Владимир Аракин - Практический курс английского языка 3 курс [calibre 2.43.0]

increase understanding, to gain wealth or power for themselves or their country, or to prove to themselves that they can do what

seems impossible.

B.How does reading contribute to our understanding and judgement of people?

Reading often increases our understanding of people because the individuals we meet in novels resemble so closely, or differ so

much, from persons with whom we are acquainted in real life. The conduct of a fictitious character, like that of real people, results from

such emotions as greed, ambition, fear, love, self-sacrifice, jealousy, hatred, revenge, patriotism, civic pride and the desire to reform

the society.

C.Do people today measure up in courage and endurance to the people of earlier generations?

Few great people have had to contend with as many obstacles to success in life as Christopher Columbus. He had a lively curiosity

about the heavens and the earth, he read widely about astronomy and navigation. He needed indomitable will and courage to fight for

his ideas against ignorance and prejudices of his time. He convinced the Spanish rulers that an expedition to find a new west ward

commercial route to India would bring Spain unlimited power and wealth. The task of carrying out such an expedition called for

tremendous determination, courage, and resourcefulness. Only these qualities enabled Columbus to overcome the dangers and

hardships of the voyage into the unknown. Columbus was in essence, a great man, whose broad vision, faith in his ideas, and ex-

traordinary abilities led to outstanding achievements in spite of very adverse circumstances.

D.Should people fight adverse circumstances and obstacles or should they surrender to them?

Hellen Keller was able to lead an active useful life in spite of being blind and deaf from early childhood. Such a triumph over

adversity calls for almost superhuman perseverance, courage, resourcefulness. With the help of her devoted teacher Ann Sullivan

Macy, the girl was able to overcome her crushing handicaps and make herself a figure of international renown. Other persons, struck

such a cruel blow by fate, might have chosen to withdraw from life. Not so the dauntless Helen! She travelled abroad, she championed

social and economic rights for women; she worked for world peace; she aided movements to help the unfortunate and

underprivileged. And more than anything else, by the mere example of what she was able to achieve, she gave hope and courage to

untold thousands who might otherwise have given up to despair.

17. Role-Playing.

The People We Choose

S i t u a t i o n : It's an emergency sitting of the Editorial Board of the "Teachers" Newspaper". There is a vacancy to be filled. The

newspaper needs a new correspondent to report for the paper in the "Family and School" feature. You are members of the Editorial

Board with conclusions to make about some particular applicants. The list of applicants has been rather long. After a heated

discussion only two apparently eligible people remain on it: a professional journalist who has worked for about 20 years for a

children's magazine and a former teacher of literature who has made up her mind to change occupation after having worked at a

secondary school for about 15 years. Both the applicants are mature people and know their trades. In the course of discussion

opinions differ: two members of the staff are for the journalist, two others are for the teacher.

C h a r a c t e r s :

Student A: Editor-in-Chief, presides at the sitting, a talented journalist, has spent his whole life in the paper, knows a good thing

when he sees it, doesn't show his attitude to the applicants during the discussion. In the long run he has to bring forth his decision be -

cause the opinions differ much. His opinion turns out to be reasonable, convincing and fair.

Students B, C, D, E: members of the Editorial Board, experienced journalists, enthusiasts of their paper, devoted to the problems of

upbringing and schooling, have worked together for a long period of time.

They study the personal sheets and records of the applicants, make suggestions and try to formulate valid reasons why the jour-

nalist/the teacher should be employed by the paper. Such important items as professional experience, age, interests and traits of

character are taken into account. As a result of the discussion, they produce various judgements mainly connected with the personal

qualities of the applicants. Thus two members are in favour of the journalist, two others are in favour of the teacher. They point out

advantages and disadvantages of either employment, giving warnings based on personal experience where possible.

Note: The group of students is divided into two teams. Each team performs the same role play. While discussing the virtues and imperfections of

prospective reporters they show a different outlook in regard to their jobs and problems they face in life. At the end of the sitting the better applicant is

chosen.

18. Group Discussion.

Give your views on the problems listed below and speak in rebuttal of your opponent.

Topic 1. What are the essential factors that help to mould a person's character?

Tal k i n g p o i n t s :

1. Background and environment: with regard to family, friends and acquaintances.

2. Educational possibilities: with regard to schooling, further education of any type, interest in learning.

3. Cultural standards: with regard to literary, musical, artistic tastes, abilities and ambitions.

4. Circumstances: adverse and favourable.

Topic 2. What are the ways and means by which a person's character is revealed and estimated?

Tal k i n g p o i n t s :

1. Appearance.

2. Speech characterization.

3. Manners and attitudes.

4. Likes and dislikes: with regard to people and things.

Topic 3. What is the role played by personal traits of character in choosing a profession?

Tal k i n g p o i n t s :

1. Psychological types suitable for work in different trades.

2. Psychological tests and professional (vocational) guidance.

3. Success or failure caused by personal traits in a chosen profession.

Unit Eight

SPEECH PATTERNS

1.Frank Ashurst and his friend Robert Garton were on a tramp.

They were on a hike.

We shall go on an excursion tomorrow.

I shall start on a tour next Sunday.

He will set out on a trip early in the morning.

2.According to their map they hadstill some seven miles to go.

We have two hours to while away. They still have a lot to do. Jane still has two exams to take. He has letters to mail.

3.Bothwere (as) thin as rails.

The boy is really as obstinate as a mule. She was as good as her word.

You're as sulky as a bear, what's the matter? And let me tell you he is as cross as two sticks.

4.Garton was like someprimeval beast.She looked like a wild flower.

He looked like a huge bear. The cloth looks like silk.

5.Garton's hair was a kind ofdark unfathomed mop.

Passing through a sort of porch...

It was a sort of box.

It was a kind of game.

We spent the night in a sort of hut.

6. Perhaps hestruck her as strange

The whole affair strikes me as queer.

The suggestion struck him as tempting.