Пособие по обучению практике устной и письменной речи (начальный этап) на английском языке Под ред. О. В. Серкиной
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Text 2. Traffic problems1) It was rush hour, and there was a long tailback (=a line of slow or stopped traffic) on the motorway. 2) There was a pile-up (=crash between several or many cars) involving ten cars, because of the fog, so the road was closed and we were diverted (=directed away from our road) onto a narrow country lane. 3) I had stupidly parked in a tow away zone (=area where your car may be taken away if you park illegally) and came back to find my car had gone! 4) I just parked for a few minutes outside the station, but when I came out, my car had been clamped (=fitted with a metal device on the wheel to prevent it from moving). 5) I saw two men fighting next to their cars. I think it was a case of road rage. (=anger or violence between drivers because of difficult driving conditions) 6) The road was wet and I skidded (=lost control of the steering) on the bend and almost crashed. 7 2.6. Complete the sentences with the correct word or word combination from the previous activity. ) There was a head-on collision (=two vehicles hitting each other directly in the front) on the main road between here and the next village last night. Luckily, both cars had air bags and the drivers survived.
2.7. a) Put each of the following words or phrases in its correct place in the passage. b) What kinds of transport are common in your city/village? In Russia? Which of them do you prefer? Why? sliding doors platform conductor fare crew cab double-decker bus stop rush hour tube metro lift destination inspector subway hail check tip single-decker taxi-rank driver coach mind meter rack escalator A taxi, sometimes called a (a)______, is the most comfortable way to travel. You simply (b) ______ the taxi in the street or go to a (c) ______, where there are several taxis waiting, for example at a station. At the end of your journey, you can see how much the (d)______ is by looking at the (e)______. You add a (f) ______ to this, and that's it. Very simple. But expensive! What about taking a bus? If it has two floors, it's called a (g) ______and you can get a good view from the top. If it has only one floor, it's called a (h) ______. Most buses have a two-person (i) ______: the (j) ______, who drives, of course, and the (k) ______, who takes your money. Keep your ticket because an (l) ______might want to (m) ______it. You catch a bus by waiting at a (n) ______. You can see where a bus is going because the (o) ______is written on the front. But try to avoid the (p)______. Quicker than the bus is the underground (called the (q) ______ in London, the (r) ______ in New York and the (s) ______in Paris and many other cities). You buy your ticket at the ticket-office. Go down to the (t) ______ on the (u) ______ or in the (v) ______. The train comes. The (w) ______ open. You get on. You look at the map of the underground system. Very simple. When you hear “(x) _____ the doors!” it signals that the train is about to depart. So be careful. For longer distances take a train or a long distance bus, usually called a (y) ______, w 2.8. Explain the difference between the following. hich is slower but cheaper. The train is very fast. Put your luggage on the (z) ______ and sit and wait till you arrive. (a) a carriage and a compartment (b) a season ticket and a return ticket (c) a bus driver and a bus conductor (d) a train driver and a guard f 2.9. Put one of the following words in each space in the sentences below. or off at in on from
2.10. Put each of the following words or phrases in its correct place in the passage. cosmopolitan pollution congestion to breed crime metropolis urban cost of living irresistible lure stimulation commuter city-dwellers anonymity M 2.11. Look at the adjectives which can be used to describe a city/ town and say which of them are negative and positive. Add two more positive and two more negative adjectives to the list. Use them to describe any town/ city. ost people in developed countries are (a) ___, many drawn by the (b) ______ of the (c) ___. The attractions of the city are many: the (d) ________ atmosphere (foreign restaurants, different languages, international companies), the (e) _______ of cultural events or the simple hope of finding work. All too many find, however, that the glamorous façade is false. One can be very alone in the city and the (f) ________ which at first seems to give freedom and protection later leaves just loneliness. There is a lot to do but everything is expensive. The (g) _______ is high. There is (h) _____ not only of the physical but also of the moral environment and the various pressures of (i) ___________ life cause cities (j) ________. Above all, perhaps, it is the daily stresses and strains of the city which make life there a matter of survival rather than of enjoyment. Many a (k) _______ struggling to work through the rush hour (l) _____ asks, “Is it worth it?” picturesque, historic, spacious, elegant, magnificent, amazing, superb, wonderful, atmospheric, quaint, lively, hectic, deserted, bustling, crowded, packed, filthy, run-down, shabby 2.12. Match the words on the right (1-8) with their definitions on the left a-h.
