UNIT 7.
GRAMMAR.
I. Simple vs. Continuous aspect. (Study the following grammar reference.)
1. Present Simple is used:
- To speak about facts or things that always happen.
e.g. Sea water contains on average 2.7% salt by weight.
- to speak about routines and habits:
e.g. The birds return to the island every spring.
- In instructions:
e.g. You take 300 g of flour and add three eggs.
- in newspaper headlines to describe events:
e.g. Three die in plane crash.
- for performative verbs accept, apologize, dare, deny, understand, see (= understand)
etc. these are verbs which, when used in present simple, describe an action as the word
is spoken:
e.g. I agree with you.
I accept your offer.
- For verbs reporting news (gather, hear, see, tell, say, understand):
e.g. I hear you’ve got a new job.
- in here comes, there goes, here lies:
e.g. There goes a brave man!
- in jokes (instead of past simple), sports commentaries, plot summaries of films and
books:
e.g. A man goes to see his psychiatrist. He says he’s having problems because he
imagines he’s a pair of curtains. The psychiatrist tells him to pull himself together.
And now Rooney crosses the half-way line and passes to Giggs.
2. Present Continuous is used:
- to describe actions happening at the moment of speaking, and not finished:
e.g. Sorry, I’m busy at the moment. I’m doing my homework.
- to describe actions happening generally around the time of speaking, rather than
exactly at the same time:
e.g. I’m reading a really interesting book.
- to describe a changing situation (change, get, grow, increase, etc.)
e.g. Computers are changing all the time.
- to criticize actions that we feel are irritating or annoying, or which we wish to
exaggerate (with adverbs such as continually, forever, constantly, always. The adverbs
are usually stressed):
e.g. He’s forever getting into trouble!
3. State and action verbs.
Some verbs have meanings which refer to states or conditions, and others have
meanings which refer to actions. State verbs are either only used in simple form, or
have a different meaning when used in continuous form.
a)
State verbs normally in present simple.
Belong, consist of, contain, cost1, depend on, deserve, matter, own, possess,
resemble:
e.g. Does this belong to you?
- believe, imagine, know, prefer, realize, regret, understand2, mean:
e.g. Some people still believe that the Earth is flat.
- seem
e.g. This seems to be what we’re looking for.
b)
Verbs with state and action meanings.
state
Be, have
This house is over 100 years old.
Do you have a car?
Imagine, suppose, think, expect
I suppose this is Jim.
I imagine you feel the same.
What do you think? (=have an
opinion)
I don’t expect him to understand.
Hope, wonder
I hope you haven’t been waiting long.
Enjoy, like, love
I enjoy/like/love going for long walks
Appear
Your visa appears to be out of date.
Look
The book looks interesting (=seem)
See, hear
I see/ hear you’ve had your hair cut
1
Action
He’s being very silly (be=behave)
I’m having a great time here.
You’re supposing he’s guilty (=make
an assumption)
Ghosts! No, you’re imagining things.
I’m thinking of changing jobs (=
considering)
Are you expecting someone?
We’re hoping to continue the talks
next week (less definite)
(for actions going on at the moment
or for implied changes)
I’m loving every minute of my new
job!
Tom is appearing in Hamlet at the
Grand Theatre.
Helen is looking well3.
Jane is seeing Harry (=spending time
Cost is sometimes used in continuous to describe a process that is still going on:
e.g. We’re having a house built and it’s costing a fortune.
2
Realize, regret and understand can be used in continuous to show a changing situation:
e.g. We’re understanding more and more about the universe.
3
In descriptions of appearance look can be used in both simple and continuous:
e.g. Jim looks ill.
I didn’t hear any noises.
Feel, smell, taste
The room smells awful!
Ache, feel, hurt (verbs that describe
how the body feels can use either
simple or continuous forms with little
change in meaning.)
My foot hurts.
I feel sick.
Weigh, measure
The bag weighs more than 25 kilos.
with)
You’re hearing things! (=imagining,
hallucinating)
I’m smelling the flowers (an active
choice)
My foot is hurting.
I’m feeling sick.
I’m weighing the parcel before I post
it.
1 Choose the correct form (present simple or present continuous).
1 I (have) a great time.
2 She (have) plenty of money just now.
3 He (appear) at the Fortune Theatre next week.
4 She (appear) to have a problem.
5 Why (you look) at me like that?
6 It (look) as if it's going to rain.
7 I (see) what you're trying to say.
8 I (see) the manager this afternoon.
9 I (think) you're right.
10 What (you think) about?
11 I (feel) very tired today.
12 I (feel) she's making a mistake.
2. Underline the correct verb form. Tick the sentence if both forms are possible.
a
b
с
d
e
f
g
h
i
j
I can't walk any more. My knee is really hurting / really hurts.
This cheese is smelling / smells terrible!
Thanks for your e-mail. I'm hoping/1 hope to get back to you very soon.
'What are you doing/ do you do?' 'I'm a musician.'
We're having our house completely redecorated. It's costing/It costs a lot.
In this country, more than a million people are living/live in poverty.
Can you stop the car? I'm feeling /1 feel a bit sick.
'What's the answer?' 'Wait a moment, I'm thinking/I think.'
I think we're beginning /we begin to understand this problem.
Nice to see you again! You're looking/You look really great!
3. Put the verb in brackets into present simple or present continuous.
a Somebody (knock) at the door. Can you see who it is?
b First you (cook) the onions in a little oil until they are golden brown.
с Carlos (forever lose) his temper with people! He must learn to
calm down.
d Here (come) the bus! You'd better hurry!
e 'Where's Jack? ' 'He (read) the paper in the kitchen.'
f Whenever I put up my hand, Harry (kick) me under the desk.
g I'm sorry, but I (not understand) you.
h Maria (leave) now, so could you get her coat?
i Come and eat your dinner. It (get) cold.
j I (hear) you did really well in your exams. Well done!
4. Complete each sentence with the present simple or present continuous form of the
verb in brackets.
a (you do) anything at the moment? I need some help with the computer.
b This product (contain) no added chemicals of any kind.
с Nobody (visit) Rome without going to see the ruins of the Roman Forum.
d Sarah (begin) to regret not taking the job in France she was offered.
e Martin (see) Tina at the moment. They've been going out together for the past
month.
f I'm sorry, but I (not know) where George is at the moment.
g 'Is Helen ready yet?' 'She (take) her time, but she says she'll be ready soon.'
h The larger of the two rooms (measure) 8 m by 4 m.
i What (happen) in the street now? I can't see anything from here.
j There's nobody else to do the job, so I (suppose) I'll have to do it
5. Put the verbs in brackets into the correct present tense.
1 Mrs Jones: My daughter never (write) to me so I never (know) what she (do). Your
son (write) to you, Mrs Smith? Mrs Smith: Yes, I (hear) from him every week. He
(seem) to like writing letters.
2 These apples (cost) 40p a bag. You (think) that is expensive?-It (depend) on the
size of the bag.
3 I (see) my solicitor tomorrow (I have arranged this); I (change) my will. ~
You always (change) your will. Why you (not leave) it alone?
4 You (look) very thoughtful. What you (think) about?I (think) about my retirement. But you're only 25. You only just (start) your career. —
I (know); but I (read) an article which (say) that a sensible man
(start) thinking about retirement at 25.
5 My next door neighbour always (knock) on my door and (ask) me to
lend her 10р pieces. What she (do) with them? ~
She (put) them in her gas meter. I really (not mind) lending her a few 10 р pieces
but what (annoy) me is that she (know) how many she (need) each week but never
(take) the trouble to bring the right number home. -
6 What she (do) if she (run out) of them when you are away? Oh, she (borrow) from her other neighbour, Mr White; but this (take) longer
because he always (want) her to stay and chat and she (find) it quite hard to get
away from him. —
7 How much she (owe) you now? I (not know); I (not keep) an account. Anyway she (leave) next week; she (get)
married. I (try) to think of a suitable wedding present. ~
8 Why you (not offer) to cancel her debt? That (sound) rather a mean sort of present. Anyway she probably (not realize) that
she (owe) me money. —
9 My brother (say) that people who (owe) him money always (seem) to
forget about it, but people he (owe) money to always (remember)
exactly.
10 I (not think) your brother (enjoy) the party. He (keep) looking at his
watch. —
Oh, I'm sure he (enjoy) it. He always (enjoy) your parties. But I (know) he (want) to
be home early tonight because he (expect) an important telephone call.
