Obligation and arrangement, part of a plan: be to, be supposed to
Be to
The be + infinitive construction, eg I am to go, is
extremely important and can be used in the following
ways:
1. To convey orders or instructions:
No one is to leave this building without the permission of the police, (no one must leave) He is to stay here till we return, (he must stay)
This is a rather impersonal way of giving instructions and is chiefly used with the third person. When used with you it often implies that the speaker is passing on instructions issued by someone else. The difference between (a) Stay here, Tom and (b) You are to stay here, Tom is that in (a) the speaker himself is ordering Tom to stay, while in (b) he may be merely conveying to Tom the wishes of another person. This distinction disappears of course in indirect speech, and the be + infinitive construction is an extremely useful way of expressing indirect commands, particularly when the introductory verb is in the present tense:
He says, 'Wait till I come.' =
He says that we are to wait till he comes.
or when there is a clause in front of the imperative:
He said, 'If I fall asleep at the wheel wake me up.' =
He said that if he fell asleep at the wheel she was to wake him up.
It is also used in reporting requests for instructions:
'Where shall I put it, sir?' he asked. = He asked - where he was to put it.
2. To convey a plan( an arrangement):
She is to be married next month.
The expedition is to start in a week's time.
This construction is very much used in newspapers:
The Prime Minister is to make a statement tomorrow.
In headlines the verb be is often omitted to save space: Prime Minister to make statement tomorrow.
Past forms:
He was to go. (present infinitive)
He was to have gone, (perfect infinitive)
The first of these doesn't tell us whether the plan was carried out or not. The second is used for unfulfilled plan, i.e. one which was not carried out:
The Lord Mayor was to have laid the foundation stone but was taken ill last night so the Lady Mayoress is doing it instead.
was/were + infinitive can express an idea of destiny:
He received a blow on the head. It didn't worry him at the time but was to be troublesome later, (turned out to be/proved troublesome) They said goodbye, little knowing that they were never to meet again, (were destined never to meet)
Compare: must, have to and be to.
a) In order to graduate you must pass your exams.
must = obligation, absolute necessity with no freedom of choice
b) You have (got) to go now or else you'll miss your train.
have (got) to = necessity arising out of circums-
______________tances_______________________
b) We are to start tomorrow morning.
beto = obligation arising out of arrangement
Be supposedto
We can use supposed to to talk about what people are expected to do because of an arrangement, a rule, or a duty.
You're supposed to start work at 8.00 every
morning.
I'm supposed to see Maria this afternoon.
Note: Both fee supposed to and be to express expectations about scheduled events or correct procedures. Be to is stronger, more definite than fee supposed to. Compare:
(a) The game is supposed to begin at 10.00.
(b) The game is to begin at 10.00.
(c) The committee is supposed to meet tomorrow.
(d) The committee is to meet tomorrow.
We use not supposed to to express prohibitions.
You know you're not supposed to eat in the classroom.
There is often a difference between what is supposed to happen and what really happens.
I'm supposed to see Maria this afternoon, but
I'm not going to have enough time.
Put those sweets away! You know you're not
supposed to eat in the classroom.
He was supposed to phone me yesterday, but he
didn't.
Note that we also use supposed to to mean 'said to' eg I'd like to read that book. It's supposed to be very good.
Activities
/. Explain the meanings and forms of be to in the following sentences. Translate them into Russian.
I. We were to act as guides to the party. 2. Now will you please show me the room where I am to work. 3. The children are not to touch anything in the room. 4. There was a special order that no one was to come to the station to see the battalion off. 5. Norman said I was to leave you alone. 6. The plane was not to take off at night as the weather was too bad. 7. The plane was to have taken off at night, but the weather was too bad. 8. It was the first and the last ceremony I was to see. 9. What do you want with my things? Am I to be moved to another cell? 10. I want to know on what terms the girl is to be here. Is she to have any wages? And what is to become of her when you've finished your teaching? You must look ahead a little. 11. Eliza, you are to live here for the next six months, learning how to speak beautifully. 12. He was to have had a music lesson in the morning but the teacher called up to cancel it. 13. It is evident that we are to have a backward season for grains. 14. 'My dear Trot!' cried my aunt in a terrified whisper, 'I don't know what I am to do.' 15. Why are you late? You were to have come an hour ago. 16. The order came that we were not to leave the village before dawn.
