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Архитектура Аудит Военная наука Иностранные языки Медицина Металлургия Метрология Образование Политология Производство Психология Стандартизация Технологии |
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Архитектура Аудит Военная наука Иностранные языки Медицина Металлургия Метрология Образование Политология Производство Психология Стандартизация Технологии |
Task 1. Fill in the table with the italicized words.Стр 1 из 21Следующая ⇒
Family Relations Task 1. Fill in the table with the italicized words. Father, cousin, brother-in-law, son, grandfather, step-daughter, mother-in-law, half-sister, grandmother, wife, uncle, sister-in-law, brother, aunt, great grandmother, mother, sister, ex-husband, husband, daughter, father-in-law, grandson, nephew, granddaughter, niece, great grandfather, ex-wife, half-brother, step-father, step-son, step-mother. MY RELATIVES |
RELATIONSHIP TO ME | ||||
| male | female | ||||
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Parent | relative of whom I am the child | ||||
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Sibling | we have the same father and mother | ||||
| sibling of my parent | |||||
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Grandparent | parent of my parent | ||||
| parent of my grandparent | |||||
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| child of my uncle or aunt | ||||
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Spouse | relative to whom I am married | ||||
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Child | relative of whom I am the parent | ||||
| child of my sibling | |||||
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Grandchild | child of my child | ||||
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In-laws | parent of my spouse | ||||
| sibling of my spouse; spouse of my sibling | |||||
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After divorce | my previous spouse (we divorced) | ||||
| my sibling born to my father or mother but not both | |||||
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Step-parent | new spouse of one of my parents | ||||
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Step-child | child of my spouse but not of me | ||||
Task 2. Fill in the text with the terms from the table (task 1):
Your family tree
Your closest relatives are your parents: your (1) _______________ and (2) _______________; and your (3) _______________ (brothers or sisters). If your mother or father is not an only child, you also have a(n) (4) _______________ and/or a(n) (5) _______________. If your aunts or uncles have children, they are your (6) _______________.
When you marry, your husband’s (or wife’s) family become your (7) _______________. The mother of your spouse (husband or wife) is your (8) _______________ and his or her father becomes your (9) _______________. The term in-law is also used to describe your relationship with the spouses of your siblings. So the husband of your sister becomes your (10) _______________, while the sister of your husband becomes your (11) _______________. If you are a woman, you become the daughter-in-law of your husband’s parents, and if you are a man, you become the son-in-law of your wife’s parents. The same term in-law is used for all generations.
The parents of your parents are your (12) _______________ — grandmother and grandfather. If your grandparent has a sister or a brother, they are your great-aunt and great-uncle. (And you are either his or her great-niece or great-nephew.)
If your mother or father remarries, you can acquire a new family and set of relatives. For example, if your father marries a second wife, she becomes your (13) _______________. Any children she already has become your stepbrother or stepsister. If your mother or father remarries and has children, they become your (14) _______________ or (15) _______________.
You might also hear people talking about their biological brother / sister etc., to mean a brother who is related by blood, rather than by marriage.
The main family types are nuclear family (only mother, father and children), today nuclear families are often single-parent/one-parent families. The bigger unit is immediate family — your closest relatives — grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins. The entire family (all relatives you have) makes an extended family.
Families may be close-knit, where the members have close relationships with each other or dysfunctional (where the members have serious problems with each other).
When members of the family look similar, we speak of family resemblance, when there exists a characteristic that is common among family members, we say that it runs in the family. Also, characteristic for the family are family gatherings, family values and family-sized (big) packages of food.
Task 3. Write /Tell about the advantages and disadvantages of growing in a large, extended family and in a small family using the table and the ‘Key Language’.
| Advantages | Disadvantages | |
| Small Family | The attention of the parents is focused on the only child; the child can enjoy expensive after-school activities, travelling, etc.; they can have newest technologies and more money can be invested in education. | The only child often feels lonely, especially if parents spend a lot of time at work; there are no close relatives after parents pass away; the child can develop egoistical features of character. |
| Extended Family | When people grow together, they develop close ties to the end of their lives; there is always somebody to play with and talk to; people learn to help and cooperate. | There are fewer possibilities for expensive development; there is often sibling rivalry; less money is invested into education. |
Key Language: Compare and Contrast
They both have…
Both of them are…
One of these … while the other…
On one hand (the extended family) is … but on the other hand…
On one hand…/ On the other hand…/ At the same time…
In comparison to the small family, the large one…
It’s quite difficult to compare them but…
However…/ Though…/ While…/ Whereas…
Family problems
Every family has family problems. Whenever you have a group of people who spend hours with each other there are going to be problems. Personalities clash and power struggles happen as parents and children learn how to cope with each other.
A family can be compared to a tapestry made of people of different ages, different personalities, different likes and dislikes. This diversity produces major family problems.
The generation gap occurs when family members do not understand each other well because of the interests typical for different ages (e.g. favourite music styles, clothes, etc.). Generation gap is a cause of many quarrels, arguments and misunderstandings, very often family members are annoyed and ill-treated.
Verbal infections cause conversations to escalate into an argument. Arguments in their turn cause miscommunication and may be the root of the family problems.
Overprotection or overparenting is a typical feature of responsible parents. They pay extremely close attention to their child’s experiences and problems. This phenomenon is also known as ‘ helicopter parents ’, who are connected with their children with the ‘longest umbilical cord’ — the cell phone. Such parents interfere into their children’s problems and attempt to move out all the obstacles from the ways of their children. Very often, instead of establishing a close bond between parents and children, overparenting can break the relationship down because of growing mutual misunderstanding.
Dysfunctional families are the families where family members have serious problems with each other. Parents neglect their children, give no support and the children feel lonely at home. That may cause children’s loneliness and psychological problems.
In general, no family member is immune to family problems. If you want to have a happy family, it’s necessary to take a responsibility for your family rather than blaming others for it. As we all know, it takes at least two people to cause a problem and at least two to resolve the problem. It’s OK to feel angry in certain situations, but learn to vent your anger in a constructive way. No matter what the cause of the problem is or who is to blame, you need to learn to forgive and to move forward in your life.
1 The families have problems because________.
2 A family may be compared to ____________________
3 The generation gap is________.
4 Verbal infections cause ________________
5 ‘ Helicopter parents’ are________.
6 Overparenting can __________________
7 In dysfunctional families________.
8 Children’s loneliness and psychological problems can be caused by _______________________
9 When people vent their anger in a constructive way they________.
10 When people resolve the problems they________.
Friends and Acquaintances
Task 1. How do you prefer to spend your life? Express your ideas about being alone or having friends using the table and the ‘Key Language’.
| Pros | Cons | |
| Being Alone | Pursue your own interests; not to be caught up in other people’s problems; learn to enjoy your own company; less restrictions (able to do what you like). | Become bored and restless; cannot interact with others; loss of self-esteem; feel isolated; become anti-social. |
| Surrounded by Friends | Share the thoughts/problems/feelings with others; receive help and support in difficult times; always have a busy social life; cheer you up when you feel unhappy. | Expectations of others can be demanding at times; receive unwanted criticism; hard to find time to do personal things; upsetting when a person lets you down/betrays your trust. |
| Dating Somebody | Have only eyes for somebody, fall head over heels in love with; to be inseparable; to be a well-matched couple. | Relationship may have its ups and downs (bumpy relationship); love may turn sour (become bad); people can break down/split because of genuine misunderstanding. |
Key Language
Firstly…/First of all… Secondly…/In addition…
Then there is…/The fact is that…/Another thing that… Also…/Finally…
Types of friends
Different people have different tastes and temperaments and make different types of friends. They tend to bond with some and stay away from the others. It is rightly said that ‘ A friend to all is a friend to none ’. We meet new people day in day out but, we tend to be friends with only those who share some similar traits or attitudes. It’s true that ‘ birds of a feather flock together ’ — we are attracted to the people, who have a similar focus in their lives. With time and growing trust, some people get really close to each other and remain true friends. They stand up for each other in times of need and provide full support when you lose confidence in yourself.
However, every friend is not the same type. Some friends are patient and helpful while some friends are cheerful and caring.
Childhood friends are the friends, who are stay in touch with you since early days in life. They may also be old friends, with whom you go back for years. Such people may have different jobs and interests in life, but you are united with the same past and reminiscences about it.
A trusted friend is a person, whom you can rely on. A trusted friend is often a man (woman) after your heart — they think and do the same as you. Trusted friends make a circle of friends. One from the circle may be your best friend or soul mate. Your trusted friends may be also called bosom friends, buddies or pals.
Mates are the people you communicate with in certain situations. They may be classmates, workmates, group mates, flat mates, etc.
Internet Friends. With increasing Internet usage, the trend of Internet friendship has also become popular. Online friends are those people who have known each other through the Internet. Making Internet friends is similar to making pen pals. Pen friend, also known popularly as Pen Pals is quite a popular way to make new friends. Mostly, pen friendship aims at learning other cultures, different lifestyles and to even get rid of loneliness.
Animal Friends. It has been rightly said, ‘Animals are such wonderful creatures, as they ask no questions’. Humans and animals have been known to have a special bond with each other since times immemorial. Somebody has said that ‘A dog is a man’s best friend’. The relation that we share with animals is a very warm and protective one.
| Types of Friends | Other Names | Type of Relationship |
| ___________________________ ___________________________ | ___________________________ ___________________________ | ___________________________ __________________________ |
| ___________________________ __________________________ | ___________________________ __________________________ | ___________________________ __________________________ |
| ___________________________ ___________________________ | ___________________________ ___________________________ | ___________________________ ___________________________ |
| ___________________________ ___________________________ | ___________________________ ____________________________ | ___________________________ ____________________________ |
LOVE AND MARRIAGE
Task 1. Express your ideas about dating and marriage using the table and the ‘Key Language’.
| Pros | Cons | |
| Dating Somebody | Have only eyes for somebody; fall head over heels in love with; to have butterflies in the stomach; to be head over heels in love; to be hooked; to be under smb’s spell; to be absolutely crazy about smb. | Relationship may have its ups and downs (bumpy relationship); love may turn sour (become bad). |
| Marrying Somebody | To be inseparable; to be a well-matched couple; to be totally nuts about smb; to think we are made for each other; to think you will be always in love. | People can break down/split because of genuine misunderstanding; one person may cheat and another may become jealous. |
Key Language
Firstly…/First of all… Secondly…/In addition… Then there is…
The fact is that… Another thing that… Also…/Finally…
Starting relationship
Crush, courage, made for each other, ask, blind, adorable, sight, hit it off, hooked.
When you meet the person that looks (1) ____________________ for you, you may have a ( 2 ) __________________ on this person. It may be love at first ( 3 ) __________________ or you may ( 4 ) __________________ — get along with someone right after the beginning. Then you have to work up the ( 5 ) __________________ to ( 6 ) __________________ them out. Or you may ash a friend to arrange you ( 7 ) __________________ date. It may appear that you are ( 8 ) _________________ or the person got you ( 9 ) _________________.
Dating
Romantic, falls, date, along, know, seeing, steady, couple, hooked.
When couples go on a (1 0 ) _______________, they usually go to a (1 1 ) _______________ restaurant or café, where they can get to (1 2 ) _______________ each other better. When you start dating somebody regularly, we say that you are ‘ (1 3 ) _______________’ somebody. If you get (1 4 ) _______________ really well then you might become a (1 5 ) _______________.
Sometimes one person (1 6 ) _______________ in love, which means they are (1 7 ) _______________ on the other person. When people date each other for a long time, they have (1 8 ) _______________ relationship.
Love and Marriage
Proposes, engaged, bride, ring, asks, bridegroom, fiancé, fiancé e, husband, wife.
