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ADVANCED ENGLISH FOR TRANSLATION
Authors: Dennis Chamberlin - Gillian White

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors and publisher are graceful to the following for permission to
reproduce the texts used in the units indicated:

Unit 1, John le Carre and John Farquharson Ltd; 3, Marion Giordan and
Foncana Paperbacks Ltd; 4, Roald Dahl and Murray Pollinger Ltd - the extract
is from James and the giant peach © Roald Dahl 1961 published by Penguin
Books Ltd; 5, F. J. & R. B. Christopher and chc Hamlyn Publishing Group Ltd;
6, the Rolex Watch Company Ltd; 8, Dick Francis and Michael Joseph Ltd; 9,
the Camping Club of Great Britain & Ireland Ltd; 10, Lorus J. Milne and
Margery Milne and w. H. Freeman & Co.; 11, Cambridge Water Company; 13,
Volkswagen (GB) Ltd; 14 &21, The Sunday Times; 15, Cambridgeshire,
Huntingdon & Peterborough Life; 16, John Mortimer and A. D. Peters & Co.
Ltd; 17, Lyall Watson and Murray Pollinger Ltd — the extract is from
Supemature published by Hoddcr & Stoughton Ltd; 18, Gestetner; 19, Maurice
Rowdon and Weidenfeld & Nicolson Ltd; 22, The Times Newspapers Ltd; 23,
The Financial Times-, 24, Georgina Walsh and Evening Standard; 25, Dateline
International; 26, 28 & 29, Penguin Books Ltd; 27, Cavendish Philatelic
Auctions; 29; Allen & Unwin Ltd; 30, The Sunday Telegraph.

For units 31-6 we are graceful to the University of Cambridge Local

Examinations Syndicate for permission to reproduce examination questions.

Unit 1
Then one day about a week later he didn’t come to the library. Miss
Crail was delighted; by half-past eleven she had told her mother, and on
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returning from lunch she stood in front of the archaeology shelves where he
had been working since he came. She stared with theatrical concentration at
the rows of books, and Liz knew she was pretending to work out whether
Leamas had stolen anything.

Liz entirely ignored her for the rest of that day, failed to reply when she
addressed her and worked with assiduous application. When the evening
came, she walked home and cried herself to sleep.

The next morning she arrived early at the library. She somehow felt that
the sooner she got there, the sooner Leamas might come; but as the morning
dragged on, her hopes faded, and she knew he would never come. She
had forgotten to make sandwiches for herself that day, so she decided to take
a bus to the Bayswater Road and go to the A.B.C. She felt sick and empty, but
not hungry. Should she go and find him? She had promised never to follow
him, but he had promised to tell her; should she go and find him?

She hailed a taxi and gave his address.

She made her way up the dingy staircase and pressed the bell of his
door. The bell seemed to be broken; she heard nothing. There were three
bottles of milk on the mat and a letter from the electricity company. She
hesitated a moment, then banged on the door, and she heard the faint groan
of a man.

From The spy who came in from the cold by John Le Carré

1.1. By - in time expressions

a) By half-past eleven she had told her mother.

b) Fortunately, the secretary had finished typing the report by the time
her boss came back.

c) I thought that job would take me ages, but I had finished it by tea-
time.
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 d) It snowed heavily during the night, but it didn't settle, and most of it
had disappeared by morning.

e) The fire broke out at about eight o’clock, but by nine the fire brigade
had got it under control.

f) The play was excruciatingly boring, and by the end of the first act I
had had enough, so I left.

1.2. Past perfect continuous tense

a) She stood in front of the archaeology shelves where he had been

working.

b) He hadn’t been feeling well for some time, so he decided to go to the

doctor’s.

c) He had been painting for years before his talent was finally
recognised.

d) Her arrival took them by surprise. They hadn't been expecting her for
at least another hour.

e) The party had been travelling all day and were utterly exhausted
when they reached their destination.

1.3. Idioms with to/into

a) When the evening came, she walked home and cried herself to
sleep.

b) I sat up late watching the horror film on television. It frightened me to

death.

c) He spent the evening in the pub, drinking himself into a stupor.

d) My essay wasn’t brilliant, I know, but there was no need for him to
pull it to shreds like that.

e) She came home to find her favourite vase on the floor — smashed to
pieces.
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 f) Quite a lot of people found what he had to say very interesting, but
personally I was bored to tears.

1.4. Double comparatives

a) She somehow felt that the sooner she got there, the sooner Leamas
might come.

b) The more you practise, the better you’ll play.

c) The more carefully you do it, the less likely you are to make
mistakes.

d) The longer you wait, the harder it will be.

e) The more thoroughly you do the job now, the easier it will be when
you have to do it next time.

f) She hadn’t realised that the faster she worked, the more money she
would earn.

1.5. Might

a) The sooner she got there, the sooner Leamas might come.

b) If you hurry, you might just get there in time.

c) He said he might be coming, but he wasn’t sure.

d) I can’t find my umbrella. I have a feeling I might have left it on the bus.

e) Knock again. They might not have heard the first time.

f) They might have told us they were going to be in England during the
summer. We would have liked to see them.

g) I know it wasn’t your fault, but you might have let me know you were
going to be late.

h) Excuse me, do you think I might have something to drink?

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 i) Jane asked her boss if she might have an afternoon off to do her
Christmas shopping.

j) “Can you help me? I’m looking for a birthday present for my husband.”

“Certainly, Madam. Might I suggest one of these new pocket

calculators?”

Unit 2
9 Singleton Drive,
Hallam Green,
Surrey.

15 March 1977

Dear Miss Nielsen,

Thank you for your inquiry about the au pair post.

First, let me give you an idea of the kind of work you would have to do.

A Woman comes in three mornings a week to clean the house, so you

would not have to do very much in the way of housework — perhaps a little
tidying up and washing up, particularly at weekends.

Your main job would be to look after my two children, Nicholas, aged
seven, and James, aged four.

At the moment I’m working out of town and can’t meet them when they
finish school. My husband takes them every morning, Nicholas to the local
primary school, and James to a nursery nearby. You would have to fetch them
- James at 12.45, and Nicholas at 3.30 — make their meals and look after
them until I get home at about five o’clock. James is starting at the same
school as Nicholas in a few months, so that will make the situation a lot easier.

You would have the mornings free to attend a language school. We can
see about enrolling you when you arrive.
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 We live in a modern five-bedroomed house, and the room you would
have is large and comfortably furnished. There are two bathrooms, a well-
equipped kitchen and full central heating. We are not far from the town centre,
and there is an excellent bus service — the bus-stop is just a stone’s throw
away.

You would have plenty of free time and a generous allowance on top of
board and lodging. I feel sure you would be happy with us, and I hope you will
decide to come.

I look forward to hearing from you very soon.

Your sincerely,

Louise Jarvis

2.1 Present simple/present continuous

a) A woman comes in three mornings a week to clean the house.

b) She leaves the house at 7.30 every morning and catches the 7.50
train to London.

c) He used to run a small estate car, but now he drives a Rolls Royce.

d) Water boils at 100° Centigrade.

e) Johnson passes to Jones. Mackintosh challenges him - and the ball

goes out of play.

f) At the moment I'm working out of town.

g) Joanna is wearing a long evening dress in apricot chiffon.

h) More people than ever before are going abroad for their holidays this
year.

i) 'Why are you standing here?’ ‘I’m waiting for some friends.’

