Interviewer: How do you get on with your parents?
Helen: I think I get on with them very well really. We don't
always see eye to eye on some things, like boyfriends they don't always approve of them but on the whole they're very understanding. If I had a personal problem, I think I could confide in them, and if I was ever in trouble I know I could rely on them to help me.
Interviewer: How strict are your parents?
Helen: Well, my Dad's quite strict about staying out late at night, but I can usually get round him. If I'm nice to him, he
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lets me come home a bit later. My Mum's always telling me to tidy up my bedroom and put things away after I use them, and I have to do some of the housework. But if I compare them with other parents I know, they aren't very strict.
Interviewer: And who are you most like in your family?
Helen: Oh, I think I take after my mother. Everybody says we're
both very independent and strong-willed. I like to have my own way a lot of the time, but I'm not spoilt. I don't always get my own way. And my parents always tell me. off 'if 1 do anything wrong.
Interview with 17-year old son David
Interviewer: How do you get on with your parents?
David: I look up to them because I know they've worked hard
to bring us up propery.
Interviewer: How strict are your parents?
David: They can very strict at times. I told my Dad I wanted a
motorbike, but he said it was out of the question it was too dangerous. My mother is strict about keeping things tidy. I can't get out of doing the washing up and things like that, unless I'm very busy.
Interviewer: How do you get on with your sister?
David: I never agree with what she says, so we are always ar-
guing. We've never been very close, but I get on all right with her. I think I'm much closer to my mother.
Interview with mother
Interviewer: What's it like being a parent?
Mother: Bringing up children is very difficult. You always worry about them. You have to be very patient and put up with a lot like noise and even criticism. And you can't always get through to them sometimes they just won't listen. But the advantages of being a parent outweigh the disadvantages. The main thing is to enjoy your children while they are young because they grow up so quickly nowadays.
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| Interviewer: Mother: |
How strict are you with your children? I suppose I'm reasonably strict. They can't do what they like and get away with it and I tell them off when they do something wrong.
| Interviewer: Mother: |
And what is the secret of being a good parent? I think you have to give them confidence and let them know you love them. And you have to set a good example through your own behaviour, otherwise they won't look up to you.
| Interviewer: Mother: A. Questions. |
And what do you want for your children in the future? I want them to be happy, and I want them to look back on their childhood as a very happy time in their lives.
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1. What kind of relationship do the children have with their parents?
2. Are the parents strict? 3. According to the mother, what is it like being a parent and what is a good parent?
B. Practice.
1. Match the verbs in A with the definitions in B.
| 1. to get round someone 2. to take after someone 3. to tell someone off (for doing something) 4. to look up to someone 5. to bring someone up 6. to get out of doing something 7. to get through to someone | a. to respect and admire someone, to have a very good opinion of someone b. to escape being punished for something c. to think about something that happened in the past d. to reprimand, to speak severely to someone because they have done something wrong e. to persuade someone to let you do or have something, usually by flattering them f. to raise a child, to look after a child until it is adult and try to give it particular beliefs and attitudes g. to resemble a member of your family in appearance or character |
| 8. to grow up 9. to look back (on something) 10. to get away with something | h. to avoid having to do something i. to succeed in making someone understand the meaning of what one is saying j. to become more adult and mature |
2. Read the sentences. Then say the sentences again, using the multi
word verb prompts. The first one has been done for you.
1.1 have always admired and respected my father. {look up to) 1 have always looked up to my father.
2. The little boy said he wanted to be a train driver when he was
older.
(grow up)
3. She's very similar to her mother they are both very intelligent.
{take after)
4.1 often think about my childhood.
{look back on) 5.1 can't make her listen to me or understand what I'm trying to say.
{get through to)
6. When her mother died, she was raised by her aunt. {bring up)
7. How can we avoid going to my brother's party? {get out of)
8. He was not punished for using bad language at home. {get away with)
9. At first her father wouldn't let her go to the all-night party, but in the end she persuaded him to let her go.
(get round)
10. She reprimanded him for breaking the window.
{tell off)
3. Translate into English.
1. . 2. . 3. , . 4. , . 5. . 6. . 7. . 8. . 9. , .
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. Work in pairs. Discuss the following questions.
B. Practice.
What kind of relationship do you have with the people in your family?
In what ways are you similar to or different from other people in your family?
Did you have a strict upbringing?
When were you reprimanded as a child/teenager?
Were you able to do what you wanted all the time?
- Do you think parents should be strict or easy-going?
Should boys and girls be brought up in the same way?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of being an only child?
A Hard-Working Mother
Jim and Karen are relaxing in Jim's room. They have been telling each other about their lives.
Karen: Did you live with both parents when you were little?
Jim: No, my father died when I was very young, so I grew up
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in a single-parent family. Karen: Did your mother work?
Jim: Yes, she worked in an office to support my brother and me.
Karen: It must have been difficult for her.
Jim: It was. After a long day at her job, she came home and
cooked our dinner and helped us with our homework. And
taking care of us wasn't easy. Karen: Didn't your mother have anyone to help her with the
cooking and cleaning?
Jim: No, she did it all by herself. She must have been tired a
lot, but she never neglected us. In fact, she spent almost
all her free time with us. Karen: You didn't have any grandparents or aunts or uncles who
could have helped?
Jim: We had relatives, but they lived in other states, so our
mother had to do everything alone.
A. Questions.
1. Did Jim grow up in a two-parent or a single-parent family? 2. Did his mother work? 3. Did Jim's mother have to work hard? 4. Did anyone help her to look after the house and the family? 5. Why didn't Jim's relatives help her?