When couples go out for a long time, they may decide to get (1 9 ) _______________. One partner, usually the man, ( 20 ) _________________. When he proposes, he gives a woman a wedding ( 2 1) ___________________ and ( 22 ) ___________________ her to may him. They become a ( 23 ) ___________________ and a ( 24 ) ___________________. At the wedding fiancé becomes a ( 25 ) ___________________ and fiancé e become a ( 26 ) _________________. After the wedding they are ( 27 ) ___________________ and ( 28 ) ___________________.
Ending Relationship
Apart, divorced, single, break, argue, heartbroken, over, cheat, jealous.
Sometimes couples start to ( 29 ) _________________ over everything. Other couples just grow ( 30 ) _________________. Also, one person may ( 3 1) _________________ and another may get ( 32 ) _________________. Then couples ( 33 ) _________________ up. If they are married they get ( 34 ) _________________. Then one person becomes a ( 35 ) _________________ parent and another person remarries. However, when couples split apart, one person will need some time to get ( 36 ) _______________ the relationship because he or she is ( 3 7 ) _________________.
People and Personalities
Physical appearance
| Age | young, elderly, middle-aged, teenager, in 20’s, 30’s, 40’s |
| Height | tall, tallish, short, shortish, average, medium height |
| Build | frail, stocky, slim, thin, plump, fat, skinny, well-built |
| Hair | short, long dyed hair, blond highlights, braids; straight, wavy, curly, a ponytail, bald, spiky; white, grey, blond, light/dark brown, red black |
| Face | plain, wide, round, oval, square, with scares, wrinkles, freckles, sun-tanned, pale |
| Complexion | light, white, olive-skinned, sun-tanned |
| Eyes | green, blue, hazel, black; beautiful, big round eyes, large, small, bright, narrow, almond-shaped |
| Clothes | elegant, casual, shabby, smart, tidy, messy |
| General | beautiful, pretty, handsome, cute, good looking |
Character
| Positive | Negative | |
| Personality Features | pleasant personality, good-tempered, good-natured, easy-going | terrible character, bad-tempered, ill-natured |
| Attitude to Friends | friendly, sociable, outgoing | unfriendly, hostile, unsociable |
| Attitude to Difficulties | strong, tough, independent, mature | weak, immature |
| Dependence/ Independence | dependable, reliable, honest, trustworthy | unreliable, dishonest |
| Reason | reasonable, sensible | unreasonable, unpredictable, impulsive |
| Ambitions | ambitious, hard-working, energetic | careless, lazy |
| Discipline | disciplined, organized, careful, accurate | undisciplined, disorganized, careless |
| Generosity | generous, unselfish, kind-hearted, kind | economical, thrifty, stingy, miserly, greedy |
| Attention | attentive, perceptive, observant, insightful, thoughtful, considerate | self-centred, selfish, egoistical |
| Formality/ Informality | formal, official | informal, relaxed, casual |
| Sense of Humour | humorous, amusing, funny, interesting | dull, boring |
Task 2. Describe any person using the ‘Key Language’.
Key Language
| Gender + Age | This is a girl of… He is a man around… |
| Height + Build | She is tallish and quite skinny. He is (not) very tall. |
| Hair | She wears her hair short. She loves braiding her hair. |
| Face | She’s got a light oval face with big green eyes. |
| Distinguishing Features | The best feature about her is … He tends to … |
| Clothes | She always wears… Now he is wearing… She is dressed in… His favourite clothing is… |
| General | Generally he is… She looks as a… |
Zodiac Sign
Confident and energetic
Pioneering and courageous
Dynamic and quick-witted
Enthusiastic
Stubborn
Selfish and quick-tempered
Impulsive and impatient
FRESH VIGOR AND
NEW BEGINNINGS
Patient and reliable
Warm-hearted and loving
Persistent and determined
Placid and security loving
Inflexible
Jealous and possessive
Resentful
Self-indulgent and greedy
MATERIAL PLEASURE
Sociable and friendly
Adaptable and intellectual
Communicative and witty
Youthful and lively
Nervous
Tense
Superficial and inconsistent
Cunning and inquisitive
YOUTH AND VERSATILITY
Careful and emotional
Intuitive and imaginative
Cautious
Protective and sympathetic
Moody
Changeable
Overemotional and touchy
Unable to let go
FAMILY AND DOMESTICITY
Generous and hospitable
Creative and enthusiastic
Broad-minded and expansive
Faithful and loving
Bossy
Pompous and patronizing
Interfering
Dogmatic and intolerant
DIGNITY AND CREATIVITY
Modest and practical
Meticulous and reliable
Intelligent and analytical
Fussy and a worrier
Overcritical and harsh
Perfectionist and conservative
PURITY AND SERVICE
Diplomatic and urbane
Romantic and charming
Easy-going and sociable
Idealistic and peaceable
Changeable
Indecisive
Gullible and easily influenced
Flirtatious and self-indulgent
JUSTICE
Powerful and mature
Determined and forceful
Emotional and intuitive
Exciting and magnetic
Jealous
Resentful
Compulsive and obsessive
Secretive and obstinate
INTENSITY, POWER
Optimistic and freedom-loving
Jovial and good-humoured
Honest and straightforward
Intellectual and philosophical
Impulsive
Blindly optimistic and careless
Irresponsible
Tactless and restless
TRAVEL, EXPANSION
Strong and reserved
Practical and prudent
Ambitious and disciplined
Patient and careful
Pessimistic
Fatalistic
Miserly and grudging
HARD WORK AND BUSINESS AFFAIRS
Outgoing and honest
Friendly and humanitarian
Loyal
Original and inventive
Independent and intellectual
Disorganized
Intractable and contrary
Perverse and unpredictable
Unemotional and detached
FUTURE IDEAS AND THE UNUSUAL
Sympathetic and sensitive
Compassionate and kind
Selfless and unworldly
Intuitive and imaginative
Dependent
Escapist and idealistic
Secretive and vague
Weak-willed and easily led
HUMAN EMOTIONS
b) Which character traits do you think are true for each sign? Ask your classmates, remember your relatives and friends and make your own chart.
| Zodiac Sign | Positive Traits | Negative Traits |
STYLE, CLOTHES AND FASHION
Task 6. Read the text. For questions (1–7) choose the correct answer (A, B, C or D).
Fashion Week
Fashion week is a(n) (1) _________ event — it happens twice a year. In February and March, designers showcase their fall/winter collections; in September and October, they showcase their spring/summer collections (for the following year). Fashion weeks take place all over the world, but the most important ones take place in the four (2) _________ fashion capitals of the world: New York City, London, Milan, and Paris.
The first fashion week always takes place in New York City. For one week, hundreds of American fashion designers (3) _________ their ready-to-wear collections. It is a week packed full of fashion shows. This is a huge event in the fashion industry because it is the first time fashion magazine editors, critics, buyers (the people who decide what to sell in stores), and the public will get a chance to see the new clothing and the latest trends for fall.
A collection is all the new clothes the designer has made for that season. Each designer (4) _________ his/her collection with a fashion show. During the fashion show, models walk down the runway wearing the new clothing (a runway is also known as a catwalk). Usually, a designer likes to have a supermodel walk the runway. A supermodel is someone like Kate Moss, Gisele Bü ndchen, or Heidi Klum — a very well-known and sought after model. Past supermodels include women like Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista and Claudia Schiffer.
Ready-to-wear clothing is clothing that you can walk into a store and buy right off the (5) _________. You can wear it as soon as you buy it. This is different from haute couture clothing (a French expression meaning ‘high fashion’). Couture is expensive, custom-made, one-of-a-kind clothing. You can’t walk into a store and buy a couture dress. Paris, France is the centre of haute couture.
A fashion brand is something like H& M, Levi’s, Gap, Kookai, Zara, Polo (by Ralph Lauren), Chanel, DKNY, Burberry, or Lacoste. They design and make clothing to sell in their own stores or boutiques and department stores.
A fashion designer is someone who designs clothing, like Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, Zac Posen, Stella McCartney, or Vera Wang. Their clothing is sometimes sold in their own stores, but usually their clothing is sold in boutiques and department stores.
A fashion house is a company like Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, or Burberry. They are fashion brands, but they usually specialize in expensive, luxury clothing and other products (like cosmetics, perfume, or shoes). They have been in business for decades — some for over 100 years — and they have usually (6) _________ several designers throughout their history. For example, Karl Lagerfeld is a well-known fashion designer who designed clothing for Chanel, a famous French fashion house.
Are you a fashionista? A fashionista is a slang word for people who love fashion. A fashionista can be a fashion designer, magazine editor, or simply someone who loves to wear the (7) _________ fashionable clothing!
1 A semiannual B semifinal C annual D alien
2 A must-see B major C minor D chief
3 A getting B get C take D showcase
4 A likes B promotes C happens D shows
5 A street B shop window C rack D shelf
6 A employed B got C brought D sent
7 A skimpiest B smallest C newest D latest
Daily Routin E
Effective time management
1 _________________ Time flies and if you want to reach your goals, you have to make your days productive, not to plan anything to kill time and remember that time is money. With some effort you can make your days more efficient. They say there’s a place for everything and everything should be in its place. How about your plan? Do you have a plan or strategy for organizing your clock and commitments? With discipline, you can be an effective time manager.
2 _________________ The first step is to make planning a habit. Remember that what can be done anytime is done at no time. Do not focus on one day, focus on the whole week.
3 _________________ Stephen Covey made a masterful illustration using a bucket, some sand, and several rocks of various sizes. He explained that the sand represents all the busy work that we have to do — must-dos. The bucket represents all the time we have for all the demands of our lives. What happens with most of us is that we fill up our buckets with the sand first, and then we can only put a few rocks on top, and there’s no more room for the rest. What he suggested is that we put all our rocks into the bucket first, and then fill in all the available spaces with the sand. And miraculously, everything fits in our container! This is the philosophy you need to employ when you schedule your week. Identify all your big rocks, and block out the time to handle these first. Then worry about the sand afterwards. We have to make sure that we handle the important stuff first, and not let the busy work consume our days.
4 _________________ Don’t plan the every hour of your day and week as it may turn out to be crammed with activities. Leave some time for you to catch up when the unexpected happens. Learn the art of juggling your activities and adapting to unplanned changes.
5 _________________ Learn how to say no. It’s more important than you may think. We have to learn how to say no when it’s needed or else we won’t get anything done. There is a lot of disturbing elements around us.
6 _________________ Once you have your days scheduled, you need to exercise discipline and stick to what you planned. Do everything you can to eliminate distractions and really focus on what you have to do. You will be amazed how much more productive you can be. Remember that procrastination is the thief of time!
7 _________________ Don’t forget to leave sometime for yourself to think, ponder, and for emergencies. If you are going to work for 10 hours, for example, make sure you leave 2 hours for pondering and emergencies. At the end of the day, reassess how your day went. Did you accomplish everything you wanted to do? Was your day beneficial?
A Why Planning Is Necessary
B Who Needs Planning?
C Discipline, Discipline, Discipline
D Be Flexible with Your Time
E The One Word that Can Save You Tons of Time…
F Learn to Prioritize
G Schedule at Least One Week at a Time
H Assess Your Day
Task 4. Compare your working day with the working day of your parents or friends using the ‘Key Language’.
| Describe the General State of Events | It’s a matter of fact… It is a fact that…/It is… |
| Express Your Preferences | I really like/love/enjoy… I find … really fascinating… I prefer … to… If I were to choose I would… |
| Compare | Compared with… In the same way/manner… Similarly… Likewise… |
| Contrast | Besides…/However…/In contrast… Naturally…/Nevertheless… Different from…/On the contrary… |
Dwelling
Task 4. The Interior of the House. Most houses and apartments can be divided into two big zones: the living space and the non-living space. Divide the parts of this space into two categories and fill in the table.