17. We were not to have left the village before dawn, but by the time the order came we were two miles away from it.
18. Renny grinned: 'If we are to be neighbours for life — if you are to marry into a family I'm attached to — we should be on friendly terms.' 19. Sorry, but I must be off. I am to have tea with Betty this afternoon. 20. All junior officers are to report to the colonel at once. 21. He said you were to go to the police-station, did he? 22. Tell them they are not to stop work just now to talk about football. 23. He knew that
he was to be punished for his crime sooner or later. 24. I didn't see Mike at the appointed place and I wasn't surprised. We were to have met at 6 sharp. 25. What's the matter? The luggage is not packed yet. — Ann was to have packed it an hour ago. It's all her fault. 26. Classes were to begin within two days and the past week had seen a steady stream of new arrivals. 27. The meeting was to take place in a public room, at a hotel. 28.1 was to tell you she is sorry you are not free. 29. But I tell you, you are to come down, miss, this minute: your mother says so. 30. He was going to meet for the first time the people with whom he was to work for the next few years.
//. Translate the following sentences into Russian.
1. The building custodian is supposed to unlock the classrooms every morning. 2. You're not supposed to open that door. 3. Where are we supposed to meet? 4.1 have a meeting at seven tonight. I am supposed to be there early to discuss the agenda. 5. When we go to the store, Annie, you are not supposed to handle the glassware. It might break, and then you'd have to pay for it out of your allowance.
III. It is evening and a group of people engaged in a team activity have been given their instructions .for the next day. Martin wants to know what the others have been told to do. They always use Jack's name in their reply.
A: You went with John today, didn't you? B: Yes, but I'm to go with Jack tomorrow.
A: Bill carried John's equipment today, didn't he? B: Yes, but he's to carry Jack's equipment tomorrow.
1. Ann looked after Peter's children today, didn't she?
2. Peter and Mary worked with Tom's group today, didn't they?
3. You followed Bill's car today, didn't you?
4. You drove Bill's car today, didn't you?
5. Mary led Tom's team today, didn't she?
6. George rode Peter's horse today, didn't he?
7. They took their orders from Bill today, didn't they?
8. You trained with Peter today, didn't you?
9. You stood in front of Bill today, didn't you?
10. They tested Peter today, didn't they?
11. Mary filmed Andrew's group today, didn't she?
12. You and Hugo gave Charles a lift today, didn't you?
IV. Pretend you are taking a bus load of students (ages 12 to 16) on a trip to a nearby town. You are the supervisor. Make a list of rules you want the students to follow. Use be to in your list.
1. You don't want the students to bring glass containers onto the bus.
For safety reasons, students are not to bring glass containers onto the bus.
2. You want the students to keep the bus clean.
3. You don't want the students to lean out of the windows.
4. You don't want the students to toss anything from the bus.
5. You want the students to store personal items under the seats.
6. You don't want the students to yell, scream, or shout on the bus.
7. You want the students to stay in their seats at all times while the bus is moving.
8. (Make additional rules you want the students to follow.)
V. Restate the following rules in sentences with be to.
1. NO SMOKING. —*• You are not to smoke.
2. KEEP OFF THE GRASS. -*•
3. NO EATING OR DRINKING IN THIS ROOM.
4. MOVE TO THE REAR OF THE BUS.
5. DO NOT JOKE WITH AIRPORT PERSONNEL WHILE YOUR HAND LUGGAGE IS BEING INSPECTED.
6. USE THE STAIRS IN CASE OF FIRE. DO NOT USE THE ELEVATOR.
7. NO LITTERING.
8. SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT.
VI. Practise using be to. Make up several sentences using be to for each of the following situations.
Example: The teacher gave the students a writing assignment. Tell us what the students are to do.
Possible response. They are to write a composition./ They are to write about a person they admire./ They are to hand it in next Tuesday./They are to write it in ink./ They are not to write it in pencil.
1. Jack's back hurt, so he went to a doctor. She gave him some instructions. Tell us what he is to do and what he is not to do.
2. This is your assignment for the next class. (Supply an assignment.)
Can you repeat to me what you are to do?
3. Your son has some jobs to do before he can go outside and play. What is he to do?
4. You have a new job as a cook. Your boss told you what she expects of you. Can you tell us what she expects of you?
5. You are on a committee to make rules for this school. The committee is writing a list of rules. What does this list include?
6. All of us use the library. What behaviour is expected of us? (We are to ... )
7. You are in charge of some children at a playground. You want to make sure they understand the rules you set. Tell them the rules. (Children, you are to ...)
8. Who lives in an apartment building or dormitory? What is expected of its residents?
VII. Complete the sentences using the correct form of be supposed to and the verbs in the box.
Example: I'm on a diet, so I'm not supposed to eat cream cakes.
arrive not eat go not open not park have
1. What are you doing with your birthday presents? You ... them until your birthday! 2. I ... to work yesterday, but I couldn't because I was ill in bed. 3. You ... your car here at any time. 4. We ... in Manchester at 6 o'clock this morning, but our plane was delayed. 5. Peter ... a one-hour lunch break, but he sometimes takes a bit longer.
