TEXT. THE BROWNS GIVE A DINNER PARTY
This evening the Browns have invited some friends to dinner. It is just a small dinner-party for four of their friends: Mr and Mrs Carter and Mr and Mrs Macdonald.
The guests arrive at about half past seven and are shown into the sitting-room where Mr Brown pours drinks for them. Sherry is the most popular wine in England; men usually prefer dry sherry, but women prefer sweet. At eight o'clock Mrs Brown says dinner is ready, and they move into the dining-room.
Mary Brown does all the cooking in her house. She is always a little worried in case something goes wrong, but this evening everything goes well and the guests make many kind remarks about her cooking.
There are four courses: soup, fish, meat and a sweet which is pudding today. Cheese and biscuits and coffee will be served after the sweet.
The conversation at table is lively and interesting. Mrs Brown will not let the men talk about trade and politics all the time; when she thinks anyone is getting tired, she changes the subject. She is very good at getting people to talk in an interesting way, and there is always plenty of laughter at her dinner-table. Mr Brown often wonders how his wife can manage to make sure that all her guests enjoy themselves, and at the same time the dinner is well served.
But then, he has known for a long time that his wife is a very clever woman!
When dinner is over they go to the sitting-room. For a while the ladies sit and talk while the men stand about smoking their cigars and talking business. Presently Mr Brown brings out some of his new records he thinks his guests will like to hear.
At about eleven o'clock the Macdonalds decide they must go as they have to get back to London. The Carters offer to run them to the station in their car. So all the guests leave together. Mr and Mrs Brown see them off at the garden gate. The guests thank their hosts for a pleasant evening and drive off.
Comprehension
/. Listen to the text "The Browns Give a Dinner-party" and answer the questions:
What are the Browns doing this evening? What do the Browns treat their guests to? What is the conversation at table like? Is Mrs Brown a good hostess? What do the guests do after dinner? When do the guests leave the Browns' house? Do you think they are pleased with the party?
//. Read the text and analyse the language peculiarities of the text. Do some exercises in the next section to remember them.
Special Difficulties
/. Make up sentences using the word combination "to be goodat smth. (doing smth.)":
e.g. He/chess (play chess)
He is good at chess (playing chess)
1. Roger/cycle 2. Mike/chemistry 3. I/play football in my youth 4. Simon/maths at school 5. Sheila/tennis when she was young 6. My friend/Spanish 7. My wife/cook 8. The boy/swim 9. Lucy/ dance
//. Fill in the gaps with either "to do" or "to make":
1. Look! What a nice table he has ... . 2. I .. myself a cup of tea. 3. Shall we ... this translation now? 4. Why! He's crying. What have you ... to him? 5. You've ... so much for her. She must be grateful to you. 6. Don't ... anything till I come back. 7. This cover is ... of plastic. 8. Mr Jenkins is ... a lecture on geography upstairs. 9. We all... mistakes when we were seventeen. 10.1 have never ... a speech in my life. 11. What are you ... here? — I'm waiting for Lucy. 12. You are ... your homework, aren't you? 13. Drink some milk. It will ... you good. 14. He ... a ham-and-egg sandwich. 15. I wonder what present she will ... for him. 16. This factory ... agricultural machines. 17. I advise you not to put off till tomorrow what you can ... today. I8.The remark he . . was so strange that I didn't know what to say in reply. 19. What shall I ... next?
///. Fill in the gaps with either "good" or "well":
1. My friend speaks several foreign languages ..., he has a .. memory for words. 2. Tony is not very ... when he speaks in public, but he spoke ... at the party yesterday. 3. Mr Smith teaches English .... His lessons are usually very.... 4. I was pleased when the teacher said my son was ... at physics. 5. He is a ... foot-
bailer. He usually plays football ... . 6. The weather was ... yesterday. It was warm and sunny. 7. I'm not very ... either. I caught a cold five days ago. 8. The machine works ... . It has a ... engine. 9. The food in that restaurant is very ... . Let's go there.
IV. Focus
"In case"
a) This structure is used to give reason for doing something: Take this road map in case you get lost.
