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Buildings
Buildings are the first thing you notice about a town or a city. You can tell whether a city is old or
new by looking at its buildings. In other words, buildings have changed over the years. Lets try to
find out why.
Two things that people have been concerned with (= preoccupied with) are the form and the
function of things. It is easy to see that function is receiving a lot of attention today, unlike in the
past. The main reason for this is the stress that our society places on efficiency.
First of all, our world is more crowded than it was in the past, because the population has grown
a lot. As a result of this, space has to be used more efficiently. The best examples are
apartment buildings (= blocks of flats) and office buildings. These buildings are usually tall, but
they dont occupy so much space on the ground. And, thanks to the development of new
building techniques, it is now possible to build higher and higher blocks.
When one starts to build something, one should also consider (= take into account) the costs.
Ornaments, for instance, are often expensive and usually unnecessary.
But we have left out the most important thing: safety. When it is finished, a building will serve as
a home, a shop, a workplace, etc, and the people inside it must not be at risk.
What can we say about the form of a construction? At the end of the nineteenth century, Louis
Sullivan, an architect from Boston, said that form follows function. He was one of the first
architects who designed skyscrapers and his idea of choosing a form which fits the function is
still shared by architects today.
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Buildings
Buildings are the first thing ____ notice about a town or a ____. You can tell whether a city ____
old or new by looking at ____ buildings. In other words, buildings have ____ over the years. Lets
try ____ find out why.
Two things that ____ have been concerned with (= preoccupied with) ____ the form and the
function of ____. It is easy to see that ____ is receiving a lot of attention ____, unlike in the past.
The main ____ for this is the stress that ____ society places on efficiency.
First of ____, our world is more crowded than ____ was in the past, because the ____ has grown
a lot. As a ____ of this, space has to be ____ more efficiently. The best examples are ____
buildings (= blocks of flats) and office ____. These buildings are usually tall, but ____ dont
occupy so much space ____ the ground. And, thanks to the ____ of new building techniques, it is
____ possible to build higher and higher ____.
When one starts to build something, ____ should also consider (= take into account) ____
costs. Ornaments, for instance, are often ____ and usually unnecessary.
But we have ____ out the most important thing: safety. ____ it is finished, a building will ____ as
a home, a shop, a ____, etc, and the people inside it ____ not be at risk.
What can ____ say about the form of a ____? At the end of the nineteenth ____, Louis Sullivan,
an architect from Boston, ____ that form follows function. He was ____ of the first architects
who designed ____ and his idea of choosing a ____ which fits the function is still ____ by
architects today.
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Buildings Exercises
Put the following words in the correct order:
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Fill in:
I worry about the children's ________ (the state of being safe) on these busy roads.
My fathers office is situated in a __________ (a very tall building).
The dress_________ (to be of the right size or shape) her perfectly.
The two chemists __________ (to use jointly) the Nobel prize.
The two students share a __________ (an apartment).
Drama reached its highest __________ (a developed state) in the plays of Shakespeare.
We saw a ________( having a relatively great height) woman walking down the street with a stick
in her hand.
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2. Traffic
If you are under the impression that the roads are getting more and more crowded every
year, you are perfectly right. A lot of people dont like to rely on public transport and prefer
using their own cars. But if we take a look at todays traffic, the car no longer seems to be
such a smart (= clever) choice. If you are driving during rush hour, you have every chance of
getting stuck in traffic. Indeed, traffic jams cause a lot of delays every day.
Many attempts have been made to solve this problem, such as building roads with more
than two lanes and encouraging people to use public transportation. If several people used
the same car, that would also help. But somehow, these attempts do not seem to be
successful.
The ironic thing is that the fastest means of transport in a large city is now the bicycle.
Because a lot of people have begun to ride their bikes on the city streets, the traffic has also
been regulated so as to make bike riding safe. In most cities, there are separate lanes for
cyclists.
At least large trucks are not allowed in the cities. They have to use alternative routes that go
around the city instead of crossing it. Such a route is called bypass. Bypasses are not used
by trucks alone: a lot of drivers prefer using the bypass, either because it enables them to
avoid the crowded areas of the city, or because they do not know the city well enough and
they are afraid they might get lost.
Finally, if youre driving between two cities or two countries, the best thing you can do is to
take the highway: it has many lanes, you can drive very fast, and you dont have to worry
about the cars coming from the opposite direction.
you are under the impression = you have if people used = dac oamenii ar folosi
the impression have begun = au nceput
you are perfectly right = avei perfect regulated = reglementat
dreptate lanes = benzi (de osea)
to rely on = a se baza pe trucks = camioane
smart = deteapt crossing = a traversa
clever = istea bypass = centur
rush hour = ora de maxim aglomeraie alone = doar
stuck = blocat either or = ori ori
traffic jams = blocaje, aglomerri enables = d posibilitatea
delays = ntrzieri get lost = a se rtci
attempts = ncercri highway = autostrad
lanes = benzi de circulaie opposite = opus
At ____ large trucks are not allowed in ____ cities. They have to use alternative ____ that
go around the city instead ____ crossing it. Such a route is ____ bypass. Bypasses are not
used by ____ alone: a lot of drivers prefer ____ the bypass, either because it enables ____
to avoid the crowded areas of ____ city, or because they do not ____ the city well enough
and they ____ afraid they might get lost.
Finally, ____ youre driving between two cities ____ two countries, the best thing you ____
do is to take the highway: ____ has many lanes, you can drive ____ fast, and you dont
have ____ worry about the cars coming from ____ opposite direction.
Write five changes that have been made in your city/company/school in the last five
years:
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Fill in:
a) Im ______ ___ you to fix the problem as soon as possible.
b) He drives very fast along the narrow country _________
c) We were stuck in a ________ ______ for an hour yesterday.
d) This is her second ____________ at the exam.
e) Computerization should ____________ us to work faster.
f) Tell him to _________ _________ ! I dont want to see him again.
But cars are only one such example, and not necessarily the best one. Take for example
computers. Quite a lot of people will go for the best one they can afford, even if its
capabilities clearly exceed their needs. Following the same pattern, they will probably want
the largest house they can buy, the most expensive stereo, the smallest cell phone, and so
on.
Why is that? Is it peoples desire to HAVE? It might go deeper than that: it might be their
desire to BE. The explanation is simple: we are often judged according to what we have.
Our possessions are easy to assess, and most people will not look deeper than that. If you
own valuable things, chances are people will look up to you. In peoples eyes, there seems
to be a transfer of qualities from the object to its owner.
With this in mind, can we say that objects rule our lives? Have we created our own masters?
Its a rather scary thought
But cars are ____ one such example, and not necessarily ____ best one. Take for example
computers. ____ a lot of people will go ____ the best one they can afford, ____ if its
capabilities clearly exceed their ____. Following the same pattern, they will ____ want the
largest house they can ____, the most expensive stereo, the smallest ____ phone, and so
on.
Why is ____? Is it peoples desire to HAVE? ____ might go deeper than that: it ____ be their
desire to BE. The ____ is simple: we are often judged ____ to what we have. Our
possessions are ____ to assess, and most people will ____ look deeper than that. If you
____ valuable things, chances are people will ____ up to you. In peoples eyes, ____ seems
to be a transfer of ____ from the object to its owner.
____ this in mind, can we say ____ objects rule our lives? Have we ____ our own masters?
Its a ____ scary thought
They b _ _ _ _ d a table for two in their favorite restaurant to celebrate their engagement .
A w_ _ _ person thinks a lot and says little.
Usually children t _ _ _ t_ their parents whenever they have a problem.
It is li_ _ _ _ that it will rain tomorrow so put an umbrella in your luggage too.
I m afraid my watch is not re_ _ _ _ _ _, could you please tell me what time it is?
We were not a _ _ _ e of the late hour so we lost the last tram.
The l _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ was so beautiful that we decided to stay one more week in our summer
vacation.
I will g_ _ a _ _ _ from work as soon as possible and leave for the Bora Bora islands.
What d _ _ w my attention was that the shoplifter was wearing a very scruffy and large jacket.
We are taking a trip to South America this autumn together with our family.
I work as an assistant manager so my job requires a lot of travelling.
Our staff is leaving to Europe for a short vacation this week.
They are offering catalogues and brochures to advertise their travel agency.
We always book our hotel rooms in advance before leaving home.
Spain, Greece and Tunisia are benefiting a lot from tourism.
A lot of people like to spend their vacation traveling.
How is it possible for Julia to stay in touch with the people at the research centre while she is
in Romania? And how can she communicate with her colleagues from the English course
while she is in Italy? Who is paying her phone bills?
In recent years, communication has got much easier, faster, cheaper, and more diverse. We
have a wide range of options to choose from: telephone, e-mail, fax. Your company can have
offices in ten different countries and you can still know what is going on in each of them all the
time. Almost everyone has a cell phone (= a mobile phone) and an e-mail address is no
longer something unusual. You can have a conference with participants from all over the
world without anyone having to travel a single mile. People are not hard to reach if they are
needed urgently, wherever they might be.
Julia comes from a small town ___ Italy. She is a psychologist and ___ for a research centre
in Rome. ___, she came to Romania to do ___ research. During her stay, she also ___ in an
English course. Now she ___ back in Italy for a few ___.
How is it possible for Julia ___ stay in touch with the people ___ the research centre while
she is ___ Romania? And how can she communicate ___ her colleagues from the English
course ___ she is in Italy? Who is ___ her phone bills?
