8.1 Making preparations
Presentation
R
onnie
has had a busy day. He’s been making a lot of preparations. He
woke up early, went to the Rent-a-car office, and hired a new car.
Then, after a quick breakfast, he went to John’s house, borrowed a
long ladder, which he put on the roof of the car, and drove to work.
During his coffee break, he made a copy of his birth certificate, and before he had lunch he visited the bank and closed his account. After lunch, he just had time to rush into the travel agent’s and book a hotel room.
Then on his way home from work he bought three bottles of champagne. As soon as he got home, he rushed upstairs and packed all his clothes. ‘That’s it,’ he said to himself. ‘I’ve done everything!’
Now Ronnie’s talking on the telephone. ‘Julia ? Everything’s ready. I’ll be round for you at midnight...’
Ronnie has done seven important things today. What are they ?
Practice
Ronnie and Julia are still on the phone. Julia wants to make sure that Ronnie really has done everything.
Julia: |
Have you borrowed the ladder ? |
|
Ronnie: |
Yes, I have. |
|
Julia: |
Are you sure, Ronnie ? |
|
Ronnie: |
Yes, of course! I borrowed it |
after breakfast, early this morning, from John. before I went to work. |
Now continue their conversation. Julia also wants to know about:
1. Ronnie’s birth certificate 4. the hotel room 7. the ring
2. Ronnie’s clothes 5. his bank account
3. the car 6. the champagne
What preparations do you think Julia has made?
8.2 Preparations and results Practice
Archibald has invited Anastasia to supper at his flat. He is expecting her to arrive any minute now ...
The curtains are drawn.
The lights are all off except one.
There’s a record on – soft music.
The table is laid for two.
The candles are lit.
There’s a bottle of wine and two glasses on the table.
Archibald is wearing his velvet jacket and bow tie.
There’s a bunch of red roses on the coffee table.
These are the results of Archibald’s preparations. Say what Archibald has done.
At that moment the doorbell rings. It is Archibald’s mother. She wants to know why Archibald has done all these things. Work in pairs.
Pair A: You are Archibald’s mother, and you’re very suspicious. Think what questions you will ask your son.
Pair В: You are Archibald, and you don’t want your mother to know what’s going on. Think what excuses you will make to her.
Now form new pairs, (one A and one B), and act out the conversation.
8.3 Leaving notes Writing
You are going away for the weekend. It is your friend’s birthday, and you are letting him use your flat while you are away to give a birthday party. Before you leave, you write him a note, saying what you have done, and asking him to do things. Work in pairs. Write the note, using these topics to help you:
cleaning furniture food drink |
key house plants cat neighbours |
Pass your note to another pair.
Write a reply to the note you have received. Imagine you have had the party. Write about:
1. what happened at the party
2. what you have done in preparation for your friend’s return