You can’t imagine an educated person who doesn’t know any foreign language. It is especially important nowadays.- Knowledge of a foreign language helps us to develop friendship and understanding among people. The total number Oflanguages in the world is about five thousand. And English, of course, is one of the most popular languages. English is the mother tongue in Great Britain, the United States of America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. It is one of six official languages of the United Nations Organization. A lot of people speak English in Scandinavia, Japan, China, India, Africa and many other countries.
Children, young people and grown-ups study English at schools, colleges, universities and at different preparatory courses. Some people learn English because they need it in their work, others travel abroad, for the third studying English is a hobby. Every year thousands of people go from one country to another either on business or for pleasure. And the knowledge of languages opens the door to any foreign country and gives them a possibility to communicate and to understand people.
A real professional cannot do without knowledge of English, as it is an international language. You don’t need to know Japanese when you go to Japan or Hindi when you visit India. English is practically spoken all over the world. You can hear it everywhere: in a street, in shops, at restaurants. A modem engineer or even a worker deals with instruments and machines from other countries. He has to read the instruction which is usually written in English.
Scientists must understand English well because they use foreign literature to write their articles and books. They must speak English fluently to make speeches at international conferences. Diplomats need foreign languages in their work too. They make contracts, conclude treaties, hold negotiations.
If you want to be a stewardess, a pilot or a businessman you must Ieam English, the language of international communication. Even a shop-girl in a big department store must know at least some phrases in English to understand a foreign customer.
Foreign languages develop our mind. They help us to get acquainted with new customs and traditions, make it possible to read many books in the original. Besides languages are very helpful in establishing friendly relations between peoples and nations. Children and young people will understand each other better if they speak one language. That’s why all the pupils should master English or other foreign languages to become top specialists.
* * *
1. What is the total number Oflanguages in the world? 2. Why do people Ieam languages? 3. What is the most popular language in the world in your opinion? 4. In which countries is English spoken as the mother tongue? 5. What possibility does the knowledge of languages give to people? 6. Must a modern engineer know English and why? 7. How does the knowledge Oflanguages help scientists? 8. Why is the knowledge Oflanguages so important in the work of diplomats? 9. Is it necessary for a shop-girl to know English? 10. Why should pupils master English?
Needless to say that it is necessary to Ieam foreign languages. English is used not only in such large English-speaking countries as Great Britain, the United States of America, Canada, Australia, but also in many other parts of the world. That’s why pupils have got such subject as a foreign language at school.
I Ieam English because I want to read foreign literature in the original. I know and like such English and American writers and poets as Lewis Carroll, Mark Twain, William Shakespeare, Jack London, and many others. I understand that I must Ieam Eng-
Lish. If I know English well, I’ll be able to read books by English and American writers in the original.
I like to travel, but it is difficult to visit countries, when you don’t know the language of these countries. If I know the language of the country, where I am going to, it will be easy to travel there. If I want to ask something, 1 can do it in English. Visiting countries, you can see a lot of advertisements, signboards, names in the street. They are in foreign languages. Very often they are in English. Knowing English, you can read and understand them.
There are a lot of films in foreign languages. If you know them, you can understand films without any help. There are international friendship camps in the world. If you can speak English, it will be easy for you to visit such camps and speak with the boys, girls, men, women who do not know Russian.
And, of course, if you want to become a good and qualified specialist, you will have to read a lot of special literature. And it would be much more efficient to read this literature in English than to waste your time searching for the translation.
In short, I understand that I must Ieam English in a proper way and I try and do my best to master it.
* * *
2. In what countries do people speak English? 2. Why do pupils study English at schools? 3. What do you Ieam English for? 4. Why do you need English in your travels? 5. What should a person do to understand films in the English language? 6. Do you want to become a top specialist? 7. What do you need for that? 8. Do you think you do your best to master English?
14. Find the English equivalents to the following words in texts 1 and 2.
1. Вы не можете представить; образованный человек; знать какой-либо иностранный язык; особенно важно; в настоящее время; развивать дружбу и взаимопонимание; родной язык; официальный язык; различные подготовительные курсы; путешествовать за границей; ездить в командировку; изучать английский язык ради удовольствия; давать возможность; обходиться без; во всем мире; иметь дело с; говорить бегло; выступать с речью; заключать договоры; вести переговоры; язык международного общения; по крайней мере; развивать интеллект; знакомиться с обычаями; устанавливать дружеские отношения; овладеть иностранным языком; стать специалистом высокого класса.
2. Нет нужды говорить; необходимо изучать; англо-говорящие страны; не только… но и; поэтому; читать иностранную литературу в оригинале; трудно путешествовать; легко посещать; масса рекламы; рекламные щиты; понимать без чьей-либо помощи; международные лагеря дружбы; стать квалифицированным специалистом; гораздо эффективнее; искать перевод; терять время; короче говоря; изучать язык как следует; делать все возможное.