The "in case clause" gives the reason for the "main clause", i. e. the reason for taking a map.
b) What's the difference in meaning?
1. I'll buy some apples if I get hungry
2. I'll buy some apples in case I get hungry.
c) Complete these sentences with "if" or "in case":
1. I'll take a plastic bottle of water ... I get thirsty. 2. Can you buy me a newspaper ... you pass a kiosk on your way home? 3. We'll have a swim ... we see a nice place by the river. 4. I'll change a travellers' cheque .. the bank is open. 5. He took some extra travellers' cheques ... he ran out of money. 6. ... the post office is open, can you buy me some stamps? 7. When you drive to the mountains this winter, put chains on your wheels ... the roads are icy.
V. Translate into English:
a) Use the verb "to get":
\. Я убедил его позвонить ей. 2. Я не могу заставить его сходить туда. 3. Она заставила его заговорить. 4. Я уговорил его дать мне взаймы 50 фунтов. 5. Я не могу добиться, чтобы она приходила вовремя. 6. Ты можешь сделать так, чтобы дверь закрывалась? 7. Я думаю, что он заставит их кончить работу.
b) Use the verb "to let":
I. Она разрешила мне пользоваться ее печатной машинкой. 2. Давай я помогу тебе. 3. Я думаю, родители не разрешили ей принять участие в экскурсии. 4. Учитель разрешил тебе отсутствовать на занятиях? 5. Я позволила ей уйти сегодня пораньше. 6. Думаешь, отец Виктора разрешит ему поехать с нами? 7. Моя мать не разрешает мне купаться одной. 8. Он разрешил тебе пользоваться его машиной?
Text Exercises
/. Ask questions on the text.
II. Tell about the Browns' party.
///. When did you last have a party? What was it like? Did you enjoy the party? Was the cooking good? What did you eat?
Conversation Practice Requests. Requests for Repetition. Volition.
"a) How to make a request:
Would
Could
Will you
Can
Speak a bit slower, will you5
bring us the menu, please?
b) How to respond favourably to a request:
Yes,
of course, certainly, sure.
c) How to refuse a request politely:
I'm sorry I can't. I'm afraid I can't. I'm terribly sorry but
I have to rush off to my work after the lesson
d) How to express a desire:
I'd like I want
a ticket for the 5 o'clock train, please.
e) How to ask people to repeat what they have said:
Sorry?
Pardon?
What
When
Where
(did you say)'
/. Listen to the conversations, learn them and make substitutions:
Treating Guests
1. — How about a nice cup of tea before you go? — Yes, I'd love one.
— How do you like it?
— A strong one with three spoons for me, please, (coffee, cocoa)
2 — Another piece of meat pie?
— No, thanks, really. I'm on a diet.
— Please, do. You've hardly eaten anything.
— It's delicious, but I don't think I ought to. (chicken, pudding, cake)
3. — Do have the rest of the chicken.
— No, thank you. I've had too much already.
— Just take it to please me.
— OK, but only a small piece or I shan't have room for my pudding, (meat, potatoes)
4. — Are there any biscuits, please?
— Yes, of course. Would you like one?
— Yes, please.
— Here you are.
(sweets, apples, oranges, tomatoes)
5. — Will you please give me a little more salad?
— Just a moment. Here you are. What about bacon and eggs? Will you have some?
— Yes, I'll have some, please. And then a cup of strong tea (cheese, fish)
6. — Please, come in.
— Thank you.
— Please, sit down. Would you like a cup of tea?
— Yes, please.
— How about a biscuit?
— No, thanks. I'm on a diet.
(a cup of coffee/a sandwich, a glass of milk/a piece of cake, a glass of lemonade/ an apple pie)
7. — Is there any coffee, please?
— Yes, there is.
— May I have some, please?
— Help yourself, (chocolate, beef, cake)
Thanks for Hospitality
1. — I really must be going now.
— But you've only just come. Wouldn't you like to stay for a snack?
— That's very kind of you, but I mustn't be too late.
— What a pity!
— Thanks very much for the party.
— It was a pleasure to have you. 2. — I think I must be off.
— So soon? Can't you stay a little longer?
— I'd love to, but I have to get up early tomorrow.
