Choose the best idiom to complete the dialogues.

1 A: It's so difficult to discuss anything with him because he gets angry so easily.

В: I know - one disagreement and he jumps the gun / goes off the deep end.

2 A; I've done all I can and so it's up to you - the ball is in your court / it's a different ballgame.

В: I know - I'll have to decide soon.

3 A: Are you sure that everything is legal?

B: There's nothing illegal about it - it's all completely in pole position / above board.

4 A; She's overcome so many difficulties to win the competition.

В: I know -I have to admire her, because she's scored a bullseye / succeeded against all the odds.

Choose two idioms from the box below and write a short dialogue for each one to bring out the meaning. Use a dictionary if necessary. Compare your dialogues with a partner.

Be a good/bad sport

Don't count me out

Go the distance

Make up ground

Tell a partner about

• something you did against all the odds

• someone who is a good sport

• someone who set a record.

Discuss a sportsperson who

• has had a number of setbacks in their career. How did they overcome them?

• has made a comeback. How well did they do?

• has made a lot of money out of their sport.

Listening 2

You will hear part of a radio discussion about the sport of indoor climbing. Choose the answer (А, В, С or D) which fits best according to what you hear.

According to Tom, young people are attracted to indoor climbing in the USA because

A they have been specifically targeted by gyms.

В there has been a growth in available facilities.

Сit isn't regarded as a highly competitive activity.

D it offers a grounding in traditional climbing techniques.

2 What does Amy see as the main benefit of the game she describes?

A It gives climbers of varying abilities the chance to climb together.

В It helps climbers remember specific moves they have to make.

С It keeps more experienced climbers focused on a clear goal.

D It allows novice climbers to build up their strength.

Amy feels that in London, indoor climbing

A appeals to people with time on their hands.

В attracts people who dislike outdoor activities.

С is more of a social activity than a serious sport.

D is part of a wider sub-culture including other activities.

Tom is keen то point out that, in his experience, indoor climbing

A is just as demanding as traditional outdoor rock climbing.

В offers the thrill of outdoor climbing in a safer environment.

С lacks the element of fear present in traditional rock climbing.

D requires a higher level of concentration than outdoor climbing.

Amy feels that compared with other kinds of workout, indoor climbing

A focuses on one particular group of muscles.

В does not require such a regular commitment.

С represents more than solely a physical challenge.

D offers a more appropriate form of training for other sports.

When asked which type of climbing he prefers. Tom is

A keen to stress that he enjoys both types equally.

В careful to avoid saying which he actually favours.

С reluctant to admit that he likes outdoor climbing better.

D critical of people who feel a need to take sides on the issue.

Grammar 2:intensifying comparative forms

Date: 2015-12-17; view: 2057