(A talk between Bill Anderson, a lecturer at London University, and Peter Sedov, a Russian teacher, who is teaching Russian at London University.)
Bill Anderson: Peter, could you do me a favour?(1)
Peter Sedov: Youre welcome.
Bill: Could you name most popular modern Russian writters?
Peter: Well, you know, tastes differ. My favourite modern writers are Solzhenitsyn, Bondarev, Rasputin, Lipatov to name only a few.
Bill: Were any of their works translated into English?
Peter: I think so. I have Bondarevs "Bank"(2) in English.
Bill: May I borrow it?
Peter: Yes, certainly. Ill bring it tomorrow.
Bill: Thank you very much. Unfortunately I dont know any of your modern writers.
Peter: I hope youll enjoy these novels.
. TELL ME ABOUT BRITISH WRITERS, PLEASE
A: Who are the most popular writers in Great Britain at present?
B: Its a diffucult question. Tastes differ, you know. Id say the most popular fiction writers are Graham Greene, Iris Murdoch, Agatha Christie, to name only a few.
A: As to Graham Greene, Iris Murdoch and Agatha Christie Ive read some of their books in translation. They impressed me greatly. I especially liked Graham Greenes novels "The Comedians" and "The Honorary Consul".(3) I wonder whether John Galsworthy, Bernard Shaw, Somerset Maugham and Arnold Bennett are as popular as they used to be. (4)
: I dont think so though many of their books are republished. Galsworthy is my favourite writer. Hes a classic. I hear most of Galsworthys novels were translated into Russian.
A: Oh, yes. I think Ive read all the books that were translated.
B: Im surprised at you, Russians. You seem to know English literature better than we do. (5)
C. COULD YOU ADVISE ME AN ENGLISH NOVEL TO READ?
Peter Rostov: Could you advise me an English novel to read?
John Brown: Id advise you to read C.P Snows novel "The New Men". Though C.P. Snow wrote it over thirty years ago, the book has stood the test of time.
Rostov: Whats the subject-matter of the book?
Brown: As far as I understand its the problem of conscience, duties and responsibilities of scientists.
Rostov: Who are the main characters?
Brown: To my mind the two brothers Lewis and Martin Eliot.
Rostov: When and where does the action take place?
Brown: During the Second World War and a year after. A group of British scientists worked on the atomic bomb in a small village, a few miles from Stratford-on- Avon*. Late in July 1945 they learned that the USA had tested an atomic bomb and that the American military were planning to drop an atomic bomb on a Japanese town.
Rostov: Excuse my interrupting you. Did the scientists try to do something?
Brown: Yes, they did. They signed a protest and took it to Washington.
Rostov: But the American military didnt listen to the scientists as the events showed.
Brown: Unfortunately, they didnt.
Rostov: What do you think the message of the novel is?
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Brown: I think the writer wanted to draw the attention of the people to the danger of atomic bombs. To my mind the social value of the novel is undoubted. Look, I advise you to read the novel yourself and form your own opinion. When you finish it well be able to discuss it. I could lend you the book, by the way.
Rostov: Thank you.
D. I AM FOND OF MUSIC
(Jane, an English student has just returned from a concert. She meets Mary, a Russian exchange postgraduate.)
Mary: Hello. How are you?
Jane: Fine, thanks. Ive just been to Richters concert.
Mary: Did you enjoy the concert?
Jane: It was splendid.
Mary: What did he play?
Jane: Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov and... Here, have a 1ook at the programme. I believe Richter is one of the most brilliant pianists of today.
Mary: Yes, he certainly is. By the way, the Chamber Orchestra "Moscow Virtuosos*" is on tour in Great Britain now. Would you care to attend their concert next Friday? Ive got two tickets.
Jane: Id love to. Thank you very much. Ive read a review about the concert. It says theyre marvellous. Im fond of music.
