Writing

24. Revise the articles of this Unit and write an essay (about 250 words): “International terrorism: present realities and future tendencies.” Follow the procedure suggested in the previous Units.

American and British English

25. Study the following information.

There are many differences between American and British English especially in lexis. Very often different words are used to express the same idea. Here are a few examples.

American English	British English
apartment attorney, lawyer busy (phone) call collect (phone) can candy closet cookie, cracker drapes doctor’s office elevator fall first floor flashlight french fries garbage, trash garbage can gasoline highway, freeway intersection mail one-way ticket railroad raise (in salary) rest-room round trip schedule sneakers stand in line truck trunk	flat barrister, solicitor engaged (phone) reverse the charge (phone) tin sweets wardrobe biscuit curtains doctor’s surgery lift autumn ground floor torch chips rubbish dustbin, rubbish bin petrol main road, motorway crossroads post single ticket railway rise (in salary) public toilet return journey timetable trainers (= sports shoes) queue van, lorry boot (of a car)

Sometimes the same word has different meanings in British and American English. Here are some words which can cause confusion when used by Brits and Americans talking together.

The word	To an American it means	To a Brit in means
a bill mad mean pants pavement potato chips a purse subway a vest wash up	a bank note angry nasty trousers road surface potato crisps a handbag underground railway a waistcoat wash your hands	a check in a café crazy opposite of generous underpants path for pedestrians french fries a wallet an underpass an undershirt wash the dishes

26. Translate the following into British English.

1. Would you like some cookies?

2. We must find a filling station. We’ll run out of gas soon.

3. My sister is coming to see us in the fall.

4. It’s easy to find the sports center. Go along this highway and turn right at the first intersection. You can’t miss it.

5. One-way or round trip?

6. The detective looked into the garbage can and found bits of evidence.

7. Be sure you give me a ring. If you don’t have any money, call collect.

8. Don’t forget to mail this letter in the morning.

9. You’ve been working for two years. It’s time they gave you a raise.

10. I want to sell my apartment. They are building a railroad nearby.

11. I’ll get the candy tomorrow. There are too many people here and I hate waiting in line.

12. I can’t get through. The line is busy.

Explain what a British person or an American would mean when they say the following.

1. Where is the subway?

2. I’d like to wash up.

3. Can I have the bill, please?

4. Our office is on the second floor.

5. Mr Jones is really mad.

6. My sister-in-law is rather mean.