Study the italicized phrases. Recall how they were used in the text. Make sentences with each.

1. It was all over in a matter of seconds. The car was in the ditch with all of us in a heap inside. 2. It wasn't such a bad idea after all\ 3. Some day he hoped to live up to his moth­er's expectations. 4. He always seems to be short of time and short of temper when it comes to discussing his affairs. 5. Where will you be getting the sum 'in question? 6. I have but a few moments at my disposal. 7. We had waited for him the wnole morning but he never turned up. 8. There was very little the town could offer in the way of entertainment. 9. The findings of the expedition, if made public, would create quite a stir in the scientific world. 10. Her honesty is above question.

7. Express the following using phrases from Exercise 6.

1. We arranged that I should have the use of his flat in his absence. 2. You will be getting over the disappointment. Time cures all. 3. There could be no doubt about the sincerity of his offer. 4. He always appears most unexpectedly. 5. The book you referred to 1s available at the library. 6. There were things in his past he wouldn't care to have generally known. 7. In spite of everything the plan did work. 8. He would gladly take the job, not so much for the money as for the prestige. 9. All things considered, what does it matter whether he comes or not? 10. To match one's deeds with one's principles was not as easy as he expected. 11. He was well-pleased with the trip. Not that he had learnt anything of real importance as far as facts went, but he had somehow

gained deeper insight into the character of the man whose life story he was going to write. 12. The night was still young, but his cigarettes were already few. He would have to cut down on his smoking.

8. Make the following sentences emphatic using the construction with It.

Model: Then this face began to get a firmer hold of me.

It was then that this face began to get a firmer hold of me.

1. My friend discovered the truth. 2. When I turned to get a better look at the stranger I saw him disappearing round the corner. 3. Right after supper he went back to his room to continue work on the article. 4. I am here for a very impor­tant reason. 5. Only his timely interference saved the situa­tion. 6. I didn't understand a word because my command of the language was still rather poor at the time. 7. She didn't realize what had happened until if was too late.

9. In the following groups of sentences, compare the meaning of the italicized words. Translate them into Russian.

1. a) She snatched the letter from my hand before I had time to read the address, b) The man snatched at the brief­case but it was I who was the quicker of the two. 2. a) The goal-keeper caught the ball and with a vigorous kick sent it flying across the field, b) A drowning man will catch at a straw. 3. a) The mother grasped the child firmly by the hand. b) A person who grasps at too much may lose all. 4. a) How much better it is to get wisdom than gold. b) He still hoped to get at the truth. 5. a) She pulled the strings tying the par­cel and it came open. b) He pulled at the window. It wouldn't open. 6. a) The little girl fell asleep clutching the rag doll tightly, b) He would clutch at any excuse to stay away from work.

10. Study the Italicized words, discriminate between the shadesofdifference in their usage or in their meaning. Translate the sen­tences into Russian.

A. 1. I've got a surprise for you. Now shut your eyes and don't look, 2. An old man opened the door and peered at me shortsightedly. 3. She glared at them in impotent rage.

4. The child raised the lid and peeped inside the box. 5. The travellers had reached the top of the hill and were now gazing in wonder at the beautiful country lying at their feet. 6. He sat down opposite the living-room window and stared out of it as if at a vision of the past or future. 7. The crowd stood gaping. They had never seen a travelling circus.

B. 1. A special group of experts arrived to make inquiries and assess the damages. 2. He estimated the distance at some­thing over five hundred yards. 3. The damage inflicted by the flood was estimated at several hundred thousand pounds.

4. His services were highly appreciated by the government.

5. I appreciate your interest.

C. 1. The island was yet to be explored. 2. It was his task to explore the possibilities of the invention. 3. The case was investigated by the police. 4. The doctor examined the patient carefully. 5. The matter was examined from every possible angle.

11. Supply the missing word.

a) fairly, rather

1. We found it all ... distressing. 2. She was doing ... well. 3. I didn't get to bed until ... late last night, that's what makes me feel ... tired. 4. The girl was ... good-looking, but ... stupid. 5. The buses are ... crowded at this time of the day. 6. She's ... good at explanations, so you had better take your problems to her.

b) respectful, respectable

1. She took a ... interest in the undertaking. 2. Such manner of behaviour is hardly ... . 3. He was kept at a ... distance. 4. The man was greeted with a ... bow. 5. As ru­mours have it, his motives had been far from ....

c) tolerable, tolerant

1. We found the conditions quite ... . -2. It was a ... kind of life. 3. He's a man of... views. 4. You should really be more ... of other people's weaknesses. 5. The food was quite ... .