Occurring with a writer, who write books about Australian animals
Occurring with a writer, who write books about Australian animals
New Comers
- Hello, Sam!
- Hi, Dan, nice
to meet you.
- Do you know
that we have two new comers in our form?
- Yes, at the
interval I even have got acquainted with one of them.
- Really, what
interesting?! And what is his name?
- His name is
Robert Allen and he is very humorous. He was telling me a joke every minute.
- What does he
look like? And how old is he?
- Robert is 13
years old - a slender, of medium height boy with green eyes and with a mole on
the cheek. From my point of view, he will be the tidiest, cleanest and neatest
person in the whole form. Furthermore he is very inventive.
- Do you think
that if he is well dressed, his character is good and that we will have a
faithful pupil and friend?
- However, …
- Don’t worry.
You’re luckier than me. Because Gary, who was talking with me at the interval
was untidiest person I had ever seen. He is plump, even overweight 14 years old
boy that is making such loud noises, imitating animals as a fool. But he seems
to me very cheerful boy.
- I saw him. If
he is casually dressed, and with a turned up nose and freckles on the face.
- Yes you are
absolutely right Dan!
- Sorry Sam, but
do you know that the bell rings earlier this day than others?
- Are you sure?
- Yes, better if
we finish our talk later. And know let’s go to our classroom and see the other
pupils.
- OK.
A World Of books
- Hello, Dan, glad to meet
you!
- Hi Sam, haven’t seen you
for ages. Where have you been? Let me see what book you’ve borrowed in the
library.
- Oh, this is a great book,
which contains a lot of fairy tales of Charles Dickens. And how about you, do
you read books?
- You know I’m a very busy
person and read books when I have freetime. From my point of view, why to read
books whereas you can watch TV. You can widen your knowledge or get useful
information in a few minutes.
- You are wrong. I know that
TV programmes provide us with pictures and sound, but books are still a cheap
way to get information and entertainment. And then for example a paperback
novel is cheaper than an evening at the cinema of theatre. You can also keep a
book forever and read it many times and every time.
- I agree with you, however
it’s a problem for people that do not have time for reading the latest news
from the newspaper. Practically when I have holidays and go to the library,
instead of watching TV-set, I see a lot of books in it, and find it difficult
to make a good choice.
- I can give you advise to
read books that impressed your friends and which, in their opinion, are
beautifully written or consult a librarian who maybe analyzed some chapters
from the books. And also make a choice from book not for their pictures, its
cover, however the table of contents. Always follow the rule, that basically
you read to get information and for fun, not to while the time away.
- Hmm… Thanks for your help.
I’ll follow your advice. I think that having a home library is a good and
interesting idea, too. From my point of view, as I’m not a good reader, books
in the home are a wonderful source of knowledge and pleasure, and some types of
books should be in every home, such as: good dictionaries, that you can consult
it any time you need to find some information; large encyclopedia again as the
source of info, though it might be expensive; and of course an Geographical
Atlas.
- In a word, what kind of
books do you read or like to read at all? I think that most of all I like
science fiction because it is about events that take a place in the future or
in other universes.
- I’m sorry Dan, I’m in a
hurry and promised to be at home at four o’clock, we might finish our talk
later.
- Sure Sam. It was nice to
talk with you, thank you for so interesting conversation.
- I’ll phone you as soon as
possible, bye!
- Good Bye!
Australia
- Ooo, Sam – what
brings you here? Hello, haven’t seen you for ages.
-
Hi, Dan. Glad to meet you too! I think the last time I saw you was at school,
when we had an evening with our class.
-
Yes, you are right… Many years have passed since then. I’ve heard that your
family left Estonia for Australia.
-
We went there at once after I finished a school. But how do you know that?
-
It doesn’t matter! Tell me, how are you doing.
-
I’m fine. You know…
-
And how is it there in Australia?
-
Every person that I’ve met ask me the same question.
-
It is because not every one has been to Australia.
-
You know Australia is an unique country. First, because its nature strikes with
its view. Wild animals are everywhere. Big extraordinary species of birds and
animals. A kangaroo, a duckbill, an emu, anteater and koala, eucalyptus and
wild dog – dingo, and a huge buffalo: these animals are the only ones it once
on the Earth (planet). Huge deserts… the Great Sand and the Victoria, the
Gibson desert… and the temperature is higher than 30 degrees above zero.
-
Really?! It is very hot. As I know the hottest summer temperature in Estonia is
nearly 29 above zero.
-
Don’t compare?! Australia is sometimes called “the upside down world”. Can you
guess why?
