Gambits are a word or phrase which helps lJS to express what we are trying to say. They show our attitude to the person we are speakmg to and to what (slile is sayillg.
Gambits are a word or phrase which helps lJS to express what we are trying to say. They show our attitude to the person we are speakmg to and to what (slile is sayillg.
Gambits are a word or phrase which helps lJS to express what we are trying to say. They show our attitude to the person we are speakmg to and to what (slile is sayillg.
~ .
O. or oppmg
1. This IS also used to "Interrupt '\
1f1"l11r<:PW' whsm vn r
something you want to tetl the other -, L
fJ"" ,,"v u"~ ~''''' v~w ~ 'V" \ ¥
~
'1. ~Upermarket 15. Current Affairs
Preparation
I think ...
Listen to today s news or buy today s newspaper, Pick a news Item which you are interested in perhaps somethIng you know a little
I suppose ...
about WrIte short notes gIving your opinloll of the IlewS Itelll
(If you cannot listen tothe news or buy a paper thereisa listofpossible
I'suspect that ...
topics at the bottom of this page)
When everyone has prepared their opinions work In groups of 3 or
I'm 2pretty sure that ...
4 Each studentthen states hIS or her opinion usmgthe phrases from
I'm fairly certain that ...
the list
Writing
It's my opinion that ...
Aher makmg th", short notes stlldents may then W[Jte 01 It their
I'm 3convinced that ...
opinions in full sentencesas if they were writing an article for a students'
magazine or 'leader article for a newspaper
Alternative news items
I 4wonder if ...
I, A lecelttrepol tsuggests tltatwor k Isplayillg tooililpor lalita lole
2. A survey has Just been published showing that only 2 % of the
population go to church regularly Is religion less meaningful today?
3. After a series of horrific killings the government is trying to ban
guns completely from pnvate use Only the army and police would
be allowed to carry guns
4. The Education Secretary announced lastweekthat he isthinking
oflowenngtheschoolleavlngagefrom 16to 13 sothatyoungpeople wllo do I tot like selloal ca I t leave for a couple of yeal s get a lob tl tell
come back later in life
5. The Government of an Afncan republic hasannouncedthat itnow lIas lIuclear weapons It lias thousands of stat villg arid Itomeless
people in parts of the country away from the capital
1. Gives a tentative OPIIIIOII
2. Informal, only With friends
3. A strong opinion
4. A way of giVing an "open" OpIniOn, WlllclllltVltes other people to
comment too
16. Guessing
I'd say ...
Work in groups of 3 or 4. Take it in turns to guess the answers to the
questions. Do notthinkaboutyourans'vvers. Justtrytoguessand use
Could it be ...
the phrases in the list.
Perhaps it's ...
1. What do the following pictures show?
I think it's ...
I.
2.
Ti ~
/)/ 7(\\
<:: \_\J)
//))1 ~
/1/7 ~
v / V 2. How long is this line?
3. How many dote; are there in this heap?
...... 1':.· ., · -_. _. -.-:: "" ".' ..... '.'.
5 Which of these two CIrcles IS larger')
I'd say ...
Could it be ...
It looks like ...
It's difficult to say, but I'd
4 Which of these IS the longer?
guess ...
~
~ =--;
----- »>:
- 6. Each of these lines says I speak Enghsh
In which language?
a. Ik praat engels
eo leg taler engelsk
h. Eu falo Ingles
f. [Igo ga dektmasu
c. Be5zelek angolul ~
g. Nma5ema knngareza
d. Lmguam angltcam loquor
h. Ana kalam al mghse
Possible choices
Sudanese Dutch Japanese Hunganan Latm SwahilI DanIsh
17. A Conviction
I honestly feel that ...
Read the following point of view. Decide whether you agree or not.
I'strongly believe that ..
1'- ...... _,.: ............. &.. ..... "1 feel that evervone has the same chance in life. We're
I III ,",UIIY III,",'V\A lIlg, ••• all born, go to school, and then we have a choice. Some
lA/: .. &.. ................... &.. .. people want to work hard and get on - they buy nice
"ILIIULU Q UUUI"n, homes and bigcars. Otherpeoplejust laze around and
never 00 verv mucn. lust last week 1 was oown in tne
I'm positive ... centre of town and this long-haired guy came up to me
and asked for money. I didn't give him any money, but
I'm 2absolutelv certain I gave him a piece of advice. I told him to have his hair
that ... cut and get ajob like everyone else. He just gave me a
~ , _l T T 'll cr.
Ul. Ly lVVl\.aHU .~avvay . .l.lL. 1.1 t:)L.LllVV"UC.1L.11!l1lL. vv n.i r
o>n o>tt;t1,rlp 1 a .. I" th"'t 'R It ;fhp ,lrlr]..."rl h.,rrll;L·" YnP hp
,
rnl drl hflVP pvprvthincy T hf\vP"
v Writing
1. If you agree, write I 0 sentences saying why. Use the ideas in the
text alld the pili ases iJ I tIle list.
2. If you disagree, \vrite 10 sentences explaining why. You may want
to mention the following ideas:
social class quality of school
inflation the individual
unemployment
Speaking
Divide the class into those who agree a nd those who disagree. Discuss
the different arguments in the two groups. Each group should decide
on one person to presentthe mainarguments Afterthesetwopeople
have spoken, everyone should join in the discussion.
Topics for further discussion:
Drinklng and driving
1. Alternative firmly.
Apartheid in Soutl [ Afl ica
2. Very strong.
Money spent on Space Research
You have been stopped In the street by a lady conductmgan oprruon
In my 1 opiruon,
poll Vbll thlOk she IS trYlDg to sell YOII something but she works for
a national newspaper and Istrytngto fmd outabout modern attitudes
I personally believe ...
\Vork In paIrs one person asks the questions When all the pairs
have flQlshed cha nge partners The people who asked the ql1estlonS
I personally think ...
must now answer
Use the phrases In the hst to Introduce your opinions
I personally feel ...
ot everyone will agree
with me, but ...
Io rn mind, ...
organise t
DISCUSSIon
What about your own up-bringmg How did your parents split the
')
In some homes the Wife earns more than the husband Should the
husband give up work to look after the children and let the woman
be the breadwinner?
