Stimulation commuter city-dwellers anonymity

Most people in developed countries are (a) ___, many drawn by the (b) ______ of the (c) ___. The attractions of the city are many: the (d) ________ atmosphere (foreign restaurants, different languages, international companies), the (e) _______ of cultural events or the simple hope of finding work. All too many find, however, that the glamorous façade is false. One can be very alone in the city and the (f) ________ which at first seems to give freedom and protection later leaves just loneliness. There is a lot to do but everything is expensive. The (g) _______ is high. There is (h) _____ not only of the physical but also of the moral environment and the various pressures of (i) ___________ life cause cities (j) ________. Above all, perhaps, it is the daily stresses and strains of the city which make life there a matter of survival rather than of enjoyment. Many a (k) _______ struggling to work through the rush hour (l) _____ asks, “Is it worth it?”

picturesque, historic, spacious, elegant, magnificent, amazing, superb, wonderful,

atmospheric, quaint, lively, hectic, deserted, bustling, crowded, packed, filthy,

run-down, shabby

a) rather dirty b) full of people who are very busy or lively (especially a place) c) not organised, not arranged according to the plan d) very tall and high in the sky (especially buildings or trees) e) so loud, big or noticeable that you just can’t ignore it f) cheap and badly made or vulgar g) giving a feeling of respect and amazement h) blocked so that nothing can pass through (especially a place)

1. awe-inspiring 2. haphazard 3. tacky 4. grubby 5. clogged 6. bustling 7. soaring 8. in-your-face

a)

to make a finger on (something)

to work prey to something

to get on top of one another

to fall its magic

to live your bearings

to put way for the new

b)

a) No matter how stressed you feel, once you let the beauty of the beach and warmth of the sun ____ on you, you will begin to wind down and relax.

b) The old town is built on the edge of a cliff overlooking the gorge, using up every bit of spare space. Some houses are even built into the cliff face and people _____ in warrens of narrow cobbled streets.

a) The medieval clock tower offers a landmark which is visible wherever you are in the town, making it very easy ____.

b) It is difficult ____ exactly what makes this grey, industrial town such popular tourist destination.

c) It’s very easy ____ the charm of the market stall holders and people often end up spending much more than they’d expected to.

d) Far too often historic town centres are carved up and charming old buildings are torn down ____.

1. London is a truly cosmopolitancity.

2. A modern metropolisneeds a good integrated transport system.

3. London suffers a lot from traffic congestion.

4. Povertyin the inner-cityareas can breed crime.

5. Cities around the world have seen a huge population explosion.

6. Birmingham has plenty of amenities.

7.A lot of people visit Paris for its cultural events.

8. Cities in poorer countries often lack basic infrastructures.

9. The pressures of modem city lifecan be difficult to deal with.

10. The cost of livingin some places can be very high.

11. A lot of people appreciate the anonymity of living in a large city.

12. I love the urban lifestyleI lead.

13. In Singapore, private cars are banned from the Central Business Districtat

peak periods.

14. Urban sprawlis prevalent in most cities.

a. Drug abuseis also a big problem.

b. Shops, libraries, hospitals and entertainment complexes are just a few of

them.

c. Chief among these are concerts and exhibitions.

d. In particular, I enjoy the atmospherethat is unique to the city.

e. Prices in London are particularly exorbitant.

f. Without them, they are unable to function properly as cities.

g. It is especially bad during the rush hour, when thousands of commuters

try to enter or leave the city.

h. Stress-related illnesses are very common in cities like New York.

i. Nowadays there are more city dwellersthan ever before.

j. Everywhere you go there are building sites, pedestrian precincts, blocks of flats

and housing estatesspreading into the countryside.

k. They like to feel that they can do something without everybody knowing

about it.

l. Most people use buses and the underground to get to the banks and

offices where they work.

m. Unfortunately, this is something that most large capital cities lack.

n. It's a melting pot forpeople from all parts of the world.

ACQUIRING COMMUNICATION SKILLS Model:A: I came out of a shop and saw a big metal thing on my wheels.

B: Oh, so your wheels had been clamped!

A: Yes I had to pay £100.

1. A: As I drove round the corner there was some ice on the road and I lost control of the steering.

B: Oh, so ...

2. A: The two women were obviously having an argument about the way one of them had driven. Then suddenly they started hitting each other.

B: Oh, I guess it was a case of …

A: Yes. It’s happening more and more often these days.

3. A: The policeman looked at my tyres and said they were illegal.

B: Oh, so you didn’t have the minimum depth of …?

4. A: The road was closed. Two lorries had come straight at each other and crashed.

B: Oh, so it was a …

5. A: The policeman fined me £100 there and then. I have to pay it within seven days.

B: Oh, really? I didn’t know they could give …

A: Yes. You have no choice. They just give it to you and you can’t dispute it at the time.

6. A: The man at the garage said my car wasn’t in a fit condition to be driven legally.

B: Oh, so it’s not …

1. - Fourth floor, please.

- I want that floor, too.

2. - Don't throw that away in the street.
- OK. I'll throw it in here.

3. - When do you think the number 3 will come?

- In about five minutes.

4. - Let me call Mom and tell her I'll be late.
- OK. I'll wait.

5. - Taxi! We'd like to go to the Ritz Hotel.

- All right.

6. - What can I do for you?

- Please check the oil!

7. - Let's go!

- No way. The lights are red.

8. - This road is too busy.

- Right you are. It's safer to go this way.

9. - Look both ways before you cross.

- OK.

1. I'm sorry, I have no idea. a. You are pointing these people in the

2. Turn right at the crossroads. right direction.

It’ll be on your left. b. You don’t know the way.

3. I'm going that way - I'll show you. c. You are going to take these people

4. Take the first on the right, it'll be where they want to go.

right in front of you. d. You are explaining the route to these

5. I'm sorry, I'm a stranger here myself. people.

6. It's in that direction, but I'm not sure

where exactly.

7. Go along here and ask again.