Names
Graham Greene [ʹɡreɪəm ʹɡri:n]
Iris Murdoch [ʹaɪərɪs ʹmə:dək]
John Galsworthy [ʹdʒɔn ʹɡɔ:lzwəðɪ]
Somerset Maugham [ʹsɔməsət ʹmɔ:əm]
Arnold Bennett [ʹɑ:nld ʹbenət]
C. P. Snow [ʹsi: ʹpi: ʹsnou]
Notes
(1) Could you do me a favour [ʹfeɪvə]? He ?
(2) "Bank" "
(3) "The Comedians" [kəʹmi:dɪənz] and "The Honorary Consul" [ʹɔnərərɪ ʹkɔnsl] "" " "
(4) as they used [ju:st] to be ( )
(5) You seem to know English literature better than we do. , .
Part two
2
Conversations: A. Asking the Way.
B. On a Bus.
C. Taking Taxi.
D. Telephone Conversation.
Learn these words and word combinations
left n ; on the left , ; on your left ; Youll see a supermarket on your left.
to turn (to the) left ; Turn left at the school and youll see the bus-stop.
right [raɪt] n ; on the right , ; on your right ; to turn (to the) right
straight [streɪt] on adv ; Turn left at the supermarket and then go straight on.
far (farther, farthest) adv , ; Is it far? far from ; Is Red Square far from here?
car - driver n ()
passer - by [ʹpɑ:səbaɪ] n (pl. passers-by)
way [weɪ] n 1. , ; Ill ask the way. . Could you tell me the way to the nearest underground station? He , ? 2. : "No Through Way" () ; "Way Up" ; "Way Down
turn round v
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traffic - lights [ʹtræfɪk͵laɪts] n .
distance [ʹdɪstəns] n ; What distance is it to Kiev? Its no distance at all. .
stranger [ʹstreɪnʤə] n , ,
policeman [pəʹli:smən] n ,
conductor [kənʹdʌktə] n ( )
put down v ; to put smb. down at a stop -. , -., ; Did you ask the conductor to put you down at the department store?
get off v ( , . .); to get off at the next stop; Youll have to get off at the next stop.
wrong [rɔŋ] , , , ( ); Im afraid youre wrong. , . His answer is wrong. to go the wrong way , ; They went the wrong way.
change v , ; to change (for a train) at a station; Youll have to change at Trafalgar [trəʹfælɡə] Square for a 11 or a 12 bus. 11 12.
post-office [ʹpoust͵ɔfɪs] ,
taxi [ʹtæksɪ] ; to take a taxi () ; You are going to take a taxi, arent you? Its a long distance.
promise [ʹprɔmɪs] v ; I promised to call him back.
do ones best ; , ; They are doing their best. , .
in time ; Youre just in time. () .
keep (kept) v . , . You can keep the book. I do not need it.
appointment [əʹpɔɪntmənt] n () , () ; to make (to have) an appointment ; Did you make an appointment with Mr Britton for ten oclock? to keep (to break) an appointment ( ) ; Im afraid Ill have to break the appointment with Mr Smith.
possible [ʹpɔsəbl] ; Im sure he'll do everything possible to help you. , , . as soon as possible ; Please come back as soon as possible.
urgent [ʹə:ʤənt] , , ; The matter is urgent. (, ) .
perhaps [pəʹhæps] adv , ; ; Perhaps hell lend you the book.
perfect [ʹpə:fɪkt] , , , ; The weather was perfect. Its perfect. . (.)
the Ministry of Foreign Trade
hold the line ( )
available [əʹveɪləbl] a: Is Mr Brown available just now? - ( - )?
put smb. through [θru:] to smb. v -. -. ( )
believe [bɪʹli:v] v , ; I believe hes already completed the novel.
show n ; the International Agricultural [͵æɡrɪʹkʌltʃərəl] Show
official [əʹfɪʃl] ; Is the news official? ?
opening [ʹoup(ə)nɪŋ] n ; Would you like to attend the official opening of the exhibition?
mind [maɪnd] v: if you dont mind ( )
send (sent) v , ; When did you send the letter?
complimentary [͵kɔmplɪʹmentrɪ] ticket ,
A. Asking the Way
A: Excuse me. Can you tell me where South Street is, please?
B: Take the second(1) on the left and go straight on.