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1. Join these simple sentences to make compound sentences. Use the words in brackets.
1. The taxi stopped at the station. Two men got out of it. (and) The taxi stopped at the station and two men got out of it. 2. We got ready to get on the train. It didn't stop, (but) 3. No one was in when we called. We left a message, (so) 4. We didn't want to get home after the film. We went straight back, (so) 5. The old lady was nervous. She wasn't used to strangers calling late at night, (for) 6. I've always wanted to live in the country. My parents prefer to live in town, (but) 7.The letter has been lost. The postman has delivered it to the wrong address, (or) 8. For a moment the top of the mountain was visible. A cloud covered it. (and then) 9. Jane was a successful career woman. Her mother wanted her to be a housewife, (yet) 10. Tom phoned. He left a message, (and) 11. Your mother phoned this morning. She didn't leave a message, (but) 12. Go at once. You will miss your train, (or) 13. She seldom visits us. She lives in the country, (for) 14. There was little time left. I took a taxi, (so)
2. Supply the correct reflexive pronouns in the following.
Ø I enjoyed... very much at the party.
I enjoyed myself very much at the party.
1.1 see you've cut... again. Won't you ever learn how to shave? 2. How did Tom dry...? He used your towel. 3. She has no reason to blame... for what has happened. 4.1 think that poor dog has hurt... 5. 'One prides... on one's patience,' the boss said, in his usual pompous manner. 6. We amused... playing football on the beach. 7. Our new neighbours knocked at our door and introduced... 8. Sheila prides... on her ability to judge people's characters. 9. Bill had to absent... from work when his baby was born. 10. Strictly between..., she's wrong. 11. She's very certain of... 12. Granddad doesn't like living by... (= without help, alone) 13. Jimmy tied his shoelaces all by... (= without help, alone) 14. She made the dress by... (= without help, alone) 15. Harry knows how to take care of... 16. I've cut... with the bread knife. 17. Take care of...! 18. You saw what happened... 19. They... saw what happened. 20. Just among..., he is stupid.
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3. Supply gerund forms for the words in brackets.
>... is fun. (dance) Dancing is fun.
1.... tall is an advantage. (be) 2.... tall is an advantage. (not be). 3.... makes me tired. (drive) 4.... able to drive is a disadvantage. (not be) 5.... keeps you fit. (jog) 6.... is a difficult profession. (act) 7.... about other cultures is interesting. (learn) 8.... a cold isn't much fun. (have) 9.... tennis is fun. (play) 10.... alone at night in this part of the city is dangerous. (walk) 11. Is... a motorcycle easy? (ride) 12.... a soft-boiled egg takes three minutes. (cook) 13. Is... a second language difficult? (learn) 14.... good friends is important. (have)
4. Respond using negative interrogative.
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> A: I talked to Tom.
B: Didn't you talk to Jack too?
1.1 helped Bill. 2.1 thanked George. 3.1 paid Peter. 4.1 congratulated Andrew. 5.1 fined Paul. 6.1 met Arthur. 7.1 wrote to Bill. 6.1 saw Ann. 9.1 photographed Oliver. 10.1 sent a card to Hugh. 11.1 got a ticket for Mary. 12.1 kept a seat for Bob. 13.1 asked George. 14.1 invited Margaret. 15.1 forgave Alec. 16.1 offered a lift to Bill. 17.1 stopped Peter. 18.1 warned Hugh.
C. Speak about Jim's life.
D. Roleplay the conversation.
E. Speak about your life. Was it hard?
A Lovely Bride
Jan and Audrey, who are roommates, are sitting in a church. They are waiting for their friend Margo to be married.
Jan: The music's starting to play!
Audrey: Yeah, the wedding's about to begin. It's hard to believe
that Marge's getting married.
(A few minutes later)
Jan: Doesn't Margo look beautiful?
Audrey: Yes, she is a lovely bride.
Jan: Have you met the guy she's marrying?
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Audrey: No, I don't know the groom. But he looks like a nice person.
Jan: Well, we'll get a chance to meet him in an hour or so.
Audrey: You must be kidding. We won't have a chance to get acquainted with him at the reception. He'll be too busy cutting the wedding cake and having his picture taken with Margo.
Jan: Yeah. You're right about that.
Audrey: I know what we could do, though. Why don't we take them out for dinner next week when they get back from their honeymoon?
A. Questions.
1. Who is getting married? 2. Do Jan and Audrey know the guy she's marrying? 3. Will they have a chance to get acquainted with him at the wedding reception? 4. What are they going to do to get acquainted with him?
B. Practice.
1. Make up sentences with 'be about to' to talk about things which are
going to happen in the very near future.
> I'm about to leave for the station. The train leaves in twenty
minutes.
Ø I think it's just about to start raining.
Ø Robert was about to pay for the vase when he noticed a small
crack in it.
2. Express surprise or admiration using negative interrogative.
> Doesn't Margo look beautiful?
> Isn't she lovely?
3. Fill in: 'What...', 'What a(n)...' or 'How'...'.
1. How elegant you look this evening! 2.... noisy children they are! 3.... amazing sight the Kremlin is! 4.... great idea! 5.... strange his story was! 6.... interesting life he's led! 7.... beautiful garden! 8.... thoughtful of you! 9.... stupid questions he asks! 10.... nice of you to come! 11.... awful sweater! 12.... expensive meal! 13.... tired you look today! 14.... delicious food! 15.... kind he is to everyone! 16.... terrible news! 17.... boring book this is! 18.... exciting it all sounds! 19.... brave man! 20.... enormous house you live in! 21.... carelessof you! 22.... interesting story!