15.Translate the text below in a written form (by variants) using a dictionary.
1. Though there are almost five thousand languages in the world, English is the most universal. The English language is now the first language of about 350 million people, the native language of 12 nations and the official or semiofficial language of thirty — three more nations. That means that one in every seven people in the world speaks English.
English is spoken in the USA, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, India, and many Othercountries. Even in the countries where English is not the first language, a number of English words are used. Hundreds of words borrowed from English can now be found in other languages, such as hotel, golf, tennis, jeans, O. K., baseball, airport, etc.
At present no other language on earth is better suited to play the role of a world language. There are many reasons for its popularity. First, English is easier to Icarn than any other language. Second, it easily borrows local words and phrases from the very countries into which it expands. Third, English is the medium for 80 per cent of the information stored in the world’s computers. Finally, English is the official language of the United Nations Organization, the Olympics, various international meetings, the Miss Universe Competition, etc.
2. 3aκ. 77
2. The English language has become the “new Latin” of the present time. In terms of scientific know-how and technological development, one can say that English is a part of the 2Oth and 21st centuries. In many countries English is a must for many technical jobs. English is so widespread that it has become the standard language for all kinds of international communication. At present 75% of the world’s mail is in English, 60% of the world’s radio stations broadcast in English and more than half of the world’s periodicals are printed in English.
English is also the international language of business people, pilots and air traffic controllers, diplomats and politicians, sportspeople and scientists, doctors and students. Beyond a doubt, English is now the world’s top language.
Most educated people speak English fluently. Learning English gives a chance to get a better job, to meet new people, to understand films and songs in English. It is useful when you travel. Reading English newspapers, magazines and books, listening to the BBC World Service on the radio, using a cassette recorder — all this will help you to master your English.
16. Translate the topic into English using the texts studied.
Каждый образованный человек обязан знать хотя бы один иностранный язык. Знание иностранных языков дает возможность общаться и понимать людей других стран. На английском языке говорят во всем мире. Английский язык является официальным языком в 40 странах. Это наиболее распространенный язык в международном бизнесе, науке, медицине. Настоящий профессионал не может обходиться без знания английского языка, так как это язык международного общения. Знать английский язык необходимо, чтобы понимать песни и фильмы на английском языке. Инженер может прочесть инструкции к машинам, если он знает английский язык. Ученый должен знать английский язык, чтобы читать научные книги и выступать с докладами на международных конференциях. Знание иностранных языков помогает нам знакомиться с обычаями и традициями других народов. Легко путешествовать и посещать разные страны, если вы можете поговорить и спросить о чем-нибудь по-английски. Вы должны овладеть английским языком как следует, чтобы стать специалистом высокого класса.
17. Listen to the text and check your comprehension.
This happened in Paris, in autumn of 1933. A woman came up to a newspaper stand and asked for newspapers in Russian, Italian, French, German and some other languages. The man at the stand was sure that the woman was buying the newspapers for a hotel where there were many foreign guests. “If you agree to buy all these newspapers for your hotel every day,” he said, “I’ll sell them to you for less money.”
The woman smiled and answered that the newspapers were not for a hotel. They were for her husband, who read newspapers in seven languages every day. She was a well-known Russian actress and the wife of Lunacharsky, a famous political figure of Russia, who was in a Paris hospital at that time. Lunacharsky could speak and read almost all the languages of Europe.
Heinrich Schlieman. the German archeologist who discovered Troy, was a polyglot too. He could speak a lot of foreign languages. He taught himself to speak and write English, French, Dutch, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese in two years. After that, he taught himself Russian in six weeks. Later, he learned Swedish, Polish, Latin, Arabic and Greek.
Frederick Engelsf a great German politician and businessman knew a great deal of languages. As he used to stammer in everyday speech, his friends made a joke at him, speaking that he stammered in 20 languages.
Of course, all these were unusual people. But we must not think that only great scientists or geniuses can Ieam many foreign languages. In modem times, when science and technical knowledge are progressing so fast, all kinds of specialists need foreign languages in their work — teachers, doctors, scientific workers, engineers and people of many other professions. “But,” you will say, “how can I hope to Ieam so much? I have enough difficulty learning one language.”
The answer is that when we have learned one foreign language, learning a second foreign language is much easier. Success in foreign language learning is connected not only with a person’s natural talent. We must work hard to learn our first foreign language. After the first, other languages are a much easier task.
