Exercise 20. Translate into English using the subjunctive mood

 

1. «Желательно, чтобы вы повторили (revise) все слова перед контрольной работой», – сказал преподаватель. 2. Он настаивал на том, чтобы ему передали всю дополнительную информацию. 3. Я требую, чтобы он ушел. 4. Комиссия предложила включить его в список. 5. Мы предлагаем им сделать перерыв. 6. Детям необходимо спать на открытом воздухе. 7. Вы должны наконец настоять, чтобы он возвращался домой вовремя. 8. Комитету рекомендовано разработать новую программу. 9. Председатель (chairman) предложил отложить вопрос. 10. Профессор требует от нас сдавать работы в напечатанном виде. 11. Предлагаю сделать это упражнение сейчас. 12. Погода хорошая, и я рекомендую всем прогуляться до станции пешком.

Exercise 21. Find and correct the mistakes if any

 

1. I cannot give him such a job. I wish he were light-minded. 2. It was desirable that all participants came on time. 3. If he would go there, I did not come. 4. He insisted that everybody would sign the paper. 5. He looks upon the cottage as if it is his property. 6. If he had come a bit earlier, he would have time to say goodbye to you. 7. She wished she had never mentioned his name. 8. Was it so important that he be present? 9. Should he could do it, he would do it. 10. I demand that he is taken to hospital immediately.

 

*Exercise 22. Translate the sentences into English

 

1. Как жаль, что мы потратили так много времени напрасно. 2. На вашем месте я бы знал, что делать. 3. Этот фильм понравился бы мне больше, если бы он был односерийным. 4. Она смотрит на меня, будто знает меня. Наверное, мы где-нибудь встречались. 5. Его доклад не был бы таким скучным, если бы он привел больше фактов. 6. Думаю, нам пора разжечь костер. 7. Жаль, что я не пообедал дома. 8. Если бы вы не сидели на сквозняке, вы бы не простудились. 9. Никто тебя и слушать бы там не стал. 10. Если бы не случай, мы никогда бы не встретились. 11. Жаль, что вы не подождали меня. Мы поехали бы осматривать город вместе. 12. Если бы он знал, что лекция не состоится, он не пригласил бы профессора Джонсона. 13. Жаль, что вы ничем не интересуетесь. 14. Если бы не серьезное выражение его лица, мы приняли бы это за шутку. 15. Мы ничего об этом не знали; мы никогда не согласились бы на это. 16. Ах, если бы я подумала об этом, когда еще не было поздно! 17. Если бы не Джордж, все было бы испорчено. 18. Артур не изменил бы своего решения, даже если бы Джемма попросила его об этом. 19. Если бы вы только знали, как я волновалась! 20. Жаль, что меня не было с вами, когда это случилось. 21. Если бы не акцент, никто не сказал бы, что он не русский. 22. Если бы вы хорошо подготовились к контрольной работе, вы не сделали бы в ней так много ошибок. 23. Я бы тебе позвонил, да у вас телефон не работал. 24. Жаль, что я уехал из Кейптауна. Лучше бы мне было там остаться. 25. О, если бы всегда была весна, сияло солнце и небо было безоблачным! 26. Он бы тотчас ушел, если бы не Лиззи. 27. Вам давно пора знать эти правила. Мы повторяем их на каждом уроке. 28. Будь я на вашем месте, я бы опубликовал эти стихи. 29. Он не поехал бы туда в тот вечер, если бы знал, что его друга не будет дома. 30. Мне бы не хотелось, чтобы вы расстраивались из-за таких пустяков.