Remember to practise the phrasesl
1. Stronger If you add persona'!
dogmatic or opinionated
28
In my opinion,
Think of all the changes you would like to make in your classroom
routine For example, you may wish to change the times of your classes
From my point of view,
have longer holidays have smaller classes etc
'Nell, personally,
Speaking
[n pairs one stlldent propose a change The second stlldent sholild
If I had 1my way,
explain how this would affect him or her personally.
What 11'm more
Example
concerned with is ...
Student I: Why don't we come to school in the afternoons and evenings. I hate coming to school in the mar ning.
In 1 my case
Student 2: Well from my point of view that's impossible The
only bus I can get is In the mornmg. There are no buses around lunchtime:
Writing
Each student writes down a proposed change on a piece of paper.
Students pass their papers to another student who writes down an
objection.
Ideas for changes
Why don't we spend more time talking?
I'd like to have more breaks.
I'd like to do some more grammar exercises
Can we read English newspapers for a change?
1. Stress my, or I,
20. Sharinl! a Confidence
Speaking
I've heard ...
Start a rumour about someone you know by whispering it to your
neIghbour Use one of the phrases from the list. The neighbour can passtile I UIIIOUI 011 01 add sOlllethiJ Igtoitto makeitrrroreinterestirrg
1They say ...
Continue until the rumour has gone round the whole class The last
person annOllnces it to the whole class
Just between you and
me,
This activity will ollly WOI k if the I umours a. e not tt ue; If allyone
tries to ~e nasty to someone, the game must be stopped and
re-starte .
I heard 20" the grapevine
'vVriting
This shouldn't be passed
around but, ..
Circulate rumours on paper Everyone starts a rumour about his
neighbour to the left. Wnte It atthetop of a sheet of paper. Everyone then passeshispieceofpaper to theperso[1 011 his right Change the
Have you heard . , ,
rumour a little and start it 'vvith one of the phrases from the list Fold
Maybe I shouldn't say
over the first rumour so that the next person can see only the latest
rumour. Pass the paper on, each person changIngthe rumour. When tile I ulIlOUlS havegotlc loutld tlleclassalld leached the pel SOli tl ICy
this, but, ..
are about that person reads the last rumour on the sheet.
Possible rumours
has fallen in love with a famous film star
has won a lot of money in a lottery
has Just bought a VERY expensive car is going to emigrate to New Zealand
might be promoted
Why not, .,
Write down 10 ways of getting money
"thy don't you
1. __
6.
f. . ..
2.
7.
You eould always, ,.
3.
8.
One way would be to , , ,
5.
10.
Perhaps you could , , .
Speaking
If I were you, I'd, , ,
III pails 01 Ie studer It reads a problem. The otllel suggests a way of
getting the money to solve the problem.
What about .. , ing,
I. I want to fmd another flat. My neIghbours make so much norse t Cd! t't sleep. I've found a leally !lice place, but they want f 1000 as
Try ... ing.
2. I veJustseenthecarofmydreams.lt'sa 1960Ford, butlt smperfeCt corrditiorr Tlte ownel is leaving fO! Austlalia tolliOllOW alld wallts
£800 cash. What can I do?"
3. 'They've got a sale on in the electricity showroom. There's this
super vacuum for £50. It normally costs £90. The trouble is I've only
got £35 on me. If I don't go back down, it'll have gone:'
4. Think of something you would really like to have. Decide its price.
Ask your partner what you should do.
W'f
rI Ing
Write your problem ona piece of paper andpassitto your neighbour
to suggest a solution.
22~ Offering a Suggestion
. - .
•
Why don't you ...
Think of how you could solve the problems below Work in pairs taking
turns to suggest solutions. Use the phrases In the "st.
Problems
Perhaps you could ...
1. Some fnends have come for dmner. You have pushed the cork mro the wine bottle and people ale waiting.
Have you thought
2. You have just locked your car door and realised that you have left
about ...
the keys inside.
3. Youandyourfnendshavelustbeenshoppmgandyou re returning to the II lUI tt-storey cal par k. But you Ilave for gottell wiler e you left
I have an idea
1Let'S ...
4. Every morningyouturn offthealarm, go to sleep foranother hour.
and then you're late for work. You might lose your job.
5. You have just arrived at the airport and realise that you have left
but she said she would be too busy at work. So you decided to go
out alone. You saw her with another friend going into the cinema.
7. You had a test this morning in English. You saw a friend cheating.
You don't know whether to speak to him about it.
8. Think of a problem you have or have had. Ask your partner to suggest a solutiol!.
Writing
Write suggestions to each of the problems above.
1. Only used to suggest domq
23. The Great Escape . .
Our plan;s to ...
You and three fnends have been put In prison In a far away country
for a crime you did not commit Below you \'vlll fmd
UI' th' k' f
YVe rem '"90".
a floor plan of the pnson
a map of that part of town
'Mhat we have in mind
the dally prison timetable
is ...
Work In groups of 4 to plan your escape
Use the phrases from the hst
What we plan to do is ...
Speaking
I'll tell you what we'll do,
Make your plan In note form and then present It to the class
What about this for an
Writing
idea ...
Write your plan In a letter to a fnend who can help you escape from
the outsIde
Prison timetable
8.00am breakfast in the common dining ... hal1
9.00am dean-up of cells
10.00am - visiting hour: speaking is only
I I.OOam permitted through the iron bars of the
small cell door windows
]2 aOam
lunch in the cell
IOOpm
change of guards
2.00pm -
exercises for pnsoners In the fenced-m
2.30pm
yard
6.00pm
dinner in the common dining hall
IO.OOpm
lights out
--".. ."
.. ~~, ~.~ - :'
STREET , .... ,
• I o •
~ , V;?~2~ '- ,
J
A
A
UJ .... - q.
:z fi
-c
-' "I- "l- I I
_J 4 q.
~
4
~ 4 4 4 4 4 ;:) ..
" . ","'
b ' I.~I£.~.
9 /:-~, ':.- :':.
~ ',~,~~~.:.c: it~,I.
LIBERTY AVENUE :'=.~4.:~_' . "':r ........ ~ Floor plan
1 triple gate
7 northwest guard tower
2 guard rooms
3 guard common room
I) northeast guard tower 9 southeast guard tower
4 cells
'5 commoll dillillg rOOI1l 6 hall
10 southwest guard tower II fenced-in yard
12 trees along Liberty Avenue
Map of the town
Why don't you . . .