2.2 Take/bring/fetch

a) My husband takes them every morning.

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 b) Would you take these letters to the post, Miss Williams?

c) Don’t forget to take your tennis racket with you tomorrow.

d) Did you remember to bring your cheque-book?

e) They sat down in a quiet corner of the restaurant, and a waiter

brought them a menu.

f) You would have to fetch them.

g) Sit down by the fire. Would you like me to fetch your slippers?

h) I’ll just go and fetch an ashtray. I think there’s one in the other room.

2.3 Present continuous tense expressing future

a) James is starting at the same school in a few months.

b) My son is going to America next year to study at an American

university.

c) John is playing in the school orchestra next week. Will you be able to
come?

d) The President is paying a state visit to this country next month.

e) We’re leaving at about eight o’clock, so you’d better come round at

about quarter to eight.

f) I think they’re moving to Surrey some time in October.

2.4. Phrasal verb - to see

a) We can see about enrolling you when you arrive.

b) Will you come and see me off at the station?

c) I'm pleased to have met you, Mr Lawton. My secretary will see you
out.

d) My car has been making a strange noise lately. I shall have to take it
to the garage and get it seen to.
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 e) He could never hide anything from anybody; you can see right
through him.

f) Now we’ve started, I suppose we’d better see it through.

g) A group of us are going to see over the new chocolate factory next
week.

2.5 Idiomatic expressions with ’s

a) The bus-stop is just a stone’s throw away.

b) We certainly got our money's worth last night.

c) For heaven’s sake pull yourself together!

d) Poor old Fred’s at his wits’ end. His wife’s just gone into hospital, and
he’s got four children to look after as well as a full-time job to cope with.

e) I don’t like the look of him at all. I should keep him at arm’s length if I
were you.

f) Of course I’m busy; but if you really need me, I can leave here at a
moment’s notice.

Unit 3
The way that people spend their money, and the objects on which they
spend it, are the last areas where free choice and individuality can be
expressed. The choice reflects personal taste, the way people see themselves
and the fantasies they have about their lives, the restrictions on money
available to them, the presence of others in the family with a claim on that
money, and the influence of current convention, upbringing, surroundings and
locality. Shopping is an important human activity.

Yet shoppers are faced with a confusing situation and a rapidly

changing one. The confusion arises from the claims made by advertising, from
inadequate information about products, new products, new materials, new
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places to shop - a confusion enhanced by rising prices and a wider choice of
goods than ever before. The search for the right purchase is based on
ignorance of one’s own needs and ignorance of the product’s fitness for those
needs.

Faced with the problem of choosing any particular item, there are
several lines of communication which might provide some guidance. Yet none
of these is entirely satisfactory.

You can, for example, ask a shop assistant. Initially, especially in a large
self-service store, there may be some difficulty in finding anyone at all, and
even greater difficulty in finding anyone who knows about the products.

In a supermarket you may find a shelf-filler who offers to find the

manager, and then returns with the information that he is out or on the phone.
She herself may or may not be helpful, but equally she may quite genuinely
not know the answers. She may be a schoolgirl with a Saturday job, or a
housewife working part-time.

From The consumer jungle by Marion Giordan.

1.1 Plural nouns

a) The way that people spend their money can be influenced by current
convention, upbringing, surroundings and locality.

b) My company is looking for new premises in the town.

c) He's in arrears with the rent, so his landlady has given him notice to
quit.

d) I’m afraid I accused him of something he didn’t do. I only hope I can
make amends one day.

e) You’ll find a list of the contents on the side of the packet.

f) I’d much rather drink beer than spirits.

1.2 Adjectives in -ing and -ed

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 a) Shoppers are faced with a confusing situation.

b) He still seems very confused about what happened.

c) You look bored. Can’t you find anything to do?

d) What a boring programme! Isn’t there anything else on?

e) The race was very exciting. The horses were neck and neck all the
way.

f) The children were so excited they could hardly sit still.

g) I always enjoy going round to John's. His father is so amusing.

h) It's difficult to keep the children amused during the holidays.

i) The new sales manager has some very interesting ideas.

j) You’re not interested in anything — that’s your trouble.

3.3 One

a) Shoppers are faced with a confusing situation and a rapidly changing

one.

b) ‘Could you pass me that book?’ ‘Which one do you mean?’

c) I’d rather have a new car than a secondhand one.

d) I think I’m going to change my hairdresser. Can you recommend

one?

e) Her clothes were beginning to look shabby, so she decided it was

time she bought some new ones.

f) If you need another blanket, I'll get you one.

g) Are you sure that’s the one you want?

h) I’m sorry. These are not the ones I ordered.

3.4 Arise/raise/rise

a) The confusion arises partly from the claims made by advertising.

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 b) Several important matters have arisen since the last board meeting.

c) I have plenty more in stock, should the need arise.

d) He's hoping to start his own business if he can raise the capital.

e) It seems unfair to raise his hopes when he stands so little chance of

success.

f) Before we go on to the next item, there are one or two points I’d like
to raise.

g) I can’t understand why the cake didn’t rise.

h) The plane rose into the sky like a giant bird.

i) What time does the curtain rise?

3.5 May

i) In a supermarket you may find a shelf-filler who offers to find the

manager.

b) The road may be blocked — there was a lot of snow in the night.

c) He may help, but on the other hand he may not.

d) I should take a coat if I were you. It may well be colder at the coast.

e) ‘May I borrow your car?’ ‘No, you may not!’

f) May I have the day off tomorrow?

g) Where have you been, may I ask?

Unit 4
It was quite a large hole, the sort of thing an animal about the size of a
fox might have made.

James knelt down in front of it, and poked his head and shoulders
inside.

He crawled in.
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 He kept on crawling.

This isn't a hole, he thought excitedly. It's a tunnel!

The tunnel was damp and murky, and all around him there was the
curious bittersweet smell of fresh peach. The floor was soggy under his knees,
the walls were wet and sticky, and peach juice was dripping from the ceiling.
James opened his mouth and caught some of it on his tongue. It tasted
delicious.

He was crawling uphill now, as though the tunnel were leading straight
towards the very centre of the gigantic fruit. Every few seconds he paused and
took a bite out of the wall. The peach flesh was sweet and juicy, and
marvellously refreshing.

He crawled on for several more yards, and then suddenly - bang - the
top of his head bumped into something extremely hard blocking his way. He
glanced up. In front of him there was a solid wall that seemed at first as
though it were made of wood. He touched it with his fingers. It certainly felt like
wood, except that it was very jagged and full of deep grooves.

‘Good heavens!’ he said. ‘I know what this is! I’ve come to the stone in
the middle of the peach!’

Then he nociced that there was a small door cut into the face of the
peach stone. He gave a push. It swung open. He crawled through it, and
before he had time to glance up and see where he was, he heard a voice
saying, ‘Look who’s here!' And another one said, ‘We’ve been waiting for you!’

James stopped and stared at the speakers, his face white with horror.
He started to stand up, but his knees were shaking so much he had to sit
down again on the floor.