In recent years, ___ has got much easier, faster, cheaper, ___ more diverse. We have a
wide ___ of options to choose from: telephone, ___, fax. Your company can have offices
___ ten different countries and you can ___ know what is going on in ___ of them all the
time. Almost ___ has a cell phone (= a mobile ___) and an e-mail address is no ___
something unusual. You can have a ___ with participants from all over the ___ without
anyone having to travel a ___ mile. People are not hard to ___ if they are needed urgently,
wherever ___ might be.
However, being reachable is not always ___ to help us communicate. Advanced technology
___ not the solution to all problems. ___ communication is technically much easier today,
___ are still confronted with the century-___ difficulty of finding a good way ___ express
themselves. Sometimes, talking to someone ___ just as difficult whether they are ___ away
or right in front of ___. Thats one problem we have ___ fix ourselves.
Which of the words best complete the sentences? Underline or circle them. One
sentence takes two variants.
The fax is very fast/ reliable/ easy if you receive a confirmation from the recipient.
You need to inform your colleges/ colleagues/ collegs about your absence on Monday.
The means of communication are quite different/ diverse/ wide.
We solved the car problem each other/ ourselves/ weselves so the mechanic came for
nothing.
The couple stay in communication/ in contact/ in touch by using the Internet.
Although we are miles ago/ away / aparted we have teleconferences once a month with our
partners in China.
I have just returned from a lovely vacation in sunny Spain, where I spent 10 wonderful days in
the hot sun. One day after I arrived (one day after my arrival), I was enjoying a glass of beer
outside a caf, when I heard a familiar voice behind me. I turned around and, to my surprise, I
saw a neighbour of mine sitting at one of the other tables. He was just as surprised as me,
because neither of us expected to see familiar faces in a place so far (= far away) from home.
When we saw each other (= one another), we both remarked, Small world, isnt it?
Actually, its not. The Earth is not really small, but it seems that way because it is a lot easier
for us to travel nowadays. You can fly over oceans or across continents in a few hours. In
some cities, there are railways under the ground; subway trains can go a lot faster because
they are not moving through crowded places. However remote your destination (is), no
journey takes days anymore. All these things make long distances seem shorter and give us
the illusion that the world is small.
As a consequence, it has become almost common to have friends far (= far away) from where
we live: we can e-mail, we can telephone, and we can even visit one another occasionally.
Wouldnt you say thats a good thing?
Write about a funny thing that happened to you on one of your holidays. Mention the
place and the people involved.
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Now imagine you are interviewing your colleague on the same subject. Think of five
questions to ask.
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Obviously, our world is not a very safe place. But it would be even less safe if there were no
laws to protect us against crime. This protection is far from perfect, but the fear of punishment
is sometimes enough to make people think twice before committing a crime.
The punishment itself can take many different forms, depending on how serious the crime is:
a fine, certain restrictions or, if the crime is serious, even jail (= prison). For murder, there is
still a death penalty in some countries.
However, a criminals fate is less hard today than in the past. Before a sentence is
pronounced, they have the right to a fair trial. Throughout that trial, the defendant is presumed
innocent until proven guilty. This is to prevent innocent people from being convicted for
something they havent done.
In the past, prisons used to be horrible places. Today, convicts enjoy reasonable living
conditions the period of time they have to spend in jail is seen as rehabilitation rather than
punishment. Some prisons have all kinds of facilities libraries, Internet, gyms. The only thing
convicts cant do is go outside the prisons walls but even that is painful enough.
___, our world is not a very ___ place. But it would be even ___ safe if there were no laws
___ protect us against crime. This protection ___ far from perfect, but the fear ___
punishment is sometimes enough to make ___ think twice before committing a crime.
___ punishment itself can take many different ___, depending on how serious the crime ___:
a fine, certain restrictions or, if ___ crime is serious, even jail (= prison). ___ murder, there is
still a death ___ in some countries.
However, a criminals ___ is less hard today than in the ___. Before a sentence is
pronounced, they ___ the right to a fair trial. ___ that trial, the defendant is presumed ___
until proven guilty. This is to ___ innocent people from being convicted for ___ they havent
done.
In the past, ___ were horrible places. Today, convicts enjoy ___ living conditions the
period of time ___ have to spend in jail is ___ as rehabilitation rather than punishment.
Some ___ have all kinds of facilities libraries, ___, gyms. The only thing convicts cant do
___ go outside the prisons walls but ___ that is painful enough.
Complete the following sentences with suitable words beginning with the given letter
The old photograph brought back p_ _ _ _ _ _ memories.
He has twice been c_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ of robbery.
The defendant is accused of a range of c_ _ _ _ _.
We want to decide our own f_ _ _.
War b_ _ _ _ o_ _ in 1914.
Carl's starting college in September. M_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _, he's travelling around Europe.
They t_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ the shopkeeper with a gun.
We are in big trouble this time. There is no o_ _ _ _ _ _ solution to our problem.
If found guilty, he faces six months in jail and a severe f_ _ _.
Jack Stevenson is a lifeguard at a small beach club on the Canadian coast. His job is to keep
an eye on (= to watch) the people swimming or bathing, to warn them about the danger of
drowning, and to rescue them if they ignore his warnings and cannot swim to the shore by
themselves.
Contrary to what some people might think, that is no easy job (= that is not an easy job at all).
First of all, it requires excellent physical abilities. Jack trains every day in order to stay in
shape. He holds two local records for swimming and running one of the reasons why he is
one of the best lifeguards at the club.
But his job also involves great responsibility. Humans and nature are equally unpredictable,
and the lifeguard must work with both.
Last, but not least, his job is not at all risk-free. Unlike the other people on the beach, Jack
cannot follow his own advice, and risks his life every time someone is in danger. That makes
him what some (= some people) might call a hero but if you tell him that, he will shake his
head and say, Im just doing my job.
Sometimes, he gets greetings and e-mails or letters from the people he once rescued. But
the highest reward you could ever get, he says, is to see someone breathing again after
youve pulled them out of the ocean. Someones life is in your hands for a few critical minutes,
and there is nothing that can compare to the joy of saving it.
4) Palma de Mallorca is a wonderful resort. You can walk for miles along
the__________.
a) shores b) sores
6) The weather there can be a bit ___________- one minute it's blue skies and the next
minute it's pouring down.
a) predictable b) unpredictable
Football players can be helped in order I must warn you about the dog.
Mother told me to keep an eye of playing music together.
Learning German is nothing compare to keep violence off the sport field.
Before you go into the house, themselves, it might be dangerous.
They were united by the joy on my sister while she was shopping.
At some point, people realized that the environment in which they live and work can greatly
determine their mood. First, they changed their homes. The mere fact of having a roof above
their head no longer satisfied them, so they started to alter things here and there. As the
economic welfare grew, people could afford to buy things to their taste: they could decide the
style of their furniture, whether or not they wanted to cover their floors with carpets, the shape
and size of the curtains, and so on. It was the beginning of what we call interior decorating. It
wasnt long before the art of interior decorating acquired scientific elements, too, involving
architects and psychologists besides designers.
The phenomenon expanded, and offices gradually began to change their look. Sitting at a
desk for an average of eight hours each day cannot be too exciting. But change the lighting a
bit, add some plants, place a photo of your beloved ones on the desk, write on green sheets
(or whatever colour you like), and you may leave the office feeling fresh and relaxed. Thats
because time flies when youre having fun, and work, as people have rather recently
discovered, can and should be fun.
7:40 already? Id better go, or Ill be late for work!
7 a.m. Time to get up ____ get ready for work. For some, ____ exciting day is about to
begin. ____ others, a good nights sleep has ____ ended. How you look at it ____
depends on what work means to ____ .
Not so long ago, work was ____ another obligation, a boring eight hours ____ from the
things people truly enjoyed. ____ perspective is slowly changing, partly because ____ are
more interested in building a ____ , partly because employers are trying to ____ a pleasant
and relaxing working environment ____ their employees.
At some point, people ____ that the environment in which they ____ and work can greatly
determine their ____ . First, they changed their homes. The ____ fact of having a roof
above ____ head no longer satisfied them, so ____ started to alter things here and ____ .
As the economic welfare grew, people ____ afford to buy things to their ____ : they could
decide the style of ____ furniture, whether or not they wanted ____ cover their floors with
carpets, the ____ and size of the curtains, and ____ on. It was the beginning of ____ we
call interior decorating. It wasnt ____ before the art of interior decorating ____ scientific
elements, too, involving architects and ____ besides designers.
The phenomenon expanded, and ____ gradually began to change their look. ____ at a
desk for an average ____ eight hours each day cannot be ____ exciting. But change the
lighting a ____ , add some plants, place a photo ____ your beloved ones on the desk,
____ on green sheets (or whatever colour ____ like), and you may leave the office ____
fresh and relaxed. Thats because time ____ when youre having fun, and work, ____
people have rather recently discovered, can ____ should be fun.
7:40 already? Id ____ go, or Ill be late for work!
Setting aside some bold yet unproved theories which claim that time is shrinking, there
seems to be just one realistic explanation: we have to take on so many tasks each day, that
it becomes harder and harder for us to cope with all of them. Todays tight schedule is
turning us all into managers: the managers of our own time. Thats easier said than done. Or
is it?