It IS S 30 pm Mark IS at Francmes home where hes lust had a
snack He has a lot of luggage HIS tram leaves at 5 4 S pm FranclAe
You could always . . .
offers to dnvc him to the ra!lway station becallse she bas to go
out to the supermarket anyway
If I were you, I'd
Francme and I\~,ark get mto the car with 10 minutes to get to the
station It s only a short 'Nay but more complicated than you think
Why not ...
~ especially at that time of day
How about TRAIN STATION END
~I r
.. ~
Trv =
ina
I oJ ._ .._. -
I.L Iu
• 'V START ~. DUFFERIN t" z. •
~ 'll'l' DRIVE
.-
ffiw WIiJ
0« HOME
~..J
~
~2 w
w
a:
, .1i C[) ::J CL~~CCT ...( fJ]) •
(Jl ~(Jl z
>- _..--.1 w
., a: « C[)
~ a: a:
:r:
O§ tr a:
::J
« «
o ..J
• MACKENZIE V ~ ~ •
<'C,
• AVENUE ~ ";~o Iii Iii
~ z-l • •
_." s
.. -'< -s!
r- 1IF .r-
• ,_. ". HIAWATHA TERRACE ' '" •
.... ~ -s
W_'
~o
~c
o ltl-s ~s
• ...
'fI TECUMSEH AVENUE '" work In pans as the driver Francine and the helpful Mark who
has lots of Ideas about the best possIble route
Use the phrases from the !-.st to make suggestions
\A/hen y011 have finished and have arrived at the station write Ollt
directions for the qUickest possIble route al by car b: on foot
2. Linking Gambits
Conversation is like a game of football. One player can only run with
the ball In one directIon for a certain time Sooner or later he must change direction or pass the ball to another player. In a typical
conversation, we can only talk aboutthe same topic for a shorttime
Then we must move in a different direction, or give someone else
a c ance.
For example, we can link our own idea to what someone has just said
with, But the problem with that is . or Not to mention the fact that Sometimes
itcan be very difficult to say what you mean You wantanotherchance
In the conversation, so you say, Let me put It another way Or you may
want to disagree, but in a way that will not offend with, That's a good
idea but ...
The main reason for using linking gambits is that your listeners will
be more prepared for your arguments and views. They will know from
your linkswhetheryou are goingtoagreeor disagree If you use links,
you will find that you are more easily understood. Remember that
a lot of the mlsunderstandtngbetween people comes from how they
say something, not what they say.
In a case like this,
Here are two 'case studies' adapted from real life situations Read
through each one, think up a solution, and make a note on a piece
In a situation like this,
of paper
In this sort of situation,
Speaking
Work in small groups, Onest1ldentshol ddask forcomments and the
otherts) offer a solution, trying to use the phrases in the list.
Writing
F rom your first notes, wrtte a paragraph giVing your solution
Frank has a good job in London working in the Department ot the Environment. He has been in the same department since he Jeft
Ulliversity al Id I lOW I Ie has special I espol Isibility fol Ilistoric Buildings
If he stays there, he expects to be head of his department within 10
years, Cathy, his wife, has a very well-paid job with an insurance
company based in the centre of London. She has been with the same firn I fOI 12 years. The Govel nment has decided to de-centralise Frank's
department in order to create more jobs in the North of England
The department is moving to Newcastle Frank and Cathy have two
children who are very happy in their schools. They have lots of friends.
It would be impossible for Cathy to get such a good job in Newcastle.
Case 2
)'J mg-ae is from Korea. She's the mother of three children (3,5 and
91. The youngest was born in Britain, buttheotherswereborn in Korea.
Recel Itly, tl Ie two oldel cllildl el I I lave beel I giv illg I lei a lot oftl ouble
\Vhen she speaks to them in Korean, they anS'Ner her in English and
they speak Englishtoeach other When thefamilygoeSOllttogether
they pretend thatthey are notpartofit. Whentheybringfriendshome,
they get very embarrassed when Yung-aespeakstothem in Korean.
They have become very cheeky to both their father and their mother
What can Yung-ae do?
37
. .. - .
Read through this case study. Write answers to the questions whIch follow. Then work in pairs and groups to act outthe role play situations
That's just the point.
Try to use the phrases from the list.
But the question is ...
Case Study
But the real question
Edward and Adrienne are students at a London polytechnic. They have known
is ...
each other for two years and have been gomg out together for 18 months.
They are very serious about their relationship. They are thinking about getting married when they leave college in a year's time. Edward is English and
This raises the problem
01 ...
comes from a middle class background. His parents live in carlisle in the
north of England. Adnenne IS black and IS on a scholarshIp from her home
ill Zimbabwe. They both realise the problems of a mixed marriage. And, of course, there are many cultural differences. They are young, tolerant,
But can't you see ...
and they help each other in their studies. Edvlard's parent£ knew he had
a girlfriend, but had not met Adrienne until last week Edward had not told
them that she was black. The parents were very polite and they seemed to
get on well "vith Adrienne. Later, Adrienne said that she thought Ed\\>'aFd's
parents seemed disappointed she was not white. Edward knev,l what she
meant and couldn't help feeling hurt and disappointed that his parents were
not more enthusiastic.
Questions
I. What do you think is Edward's biggest worry?
2. \Vhat problems would Adrienne face if she married Edv,tard?
3. What problems WOI rid Edward face?
4. What do Edward's parents probably think of the situation?
5. How do you think Adrienne's parents will feel if she marries in
England?
Role-play situations
1. Edward talking to his best fr iend.
2. Adrienne talking to her best friend.
3. Edward's parents talking about the situation alone.
4. Edward's parents talking to their best friends.
27. Adding Things
To start with,
There has been a particularly brutal murder in your town. Last night
the police put out a picture ofa I nail they would like to questioll. You
And another thing,
have just been in town shopping and you are sure you saw the man.
Vall decide to go in to yom nearest police station
What's more,
Speaking
Just a small point,
Work in pairs with one student as policeman Use the phrases in the
list. You will find help with vocabulary to describe the man below
Facial features
eyes: complexion.
nose'
IIY lUll. pa e.nneu
Iol1g. narrow. flat. wide. hooked
eyebrows;
thick thin
glasses:
It loastacl re:
heavy ff'ames. metill frames. large round busftg, IftiPi small
5 I am very moody. When I get up I can be in a great mood, but
Again and again
by IUllclltillle lcall be sodeplessed tlldtllldvetogo to tlledoctol.
