1.5.1. Look back at the texts and discuss the questions:

• What is Eric / Gregor’s situation like?

• Which would be worse: Eric or Gregor’s situation? Why?

• What do you think might have happened next in each story?

1.5.2. If you could be reborn as an animal, what animal would you like to be? Discuss the reasons for your choice with a partner.

1.6. Read the poem In Praise of Fish. It should help you to remember the particular noises that animals make.

I n Praise of Fish

Cats purr

As they lick their fur;

Horses neigh,

Donkeys bray;

Hounds bay

At the bloody ground

Horrible sound,

Barking hounds,

Snapping and yapping,

Tails wagging.

Lions roar

If they hurt their paw.

Hawks squawk

If they hurt their claw.

But fish don’t talk,

Thank the Lord.

Mice squeak, Sheep bleat – So do goats; A frog croaks. Most birds cheep, Some screech, But fish can’t speak, Thank Heavens. Unlike fish, Snakes hiss, And like it or lump it, Elephants trumpet. Pigs grunt, Flies hum, But fish are dumb, Thank God.

Wolves howl, Dogs will growl With a vicious snarl If you steal their meal. Piglets squeal So you know they feel While their mothers snort As they’re brought to the slaughterhouse. Fish don’t buzz, As a queen bee does. Ducklings quack, And bulldogs snap At the postman’s boots. Owls hoot, But a fish is mute, Thank Goodness.

1.7. Put each of the following idioms in its correct place in the sentences.

dog’s life dog-collar wolf in sheep’s clothing stag party

bookworm underdog wolf-whistlers wild-goose chase puppy fat

1. He’s always reading. He’ll read anything. He’s a real _____.

2. He’s a very informal priest. He rarely wears a _____.

3. Little Johnnie’s parents were worried that he was very big, but the doctor told them not to worry as it was only ____.

4. He was elected President as a man of peace and moderation, but when he began a reign of terror, people realised he was a __

5. Some girls appreciate _____ but others are embarrassed by them.

6. It’s hard work – not much money, no time to enjoy yourself. It’s a _____.

7. «Sorry I can’t invite you, Mary», said Peter, «but it’s a _____».

8. Most people want the weaker side to win for a change. It’s human nature to support the _____.

9. I went all over the place trying to get what I wanted but I had no success at all. It was a _____.

fly on the wall dog-eared frog in my throat cat’s eyes

guinea-pig pigeon-holes bird’s-eye-view

1. After a book has been used a lot, it tends to get a bit ____.

2. I’d love to be a _____ when the American and Russian leaders meet for a private talk.

3. From the mountain you’ll get a _____ of the town and lake.

4. Down the middle of the road, reflecting the car’s headlights, are the _____.

5. I was once a _____ in a medical experiment to test a new drug.

6. Can I have a glass of water? I’ve got a _____.

7. In offices and hotels, letters are often placed in little, open-ended compartments called _____ labeled with the letters of the alphabet.

1.8.  Read the following stories. Pay attention to the words and word combinations in bold type.