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A: Is it far?
B: No, its only about five minutes walk.
A: Thank you.
B: Not at all.
A (car-driver to a passer-by): Excuse me, please. Could you tell me the way to the station?
B: Turn round and turn left at the traffic-lights.
A: Will it take me long?
B: No, its no distance at all.
A: Thank you.
B: Thats OK.
A: Excuse me, can you tell me where the nearest underground station is?
B: Im a stranger here. Youd better ask the policeman.
A (to the policeman): Excuse me, officer(2), could you tell me the way to the nearest underground station?
B: Youre going the wrong way. Go straight on and take the second on the right. Youll see it on your left.
B. On a Bus
A (at the busstop): Is there a bus from here to the National Ganery(3)?
: Yes, take a 12(4) and ask the conductor to put you down at Trafalgar Square.
A: Thank you.
B: Thats OK.
A: Does this bus go to the station?
B: No, youll have to get off at the bank and take a 12.
A: Can you tell me where to get off?
B: Its the next stop but one(5).
A: Is this the right bus for the Town Hall?
B: No, youre going the wrong way. Youll have to change at the post-office and take a 192.
A: Thank you.
B: Not at all.
C. Taking a Taxi
A: Piccadilly(6), please. I have to be there by 10.30.
Taxi-driver: I cant promise, but Ill do my best... Youre just in time. 70 p(7), p1ease.
A: Thanks a lot. Heres 80 p. You can keep the change. (Heres a pound. Give me 20 p change, please.)
D. Telephone Conversation
Secretary: Good morning. Mr Brownings office.
Victorov: Good morning. Can I speak to Mr Browning, please? This is Victorov speaking.
Secretary: Mr Browning is out. Can I help you, Mr Victorov?
Victorov: Id like to have an appointment with Mr Browning.
Secretary: When would you like to come?
Victorov: As soon as possible.
Secretary: Im afraid theres nothing tomorrow. Mr Browning is very busy just now. If it is urgent, perhaps we could find time tomorrow.
Victorov: No, it isnt as urgent as that. It can wait until the day after tomorrow.
Secretary: What time could you come on Wednesday?
Victorov: As late as possible in the afternoon.
Secretary: Would 4.30 be all right?
Victorov: Yes, thats perfect. Thank you. Goodbye.
Secretary: Goodbye, Mr Victorov.
Secretary: Good morning. British Embassy.
Petrov: Good morning. Id like to speak to Mr Weston, please.
Secretary: Whos calling, please?
Petrov: This is George Petrov from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Trade.
Secretary: Will you hold the line, please? Ill see if Mr Weston is available... Im putting you through.
Mr Weston: Hello, Mr Petrov.
Petrov: Hello. I believe you know that the International Agricultural Show is to open next Wednesday, September 8th in Sokolniki Park. I wonder whether you would like to attend the official opening.
Mr Weston: Thank you very much for the invitation. Unfortunately I cant accept it. I have another engagement. I think Mr Morton will be able to attend the opening if you dont mind.
Petrov: Well be glad to see Mr Morton. Were sending a Complimentary Ticket for him. Goodbye.
Mr Weston: Goodbye.
Notes
(1) Take the second (. . the second turning ). .
(2) Excuse me, officer [ʹɔfɪsə]. , officer ().
(3) the National Gallery ( , - )
(4) take a 12 (twelve) (. . take a number 12). , 100 : take a 22 (twenty two), a 97 (ninety seven); 100 take a 22 : take a 182 (one-eight-two).
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(5) Its the next stop but one. ( ).
(6) Piccadilly (Circus) [͵pɪkəʹdɪlɪ ͵sə:kəs] - , ( )
(7) 70 p (pence) 70
4
Conversations: A. Suggestions about What a Person Should See.