7. I talk in my sleep.
Time and again
Less frequent
8, 1 snore very loudly.
9. l like to keep my flat cool. My room is never more than 15°.
10. I don't have a bath very otten.
11. 1 smoke in bed.
12. I seldom do the dishes. I just let them pile up.
Every so often
Discussion
From time to time
I. What is the secret of a good marriage?
Every now and then
2. Which habits would annoy YOU in someone else?
3. Which of YOUR habits would you try to stop if you got married?
43. Exceotions
. -
Generalisin
Divide the class into two groups ~ the optimists and the pessimists
In general,
The other group must make a 'typical' comment with an exception
Thepessimistswill make pessimistic comments and state pessimistic
Generally speaking,
exceptions ~ the optimists, vice versa
As a rule,
For example:
Pessimist: In general. British winters are pretty cold and dismal.
By and large,
Optimist: They certainly can be, but there are exceptions. of
course Winters in the south west can be very mi1d
In my experience,
Ideas to talk about:
British cars
German cars
In most cases,
Men
Women
Summers
Winters
Pop stars
Politicians
Exceptions
Pessimistic comments:
There are exceptions, of
very depressing
stupid
course,
llOreliable
too expensive
never work hard
teJllies
One exception is ...
can't be trusted
o t" ..
}'Llmlstlc comments'
But what about ...
good value
depelldable
But don't forget ...
dry
friendly
hardwmk\f\
Possible Exc@ptions
my car
my sister
- - -__. -
Work in small groups of 3 or 4 Below you will find lists of tOPICS Your
Generalising
teacher will tell you which list IS yours YOu must think of as many
genera Hsations with exceptions as POSSI ble In the time a II owed One
person in your group should write them down Another person can
In general,
agree to read them out to the class The group with the most
generalisatIons IS the winner For example
Generally speaking,
In general old people are very conservative. There
As a rule,
are exceptions, of course. My own grandmother
started jogging when she was 80.
By and large,
Topic list 1 Topic list 2
1. Grandparents 1. Women
2. leenagers 2. Babies
3. Millionaires 3. Dogs
4. Teachers 4. Cars
5. Students 5 Policemen
6. Men 6. Priests In my experience,
Exceptions
There are exceptions of
course.
2 Doctors 2. Schools
3. Americans 3. Wild animals
4. Pop groups 4. TV News Readers
5. Actors 5 Hambmgers
6. Politicians 6. Money One exception is ...
But what about ...
Topic list 5
But don't forget ...
1. Third World countries
Let's not forget ...
2. Vegetarians
3. People who believe ill capital pUilisll1 [ lei It
4. People who live in flats
5. Foreigners to my country
6. Fitness fanatiCs
6
- _. -----~-- -----0 ., - --- - ---_-
For example,
Our teacher's a real show-off. Look at the way he drives up
ill his Rolls-Royce!
For instance,
The party was a real disaster. To give you an idea of how bad
It was - everyone had left by 10 o'clock!
Take the way (he) .
In conversation we very often want to illustrate what we are saying
Take for example .
lJ.dth an example If vve tell a fnend that our teacher is a bore',
we can t leave it there The other person wants to know more
For one thing . . .
The phrases in the list will help you to introduce the extra information.
On the next page there are lists of words used to describe people
To give you an idea.
Use your dictionary to look up words which are new to you Learn
the ones you thlOk Will be useful to you
Look at the way .
Complete the following descriptions.
1 Vall wOllldn t believe what peo !liar people Illsed to work With.
'8y way of
Take myoId boss. He was a real For lOstance,
lie used to ~ _
Illustration .
2. I suppose it takes all types to make a world The other week
we were visitmg some of my father s family We haven t seen them fur about 10 years The oldest sort: fur example, was a complete
To give you a n idea, he
3 VOII shollid have been at Peter's party I'here was a guy there
who was so you just couldn't believe it He was
a real Take for example the way he
He
4. Wnte a description of someone you know
Describing people
Knowledge
Humour
Experts
Intellectual
corruc
connoisseur
genius
a laugh
artist
whiz-kid
buffoon
gourmet
egghead
clown
guru
a (computer) buff
joker
expert
bookworm
a giggle
educated
Politics Personality Types
activist individualist flirt
chauvinist worrier tease
nationalist devious wolf
revolutionary graciollS casanova
liberal polite clock-watcher
Socialist M. C. P. tramp
Conservative feminist down-and-out
democrat boor hippie
conservative with a real gentleman! blllly
a small C lady slave driver
Negative words
gossip nitwit coward
loudmouth blockhead chicken
windbag thick wallflower
bore stupid SISSY
indiscreet idiot hypochondriac
snob hypocrite drunkard
smart alec charlatan glutton
egotist qllack lecher
primadonna liar sex-maniac
creep do-gooder grumbler
drip go-getter complainer
twit show-off pain in the neck 58
Hesitation Phrases:
Imagine you are a journalist interviewing a politician for a newspaper
\AI II
ue, urn ...
Journalist: What are you going to do about the slums?
\Yell, let's see.
Politician: Well, let me think ... that is a very difficult question.
Journalist: In other words, you don't have any plans.
Mmm, I'll have to think
hesitation phrase.
Be-stating:
If someone inSISts on fmdmg out our opiruon. they can re-state what they tllink we believe.
So what you're saying
Work in pairs as journalist and politician with the following interview
is ...
questions. Use the phrases in the liSts and make conversations
like the example above.
So what you're really
Issue 1 - The NeVI Nuclear Povler Station
saying is ...
I. What is your opmion of nuclear power'?
In other words,
2. Are you in favour of the new nuclear power station being
built 10 miles away?
correctly,
If I understand you
3 ~o ~~~~~~nk, it w,W :~~e health problems for the people
n unng vitla .
4, What is happening to the people who have to leave their
So yoU mean that . . .
homes to make way for the power station?
5. Why have all the decisions been taken in secret?
Issue 2 ...- Houses for the Homeless
A large empty bulldmg In the centre of town has been occupled
by squatters people with !lowlier e to live.
1. Do you have plans to bring in the army to evict the
squatters.
2. Is it true that you have cut off the water to the building?
4. Where are you going to put these people when they
finally come out?