Haste is usually not the solution. When we do things too quickly, we tend to overlook the
details, which results in quality loss. In the long run, it might turn out that haste is time-
consuming, because we may need to return to those things and do them again the right
way, this time.
Successfully dealing with all the things on our agenda requires careful planning. Most people
will say theyre busy enough as it is, and that they cant afford to waste half an hour a day on
planning. Of course, those are the people who have not yet discovered how much precious
time their haste is costing them.
When we plan our day or our week, or month , it is a good idea to arrange our tasks on a
scale according to their importance. This is a good way to see what our priorities are and
what we can leave for later. Another thing we can do is to group things for example, instead
of going to the supermarket every other day, we could buy things in larger quantities and go
once a week, thus saving time.
Still, even with the best planning possible, our time and energy are not unlimited: sometimes
we need to set all tasks aside and take a break.
Still, ____ with the best planning possible, our ____ and energy are not unlimited:
sometimes ____ need to set all tasks aside ____ take a break.
1. Please solve all this things by tomorrow or Ill have a talk with the supervisor about you.
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3. You have a lot tasks and assignments to deal with, I dont want to give you any extra work.
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4. My husband has a very busy programme at work so I dont dare to visit him at the office.
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5. A lot of people talk about resigning, but when it comes to doing it, not many dare.
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Imagine you have to interview somebody on the topic of eating habits. Think of five
questions you would ask.
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Not long ago, people still thought that nature could take care of itself, and that it would remain
unchanged no matter what we did. They used to think that the Earth was strong enough to
handle (= to deal with) anything we might do. Now we know better. We are now aware that
our actions can have tremendous effects on our planet. The development of science has
made us powerful enough to cause a lot of harm even to destroy the world but the
question is, are we wise enough to handle that power?
The protection of our environment requires urgent attention. It is plain to see that the balance
of the universe is fragile, and that a small mistake could cause a natural disaster.
First, the planets resources are limited, so we need to use them rationally. What will happen
when they are exhausted? Second, if we want the world to remain a healthy environment,
efforts should be made to keep pollution down (= to maintain a low level of pollution). Third,
because of the way we have exploited the environment, some animal species are now extinct,
and others are endangered.
Since we know that the world is not made up of independent parts, it is easy to see that the
disappearance of a species could have a dramatic impact on the whole planet.
People are gradually becoming aware of this. Recycling and green products (= products that
are friendly to the environment) are becoming more and more popular, and there are a lot of
organizations such as GreenPeace, for instance , which fight for the environment. Lets
just hope its not too late.
Environment is a term we use ____ refer collectively to the things that ____ us. It is more
than just ____ home or the workplace, but it ____ people a very long time to ____ that.
When they finally did understand ____ , they realized they had made some ____ .
Not long ago, people still thought ____ nature could take care of itself, ____ that it would
remain unchanged no ____ what we did. They used to think ____ the Earth was strong
enough to ____ (= to deal with) anything we might ____ . Now we know better. We are
____ aware that our actions can have ____ effects on our planet. The development ____
science has made us powerful enough ____ cause a lot of harm even ____ destroy the
world but the question ____ , are we wise enough to handle ____ power?
The protection of our environment ____ urgent attention. It is plain to ____ that the balance
of the universe ____ fragile, and that a small mistake ____ cause a natural disaster.
First, the ____ resources are limited, so we need ____ use them rationally. What will
happen ____ they are exhausted? Second, if we ____ the world to remain a healthy ____
, efforts should be made to keep ____ down (= to maintain a low level ____ pollution).
Third, because of the way ____ have exploited the environment, some animal ____ are
now extinct, and others are ____ . Since we know that the world ____ not made up of
independent parts, ____ is easy to see that the ____ of a species could have a ____
impact on the whole planet.
People ____ gradually becoming aware of this. Recycling ____ green products (= products
that are friendly ____ the environment) are becoming more and ____ popular, and there
are a lot ____ organizations such as GreenPeace, for instance , ____ fight for the
environment. Lets just ____ its not too late.
Environment (2) Exercises
Fill in:
We are beautiful ______ matter what they say.
He regretted the disappearance ______ Greek from school curricula.
The day's shopping left her ___________ (extremely tired).
Salt is made ______of two elements"sodium and chlorine.
How can I figure______ someone elses password?
Think of five things people could do to have a greener planet. Which of them have you
already done?
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13. Poverty
Michelle Keaton is moving with her new family today. The four-year-old child has been
adopted by Alice ONeil, a 30-year-old social worker (whom) she met in the foster home.
Michelle has every reason to be happy: she is going to be part of a loving family, who will
provide the care and education that a child needs. Its a new horizon for her. She has never
met her natural parents, so she has never felt the warmth of a family. She was abandoned
at birth and has been living in the foster home since then.
Many other children are less fortunate. Quite a lot of them end up homeless, living on the
streets, among garbage bins (= garbage cans). Their life is a constant struggle for
survival. They are not isolated cases, you see them everywhere, from downtown to the edge
of the city: the beggar at the corner of the street or next to the hotel entrance, stretching out
an arm as you pass him by; the group that gathers around a fire on a chilly November day;
the lonely person dressed in an old coat, taking shelter under a bridge or in the subway
station; the gang that you fear so much. In order to survive, some of them start stealing,
others beg, others become prostitutes. They are the people society is not proud of. The
government offers them some financial aid, there are charity institutions, but somehow the
problem persists.
There are countries in the world where most of the population is confronted with such issues
as starvation and all kinds of diseases that result from it (because hunger makes the body
become weak and people get sick more easily).
Would it be so difficult to solve these problems? If we wanted a little less for ourselves and
paid more attention to other peoples suffering, the world would probably become a slightly
better place. Would it be such a sacrifice if we gave up a part of our comfort so that other
people could enjoy a decent life?
Michelle Keaton is moving with her new ___ today. The four-year-old child has been ___
by Alice ONeil, a 30-year-old ___ worker (whom) she met in the ___ home. Michelle has
every reason to ___ happy: she is going to be ___ of a loving family, who will provide ___
care and education that a child ___ . Its a new horizon for her. ___ has never met her
natural parents, ___ she has never felt the warmth ___ a family. She was abandoned at
___ and has been living in the ___ home since then.
Many other children ___ less fortunate. Quite a lot of ___ end up homeless, living on the
___ , among garbage bins (= garbage cans). Their ___ is a constant struggle for
survival. ___ are not isolated cases, you see ___ everywhere, from downtown to the edge
___ the city: the beggar at the ___ of the street or next to the ___ entrance, stretching out
an arm as ___ pass him by; the group that ___ around a fire on a chilly ___ day; the lonely
person dressed in ___ old coat, taking shelter under a ___ or in the subway station; the
___ that you fear so much. In ___ to survive, some of them start ___ , others beg, others
become prostitutes. They ___ the people society is not proud ___ . The government offers
them some financial ___ , there are charity institutions, but somehow ___ problem persists.
There are countries in ___ world where most of the population ___ confronted with such
issues as starvation ___ all kinds of diseases that result ___ it (because hunger makes the
body ___ weak and people get sick more ___ ).
Would it be so difficult to ___ these problems? If we wanted a ___ less for ourselves and
paid more ___ to other peoples suffering, the world ___ probably become a slightly better
place. ___ it be such a sacrifice if ___ gave up a part of our ___ so that other people could
enjoy ___ decent life?
Poverty Exercises
Fill in:
My sister is proud ______ herself for having played in a rock band.
When you travel abroad you miss the warmth ______ your familiy.
What can I do in order _______ keep fit?
Although I had already forgotten about it, she was still begging ______ forgiveness.
What could you give ______ to?
Write a manifesto about the ways in which people could help less fortunate children. (a
list of ten things people should do)
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14. Happy Anniversary!
David and Sylvia are celebrating their first wedding anniversary today. One year as husband
and wife.
Is everything ready? Sylvia asks, as she throws a glance at her watch. She catches a
glimpse of her wedding ring and smiles, as she recalls the day David proposed to her. It
wasnt the typical dinner-at-the-restaurant scene but then, a lot of things are not typical in
our relationship, she thinks.
Were all set, David replies. The plane lands in one hour. Im picking mom and dad up at
8:30. He looks at Sylvia and smiles at the same memory. A year ago, she was leaving for
Sydney, to attend a conference. He drove her to the airport. They had just announced that the
plane was going to take off in a few minutes. Right before she headed for the gate, they said
goodbye and he added, in an almost casual tone, Oh, before I forget, theres something Id
like to ask you. Will you marry me? She said yes. They kissed, they hugged and she took
the next flight to Sydney.
You should probably leave, itll take you about forty minutes to get to the airport during rush
hour. Do you need to stop for gas on the way?
No, the tank is full. OK, I should probably get going.
Dont be too long, she says, and waves goodbye.
After he leaves, she takes another look at the table in the back yard. Everything is in place.
Should she slice the cake now, or wait till everyone is here? Nah, Ill wait, she decides. She
takes care of a few more details, as she waits for David to return with his parents. Her parents
are also coming, but a bit later.
She touches her stomach and smiles again. Actually, theres a double celebration today. A
few days ago, she found out she was pregnant (= she was going to have a baby). Her father-
in-law will be thrilled when he hears he is about to become a grandpa her mother-in-law,
too, of course. So will her parents.
She hears the sound of the engine outside. The first guests have arrived. Its going to be a
beautiful day.