 

Grammar Tests

Test 1

Tenses

 

Choose the right variant

 

1. He ____ for some time before a servant ___ and ___ what he ___.

a) knocked, opened, asked, wanted

b) was knocking, opened, asked, was wanting

c) had been knocking, opened, asked, wanted

d) had knocked, had opened, had asked, had wanted

 

2. The doctor ___ there ___ nothing to worry about if the fever ___ above 38, 5.

a) said, was, would not go

b) tells, is, will go

c) says, had been, went

d) said, was, did not go

 

3. I ____ a wash and a brush up before starting to go to the luncheon Tom ___ me to, when they ___ me from the desk to say that he ___ below.

a) had, was invited, were ringing, had been

b) was having, invited, had rung, was

c) was having, had invited, rang, was

d) had been having, had invited, had rung, had been

 

4. While we __ at ___ lunch, a letter __ to me from my sister.

a) were, __, was delivered

b) had been, a, was being delivered

c) were, the, had been delivered

d) have been, __, has been delivered

 

5. Some day I ___ to Paris to revisit all the places where I ___ in the time of my youth. I __ them for a quarter of a century or so.

a) will have gone, have lived, haven’t seen

b) am going, had lived, did not see

c) will go, lived, haven’t seen

d) will be going, had lived, hadn’t seen

 

6. Hardly ___ asleep __ an alarm clock ___.

a) have I gone, than, will ring

b) had I gone, when, rang

c) I had gone, that, had rung

d) was I going, as, was ringing

 

7. We ____ continue our research unless he ___ us.

a) can’t, won’t help

b) will not be able to, does not help

c) can, will help

d) won’t be able to, helps

 

8. We ____ him in many moods, but none of us ___ him to do a cruel thing.

a) see, ever know

b) see, don’t ever know

c) have seen, have known

d) have seen, haven’t ever known

 

9. He needed to feel that he ___, that he ___ here, and that his word

a) was being listened to, was commanding, was always obeyed

b) is being listened to, is commanding, is always obeyed

c) was listened to, was being commanding, was always being obeyed

d) is listened to, is being commanding, was always being obeyed

 

10. Look! What ___ beautiful view! The sun ___ yet, but the grey sky __ near the horizon.

a) ___, was not appeared, is parted

d) ___, did not appear, parted

c) the, has not been appeared, has parted

d) a, has not appeared, is parted

 

11. When he saw that someone ____ at him, he did not immediately realize who this someone ___.

a) looked, is

b) was looking, was

c) has been looking, is

d) had looked, was being

12. While our coffee ___, I ____ him our sad story which impressed him__.

a) was making, told, greatly

b) was being made, said, great

c) had been made, told, great

d) was being made, told, greatly

 

13. It ___ in the night, but now there ___ sunshine.

a) has rained, was

b) had rained, had been

c) is raining, is being

d) has been raining, is

 

14. As he___ the room that morning, Ann __ up the letter which she __.

a) was entered, was holding, had just received

b) was entering, has held, has just received

c) entered, was holding, had just received

d) had entered, held, has just received

 

15. I ___ a note with the address of the hotel and the boy’s name into his pocket ___ he ___ his way.

a) have put, provided, will lose

b) will put, providing, will have lost

c) have put, in case, lost

d) will have put, when, have lost

 

16. They ___, but as they ____ me there ___ a hush.

a) were talking, saw, was

b) are balking, have seen, had been

c) had been talking, will see, would be

d) have been talking, had seen, will be

 

17. Come on, if the sun ___ before we __ home, we ___ our way.

a) has set, reach, will lose

b) will have set, will reach, lose

c) will have set, reach, will lose

d) has been set, will reach, lose

 

18. ___when he ___ her for first time

a) Tell me, has met

b) Say me, had met

c) Say to me, net

d) Tell me, met

 

19. He was tired and by the time I ___, he ___ asleep.

a) have come, has fallen

b) came, fell

c) came, had fallen

d) had come, had fallen

 

20. The great majority of students ____ present at the conference, ___ great number of them ___ to listen to your lecture and each of them __ ready to answer your questions.

a) are, A, want, is

b) are, The, want, is

c) is, A, want, are

d) is, The, wants, has been

 

Test 2.

