Comprehension questions:

1. Where had Harrison lived before he returned to England?

2. When did he buy a house there?

3. What did he begin to complain about?

4. Why did he sell the house hardly had he had time to settle down?

5. Why did the dream he had for many years end?

9. A Clear Conscience

The whole village soon learnt that a large sum of money had been stolen. Sam Benton, the local butcher, had lost his wallet while he was taking his savings to the post-office. Sam was sure that the wallet had been stolen by one of the villagers, but it was not returned to him. Three months passed, and then one morning, Sam found his wallet outside his front door. It had been wrapped up in a newspaper and it contained half the money he had lost, together with a note, which said: "A thief, yes, but only 50% (per cent) a thief!" Two months later, some more money was sent to Sam with another note: "Only 25 per cent a thief now!" In time, all Sam's money was paid back in this way. The last note said: "I am 100 per cent honest now!"

Key Structures:

He was sure that the wallet had been stolen.

The whole village soon learnt that a large sum of money had been stolen.

It had been wrapped up in a newspaper.

All Sam's money was paid back.

Change the form of the expressions in italics. Use the Passive Voice.

The whole village soon learnt that someone had lost a large sum of money. Sam was sure that one of the villagers had found the wallet, but no one returned it to him! Someone had wrapped it up in newspaper and it contained half the money Sam had lost. Two months later, someone sent more money to Sam with another note ... . In time someone paid back all Sam’s money in this way.

10. Mad or Not?

Airplanes are slowly driving me mad. I live near an airport and passing planes can be heard night and day. The airport was built during the war, but for some reason it could not be used then. Last year, however, it came into use. Over a hundred people were driven away from their homes by the noise. I am one of the few left. Sometimes I think this house will be knocked down by a passing plane. I have been offered a large sum of money to go away, but I am determined to stay here. Everybody says I must be mad and they are probably right.

Key Structures:

I live near an airport.

I am living at my friend's now as my house is being painted.

I have been living here for 10 years (since I was born).

Comprehension Questions:

1. Why are airplanes driving the man mad?

2. What happened to a hundred people when the airport came into use last year?

3. Did the man stay at his house or did he move to a new flat?

4. Why is the man determined to stay?

5. Do you believe he is mad? Why?

Review Exercises

1. Put the verbs in brackets into the correct passive form.

Last week a new leisure centre (1) (to open) in the town of Malden. The centre (2) (to believe) to be the largest in Europe and it (3) (to hope) that it (4) (to visit) by over 40,000 people a month. The centre (5) (to plan) for over ten years, but it (6) (only/to make) possible by a large government grant. Unfortunately, it (7) (not/to finish) yet, but it (8) (to think) that it (9) (to complete) by next month. The centre includes an Olympic-size swimming pool and fifty tennis courts which can be booked by phone. The gym (10) (to claim) to be the most modern in the country. The equipment (11) (to buy) in Germany and training (12) (to provide) by five top instructors. Entrance fees are cheap because half the cost (13) (to pay) by the local council, so many local people will be able to afford them.