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3. Rephrase the following sentences in all possible ways as in the example.
What a cold day it is today! How cold it is today! Isn't it cold today! It's so cold today! It's such a cold day today!
| 1. What a happy girl! 2. How thin she is! 3. What a delicious cake! 4. What naughty children! 5. How rude he is! 6. How slowly he walks! | 7. What a stupid woman! 8. Aren't they clever! 9. What a strong man! 10. How beautiful she is! 11. What an exciting story! 12. You're so silly! |
5. Rephrase the following sentences using could to express suggestion.
> Why not go to the park?
We could go to the park.
1. Let's go for a walk. 2. What about playing a game of cards? 3. Shall we go for a swim? 4. Why don't we lie in the sun? 5. How about visiting Peter? 6. Why not go to the cinema? 7. What about going to a restaurant? 8. Why not spend the weekend in Brighton? 9. Why don't we dine out? 10. How about buying a garage?
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6. Make up sentences. Do it as in the examples.
> She is busy packing.
> When I came they were busy writing a composition.
7. Roleplay the conversation A Lovely Bride'.
8. Tell other students about your own wedding or the last wedding you went to.
Mr Cliffs Family
A student wants to write an article about Alexander Cliff. She is calling Cliff at home.
Student: Mr Alexander Cliff, please.
Cliff: This is Alex Cliff.
Student: Mr Cliff, my name is Silvia Rios. I'm a student at the University of California. Mr Cliff, I wrote an article about you recently for the school newspaper, but I wasn't able to include any details about you personally about your family... or your interests.
Cliff: Yes.
Student: Well, would you mind if I asked you a few questions?
Cliff: I'd be happy to answer your questions, Ms Rios. Go ahead.
Student: Well, sir, ah, let's see, how many children do you have?
Cliff: I have two daughters. Tricia, my elder daughter, is a doctor. My younger daughter, Lana, is also a student at the University of California. She's studying business. Perhaps you know her. She plays the piano in the university orchestra.
Student: No, sir, I don't think I do, but the university is a big place.
Cliff: I guess it is.
Student: Ah, what does your wife do, Mr Cliff?
Cliff: My wife works as a volunteer for Readers of America. She helps teach adults to read and write.
Student: I understand you are a lawyer.
Cliff: Yes, I've been a lawyer for over twenty years.
Student: Do you have any interests or hobbies that you could tell me about?
Cliff: Well, as you know, I write novels mostly stories about crime and the law. I also play golf and I jog every morning with my wife. And, of course, I read a lot. You have to read a lot in my profession. And I play the piano... not well... but I enjoy it.
Student: Well, all that's very interesting, sir. I'm sure the other students at the university will be interested in knowing a little more about you, too.
Cliff: Well, I'm glad I could answer your questions. Good luck with your article.
Student: Thank you veiy much. And good luck to you too, sir.
A. Questions.
1. Why is Silvia calling Mr Cliff? 2. How many children does Mr Cliff have? 3. What do they do? 4. What does Mr Cliff's wife do? 5. What is Mr Cliff's job? 6. What are his interests and hobbies?
B. Speak about Mr Cliff and his family.
C. Interview a classmate. Ask him/her about his/her family.
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An Arranged Marriage
I = Intereiewer R = Raj
I: How old were you when you met your husband, Raj?
R: Mm.... I was erm, sixteen.
I: And what were you doing at the time?
R: Oh I was at home. I had left school, and I was having private tuition actually, at home, to prepare me for my exams.
I: And your father arranged your marriage, is that right?
R: Yes, that's right.
I: Could you tell me how he did that?
R: Yes. He looked around for a suitable husband. He asked friends and relatives if they knew anybody, and found out about their education, their background, and most importantly, the family's background. He got all the information about them, you know.
I: And did this take a long time?
R: In my case, no, but it depends you see, erm... sometimes a father can see up to a hundred men before he chooses one. My elder sister... for my elder sister my father saw over a hundred men. You know, sometimes it can be difficult to decide. But for my brother he saw only one girl.
I: And for you?
R: He saw only two, one in the morning and one in the evening, and er... he chose the second one.
I: My goodness! Tell me about that day.
R: Yes... well, in the morning the first man came. He was very wealthy, but er... not very well educated, but he had a lot of money. And he was well-dressed, and he had very good manners.
I: And the other one?
R: He wasn't terribly wealthy, but he was well-educated, and he came from a good background. His family owned a village, and were like princes. And all his relatives were suitable. He was twenty-two, and studying law.
I: And your father chose him?
R: Yes.
I: Why, do you know?
R: I think he thought that money wasn't everything. He didn't want the... you know, he didn't want the family money. Education was more important. If he's well-educated, he'll earn it later. Actually, Shyam, that's my husband's name, didn't want to get married. He wanted to wait, but you know his father persuaded him. You
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know when he came to my house to meet my father, he was very badly dressed because he wanted my father to refuse him, so he could say to his father 'Look, they didn't like me'. But luckily my father did like him and erm so he had to say 'yes'.
I: And did you meet him that day?
R: Yes. First my family spoke to him, and then they called me in, and we talked for four, four or five minutes. My father decided immediately.
I: And did you agree?
R: Of course. My father had decided.
I: And what happened next?
R: Well, after a certain time, there was a special day when I went to see his family and he came to see my family. It was a sort of engagement party. But we you know we used to be on the phone every day, we'd see each other regularly, but never without a chaperon. We were married ten months later.
I: And how long have you been married?
R: Oh for twenty-two years now.
I: And... it's been a successful marriage? Have you been pleased with your father's choice?
R: Oh... yes, of course.
