UNITS TOPIC: CINEMA
COMMUNICATION: SUGGESTIONS. OPINIONS. LIKES, DISLIKES, PREFERENCES.
TEXT. AN EVENING AT THE CINEMA
David Brown is a hard worker at school and his parents
hope that he will do well in his examination in the summer, so that he can go
up to University next October. He is determined to do his best. But he cannot
work all the time, so once or twice a week, when he is tired of work, he goes
out with his friend Bob Sandford. They usually go to the theatre or the
cinema, but they sometimes go to a dance in Bishopton. They do not often go to
a theatre or cinema in
In
Cinemas in
David and Bob enjoy historical films, films about countries very different from their own, crime stories and films that make them laugh. They also like to see foreign films, but it is not often possible to see these in Bishopton. When they were younger they enjoyed "cowboy" films, but now they are older they are not so easily satisfied. They do not enjoy these films so much because they find they are all very much alike. This week they saw a film of one of Shakespeare's plays. Some famous actors and actresses were in this film. David had seen the play with the same actors and actresses at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stradford-
on-Avon the previous summer, so it was interesting to see how the performance in the film was different from the performance on the stage.
The film was very fine and exciting, but David th6ught it had lost something. There were so many people and places that you forgot the main characters and the really important things that were happening. Telling his father about the film when he got home, David said he thought he would remember the theatre performance he had seen at Stradford long after he had forgotten the film he had seen that evening.
Comprehension
/. Listen to the text and answer the questions:
Does David study at school or at University? What does he like to do in his spare time? What is the English cinema like? What kind of films do David and Bob enjoy? What film did they see this week? What did David think of the film?
// Read the text and analyse the language peculiarities of the text. Do some exercises in the next section to remember them.
Special Difficulties
/. Study these example situations:
a) Mrs Mavis saw a film yesterday. In the final scene a beautiful girl died in a handsome man's arms. Mrs Mavis cried.
The film made her cry.
b) Young David did not want to do his homework yesterday. His mother told him he must do it before he went out to play.
His mother made him do his homework.
c) Two months ago when Peter flew back from
//. Make up dialogues using the prompts:
e.g. A: He told Ann, I hope.
B: Yes, I made him tell her.
He ... I hope.
1. apologized 2. paid the bill 3. wrote to the Smiths 4. cleaned the bath 5. took his medicine 6. reported the accident 7. waited for Ann 8. rang his parents 9. answered the letter 10. cleaned his shoes 11. insured his house 12. did his exercises 13. put on his gloves.
///. Make your own sentences with either "make someone do" or "let someone do" for each situation, like this:
e.g. The photographer made funny faces at the little girl.
Finally she laughed.
He made her laugh, e.g. David wanted to go out. His mother said he could.
She let him go out.
1. There was an accident and a lot of people stopped to look. A policeman shouted "Move on" and they did. 2. Jane wanted to go home early one day. Her boss said it was all right. 3. David wanted to stay up late on Saturday. His mother said he could. 4. He wanted to do the same on Sunday. "No, go to bed" his mother said, and he did. 5. Jill's father said some very sarcastic things to her. She cried. 6. A student wanted to criticise a teacher's methods. The teacher did not stop him. 7. Grey is not a colour that suits Jane. She looks pale in it. 8. The comedian was very funny. The audience laughed.
IV. Make up sentences with the word combination "to be tired of smth.":
e.g. I/cycling
I'm tired of cycling
1. They/travelling 2. She/her thesis 3. I/swimming 4. The actors/rehearsals 5. The children/skating 6. He/gardening 7. She/ this hard work
V. Translate into English (self check)-
He
5. Фильм очень отличается от книги. Он гораздо интереснее.
6. Она гордится своим сыном. Он очень трудолюбивый и хорошо успевает в школе.
Text Exercises
/. Ask questions about:
a) David's pastime b) cinemas in
//. Speak on:
a) cinemas in
Conversation Practice
Suggestions
a) How to ask for a suggestion:
|
What |
shall we would you like to do you want to |
do tonight? |
b) How to make a suggestion:
What (how) about Do you feel like
Shall we
Let's
Why don't we
Why not
Would you like to
going to the pictures'
spend the weekend in Brighton (?)
c) How to accept a suggestion:
Yes,
good idea.
that's a marvellous idea, that would be nice, that seems all right.
d) How to half-accept a suggestion
we could,
Yes, that's a good idea, I suppose, but (there aren't any it's not a bad idea, good films on at the
moment).
e) How to reject a suggestion:
No,
Well,
I'm afraid I can't.
I'm sorry I can't.
I don't really feel like (going to the pictures).
I'd rather not, if you don't mind.
f) How to make a counter-suggestion:
Well,
I'd rather I'd prefer to
go to the pictures (pub)
if you don't mind.
Conversation I
Sally: Do you feel like doing anything tomorrow evening, Peter?
Peter: Yes, all right. What do you suggest?
Sally: How about going to see "Star Wars"5 It's on locally and they say it's very good.
Peter: Well, we could, I suppose, but I don't really like science-fiction films all that much. Of course, if you'd like to see it...
Sally: No, no... I don't mind. It was just a suggestion, that's all.
Peter: We could always go to Dave's party, 1 suppose.
Sally: Dave?
Peter: Yes, Dave Wilkins. You know-that chap who works for the B.B.C. He's having a house-warming party. Everyone's invited.
Sally: No, I don't think so somehow! You know what Dave's parties are like. I still haven't recovered from the last one we went to.
Peter: Well, it was only an idea.
Sally: No I'd prefer to go somewhere else, if you don't mind. Just the two of us.
Peter: Would you like to go out for a meal, then? We
could go to that super restaurant in
Sally: Yes, that would be nice. Let's do that. And why don't we call in on Bob and Sue on the way home? We've been promising to go and see them for ages.
Peter: Yes, good idea.
/. Listen to the conversation and answer the questions:
What are Sally and Peter discussing? What does Sally suggest? Does Peter feel like seeing "Star Wars?" What idea does Peter suggest? Does Sally like it? What do they agree upon?
//. Listen to the conversation again. Imitate the phrases expressing suggestions and replies to suggestions.
III. Find in the text appropriate English phrases for the following:
Что ты предлагаешь? Как насчет того, чтобы сходить посмотреть фильм "Война миров"? Говорят, что это интересный фильм. Я не возражаю. Давай так и сделаем. Я бы предпочла сходить куда-нибудь еще. Это было бы прекрасно. Почему бы не зайти к Бобу и Сью по пути домой? Не хочешь ли ты пойти пообедать''1 Хорошая мысль (идея). Мы могли бы, я полагаю. У него новоселье . Мы могли бы сходить в тот великолепный ресторан
IV. Read the conversation. Paraphrase the conversational formulas expressing suggestions and replies to suggestions.
V. Ask questions on the conversation.
VI. Role-play the conversation.
Conversation 2
Alex: What shall we do tonight?
Bob: Why don't we go to the cinema?
Alex: Well, we could, I suppose, but there aren't really any good films on at the moment.
Bob: Well, what do you suggest-then?
Alex: How about going out for a meal?
Bob: No, I don't feel like eating anything.
Alex: All right. And what about going to the pub then?
Bob: Well, I'd rather go dancing, if you don't mind.
Alex: That's O. K. by rne. And why not go to a restaurant afterwards?
Bob: Yes, that's a marvellous idea.
/. Listen to the conversation and answer the questions:
What are the boys talking about? Why doesn't Alex want to go to the cinema? Does Bob feel like going out for a meal? Where do they agree to go?
//. Listen to the conversation again and reproduce the conversational formulas used to make suggestions and replies to suggestions.
III. Respond to the following suggestions using the phrases from the conversation:
1. What shall we do tonight? 2. And why not go to a restaurant afterwards? 3. And what about going to the pub then? 4. How about going out for a meal? 5. Why don't we go to the cinema?
IV. Role-play the conversation.
V. Accept the suggestions:
1. What about going to
12. Do you feel like going to the theatre? 13. Why don't we have a party on Saturday? 14. How about travelling by ship?
VI. Reject the suggestions. Give reasons for your refusal
1. Do you feel like watching the film? 2. Let's visit
the Smiths 3. What about having a snack? 4. Would you like to go on a picnic
for the weekend? 5. What about going for a walk? 6. Why don't we dine out
tonight? 7. How about playing a game of chess? 8. Why not go to
VII. Make counter-suggestions to the following:
1. Why not spend the weekend in the country? 2. Shall
we play a game of tennis? 3. Would you like to go fishing tomorrow? 4. Let's
send her a letter. 5. Why not stay at a hotel? 6. Let's have a steak. 7. Do you
feel like travelling by sea? 8. Why don't we go out on Saturday? 9. How about
watching "
VIII. Suggest to your friend:
going to the pictures; spending the weekend in the country; having a swim; playing cards; going shopping; starting at 6 a. m.; going by air; ordering a steak.
Your friend will accept or turn down the suggestion.
IX. Learn the dialogues. Make up similar dialogues.
1. - Why don't we go for a drive in the country?
- That would be nice. Thank you.
- I'll pick you up about 7.30.