A living room (a sitting room/a lounge/a family room), a bathroom (shower), a lavatory (toilet), a kitchen, a garage, a storage room (box room), an attic, a bedroom, a nursery, a basement (cellar), a dining room (dining area), a study (an office), a recreation room (rumpus room/television room), a loft, stairs, a stair well, a landing, a workshop, a gym, a library.
| The Living Space | The Non-living Space |
Problems of Everyday Life
Stress
Stress is a natural part of life. The expressions are familiar to us, ‘ I’m stressed out, ’ ‘ I’m under too much stress, ’ or ‘ Work is one big stress. ’ Stress can be both physical and mental. You may feel physical stress which is the result o f too much to do, not enough sleep, a poor diet or the effects of an illness. Stress can also be mental: when you worry about money, a loved one’s illness, retirement, or experience an emotionally devastating event, such as the death of a spouse or being fired from work. The following advice may help you fight your stress.
BE REALISTIC. If you feel overwhelmed by some activities (yours and/or your family’s), learn to say NO! Eliminate an activity that is not absolutely necessary. You may be taking on more responsibility than you can or should handle. If you meet resistance, give reasons why you’re making the changes. Be willing to listen to other’s suggestions and be ready to compromise. And don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.
MEDITATE. Just ten to twenty minutes of quiet reflection may bring relief from chronic stress as well as increase your tolerance to it. Use the time to listen to music, relax and try to think of pleasant things or nothing.
VISUALIZE. Use your imagination and picture how you can manage a stressful situation more successfully. Whether it’s an exam, a presentation or moving to a new place, many people feel visual rehearsals boost self-confidence and enable them to take a more positive approach to a difficult task.
TAKE ONE THING AT A TIME. For people under tension or stress, an ordinary workload can sometimes seem unbearable. The best way to cope with this feeling of being overwhelmed is to take one task at a time. Pick one urgent task and work on it. Once you accomplish that task, choose the next one. The positive feeling of ‘checking off’ tasks is very satisfying. It will motivate you to keep going.
LIVE PRODUCTIVELY. Firstly, exercise regularly. Regular exercise is a popular way to relieve stress. Twenty to thirty minutes of physical activity benefits both the body and the mind. Also, find a hobby. Take a break from your worries by doing something you enjoy. Whether it’s gardening or painting, schedule time to indulge your interest. And, finally, stick to a healthy life style. Good nutrition makes a difference. Limit intake of caffeine and alcohol, get adequate rest, exercise, and balance work and play.
SHARE YOUR FEELINGS. A conversation with a friend lets you know that you are not the only one having a bad day, caring for a sick child or working in a busy office. Stay in touch with friends and family. Let them provide love, support and guidance. Don’t try to cope alone.
GIVE IN OCCASIONALLY. Be flexible! If you find you’re meeting constant opposition in either your personal or professional life, rethink your position or strategy. Arguing only intensifies stressful feelings. If you know you are right, stand your ground, but do so calmly and rationally. Make allowances for other’s opinions and be prepared to compromise. If you are willing to give in, others may meet you halfway. Not only will you reduce your stress, you may find better solutions to your problems.
GO EASY WITH CRITICISM. You may expect too much of yourself and others. Try not to feel frustrated, let down, disappointed or even ‘trapped’ when another person does not measure up. The ‘other person’ may be a family member or a friend whom you are trying to change to suit yourself. Remember, everyone is unique, and has his or her own virtues, shortcomings, and right to develop as an individual.
How to fight stress?
Shopping
Task 2. Read the text. For questions (1–13) choose the correct answer (A, B, C or D).
A Shopping Trip
Yesterday I went to the department shop, my first (1) _________ was to go to the clothes shop as I had to (2) _________ a shirt I bought last week but which did not (3) _________ properly. Unfortunately, I did not have (4) _________, so the (5) _________ told me I could not get (6) _________. Instead, I (7) _________ it for a shirt in a different style.
Next I went to (8) _________ to buy new shoes, I walked up and down the (9) _________ looking at this week’s (10) _________. Finally, I chose brown shoes to (11) _________ my new suit. There was a (12) _________ at the checkout, so I had to wait some time.
1 A aim B errand C aiming D department
2 A exchanging B exchanged C exchange D change
3 A match B sit C fit D sat
4 A a cheque B a check C a recipe D a receipt
5 A assistant B byer C cashier D porter
6 A return B refund C receipt D check
7 A returned B changed C gave D exchanged
8 A headgear B millinery C footwear D knitwear
9 A stalls B rows C aisles D isles
10 A special B new C latest D fashion
11 A fit B match C sit D come
12 A kiwi B kick C queue D key
Big Shops
A supermarket is often called a grocery store — it is a self-service store with different departments offering food and household things. It typically has such food departments as meat, fresh produce, dairy, bakery, canned and packaged goods and non-food departments such as house hold cleaners, newspapers, clothes and pet supplies. The special feature of a supermarket is that it usually occupies a single level and is situated near a residential area to be convenient to consumers. Very often supermarkets work 24/7 — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
A department store usually sells non-food products and includes such departments as apparel, furniture, home appliances, jewellery, cosmetics, etc. The department stores are not as popular now as they used to be.
A hypermarket is a superstore, which combines a supermarket and a department store. It occupies a very huge territory usually at a single level and may allow you to do all week’s shopping in one place. It usually has one check-out area, though sometimes different departments can sell their products independently.
A shopping mall is one or several buildings forming a complex of shops and services. The visitors can easily walk from unit to unit using wide halls, escalators and stairs. Very often in the centre of the mall there is a food court, where different fast food restaurants open into a big space full of tables and chairs ( a shared sitting area ). Modern malls are inward-facing (no windows, all stores open into a large hall) and make customers spend more in a controlled environment. The term ‘shopping mall’ is used in North America, while in Europe they are called ‘ shopping centres ’ or ‘ shopping precincts ’. In Hong Kong and Bangkok we can find vertical malls that consist of a number of stores accessible by elevators and escalators.
| Shop | Description | Example |
Task 6. Read the text. For questions (1–8) choose the correct answer (A, B, C or D).
New markets
Making a long trip to the supermarket and (1) _________ for hours used to be the normal weekly routine for British and American shoppers. But since the 1990s, there is a better way to get your (2) _________. Supermarket shopping on the Internet has boomed in the UK and the USA.
The major supermarkets have their own websites, and if you (3) _________ online with them, for a small extra sum such as $8/£ 5 the supermarkets will do your shopping for you and (4) _________ it to your door. If you shop with them regularly, they’ll ‘remember’ your favourite items so you can order them next time without searching for them!
These days thousands of people in the UK and the States regularly do their supermarket shopping in this (5) _________. In contrast, in many rural areas of Britain there has been a return to the traditional outdoor market. Farmers’ markets, where farmers (6) _________ their products directly to the customer, had practically died out in Britain because of the attraction of the large supermarkets, but they have been resurrected recently, both to help farmers make more profits, and to provide customers with ‘real’ food again, such as fresh meat, eggs, vegetables and preserves. Organic food has become very popular, and some producers (7) _________ a ‘box service’, where they deliver a weekly box of fruit and vegetables to your door. Customers can’t (8) _________ the food — they just receive whatever is in season — but it is guaranteed to be fresh and free from chemicals, and now you can often order these online too!
1 A standing B queuing C speaking D talking
2 A grocery B grocery’s C groceries D groceries’
3 A send B get C talk D order
4 A deliver B send C mail D bring
5 A track B way C railway D truck
6 A buy B spell C sell D get
7 A run B sell C deliver D queue
8 A selecting B selective C selection D select
Health and Healthcare
Drugs
There are two different types of drugs. There are legal drugs and (1) ________________ drugs. Legal drugs are the type of drugs that the doctor gives you when you are (2) ___________________.
Illegal drugs are the drugs that people (3) ____________________ on the street. Illegal drugs are very (4) ____________________. If someone ever wants you (5) ____________________ any type of substance that you are not sure about, you (6) ____________________ always say no. People who sell drugs on the street are (7) ____________________. If they get caught, they will be sent to (8) ____________________. They sell drugs to get money. They don’t care that people’s lives are (9) ____________________ from taking drugs. If you take illegal drugs, you can become (10) ___________________ to them. That means that you just have to have the drug no matter what.
Some people (11) ___________________ from other people to get money to buy drugs. Drugs (12) ________________ your mind. If you take drugs, you will not be able to think (13) ________________. Your marks in school will (14) ____________________. Your memory won’t be very good. Your (15) ____________________ won’t be the same. It is very unfortunate that some people do try drugs. They think that it won’t (16) ____________________ them. They are (17) ____________________.
If you are (18) ____________________, you will stay away from all drugs, except for the ones that the doctor gives you. Drugs are just bad news. If you know someone who is thinking about (19) ____________________ drugs, tell them that their entire life could be ruined. In America, they had a (20) ____________________ ‘Just say no to drugs.’ It is a good saying, but I think I would rather say, ‘I’m just too smart to take drugs.’
Healthy Living
How to Stay Healthy
You hear a lot about living a healthy lifestyle, but what does that mean? In general, a healthy person doesn’t smoke, is at a healthy weight, eats healthy and exercises. Sounds simple, doesn’t it?
The trick to healthy living is making small changes …taking more steps, adding fruit to your cereal, having an extra glass of water …these are just a few ways you can start living healthy without drastic changes.
One of the biggest problems in today’s world is lack of activity. We know it’s good for us but avoid it like the plague. The truth is, movement is movement and the more you do, the healthier you’ll be. Even moderate activities like chores, gardening and walking can make a difference.
Eating Well
‘ You are what you eat! ’ is a common expression meaning that your body shape is directly related to what or how much you eat. We can also add: ‘You are how you exercise or work out! ’ because good health is impossible without regular exercise.
So if you have a sweet tooth, and like eating cakes, sweets or chocolate, it’s likely that you will eventually put on weight. As you get older, it becomes more difficult to lose/shed weight. In fact, you might see some middle-age spread, where people put on weight especially around their waist and hips.
What’s the best way to lose weight? Do you want to start healthy living or go on a crash diet? The wisest way is to watch what you eat all the time. Some people always count the calories, and avoid snacking between meals. Others cut out certain foods to avoid going up a size.
Eating sensibly all the time is a good way to watch your figure. You can use these tips for simple ways to change how you eat:
Eat more fruit. Add it to your cereal, your salads or even your dinners.
Sneak in more veggies. Add them wherever you can — a tomato on your sandwich, peppers on your pizza, or extra veggies in your pasta sauce. Keep pre-cut or canned/frozen veggies ready for quick snacks.
Eat low-fat or fat-free dairy. Switching to skim milk or fat free yogurt is another simple way to eat fewer calories without having to change too much in your diet.
Make some substitutes. Look through your cabinets or fridge and pick 3 foods you eat every day. Write down the nutritional content and, the next time you’re at the store, find lower-calorie substitutes for just those 3 items.