11 Jack: How much longer you (stay) in England?
Paul: Only one more day. I (leave) tomorrow night. I (go) to Holland for two
weeks.
12 Jack: And you (come) back to England after that or you (go) home? Paul: It
(depend) on my father. But if he (agree) to let me go on studying here I'll certainly
come back. And I (expect) he will agree.
13 Paul: By the way, Jack, Ann (see) me off at Victoria tomorrow. Why you (not
come) too? You could have coffee with her afterwards. (Paul is advising/inviting
Jack to come and see him off.)
14 You (see) that man at the corner of the street? He is a private
detective. He (watch) No. 24. ~
How you (know) he (watch) No. 24? Because whenever anyone (come) out of, or (go) into, the house he
(make) a note in his little book.
15 What all those people (do) in the middle of the street? And why they
(wear) such extraordinary clothes? They (make) a film. Most of the crowd are local people who (work) as extras. —
16 It (sound) great fun. You (think) I could get a job as a film extra? ~
I (not know) but I (see) Ann over there; when they (finish) this scene I'll ask her if
they still (take) on extras. —
17 Ann (act) in the film? ~
She has a small part. She (not act) very well. I (imagine) she got the part because
she (know) the director.
18 My brother (live) next door and his two children (come) and (see) me every day.
The boy (not bother) to knock at the door; he just (climb) in through the window;
but the girl always (knock).
19 Tom: We (move) into our new house tomorrow.
Bill: But why you (leave) your present house? It (suit) you all.
Tom: Yes, I (know) it (do); but the Council (pull down) all the houses
on this side. They (widen) the road. They (say) it's a bottleneck.
20 If you (ask) a friend if she (like) your new dress she usually (say) 'Yes'; so you (not
know) whether she really (think) it (suit) you or whether she merely (be) polite.
21 If you (want) a candid opinion you'd better ask my sister. She never (tell) white
lies; she always (say) exactly what she (think).
22 Your sister's frankness (annoy) people?Yes, it (do). The average person (not want) a truthful answer; he (want) you to say
something agreeable.
23 I (hear) that you have bought a new house. Yes, but I (not live) in it yet. They still (work) on it, and the work (take) longer than
I expected. 24 I (think) repair jobs always (take) longer than one (expect). What
they (do) now? ~
They (put) in new electric points. They (seem) competent electricians but they
(smoke) at their work and this (slow) them down.
25 They always (hammer) next door. ~
Yes, that house (keep) changing hands and the new owner always (begin) by
putting in a new fireplace, and their fireplace is just on the other side of this wall so
we (hear) everything. The wall (shake), too.
26 Ann (stir) something in a saucepan and Mary (stand) beside her
holding a cookery book.
Mary: It (say) 'simmer', and you (boil) it, Ann.
Ann: I (not think) it (matter) if you (cook) it quickly; but I (not know)
why it (not get) thick. It usually (thicken) at once.
27. The hall (be) painted at the moment, so it (not look) its best. ~
But where are the painters? They (stop) work at 3.00? ~
No, they are in the kitchen. They (have) a tea break.
28 What the word 'Establishment' (mean)? My dictionary (not give) an
explanation. ~
It roughly (mean) the government and people who (have) power and authority.
29 If we (say) that Mr Brown (belong) to the Establishment we also (imply) that he
(accept) the existing system. He (not try) to overthrow it. 30 All rich men (belong) to the Establishment? ~
Middle-aged rich men probably (do) but rich young men like pop singers always
(jeer) at the Establishment. The word (be used) chiefly in a pejorative sense.
31 The house opposite the college (be pulled) down. That's why we (use) the back
entrance at present. If you (go) out by the front door you (get) covered with dust.
32 Tom: I (smell) something burning!
Jack: So (do) 1.1 (think) it (come) from the kitchen. Ann probably (iron). She
usually (iron) and (watch) TV at the same time and if she (get) very interested in a
programme she (forget) that she (press) a hot iron on to somebody's shirt. Mother
(think) of selling the TV set.
33 Mrs Jones: What you (look) for, Tom?
Mr Jones: I (look) for the garage key. I always (look) for the garage key, because
nobody ever (put) it back on its hook. Mrs Jones: I always (put) it back on its hook.
Why you (not try) your pockets? (I advise you to try your pockets).
34 Imagine that you (travel) by train, in a crowded compartment. One of the
passengers (read) a newspaper; another (do) a crossword puzzle; another (look out)
of the window. Suddenly the train (stop) with a jerk and your suitcase (fall) off the
rack on to somebody's toes.
35 This is a story about an invalid who (spend) most of the day in bed. He has a
powerful telescope and he (amuse) himself by watching the activities of the people
in the opposite houses. One day when he (watch) No. 24 he (see) a murder being
committed.
36 The cashier used to do the accounts and I used to check his figures; now the
computer (do) it all. ~
And who (check) the computer? -No one. The computer (not need) a
second opinion. — And what (happen) if the computer (make) a
mistake? The computer never (make) a mistake.
6. Rewrite the sentence so that it contains a word from the list and has the same
meaning.
belong contain cost look matter see seem smell think weigh
a Is this car yours, sir?
b This perfume has a nice smell.
с I think there's a mistake.
d I don't understand what you mean.
e What's your opinion?
f At birth a baby elephant is about 90 kg in weight.
g Is the price important?
h What's the price of this model?
i This book could be interesting
j What's in the box?
7. Underline the correct form.
a Some kinds of fish contain / are containing high levels of dangerous metals.
b Scientists nowadays slowly begin to understand / are slowly beginning to understand
more about how the brain works
с What do you think / are you thinking of Kate's new hairstyle? It's
unusual, isn't it?
d Loud music can be really annoying. Some people don't realize / aren't
realizing what a nuisance it can be.
e You can't really have seen a UFO! You imagine /are imagining things!
f Technicians report that they have / are having difficulty installing the new
computer system.
g No wine for me! I take / I'm taking antibiotics for an ear infection.
h In career terms, having a good degree appears / is appearing to make little
difference.
i The National Theatre considers / is considering putting on a new production of
Uncle Vanya.
j Does this wallet belong / Is this wallet belonging to you?
8. Underline the present simple / continuous verb errors in the text. Write a
correction at the end of the line where necessary.
15 Tiptree Rd
Warwick
CV29 7AL
Friday, 15 October
Hi, everyone,
I have problems getting a new phone connection here, so instead of sending emails as usual, I'm actually sitting down to write a letter.
I'm imagining you'll be surprised to get this as I’ve never been much of a letterwriter. I'm putting the return address in big letters at the top, because to tell you the
truth I'm beginning to feel quite lonely here.
Well, perhaps I'm not meaning that exactly. There are plenty of people for me
to talk to. In fact I settle in to the student life quite well, but I don4 really know anyone
yet. I've got a room in a house a long way from College, and I'm seeming to spend a
long time on the bus. A lot of students here cycle, so I'm trying to find a cheap bike,
and I also think of moving nearer to College when I can find somewhere. Sorry - an
interruption, someone knocks at the door. More later. Later. One of the girls
downstairs has a party, and I'm invited. And the phone line has been fixed, so I'm
expecting you'll get an e-mail from me very soon! In fact, I consider tearing up this
letter, so just ignore everything I've said ...
9. Complete the text with the present simple or present continuous form of the verb
in brackets.
European traffic accident rates fail to meet targets
Although the number of deaths caused in traffic accidents in the EU (1) (go down)
experts (2) (still try) to find ways of reducing the number throughout the EU to around
25,000 fatalities per year by 2010. Traffic safety (3) (improve) but experts (4) (believe)
that achieving the 2010 goal will prove difficult. Recent statistics (5) (show) that in
2005 in the EU 41,600 people were killed in road accidents. Although progress has
been made, most experts (6) (agree) that this figure will have fallen to only around
32,000 by 2010, which (7) (means) that the EU target will be missed by about 7,000.