VIII. FOCUS
Not allowed to
This is used when the speaker is giving a definite rule: We're not allowed to go in the theatre.
Not supposed to
This is often used when talking about a rule which people sometimes break:
You're not supposed to block the street.
Note: In the positive allowed to = have permission to, but supposed to = have an obligation to, i.e. it is expected behaviour.
Write restrictions and rules for the following places or situations.
I. In an aeroplane you're not allowed to smoke in the toilets.
You're not supposed to stand up until the plane comes to a complete halt.
1. in an aeroplane
2. in a petrol station
3. on a motorway
4. in a library
5. visiting people in hospital
6. in your school
Look at the signs below and state the rules connected with them using not allowed to and not supposed to.
No right turn
Don't drop litter! £20 fine
Thank you for not smoking in this office.
It is illegal to travel without a ticket.
Please keep our city clean. Don't drop litter.
No parking between 08.00 and 18.30.
Please do not talk to the driver.
IX. Make up short dialogues.
A: What were your instructions about phoning Bill? B: I was to phone him at 6.00.
What were your Instructions about ...
| 1. reporting? 2. posting the documents? 3. meeting George? 4. contacting Ann? 5. seeing the agents? 6. joining? | 7. leaving? 8. paying the workmen? 9. inspecting the camp? 10. taking off? 11. starting? 12. opening the doors? |
A: Did you borrow a car?
B: No. We were to have borrowed a car but the plan fell through.
Did you ...
| 1. camp on the beach? | 10. | swim before breakfast? |
| 2. hire a boat? | 11. | water-ski? |
| 3. visit the island? | 12. | get up at dawn? |
| 4. anchor in the bay? | 13. | climb the cliffs? |
| 5. explore the caves? | 14. | search for the sunken |
| treasure-ship? | ||
| 6. bathe by moonlight? | 15. | take photographs under |
| water? | ||
| 7. spend a week there? | 16. | have sing-songs round the |
| camp fire? | ||
| 8. cook over open fires? | 17. | invite everyone to a bar- |
| 9. make a film of the seabirds? | becue? |
X. Combine the modal verb be to with the correct form of the infinitive in brackets.
1. I stood at the window, looking at them, disappear, and my heart kept repeating 'Good-bye, good-bye!' I was not (see) them for nearly five years. 2. Nobody met me when I came. I was (arrive) by the ten o'clock train, but I couldn't get a ticket for it. 3. Remember that we are (be) at his place not later than eight. 4. Hot compresses were (apply) all night to the knee. 5. You knew exactly what you were (get) when you took on the job. 6. Why are you so late? Didn't you get my letter saying that we were (meet) at 4? 7. What am I (do) if she starts crying? 8. It's clear that we are (have) a very cold and rainy spring. 9. She is very excited today. She is (take) to her very first party. 10. There was a violent storm that night and the Albatros which was (arrive) at the port in the morning had to drop anchor near an island a hundred miles off the port. 11.When are they (dock)? Have they written? 12. Ba-teman remembered the winter at the end of which Isabel and Edward were (marry), a winter of dances and theatre-parties. 13. That is that. But who is (tell) her about it? 14.1 don't like the idea. Am I (stay) here all this time? 15.1 told you expressly that Miss Adeline was not (ride) at any more horse shows this autumn. 16. I just mention it because you said I was (give) you all the details I could. 17. I promised to go to a club in Whitechapel with her last Tuesday, and I really forgot all about it. We were (play) a duet together. 18. Everything has been arranged. You are (not have) any wages the first six months. Just your keep.
XI. Fill in the blanks with have to or beto in the correct tense forms.
1. At nightfall the ship put in at a small port where they ... • to load three hundred bags of coffee. 2. They ... to light a fire to cook their supper. 3. It was too late to change the plan and it ... to remain as it was. 4. The arrangement was that you ... to give your views and I... to say what I thought of them. 5. He set off to the school where he ... to write
examinations for entry to the University. 6. When I got home I found I had left my olive oil in front of the notice-board and I ... to return in the afternoon to collect it. 7. I wondered what ... to happen to us. 8. We agreed that the one who came first... to reserve seats for the rest of us. 9. Nobody met me at the airfield as I ... to have arrived a day later and could not warn any of my friends of the change. 10. He always puts off doing what he ... to do until it... to be done.