From James and the giant peach by Roald Dahl.

4.1 Quite
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 a) It was quite a large hole, the sort of thing an animal about the size of
a fox might have made.

b) I thought I was going to be very early, but quite a lot of people were in
their seats by the time I arrived.

c) His books are quite interesting, but I doubt if he’ll ever write a best-
seller.

d) They are quite similar, I agree, but if you look really carefully, you’ll
see they are not quite the same.

e) It was quite the most delightful day of our entire holiday.

f) ‘Do you like your new car?’. ‘Well, I haven’t quite got used to it yet.’

g) ‘I’ve been waiting for half an hour. Are you ready yet?’ ‘Not quite.’

h) ‘I’m sorry I burst in like that. I should have knocked, shouldn’t I?’
‘Quite!’

4.2 To keep (on) + -ing

a) He poked his head and shoulders inside. He crawled in. He kept on

crawling.

b) We’ll just have to keep walking until we come to a signpost.

c) She’s old now, and she keeps forgetting things.

d) I wish you wouldn’t keep interrupting when I’m trying to explain it to

you.

e) Joan suggested that they should all go for a picnic in the afternoon -
provided it didn’t keep on raining.

4.3 Very

a) The tunnel led straight towards the very centre of the gigantic fruit.

b) He won first prize in the state lottery the very first time he bought a
ticket.
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 c) Of course you can’t borrow the car to take your girlfriend to Italy! The
very idea of it!

d) The lights went out, and at that very moment a piercing scream
echoed through the house.

e) The performance is tomorrow, so we’ll practise it now for the very last
time.

4.4 As if/as though

a)There was a solid wall that seemed at first as though it were made of
wood.

b) From what you tell me, it sounds as if he ought to see a doctor as

soon as possible.

c) When they come back from a holiday, they always look as though
they could do with a week in bed.

d) These apples smell as if they’ve been in a cupboard full of soap.

e) He’s a conceited idiot. He talks as though he's the only one who
knows anything about it.

f) I know he’s a difficult person to deal with, but it’s no use treating him
as if he were a tool.

4.5 Result clauses

a) His knees were shaking so much he had to sit down again on the
floor.

b) He looked so white I thought he was going to pass out.

c) Buying a house is so expensive that we have decided to try and rent

one instead.

d) She sang so sweetly that even the hardened old music critic of the
Echo was moved to tears.
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 e) So eloquent was he that no fewer than ten members of the
Opposition voted against their own party.

f) This homework is so disgracefully untidy that I intend to show it to the

headmaster.

Unit 5
Repairing a fuse

Fuses are safety devices inserted in electrical lighting, heating and

power circuits. When a circuit becomes overloaded or shorted, the fuse wire,
which is thinner and softer than the main circuit wires, heats and melts,
automatically cutting off the electrical supply to the circuit affected - thus
minimising risks of fire and shock. Repair necessities are a card of fuse-wire
and a small insulated screwdriver; these should be stored near the tuse-boxes
together with a torch or candles and matches.

Before opening the fuse-box, the current must be switched off at the
main. Examine all the fuses in the box; the burnt one can usually be identified
by a sooty smudge on the white porcelain holder. Loosen the screws in the
holder and remove every piece of the old wire; wipe off the sooty deposit
before replacing the burnt wire with a new piece of correct strength. The
amperage is usually stamped on the side of the porcelain holder - 5 amp for
lighting, 10 amp for heating, and 15 amp for power. It is dangerous to use wire
stronger than the specified amperage, and only fuse-wire should be used - not
hairpins or old bits of any odd wire.

Coil the ends of the new length of wire round the securing screws in the
porcelain holder and under the washers, snip off the surplus ends of wire and
tighten the screws. The wire should be slightly slack between the two
terminals to permit normal cooling contraction atter the wire becomes hot -
tight wires snap easily. Replace the fuse-holders in the box and switch the
current on at the main.
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 From The good handyman’s encyclopedia by F. J. Christopher and
Rosemary Brinley Christopher.

5.1 Should

a) These items should be stored near the fuse-boxes.

b) What should we do if the water pressure drops below the

recommended minimum?

c) Under no circumstances should repairs be undertaken by

unauthorised personnel.

d) You shouldn’t have tried to do a job like that with a screwdriver.

e) You say I shouldn’t have used a screwdriver; what should I have

used?

f) I’ve fixed it with a hairpin and a piece of insulating tape. It should last
for a few days.

g) I need some piiers for this job; there should be a pair in my tool-box.

h) He worked very hard and did very well in the practice tests, so he
should have passed his examination.

i) Should you have any difficulty with this equipment, do not hesitate to
contact the manufacturers.

j) If you should need any further information, telephone me at once.

5.2 To loosen/loose/to lose

a) Loosen the screws in the holder and remove every piece of the old
wire.

b) You mustn’t do it up too tightly; we have to be able to loosen those

nuts by hand.

c) One of the handles on this drawer has worked loose; do you think
you could tighten it for me?

d) You can turn the dog loose when we get to the park.
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 e) Who was it who said, ‘Man has nothing to lose but his chains’?.

f) She lost one job because she couldn't be punctual, and now it looks
as if she’s going to lose another.

5.3 It + to be + adjective + infinitive

a) It is dangerous to use wire stronger than the specified amperage.

b) I see they used nails; I think it would have been better to use screws.

c) It would probably be advisable to buy a couple of new tyres instead of

trying to repair the old ones.

d) What a place to get a puncture! The ground was so soft that it was
impossible to use the jack.

e) Will it be safe to use an adaptor and run the electric kettle off the
same point as the fire?

f) It isn’t wise to have yards of flex trailing all over the floor.

5.4 Only

a) Only fuse-wire should be used - not hairpins or old bits of any odd
wire.

b) Of all the people present, only John had any real understanding of
the problem.

c) The plumber only repaired the taps; he didn’t put in a new wash-
basin.

d) The bumper was only scratched; the garage needn’t have put on a
new one.

e) Prizes were awarded only to the best three contestants.

f) He only dented it a bit; he didn’t ruin it completely.

g) Tills lamp should be working; I put a new bulb in only last week.
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 h) Television was invented only about forty years ago.

Unit 6
Thompson (Engineering) Ltd,
Ingleton Trading Estate,
Northwall,

Manchester, 29.

M. Auguste Némoz,
Lacoste Meunier et Cie,
Angers,
France.

3 July 1977

Dear Monsieur Nemoz,

Thank you for your letter dated 29 June. Mr Sanderson has told me of
your interest in our Combine Harvester 876, and I have his report on your
recent discussions at the Paris conference.

A major problem will be the question of a delivery date. At the moment,

we have more work than we can handle and are having to turn away orders.
However, we are thinking of taking on extra staff to cope with demand. If we
do, then I would hope to be able to quote a reasonably early date.

On the technical side, I understand that you would like to send over
some of your senior engineers to work with our team here for a few weeks. If
this were possible, it would certainly go a long way towards eliminating many
of the problems which some of our customers come up against in the initial
stages. It is a suggestion which I very much welcome, and we will do
everything possible to make such a co-operacion profitable for all concerned.

