In your previous letter you told me that you had joined your school literature club
In your previous letter you told me that you had joined your school literature club
Task 11. You have received a letter from your English pen-friend Mary who writes
. In your previous letter von told me that you had joined your school Literature Club. I wonder what you do at your
club meetings. Can I help you in any way?
As for me, I enjoy rending very much and / would be really interested to know about famous Russian writers. Who
is your favourite writer at the moment? Have you got enough time for reading.
Write a letter to Mary.
answer her questions and tell her about your Literature Club
ask 3 questions about her reading preferences
49 Gagarina Street
It was great to hear from you again! I’m glad you have no problems at school now.
In your letter you asked me about our school Literature Club. Well, at our club meetings we share our views
on books we’ve read and do projects on popular writers and poets. My favourite writer is A. Chekhov, who was
one of the most famous Russian playwrights. However, I particularly admire him because of his wonderful short
stories. Unfortunately, I don’t have much time for reading as I’m too busy at school.
It’ll be great if you could help me with my project. What kind of books do you enjoy? What book are you
reading now? Who is your favourite writer?
Well, I’d better go now. There is a film starting in a minute. Keep in touch!
Task 12. This is part of a letter from your English-speaking pen-friend.
. I’ve always wanted to visit Moscow so it ’ll be great to spend a week at your place. Any ideas as to what we might
do? Should I bring any special clothes? Do let me know if there is anything I can get you from England?
Write back soon.
Write back to Gloria.
answer her questions
ask 3 questions about her eating habits
30 Dubninskaya Street
Hi! Thanks a lot for your letter. Sorry I haven’t answered earlier but I was really busy with my school.
I’m glad you are going to visit Moscow. We can go wherever you want but I think you’d like the Kremlin and
the Tretyakov Gallery.
I’ve also got some ideas for our nightlife! And if you fancy going to the theatre in the evening, you should
bring an evening dress. I’ll be delighted if you could get me a T-shirt with views of London.
Well, Mum wants to know what kinds of food you enjoy eating. Do you eat meat and fish? What do you
usually have for breakfast? Are there any kinds of food you don’t like?
Now I’ve got to do my homework. Please write back soon. Can’t wait to meet you!
Task 13. This is part of a letter you have received from your English pen-friend.
. We are doing a project at school on how computers are changing people’s lives. Please could you tell me how
computers are changing things and how people feel about it? Have you got a computer at home? What do you use
As for me, I’m going on holiday with my parents next weekend.
Write back to your pen-friend.
answer his/her questions about computers
ask 3 questions about his holiday
120 Fedoskinskaya Street
Hi! How is it going? I hope you’re well. Thanks for your last letter. It was great to hear from you!
I’ll try to answer your questions. No doubt computers have made our lives easier and more exciting. We
needn’t go to libraries as we can find almost all information on the Net. Moreover, computers help us to relax
although some people feel that they are rather addictive. I’m happy that I’ve got a computer. It helps me with my
projects and I also use educational programs. Of course I do play computer games but not very often.
Anyway, write back soon and tell me about your holiday. Did you enjoy it? What interesting places did you
visit? Did you make any new friends?
I’d better go now as I have to feed my kitten.
Task 14. You have received a letter from your English- speaking pen-friend Paul who writes
. At school we are doing projects on sports popular in different countries. Could you tell me about two kinds of
sports that are popular with Russian teenagers? Why are they popular? Do you have enough time for sports?
Write a letter to Paul.
answer all his questions
ask 3 questions about his school drama club
54 Kirova Street
Thanks for your letter. I’m really glad you like your new school!
I guess I should start by telling you about sports in Russia.
I believe the most popular sport with boys is football because it’s a very exciting game. Girls enjoy gymnastics
as it helps them to keep fit. As for me, I’m crazy about football, too. I wish I could play every day but I don’t have
enough time (unfortunately!).
Well, I think joining a drama club is a good idea. One day you may become a famous actor. Who knows?
Write back and tell me about your club. How many pupils are there? What plays are you going to put on? Are you
given any costumes?
Anyway, I’d better go now as I’ve got loads of homework to do. Keep in touch!
Task 15. This is part of a letter from your English-speaking pen-friend.
. By the way, we are doing a project at college on the fashion industry in different countries. It would be nice if
you could tell me what clothes are popular with teenagers in Russia. Do you have any special fashion for teens?
What kind of clothes do you prefer?
Write back soon.
Write back to Jessica.
answer her questions
ask 3 questions about her tastes in clothes
43 Borodina Street
Hi! I was so happy to get your letter! It was great to hear your news.
In your letter you asked me about popular teenage clothes in Russia. Well, I guess today’s teenagers have a
new tag line, ‘I’ve just got to be me.’ Wearing baggy jeans and T-shirts is still important but teens like to add their
own unique pieces of clothing. As for me, I enjoy a popular layered style and I usually wear denim jeans, button up
shirts and open cardigans as they’re very comfortable.