* * *
1. What is a polyglot? 2. Who did a woman ask for foreign newspapers at a newspaper stand for and why? 3. Wliat did the seller of newspapers suggest? 4. Who was Heinrich Schliemann? 5. How many foreign languages could he speak? 6. Do you know any other polyglots? 7. Wliy is it possible for people to Ieam so many languages? 8. Do you have a wish to master several languages? 9. Wliat must you do forthat first? 10. What foreign language is the easiest language, in your opinion?
18. Read (listen to) text 6 twice, close the book and speak about the way you work at your English.
Text 6. HOWI WORK AT MY ENGLISH
Unfortunately, I wasn’t clever enough to work hard at my English when at school. I was lazy and not very diligent. So now, when 1 am 27, my knowledge of English leaves much to be desired. I regret of it greatly. The thing is that Γm looking for a better job now and see for myself that to get a good job a person should speak English and to know computer in addition to the certificate he has. As for me I have neither time nor extra money to take courses in English and that’s why I try to do my best to review and improve my knowledge of English on my own. Γm sure that it is never too late to Ieam and better late than never.
So, First of all I read many books in English. Though they are adapted they help me to increase my English vocabulary. 1 write out the unknown words and Ieam them every day before going to sleep. Second. I’ve got a lot of video-cassettes with English and American films. I enjoy watching them and try to understand the English speech. I find it not very difficult, by the way. Third. I read English Grammar, of course, and try to analyze grammar rules and do some exercises. This is not an easy job, I must say. Sometimes I can’t make head or tail of this or that rule, especially when comparing Russian and English systems of tenses. In this case I ask my wife to help me. She studied English much more diligently at school than I did. We try to make out the difficulties together.
Next year we are going to travel around Europe and to use our knowledge OfEnglish there. I hope that knowing English we won’t have any difficulties in communicating with foreigners.
19. Speak about the role OfEnglish in your life (use ex. 13).
20. Read and practice the following dialogues.
Alice: Oh, Denny, why such a long face? A bad mark again? Denny (Alice’sbrother): Yes, in English. That’s my weak point.
I can’t memorize the words in a proper way. They are all a mess in my head.
Alice: That’s bad. Father will give you a good piece of his mind when he sees your bad marks. Oh, here he is. Speak of the devil and he is quick to appear.
Father: You’ve neglected your studies at school, sonny. Your mother and your teachers complain about you. That won’t do. What have you got to say for yourself?
Denny: Well, I must confess, I’ve been lazy. And some subjects seem very difficult for me.
Father: You are not getting on at all in your English. You don’t Ieam Grammar and you speak English awfully. Just look at your elder sister. She speaks English fluently.
Denny: I know Γm a weak pupil, hopelessly weak, and no amount of work will help me and that’s all there is to it.
Alice: Nonsense. Don’t try to talk it into yourself. YouTe just as capable as I am. All you have to do is to settle down to hard work.
Denny: It’s not for me. English is easy for you, because you are good at it. You have the subject at your fingers’ ends.
Alice: Yes, I like English, but I’m learning it not only because of that. You can’t but know that the knowledge of foreign languages is very useful, especially if you have to work abroad or if you must read foreign literature in the original.
Denny: But 1 can read foreign writers in Russian and Γm not going to work abroad.
Father: You can’t know it for sure. Besides, don’t you see that English has become the world’s most important language in science and politics, trade and cultural relations, in aviation and information technologies, sport and pop music.
Alice: In addition to that, knowing foreign languages has a practical value. It makes it easier to choose a profession and provide job promotion.
Father: To say nothing of the fact that it stimulates mental abilities and broadens your outlook.
Denny: Well, well, I surrender; you’ve convinced me of the truth of your opinion. Beginning with today Γm turning over a new leaf.
Father: Easier said than done, my boy. We’ll wait and see, though.
Alex: Hello, Max. Glad to see you. How are you getting on?
Max: Good morning, Alex. Fm well. Just more or less as usual. I say, Alex, are you going my way?
Alex: Yes, a little bit. 1’11 see you to the bus stop. I haven’t seen you for ages. What’s the news?
Max: Oh, nothing special. Just no news.
Alex: They say, “No news is good news”, isn’t it?
Max: Yes, you are quite right. Sorry, Γm in a hurry. It’s high time to be at home.
Alex: I must be going too. I’ve got a business appointment. I’m. sorry to part with you.
Max: I won’t keep you then. Here is your bus. Give my best regards to your mother. Keep well.
Alex: Thank you. Mother will be glad to hear from you. Remember me to your sister.
Max: I will, thanks. It was a pleasure to meet you.
Alex: The pleasure was mine. Bye for now.
Max: See you soon.
|
GRAMMAR REVIEW: |
Phrases “there is”, “there are”; Pronouns “some, “any”, “no”; Imperative Mood; Past Simple Tense; Prepositions: for, about, to, into, from, out |
 |
 |
1. Make the Plural out of the Singular, according to the models.
There is an apple in the tree (many apples).