You mention in your letter that you will be coming to Manchester for a
sales conference next month. This would seem to be an ideal opportunity for
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us to discuss the matter more fully. By then, I would hope to have a decision
on the question of increased production and should be in a position to discuss
a realistic delivery date.

We will also have to discuss the matter of insurance and shipment, but I
don’t envisage any complications there.

I look forward to hearing from you concerning a date for our meeting.

With good wishes.

Yours sincerely,

D. R. Rivers. Sales Director

6.1 Phrasal verbs - to turn

a) We are having to turn away orders.

b) He wanted to go to university, but his application was turned down.

c) Do you think you could turn your radio down, please?

d) It’s getting late. I think I’ll turn in now.

e) I was turned out by my landlord for not paying the rent.

f) All the guests have arrived, but the speaker hasn’t turned up yet.

g) Don't worry. I’m sure your ring will turn up somewhere.

6.2 Stative verbs

a) We are thinking of taking on extra staff.

b) I think you are making a big mistake.

c) He says he doesn't feel like going out tonight.

d) Are you feeling any better today?

e) Do you remember me? We met at the Wilsons party last month.

f) ‘Why are you laughing?' 'I was just remembering that joke Harry told
me last night.’
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 g) Do you see that house over there? That's where my grandfather was
born.

h) I must have had too much to drink; I’m seeing double!

6.3 Do - pro form

a) We’re thinking of taking on extra staff. If we do, I will be able to quote

a reasonably early date.

b) I shouldn’t think I’ll go shopping today, but if I do, I’ll certainly get
some razor blades for you.

c) ‘I wish you wouldn’t talk like that.’ ‘Why not? Everyone else does.’

d) ‘Would you like a cigarette?’ ‘I don’t, thanks.’

e) We don’t really expect her to pass her driving test first time, but we’ll
be delighted if she does.

f) My father hasn’t heard the news yet, but he’ll be furious when he
does.

6.4 Conditionals

a) If this were possible, it would certainly be helpful.

b) I wouldn’t invite you if I didn’t think you’d enjoy it.

c) If he went to Canada, how long would he stay?

d) Would you mind if I left work a bit early today?

e) It’s none of my business, of course, but if I were you, I‘d keep quiet
about it.

f) She said she would accept the job if she were offered it.

g) If you knew him as well as I did, I’m sure you’d like him.

6.5 Prepositions in final position

a) It will eliminate some of the problems our customers come up

against.
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 b) Has this glass been drunk out of?

c) Have you seen John anywhere? I’ve just been up to his room, and
his bed hasn’t been slept in.

d) Would you mind moving, please? That’s my chair you're sitting on.

e) The kitchen floor looks clean enough to eat off.

f) Some people think that a preposition is a bad word to end a sentence

with!

Unit 7
Wanted. Five enterprising people to
undertake challenging project.

Exactly 50 years ago, a man called Hans Wilsdorf unveiled the Rolex
Oyster case. It was the first case that was truly capable of protecting die
delicate watch mechanisms, not only against water, but also dust, dirt, shock
and the elements.

Since then, Rolex have gone on to pioneer virtually every major

breakthrough in the manufacture of the wrist-watch, from the Perpetual self-
winding movement to the Day-Date showing the date and day of the week in
full.

All this time, the Rolex owners themselves have not been idle. Lord
Hunt has conquered Everest, Sir Francis Chichester has sailed round the
world single-handed.

And Jackie Stewart and Arnold Palmer have become legends in the
worlds of motor racing and golf.

Now, to mark the 50th anniversary of the Oyster case, Rolex have
created the Awards for Enterprise. Their aim, to stimulate new projects which
carry on the tradition of enterprise and achievement associated with the name
Rolex.
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 There are just five awards, each consisting of 50,000 Swiss Francs.

The Awards will be presented, together with a specially inscribed Rolex

Chronometer, to the people who submit the five most original and imaginative
projects involving Exploration and Discovery, Applied Sciences and Invention
or The Environment.

A special booklet is available from most Rolex dealers, which gives full
details of the Awards and explains the background to them.

Over the last 50 years, Rolex watches and their owners have made
history in almost every sphere of human endeavour.

The Awards for Enterprise is a unique opportunity for five people to

write their own chapter in the next 50 years of Rolex history.

Rolex of Geneva, advertisement from Time Magazine

(Europe). (Adapted.)

7.1 Compound nouns with ‘break’

a) Since then, Rolex have gone on to pioneer virtually every major

breakthrough in the manufacture of the wrist-watch.

b) I’ve never had a breakdown in this car — touch wood!

c) The misunderstanding was due to a breakdown of communication

more than anything else.

d) He hasn’t been completely stable since his nervous breakdown last

year.

e) The management wants a complete breakdown of your expenditure

over the last six months.

f) The police are looking for three prisoners. Apparently there was a
breakout last night.

g) Local farmers are concerned about the recent outbreak of foot and
mouth disease in the area.
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 h) He hasn't been the same since the break-up of his marriage.

7.2 Adverbials with present perfect

a) All this time, the Rolex owners themselves have not been idle.

b) The cold weather hasn’t bothered me up to now.

c) Have you been to the cinema lately?

d) No, I haven’t finished yet. I’ve only just started as a matter of fact.

e) Write your names at the top of the page, if you haven’t already done
so.

f) Since the accident, he has been rather reluctant to drive.

g) That reminds me, we haven’t seen the Wrights tor a long time

7.3 Future passive

a) The Awards will be presented to the people who submit the five most
original projects.

b) The programme won’t be televised until early in the New Year.

c) The new racing-car will be driven for the first time by Sergio
Gonzales, the reigning champion.

d) The articles will be sent through the post on receipt of your order.

e) The final will be played on 8 September, not the 1st as previously

announced.

f) The results won't be announced before the end of the month.

g) When will his book actually be published?

7.4 -ing clauses

a) Awards will be presented for the most original projects involving

Exploration and Discovery.

b) In each room were showcases containing valuable antique clocks.

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 c) I know the lawyer working on the case personally.

d) The girl talking to the man with the beard used to live next door to
me.

e) At the airport you’ll see a man carrying a copy of The Financial

Times. He is your contact.

f) Only those applicants holding a current driving licence will be

considered for the post.

7.5 Opportunity/chance/occasion/possibility

a) The Awards for Enterprise is a unique opportunity for five people to

write their own chapter in the next 50 years of Rolex history.

b) There aren’t so many opportunities for graduates now as there were

ten years ago.

c) With his opportunities, he should have made a success of his career.

d) There’s very little chance of the situation improving in the immediate

future.

e) She has no chance of getting the job.

f) What are the chances of the operation being successful?

g) The whole family came to see my grandmother when she had her
hundredth birthday. She had a telegram from the Queen, too. It was quite an
occasion.

h) She was extremely rude to her employer. I think she will have
occasion to regret her words in the future.

i) The staff party is usually quite enjoyable. On one occasion we had

quite a well-known comedian to entertain us.

j) ‘Will you be able to come next week?’ ‘It’s a possibility.’

k) I think the idea has possibilities, but I’d like to consider all the
implications before deciding definitely.
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 l) There is no possibility whatever of your being granted a gaming
licence in this town.

Unit 8
They both wore thin rubber masks.

Identical.

