Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Syllabus
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Introductory Lesson
Part 1 (60 w)
p. 1-14 p. 14-25 p. 25-45
Quiz, summary
Part 2 (60 w)
p. 46-62 p. 62-69
p. 70-86 p. 86-98
Quiz, summary
Part 3 (60 w)
p. 99-105 p. 105-119
p. 119-131 p.131-142 p. 143-155
Quiz, summary
Part 4 (30 w)
p. 156-169 p. 170-186
p. 186-208 (30 w)
p. 208-219
Quiz, summary
Part 5 (60 w)
p. 220-240
p. 240-245 p. 245-275
Quiz, summary
Part 6 (30 w)
p. 276-288
p. 288-295 p. 295-313 (30 w)
p. 313-330
Quiz, summary
Part 7 (30 w)
p.331-353
p. 353-372 p.373 -378 (30 w)
p.378-387 p.388-390
Quiz, summary
Topic, debts
Sebastian Faulks
Biography
David Hughes, who became a lifelong friend. In 1979 Faulks joined the staff of Daily Telegraph as
the junior reporter on the diary column. I was still writing books in the evening and at weekends,
said Faulks, but they werent much good. He had also been given work as freelance book
reviewer, first at the Sunday Times, then at the Spectator and Books and Bookmen.
He and Edward had been sharing a house, but went their different ways. I bought a small flat in
Notting Hill, said Faulks. I had no television and I was meant to just write at night. Eventually, at
about the fourth attempt I wrote something publishable. I rang up a publisher called James Michie. I
didnt really know how distinguished James was; he was just someone Id met at a party. But I later
found out hed published Graham Greene and discovered Sylvia Plath. After some humming he
accepted the book, which I called A Trick of the Light. I was twenty-nine. I got the news in a phone
booth on Holborn Viaduct. It was a good moment; it felt like the beginning of something at last,
after a long and occasionally dispiriting apprenticeship.
Faulks worked as a feature writer for the Sunday Telegraph from 1983 to 1986, when he went to
join the Independent as Literary Editor
In 1989, he married Veronica Youlten, formerly his assistant on the Independent books pages, later
an editor at the Independent magazine. They have three children: William (born 1990), Holly (born
1992) and Arthur (born 1996).
Sebastian Faulks was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 1993 and appointed
CBE for services to literature in 2002. The Tavistock Clinic in association with the University of
East London awarded him an honorary doctorate for his contribution to the understanding of
psychiatry in Human Traces.
Task 1. Study the following words and expressions and give their definitions:
be estranged from smb, to rise to the challenge, an Honorary Member, a lifelong friend
MC, Artist Rifles, the Morning Post, the Daily Telegraph, Hornby trains, Meccano
Task 2. Read Sebastian Faulks biography and answer the following questions:
(1) What can you say about Faulks' parents, their background?
(2) What interests did the brothers have in their childhood?
(3) How does Sebastian Faulks describe his childhood?
(4) What education did the brothers have?
(5) How did the literary career of Faulks start? What posts did he have?
(6) Who became Faulks best friend?
(7) What do you get to know about the present life of Sebastian Faulks?
(8) What honours does he have?
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A Week in December, Sebastian Faulkss tenth novel, came out in September 2009 to considerable
press attention. Much of it focused on his attempt to write a state of the nation book at a time of
economic meltdown and admired the ambition and the execution of the idea.
Faulks began with the intention of writing what he called a modern Dickensian novel, one in
which characters from different walks of life were linked by initially unseen connections and in
which London itself played an important part.
(1) Read some information about the main characters and try to give a short profile about
them.
The main characters are:
The character of John Veals demonstrates how gigantic profits can be made legally from inside
information if the financier has no ethical sense. In the course of the week in question Veals builds a
position based on the likelihood of a run on a traditional bank. The run will happen when Veals
makes known the existence of a particular document he has surreptitiously obtained from a cleaner
(in fact, a woman in his pay) in the banks head office.
Veals was difficult to get right because he is essentially one-dimensional, said Faulks. Thats
the whole point of bankers and financiers like him. They are, as his wife says, functionally
autistic, with no interest in any aspect of life beyond hypothetical profit. For nuance of character,
you have to look elsewhere. But of course its the sheer monomania that makes a man like Veals
quite fascinating.
