring rain showers and a sudden rise in
temperature result in melting of massive amounts of snow. It leads to flooding in
some parts of the country. This most often takes place in the north-west of Belarus
and in Polesie District since these territories are influenced by the Desna, the
Dnieper and the Pripyat River. Besides Polesie District is known for its numerous
swamps. They make the situation in the region even more complicated.
For example in spring 2010 a lot of houses in Polesie were flooded. About 200
emergency workers were involved in rescue operations. According to news
reports, the flooded rivers caused some damage in small cities along their banks
destroying several bridges and boat stations.
Since the spring flood is a common problem for the neighbouring countries
Belarus, Ukrain and Russia have to cooperate to help the victims.
Lesson 4, ex.2b, 3а
H-Helen, S-Sandra
S: Helen, hi!
H: Hello, Sandra. How are you doing?
S: Oh, I’m all right! Glad you are back! How was your trip?
H: Oh, it was amazing. Would you like to come over to my place for tea? I can tell
you about my holidays and show some pictures.
S: Sounds nice!
…
H: Here, take a seat and help yourself to the cake.
S: Yumm, a banana cake! It’s my favourite. … Now, tell me all! How was it?
H: It was a really good holiday. Though some of you told me it would be cold
there, the weather was just lovely, not too hot with lots of sunshine, though a bit
humid at times. But generally it wasn’t much different in Belarus from what we
have here in Toronto.
S: Oh, I don’t care much about the weather! Tell me about IT!
H: Ok, ok. So, you know my mum comes from Belarus and her sister with her
family live there. It was my cousin Dasha who got married last weekend. Now, I’ll
just switch on my i-pad and show you the picture.
So, here’s my cousin Dasha. That was the day before the wedding. She and her
fiancé met me at the airport and drove me to my aunt’s apartment. And Dasha
stayed in this apartment too. Here, look! It’s her wedding gown.
S: It’s beautiful!
H: Yep! So and here’s Dasha in the morning before her wedding. And her maid of
honour.
S: Did she have only one maid?
H: Yes, in Belarus they have one maid of honour and one best man. And now look
at this. The buyout of the bride.
S: A what???
H: Buy-out of the bride. Come on! I know that some of the traditions can look
amusing and even weird from an outsider’s viewpoint, but they all have a long
history. Can you guess what a buyout is?
S: The groom gives all his money to the bride’s parents and becomes a broke?
H: Oh, don’t be silly. In this ceremony the groom should undergo several “tests” in
which he demonstrates his intellect and strength. For every mistake in the task the
fiancé pays money or sweets. The prize for the completion of these tests is the
bride.
S: What sort of tests?
H: Something funny. For example to sing or dance for the bride, or to tell
everyone how much he loves her. Look at this. This is Alex, Dasha’s groom. He’s
trying to find a shoe for his bride. It was hidden in one of those ten boxes.
S: Did he find it fast?
H: Not really. First he got an old grandpa’s slipper from the first box and then a
pair of baby-shoes in the second.
S: He-he! It’s hilarious! Just look at his face!
H: Yes, he was disappointed! Here are Dasha and Alex in the registration office.
S: They look awesome! And very happy!
H: That’s true!
S: And what is it that they are standing on? A towel?
H: You’re right. It’s a special towel called padnozhnik. The bride and groom stand
on it during the wedding ceremony. The wedding towel marks the pathway the
new couple will follow on their journey into a new life together. There is another
tradition. Sometimes the wrists of the bride and groom are tied together with a
towel called rushnik as a symbol of the life-long bond. Both padnozhnik and
rushnik have beautiful traditional ornaments. I bought one for my wedding too.
S: This picture is nice. The place was very well-decorated.
H: That’s true. And here’s another ceremony. It’s bread-and-salt welcome and
breaking a glass for luck.
S: I saw this bred-and-salt ceremony when I went on a business trip to Russia. It’s
for welcoming guests.
H: Right. But at the wedding the parents of the just married welcome them to their
new life. The newlyweds snap off a piece of bread. According to the saying, the
one who has the bigger piece will be the head of the family. The parents also gave
them the glasses that the couple should throw over their left shoulder to scare off
the devil. According to a superstitious belief the devil is hiding on our left side, so
by breaking the glasses the newlyweds scare it away so that it will not follow them
in their future life.
S: Oh, I like this! And that’s another rushnik tradition?
H: See, now you even remember the word! Yes, there is a superstition that the
guests should give their presents straight to the newlyweds. They put all the gifts
on the rushnik since their presents are not only for the bride or the groom, but to a
new family.
S: That’s so interesting and so different from what we usually see here. I here we
see some folk dancing!