All good stories have to come to an end. The phrases in the list give
To cut a long story short,
yO!! ways of drawing your story to an end
Herearetwo star iesabouttwo peopleand titefilsttir [Ie theysrrrcke-i
So in the end,
Stor 1
So, in short,
"I remember that my grandfather used to smoke huge Havana cigars.
So,
Healwaysboughtthem in boxes which hekeptin the kitchen CI Ipboard
One day when he was In the garden WIth my grandmother, my brother and I creptillto tile kitcllell and operled tlteClgar cupboat d. We took
To sum up,
one of them and hid out in the weeds. Vie took ages trying to light
it After a feM p1lffs we were both violently sick \X/hen we found the
All in all,
courage to go back. our grandmother smelled the cigar on our breath
made us eat some garlic so that grandfather wouldn't find out."
To put the whole thing in
She was a wise woman and realised what we had been up to. She
a nutshell
Add a phrase and finish the story.
Story 2
"When I wasatschool. some oftheother boys said you could smoke
cmnamon sticks. We were too young to buy cigarettes, but anyone could go illtoa cher Ilist'sshopand buy cillilalrioll sticks. 'rbu said that
your mother needed them for cooking. So I decided on my first
experiment with smoking. In I went and nervously paid for the
cinnamon sticks. I waited till there was no one else at home one day before taking them out and trying to smoke. They tasted horrible!
I sat on my bed and tried and tried. So I thought to myself, 'This isn't
worth it llnless it makes me look older' So I went into the bathroom
and looked at myself in the mirror - bright red with bloodshot eyes.
I had to admit that I looked like the silly little boy that I was"
Add a phrase and finish the story.
Story 3
Now tell the class about the first time you yourself did something
forbidden. Use one of the phrases from the lrst to finIsh the story.
Discussion
Do YOII feel gllilty abo! It the story y011 have told?
Children are always going to disobey rules
Why do we bother to give them rules?
Language Teaching Publications
3. Responding Gambits
If someone asks you a question. you answer it if you can But
conversations do not consist of questions and answers. We very
rarely ask direct questions. We make observations and pass
comments. We expect other people to respond to us. How they
respond tells us how to develop what we say. This means that
successful conversations depend partly on how we respond to what
other people say. For example, If you disagree very strongly With wllat someolle says. you could say Yon must be joking! and the other
person knows that you are surprised this will make the person
think more carefully before contim ling.
The gambits in this section allow you to agree or disagree at different
levels. to show surprise, disbelief. or polite interest. Among the
most useful gambits are Sorry. I don't follow uou - to get people
to repeat what they said. and I{('ally? to get them to develop what
If you learn the responses in this section. other people will find
YOLI mllch easier to talk to and y011 will find YOlJ[self more relaxed
and fluent in conversation.
48. Right or wrong
Correct
There are many ways of saying that a person is right or wrong about
a piece of factual information.
That's right.
Work in pairs or small grol Ipsof 3 ora sayingwhateach of the following
signs and abbreviations means Your partners will tell you whether
you are ri ht or wrong by usin one of the phrases from the list
Traffic Signs
Exactly!
2.fY
3@
Yes.
No, r m afraid not.
Not quite.
You're close.
Mathematical Signs
I.±
8. -7-
9. -00
lO.r
11. >
12. :::::
I don't know.
I'm not sure.
Abbreviations
13. em 14. °e 15. etc
16. PS 17. MP 18. PM
19. Be 20. Ph.D 21. rv
22. RSVP 23. IOU 24. POW
25. ETA 26. COD 27. DC
28. hp 29. mph 30. UN
31 WHO 32 GNP 33. MD
34. LTD 35. EEC 36. NATO
37. CD 38. Pta 39. %
Answers 00 page 95 Sometimes we agree or disagree with someone so strongly that we
Agreeing
want to say 50 while he or she is talking
As a class write down views which are controversial. 'Ybu can use the
Hear! Hear!
ideas below When these views are ready, anybody in the class who
feels strongly about anyone of them should stand up and state it
You're absolutely right!
strongly and say why The rest of the class should use the phrases
in the list to agree or disagree,
1you said it!
For example'
I agree!
I don't believe in examinations.
~ Come on! Don't be silly!
2S0 do I!
They're iust a waste of time and they're no good for anybody.
- Hear, hear. I agree with you.
2Neither can I!
Controversial topics.
Disagreeing
A woman's place is in the home
That's just not true!
Adverts on TV
Murderers should be hanged.
Oh, come on!
Football only creates violence.
The tax on cigarettes should be doubled.
Rubbish!
9 People who attack children need to be IInderstood ~ not pllt
into rison.
10. You should be allowed to park wherever you want.
Don't give us that!
11. All trains and buses should be free to people over the age of o S.
12. No planes should be allowed to fly at night.
13. France is for the French, Germany is for the Germans. Stop all
14. Men should be paid more than women. They work harder.
15. Passports should be abolished. Who needs them?
4
Agreeing
One of the main ways we get to know someone better IS when we
find out what they believe - especially if the person agrees with us
That's (very) true.
Work in pairs Try to think up the advantages and disadvantages of
the folloWing ideas. Offer your opinions to your pat tt ,er and see If
I agree with you there.
you agree or disagree Take it in turns. Use the phrases in the list
Yes~ I know exactly what
For example:
you mean.
The main advantage to being poor is that you don't have to worry
about income tax.
I'hat s very true. But I wonder If It's as sImple as that.
Disagreeing
Situations
Yes, but don't you
I. Being slngle/marned. 2. Living together.
think ...
3. Living in the city/country.
I agree with you, but ...
4. Growing a beard
hand ...
Being poor/nch Having children
Yes, but on the other
Living near a pub
11 don't see it quite like
10. LiVin~ in a ca~ital Ci~
that.
11. Trave ing abr ad a I t.
12. Abortion
13 Teaching children to drink alcohol
14. How to teach young people about AIDS
15. Buying Insurance
1. rhls can be qUite Strong, and a warn In
51. Can I help you? -
Sometimes we walk into a shop and know exactly what we want. At
11'm afraid I don't know.
other times, v..,re can't make up our minds. We look at something; we
check the price, wetry it on and still wecan'tdecide. The list of phrases
I' m afraid I can't decide.
gives all the language you need lf you can t decide
Work in pairs one person is the shop assistant the other is the
I'm afraid I can't make up
customer Work with the following list otpurchasesand thedialoglle
my mind.
skeleton below
I. a 'Hedding ring
I'll have to think about it.