Hassan al-Rashid, meanwhile, is a Scottish student at a dingy university on Londons south bank,
who is exploited by Muslim extremists, to the extent that he is prepared to take part in a terrorist
bomb plot. Faulks gives a sympathetic account of the attractions of an all-embracing belief system
to a young man confused by conflicting cultural demands. I was trying to understand how someone
as ironic and as British as Hassan could be so badly led astray. After all, hes a Kilmarnock
supporter. The Yorkshire bombers of 7/7 were obviously in my mind.
Gabriel Northwood, the barrister, is involved in a civil action about an attempted suicide on the
London Underground, a case that also involves the driver Jenni Fortune. Both have an addiction to a
virtual world he to a lost lover and she to an internet game called Parallax that they must lose
before they are free to understand what hope for the future the other may hold out. John Vealss son,
Finbar, meanwhile, is addicted to genetically modified skunk and to a reality show on television
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called Its Madness. A nervous breakdown lands Finbar in the same psychiatric hospital as
Gabriels brother Adam a hospital that is the intended target of Hassans terrorist attack.
Some gossip articles continued to treat it as a roman clef, with the character of R.Tranter inviting
particular speculation from fellow-journalists. The most frequently mentioned model, however,
was discovered to be married with children, living in the countryside, while Tranter lives alone with
a cat in the invented suburb of Ferrers End.
At a literary festival in October 2010, Faulks said, It isnt really the novel I intended to write. It
developed this angry and comic satirical impulse under its own steam. The book I wanted to write, a
sort of Dickens meets John Updike, still remains to be written. I enjoyed being in the present day
for a change and of course its much easier to do, with far less checking of facts. I hope to return to
the present for another book, but in more loving, less satirical mode.
LISTENING COMPREHENSION
A Seven-day Tour to Modern London
Listen to the interview of Sebastian Faulks to BBC and answer the following questions:
1. What are the main issues raised in the book?
2. In what way is the nature of Dickensian characters revealed in the book?
3. How does the lives of the main characters are connected? Does the author embed any
background characters in the plot?
4. Some characters in the book have the so-called speaking names. Give the examples.
5. How does a hedge fund work?
6. The setting takes place only in a real world, doesnt it?
7. One of the characters, Hassan al-Rashid, is treated as both an appalling and appealing hero.
Why?
8. Does the author imply any metaphorical meaning to the subway line (particularly to the
London Central Line)?
9. What is, on Sebastian Faulks` mind, the purpose of reading?
TASKS
Part 1
Chapter 1(1-14)
1. Find the meaning of the culture words below
2. Look up the meaning of the following words and phrases. Find the sentences in which these
words are used. Translate the sentences into Russian.
1. mixture of sentimentality and grievance p.1
2. a barrister p.2
3. to get criminals off p.2
4. a claimant p.2
5. a solicitor p.2
6. to land in ones lap p.2
7. to be sued p.2
8. to claim negligence p.4
9. a second hearing p.4
10. superannuated p.6
11. demeanor p.7
12. a lame duck p.7
13. to be a tough ask p.7
14. to break the spell p.9
15. a ruse p.9
16. to play blackjack p.10
17. to be voluble p.12
18. a mortgage market p.13
19. to cause tremor p.13
20. to ditch the trade p.13
QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSION
1. Summarize Chapter 1. Which main characters does Faulks introduce in Chapter 1?
2. Which impression does the first description of London produce on you? What is the
prevailing mood of this passage? Give examples.
3. Who is Gabriel Northwood? What is his occupation? What are the main reasons we find him
in Chelsea reading the Koran?
4. How is the character of Jenni Fortune drawn? Why does she always avoid her reflection?
Interpret the stylistic means, which the author used to depict her everyday routine in the
Tube (soothing darkness, points, a slither of crossing rails and so on (p.3)). Was her life as
somber as the milieu in the Underground? Find and interpret the use of zeugma on p.2.
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Expand on the phrase Dont look at their faces was the drivers` wisdom (p.4). Can we
detect any stroke of good fortune in Jinnis life?
5. How is the atmosphere of upcoming Christmas seen through Jinnis eyes?
6. Jenni Fortune is disposed to reading a lot. What was peculiar about her reading habits?
7. Why is she involved into a judicial proceedings? Who is her lawyer?
8. What do we learn about Lance and Sophie Tranter? what is peculiar about Lances working
style? Do you find any sarcasm in Lances phrase builders` tea?