H: Not really. It’s one more ceremony. It’s the “initiation into wives”. After the
wedding husband’s mother takes a veil off the bride and put on a headscarf instead.
It symbolizes the beginning of a new life – the married life. And the bride dances
with her maid of honour and other unmarried female guests. They try on the
bride’s veil. It’s believed that they will soon find their future husband and get
married too.
S: Oh, this is you dancing in the veil. It suits you well! Are you going to wear a
veil at your wedding?
H: Sure. And I’ve decided to introduce some of Belarusian wedding traditions at
our wedding as well. I told you that I bought some rushniks and …
Lesson 6, ex.4c
Hello and welcome to another runway show of Belarus Fashion Week 2011.
Today we are going to see some ready-to-wear outfits by Belarusian designers.
And here comes a model by Ivan Aiplatov. At first it seems to be quite a casual
combination of plain loose dark chocolate brown overalls and a check shortsleeved white and brown shirt. But as the model is walking along the runway we
can notice that the silk overalls create a cool style of a man ready for a fight with
the world around. Matching dark-brown leather shoes finish the whole image and
give a sense of tranquility and confidence. It’s a perfect choice for young and
ambitious people.
Here is another model by a young designer Viktoria Nazarova. A smart plain
white wool top with middle-length sleeves perfectly matches a pearly grey short
jacket. A short stripy wool skirt makes this outfit eye-catching and shiny highheeled shoes help to create an impression of a trendy and stylish woman.
However, a strip of belly between the top and the skirt makes the whole image a
bit ridiculous and unfinished. The designer should think about a belt to unite the
two parts of this set.
And the next there appears a stunning girl in a lovely long blue flowery sleeveless
cotton dress. Combined with sky-blue high-heeled sandals and stylish accessories
the dress can give you a fabulous and romantic look. A good idea of an outfit for a
romantic date on a warm summer day.
Lesson 7, Ex.3a, 3b
Speaker1: I remember this film very well, even though I watched it quite a long
time ago. It tells a story of a boy who doesn’t like the idea of going to school.
Instead he sells his schoolbooks and goes to the theatre. There he makes friends
with puppet actors and helps them to run away from their cruel master. On his way
he meets two tricksters a Cat and a Fox who try to cheat him and get his money.
The film is quite childish, only small children can enjoy a story of a wooden boy,
but the actors are fantastic and the songs are stunning.
Speaker2: That was an interesting film with beautiful scenes and an exciting plot.
It shows a story of a brave princess of one of Belarusian principalities of the 16th
century. When her husband was killed by enemies she had to rule her city and
command her people in a very difficult period of history. She had to protect her
family and her people from Tatars army and find a betrayer in her own home. I
didn’t really get if it’s based on true facts from Belarusian history or not. Even if
it’s not, the film is worth watching for the whole family.
Speaker3: Oh, I loved that film. As far as I know the director of this film also shot
“The Adventure of Buratino”, but it wasn’t as exciting for me. Probably because
the film that I like is about a girl. When I was a child I even imagined that I was
the main character. I asked my mum to make a costume for the New Year party
that looked same to the one in the film. What I like about it is that even though it is
based on a fairy-tale it is different, very different! There are a lot of unusual and
funny characters, for example, an old astronomer, a naughty little prince and an
amazing wolf family. The director of this film created a true fairy-tale with lovely
songs and funny jokes. I’d like my kids to watch this film when they grow up.
Speaker4: As far as I understood this film was released not so long ago though it
tells about the Second World War. The main character is a man lieutenant Yashin
who is a sniper during the battle of Stalingrad. His beloved woman is killed by a
German sniper and his wants to take revenge. In the next scene we are taken to the
time when the war is over. Now Yashin is supervising one of small towns in
Germany. Soon he finds out that on the territory of this town there’s a secret
laboratory with a dangerous weapon that can kill and injure a lot of people. The
laboratory is protected by a group of German soldiers and the sniper who killed his
love back in 1942. The film can keep you on the edge of your seat because of the
intriguing plot and fabulous actors.
Speaker5: Actually I would have never watched it if my parents hadn’t asked me to
take my younger sister to the cinema. I was surprised to see a real fantasy film with
fabulous special effects and nice costumes. It’s a fairy-tale-like story about a girl
who travels to a magic world. There she saves a magic country from an evil
wizard. To do this she has to overcome a lot of hardships, but her loyal friends help
her. The main character is a girl with red hair so after the film my little sister was
so excited that she asked mum to dye her hair red. Of course we didn’t let her do it!
Speaker6: I read the book at school for my Belarusian literature classes and I
thought it was quite boring. But then our teacher said that we could watch a film.