2.13. a) Match each verb on the left with an appropriate phrase from the list on the right. Translate them. b) Complete the sentences below using the phrases from the previous activity. a) to make a finger on (something) to work prey to something to get on top of one another to fall its magic to live your bearings to put way for the new b)
1. London is a truly cosmopolitancity. 2. A modern metropolisneeds a good integrated transport system. 3. London suffers a lot from traffic congestion. 4. Povertyin the inner-cityareas can breed crime. 5. Cities around the world have seen a huge population explosion. 6. Birmingham has plenty of amenities. 7.A lot of people visit Paris for its cultural events. 8. Cities in poorer countries often lack basic infrastructures. 9. The pressures of modem city lifecan be difficult to deal with. 10. The cost of livingin some places can be very high. 11. A lot of people appreciate the anonymity of living in a large city. 12. I love the urban lifestyleI lead. 13. In Singapore, private cars are banned from the Central Business Districtat peak periods. 14. Urban sprawlis prevalent in most cities. a. Drug abuseis also a big problem. b. Shops, libraries, hospitals and entertainment complexes are just a few of them. c. Chief among these are concerts and exhibitions. d. In particular, I enjoy the atmospherethat is unique to the city. e. Prices in London are particularly exorbitant. f. Without them, they are unable to function properly as cities. g. It is especially bad during the rush hour, when thousands of commuters try to enter or leave the city. h. Stress-related illnesses are very common in cities like New York. i. Nowadays there are more city dwellersthan ever before. j. Everywhere you go there are building sites, pedestrian precincts, blocks of flats and housing estatesspreading into the countryside. k. They like to feel that they can do something without everybody knowing about it. l. Most people use buses and the underground to get to the banks and offices where they work. m. Unfortunately, this is something that most large capital cities lack. n. It's a melting pot forpeople from all parts of the world. ACQUIRING COMMUNICATION SKILLS 2.15. Work with a partner. Respond to these comments as in the model, so that your response could explain the meaning of the underlined word combinations. (You can revise the expressions in Ex. 2.5.) Model: A: I came out of a shop and saw a big metal thing on my wheels. B: Oh, so your wheels had been clamped! A: Yes I had to pay £100. 1. A: As I drove round the corner there was some ice on the road and I lost control of the steering. B: Oh, so ... 2. A: The two women were obviously having an argument about the way one of them had driven. Then suddenly they started hitting each other. B: Oh, I guess it was a case of … A: Yes. It’s happening more and more often these days. 3. A: The policeman looked at my tyres and said they were illegal. B: Oh, so you didn’t have the minimum depth of …? 4. A: The road was closed. Two lorries had come straight at each other and crashed. B: Oh, so it was a … 5. A: The policeman fined me £100 there and then. I have to pay it within seven days. B: Oh, really? I didn’t know they could give … A: Yes. You have no choice. They just give it to you and you can’t dispute it at the time. 6. A: The man at the garage said my car wasn’t in a fit condition to be driven legally. B: Oh, so it’s not … 1 2.16. Decide where these people are in the following situations. . - Fourth floor, please. - I want that floor, too. 2. - Don't throw that away in the street. - OK. I'll throw it in here. 3. - When do you think the number 3 will come? - In about five minutes. 4. - Let me call Mom and tell her I'll be late. - OK. I'll wait. 5. - Taxi! We'd like to go to the Ritz Hotel. - All right. 6. - What can I do for you? - Please check the oil! 7. - Let's go! - No way. The lights are red. 8. - This road is too busy. - Right you are. It's safer to go this way. 9. - Look both ways before you cross. 2.17. Match the following phrases (1-7) with the appropriate situations (a-d). - OK. 1. I'm sorry, I have no idea. a. You are pointing these people in the 2. Turn right at the crossroads. right direction. It’ll be on your left. b. You don’t know the way. 3. I'm going that way - I'll show you. c. You are going to take these people 4. Take the first on the right, it'll be where they want to go. right in front of you. d. You are explaining the route to these 5. I'm sorry, I'm a stranger here myself. people. 6. It's in that direction, but I'm not sure where exactly. 7. Go along here and ask again. 2.18. a) Study the dialogues below and make up similar dialogues with a partner using the hints after each dialogue.