9. Why does the narrator attach much significance to presenting all the persons in the guestlist?
Who are the most important of them?
10. Though Sophies perception of the weather we find that Christmas this year was not hot
and wet as she used to. the sudden Arctic winds were hard to deal with (p.8). Do you
feel any premonition in this phrase?
11. What portrait of John Veals does the narrator paint in words? Give a direct and indirect
descriptions of this man. Interpret his character paying heed to the description of his office
and the staff he works with. What do his peers think of him?
12. What do we learn about Vealss past? How has he built his business? What do you think of
the sentences The only way to make money was to have an edge and He was the house.
What are the ways to get an edge?
13. Why did Veals talk to his clients in sporting metaphors (I think well put the other side in
to bat first (p.12))
14. What predominates in Vealss life? What is your attitude to a man whose heart beat only to
market movements (p.14)?
Part 1
Chapter 2 (14-25)
1. Find the meaning of the culture words below.
Tottenham, Edmonton, Harringay, Kurds, Mafeking Street, Moby-Dick
2. Look up the meaning of the following words and phrases. Find the sentences in which these
words are used. Translate the sentences into Russian.
1. a convex window p. 14
2. earplugs p.14
3. to blaspheme p.15
4. deluded p.15
5. to be perplexing p.15
6. to pay little heed to smb`s salvation p.15
7. a respite p.15
8. to feign an acute pain p.16
9. a knack with literature p.17
10. gridlock p.17
11. slothful p.19
12. a staple work p.19
13. fraudulent p.20
14. facetious p.21
15. savvy readers p.22
16. the rudiments of spelling p.23
17. to be up to p.24
18. a conciliatory letter p.24
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Part 1
Chapter 3 (25-45)
1. Find the meaning of the culture words below.
Ealing, India of Southall, Harlesden, Allied Royal, Canary Wharf, Spring Break, Bonus Day, to take
GCSEs
2. Look up the meaning of the following words and phrases. Find the sentences in which these
words are used. Translate the sentences into Russian.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Part 2
Chapter 1(46-62)
1. Find the meaning of the culture words below
Jihadist site (46), YourPlace (47), kafirs (47), the Tube (48), Walthamstow (48), Pudding Mill Lane
(51), Royal Mail (52), 10 Downing Street (57), Officer of the Order of the British Empire (57),
Oxford Street Mosque (58), OBE, (59) Winifred Holtby (59), Emily Bronte (59), dyslexia (59), MP
(61).
2. Look up the meaning of the following words and phrases. Find the sentences in which these
words are used. Translate the sentences into Russian.
1. spooks (46)
2. jihadist site (46)
3. to jab smbs photograph (47)
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Part 2
Chapter 2 (62-69)
1. Find the meaning of the culture words below
PetJet (62), High Level trades (63), ARB (63), Iliad (64), G7 (66)
2. Look up the meaning of the following words and phrases. Find the sentences in which these
words are used. Translate the sentences into Russian.
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1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Part 2
Chapter 3 (70-86)
1.
Part 2
Chapter 4 (86-98)
1. Find the meaning of the culture words below.
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Ferrers End (86), Updike (88), the Trade Descriptions Act (89), Collingwood (92), Beardsley (92),
Arkell (92), NHS (92), X-RAY (92), Long-Stay Unit (92), Secure Wing (92), Rainbow Room (92),
Electroconvulsive Therapy (92), The Shepherd`s Bush (97).
2. Look up the meaning of the following words and phrases. Find the sentences in which these
words are used. Translate the sentences into Russian.
1. a familiar anguish (86)
2. a book launch party (86)
3. an obsequious letter (86)
4. on spec (87)
5. a compliments slip (89)
6. a publicity department
7. to get the end of a knife into (89)
8. a palpable untruth (89)
9. a cortex (90)
10. a garish temptation (92)
11. a benefactor (92)
12. to go out of the fug (94)
13. to feel a clutch of panic in ones abdomen (97)
QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSION
1. How did R.Tranter use to make his reviews?
2. Why was he so tormented by Alexander Sedley? What portrait of Sedley does the narrator
paint? Find the stylistic devices highlighting his traits of character. Was he a respected and
promising reviewer? Prove it.