Modal Verbs

Choose the right variant

1. "They ____ an excellent vacancy last week. You ____ an opportunity of getting it," he reproached me.

a) had, mustn't miss

b) have had, might not have missed it

c) had, shouldn't have missed

d) were having, couldn't miss

 

2. He had to earn ____ living at ____ an early age, ____?

a) _____, such, hadn't he

b) his, such, didn't he

c) himself, so, hadn't he

d) to, so, didn't he

 

3. We ____ a camera because we never _____ a chance to use it.

a) might not have taken, had

b) should not have taken, have had

c) needn't have taken, had

d) mustn't have taken, had had

 

4. The line is busy; somebody ____ on the telephone now.

a) should be speaking

b) should have been speaking

c) must be speaking

d) can't be speaking

 

5. You ____ this! See how ___ she is.

a) ought not to say, distressing

b) ought not to have said, distressed

c) won’t be able to say, distressing

d) cannot have said, distressed

 

6. He says that nothing ____, because it is too ____. But I don’t believe a single word ____; they ____ us.

a) should do, lately, of him, mustn’t have failed

b) can’t be done, late, of his, oughtn’t fail

c) mustn’t be done, lately, of him, shouldn’t have failed

d) can be done, late, of his, can’t have failed

 

7. I managed to come here at half past six. But I ____. They ____.

a) needn't have hurried, had already left

b) needn't hurry, have already left

c) mustn't have hurried, had already left

d) shouldn’t hurry, have already left

 

8. If she doesn't take care of ____, she ____ have a nervous breakdown and ____ to hospital.

a) hers, may, should go

b) her, can, need to go

c) herself, may, may have to go

d) herself, must, must go

 

9. He ____ his wallet himself, it ____.

a) might lose, couldn't be stolen

b) may have lost, can't have been stolen

c) could have lost, must not have been stolen

d) ought to lose, shouldn't be stolen

10. You ____ a message at least! We ____ for two hours.

a) should send, waited

b) must have sent, were waiting

c) could send, have been waiting

d) might have sent, had been waiting

 

11. The only trouble is that I ___ my exams in spring and ___ them now.

a) couldn't, have taken, must have

b) couldn't take, must have

c) mustn't have taken, must have had

d) can't take, must have bad

 

12. The plane ___ at 5 a.m. and in this hurry-scurry she ___ the tickets on the table.

a) had to take off, can leave

b) was to take off, must have left

c) was to take off, needn’t leave

d) must have taken off, shouldn’t leave

 

13. Why ____ he take the scandal on himself? It is not ____.

a) must, fairly

b) may, fair

c) should, fair

d) could, fairly

 

14. You ____ to him. His information is ____.

a) shouldn't listen, misled

b) needn't have listened, misleading

c) can't have listened, misled

d) mustn't have listened, misleading

 

15. It is not worth ___ to ___ bed of he ____ at five.

a) to go, ____, have to get up

b) going, the, must have got up

c) to have gone, the, is to get up

d) going, ____, doesn't have to get up

16. They have made me ____ that I ___ selfish about it.

a) think, may have been

b) to think, must be

c) thinking, might have been

d) thought, should have been

 

17. It ____ late when I ___ home; there were no people in the street.

a) must have been, was going back

b) must be, am going

c) can't have been, was going

d) could not have been, went

 

18. You ____ worry, you ____ always rely on me in this matter.

a) must not, need

b) need not, may

c) can; need not

d) should, must

 

19. You ____ this device. It ____ dangerous.

a) couldn't have touched, maybe

b) must not touch, may be

c) shouldn't have touched, ought to be

d) needn't touch, must have been

 

20. I _____ my job. I _____ you before.

a) needn't have put off, should ask

b) shouldn't have put off, need to ask

c) needn't have put off, should have asked

d) shouldn't put off, should ask

 

Test 3.