B. Impressions of a Visit.
Learn these words and word combinations
suggestion [seʹʤestʃn] n ,
several [ʹsevrl] ; I visited the British Museum several times.
be away [əʹweɪ] v ( ); ; How long will Mr Smith be away?
advice [ədʹvaɪs] n , ; a piece of advice ; to ask smb.s advice -. . Youd better ask Peters advice; to give smb. (a piece of) advice -. () ; gave me piece of good advice. ; : to advise [ədʹvaɪz] - advice [ədʹvaɪs]
historian [hɪʹstɔ:rɪən]
architectural [͵ɑ:kɪtektʃərl]
fascinating [ʹfæsɪneɪtɪŋ] , , ; Your new poem is fascinating.
call v ; She is called Jane. . What do you call this? ?
Arab [ʹærəb]
get to know ; When you get to know them youll like them.
recommend [͵rekəʹmend] v , ; Can you recommend me a good novel? I would strongly recommend you to go there by air. .
way , ; on ones way ; On my way to college I met John. out of the way ( ); Unfortunately this tittle town is out of the way.
journey [ʹʤə:nɪ] n ; Have a good journey! !
expect [ɪksʹpekt] v , ; We expected you yesterday.
at least , ; You should also visit Pskov at least for a few hours.
birthplace [ʹbə:θp1eɪs] n
find [faɪnd] (found [faund]) out , ; Please find out when he train starts.
appreciate [əʹpri:ʃɪeɪt] v , ( - .); I appreciate your kindness.
feel (felt, felt) v , ; How are you feeling today? to feel cold (happy, comtortable) ( , (); I feel very cold. .
conference [ʹkɔnfərəns]
the Far East
geologist [ʤɪʹɔləʤɪst]
sponsor [ʹspɔnsə] v , ; ,
branch ,
full , , ; You must be full of impressions. , , .
prospect [ʹprɔspekt] (. pl.) , , ; What are your prospects? ?
development [dɪʹveləpmənt] , ,
discussion [dɪsʹkʌʃn] , ; to have discussion about smth. , -.; They had a discussion about the prospects for the development of Siberia.
lively [ʹlaɪvlɪ] ; a lively discussion
fruitful [ʹfru:tfl] ; Their discussion was lively and fruitful.
happen [ʹhæpn] v 1. , ; to happen to smb. -.; What happened to him? 2. ; He happened to be there. .
participant [pɑ:ʹtɪsɪpənt] n ; a participant in a conference (a meeting, etc.) ( ..)
taiga [ʹtaɪɡɑ:]
hydroelectric [ʹhaɪdro(u) ɪʹlektrɪk] station
friendly [ʹfrendlɪ] , ; ; to be friendly with smb. -.; Is John friendly with Peter?
hospitable [ʹhɔspɪtəbl] ,
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including [ɪnʹklu:dɪŋ] prep ,
the present state of affairs [əʹfɛəz]
find [faɪnd] (found [faund]) v , ; How do you find him? ?
peace [pi:s] n
discuss [dɪsʹkʌs] v ; Lets discuss the question.
forum [ʹfɔ:rəm] n
A. Suggestions about What a Person Should See
At a reception in the Russian Embassy Mr Mitchell, a British journalist, meets George Danilov, a Russian journalist. They have met several times before.
Mr Mitchell: Hello, George.
George Danilov: Good evening. How are you?
M: Im fine, thank you. And what about you?
D: Fine, thanks.
M: Havent seen you for ages(1). Have you been away?
D: Yes. Ive just returned from my holiday.
M: Where did you go for your holiday?
D: Yes. My wife and I made a tour of Central Asia.
M: How very interesting! I was just going to ask your advice about a visit there. You see(2), my wife is a historian. For many years shes been planning a trip to Samarkand and Bukhara. Have you ever been to these cities?
D: Yes, certainly. The architectural monuments of these two cities are fascinating. In the past Arab poets called Samarkand "the Eden of the ancient East(3)". I think your wife should try to see these cities.
M: I wonder how long the trip will take her.
D: If she wants to really get to know Samarkand and Bukhara itll take her about a couple of weeks. I would strongly recommend your wife to see some modern cities, too.
M: That sounds interesting. Ill speak to her about it. Thanks a lot. Your advice was most helpful(4).
D: Its a pleasure.