2. - What about playing a game of tennis?
- It's nice of you to ask, but I don't feel like playing tennis.
- Well, how about coming to see Tony?
- No, honestly I can't afford the time.
3. - Let's go ice-skating.
- No, I'm really not in the mood for it this evening.
- Then, why don't we just go out for a coffee?
- No, really. I've promised myself an early night.
4. - Do you feel like going to the theatre tonight?
- No, I'd prefer to go somewhere else, if you don't mind.
5. - Why don't you call me up at the office at 7?
- Well, I'd rather pick you up at 7.30.
- That's settled.
6. - Shall we play a game of billiards?
- All right.
7. - Why not go to the forest on Sunday?
- That's not a bad idea, but I'm afraid I'll be busy on Sunday.
Conversation 3
John: Would you like to get together this weekend?
Peter: Sure. What would you like to do?
John: Well, how about seeing a movie?
Peter: That sounds good. Did you have any particular movie in mind?
John: Well, they say "A Man and his Horse" is very good. It's playing at the Rialto Theatre.
Peter: "A Man and his Horse?" That's a western, isn't it?
John: I think so.
Peter: Well, to tell the truth, I don't like westerns very much.
John: Oh, well, is there any particular movie you'd like to see?
Peter: How about "The Return of the Monster?" It's playing at the Shopping Mall Cinema, and I hear it's excellent.
John: "Return of the Monster?" Hmm .. Isn't that a science-fiction movie?
Peter: Yes, don't you like science-fiction movies?
John: No, not really. Maybe we shouldn't see a movie. Maybe we should do something else.
Peter: Okay. Would you be interested in doing something outdoors?
John: Sure. Any suggestions?
Peter: Well, we could go ice skating.
John: Oh, I'm afraid I don't really enjoy going ice skating. How about going hiking?
Peter: Well, to tell the truth, I've gone hiking several times in the past few weeks.
John: Really? Then I guess you must be pretty tired of hiking.
Peter: I am. Let's do something else.
John: Why don't we just have dinner together somewhere this Saturday?
Peter: That sounds like a good idea. Where would you like to go?
John: Well, one of my favourite places to eat is "The Captain Table."
Peter: Hmm. "The Captain Table?" What kind of food do they serve there?
John: Seafood. But if you don't like seafood we could go someplace else.
Peter: No. On the contrary. I love seafood.
John: You do? Great.
Peter: Then it's settled. "The Captain Table" for dinner on Saturday. What time?
John: How about 7 o'clock?
Peter: Is 8 okay?
John: Fine.
/. Listen to the conversation and answer the questions:
What are John and Peter talking about? What does John suggest? Does Peter feel like seeing "A Man and his Horse"? Does John like science-fiction movies? John enjoys ice skating, doesn't he? Why doesn't Peter feel like going hiking? Where do the two friends agree to go?
//. Listen to the conversation again. Reproduce the phrases expressing suggestions and replies to suggestions.
III. Find in the text appropriate English phrases for the following:
IV. Ask questions on the conversation.
V. Role-play the conversation.
VI. Act out the following situations:
Your friend and you are planning how to spend the evening.
2. An interesting film is on at your local cinema. You suggest to your friend seeing it. Your friend asks you some questions about the film and makes up his (her) mind to see it. You arrange about the tickets and agree to meet outside the cinema at 6 o'clock.
Likes, Dislikes and Preferences
a) How to express likes:
I (quite)
I'm (very)
like
enjoy
love
fond of keen on
football.
music, jogging.
b) How to agree or disagree with a person's likes:
Agreeing: Disagreeing:
So do I. So am I.
I don't I'm not.
c) How to express dislikes:
|
don't like | ||
|
dislike | ||
|
I |
hate |
loud music. |
|
can't stand |
people who smoke. |
|
|
can't bear |
d) How to agree or disagree with a person's dislikes:
|
Neither do I. |
|
|
Agreeing: |
So do I. |
|
Neither can I. |
|
|
I do. |
|
|
Disagreeing: |
I don't. |
|
I can. |
e) How to express preferences:
Conversation 4
Susan: Guess what? They're showing "
Gable on TV tonight. Lucy: Are they really? Oh, I must watch that. If there's one actor
I love watching it's Clark Gable. Susan: Yes, so do I, especially when he's playing opposite Jean
Lucy: Jean Harlow? Oh, I can't stand her! Susan: Can't you? But why not?
Lucy: I don't know. I just don't like the way she acts, that's all. Susan: But she was a very good actress! Lucy: You must be joking! Susan: No, I'm not. I really like the way she acts. Anyway, I'd
much rather watch "
2 "La Traviata". Lucy: You are not serious, are you? You really mean to say that
you'd prefer to watch "
all I can say is that I don't think very much of your taste!
I shall watch the opera!
/. Listen to the conversation and answer the questions: What are they showing on TV tonight? What do the girls think of
Clark Gable? Do they both think much of Jean Harlow's acting?
What programmes are the girls going to watch tonight?
//. Listen to the conversation again. Imitate the phrases expressing likes, dislikes and preferences.
III. Find in the text appropriate English phrases for the following:
IV. Role-play the conversation.
V. Express your agreement or disagreement with your friend's likes.
1. I like detectives. 2 I enjoyed the opera. 3. I'm keen on jazz. 4. I'm fond of folk songs. 5. I love football. 6. I liked sweets when I was a girl. 7. I enjoy classical music. 8. I'm keen on fishing. 9. I like jogging. 10. I'm fond of figure-skating. 11. I liked the film very much. 12. I'm fond of science-fiction.
VI. Express your agreement or disagreement with your friend's dislikes.
1. I hate football. 2. I can't stand loud music. 3. I dislike the way she dances. 4. I can't bear Indian films. 5. I don't like opera. 6. I hate shopping. 7. I dislike the songs he sings. 8. I didn't enjoy the ballet. 9. I don't like coffee with milk. 10.1 hate being late. 11. 1 can't bear him.
VII. Work in pairs. A expresses his/her preferences, using the words below. agrees or disagrees accordingly.
1. watch TV or listen to the radio 2. go to bed early or late 3. read detective stories or science fiction 4. large cars or small cars 5. tomato juice or orange juice 6. receive letters or write let-
ters 7. tea or coffee 8. travel by air or sea 9. cabbage soup or chicken soup 10. sunbathe or swim
VIII. Respond to the following suggestions expressing preferences.
1. Shall we go to the cinema? 2. What about seeing a detective? 3. Let's go to the theatre tonight. 4. Why don't we play a game of tennis) 5. Would you like to go to a concert? 6. Why not go abroad for our holidays? 7. Do you feel like going for a walk? 8. Why don't we have dinner at this cafeteria? 9. Let's go fishing on Sunday.
IX. Ask your friend about his likes as far as sport is concerned.
X. Situation: Your friend and you are speaking about your likes and dislikes as far as entertainments are concerned.
Opinions. Agreement and Disagreement
a) How to ask for an opinion:
What do you think of/about What's your opinion of How do you find
British television?
b) How to give an opinion:
I think
I believe there is too much violence on the screen today.
In my opinion
c) How to agree with an opinion:
I (quite) agree (with you)
You are (quite) right.
(Yes), he does (did, was, will, etc.)
(No), he doesn't (isn't, didn't, etc )
I think so too.
d) How to disagree with an opinion:
I don't (quite) agree (with you) I disagree. I don't think so.
No, I don't (didn't, wasn't, etc ) That's not my opinion. That's your opinion, not mine
Conversation 5
Peter: Jack, you've seen "Siar Wars", haven't you?
Jack: Yes, that's right
Peter: What do you think of it'
Jack: Well, I was a bit disappointed, really. I didn't think it was
a particularly good film at all. Peter: Oh, I disagree, Jack. I thought it was great. It's one of the
best films I've ever seen. I enjoyed every minute of it. Jack: I think it was pretty boring. Peter: I really can't agree with you there, Jack. I don't see how
you can say it was boring. It was full of excitement. Jack: In my opinion, it wasn't. I was bored ... mainly bacause
I was expecting so much more to happen, I suppose. Peter: Oh, come on! A lot happened! It's really exciting. You are the
first person I've met who hasn't enjoyed the film. Jack: Tastes differ, you know.
/. Listen to the conversation and answer the questions:
What are the boys talking about? What does Peter think of the film "Star Wars"? What is Jack's opinion?
//. Listen to the conversation again Imitate the phrases expressing opinions, agreement and disagreement.
III. Find in the text appropriate English phrases for the following:
IV. Role-play the conversation.
e.g
V Express agreement: - He isn't here (hasn't come, won't do it, etc.).
- No, he isn't (hasn't, won't). e.g. - He is here (has come, etc.). - Yes, he is (has, etc.).
1. The film is pretty boring. 2. Dick doesn't like ballet. 3. Kate is fond of musicals. 4. Betsy doesn't like detectives. 5. Tom is fond of football. 6. Television is the greatest invention of the twentieth century. 7. The films of this producer are always a great success. 8. They didn't enjoy the performance. 9. The play is really exciting.
