2. Study the following expressions connected with sea.

1. If something goes down a storm it means it's massively successful and enjoyable - so my party went really well - it went down a storm.

2. When we use the expression to miss the boat we mean that we are too late to take advantage of a good opportunity.

3. Plain sailing. It's an expression used to describe an activity that goes well or smoothly and is easy and uncomplicated.

4. If two or more parties are in the same boat, they are in the same unpleasant or difficult situation.

5. If you tell someone not to rock the boat, you are asking them to do nothing that might cause trouble or upset a stable situation.

6. When you are in difficulty, any port in a storm refers to a solution you accept which in normal circumstances you would find unacceptable.

7. If you sail close to the wind, you do something dangerous or act just within the limits of what is legal or acceptable.

8. If you sail through something, for example a test or an exam, you succeed in doing it without difficulty.

9. If someone or something takes the wind out of your sails, they make you feel less confident by doing or saying something that you do not expect.

3. Fill in the gaps with the correct form of expressions.

e.g. Once we found some office space and recruited staff, setting up our business was plain sailing.

1. I managed to get my order through before the end of the special offer - but I nearly ____________!

2. When the factory closed down, the workers all found themselves _______________.

3. You should have seen the new band last night. They _____________with the audience.

4. I should have travelled the world when I was young. Now I have a family to take care of. I might _____________.

5. The hotel was substandard, but it was a case of ________________; all the others were full.

6. The manger's rejection of our marketing strategy really _________________.

7. After the recent riots, it was decided ______________ by introducing strict measures.

8. Driving through the city was difficult but once we were on the motorway it was __________ all the way.

9. He seems to invest his money well although he often __________________.

10. The English test was no problem for Pedro. He ______________________ it.

11. My idea for more holidays ________________ with my colleagues.

4. Types of ships (part I).

Ship is one of the oldest and most important means of transportation. Every day, thousands of ships cross the oceans, sail along seacoasts, and travel on inland waterways. Trade among countries depends heavily on ships.

Many kinds of ships are used to carry the world's trade. Giant tankers haul petroleum, soybean oil, wines, and other liquids. Refrigerator ships (reefers) carry fresh fruits, meats, and vegetables. Vessels called dry bulk carriers haul such cargoes as grain, ore, and sand. General cargo ships transport everything from airplane engines to zippers. Passenger liners carry travelers across the oceans and vacationers on cruises to the Mediterranean and Caribbean seas and other scenic areas.

Today, ships are as important as ever to a country's prosperity and strength. All the great trading nations try to have a large merchant marine. A merchant marine consists of the commercial, or merchant, ships of a country.

The difference between a ship and a boat is chiefly a matter of size. Large oceangoing vessels are called ships. All other craft are called boats.