your town. Dialogue 1. Asking the Way in the Street. A: Excuse me, could you tell me the way to the Town Hall? B: Sure. Go straight ahead along this street, and then take the third on the left. You'll see the Town Hall on your right. A: Thanks a lot. B: Any time. Excuse me, where's the nearest …?/ I'm looking for Victoria Station, is it far from here? Carry straight on./ Keep straight on for about 500 metres. / Go straight ahead along this street till you come to the traffic lights./ Take a number 3 bus. / Take a bus/train/tube to London./ Take the right fork./ Take the Circle line. / Turn left/right at the traffic lights./ Turn to Camden High Street./ It's round the comer to the left./ It's the second (turning) on the right./ / It's not far, you can walk from here. / It's on the other side of town, you'd better take a taxi./ It'll take you about half an hour by bus. Dialogue 2. Having Lost Your Way. A: Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the railway station? I've lost my way. B: Yes. Go straight ahead till you come to the traffic lights. Turn left there and it's the first turning on the right. A: Straight ahead up to the traffic lights, left and then right. B: That's it. It'll take you about five minutes. A: Thank you very much. B: You're welcome. Take the first/second/third/next (turning) on the left/right. / First right, second left./ Cross the street at the traffic lights./ Walk across the square. / Walk up to/as far as the bus stop./ Go back one block. / Get on bus number 15. I'm going that way. I'll show you. Dialogue 3. Having No Idea How to Get to the Place A: Excuse me, how do I get to the post office? B: It's in that direction, but I'm not sure where exactly. Go along here and ask again. Is this the way to the Central park? - No, it isn't. Is this the right way to the car park?- I'm sorry I don't know. I'm a stranger here myself. Dialogue 4. Being on the Wrong Bus A: Sorry. Does this bus go to the airport? B: No, I'm afraid you're on the wrong bus. You should take a 194. A: Can you tell me where to get off? B: At the next stop but one. Excuse me, can you tell me where to get off to get to …? - You're on the wrong bus. But you can go two stops and get off at the next stop/ at the next stop but one and change to Bus 18. Dialogue 5. Going by Underground A: Excuse me. I'm a bit lost. Can you help me? B: Certainly. Where are you trying to get to? A: I'm looking for Victoria Station. B: Victoria Station? A: That's right. B: Well, the best way to get there is to take the Tube. Take the Central line westbound as far as Oxford Circus. Then change to the Victoria line southbound and it's two stops later. All right? A: Yes, fine. Thanks a lot. B: Not at all. Excuse me, do I have to change? - Yes, you have to change at the fourth station onto the Piccadilly line./ Which line should I take for the Opera House? - The Circle line. Dialogue 6. Asking the Way inside a Building A: Excuse me, how do I get to Room 240? B: Sure. Go to the end of this corridor and turn left. You'll see a lift. A: Yes? B: Take the lift to the second floor and turn right. Room 240 will be on your left. A: Thanks a lot. B: Not at all. Excuse me, where's the main entrance/ reception lobby/ corridor/hallway (AmE)/ Accounting Department/ Personnel Office/ canteen/ lift/elevator (AmE)/ escalator?- Take the lift to the ground/first (AmE) floor, first/second (AmE) floor, second/third (AmE) floor, top floor, basement./ Take the lift up/down. Go straight down this corridor/hallway (AmE)./ Go through the lobby/ the door here./ Go up/down the stairs./ Go upstairs/downstairs./ It's right at the end of the corridor./ It's on the ground floor/in the basement./ It's round the corner. / It's on the right/left./ It's the second door on the left. Dialogue 7. Taking a Taxi A: Victoria, please. I have to be there by 11:15. B: 11:15, sir? Oh, we'll make it all right. A: And would you stop at the Royal Hotel? I have to pick up my suitcase. B: Righto! You're in good time. It's only five past eleven. That'll be £ 2.80 p, please. A: Thank you very much. You can keep the change. I 2.19. Complete the following dialogues. 'd like to go to this address. -Sure./ Could you stop/call at the Grand Hotel? Certainly, madam/sir. a)A: Paddington, please _______9:15 train. B: 9:15? We'll make it all right. A: Would ______? _________ (stop at the hotel, pick up things) B: OK. I'll wait. You're in good time. That'll be £ 3.25 p. A: Thank you ________. b) A: Excuse me; does this bus go to London Bridge? B: No, _________ (change, # 720 bus) A: Can you tell me where to get off? B: Yes, ____________ (next stop) c) A: Sorry, how do I get to Smith Street? B: Take _______ (the Tube to Smith Square, turn left, take the second on the right) A: Great, thanks. d) A: Excuse me, can you tell me the way to the accounting department? B: Take ________ (the lift, fourth floor, second door on the right) A: Thank you. e) A: _________ (Oxford Circus) B: You should take the Piccadilly line. A: _____________ ?