11. We ... to leave on Monday, but because of a two days' delay with the visas we ... to book tickets for Wednesday.
12. There is nothing strange in what he did. It ... to be expected. 13. What ... to be done? We can't sit around like this the whole day. 14. He made all arrangements for the marriage which ... to take place on the day of his mother's arrival. 15. The Finnish woman who ... to work for Finch has not arrived yet. 16. Uncle Nick's things ... to be moved out of his room so that it could be re-let. 17. Eden went to the wood where he ... to meet his brother for a ride. 18. For the next few weeks I ... to stay in bed. Everyone came to visit me, and brought me presents, and I ... not to do the cooking. 19. That day, however, I had a pupil waiting for an English lesson and I ... to cut my visit short. 20. When no food ... to be had he seemed capable to do without. 21. ... I to do it all by myself? 22. You ... not to tell him anything about it before you get further instructions. 23. You ... not to tell him about it if you don't want to. 24. It was too late to change the plan and it ... to remain as it was. 25. They hoped to spend the summer together, but that ... not to be.
XII. Fill in the blanks with be to, have to, or must, using the correct form of the infinitive.
1. I did not know who ... (be) my travelling companion.
2. According to the state plan, many new dwelling houses ... (build) this year. 3. We ... (work) hard to achieve good results. 4. 'It is eight o'clock. The children ... go to bed,' Mr Hudson said to the nurse. 5. She ... (go) to bed at eight o'clock to be up in time for the first train. 6. This is serious; you ... (not joke) about it. 7. What ... (become) of the girl? ...
she (pay) anything? 8. 'I've told my husband he ... (not smoke) in the living room.' 'And I... (not tell) my husband such things; he's a born gentleman.' 9. The doctor told her that she ... (eat) chocolate. 10. He ... (stay) the night with us. I won't let him drive to the country in this rain. 11. He ... (stay) the night with us because he has missed the last bus. 12. He ... (stay) the night with us and tomorrow he sets off on his tour to Europe. 13. We ... begin as early as possible or we shan't finish it today. 14. My bike is under repair and I ... (walk) here this morning. 15. My bike was under repair and I ... (collect) it that afternoon. 16. My bike is under repair and I ... (collect) it yesterday. 17. He told me that I ... (not repeat) what I had heard. 18. No need to worry about the children. They ... (pass) the night in the country. 19. Mike ... (break) the news to his mother. She must know all about it already. 20. 'She's sinned and she ... (suffer),' said the missionary. 21. 'She has a lot to put up with, poor girl.' 'You ... (not tell) me. I know.' 22. He told me I... (not use) words which I didn't know. 23.1 did not expect that the worst ... (happen). 24. Sir Peter (looks at his watch): This is the time I ... (go). 25. Presently we ... (cross) the river, which we did on the craziest ferry-boat you can imagine. 26. Cokane (to Trench): How ... anybody (know) that you are well brought up if you don't show it by your manners? 27.1... (start) on my new job on Monday. 28. You ... (take) the dog away. I won't have it here any longer. 29. They ... (take) the dog along with them because there is no one who could look after it. 30. She ... (learn) to do things for herself. I refuse to help her in future. 31. What a pity you ... (go). I know it's time for you to catch your train. 32. I ... (be) off. I want to go to bed. 33. My mother says that I ... (not be) out after eleven o'clock, but I ... (not hurry) home because she herself is out playing bridge. 34. He told me that I ... (learn) by heart some twenty lines every day to know English well. 35. Meat ... (keep) in a refrigerator or it will spoil.
XIII. Translate from Russian into English.
1. Если у тебя будут неприятности, ты должна послать за мной. 2. Мне придется обдумать это и принять решение.