On the other hand, as the amount of traffic (8) (increase), it is possible to argue that
the situation is not really as bad as it (9) (look). However one (10) (interpret) the
statistics, it (11) (remain) true that as time goes on, it (12) (become) harder and harder
to reduce the figures, especially since accident-reduction schemes (13) (cost) a lot of
money. Many countries have tried and failed to reduce the number of accidents, and in
the EU as a whole, only Sweden (14) (pursue) the goal of zero accidents. Accident
reduction is more difficult for newer EU members who (15) (currently face) very rapid
growth in traffic and (16) (have) difficulty in building new roads and in introducing
safety measures at a fast enough rate. To complicate matters, most new members (17)
(have) very little experience in dealing with the demands of heavy traffic. Experts (18)
(suggest) that any safety programme must also set about changing the way drivers (19)
(behave). Despite what people often (20) (say) it (21) (seem) to be the younger
generation that (22) (cause) most accidents. In line with this research, many countries
(23) (introduce) tougher driving tests, and (24) (concentrate) on the main causes of
accidents: speed, reckless overtaking, alcohol, and over-confidence.
10. Write four sentences about yourself using these verbs: enjoy hope regret
think (of +ing)
Use a dictionary and write an example for each of these verbs, using present simple:
belong consist of contain cost depend on deserve matter own possess
resemble
11. Complete the texts with the present simple or present continuous form of the
verb in brackets. If both forms are possible, write both.
a) Doctors express concern over heavy school bags
Every year thousands of children (1) (go) to the doctor because of back pain, and in
fact, this kind of problem (2) (rapidly become) one of the most common childhood
complaints. And what exactly (3) (cause) this outbreak of back strain and muscle
fatigue? It (4) (seem) that even quite young children (5) (take) more and more to
school - not just books, but also clothes and games players - and their backpacks (6)
(simply weigh) too much. 'Some kids (7) (carry) more than 25% of their bodyweight
in a bag that has a nice cartoon character on the bag, but which (8) (actually give)
them serious backache,' reported Dr Elaine Sachs, a GP in North London. 'Most
parents (9) (simply not realize) what (10) (happen) to their children.'
b) Investigators to report on train crash
Accident investigators (1) (still examine) the wreckage of the high-speed train which
left the rails and overturned in northwest England last week. According to reports,
they (2) (not believe) the accident (3) (involve) driver error. “We (4) (expect) to
publish a inquiry into this accident quite soon,” a spokesman announced yesterday.
”
Engineers (5) (work) round the clock to replace the track, and we (6) (hope) to restore
a normal service within two weeks. We (7) (realize) that people (8) (depend) on the
railway, and we (9) (understand) how much everyone has been shocked by this
accident. However, we (10) (check) thousands of sections of track all over the country
to make sure that nothing like this can ever happen again.”
c) Big Brother's watching you!
A burglar (1) (try) to break into a big house in the country. He (2) (walk) very quietly
across the garden when he (3) (hear) a voice: 'Big Brother (4) (watch) you!' He (5) (turn)
around, but he (6) (not see) anything. So he (7) (creep) nearer to the house. Suddenly he (8)
(hear) the voice again and he (9) (see) a cage hanging from a tree. A parrot (10) (sit) in the
cage. The burglar (11) (ask) the parrot, 'Did you say that stuff about Big Brother?' The
parrot (12) (answer) 'Yes I did.' 'Is that your name then?' The parrot (13) (say) 'No, my
name's Montmorency.' The burglar (14) (laugh) 'What kind of stupid idiot would name
his parrot Montmorency?' The parrot (15) (reply) 'The same stupid idiot who named his
Rottweiler 'Big Brother' - that's the guard dog that (16) (stand) right behind you!'
d) Students now taking longer to finish studies
In the USA some university students nowadays (1) (spend) more and more time in
university before graduating. In American universities, many students (2) (pay) their
own fees, and this (3) (mean) more time working and less studying. Alan Chester is a
25-year-old journalism student from Ohio who (4) (take) six years to complete his
undergraduate degree. In order to pay tuition fees and other expenses he (5) (work)
four days a week in the university kitchen, while in the university holidays he (6) (do)
a full-time job. “I (7) (find) it difficult at the moment to study and pay my bills at the
same time,” he (8) (admit). “But I (9) (try) my best and (10) (manage) to keep the wolf
from the door.' Alan's parents (11) (understand) his decision to take longer to graduate.
'They (12) (know) what I (13) (go) through, and they (14) (help) me as much as they
can. It's hard, but I (15) (learn) to look after myself, and I (16) (experience) stuff that
might be useful one day when I'm a journalist.' He (17) (point out) that some students
(18) (take) more time to graduate because they (19) (not really know) what they (20)
(want) to study. 'Mew courses of study (21) (develop) all the time, new subjects (22)
(appear) on the curriculum. Some students (23) (spend) time experimenting with
different courses before choosing their major. So it's not all about money. I (24)
(think) universities (25) (go) through a period of change like everything else, and
students have to adapt to this changing situation.'
Revision.
1. Choose the correct alternative.
ADAM: Hello, Mike. What (1) are you doing / do you do in this part of London?
MIKE: Well, actually, (2) I'm looking /1 look at flats round here.
ADAM: Flats? (3) Are you wanting / Do you want to move?
MIKE: Yes. In fact, believe it or not, Mandy and I (4) are getting / get married.
ADAM: That's great! Congratulations. When (5) were you deciding /
did you decide?
MIKE: Only last week. It was while we (6) were staying / stayed with her
family in Scotland. Now (7) we try / we're trying to find a suitable flat.
ADAM: It'll be great to have you as neighbours. I hope you manage to buy one soon.
MIKE: Oh, we (8) aren't looking / don't look for one to buy. We (9) aren't having /
don't have enough money yet. (10) We're wanting / We want to find somewhere
to rent.
ADAM: Yes, of course. That's what Anna and I (ii) did / were doing for six months.
After that, my brother (12) was lending / lent us some money. That's how we
(13) were managing /managed to buy ours.
MIKE: Really? Perhaps I'll talk to my family before (14) we choose / we're choosing a
flat.
ADAM: That's not a bad idea. My family (15) gave / were giving us quite a lot of
helpful advice. Now, have you got time for a coffee? There's a good place just
round the corner.
MIKE: Yes, in fact I (16) looked / was looking for somewhere to have a snack when I
bumped into you. Let's go.
2. Put the verbs into the correct form: present simple, present continuous, past
simple or past continuous.
1 I remember the day you got your exam results. We .......... …………………..a film
in the sitting-room when you rushed in and told us. (watch)
2 I tried to explain the situation to my parents, but they just ................. what I was
talking about, (not / understand)
3 What have you put in my burger? It ....................... absolutely disgusting, (taste)
4 Peter always claimed that he was innocent, but for many years
no-one........... ........ him. (believe)
5 It's a great jacket, I know, but unfortunately it .................... to me. I'm just
borrowing it for the party this evening, (not / belong)
6 Why ........................... that thin dress? You'll freeze to death in this cold wind!
(you / wear)
7 Molly's fed up because she hurt her ankle when she ................ this morning, (jog)
8 While I was admiring the view, someone stole the bag which .............. all my
traveller's cheques, (contain)
9 Look! ............................... that man standing beside the cash desk? I'm sure he's
planning to steal something, (you / see)
10 Tea or coffee? I'm making both, so just say which you ................... (prefer)
11 The boys didn't want to come shopping with us because they ................ the
football on television, (watch)
3. Complete the email with suitable verbs in the correct form: present simple, present
continuous, past simple or past continuous.
From: Alice Taylor
To: Anita Collins
Subject: Indian CDs
Dear Anita,
Thanks for the email, which (1)……………yesterday. I (2)………… to feel much
better now although my leg still (3) ................ if I (4) ............................ too far.
Last weekend I (5) .............................. some friends who (6) ........................the
summer in a holiday house near here. I (7) ..................to their house quite easily, but
while I (8) ..............................home, my leg (9) .......................... to ache really
badly. So this week I (10) ........................ more careful.
I'm very pleased you (11) ........................... to find that website about Indian music that
you (12) ............................. for. I can lend you some CDs if you (13) .............
I must stop now because I (14) .......................... rather tired. Please email me again
soon. I'm OK, but you know me, I (15).................. bored very quickly!
Love, Alice
II. Present Perfect vs. Present Perfect Continuous. (Study the Language
Summary (G7.2) on p. 130 in your Student’s Book .)
1 Put in the present perfect continuous or simple.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
That man (stand) outside for hours.
The castle (stand) on that hill for 900 years.
Ann (garden) all afternoon. She (plant) a lot of rose bushes.
James (go) out every night this week.