And to my surprise it turned out to be a gripping story. It is about an elderly man
who has lived all his life in Polessie. He had to start fighting with Polish soldiers in
order to save his little son. After watching the film I read Jakub Kolas’s novel with
much more interest. Besides now I know who the old man on Jukub Kolas
monument is. I saw this monument in the centre of Minsk so many times and never
realized it’s a book character.
UNIT 13
Lesson 2, Ex.2b
There was a time when many of the subjects now taught in school were all part of a
very broad area called philosophy. Physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy,
sociology, government, psychology, mathematics, logic, ethics, music, and more
were all considered proper subjects for attention by philosophers. As recently as
the early 19th century, natural philosopher was a term for a student of any of the
sciences. As late as the 1850s laboratory tools were usually called philosophical
instruments.
The word philosophy itself is from Greek words meaning “love of wisdom.” But it
really means serious thought about the most basic questions that human beings can
think about – questions such as: What is the true nature of the universe? What is
human nature really like, and what are a human being's moral responsibilities? Of
what is matter composed? What are the qualities of truth, goodness, and beauty?
Lesson 3, Ex. 3a
In ancient Greece, Socrates was reputed to hold respect for high esteem. One day
Socrates met an acquaintance who ran up to him excitedly and said:
“Socrates, do you know what I have just heard about one of your students?”
“Wait a minute” said Socrates.
“Before you tell me I would like to conduct a little test. It is called the Triple Filter
Test. The first filter is Truth. Have you made sure that what you are going to tell
me is true?”
“No,” said the man, “Actually I just heard about it.”
“All right,” said Socrates, “so you don't really know if it is true. Now let us try the
second filter, Goodness. Is what you are going to tell me about my student
something good?”
“No, on the contrary…”
Socrates continued, “You want to tell me something bad about him, even though
you are not certain it is true.”
The man shrugged, embarrassed. Socrates continued,
“Now we apply the third filter – the filter of Usefulness. Is what you are going to
tell me about my student is going to be useful to me?”
“No, not really…”
Socrates concluded, “If what you tell me is neither True nor Good nor Useful, why
tell it to me at all."
Lesson 4, Ex.3a)
Salman Khan: The Khan Academy is most known for its collection of videos, so
before I go any further, let me show you a little bit of a montage.
So the hypotenuse is now going to be five. This animal's fossils are only found in
this area of South America – a nice clean band here – and this part of Africa. We
can integrate over the surface, and the notation usually is a capital sigma. National
Assembly: They create the Committee of Public Safety, which sounds like a very
nice committee. Notice, this is an aldehyde, and it's an alcohol. Start differentiating
into effector and memory cells. A galaxy. Hey, there's another galaxy. Oh look,
there's another galaxy. And for dollars, is their 30 million, plus the 20 million
dollars from the American manufacturer. If this does not blow your mind, then you
have no emotion.
Lesson 4, Ex.3c)
Salman Khan: We now have on the order of 2,200 videos covering everything
from basic arithmetic all the way to vector calculus and some of the stuff you saw
there. We have a million students a month using the site, watching on the order of
100 to 200,000 videos a day. But what we're going to talk about in this is how
we're going to the next level. But before I do that, I want to talk a little bit about
really just how I got started. And some of you all might know, about five years ago
I was an analyst at a hedge fund, and I was in Boston, and I was tutoring my
cousins in New Orleans, remotely. And I started putting the first YouTube videos
up really just as a kind of nice-to-have, just a supplement for my cousins -something that might give them a refresher or something.
And as soon as I put those first YouTube videos up, something interesting
happened – actually a bunch of interesting things happened. The first was the
feedback from my cousins. They told me that they preferred me on YouTube than
in person. (Laughter) And once you get over the backhanded nature of that, there
was actually something very profound there. They were saying that they preferred
the automated version of their cousin to their cousin. At first, it's very unintuitive,
but when you actually think about it from their point of view, it makes a ton of
sense. You have this situation where now they can pause and repeat their cousin,
without feeling like they're wasting my time. If they have to review something that
they should have learned a couple of weeks ago, or maybe a couple of years ago,
they don't have to be embarrassed and ask their cousin. They can just watch those
videos. If they're bored, they can go ahead. They can watch it at their own time, at
their own pace. And probably the least appreciated aspect of this is the notion that
the very first time, the very first time that you're trying to get your brain around a
new concept, the very last thing you need is another human being saying, "Do you
understand this?" And that's what was happening with the interaction with my
cousins before, and now they can just do it in the intimacy of their own room.