3. Если вы приходите сюда работать, то вы обязаны работать. 4. Ты должен научиться серьезно относиться к жизни, Стивен. 5. Вы должны сейчас же спуститься вниз, мисс: так говорит ваша мать. 6. Я рассказал эту историю, потому что кому-то надо было говорить. 7. Я должна выздороветь. Это слишком дорого обходится Барту. 8. Опять ему пришлось работать по ночам, и опять работа продвигалась медленно. 9. Я был несколько удивлен, обнаружив в зале, где я должен был выступать, так много людей. 10. Мне не пришлось их знакомить. Оказалось, что они встречались раньше. 11. Тебе придется взять пальто. Холодает. 12. Озеро было так близко, что Алан, который не любил ходить пешком, согласился, что не нужно брать машину. 13. Он знал, что ему не надо никому ничего объяснять. 14. Через десять минут вы должны сдать контрольные работы. 15. Он обязан (ему полагается) знать это. 16. Незачем было нести эти свертки самой. Магазин бы доставил их, если бы вы попросили. 17. Незачем брать зонтик. На небе ни облачка. 18. Один из гостей сел около меня. Мне не нужно было говорить, кто он. 19. Извини за опоздание. Мне пришлось отвести детей в школу. 20. Вы должны пользоваться словарем. Я устал исправлять ваши орфографические ошибки. 21. Тебе не надо было делать пересадку. Автобус №8 довозит прямо до моего дома. 22. Объявление гласило, что посетители не должны кормить животных. 23. Концерт должен был состояться пятого февраля, но был отложен из-за болезни дирижера. 24. Дети, вы не должны играть со спичками. 25. Почему Тому пришлось вчера уйти с работы так рано? 26. Разве тебе не нужно сегодня вернуть книги в библиотеку? 27. Врач сказал, что за ребенком нужно хорошо ухаживать. 28. Ты можешь подождать полчаса? — Нет, не могу. Я должен быть дома в два часа, и мне нужно поторопиться, так как сейчас без двадцати минут два. 29. Если боль прошла, то ему не нужно принимать лекарство. 30. У него хорошие способности к языкам, и ему не приходится много заниматься. 31. Руди пригласили на обед к Мэри. После обеда они должны были пойти в кино. 32. Вы должны сделать работу к четвергу. 33. Мне не нужно будет
сдавать этот экзамен. 34. Если бы я не приготовил все заранее, мне нужно было бы сделать это сейчас. 35. Он должен был уехать утренним поездом, но что-то задержало его и ему пришлось ехать вечерним поездом. 36. Не полагается разговаривать во время контрольной работы. 37. Он сказал, что я могу не оплачивать счет до 31 числа. 38. Я должен встретить их на вокзале? — Нет, не нужно. Ты должен ждать их здесь. 39. Кому-нибудь придется ее проводить. Я сам не смогу.
XIV. Study and practise.
1. Customer: I wonder if you can tell me what the special
requirements are for a visit to Poland?
Official: First you have to arrange a visa. This can take up to three weeks so you must apply early-
Customer: Thank you. I'll have to contact my friend before I can make any definite arrangements. But I can see we'll have to move more quickly if we want to travel in July.
Official: Yes, sir. You must fill in the form as soon as you can.
2. Susan: Can't you come and have tea now, Peter? Peter: Not yet, dear. I must water the garden first. Susan: Do you have to water it now?
Peter: I'm afraid I must.
Look at it! It's terribly dry.
Susan: What a nuisance!
Peter: Last summer it was very dry, too. I had to water it every day.
Susan: Well, I'll have tea by myself.
Susan: That was quick!
Have you finished already?
Peter: Yes, dear.
Look out of the window.
Susan: Good heavens! It's raining.
That means you needn't water the garden. Peter: That was a pleasant surprise.
It means I can have tea, instead.
3. Maria: Hey, Judy, want to come to lunch with me? Judy: Oh, lunch would be great right now, Maria,
but I just don't have the time. I have this three o'clock sales meeting with the vice president and I have to finish typing my report before I do another thing.
Maria: Oh, but this is the third time this week you've skipped lunch.
Judy: Well, I know, but this is just too important to miss. Listen, could you bring me back a sandwich?
Maria: Sure.
Judy: I'll have to eat it at my desk while I make a few more phone calls to check on some sales figures before the meeting.
Maria: Sure, but... but why can't your secretary help finish the report?
Judy: Well, I'd have my secretary do it only, with this deadline, I just can't trust him to type it fast enough. I want to do it myself so I know it's done right. Look, I can't talk any more, Maria, I have to get started on this report. There are just too many important things to do before this meeting this afternoon.
4. Josh has now got a job as a tour guide through Work International. His first job is to take a coach party around Europe.
Clare: OK. So is everything all right for Monday? Josh: Yes, fine. Oh, just one thing. How much do I
have to know about each city? Clare: You don't have to be an expert but it helps if
you know a little. Josh: I see.
Clare: They use local guides.
Josh: Ah, that's good. Do things ever go wrong on
these trips? Clare: Oh, yes, often. You have to be quite resourceful!
A. 1. What is Josh's first job? 2. How much does he have to know about each city in Europe? 3. What sort of person does a tour guide have to be?
B. Do you know anyone who has been a tour guide? Do you think it is an exciting job?
C. An English-speaking friend is interested in the way you live in your country. In pairs, use the list below to ask and answer about laws in your country.
A: Do you have to carry an ID card all the time? B: Yes, you do./No, you don't.
Do you have to:
— carry an ID (identity) card all the time?
— show an ID card to buy alcohol?
— do military service if you are a man?
— pay for water?
— pay when you visit the doctor?
— buy your own books at school?
— pay traffic fines on the spot (immediately)?