He (see) a lot of Alexandra recently.
How long (you wait)?
I (wait) long enough. I'm going.
Her family (farm) this land since the tenth century.
She (only farm) for two years, but she's doing very well.
I (learn) German for six years.
I (learn) most of the irregular verbs.
My mother (do) all her Christmas shopping.
I (do) Christmas shopping all day.
I (clean) the car. Doesn't it look nice?
'You look tired.' 'I (wash) clothes all day.'
2. Complete the conversation with the verbs from the box in the correct form:
present perfect simple or present perfect continuous. In some cases both forms are
possible. You need to use some of the verbs more than once. Read the whole
conversation before you begin.
be come do drive find have
look
Jane (J) is being interviewed by Mrs Carr (C) for a job working with young children.
C: Come in, Jane. Please sit down. Would you like a coffee?
J: Thank you, actually I (l) (just) one.
C: Oh good. Now, do you know this area at all?
J: Quite well. I've got friends who live in this town, so I (2) here for holidays since I
was a child. I'm staying with them at the moment, actually.
C: Oh, that's nice. And do you have a driving licence?
J: Yes. I (3) for four years now.
C: And would you say you're a careful driver?
J: Yes, I think so. At least I (4) (never) an accident.
C: Good. Now, could you tell me why you think you would be right for this job?
J: Well, I (5) (always) interested in working with small children. And I (6) two holiday
jobs looking after children.
C: How do you think you would cope in an emergency?
J: I'm quite a calm person, I think. I (7) a first aid course too. I got a certificate.
C: That's good. Now, this job isn't permanent, as you know. We need someone for
about a year. How would that fit with your long-term plans?
J: I'd like to work abroad eventually. But I want some full-time experience first. I (8) a
Nursery Teacher's course this year. We finish next week, in fact.
C: When would you be able to start?
J: As soon as I finish my course.
C: Excellent. And would you live with your friends?
J: Well, probably not. I want to rent a small flat. I (9) in the paper every day, but I (10)
(not) anything yet.
C: Well, if you get the job, we'll try to help you. Now, would you like to come and
meet some of the children?
J: Oh, yes.
C: Right, if you'll just follow me then.
3. Tick the sentences which are correct. In some pairs, one sentence is correct. In
other pairs, both sentences are correct.
1 She's had a headache all day.
2 I've wanted a dog for a long time.
3 They've eaten lunch.
4 I've known her for two years.
5 He's been very helpful.
6 He's tasted the soup.
7 They've seen this film before.
8 I've seen a throat specialist
9 We've realised where we are now.
10 It's belonged to us for many years.
11 He's explained the plan to us.
12 You've broken my pen.
She's been having a headache all day.
I've been wanting a dog for a long time.
They've been eating lunch.
I've been knowing her for two years.
He's been being very helpful.
He's been tasting the soup.
They've been seeing this film before.
I've been seeing a throat specialist.
We've been realising where we are now.
It's been belonging to us for many years.
He's been explaining the plan to us.
You've been breaking my pen.
4. Put the verbs into the correct form: present perfect simple or present perfect
continuous.
1 John's terribly upset…………(he / break) off his engagement to Megan.
Apparently…………(she / see) someone else while…………..(he / be) in Africa.
2 Could you translate this Swedish newspaper article for me? I understood Swedish
when I was a child, but ......................... (I / forget) it all.
3 What's that mark on the side of the car? ...................................... (you / have) an
accident?
4 This cassette recorder is broken ..........................................(you / play about)
with it?
5 Your Italian is very good ............................................ (you / study) it long?
6 Of course you don't know what I think! ....................................... (you / never /
ask) my opinion.
7 I'm not surprised ............................................. (he / fail) the exam.
................................................ (he / not / work) hard recently.
8 Pete's hands are very dirty. ........................................ (he / repair) the garden wall.
9 I'm going to give that cat some food ......................................... (it / sit) on the
doorstep for hours. I'm sure it's starving.
10 ................................................ (I / do) grammar exercises all morning. I deserve a
treat for lunch.
11 Where are my keys? This is the third time..................................... (I / lose)
them today!
12 Oh, do be quiet ............................................... (you / grumble) all day!
13 Since Maria won the lottery ......................................... (she / spend) money like
water. ..................................... (she / buy) a new car and ..................................
(she / move) to a big new house ................................. (she / give) wonderful parties
every weekend too. In fact, I'm going to one tomorrow.
5. Put the verbs in brackets into the correct tense: present perfect simple or present
perfect continuous.
1 Peter: You (telephone) for ages. You not nearly (finish)?
Jack: I (not get) through yet. I (try) to get our Paris office but the line (be) engaged
all morning.
2 Ann (fail) her driving test three times because she's so bad at reversing. But she
(practise) reversing for the last week and I think she (get) a bit better at it.
3 Tom: I often (wonder) why Bill left the country so suddenly. Peter: Actually, I
just (find) out.
4 He (play) the bagpipes since six o'clock this morning. He only just (stop).
5 Why you (not bring) me the letters for signature? You (not type) them yet?
6 Tom (looking up absent-mindedly as Mary comes in): You (sunbathe)? Mary
(crossly): Don't be ridiculous! It (rain) all day!
7 A pair of robins (build) a nest in the porch since last week. I (watch) them from
my window since they began.
8 The police (not find) the murderer yet, but the dead man's brother (be) in the
station all day. The police say that he (help) them with their enquiries.
9 They (pull) down most of the houses in this street, but they (not touch) the old shop
at the corner yet.
10 Tom is convinced that there is gold in these hills but we (search) for six months and
(not see) any sign of it.
11. I (wait) for the prices of the houses to come down before buying a house, but I
think I (wait) too long and the prices are beginning to go up again.
12 Peter (be) a junior clerk for three years. Lately he (look) for a better post but so far
he (not find) anything.
13 I (do) housework all morning and I (not finish) yet. — I (do) mine already. I always
start at 6 a.m.
14 I just (pick) ten pounds of strawberries! I (grow) strawberries for years but I never
(have) such a good crop before.
15 What you (do) with the corkscrew? The point is broken off. -I'm afraid I (use) it to
make holes in this tin.
16 She just (sell) two of her own paintings. ~ She's lucky. I (paint) for five years and
I (not sell) a single picture yet.
17 They are throwing crockery at each other in the next flat. This (happen) before? ~ Well, they (have) a good many rows but this is the first
time they (throw) crockery.
18 What you (do) with my typewriter? I can't find it anywhere. - Tom just (go) off
with it. He says he'll bring it back when he (finish).
19 He (work) for Crow Brothers for forty years and never once (be) late. The firm just
(present) him with a gold watch as a sign of their appreciation.
20 We (mend) sheets all morning but we only (do) three, and now the sewing machine
(break) down so we'll be even slower with the next one.
21 George (collect) matchboxes ever since he left school. Now he (collect) so many
that he doesn't know where to put them.
22 I (look) through my old photograph album. It's full of photographs of people whose
names I completely (forget). I wonder what (happen) to them all.
23 It was lovely at eleven o'clock, but since then the sky (get) steadily darker and the
wind (rise). I'm afraid the fine spell (come) to an end.
24 Since he became Mayor, my brother reckons that he (eat) 30 official lunches and
22 official dinners, and he (lose) count of the number of receptions and parties that
he (attend). ~ He (put) on a lot of weight?
25 Secretary: Customers (ring) up all morning complaining about
getting incorrect bills.
Manager: I know; something (go) wrong with our computer. The mechanic (work)
on it. I hope he (find) out what's wrong.
26 Someone (use) my umbrella! It's all wet! And it was wet yesterday
and the day before! - Well, it wasn't me. I (not be) out of the house for a week!
27 I (stand) in this queue for ages. It (not move) at all in the last five minutes. I think
the man in the ticket office just (shut) his window and (go) off for lunch.
28 The Town Council (consider) my application for permission to build a garage for
three months. They just (give) my neighbour permission to build one, so I hope
they (decide) to let me have one too.
29 You look exhausted! ~ Yes, I (play) tennis and I (not play) for years, so I'm not
used to it.
30 They began widening this road three weeks ago; but the workmen (be) on strike
for the last fortnight so they (not get) very far with it.
31 That man (stand) at the bus stop for the last half hour. Shall I tell him that the last
bus already (go)?