Anyway, write back and tell me about your tastes in clothes. What kind of clothes do you prefer? Do you
follow any fashion trends? Do you enjoy wearing a school uniform?
Well, I’d better go now as I have to cook dinner. Take care and keep in touch!
C. THE BRITISH THEATRE IS DYING
A conversation between Alfred Leathers, an old actor, and Martin Cheveril, a playwright and producer.
Alfred: Martin, my boy, I’ve been acting too long and — as the youngsters are to say — I’ve had it.
Martin: Nonsense, Alfred.
Alfred: No, no. Mean what I say. In fact the Theatre’s had it. The Theatre’s finished and we might as well admit it.
Martin: It was different when you were young, of course — eh?
Alfred: Different? I should think it was.
Martin: You’ve seen some great nights in the Theatre, I imagine, Alfred—eh? (It is like a prompt.)
Alfred: I have, Martin. Great nights! And they’ll never come again. Don’t forget that in my time I’ve played with Irving, Ellen Terry and Tree.
Martin: Great names, Alfred.
Alfred:Ah — but the Theatre was the Theatre in those days, Martin. It was all the public had, and so we all did our best with it. None of your films and radio and television and the rest of them then. It was the Theatre — and the Theatre as it ought to be.
Martin: The Theatre’s dying — though it may last out our time.
Alfred:Yes, thank God. But I don’t give it much longer.
Martin (smiles at him): Well, you see, Alfred, I know that speech about the dying Theatre. I’ve heard it before.
Alfred: Exactly. And everything goes to prove.
Martin: That you’re an elderly actor, Alfred, and that the Theatre’s dying for you. It’s always been dying for the old hands. And it’s always been born again for the new ones. And that’s not its weakness — that’s its strength. It lives — really lives and not merely exists, but lives as humanity lives — just because it’s for ever dying and being born, because it’s always renewing its life.
Alfred (not convinced):Now wait. It’s dying for me, we’ll say but who is it being born for?
(The door opens and Otley comes in.)
Otley:Miss Seward’s here.
Martin (to Otley): Send her in. (To Alfred) Your answer’s here.
Exercise 2.Quote the sentences in which these words and word combinations are used in the dialogues and translate them.
circle seats, a theatre-goer, to set up, classical, repertoire, to seat, to sell out, to seem, to stage, success, to account for, to take up, activities, to admit, to forget, the rest of, to prove, humanity, to convince.
Exercise 3. Find in the dialogues English equivalents for these word combinations and sentences
1. имеется несколько мест в партере. 2. в середине второго ряда. 3. начинается новый театральный сезон. 4. Композитор сам принимал активное участие в ее постановке. 5. Я бы сказала, что это почти невозможно. 6. когда спасение казалось невозможным. 7. Насколько я знаю он (спектакль) имел большой успех. 8. Как вы объясните успех пьес на производственную тему? 9. вопросы, которые поднимают пьесы. 10. Современный человек проводит много времени на работе. 11. Не забывайте, что в мое время я играл с. 12. и всего прочего. 13. и в этом не слабость, а сила театра.
Exercise 4.Make up your own short dialogues.
SPEECH EXERCISES
Exercise 1.Speak on one of the following topics. Let other students agree or disagree with you. Answer the questions other students will ask you.
a) Speak about the role of culture and art in our life. What functions do they have? Describe a cultural man.
b) What role can museums and art galleries play in the upbringing of children? Can any child become a good person without arts’ influence? What do you think about it?
c) What is you favorite genre in art? Give some general information about this genre and explain why do you like it most of all.
d) Tell about one of the famous men of arts. Your story should include: the place and date of his birth, his contribution to art, the main or the most famous works, his style, the explanation of your preference.
WRITTEN TASKS
Exercise 1. You’ve got a letter from your pen friend Mary who writes:
“…In your previous letter you told me that you had joined your school Literature Club. I wonder what you do at your club meetings. Can I help you in any way?”
Write a letter to Mary.
— tell her about your Literature Club
— ask 3 questions about books popular with her classmates.
Exercise 2.Comment on the following statement.
a)When photography was invented some people predicted that photographs would soon replace painted portraits. However, portraits have been painted for many years after the invention of photography.
What can you say for and against a portrait made by an artist?
Follow the plan:
1. Make a general statement of the problem.
2. Give arguments for a portrait.
3. Give arguments against a portrait.
4. Make a conclusion.
b) When cinema was invented some people predicted that theatre would not last very long but it still exists, attracts large audience and is not likely to disappear.
Whatcan you say for and against theatre?