There are many apples in the tree.
1. There is a teacher in the classroom (many pupils). 2. There is a magazine on the little table (many newspapers). 3. There is a table in the comer (two armchairs). 4. There is one book in Mike’s bag (some copybooks). 5. There is a key in my pocket (some other things). 6. There is a sofa in the room (some chairs). 7. There is the Moon in the sky (many stars). 8. There is an old house in that district (many new buildings). 9. There is a bus in the street (many cars). 10. There is the sun in the sky (some clouds).
2. Write down the list of products which you can see in Henry’s kitchen. Mind countable nouns (there are two / many / few bottles of milk) and uncountable nouns (there is some / little / much milk). Use the words: a packet, a box, ajar, a tin, a pot, a loaf, a bunch, a piece, etc.
 |
3. Finish the sentences according to the model.
There is Someone in the room, (… in the kitchen).
There is Someone in the room, but there is Nobody in the
• kitchen.
1. There is something in the box,(on the table). 2. There is someone in the hall,(in the classroom). 3. There is somebody waiting for you in the library,(in the reading-hall). 4. I have got something to drink,(to eat). 5. There is someone in the house,(in the garden). 6. There is something on the shelf, (on the sideboard). 7. They have got something for us,(for them). 8. There is somebody in the sittingroom, (in the bathroom). 9. There is something in my
Bag,(in my pocket). 10. There is somebody at the window, (at the door).
4. Put questions according to the model.
There is Nothing on the shelf, (on the table?).
Is there Anything on the table?
1. There is nobody here, (in that room?). 2. There is nothing in her hand, (in her pocket?). 3. No one is ready for the test-paper, (for a dictation?). 4. We must go nowhere today, (tomorrow?). 5. Nobody can do it at once, (by the evening?). 6. There is nothing on the window-sill, (on the sofa?). 7. The cat is nowhere in the house, (in the garden?). 8. There is nothing in the box. (under the box?). 9. There is nobody in the classroom (in the laboratory?) 10. There is nothing to do in the room, (in the kitchen?).
5. Transform the sentences according to the models.
A. Give up smoking (he). — Let him give up smoking. It’s harmful.
1. Call me up at the office (he). 2. Have a look at the picture (I). How beautiful it is! 3. Take off your shoes (they). They are dirty. 4. Go on a bus tour about the city (we). It is so interesting. 5. Air the room (they). It’s hot here. 6. Spell your name (she). It’s difficult to write it down. 7. Have a break for lunch. (I). Γm hungry. 8. Go and buy some bread (she). We haven’t any bread for supper. 9. Get out of the way (they). 10. Go for a walk (we). It’s a fine day.
B. — Tum out the radio.
— Don’t turn out the radio, please. Γm listening to the news.
1. Call me tomorrow. 1’11 be out. 2. Sit down at that table. 3. Come in. 4. Try to do it yourself. 5. Give him my English book. I need it. 6. Water the flowers. Tvejust watered them. 7. Wait for them. They will not come back. 8. Shut your eyes and try to sleep. 9. Button the coat. It is very cold. 10. Lie in the sun. It’s very hot.
6. Fill in the blanks according to the model.
— Let’s make sandwiches for lunch!
— Sorry, we can’t. There Isn’t any Bread.
1. Let’s make an apple pie for dessert! — Sorry, we can’t, apples. 2. Let’s make a salad for dinner! — Sorry, we can’t, lettuce. 3. Let Ann make an omelette for breakfast! — Sorry, she can’t, eggs. 4. Let’s make some fresh lemonade! — Sorry, we can’t, lemons. 5. Let’s bake a cake for dessert! — Sorry, we can’t, sugar. 6. Let’s make pizza for lunch! — Sorry, we can’t, flour. 7. Let’s make some cheeseburgers to have a snack! — Sorry, we can’t, cheese. 8. Let’s have french fries with our humburgers! — Sorry, we can’t, potatoes. 9. Let’s
Make some fresh orange juice for breakfast! — Sorry, we can’t, oranges. 10. Let Mum make chicken and rice for dinner! — Oh, she can’t, chicken.
7. A. Remember three forms of the following irregular verbs: to ring; to do; to go; to put; to take; to give; to eat; to drink; to say; to run-
В. Open the brackets and put the verbs in the Past Tense.
At seven o’clock yesterday morning the alarm-clock (ring). I (not want) to get up early. But 1 Gump) out of bed and (open) the window. Then I (turn) on the radio and (do) my morning exercises. After my morning exercises I (go) to the bathroom and (wash) myself. I (wash) my hands, face and ears with cold water and (dry) myself with my towel. After that I (brush) my hair and (dress) myself: 1 (put) on my shirt, trousers and jacket, my socks and my boots. Then I (take) my seat at the table and Mother (give) me my breakfast. 1 (eat) two sandwiches and (drink) a cup of coffee. After breakfast I (put) my things into my schoolbag. “Good bye, Mum! I (say). “Good bye, darling. Don’t be late” Mother (answer), and I (run) out.