In conclusion, for the healthy living you may cut down on (reduce the amount of) fatty or sugary foods, take plenty of exercise, and make sure you’re getting your five a day (five portions of fruit or vegetables every day).
| Small Changes that Will Make Your Life Healthier | |
| If You Add a Little Movement, You Can... | |
| Simple Ways to Move Your Body | |
| How We Put On Weight? | |
| How to Eat Sensibly? |
Recreation and Sports
To Play
To Go
badminton
badminton player
bowling
basketball
basketball player
canoeing
volleyball
volleyball player
dancing
hockey
hockey player
jogging
golf
golfer
mountain climbing
football
footballer
running
table tennis (ping-pong)
table tennis player
skating
tennis
tennis player
snorkelling
To Do
swimming
gymnastics
gymnast
windsurfing
athletics
athlete
kayaking
weightlifting
weightlifter
skiing
yoga
‘I do yoga’
sledding
aerobics
‘I do aerobics’
tobogganing
I Go Riding or I Ride
I cycle
I’m a cycler
I run
I’m a runner
I sail
I’m a sailor
I box
I’m a boxer
I row
I’m a rower
I fish
I’m a fisher
b) Visiting a Sport Event.
| What? | Where? |
| a match, a game, a play, a race, a tournament, championship, competition, cup (final, semi-final) match | at the stadium, sports ground, swimming pool, tennis court, gym, health club, track |
c) The following adjectives describe sports. Which of them are positive (P), which are negative (N), which are both (P/N). Decide in pairs.
| Physically demanding Relaxing Spectacular Easy to learn Dangerous Time-consuming | P/N ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ | Tough Competitive Boring Active Energy-consuming Exciting | ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ | Intellectual Highly skilled Popular Monotonous Tiring Challenging | ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ |
Task 2. Describe the sports you know using the vocabulary from Task 1 and the ‘Key Language’.
Key Language
| requires good reflexes requires expensive equipment reinforces team spirit depends on weather involves graceful moments is a popular pass time is a good way to relieves stress stimulates your mind helps maintain good balance is for people of all ages and abilities helps you think quickly | requires a lot of training creates a sense of freedom requires good balance helps strengthen your muscles can be fast-moving can damage back muscles is good for developing coordination demands good swimming skills need to be highly skilled can be injured burns a lot of calories |
Example: I really like/enjoy tennis because it is an exciting sport that requires good reflexes.
Well, I find tennis tiring. I am a big fan of ice-skating as it is a physically demanding sport that involves graceful moments and good timing. Besides, the only equipment you need is a pair of skates.
Oh, and I consider ice-skating spectacular but challenging. Also, there may be a problem to find a skating rink close to the place where you live.
Key Language
Positive Adjectives: interesting, intellectual, relaxing, exciting, cultural, educational, emotional, cheap, energetic, rewarding, thrilling, enjoyable, lively, fascinating, entertaining.
Negative Adjectives: boring, dull, loud, tiring, crowded, noisy, upsetting, horrifying, childish, dangerous, cruel, time-consuming, expensive, hazardous, drab.
Task 7. Hobbies.
a) Read and review the vocabulary.
Many people have a hobby to fill their free time. Experts consider hobbies a perfect way of relieving stress. They say hobbies are interesting stress busters. Hobby is the activity which is a break away from the real world of routine and monotony. Hobbies are divided into five large groups: doing things, making things, collecting things, learning things and keeping pets.
HOBBIES
b) Read the text about keeping pets and fill in the table above.
Many families have a pet — especially when there are children. Common pets in Ukraine are cats and dogs, but also rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds (such as budgies or parrots) and fish. There are fewer exotic pets, as these are often expensive. People often get a young animal as a pet, some people buy their pet from a pet shop, others take it from friends.
If you have a pet, you’re responsible for its training and welfare. You’ll need to house-train a puppy so that it doesn’t use the floor as its toilet. Cats are much quicker to learn. Just place a cat box with cat litter in it near the cat, and it will almost immediately understand that this will be its toilet.
There are dog-training schools (where your dog can learn how to obey commands like ‘Sit! ’, ‘Heel! ’ or ‘Fetch! ’) as well as behave well with other dogs. Good welfare means feeding your pet properly, and taking it for annual check-ups and vaccinations at a vet’s (animal doctor) or making sure it has regular exercise and stimulation. You’ll need to walk your dog at least once a day, and if you have an indoors cat, it will need toys and scratching posts to prevent it from ruining your furniture.
Task 10. Read the text. For questions (1–14) choose the correct answer (A, B, C or D).
What Is Social Networking?
Social Networking… It’s the way the 21st century communicates today. Want to know what it really means?
Social networking is the grouping of individuals (1) _________ specific groups, like small rural communities or a neighbourhood subdivision, if you will. Although social networking is possible (2) _________ person, especially in the workplace, universities, and high schools, it is most popular online.
This is because unlike most high schools, colleges, or workplaces, the Internet (3) _________ with millions of individuals who (4) _________ to meet other people, to gather and share first-hand information and experiences about cooking, golfing, gardening, etc. The topics and interests are as (5) _________ and rich as the story of our universe. When it comes to online social networking, websites are commonly used. These websites (6) _________ as social sites. Social networking websites function like an online community of Internet users. Depending on the website in question, many of these online community members share common interests (7) _________ hobbies, religion, or politics. The friends that you can make are just one of the many benefits to social networking online. Another one of those benefits (8) _________ diversity because the Internet gives individuals from all around the world access to social networking sites. As (9) _________, social networking often involves grouping specific individuals or organizations together. (10) _________ there are a number of social networking websites that focus on particular interests, there are others that do not. The websites without a main focus are often referred to as ‘traditional’ social networking websites and usually have open memberships. This means that (11) _________ can become a member, no matter what their hobbies, beliefs, or views are. As I’m sure you’re aware, there are dangers associated with social networking including data theft and viruses, which are (12) _________ the rise. Although danger does exist with networking online, it also exists in the real world, too. Just like you’re advised when meeting strangers at clubs and bars, school, or work — you are also advised to proceed with caution online.
1 A into B at C with D onto
2 A at B with C in D on
3 A fill B filling C fills D is filled
4 A want B will C must D has
5 A different B variety C various D vary
6 A know B are known C knew D known
7 A similar B likely C as D like
8 A were B was C is D are
9 A gets B involves C has D receives
10 A though B however C so D because
11 A nobody B anybody C every one D somebody
12 A below B at C in D on
Holidays
Social Occasions
Parties and celebrations are the reflection of how people socialize and network. Socializing is meeting people for pleasure; networking is meeting people, who can be useful for you in business or career. Networking at parties involves exchanging business cards and establishing useful connections. When people socialize only with those, who are important for business or career, they hobnob (usually used negatively). People also rub shoulders when they are at the party with someone who is famous.
Many people love holidays for the chance to socialize — to go out or entertain guests at home. The social occasions are divided into personal or informal, when a family, friends or colleagues gather to celebrate or just to relax, and public or formal, which are held on a wider scale.
Informal gatherings include:
office party — an evening or afternoon party organised by your place of work. It could include lunch, or drinks, or a ‘secret santa’ where each employee anonymously buys a present for another employee;
a housewarming party — to celebrate moving to a new house or flat;
family gathering — when family members meet for lunch, dinner, or the whole day;
informal drinks — an informal party at your house where you serve drinks and snacks;
a drink-up — a party in a pub organised by your colleagues or friends;
pub quiz night — when a group of friends go to the pub to take part in a quiz. They organise themselves into teams, and try to get the most answers right to win a prize;
a game party (e.g. bingo ) — where people buy a card with numbers on it, then listen to an announcer reading out numbers. If you hear your numbers, you call ‘Bingo! ’ and win a money prize;
pajama ( sleep-over ) party — when the teenagers are invited to stay for a night or weekend at the home of a host;
a hen party / a girls’ night out — informal gathering of women;
a stag party — a party before a wedding for the future husband and his male friends;
a pool party — a party in summer by the pool.
TRAVELLING
In the airport
The airport is your first stop before leaving on our dream vacation or trip. Generally speaking, you should arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare. Don’t arrive 10 minutes before your plane departs. You can park your car in long-term parking if you are planning to be away for a few days, or you can ask someone to drop you off in the loading zone right in front of the airport terminal. You can check your bags at the check-in counter inside the airport. Once you are checked in, you will have to pass through security where they will check your ID and your carry-on bags. You will also need to walk through a metal detector, which will check for illegal items. After you pass through security, you can walk to the gate where you can wait to board your flight. Just wait until they call your section to board. They usually seat first-class passengers and those who need assistance first. Enjoy your flight.
Aisle, aisle seat, baggage claim area, boarding area, boarding pass, carry-on luggage, cockpit, emergency exit, flight attendant, gate, lavatory, life jacket, metal detector, overhead compartment, oxygen mask, pilot, seat belt, security checkpoint, security officer, terminal, ticket counter, tray table, window seat, X-ray machine.
| You Have Them with You | In the Airport | On the Board of the Plane |
The trip to Seattle
1 ________________ If you are planning a trip to Seattle, Washington, be sure to take advantage of the wide variety of sightseeing opportunities and attractions that this phenomenal metropolitan city has to offer. This fun filled city is located in the beautiful Puget Sound region, which boasts historical, cultural and recreational activities that are sure to please.
2 ________________ Take in Seattle via the Space Needle, which has an observation deck located 520’ above Seattle and offers a breath-taking 360 degree view or charter a seaplane to the local islands.
3 ________________ If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, than a visit to any of Seattle’s unique museums are sure to capture your interest. From fine art to underground tours you are sure to have a fun and enjoyable experience.
4 ________________ The city of Seattle is kid friendly and offers a multitude of attractions suitable for the entire family. Spend the day exploring the Pacific Science Centre, an educational venue for kids of all ages or visit the Woodland Park Zoo for a relaxing destination.
5 ________________ A trip to Seattle wouldn’t be complete without browsing the shops or dining at the many famous restaurants and eateries located in and around the Pike Place Market. The fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down in Seattle. There are many night clubs in Seattle that offer a wide variety of music venues. Whether your preference is jazz, country, rock, hip hop, reggae etc. you are sure to find a place to suit your taste. For something more low key, you might consider a comedy show or relaxing over coffee and desert at a local coffee shop.
6 ________________ No matter what time of year you plan to visit Seattle, Washington, the indoor and outdoor attractions are sure to make your trip to the Pacific Northwest an exciting and memorable experience for everyone!
A If you take children with you.
B The best way to feel the city for height lovers.
C The city offers many sport and recreational facilities.
D Starting to plan your trip.
E Entertainment and shopping.
F The police in the city are very friendly.
G Everyone can find here fun.
H If you’re acrophobic (afraid of height).
London
Set in the (1) _______________ of southern England, London is one of the biggest and busiest cities in Europe. A truly international city, London attracts millions of visitors every year from all ( 2 ) _______________ the world, yet never loses its own unique charm.
London has many impressive sights to see, ranging ( 3 ) _______________ the historical beauty of St. Paul’s Cathedral and Big Ben to Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament. In this city of contrasts, you can be walking ( 4 ) _______________ one of the busiest streets, yet still be less than a mile from one of the many huge, peaceful parks. London is a great cultural centre, too; the National Gallery contains one of the finest collections of classical paintings in the world.
London is also well known ( 5 ) _______________ other things apart from its monuments and art galleries. Shoppers will enjoy visiting the department stores on Oxford Street or they could try Harrods, the most exclusive shop in London. For evening entertainment, the choice of theaters is enormous. From the famouse Southbank Theater complex to the smaller theaters on Covent Garden, there is no end of plays to see. Soho and its pavement café s are also ( 6 ) _______________ visiting.
London is an exceptional place, a truly modern city that has managed to ( 7 ) _______________ its traditional style and sense of history. You may get exhausted in London, but one thing is certain; you will never get bored, as Dr. Johnson once said, ‘When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.’
NEW YORK
You cannot stay neutral about New York. (1) _________ As far as New Yorkers themselves are concerned, they love to hate it. For example, The New York Times last year ran a series of leading articles under the overall title: ‘New Calcutta: an occasional series’. Several of the articles have dealt with homelessness and the need for public housing. A specific case is that of the mentally ill. In New York, as in London, many of the city’s homeless are former occupants of mental institutions who have been put on the streets without adequate shelter provided for them in the city. No one knows exactly how many in New York have no homes to go to, but it is roughly estimated at 100, 000.
(2) _________ There are the weepers, those who sit with their knees drawn up, hand out, crying continuously. There are the ones who ask for big money: ‘Give me a hundred dollars, ’ he cries. So you give him a quarter.