Follow the plan:
1. Make a general statement of the problem.
2. Give arguments for the theatre.
3. Give arguments against the theatre.
4. Make a conclusion.
Optional Task
Choose one of the points for your own projects. Make your project according to the task. You are free to choose the form of the work (a collage, a booklet or any kind of craftwork), the materials (water-colors, paper/magazine cuttings, photos, etc.) or audio-visual devices.
a) Make a playbill of a theatre/ a concert hall/ a cinema hall in your town. The playbill should include the repertoire of a theatre/ a concert hall/ a cinema hall for the nearest month. Your handmade playbill may include photos of the theatre, photos of the actors or photos of the scenes of the play. You also may add short annotations to each of the play or several statements of famous people about the play/ film or about the stage director. Don’t forget about:
· The time of the shows
· The place: the address of the theatre/ cinema and its name
· The price of the tickets
· The box-office working hours
b) Make a bill of a play/ a film that is going to be shown in your town. This playbill should be made for advertising only one play/ film and should reflect the contents. All other points of the previous task may be included. Here you should also thank sponsors and companies for infotainment (информационная поддержка). Don’t forget about organizational points (see previous task).
c) (Complex) Make up your own film. It may be a documentary film, a cartoon or a report about some event in our town (cultural, sport, political). It may simply be a video set on different topics (about your native town, seasons of the year, animals) accompanied by special music, sound effects or some text pronounced by off-screen commentary. Your are free to choose other aspects of making a film (actors or their absence, duration, etc.)
a) Make up a program of a concert that you are going to organize in your town, in Russia or abroad. This program should be made in the form of a prospect, that must include:
Besides give a short description of each musical composition, some words about the author (his photo) and some words about the performer (his photo / the photo of the orchestra). Your program may be made up for a one-day concert or for a several-day festival (as, for example, “The World of the Guitar”, “Empty Hills”). If you make a booklet of a festival, don’t forget to mention the names of the organizers of the festival. If you make a program of an open air festival point out all the events that will take place during this festival (master classes, competitions, trade, meetings with performers, etc.) and of course organizational moments (the map of the place/ the way to the place, kitchen, rules of camping, etc.) As for rules of camping it should be better to draw a scheme of the festival for people to find everything they need. If there are several stages mark them on the scheme. You also must mark the position of the market, WCs, first-aid post, etc. And mention all the information about the date of the concert/ festival, the place and prices of the tickets.
b) Make a survey about the CD’s sold nowadays in your town, in Russia or all over the world. Your project should include the cover of a disc (a photo), the photo of a band/ performer/ singer (if you find) and a short annotation which may be your own opinion about this music or estimation took from a magazine or a newspaper (don’t forget to mention the author of the annotation or its source). In your annotation give the information about the band/ performer/ singer, some facts from the performers’ biography, their style. Don’t forget to add your opinion. Your survey should be made about the discs of different kinds: classic, pop music, rock music, jazz, music from films, retro, etc. You also must include:
· The approximate price
· The address of the shops where one can buy the disc
· The quantity of pages
· The publication date
· The publishing company
· The quality of the book
· The approximate price
· The address of the shops where one can buy the disc
You are a museum director. Choose the profile of your museum: wax figures, art gallery, paleontology, staffed animals, handicrafts. It may be a museum of books, a toy museum or a house-museum of some personality. Make an advertising prospect of your museum. Don’t forget to include the picture of your museum. The building should (as far as possible) reflect the profile you have chosen: e.g. a toy museum may look as a big toy car and be bright and funny. In front of the building there may be a park with a pool/ a fountain/ statues that may also be connected with the contents of your exhibitions. Draw a scheme of your museum. Think beforehand how much floors and halls you want to have, where you will place a souvenir shop, WCs, a refreshment room (cafeteria), a cloak-room, offices, director’s room. On the scheme put the numbers of the halls or their names. And near give a description of each hall and a photo or two of the objects exhibited there. Don’t forget that your aim is to make prospective customers attend your museum. That’s why make your prospect after looking through which people will want to watch your unique exhibitions. If your museum offers some special entertainment you must mention this in your prospect – find something interesting that will beneficially distinguish your museum from others: it may be demonstration of different films, connected with your exhibitions or travelling on a “time machine” with audio-visual effects or anything you invent.
You must also give the address of your museum, hours of service and prices of tickets. Bear in mind that museums usually offer group excursions and special excursions for schoolchildren. Don’t forget to mention this aspect.
What words ( cliches) can be useful in the personal letter to change from one
. In your previous letter you told me that you had joined your school Literature Club. I wonder what you do at your club meetings. Can I help you in any way?
As for me, I enjoy reading very much and I would be really interested to know about famous Russian writers. Who is your favourite writer at the moment? Have you got enough time for reading.
Write a letter to Mary. In your letter
� answer her questions and tell her about your Literature Club
� ask 3 questions about her reading preferences Write 100-140 words.
TOEFL listening discussions: What did the young man do during his last holiday?
I’m here quite often 😉
Joined: 11 Dec 2011
Posts: 195
One day I came home from the shop. The boys met me at the door. «I’m as strong as George Bes, Mummy,» said Paul. «I got a goal and I broke the vase.» Philip tried to be more diplomatic than Paul, «It doesn’t really matter, does it? You told us it wasn’t new. You aren’t cross, are you?»