Conversation 4

Susan: Guess what? They're showing "China Seas" with Clark Gable on TV tonight.

Lucy: Are they really? Oh, I must watch that. If there's one actor I love watching, it's Clark Gable.

Susan: Yes, so do I, especially when he's playing opposite Jean Harlow.

Lucy: Jean Harlow? Oh, I can't stand her!

Susan: Can't you? But why not?

Lucy: I don't know. I just don't like the way she acts, that's all.

Susan: But she was a very good actress!

Lucy: You must be joking!

Susan: No, I'm not. I really like the way she acts. Anyway, I'd much rather watch "China Seas" than the opera on BBC2 "La Traviata".

Lucy: You are not serious, are you? You really mean to say that you'd prefer to watch "China Seas"?

Susan: Yes, any day.

Lucy: Well... if that's the sort of films you enjoy watching, then all I can say is that I don't think very much of your taste! I shall watch the opera! What are they showing on TV tonight? What do the girls think of Clark Gable? Do they both think much of Jean Harlow's act­ing? What programmes are the girls going to watch tonight?

A. Reproduce the phrases expressing likes, dislikes and preferences used in conversation 4.

B. Find in the text appropriate English phrases for the following.

Мне действительно нравится, как она играет. Я невысоко­го мнения о твоем вкусе. Ты, наверно, шутишь. Я ее терпеть не могу. Если такого рода фильм тебе нравится... Мне просто не нравится, как она играет. Я бы предпочла посмотреть фильм.

C. Express your agreement or disagreement with your friend's likes.

1. I like detectives. 2. I enjoyed the opera. 3. I'm keen on jazz. 4. I'm fond of folk songs. 5. I love football. 6. I liked sweets when I was a girl. 7. I enjoy classical music. 8. I'm keen on fishing. 9. I like jogging. 10. I'm fond of figure-skating. 11. I liked the film very much. 12. I'm fond of science fiction.

D. Express your agreement or disagreement with your friend's dislikes.

1. I hate football. 2. I can't stand loud music. 3. I dislike the way she dances. 4. I can't bear Indian films. 5. I don't like opera. 6. I hate shop­ping. 7. I dislike the songs he sings. 8. I didn't enjoy the ballet. 9. I don't like coffee with milk. 10. I hate being late. 11. I can't bear him.

E. Work in pairs. A expresses his/her preferences using the words below. В agrees or disagrees accordingly.

1. watch TV or listen to the radio; 2. go to bed early or late; 3. read detective stories or science fiction; 4. large cars or small cars; 5. tomato juice or orange juice; 6. receive letters or write letters; 7. tea or coffee; 8. travel by air or by sea; 9. cabbage soup or chicken soup; 10. sunbathe or swim

F. Respond to the following suggestions expressing preferences.

1. Shall we go to the cinema? 2. What about seeing a detective? 3. Let's go to the theatre tonight. 4. Why don't we play a game of tennis? 5. Would you like to go to a concert? 6. Why not go abroad for our holidays? 7. Do you feel like going for a walk? 8. Why don't we have dinner at this cafeteria? 9. Let's go fishing on Sunday.

G. Ask your friend about his/her likes as far as sport is concerned.

Situation. Your friend and you are speaking about your likes and dislikes as far as entertainments are concerned.

Задание 5. Порядок выполнения задания. Прочитайте диалог и составьте к нему вопросы.

William: Ann, how do you spend your free time?

Ann: I don't get much free time these days. You know I'm working hard on my thesis. But when I do have free time, I prefer spending it with my family or friends.

William: I see. I mean do you have any hobbies? Or are there any activities that you like doing in your free time?

Ann: Yes, of course. I do have a hobby. I collect postcards and stamps. As for activities, most of all I enjoy ice-skating and bowling. But my favorite pastime is reading a good book or watching a good film.

William: I should say we have many things in common. I also collect stamps, like bowling with friends, and enjoy watching interesting films. But I'm not a fan of reading.

Ann: It's a shame, William. I think sometimes a book is better than a film. Books give you the whole story but films leave out some important parts.

William: Perhaps you are right, Ann. Is there an interesting book that you would recommend me to read?

Ann: At the moment I'm reading "The Iliad" of Homer and I really enjoy the history of ancient Greece. If you don't like historical books I recommend you to read "The Client" by John Grisham. It's a great thriller. It keeps you in suspense all the way through.

William: Oh, I like thrillers, especially if they contain suspense. I will definitely read this book. Other than that I wanted to invite you to a new film which is on. It's a new version of "Sherlock Holmes" and they say it's really good.

Ann: I'm not very fond of detective stories but I'll accept your invitation. I haven't been to the cinema for ages. If I don't like the film, I will definitely enjoy the popcorn and Coke.

William: Great! I'm glad you're coming. I'm sure we'll have a good time.

Ann: If we are speaking about our leisure time activities here, what do you think about bowling next week?

William: Sounds good! Who else is coming?

Ann: It's my birthday next week and I want to spend it bowling with my friends. What do you say?

William: In my opinion, it's a perfect idea of a birthday. I'm in. Count on me. In fact, I'm quite good at bowling.

Ann: I'm also not bad. We'll see who gets more strikes.

William: I'm sure we'll have a great time. Seems that the only pastime we don't share is ice-skating. How good are you at it?

Ann: I'm skating from the very childhood. So, I can say I'm a really good ice-skater. Have you ever tried to ice-skate?

William: Yes, it was only once. After that I decided that I'm a terrible ice-skater. I fell several times and injured my leg badly.

Ann: I see. But one session of ice-skating is not enough for becoming a good ice-skater. People practice for years. If you want we can go there together sometimes and I will train you

William: That would be lovely! I'm sure I need some practice with an experienced ice-skater.

Ann: Ok, then. We'll do that after my birthday.