10 His acting is marvellous 11. The costumes *ere perfect. 12. You didn't like the first act, did you?
VI Express disagreement:
e.g. - You didn't enjoy the film, did you5
- Yes, I did. I enjoyed every minute of it. e.g. - You liked the acting, didn't you?
- No, I didn't.
1. You didn't enjoy the book, did you? 2. You are keen on theatre, aren't you? 3. The scenery is good. 6. Your friend likes dancing, doesn't she? 7. The play was exciting. 8. You didn't book the tickets, did you? 9. He is fond of detectives, isn't he? . Mary doesn't like opera, does she? 11. Lucy doesn't enjoy science fiction films, does she? 12. The play was a success.
VII. Agree or disagree with an opinion using one of the following conversational formulas: I (quite) agree with vou You are right. I think so. I don't (quite) agree with you. 1 disagree. I don't think so. That's not my opinion. That's your opinion, not mine.
1. American films are awful. 2. Women are less intelligent than men. 3. English is a very difficult language to learn. 4. The taxes are too high. 5. Parents should have to pay for their children's education. 6. There's too much discussion about women's rights today. 7. We need more nuclear power stations. 8, Indian films are exciting. 9. The climate here is pleasant. 10. Jogging is useful for health.
VIII. Ask questions to which the following may serve as responses:
1. It was a success. 2. It was a failure. 3. I had a good lime. 4 On the whole I liked it. 5. Not bad at all. 6. It is marvellous. 7. I've never seen anything like that before. 8. In my opinion it's a little boring 9 I \\ as a bit disappointed.
IX. Your friend and you are discussing the film you've just seen. You liked everything about the film and you enjoyed the acting. Your friend has a different opinion of the film.
Conversation 6
Mr Alden: Shall we see a film this evening?
Miss Brown: That would be delightful. 1 haven't seen a film in
many weeks. Mr Alden: There are several cinemas in my neighbourhood
which show the latest pictures. Miss Brown: Let's consult the newspaper to see what films they
are showing in town.
Mr Alden;. . That's a splendid idea.-1 believe Shakespeare's "Midsummer Night's Dream" is on at one of the cinemas tonight. I've heard it is one of the best pictures of the year.
Miss Brown: My sister and I have already seen it. We enjoyed it very much.
Mr Alden: The Casino may have a good programme. They are showing two main pictures, a French film and an American. I hope you haven't seen them.
Miss Brown: I haven't seen either of them.
Mr Alden: Do you think we shall be able to obtain seats? Shall we buy balcony seats if we can get them?
Miss Brown: Please, don't. I do not enjoy seeing a film from the balcony. It is too far from the screen. It strains my eyes to see a picture from such a distance.
Mr Alden: The picture starts in fifteen minutes. The foyer has many comfortable seats. We can wait there and enjoy a cigarette in the meantime. There will be many vacant seats after the picture ends.
(After the film)
Miss Brown: I certainly enjoyed both pictures. In the French film the actors spoke English with a slight French accent. The French villages shown were very picturesque. The acting was faultless, but I think the plot was a little weak.
Mr Alden: I am so glad that you enjoyed both pictures. I think the American plot was very clever. The diction, too, was excellent. Miss Brown: 1 always like the news-reel. It brings world events
in vivid form and leaves a lasting memory. Mr Alden: I had a very lovely evening. 1 hope to have the pleasure of hearing an opera with you in the near future. Miss Brown: Thank you for a pleasant evening. Good night,
Mr Alden.
/. Listen to the conversation and answer the questions: What are Mr Alden and Miss Brown talking about3 What film is on in one of the cinemas in town? Miss Brown hasn't seen it yet, has she^ What is the Casino showing? Does Miss Brown like seats in the balcony? How did Miss Brown find the programme at the Casino? What did Mr Alden think of the American plot? Where is Mr Alden going to invite Miss Brown in the near future?
//. Give a brief account of the conversation.
///. Find in the text apprdpriate English phrases for the following:
IV. Ask questions on the conversation. V Role-play the conversation.
VI. Situation: You think your life is rather monotonous. All work and no play. You invite your friend to see a new film in the October cinema. Your friend willingly joins you. After the film you share your impressions.
Listening A Visit to the Cinema
Fiona and I went to the cinema the other day to see "Devil" at the Odeon. The review by the Daily Express critic was good, and we decided to go to the 8 o'clock performance. When I arrived Fiona was waiting for me in the foyer, looking at a poster for "Devil" on the wall. The usherette took our tickets and showed us to our seats. I don't like to be close to the screen and I usually sit in the back row if possible, and I prefer a seat in the aisle so that I can stretch my legs. Before the main film there was a Mickey Mouse Cartoon, then a trailer for the following week's film. "Devil" was a horror film and I was quite terrified, but Fiona thought it was funny.
A Film Review
Marlon Brando is a superb actor and in the "On
the Waterfront" he gave his finest performance. It is his best-known
role. The cast also included Eva Marie Saint and Karl Maiden and the film's
director, Elia Kazan, never made a better film. Parts of the film were shot in
the studio in
enormous profit. The plot is about a young man's attempt to be a boxing champion.
A Funny Film
Mary likes the cinema very much. She has no lessons and no homework on Saturdays, so she always goes to the cinema that afternoon. She prefers funny films, but often she sees other kinds of films. She usually goes with some of her school-friends, and they all sit together and eat nuts and ice-cream and laugh when something funny happens. They are always very happy at the cinema.
Last Saturday Mary saw a film about a funny man. His name was Percy. Percy was fat and had a big, black moustache. He went out one night to play cards with his friends when his wife was asleep. When he was going home at midnight, a dog ran after him and tore his trouser pocket, so Percy lost his key. He tried to climb up a ladder to get into his house through a window, but he slipper down the ladder and made a terrible noise. His wife woke up and cried, "Help! Thieves!" Someone telephoned the police and a truck full of policemen arrived. Percy ran away, but he slipped and fell into the mud at the side of the river. Mary and her friends laugher' a lot.
Self check
/. Fill in the gaps with prepositions:
The other day I made up my mind to go ... the pictures to see a detective. According ... the newspaper reviews the film promisei to be interesting. I know that my cousin Jack is keen ... detectives so yesterday evening I rang him up and invited him to come ... me He accepted my invitation willingly. We agreed to meet ... the cine ma ... 6.30. When 1 arrived ... the cinema I found Jack waiting me. There were many people ... the box-office and we had to stand ... the queue ... about 20 minutes. We were lucky to ge' tickets ... the 7 o'clock show.
//. Translate into English:
- Что ты сегодня вечером делаешь?
- Ничего особенного, а что?
- Ты не хочешь сходить в кино?
- Неплохая мысль. Я уже несколько недель не был в кино
- В кинотеатре «Москва» идет «Унесенные ветром» по ро ману Митчел.
- Мой друг уже видел его. Он говорит, что это замечательный фильм. Конечно, мы не должны пропустить его.
- Тогда я куплю два билета на восьмичасовой сеанс. Тебя устраивает это время?
- Да, спасибо. А где мы встретимся?
- Хорошо. До скорой встречи.
Fluency
/. Answer the following questions:
Are you a keen cinema-goer? How often do you go to the
cinema? Which of the
//. Speak on:
a) your last visit to the cinema
b) the film you liked best
c) your favourite actor (film director)
///. Act out the following situations:
1. In fact you don't often go out in the evening. As a rule you stay at home and watch television. You are fond of it. So is your friend. At the moment you are discussing your favourite TV programmes.
2. Once in a long while you have made up your mind to go to the cinema. There are several films on. Certainly you want to see a good one. Your friend is a keen cinema-goer, so he is just the man to ask which film to see.
Writing
Here is part of a letter in which you write about a film you have seen recently.
Jim and I went to see "Gone with the Wind" last Tuesday evening. It was on at the Odeon. We enjoyed it very much. It's, an old film but the cinema was full. (I always enjoy seeing old films - don't you? - and this is a very good one.) Vivien Leigh is so beautiful as Scarlett O'Hara. She was a wonderful actress. And Clark Gable is so good as Rhett Butler. He was a wonderful actor. I enjoyed the film when I first saw it twenty-two years ago and I enjoyed it again last night. You must see it.
Write a paragraph in the same way to suit an old or a modern film you have just seen.
U N I T 9
GRAMMAR: OBJECT CLAUSES. REPORTED SPEECH. SEQUENCE OF TENSES
Illustrative Situations
I think (that)
he speaks English.
they are playing chess
now.
he came on time.
she was skating at 6.
they have seen this film.
she has been waiting long.
he will phone me tonight.
they will be leaving soon.
he'll have done the work
by 7.
Simple Present Present Continuous
Simple Past Past Continuous Present Perfect Present Perfect Cont Simple Future Future Continuous Future Perfect
Other introductory phrases often used in the principal clause: I believe, I suppose, I know, I hope, I am sure, I am afraid, I see, I remember, I understand, He says, She has told us, He will say, etc.
he knows French.
she is still typing.
he was at the cinema yesterday.
1 wonder if you were watching TV last night,
(whether) they have seen him.
he has been working hard.
he will be at home at 10.
she will be leaving tonight.