2. a bottle of perfume
3. a car \large or small two or four doors) 4_ a stel eo (call you afford CD'»)
I'm really not sure.
8. wallpaper for the living room (colour? pattern?)
21 think I'll leave it, thank
7. a tie
9. a record for a friend
you.
lOa shirt IplainistripedfwhiteicolQlJ(edkottonipolyester)
Assistant: Excuse me, ca n I help you?
Customer. I'm looking for a _
Assistant: SIze) Colour') Price'?
Customer: (You can t decide)
Assistallt. Well. what about _
Customer: (You stIli can t deCide I
listener may mo unhelpful
added to any response which the
2. Trus fixed phrase IS used when you want 10 say 'Iou are nol gOing to
buy anything and are gOing to leave
6
52. The Love Test
Strong agreement
Are you a hopeless romantic - willing to do anything for your love')
Or a re you a dmvn-to-ea rth realist who accepts life with or \vithout love?
Of course I would!
Work in pairs and interview eacn other using the Love Test on the
I certainly would!
Take itin turns to interviev,l each other. Onestudentasksthequestions,
the other chooses answers from the phrases in the lists There is a
special scoring system below
Mild agreement
Scoring
I think I would.
For questions 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, score as follows:
StlOlig agl eelliellt I
I might.
Mild agreement 2
Indecision 3
Mild disagreement 4
I might consider it.
Strong disagreement S
I think so.
For questions I, 3, S, 7, 9, score as follows.
Strong agreement 5
Mild agreelllerit 4
'd ..
m eetStOn
Mild disagreement -f:
Strong disagreement
I can't decide.
I can't make up my mind.
I'm not sure.
The Love Test
1 v" 1-.'">, ~r+A rl ...... ~ .... AI II. Mild disaareement
.. ',-,u , ..... '- '-' ..o''-'-'''-''J t-'u CI ,"- \IV IS '-"VIII'C:> a ,,-u y
attractive person Could you fall In love with someone ~, .L.I, ..
else' ~core -- I""IUUClUIY IIUl.
2. Would you consider marrying someone from a .. ... .
very different back.ground to your own') Score -- I con I minK ~O.
3. Would you consider Writing off to a computer ..
dating firm') Score I uoum u,
--
4. Do you believe that marriage is for life') Score --
5. Would YOU consider zettma marned and not Strona rli(''''~~~m~nt
having children? Score oJ oJ
--
" \Alnl drl \/nl <::::1' nn tn cnrYlpnnP '" liit-<=>ri ,lPn, N~v~r in a million vearsl
• JJ J J ~
much - because YOU thouehtsomeone berrer might
come along') Score Nnt nn vour lifp-I
~
7. If the person you love died would you stili
consider lite worth living? Score -- Not (eVen} iT you palo me!
8. Could you fall in love with someone whom you
do not find physically attractive? Score -- NOt TOr all tne lea In
q ntl vou ;:UJTPpth::lt" Mpn :::Irp i -J, in Ultlmpn crunat
J u
for one reason and one reason only"? Score
10. Imagine that you have very little money Would
you consider marrying someone whoalso had very
little money) :::,core --
T~~. rI d-h ''''~,~ ,t-;", ~ -~ .. r-v ,,,ro~oc;fn.r
'-' '''"'-'u, '-' '-'" " ... , .,,, .. JVU U '--, LU L'-' 1'-'''''0'-- / .» ~
thp rpe:1 lite: Total
score: 53e I haven't a Clue!
I'm afraid I don't know.
Divide the class into two teams One student asks the questions
another keeps the score Each team scores I pomtfora correctanswer
I'm sorry I don't know.
and two POints if a team member uses one of the phrases from the
list - admitting that they don't know the answer
I haven't a clue.
llele are 20 questions The tealllS Illay also sperld IS minutes
preparing questions for each other.
I COUldn't tell you.
Quiz
I'm not sure.
I. What was the name of the first man on the moon?
2. What exactly were his first words?
Oh, it's slipped my mind.
3. What year did Man land on the moon?
4. What's the longest f ivel in the wOlld?
I've forgotten.
5. 'Jlhat country is it in?
6 What is the capital city of Switzerland?
7. Where were the 1980 summer Olympic Games held?
It's no good, I can't
8. How Wdlly al ether e ill a dOLen?
remember.
9. How many are there in a baker's dozen?
10. How many Beatles were there?
11. Where was Elvis Presley born?
12. How many volumes are there in the Encyclopedia Britannica?
13. How far away is the sun?
14. At what speed does Concorde fly'?
15. Who invented basketball?
16. What is the weight of a golfball?
17. When did Queen Victoria die?
18. How many bees are there in a normal beehIVe?
19. What do we call a large group of sheep?
20. What is the population of France to the nearest million?
Usually when we hear bad news, we are sympathetic Sometimes,
It serves you right.
however. it is difficult to be sympathetic if we feel that the person
'deserved' what happened for example, if they never lock their
It's your own fault.
car and it is stolen.
Example dialogue:
What did you expect?
I've just had my car stolen!
- It serves you right. You should have locked it.
Perhaps that'll teach you,
I've just been thrown out of my flat!
- What did you expect? You shouldn't have had so many wild
Work in pairs, taking turns to react. Use these ideas and the phrases
In t e 1St.
2. lost your drlvmg lIcence
always speeding
3. got an electric shock
- didn't SWitch ott the electricity before trying to mend the light
4. went to sleep during the exam
went to a party till 4 in the morning
5. had a fight With Pete
6. didn't get the £ 50 back from Bill
told you to take a map
Make up your own responses to the following
8. I've just got a parking ticket.
9. I was ill last night.
10. I was late for the train
11. There's something wrong with my alarm clock.
12 I've illst been ignored by Mary
Discussion
Can yOll name a misfortlme which YOIl 'deserved'.
7
Agreeing
Many people believe that you can learn a lot about a person if you
analyse their handwriting Whether yO!! believe it or not if can be
I'm not surprised.
great fun.
Work in pairs. One person must agree to be the 'expert' and work
That doesn't surprise
with the information on page 74/5.
The other:
I Take a piece of paper with NO LINES.
Yes, that sounds like me.
