Appearance and manners

When we speak about somebody's figure, face, hands, feet we moon his or her appearance. A person may be tall, middle-sized or short, thin or plump. A face may be round, oval or square. In summer some people may have freckles on their faces. Old people have wrinkled faces.

People's hair may be long or shot, thin or thick, good or bad, straight or curly. Ifit is long it is often plaited.

Its colour may be black or fair, chestnut or red. Old people have grey hair.

Eyes may be large or small. They may be of different colour, grey, green, black, or hazel (brown).

Cheeks may be rosy or pale (if a person is ill), plump orhollow (If a person is very ill). Some people have dimples intheir cheeks when they smile.

Women usually have their hair done at the hairdresser's.

The manner of walking is called the walk (gait). One's step may be:light, heavy, firm. Old people often shuffle their feet, have a shuffling gait.

OUR NEW COMPUTER PROGRAMMER

– Have you seen our new computer programmer?

– No yet. Why?

– She is a very pretty girl.

– Really?

– She is tall, slim and I’d say she has a very good figure. Her long hair is fair. Her eyes are blue. She has a snub nose and full lips.

– What’s her name?

– Constance Ritzwater. She is about thirty years old.

– Is she married?

– That’s what I would like to find out.

– What kind of person is she?

– She has been working here for about two weeks. They say she is qualified for the job, has good manners, very reserved and efficient.

– I see. Is Bob Madison her chief?

– Exactly. Do you know him?

– He is a friend of mine. We have been on friendly terms for about ten years.

– What do you think of him?

– Bob is a nice guy. He is very honest and just, well read and kind. Sometimes he is a bit stubborn. Nevertheless he is pleasant to deal with.

– He is a handsome man, isn’t he?

– Sure. He is of middle height, neither slim nor stout. His hair is dark. He wears a beard and a moustache. He has large dark eyes, a straight nose and thin lips.

– Is he married?

– He is divorced. He has a son by first marriage.

– Have you seen the boy?

– Of course. His name is Michael. He is nine years old. A very talented boy. He learns to play the piano and makes good progress.

– I see.

MY FRIEND

My best friend’s name is Nick. We made friends a few years ago. We are of the same age. We live in the same block of flats, so we see each other almost every day.

Nick is a tall slender boy. He has got dark hair, large blue eyes, a straight nose and thin lips. He wears spectacles. He is a nice guy. He is very honest and just, understanding and kind. I trust him a lot and I’m sure that I can rely on him in any situation. He never lets people down. Nick is only nineteen but he is very responsible – he finishes whatever he starts. He has got only one shortcoming. He is a bit stubborn; nevertheless he is pleasant to deal with.

Nick is the only child of his parents. He plays the piano and the guitar very well.

We spend a lot of time together. We often discuss films, television programmes, books. We talk for hours about all sorts of things – subjects, love, and girls.

I never quarrel with Nick. But if it is some misunderstanding between us we try to make peace as soon as possible. What I like best about him is that he is always willing to help and share his knowledge, thoughts, and feelings. I respect him for his fairness, strong will, intellect and modesty.

I miss Nick when we don’t see each other for a long time. Without him I would feel lonely and uncomfortable. Our friendship helps me feel strong and sure of myself.

8. Answer the following questions and make up a monologue about your friend:

1. Have you got a lot of friends?

2. What is your best friend’s name?

3. How long have you been friends?

4. Where does he (she) live?

5. Do you often see each other?

6. What do you usually talk about?

7. What do you like best about your friend?

8. Has he got any shortcomings?

9. Describe his appearance.

10. Do you think friendship depends on shared interests – hobbies and leisure activities?

9. Learn the following words by heart:

misunderstanding – недопонимание

to make peace – помириться

as soon as possible – как можно скорее

share – делить, разделять

to respect – уважать

fairness – справедливость

strong will – сильная воля

intellect – ум

modesty – скромность

to miss smb – скучать без кого-либо

introduce – представлять, знакомить

a first-year student – студент(ка) первого курса

region – область

appearance – внешность

slim – стройная

career – карьера

mathematician – математик

housewife – домохозяйка

several – несколько

to do well – зд. успевать

chance – случай, шанс

kind – добрый

a lot – много