5. John Byron is a tour guide who takes coach parties through Europe.
'All sorts of things can go wrong on these tours. One of the worst problems is when the bookings are wrong. For example, you arrive late at the hotel and there are only thirty beds when you've got forty people on the bus! You have to be very resourceful. You have to sort out problems quickly. There is always one big drama during a tour. Last year in Austria a man in my party had an asthma attack in the middle of the night and I had to call a doctor. The man couldn't breathe. In fact he nearly died and the hotel owner was very worried because he didn't want a death in his hotel! The doctor
forgot to bring any alcohol to sterilise his needles and he had to use some local brandy from the hotel bar! You have to be on your toes all the time in this job!'
A. Have you ever had any problems on a school trip, guided tour or package holiday?
B. In pairs, choose three adjectives from the box to describe the qualities most needed for each of the jobs below.
I. A teacher has to be ...
1. teacher
2. a personal assistan
3. a writer
4. a nurse
5. a model
6. a hairdresser
7. an engineer
| reliable | resourceful | patient | efficient |
| attractive | creative | kind | intelligent |
| smart | friendly | hardworking | practical |
6. I=Interviewer M=Megan L=Laura
I: What are some of the good things about being a
teenager, not an adult? M:Um ... well, you don't have to go out to work, for a
start. L: And you don't have to pay bills. You can go out with
your friends, go shopping, go to the cinema. M: But I always have to tell my Mum and Dad where I'm
going first.
L: So do I. Another thing is we don't have to do the housework and the washing and cleaning, and all that stuff,
which is really boring. M:One problem is that you never have enough money.
We get some money from our parents, but it's never
enough. You aren't allowed to buy what you want. I: What do you think it's like being an adult? L: Well, adults have to worry about bills and looking
after their family. They can't do what they want when
they want.
I: They have responsibilities, you mean?
L: Yeah. I feel more sorry for my Mum. She's always rushing around and she has to go to work as well. She doesn't have to work on Thursdays and Fridays, but she has loads of different things to do in a day, like shopping, er ... cooking, taking me to dancing and swimming.
I: So do you think Dad has the easier life?
L: Well, I don't know. He has to work full-time, and he drives over a thousand miles a week, but he doesn't have to do anything in the house. When he gets in at 7.30, everything's been done!
I: Urn, tell me about school. What are some of the school rules?
M:Huh! We have to wear a stupid school uniform, and we're not allowed to wear white socks, they have to be black. We can't wear make-up, and we aren't allowed to chew gum!
I: And if you break one of the rules, you get a Friday afternoon detention!
A. What are some of the things Megan and Laura like a don't like about being a teenager? Complete the gaps.
a. You ... go out to work.
b. You ... pay bills.
c. You ... go out with your friends.
d. I always ... tell my Mum and Dad where I'm going.
e. We ... do the housework.
f. You ... buy what you want.
g. Adults ... worry about bills.
h. We ... wear a stupid school uniform, i. We ... wear make up. j. We ... chew gum!
B. Laura's parents are called Malcolm and Barbara, wnat are some of the things they have to do, and some of the things they don't have to do? Who do you think has an easier life, Barbara or Malcolm? What about your family?
Is there a division between what the men do and what the women do in your family?
7. Molly Morgan is going to her sister's house for a week.
Molly: Now, Mick! What have you got to do while I'm away?
Mick: I've got to hoover the carpet ... and do the washing. Oh ... and I've got to feed the cat. Have I got to do the shopping?
Molly: No you haven't. There's lots of food in the fridge.
Mick: And have I got to cut the grass?
Molly: Yes, you have. It's very long. I'm coming back on Sunday.
Mick: OK. Goodbye, Molly.
A. Write a list of things you've got (haven't got) to do today.
B. Rewrite these sentences with have (n't) got to or must not
as appropriate.
Example: If you want to take the exam it is necessary to sign your name.
If you want to take the exam you've got to sign your name.
1. It isn't necessary to answer all the questions, but you can if you want to.
2. It is necessary to answer at least three questions or you'll fail.
3. You can't use a pencil in the examination.
4. It is forbidden to leave the room during the first hour of the exam.
5. It isn't necessary to answer the questions in numerical order.
6. Everybody must answer question I, but you needn't answer
question 2, if you don't want to.
7. You needn't spend half an hour on every question.
8. If you finish half an hour early it isn't necessary to wait until the end.
g. Tessa hasn't seen Maggie for a long time and would like her to come round to her flat.
Tessa: It would be nice to see you again, Maggie. Are
you free on Sunday evening? Maggie: I'm sorry, I'm not. I've got to visit my aunt in
hospital. Tessa: Oh, that's a pity. Monday's difficult for me.
What about Tuesday evening? Maggie: Tuesday's bad for me as well. I've got to go to a
meeting.