32 I wonder if anything (happen) to Tom. I (wait) an hour now. He often (keep) me
waiting but he never (be) quite so late as this.
33 Mrs Brown (live) next door for quite a long time now but she never (say) more
than 'Good morning' to me.
34 I just (remember) that I (not pay) the rent yet. I am surprised that the landlord
(not ring) me up to remind me. ~ It is the first time you (be) late with the rent in
25 years. He probably thinks that you (pay) and he (lose) the cheque.
35 Shop assistant: Could you give me some proof of your identity,
madam?
Customer: But I (shop) here for fifteen years! Shop assistant: I know, madam, but
apparently the company (lose) a lot of money lately through dud cheques and they
(make) new regulations which we (be told) to apply to all customers no matter
how long we (know) them.
36 What you (do)? I (look) for you for ages. ~
I (build) a barbecue in the garden.
6. Put the verbs in brackets in the correct form (Present Perfect, Present Perfect
Continuous and Past Simple etc., Active or Passive).
a)
Jeffrey Archer was born in 1940 and (1) (to educate) at Willington School and
Oxford University. In 1969 he (2) (to become) a Member of Parliament when he (3)
(to win) a by-election. At 29 he was the youngest member of the House of Commons.
He (4) (to resign) from Parliament in 1974 because he (5) (to have) debts of over
$427,000 following the collapse of a Canadian Company in which he (6) (to invest).
In the same year he wrote his first novel, ‘Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less’,
which (7) (to base) on his business experience. He (8) (to write) ever since, and all six
of his novels (9) (to be) best sellers. They (10) (to translate) into over 15 languages.
His most successful novel, ‘Kane and Abel’, (11) (to sell) more than four million
copies worldwide, and (12) (to make) into a television series.
After the success of his books, he (13) (to decide) to return to politics. From
September 1985 to October 1986 he (14) (to be) Deputy Chairman of the Conservative
Party. He married his wife in 1966, and they (15) (to live) with their two children in
Cambridge and London.
b)
Strong winds, which at times reach speeds of 100 mph, are bringing havoc to many
parts of Britain. The gales, which are the worst in living memory, combined with high
tides continue devastation in some coastal regions. The government already (1) (to
send) troops to assist the emergency services in the North West, which (2) (to hit)
particularly hard. Sea-walls, which (3) (to break) in many places by unusually high
tides (4) (to repair) urgently. Local authorities hope to contain the situation before the
high tides, which (5) (to expect) this evening. Calls (6) (to issue) for volunteers to help
local workers, who (7) (to work) through the night.
c)
Kidnapped Girl Found
Caroline Rolan, who police (1) (to look for) since Monday, (2) (to find) safe and
well. Fourteen year old Caroline (3) (to find) in a deserted house in Hockney after
extensive police enquiries. A man and a woman (4) (to arrest and charge) with the
kidnapping.
d)
Widow’s Defiance Continues
Mrs. Florence Hamilton still (1) (to refuse) to move from her old house. Tadworth
local authorities, who (2) (to try) to rehouse her for several months, (3) (to be unable)
to gain entry. The house, which the authorities wish to demolish to make way for
redevelopment, now stands alone. Two council officials, who (4) (to try) to enter the
house in the early hours of yesterday morning, (5) (to force) to retreat hastily when
Mrs. Hamilton (6) (to turn) her two pet Alsatians loose. The dogs (7) (to seem) as
determined as their owner, whose final words to the council were, ‘I (8) (not to move)
and that’s that!’ The authorities are reluctant to call in the police to remove Mrs.
Hamilton, whose situation (9) (to bring) many letters of support and encouragement
from general public.
e)
‘Wonderdrug’ Banned
The so-called wonderdrug ‘Kural’ which some doctors (1) (to prescribe) as a painkiller (2) (to ban) by the Department of Health. After extensive clinical trials the drug
(3) (to find) to produce alarming side-effects. Kural is certainly very effective as a
pain-killer. Unfortunately the drug seems to speed up the aging process.
Allen Is a Little Disaster
f)
Accident prone Allen Davies is only five, but already his parents (1) (to convince)
he’s a walking disaster.
The youngster (2) (to crack) his head falling into an empty swimming pool, (3) (to
chop) the end of his finger off with a penknife and (4) (to make) himself ill by
drinking half a bottle of Dettol.
Each time another disaster (5) (to strike) Allen, he (6) (to take) to the children’s
hospital in Sydenham, where he (7) (to be) such a regular visitor that he (8) (to
believe) that the nursing sister (9) (to be) a member of the family.
Now Allen’s grateful father (10) (to raise) $6,500 for the hospital to buy a monitor
to measure babies’ breathing and temperature.
His wife Margaret said: “It all (11) (to start) when little Allen (12) (to be) a year
old. He (13) (to fall over) and (14) (to cut) himself and he had to have stitches in his
forehead. Since then he (15) (not to stop). He (16) (to take) to hospital at least ten
times.
‘The latest accident (17) (to happen) when he (18) (to climb) on to a shelf and (19)
(to manage) to open his father’s penknife.
‘He (20) (to chop) the end of his finger off and had to have it sewn back on.’
Doctors at the hospital also had to stitch Allen’s head when he (21) (to plunge)
headlong into a pool.
Mr. Davies (22) (to raise) the cash with the help of celebrities including Richard
Harris, who (23) (to donate) possessions to be auctioned at a charity disco.
A sister at the hospital said: ‘Everyone in the hospital (24) (to know) him for years.
Whenever we (25) (to see) Allen coming in again, we all (26) (to shout) “What … you
(27) (to do) this time?”
Allen’s brothers also (28) (to have) their share of accidents and had to be taken to
the Children’s Hospital.
Robert,15, (29) (to tear) some ligaments on a skiing holiday and (30) (to slip) off
his crutches, breaking his ankle a few days later. Lee,13, (31) (to injure) his neck
doing a motorbike stunt.
g)
The Aging Population.
The number of men and women in the US aged 60 or over still in work (1) (rise) for
more than a decade. Economists (2) (give) a number of reasons for this trend. First,
since 1985 the US economy (3) (expand) so there (4) (be) an increased demand for
labour. At the same time, the cost of some services, such as health care, (5) (increase)
so workers need to earn more money in later life. In addition, changes in social
security benefits and rules (6) (have) a considerable effect on labour patterns. First, in
1977 and 1983 changes to the Social Security Act (7) (raise) the full-benefit age from
65 to 67 and (8) (introduce) other changes that make delaying retirement more
attractive. Then, in 1986 the Age Discrimination Act (9) (end) compulsory retirement
for all workers, allowing them to work later in life. Changes to pension laws (10) (also
encourage) workers to stay in employment longer, as this gives them more chance of
a larger pension when they retire.
7. A Choose one of these topics and say what happened, what has been happening
or what has happened. These can be fictional if you prefer.
news of family and friends climate change the political situation in your country
В Use your knowledge of the news to make lists of:
things that happened recently things that have been happening things
that happened
GRAMMAR 2.
Articles.
(Before you start doing the following exercises prepare 2 reports :
a) “The use of articles with geographical names”;
b) “Countable and uncountable nouns. The use of quantifiers”).4
1. Use articles with geographical names.
1. ___ Pacific is much larger than ___ Arctic or ___ Indian ocean, 2. ___ Sahara is the
biggest desert in ___ North Africa. 3. ___ Mont Blanc is the highest peak in ___ Alps.
4. ___ City of ___ London stands on ___ river Thames. 5. Is ___ Mississippi longer or
shorter than ___ Rhine? 6. Portugal is a small country in ___ west of Europe; on one
of its borders is ___ Spain, on the other ___ Atlantic Ocean 7. Who was the first to
reach ___ North Pole? 8. ___ USA is the biggest country of ___ North America.
9. ___ Lake Ontario, or ___ Ontario, is one of the largest lakes in ___ north of ___
United States on the border with ___ Canada. 10. Greece is situated in ___ south of
___ Eastern Europe on the coast of ___ Mediterranean. 11. The official name of ___
Holland is the State of ___ Netherlands, or just ___ Netherlands; the latter word is
used with an article because it literally means “low lands”. 12. The forests of ___
Eastern Siberia and of ___ Far East are the greatest forest resources in ___ east of ___
modern Russia. 13. ___ United Kingdom includes ___ Great Britain and ___ Northern
Ireland; it occupies ___ British Isles. 14. In what country of ___ Northern Europe is
___ Hague situated? 15. The birthplace of our civilisation was the area situated
between ___ Tiger and Euphrates rivers, which is now called ___ Middle East.