3. What was Tranters first impression of Sedleys book?
4. Did Tranter find any flaw in the book after reading it intently?
5. Translate the passage Tranter felt tears of mirth if that was the term he wanted. How
can you render the books title Winter Crossing into Russian?
6. How does the choice of words (e.g. shivered with pleasure, tears of mirth, shiver of
compassion) characterize Tranter? Look for more stylistic devices which help identify
Tranters poignant sarcasm.
7. Fish out the examples revealing Londons reverse side seen through G. Northwoods eyes.
8. What was Gabriels brother Adam treated for? Was the illness diagnosed in proper time?
9. Describe the hospital where Gabriel had been visiting Adam for five years. What do the names of
Collingwood, Beardsley, Arkell signify? What atmosphere does the choice of colours create?
10. Comment on Gabriels inner monologue in the ward (94).
11. How did Gabriel feel about his existence in comparison with Adams?
12. Adams following phrase is worth noticing: Its better to shed blood than not to believe. You have
chances to believe. What was he talking about? Is there any sense in his statement? Complete his
phrase: And if you choose not to(96)
13. Describe Finnbars both physical and mental state. What does throwing a whitey (97) stand for?
14. Why was he envious of the inhabitants of the houses he was going by?
15. Find the symbols in the description of a rose garden. Which incongruity can you trace in Finnbar`s
mind?
16. Summarize Part 2.
Part 3
Chapters 1-2 (99-119)
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9. Find some facts on the Internet about the following quotation: What you have done for the
City of London, we now intend to do for the entire British economy. Who was the author
of these words?
10. Summarize Chapter 1.
11. What were the qualities of Allah that Farooq Knocker-al-Rashid was interested in?
12. What was the prevailing atmosphere of Hassans childhood? What truth did he learn after an
accident at school? (107)
13. How do you understand the statement Hassan tried on different disguises (107). Find
examples in the text.
14. What kind of life did Nasim have before her meeting with Farooq?
15. Did Hassan succeed in school?
16. Make a summary about what Hassan heard at a meeting of the Left Students group?
17. Comment on the statement: Power expressed through money. But really just power. (111)
18. What do you get to know about the American and British occupation of Iraq from the text?
(113) How was this problem viewed in European press?
19. Who is Jason? What is peculiar about the way he speaks? Find examples in the text.
20. What was the main reason of Hassan to begin a blog on the site YourPlace?
21. Once Hassans homepage had a jab. Who was Grey_Rider? How did he look like? Give
examples. What was peculiar about his behaviour? What, do you think, was Salims real
intention?
22. Summarize Chapter 2.
Part 3
Chapter 3 (119-131)
1. Find the meaning of the culture words below.
the Royal Courts of Justice (120), the Embankment (121), Michael Caine (122), S.Bellow (122),
Philip Roth (122), J.Updike (122), BBB (126), Klondike (127)
2. Look up the meaning of the following words and phrases. Find the sentences in which
these words are used. Translate the sentences into Russian.
1. to brief smb (120)
2. to scintillate on matters of jurisprudence (121)
3. a human outcome of persecution and upheaval (122)
4. the panoply of law (123)
5. to clam up (123)
6. a pin-up (124)
7. to suspend credit lines (125)
8. a mortgage holder (125)
9. iffy mortgage (126)
10. a ravenous demand (127)
QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSION
1. Find the description of London and the Thames in Chapter 3. Read the paragraphs and interpret
the language means used by the narrator. Pay attention to the choice of words. What mood do
they reflect? Comment on the gradation the warm drizzle (119) swollen with December
rain (121).
2. Can you trace any similarities between Gabriel Northwood and Jenny Fortunes reading
habit? Prove it. Why does he always remember her in his thoughts? What does he think
about her confidence?
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3. Pierre Janet and Sigmund Freuds quotations are full of suggestions (p.119-120). How can
you apply their meaning to the storyline of the book?
4. What is the main reason of Gabriels lack of work?
5. What was especially attractive in visiting The Toppings?
6. Is there any apprehension in the phrase lethally quiet morning? What stylistic device is it?
7. Why has a photo of Olya taken John Vealss eye?
8. What are the grounds of chasing ARB debts?
9. What is the essence of the synthetic bonds plan offered to Veals?
Part 3
Chapter 4 (131-142)
1. Find the meaning of the culture words below.
Paul luard (132)
2. Look up the meaning of the following words and phrases. Find the sentences in which
these words are used. Translate the sentences into Russian.