— What a shame!
— Thank you for a wonderful meal
— I'm glad you enjoyed it.
In a Restaurant
a) Choosing a dish and a drink
1. — What do you want to drink?
— I feel like a cup of tea
— Do you fancy something to eat?
— Yes, I'd rather like some of that fruit cake.
— That's a good idea. I think I'll join you.
(a cup of coffee/apple pie, a glass of orange juice/pudding
2. — What would you like to drink?
— A black coffee for me, please
— How about something to eat?
— Yes, I'd like a portion of that strawberry tart.
— (a glass of mineral water/cake, a bottle of lemonade/meat pie)
3. — What will you have for the main course?
— Chicken soup and beefsteak.
— I don't want soup today. I'll take a mutton chop with mashed potatoes.
(noodle soup, veal, chicken, cauliflower)
4. — Do you want anything to start with, Simon?
— Yes, some tomato juice.
— As for me I'd like some salad to begin with, (fish/cold meat, apple juice/ham)
5. — What shall we have for dinner today?
— Let's have tomato soup and beefsteak.
— I'd rather have a mutton chop.
(clear soup, milk soup, roasted meat, beefsteak)
b) Ordering a meal
1- — Have you decided on something'
— Yes. Haddock and chips for me, please.
— How about the sweet?
— No sweet. Just coffee.
(chicken and rice, roasted meat and mashed potatoes)
2. — May I take your order, sir.-1
— Yes, I'd like to try the steak, please.
— And to follow?
— Ice-cream, please.
3. — Can I take your order, sir?
— I'll just take a small salad, please.
— Do you want any sweet?
— Apple pie and custard would be nice.
(a steak/ a cup of coffee, fried potatoes/an ice-cream)
4. — Oh, excuse me!
— Yes, sir?
— Could you bring us some more tea, please?
— Of course, sir.
— ... and could you bring me the bill, please. I'm in a hurry, (coffee, cream, beer)
5. Customer: Waiter! I'd like the menu, please. Waiter: Here you are, sir.
Customer: Thanks... I'd like some soup.
Waiter: Tomato soup?
Customer: Yes, please and I'd like a steak.
Waiter: Rare, medium or well-done?
Customer: Medium, please.
Waiter: Which vegetables would you like?
Customer: I'd like some potatoes, some peas and a salad,
please.
Waiter: Certainly, sir. Customer: And I'd like some wine. Waiter: Which wine would you like, sir? Customer: A bottle of red wine, please. 6. Waiter: May I help you? Customer: I'd like a steak. Waiter: How would you like it? Customer: Rare. Waiter: O'kay. And would you prefer a baked potato or rice
with it?
Customer: I'd prefer a baked potato. Waiter: Anything to drink?
Customer: How about a nice cup of coffee, please? Waiter: O'kay. That's a rare steak with a baked potato and a cup of coffee.
//. Listen to the conversation below
Eating Dinner
Tim: It's a quarter past two (2.15) I haven't had anything to eat
since breakfast. I'm hungry
Sheila: So am I.
Tim: You'd like dinner now, wouldn't you?
Sheila: Yes.
Tim: Why don't we eat in that restaurant?
Sheila: That's a good idea.
(In the restaurant)
Tim: Waiter! Waiter! Bring us the menu, will you?
Waiter: Sorry, what did you say?
Tim: Will you please bring us the menu?
Waiter: Yes, of course. Here you are.
Tim: We'll need a while to choose. Could you come back in a
minute?
Waiter: All right.
Tim: Is there anything to your taste on the menu? Sheila: Yes, all kinds of things. Tim: Would you like anything to start with? Sheila: Yes, I'd like to try the cucumber salad. Tim: So would I. And what about the main course? Sheila: I can't decide between the veal cutlet and the chicken. Tim: Let's take the veal cutlet. It's the speciality of the house. Sheila: All right.
Tim: What would you like with the veaP Sheila: Cauliflower.
Tim: And I prefer boiled potatoes. Do you want some fruit? Sheila: I'd like an orange. Waiter: Can I take your order now? Tim: We want dinner for two. Bring us two veal cutlets with
cauliflower and boiled potatoes, two cucumber salads and
a couple of oranges. Waiter: Anything to drink? Sheila: A half of cider, please.