I: Do you think that the system of arranged marriages is a good one? How common is this system of arranged marriages?
R: Well, most marriages in India are still arranged in this way, and generally it is a system that works. Of course it depends a lot on the family choosing the right person, but one reason it works is that the couple enter the marriage not expecting too much, if you see what I mean. Actually, there are many more divorces between couples who thought that they were marrying for love and who then find that it isn't there. Arranged marriages seem to last, and that is a good thing.
I: And is sixteen the age when girls get married?
R: It is usually sixteen or seventeen.
A. Questions.
1. How did Raj's father find the two men? 2. Was it difficult to find a husband for Raj? 3. Describe the day that Raj met the two men. 4. Why did her father choose Shyam? 5. What happened between that day and their marriage? 6. What was Raj's attitude to her arranged marriage? 7. What advantages does she see to arranged marriage? 8. What do you think of arranged marriages? 9. At what age do young people usually get married in your country?
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| off the wedding. A week later she moved out. I was heartbroken, and it took me a long time to get over it. A few months later I heard she was engaged to a man who worked in local government. They got married, but after two years their marriage broke up and they got divorced. I tell you this because last night I went to a party and 1 was drowning my sorrows when I saw her standing on the other side of the room sipping a glass of wine. I saw a man walk over to her and I heard him say, 'You seem to be on your own. Can I join you?' A. Questions. 1. Where did the young people meet? 2. Did they like each other? 3. Were they happy together? 4. Why did they break off their engagement? B. Practice. 1. Match the verbs in A with the definitions in B. |
. Summary.
In the following summary there are some factual mistakes and some
gaps. Correct the mistakes and complete the gaps.
Raj's father arranged her marriage when she was still at school. He chose
her husband by_____. In Raj's case, this didn't take long, but some
times _____. Two men were introduced to Raj and her family, and
together they decided____. The men were of similar background, but
one of them____, and this was the one_________. Raj didn't agree
with her father, but she had no choice. She has now been married for
twenty-two years, and in fact____. Most marriages in India are still
.____, and the usual age______.
C. Roleplay the conversation.
Focus on phrasal verbs.
Across a Crowded Room
It was love at first sight. I saw her standing on the other side of a crowded room sipping a glass of wine. Our eyes met. I walked over to her and said, 'You seem to be on your own. Can I join you?'
She smiled and said yes. At first she came across as rather shy, but as I got to know her better I found out she was an open and confident person who was easy to get on with. At the end of the party I said 1 would like to see her again and asked her out for a meal the following week.
I took her out to a small Italian restaurant in Soho. After talking for a while, we found out that we had a lot in common in fact, we seemed to have the same interests and tastes in everything. She smiled at me when I spoke to her, and when our eyes met this time I knew that I was head over heels in love with her. I thought that she was falling in love with me, too. We started going out with each other, and after some time we got engaged and decided to live together. We were both very happy and made plans to settle down and get married the following year.
However, it wasn't long before things started to go wrong. She seemed less affectionate and loving as the weeks passed, and I started to feel she was going off me. She criticized me all the time. 'Why are you always going on at me?' I asked.
In the end I wondered if we were suited to one another. I was keen on hard rock and she was fond of classical music. I was interested in sport and she was interested in politics. We finally fell out over a TV programme. We had a terrible row, broke off 'our engagement, and called
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1. to come across as something
2. to ask someone out somewhere
3. to go out with someone
4. to settle down
5. to go off someone
6. to go on at someone
7. to fall out (with someone) (over something)
8. to break something off
9. to call something off
10. to break up
a. to stop liking someone (informal)
b. to start to live a stable, regular life
in one place (perhaps after buying a house or getting married)
to give the impression of having a particular characteristic
d. to cancel something (an arrangement or event)
e. to discontinue something, to
bring something to an abrupt end
f. to spend time with someone socially, often to have a romantic
relationship
g. to come to an end
h. to have an argument with someone and stop being friendly with them
i. to keep complaining about something to someone (informal)
j. to invite someone to go out some- where (to a restaurant or theatre)
2. Read the sentences. Then say the sentences again, using the multi
word verb prompts. The first one has been done for you.
1. The concert has been cancelled.
{call off)
The concert has been called off.
2. Stop criticizing me all the time! (go on at)
3. He's invited her to the cinema. (ask out)
4. Julie is having a relationship with a man from France. (go out with)
5. He gives the impression of being rather aggressive. (come across as)
6. Their marriage has ended. (break up)
7. Michael has had an argument with Tony and isn't talking to him. (fall out with)
8.1 want to have a stable life, buy a house, and get married.
(settle down) 9. They have ended their relationship.
(break off) 10. I'm starting to dislike him.
(go off)
Idiomatic expressions.
3. Find the expressions in the text which mean the following:
1. to fall in love with someone the first time you see them
2. to be completely or deeply in love
3. to try to forget your troubles and disappointment by drinking alcohol
C. Work in pairs. Discuss the following questions.
Do you believe in love at first sight? Why? / Why not?
Do you agree with the saying 'It's love which makes the world go round'? Why? / Why not?
Some people say 'True love never dies'. Do you agree? Why? / Why not?
What impression do you think you give of yourself when you first meet people?
Imagine someone is always criticizing you. What would you do or say?
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Would you have a relationship with someone your parents didn't approve of?
If you have a relationship with someone, how important is it that you both have a lot in common (that you are both keen on sport, for example)?
What kind of things make you stop liking someone?
What would make you end a relationship with someone?
When do you think is the right time to live a more quiet, stable life and get married?