1. confinement (132)
2. watery gruel (133)
3. to push on to verisimilitude (134)
4. to harness (134)
5. a coup (134)
6. a prude (136)
7. a by-blow (137)
8. in defiance of law (138)
9. to have an off-lesson (138)
10. to cede control (138)
QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSION
1. Why was Shahla Hajianis mind wholly occupied elsewhere? Reproduce her feeling and
somatic signs. Does a book of love The Capital of Pain have any reference to her present
inner state?
2. Why was Jenni Fortune so fond of celebrity magazines and specialist monthlies? Which
longing did they awake in her?
3. Find the similarities and differences between Jenni and Miranda. Did it remind us of a
childrens computer game? How do the two worlds clash?
4. Who was Jason Dogg in reality? Discuss his background and occupation. Specify the drags
of his work. Did he put up with the system?
5. Describe Radleys style of teaching. What steps did he make to become competent in lesson
and pupil management?
6. Expand on the current situation in a British comprehensive school and the teachers rights.
Is it similar to a Russian one?
Part 3
Chapter 5 (143-155)
1. Find the meaning of the culture words below.
the Chattanooga Express (146), Red Caps (146), the SEC (146), Rothschild (152), a
therapeutic challenge (153)
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2. Look up the meaning of the following words and phrases. Find the sentences in which
these words are used. Translate the sentences into Russian.
1. to develop a facility (143)
2. prcis (143)
3. a purple passage (143)
4. an embarrassing hiatus (145)
5. a softball question (145)
6. a bespoke product (147)
7. an august name (148)
8. so far so good (151)
9. a staple of work (151)
10. bonhomie (155)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Part 4
Chapters 1-2 (156-186)
1. Find the meaning of the culture words below.
Dover to Calais ferry (156)
Victoria (156)
Sayyid Qutb Mikestones(156)
Special Branch (159)
The Toad (160)
Rodin The Burghers of Calais (161)
Mirpur Valley (161)
Surah (165)
The International Marxist Group (166)
The Socialist Workers Party (166)
Red International (166)
Chelsea (175)
Auschwitz (180)
The Holocaust (180)
2. Look up the meaning of the following words and phrases. Find the sentences in which these
words are used. Translate the sentences into Russian.
1. throngs (156)
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10. On p.165 again we come across Hassans thoughts about Islam. What are the real claims of
Islam? What is the problem with both of them? What is the main task of Islam as it is said in
the text?
11. How does the conversation on p.165 between Hassan and his father characterizes Knocker?
12. What is symbolic about the last passage of chapter 1 on p.169? How would you translate the
warning?
13. Summarize chapter 1.
14. Who are the two main characters of this chapter?
15. What do we get to know about Spike Borowski? Find as more examples in the text as it is
possible. What is he? Find the phrases and words he uses to prove his occupation. How
would you translate all these expressions? Does the atmosphere of the new football center
Spike is going to work in differ from that in his country?
16. Sebastian Faulks often quotes different web sites. What is the purpose of it?
17. What is the relationship between the football teammates? Does Spike feel unease? Why do
you think Sebastian Faulks gives so much description of the play?
18. What linguistic misunderstandings can you find on p.175?
19. On pp. 175-177 we first meet Finn Veals. What is his behaviour like? How does he speak to
Spike? Is Spike surprised? What does Finn want from him? What is Dream Team? What is
the purpose of it?
20. One morning Finn goes to the Pets Rest. Comment on the conversation between Tindle and
Finn. What impression do they produce?
21. What was the phrase Finn say that radically change their talk and revealed the true purpose
of Finns visit? What was it? How does Tindle describe his garden of marijuana? Why, do
you think, Finn bought the grass?
22. On p.183 we again come across Spike and his environment. Make a description of Kundak
his behaviour, background, appearance, manners of speech anything you find in the text.
23. What do we get to know about Spikes private life. Does he love his girlfriend? Explain.
Describe Olya her appearance and background.