8. Translate the sentences with prepositions To, into, from, out, for and About. Memorize the phrases used with them.
To;into
1. Would you give some paper To me? Γd like to write a letter To my mother. 2. What has Happened to him? It seems to me he doesn’t Pay attention to your words at all. What can you Reply to That? 3. You must always be Attentive to what I Say to you, sonny. Be polite to everybody and be quick to Apologize to people if you’re in fault. 4. He Listened to my offer and Agreed to it at once. And it was Due to my advice that he was a success. 5. — Help yourself to Some pudding and coffee, please. — I’m Thankful to you. You’re very kind To me. Pudding is delicious. But I Prefer tea To coffee. 6. Tum To the left and go to that building. If you enter it through the front door, you’ll Get into a large hall. 7. Water Turns into steam At 100 degrees of Centigrade. This fact must be Taken into account. 8. He Divided money into two parts and Put it into his pockets.
From; from… to
1. They travelled From London to Sochi. Ships in this harbour are quite Safe from storms. From now on this port will receive tourists From all over the world. 2. You see I Hide this book From Children. You may Take it from the shelf. Read it From the beginning to the end, it’s very interesting From my point of view. 3. The patient Suffered from terrible headache. Doctors did their best, but nothing Resulted from their efforts. The patient didn’t Recover from his illness and soon Died from cancer. 4. — I see that you are working too much,∕rozn morning Till (to) night. What are you doing? — Tm Translating some articles From English into Russian And From time to time I’m looking for unknown words in the dictionary. 5. You know, we’ve got nothing for supper today. Let’s Borrow some money From Pete and Buy something#^ the Jones.
Out; out of
1. — Is Kate in?— I think, She is out. And Γm afraid, She is away. —Could you Find out her new address? 2. — Where is Nick? He is still not well. — Don’t worry, dear. He Is Outofdanger Now and is playing football Out of doors. 3. They Worked out a new plan and Set out to Sochi on board the boat. We came to see them off and watched their boat till it Was out of sight. 4. — You see, I haven’t seen them for a long time and their matter Was quite Out of my mind. —Don’t take it close to your heart. Out of sight, out of mind. 5. I can’t Make out what he is talking about. But to agree with his plan is Out of question.
For
1. This work is too difficult For me For the time being. 2. — When does the train Start for Liverpool, 1 wonder? Γm Waiting for it For half an hour. — Γm Sorry for you, but the train left a few minutes ago. 3. — Won’t you Go for a walk in the park? — You see, Γm not quite well For a time and can’t go out For fear of catching cold. Γve Sent for the doctor and now Γm waiting for him. 4. He has worked at the plant For many years and got a good salary For his job. That plant is Famous for its high class machines. 5. — Is it necessary For us to go? — Yfes, for sure. I’m afraid, we’ll be Late for dinner. Let’s Start for home soon. — It’s For you to decide. As for me, I have no objection. Γm thankful For all the pleasant time Γve had here. 6. Γm sorry, but Γm not Ready for The lesson, For I haven’t got a dictionary. You know, I was going to Prepare for the test in English and For this purpose I called to Nick to Ask for a dictionary, but Nick was out and I couldn’t translate the text without a dictionary. 7. He went For a tour around the country For two weeks, for he was going to Leave that country For Canada For ever.
About
1. What are you Thinking about, 1 wonder? Don’t you hear me? Γm talking to you For about ten minutes. 2. — Have you got your watch About you? Could you tell me what the time is now? — Certainly, it’s About 3 o’clock. Mr. Brown will come back in About 5 minutes. 3. There were About ten children in the garden. We watched them running About. 4. — I’m hungry, What about dinner? — As far as I know, dinner is About 5 o’clock here. But as for me, Tm not hungry and I Don’t care about it. 5. Don’t Leave paper About when you go for a picnic.
9. Translate the phrases into English. Mind the right preposition.
Благодаря; с утра до вечера; вышедший из употребления; устарелый (не современный); время от времени; направо; со всего мира; до конца; с моей точки зрения; не в порядке; на дворе; отныне; вне опасности; с начала до конца. В настоящее время; как насчет ужина; в течение некоторого времени; навсегда; с этой целью; из-за боязни; около 7 часов утра; что касается меня; наверняка.
