Task 2. Comprehension Check

Exercise 1. Answer the questions.

1. Why do the words `tight little island' best describe Great Britain? 2. Does the geographical position of Great Britain predetermine the national character? 3. What is constitutional monarchy? 4. What is the role of members of Parliament?

Exercise 2. From the choices given choose one word or phrase which could be

substituted for the underlined word or phrase without changing its

meaning.

1. For Americans the smallness of Britain is quite striking.

a. funny b. picturesque c. fascinating

2. The differences between England and Scotland are rather pronounced.

a. deep b. unimportant c. respected

3. They have so many differences that they can hardly come to any agreement.

a. variations b. contradictions c. similarities

4. The British like to keep themselves to themselves.

a. to step back b. to speak much c. to keep aloof

5. She is very reserved. One can hardly hear any word from her.

a. cold b. uncommunicative c. friendly

6. Her clothes are completely outdated. She looks rather funny in that dress.

a. unfashionable b. up-to-date c. modern

7. He took office three years ago. I think that in a year he may be re-elected.

a. took for granted b.came to power c. ran for office

8. The initial step is often the most difficult.

a. quickest b. last c. first

Exercise 3. With the help of additional material make up a report about Great Britain.

Oral Practice

Asking for things. Shopping

Questions Replies

1. What would you like? 1. I'd like a loaf of bread, please.

2. Could you give me a dozen eggs, 2. Certainly, here you are.

please?

3. Would you show me that chop, please? 3. Sure.

4. Can I help you? 4. Yes, I'd like some cheese, please.

5. May I borrow your lighter? 5. Yes, please.

6. Do you sell cigarettes here? 6. I'm sorry we don't have them here

7. What is the price of it?/ 7. It is 2 pounds 99p.

How much is it?

Exercise 1. Match the shops with the things you can buy there.

Use the list.

Post office milk and cheese sugar

Florist newspapers stamps

Bakery bread and cakes medicine

Boots (Chemist's) facial creme flour

Dairy tea and coffee beef

Newsagent fruits and vegetables candies

Grocery apples and pears eggs

Greengrocery oatmeal cereals

Supermarket sweets handcream

sleeping pills perfume

fashion magazines bread

Exercise 2. Learn the dialogues by heart and make up similar dialogues of your own.

I.

Peter: Excuse me please, could you help me?

Shop-assistant: Yes, of course. What can I do for you?

Peter: Could I have a pint of milk and a pound of that cheese?

Shop assistant: You mean Stilton?

Peter: Yes, I like this cheese. It is very special.

II.

Shop assistant: Good morning. Can I help you?

Susan: Oh, yes. I'd like to buy some beef.

Shop assistant: Yes, how much would you like?

Susan: Two pounds.

Shop assistant: Anything else?

Susan: Yes, have you got garlic dressing?

Shop assistant: I'm sorry, we don't have any dressings. Go to the grocery

in Crover Street.

Susan: How much is the beef, please?

Shop assistant: It is 3 pounds 45 p.

Exercise 3. Write your shopping list. Go round the class and try to buy

the items from other students.

Exercise 4. Match the two halves of each proverb correctly. Find the Russian equivalents for these proverbs. What situations will you use them in?

Half a loaf is … and eat it.

One man's meat is another man's… in the eating.

Don't put all your eggs… poison.

You can't have your cake… in the eating

The proof of the pudding… in one basket.

Unit 2

Text 1