-
Hmm… Let me think!
-
Don’t try, - because the continent lies in the Southern Hemisphere, where
winter comes in July and summer begins in December.
-
And what people do during the Christmas holidays?
-
To your surprise they often sunbathe on the beach or swim and surf in the
ocean.
-
From my point of view, if I’ve been a geograph I’d called Australia the hottest
place in the hole World.
-
If it is you’d became a bad geograph. But if you said that this continent is
the hottest place in the Southern Hemisphere you’d been absolutely right as the
summer temperature in Egypt (Africa) is nearly 45 degrees above zero.
-
You called me fool, however I know something about Australia at all…
-
And for example? (laughing)
-
…Tasmania. Let’s talk about Tasmania. To the best of my geography knowledge,
Tasmania is the island state which one of the few places in Australia that have
enough rain all year. The island is Australia’s leading producer of pears and
berries of different kinds. Potatoes are also grown in some areas. And Tasmania
is sometimes called the orange isle because it produces most of Australian
oranges.
-
Ha ha ha…
-
What are you laughing at? (angry)
-
Don’t become angry. Relax. You are wrong about producing oranges. The main
product is apples and the isle is sometimes called the apple isle. But don’t
make our talk become a quarrel.
-
OK.
-
Better, - if you can, of course - , show me the town which I haven’t seen for
many years.
Collecting Coins and Sports
-
Hi, Dan, nice to meet you (haven’t seen you for ages). Are you busy today? How
about playing table tennis at 5 o’clock? There is a new club near our town
castle.
-
That’s a good idea. I’ve heard about your interest in sports, especially – in
tennis. But why did you choose this kind of sport as a hobby? From my point of
view playing tennis doesn’t involve much knowledge.
-
No, you are mistaken. We have a lot of competitions in different cities or even
countries.
And
during our pastime we always go sightseeing and visit many different places:
museums, exhibitions, art galleries. You can see how much knowledge we get,
learning the history of a country, its customs (traditions) and culture.
-
And where have you been with your team?
-
For example last week our club’s team took part in the Euro-championship in
Finland, where people from many parts of Europe participated. There were
Swedish, Finnish, German and French, even Chinese teams and many others. Of
course we spent much time at the competitions, however, we could go to the
famous Finnish National Art Gallery, where I was able to see the paintings and
sculptures of well-known artists and different work of art of their country.
And I can tell you that I was full of unforgettable impressions.
- Tastes differ.
As for me, I like indoor activities most of all.
-
What sort of activities? I mean, do you have a special hobby?
-
Yes, collecting coins. I have a big collection of coins. All of them are dated
from the ancient times. Each can tell you about famous people, and you get
acquainted with many Kings and Queens and other well known person. You can get
much knowledge from this kind of hobby.
-
And what is so interesting in it? I think it’s very boring and just a waste of
time! - Just have a look! Have you ever seen this American coin? It
is very rare and expensive. The coin is old, - dated by the 1815 (year). There
is a famous Queen on its front side and wise phrases on its back. This is the
best copy of my collection. I’m very proud of it, because it consist of nearly
1000 coins.
-
Well now I see that you have neatly labelled and counted each coin. But does
this hobby involve any physical activity? For example sport is a physical
activity. As I’ve been playing it for 6 years, I have become fit, healthy, and
I practically never get (feel) ill.
-
OK. Let’s say all hobbies are interesting. For some people it is a pleasure to
collect coins, for others sport is a hobby.
-
Yes, you are right. Oh, I’m sorry, but I have to run. I promised to be at home
at five. Bye!
-
It was nice to talk to you! Bye!
Collecting Stamps and Sports
- Hi, I haven't
seen you for ages. Please come in and have a seat. I'll show you my new stamps.
I bought them when I was in Tallinn last time. You know that I’ve got a great
collection of stamps. And I'm very proud of it.
- I've heard
about your interest in collecting stamps. But why did you choose such a boring
hobby? It seems to me it is just a waste of time to look at the same stamps
time after time.
- Of course not,
you are mistaken. We learn a lot from stamps. They can tell you all about the
history of different countries, people and you get acquainted with new species
of plants, animals, insects. Collecting stamps is very popular with people of
all ages and it is very interesting.
Just have a look!
This German stamp is very rare and will cost a fortune one day. All these
stamps are very old, they are dated from the year 1930. My favorite section in
my collection is famous people. If I don't know the person on a stamp I always
try to find information about him in books.