Other Introductory phrases often used in the principal clause I'd like to know, I don't know, I'm not sure, She doesn't understand, I've no idea; He doesn't remember, I can't tell you, She asks, He wonders, He has asked, She will ask, etc.
where she lives'? what they are doing now?
when he was in
Can you tell me what he was doing at 5 yesterday?
how long she has been here? since when she has been waiting for me? how he will get there? where they will be travelling?
Other introductory phrases often used in the principal clause: Do you know, Do you understand, Does she remember, Will you ask him, Has he told you, etc.
whose book it is.
who is playing the piano.
when she saw Peter last.
Tell me what Dick was doing at 7.
Ask her if Jane has brought the records.
how long she has been typing.
if they will come.
what they will be doing at 9.
Practice
/. Ask about another person. Begin your questions with: I wonder, I'd like to know, I want to know:
e.g. - Kate is a student.
- I wonder whether Mary is a student, too.
1. Peter doesn't play chess. 2. Alec has seen ihis film. 3. Lucy speaks French. 4. Dick went fishing on Sunday. 5. Jane won't take part in the expedition. 6. Steve is not keen on pop music. 7. Roger has a car. 8. Frank speaks Italian. 9. Paul will join us. 10. I have a boat. 11. Susan is fond of theatre. 12. Mike says Betty has come. 13. Victor will go abroad next month.
//. Ask for additional information: e-g. -
Robert has left for
- I wonder why
Robert has left for
1 Lucy dines at 2. (where) 2. Jane has brought some dictionaries, (what dictionaries) 3. He doesn't want to corne. (why) 4. We've got a lot of time, (how much) 5. He receives many newspapers, (what newspapers) 6. Betty saw Alec not long ago. (when)
e-g- - Steve is a journalist, (his wife)
- Do you know if his wife is also a journalist?
1. Victor works at a plant. ,(Mike) 2. Mr Brown is at home (his son) 3. There is a cinema in the street, (a theatre)
4. They rest at the seaside, (the Blacks) 5. Mr Smith stayed at a hotel. (Mr Morgan)
e.g. - She has lunch at 12. (where)
- Do you know where she has lunch? 1. She doesn't like him. (why) 2. They'll leave soon, (when)
3. Somebody has booked the tickets, (who) 4. She was late. (wh\ >
5. They will be resting in June, (where)
///. Make up complex sentences using the given phrases:
e.g. Helen knows English well. (I'm sure) I'm sure Helen knows English well.
1. She has missed the train. (I'm afraid) 2. They took
a bus in
4. Where has Tom gone? (Do you know...?) 5. What's the time? (I wonder) 6. She has lost her way. (I'm afraid) 7. Where did you park your car? (Can't you remember...?) 8. She will go shopping tomorrow. (I suppose) 9. They won't be late. (I hope)
10. Why was Mary absent on Monday? (Do you know...?)
11. Why didn't Ann come to the party? (I don't know) 12. Where does Jack live? (Have you any idea..?) 13. She has been waiting for an hour. (She says) 14. When did they arrive? (Do you know...?) 15. Where does she work? (I've no idea) 16. What qualifications do I need? (I want to know) 17. Where can I change some money-1 (Could you tell me...?) 18. What does this word mean? (Do you know...?) 19. Why didn't he phone us? (I wonder) 20. I was watching TV at 10. (I remember)
IV. Ask for additional information:
e.g. - Mary says Alec will come soon, (when)
- Ask her when he will come.
1. Dick says he has bought some interesting books, (wha books) 2. She says she won't join us. (why) 3. He says she having dinner now. (where) 4. He says he was late. (win 5. She says they were at the theatre, (when)
V. Respond to the following questions:
e.g. - Is she bored?
- I don't know. You ask her if she's bored.
1. Has she got any brothers? 2. Can she driv e? 3. Does she spea Spanish? 4. Does she like watching television? 5. Did she go out la night? 6. Has she ever met the Queen? 7. Will she be at school t< morrow? 8. Where did he buy his watch? 9. Who did he speak to la-night? 10. What has she done today? 11. How many children ha>.
they got? '2. Why must he go to the police station? 13. How old is h ? 14. How much did she pay for her car?
VI. Ask for additional information. Begin your questions with: Do you know...? Can you tell me...? Do you remember...?
eg _ Victor studies at school.
- Do you know at what school he studies?
1. Jack didn't come to the party. 2. My brother was at
the cinema yesterday. 3. My friend is going abroad soon. 4. My husband left for
VII. Say that you don't know the answer to the questions you are asked. Begin your answers with: I've no idea..., I can't tell you..., I don't know ..., I don't remember..., I'm not sure...:
e.g. - Where does Dick live?
- I've no idea where he lives.
1. Why didn't he come? 2. Which English word has most meanings? 3. Is that a cactus or what? 4. Where did ycu rest in 1986? 5. Will Steve come to the party? 6. Who wrote the story "Three at Table"? 7. Where is Mary? 8. What games does your friend prefer?
VIII. Respond to the following questions:
e.g. "What's that girl's name?" "I don't know." "Ask her." All right. I'll ask her what her name is. 1. "Where does she come from?" "I don't know". "Ask her."
2. "What are those boys doing?" "I don't know " "Ask them."
3. "Why are they still in the classroom?" "I don't know." "Ask them." 4. "How do you spell "receive"?" "I don't know". "Ask the teacher". 5. "Where did John get that car from?" "I don't know." "Ask him". 6. "How much did it cost?" "I don't know." "Ask him". 7. "When will the party end?" "1 don't know." "Ask Charles."
IX. Complete the sentences:
1. I'm afraid... 2. Are you sure...? 3. He thinks ... 4. They don't know ... 5. Can you tell me...? 6. I hope... 7. Bob says... ". I'm not sure... 9. Do you know...? 10. Do you understand...? 11- I don't remember... 'l2. Tell him... 13. Ask her... 14. He asks... 15. I w'onder... 16. Do you remember...? 17. I'd like to know... 18- I don't think... 19. I suppose... 20. Will you ask him...? 21. I be-
A". You are making a phone call. You want to speak to Sue but
she Isn't there. Someone else answers the phone. You want to know three things:
1. Where has she gone? 2 When will she be back? 3. Did she go out alone'
Complete the conversation:
1. "Do you know...?" "Sorry. I've got no idea." 2 "Never mind I don't suppose you know... ." "No, I'm afraid I don't." 3. "One more thing. Do you happen to know...?" "I'm afraid I didn't see her go out."
Reported speech (present)
/. Report, the following utterances:
e.g. Peter: I'm fond of playing tennis.
Peter says he is fond of playing tennis.
1. Mr Smith: My son has travelled a lot. 2. Jack: They
are staying at the
Dick asks if (whether) Lucy is married.
1. Sam to Peter: Do you often visit your parents? 2. George to his brother: Are you going to take a taxi? 3. Jane to Mary: Did you go away on business last month? 4. Bob to Susan: Will you comr to the meeting? 5. Kate to Betsy: Do you like coffee? 6. Donald to Roger: Did you see Brian yesterday? 7. Mrs Smith to her children: Are you happy? 8. Your teacher to you: Do you work hard at English? 9. Mike to his sister: Can you help me? e.g. Mary to you: Since when have you known Mr Fox? Mary asks since when I have known Mr Fox.
1. Robert to you: Where will you spend your holidays? 2. Mi Baxter to Mr Robinson: Were you at the theatre yesterday? 3. Do nald to his brother: When did you send the telegram? 4. Youi father to you: Were you at home yesterday afternoon? 5. Mi Parker to his neighbour: Have you bought a car? 6. Nina to Lucy. Why didn't you phone me yesterday? 7. Mrs Robinson to her son Have you done your homework? 8. Mr Lee to his secretary How many letters have you typed? 9. Ann to Helen: Are you fond of tennis? 10. Alec to Victor: How long haven't you heard from your brother? 11 George to Steve: What were you doing yesterda; afternoon? 12 Mary to her brother- Will you be seeing Peter today? 13. Mr Baxter to Mr Short: Have you signed the papers
vet?
//. Make up short dialogues:
e.g. - The train is late.
- What do you say?
- I say the train is late.
e.g. - Are you fond of travelling?
- What do you ask?
- I ask whether you are fond of travelling, e.g. - Where do you live?
- What do you ask?
- I ask where you live
Fluency
/. Report Pam's message:
Pam wants to speak to Jill on the phone, but Jill is
washing her hair. Steve shouts into the bathroom. Pam: I shall be on my own at the weekend.
Steve: It's Pam! She says... . Pam: Jeff's going to
friend.
Steve: She says...
Pam: And Mark went camping yesterday. Steve: She says... Pam: So, if it's all right, I'd like to come and stay with you for
the weekend. Steve: She says...
Jill: Oh, yes, fine. Tell her I'd love her to come. Steve: Jill says ... .
//. Listen to the conversations. Ask and answer questions. Roleplay the conversations.
