Match the words from the text (1-10) with the definitions (a-j).

1) an addict                   a) an unjust or harmful custom

2) to affect               ) to be in a position of control or responsibility for a person, group, organization, etc.

3) withdrawn            c) very shy and quiet, and concerned only about your own thoughts.

4) to be in charge of d) to cause some result or change in; influence

5) an abuse               e) eager to mix socially with others, friendly

6) desperate                       f) a feeling of certainty

7) to be anxious about g) a person who is unable to free himself from a harmful habit

8) outgoing               h) willing to do anything to change a very bad situation, and not caring about danger

9) restless               i) to be worried or frightened

10) confidence          j) unwilling to keep still or stay where you are, especially because you are nervous.

Do you think computer addiction is a real problem? Collect some facts from your personal experience, mass media or the Internet to prove that this problem exists (does not exist) in Russia? Do you know anybody who has similar problems? What do you think can be done to help people with such condition?

UNIT III. HOME

Section I Speaking

1. Work in groups of three or four and discuss your answers to the following questions:

1) Where is your home?

2) Do you live in a house or flat?

3) If you live in a flat what floor is it on?

4) If you live in a house do you have a garden?

5) Do you have your own garage or personal parking space?

6) What sort of furniture do you have?

7) What is the most important item for you?

8) Would you describe your house/flat as comfortable, dark or light (noisy or quiet)?

9) Which of these features would you expect to see in a typical home?

attic balcony bathroom bedroom cellar     courtyard  

dining room       garage    garden   kitchen  living room

2. Read the first paragraph of the text. What does home mean to the writer? Do you agree?

What does the word “home” mean to you? How do you say the word in your language? Although people usually know what the word means, it often has no exact translation. It’s not surprising really, because the idea of home varies from country to country, and from person to person. A home is more than a roof and four walls. It’s the cooking, eating, talking, playing and family living that go on inside which are important as well. And at home you usually feel safe and relaxed.

Read the rest of the text and think about answers to the questions for your country.

This is what some people from different countries say about their homes.

What are typical features of homes in your country?

“In Britain, even in the town there’s always a garden and sometimes a cellar. We have separate bedrooms and living rooms. But we don’t often have balconies or terraces. The weather isn’t warm enough!” (Pat, Exeter, England)

How often do people move home in your country?

“In the USA many people move every ten years.” (Cheryl, Boston, USA)

What is the main room in your home?

“The kitchen. Because it’s warm and we have breakfast, lunch and dinner there seven days a week. (Jackie, Cork, Ireland)

If you live in a town do you stay there at weekends?

‘We live in the town but only because I’m an architect and I work there. I really wouldn’t call it home – that’s what I call our house in the country where we go every weekend’. (Elizabeth, Sao Paulo, Brazil)

Work in pairs and talk about your answers to the questions in the text.

Complete the sentences in 1) and 2) with the words a-d

1) My city/town is:

· very ________. You can meet people from all over the world.

· a tourist ___________.

· pretty polluted and __________. It’s really a big problem.

· ___________ and it’s hard for me to think of any way in which it could be improved.

a) congested             b) cosmopolitan       c) beautiful               d) destination

 

2) My house/flat is:

· ____________. I wish it was bigger.

· big and ______________.

· right in the _______________of the town.

· within _______________ distance of the local shop.

a) spacious         b) walking                c) heart           d) cramped

Decide if these sentences are true or false for your city/town and house/flat.

6. Work in groups of three or five. Prepare a description of a home that would suit all of you. Use the following ideas:

- type of home        - size     - location - furniture                 - number of rooms - electrical appliances the most important items

Use the following expressions:

To make suggestions: What about…? Let’s start with …; I suggest we should…

To express doubt: Well, I’m still not sure…; I can’t say that…

Section II Grammar in Practice

 

CONTINUOUS TENSES

1. Imagine that a big family is preparing for the friends’ party. Say what each of them is doing. Choose from the verbs below:

to fix a sink, to cook dinner, to water flowers, to vacuum the carpet, to help Mum, to wash the car, to look for the jar with jam, to dust the furniture, to clean the windows

1) Mr Robinson is in the bathroom. He is …

2) Mrs Robinson is in the garden.

3) Their elder son Peter is in the garden too.

4) Their younger son Nick is in the bedroom.

5) Their daughter Mary and her cousin are in the living room.

6) Mary’s Granny is in the kitchen.

7) Mary’s Grandpa is in the garage.

8) Mary’s aunt Ann is in the balcony.

9) Her husband is in the cellar.