Everything in New York is extreme. It is a city of the incredibly rich and the miserably poor. For the rich, there are expensive private schools and hospitals, concert halls and theatres — although fewer of those than formerly — and restaurants. The poor are on a hiding to nowhere: all public facilities, schools and hospitals and housing, are deteriorating. (3) _________ There are 250, 000 heroin addicts, 500, 000 crack addicts, 400, 000 carriers of the Aids virus.
Of all New York statistics, those concerning crimes of violence are most often quoted. About five people are murdered every day. The record for one day’s killing was set on 9 July 1988 when 20 people were murdered. The total for any one year is going on 2, 000. These are not the traditional gangland slayings. (4) _________ A typical killing occurred in the Bronx when a 14-year-old boy saw two friends being harassed by another teenager. When he tried to cool things down, the teenager pulled out a revolver and shot him. He was dead in seconds. In another case, a woman went to pull her child away from her apartment door because she knew that her flatmate’s boyfriend was outside and angry. A blast from a shotgun ripped through the door, killing her.
The latest fashion in violence is called ‘wilding’. Posses of teenagers often go on the rampage. Their most frequent victims are fellow blacks and Hispanics from the ghetto, violent and drug-infested neighbourhoods which are no longer in anyone’s control. (5) _________ The strangest attacks have been on white women by gangs of black teenage girls: victims have reported being stabbed from behind by needles or pins, and some of them feared that they had been injected with an Aids-infected syringe.
New Yorkers routinely compare their city with Calcutta. But the comparison is unfair. (6) _________ It also has the know-how. In the early eighties, through the drive of one man, Richard Ravitch, the New York subway system was saved from total breakdown. Mr Ravitch, by huge efforts, raised the $8 billion capital needed to clean the stations and trains of their graffiti, to lay down new track, and buy new, air-conditioned rolling stock.
A Has the American government got its priorities right?
B The streets are filled with beggars, or panhandlers, as Americans call them.
C New York has the wealth to do something about its problems.
D These are the result of casual violence combined with easy access to firearms.
E And from Susan to Ginger: ‘Darling, next bus out of town. Be under it.’
F School-children from the ghetto commonly battle each other with knives and razors.
G The statistics of social breakdown make depressing reading.
H You either love it or hate it.
BOOKS AND STORIES
Reading in My Life
Reading is a part of education and the way of understanding the world. In the world of reading there are the questions that are always asked and answered. They are — why we are reading, what we are reading and where and how we are reading.
Reading educates a person, enriches the intellect. Books help to mould a person’s character and form the moral values. Besides, books bring pleasure and delight. Thanks to books we learn to express our thoughts and feelings more exactly. The book is a faithful and understanding friend — it can be put aside and taken up again at any moment.
The most popular types of stories that are developed in modern literature are a myth (something that isn’t true, but is believed by lots of people), a legend (a fiction story about historical figures), an urban legend (a modern (untrue) story where the origins are unknown), a tale (a story), a fairy tale (a story with an unusual characters or actions), a saga (a long story that goes through generations), an account (the facts of what happened), an eye witness/firsthand account (account by someone who was there at the time), a report/ newspaper report (a factual account).
They are represented in the following kinds of books as fiction (non-fact), historical fiction (a story about an event of person in the past), a detective story (a story about a detective), a crime story (about breaking law), a murder mystery/whodunit (a crime story where someone is murdered and the detective has to find the killer), a thriller (a fast-paced story with scary moments), teen fiction (fiction especially aimed at and about teenagers), children’s fiction (stories for children), biography (the story of someone’s life, written by another person), autobiography (the story of someone written by that same person), memoirs (the story of the past — especially written by politicians or public figures), romance (love story), science fiction (fiction about new inventions, aliens, or strange worlds), adventure stories (an account about smb’s adventures), short story (a complete story in a few pages), ghost story (a story about ghosts or haunting), a novel (a longer story with many characters and events).
We can find all kinds of books in the libraries. When a reader comes to a library for the first time, he fills in library card and the librarian helps to choose something to read. The reader is allowed to borrow books for a certain number of days. If you need to find a book, you go to the catalogues. Today many libraries have online catalogues. The reading rooms in the public libraries are open to all who wish to work there. We should not make notes in library books or dog’s ears in the pages. However, today many people choose to download the book from the Internet and read it from the screen of the computer or pocket-book.
| Why are we reading? | |
| What are we reading? | |
| Where and how are we reading? |
MASS MEDIA: THE PRESS
The Profile
A profile is an article about an individual, and the profile article is one of the staples of feature writing. No doubt you’ve read profiles in newspapers, magazines or websites. Reporters do them on politicians, CEOs, celebrities, athletes, and so on. Profiles can be done on just about anyone who’s interesting and newsworthy, whether it’s on a local, national or international level.
The idea of the profile is to give readers a behind-the-scenes look at what a person is really like, away from their public persona. Profile articles generally provide background on the profile subject — their age, where they grew up and were educated, where they live now, are they married, do they have kids, etc.
Beyond such factual basics, profiles look at who and what influenced the person, their ideas, and their choice of vocation or profession.
If you’re doing a profile you’ll obviously need to interview your subject, in person if possible, so that in addition to getting quotes you can describe their appearance and mannerisms. You should also watch the person in action, doing what they do, whether it be a mayor, a doctor or a beat cop. Also, talk to people who know the person you’re profiling, and if your profile subject is controversial, talk to some of his/her critics.
Remember, your goal is to create a true portrait of your profile subject. No puff pieces allowed.
The News Feature
The news feature is just what it sounds like — a feature article that focuses on a topic of interest in the news. News features often cover the same subjects as deadline hard-news stories, but do so in greater depth and detail.
And since feature articles are ‘people stories, ’ news features tend to focus on individuals more than deadline news stories, which often focus more on numbers and statistics.
For instance, let’s say you’re writing about the increase in heart disease. A deadline story on the topic might focus on statistics showing how heart disease is on the rise, and include quotes from experts on the topic.
A news feature, on the other hand, would likely begin by telling the story of one person suffering from heart disease. By describing the struggles of an individual, news feature can tackle big, newsy topics while still telling very human stories.
The Spot Feature
Spot features are feature stories produced on deadline that focus on a breaking news event. Often news features are used as sidebars to the mainbar, the main deadline news story about an event.
Let’s say a tornado hits your town. Your mainbar will focus on the five W’s (Who? When? Where? What? Why? ) and the H (How? ) of the story — the number of casualties, the extent of the damage, the rescue efforts involved, and so on.
But with the mainbar you could have any number of sidebars focusing on certain aspects of the event. One story might describe the scene at an emergency shelter where displaced residents are housed. Another might reflect on past tornadoes in your town. Yet another might examine the weather conditions that led to the destructive storm.
Literally dozens of different sidebars could be done in this case, and more often than not they would be written in a feature style.
The Trend Story
Is there a cool new look in women’s fall fashions? A website or tech gadget that everyone’s going nuts over? An indy band that’s attracted a cult following? A show on an obscure cable channel that’s suddenly hot? These are the kinds of things that trend stories zero in on.
Trend stories take the pulse of the culture at the moment, looking at what’s new, fresh and exciting in the world of art, fashion, film, music, high-technology and so on. The emphasis in trend stories is usually on light, quick, easy-to-read pieces that capture the spirit of whatever new trend is being discussed. In other words, if you’re writing a trend story, have fun with it.
The Live-In
The live-in is an in-depth, often magazine-length article that paints a picture of a particular place and the people who work or live there. Live-ins have been done on homeless shelters, emergency rooms, battlefield encampments, cancer hospices, public schools and police precincts, among other locales. The idea is to give readers a look at a place they probably wouldn’t normally encounter.
Reporters doing live-ins must spend a fair bit of time in the places they’re writing about. That’s how they get a real sense of the place’s rhythm and atmosphere. Reporters have spent days, weeks and even months doing live-ins (some have been turned into books). The live-in is really the ultimate example of the reporter immersing him or herself in the story.
| What Kind of Article Is It? | The article deals with… The article presents the general picture of… The purpose of the article is to discuss/show/analyze/ask… |
| What Is the Article About? | As it is reported from… The article touches upon/gives the facts… |
| What May People Do in the Article? | To discuss a wide range of problems. To reach an agreement. To approve/disapprove smth. To establish (diplomatic) relations. To solve a problem. To make a statement. |
| Author’s Point of View | The author comes to the conclusion that… The key-note of the article is… We can draw the conclusion that… |
TELEVISION
Kinds of programmes
When you sit down to watch television, you may not think too much about the kinds of programmes you watch. You probably just pick things because you like them. However, there exist the main categories of TV programmes — informational programmes; shows; films and cartoons; programmes on sports, hobbies and interests.
Informational programmes include news (from international to domestic and local affairs), documentaries (about real life events), travelogues (accounts of smb.’s travels), TV shops (selling things and telling the prices) and even commercials or infomercials (inform about certain products or events).
Shows on TV comprise talk shows or chat shows (when guests come to talk about their lives or problems), game shows (when the programme features competitive games or quizzes), humour shows (featuring comedians), talent shows (dancers, singers, circus people, ice-skaters, etc.) and reality shows (when real people put themselves into certain situations).
Films on TV go in variety of styles. These programmes include light dramas where each episode is a new situation called situation comedies, soap operas where the drama is long — continuing from series to series, dramas (are usually action-packed, about life of detectives, police officers, lawyers and doctors) and cartoons.
Programmes on sports, hobbies and interests can be about different kinds of sports — from games to training sessions, DIY programmes (Do It Yourself) that show how to cook, how to repair the houses, how to plant the garden and even how to put on make-up.
| They include such programmes as… | The programme features… | It is usually viewed by…/ The TV audience for the programme is… | |
| Informational Programmes | |||
| Shows | |||
| Films and Cartoons | |||
| Programmes on Sports, Hobbies and Interests |
Watching Habits
Though television is one of the greatest achievements of the 20-th century, it has changed much since the time of its invention and so has its role. There have been numerous debates concerning advantages and disadvantages of television.
Today television gives people a possibility to be well informed and enjoy ‘civilised pleasures.’ The programmes are various and people have a chance to select what they want to see. Television provides great opportunities for education. With the help of TV it is possible to learn foreign languages, to know a lot of wonderful things concerning the world flora and fauna. TV teaches the ideals of democracy and political argument. It provides an outlet for creative talents. The choice of the channels ranges greatly and these channels show programmes of various kinds from documentaries, current events and sports to children’s programmes. Moreover, TV can keep children quiet. If people do not like TV they do not buy it or switch it off.
At the same time there are a lot of arguments against TV. It is said that only three generations have grown up with television, but they managed to forget how to spend their free time without television. It is called a ‘living room monster’ or ‘ one-eyed monster.’ It is established that the biggest viewers are pensioners and housewives. In total they spend five hours daily sitting before the ‘boxes’. Children watch commercials, horror films or films of violence. TV prevents children from developing their abilities. Moreover, TV is damaging for health. It has bad effect on the eyes, particularly of children. Sometimes TV programmes become the topics of common interest of the people and without them they have nothing to talk about. Today some people become TV addicts and free time is regulated by television. No surprise that television is often called ‘ chewing gum for men’s brains.’ People become lazy, instead of doing sports they watch TV and become ‘couch potatoes’. Another problem of constant watching is ‘zapping’ — instead of watching one channel, people zap the channels for hours which can cause even mental disorders!
Key Language: Expressing Opinion
| In my view… As I see it… It may be… | However … On the other hand… Opponents of … say… |
FILMS AND CINEMA
MUSEUMS AND EXHIBITIONS
Key Language
Before the visit…
First… so that…
Then…
Also…
Task 5. Read the text. For each of the empty space (1–12) choose the correct answer (A, B, C or D).