(change) B: Yes, you'll have to change at Piccadilly Circus on to the Waterloo line. A: ____________ (which sign) B: Just follow the sign "Northbound". 2.20. a) Work with a London underground map below. Practice asking for and explaining the routes between the following stations on the map: Marble Arch > Monument St. Paul’s > Knightsbridge Victoria > Covent Garden > Bank Covent Garden > Marble Arch > Edgware Road  b) Imagine that your partner asks you the way to the nearest hospital/the local cinema/the nearest bank/ the Town Hall Square/the nearest hotel/nearest bus stop. Give directions. c) You would like to invite your partner over for a cup of coffee. Give him or her exact information on how to get to your place and have him or her repeat the instructions so that you can be sure that he or she will not get lost. T 2.21. What’s in the name? Scan each of these short texts to find the answer to the question before each texts. axi Facts Why is a taxi called a ‘taxi’? Taxis and cabs are terms used in Britain to describe vehicles which are legally allowed to look for passengers. It is illegal for other vehicles to display the words ‘taxi’, ‘cab’ or ‘hire’. The word ‘taxicab’, usually shortened to ‘taxi’, comes from a taximeter. This is the instrument which measures the distance travelled, or time taken, and automatically calculates the fare. This device was invented in 1891. Why is a cab called a ‘cab’? “Cab” is an abbreviation for ‘cabriolet’, a one-horse two-wheeled carriage. Cabs replaced four-wheeled carriages in the 1840s and 1850s because they were easier to drive in the crowded city streets. Why is a cab sometimes referred to as a ‘hackney’ cab? Originally a hackney carriage was a four-wheeled carriage drawn by a hackney, a slow-walking horse – from an old French word haquenée (not to be confused with Hackney – an area of north-east London). A ‘hackney cab’ is now synonymous with ‘taxi’, although London’s last horse-drawn carriage received its licence in 1946. Does your cab driver have a bale of hay on board? If not, he is breaking the law. In the days when cabs were horse-drawn, regulations protected the horses so that they would not be hungry. While still technically a law, fortunately for today’s cabbies it is no longer enforced! S 2.22. Scan the text and say how different was the social distinction between city and country population in America and Europe. What pattern did Russia follow? ocial Distinction Between Urban and Rural Population The social distinction between city and country population was less in America than in Europe, and in addition, the countryside lacked the radical social separations that were so commonly associated with the aristocrat-peasant structure of European rural life. Thus, when cities began to grow outward in Europe there was a strong class discontinuity between the ruling group in the land invaded by the city — the aristocracy — and the city people taking up residence there — commonly a working-class group. It was frequently the view of a social class structure in European cities that the most desirable places to live were fairly close to the city centre (as in the West End in London). The less desirable housing areas were shunted toward the edge of the city, in most intimate contact with the country, thereby creating the sharpest discontinuity in society. The American pattern differed significantly. It had been a constant practice in American cities for the middle class to move toward the edge of the city, and when public transportation was available, into the near fringe of the country. The American city even a hundred years ago was characterized by suburbs and made widely varying social use of those open housing areas. The result has been a constant outward spread of cities so that the boundary line between urban and rural morphology is seldom very clear. 1
. What proportion of the world’s population lives in the cities? a) over 80% b) about two thirds c) about a third d) about a half 2. Which is the world’s largest capital city? a) Tokyo b) Seoul c) Mexico City d) New Delhi 3. Which is Europe’s noisiest capital? a) Athens b) Madrid c) Rome d) Paris 4. Which is the world’s oldest capital city? a) Baghdad b) Damascus c) Cairo d) Amman 5. Which is the world’s highest capital city? a) La Paz (Bolivia) b) Lima (Peru) c) Quito (Ecuador) d) Kathmandu (Nepal) 6. Which was the first city to reach a population of 1 million? a) Mexico City b) New York c) London d) Rome |