1. This is the Radio I Newsdesk. In Dorset, a helicopter is trying to rescue a man who has fallen down a cliff. He's lying on a small beach. An air-sea rescue helicopter has arrived at the scene, and one of the crew has climbed down a ladder to the beach. He's speaking to a doctor by radio. Crewman: Hello. Can you hear me, doctor? Doctor: Yes, I can hear you clearly Is he unconscious? Crewman: No, he's conscious. But he looks pretty bad. Doctor: - Ask him if he can move. Crewman: Can you move? Man: No...
Doctor- Ask him if he is in pain. Crewman: Are you in pain?
Man: Oh... yes...
Doctor: Ask him where it hurts.
Crewman: Where does it hurt?
Man: It's my back.
Doctor: Right. Don't move him. I'm coming down.
2. Frank Aitken is the editor of the Daily News. He's sending trainee journalist to interview the American singer, Bob Sonata.
"Now, I've arranged the interview for four o'clock... at h hotel. Ask him lots of questions. You know... ask him if he liki England. Ask him what his next record will be, when he recorde it... and ask him where. Ask him all the usual questions... bi don't... don't ask him how old he is. . K.?"
3. Grandmother: Read Jimmy's card to me please, Mary. Mary: I have just arrived in Scotland and I'm staying
a Youth Hostel. Grandmother: Eh? Mary: He says he's just arrived in Scotland. He sa\
he's staying at a Youth Hostel. You know he's
member of the Y. H. A. Grandmother: The what? Mary: The Y. H. A., mother.
The Youth Hostels Association. Grandmother: What else does he say? Mary: I'll write a letter soon. I hope you are all well.
Grandmother: What? Speak up, Mary. I'm afraid I can't he,<-
you. Mary: He says he'll write a letter soon. He hopes \<
are all well. "Love, Jimmy".
Grandmother: Is that all? He doesn't say very much, does he' Mary: He can't write very much on a card, mother.
Questions: What is Jimmy doing at the moment? Where is ! staying? What else does he say?
4. Harry: How was the examination, Dick?
Dick: Not too bad. I think I passed in English and Mathem i tics. The questions were very easy. How about yoi Harry?
Harry: The English and Maths papers weren't easy enough f' me. I hope I haven't failed.
Dick: I think I failed the Intelligence Test. I could ansu sixteen of the questions. They were very easy. But couldn't answer the rest. They were too difficult for rrp
Harry: Intelligence tests are awful, aren't they?
Dick: I hate them I'm sure I've got a low I. Q.
Harry: Oh, cheer up! Perhaps we didn't do too badly. The fell' '-v next to me wrote his name at the top of the papt'
Dick- Yes?
Harry: Then he sat there and looked at it for three hours' He didn't write a word1
Questions: What does Dick think of the results of his exam? js Harry sure he has passed his examination successfully? How did Dick find the Intelligence Test?
Self check
/. Translate into English:
SEQUENCE OF TENSES
Illustrative Situations
/. Study these example situations:
1. Yesterday evening when I returned from work my friend phoned me. He said he had a spare ticket for a concert and invited me to join him. But I answered that I was too tired and didn't want to go anywhere.
2. - Jane is leaving for the Caucasus tonight.
- But she said she wanted to go to the Crimea.
- She has changed her mind
3. - Why didn't you call on me yesterday evening?
- I didn't know you were at home.
4. Yesterday on my way home I met Mary. She was in a hurry. I thought she was hurrying to the Institute but she said she was
going to the station to meet a friend of hers who was coming by the 9 o'clock train.
5. Last Sunday the weather was fine. I knew that my uncle would go to the country. I rang him up and said that I would also come with him. He said he would start in an hour and asked me not to be late. I promised that I would be at his place in half an hour. We enjoyed the time we spent in the country that day
6. A week ago my daughter asked me to take her to the circus. I promised that we would go there on the next day On the following day I took her to the circus.
7. - I thought you were going to call on me last night. Why
didn't you? - I didn't know Mary would come to visit me but she did.
8. Last week on my way home I met George. He said he would be leaving for Moscow in an hour.
9. Last month I saw Alec. He looked very sunburnt. He said he'd spent a month in the south.
10. - Betty told me some days ago that Mike had got married.
- Wasn't she joking?
- I don't think so.
11. When I entered Jane's room yesterday I saw that her eyes were red. I understood that she had been crying.
When I called on my friend the other day he was writing a report. He said he had been working at it for a month.
Illustrative Texts
/. Listen to the text, read it and analyse the use of tenses. Reproduce the text.
The secretary told me that Mr Harmsworth would see me. I felt very nervous when I went into his office. He did not look up from his desk when I entered. After I had sat down, he said that business was very bad. He told me that the firm could not afford to pay such large salaries. Twenty people had already left. I knew that my turn had come.
"Mr Harmsworth", I said in a weak voice.
"Don't interrupt", he said.
Then he smiled and told me I would receive an extra £ 1000 a year!
//. Listen to another text. Pay attention to the difference in the use of tenses in the original and reported utterances. Reproduce the text.
Laura Bruce is a trainee reporter for the "London Evening Echo". Last week several famous people arrived at London Airport.
Laura was sent to interview them. Nobody told her very much!
Doctor Sowanso, Secretary General, UNO:
"I'm very busy. I've got a lot of appointments. I
can't say very much. I love
Laura's Report
Dr Sowanso visited
Brutus Gray, world champion boxer:
"I like newspaper reporters, but I haven't got time to say much. Just that I'm the greatest, I've always been the greatest and I always will be the greatest. I can beat anybody in the world! I've beaten Leo Fink before. I knocked him out in Miami, and I'm going to knock him out in Sao Paulo. I'll be the champion forever! Excuse me..."
Laura's Report
Brutus Gray stopped at London Airport on his way from Frankfurt to Sao Paulo. I managed to see him in the V. I. P. lounge. Brutus was in a hurry. He said he liked newspaper reporters, but he hadn't got time to say much. He said he was the greatest, he had always been the greatest, and he always would be the greatest. He said he could beat anybody in the world. He also said he had beaten Leo Fink before. He said he had knocked Fink out in Miami, and that he was going to knock him out in Sao Paulo. He also said he would be the champion forever!
Practice
/. Complete the following utterances using the words prompted. Express:
a) a simultaneous action e.g. I didn't want to phone Mary at that late hour.
I knew she (go to bed early).
I didn't want to phone Mary at that late hour.
I knew she went to bed early. 1. I decided not to invite Mike to the theatre. I remembered he
(not, like opera). 2. I gave that stamp to Peter. He said he (collect stamps). 3. We made up our minds to spend the holidays in the mountains. We thought it (be a great idea). 4. We sent a ticket to Mr Smith. We knew he (be keen on ballet). 5. My brother wanted to see that film. He said that many good actors (star in it). 6. We were not sure Paul would find Mary. We were afraid he (not, know her address). 7. I didn't introduce Jack to Helen. I was sure they (know each other) but it appeared they didn't, e.g. I couldn't talk to Helen when I met her on my way to the supermarket. She said she (hurry to the cinema). I couldn't talk to Helen when I met her on my way to the supermarket. She said she was hurrying to the cinema. 1. The Petrovs were away. We learned that they (travel in the Caucasus). 2. She stayed in the whole evening. She said she (expect guests). 3. I saw Andrew at the bus-stop some minutes ago. He said he (wait for Jane). 4. When I phoned Victor the other day he was out. His sister told me he (play tennis in the park). 5. I met Judy in the department store. She said she (look for a winter coat). 6. When I came home yesterday my brother was busy. I saw that he (pack his things).
b) a prior action
e.g. I didn't think Mike would come with us. I knew he (see that performance before).
I didn't think Mike would come with us. I knew he had seen that performance before.
1. When I came to the station I saw my cousin. I understood that he (miss the 8 o'clock train). 2. Everybody praised the film. Mary was sorry she (not, see it). 3. It was raining hard. Mrs Parker regretted that she (not, take an umbrella). 4. My brother called on me yesterday. He said he (buy tickets for the match). 5. I was surprised that Betsy didn't know the news. I was sure her husband (tell her everything). 6. Harry didn't come to the party. We thought he (not, receive our invitation). 7. I couldn't translate the article yesterday. It appeared I (leave my dictionary at the Institute). 8. She couldn't get into the flat. She said she (lose her key) e.g. Ann was angry with Andrew. She said she (wait for half an hour).
Ann was angry with Andrew. She said she had been waiting for half an hour.
1.
at my watch and saw that we (discuss the production plan for two hours). 6. Mother looked very tired when I returned home this afternoon. She said she (clean the flat).
c) a posterior action e.g. I was out when my friend dropped in. I didn't think he (come
so early).
I was out when my friend dropped in. I didn't think he would
come so early.
1. On Friday I saw Lucy. I learned she (go abroad soon). 2. Nick didn't want to stay at his relatives'. He said he (put up at a hotel). 3. I felt worried. I was afraid Jane (be late). 4. There were a lot of good actors in the cast. I thought that the film (be interesting).
5. John came by train. I was sure he (fly). 6. The task was too difficult for me. My friend promised he (help me). 7. Paul had already seen the play. He was sure we (enjoy it).
e.g. Dick couldn't come with us. He said he (play tennis in the
evening).
Dick couldn't come with us. He said he would be playing
tennis in the evening.