4. Translate into English.
1. . 2. . 3. ? 4. . 5. , . 6. , . 7. , . 8. . 9. , . 10. .
D. Look at how the time expressions below are used to sequence the events in the story 'Across a crowded room'.
At first after a while after some time the following year However, it wasn't long before as the weeks passed in the end
Using these time expressions, as well as the multi-word verbs, idiomatic expressions, and prepositions you have learnt in this unit, write a description of either:
a romantic play, book, or film that you know, or
the development of a romantic relationship.
Happily Ever After
I = Interviewer H = Helen
I: How did you meet your husband?
H: It was on a blind date, actually. A friend invited me to meet someone she knew. She said he was very nice, so I went along, and as soon as I met him, I fell for him. I thought he was wonderful. We started to go out with one another, and then I invited him home to meet my parents, and they took to him immediately they thought he was a lovely person.
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I: So meeting him was an important event?
H: Oh, yes. it was a turning-point in my life. You see, whereas I'd always had my head in the clouds, he was very practical and realistic he had his feet firmly on the ground.
I: Do you remember when he asked you to marry him?
H: Yes, very clearly. We were walking in the park and he proposed to me completely out of the blue. I really wasn't expecting it.
I: How did you feel about marrying him?
H: I was over the moon. I thought it was the most wonderful thing that could ever have happened to me.
I: And do you still feel that way today?
H: Oh, yes, we're devoted to one another.
I: What do you think has made your marriage such a success?
H: The fact that we've always supported and helped one another. I've always stood by him. and he's never let me down once. We're a partnership.
I: So you never have any arguments?
H: Well, we have our ups and downs now and theneverybody does but I know that underneath it all we were made for each other.
I = Interviewer G = George
I: How did you meet your wife?
G: We worked for the same company. She was about the same age as me, and she struck me as a very nice person. As time passed I came to look on her as a friend. We spent some time together and then we started going out with one another.
I: What did your parents think of her?
G: When I introduced her to my mother she said she couldn't understand what I saw in her. She thought she was very ordinary and not at all the right person for me.
I: Do you think your mother's opinion influenced you in any way?
G: I think it made me have second thoughts about marrying her, but we still got married a few months later.
I: What was life like after you got married?
G: Things were all right for a while but then we began to quarrel. We always kissed and made up in the end, but there were still problems between us.
I: Why was that?
G: I think the main thing was that we weren't really suited to one another. After we got married we started to see one another in a different light. We spent less and less time together, we became interested in different things, and gradually we grew apart.
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I: What happened then?
G: We started having terrible arguments and I behaved very badly towards her. I tried to make up for it, but she couldn't forgive me. In the end we split up. I suppose it was inevitable really.
I: And how did this experience affect you?
G: I think it changed my outlook on life. I certainly don't see it
through rose-coloured spectacles any more.
I: Would you marry again?
G: I would, but it would have to be the right person, and there would have to be a lot more give and take. Otherwise I don't think it would work.
A. Questions.
1. How did Helen and George meet their partners? 2. What did they think of their partners when they first met them? 3. What did their parents think of their partners? 4. How did Helen and George feel about marrying their partners? 5. Why did their marriages succeed or fail?
B. Practice.
1. Match the multi-word verbs in A with the definitions in B.
A B
| 1. to fall for someone 2. to take to someone / something 3. to stand by someone 4. to let someone down 5. to look on someone as something 6. to see in someone/something 7. to make up/to make it up (with someone) 8. to grow apart (from someone) 9. to make up for something 10. to split up | a. to compensate for something b. to become friends again after an argument c. to provide help or support for someone when they are in trouble d. to fall in love with someone e. to consider someone as some thing f. to find a particular quality in someone/something g. to disappoint someone, often by breaking a promise or agreement h. to end a relationship or marriage i. to begin to likesomeone/something j. to develop separate interests and become gradually less close to someone |
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2. Read the sentences. Then say the sentences again, using the multi
word verb prompts. The first one has been done for you.
1. When I was in trouble she gave me help and support.
(stand by)
When I was in trouble she stood by me. 2.1 have always considered you to be my closest friend.
(look on as)
3. I'm depending on you, so don't disappoint me! (let down)
4. The children liked her the moment they met her. (take to)
5. She fell in love with her skiing instructor. (fall for)
6.1 don't understand what she finds attractive about him. (see in)
7. She tried to compensate for the trouble she had caused. (make up for)
8. After a year they ended their relationship. (split up)
9. 1 think we've become less close to one another. (grow apart) 10. They had an argument but later they became friends again. (make up)
3. Translate into English.
1. , .
2. . 3. . 4. . 5. ? 6. , . 7. , . 8. , . 9. . . 10. .
Idiomatic expressions.
4. Discuss what you think the following expressions in italics mean.
1. It was a turning-point in my life.
2. He proposed to me completely out of the blue.
3. Life is full of tips and downs.
4.1 started to have second thoughts about it. 5.1 started to see her in a different light.
6. There has to be give and take in a relationship.
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C. Discuss the following questions.
What makes some relationships between couples break up?
What qualities do you think are needed for a lasting relationship?
D. Write a story called 'The Blind Date'. Try to use the phrasal verbs
and idiomatic expressions you have learnt in this unit.
Listening
Why Was She Angry?
A young man was in love with a beautiful girl. One day when they were walking in the park near the girl's house, she said to him, 'Tomorrow is my birthday, will you come and have dinner with me?' 'Of course, I shall,' said the young man, 'and I'll send you red roses, one rose for each year of your life.'
The same evening the young man went to a florist's. As the girl was twenty yeai'ls old, he paid for twenty roses and asked the florist to send them to the girl's house the next day. He left her address and a letter full of love.