Lesson 5, Ex.5a,b
Son/Daughter I must hurry to the library or I will fail my project in History.
Mother
I will give you a lift to the underground station, and I will pick
you up from the library later if you want.
Son/Daughter That will be great! I am so pressed for time: I have a project to
hand in next week but it is still unfinished. Wait a second – I
will take my bag.
Mother
And you’d better take a snack. I’ve bought dried fruit and
chocolate, it’s on the kitchen table.
Son/Daughter Yeah, judging by my appetite recently I am going to be hungry.
Mother
I’m sure, you won’t fail the project. History is your favourite at
school.
Son/Daughter And that is why it is going to be my best project so far. Will you
help me with the maps?
Mother
With pleasure! Shall I ask Father to give us a helping hand as
well?
Lesson 6, Ex.2a
You’ve probably heard that different students learn differently or have different
learning styles. It depends on our in-bourn abilities, work we put in, and the way
our brain works. The geniuses learn differently as well. Do you know how Albert
Einstein learned? He was considered a slow learner – he learned to speak at a late
age, and the teachers labelled him as autistic because he seldom paid attention in
class. The truth is he was usually daydreaming in class. However, he was a natural
musician and he could play the violin well.
We learn about the world using different sources: we look and see, listen and hear,
move around, smell and taste things. We also ask questions, try to find logical
connections between things, communicate with other people and try to understand
ourselves. These different abilities are referred to as intelligences – so can be not
just intelligent, but we possess multiple intelligences. This idea was introduced by
a Harvard psychologist Howard Gardner. There can be many different
intelligences, Gardner listed seven main ones: visual-spatial intelligence – people
are "art smart" or "picture smart"; logical-mathematical intelligence – that is
"number smart" or "logic smart"; bodily-kinesthetic intelligence – that is "body
smart" or "movement smart"; musical-rhythmic intelligence – in that case we are
"music smart" or "sound smart". there is also naturalist intelligence, people
possessing it are "nature smart" or "environment smart"; intrapersonal intelligence
– we are "self smart" or "introspection smart"; interpersonal intelligence – those
people are "group smart" or "people smart" and, finally, verbal-linguistic
intelligence – we are "word smart" or "book smart". Every person is unique and
has his or her own combination of intelligences.
Lesson 6, Ex.2d
Knowing your strong and weak intelligences can help you in many ways. First of
all, it will help to determine what is the best way for you to study, that is what
helps you and makes remembering things easier. Secondly, you know what
intelligence you should develop – we should teach ourselves, our brain to use all
the power we have. Remember that talented people are talented in everything.
Don’t you think it’s because all there intelligences are active? And the last but not
the list: knowing your intelligence can help you to decide what career to choose.
So, let’s find out which of the seven intelligences you possess.
If you are strong in visual-spatial intelligence you tend to think in images and
pictures. You probably like to draw, paint, and make interesting designs and
patterns, and work with clay, colored markers, construction paper, and fabric.
Many who are picture smart love to work jigsaw puzzles, read maps and find their
way around new places. You probably have definite opinions about colors that go
together well, textures that are appropriate and pleasing, and how a room should be
decorated. And, you are likely excellent at performing tasks that require “seeing
with the mind’s eyes,” such as visualizing, pretending, imagining, and forming
mental images.
If you happen to be a number or logic smart person, you tend to think more
conceptually and abstractly and are often able to see patterns and relationships that
others miss. You probably like to conduct experiments, to solve puzzles and other
problems, analyze circumstances and people’s behavior. You most likely enjoy
working with numbers and mathematical formulas and operations, and you love
the challenge of a complex problem to solve. You are probably systematic and
organized, and you always have a logical argument for what you are doing or
thinking at any given time.
If intrapersonal intelligence is one of your strong points you may like to work
alone and sometimes you may shy away from others. You are probably selfreflective and self-aware and thus you tend to be in tune with your inner feelings,
values, beliefs, and thinking processes. You frequently have creative wisdom and
insight, are highly intuitive, and you are inner motivated rather than needing
external rewards to keep you going. You are often strong-willed, self-confident,
and have definite, well-thought out opinions on almost any problem. Other people
will often come to you for advice and counsel.
If you are body or movement smart, you like physical movement, dancing, making
and inventing things with your hands, and role-playing. You probably
communicate well through body language and other physical gestures. You can
often perform a task much better after seeing someone else do it first and then
mimicking their actions. You probably like physical games of all kinds and you
like to demonstrate how to do something for someone else. You may find it
difficult to sit still for long periods of time and are easily bored or distracted if you
are not actively involved in what is going on around you.
