Make up dialogues of your own using Dialogue 1 as a model.
Situations: You meet your friend and ask him about:
a). his recent visit to Great Britain;
b). English weather;
c). the things you like and dislike in Great Britain.
DIALOGUE 2
Talking of IMPRESSIONS ABOUT BRITAIN and the British
A British reporter puts questions to three American students who recently spent a year at British universities.
Reporter: After nearly a year in Britain, what are your impressions of the country and people?
Michael: Sharing a common language is important; in spite of what some Americans say, we do speak the same language. As a result, there’s great interest in the literature of the other nation – not to mention pop music and television.
Laura: I’m much more struck by the personality difference. British people often talk about loudness of Americans but I think Americans are more open.
Steve: Personally I’ve found it more difficult to have serious discussions with British students than with other European students. It’s really difficult to talk with a British student about anything more serious than football or beer.
Michael: I don’t agree. I’ve had discussions on serious things with English students. But I have to admit that “British reserve” so much talked about is a reality; the British I’ve met are hard to get to know.
Laura: We shouldn’t be too critical. There are a lot of things which we like here.
Michael: Well, I think that the observation that the British are more polite is true. And, as far as I have been able to see, the cities of Britain haven’t yet reached the point of no return in crime* that some of our cities have.
Reporter: Finally, what strikes you as the most important difference between the two nations?
Steve: The pace of life. Everyday life moves much faster in America; everything is much more intense. But I think things are changing in Britain and in ten years it’ll be the same here.
Note: *the point of no return in crime – (зд.) очень высокий уровень преступности.
Memorize and reproduce Dialogue 2.
Fill in the missing remarks of the dialogue.
A.: How did you enjoy your stay in Britain?
B.: … .
A.: What did your programme include?
B.: … .
A.: What’s your general impression?
B.: … .
A.: What are British people like?
B.: … .
A.: Would you like to go to Britain again?
B.: … .
DIALOGUE 3
Talking of the British
Stogov’s stay in London is coming to an end. Before leaving the country he visits Mr. Brown with whom he has been doing business.
Stogov: Well, Mr. Brown. I’ve come to say good-bye. This time on Monday I’ll be in Moscow.
Brown: I’m sure you’ll be glad to get back; I hope you are not disappointed with your stay here.
Stogov: On the contrary. I did enjoy it. On the whole, business went well.
Brown: Lots of people think that the British are cold and reserved. Many foreigners say: “Oh, you English are unsociable!”
Stogov: Yes, I’ve heard that said. But after meeting British people I realized that they could be as friendly and helpful as people anywhere else.
Brown: And what do you think of English cooking? I’m afraid it doesn’t enjoy the best of reputations.
Stogov: Why? It may be plain but it’s wholesome1 and healthy. What did strike me is your love of tea. It seems to be your national drink.
Brown: I couldn’t agree with you more. We are great tea-drinkers. We even drink it while watching television.
Stogov: That reminds me! The other day I saw an advertisement for tea which said: “Join the Tea-V set!”
Brown: Speaking of advertising I’d say things are changing in this country. There was a time when our industries resisted advertising strongly. Now it’s considered respectable and industry invests heavily in advertising.
Stogov: I’ve noticed that your advertisements are not wordy but to the point and very expressive. The ads are witty, too.
Brown: Yes, they are. A lot of skill and humour goes into the ads.
Stogov: But it’s not easy for foreigners to understand the English sense of humour.
Brown: That may be true to a certain extent. English humour is ironical and is often directed against the person himself who tells the joke.
Stogov: You’re fond of verbal battles, too, aren’t you? It’s quite common to find good friends insulting each other. Of course, they both realize that they are just pulling each other’s legs2.
Brown: As English people say: “We always try to find something outside ourselves. It restores our sense of proportion.”
Memorize and reproduce Dialogue 3.