David and Sylvia are ___ their first wedding anniversary today. One ___ as husband and
wife.
Is everything ___ ? Sylvia asks, as she throws a ___ at her watch. She catches a ___ of
her wedding ring and smiles, ___ she recalls the day David proposed ___ her. It wasnt the
typical ___ -at-the-restaurant scene but then, ___ lot of things are not typical ___ our
relationship, she thinks.
Were ___ set, David replies. The plane lands ___ one hour. Im picking mom ___ dad up
at 8:30. He looks ___ Sylvia and smiles at the same ___ . A year ago, she was leaving ___
Sydney, to attend a conference. He ___ her to the airport. They had ___ announced that the
plane was going ___ take off in a few minutes. ___ before she headed for the gate, ___
said goodbye and he added, in ___ almost casual tone, Oh, before I ___ , theres
something Id like ___ ask you. Will you marry me? ___ said yes. They kissed, they
hugged ___ she took the next flight to ___ .
You should probably leave, itll ___ you about forty minutes to get ___ the airport during
rush hour. Do ___ need to stop for gas on ___ way?
No, the tank is full. ___ , I should probably get going.
Don___ be too long, she says, and ___ goodbye.
After he leaves, she takes ___ look at the table in the ___ yard. Everything is in place.
Should ___ slice the cake now, or wait ___ everyone is here? Nah, Ill ___ , she decides.
She takes care of ___ few more details, as she waits ___ David to return with his parents.
___ parents are also coming, but a ___ later.
She touches her stomach and smiles ___ . Actually, theres a double celebration ___ . A few
days ago, she found ___ she was pregnant. Her father-in-law will ___ thrilled when he hears
he is ___ to become a grandpa her mother-in-law, ___ , of course. So will her parents.
___ hears the sound of the engine ___ . The first guests have arrived. It___ going to be a
beautiful day.
Happy Anniversary! - Exercises
Emma Jones plays the part of Helen Turner, an ex-Hollywood star who comes to settle in a
small town in the mountains after a brief period of success. Eddie Keaton, the character
played by Michael Ford, is a former businessman, now bankrupt, who comes to spend the
summer in the same quiet surroundings. Although the two have met on two previous
occasions, they know practically nothing about each other. A sequence of incidents brings
them closer to each other and they fall in love, after which they start discovering the little joys
of life as a common person.
The movie was released two weeks ago and it was a tremendous box office hit, a true
blockbuster, which is rather uncommon for a film of this kind. Director and producer Philip
Parker has been kind enough to take us behind the scenes, in an attempt to account for this
success:
Its not the what, its the how, he explains. Its the usual boy-meets-girl story a formula
which may be old, but never obsolete. But what makes this movie different from others of the
same kind is all the things around this story: the scenery, the soundtrack, the actors
themselves. I worked with a crew made up of top professionals, starting with the cameramen
up to the makeup artists and the actors. We shot the movie on location, which makes it look
more real to the viewer. The setting is simply beautiful, and it looks even more beautiful in the
movie, thanks to the skills of the crew. Some reviewers have called the film a moving photo
album.
Rumour has it that there might be something going on between Emma and Michael outside
the set as well. Though this has not yet been confirmed, it is certain that the two actors charm
has also contributed a lot to the popularity of the movie.
Dont miss out the premiere this Friday.
Write about a movie you have seen, trying to convince others to watch it.
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16. Africa
Tuesday, May 21, 10 p.m. Were getting ready for another night in the tent, after concluding
our second day of driving through the Sahara. For the past two days, after sailing across the
Mediterranean, weve seen nothing but sand. Weve crossed Morocco and Algeria already. If
everything goes well, well be in Egypt sometime the day after tomorrow. I cant wait to see
the pyramids, with their mysterious legends of the ancient pharaohs. Then, well continue
our exploration southwards, all the way to South Africa. Its going to be a long journey
were talking about the worlds second largest continent, over 30 million square kilometres.
Though the Sahara alone occupies one fourth of the African land and it is not the only desert
on the continent, the African landscape is characterized by diversity. As we approach the
Equator (which divides the continent almost in the middle), it will be less dry and the desert
will gradually give way to the savannah and the rainforest with its rich vegetation. Well have
a chance to see some African wild animals lions, elephants, leopards, zebras, and a lot
more. Well also drive along the Nile, the worlds longest river.
But most of all, well meet the people. There are a thousand different ethnic groups living in
Africa, each with its own traditions and crafts. Most of them are of African origin, the rest are
of Arab origin. The diverse African culture, along with the exotic landscape, is a great
attraction for tourists, which is why some countries such as Tunisia, Egypt, South Africa, etc.
have focused on tourism as a major source of income.
The density of the population is higher in those areas where the land can be used for
agriculture. The African farms produce bananas, oranges, grapes, olives, but also peanuts,
coffee, and a lot more. Farm animals such as sheep, cattle ( cows) can also be found here.
It may all sound so beautiful, but the fact is, most African countries are developing countries.
That is a little odd for a continent that provides more than half of the worlds diamonds and
gold. The standards of living are relatively low, and death rates are high in some regions.
Diseases such as AIDS and malaria are also a major problem in those areas.
But Africa is making steps towards higher standards. Civilization is blooming in many cities,
and there is no discrimination against black people anymore.
Tourists from all over the world come to visit this beautiful land of contrasts, where the
ancient roots are still easy to discover, and where natures power and beauty are so much
more obvious than anywhere else.
Tuesday, May 21, 10 p.m. We___ getting ready for another night in ___ tent, after
concluding our second day ___ driving through the Sahara. For the ___ two days, after
sailing across the ___, weve seen nothing but sand. ___ve crossed Morocco and Algeria
already. ___ everything goes well, well be ___ Egypt sometime the day after tomorrow. ___
cant wait to see the pyramids, ___ their mysterious legends of the ancient ___. Then, well
continue our exploration ___, all the way to South Africa. Its going to be a long journey
were talking about the worlds second ___ continent, over 30 million square kilometres.
___ the Sahara alone occupies one fourth ___ the African land and it is ___ the only desert
on the continent, ___ African landscape is characterized by diversity. ___ we approach the
Equator (which divides ___ continent almost in the middle), it ___ be less dry and the desert
___ gradually give way to the savannah ___ the rainforest with its rich vegetation. ___ll
have a chance to see ___ African wild animals lions, elephants, leopards, ___, and a lot
more. Well ___ drive along the Nile, the worlds ___ river.
But most of all, we___ meet the people. There are a ___ different ethnic groups living in
Africa, ___ with its own traditions and crafts. ___ of them are of African origin, ___ rest are of
Arab origin. The ___ African culture, along with the exotic ___, is a great attraction for
tourists, ___ is why some countries such as ___, Egypt, South Africa, etc. have focused ___
tourism as a major source of ___.
The density of the population is ___ in those areas where the land ___ be used for
agriculture. The African ___ produce bananas, oranges, grapes, olives, but ___ peanuts,
coffee, and a lot more. ___ animals such as sheep, cattle ( cows) ___ also be found here.
It may ___ sound so beautiful, but the fact ___, most African countries are developing
countries. ___ is a little odd for a ___ that provides more than half of ___ worlds diamonds
and gold. The standards ___ living are relatively low, and death ___ are high in some regions.
Diseases ___ as AIDS and malaria are also ___ major problem in those areas.
But ___ is making steps towards higher standards. ___ is blooming in many cities, and ___
is no discrimination against black people ___.
Tourists from all over the world ___ to visit this beautiful land of ___, where the ancient roots
are still ___ to discover, and where natures power ___ beauty are so much more obvious
___ anywhere else.
Africa - Exercises
Write a paragraph about Africa, trying to convince others to visit it. You can use the
internet to do some research. Here is a site to help you:
http://www.africanmeccasafaris.com/whyafrica.asp
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17. Asia
Thursday, June 10, 11 a.m. The Land Rover is loaded and we are almost set for departure.
Were leaving India today. Our Asian journey started a week ago, and will continue for
another twelve days. What weve seen so far has been simply astonishing (= amazing), even
though we had read a lot about the continent before coming here. And there was indeed a lot
to read.
Asia is the worlds largest and most diverse continent, even less homogeneous than Africa. It
covers about 30 percent of the Earths land area. It has the sharpest relief, the most varied
forms of vegetation and animal life. It is a continent of the extremes. The highest peak in the
world, Mount Everest, and the worlds lowest place, the Dead Sea, are both located here.
But what gives Asia its unique flavour is the combination of all its different cultures and
religions. Religion probably plays a more important role in peoples everyday life in Asia than
on any other continent taken as a whole.
Hinduism, the oldest of the worlds major religions, evolved from the religions of ancient India.
The fundamental belief of Hinduism is that there is a cosmic principle called Brahma, which
corresponds to the individual soul, called atman. All creatures go through a cycle of rebirth
until they reach (= attain) a certain spiritual level. India is also the place where Buddhism was
founded. This religion emphasizes (= highlights) meditation and right thinking as a means of
attaining Nirvana, a state of perfect happiness. Buddhism soon spread across Asia and
became one of the continents main religions. When you think of China or Japan, martial arts
are probably one of the first things that come to mind. But they, too, are more than self-
defense techniques and have a strong spiritual side, aiming at harmony rather than
destruction.