International Museum Day
International Museum Day has been held around the 18th of May every year (1) _________ 1977. It was started by the International Council of Museums (ICOM). ICOM says: ‘The event (2) _________ the opportunity for museum professionals to meet the public and alert them to the (3) _________ that museums face.’ It wants the public to know museums are ‘an institution in the service of (4) _________ and of its development’. ICOM encourages its member countries to celebrate the day in a way that is best for their specific cultures. It asks countries to follow its simple motto: ‘Museums are an important (5) _________ of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, co-operation and (6) _________ among peoples.’
Museums are an important part of every society. They are a great (7) _________ of education and (8) _________. The UK Museums Association says a museum is: ‘A permanent institution in the service of society.’ It says a museum ‘acquires, (9) _________, researches, communicates and exhibits the heritage of humanity’. It adds that museums are for ‘the purposes of education, study, and enjoyment’. There are museums on just about anything you can (10) _________ of. There are museums for science, technology, toys, history, stamps and even museum museums. We can visit (11) _________ museums that showcase a single building, or we can visit the great museums of the world that contain hundreds of thousands of (12) _________ treasures.
1 A sincere B sincerely C since D sincerest
2 A provision B provides C provider D providing
3 A challenges B challenger C challenged D challenging
4 A social B societies C socially D society
5 A meaning B means C meant D meanie
6 A piece B peaceful C peace D pieced
7 A sauce B source C sourced D sauces
8 A wonderful B wondered C wonders D wonder
9 A conservation B conserved C conserves D conserve
10 A think B thought C thinking D thinks
11 A locally B locals C locale D local
12 A priceless B pricy C priced D prices
EDUCATION
Key Language
Learn about living organisms.
Study physical forces like energy and light.
Be creative and use your imagination.
Learn about the past events.
Improve computer skills.
Play various games and get exercise.
Learn how to help people in difficult situations.
Learn poems and fiction of the world heritage.
Understand human nature and behaviour.
Learn about the key geographical features of other countries.
b) What do you like/dislike about school? Use the ‘Key Language’ to talk about this.
Have exams at the end of the year.
Prepare for external independent testing.
Have assignment deadline.
Have to follow the syllabus.
Have to follow the rest of the class.
Study long hours.
Can be very intensive.
Socialize with other students.
Go on school trips/excursions.
Have lessons outside the classroom.
Organize events and performances.
Timetable can be flexible — classes may be shortened.
Receive the teacher’s full attention.
Learn at your own pace.
LEARNING FOREIGN LANGUAGES
Task 7. Read the text. For each of the empty space (1–8) choose the correct answer (A, B, C or D).
CHOOSING A CAREER
Task 1. Read the text and tell about your personal myths about choosing a career. Use the ‘Key Language’.
Do you think you know everything about choosing a career? Many people think they know the right way to go about picking an occupation, but they often wind up choosing a career that is unsatisfying. Here are the myths of choosing a career:
1. Choosing a career is simple. Career planning is a multi-step process that involves learning enough about yourself and the occupations which you are considering in order to make an informed decision.
2. A career counsellor can tell me what occupation to pick. A career counsellor, or any other career development professional, can’t tell you what career is best for you. He or she can provide you with guidance in choosing a career and can help facilitate your decision.
3. I can’t make a living from my hobby. Says who? When choosing a career, it makes perfect sense to choose one that is related to what you enjoy doing in your spare time, if you so desire. In addition people tend to become very skilled in their hobbies, even though most of the skill is gained informally.
4. I should choose a career from a ‘Best Careers’ list. Every year, especially during milestone years, i.e. the beginning of a new decade, there are numerous articles and books that list what ‘the experts’ predict will be ‘hot jobs’. It can’t hurt to look at those lists to see if any of the careers on it appeal to you, but you shouldn’t use the list to dictate your choice. You need to take into account your interests, values, and skills when choosing a career. Just because the outlook for an occupation is good, it doesn’t mean that occupation is right for you.
5. Making a lot of money will make me happy. While salary is important, it isn’t the only factor you should look at when choosing a career. Countless surveys have shown that money doesn’t necessarily lead to job satisfaction. For many people enjoying what they do at work is much more important. However, you should consider earnings, among other things, when evaluating an occupation.
6. Once I choose a career, I’ll be stuck in it forever. Not true. If you are unsatisfied in your career for any reason, you can always change it. You’ll be in good company. Many people change careers several times over the course of their lifetimes.
7. If I change careers, my skills will go to waste. Your skills are yours to keep. You can take them from one job to another. You may not use them in the exact same way, but they won’t go to waste.
8. If my best friend (or sister, uncle, or neighbour) is happy in a particular field, I will be too. Everyone is different and what works for one person, won’t necessarily work for another, even if that other person is someone with whom you have a lot in common. If someone you know has a career that interests you, look into it, but be aware of the fact that it may not necessarily be a good fit for you.
9. All I have to do is pick an occupation... Things will fall into place after that. Choosing a career is a great start, but there’s a lot more to do after that.
10. There’s very little I can do to learn about an occupation without actually working in it. While first-hand experience is great, there are other ways to explore an occupation. You can read about it either in print resources or online. You can also interview those working in that field.
Key Language
Before reading the article I was sure that…
My biggest misconception was…
I’ve changed my mind and decided…
If I had to choose my future job now, I would…
Task 3. Read the text. For each of the empty space (1–8) choose the correct answer (A, B, C or D).
Your goals must be:
Conceivable: you must be able to put your goal (7) _________ words.
Achievable: you must have the attributes, energy, and time (8) _________ your goal.
Believable: you must believe you can reach your goal.
Achievable within a Certain Time Frame: you must be able to state how long it will take you to reach your goal.
Clearly Defined: you must know exactly what your goal is.
Flexible: you must be willing to modify your goal as necessary.
1 A trip B movie C map D sign
2 A reaching B spending C coming D bringing
3 A out B to C over D into
4 A to reach B to spend C to learn D to discuss
5 A at B in C on D into
6 A ask B have C meet D learn
7 A into B over C under D to
8 A to draw B to accomplish C to forget D to review
Task 4. Consider the elements of the job and describe your dream job using the ‘Key Language’.
Types of work — paperwork, manual work, vocational (which helps people).
Professional training — required with job experience, may need some job training, not required.
Job experience — required, preferable, not required.
Working environment — comfortable, challenging, demanding; to establish good working relationship, good rapport with colleagues.
Working patterns — to work fixed hours, to have nine-to-five job, to work flexi-time/to be on flexi-time, to do shift work (be a shift worker), to be a teleworker (work from home), to be self-employed, to be/to work freelance.
Social contact — limited, broad; socialize with workmates.
Physical demands — physically demanding, not very physically demanding.
Responsibilities — have to deal with the customers, make a research, work with numbers (figures), to deal with unpredictable situations, to work in a team, etc.
Promotion — good promotion prospects, may be passed over for promotion, a glass ceiling.
Job characteristics — positive: rewarding, interesting, dynamic, fast moving; negative: tiring, boring, mechanical, repetitive, a dead-end job.
Extra advantages — free meals, tips, perks, a car, a personal secretary.
Disadvantages — high stress level, heavy workload, have to meet the deadlines, to be snowed under, to be overworked and underpaid.
Key Language
It’s becoming increasingly popular in my country to…
More and more people are getting interested in…
I would prefer to have a job that…
I’m quite certain that…
If I were to decide/select, I would…
…is suitable/ideal/perfect for…
…is just what I need.
I seek a career in … (industry).
Job satisfaction is important to me because...
YOUTH TODAY
Youth problems
What are the main youth problems? Everyone knows and at the same time no one knows. As sand through fingers — youth problems are always changing. Thirty years ago Johnny Rotten sang ‘Problems, problems, the problem is YOU! ’ The idea of that punk styled song is simple clear. All our failures depend on us. Imagine your life without money, can you do that? No fancy clothes, no fashionable clubs, no entertainments, no troubles. Americans say ‘No mass — no fuss’ in such case. Don’t you think teenagers depend on money greatly? They are obsessed with their appearance, they need to be clothed fashionable and in modern style. Some of them, who are lacking money prefer to wear jeans and plain clothes, this is their way out. The fashion industry is based on some youth preferences, there is a kind of business in producing special clothes and accessories for teens, Kira Plastinina, for example. The young try to do their best in getting labelled and fancy stuff; they are really crazy about such things. External life may force out their spiritual life, and that are dangerous circumstances. In my point of view, young should pay more attention to their inside world, to develop their selves.
Another youth problem is mutual understanding in their families. It’s hardly believable situation when a teen feels comfortable with his relatives, even in a tight-bonded family. Parents want them to be serious, to study hard and to think about their future, but rare senior could understand teen’s tormented soul. If teens could obey the rules, that’ll be very convenient for the last ones. Liberal seniors are absolute rarities, so teens have to look for common language with their parents in any case. We all know the moral disaster of being misunderstood. Try harder — and you’ll make friends with your relatives. Sometimes young fall apart with their families and begin to take drugs, alcohol. That is not the reaction on the emotional environment, that is the reflection of tortured inside world. Drug addicts are spread all over the world, but in their majority they are young people.
| Your Own Problems | Problems Your Friends Have Experienced | Problems that None of You Have Experienced |
Environment
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Carbon Footprint
Carbon footprint is the indicator of the total amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere annually, as a result of our day-to-day activities. Every person can have a different value for his carbon footprint, which is determined by his way of living. If you ponder on your daily routine, you’ll find activities such as driving a car, watching television, talking on the phone, browsing the net, using the dishwasher to clean dishes, washing your clothes in a washing machine, etc. Each one of these activities and many more that you indulge in during the course of a day, contributes to the total amount of carbon dioxide emitted on the planet.
Carbon dioxide is one of the greenhouse gases that are responsible for maintaining the earth’s temperature. However, excessive amounts of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere can lead to a drastic increase in the average temperature of the Earth. This phenomenon is termed as global warming, and is a serious environmental concern today.
So, how you can stop the damage caused to the environment, you may ask. Well, while you can’t bring these activities to a stop, reducing them to some extent can definitely help.
For example, the average U.S. household carbon footprint is 48 tons CO2e per year. The single largest source of emissions for the typical household is from driving (gasoline use). Transportation as a whole (driving, flying and small amount from public transit) is the largest overall category, followed by housing (electricity, natural gas, waste, construction), then food (mostly from red meat, dairy and seafood products, but also includes emissions from all other food), then goods followed lastly by services. For most U.S. households, the single most important action to reduce their carbon footprint is driving less or switching to a more efficient vehicle. The carbon footprint of an individual is nothing but the total amount of carbon dioxide that was released into the atmosphere in a year, directly or indirectly, due to the individual’s activities. So, while activities such as using electrical appliances, add to your carbon footprint directly, others like purchasing imported stuff and even purchasing anything new, for that matter, can also make a difference.
Geography of Ukraine
Ukraine is situated in the south-east of Europe. The territory of Ukraine is 603 700 square kilometres. Ukraine borders on Russia, Belarus, Poland, Moldova, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania. Ukraine is larger than France and Great Britain but considerably smaller than Russia.
Landscape. The territory of Ukraine is mostly flat. There are the Carpathian Mountains in the west and the Crimean Mountains in the south, but they are not high.
Seas and Rivers. Ukraine’s washed by the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. The main rivers are the Dnieper, the Dniester, the Bug and the Donets. The Dnieper is one of the longest European rivers and one of the main sources of hydroelectric power in the country. The coasts of the Azov Sea and the Black Sea are good for ports. There are a lot of big sea ports, for example, Odessa, Kherson, Mykolaiv, Izmail, Mariupol and Kerch.