Part 4
Chapter 3 (186-208)
1
Part 4
Chapter 4 (208-219)
1. Find the meaning of the culture words below
Monet, Old Master, Cubists, Moderns, Rembrandt, Turner, Caravaggio, Vermeer
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2. Look up the meaning of the following words and phrases. Find the sentences in which
these words are used. Translate the sentences into Russian.
1. a smudged pot of Impressionist flowers (208)
2. find smb giddy with pleasurable excitement (208)
3. to decline the morsels of food (209)
4. a rapid tour dhorizon (209)
5. to bang smb a grand (210)
6. concentration camp (211)
7. headhunters (213)
8. Anatolian shepherd (214)
9. to get too wrapped up in religion (217)
10. veneer of disdain (218)
QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSION
1. Sophie Topping was not listening; she was taking in what clothes the others were
wearing. What preoccupies her most of all. Does it mean that she doesnt follow the
statement that beauty is not but skin deep?
2. Describe the guests at the art show. What is ironic about it. Find the examples in the text.
What is the prevailing atmosphere of the whole venture?
3. How does the fact that Sophie together with her friends recognized Nasim can show
their familys social status?
4. Describe the exhibition. What were the most impressive displays? What is the artistic
style of the exhibition?
5. What was the spice of the exhibition? What is so special about it? Did Nasim understand
the artistic value it?
6. Find the examples of onomatopoeia in the text.
7. Why does John Veals describe his meeting with the son as an awkward moment? Does
Finn feel the same?
8. How did the deal with ARB bank go? Why did he feel so pity about the recent trade?
9. What was Finn doing in his room? Why was not he afraid of being exposed by parents?
How does the language of the narration change when the author starts to describe Finn?
What is the prevailing choice of words?
10. When Nasim comes into her sons room she is afraid to disturb him. Why? What was the
purpose of her talk to Hassan? What kind of a boy was Hassan in his childhood? What
worried Nasim about Hassan being so deeply involved in politics? Did she succeed in
her mission?
Part 5
Chapter 1 (220-240)
1. Find the meaning of the culture words below
Covent Garden (220)
Natural History Museum (222)
Dombey and Son (230)
Rabelesian figures (232)
World Bank (239)
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2. Look up the meaning of the following words and phrases. Find the sentences in which
these words are used. Translate the sentences into Russian.
1. a bold thing to do (220)
2. to do a preliminary sift of all the entries (220)
3. have reasonable hopes (221)
4. to be agog for the arrival (223)
5. prerequisites (223)
6. reviews published on spec (225)
7. lack the confidence to be outgoing (226)
8. a safe donkey jacket (226)
9. have smbs place in the light (226)
10. a rumbustious boy (230)
11. copy-edited bollocks (228)
12. vulpine features (230)
13. to take a wicket (230)
14. wet-fish salesman (231)
15. to make a fast buck (232)
16. interest-rate fluctuations (232)
17. system of open outcry (233)
18. to play with two decks of cards (233)
19. mercantile exchange (234)
20. zingy fusion food (234)
21. make a rare sortie (235)
22. circulating rumours (235)
23. be the teaser for a stallion (236)
24. plonker (236)
25. raise a hand in affirmation (237)
26. a marginally sick edge (238)
27. put on the bulk of ones own trade (238)
28. to put on the commodity leg of the trade (238)
29. twat (238)
30. public recriminations (239)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. Why was Tranter so much impressed by Farooqs recitation? What images emerged in
his mind? What conclusions did he make for himself?
10. Comment on the passage at p.230, He coughed and looked away. It was only a little
light verse; but in his long bitterness he had almost forgotten what words the stuff from
which he had made his life could really do. What did he mean by the words?
11. Dwell upon the developmental milestones of Veals career. What emotions did he
experience at the first stages of professional development?
12. Find some examples of metonymy at page 231 and suggest possible translations.
13. At page 233 we get to know that not only Veals was straddling. Do we change our
attitude to him? How does this fact reveal his inner world?
14. Retell in details the history of Vanessa and Johns meeting (pp 234-235). How was he
courting? What was the purpose of his interaction with women? Why did he single out
Vanessa among the rest?
15. What does HOPE stand for? How would you translate it? What is the purpose of the
organization?
16. Whats the essence of the following conversation:
Thats the spirit, John.
No, thats the cash
Comment on it.