2. Translate the following into English.
1. Вест-Индия это цепочка островов между Северной и Южной Америкой.
2. Аргентина получила свое название от латинского “argentum”, означающего
“серебро”. 3. Эверест – высочайший пик в Гималаях. 3. Гаага – город в западной
части Нидерландов, где заседает голландский парламент. 4. Вы бывали в
Эрмитаже? 5. Филиппины расположены в Юго-восточной Азии. 6. Пиренеи
расположены на западе Испании. 7. На Кавказе горы моложе и выше, чем в
Крыму. 8. Амазонка – самая крупная река в Южной Америке. 9. Кто первым
пролетел через Северный Ледовитый океан в Америку? 10. Египет расположен в
северо-восточной Африке; его северная граница – Средиземное море, восточная
граница – Красное море.
3. Choose the right word.
4
Possible references: Raymond Murphy. English Grammar in Use; Liz & John Soars. New Headway (UpperIntermediate) – Grammar Reference Unit 4.
Remember that some words can have different meanings and be either countable or
uncountable.
E.g. an experience (событие, происшествие) – experience (опыт = совокупность
приобретенных знаний)
a help (прислуга) – help (помощь)
an iron (утюг) - iron (железо)
a wood (лес) - wood (дерево=материал)
a paper (работа, сочинение) – paper (бумага)
a business (компания, фирма) – business (бизнес)
a hair (волосок) – hair (волосы)
a work (произведение(искусства) – work (работа=процесс), etc.
1. All areas of the skin are in fact covered in tiny hair/hairs.
2. We’ve looked at the menu and we’d all like chicken/chickens.
3. Jack is a millionaire and he owns a lot of business/businesses.
4. Have you got the complete work/works of Dickens?
5. None of the passengers have insured their baggage/baggages.
6. Students must pass their paper/papers to the front.
7. I’m afraid, we can’t find cheap accommodation/accommodations for all of you.
8. I did meet him once and it was an experience/ experience I shall never forget.
9. My trousers need pressing. Can you lend me iron/an iron?
10.We met at a café. He bought me coffee/a coffee.
11.Let me give you some advices/advice.
12.Can you lend me some papers/paper? I want to type a letter.
13.I used to have long hair/hairs. But I had it cut.
14.I can’t go out tonight. I have work/works to do.
14. Banking is profitable. It is a good business/good business.
15.This boy is just hired help/a hired help.
16.Thank you very much. You’ve been great help/a great help.
17.He went away on business/a business.
18.I haven’t eaten a lobster/lobster before.
19. The suitcases were too heavy to carry. I needed a help/help.
4. Choose the right word.
a)
1. We have imported fewer/less videos this year than last year.
2. There has been fewer/less demand for videos this year than last year.
3. A number of/a small amount of vehicles has just been recalled because of a design
fault.
4. Many/much effort has been put into this project.
5. There isn’t many/much hope of finding the fault.
6. There aren’t many/much dictionaries that can compare with this one.
7. A big amount/a number of businesses have gone bankrupt this year.
8. Sell this car. We’ve had enough/hardly any trouble with it already.
9. There have been a huge amount of/hardly any accidents on this corner this year.
10. There have been much/many changes in the new edition.
11.There has been few/little change in the new edition.
12.There have been little/hardly any changes to our plans.
13.You only need a few/a small amount of salt in a dish like this.
14.We need a bit of/a couple of people to work in our new warehouse.
15.There were lots of/much complaints about the service.
16.Your café is excellent. Hardly any/no people have complained either about the food
or the service.
17.How much did we make yesterday? $200? – No, much less/a few less than that.
18.You’ve had enough food already and you can’t have any more/some more.
19.There are much more/many more people who give up smoking these days.
20.Newspapers have many less/much less freedom than you think.
21.Lots more/much more young people are passing their driving test the first time.
22.I’ll help myself to some more/any more of these vegetables.
23.There’s been a lot less/many less interest in this idea than we expected.
24.There’ve been no less/no fewer than forty applicants for this job.
25.We need many more/much more of this material but it is hard to get.
26.I’ve got much more/many more experience in business than you think.
b)
Spare That Tree
How (27) many/much lists is your name on? There must be (28) a great deal
of/plenty of lists of names in every part of the world and they must be used to send
information to (29) million/millions of people. The (30) number/amount of letters
ordinary people receive these days has greatly increased.
(31) Most/Most of the people I know object to receiving unwanted letters. (32)
Much/many of the mail we receive goes straight into the waste-paper basket. That’s
why (33) most/most of the people refer to it as ‘junk mail’. It would be better for all of
us if we received (34) much/many less junk mail and, as a result, saved (35)
many/much more trees from destruction. (36) A huge amount/a great number of trees
must be wasted each year to produce mountains of junk mail.
Recently I received a very welcome (37) number/bit of junk mail. It was a leaflet
urging me not to waste paper and to return junk mail to the sender. ‘If we do this’, the
leaflet said, ‘we will reduce (38) the number/the amount of trees being destroyed. I
agree with every word they said, but why did they have to send four copies of the
leaflet?
5. Choose the right word.
1. I had little/a little time to spare, so I browsed round a bookshop.
2. Help yourself to a biscuit. There are few/a few left in the tin.
3. My days are so busy that I have little/a little time for relaxation.
4. She is exceptionally generous. Few/a few people give more money to charity than
she does.
5. There is little/a little butter left, but not much.
6. He keeps trying though he has little/a little chance of success.
7. ‘I’m afraid, you need few/ a few fillings’, said the dentist.
8. He must have made a hundred clocks in his life, but few/a few of them ever worked
properly.
9. She wasn’t hungry. She just had few/a few spoonfuls of soup.
10.I can’t play tennis today. I have few/a few jobs to do around the house.
11.Help yourself to a whisky. There is still little/a little left.
12.Nowadays few/a few people have servants in their house.
13.I had little/a little time to catch the train, but I just made it.
14.I have few/a few friends that I can trust, but not many.
15.Don’t bother, little/a little depends on the outcome of the inquiry.
16.There are few/a few scholarships for students in this university.
17.It you don’t hurry, we’ll miss the train. There is little/a little time to spare.
18.It’s a difficult text. I’ve had to look up quite few/a few words in the dictionary.
19.I can’t spare any of these catalogues. There are only few/a few left.
20.I can’t let you use much of this perfume. There’s only little/a little in the bottle.
21.There are few/a few people who know about this, so keep it to yourself.
22.If what you say is true, there is little/a little we can do about it. We’d better give it
up.
23.His ideas are difficult and few/a few people understand them.
24.His ideas are difficult but few/a few people understand them.
25.The average MP has little/a little real power.
26.We go to parties every weekend. We’ve got quite few/a few friends here.
27.She earns little/a little more than you because she does extra jobs at the office.
VOCAB & SPEAKING
1. Study the following idioms and use them in your own sentences.
All-singing, all-dancing
If something's all-singing, all-dancing, it is the latest version with the most up-to-date
features.
Bells and whistles
Bells and whistles are attractive features that things like computer programs have,
though often a bit unnecessary.
Blow a fuse
If you blow a fuse, you become uncontrollably angry.
Cutting edge
Something that is cutting edge is at the forefront of progress in its area.
Don't push my buttons!
This can be said to someone who is starting to annoy you.
Garbage in, garbage out
If a computer system or database is built badly, then the results will be bad.
Get your wires crossed
If people get their wires cross, they misunderstand each other, especially when making
arrangements. ('Get your lines crossed' is also used.)
Light years ahead
If you are light years ahead of others, you are a long way in front of them in terms of
development, success, etc.
On the same wavelength
If people are on the same wavelength, they have the same ideas and opinions about
something.
Rocket science
If something is not rocket science, it is not very complicated or difficult to understand.
This idiom is normally used in the negative.
Silver surfer
A silver surfer is an elderly person who uses the internet.
Sputnik moment
A Sputnik moment is a point where people realise that they are threatened of
challenged and have to redouble their efforts to catch up. It comes from the time when
the Soviet Union launched the first satellite, the Sputnik 1, and beat the USA into
space.
Out of steam
Tired, given up.