- I see that you
have neatly labeled every page and every section in your collection. But don't
you think that your hobby doesn't make you healthier and stronger?
You know, my
hobby is tennis. I can spend the whole day on the tennis court. I've been playing
tennis for 4 years and since then I have become fit, healthy and with a lots of
energy, I practically never feel ill.
- I'd like to say
that tastes differ. Of course I agree that collecting stamps doesn't involve
physical activity but I learn a lot and get much knowledge, when I devote most
of my free time to collecting stamps. Can you become more intelligent playing
tennis?
- Of course I
can. You know that we have a lot of competitions in different cities or even
countries.
During your free
time we always go sightseeing and visit different museums and exhibitions. You
can see of that we learn a lot about the history, culture and traditions of
different countries.
Only a month ago
our team took part in the championship in Moscow. Of course we spend much time
on courts but also we could go to the Tretjakov Gallery where I was able to see
the paintings of famous artists. And I can tell you that I was full of
unforgettable impressions.
- Let's say all
hobbies are interesting. For some people it is pleasure to collect stamps, for
other sport is a hobby.
- Yes, you are
right. Oh, I'm sorry, but I promised my mum to be at home at 5 o'clock. I have
to run. Bye!
- It was nice to
talk with you! Bye!
English-Speaking Countries
-
Hi, Sam! Glad to meet you. Where have you been? I haven’t seen you for ages.
- I have
travelled around the USA.
- Around the USA?
Wow! Great! Some people are luckier than others. Did you enjoy sightseeing in
this huge country? Did you like it?
- Yes, it was
really wonderful, - unforgettable impressions.
We’ve
been to their national library and learned the USA history. And now I know
everything about its customs, traditions and history.
And
what have you been doing all this time?
- I’ve been on a
trip to Great Britain, - to the land of Kings and Queens. My knowledge of the
British history has increased.
For example, do
you know why this country is called Britain?
- No, that’s very
interesting. Can you tell me?
- Sure. It was
called Britain because the tribes of the first people who lived on the island
were called Britons; so Britain was the land of the Britons.
- But the name of
the USA isn’t connected with American tribes. On the contrary, one of the first
settlers were English.
The group of
people who had decided to make homes for themselves in the new land across the
ocean, believing that they would have a better life there, left England for
America. After a stormy voyage across the Atlantic ocean on board the
“Mayflower” ship early settlers, reached new land, built their first colonies
and were called colonists. The prosperous colonies grew bigger and bigger, but
were ruled by England for a long time.
- And what
happened then? Didn’t they want to become independent?
- Yes, In 1776
the 13 young American colonies united and began a war against England for
freedom and independence (the war was called the War of Independence) , which
they won, a new country was born which became the United States of America.
- Ooh! How
interesting! However, the UK development absolutely differs from what you have
said.
- Really?
- Yes, In the 5th
century some tribes from the northern part of the continent of Europe landed in
Britain. They were Angels, the Saxons and the Jutes, who were wild and fearless
people. They settled down in the land they had conquered and became the
forefathers of the people of England and part of Scotland. Several states were
formed; one of them was east Anglia, the land where the Angels lived. Some time
later the people began to call the whole of the southern part of the country
the land of the Angels (Angle Land) , which became England.
- And in 1066 the
Normans, people who came from the north of France, conquered England. As the
years passed, the Normans and the Anglo-Saxons formed the English people.
- How do you know
that?!
- From the school
lessons, when we learned the history of the UK.
OK. But what
about the wars. Were there any?
- Sure there were
many of them, when little by little England became the strongest of all the
states on the British Isles. In the 15th century it conquered Wales.
And in general there were many wars between England and Scotland until in 1707,
when they were united under one king, and became the powerful state. Its name
has been Great Britain since then.
- O, I’m sorry,
but I have to run. I must prepare for a school exam that I have at 5 o’clock
today.
- OK, see you
later, bye!
- Bye.
Feeling Good At School
- Hello, Dan.
- Hi, Sam. Well, how do you feel at your new school?
- You know, there are some things that I’m satisfied and to
the contrary disappointed with.
- Yeah!? What do you mean talking in that way? Can you
explain me all in details?
- All right. You know, I’d like it at all. Educational level
is high, what is very important nowadays, teachers are well knowledgeable and
kind in all ways, however still give us a lot of homework, pupils are very
easygoing, gentle and thoughtful.
- However, with what thing does your upset related? Maybe
it’s the whole conditions that environ you: for example the manner of coloring
walls in classrooms or disliked design of desks; otherwise perhaps you’ve no
acquaintances with your classmates and neighbors?