17. When Veals is asked to swear on his childrens life he doesnt hesitate and agrees just to
obtain some minor information about his deal. Do you think that any means to an end?
If you were him, would you do the same?
18. Summarise the episode with Duffy and Victoria. What adjectives would you choose to
describe all hedge-fund managers?
19. Summarise the chapter
Part 5
Chapter 2 (240-245)
1.
2. Look up the meaning of the following words and phrases. Find the sentences in
which these words are used. Translate the sentences into Russian.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
1. Why did Hassan refused to go on a study trip in 2006? What was his reaction to Salims
offer?
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2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Did Hassan respond to Salims another request? What allured him this time?
How can you render the phrase the territorial challenge (p.240)?
Which contradiction has Hassan suffered from recently?
Peruse Alis speech. What is peculiar about his manner of speaking? Did it sound
persuasive? Why? Analyse the passage Do you ever imagine... and only God! What is
special about Islam, according to Ali? Why is this religion more beneficial in comparison
with
others?
Comment on the statement: The truth had to be brought by war to those who did not
spontaneously welcome it (p.244).
Find the key words Ali uses to convince the audience of the truth of his words.
Analyse the stylistic devices and their purpose in the passage.
Part 5
Chapter 3 (245-275)
1. Find the meaning of the culture words below.
Mendelian speculations (247), doing smth like working in a soul in Tangier (248), The Voyage of
the Beagle (255), The Great Gatsby (255), Sharia law (258), globalisation (260), the Amish (263).
2. Look up the meaning of the following words and phrases. Find the sentences in which
these words are used. Translate the sentences into Russian.
1. remit (245)
2. a feeling of wistfulness (246)
3. a notch (246)
4. a cheap partition (251)
5. to take off (about career) (252)
6. tort law (252)
7. local authority liability (252)
8. to give a peck on smbs cheek (257)
9. to con (257)
10. other-worldly (258)
11. on a whim (261)
12. to have other fish to fry (262)
13. a mainstream religious denomination
14. to be taken aback by smbs vehemence (264)
15. to be devout in private (264)
16. a vicious circle (265)
17. to broach (265)
18. to invent a polity (265)
19. to reach the brim (266)
20. usurer (268)
21. to fidget (272)
22. perversity (272)
23. to command respect (272)
QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSION
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1. Why did Caroline Wilbys visit fidget John Veals? What was the purpose of their
converstation?
2. Were Gabriels recollections of Catalina painful for him? Why? Which characteristics of
Catalinas behaviour remained so vivid for him?
3. Give a short background of Catalinas career. Was she satisfied with her job?
4. What lexical means prove Gabriels excitement on his way to Jennis?
5. What is special about Gabriel and Jennis dialogue in the caf? Give examples.
6. Who, in your opinion, spied on Jenni?
7. Why did Milestones stir up Knockers rage? Find Knockers arguments against Hassans
philosophy? Who is right the father or the son? Who has more conscientious attitude to the
Muslim world and the glory of the Islamic empire?
8. What did Hassan think of globalisation? Do you agree with him?
9. Speculate on the problem of modernization and consumer choice raised in Hassan and
Shahlas conversation. Is there really nothing grand about the modern world (265)?
10. Anazyse Vanessa Vealss inner monologue (pp.266-268). What made her so disenchanted?
11. Did John Veals fervour to acquire as much money as possible affect his family and his own
character?
12. What was the culmination of Finnbars favourite reality show?
Part 6
Chapter 1 (276-288)
1. Find the meaning of the culture words below.
Visiting Professor of Critical and Creative Writing (277), Your Royal Highness (285)
2. Look up the meaning of the following words and phrases. Find the sentences in which these
words are used. Translate the sentences into Russian.
1. murky sun (276)
2. to pop into smbs mind (276)
3. a bookie (276)
4. snippy (277)
5. banks statements and circulars (277)
6. to trade on rumours (279)
7. chubby calves (279)
8. court shoes (279)
9. acute (280)
10. to be conversant with smth (281)
11. onerous (281)
12. a parking permit (282)
13. an investiture (283)
14. to make desultory chat with smb (283)
15. to be on a dais (284)
QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSION
1. How was R.Tranter preparing for the upcoming event at Pizza Palace? Find the syntactic
means which reveal his train of thoughts.