The florist knew the young man very well because he often bought flowers in his shop. The florist thought, 'The young man is a good customer, my price for the roses was too high, I'll send thirty roses instead of twenty.' And he did so.
In the afternoon when the young man came to see his girlfriend, she didn't want to speak to him. He was very unhappy and went back home. But he never knew why she was angry with him.
Questions.
1. Why did the girl invite the young man to her house? 2. What present did the young man send to the girl's house? 3. Why was the girl angry with the young man?
The Smoking Chimney
One afternoon Professor N. was walking along a country road when he saw a farmer eating his supper alone in the road before his house. The professor approached the farmer and asked him,
'Why are you eating here alone?'
'Well, sir,' answered the farmer after a short pause, 'the chimney smokes.'
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'That is too bad,' said the professor, 'You must have it repaired. Let's have a look at it.'
And before the farmer could say a word the professor tried to enter the farmer's house. As soon as he opened the door a broom fell on his shoulders and a woman's voice cried,
'Go away, you old rascal, or I'll kill you...'
The professor left the house quickly. The farmer sat in the road looking very unhappy. The professor approached him and put his hand on his shoulder.
'Never mind,' said he, 'my chimney smokes sometimes too.'
Questions.
1. Where did the professor see the farmer? 2. What was the man doing? 3. What did the professor ask the farmer? 4. What did the farmer answer? 5. What happened when the professor tried to enter the house? 6. What did the professor say to cheer up the farmer?
Love at First Sight
The first time Michael saw Helen, he fell in love with her. It was love at first sight. The problem was how to win her love for him. First he tried to impress her. He asked her to fly to Cannes with him for the Film Festival. She refused. Then he asked her to come to Rome with him. But she said no. 'Perhaps she likes the simple life,' he thought. So he asked her to spend a weekend with him in the country. She refused that too. 'Food. I'll try food,' he thought and asked her to eat with him at Mason's, one of the best restaurants in London.
'No, thank you,' she said and lowered her lovely blue eyes. 'She's so beautiful,' he thought. 'I will try one last question.' And he asked her to marry him.
'Yes,' she said.'I will. Mason's, Rome, Cannes, the country what an exciting life we will have.'
Questions.
1. What are the things Michael asked Helen to do? 2. What did Helen say?
The Gift
(after O. Henry)
One dollar and eighty-seven cents. That was all. Three times Delia counted it. And tomorrow was Christmas. She sat down on the sofa and burst
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into tears. She had saved every penny for months and this was the result. Twenty dollars a week doesn't go far. Only $1.87 to buy a present for Jim. Her Jim. She had spent hours planning to buy something nice for him.
She went to the mirror and let down her hair. She let it fall to its full length, below her knees.
There were two possessions of which the Dillinghams were very proud. One was Jim's gold watch, which had been his grandfather's. The other was Delia's hair.
She put her hair up again nervously and cried a little again. Then she put on her old brown jacket, her old brown hat and went down the stairs to the street.
She stopped at a sign which read: 'Madame Sofronie. Hair Goods of All Kinds.' She ran up the stairs.
'Will you buy my hair?' asked Delia.
'Take your hat off,' said Madame Sofronie, 'and let me look at it.'
She let her hair down.
'Twenty dollars,' said Madame.
'Give it to me quickly,' said Delia and the woman began to cut off Delia's beautiful long hair.
For the next two hours Delia searched for a present for Jim. Then she found it. It was a platinum chain for Jim's watch. As soon as she saw it, she knew it was right for Jim. It was just like him. Quiet and valuable. It cost $21.
When Delia got home, she started to curl her hair. After half an hour, her head was covered in small curls.
At seven o'clock the front door opened and Jim came in. Delia whispered to herself, 'Please God, make him think I am still pretty.' Jim looked thin and serious. Poor Jim! He was only twenty-two! His eyes fixed upon Delia and there was an expression on his face which frightened her.
'Jim, darling, don't look at me like that. My hair will grow again. I cut it off and sold it because I wanted to buy you a present. I've got a beautiful present for you.'
'You've cut off your hair,' said Jim slowly.
'Yes, but I'm still me without my hair, aren't I?'
'Your hair is gone,' he said again, almost like an idiot. He took a package from his coat pocket and threw it on the table. Delia tore at the string and paper. First, an ecstatic scream. Then, hysterical tears.
For there lay the combs the set of beautiful hair combs which she had wanted for so long. She knew they were expensive.
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She hugged them closely and said, 'My hair grows very fast, Jim.' Then she jumped up and gave him her present. The platinum watch-chain flashed in the light.
'Isn't it beautiful, Jim? Give me your watch. I want to see how it looks on it.'
Jim sat down on the sofa and smiled. 'Dell,' he said, 'let's put our Christmas presents away and keep them for a while. They're too nice to use at present. I sold the watch to buy your combs. Now let's have supper.' Questions.
1. Why was Delia unhappy on Christmas Eve? 2. What were the two possessions the Dillinghams were very proud of? 3. What did Delia do to make Jim a Christmas present? And what about Jim?
Reading
The Escape
I always believed that if a woman made up her mind to marry a man, nothing but immediate escape could save him.
Once a friend of mine, understanding this, decided to go on a journey for some time. So he got aboard the ship, with only a tooth-brush as his luggage and spent a year travelling round the world. He thought that the girl would forget him out of sight, out of mind.
But when he landed at the port, the first person he saw was the little lady from whom he had fled.
And only once I knew a man who managed to escape. His name was Roger Charing. He fell in love with Ruth Barlow at first sight. She was a dark-eyed, fair-haired little lady. When Roger told me that he wanted to marry her I wished him happiness.