Tessa: Wednesday then? Maggie: No, Wednesday's out for me I'm afraid. I've got
to stay in and do some work. I really must. Tessa: Oh, that's a shame. Well, I can't make Thursday.
Friday? Maggie: I'm awfully sorry, I've got to go out for dinner
on Friday.
Tessa: Have you got to? Can't you get out of it? Maggie: I'm afraid not, I've simply got to go. Tessa: Well ... it looks as if we'll have to wait till next
week then. Maggie: Yes, I am sorry Tessa. Look, I must go now. I
have to meet Stephen in ten minutes. Ring me
next week sometime. Tessa: Fine. Try and keep an evening free for me.
9. John: I'd love to continue this conversation, but I really need to go now. I have to get back to the office.
Steve: Well', let's get together soon.
John: Okay. Would you like to have lunch some day next week?
Steve: Sure. How about Monday?
John: Hmm. I'm afraid I can't make it on Monday,
I've got to fly to Chicago on business. 'Steve: Well, unfortunately, I'm tied up on Tuesday. I'm supposed to have lunch with an important visitor from out of town, and I don't think there's
any way I can get out of it. Are you free on Wednesday?
John: Wednesday? Let's see. Hmm. Somehow I think I've already got something scheduled for Wednesday. Oh, yes! I've got an appointment with my dentist to have my teeth cleaned, and it's essential that I keep it.
Steve: Well, I'm afraid Thursday is out for me. I'm expected to attend a meeting of our personnel committee, and it's very important for me to be there.
John: So that leaves Friday. I don't have any obligations or commitments on Friday. How about you?
Steve: Friday sounds good. Where should we meet?
John: You know I really must be going now or I'll be very late.
Steve: Can you give me a call tomorrow and we'll decide?
John: Fine. Speak to you then.
Sorry I have to rush off like this.
Steve: That's okay. I understand.
John: Good-bye.
Steve: So long.
A. Make up similar dialogues.
lO.When Margaret went into Wilson's office, she noticed that he looked very tired. In fact, he looked awful. She knew it was not a good time to ask for a rise, but she felt she had to. She tried to think of something casual to say first. It was always best to begin such conversations casually.
'Uh ... you're looking a bit tired,' she said. Wilson sighed. He told her he had just seen the Financial Controller, the man who told everybody at the EBC how much they could spend.
'As usual, he said I was spending too much. It wasn't a very pleasant conversation,' he said. Then he mentioned that he had a headache. Margaret began to feel sorry for him. She offered to get some aspirins for him from the canteen.
'You needn't bother. I can go there myself,' he said.
'Oh, but I'm going to the canteen anyway. It's no trouble,' she protested. Wilson thanked her and gave her some money for the aspirins. She left. It was only after she had closed the door behind her that she realised something. She had forgotten to ask for the rise!
A- Margaret says:
'I'll go to the canteen now.'
and Wilson answers:
'That's very kind of you, but you needn't bother. I
can go there myself.'
What are his answers if she says:
1. Til type that letter.'
2. 'I'll post those letters.'
3. 'I'll carry that bag for you.'
4. 'I'll take care of this matter.'
5. Til solve the problem for you.'
6. 'I'll dial the number for you.'
11. 'Do you call that a hat?' I said to my wife.
'You needn't be so rude about it,' my wife answered as she looked at herself in the mirror.
I sat down on one of those modern chairs with holes in it and waited. We had been in the hat shop for half an hour and my wife was still in front of the mirror. 'We mustn't buy things we don't need,' I remarked suddenly. I regretted saying it almost at once.
'You needn't have said that,' my wife answered. 'I need not remind you of that terrible tie you bought yesterday.' 'I find it beautiful,' I said. 'A man can never have too many ties.' 'And a woman can't have too many hats,' she answered.
Ten minutes later we walked out of the shop together. My wife was wearing a hat that looked like a lighthouse!
A. Put mustn't, needn't or needn't have in the gaps in the following sentences.
1. You ... give Freddy any more sweets or he won't eat any tea.
2. The Doctor said I... go back to the hospital; my leg is all right.
3. You ... make any sandwiches for me. I'm not hungry.
4. My tea was already sweetened. I ... put any sugar in it, but I did and made it too sweet.
5. She ... fill in a new application form, we have the other one.
6. You ... mention this to Kate, or she'll get upset.
7. I... answered the questions, which would have saved me a lot of time.
8. She ... bring a doctor's certificate, she was only away for one day.
9. You ... take any more aspirins, you've had four already.
10. Tell her she ... open any letters marked 'personal'.
11. You ... stayed if you hadn't wanted to-
12. Mike: Do you think I can borrow the car tonight, Mum? Mum: No, you can't. Your father and I will be using it.
We're going to the annual general meeting at the
bridge club.
