Marina Nitsinska - Tommy’s house

Illustrator Alexander Tsimailo

© Marina Nitsinska, 2022

© Alexander Tsimailo, illustrations, 2022

ISBN 978-5-0051-9139-7

Created with Ridero smart publishing system

There was a big house in the dense forest between high malachite mountains.

Braided with green ivy, hidden in the heart of the dark wood, it looked mysterious and lonely. Actually, when you approached it, you could see that it was cosy, warm and friendly. The dwelling with its large windows, dark green door and tiled roof resembled a marvellous house in a fairyland.

A little boy Tommy and his family lived in this house. He was a smart child of eight, looking funny with freckles and a snub nose on his round face. His brown hair was slightly curly. The boy looked at the world with bright green eyes and a timid smile.

Tommy could be different almost every day. He was fickle like a leaf in the wind. His mood changed according to the situation. His behaviour varied depending on the expectations of his parents. Sometimes the kid was cheerful and talkative, but pretty soon he became reserved and shy. One day he could be generous and responsive, but the next day he didn’t want to speak and share anything with anyone.

For a boy of his age Tom was very observant, witty, and quite self-centred like most children.

Tommy’s parents took care of him, and of course, they loved their son, but they were too busy at work. That is why he often spent time alone, though he didn’t feel sad or lonely. Tommy wandered about the house, travelling from one room to another. He always found some interesting activities there. Each room had something special for him.

HELPFUL WORDS AND NOTES

malachite[m æ ləkaıt] – малахитовый

braided with ivy[br e ıdıd] [wɪð] [ a ıvı] – оплетённый плющом

dwelling[dw e lıŋ] – дом, жилище

tiled roof[taıld] [ru f] – черепичная крыша

to resemble[rız e mbl] – походить на

кого-либо, напоминать

fairyland[f e ərɪlænd] – сказочная

страна

freckles[fr e klz] – веснушки

timid smile[t ɪ mɪd] [smaɪl] – робкая,

застенчивая улыбка

fickle[f ɪ kl] – переменчивый,

непостоянный

according to smth[ək ɔ dɪŋ] [tu] —

в зависимости от чего-либо

talkative[t ɔ kətɪv] — разговорчивый,

словоохотливый

reserved[rɪz ɜ vd] – сдержанный,

замкнутый

responsive[rɪsp ɔ n(t)sɪv] – отзывчивый, чуткий

observant[əbz ɜ v(ə)nt] – наблюдательный, внимательный

witty[w ɪ tɪ] — остроумный

self-centred[_selfs e ntəd] – эгоцентричный, эгоистичный

to wander[w ɔ ndə] – прогуливаться, бродить

VOCABULARY AND GRAMMAR TASKS

I Match the words that go together.

IIHere are several words and expressions from the text (A – I). Match the definition of each of them from the list below (1 – 9).

A timid

B talkative

C self-centred

D fairyland

E freckles

F reserved

G witty

H responsive

I observant

1. only concerned with their own wants and needs and never thinks about other people

2. showing a lack of courage or confidence; easily frightened

3. fond of talking

4. someone who keeps their feelings hidden

5. responding readily and with interest or enthusiasm

6. an imagined ideal place

7. someone who pays a lot of attention to things and notices more about them than most people do

8. showing or characterised by quick and inventive verbal humour

9. small patches of light brown colour on the skin, often becoming more pronounced through exposure to the sun

IIIMake up sentences of your own with the word combinations from exercises I and II.

IVTranslate the sentences using the vocabulary of chapter 1.

1. Его тётя была отзывчивой и щедрой. Она напоминала добрую волшебницу из сказки.

2. Голос мамы менялся в зависимости от её переменчивого настроения.

3. Мальчик бродил по густому лесу и увидел старый дом, оплетённый плющом.

4. Внешний облик девушки с курносым носом, слегка вьющимися светлыми волосами и застенчивой улыбкой производил на всех обманчивое впечатление.

5. По словам её брата, она вовсе не была застенчивой и замкнутой.

6. Его болтливая сестра делилась своими секретами со всеми.

7. Ты заметила того эгоцентричного парня вчера на вечеринке? На самом деле он очень внимательный и остроумный.

DISCUSSION TASKS

I Answer the following questions.

1. Where was the house situated?

2. What did the dwelling resemble?

3. How old was Tommy?

4. Who did he live in the house with?

5. What influenced his mood and behaviour?

6. Did he have a good sense of humour?

7. Did Tommy’s parents spend much time with him?

8. Why was Tommy often alone?

9. Did the boy feel lonely when he stayed alone?

10. What did he do in the house?

IIComplete the following tasks:

1. Describe Tommy’s house.

2. Describe Tommy. Tell about his character.

3. Tell about Tommy’s attitude to the house.

TALKING POINTS

I Describe your place (a flat, a house).