I looked at the two identical faceless faces in tingling disbelief. I was not
the sort of person to whom rubber-masked individuals up to no good paid calls
at twenty to midnight. I was a thirty-four-year-old sober-minded businessman
quietly bringing up to date the account books at my father’s training stables in
Newmarket.

The pool of light from the desk lamp shone squarely upon me and the
work I had been doing, and the two rubber faces moved palely against the
near-black panelling of the dark room like alien moons closing in on the sun. I
had looked up when the latch clicked, and there they were, two dim figures
calmly walking in from the hall of the big house, silhouetted briefly against the
soft lighting behind them and then lost against the panelling as they closed the
door. They moved without a squeak, without a scrape, on the bare polished
floor. Apart from the unhuman faces, they were black from head to foot.

I picked up the telephone receiver and dialled the first of three nines.

One of them closed in faster, swung his arm, and smashed downwards
on the telephone. I moved my finger fractionally in time with the second nine
all but complete, but no one was ever going to achieve the third. The black
gloved hand slowly disentangled a heavy police truncheon from the mangled
remains of the Post Office’s property.

From Bonecrack by Dick Francis.

8.1 Both
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 a) They both wore thin rubber masks.

b) If you can’t make up your mind which to have, why not buy them
both?

c) ‘Who’s this present for?’ ‘It’s for both of us.’

d) She is both beautiful and intelligent.

e) I’ve met him twice, and on both occasions he was extremely rude.

f) If you hold it in both hands, you’re less likely to drop it.

g) Both these books belonged to my great grandfather.

h) You’ll have to decide which is more important; you can’t have it both
ways.

8.2 Compound adjectives

a) I was a thirty-four-year-old sober-minded businessman.

b) He was a fresh-faced youth who looked as though butter wouldn’t

melt in his mouth.

c) At seven, she was fair-haired and rosy-cheeked, just like her mother.

d) He looked very smart in his new double-breasted blazer.

e) I called him a bare-faced liar, and he gave me a black eye.

f) New-laid eggs always taste better than those you buy in the shops.

g) The film is quite good, although the story is a little far-fetched.

8.3 There

a) There they were, two dim figures calmly walking in from the hall of
the big house.

b) I had been looking all over for her, and finally found her in the attic.
There she was, sitting amongst piles of dust-covered relics of the past.

c) We lost sight of him for a minute in the crowd of passengers, but

suddenly there he was in front of us, looking exactly the same as always.
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 d) There goes the bell. I’d better be off, or I shall be late for class.

e) It’s very easy to operate. You simply turn that knob, and there you
are!

8.4 Order of adjectives

a) They moved without a squeak on the bare polished floor.

b) We need a small round table to go in the living-room.

c) That old carved chair must be worth quite a lot of money now.

d) Her thin lined face made her look older than she was.

e) They sat and looked at their faces reflected in the clear blue water.

f) Heavy black thunder-clouds gathered on the horizon.

g) The house itself is very attractive, but I don’t like those ugly iron
railings in the front.

h) She spoke in a trembling high-pitched voice.

Unit 9
Surrounded by undulating country, the site, in the loveliest area of West
Sussex, is backed by thickly wooded areas to the north, but has an open view
across to the South Downs. It consists of some 20 acres of sandy peat, with a
hill in the centre and a tumulus on its peak. The pitches are dispersed among
trees, bracken, rhododendrons, etc.

The site is almost unique in the club in that there is little or no grass,
and no room for ball games! Visick is an excellent holiday site, being very
sheltered.

The attractive downland village of Graffham is about a mile away.

Cowdray Park is three miles away, and the South Downs are half an hour’s
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walk. Footpaths start from the site and provide many miles of quiet and
attractive walking. The site is within one mile of the South Downs Way.

Midhurst, a very interesting small town, is close to the ruins of Cowdray

House. Petworth (another very old town, with the great house in its park), has
many treasures. Turner lived in the house for many years.

There is a Roman villa at Bignor, about 5 miles from the site, and further
afield a very early Romano-British palace at Fishbourne. The sea is only
about 12 miles away. There is polo in Cowdray Park and at South
Ambersham, and point-to-point racing at the Spring Bank Holiday.

Kingsley Vale nature reserve, in the Downs, is of world-wide renown.

The Forestry Commission's ‘Northwood Forest Walk’ in Slindon Forest, which
begins in Eartham at the top of Duncton Hill, makes an interesting and
worthwhile day's outing.

The tumulus on the hill in the centre of the site must not be used as a
pitch because it is scheduled as an Ancient Monument.

From Sites list and yearbook (The Camping Club)

9.1 Approximations

a) It consists of some 20 acres of sandy peat.

b) At the end of the second act, there will be an intermission lasting

approximately fifteen minutes.

c) I should think there were about thirty people there altogether.

d) The hotel is a mile or so from the town centre.

e) The police doctor said he thought that death had occurred at 11.30
p.m. or thereabouts.

f) It will probably take us round about two hours to get to Dover.

g) I don’t know exactly how old he is, but he must be sixty-odd.

h) It’ll cost roughly £300 to repair the damage.

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 i) The house is more or less completed now.

9.2 Little/a little/few/a few

a) The site is almost unique in that there is little or no grass.

b) If that’s the case, there seems little point in continuing.

c) The Manager said that, in his opinion, the scheme had little chance of
success.

d) ‘How much sugar would you like?’ ‘Just a little, please.’

e) Try and exercise a little discretion.

f) Have a little brandy; it will make you feel better.

g) Few people would disagree with that.

h) There are very few books which I can say I have really enjoyed.

i) You’ve made a few mistakes, but nothing very serious.

j) There are a few biscuits left, but not enough for all of us to have one.

9.3 -s genitive

a) The South Downs are half an hour's walk.

b) Most people want to relax when they come home after a hard day’s
work.

c) The concert was very good — an excellent evening’s entertainment.

d) What I need now is a month’s holiday in the sun!

ẹ) You’ll feel better when you’ve had a good night’s sleep.

f) He’s just returned alter two weeks’ absence.

g) They’re looking for someone with at least five years’ teaching

experience.

9.4 Mass and count nouns

a) Petworth has many treasures.

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 b) With the aid of a map, the pirates managed to find where the treasure
was hidden.

c) Is that a new dress you’re wearing?

d) Dress isn’t important. It’s what you are that counts.

e) Your coat is covered in hairs.

f) Your hair looks nice; have you had it set?

g) I think there’s some paper in that drawer.

h) Did you remember to buy a paper today?

i) The light isn’t very good in here. Can you see to read?

j) We've decided to have a light fitted over the front door.

k) Have you got a light?

l) That old bedstead is made of iron.

m) Is the iron hot enough yet?

