Vocabulary

Ex. 4. Find the English equivalents for the following:

cохранять, в большей степени, несовместимый, страж в лондонском Тауэре,

цилиндр, курьер (посыльный), адвокат, медвежья шкура, фонарь со свечой, сбить с ног

FOLLOW UP

Ex. 5. Speak about British and Russian traditions you know. Compare them.

UNIT 3

WARM UP

Ex. 1. Define the English character as you see it.

READING

Ex. 2. Read the text and describe the author’s idea of the English character. Compare the two descriptions.

English character

One of the most striking features of English life is the self-discipline and courtesy of people of all classes. There is little noisy behaviour, and practically no loud disputing in the street. People do not rush excitedly for seats in buses or trains, but take their seats in queues at bus stop in a quiet and orderly manner.

Englishmen are naturally polite and are never tired in saying «Thank you», «I'm sorry», «Beg your pardon». If you follow anyone who is entering a building or a room, he will hold a door open for you. Many foreigners have commented on a remarkable politeness of the English people.

English people don't like displaying their emotions even in dangerous and tragic situations, and ordinary people seem to remain good-tempered and cheerful under difficulties.

The Englishman does not like any boasting or showing off in manners, dress or speech. Sometimes he conceals his knowledge: a linguist, for example, may not mention his understanding of a foreigner's language.

The Englishman prefers his own house to an apartment in a block of flats, because he doesn't wish his doing to be overlooked by his neighbours. «An Englishman's house is his castle».

Many Englishmen help their wives at home in many ways. They clean the windows on Saturday afternoon, they often wash up the dishes after supper in the evening.

COMPREHENSION CHECK

Ex. 3. Answer the following questions:

1. What is the most striking feature of English life?

2. Are Englishmen naturally polite or rude?

3. What do Englishmen dislike?

4. How do ordinary people behave under difficulties?

5. What kind of home do the Englishman prefer?

6. How do Englishmen help their wives at home?

Vocabulary

Ex. 4. Find the English equivalents for the following:

внутренняя дисциплина (сдержанность), вежливость, громкий спор, бросаться занимать места (в транспорте), занимать место в очереди, проявлять эмоции, всегда находиться в хорошем (бодром) настроении, хвастовство, позерство, скрывать свои знания, квартира, многоэтажный дом,

подсматривать (заглядывать), выбираться за город

FOLLOW UP

Ex. 5. Compare the typical features of English and Russian national characters?

UNIT 4

WARM UP

Ex. 1. Talk to your partner what typical English meals and drinks you know.

READING

Ex. 2. Read the text and describe one of the typical English meals.

English meals

The English usually have 4 meals a day: breakfast, lunch, tea (5 o'clock) and dinner. Breakfast can be a full «English breakfast» of cornflakes with milk and sugar, or bacon and eggs, toast and marmalade, tea or coffee. Some people, however, have just a cup of tea or coffee with a toast or something similar. This is usually called a continental breakfast».

At midday everything is stopped for lunch. Most offices and small shops are closed for an hour and the city pavements are full of people on their way to cafes, coffee bars, restaurants. Factory workers usually eat in their canteens.

The English like what they call «good plain food». They must be able to recognize what they are eating. Usually they like steak, roast beef, Yorkshire pudding and fish and chips.

Afternoon tea is taken at about 5 o'clock, but it can hardly be called a meal. It is a cup of tea and cake or biscuits. At the weekends afternoon tea is a special occasion. Friends and visitors are often invited to have a chat over a cup of tea.

Dinner is the most substantial meal of the day. It is usually eaten at 7 o'clock. The first course may be soup (though the English don't like it very much). The main course will often be fish or meat, perhaps the traditional roast beef of old England, and a lot of vegetables. The next course will be something sweet and often cooked, such as fruit pie. Last of all there may be cheese, often with biscuits.

It is common knowledge that the English are very fond of tea. They like to have «a nice cup of tea» 6 or 8 times a day, sometimes even more.

On Christmas Day a roast turkey is traditionally cooked for dinner. It is usually followed by Christmas pudding. Long before Christmas housewives begin to plan what cake to make for Christmas. Usually they make fantastic Christmas cakes.

COMPREHENSION CHECK

Ex. 3. Answer the following questions:

1. How many meals a day do the English have?

2. What is the traditional English breakfast like?

3. What is usually cold a “continental breakfast”?

4. When do the English usually have Lunch?

5. Why do the English like what they call “good plain food”?

6. What do the English prefer to have for dinner?

7. What is the traditional dish for Christmas table?

8. What other dishes are popular in England?