Climate of Ukraine is determined by its geographical location. Since Ukraine lies in the south-eastern part of Central Europe rather far from the Atlantic Ocean and close to Asia, it has a moderate continental climate. In general the country’s climate is temperately continental, being subtropical only on the southern coast of the Crimea.
The geographical position of Ukraine is very favourable because the country lies on the crossroads of the ways from Asia to Europe. Since the times of Kyivan Rus Ukrainian roads have been used for trade contacts.
Geography made Ukraine a traditionally agricultural country. The country is rich in natural resources, such as iron ore, coal, non-ferrous metals, oil, and gas.
Geography of Great Britain
Great Britain is situated on the British Isles. It consists of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and is one thirtieth the size of Europe. Great Britain is surrounded by seas on all sides and is separated from the continent by the North Sea and the English Channel.
Landscape. The territory of Great Britain is flat, hilly and mountainous. There are many mountains in the north of England and in Scotland but they are not very high. The highest mountain in Great Britain is Ben Nevis.
Seas and rivers. Great Britain is a sea country — there is no place in the country farther than 120 km from the sea. There are many rivers in Britain. They are not long but some of them are deep. The longest river is the Severn. There are many lakes in Scotland. The most beautiful is Loch Lomond.
The climate in Great Britain is generally mild and temperate due to the influence of the Gulf Stream. The south-western winds carry the warmth and moisture into Britain. The climate in Britain is usually described as cool, temperate and humid. British people say: ‘Other countries have a climate, in England we have weather.’ The weather in Britain changes very quickly. One day may be fine and the next day may be wet. The morning may be warm and the evening may be cool. Therefore it is natural for the people to use the comparison ‘as changeable as the weather’ of a person who often changes his mood or opinion about something. The weather is the favourite topic of conversation in Britain.
Great Britain has a very good position as it lies on the crossways of the sea routes from Europe to the other parts of the world. There are many countries which are connected with Great Britain by sea. Thanks to Gulf Stream the climate of Great Britain is mild. It is often foggy and rainy. The summer is not very hot and the winter is not very cold.
Geography made the UK a highly developed industrial country. It lives by manufacture and trade. Its agriculture provides only half the food it needs, the other half of its food has to be imported. Britain is one of the most highly industrialised countries in the world: for every person employed in agriculture, eleven are employed in mining, manufacturing and building. The main branches of British economy are engineering, mining, ship-building, motor vehicle manufacturing, textile, chemistry, electronics, fishing and food processing. The industrial centres of Great Britain are London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, Sheffield and others.
Geography of the USA
The USA is situated in the central part of the North American continent. The total area is over 9 million square kilometres. The USA borders on the Pacific Ocean on the west coast, the Atlantic Ocean on the east coast, and the Gulf of Mexico to the south. It also borders on the countries of Canada to the north and Mexico to the southwest.
The landscape of the country is very diverse. The USA is divided onto three areas: the Eastern area — a high land, the Central area — a plain, and the western area being mountainous and containing the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada.
Seas, lakes and rivers. The Northern part of the USA has the region of the five Great Lakes (Superior, Huron, Michigan, Erie, Ontario) which are connected by natural channels, cut by rapids. The greatest of these rapids is the Niagara Falls. The principal rivers of the USA are the Mississippi, the longest river in the world (17, 800 kilometres) which flows into the Gulf of Mexico, the Colorado and the Columbia, which flow into the Pacific Ocean, and the Hudson River, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
The geographical position of the country is very favourable because the climate of the USA differs greatly from one part of the country to another. The coldest climate is in the north, the south has a subtropical climate. The climate along the Pacific coast is much warmer than that of the Atlantic coast.
Geography made the USA a world leader in industrial and agricultural resources. The USA is divided into regions that have different kinds of land and climate, different ways of living and working, and their own characteristics and problems. And each has its own groups of people whose origin and traditions make them different from any of the others.
| Facts | Ukraine | The UK | The USA |
| The country is situated… | |||
| It borders on… It is surrounded by… | |||
| Landscape | |||
| Seas, lakes and rivers | |||
| Climate | |||
| The geographical position of … is very favourable because… | |||
| Geography made … a… |
Task 2. Read the text and fill in the table to speak about the factors that formed the British character. Use the ‘Key Language’.
The British Character
Today the United Kingdom is a country made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Though very often the names ‘English’ or ‘England’ are used by many foreigners when they mean British or the United Kingdom, it’s very annoying for the people of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, who are not English.
Political unification of these countries was a long process — Wales was joined with England in 1536; Scotland merged with England and Wales in 1707, when the English and Scottish Crowns were united by James Stuart. In 1800 the Irish Parliament was joined to the Parliament of Great Britain in Westminster. The British Isles remained a single state for 122 years — till 1922, when most of Ireland became separate except the six northern provinces.
The four nations of the UK differ in the following aspects:
Racially. The Welsh, Scottish and Irish are the peoples of Celtic origin — they spoke the Celtic languages: Irish Gaelic, Scottish Gaelic and Welsh. The English are a race of Germanic origin. They spoke the Germanic dialect, which later developed into the English language.
Socially. These nations have different economic, social and legal systems.
These differences are not so great today, though the dominant culture of Britain is the English culture — many aspects of life are organized according to English pattern, the system of politics is English and the English language is the main language for all these countries. It makes all the nations recognize the predominant English influence, but also feel their identity very strongly.
Britain differs from continental Europe in its cultural, political and social heritage, these differences shaped due to some historical and geographical factors.
Geographical factors:
Separation from the continent. The British Isles are separated from the rest of Europe by a wide stretch of water, which made the access to the country difficult. Britain could not be invaded as easily as any other European country, so the British developed a sense of security, which can easily slide into superiority.
Lack of extremes. Britain is a country with no geographical extremes. So British love of compromise is a result of the country’s geography and climate.
Geographical identity. Britain is divided into some geographical areas, which give their inhabitants a sense of geographical identity. Geographical identity includes a certain accent or dialect and some stereotyped image. In England, for example, people are divided geographically into northerners and southerners. Northerners consider themselves tougher, more honest and warm hearted than southerners.
Historical factors:
The last successful invasion in Britain was in the 11th century. For nearly one thousand years Britain has not been invaded by foreigners. This gave the British a sense of self-confidence, which developed through this time.
England became one of the richest European countries in the High Middle Ages. This process was a result of the wool-trade, cloth-making, merchant adventure, and exploration. In 1497 Andrea Trevisano, Venetian ambassador to the court of Henry VII wrote: ‘The riches of England are greater than those of any country of Europe … there is no small innkeeper, however poor and humble he may be, who does not serve his table with silver dishes and drinking cups… From time immemorial the English wear fine clothes’. Many travellers also noticed British egocentrism, self-confidence, pride and contempt for foreigners.
The Reformation of the Church and separation from Rome. The reformed religion gave rise to many other protestant movements that spread all over the globe. People believed in the main doctrine of Protestantism — predestination. The live of every person was considered to be predestined by God, so people had to work hard to become what they were created to be. The Bible was considered to be the only source of understanding God — it minimized the impact of priests on ordinary people. Today the Anglican Church is considered one of the most liberal churches in the world.
The Industrial Revolution of the 18th–19th centuries. Invention of new machines and building a big number of mills and factories established capitalism as mode of production. This process made the country ‘the world workshop’ and developed the British feeling of independence and uniqueness.
The process of colonization. The British felt the necessity to bring their culture to the rest of the world as a model of development for the colonies.
The formation of the biggest empire in the world. The Empire added to the feeling of superiority and independence, which was expressed in the policy of ‘brilliant isolation’, which Britain followed up to WWI.
| Factors that Influenced the Formation of the British Character | Traits of the British Character |
| Geography |
|
| A wide stretch of water between the British Isles and Europe. | |
| Lack of geographical extremes — there are no very long rivers, very high mountains and deep canyons. | |
| Britain is a sea country — no place there is 120 km far from the sea. | |
| History |
|
| Britain was successfully invaded by the foreigners in 1066, since that time there has been no invasions. | |
| England became ahead of other European countries since the High Middle Ages. | |
| The Reformation of the Church and separation from the Roman Pope. | |
| The Industrial Revolution that made the country ‘the world workshop’. | |
| The formation of the British Empire on which ‘the sun never sets’. |
Key Language
| Expressing Cause/Reason | Due to/Owing to (extreme heat)… Seeing that (the heat is so extreme)… |
| Expressing Effect/Result | (The weather is) so (cold) that… For this reason… / As a consequence… |
Task 3. Read the text and fill in the tables to speak about the factors that formed the American character. Use the ‘Key Language of Effect/Result’ (task 2).
The American Character
The character of every nation is formed on certain values, and even if people can’t tell you exactly what values they live by there are different researches and opinions to show what are the beliefs the people live with. The character is inseparable from the nation’s history and geography, and American character is not the exception. Though it is often said that America is a nation with abundance of geography but shortage of history, both geographical and historical factors shaped the character of American nation.
Geographical factors:
Territory. The USA occupies a large territory that was subdued in less than four centuries, and even today the country is sparsely populated. The struggle to conquer the land still looms in the nation’s memory. Large territories contributed to the idea of privacy that is so important for many Americans.
Two large oceans that separate America from Asia and Europe isolated Americans from political threats of Asian and European countries. These natural buffers allowed Americans not to maintain large armies through the course of history. However, natural boundaries made the country difficult to reach until modern means of communication were developed and thus contributed to the feeling of insularity — many Americans viewed European affairs as something distant and not worth paying attention to. Even today many Americans are not interested in foreign affairs and lack knowledge of geography.
The wealth of environments allowed the nation become self-sufficient in agriculture and most basic minerals.
The reputation of America as geographic bounty brought to the country floods of immigrants all over the world.
A magnificent system of waterways hooked the territory together and made travel cheap for goods and people allowing a degree of mobility (both geographical and social) unknown in most parts of the world.
Historical factors:
Puritan immigration. Though Puritans were not the first people who came to the New World and later their colonies did not comprise the biggest portion of the land, they were among the most lasting settlers. Besides, their values were very important to survival on the new land: self-reliance, hard work, frugal living and the guidance of individual conscience. Puritans were also noted for considering earthly success a sign of God’s favour and believed that making money cannot prevent form entering the kingdom of heaven. Today the traces of the Puritan doctrine — ‘people get what they deserve’ remain a part of American mentality. It makes Americans respect businesspeople and put much emphasis on making and possessing money. Puritans’ work ethic (often called ‘the Protestant work ethic’) also remains a part of American life, showing how important the hard work is.
Immigration from different countries. America is a land of immigrants, and this fact shapes the values and attitudes in the society. During the centuries of immigration Americans developed a new kind of society, different from the Old World where they had arrived from. Consequently, life in the New World developed in the newcomers such traits as equality and value of the fair competition. The first colonists came to America from rather segregated societies, where class and status shaped individual’s rights and opportunities. Unlike the Old World, new land did not favour class division; instead, it favoured personal skills and abilities. ‘Any man’s son may become equal of other man’s son, ’ wrote Fanny Trollope while visiting the USA in 1831, ‘and the consciousness of this is certainly a spur to exertion.’ Belief that any man can achieve his dream remains crucial for American society today. It is can be done with the fair competition, so competitiveness is emphasized everywhere — in the family, at school, and in the office. The value of competitiveness is also reflected in the economic system, which is based on the free enterprise. The competitive economy of the USA shows its positive sides to the consumer — due to the competition the prices are often getting lower while the quality of production rises.
The War for Independence. This historical event no doubt remains an important milestone that shaped American character and relations inside and outside the country. The Declaration of Independence, one of the most important American documents, stressed the idea of independence and equality, stating that ‘all men are created equal’. This idea of egalitarian society — a society of equals is clearly traced in America today. People believe that they have equal opportunities in life. The whole system traditionally contributes to the sense that everybody plays the same rules. Egalitarianism — the equality of people is also vividly seen in people’s behaviour. It’s quite natural to call your teacher by the first name and not to treat people of high position in a differential manner. People of the lower class are often treated as if they are very important and people of high position are treated as everybody’s equals.