Unit 10
An observant person who sees the carcass of a small animal lying on
the ground will probably find, if he returns to the spot the next day, that the
object has disappeared. The chances are that it has been buried, either there
or nearby, by a pair of Nicrophorus beetles. They will use it as food for their
young during the larval stages. The feat of these small insects in rapidly
interring a carcass that is many times their size is remarkable enough, but it is
only a step toward the most advanced form of parental cooperativeness
known among the Coleoptera. We have spent much time watching these
burying beetles (also called carrion beetles and sexton beetles) and putting
them to various tests which demonstrate an impressive plasticity in the
behavior of the insects.
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 The patient French naturalist Jean-Henri Fabre set out fleshy bait of
several kinds to lure burying beetles to where he could watch them. He
admired these little gravediggers of the animal world. The observer cannot
watch for long. Unlike the scarab beetle of Mediterranean countries, which
walks in plain view while rolling a ball of dung to some still undiscovered place
of burial, a burying beetle quickly slides out of sight below the carcass of a
mouse or a bird it has found. There, lying on its back, the insect uses all six of
its powerful legs as levers to shift its prize. From time to time it rights itself and
bulldozes headfirst into the earth to loosen the soil and push it away.
Inconspicuously, a fraction of an inch at a time, the carcass moves horizontally
or disappears into the ground.

From ‘The social behavior of burying beetles’ by Lorus J. Milne and

Margery Milne, Scientific American. (Adapted.)

10.1 Defining and non-defining relative clauses

a) An observant person who sees the carcass of a small animal lying on

the ground will probably find, if he returns later, that the object has
disappeared.

b) The house which we’re particularly interested in is on the right as you

go up the hill.

e) Birds which go in search of their prey at night have eyes which are
specially adapted tor seeing in the dark.

d) The teacher who can control that class deserves a medal.

e) The girl I’m talking about has fair hair and has never been to Egypt
as far as I know.

f) My father, who has been a civil servant all his life, has suddenly
decided to start his own business.

g) Their new school, which expanded rapidly in the first two years, is
now having financial problems.
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 h) Corpses for breakfast, which has been described as the most
exciting detective story of the year, is to be brought out in paperback at the
beginning of next month.

i) The President’s health, which has been giving cause for some
concern, seems to have improved over the last few days.

j) The Times, which he reads every day, is his only contact with the
outside world.

10.2 Tenses in time and condition clauses

a) He will probably find, if he returns to the spot the next day, that the
object has disappeared.

b) If you leave tomorrow, we’ll be able to see you off at the airport.

c) I’ll tell him about the arrangements when I see him next week.

d) We will have everything ready long before you arrive.

e) Let me know as soon as you’ve made up your mind.

f) She asked them not to do anything until they had heard from her.

g) Even it you don't go this weekend, I shall still go.

h) I’ll take my thick coat in case it’s cold.

10.3 Long/a long time

a) The observer cannot watch for long.

b) I couldn’t stand this noise for long.

c) He hasn't been working here long, but he’s already made an

impression on the staff.

d) Have you been waiting long?

e) He came into the office yesterday, but he didn’t stay long. He had to
go to a meeting in London.
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 f) ‘How long have you been feeling like this?’ ‘Oh, for a long time,
doctor.’

g) I had to wait for quite a long time before I could see the manager.

h) I haven’t seen you for a long time. What have you been doing?

i) It’s a long time since I had a holiday by the sea, and I’m really looking
forward to it.

10.4 Expressions with ‘time’

a) From time to time it rights itself and bulldozes headfirst into the earth.

b) Don’t do anything for the time being. Just sit back and await results.

c) I seem to remember he worked for the Post Office at one time, but
I’ve no idea what he’s doing now.

d) He can be extremely generous at times, through not many people

realise it.

e) I’ve told her time and again not to leave her satchel on the floor
where people can trip over it.

f) We took off from Heathrow at midday, and in next to no time we were

coming in to land at Orly.

g) Let’s arrange to meet in time to have a drink somewhere before the

play.

h) You could set your watch by old Jackson. He’s always on time.

Unit 11
The consequences if the Company is taken over

a. The area would be swallowed up in a vast region, and the needs of

the Company's present consumers would have to compete with those of the
rest of the region.
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 b. Because the Authority must concentrate its limited resources on the
most urgent needs, necessary improvements to maintain the very high
standards in the Company’s area cannot be expected to receive the high
priority they receive from the Company.

c. The voice of local consumers would be far less influential. At present

there are regular consultations with the local authorities in the area through a
consultative committee (established by the Company) and all proposals for
increased charges are submitted to this committee before final decisions are
taken.

d. Charges would increase substantially, not only because the

Authority’s costs are higher, but also because of the pressure to equalise
burdens over the region. If the Company had become part of the Authority in
April 1974, charges would already be 50% higher than they are now.

The advantages of retaining the Company

a. The Company is able to concentrate on one function, water supply, in

an area of reasonable size. The needs of water users in this area are its
paramount consideration. There is genuine local consultation.

b. Necessary schemes are never delayed for lack of finance because

adequate capital has always been raised ahead of requirements and spent to
ensure the continual provision of ample and reliable supplies of pure water.
And by careful planning there would be no difficulty about continuing in this
way for the foreseeable future.

c. Costs and charges are much lower. Consumers pay only towards
these lower costs and are not forced to subsidise other parts of the region
which, because of very different histories, have far higher charges.

From Cambridge Water Company circular.

11.1 Passive infinitive

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 a) Necessary improvements cannot be expected to receive the high
priority they receive from the Company.

b) Graduates of foreign universities will not be required to take the

College entrance examination.

c) All relevant documents, duly completed, should be handed in at the

Secretary’s office one week before the start of term.

d) I don’t think one ought to be disqualified for such a trifling offence.

e) In the old days most of our coal used to be transported by sea.

f) Temporary setbacks such as this must not be allowed to divert us

from our final objective.

11.2 Adverb + comparative

a) The voice of local consumers would be far less influential.

b) The present system is considerably more efficient than the old one.

c) I thought he played much better in the semi-final than he did in the

final.

d) Water rates are a lot higher there than they are in this part of the
country.

e) We expect our company’s profits to be appreciably larger this year.

f) Business prospects are slightly more encouraging now than they were
a year ago.

11.3 Conditionals

a) If the Company had become part of the Authority in April 1974,

charges would already be 50% higher than they are now.

b) If you had followed your father’s advice and gone into the army, you
would probably be a colonel by now.

c) He frankly admits that he would still be a labourer if it hadn’t been for

the war.
34
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 d) He would be a rich man today if he hadn’t got involved in that lawsuit.

e) My father says that the industry would still be making a profit if the
government hadn’t taken it over.

f) I wouldn’t be here now if he hadn't leaped into the water to save me.

11.4. Infinitive of purpose

a) Capital has always been raised and spent to ensure the continual
provision of ample and reliable supplies of pure water.

b) When the parents were killed, a fund was set up to provide tor the
children.

c) This particular piece of music was written to commemorate the Silver

Jubilee of the late King.

d) Everything possible must be done to preserve the good reputation of

the company.

e) The museum authorities had a gallery specially built to house the

new collection.

f) He even sold his house to raise money for his election campaign.

Unit 12
Tunbridge Wells.

14 December

My dear Michael,

It seems ages since we heard from you — and even longer since we
last saw you.

But recently we happened to bump into Charlie Wright at a party, and

from him we learnt that you and Lucia will be coming to England over the
Christmas holidays. So I am writing straight away - to make sure this reaches
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you well before you leave Rome - in the hope that it will be possible for you
both to spend a few days with us during your stay in England.