If you are strong in musical-rhythmic intelligence area you are likely to have a love
of music and rhythmic patterns. You are probably very sensitive to sounds in the
environment: rain on the roof, varying traffic patterns. You may study and work
better with music in the background. You can often reproduce a melody or
rhythmic pattern after hearing it only once. Various sounds, tones, and rhythms
may have a visible effect on you. You probably like to create music and you enjoy
listening to a wide variety of music. You may be skilled at mimicking sounds,
language accents, and others’ speech patterns, and you can probably readily
recognize different musical instruments in a composition.
If the naturalist intelligence is one of your strengths you have a profound love for
the outdoors, animals, plants, and almost any natural object. You are probably
fascinated by and affected by such things as the weather, changing leaves in the
fall, the sound of the wind, the warm sun or lack thereof, or an insect in the room.
At a young age you were likely nature collectors, adding such things as bugs,
rocks, leaves, seashells, sticks, and so on to your collections. You probably brought
home all manner and kinds of stray animals and today you may have several pets
and want more. You tend to have a natural liking and respect for all living beings.
If verbal-linguistic is a strong intelligence for you, you have highly developed
skills for reading, speaking, and writing and you tend to think in words. You
probably like various kinds of literature, playing word games, making up poetry
and stories, getting into involved discussions with other people, debating, formal
speaking, creative writing, and telling jokes. You are likely precise in expressing
yourself and irritated when others are not! You love learning new words, you do
well with written assignments, and your comprehension of anything you read is
high.
If you possess interpersonal intelligence, this person-to-person way of knowing is
more developed in you, you learn through personal interactions. You probably
have lots of friends, show a great deal of empathy for other people and exhibit a
deep understanding of other points of view. You probably love team activities of
all kinds and are a good team member – you “pull your own weight” and often
much more! You are sensitive to other people’s feelings and ideas, and are good at
building your ideas on others’ thoughts. You are also probably skilled in conflict
resolution, mediation, and finding compromise when people are in radical
opposition to each other.
Lesson 8, Ex.3b)
ALIX: It’s normal to feel a little worried before an exam. Some people go into a
cold sweat, some say it’s all right, and some even say they’re not bothered. But we
all seem to feel a little different when we’re actually in the exam room.
ELIOT: So the first thing to remember is that it’s normal to feel a little weird, and
if you prepare for the experience, the easier it is. You could think of it as some
sort of test, like a football match, and so prepare like professional footballers:
ALIX: They don’t just start the game cold. They sort out everything they need
days beforehand. It’s all laid out, and they have spares of everything.
ELIOT: So you could make a list of everything you need, such as blue and black
pens, a ruler, a pencil and rubber – even bus money.
ALIX: And they’ll study the other team for hours on end, watching videos and
even going to other matches.
ELIOT:
So listen to all the audio clips, go through old English exams and
questions, and look in revision books or on internet sites, like GCSE Bitesize.
These will show you exactly what you’re up against.
ALIX: Then professional footballers get to the ground early, so make sure you
plan your route and you’ve got lots of time – this is one of the days when you
cannot be late.
ELIOT: And they’ll walk round the pitch. Some will go round several times. But
why? ALIX: Many players want to get a feel of the place – they will be imagining
themselves playing, and imagining themselves doing really well.
ELIOT: And you should do the same before the day of the exam. The exam will
probably be somewhere you know well, like the school hall or a gym. But when
it’s set up for an exam it will look very different – there will be rows and rows of
desks – and it’ll feel very different to normal.
ALIX: So try to go in the room beforehand, when it’s been set up for the exam. It
might be locked, or out of bounds, so ask your teacher to take you round – they can
hardly say no if you tell them why.
ELIOT: And once you’re in, sit down quietly and go through the exam in your
head. For example, you know you’ll have a question on writing to inform, explain
or describe. So imagine a question in front of you, a question that you can do really
well. So when you leave the room, you know exactly how it feels, you can do this,
and you can do it well. ALIX: It might feel a bit silly, but it seems to work for
lots of people and many professional footballers spend time imagining taking
penalties, or corners, or scoring goals. There’s even a simple trick that might work
with you too:
ELIOT: You have to think of a time when you felt great – you did something
really good, and everyone knew how good you were. Think of this time, and touch
your index finger and thumb together lightly. Try to do this a few times each day,
thinking about successful things each time. And when you get in the exam, touch
your finger and thumb together again – it can remind you about how good you are.
ALIX: So try to prepare for the exam. Don’t worry about it – do something about
it instead. Look through old questions. Visit the room a few days beforehand.
Imagine being successful. Sort out exactly what you need for the exam day. Go
early. And keep positive – think about good things.