'I hope you'll be good friends,' he said. 'You do like her, don't you?' 'Yes,' I said. I couldn't say less. I considered her stupid but I couldn't tell Roger about it. Roger introduced her to his friends, he took her everywhere. Their marriage was fixed for the near future. Then, all of a sudden, he fell out of love. I didn't know why. Maybe he understood that Ruth had made up her mind to marry him for his money. But he knew that she wouldn't release him if he simply asked her. So he thought of a plan. He didn't show Ruth that his attitude towards her had changed. He sent her flowers, they dined together and went to the theatre together. They had made up their
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minds that they would be married as soon as they found a house that suited them. And they started looking for it. They visited house after house but always Roger found a fault that made the house unsuitable. Sometimes they were too small or too large or too expensive or too gloomy.
Ruth began to grow tired. They looked at hundreds of houses and Ruth felt worn out. Once she said angrily, 'If you can't find a house soon I won't marry you.' 'Don't say that,' answered Roger. 'We are sure to find a proper house and in less than no time we'll get married.'
They had been looking for a house for two years. Finally Ruth was dead tired. 'Do you want to marry me or don't you?' she asked. 'Oh, of course, I do,' was the cheerful answer. But Ruth did not feel well enough to look at any more houses. She didn't want to see Roger.
In a week he got a letter. T don't think you really love me. So I have found a man who will take good care of me and I'll be married to him today. Ruth.'
Soon she got a letter from Roger, T am very unhappy, but the most important thing for me is your happiness. I am sending you several addresses and I am sure that you' 11 find among them a decent house. Roger.'
How We Kept Mother's Day
(after Stephen Leacock)
I think it's a very good idea to celebrate once a year 'Mother's Day'. So we decided to have a special celebration of Mother's Day. We thought it a fine idea.
We decided to make it a great day, a holiday for all the family and a happy day for our Mother. Father decided to take a holiday from his office, my sister Anne and I stayed home from college classes, and Mary and my brother Will stayed home from High School.
Our plan was to make the day just like any big holiday. So we decided to decorate the house with flowers. We asked Mother to arrange the decorations because she always does it on holidays. The two girls wanted to dress in their very best for such a big occasion, and so they both got new hats. Mother trimmed both the hats and they looked fine. Father had bought new ties for himself and us boys. We wanted to buy a new hat for Mother too, but she said she liked her old grey hat better than a new one, and both the girls said that it was awfully becoming to her.
Well, after breakfast we decided to hire a car and take Mother for a beautiful drive away into the country. Mother is hardly ever able to go to the country because she is busy in the house nearly all the time.
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But on the very morning of the day we changed the plan a little bit. Father decided to take mother fishing. It turned out that he had just got a new rod the day before and he said that Mother could use it too.
Well, when the car came to the door, we saw that there was no room in it for us all. Father said he could stay at home and work in the garden though he hadn't had a real holiday for three years. Of course we didn't want to let Father stay at home. Then the two girls Anne and Mary said that they could stay at home and help the maid to cook. Only it was such a pity to stay at home on such a fine day. As to us boys, we couldn't cook. So in the end it was decided that Mother would stay home and just have a lovely restful day round the house, and get the dinner. It turned out anyway that Mother didn't care for fishing, and also it was just a little bit cold and fresh out of doors, though it was lovely and sunny, and Father was afraid that Mother might catch cold if she came. So we said goodbye to Mother and drove away.
Well, we had a very happy day up among the hills. Father caught a lot offish. Will and I fished too but were not so lucky. The two girls met a lot of people that they knew. So we all had a good time.
It was quite late when we came back, about seven o'clock in the evening. Mother had kept the dinner ready and hot for us. The dinner was like on New Year's Day. Mother had to get up many times during the meal fetching things back and forward.
The dinner lasted a long time, and it was great fun. When it was over all of us wanted to help Mother to wash the dishes. But Mother said that she could do it herself, and so we let her because we wanted to please her. It was quite late when it was all over, and when we all kissed Mother before we went to bed she said it had been the most wonderful day in her life, and I think there were tears in her eyes. So we all felt awfully repaid for all that we had done.
Self Check
/. Fill in the blanks with the correct prepositions. Retell the text.
When I was young I argued... (1) my brothers and sisters all the time. I used to share most of my toys... (2) my brother, but he specialized... (3) keeping them... (4) himself. When I asked him... (5) anything he simply used to refuse to give it... (6) me, and then I became very angry... (7) him. Our sisters blamed everything... (8) us when our parents accused us
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... (9) quarrelling all the time. My brother and I got annoyed... (10)this, but only succeeded... (11) making matters worse. Our parents didn't approve... (12) our quarrelling so much, and insisted... (13) not taking sides. They either laughed... (14) it, or told us to forgive each other...(15) everything. Soon we became ashamed... (16) quarrelling, and became good... (17) getting on well... (18) each other.
2. Fill in the gaps with articles or prepositions if necessary. Retell the texts.
A. 1. Ann was... (1) very romantic girl who often dreamed... (2)... (3)
love and... (4) marriage. She was especially attracted... (5)... (6)
young man called Michael, who worked in... (7) same office as she
did, and he was very keen... (8) her too. They became friendly and one
day Michael asked her to go out... (9) him. Their first date was... (10)
visit... (11)... (12) cinema, and they both enjoyed... (13) evening so
much that they decided to go out together regularly, Michael was...
(14) bit untidy and rather young, and Ann's parents didn't approve...