Nicholai Stepanov, a teacher of Russian, has been staying in London for a few months. Next Saturday morning he is leaving for Edinburgh. Last Tuesday Nicholai saw Bernard Law, a London University lecturer and asked his advice.
Nicholai Stepanov: Bernard, could you do me a favour(5)?
Bernard Law: Ill be glad to if I can.
S: Next Saturday morning Im going to Edinburgh by car. What would you advise me to see on my way there?
L: Well, its going to be a long journey. When are you expected in Edinburgh?
S: Next Monday afternoon.
L: You should try to see Oxford though its a little out of the way. I suggest you should also spend at least few hours in Coventry and see the Cathedral.
S: Is Robert Burnss birthplace far from Edinburgh?
L: Im sorry to say Ive never been there. You see Burns isnt as popular in England as (he is) in Scotland and abroad. Im sure youll easily find it out in Edinburgh.
S: I really appreciate your help. Thank you very much.
L: Its a pleasure.
B. Impressions of a Visit
Jim Brown: Hello, Henry.
Henry Sloan: Hello. How are you feeling?
Jim: Im OK, thank you. And what about you?
Henry: Im well, thanks. Have you been away? I phoned you several times but there was no answer.
Jim: Yes, Ive just returned from a conference in Khabarovsk.
Henry: Wheres that? In Africa?
Jim: Oh, no. Its in the Far East.
Henry: How very interesting! What were you doing there?
Jim: I attended the UNESCO(6) conference of geologists. It was sponsored by our branch.
Henry: You must be full of impressions.
Jim: Yes, indeed. That was a very interesting conference. Russian colleagues told us about the prospects for the development of the Far East. The discussion was lively and fruitful.
Henry: Did you happen to visit any other places in the Far East?
Jim: Yes. The participants made a fantastic tour of the Far East. We visited the Kolyma, taiga, a hydroelectric station. Yakutsk, Chukotka and Sakhalin.
Henry: Did you meet many Russian people?
Jim: Quite a few! Among them scientists, workers and students. I must say the people were friendly and hospitable.
Henry: What did you talk with them about?
Jim: A lot of things including the present state of affairs in the world. I have the impression that all the Russian people want peace. I found that peace is discussed everywhere nowadays, at international forums and over a cup of tea(7) at home.
Names
Samarkand [ʹsæmərkænd] .
Bukhara [buʹkɑ:rə] .
Coventry [ʹkɔvəntrɪ] .
Khabarovsk [hʌʹbɑ:rəfsk] .
Kolyma [kʌʹlɪmə] p.
Yakutsk [jeʹku:tsk] .
Chukotka [ʧuʹkɔ:tkə] -
Notes
(1) Havent (I havent) seen you for ages. He . ( .)
(2) You see... ... ( ...)
(3) the Eden of the ancient East ()
(4) Your advice was most helpful. . ( .)
(5) Could you do me a favour [ʹfeɪvə]? He ?
(6) the UNESCO [ju:ʹneskou] = the United Nations Educational [͵edjuʹkeɪʃnl], Scientific [͵saɪənʹtɪfɪk] and Cultural Organization [͵ɔ:ɡənaɪʹzeɪʃn] , ,
(7) over a cup of tea
6
Conversations: A. A Visit to the "Young Pioneers" Stadium.
B. Sport in British Schools.
C. At the Doctors.
Learn these words and word combinations
pioneer [͵paɪəʹnɪə]
stadium [ʹstəɪdɪəm] n ; Spartak Stadium ""
lounge [launʤ] n , ( . .)
sleep ; I had a good night sleep
sleep (slept) v ; I dont want to sleep now.
start v. to start with doing smth. Lets start with visiting the British Museum; to start smth. with smth.; He often starts his lesson with questions.
teenager [ʹti:neɪʤə] n ;
objection [əbʹʤekʃn] n
train v (); My brother trains quite a time every day.
sports events [ɪʹvents]
sports club ( )
function [ʹfʌŋkʃn] v , ; .
admit [ədʹmɪt] v ; ; ; to admit to school (college, club) ( , ); I wonder who is admitted to colleges in this country.