Принимать во внимание; покупать у кого-то; делить на части; занять у Петра; разрабатывать; класть в карман; вынимать из кармана; быть внимательным к…; прятать от; проистекать (происходить в результате); превращаться в; выяснять; переводить с… на…; умереть от чего-то; слушать кого-то; понять (разобрать); извиняться перед; отправляться; быть внимательным со всеми; предпочитать мороженое пирожному; забыть (выскочить из памяти); страдать от болей; вы очень добры ко мне; с глаз долой, из сердца вон; что случилось с тобой? Идти гулять; иметь с собой; ожидать кого-нибудь в течение часа; разговаривать о работе; думать о детях; быть готовым к уроку; уезжать в Москву на месяц; отправляться в Лондон; гулять по городу; готовиться к уроку; послать за доктором; опаздывать к обеду; славиться (быть известным) чем-нибудь; мне все равно.
10. Read the texts and check your comprehension.
My family and I live in a nine-storied panel building on the third floor. Our flat consists of two bedrooms and a sitting-room. There is also a kitchen, a bathroom, a lavatory and a hall. The flat has all modem conveniences: central heating, running cold and hot water, gas, electricity. In the hall there is a mirror, a small table with a telephone on it and a hall-stand for coats, hats and scarves.
Our central and most comfortable room is the sitting-room. In the middle of the room there is a round table and six chairs around it. The table is covered with a beautiful tablecloth. And you can always see a vase with fresh flowers on it. To the right of the door there is a wall-unit with several sections: a sideboard with tall wine glasses, tea and coffee sets, a bookcase filled with books, a wardrobe, where we keep our bed-clothes, suits, dresses and other underwear. Between the sideboard and the bookcase there is a color television set on a little table. Opposite the TV set there are two cosy armchairs and a small table with newspapers and magazines. In the left-hand comer there is a large sofa with two cushions and a standing lamp near it. On the walls you can see a nice water-colour on the one side and a wall clock on the other.
The family likes to get together in this comfortable light room, to sit in the armchairs watching TV or to have a rest on the sofa looking through magazines and newspapers. We like to solve crosswords altogether and change opinions about the day passed.
One of the bedrooms is my parents’ room, the other is my room. It serves not only as a bedroom for me but also as a study. There isn’t much furniture in it, as the room is not very large. The floor is covered with a thick, soft carpet. The walls are papered with wallpaper of light-green colour. There are green curtains on the window, and two flower-pots on the window-sill. In the right-hand comer there is a writing table with a desk-lamp on it and a chair before it. Here I do my home tasks. You can see a bed near the wall and a built-in wardrobe with clothes hanging on coat-hangers. But the most important thing, my pride, is my new computer. It is placed on a special table with niches for its various units and some drawers where 1 keep paper for the printer, compact disks with games, etc. 1 am fond of playing computer games. My favourite hobby is connecting people through Internet and looking for interesting information there.
* * *
1. Wliat building do you live in? 2. How many rooms does your flat consist of? 3. What modern conveniences are there in your flat? 4. Describe your sitting-room. 5. What do you keep in your wardrobe? 6. Where does your family like to get together? 7. What do you usually do in the evenings? 8. Describe your own room. 9. Have you got a computer? 10. Wliere is it placed?
Mr. Robson, an old friend of mine, invited me to visit him somehow, and 1 stayed at his house for the last weekend. He lives in a very nice house. It is called “The Pines” and is about ten miles from London. There is a big garden all round it and a smooth lawn in front of the house with beds of roses in it.
The Robsons greeted me warmly and welcomed into the house. We came into the sitting-room and sat down in armchairs before the fireplace. Their sitting-room is quite a big room, about 25 feet long by 15 feet wide. There was a thick carpet on the floor. One or two water-colours hang on the walls. There was a piano on one side of the room. There were three or four comfortable armchairs, a TVset, some bookcases filled with books. On a small table near the window there were copies of The Times, The Guardian and some foreign newspapers and magazines.
After we had chatted for a little time, Mrs. Robson asked us to dinner. So we went to the dining-room, a pleasant-looking room with a Persian carpet on the floor, a dark oak dining-table, six chairs and a sideboard. A red lampshade gave a warm colour to the room, and an electric fire kept it comfortable while we had dinner.
When we had finished dinner, Mr. Robson took me to his study for a quiet smoke and to show me some of his books. Then we had some coffee talking together and listening to the news on the radio. At about 11 o’clock we felt rather tired and sleepy and Mr. Robson showed me upstairs to my bedroom.
Upstairs there were five bedrooms, a bathroom and a lavatory. We went to my room and he said, uHere you are. There is running water in your room and you can wash there or to go to the bathroom, whichever you prefer. You will find soap in the soapdish, and here are your towels. There are sheets and two blankets on your bed. Do you want anything else?”
I was very comfortable and spent a wonderful weekend at Robsons.