2. Write, in your ordinary handwriting, the following two
I knew it!
sentences:
I'm sure that he'll go swimming today,
Tomorrow it'll be too cold for swimming,
I thought so.
and then he'll have to go fishing,
Nowdothefollowingtests. Only the 'expert' should look atthe answers.
Just what I've always
Test 1
thought.
Hold a ruler below the written lines. Are all the words on the line
Absolutely!
like this?
Disagreeing
You're joking!
or do they go up and down, like this?
You must be joking!
b,
I don't believe it!
/
No, definitely not!
Come on!
Theexpertdecidesw'hetherthe handwriting matches la or lb. writes
itdown readstheinterpretationfrompage74/5 and records it Each
I don't think so.
subject accepts or rejects the analysis making use of a gambit. Now,
go on to Test 2.
I d_on't think that's very
Are you pulling my leg?
That's news to me!
Draw a line below a few words In the middle of the sample. Does it
go up 01 dOWII all the page? Estimate which of the lines below corresponds best to your partner s slant of writing.
c
d
e
The expert interprets and records the results. The subject responds
with a gambit. Continue in this way for each test.
Doesthe handwriting slopetothe right. tothe left. or isitin-between?
Which is the set of parallel lines that fits the small letters?
72
Is there little, some or much space between the lines?
Agreemg
That doesn't surprise
b ~5
I'm not surprised.
Yes, that sounds like me.
I knew it!
I thought so.
Just what I've always
Test 6
thought.
Check ifthe letters are usually connected sometimes disconnected
Absolutely!
or llsllally disconnected
a.~
Disagreeing
You're joking!
c. c£.(5connecie4
You must be joking!
I don't believe it!
Test 7
Look at the m's in 'swimming':
No, definitely not!
Come on!
a. pointed ~
c. arcades ~
b. garlands ~
d. thready~
I don't think so.
fair
I don't think that's very
Test 8
Check how even--slzed the letters are:
Are you pulling my leg?
a. varying size
That's news to me!
b. same size throughout
. .
c. tapering size
Test 9
Look at the letter 'e when it comes at the end of a word What does
it generally look like?
a long ~ b short ~ c no ~
final final final
e. curling t ascending g descending
final ~ final ~"6-1 final ~
i. final j. final k. short
hooking hooking curving
up ~ down ~ final ~
Test ]0 d rising ~
final
h dropping
final ~
I. lasso
final ~
Check If the letters 0 and a are usually open or dosed.
Test 11
Find out hO'vv the i's are dotted most of the time .
.
a. dot right over c f. wavy dot -c
b. dot high J g. dot flying to the left __£
>..,
c. dot flying to the
/\
right 1..- h. hook dot ~
d. circle dot i. dash dot
thick dot • i. no dot
e. -£ h Test 12
Compare hmv the t's are crossed In most cases
a. bar to the right Z f. looped bar $'
b. bar to the left ;{ g. down-slant bar ;l
c bar centered 7;{ h up-slant bar hlghL
/'
d. bar high left ex i. heavy bar ~~
star cross ~"ff I. bar Tfllssing /
e. Z{ 4
Interpretation of handwriting analysis
Agreeing la
Ib
2a
2b
That doesn't surprise Id
2e
me. 2f
Yes, that sounds like me. 3a 01 b
~k
I knew it! ld 01 e
if g or h
~1i or I
I thou ht so. 43 or b
c
4d. e or f
Just what I 've always 5a
thought. ')b
5c
Absolutely! 6a
6b
6e
7a
Disagreeing
You're joking!
You must be joking! 7b
7c
No, definitely not!
Come on! 8a
8b
I don't think so. 8c
I don't think that's very :~
fair 9c
9d
ge
Are you pulling my leg? 9f
9
That's news to me! 9h
91 or I straightforward. dependable systematic
unsystematic carefree versatile
exuberant. 0 timisnc isometimes tem
ambitious optimistic
irrn con I en no speCial characteristics indicilted
passive unhappy (sometimes temporarily]
gloomy pessimistic
self corrscious ego-cerrtric dllalytic
emotionless reserved
110 special cllalactellstics Illdicated
generous spontaneous friendly
eager impulsive
intellectual rational. unassertive
no specia c aracteristics in icate generous restless. somewhat lAattentl've. assertive
confused. unclear
clear organized
good at organization. generous
logical. adaptable
mixed rational-intuitive
meticulous. unadaptable somewhat Impractical
energetic, competitive
together with I b, and 2c. and 4a or b' eccentriC together with 2b. enth'lsiastic
together with 3c and 4a or band 'lc and oa discerning carehd
together with 1t. g or h lively
together with 'ic and ob wise
adaptable, I ecepti ve to nelA> ideas pleasure lov ing
tozether with 2b* enthusiastic
reserved, strong-willed
together With I band ::ta or b I creative together With I b snd Ie. and 4", or b eccentriC
changeable
together with I band 4a or b versatile
conscientious
together with I a honest tactful discreet
self-con~dent
reserve self-centered
interested in musical matters
protective, sensitive friendly
timid h
passive
tenacious, stubborn
together with 1 band 703 and 8a sly
together With 3c Interested in possessions
ql critical
lOa frank outspoken
( sincere
together with I a and 8b frank outspoken
c secre we
together with 1£1 or b. iilnd 5c and 7<1 critic .. 1
II £1 meticulous preCise together with Rb ver~'
conscientious
II b imaginative. enthusiastic
."-,,
II f humorous
Ilg hesitant. cautious
witty. perceptive
together with 4a or b fussy
\ I i absent-minded. careless
I :2a impulsive. quick lively
together with 2c and ]a or band 9f or i: very determined
together with la. and 9a or f: independent
12g opinionated. critical
12 i strong-willed
togethel with 2c. dlld 73 01 b. alld gr 01 i. vel y detel I Ililled
together with 7a: aggressive
12j careless. absent-minded
Caution: Even the best handwriting analysis cannot fully describe a oersons character. One study. for Instance. showed a maximum accuraCY of only 7'3 '7.; [t is therefore
best not to take this game too seriously.
• ln combinations. all noted elements must be present
76
56. Inkblots
When you are surprised
Whatdo you see in these inkblots? Some people see people. animals,
faces or trees Some people can t see anything at all
1 Really!
Work in pairs and tell each other 'What you can see, If you can't see
anything at all. try to relax, and let your imagination work, React to
Are you joking?
each other's ideas using a phrase from the list
?