Tim: A half of cider and a pint of bitter, please. I hope it's cold. Waiter: Would you like anything else? Tim: No, that'll be all right. Sheila: Would you please bring me a napkin? Waiter: Certainly.
(some minutes later) Tim: How is the cutlet?
Sheila: Very tender, thank you And I like the oranges. They are very juicy
Tim: Waiter, our bill, please. How much is it? Waiter: Here you are, sir. Eight pounds and twenty pence. Tim: Thank you. Here is ten pounds. Keep the change. Waiter: Thank you, sir.
///. Answer the questions:
Where is the scene taking place? Who are the speakers? Are they having breakfast or dinner? What have they decided on? How does Sheila find the cutlet and the oranges? Have they tipped the waiter?
IV. Listen to the conversation again. Imitate the phrases expressing requests and volition and the replies to them.
V. Read the conversation and analyse its language peculiarities.
VI. Give a brief account of the conversation.
VII. Find in the text appropriate English phrases for the following:
Я хочу есть.— Я тоже. Пожалуйста, принесите мне салфетку. Почему бы нам не пообедать в том ресторане? Официант, принесите нам меню, пожалуйста. Я бы хотела салат из огурцов для начала. В меню есть что-нибудь на твой вкус? Мы хотим обед на двоих. Можно у вас взять сейчас заказ? Ты бы хотела пообедать, не так ли? Простите, что вы сказали? Я с самого завтрака ничего не ел. Хотите что-нибудь выпить? Нам понадобится немного времени, чтобы выбрать. Я предпочитаю вареный картофель. Как тебе нравится котлета? Вот, пожалуйста. Они очень сочные. Официант, счет, пожалуйста.
VIII. Give synonymous expressions to the following: You'd like dinner now, wouldn't you? Why don't we eat in that restaurant? Bring us the menu, will you? Sorry, what did you say? Could you come back in a minute? Would you like anything to start with? I'd like to try the cucumber salad. Let's take the veal. Can I take your order now? We want dinner for two. Would you please bring me a napkin? How is the cutlet? How much is it?
IX Role-play the conversation "Eating Dinner".
X. Make requests. Use the word combinations prompted:
1. — Would you please bring me another glass?
— Here you are.
(give one's pen, lend one's type-writer, pass the mustard)
2. — Could you give me a lift?
— Pardon?
— I said "Could you give me a lift?"
— Certainly.
(post this parcel, get a ticket for me, stay a little longer, get my bill ready, call for me on your way back)
3. — Will you please show me the way?
— Of course.
(help me with my luggage, reserve a table, type this letter, pick me up at the office)
4. — Can you lend me some money?
— I'm afraid I can't. (I have no money about me.) (translate the text, repair the radio-set, give one's records, see me home)
5. — Buy some bread on your way home, will you?
— All right.
(ring smb. up, send a telegram, fetch a chair)
6. — May I have some more tea, dear?
— Yes, sure. Pass your cup along. (beer, coffee, fruit, juice)
7. — Would you like anything else?
— No, that'll be all right. (sweet, fruit, juice)
XI. Make requests with "can", "could", "will", "would", "may":
1. You are sitting at the breakfast table and want the salt and pepper. You ask your neighbour: ... ?
2. You want to join your friend at the canteen for lunch. You ask him: ... ?
3. The coffee is practically cold. You ask the waiter: ...?
4. You would like to call your friend from the office. You ask his boss: ... ?
5. You want to light a cigarette but you have no lighter. You ask your colleague: ... ?
6. The table is too close to the orchestra. You ask the waiter: ...?
7. You want to type some documents but you have no typewriter. You ask your friend: ...?
8. You are going to have a party. You ask your friend: ... ?
9. You are furnishing and decorating your flat. You ask your friend next door: ... ?
10. You are short of money. You ask your cousin: ... ?
1 1. You don't know the way to the station. You ask a policeman on duty: ... ?