* * *
1. Where does Mr. Robson live? 2. How is his house called? 3. Where is it situated? 4. How does his sitting-room look like? 5. Where did the family and the guest have dinner? 6. Desdribe Mr. Robson’s dining-room. 7. What room did they smoke in? 8. Where did Mr. Robson show the guest to, when he felt tired? 9. What conveniences could the guest find in the bedroom? 10. How did he spend time at Robsons?
11. Readr translate and memorize the following phrases.
1. A many-storied building; the third floor; to consist of; a sitting-room; a bathroom; a kitchen; a lavatory; all modem conveniences; central heating; running water; a mirror; a hallstand; in the middle of the room; to cover with a tablecloth; to the right of the door; a wall-unit; a sideboard; a bookcase; a built-in wardrobe; opposite the TV set; in the left-hand comer; a standing lamp; to get together; to look through magazines and newspapers; to change opinions; furniture; soft carpet; curtains; window-sill; coat-hangers; various units; drawers.
2. To greet warmly; in front of the house; to welcome into the house; fireplace; to chat; to ask to dinner; a lampshade; to listen to the news; to show upstairs; whichever you prefer; to feel tired and sleepy; a smooth lawn; a dining-room; a study; a bedroom; water colours; comfortable armchairs; a side-board; soap-dish; a towel; sheets; a blanket; anything else.
12. Translate the text in a written form, using a dictionary.
Text3. THE CITY I LIVE IN
(Rostov-on-Don)
1. 1 live in the south of Russia, in a beautiful big city Rostov- on-Don, often called the Gateway to the Caucasus. As you know, the first settlement was founded on the right bank of the Don river in 1749 as a custom house. 12 years later, in 1761, a fortress named after Dmitry Rostovsky Was built there, and soon it turned into a trade center which Developed quickly due to its favourable geographical position.
With great enthusiasm Rostovites Worked at construction sites, building new industrial enterprises and dwelling areas. But the Great Patriotic War Interrupted peaceful life of Rostovites. During the war Rostov Was almost completely Ruined. Fascists Destroyed Many large industrial enterprises of the city. They Killed more than 40 thousand peaceful inhabitants, and Drove 53 thousand Rostovites away to Germany. Rostovites cherish the memory of those who Gave their lives during the war. The Eternal Flame in honour of the fallen soldiers is burning in Karl Marx Square. In the suburbs of Rostov there is a memorial “Zmiyevskaya Balka” in memory of thousands of peaceful inhabitants executed in the ravine during the years of fascist occupation.
Rostov-or-Don
2. Now Rostov is a big industrial city, an important railway, highway, airline and waterway junction. It is a port of five seas. There are a lot of plants, enterprises, joint ventures and banks in the city. The leading branch of industry is machine-building. Rostov is also a large scientific centre. Here there are many scientific research institutes, the South Federal University, many other higher educational establishments, the North Caucasian Higher School Research Center.
Rostov is a big cultural centre.. There are four theatres in the city: the-Academic Drama Theatre named after M. Gorky, the Theatre for Young Spectators, the Musical ComedyTheatre, the Puppet Theatre. There is also the Philarmonic Society and the Documentary Film Studio.
13.Write a letter to your pen-friend about the house (flat) you live in. See p. 45-47.
14. Pay attention to examples of different kinds of letters.
α) Invitations and Replies to Invitations
Dear Michael,
Thank you very much for your invitation. I shall be delighted to come to tea…
Or
Dear Michael,
Thank you for your invitation to tea. I should have been delighted to come but unfortunately… etc.
Mr. Michael Jones has much pleasure in accepting Miss Mary Smith’s kind invitation to a Fancy Dress Party on 27lh December at 3 p. m.
Or
7 Clifton Avenue, Leeds 2
B) A friendly note
June 30.
Dear Irene,
1 hear that Soames is going to Henley tomorrow for the night. 1 thought it would be great fun if we made up a little party and drove down to Richmond Will you ask Mr. Bosinney, and I would get young Flippard.
Emily will lend us the carriage. I will call for you and your young man at seven o’clock.
Your affectionate sister, Winifred Dartie.
C) A letter to a relative
Sheldrake House
Broadstairsj
July 1.
My dear Joe,
We have been here now a fortnight, and have had good weather on the whole. The air is bracing, but my liver is out of order, and I shall be glad enough to get back to town. I shall be glad to hear from you in the course of a few days whether you have succeeded in gaining any information about June’s health. The situation is very distressing to me. I worry about it greatly. With my love to Jolly and Holly.
Your affectionate father
Jolyon Forsyte.
D) A business letter
309 D, Sloane Street
May 15.