Frontier. The frontier much contributed to the mentality of Americans, as people came to new places, where no doctors and nurses could be found and the means of communication were a big problem. The frontier experience played a significant role in the formation of American stressing such features as egalitarianism, privacy, freedom, inventiveness, and self-reliance. Inventiveness developed in the people who came to the places in wilderness, and without self-reliance living in the new place was impossible. As government could not provide much help, the frontier people had to take care of themselves — men protected the houses with guns and in times of danger people worked together. On the frontier people also lived far apart from each other (the true frontiersman is said to pick up stakes and move as soon as he could smell his neighbour’s chimney smoke). This life style certainly contributed to the ideas of privacy and freedom that remain crucial for Americans today.
| Geographical Factors | American Values |
| Historical Factors | |
| Arrival of Puritans | |
| Immigration | |
| War for Independence | |
| Life on the Frontier |
Task 4. Read the text and fill in the tables to speak about the factors that formed the Ukrainian character. Use the ‘Key Language of Effect/Result’ (task 2).
The Ukrainian Character
Ukrainians are a very old ethnic group with unique traditions and a distinguished character. Though as an independent state we are very young, we can talk about the geographical and historical factors that have shaped the Ukrainian character.
Geographical factors:
Geographical position. Historically Ukraine occupies a large territory in the centre of Europe on the crossroads of many important trading routes. This made the country open to many influences, which is seen in the racial and religious toleration usually displayed by Ukrainians. Ukrainians are said to be ‘naturally’ egalitarian people.
Wealth of environments. Ukraine is a very beautiful country and this beauty left a great impact on the nation. Ukrainians are often called ‘natural Buddhists’ taking into consideration their love to nature and earth. All Ukrainian villages are built in picturesque places, the houses are surrounded by orchards and many flowers from these orchards are the symbols of Ukraine (e.g. mallows (калина) and guilder rose (мальва).
Abundance of arable fertile lands. More Ukrainians have always lived in villages than in towns, till the middle of the 19th century 90% of Ukrainians lived in the country. Ukrainian country mentality is based on family togetherness, hospitality and numerous traditions connected with the year cycle.
Historical factors:
Constant wars on Ukrainian territory. The wars created a peculiar Ukrainian personality — rather individualistic and focused on family. The Ukrainian peasant is distinguished, above all, by his earnest and sedate appearance. According to the view of the Ukrainian, life is not merely a terrible struggle for existence, opposing man to hard necessity at every turn; life, in itself, is the object of contemplation, life affords possibilities for pleasure and feeling, life is beautiful, and its aesthetic aspect must, at all times and in all places, be highly respected. We find a similar view among the peoples of antiquity. In the present time, this view is very unpractical for nations with wide spheres of activity. At all events this characteristic of the Ukrainian people is the sign of an old, lofty, individual culture, and here, too, is the origin of the noted ‘aristocratic democracy’ of the Ukrainians. Other foundations of the individuality of the Ukrainian are the results of the gloomy historical past of the nation. It is the origin, first of all, of the generally melancholy individuality, taciturnity, suspicion, scepticism, and even a certain indifference to daily life. The ultimate foundations of the individualism of the Ukrainian are derived from his historic and political traditions; preference for extreme individualism, liberty, equality and popular government.
Absence of independent state. For many years Ukrainians did not have their own state so any state power in Ukraine for a long time associated with imposing the rules that were alien to Ukrainians. Any government usually finds an equal number of opponents and proponent, but the most difficult question is the division of power. Very often it is connected with some sort of anarchy and fight. The idea that all people originally have equal rights (egalitarianism) is also reflected in Ukrainian tradition to divide all patrimony equally between all children in the family.
Cossacks. Because of the conjunction of certain geographic and social conditions, a special social group — the Ukrainian Cossacks — arose in Ukraine as an attempt of the Ukrainian population to liberate itself from under the control of the nobility. The name Cossack (Ukrainian: kozak) is derived from the Turkic kazak (free man). By the end of the 15th century this name was applied to those Ukrainians who went into the steppes to practice various trades and engage in hunting, fishing, beekeeping, and so on. The history of the Ukrainian Cossacks has three distinct aspects: their struggle against the Tatars and the Turks in the steppe and on the Black Sea; their participation in the struggle of the Ukrainian people against socioeconomic and national-religious oppression by the Polish magnates; and their role in the building of an autonomous Ukrainian state. Cossack culture focused on love to native land and free spirit. In the Cossack Ukraine a woman had equal rights with a man, when men were fighting for their land, women were supervising their families and children. The position of woman is much higher in Ukrainian people than in other nations. In innumerable cases the woman is the real head of the household.
Cultural development. Even in prehistoric times, Ukrainian territory was the seat of a very high Trypillia culture, the remains of which, now brought to light, astonish the investigator through their loftiness and beauty. In ancient times the early Greek cultural influences flourished in the Southern Ukraine, then the Roman, and in the Middle Ages the Byzantine. Byzantine culture had a great influence upon ancient Ukrainian culture, and its traces may still be seen in the popular costume and in ornamentation. The worth of Ukrainian culture appears, in its most beautiful and its highest form, in the unwritten literature of the people. The philosophical feeling of the Ukrainian people finds expression in thousands of proverbs and parables, the like of which we do not find even in the most advanced nations of Europe. They reflect the great soul of the Ukrainian people and its worldly wisdom. But the national genius of Ukrainians has risen to the greatest height in their popular poetry. Beginning with the historical epics (dumy) and the extremely ancient and yet living songs of worship, as for example, Christmas songs (koladky), New Years’ songs (shchedrivky), spring songs (vessilni), harvest songs (obzynkovi), down to the little songs for particular occasions (e. g. kozachki, kolomiyki), we find in all the productions of Ukrainian popular epic and lyric poetry, a rich content and a great perfection of form. In all of it the sympathy for nature, spiritualization of nature, and a lively comprehension of her moods, is superb; in all of it we find a fantastic but warm dreaminess; in all of it we find the glorification of the loftiest and purest feelings of the human soul. A glowing love of country reveals itself to us everywhere, but particularly in innumerable Cossack songs, a heartrending longing for a glorious past, a glorification, although not without criticism, of their heroes. In their love-songs we find that the spiritual beauty of woman is glorified above all. Even in jesting songs, and further, even in ribald songs, there is a great deal of grace.
Value of education. In medieval Europe Kievan Rus was considered a developed state in the 11th century and caused great astonishment among travellers from Western Europe because of its comparatively high culture. Till today Ukrainians place a great value in education, which is very often displayed in a wish of getting university diploma any way. Most Ukrainian families try to organize the free time of their children so that they were taking part in extra curriculum activities such as sports, music, learning foreign languages, etc.
| Geographical Factors | Ukrainian Values |
| Historical Factors | Ukrainian Values |
CONTENTS
1. FAMILY RELATIONS. 0
2. FRIENDS AND ACQUAINTANCES. 4
3. LOVE AND MARRIAGE.
4. PEOPLE AND PERSONALITIES.
5. STYLE, CLOTHES AND FASHION..
6. DAILY ROUTINE.
7. DWELLING..
8. PROBLEMS OF EVERYDAY LIFE.
9. SHOPPING..
10. HEALTH AND HEALTHCARE.
11. HEALTHY LIVING..
12. RECREATION AND SPORTS.
13. HOLIDAYS.
14. TRAVELLING..
15 SIGHTSEEING. FAMOUS AND POPULAR PLACES.
16. BOOKS AND STORIES.
17. MASS MEDIA: THE PRESS.
18. TELEVISION..
19. FILMS AND CINEMA..
20. MUSEUMS AND EXHIBITIONS.
21. EDUCATION..
22. LEARNING FOREIGN LANGUAGES.
23. CHOOSING A CAREER..
24. YOUTH TODAY..
25. ENVIRONMENT.
26. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY..
27. UKRAINE AND ENGLISH-SPEAKING COUNTRIES.
Family Relations
Task 1. Fill in the table with the italicized words.
Father, cousin, brother-in-law, son, grandfather, step-daughter, mother-in-law, half-sister, grandmother, wife, uncle, sister-in-law, brother, aunt, great grandmother, mother, sister, ex-husband, husband, daughter, father-in-law, grandson, nephew, granddaughter, niece, great grandfather, ex-wife, half-brother, step-father, step-son, step-mother.
MY RELATIVES
RELATIONSHIP TO ME
Parent
relative of whom I am the child
Sibling
we have the same father and mother
Grandparent
parent of my parent
Spouse
relative to whom I am married
Child
relative of whom I am the parent
Grandchild
child of my child
In-laws
parent of my spouse
After divorce
my previous spouse (we divorced)
Step-parent
new spouse of one of my parents
Step-child
child of my spouse but not of me
Task 2. Fill in the text with the terms from the table (task 1):
Your family tree
Your closest relatives are your parents: your (1) _______________ and (2) _______________; and your (3) _______________ (brothers or sisters). If your mother or father is not an only child, you also have a(n) (4) _______________ and/or a(n) (5) _______________. If your aunts or uncles have children, they are your (6) _______________.
When you marry, your husband’s (or wife’s) family become your (7) _______________. The mother of your spouse (husband or wife) is your (8) _______________ and his or her father becomes your (9) _______________. The term in-law is also used to describe your relationship with the spouses of your siblings. So the husband of your sister becomes your (10) _______________, while the sister of your husband becomes your (11) _______________. If you are a woman, you become the daughter-in-law of your husband’s parents, and if you are a man, you become the son-in-law of your wife’s parents. The same term in-law is used for all generations.
The parents of your parents are your (12) _______________ — grandmother and grandfather. If your grandparent has a sister or a brother, they are your great-aunt and great-uncle. (And you are either his or her great-niece or great-nephew.)
If your mother or father remarries, you can acquire a new family and set of relatives. For example, if your father marries a second wife, she becomes your (13) _______________. Any children she already has become your stepbrother or stepsister. If your mother or father remarries and has children, they become your (14) _______________ or (15) _______________.
You might also hear people talking about their biological brother / sister etc., to mean a brother who is related by blood, rather than by marriage.
The main family types are nuclear family (only mother, father and children), today nuclear families are often single-parent/one-parent families. The bigger unit is immediate family — your closest relatives — grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins. The entire family (all relatives you have) makes an extended family.
Families may be close-knit, where the members have close relationships with each other or dysfunctional (where the members have serious problems with each other).
When members of the family look similar, we speak of family resemblance, when there exists a characteristic that is common among family members, we say that it runs in the family. Also, characteristic for the family are family gatherings, family values and family-sized (big) packages of food.
Task 3. Write /Tell about the advantages and disadvantages of growing in a large, extended family and in a small family using the table and the ‘Key Language’.
| Advantages | Disadvantages | |
| Small Family | The attention of the parents is focused on the only child; the child can enjoy expensive after-school activities, travelling, etc.; they can have newest technologies and more money can be invested in education. | The only child often feels lonely, especially if parents spend a lot of time at work; there are no close relatives after parents pass away; the child can develop egoistical features of character. |
| Extended Family | When people grow together, they develop close ties to the end of their lives; there is always somebody to play with and talk to; people learn to help and cooperate. | There are fewer possibilities for expensive development; there is often sibling rivalry; less money is invested into education. |
Key Language: Compare and Contrast
They both have…
Both of them are…
One of these … while the other…
On one hand (the extended family) is … but on the other hand…
On one hand…/ On the other hand…/ At the same time…
In comparison to the small family, the large one…
It’s quite difficult to compare them but…
However…/ Though…/ While…/ Whereas…
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