I imagine you will be spending Christmas itself with your parents, but
surely you will have some time after that before your new term starts? We
shall be having two other friends of ours staying with us over the New Year
weekend, and it would be nice if you could come then, too. Mike and Rosa
Griffiths are old friends and a very nice couple; I’m sure you would like
them. They used to live in Italy, too, so we shall all have something in
common. And if we get some decent weather, we might all go off one day and
visit the Carters - I’m sure we can get Uncle Arthur to lend us his minibus.

There’s not a great deal to report from our end. Mary is well and still
enjoying her school-teaching (at least, I think so); the children are growing up
at a terrifying rate; I am still working for Sanderson's and liking it well enough -
though occasionally pining for the footloose days of long ago. But let’s hope
you will soon be here to see for yourselves — and help us see the New Year
in!

I'd better stop this now; I’m supposed to be spending this evening
writing Christmas cards.

Write or phone as soon as you can - and come!

Love from us all.

Yours ever,

Richard

12.1 Since

a) It seems ages since we heard from you — and even longer since we
last saw you.

b) Things just haven’t been the same since she went away and left me.

c) The fog was terrible, and she didn't get there till about half past
seven. Her poor husband had been waiting since five o’clock.
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 d) Uncle Henry worked in Germany in the thirties, but he hasn’t been
back there since the war.

e) We haven’t seen much of the Joneses since we’ve been living here.

f) He hasn’t done a day’s work since leaving university.

g) On his eighteenth birthday he packed a suitcase, kissed his mother

good-bye and walked out of the house. And he hasn't been heard of since.

h) ‘Do have some of this wine; it’s marvellous. Go on, do have a glass!’
‘Well, since you insist, I will have a little.’

12.2 Used to + infinitive/used to + -ing

a) They used to live in Italy, too.

b) She used to work in their accounts department; I wonder what she’s

doing now.

c) He used to live opposite the museum, didn’t he?

d) It all looks very strange round here; didn’t there use to be a hotel on
that comer?

e) Did they use to make you learn your tables by heart at your school?

f) She didn’t use to be so bitter; in fact she never used to say an unkind
word about anyone. What can have happened to change her?

g) I hate living in a flat; I don’t think I shall ever get used to it.

h) It’s a lovely country to live in - once you get used to the climate.

i) She simply didn’t know what to say; she wasn’t used to being treated
like a lady.

j) I’d quite like to be a postman; but I don’t think I could ever get used to
getting up at five o’clock in the morning.

12.3 To get
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 a) If we get some decent weather, we’ll get Unde Arthur to lend us his
minibus.

b) We didn’t get as many Christmas cards as usual this year.

c) Once old Godfrey has made up his mind, you can never get him to
change it.

d) He was out in the rain for two solid hours. At his age, it’s a wonder he
didn't get pneumonia!

e) ‘It’s number 12 Gurblebubber Street.’ ‘I’m sorry, I didn’t quite get that;
could you spell it for me, please?’

f) I’d like to have another walking holiday in Scotland one of these days
- before I get too old to enjoy it.

g) If you leave your toys on the floor, they’ll get trodden on.

h) When we got back from our holiday, it took me about two hours to get
the boiler going.

i) She had to do the shopping and then get home to get the spare room
ready for the visitors.

j) It seems strange at first, but you’ll soon get to like it.

12.4 So/not - pro forms

a) Mary is still enjoying her school-teaching (at least, I think so).

b) ‘Is Fred coming to the party?’ ‘I hope so.’

c) ‘Is he bringing his wife?’ ‘I trust not!’

d) ‘Will she have to see the doctor again?’ ‘Yes, I expect so.’

e) ‘Do you think you could lend me £10 till pay-day?’ ‘I’m afraid not; I
only have £5 myself.’

f) ‘Will they be here in time for tea?’ ‘I don’t expect so; they didn’t leave
London till after lunch.’
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 g) ‘Will Peter mind if l borrow his bicycle?’ ‘Oh. I don’t suppose so.’

12.5 Had better

a) I'd better stop this now; I’m supposed to be writing Christmas cards.

b) If you’re not satisfied with the new pay-scale, you’d better go and see
the Director.

c) You'd better not move any of his papers; he hates anyone interfering
with his things.

d) Good heavens, look at the time! I’d better be going.

e) We’d better be doing some work when Mr Rogers gets here, hadn't
we?’ ‘Yes, he’d better not find us sitting around chatting as if we hadn’t got
anything to do.’

f) Hadn't you better be going now if you want to catch the bus?

Unit 13
A correction to the misleading claims
which we seem to have made in the past

‘Like most people, I'm a bit wary of car advertisements. Whether they’re
Audi’s or anyone else’s.

So when I bought an Audi 100LS, I decided to check the results I got

against the claims they made.

We’ve been together now for 100,000 miles, and I have kept a full
record of everything I’ve spent on my car. Right down to the car wax and the
polishing cloths.

And I can only say that, in my experience, the people at Audi were guilty
of gross understatement.
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 They claim that the Audi 100 is remarkably economical. But nowhere do
they tell you that it gives almost 32 mpg overall, which is what I’ve averaged
over the past five years. (I haven’t, by the way, been driving as though I was in
the Total Economy Run. My 100,000 miles include 2,000 pulling a caravan.)

They came a little closer to the truth when they said that die Audi 100 is
reliable.

My car has never broken down. It has always started in the morning,
except once when the battery was flat. It has needed no more than routine
servicing at my own local garage.

And I’ve made only two major replacements. A new tyre at 72,000 miles.
And a new exhaust system at 82,000 miles.

So were they right in claiming that the overall running costs of the Audi
100 are reasonable for a car of its size?

No.

Even in the last twelve months, including petrol, oil, servicing, spares,
tax, insurance, and everything except depredation, it has cost me only 3.16p a
mile.

When I told the people at Audi, they didn’t believe me at

first. Then they went through my figures with a fine tooth comb. They told me
that it was less than Autocar’s Long Term Road Test figure for the Renault 5.

And now they tell me that their 1976 model is an improvement on mine.

It needs even less maintenance: a main service only once every 10,000
miles. They’ve increased the life of the exhaust system.

And, they say, it’s even more economical.

Well, maybe.’

Advertisement from The Observer.

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13.1 Else

a) I’m a bit wary of car advertisements. Whether they're Audi’s or

anyone else’s.

b) I wish Mary would come to the staff party; everyone else’s wife is
going to be there.

c) We’ve been to Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London and

Trafalgar Square. Is there anywhere else we ought to go before we leave
London?

d) She only watches television when she has nothing else to do.

e) We’ve given him just about everything he asked for; whatever else
can he want?

f) My lawn-mower has never been the same since he borrowed it; I’m
certainly not lending him anything else.

g) We had to go and fetch the Manager because no one else knew

where the keys were.

13.2 Perfect infinitive

a) A correction to the misleading claims which we seem to have made in

the past (Title)

b) They appear not to have taken even the most elementary

precautions.

c) It’s all most unsatisfactory; they were supposed to have finished

painting the dining-room by the end of the month.

d) I knew they would let us down. We ought never to have trusted them.

e) You should have asked his advice before you started.

f) He arrived more than two hours late. Surely he could have telephoned
to let us know.
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 g) She can't have spent more than ten minutes doing her homework. It’s
terrible.

h) He must have worked very hard to have got such a good degree.