2. Which unexpected message did R.Tranter received in that morning? Was it a tempting
offer? Why?
27
3. Analyse the conversation between John Veals and Caroline Wilby. Did she intend to expose
Vealss deception about ARB? Was Veals sincere in his answers?
4. Which question made Caroline feel awkward? What can you infer from the dialogue?
5. How did Farooq Al-Rashid visualize his investiture? What foiled his plans?
6. Describe the ceremony in the Palace. Fish out means and ways which are significant in
revealing the changes in Farooqs psychological state. Find a case of repetition. What is its
stylistic value?
7. What lexical means help to conjure up Finns aggravated mental illness?
Part 6
Chapter 2 (288-295)
1. Look up the meaning of the following words and phrases. Find the sentences in which
these words are used. Translate the sentences into Russian.
1. fussy pride (288)
2. elation (288)
3. to feel lucid (289)
4. a trial run (290)
5. give half an hour leeway (290)
6. a lecturers flip chart (290)
7. to kill hesitation at birth (291)
8. a tourniquet (294)
9. a sedative (294)
10. a detox (295)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Part 6
Chapter 3 (295-313)
1. Find the meaning of the culture words below.
The Channel (298), Verdun (298), the chief exec (298), DPI( 302), M15 (302), Axia (304).
2. Look up the meaning of the following words and phrases. Find the sentences in which
these words are used. Translate the sentences into Russian.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
to be vigilant (295)
a rear-view morror (297)
to boot out smb (297)
a curlicue (298)
a cockpit (299)
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Part 6
Chapter 4 (313-330)
1. Find the meaning of the culture words below.
Long-Stay Unit (313), Electroconvulsive Therapy (313).
2. Look up the meaning of the following words and phrases. Find the sentences in which
these words are used. Translate the sentences into Russian.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Point out the words and phrases which characterize a psychiatric hospital. Which thoughts
did the daunting milieu evoke in Gabriel? Could he truly forget Catalina for the sake of his
new love - Jenni? And was it really love?
7. Why did Gabriel try to draw a parallel between Adams religion and biblical episodes?
8. Was it easy enough for Hassan to sacrifice his life?
9. Give a short description of a HOPE meeting. What was it true purpose?
10. Has R.Tranter ever doubted his victory? Who was a winner of the book prize?
11. Was R.Tranters failure a retribution for his excoriating reviews?
12. What did Jenni feel after visiting Adam?
13. Analyze Jennis and Garbriel conversation after visiting the hospital. Do you fell that they
have become closer and more sincere to each other?
Part 7
Chapters 1-5 (331-390)
1. Find the meaning of the culture words below
Regents Park, Oxford Street, Tulse Hill, schizophrenia (336), French doors (346), Mr
Gorbachev (349), The Twin Towers (352), The Toad (353), Man U (357), hypoglycaemia (379).
2. Look up the meaning of the following words and phrases. Find the sentences in
which these words are used. Translate the words into Russian.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
matinee-goers (331)
to be reluctant to leave
snug 332
a mischievous desire
to plumb for smn 333
a sound start
to be like a breadstick 334
to feel light-headed apprehension
hereditary weakness 335
to be long-winded 338
to run a gauntlet of only two or three paces 339
to grin with glee 340
pivots 341
to trot over
30
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
4. Spike Borowski is taking part in the match and then attends the dinner party together with
his new girlfriend Olya. What do you think of the couple and their relations? Olya was
constantly being watched during the dinner. What did she provoke such attention? Was there
any ground for it?
5. At pp.346-351 Roger and Amanda Malpasse are almost ready to go to the dinner party at
Toppings. They are discussing the coming event and how people have changed over the
past years. What does the C-word stand for? Find the examples of peoples attitude towards
social events, politics and politicians.
6. Hassan al-Rashid on his way to the arranged place felt ashamed of the possible hope for a
last-minute cancellation. What was it fear or the inner confrontation? Describe the day of
Hassan. What made him change the mind and splash the bomb into the dark, forgiving water
of the Thames? How does the episode with Shahla change Hassan and our attitude towards
him?
7. There is little information about Gabriel Northwood and R.Tranter as well as Jenny Fortune
in the 6th chapter. But they round up the book and finish the final puzzle of the narration.
Summarize their storylines.
32