1. Mary didn't want to go out. She said she (watch TV the whole day). 2. Susan said she would be busy on Saturday. I was sure she (shop all day long). 3. We didn't invite John for the picnic. We knew he (work in the library on Sunday). 4. I wanted to visit Helen yesterday but then I changed my mind. I remembered that she (visit her parents in the country). 5. My friend and I agreed to go to the pictures yesterday evening. My friend said he (wait for me outside the cinema at 6).
//. Use the following sentences in situations:
e.g. She said her son was running a high temperature.
When I came to see my friend Jane some days ago she looked
worried She said her son was running a high temperature.
They sent for a doctor. The doctor came and said it was flue.
1. I didn't hope I would get a room at the hotel. 2. I saw that he was busy. 3. I hoped that he would help me. 4. I understood that he had missed his train. 5. I knew that she had finished her work.
6. I saw that he was speaking to the chief. 7. I learned that he hadn't come yet. 8. She said she had a terrible headache. 9. He said he had been waiting for me for an hour. 10. He told me he would be doing his homework in the evening. II. He said he had already been there. 12. She promised she would send me a telegram. 13. He said he couldn't join us.
Fluency
/. Listen to the following texts, read and reproduce them:
Last Friday Mr Hanson told his wife, Jane, that he would not be coming early that evening. He said that he had several business matters to attend to at his office and they would take him two or three hours to finish. He hoped that she would not be too angr\ with him. He had had a lot of extra work to do during the previous three weeks and he had not been able to complete it. Jane said that she didn't mind if Mr Hanson was late. She would go next door and talk to her friends, Eric and Elisabeth Grey.
2. Once a mother and her two daughters were visiting London While they were doing sightseeing they saw a notice-board with "National Picture Gallery" on it. The girls said they wanted to go in as they had never been in any picture gallery. They were sure they would enjoy it. But their mother didn't think so. She said she had visited a picture gallery and knew what it was like. She explained to the girls that they would not see any "real pictures" (movies she meant), but paintings, mere paintings.
3. Once an Englishman went to the seaside for his holidays He asked his housekeeper to post him all the letters that sh< would receive during his absence. She promised him to do that. The Englishman rested very well. A month passed but he didn't receive any letters. He thought that it was strange and he rang up his housekeeper and asked her why she hadn't posted his letters. The housekeeper told him that he had forgotten to leave her the key to the letter-box. The Englishman promised that he would send hei the key. Some days later he put the key into an envelope, wrote down his address on it and posted the letter. Another month was passing. But still he didn't receive any letters. Then at the end 01 the month he returned home. He spoke angrily with his housekeeper "But what could I do?" she said. "The key which you posted was in the locked letter-box, too."
4. When Mr Long, the Minister of Education, was asked about the school-leaving age again at a press conference yesterday, he said that there were still a large number of problems to be considered. One reporter asked what the Government was going to do about children who wanted to go out and earn money at the age of 16 Mr. Long said that he realised a lot of young people wanted to stand on their own two feet early in life, and he thought this was very good. But he added that he felt young people needed as much education as we could give them so the Government \vas seriously considering the raising the school-leaving age sometimt in the future.
Self check
/. Use the proper tense forms:
1. When the train (stop) I (look) out of the window but (not, see) any of my friends there. I (send) them a telegram and I (think) that they (meet) me. My friend Mike said that, perhaps, they (wait) for us in the waiting-room. We (go) there but (not, find) them there either. We (think) that something (happen). We (wait) for half an hour and then we (understand) that they (not, come). Later our friends told us they (receive) our telegram ten minutes before the train time and (not, can) meet us. 2. When I came to Peter's place yesterday I learned that he (go) to the airport to meet a friend of his who (come) by the 9 o'clock plane. 3. A week ago I (go) to a restaurant. I (take) a seat at one of the tables and (look) through the menu. Then a waiter (come) and asked me if I (choose) anything. I said I (choose) a tomato salad, a chop and black coffee. I also said I (take) an orange. 4. Alice said that she (enjoy) her last trip about the Crimea and she (spend) her next holidays in one of the seaside towns in the Caucasus. 5. Some days ago I (offer) Helen a ticket for a new film but she refused. She (say) that she (have a headache) and (not, want) to go anywhere.
//. Translate into English:
U NIT 10
TOPIC: THEATRE
COMMUNICATION: INVITATIONS
TEXT. A VISIT TO THE THEATRE
On the evening before Roger Brown left England he took his girlfriend Mary Summers to the theatre. There are over thirty theatres in London, each offering a different play, musical, revue or variety show. Roger studied the entertainment section in the newspaper for a long time before deciding which theatre to go to. Eventually he chose something gay and amusing - the stage production of My Fair Lady at the Drury Lane Theatre. This musical play, based on George Bernard Shaw's famous play, Pygmalion, had been on for almost five years. It had been one of the greatest successes in the history of the theatre. During the first few years of its"run" it had been very difficult to get tickets but by the time Roger wanted to buy two the show was playing to half-empty houses.
Roger had booked his tickets through a theatre ticket agency in Shaftesbury Avenue, a long street in the West End of London, famous bacause most of London's theatres are located on the street itself or in the neighbourhood.
The show began at eight o'clock and Roger and Mary decided to have a quick snack in a coffee-bar before the show and dinner in a restaurant afterwards. As Roger wanted the evening to be a memorable one, he had reserved a table for two at a famous night club and restaurant where they could not only eat fine food but dance to a first-class orchestra. Roger had decided to ask Mary to marry him in a year's time. He wanted to propose to her in a romantic setting.
He met Mary outside her office at 5.30. As the evening
was fine they walked in St. James' Park for an hour before taking a taxi to
Although the cast of the play had acted their parts every night for several years, they had not lost any interest in the play and everyone gave an excellent performance. Mary was particularly
delighted by the costumes and Roger who takes technical interest in all things commented on the clever lighting and the construction of the sets.
Mary and Roger enjoyed the performance very much and applauded enthusiastically at the end when the cast lined up on the stage to take their curtain calls. Outside the theatre Roger hailed a taxi and told the driver to take them to the "Black Cat" night club. London has many night clubs, but the "Black Cat" is one of the most famous and certainly the most expensive.
Comprehension
/. Listen to the text and answer the questions:
Where did Roger Brown take Mary Summers before he left England? What play did he choose? Was the play popular with the public? What did Roger and Mary do before the play began? What was the performance like? Did they enjoy it? Where did Roger and Mary go after the performance? Why did Roger reserve a table at the "Black Cat"?
//. Read the text and analyse the language peculiarities of the text. Do some exercises in the next section to remember them.
Special Difficulties
/. Study these example situations:
a) Richard West has a new job. He has only one suit, an old grey one. His wife thinks he should buy a new suit. "After all", she says, "you must make a good impression in your new job".
She wants him to buy a new suit.
She wants him to make a good impression in his new job.
b) Two doctors have just finished examining a patient. The patient is a very nervous man who gets worried very easily. The doctors want to discuss his case and have just gone outside his room. They don't want him to hear. They don't want him to get worried. The patient, however, is convinced they have gone outside for a different reason. He says this to himself: "They don't want me to know how ill I am!"
//. Make up sentences using the prompts: e-g. my wife/some letters
I can't go out tonight. My wife wants me to write some letters. 1. The boss/some extra work 2. My teacher/a composition
3. My father/his car 4. My mother/the kitchen 5. My teacher/a lecture on the radio 6. My parents/in the garden. 7. My friend/a special programme on TV 8. My younger brother/his homework.
///. Make up your own sentences about the following situation:
e.g. Paula is a language student in England. She is a long way away from home. Her family want her to do a lot of things, perfect English. They want her to learn perfect English. 1. a letter home every week 2. three good meals a day 3. good marks in her tests 4. good clothes 5. with a good English family 6. home for Christmas 7. lots of English people 8. a good job later
IV. Fill in the gaps with prepositions "for" or "during"
1. He sat quietly ... a few minutes thinking of what to do next. 2. I saw a lot of places of interest ... my journey. 3. I went skiing only three times ... the winter and haven't played hockey the whole year. 4. We had to stand in front of the ticket window... more than an hour. ... that time few of the people went away. 5. She can sit in the library reading-room ... hours. 6. ... my stay in Moscow I visited several exhibitions. 7. He is ill and will not come to the office ... a few days. 8. We lived in this house ... 25 years. 9. ... the break we went to the dean's office. 10. Our tram stopped ... 5 minutes at a small station. 11. My grandfather was sleeping peacefully ... the show.
V. Translate into English (self check):
Text Exercises
/. Ask questions about a) the
//. Retell the text.
Conversation Practice Invitations
a) How to invite others to do something (with you):
Would you like to Do you want to
How about
Do you feel like
come to a party with me on Saturday'
coming to Brighton with me tomorrow afternoon?
b) How to accept an invitation:
I'd love to.
I'd like to very much.
That sounds like a good idea
That sounds (nice/lovely/super).
That would be nice.
Of course.
With pleasure.
Thank you (very much)
c) How to turn down an invitation politely:
No, thank you.