Christianity originated in southwest Asia. Its main belief is that Jesus is the Son of God, and
that he was sent by God among us to save mankind (= humankind). It may seem hard to
believe, but Islam is also of southwestern origin and therefore has strong links to Christianity.
In spite of being such a religious continent, Asia is not the most peaceful place on earth. The
Middle East is an area of frequent conflicts and serious political (and religious) tensions.
The countries of Asia are also different as far as their degree of economic development is
concerned. Some countries, such as those of Arabia, are among the worlds major oil
exporters; others, such as Japan and Malaysia, are well known producers of electronic
equipment; but there are also countries such as Bangladesh, which are among the poorest in
the world.
This is the land well be driving across for the next 12 days: a land of extremes, the birthplace
of all the worlds major religions, as well as the cradle of hundreds of minor ones, thrilling and
mysterious.
This is the land we___ be driving across for the next ___ days, a land of extremes, the ___
of all the worlds major religions, ___ well as the cradle of hundreds ___ minor ones, thrilling
and mysterious.
Asia - Exercises
Use the internet to find out more about places to visit in Asia. Write a paragraph about
things you would do if you had the opportunity to go there.
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18. Machines
What would you rather use, a broom or a vacuum cleaner? A typewriter, or the computer?
Can you imagine not being able to iron your clothes? Or having to take the stairs to the ninth
floor, in the absence of an elevator? Would you find it easy to do without the microwave
oven? What would it be like not to have a washing machine? And wouldnt it be nice if you
didnt have to do the dishes (= to wash the dishes) yourself?
Machines have entered the household and made our life much easier. They used to be luxury
items in the past, but they are quite common in most homes today. From the toaster and the
cooking stove to the dishwasher, these appliances perform tasks that we find difficult, boring,
unpleasant, or time consuming. Of course, we are talking about routine everyday tasks, which
generally involve little or no creativity.
Some people would object (= raise a few objections) to this last part, especially when talking
about computers. These people would argue that computers, while they cannot actually do
anything creative, assist us in performing some tasks that require creativity. This is because
our imagination can acquire a visible shape on the screen. Thats why most architecture and
design work is currently done on the computer.
Another advantage of using computers is that they can operate as connected devices, thus
enabling people to be part of a network: it is well known that we have better results when we
work in a team.
The use of machines can give us the illusion that we have more spare time. But the speed
machines are capable of has also forced us to move faster and do more things in one day. At
a closer look, it becomes obvious (= evident) that we are a lot busier than our grandparents.
So are machines really helping us?
What would you rather use, a ___ or a vacuum cleaner? A typewriter, ___ the computer? Can
you imagine not ___ able to iron your clothes? Or ___ to take the stairs to the ___ floor, in the
absence of an ___? Would you find it easy to ___ without the microwave oven? What would
___ be like not to have a ___ machine? And wouldnt it be ___ if you didnt have to ___ the
dishes (= to wash the dishes) ___?
Machines have entered the household and ___ our life much easier. They used ___ be luxury
items in the past, ___ they are quite common in most ___ today. From the toaster and the
___ stove to the dishwasher, these appliances ___ tasks that we find difficult, boring, ___, or
time consuming. Of course, we ___ talking about routine everyday tasks, which ___ involve
little or no creativity.
Some ___ would object (= raise a few objections) ___ this last part, especially when talking
___ computers. These people would argue that ___, while they cannot actually do anything
___, assist us in performing some tasks ___ require creativity. This is because our ___ can
acquire a visible shape on ___ screen. Thats why most architecture ___ design work is
currently done on ___ computer.
Another advantage of using computers ___ that they can operate as connected ___, thus
enabling people to be part ___ a network: it is well known ___ we have better results when
we ___ in a team.
The use of ___ can give us the illusion that ___ have more spare time. But the ___ machines
are capable of has also ___ us to move faster and do ___ things in one day. At a ___ look, it
becomes evident (= obvious) that ___ are a lot busier than our ___. So are machines really
helping us?
Machines - Exercises
Think of a machine you use to do your daily tasks. Describe how you use it. Can you
imagine having to work without it? Try to write how your life would change if you
didnt have it.
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19. Science
The desire for comfort is a natural need. Sometimes, it lies at the basis of selfishness. Other
times, it forms the foundation of scientific research. So many things are being invented with
the specific (= precise, definite) purpose of making our life easier and more carefree. Think
of electrical appliances and medicines, to name but a few.
But the strongest force driving such processes as invention and discovery is probably human
curiosity, the desire to know more, and to achieve more. Two main ingredients are needed in
order for these processes to be successful: intelligence and imagination. Both of them in large
amounts, as most of us would agree that the digital age has witnessed things we thought
were beyond our fantasy: the applications of nuclear energy, flying, space engineering, virtual
reality - these are just a few of the spectacular changes that science has made possible.
Developing these things may have been difficult, but making them accessible to regular
people must have been an even greater challenge. Most of the sophisticated machines we
use today require little or no special skills or training. We can easily accomplish a task by
using a computer we dont need to be engineers to do that.
As science advances, some people are starting to ask themselves whether we should see it
as a friend or a potential enemy, as a help or a threat. Will machines ever be able to operate
like the human brain? Artificial intelligence is no longer a fantasy, but will machines ever
become conscious? And if they do, will it be moral of us to use them? Or should there be
machine rights similar to the human rights? For some people, these are frightening thoughts.
For others, they are quite exciting. Time will tell who is right.
Developing ___ things may have been difficult, but ___ them accessible to regular people
must ___ been an even greater challenge. Most ___ the sophisticated machines we use
today ___ little or no special skills or ___ . We can easily accomplish a task ___ using a
computer we dont ___ to be engineers to do that.
___ science advances, some people are starting ___ ask themselves whether we should
see ___ as a friend or a potential ___ , as a help or a threat. ___ machines ever be able
to operate ___ the human brain? Artificial intelligence is ___ longer a fantasy, but will
machines ___ become conscious? And if they do, ___ it be moral of us to ___ them? Or
should there be machine ___ similar to the human rights? For some ___ , these are
frightening thoughts. For others, ___ are quite exciting. Time will tell ___ is right.
Science - Exercises
Think of five different ways in which one could use a computer. Which ones are the
most important for you?
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20. Food or Poetry?
For some people, food is just a fuel: we need to eat in order to survive, but thats all there is to
it. But Mary Cook, chef and owner of an exclusive restaurant in Paris, France, is of a different
opinion. I am more than just a cook, I am an artist, Cook says. Food is for the heart, too, not
just for the body.
Cooking is more than mixing ingredients according to a recipe, its about passion, its about
expressing feelings. She remembers her grandmas cakes and cookies, which were always a
delight. They always tasted better than the same sweets bought in a shop. That was
because there was passion and love in those cookies, not just flour, sugar, butter, etc., and
thats not something anyone can do.
I dont just feed my customers, Mary further explains, I help them live an experience. Food,
she claims, resembles life experience: it can be tasty or bad, bitter or sweet, satisfying your
hunger or just arousing your appetite, appealing or disgusting; you can eat it fast and forget
about it the next minute, or you can relish every bite; it can be the adventure of tasting
something new, or the comfort of finding something familiar.
Food can also be a shared experience. Some people look on the table and all they see is a
steak on a plate and a bottle of red or white wine; what I see is a meal that will stimulate
conversation and bring people closer, set the right atmosphere for a successful negotiation or
a marriage proposal, or the beginning of a friendship. So many business deals are discussed
over lunch, so many relationships start with a dinner at the restaurant. The two diners are not
there because theyre hungry, but because dining together can make the conversation more
enjoyable.
Of course, thats Marys opinion. Whether or not you agree with her, bon apptit (= have a
nice meal)!
a) a challenge.
b) recipes for Indian food.
c) your mother very closely.
d) feeding bread to the dogs.
e) and further into depression.
f) but Im sure hell rise to the challenge.
Find a recipe in English and write it here. If you dont like recipes or cooking find a
poem.
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21. A Doctors Day
4 a.m. Dr. Philip Edison was driving to the hospital. He had got a call 15 minutes before,
about a patient who had been brought in the previous day. The patient was a 60-year-old man
who had suffered a heart attack. He was supposed to undergo surgery that afternoon, but his
condition had suddenly grown worse during the previous hour and it looked like the operation
had to be performed sooner. Philip was the surgeon who was supposed to operate on him.
Fortunately, there wasnt much traffic at that time of night. The thick fog made it difficult for
him to drive. Philip threw a glance in the rear-view mirror to check if it was safe to change
lanes. He looked at the traffic light ahead, just in time to see the light change to green. At
least he wouldnt have to slow down as he drove through the intersection.
4:15. He could already see the hospital. An ambulance passed him and stopped in front of the
hospital entrance. Probably another emergency. Philip caught a glimpse of the ambulance
driver as he parked his car and went inside the hospital. He went up to his office, where he
quickly put on his green robe, and then hurried to the surgery room. The nurse greeted him
and helped him prepare for the surgical procedure.
5:40 a.m. The operation had been successful. But the day was just beginning, and he had two
more operations scheduled. At 9:30, he had a patient with a liver problem. Then, at noon, he
was supposed to perform a kidney transplant (on a patient with a rare blood type).
He was already feeling exhausted. And hungry, because he hadnt had breakfast. He often
used to joke that doctors were people who took care of other peoples health while neglecting
their own; the question was, who was going to cure the doctor?
Nevertheless, he decided to skip breakfast and catch some sleep, or at least rest for a while.