Verbals

Choose the right variant

 

1. He seemed ___ all about influenza and said _____ was nothing ____ about.

a) to know, it, to worry

b) to be knowing, there, worrying

c) to know, there, to worry

d) to have known, it, to have been worried

2. She put down her book ___ me ____; and ____ me ____ took her workbasket and sat into one of the old-fashioned armchair.

a) to see, coming in, have welcomed, as usually

b) having seen, to come in, welcoming, usually

c) on seeing, come in, having welcomed, as usual

d) after seeing, having come in, to welcome, in a usual way

alone.

 

3. I don’t object _____ there, but I don’t want _______.

a) to your living, you living

b) you to live, your living

c) your living, you to live

d) to your living, you to live

 

4. I remember ____ that hill in twilight. An age seemed _____ since the day that brought me first to London.

a) descending, to have elapsed

b) to have descended, to have elapsed

c) to descend, to elapse

d) being descended, to be elapsed

 

5. He stood invisible at the top of the stairs ___ Irene ____ the letters _____ by the ______ post.

a) to watch, to sort, bringing, latest

b) watching, sorting, brought, last

c) having watched, sorting, having brought, last

d) being watched, having sorted, to have been brought, last

 

6. On his way home Andrew could not help _____ what ___ charming fellow Ivory had turned out.

a) to reflect, a, to be

b) being reflected, the, have been

c) reflecting, the, be

d) reflecting, a, to be

 

7. I wouldn’t like _________ because I am afraid _______.

a) drive fast, crashing

b) to drive fast, of crashing

c) driving fastly, to crash

d) to be driven faster, to be crashed

 

8. ______ paper is said _________ by _________ Chinese.

a) — to have been invented, the

b) the, to have been invented,

c) —, to have invented, —

d) the, to be invented, the

 

9. There is no point to –– him. He is _____ last man in the world _____ by any such circumstances.

a) to speak, the, to trouble

b) to speak,__, being troubled

c) speaking, a, be troubled

d) in speaking, the, to be troubled

 

10. It’s high time you ______ like that. He is fond ____ fun of everybody.

 

a) get used to him to behave, to make

b) used to his behaving, about making

c) got used to his behaving, of making

d) used to behave, to make

 

11. He felt ___ something from him and demanded ____ _____ truth. He wasn’t worth ____ _____ lie.

a) them to hide, to tell, the, telling, the

b) them hiding, they will tell, a, to tell, a

c) they were hiding, telling, the, telling, a

d) they hide, telling, a, telling, the

 

12. — — words about the author himself, the lecturer went on — of his works.

a) after saying, a few, to speak

b) saying, few, to speak

c) having said, few, speaking

d) to have said, a few, speaking

 

13. She was looking forward to _____ the leading part _____ that she was greatly _____ at not even ______ it.

a) giving, playing, disappointing, being offered

b) to be given, to play, disappointed, to be offered

c) being given, to play, disappointed, being offered

d) give, playing, disappointed, offering

 

14. Did you remember ______ the parcel I gave you? –Yes, I remember ______ it a week ago.

a) to post, posting

b) to post, to post

c) posting, to post

d) posting, posting

 

15. You _____ go and check everything by yourself unless you ____ it.

a) would better, want him to do it

b) had rather, don’t want his doing

c) had better, want him to do it

d) would rather, don’t want him to do

 

16. The accused men _____ near the bank during the robbery. It’s no use _______ the case without direct ____.

a) deny being somewhere, investigating, evidence

b) denies to be anywhere, to investigate, evidences

c) deny being anywhere, investigating, evidence

d) denies to be somewhere, to investigate, evidences

 

17. You ____ your children ________ their own way.

a) are to let, to go

b) have letting, going

c) have to let, go

d) are to let, gone

 

18. I suggest _____ as soon as possible. I ____ before sunset.

a) us to start, would rather to come

b) our starting, had rather come

c) us starting, would prefer to come

e) our starting, would rather come

 

19. I am afraid ____ to him. What if he really has the power to stop ___ there, and means _______ them against me?

a) to speak, me go, to turn

b) of speaking, my going, turning

c) to speak, my going, to turn

d) speaking, me going, to turn

 

20. He’s always regretted _____ school so young. He has not got enough qualifications and education. Unfortunately he often receives letters ____ with “Dear sir, we regret ____ you that your application was turned

down.”

a) leaving, beginning, to inform

b) to leave, to begin, to inform

c) leaving, beginning, informing

d) to leave, to begin, informing

 

Test 4.