Filially, shal e youl ideas togetlleJ witll tJ Ie w J lole class,
For example'
Where? Show me.
Maria said she saw two horses laughing at each other in the seventh
inkblot.
I can't see that.
+That's what I thought too!
or
Goodness!
~/hen you agree
That's what I thou ht
1 ThiS expression IS often I lSArl to
that.
make the other person say more This SlAgle word IS usually enough to do
2. Or, you repeat the other person's
auxiliary verb So can I
8
57. Being Sympathetic
Less serious news
How do we react when we have some bad news') It depends on the
nev,rs Some things are more important than others and we react to
Oh no!
something serioliS in a different way from something less serial IS
however unfortunate.
V/hat a pity!
Have you heard that 300 people were killed when a plane crashed
this morning?
What a shame.
=-Oh how terrible!
What a nuisance.
I didn't get the job after aU.
-Db. what a pity!
Poor you.
If you reacted to the first situation with What (J pil&, people would
think that you 'Nere a strange person indeed!
Very sad news
Work In pairs WIth these sentences One person give the news: the otltel I eact ill all applOpl iate way usillg a pltl ase fl 0111 tile list.
How awful!
I. My girlfriend .... sprained ." ankle .... first day ... holiday.
2 Someone I knew had all his money stolen
How terrible!
jacket pocket.
3. My uncle .... passed away. . last week.
4. Someone I know at work .... told.. . cancer.
I'm really sorry to hear
5. I .... bike stolen.
6. Someone.. . stole. . car I adio .... lunchtime.
that.
7. Several hundred people ... killed .... yesterday's earthquake.
That must've been awful!
8. Someone pinched .... passport .... all my cash .... hotel room.
9. A colleague made redundant. .. 25 years. samecompany.
10. My sister hit. ,. Illouth .... Cdl dool broke a tooth.
D· .
Iscusslon
laIR about what you say AND what you do when you hear very bad
news in your country.
1. What would you say in your language In the follOWing situations'
a. A friend tells you that there has just been a terrible earthquake
- thousands of people are dead.
b. A friend tells you that she has just heard that her mother has
c. A friend tells you that his house has been burgled.
d. A friend tellsyouthathehasto gotothedentistthisafternoon
e. A friend tells you that his wife's car broke down in the very
centre 0 town.
2. In your country do people DO something different when they hear
a piece of bad news?
7
58. The Interview '
Ingroupsof 3 or 4 prepareto holdan interview fora job. Decidewho
We", let me see.
will be the applicant and who will be the 'interviewing board',
Theapplicant: you have been managerofa medlum-sized supermarket inthecentre of town for 10 years. You think you have been successful
'Nell, let me think.
and a good boss. When the intervieViers ask a question, use one of
I'll have to think about
the phrases from the list The phrases will give YOll a little more time
4. What IS the worst problem you have had In your present lob?
5. What (!lakes you think you will enjoy this new job?
6. Do youth ink you are popular with the people vv'ho \-vork for you?
Mm, that's a difficult
7. If you could choose yOllr own boss, what kind of person would
question. Let me see.
ou choose?
8. If you didn't agree with your boss about something important.
' • ..,hat 'lIQuid you do?
9 Think of the sit! lation where one of YOII r employees was late for
work three days out of four. He isa very good worker. What would
you do?
10. What do you think you will be doing in 10 years time?
II. What do you do In your spare time?
]2. How much do you think we should pay you?
80
59. Showine Interest
..- .
Right.
When we hsten to other people we often want to show them how
IAterested we are 1R theIr conversation We do thIs In dIfferent ways
OK.
smtltng WIth our eyes
Yes?
And?
Work In pairs One student describes an excrtmg or amusing event
from the lrst of Ideas below or somethIng real the other student respondstnthethreewa\s Usephlasesfrolll tile list Usetlleplll ases
1Really?
u hJ!c the other person IS speaking Don t walt for pauses or for the
other person to finish speaking
And then?
Ideas
I The day I won a million
2 My favounte holiday
Auxiliaries:
3 My worst day ever
4 I he best meal I ve ever had
2Did yOU?
5 How we share the work In my home
6 My first trip to Bntaln/AmerIca
7 My worst day at school
Have you?
8 Something really good that has happened to you 9 SUIlletlllllg leally elllballasslIIg
Are you?
10 Your story
Were yOU?
Was it?
1 ThiS Single word IS the easiest way to make another person continue With
their story or to expand on what they
2 You repeat the 1:lUXllial y tI at tile
previous speaker has used The
effect IS tfle same as usmq Really?
- - - - -- - ., - -- - - -- - - - -- -i:7 - --
If we have to listen tosomethinglongand complicated, wemay want
to ask the speaker to repeat vv'hat was said.
Andifwearethepersongivingtheinformation, we may wantto check that the other person has understood correctly
Repetition Gambits
'vVould you mind
Work in small groups of 3 or 4. Take it in turns for one person to read
repeati 119 that?
the problems below. That person should use the 'checking gambits'.
The listeners should use the repetition gambits.
Sorry, I didn't catch the
Problems
last part.
I. Start with 5 multiply by 4 divide that by 2 subtract 3 then multiply
by 10, then take half of that. What do you get?
2. If you write with your left hand, but draw with the opposite hand,
and kick a ball With the foot on the same Side, yet put the phone to your ear all the othel side, whicll is the side where you ale SIIOlt-
Sorry, you've lost me.
Sorry, I don't follow you.
What was that again?
sighted, which eye is your good eye?
3. So you want go to the stadium. Well. It s qUite a long way, actually. Gostraiglitalollg hele till you get to tl Ie traffrcltgrrts; flat tile filstset.
the second set. then turn right. then the second OR the left, then it's
a straight road forabollta mile till y011 gettothe Odeon Cinema JIlst
past the Odeon. there's a big roundabout. go straight across it. and
the stadium is ill tile pal k a CCIIlple of IIUlldl ed yalds Oil tile left. It's
not difficult to find!
OK so far?
4. Assume you have a tower made up of four bUilding blocks: at the
bottom there isa cube, then there is an octahedron (eight-faced solidl.
ESL Conversation Dialogues Scripts 71-80 Volume 8: General English Conversations Phrasal Verbs III: For Tutors Teaching Mature Upper Intermediate to Advanced ESL Students