Learn the following words and word-combinations. Provide the context in which they were used in the text. Use them in situations of your own.

Nothing in common

to appear

to clash

to create an impression

to deny

to depend on

to differ

to display

to expect

to resemble

to take after

to turn out

Say if the following statements are true or false and give the right variant.

a) A hunky man is a man who is not attractive.

b) A fragile person is one who is never ill.

c) A scrooge is someone who is very generous.

d) Unique means behaving in a polite way.

e) Someone who is wilful is determined to do what they want and does not care if they upset other people.

Explain the meaning of the following phrases. Make use of the active vocabulary.

An iron fist in a velvet glove; a heart of gold; as like as two peas; as cool as a cucumber; a mediocrity; a bore; variety is the spice of lif

Say whether you agree or disagree with the following statements and give reasons.

a) A person’s appearance is a reflection of their character.

b) Appearances are deceptive.

c) Handsome is that handsome does.

d) Looks are less important than character.

e) Nobody is perfect.

Reading IV

CHINESE HOROSCOPES

Most people are aware of their astrological signs, and know the characteristics associated with the twelve signs of the zodiac. Astrology is based upon your month of birth. Traditional Chinese astrology is different. It's based on your year of birth. There are twelve signs, too, but they are named after animals. The Chinese New Year falls on a different date each year but it begins somewhere between mid-January and mid-February. The twelve-year cycle begins with the year of the Rat. The legend is that the order was decided thousands of years ago by Buddha, who called all the animals to a New Year meeting. Only twelve came, and the years were named after the twelve animals in the order in which they arrived. First was the aggressive Rat, second was the hard-working Ox. Then came the smiling Tiger, followed by the cautious Rabbit. The showy Dragon came next, then wise Snake. The gifted Horse was next, followed by the gentle Goat, then the merry Monkey and the proud Rooster. Last were the faithful Dog and the honest Pig.

People born in specific years are supposed to have characteristics of the year's animal. This should not be taken too seriously. The animals arc symbols, and the Chinese idea of each animal’s character is often different from a traditional Western view. The interesting thing about the cycle of Chinese years is that they relate to the cycles of change in the Sun which is known to affect the Earth's weather, and may also relate to earthquakes and electrical changes in the atmosphere.

It's up to you how seriously you take them. Anyway, it makes a change when someone comes up to you and says, “'I can always tell people’s birth signs – you’re a Virgo”. You can always reply by saying, “And I can always tell people’s Chinese signs. You’re a Pig!”

EXERCISES

1. Look at the chart of characteristics for each sign. Work out your sign, and the signs of three people you know very well. Go through the list, putting a tick (v) by characteristics you think are right, a cross (x) against ones you think are wrong, or a zero (0) if you don't know. Be honest - especially the Monkeys - and open-minded - especially the Oxen!

2. Compare your results with a partner's. Try and assess each other. Do the same in a group, How well do you think the signs work?

3. Look at the famous names given for each sign. How many of their characteristics match the ones you have heard of?

4. Draw up a table on a separate sheet of paper. Divide it into columns, labelled as follows:

-ic -ous -able -ive

-al - ish -ful -less

-ent -у -ed

Put the words from the chart in the columns. Try to add five words to each of the columns.

5. ‘Rats are small-minded.’ How many compounds like ‘small- minded’ can you find? Add any other words you know of the same type to a list.

6.a) Rats are not only charming, but also generous.

b) Although Rats are generous, they can also be greedy.

c) Rats can be energetic. In addition, they can be persistent.

d) Rats can be energetic. Also, they can be persistent.

e) Rats can be energetic. Furthermore, they can be positive.

Date: 2015-12-17; view: 1008