Subjunctive Mood

 

Choose the right variant.

 

1. _____ beforehand, we _____ the catastrophe.

a) did we know, would prevent

b) would we know, had prevented

c) had we known, would have prevented

d) should we know, had prevented

 

2. I don’t know how _______ him. I wish I ________ his name.

a) address, did not know

b) to address, knew

c) addressing, would know

d) to address, should know

 

3. I look forward to ____ a rest. I _____ as if my head ___ splitting.

a) having, feel, were

b) having, feel myself, were

c) have, had felt, were

d) have, am feeling, is

 

4. He couldn’t remember his mother ____. But would everything ___ ____ if mother hadn’t died?

a) dying, be, dirrerently

b) to die, have been, as different

c) dying, have been, different

d) die, has been, so different

 

5. “Oh, Mary,” she said. “I wish you ____ with us, for we had ______ fun”.

a) had been, such a

b) were, so ____

c) would be, so a

d) had been, such ___

 

6. I remember his colour ___ away in a moment and he seemed ___ as if he ____.

a) go, breathing, had been running

b) to go, to breathe, ran

c) going, to breathe, had been running

d) have gone, to be breathing, was running

 

7. The vase is beautiful. You ____ _____ to match ___ you ____.

a) wouldn’t find, another, unless, had tried

b) wouldn’t have found, the other, if, would have tried

c) shouldn’t find, the other, unless, tried

d) wouldn’t find, another, if, tried

 

8. If you _____ the medicine the doctor prescribed you, you ___ ___ now.

a) had taken, would feel, much better

b) took, would feel, much more well

c) would take, would feel yourself, much more better

d) had taken, would have felt, much more good

 

9. I remember it so ____ as if it ____ only yesterday.

a) clear, happened

b) clearly, had happened

c) clear, would have happened

d) clearly, would happen

 

10. If you ___ the article I recommended you, you ___ how ___ such questions.

a) had read, had known, to answer

b) read, would know, to answer

c) would have read, would know, answer

d) had read, would know, to answer

 

11. I must be off now. If it ____ not so _____, I ____ a little longer.

a) were, lately, would stay

b) were, late, would stay

c) had been, late, would have stayed

d) wouldn’t be, lately, stayed

 

12. ___I___ the story from his own lips I ____ that he was capable of ___ action.

a) if, had heard, would never believe, such

b) unless, had heard, would have never believed, such an

c) in case, have heard, would never believe, so an

d) provided, had heard, would have never believed, such

 

13. In order to make our demands effective and to get the authorities __ them we suggested that there __ no return to work today.

a) to fulfil, be

b) fulfil, should be

c) fulfil, would be

d) fulfilling, were

 

14. I am going to have my kitchen ___. It is necessary that every crack ___ covered; also between ___ floor and __ door.

a) to repair, will be, the ___

b) to be repaired, is, ___ the

c) repaired, should be, the, the

d) being repaired, be, ____, ____

 

15. John demanded that Andrew ___ to the house with him to ___ tea.

a) would return, ____

b) returned, the

c) return, ____

d) should return, the

 

16. She wished he ___ what he ___ to say, and let ___.

a) would say, has, her to go

b) said, had, she go

c) had said, would have, she going

d) said, had, her go

 