(15) him... (16) first, but Ann was... (17) sensible, mature girl and they had confidence... (18) her.... (19)... (20) year or so everything went well, but then somehow they slowly began to drift apart, until finally they decided to break... (21) their relationship.
B. One evening, although he was nervous, Joe decided to propose... (1)
his girlfriend, Linda. She accepted his proposal, they became engaged
and he gave her... (2) ring__ (3) a year they had saved enough money to
get married (they were both... (4) 18 so they did not need their parents' consent.). Some people have... (5) religious ceremony... (6) a priest, but Joe and Linda decided... (7)... (8) civil ceremony... (9)...(10) registry office.... (11)... (12) day of... (13) wedding Linda,...(14) bride, was very calm, but Joe,... (15) bridegroom, was nervous. Afterwards,... (16)... (17) reception,... (18) speeches were made and... (19) guests drank... (20) toast... (21)... (22) happy couple, who finally left... (23)... (24) honeymoon... (25)... (26) Spain,
C. Win, 42, tells how she met her husband.
I remember I was about 19. I went... (1)... (2) dance... (3)... (4) village hall. I went... (5) my best friend, Marjorie. Marjorie was very pretty and all... (6) boys liked her. They all wanted to dance... (7) her. I didn't enjoy... (8) dances very much. I was always very shy.
I sat... (9)... (10) table... (11)... (12) corner of the dance hall. No one asked me to dance.... (13) about... (14) hour, Marjorie came up
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and said, 'Go and ask one of... (15) boys to dance! You can't just sit there!'
It was awful. I hated every minute of it.... (16)... (17) end she told one of her boyfriends to go and ask me... (18)... (19) dance. I was so embarrassed! Anyway,... (20) boy came up and we danced. His name was Mick and he was very nice. He asked me to go... (21)...(22) cinema... (23) him... (24) next day. That was... (25) start of it. I went out... (26) him... (27)... (28) year, and then he asked me to marry him. My parents were a bit surprised. They liked him, but they said we were too young. They told us to wait. We waited... (29) nine months and then,... (30) my 21st birthday, we got married. We now have three children and we're very happy. I still see Marjorie quite often. She always says, 'You mustn't sit and wait... (31)... (32) things to happen. You must go out and make them happen.' I think she is right.
3. Put the verbs into the correct tense fonts. Dear Mum,
It (not seem) like 6 months since I (arrive) here, but time (flow). I now (adjust) almost completely to the way of life here, but I must say it (be) difficult to get used to things at the beginning. I (have to) work hard here, and some evenings I (be) so tired out that I (go) straight to bed. But I (be) glad I (come). I (not save) as much as I wanted to, but never mind, I at least (save) something. Next week I'm off for a weekend's skiing, and I really (look forward) to going. I (be) a bit scared because I never (ski) before, but I (get by) somehow don't worry. Just think, this time next week I (ski).
By the way, when you (come) to visit me? I can put you up in my spare room. If you can't come next month, at least try to come the month after. If you (come), could you bring me some marmalade? I (run out). Now, what other news is there? My French (be) quite good now, in fact I (pick up) a lot since I (arrive). At the end of my stay here I (speak) French very well.
Oh, something I (forget) to tell you in my last letter, and that is that my firm might transfer me to their branch in the Netherlands. If they (do), it (not be) for another six months. I (wonder) what Holland (be) like? Anyway, if you can't visit me here, I (see) you in four months' time because I've got a week off then, and I (come) home for the week. Well, give my regards to everyone.
Love, Mary
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4. Put the verbs in brackets into the correct forms. Study and practise the text.
The Three Wishes
(A Fairy Tale)
One winter evening a poor peasant sitting near the fire was talking with his wife about one of their neighbours who was a rich man.
'If only I (have) money, I (open) my own shop.'
'I (not be) satisfied with that,' answered his wife. 'I (be) happy if I (live) in a big house, and then, if I (see) people like ourselves, I (help) them and (make) them happy.'
'But what's the use talking, we are no longer in the time of fairies,' the man said.
'It (not be) bad if they (exist),' the woman said, 'Then I (may) meet one of them and ask her to grant me my wishes. If she (promise) to grant me something, I (know) what to ask her.'
Hardly had she said these words when a young lovely woman appeared in their room and told them that she was a fairy. She was willing to grant them the first three wishes and no more than three wishes. Then the beautiful lady disappeared.
At first the two peasants were too surprised to speak. But then they began discussing the first wish that it (be) best to have. They were arguing and quarrelling for a long time and finally decided to wish nothing for a while and put it off till the next day.
Some time later the woman looking at the bright fire said without thinking. 'Oh, I wish we (have) a sausage for our supper.' She had hardly finished these words when a thick sausage fell on their table from above.
The husband got angry and began scolding his wife, 'Isn't that a fine wish! A sausage! Now we have only two wishes left. I'm so angry that I wish this sausage (stick) to your nose!'
This was hardly said when the sausage jumped and stuck to the poor woman's nose.
'What have you done?' cried the frightened woman.
The husband understood that he himself had been even more foolish than his wife. He tried to tear the sausage off his wife's nose but he couldn't.
'It is your fault,' said the husband. 'It is yours,replied his wife and they continued quarrelling.
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'If you (not, wish) to have this sausage, I (not, wish) it to stick to your nose,' said the husband.
Finally they understood that they had only one wish left. What could they wish? They thought for a long time and at last agreed to have their last wish. They wished the sausage (fall) on the table which it did.
The only good thing these poor people had got from the fairy was the sausage which they ate at dinner with great appetite.
UNIT3 COMMUNICATION: FEELINGS AND EMOTIONS
Disappointment