12. You are looking for the inquiry office. You ask an official:
XII. How can you make these requests more polite?
1. Post the letter. 2. Answer the telephone. 3. Switch off the TV set. 4. Pass me the salt. 5. Show me that grey suit 6. Lend me ten dollars. 7. Bring me your records. 8. Fix my sink. 9. Give me your lighter. 10. Help me with my English. 11. Open the window.
XIII. Ask your friend to:
show you the way, wait a minute, tell you the time, do you a favour, lend you some money, call back later, post the letter, help you, keep your company, give you a lift, pass you the salt, repair your TV set, translate this text, take a message to ..., carry your bag.
Your friend will comply or refuse.
XIV. Ask your friend:
1. what film he would like to see; 2. where he would like to live; 3. if he wants to take part in the picnic; 4. what he would like for dessert; 5. if he would like to listen to pop music; 6. when he wants to start.
Your friend will respond.
XV. Speaking indistinctly your friend:
1. asks you the time; 2. asks you where you live; 3. tells you where he/she lives; 4. tells you something about the weather; 5. says he/she can't come to your party; 6. says he/she will phone you at nine.
You haven't heard properly. Ask your friend to repeat what he/she said.
XVI. Translate into English (self check):
1. Вы не передадите ей эту записку? — С удовольствием. 2. Пожалуйста, подожди меня немного.— Хорошо. 3. Зайдем в это кафе? — Хорошая идея.— Что ты будешь пить — чай или кофе? — Чай с лимоном.— Возьмем что-нибудь поесть? Ты, должно быть, проголодалась.— Да. Хотелось бы попробовать бифштекс.— Что-нибудь еще? — Нет, это все.— Итак, мы можем заказывать. Официант! — Да, сэр? — Принесите нам, пожалуйста, два бифштекса и чай с лимоном.— Хорошо, сэр. 4. Вы не могли бы подвезти меня на вокзал? — С удовольствием. 5. Ты не сделаешь мне одолжение? Я хочу сходить на почту за посылкой. Ты не присмотришь за Аней, пока меня не будет? — Конечно, я сейчас же зайду.
XVII. Act out the following situations:
a) You've come to a restaurant. You call the waiter and order
dinner of three courses. At the end of the meal you ask for the bill.
b) Your friend and you are at a restaurant. At the moment you are looking at the menu and choosing the dishes you would like to try. Your tastes differ.
c) You are at your friends' house. The hostess is treating you to a substantial dinner and the host is pouring wine. You enjoy the meal and compliment the hostess on her cooking. On leaving the house you thank the hostess for a wonderful meal.
XVII/. Listen to the conversation:
Booking in Advance
A man is calling a restaurant to reserve a table.
Maitre D': Good evening, Le Cuisiner.
Mr Novak: Hello. I'd like to make a reservation for next Saturday night.
Maitre D': All right. How many are there in your party, sir, and what time would you like to come?
Mr Novak: At 7.30 and there'll be four of us.
Maitre D': Just a moment, please ... I'm afraid I don't have anything for four at 7.30. Would 8 be all right?
Mr Novak: Yes, it would.
Maitre D': Your name, please.
Mr Novak: Novak.
Maitre D': All right, Mr Novak, I've reserved a table for a party of four at 8 this corning Saturday.
Mr Novak: Thank you. Goodbye.
Maitre D': Goodbye.
Questions: What is Mr Novak doing at the moment? When
would he like to come? How many people are there in their party?
Does 8 o'clock suit Mr Novak?
XIX. Role-play the conversation.
XX. Situation: It is your wife's birthday tomorrow. You are going out to celebrate. At the moment you are phoning a restaurant and booking a table for eight people
Listening
Meals
Meals in England are much the same as in other countries with the exception of breakfast. I expect you've heard all about the
English breakfast with its porridge or cereal, bacon and eggs, toast, marmalade and tea or coffee. Very few people like chocolate or cocoa for breakfast. In the afternoon about four o'clock or half past nearly everybody has tea. The two main meals of the day, lunch and dinner, are more or less alike. Most people have lunch about one o'clock and dinner at half past seven or later.
Questions: What is the English breakfast like? What are the two main meals of the day? When do the English have lunch (dinner)?