Lesson 3

Topic for Communication: Time to Spare

Language Use: Likes, dislikes and preferences

Grammar Focus:

Part a reading and speaking

Ex. 1. Read the text and check your understanding by answering the questions that follow.

A journey to a foreign country is always a voyage of discovery in which the human elements are art, history, culture and human contact. Everyone who goes abroad either for pleasure or on business faces with the dilemma of how to make the best use of time. They want to combine business with pleasure. It is particularly difficult for a businessman for whom business should come before pleasure as the English saying goes. So before going on a trip you should read up on the country you are going to and think of the things and places you are interested in.

Every third world country has something to be particularly proud of. Ancient temples, monuments, architectural masterpieces and other attractions make a list of sights not to be missed by visitors. In the USA it maybe the Statue of Liberty, in London – Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, in Paris – Eiffel Tower. In India these will include Agra's Taj Mahal, in Iraq visitors are sure to be taken to Babylon, in Egypt – to the famous pyramids, etc.

There are all kinds of things to do abroad. A lot depends on your taste, of course. You may, for instance, be keen on art galleries and museums, or prefer to see buildings and monuments, exhibitions and displays. You can go sightseeing, either on your own or in a group. You can take an open bus or go on organized walks, which could include sightseeing too. You may simply find a seat outdoor and watch people hurrying past.

Some people prefer to go to art centers including exhibitions, cinema, theater, music, etc. You can see what is on at the cinema or theatre by looking in local newspapers. National papers usually carry all details of theatre performances.

If you feel like spending a night having a drink, a meal, a dance, seeing a show, or a combination of some of these things you can go to different entertainment centers, such as discos, pubs, restaurants, bars, clubs. You can meet your friends there and have a nice time together. This way of socializing helps understand each other better, make friends, get better informed about different styles of life and behaviour.

Discos are very popular among young people. They are usually clubs. Like the other places mentioned here, they are mostly for people aged 18 or over, though some discos open at special times for younger age-groups. Discos go on till late at night and there are plenty of them – some playing all kinds of pop and rock music, and others playing only a particular kind.

Some people like shopping abroad buy souvenirs, presents for friends and themselves. We can understand them too because every country has its own very special articles of commerce that are not sold in your country. So, there is a great variety of opportunities.

If you haven't got much money to spend on entertainment, you can do much of what is cheep or even coasts nothing. To begin with, lots of events that are organized outside or in the street are free. There are street festivities and public processions. Some people play modern music and instruments on the streets and you can see modern theatre and dancing too.

Parks are another place where you'll often find things going on. You may simply relax on the grass, listening to a band perhaps. You can visit many museums and art galleries without having to pay, and some also show films. Some churches have free concerts, particularly at lunch-times. Everywhere you have the possibility to communicate with native speakers.

1. Is it true to say that a journey to a foreign country is always a voyage of discovery?

2. What are the human elements of such a journey?

3. What are people’s preferences for the weekend may be? What can they depend on?

4. Is it easy to choose a place to go?

5. Does the possibility of social contacts matter in planning the weekend? In what way?

Ex. 2.

At the weekend our group decides how to spend the days off. All students want to see the sights of London and have a good cultural programme. But they have different ideas of what it should be. David and Paul want to go to a football match, while Denis and Veronica would rather spend the day in the city buying souvenirs. Peter and Kate dream of going to the pub. They can’t agree. In the end they split up and decide to go separately.

The receiving party try to make their guests’ stay pleasant and entertaining. They offer an interesting cultural programme which includes sight-seeing, cultural outing and some special things to do. Supposingly the programme will give the visitors an idea of the country’s history, culture, customs and traditions. At the same time they want our students to give the chance to listen and speak English as much as possible. They want to make personal contact with them which is not less important than business contacts. So, both parties met together to discuss the plan for the weekend.