Throw a spanner in the works
Deliberately causing confusion, sabotaging something.
A flash in the pan
Something showy that initially impresses but doesn't bring any real results.
Tune in
To understand someone's message.
2. On the phone.
1. Match the words with their definition.
1. public telephone / payphone:
2. mobile phone, mobile (BrE) /
cellphone, cellular phone, cellular
(AmE):
3. WAP phone:
4. extension:
5. cordless phone, cordless:
6. pager:
7. webcam:
8. videophone:
a. one of a number of phones on the same line, in
a home or office.
b. a camera attached to a computer and phone
line, so two people talking on the phone can see
each other
c. phone in a public place operated with money,
a d. credit card or a phone card.
e. an extension not connected by a wire, so you
can use it around the house or in the garden.
f. a phone you can take with you and use
anywhere.
g. a special phone with a screen so you can see
the other person.
h. a mobile phone with access to the Internet
i. allows you to receive written messages
Phoning scenario
2. Fill in the blanks with the following words: switchboard, keypad, dialing tone,
direct line, dial(2).
You want to phone someone in a company. You pick up the phone. You hear the
……… and ……… the number on the ………. You don't know the person's ………
number, so you ……… the number of the company's ……… . One of these things
happens:
3. Fill in the blanks with the following words: cut off, the wrong number, return, call,
operator, hang up, engaged tone, call, back, busy tone, transfer, put through,
extension, get through, voicemail.
a The number rings but no one answers.
b You hear the ……… (BrE) / ……… (AmE) because the other person is already
talking on the phone. You ……… and try again later.
с You……… , but not to the number you wanted. The person who answers says
you've got ……… .
d The ……… answers. You ask for the of the person you want to speak to.
e You are ………to the wrong extension. The person offers to ………you to the
right extension, but you are ……… - the call ends.
f The person you want to speak to is not at their desk and you leave a message on
their
……… . You ask them to ……… you ……… or to……… your ……… .
4. Choose the best word from the brackets to fill in the blanks
1
I'm out tomorrow morning, so give me a………in the afternoon.
(call/phone/telephone)
2
I like this………phone because I can use it in the garden.
(moveable/cordless/extended)
3 If they need me at work, they send a message on my……… (pager/reader/text)
4 I have one………for my phone and another for my Internet connection.
(wire/cord/line)
5 Jim phoned from Los Angeles. Can you call him………tomorrow? (out/up/down)
6 We have a call………in Dublin that deals with customer enquiries.
(office/centre/site)
7 Customers in the States can call us on our………-free number, (toll/cost/price)
8 Give me a………if you want to go to the conference next week, (ping/bing/ring)
9 There's a public phone where you can use coins or a phone………
(card/note/ticket)
3. Phone verbs.
1. Phone conversations use a lot of phrasal verbs
a. Match the phrasal verbs in the column on the left to the phrases with similar
meanings in the column on the right.
1. to get through
a. to connect
2. to put through
b. to be connected
3. to cut off
c. to disconnect
4. to hang up
d. to wait
5. to hold on
e. to put down the receiver
b. Paraphrase the sentences using phrasal verbs:
1. I'm trying to connect you.
2. We've been disconnected.
3. I can't connect to the number.
4. I'll put down the receiver now.
5. Would you like to wait?
6. Can you speak more loudly?
7. Could you call again later?
I'm trying to ………
We've been………………….
I can't……………………………….
I'll…………………………now.
Would you like to……………?
Can you ……………………?
Could you …………………later?
c. What other phrasal verbs do you know that are often used on the phone?
2. Here are two voicemail messages. Choose the best word from the brackets to
complete each sentence.
1 Jacques. It's Paul. I can't.............................next Monday's meeting after
all.(being/make/arrive)
Something has come.............................and I have to fly to Frankfurt. (out/down/up)
.............................Tuesday be possible for you? (Would/What/Why)
If not, we'll have to………it off until the week after, (let/take/put)
I'll be in………soon. Bye. (touch/calling/speak)
2 Ellen. It's Stefan. I'm afraid the 22nd won't
be..............................(possibility/possible/possibly)
I'm sorry, but I've.............................to go to Oslo, (have/must/got)
We're going to have to put it.............................for at least a week, (back/out/behind)
I'm completely..............................under with the Woodstock contract.
(rained/snowed/stormed)
Can we leave it.............................for the time being? (open/shut/fixed)
Talk to you.............................no doubt. Bye. (now/then/soon)
3. Here are three telephone conversations. Choose the best word from the brackets to
complete each sentence.
• Good morning. This is Pierre Cognet. Could I ……… to Mr Roberts, please?
(tell/speak/phone)
• I'm
he's in a meeting, (afraid/scared/unfortunate)
• Ah. Could I ……… a message? (ask/send/leave)
• Of course.
• Could you ask him to call me …….. ? My number's 33-1-4776 5821
(back/down/round)
• ОК. I'll tell him you called.
• Thank you.
• Hello. Is that Anna?
•…….. (Saying/Talking/Speaking)
• Hi, Anna. This is Alain. Is this a ……… time to call? (fine/good/best)
• Not really, Alain. Could you call back ………? (late/lately/later)
• OK. I'll call back after lunch.
• That’s great. Bye
• Hello. Is that Sven Anderson?
• No. Sven's not m the office today. Can I ……… a message? (make/take/plate)
• Oh, I'm calling ……… tomorrow's meeting. I wanted to confirm that it starts starts
at 10 (about/for/to)
• Yes, it does. I'll be there too.
• Ah, good. Thank you. I’ll see you tomorrow then. Bye.
• See you tomorrow. Bye.
4. Here are some things you might hear on the phone. Write one word in each gap to
complete the messages and conversations.
1. 'Call me at the office tomorrow. My………line is 01202 818335. If I'm not there,
leave a message on my………and I'll call you………when I get in.'
2. 'All international lines are. Please………up and try again later.'
3.'Can I speak to Anita Singh, please?'
'Oh, I'm sorry. She's not on this ……… ; she's on 227. I'll put you through to the
main………. Just ask the……… to transfer you to the Sales Department.'
4. 'Good morning. You are……… to the King's Theatre ticket hotline.
How can I help you?'
'Oh, I think I've got the ……… number. I wanted 470401.'
'Ah, yes. This is 470410.'
5'Hello, operator. Can you check a number for me? It's 077 23 23 23.1 was talking to
someone there but I got………off. Now when I call, I just get the ……… tone.'
6.'Hello, Reception? Can you tell me how to make a call to France?'
'Certainly, sir. Just pick up the phone and ……… "9" to get a line. When you hear
the ……… tone, dial 00 33 and then the number you want in France.'
7.'This is the Freedom Credit Card helpline. To check your balance, please press "1"
on your ……… To make a payment, press "2".'
8.'Hi, Alex. This is Mario. I got your message yesterday, but I was busy so I couldn't
……… your call. Sorry I missed you. I'll call ……… later.'
5. In this table, make a summary of some telephoning phrases. Compare your
answers.
Asking to speak to someone
What you hear if the person is not
available
Asking someone to wait
Asking for the other person's name
Saying that you'll phone again later
4. Comment on the following quotations.
Men are only as good as their technical development allows them to be.
George Orwell
Technological progress is like an ax in the hands of a pathological criminal.
Albert Einstein
Where there is the necessary technical skill to move mountains, there is no need for
the faith that moves mountains.
Eric Hoffer
The worst thing about the miracle of modern communications is the Pavlovian
pressure it places upon everyone to communicate whenever a bell rings.
Russell Baker
It seems rather incongruous that in a society of supersophisticated communication, we
often suffer from a shortage of listeners.
Erma Bombeck.
Technology is so much fun but we can drown in our technology. The fog of
information can drive out knowledge.
Daniel Boorstin
Technology is ruled by 2 types of people: those who manage what they do not
understand, and those who understand what they do not manage.
Mike Trout
Technology makes it possible for people to gain control over everything, except over
technology.
John Tudor
Technology is like a fish. The longer it stays on the shelf, the less desirable it
becomes.
Andrew Heller
Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.
Arthur C. Clarke
It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity.