It was going to be a hard day, so he needed all the rest he could get.
Think of one of your normal days. Can you write a paragraph regarding your favourite
moment? Think of: place, people you are with, actions, feelings.
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22. The Beginning
Andy and Steven shook hands outside the dorm entrance. Then, Steven grabbed his suitcase
and his shoulder bag and got on the bus. Andy waved as the bus moved away, then went
back inside the dorm and into his room. It seemed half empty. He took a milk pack from the
fridge and he saw a note posted on the fridge door. The note read (= the note said), Call
Anna. Anna was a girl he had met at the college graduation party the night before. He was
going to call her later that day, to ask her out on a date.
He noticed a pair of slippers under his roommates bed Steven must have left them by
mistake. I hope he doesnt leave his suitcase in the bus, Andy thought and shook his head,
smiling. He was going to send them to him by post. They had been roommates for the past
four years, and good friends for at least three.
They hadnt got along very well at first, as they were quite the opposite of one another.
Steven was always messy, his things were always lying all across the room. Andy, on the
other hand, couldnt stand (= couldnt bear) to see things out of place. When he walked into
the room for the first time, Andy thought some burglar had broken in. He would have gone
straight to the police, but then he discovered with relief (= he was relieved to discover) that no
such thing had happened. This and other differences between the two of them were the topic
of quite a few arguments during the first couple of weeks. Andy couldnt stand loud music,
Steven never took out the trash, and so on.
However, in time, they both changed a little, and each of them learned to accept the others
faults (= flaws). Steven was quite good at fixing things such as a wall socket, or the plumbing.
The latter was especially an advantage, because they never needed to pay for a plumber.
Deep down, Steven was a good guy (= a good fellow).
Steven was going to return in the fall, but they would no longer be roommates. Andy
wondered if their friendship would last. He felt at a crossroads of plans, aspirations, and
dreams. It was the beginning of something but what was that something? Which way would
he take, and where would the chosen road lead? He knew, of course, that none of these
questions could be answered immediately (= right away), so he decided to stop worrying and
picked up the phone to call Anna.
Andy and Steven shook hands outside ___ dorm entrance. Then, Steven grabbed his ___
and his shoulder bag and got ___ the bus. Andy waved as the ___ moved away, then went
back inside ___ dorm and into his room. It ___ half empty. He took a milk ___ from the fridge
and he saw ___ note posted on the fridge door. ___ note read (= the note said), Call ___.
Anna was a girl he had ___ at the college graduation party the ___ before. He was going to
call ___ later that day, to ask her ___ on a date.
He noticed a ___ of slippers under his roommates bed ___ must have left them by mistake.
___ hope he doesnt leave his suitcase ___ the bus, Andy thought and shook ___ head,
smiling. He was going to ___ them to him by post. They ___ been roommates for the past
four ___, and good friends for at least ___.
They hadnt got along very ___ at first, as they were quite the opposite ___ one another.
Steven was always messy, ___ things were always lying all across ___ room. Andy, on the
other hand, ___t stand (= couldnt bear) to ___ things out of place. When he ___ into the
room for the first ___, Andy thought some burglar had broken ___. He would have gone
straight to ___ police, but then he discovered with ___ (= he was relieved to discover) that
___ such thing had happened. This and ___ differences between the two of them ___ the
topic of quite a few ___ during the first couple of weeks. ___ couldnt stand loud music,
Steven ___ took out the trash, and so ___.
However, in time, they both changed ___ little, and each of them learned ___ accept the
others faults (= flaws). Steven ___ quite good at fixing things such ___ a wall socket, or the
plumbing. ___ latter was especially an advantage, because ___ never needed to pay for a
___. Deep down, Steven was a good ___ (= a good fellow).
Steven was going ___ return in the fall, but they would ___ longer be roommates. Andy
wondered if ___ friendship would last. He felt at ___ crossroads of plans, aspirations, and
dreams. ___ was the beginning of something but ___ was that something? Which way
would ___ take, and where would the chosen ___ lead? He knew, of course, that ___ of these
questions could be answered ___ (= right away), so he decided to ___ worrying and picked
up the phone ___ call Anna.
The Beginning - Exercises
Search on the internet an article regarding a famous couple (e.g. how they met, a day
in their lives, problems) Write the summary of the article.
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
23. Violence and Television
Most people will hesitate before taking a walk through a wood, a park or an unknown
neighbourhood at night. The shadows of the trees in the moonlight the dark shape of a
stranger the thought of such things would be enough to frighten the person who dared (to)
take that walk.
Are things really that bad? Well not really. Part of that is just our imagination, fuelled by the
stories we read and the films we watch. As long as these stories and movies make us more
cautious, its all right. But many claim that they are also to blame for much of the violence in
our world.
To support this view, some people start from the assumption (= the presumption) that children
learn by imitation. During childhood and adolescence, what they see strongly influences their
development. If they are exposed to episodes of vandalism, gangs shooting at each other,
guns, scandals, and indecent behaviour on television, we can assume they will do the same.
And its not just the movies, its the news, too. Most of the times, the news is either shocking
or spectacular, or both. Consequently, teenagers will learn to see the society as hostile,
something to be afraid of (= something to fear). This fear often generates violent behaviour.
Even cartoons, which might seem harmless, can give children the impression that fighting is
fun. No one really gets hurt in a cartoon, so children may become irresponsible.
But is television really responsible for all this? Should all action movies be banned? What
about the news? There are people who say that, on the contrary, television is an educational
medium. Cartoons, for instance, usually show the battle between right and wrong, between
good and evil. Children are capable of judgment, even if their personality is not fully
developed, and they usually take the good characters side. They learn about the
consequences of lying, cheating, stealing, polluting, etc. and if children can make this
distinction, then of course teenagers can tell reality from fiction, too.
Moreover, this world is not made up of children, teenagers and television alone. There are
adults, there is the education system. Grown-ups can pay attention to what their children are
watching, especially since movies and TV shows usually display warnings if they are not
suitable for children under a certain age to watch. Teachers can also teach their students to
be critical about what they see and read.
Most people will probably agree with the latter opinion. Otherwise, they might have to give up
their favourite show!
Now add "will" to the following sentences to make them sound the same.
Most of the times, the news is either shocking or spectacular.
Children usually take the good character's side.
Influenced by what they see on TV, teenagers learn to see the society as hostile.
This fear often generates hostile behaviour.
Some people object to this view on television.
Most people probably agree with this opinion.
Put these words in the right order. Sometimes, the first word is capitalised.
the - will - see - be - Teenagers - something - society - as - afraid of - to
all - banned - action - be - should - movies ?
children - This - made - is - not - alone - world - up - television - of - and
reality - can - teenagers - tell - fiction - from
not - Some - movies - for - children - suitable - a - watch - are - certain - age - to - under
Cartoons can give children the impression that fighting is fun - we think this is highly
probable
Children may become irresponsible - we think this is probable
Cartoons could have this effect - we actually think it's highly probable, but we don't want to
say it; so we use "could", which seems less strong than "can"
Cartoons might seem harmless - we think this is only slightly probable
OK, now here are some sentences. Change them to show how probable you think they
are.
Don't pay attention to the shadows and sounds around you when you're walking through a
park at night.
__________________________________________________________________________
The thought of such things will scare you.
__________________________________________________________________________
Possession of guns will become legal in Europe.
__________________________________________________________________________
If children watch television unattended (= with no adult paying attention to what they are
doing), they will be exposed to episodes of violence.
__________________________________________________________________________
Cartoons teach children the difference between right and wrong.
__________________________________________________________________________
You can say that television is harmful, but then you'll have to give up your favourite show.
__________________________________________________________________________
What they see strongly influences their behaviour.
__________________________________________________________________________
Most composers would feel they had failed if their work put an audience to sleep. But J.S.
Bach composed one of his most famous pieces precisely for that purpose.
Among Bach's admirers was a noble who had a terrible case of insomnia. In 1742, Bach
wrote the Goldberg Variations to help Count Keyserling fall asleep. Evidently it worked,
because the count couldn't get enough of the pieces; he requested that they be played over
and over. Written toward the end of Bach's life, the Goldberg Variations far exceed their
original purpose. They beautifully demonstrate Bach's ability to unite his vast technical skill
with his artistic sensibility, while throwing in a dash of playfulness.
The Goldberg Variations consist of a theme and variations written for harpsichord, a twangy-
sounding keyboard instrument shaped similarly to a piano (on a piano the sound is produced
by a hammer striking the strings, and on a harpsichord the sound is produced by plucking the
strings). The first piece of the Variations--the main theme--is a wonderfully simple but elegant
two-part air. It is followed by 30 variations on the theme and a final return to the opening
theme. The opening aria is probably the most sleep-inducing piece in the collection. The
variations range in character from whimsical to labored to furious, and each is more difficult to
play than the last. In many of the variations, the theme's melody is obscured, but careful
listeners will notice that the bass line (lowest part) is nearly always recognizable.
What Bach intended as a humble gift to an insomniac friend resulted in a monumental work
that is probably the greatest of the hundreds of harpsichord variations written by composers
throughout the early 18th century.
Our society is said to be democratic, and all individuals are said to enjoy equal rights. How
come, then, that men occupy most leading offices, even though women form the majority of
the population? A lot of women claim some things are harder for them to get (= to obtain)
simply because they are women. There is plenty of evidence to support this claim.