Mike: But they aren't holding the meeting tonight. Mum: Aren't they? How do you know? Mike: I heard Dad telling Mr Jones it had been postponed
for a month. Mum: Well, he didn't mention it to me. If that's the
case you can use the car, but you're not to cram it
with too many of your friends again. There must
have been eight or nine of you in it last week.
You'll spoil the upholstery, and besides it's against
the law. Mike: Well Pete's car had broken down, so ours was the
only available. Anyway there are only seven of us
this week, Mum: That car's only meant to take five people. You are
not to go far in it, or you'll break the springs. Mike: We're only going to a party at Topsham. I'll drive
slowly and gently. Mum: Another of those parties! You're to be home at
midnight, or your father and I will be worried to
death that you've had a crash. Mike: Mum, the party will hardly have started by
midnight. Just go to sleep and forget about me. Mum: If you're late in, you are not to make a noise ...
And you're not to drink any alcohol or the police
will stop you and you'll lose your license. Mike: For god's sake, Mum, you must think I'm 9 years
old, not 19!
A. Look at the examples below. Make up similar dialogues.
A: I can't take the car tonight, can I? B: No, you're not to take the car tonight.
A: Mike's got to come back before twelve o'clock, hasn't
he? B: Yes, he's to come back before twelve o'clock.
13. Mum:Hello, Mike. Did you enjoy the weekend in Paris?
Mike: Yes, it was great, Mum. Look, I've brought you back some wine, and here are some cigarettes for Dad.
Mum: Thank you, dear. That's lovely. But you needn't have gone to that expense.
Mike: Well, I don't often buy you presents, but I don't often go to Paris either.
Mum: Tell me about it. What did you do with yourself?
Mike: Well, we had quite a good flight, and we got to the hotel at about seven o'clock. We had a super dinner, and then Olive, Tim and I went to a nightclub.
Mum: Didn't anyone else go with you?
Mike: No, no one else wanted to come. All the others were too tired. Then on Saturday morning we did some shopping, and of course we watched the international rugby match in the afternoon. The match was drawn, but England were lucky not to lose.
Mum: Where else did you go? Didn't you look round the Louvre?
Mike: Yes, but it was a lightning visit. And.we went up the Eiffel Tower too, of course. But we didn't have time for much else. We were told we were not to be late for check-in at the airport and we had to rush like mad. When we got there, though we found we needn't have hurried because take off had been delayed for an hour.
Mum: What else did you buy then?
Mike: Let me see ... A few souvenirs, some postcards, a bottle of perfume for Janet ... Nothing much else because I ran out of money. By the way, can you lend me a couple of pounds until next week, Mum?
Mum: So that's the price of my French wine, is it?
A. Complete the sentences using had to, didn't have to, was not to, or was not allowed to.
1.1... go to London last week for a meeting. The firm paid so I ... buy the train ticket. I ... go first class because the firm was trying to economise on fares. I ... be in London by 10 o'clock, so I... get up early to catch the train in the morning. The boss said I ... be late because I ... meet a very important client from New York. The discussions only lasted a few hours and I... stay the night because there was a fast train home in the evening. I wanted to stay and see a show but my wife wasn't well and she said that I... be away all night. After the meeting I ... rush to the station to catch the train.
14. Nick: Hello, Alex. Alex: Oh, hi Nick! Nick: What's happening? Alex: We're waiting to see Timothy Dalton. I want to
get his autograph. Nick: Why don't you go in? Alex: We're not allowed to. We have to wait until he
comes out. Man: Come on, you lot, move on. You know you're not
supposed to block the street.
Alex: Here he is! Later Alex: Well at least I got his autograph! Do you want to
come and have a coffee? Nick: O.K. But I'll have to be quick. I'm supposed to be
revising.
A. Complete the text by Inserting one of the verb phrases below.
| not allowed to not supposed to was allowed to | has to didn't have to | have to |
I've got a new job as a security guard and it's a big change. We ... clock in at 7.30 but in my last job we ... start until eight o'clock. Also in my last job ... take an afternoon off every two weeks but here we don't get any half days. They're strict about smoking too but I think that's good. We're ... smoke anywhere in the building. Anyone who wants to smoke ... go outside. But they're not so strict about the lunch hour. We're ... take more than an hour off but everyone does. Nobody seems to mind very much if you're a bit late back.
15. The education of children starts as soon as they are born; girls wear pink and boys wear blue; boys play with guns and girls play with dolls. Boys are allowed to make more noise and cause more trouble, while girls are supposed to be more interested in talking to and understanding people. This kind of education prepares boys for power in the world but for little else.
A. Are your parents strict?
Say what you are (not) allowed (supposed) to do.