9. Read and translate the text “Roots and stems”, find in the text:

a) sentences in the Future Continuous (Progressive) Active.

Roots and stems

It is the end of the term. It is the most difficult time for the students. Neither Kate, nor Alex or Lucy like this time. They don’t like the present, but what about the future? Kate is looking forward for tomorrow. There’ll be two important events for her. The first thing is the final test on botany. But the most important and meaningful for her is Alex’s invitation to the theatre. Kate is really happy, she is dreaming: “Tomorrow at 11 o` clock I’ll be writing a test on the topic “Leaves”. Of course, I hope, of course I’ll do it well. At half past 6 I must meet with Alex near the theatre. I mustn’t be late. He’ll be worrying. What shall I put on? I think my green dress. I’m so happy, I can’t believe that tomorrow at this time we’ll be watching a performance. We’ll be sitting close to each other and holding to each other by the hand”. The telephone is ringing, it’s Lucy, Kate` s girlfriend. “Hi, Kate, how are you? Could you help me with my English tomorrow at 6 o` clock?” asks Lucy

“Oh, Lucy”, answers Kate, “I am sorry, but I’ll be very busy at this time tomorrow”.

“And what about 7 o’clock?”

“Oh, no, I` ll be busy.”

“And what will you be doing at this time tomorrow, if it is not a secret?”

“Tomorrow from 6 to 8 I `ll be watching a performance at the theatre”

“Alone?”

“No, with Alex”

“Really?”

“Yes, it is really so.”

“Ok, Kate if you have a little time now, would you kindly help me with botany? I was late for the lecture yesterday, that` why I missed some important aspects,” asks Lucy.

“Ok, I am ready to answer all of your questions; it seems to me that I know the theme “Roots and stems perfectly well!” says Kate.

“Thanks, a lot, what is a root”?

“In our lecture it is said that the root is the part of a plant that is usually found underground but can also be above ground. Roots' jobs are: to absorb or take in water and minerals from the ground; to hold the plant in place; to store food for the plant; to prevent soil erosion. Is everything clear?” asks Kate.

“Yes, but I` ve got one more question: Is there only one root system?”

“No, there are two kinds of root systems. One is the tap root system. In this system there is a main root larger than the other branching roots. The other is the diffuse root system. In this system there are many thin roots with smaller root branching out. Tap roots are found in most trees and the carrot, parsnip , radish, beet, and dandelion. The grasses such as corn and rye have diffuse roots.

Root systems can be far larger the above ground parts of the plant. They tend to grow in length rather than width. The roots contain a cap at their end that is replaced periodically as the root grows through the soil.

Within the roots themselves are areas that store food and also tubes called xylem and phloem that take in water and minerals up to the leaves and to bring food manufactured in the leaves back down for nourishment and storage. There are tiny root hairs that maximize the water and minerals that the root can take in or absorb. Roots of plants are helpful to man because they help the plant live and also man eats many different kinds of roots”.

“Oh, now I see, and what is a stem?” Lucy goes on asking questions.

“The stem is a part of the plant that holds up other structures such as the leaves and flowers. This is important as the leaves need to be held up to the sun to get its light for photosynthesis and the flowers need to be held up to be available for pollination. Stems also carry water and minerals up from the roots to the leaves to help with photosynthesis and take food back down to be stored and distributed to the plant as it has need. The tubes in the stem that take the water and minerals up into the plant are the xylem and the tubes that carry the food back down are called the phloem”.

“Are there any different sorts of stems?”

“Yes, stems can be of several sorts, herbaceous and woody. The herbaceous stems are green and fairly bendable. The woody stems as their name implies, are covered by bark. The herbaceous stem has more pith for its size. The cambium which causes woody stems to get bigger in width is not as active in the herbaceous stems. Most herbaceous plants are annuals or planted yearly. The herbaceous stem has little notches where leaves develop. Woody stems have scars where twigs and fruit have dropped off and little openings for transpiration.

There are different sorts of aerial stems or stems that are upright. They include tendrils, runners and thorns. Succulents are plants with bigger fleshy stems that help plants retain water in dry areas. Some stems are underground such as bulbs and tubers. There are also stems that cannot hold themselves up, but need to be supported”.

“And how can the stems be valuable to man?” again asks Lucy.

“Stems are valuable to man as a source of food and its wood is used for many products. The sap from many stems is used for resins and latexes,” Kate answers.

“Oh, thank you very much for such valuable information. I am sure that you `ll get an excellent mark on botany tomorrow, because you know the subject so well,” says Lucy.

“Not at all, Lucy, see you tomorrow.”

“Bye.”