I'm afraid I can't
I'm (awfully) sorry but I can't.
d) How to accept an invitation and ask for further details:
Yes, (I'd love to) but
where exactly? what time? when exactly? which day?
e) How to turn down an invitation but suggest an alternative time or day:
Oh, dear, I can't (on Friday). But another time perhaps?
I'm afraid I'm busy then. Can't you make it another day/time5
I'm sorry but I can't (tomorrow). Does Tuesday suit you?
I'm afraid (Friday's) a bit difficult What about another day?
f) How to persist with an invitation to try to persuade others to change their minds:
If a person turns down your invitation, you can always persist if and try to make him change his mind. Here are some phrases you can use:
Oh, come on.
Are you sure you can't?
Oh, surely you can!
It should be fun/interesting. I promise it'll be fun. Just for me, eh?
g) How to give in to persuasion:
Oh,
all right then, very well, as you wish.
i) How to resist persuasion politely:
No,
honestly, I really can't, it's really impossible.
Conversation 1
It is Tuesday evening. Joanna has just come home from work when the phone rings. Joanna: Hello, 5621. Simon: Hello, Jo. It's me - Simon. Do you remember - from
the party?
Joanna: Oh, yes, of course. Hello, Simon. Simon: Listen, Jo, I was wondering if you were doing anything
on Saturday afternoon? Joanna: Er ... Saturday?
Simon: Only, if not, would you like to come to Stratford for the day? They say "The Merchant of Venice" is really mar vellous! Joanna: Yes, I'd love to, but wait a minute - I'll just check in m
diary. (She looks through her diary.) Hello? Simon: Yes?
Joanna: I'm awfully sorry, Simon, but my mother's coming down from Edinburgh and I've promised to go shopping with her on Saturday afternoon.
Simon: Oh, that's a pity! But can't you go shopping another da}' Joanna: No, I'm afraid not. My mother's only staying for a few
days. Simon: But do you really have to go with her? Can't she go on
her own?
Joanna: Well, she's buying a coat and wants me to go along arid help her choose it. I'll have to go with her. She's been looking forward to it for weeks. Simon: Ah well, another time perhaps?
Joanna: Yes, fine. Look, why not the weekend after next? It's still on then, isn't it3
Simon: Yes, I think so. A week on Saturday, then. I'll pick you
up at about 2 o'clock. .? Joanna: Yes, lovely. Thank you. I look forward to it.
/. Listen to the conversation and answer the questions:
Who is calling Joanna? Where does Simon invite Joanna to? Why can't she accept his invitation? What do they agree upon?
//. Give a brief account of the conversation.
III. Find in the text appropriate English phrases for the following:
IV. Act out the conversation.
V. Accept the invitations:
1. Would you like to come to Stratford on Saturday afternoon? 2. Do you want to have lunch with me tomorrow? 3. How about visiting the Space Museum with me on Saturday? 4. Do you feel like seeing the film at the Plaza with me tomorrow? 5. Do you feel like coming for a drive? 6. Would you like to join me?
VI. Turn down the invitations politely:
1. Would you like to see "Hamlet" with me next Thursday? 2. Do you want to go to the country with me tomorrow? 3. Do you feel like visiting the new art gallery on Saturday? 4. How about coming round to my place tonight? 5. What about having dinner with me some time next week? 6. Do you feel like going to the pictures with me tomorrow?
VII. Invite your friend to:
nave dinner with you; go to the dance with you on Friday; go on a picnic with you; come round for a meal on Christmas Eve; join you for golf on Friday; listen to your new records; go for a walk with you; hear "Carmen" with you; play chess with you, etc. Your friend will accept or turn down the invitation.
VIII. Learn the dialogues. Make up similar dialogues:
1. - Would you like to come with me to the cinema tonight?
- I'd love to, but honestly I can't.
- Oh, come on. Just for me, eh?
- Oh, very well. Just for you.
2. - Would you like to come fishing with me on Wednesday?
- Oh dear, I can't on Wednesday. Can't you make it another day?
- What about Thursday, then?
- Yes, Thursday's fine. Thank you very much.
3. - Do you feel like coming to the pub with me tonight?
- Oh dear! I'm afraid I can't. I've already arranged to go somewhere tonight.
- Ah well. Another time, perhaps?
- Yes, fine.
4. - How about meeting me after work tomorrow?
- Yes, I'd love to, but what time exactly?
- About 5.30.
- Yes, fine. See you tomorrow then.
5. - Do you feel like going to the cinema?
- That sounds like a good idea. Thank you.
- Let's make it 6.30 at your place.
- That'll be O.K. by me.
6. - Would you like to come to the Tate with me?
- Er... When exactly?
- On Friday afternoon.
Conversation^
Mrs Miller: Do you like musicals, Monica?
Monica: Yes, but I prefer classical plays. Why?
Mrs Miller: Well, there's a new one at the Prince of Wales. It's
had very good reviews. Monica: What do they say about it? Mrs Miller: The Sunday Time says it's brilliant and the Sunday
Mirror says it is exciting. Monica: That's not bad. It sounds quite good but I think I'd
rather see something more serious. Mrs Miller: How about this one then?
Monica: Which one? ^, . ,. T4
Mrs Miller- This one here. It's a thriller, by Agatha Christie. It must be good. It's been on for over twenty-five years. Monica: I still think I'd prefer a more serious play. Mrs Miller: All right. I'll have another look. Do you like Bernard Shaw?
Monica: Ah! That sounds better. Who's in it?
Mrs Miller: I don't know, but it is staged by the Royal Shakespeare Theatre Company, so it's going to have some
good actors in it. Monica: That should be all right. Do they have any matinee
performances?
Mrs Miller: Yes, on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons. Monica: I think I'll book up for that then. Mrs Miller: And I suppose you'd like to see some Shakespeare
plays, wouldn't you?
Monica: Yes, very much. What plays are on? Mrs Miller: "Romeo and Juliet", "Twelfth Night"', "Richard III"
and, ah, I think you'd like this: "Love's Labours Lost"
in Regent Park. Monica: Regent Park? Mrs Miller: Yes, they have a theatre in the park, all in the open.
It's a lovely way of spending an afternoon. Why don't
you go to a matinee? Monica: That sounds marvellous, but I'd like ,to see other
plays as well.
/. Listen to the conversation and answer the questions:
What are Mrs Miller and Monica talking about? What is on at the Prince of Wales? What do the reviews say about the musical? Does Monica feel like seeing the musical? What plays does Monica prefer? What plays is she going to see in London?
//. Give a brief account of the conversation.
III. Find in the text appropriate English phrases for the following:
IV. Give synonymous expressions to the following:
Why don't you go to a matinee? That sounds marvellous. I think I'd rather see something more serious. How about this one then? I'd like to see other plays as well. I'd prefer a more serious play. It must be good.
V. Ask your own questions on the conversation.
VI. Complete the phrases from the conversation:
1. Well, ... at the Prince of Wales. 2. It sounds quite good but I think ... . 3. ... for over twenty-five years. 4. And I suppose ... . 5. ... to a matinee? 6. ... but I'd like to see other plays as well.
VII. Role-play the conversation.
VIII. Act out the following situations:
1. You've got a spare ticket for "Carmen" on Saturday night. You phone your friend and invite him (her) to join you. He (she) willingly accepts your invitation. You are going to pick up your friend at his (her) place at 6.30.
2. You phone your friend to invite him (her) to dinner at your house one evening next week. You will not take "no" for an answer!
3. You receive a phone call from A who wants to see you some time next week. You do not really like A very much, so try to find excuses for not accepting the invitation.
Conversation 3
At the Box-office
Richard: Wait for me in the lobby, Pauline. We may not be able to get seats. I'll ask at the box-office window.
Richard: May I have two tickets for this evening's performance, please?
Box office Do you have reservations?
clerk:
Richard: No, are there any good seats left?
Box office Yes, I have a few. 1 can give you very good seats either
clerk: in the orchestra or in the first balcony, third row.
Richard: Good, I like the seats in the balcony better than those on the main floor. Give me two, please, in the aisle, if possible. Do you have programs here?
Box office No, you can get them from the usher at the main en-clerk: trance.
Richard: We were lucky, Pauline. I've got excellent seats. I'll check my hat and coat and get the programs.
Pauline: You'd better hurry up. Look at the time. The curtain goes up at 8.30 sharp. We don't want to be iate.
/. Listen to the conversation and answer the questions: Where are Richard and Pauline at the moment? What are they
going to do? Are there any good seats left? What seats does Richard prefer? What time does the performance begin?
//. Give a brief account of the conversation.
III. Find in the text appropriate English phrases for the following:
IY. Act out the conversation.
V. Situation: You are at the box-office. You want two tickets in the stalls for tonight's performance. The clerk offers you the circle.
Conversation 4
At the Theatre
Dick:
Hallo, Pauline. You are looking prettier than ever this
evening. Are you enjoying the play? Pauline: Very much. However, the play is not as good as the book.
But Helen Hais is one of our best actresses. She makes
any play a success. And the stage sets are beautiful.
By the way, Ed, what did you think of Eugene O'Neill's
last play? Remember it ran in the Natiorral Theatre this
past week. Ed: It was his worst play. However, I don't like Eugene
O'Neill as you know He neither interests nor amuses me.