There was a time when women were paid less than men for the same job. Even now, as they
try to advance in their career, many women say they hit a glass ceiling at a certain point a
term that refers to the difficulties female employees encounter in their profession. This glass
ceiling is what makes it difficult for a woman to become a manager, for example.
How can this be happening in todays society? Human psychology might have some answers.
For instance, psychologists have demonstrated that women and men display different
attitudes, different patterns of behaviour in dealing with failure. Thus, men will usually be
convinced that the cause of failure has nothing to do with themselves, while women will most
commonly blame themselves. In other words, men have more self-confidence, while women
are less self-confident. So its not just that men consider themselves to be better leaders:
many women think of themselves as poorer leaders.
On the other hand, the above mentioned difference might suggest that men are less
concerned with such matters as perfection and efficiency i.e. (= that is), they are more
superficial. This is probably why mothers usually play the main role in their childrens
education; and thats something they do not instead of, but apart from, their profession.
In the twentieth (= 20th) century, women thought it was time to fight back, and they started a
movement called feminism. It had the usual faults shared by all extreme ideas, but it marked
the beginning of some good changes.
Today, people are finally starting to understand that you cant have civilization without
equality. Its not a mens world or a womens world, or even a humans world, its simply a
world. Competition is all right, but only according to some rules and there are a few rules
that we are not free to change.
Being informed became a necessity a long time ago, but it is now turning into a natural need;
its not at all unusual to see people reading the newspaper during breakfast or in their lunch
break, or watching the news during dinner. What is unusual is to see someone who doesnt
have at least one subscription to a newspaper or a magazine, or someone who never
watches the news or documentaries.
But today, when we have such easy access to information, we are faced with a new problem:
how do we filter it?
First, how do you tell the useful from the useless, in this information boom? We have
information coming in from all sides, we dont even need to look for it, its everywhere. But do
we really need it all? Some people dont even ask themselves why they need to know certain
things, how they will use the information, they simply want to know as much as possible.
Others are more careful to select only those pieces of information that they can use.
Second, how can you distinguish whats true from whats not? How do we test the accuracy of
what we read or hear? We can rely on television and newspapers to a certain extent, but the
Internet is too huge for any one authority to control.
These will soon become major issues in our world. Lets hope it wont be long before a
solution is found.
Being informed became a necessity ___ long time ago, but it is ___ turning into a natural
need; it___ not at all unusual to see ___ reading the newspaper during breakfast or ___
their lunch break, or watching the ___ during dinner. What is unusual is ___ see someone
who doesnt have ___ least one subscription to a newspaper ___ a magazine, or someone
who never ___ the news or documentaries.
But today, ___ we have such easy access to ___ , we are faced with a new ___ : how do
we filter it?
First, ___ do you tell the useful from ___ useless, in this information boom? We ___
information coming in from all sides, ___ dont even need to look ___ it, its everywhere. But
do ___ really need it all? Some people ___ t even ask themselves why they need ___ know
certain things, how they will ___ the information, they simply want to ___ as much as
possible. Others are ___ careful to select only those pieces ___ information that they can
use.
Second, ___ can you distinguish whats true ___ whats not? How do we ___ the accuracy
of what we read ___ hear? We can rely on television ___ newspapers to a certain extent,
but ___ Internet is too huge for any ___ authority to control.
These will soon ___ major issues in our world. Let___ hope it wont be long ___ a solution
is found.
It was a short step from such superstitions to believing that a spirit (or its owner) could be
damaged if a looking glass was shattered. Roman mystics in the first century AD, convinced
that all life renewed itself in seven-year cycles, launched the belief that breaking a mirror
disrupted the owner's health and good fortune for seven years. A variation on that theme was
the belief that mirrors sometimes broke because of orders from the gods, who were trying to
hide forthcoming tragedy from those who gazed into the glass. The broken mirror therefore
did not cause bad luck, but supposedly foretold its coming and resulted in a death within the
family.
There were also financial motives for avoiding broken mirrors in those early days. The earliest
mirrors were virtually indestructible, polished sheets of brass, bronze, silver, even gold. The
first breakable mirrors were made in Venice in the 14th century, but glass mirrors were not
produced until 1673, in England. They were frightfully expensive and commonly reserved for
wealthy nobles. Less affluent families that owned a looking glass therefore had to guard it
carefully, as it might cost them seven years of exhausting labour to replace a broken one.
It was a ______ step from such superstitions to believing _____a spirit (or its owner) could
______ damaged if a looking glass was ________. Roman mystics in the first century _____,
convinced that all life renewed itself _____ seven-year cycles, launched the belief _____
breaking a mirror disrupted the owner's ______ and good fortune for seven years. _____
variation on that theme was the _____ that mirrors sometimes broke because of _____from
the gods, who were trying _____ hide forthcoming tragedy from those who _____ into the
glass. The broken mirror _______ did not cause bad luck, but _______ foretold its coming
and resulted in a ______ within the family.
There were also ______ motives for avoiding broken mirrors in those ______ days. The
earliest mirrors were virtually _______, polished sheets of brass, bronze, silver, ______ gold.
The first breakable mirrors were ______ in Venice in the 14th century, ______ glass mirrors
were not produced until 1673, ______ England. They were frightfully expensive and ______
reserved for wealthy nobles. Less affluent ______ that owned a looking glass therefore
______ to guard it carefully, as it _______ cost them seven years of exhausting _______ to
replace a broken one.
Translate:
Se crede c spiritele rele se tem de propria lor imagine.
__________________________________________________________________________
Ceea ce vrei tu s faci este practic imposibil.
__________________________________________________________________________
Dorii s rennoii contractul?
__________________________________________________________________________
Se uita pe geam la culmile munilor.
__________________________________________________________________________
Acuzatul a fost pzit pe toat durata procesului.
__________________________________________________________________________
Se credea c are puteri magice.
__________________________________________________________________________
Hello, Eveline. Youre absolutely right. I spent most of my childhood in a village in the north. I
still carry with me the memory of the fresh air that filled my lungs with every deep breath I
took. The hills I used to climb, the rivers I crossed, the woods I used to wander through, the
clouds that brought the rain You can find it all in my paintings. My inspiration is indeed the
country landscape.
That is no less true. Theres more to my paintings than just that. Here, have a look at this one
here: its called Not Out of the Woods Yet. Most of the painting is a plain, with a forest in the
background. Theres nothing on the plain, yet you can see a reflection in the river running
across the field. The sky is overcast (= cloudy) and the sun is setting. A storm seems to be
approaching. All these elements contribute to an atmosphere of terror, they give the viewer a
feeling of uneasiness, of insecurity. When I paint, I like to go beyond the physical world and
explore the effects nature can have on our mind.
Well, with the summer approaching, Im thinking of taking a vacation. Im going to spend one
month in the Far East, to change the scenery artistically speaking. Id like to get new ideas
for my paintings.
All right, Amy. Thank you for this interview. Good luck! I hope youll be back on our show
soon.
Remember?
The hills I used to climb, the woods I used to wander through
If you say used to, youre talking about some habit from the past, or youre making a
nostalgic comment. Now be nostalgic and rephrase the following sentences using
used to:
This was my playground.
This was the place I ran to.
I still remember the rivers I crossed.
Suddenly, Im not half the man I was.
We went to the sculpture exhibition each month.
Remember when we parked/ On Butler Street out in the dark?
I hope youre shining the way you shone.
Im not very coherent today... Here are my thoughts, can you turn them into good
sentences?
quite Youll A.S. few notice paintings a signed
__________________________________________________________________________
see river You across can a field reflection in the the running
__________________________________________________________________________
seems A be storm approaching to
__________________________________________________________________________
this by Make to week museum the sure sometime stop
__________________________________________________________________________
my You all paintings can it in find
__________________________________________________________________________
A Nepalese couple felt on top of the world on their wedding day. No surprise, as they got
married on top of Mount Everest. Moni Mule Pati, 24, and Pem Dorjee Sherpa, 23, exchanged
wedding vows atop of the worlds highest peak, becoming the first people ever to get married
on the summit. It truly was a match made in, or at least as close as possible to, heaven. Even
the guest was left breathless.
There was little of the usual paraphernalia that surrounds weddings. Just oxygen tanks,
climbing equipment and some plastic garlands and traditional vermillion powder, which the
groom applied on the brides forehead. They did have some quite spectacular Himalayan
views as a backdrop for their weddings pics. The nuptials took just ten minutes and then the
happy couple had to descend due to the bitingly cold conditions.
The newlyweds had kept their plan secret, just in case their wedding plans were thwarted by
avalanches, freezing winds or faulty oxygen masks. They didnt have time to fulfill all of the
religious requirements necessary in their Hindu wedding, and so will complete formalities at a
ceremony in Kathmandu. Pem Dorjee said: With our interracial marriage, we also wanted to
give the message that caste and race are no barriers when it comes to marriage.
vows = jurminte
peak = vrf
summit = vrf
paraphernalia = bunuri personale; accesorii; dichisuri ; nimicuri; lucruri inutile; lucruri
netrebuincioase
tanks = rezervoare
garlands =ghirlande, jerbe
vermillion= rou aprins
groom= mire
forehead = frunte
backdrop = fundal
pics= poze
to descend = a cobor
bitingly = neptor
newlyweds = noii nsurei
thwart = a ncurca (planurile); a zdrnici
faulty= defectuos, imperfect
There was _____ __ ___ ______ paraphernalia that surrounds weddings. Just oxygen tanks,
climbing equipment and some plastic garlands and ___________ __________ _______,
which the groom applied on the brides forehead. They did have some quite spectacular
Himalayan views as a backdrop for their weddings pics. The nuptials took just ten minutes
and then the happy couple had to descend ___ __ ___ _______ cold conditions.