13.3 Inversion after adverbial

a) Nowhere do they tell you that it gives almost 32 mpg.

b) Under no circumstances would we be prepared to consider a renewal

of your contract.

c) Little did she imagine that within a year her entire life would have
changed.

d) Rarely can there have been a more dramatic start to an international

football match.

e) Seldom, if ever, had they been accorded such an enthusiastic

reception.

f) Only when the fog lifted did they realise how far they had strayed from
the pach.

13.4 No + comparative + than

a) It has needed no more than routine servicing at my own local garage.

b) It is estimated that no fewer than 40,000 people were present at the

demonstration.

c) I’m afraid this department is no more efficient today than it was five
years ago.

d) It took him no less than five years to complete the first volume of his
autobiography.

c) The variation in weight must be no greater than one thousandth of a

gramme.

f) His victory in the final was no more convincing than I had expected.
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Unit 14
How baby ‘sees’ with his ears

A device has been developed that enables babies born blind to perceive
the world through echoes from an ultrasonic scanner. Dr. Tom Bower, of
Edinburgh University psychology department, told the British Association
annual conference that he gave the device to a 16-week-old boy in the US
and the child responded to it within half a minute of putting it on.

The battery-operated scanner sends out a pulse of ultra-sound through

a cone attached to the forehead. Through earplugs the baby is able to hear
echoes in stereo which tell him what lies in front. By moving his head, he can
detect sounds from different parts of the room.

The closer the object is, the lower the pitch of the sound. The bigger it
is, the louder the sound. The child can also establish whether the object is
hard or soft: a hard object will give a clear sound, and a soft one will give a
fuzzy sound with overtones. Normal voice commands can be heard by the
baby while he is wearing the device.

Bower first tried it out on a blind baby from the Berkeley children’s
hospital in California. The baby, Denis Daughters, seemed delighted and
played hide-and-seek with his mother after a few days. He enjoyed finding her
in a room. At the age of nine months, he had reached the development stage
of a normal sighted baby. He was able to perform tests such as balancing an
object on two prongs or on a table edge. This may sound trivial, but few
sighted children can perform such a task before this age.

From an article in The Sunday Times by David Dugan.

(Adapted.)

14.1 Present perfect passive

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 a) A device has been developed that enables babies born blind to
perceive the world through echoes from an ultrasonic scanner.

b) A visit by the Foreign Secretary has been postponed until the spring.

c) A lot of time has been spent on preliminary discussions in order to

avoid difficulties at a later stage.

d) We’ve just heard that plans to develop the product have not been
approved by the board.

e) The two children involved in the rescue have been awarded medals
for bravery.

f) Following a night of rioting, it was announced today that the

government has been overthrown.

14.2 Within

a) The child responded to it within half a minute of putting it on.

b) Within a month of advertising the product, their turnover increased by

over 300%.

c) Within a week of signing the lease, he was told that he was being
transferred.

d) There should be some news within the hour.

e) He wanted to live within walking distance of the station because he

has to commute to London every day.

f) He’s an airline pilot, so he’s looking for a house within easy reach of
the airport.

g) All the time I’ve known them, they’ve never lived within their income.

14.3 By + -ing

a) By moving his head, he can detect sounds from different parts of the
room.
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 b) The only way she could put him off was by being thoroughly
obnoxious.

c) It’s surprising what you can learn by listening to others.

d) You can save a lot of money by using public transport instead of a

private car.

e) He lose a lot of weight by cutting out all carbohydrates from his diet.

f) They made the room seem much bigger by painting the walls white
and reducing furniture to a minimum.

14.4 ‘Pure’ future

a) A hard object will give a clear sound, and a soft one will give a fuzzy
sound with overtones.

b) You will be cold without a coat. Why don’t you borrow mine?

c) The situation will improve once the new manager takes over.

d) As it is so foggy, the flight will probably be delayed.

e) He won’t be very pleased when he hears that!

f) The striker broke his leg in the last match, so he won’t be playing any
more football for a while.

Unit 15
Wisbech, the ‘Capital of the Fens’

Place a small community in an isolated position, surround it with a

hostile environment, stir in two invasions, watch and wait. Certain traits will
develop.

This is the recipe which formed Wisbech.

The earliest recorded reference to the town was made in the Anglo-
Saxon Chronicle of 656 and listed Wisbech as a small settlement not five
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miles from the coast. As such, it was battered by North Sea gales and, after
heavy rains, threatened by floods which resulted when the rain drained from
the surrounding counties into the low-lying fenland basin which encompassed
the colony.

In those early days Wisbech was besieged by swamps, which made

travel to and from the community slow and treacherous. None but the most
determined made the journey. The struggle to exist in trying conditions
becomes a community affair, and the basis of such a tightly knit group is the
family. So, moulded by isolation and the fight against adversity, Wisbech
developed a community spirit, a faith in the family and an independent
outlook.

In the beginning, the River Ouse flowed through the town — the name
Wisbech is a combination of the old English word ‘Wisse’, which means Ouse,
and ‘Beck’, meaning a brook or stream. But sediment built up in the Ouse, and
around 1300 the course of the river changed to run through King’s Lynn; a
tributary of the Ouse, the River Nene, now runs like a vein through the town.

Most coastal towns fight a continued battle against the sea, with the
spoils equally divided, but in Wisbech’s case it is the land which is winning.

From an article in Cambridgeshire, Huntingdon and Peterborough Life

by John Hurst.

15.1 As/like

a) Wisbech was listed as a small settlement.

b) The bicycle, as a means of transport in towns, is extremely

convenient.

c) It’s very decorative, but as a piece of furniture it’s absolutely useless.

d) As a person he’s very nice, but as a teacher he’s not very successful.

e) The River Nene now runs like a vein through the town.

f) They threw the sack into the water, and it sank like a stone.
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 g) Sometimes he behaves more like an animal than a human being.

h) He’s been like a father to me all my life.

15.2 To make + object + adjective

a) Wisbech was besieged by swamps, which made travel slow and

treacherous.

b) If you type your manuscript, it will make it easier for the printers to
read.

c) Their father had an unpredictable temper, which made their lives

difficult when they were younger.

d) You’ll only make life harder for yourself if you don’t make an effort to
get on with him.

c) The cost of oil has increased enormously over the last few years, and
this has made everything much more expensive.

f) Try and make it as simple as you can; their standard of English is very
low.

15.3 But

a) None but the most determined made the journey.

b) I swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

c) Nobody but you would be capable of dreaming up such a plan.

d) Last year I didn’t get any socks for Christmas, but this year I seem to
have had nothing but!

e) Our house is the last but one on the left-hand side.

f) But for you, I would have given up long ago.

g) I'll do anything for you but that.

15.4 Past participle

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 a) Moulded by isolation and the fight against adversity, Wisbech
developed a community spirit.

b) Disheartened by so much criticism, she resolved never to write

another novel.

c) Convinced that something was wrong, they decided to investigate the

matter further.

d) Overwhelmed by so much kindness, the old lady burst into tears.

e) Left to his own devices, the child would play happily for hours.

f) Impressed by her friendly manner and self-assurance, he decided to

offer her the job.

_________

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