Albert Einstein
READING & SPEAKING
1. Write the words from the article into the gaps. Then find the words in the article
to see how they are used in context.
conglomerate tycoon upsurge prosper entrepreneurs
lucrative monopolist magnate commodities affluent
1. people who use money to start new businesses and make business deals
________________________
2. a person who is head of a business that has complete control of the product or
service it provides because it is the only company that provides it
________________________
3. to be successful, especially by making a lot of money ________________________
4. a successful and important person with a lot of power in a particular industry
________________________
5. a sudden increase in something ________________________
6. used about a place where people have a lot of money ________________________
7. bringing a lot of money ________________________
8. a large business organization formed when several different businesses join together
________________________
9. things that can be bought and sold, especially basic food products or fuel
________________________
10. a rich and powerful person who is involved in business or industry
________________________
Extra question: Which three of these words have very similar meanings?
_______________________ _______________________
_______________________
Discuss the differences between the following: a magnate, a tycoon, a monopolist,
an entrepreneur.
2. Read the article.
The richest person in the world
Forbes rich list topped by Mexican mobile phone titan Carlos Slim
Andrew Clark in New York
10 March, 2010
The old order is under threat at the world’s billionaires club. Traditionally
dominated by Americans and Europeans, the top ranks of the world’s richest people
have been infiltrated by scores of ultra-rich entrepreneurs from the developing
world – capped by the Mexican telecoms tycoon Carlos Slim.
Today, Slim, the titan of mobile phones in Mexico, criticized as a ruthless
monopolist, was crowned as the richest person in the world by American business
magazine, Forbes, which calculated his net worth at $53.5bn (£35.7bn). Bolstered
by a surge in the share price of his America Movil empire, Slim’s wealth edged
ahead of the $53bn fortune amassed by the Microsoft boss Bill Gates, making the
portly cigar-smoking 70-year-old the first non-American to hold the top spot since
1994.
In third place was the legendary Nebraska-based investor Warren Buffett with
$47bn. Britain’s top entrant into the global rich list, the Duke of Westminster, could
only muster 45th position as his vast landownings gave him a net worth of $12bn.
Below the top few individuals, however, the lower ranks of Forbes’ closely
watched annual list showed a substantial change in the distribution of wealth. The
number of billionaires from Asian and Australasian nations leapt from 130 to 234
last year, with the net worth of the region’s super-rich doubling from $357bn to
$729bn.
“Asia is leading the comeback,” said Forbes’ editor-in-chief, Steve Forbes. “There
are remarkable changes taking place in the global economy.”
He pointed out that as the number of billionaires in the world swelled from 793 to
1,011, the proportion of Americans dropped from 45% to 40%: “The US still
dominates but it’s not doing as well as the rest of the world in coming back from the
financial crisis.”
Asia’s richest man, Indian, Mukesh Ambani, became the fourth-richest person on
the planet with $29bn, as his textiles-to-petrol Reliance Industries empire prospered.
Pakistan also produced its first billionaire, banking magnate Mian Muhammad
Mansha, and the number of Chinese billionaires leapt by 27 to 64.
Among those enjoying an upsurge in fortunes was Robin Li, founder of the Chinese
internet search engine, Baidu, whose wealth reached $3.5bn as his company
prospered on Google’s abrupt withdrawal from China, due to censorship concerns.
Another Chinese tycoon, property magnate Wu Yajun, has emerged as the world’s
richest self-made woman with $3.9bn from her Longfor Properties empire, which
includes apartments, town houses, luxury villas and commercial property across
China.
The upsurge in the number of super-rich individuals from less affluent nations went
beyond Asia. The number of billionaires from Russia almost doubled from 32 to 62.
The owner of the London newspaper, Evening Standard, Alexander Lebedev, reentered the ranks with $2bn, after threatening to sue Forbes a year ago for claiming
that losses in the financial crisis had stripped him of his billionaire status. And
Alisher Usmanov enjoyed a lucrative year at his metals conglomerate with his net
worth surging from $1.7bn to $7.2bn.
Turkey saw its number of billionaires swell from 12 to 28. And from South
America, a commodities tycoon, Eike Batista, became the first Brazilian to make
the world’s top ten for wealth. Batista, 52, a college dropout who made his fortune
from gold, oil and diamonds is ranked eighth in the world with $27bn.
Economists say that a rapid rise in super-wealthy individuals from the developing
world reflects the pace of globalization. But it also points to a widening in
inequality between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’ in poorer parts of the world.
In British terms, little changed among the ranks of the super-rich. Behind the Duke
of Westminster came property developers David and Simon Reuben, the clothing
store chain Topshop’s boss Sir Philip Green and Virgin supremo Sir Richard
Branson. Two new British names joined the billionaires’ club – financier Alan
Howard, who runs the hedge fund Brevan Howard, and China-based property
developer Xiu Li Hawken of Renhe Commercial Holdings, who holds British
citizenship.
For the newly crowned richest person on the planet, topping the rich list cements a
rapid rise to global fame. However, he is only top thanks to the generosity of a rival
– if Bill Gates had not chosen to hand a huge chunk of his wealth to his Gates
Foundation to fight disease in the developing world, the software supremo would be
worth as much as $80bn.
© Guardian News & Media 2010
First published in The Guardian, 10/03/10
3. Put these people into the table according to their wealth (richest first), then add
their net worth, their type of business and their nationality.
Bill Gates Eike Batista Wu Yajun Duke of Westminster Mukesh Ambani
Carlos Slim Warren Buffett Alisher Usmanov Robin Li
Scan the article to find the information you need to complete the table.
name worth (in US dollars) type of business nationality
4. Match the words to make collocations (word pairs) from the article.
1. net
a. status
2. developing
b. developers
3. share
c. crisis
4. annual
5. financial
d. worth
e. fame
6. billionaire
f. world
7. hedge
g. price
8. global
h. list
9. property
i. fund
Is it possible to match the words differently to make new (strong) collocations?
5. Discussion
You have 50,000 US dollars to invest in a company with the aim of making as
much money as possible from your investment.
Which kind of company will you invest it in and why?
6. Webquest
Go to http://www.forbes.com/lists/
What other lists can you find on the website?
Choose one and give a two-minute presentation about it.
WRITING
As computers are being used more and more in education, there will be soon no
role for teachers in the classroom.
You should give reasons for your answer using your own ideas and experience.
• You should write at least 250 words.
• You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
TEST YOURSELF
Think of active vocabulary units to match the following definitions:
1.
a book with a cover made of thin card
2.
very exciting to look at
3.
very excited and happy
4.
a small, simple building, usually consisting of one room
5.
a large building that is divided into flats
6.
a person whose job involves buying and selling buildings and land, and
arranging for new buildings to be built
7.
goods produced in large numbers, usually in a factory using machines
8.
an amount of something that can be held in one hand
9.
happening every day as a regular part of your job or life
10. the area in an airport where passengers wait before getting onto an aircraft
11. continue to communicate with someone by using a telephone or writing to them
12. describes an activity or food that you cannot stop doing or eating once you have
started
13. an organization which introduces people with similar interests to each other,
especially people who want to start a romantic or sexual relationship with someone
14. describes a system in which you pay for a service before you use it and you
cannot use more than you have paid for
15. a telephone that is not a mobile phone
16. a device connected to a telephone which answers calls automatically and
records messages from the people telephoning
17. an opportunity to see something such as a film or a collection of works of art
before it is shown to the public, or a description of something such as a television
programme before it is shown to the public
18. to think that something is or will be greater, more extreme or more important
than it really is
19. not needing help or support from other people
20. the degree to which radio or television sounds and pictures are clear
ACTIVE VOCABULARY.
p. 54 - 55
Take turns, take a flight, people-watch, a paperback (cf. hardback), a flight attendant, a
scary experience (cf. experience (U)), go through security checks, easy going
p. 56
have a big influence on, spectacular, exhausted, exhilarated, a space-age skyscraper, a
hut, capitalist economy/ system, be amazed at, a property developer, boom/ booming,
an apartment block, attract investment, a pedestrian street, come across, rapid
industrial development, manufactured goods, create environmental problems, increase
car ownership, affect
p. 57
cut down trees, an industrial city, cost of living
p. 58
(Learn the words and phrases in V7.3, p. 128 and V 7.4, p. 129), a handful, accessible,
bring people together
p. 60
(Learn the words and phrases V7.5 on p. 129), day-to-day life, (call smb) on the
phone, speak up
R7.1
A departure lounge, call a flight, detest, check in, a part-time course, catch up on,
delay a flight
R7.2
Download music straight onto…, addictive, keep in touch