support [səʹpɔ:t] n (), ; Schools are supported by the state in our country.
trade union
fee n ; club fee
free of charge
coach v . (), () ; Coaching is free of charge here.
only [ʹounlɪ] ; Is this the only sports club for teenagers?
basketball [ʹbɑ:skɪtbɔ:l] n
pretty [ʹprɪtɪ] adv . , ; ; George plays tennis pretty well.
relaxation [͵ri:lækʹseɪʃn] n ; ; ; Playing tennis is the best kind of relaxation for me.
stop v (); He stopped near the entrance to the exhibition. to stop to talk (to read, ete.) , ( ..); stopped to watch the boys play basketball.
volleyball [ʹvɔlɪbɔ:l] n
compete [kəmʹpi:t] v , ,
hack and field events
kind , , ; What kind of person is he? ? What kinds of sports do you have in your schools? ?
various [ʹvɛərɪəs] , ; It can be done in various ways. -.
offer [ʹɔfə] v (, -.); offered me his help. He offered to help me.
opportunity [͵ɔpə'tju:nɪtɪ] n , () ; I didnt get (he opportunity to speak to him. ( ) .
team games
cricket [ʹkrɪkɪt]
rugger [ʹrʌɡə] . rugby
soccer [ʹsɔkə]
rounders [ʹraundəz]
baseball [ʹbeɪsbɔ:l]
athletics [æθʹletɪks]
athletic [æθʹletɪk] ;
athletic sports
facility [fəʹsɪlɪtɪ] ( pl.) ; There are excellent facilities for athletics here.
attention n: to pay attention to smth. -.; We pay a great deal of attention to the development of sport.
training n
body [ʹbɔdɪ] n
character [ʹkærəktə] n
record [ʹrekɔ:d] n ; to establish [ɪsʹtæblɪʃ] a record for smth. - .; established the record for the 100 m run. 100 .
sportsman [ʹspɔ:tsmən]
nation [ʹneɪʃn] 1. ; 2. .
physician [fɪʹzɪʃn] n (); at the physicians
form
Whats the trouble [ʹtrʌbl]? ?
feverish [ʹfi:vərɪʃ] ; The child feels feverish. ( ).
throat [θrout] , , ; ;
sore [sɔ:] throat , ; I have a sore throat. .
slip off v
blouse [blauz] n
chest , ; to listen to ones chest ( )
breathe [brɪ:ð] v ; to breathe in ; "Please breathe in," said the doctor.
to breathe out
cough [kɔf] v ; Have you been coughing much? take ones temperature () ; Will you take your temperature, please?
thermometer [θəʹmomɪtə] n
tongue [tʌŋ] n a bit n , , -
sneeze [sni:z] v ; "Ive been coughing and sneezing a lot these two days," said Jane.
examine [ɪɡʹzæmɪn] v . , ; ; "Ill have to examine you," said the doctor.
mouth [mauθ] n
wide adv ; Open your mouth wide. .
cold n , ; to have (to have got) a cold ,
course [kɔ:s] . ; to give a course of antibiotics [ʹæntɪbaɪʹɔtɪks] ()
capsule [ʹkæpsju:l] ;
prescription [prɪsʹkrɪpʃn] ; Did the doctor give him a prescription?
surgeon [ʹsə:ʤn] n ; at the surgeons ; to go to the surgeons
surgery [ʹsə:ʤərɪ] n
Whats wrong with you? ( )?
fracture [ʹfræktʃə] n ; ;
run (ran, run) v , ; He ran as hard as he could.
ball n
slip v
fall down (fell, fallen) v
pain n ; to have (to feel) a pain ; I have a pain in my left hand.
get up v ,
careful [ʹkɛəfl] , ; You should be careful when you cross the street. One cannot be too careful. .
examination [ɪɡ͵zæmɪʹneɪʃn] , , ;
X-ray ['eksreɪ] examination
X-ray room
X-ray picture
X-ray v
drive (drove, driven [ʹdrɪvn]) v , -., -.; Will you drive me homo, please?