17. He thought how hard the wind ___ and how the cold sharp rain ___ in his face at that moment, if he ___at home.

a) was blowing, would be beating, were not sitting, comfortably

b) is blowing, will be beating, is not sitting, comfortably

c) blew, beat, was not sitting, comfortably

d) had blown, had beaten, were not sitting, comfortable

 

18. I ____ to your place with pleasure ___ nothing ___ me.

 

a) will come, unless, prevented

b) will come, if, prevented

c) would come, unless, prevented

d) would have come, providing, would prevented

 

19. When they ___ ___ lunch he suggested that they ___ a stroll to ___ Luxembourg museum.

 

a) have finished, the, should have, the

b) finished, ____, had, _____

c) would have finished, a, would have, ____

d) had finished, ___, have, the

 

20. You never did anything ___ to ___, If you ___ you___ more support now.

a) well, someone, did, would have

b) good, anyone, did, would have had

c) well, anyone, had done, would have had

d) good, anyone, had done, would have

Final Test

Choose the right variant.

1. I _______ him for a year and more, but he looked up at me as if I _______ in yesterday.

a) have not seen, was

b) did not see, were

c) had not seen, had been

d) have not seen, have been

 

2. Can he _______? Yes, and even turned red. He was worth – at.

a) get embarrassed, to look

b) have got embarrassed, being looked

c) have got embarrassed, looking

d) has embarrassed, to have looked

 

3. He wished he _____ there longer. He had looked forward to _______ the sights of this old town.

a) hasn’t stayed, seeing

b) didn’t stay, to see

c) stayed, having seen

d) had stayed, seeing

 

4. ________ nineteen he made a petty tour with his mother, father and sister: ______ Brussels, _______ Rhine, _______ Switzerland, ______ Italian Alps and, of course, Paris.

a) aged,.____ the, ____, the

b) aging, the, ____, ____, the

c) age,._____, the, ____, ____

d) having aged, the, ____, the, ____

 

5. The sightseeing came to an end, and _______ to _______ Hague.

a) neither our visit was, _______

b) so did our visit, the

c) so our visit did, the

d) neither was our visit, _______

 

6. “If you don’t want to be late for lunch, you _______ better ______ and have your bath,” _______ Mother said _______ a loud voice.

a) would, go, ______, with

b) had, go, _______, in

c) would, to go, the, in

d) had, go, the, with

 

7. “It looks as if we _______ going to have _______ good flying weather tomorrow,” said Mr. Sunbury.

a) are, a

b) will be ______

c) would be, the

d) were, _______

 

8. Looking back upon that time, I thought that all ______different _______ for the interference of my parents.

a) might have been; were it not

b) may be, were it not

c) might have been, had it not been

d) may be, had it not been

 

9. And I began to see that _______ man mustn’t live for ______ any more. He’s got ______ of _____ others.

a) ____, him, to think, the

d) a, himself, to think, ______

c) the, oneself, thinking, ______

d) ______, himself, to think, the

 

10. After______ a bad match the team captain insisted that they ______ things ______.

a) so, should take, easily

b) such, would take, easily

c) so, take, easy

d) such, should take, easy

 

11. I don’t remember _______ that they have moved ______ another flat.

a) them to mention, to

b) their mentioning, to

c) them mentioning, at

d) them to have mentioned, into

12. It will be so kind _______ you if you can get this banknote _______ for me.

a) to, cashed

b) of,cashed

c) from, to cash

d) on, cashing

 

13. I am right, _______ I? He hasn’t come. So there has been nothing to discuss, _______?

a) aren’t, hasn’t there

b) amn’t, has there

c) aren’t, has there

d) amn’t, hasn’t there

 

14. Most of us _______ plenty of things that we are not ______ to have. We must _______ it.

a) wants, alike, take to

b) want, like, give away

c) wants, unlikely, take off

d) want, likely, put up with

 

15. He got me _______ that he did not want the story _______ on.

a) understood, let

b) to understand, to let

c) understand, to let

d) understand, let

 

16. You _______ till I came back. I _______ late.

a) may wait, have been working

b) might have waited, had been working

c) must be waiting, had worked

d) should wait, have worked

 

KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING

Ann Landers’ column represents a kind of journalism that has a long history in the United States. There are similar columns in newspapers around the world. People who are confused and uncertain about personal problems can write to a newspaper columnist for advice. Answers to these letters are printed in the daily paper. Because the situations are so human, most everyone enjoys reading the person’s letter and the columnist’s answer.