The newlyweds had kept their plan secret, just in case their wedding plans were ________ __
__________, freezing winds or faulty oxygen masks. They didnt have time to fulfill all of the
religious requirements necessary in their Hindu wedding, and so ___ _________ _________
at a ceremony in Kathmandu. Pem Dorjee said: With our interracial marriage, we also
wanted to give the message that _____ ___ _____ are no barriers when it comes to
marriage.
PHRASE MATCH: Match the following phrases from the article (sometimes more than
one combination is possible):
Across the Venice Lagoon from the ancient city are the modern industrial cities of Mestre and
Marghera. In the years following World War I, these cities began pumping water out of the
ground underneath Venice to supply their growing populations. As the ground water was
drained, the soil began to settle under the weight of the city above it. Before the Italian
government came to the rescue in 1973, Venice had sunk by as much as a foot. Two
aqueducts were built to supply Venice's neighbours with water from the country's interior, and
the sinking stopped.
Unfortunately, whether due to the greenhouse effect or global climatic trends, water levels
around the world are rising. At the current rate, scientists say the Adriatic Sea around Venice
could rise three feet over the next 100 years-which would be catastrophic for Venice.
There's little Venice can do to prevent the sea from rising. However, to keep the city's
buildings and streets dry during high autumn and winter tides, scientists have proposed
Project Moses, which would install underwater barriers between the islands separating the
lagoon from the Adriatic. These barriers could rise to block incoming waves.
Environmentalists, however, fear that the barriers would disrupt the lagoon's ecology.
Charles Dickens once described the Venice Lagoon as an old serpent, "noiseless and
watchful: coiled round and round." Only time will tell if the old serpent will ultimately swallow
Venice whole.
Look:
In the past, Venice was vulnerable to flooding - this clearly happened in the past.
Venice has always been vulnerable to flooding - this is not clearly placed in the past.
Always ask the question "When". If you can place the action in the past, completely
disconnected from the present, then use the Past Simple. If not, use the Present
Perfect:
th
In the 20 century, flooding _____________ to look like a permanent possibility. (to begin)
After WW1, the ground water ________ drained. (to be)
Water level ___________ 10 cm during the past 4 years. (to rise)
Two aqueducts __________________ built this year. (to be)
Dickens once _______________ the lagoon as a serpent. (to describe)
Since 2006, the land ____________ by an inch. (to sink)
Constructed by Swedish engineers and resident artists in the town of Jukkasjrvi (YOU- kus-
yair-vee), the Ice Hotel opens each December and remains open until mid-April, when the ice
begins to slowly melt into the nearby Torne River. Between December and April, the hotel
draws four to six thousand overnight guests. Thousands more travel north to visit the hotel
gallery and wedding chapel.
The Ice Hotel was not conceived as a commercial enterprise. Rather, it began as a single
igloo made by the artist Yngve Bergkvist in 1988. Bergkvist used the igloo as part of an
exhibition and, according to popular accounts, the igloo remained in place on the outskirts of
Jukkasjrvi without attracting notice until a traveller visiting the town was unable to find a
vacant room and decided to spend a cool night in the igloo.
Room temperatures in the Ice Hotel are between 16 and 25 degrees Fahrenheit (= between -
8 and -3 degrees Celsius), and guests sleep in thick sleeping bags on "beds" of ice covered
with reindeer pelts. Down parkas abound in the lobby and visitors to the bar drink vodka and
loganberry juice from glasses made of the same bluish ice that forms the hotel's walls.
average = medie
assemble = a asambla; a (se) aduna, a (se) strnge; a se reuni
roughly = (aici) aproximativ
draw = atracie
to house = a gzdui
to melt = a se topi
nearby = n apropiere
to draw = a atrage
chapel = capel
to conceive = a concepe
accounts = relatri
vacant = liber
sleeping bags = saci de dormit
pelt = piele (de animal)
down = puf
parka = hanorac
bluish = albstrui
Bluish ice
Now translate: maroniu, roiatic, glbui, alburiu, verzui.
Whether or not we are the only intelligent beings in the universe is still unknown. But our solar
system is definitely not the only one in our galaxy (the Milky Way). And if we think that the
universe contains billions of galaxies, we can get an idea of how huge the world really is.
How was the universe created? No one knows for sure: the beginning is lost in the mist of
time. There are basically two groups of theories: religious and scientific. Most religions,
including the Christian one, speak about a Creator of the universe. Scientists, on the other
hand, try to find a logical explanation for the origin of the universe; one popular theory is that it
was formed from the explosion of a single atom.
We assume that the Earth was formed about 4.6 billion years ago, from the same cloud of
gas and dust as the Sun and the other eight planets. It took a long time before the first cells
and bacteria came to exist. As the waters retreated and the land was formed, the animals
living in the sea adapted to life on the land. About two hundred million years ago, the
dinosaurs appeared, together with some plants and birds. The dinosaurs did not survive
but, again, there are different unproved theories concerning (= regarding) their disappearance
(= their extinction).
About 65 million years ago, the most recent era began. It is in this period that the mammals
appeared, including humans. New species of birds began their existence, as well as new
plants.
Given these facts, a lot of people, including quite a few scientists, believe that it is practically
impossible for us to be the only intelligent forms of life in the universe. Of course, all we can
do is wait and see what happens next.
but = doar
tiny = minuscul
rock = piatr, bolovan
inhabited = locuit
revolve = se rotesc
uninhabited = nelocuite
beings = fiine
the Milky Way = Calea Lactee
billions = miliarde
mist = ceaa
dust = praf
regarding = cu privire la
mammals = mamifere
Whether or not we are ___ only intelligent beings in the universe ___ still unknown. But our
solar system ___ definitely not the only one in ___ galaxy (the Milky Way). And if ___ think
that the universe contains billions ___ galaxies, we can get an idea ___ how huge the world
really is.
___ was the universe created? No one ___ for sure: the beginning is lost ___ the mist of time.
There are ___ two groups of theories: religious and ___. Most religions, including the
Christian one, ___ about a Creator of the universe. ___, on the other hand, try to ___ a logical
explanation for the origin ___ the universe; one popular theory is ___ it was formed from the
explosion ___ a single atom.
We assume that ___ Earth was formed about 4.6 billion ___ ago, from the same cloud of ___
and dust as the Sun and ___ other eight planets. It took a ___ time before the first cells and
bacteria ___ to exist. As the waters retreated ___ the land was formed, the animals ___ in the
sea adapted to life ___ the land. About two hundred million ___ ago, the dinosaurs appeared,
together with ___ plants and birds. The dinosaurs did ___ survive but, again, there are
different ___ theories concerning (= regarding) their disappearance (= their ___).
About 65 million years ago, the ___ recent era began. It is in ___ period that the mammals
appeared, including ___. New species of birds began their ___, as well as new plants.
Given ___ facts, a lot of people, including ___ a few scientists, believe that it ___ practically
impossible for us to be ___ only intelligent forms of life in ___ universe. Of course, all we
can ___ is wait and see what happens ___.
Can you help words find each other and form sentences?
tiny is but the planet Our a of piece universe
__________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
can get how an We world idea of really the is huge
__________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
see can we do is All and wait
__________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
are theories their some disappearance concerning There unproved
__________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
In many religions, good is always balanced by evil. The same holds true for the early versions
of Santa Claus. Since the Middle Ages in Holland, children waited for the arrival of Sinter
Klaas (Saint Nicholas) riding on his white horse through town. But naughty children had good
reason to hide. They knew that lurking close behind was Klass's servant Zwarte Piet (Black
Peter) who kept a list of bad children and waited to whip them with a bundle of switches.
Most parents welcomed a judgmental Santa Claus, or, better yet, a mean partner who could
be used as motivation to improve their children's conduct. Throughout Europe, Saint Nicholas
had such a partner. In German-speaking regions, he was known as Knecht Ruprecht (Servant
Rupert), Klaubauf in Bavaria, and Budelfrau in Austria. The German version Pelznickel
(Nicholas in furs) travelled alone seeking children to punish--but always carrying nuts and
candy in case he came across good boys and girls.
Even when Santa travelled without his menacing servant, he gave children what they
deserved. In Germany, the Christmas Man travelled door-to-door carrying a sack full of toys
for the deserving, and switches for the undeserving.
Traces of the Old World Santa still survive today in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Maryland and
other parts of the United States, mainly where German and Dutch immigrants settled. In these
regions, little ones still tremble at the thought of Belsnickels, who might take them away to
some unspoken place. But fear is often punishment enough and by the time Christmas
comes, Santa always rewards their good behaviour.
1. switch
2. to seek, sought, sought
3. menace
4. naughty
5. to whip
6. to lurk
7. conduct
8. mean
9. bundle
a) bad, with improper conduct
b) to stay hidden, ready to attack etc.
c) nuia
d) ru, crud, unkind, nasty
e) a package, a number of things held together
f) to try to obtain, to look for
g) behaviour
h) threat
i) a biciui