He's too serious. I like at least one laugh in the play. Pauline: Yes, I agree with you, Ed. Richard: So do I, But there's the signal for act two. Why don't
we get together after the play.? We can get a bite to eat.
We'll look you up later.
/. Listen to the conversation and answer the questions:
What does Pauline think of the performance? What is her opinion of Helen Hais? How does she find the sets? What does Ed think of Eugene O'Neill's last play? Why doesn't he like him? What are the friends going to do after the play?
//. Give a brief account of the conversation. III. Act out the conversation.
A Late Night
Last night my parents went to a play. They went with the Blakes who are the people we visited last Saturday.
Before the play Mum and Dad walked down Shaftesbury Avenue. Mum wanted to see the theatres and clubs. They walked slowly and arrived five minutes late.
Mum loved the play. Mrs Blake liked the dances, but she didn't like the songs. Dad didn't like the play at all because he can't stand musicals. Mr Blake didn't like it either. After the play they went to a night club. They enjoyed that very much. They didn't get back to the hotel until very late. This morning they stayed in bed until eleven o'clock.
The Play
Mrs Hunt: Did you enjoy the play, Clare?
Mrs Blake: Yes, I enjoyed it very much. I adore musicals.
Mrs Hunt: So do I.
Mrs Blake: You didn't like the first act, did you?
Mrs Hunt: No, I didn't. The women danced badly and the men
who danced seemed nervous. Mrs Blake: Yes, you are right. The woman who played the nurse
wasn't Jill Sheen, was she?
Mrs Hunt: No, she wasn't. Her name was Shirley Chilver. Mrs Blake: She talked too fast and she didn't dance very well
either.
Mr Hunt: Did you really enjoy the play? Mrs Hunt: Of course we did. Mr Hunt: What did you like? Mrs Hunt: Oh, everything.
Costumes and Scenery
Mr Hunt: You don't really like musicals, do you?
Mr Blake: No, not really. I prefer straight plays. Last week we went to see "Waiting for Godot."
Mr Hunt: The production wasn't very good, was it?
Mr Blake: No, but the play was interesting.
Mr Hunt: You were lucky. Tonight's play was dull.
Mr Blake: The actors and actresses weren't very good.
Mr Hunt: No, but the costumes and scenery were marvellous.
Mr Blake: I didn't like the men's costumes but the women's dresses were lovely.
Mr Hunt: Who was the actor who played the doctor?
Mr Blake: That was Frederick Veal. He was in a film I saw last week. He's the actor who was the doctor in another musical last year. I didn't like that play either.
Mrs Hunt: Why did you buy tickets for this play?
Mr Hunt: To please you.
Mrs Hunt: Oh ... thanks.
/. Listen to the text "A Late Night" and the conversations and answer the questions:
Where did the Hunts and the Blakes go last night? Why were they late for the performance? Did the women enjoy the play? What did they think of the dancing? How did they find Shirley Chilver? What did Mr Hunt think of the play? How did Mr Blake find the cast? Did they like the costumes and scenery?
//. Tell how the Hunts and the Blakes spent last night.
III. Act out the conversations.
IV. Situation: A few days ago you were at the theatre. At the moment you are sharing your impressions of the performance with your friend.
Listening At the Theatre
Susan and Tom are at the theatre. They often come up to London from Bishopton on Saturday to do some shopping, have a meal at a restaurant and then go to the theatre in the evening.
It is now ten past eight and they are waiting for the play to begin. The theatre is full and everyone is talking loudly and laughing and smoking or ea'ting chocolates. Soon the red and gold curtain will go slowly up, the lights in the theatre will go out and the play will begin. Then everyone will be quiet.
In front of the stage is a place for the orchestra. The seats next to the orchestra are the stalls. Above the stalls is the circle, and above the circle are the upper circle and the gallery. The seats in the front stalls and in the circle are expensive; the seats in the gallery are cheap. At the moment the orchestra is playing a gay piece of music; and near Tom and Susan one girl is selling chocolates and cigarettes, and another is selling programmes. In England people smoke in most cinemas and in some theatres.
Last week Tom and Susan saw a sad play; this evening they will see a happy play. Susan didn't like the sad play; she likes to laugh and be happy.
Now it is a quarter past eight, the curtain is going up and the play is beginning. After the play Susan and Tom will go home to Bishopton by train. The last train to Bishopton leaves London at ten past twelve.
Questions: Where are Tom and Susan at the moment? Why do they often come to London on Saturday? What is going on at the theatre at the moment? What will happen in a few minutes? What is the house like? What kind of play did Tom and Susan see last week? What sort of plays does Susan like3
Mark Twain at the Theatre
Mark Twain, the famous American writer was once invited to an opera by a friend. His friend was very rich. He and his wife had a box in the Opera House. During the performance his friend's wife kept talking loudly and gaily about the things that had nothing to do with the opera. The lady probably thought she was entertaining the guest. She made it impossible for Mark Twain to follow the performance and to listen to the music. Mark Twain didn't know how to make her keep quiet or at least speak in whisper. At the end of the opera the lady turned to Mark Twain saying: "My dear Mark Twain, I want you to come with us next Friday night. I'm sure you'll like it. The opera will be "Carmen". "Thank you very much", said Mark Twain. "That'll be fine. I've never heard you in "Carmen".
Questions: Where was Mark Twain invited? Why couldn't Mark Twain follow the performance? What did the lady say to Mark Twain at the end of the performance? What did Mark Twain answer?
Reading A Visit to the Theatre
"Well," Adrian said when they were back at his flat, "What do you want to see this evening?"
"There is a play on at the Piccadily Theatre that I'm keen to see", Celia said. "What kind of play?", Adrian asked. "It's a black comedy. It's set in a mental hospital. The patients rebel against the medical authorities and take over the hospital. The rebels are reversed - the patients change places with the doctors. It's a satire on modern society and the nature of authority. The reviews have been very good. Jonothan Jarrot says in the "Globe" that it is a memorable evening and a great theatrical experience. He's a very experienced theatre critic. The play has a good cast. Liliane Petti-
grew is the female lead. She plays a hospital nurse who t ils in love with one of the patients and then is disillusioned when he becomes head of the hospital. They say it's one of her greatest roles. There is a strong supporting cast, too. The play has been a considerable box-office success - it's been running for almost six months now."
"Well", Adrian said, "What time does the performance begin?" "Eight o'clock." "I'll telephone the box-office and see if I can reserve seats. Shall I ask for stalls or circle?" "Stalls", Celia said. "Front stalls if possible. I like being near the stage."
Adrian telephoned. All the front stalls had been taken but there were still a few places in the rear stalls. Since the reservation was made by phone, the tickets had to be picked up half an hour before the play was due to begin.
They arrived at the theatre at about half past seven, collected their tickets and spent a few minutes chatting in the theatre foyer. Then they made their way to the stalls entrance. An attendant sold them a programme and showed them to their seats. They sat and watched the theatre filling up.
After the performance they went to a nearby pub.
"Well,"
"Terrible", Celia said. "I didn't like the element of cruelty in the play."
"Well, that's what life is like,"
"I don't agree," Celia said. "The vast
majority of people live their lives without having such experiences. Except in
the theatre. There's too much emphasis on violence these days Besides, showing
violence and cruelty on the stage has a bad effect on public morality. Crimes
of violence have increased lately. People see these things performed and go out
and imitate them." "There is no evidence that violence on the stage
or on the screen influences people's behaviour,"
Self check
/. Put each verb into the most suitable tense:
It (rain) when I (wake) up last Saturday. It always (rain) when I am not working. We (plan) to go to the seaside, but in the end we (decide) to go to the theatre instead. We (miss) the bus
and (arrive) late. We (arrange) to meet Joe outside the theatre and he (wait) for twenty minutes when we (get) there. The play already (start) when we (go) in.
It's Monday again today, and I (work) as usual. I
(sit) here in the office for the last two hours, but 1 (not, do) much work yet.
1 (feel) too fed up to work. I already (have) my holiday this year I (go) to
//. Translate into English:
- Ты не хочешь сходить в театр в субботу?
- С удовольствием. Я давно не был в театре. Какой спектакль ты предлагаешь?
- Я бы хотел послушать «Кармен».
- Кто поет партию Кармен?
- Елена Образцова.
- Она прекрасная актриса. Ты думаешь, мы сможем купить билеты?
- Мой друг обещал мне достать два билета.
Спасибо. Очень любезно с твоей стороны, что ты пригласил меня. Я буду с нетерпением ждать спектакля.
Fluency
/. Answer the questions:
Are you keen on theatre? Which do you prefer: cinema
or theatre? Why? Which of the
//. Speak on:
a) the
///. Act out the following situations:
1. On your way home you meet a friend of yours. You haven't seen each other for a long time. You want to get together one
day and go to the theatre. You choose a performance to see. Your friend offers to buy tickets. You agree to meet at your place on the day of the performance.
2. The performance is over. You are leaving the theatre. You are full of impressions. Your tastes differ.
IV. Write about the performance you enjoyed.
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