This chapter includes a selection of letters sent to Ann Landers. The material is adopted from the book «Reply Requested. 30 letters of advice». All of these letters are real; they were written by ordinary Americans and published in newspapers across the country. The letters reflect direct and purposeful uses of English to express important events and common feelings. All end with a request for advice of some kind.

 

What will you be doing?

To practice reading skills, you will read examples of everyday, informal written English. The sentences in these letters tend to be short and simple; they are not complicated by many clauses, flowery phrases, or long and lovely images. The writers are not trying to impress anyone. They are trying only to express a personal problem for which they want advice. The letters are good examples of clear, effective writing.

To practice speaking skills, you will participate in discussions with your classmates and express different facts and feelings in paired practice. You will role-play, too, by taking the part of someone and saying what you think is appropriate to the situation. In this way, you will practice expressing emotions such as anger, blame, surprise, sympathy, or embarrassment. This will increase your confidence in speaking and understanding conversational English.

To practice vocabulary skills, you will learn words that are frequently used to express feelings and attitudes, as well as idioms and informal expressions often spoken but seldom written.

To practice writing skills, you will communicate your personal opinions by writing answers to the letters as if you were Ann Landers. These assignments will be short and will give you the opportunity to express your own beliefs and values about particular social or personal problems.

 

 

SITUATION 1.

What's in a Name?

Dear Ann Landers,

This friend, with whom I work on committees, insists on calling me "Mrs. Whatcha-ma-doodle." My parents came from Europe and kept the family name instead of changing it. The name is not difficult to pronounce if a person will take the time to divide it into syllables. My friends and the other people I work with have no trouble.

The last time this woman called me "Mrs. Whatcha-ma-doodle" was when she introduced me to her mother-in-law. The woman looked startled and believed it was my real name. I immediately corrected her, but with a laugh in my voice and a smile on my face. Later I mentioned the incident to a friend who said I was too sensitive, that my name is virtually unpronounceable, and she suggested that I grow a thicker skin. If you think she is right, say so. If not, tell me how to handle it.

Not Mrs. Whatcha-ma-doodle

Vocabulary

to insist

startled

an incident

sensitive

virtually

a thicker skin

to handle something

Factual questions

1. Why does this woman's friend call her "Mrs. Whatcha-ma-doodle"? What does "whatcha-ma-doodle" mean?

2. Do all her friends call her by this name?

3. Why was her friend's mother-in-law startled?

4. How did the writer correct her friend?

5. What did another friend tell her about this incident?

Cultural notes

A glance through any telephone book for any city in the United States will show the variety of last names and the range of languages and countries they represent. Yet many immigrants have changed their names. What reasons can you think of to keep or change one's name?

Discussion

1. Do you agree with the writer—that, with a little effort, any name can be pronounced more or less correctly?

2. Have you ever had your name mispronounced by a foreigner? What was your reaction? Did you draw attention to it and try to correct it? What was his or her reaction?

3. Have you ever mispronounced someone's name and then been corrected? How did you feel? Did you make an honest effort to remember the name and to pronounce it correctly?

4. What strategy do you use to hold in your memory a name that you find difficult to remember, to spell or to pronounce?

Writing

Write a letter to Not Mrs. Whatcha-ma-doodle, as if you were Ann Landers, and advise her how to handle this situation.

 

From the desk of Ann Landers

 

 

Discussion

1. Do you agree that the "clod" is letting the woman know that she isn't worth the trouble? What other reasons might there be for her inability to pronounce the name?