Dear Forsyte,
The Constniction of your house being now completed, my duties as architect have come to an end. If I am to go on with the business of decoration, which at your request 1 undertook, I should like you to clearly understand that I must have a free hand.
Please make up your mind, whether you want me to decorate for you, or to retire, which on the whole I should prefer to do.
But I understand that, if I decorate, I decorate alone, without interference of any sort. If I do the thing, I will do it thoroughly, but I must have a free hand.
Yours truly,
Philip Bosinney
15. Listen to the text and check your comprehension.
St. Petersburg, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, was founded by Peter the Great in 1703 as the “Window to the Europe”. The city was built on the swampy land at the mouth of the Neva river. The Peter and Paul Fortress was erected to protect the Nevabanks from Swedish invasion. Laterthe fortress became a prison. Now it is a museum.
During the Great Patriotic War the city suffered a great deal. The German armies laid siege to it in 1941, and for the next year and a half it was cut off from the rest of the country. No food could be brought in, and people died of starvation. Daily shelling and air raids destroyed the city, thousands of people were killed. Rebuilding took years.
Now St. Petersburg is an industrial, cultural and scientific centre. There are over eighty museums, about twenty theatres, exhibitions, a university, colleges, libraries. In St. Petersburg there are a lot Ofbeautiful parks and gardens. The Summer Garden is the oldest and the most fascinating park. Beautiful marble statues made by Italian sculptors and a cast iron grille decorate the Summer Garden.
The city is famous for its magnificent architectural ensemble of the 18-19 centuries. The largest and the most remarkable square in the city is Palace Square. The Winter Palace built by Rastrelli was the residence of Russian tsars till the revolution. The Hermitage, one of the oldest art museums in Russia, occupies the Winter Palace and some other buildings. There one can see masterpieces of the outstanding artists: Raphael, Rembrandt, Velazques and many others. The Russian Museum, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the Admiralty building attract thousands of tourists from all over the world. The city is called Northern Venice because there are 65 rivers and canals there with artistically decorated bridges. The city is also famous for its beautiful white nights.
St. Petersburg
* * *
1. Who founded St. Petersburg and when? 2. What does the “Window to the Europe” mean? 3. Where was the new city built? 4. What was the role of the Peter and Paul Fortress? 5. What was the fate of the city during the Great Patriotic War? 6. What is St. Petersburg now? 7. What can you say about the Summer Garden? 8. What sights is the city famous for? 9. Why the city called Nortem Venice? 10. Have you ever been to St. Petersburg?
16. Speak about the house, the flat or the city you live in.
17. Read in pairs and practice the dialogues..
(Mr. Harris is going to buy a new house for his family. So, he comes to the bank manager to take a short-term credit.)
Bank manager: Good morning, Mr. Harris. Please, sit down.
Mr. Harris: Good morning. Thank you.
BM.: Now, one or two questions.
Mr. H.: Yes, of course.
BM.: How old are you, Mr. Harris?
Mr. H.: Thirty two.
BM.: And you are Canadian, aren’t you?
Mr. H.: Yes, that’s right.
BM.: Are you married?
Mr. H.: Yes, I am.
BM.: What is your wife’s name?
Mr. H.: Monica.
BM.: And what is your wife’s age?
Mr. H.: She’s thirty.
BM.: Thirty. And is she Canadian, too?
Mr. H.: No, she’s British.
BM.: British, yes. Have you got any children?
Mr. H.: Yes, three. Two boys and a girl.
BM.: 1 see. Now one more question, Mr. Harris. What is
Your job?
Mr. H.: Γ m a university teacher.
BM.: Thank you. Now you want $ 100,000 to buy a house.
Mr. H.: That’s right.
BM.: Well, I think we can grant you a credit for the period of
5 years.
Mr. H.: Thank you very much.
Dialogue 2. THIS IS EDWARD SPEAKING
Edward: Excuse me, may I use your telephone?
Secretary: Certainly.
Edward: Thank you. (Picks up the receiver and dials the number). Hello, is this 4—3-8-4—9—0?
Voice: No, you’ve got the wrong number.
Edward: Oh, I’m sorry… Hello, is this the home of Helen Brown?
Voice: Yes, it is.
Edward: Γd like to speak to Helen.
Voice: Hold on, please.
Helen: Hello!
Edward: Is that you, Helen? This is Edward speaking. How are you getting on?
Helen: Oh, Eddie, Tm all right, thanks. And you?
Edward: Fine, thank you. Γm phoning to tell you that next Sunday Γm having a party at my place. Won’t you, please, come?
Helen: Thanks a lot. Γd like to very much.
Edward: Splendid. It starts about seven.
Helen: Γm sure, I Won’t be late.
Edward: Good. I’ll be expecting you. So long. See you on Sunday.
Helen: Good bye, Eddie. Thanks for calling.