Make up dialogues of your own using Dialogue 1 as a model.

Situations: You meet your friend and ask him about:

                   a). his recent visit to Great Britain;

                   b). English weather;

                   c). the things you like and dislike in Great Britain.

 

DIALOGUE 2

Talking of IMPRESSIONS ABOUT BRITAIN and the British

   A British reporter puts questions to three American students who recently       spent a year at British universities.

Reporter: After nearly a year in Britain, what are your impressions of the country and people?

Michael: Sharing a common language is important; in spite of what some Americans say, we do speak the same language. As a result, there’s great interest in the literature of the other nation – not to mention pop music and television.

Laura: I’m much more struck by the personality difference. British people often talk about loudness of Americans but I think Americans are more open.

Steve: Personally I’ve found it more difficult to have serious discussions with British students than with other European students. It’s really difficult to talk with a British student about anything more serious than football or beer.

Michael: I don’t agree. I’ve had discussions on serious things with English students. But I have to admit that “British reserve” so much talked about is a reality; the British I’ve met are hard to get to know.

Laura: We shouldn’t be too critical. There are a lot of things which we like here.

Michael: Well, I think that the observation that the British are more polite is true. And, as far as I have been able to see, the cities of Britain haven’t yet reached the point of no return in crime* that some of our cities have.

Reporter: Finally, what strikes you as the most important difference between the two nations?

Steve: The pace of life. Everyday life moves much faster in America; everything is much more intense. But I think things are changing in Britain and in ten years it’ll be the same here.

Note: *the point of no return in crime – (зд.) очень высокий уровень преступности.

Memorize and reproduce Dialogue 2.

Fill in the missing remarks of the dialogue.

A.: How did you enjoy your stay in Britain?

B.: … .

A.: What did your programme include?

B.: … .

A.: What’s your general impression?

B.: … .

A.: What are British people like?

B.: … .

A.: Would you like to go to Britain again?

B.: … .

 

DIALOGUE 3

Talking of the British

Stogov’s stay in London is coming to an end. Before leaving the country he visits Mr. Brown with whom he has been doing business.

 

Stogov: Well, Mr. Brown. I’ve come to say good-bye. This time on Monday I’ll be in Moscow.

Brown: I’m sure you’ll be glad to get back; I hope you are not disappointed with your stay here.

Stogov: On the contrary. I did enjoy it. On the whole, business went well.

Brown: Lots of people think that the British are cold and reserved. Many foreigners say: “Oh, you English are unsociable!”

Stogov: Yes, I’ve heard that said. But after meeting British people I realized that they could be as friendly and helpful as people anywhere else.

Brown: And what do you think of English cooking? I’m afraid it doesn’t enjoy the best of reputations.

Stogov: Why? It may be plain but it’s wholesome¹ and healthy. What did strike me is your love of tea. It seems to be your national drink.

Brown: I couldn’t agree with you more. We are great tea-drinkers. We even drink it while watching television.

Stogov: That reminds me! The other day I saw an advertisement for tea which said: “Join the Tea-V set!”

Brown: Speaking of advertising I’d say things are changing in this country. There was a time when our industries resisted advertising strongly. Now it’s considered respectable and industry invests heavily in advertising.

Stogov: I’ve noticed that your advertisements are not wordy but to the point and very expressive. The ads are witty, too.

Brown: Yes, they are. A lot of skill and humour goes into the ads.

Stogov: But it’s not easy for foreigners to understand the English sense of humour.

Brown: That may be true to a certain extent. English humour is ironical and is often directed against the person himself who tells the joke.

Stogov: You’re fond of verbal battles, too, aren’t you? It’s quite common to find good friends insulting each other. Of course, they both realize that they are just pulling each other’s legs².

Brown: As English people say: “We always try to find something outside ourselves. It restores our sense of proportion.”

 

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