2. Do you think Ann Landers' suggestion will work? Why or why not? What should Not Mrs. do if it doesn't?

 

SITUATION 2.

Doesn't Care to Share

 

Dear Ann Landers,

Recently my husband and I had dinner at a Japanese steak house with two other couples. As is customary, we were seated around the cooking area enjoying ourselves. We all ordered a glass of plum wine. A young woman seated nearby asked if the wine was good. I replied, "Yes." She then asked me, "May I taste yours?" I hesitated, reluctant to share my glass with her. Another woman in our group then passed her wine. The stranger took a sip, said, "Thank you, it's delicious," then passed the glass back.

My husband felt I was ungracious for not sharing my glass with her and told me, "Mrs. C really showed you up." Was I impolite, as my husband claims?

Mrs. X

Vocabulary

customary

plum wine

to hesitate

reluctant

a sip

ungracious

to show someone up

impolite

Factual questions

1. Where did this incident take place?

2. Who asked to taste Mrs. X's plum wine?

3. Why did Mrs. X hesitate?

4. Who offered the stranger a sip of the wine?

5. What did Mr. X think about what happened?

Cultural note

In many Japanese restaurants in the United States, it is possible for about eight people to sit around a large table. In the center is a heated flat surface where the food is cooked in a special Japanese way. The elaborate cooking ceremony and the close seating arrangement often result in friendly discussion among strangers. Does this occur in other restaurants?

Discussion

1. Why do you suppose Mrs. X was reluctant to share her glass with the stranger?

2. What do you think Mrs. X's response would have been if Mrs. C had asked to taste her wine? Or if her own husband had asked?

3. Do you agree or disagree with Mr. X?

4. What would you have done in her situation?

Writing

Write a reply to Mrs. X, as if you were Ann Landers, and answer the question in her letter.

 

From the desk of Ann Landers

 

 

Vocabulary

rude

tactful

 

SITUATION 3.

Invitation is Incomplete

Dear Ann Landers,

Four years ago, at the age of 17 I told my parents I was going to become engaged to a man they despised. They tried to talk me out of it but my mind was made up. I should tell you that Robert was six years my senior and handicapped. They informed me that if I accepted a ring from him, I must move out of the house at once. So I did, and moved in with Robert.

Eleven months later our child was born. We decided to get married three weeks after that by the Justice of the Peace. I phoned my mother, with whom I had little contact those several months, and told her about the baby. She said she had heard the news and she and my father would like to see me but Robert was not welcome in their home. He is very hurt but feels I should take the baby and go see them.

I don't know what to do, Ann. I know my folks are dying to see their first grandchild, but I hate to hurt my husband. Please advise.

Asunder in Ohio

Vocabulary

to despise

to become engaged

talk me out of it

my mind was made up

Robert was six years my senior

if I accepted a ring from him

contact

dying to see their first grandchild

asunder

Factual questions

1. Why did the writer of this letter move out other parents' house? Where did she move?

2. When did she telephone her mother? Why?

3. What did her mother tell her?

4. What does her – husband think she should do?

5. What specific advice does she want?

 

 

Discussion

1. What is the decision she has to make?

2. The writer says that her parents despised Robert but doesn't explain why. What reasons might they have?

3. Were the parents wise to threaten their daughter?

4. Was the daughter right to marry against her parents' wishes?

5. If someone is going to be hurt, is it better to be this woman's husband or parents?

6. If the daughter hadn't written for Ann Landers' advice, what do you think she would have done on her own?

Writing

Write a letter to Asunder in Ohio, as if you were Ann Landers, and advise her what to do.

Vocabulary

to relent

to reject

a closed door

to risk

build bridges—not

fences

From the desk of Ann Landers

 

Discussion

1. Do you think Robert will be hurt by the advice that Ann Landers gives?

2. Give examples of other situations when it might be better to build bridges, not fences.

SITUATION 4.