- I don’t quit agree with even one of your suggestions.
Think easier. I’m completely fulfilled with all of this things that you’ve just
now listed and got many friends of mine, sitting at the desk colored so that I
really keen on it. Don’t you know since I’ve been graduated to the new school,
I start spending very much time on my mathematics, for the reason that it’s
very hard for me to solve some problems.
- Well, Sam, we all make mistakes at first, so don’t let it
get you down and hope for the best, no more than. A little practice and, in no
doubt, you’ll be more successful next time. And do not forget teacher’s help
that can be very useful.
- I think, it’s necessary to do as you are told.
- Listen, I’ve heard that your school is on the first place
for going on educational excursions and trips. And it is holding all kinds of
contests and competitions, discussions and conversations.
- Oh, don’t even talk about it. It is definite true. For
example every week anyone who wants may take part in nature walks. It is
marvelous. Participating in this kind of activities helps me to get rid of
boredom. What can be better as a true friendship with your schoolmates. And for
it I like my school time.
- Maybe you are able to decide which of the reasons, why you
go to school, you think most important. As for me on the first place stands a
reason of that school helps you make your own decisions and introduces you to
new scientific ideas.
- Other than you’re my opinion is a bit different. I
apologize that school helps you to understand yourself better and makes you
polite and well behaved. Furthermore it teaches you moral values and helps
train you for a job.
- Maybe you’re right. Oh, Sam I’m sorry I have to run –
forgot that I’ve extra-curricula classes of Biology. See you tomorrow.
- OK, Bye!
- Bye!
Immigration to Australia
- Hi, Dan!
- O, hello my
friend, Sam!
- Well, what is
your solution about the state we want to immigrate in Australia? Did you think
of it?
- Yes I’ve been
thinking of it all day, and have decided, that the best place will be the South
Australia.
- Why do you
think so? Could you explain this to me?
- You know, this
state is the 3rd largest state in the country (Australia).
- Size doesn’t
matter. What are the living conditions there?
- Most of South
Australia’s people, farms and industry are in the south-eastern part of the
state. Much fruit are grown there: apricots, pears, nectarines and others. And
hot temperature in this state dominates. At last we will “have a rest” from our
Estonian frosts.
- But, you know
that where a hot temperature is, there are always deserts. And from my point of
view living in the state where the most unproductive desert lands occupy the
greater part is silly.
- Yes, you are
right as always. And what is your opinion?
- Hmm… Let me
think for a minute. Western Australia is dry and inhospitable – there are even
three deserts are there: the Great Sandy Desert, the Gibson Desert and Great
Victoria Desert; Northern Territory is the least populated and least developed
part of the continent, where only wild animals, as crocodiles and emu, live.
- …And about
South Australia we have “completed”… What about Tasmania? Tasmania is an island
state and I don’t want to live there and to become a savage in this huge
country. I know - it will be Queensland state, where long sandy beautiful
beaches stretch for many kilometers.
- However, the
same deserts are situated there.
- Well, I would
choose New South Wales – Australia’s leading industrial state, where most
people live along the east coast, and most of them in Sydney. Sydney is also
the largest city in Australia. Or maybe Australian Capital Territory, occupying
an area of 2,432 square kilometers.
- It is situated
on the same territory as New South Wales. You know it’s long enough to see a
main sights of Victoria state…
- Sorry, maybe we
will finish our talk later, because I have an exam at school?
- OK. See you
soon. Bye!
- Bye!
Improving Language Skills
- Hello, Dan.
- Hi, Sam, glad to meet you!
- Dan, I’m taking interview to the best language learner for
our class newspaper, that’ll give advice how to improve language communication
skills, and want you to ask some questions for me.
- I think, I’ll do this. You may start, however why have you
chosen me as the best learner of languages.
- Because it seems to be that you’re the one in our class
that has fives in languages. OK, lets begin. What kind of recommendation would
you give to those, who want to improve their basic language skills?
- At first I’d like to say that cause won’t turn into
reality without an experience in subject that you learn. Excellent work in the
classroom and diligent homework preparing is successful result in your primary
achievements.
- Do you think that out-of-class activities may bring you
desired help - help in getting reading, writing, conversation and pronunciation
skills? Is it a good idea, to come home and after making homework, to practice
in writing, obeying your teacher’s exact and clear explanations, if it is so.
- It’s just what I was thinking. In addition I’d like to say
that your every extra reading, simple writing compositions, industriousness and
responsibility in a good work habits, constant study will make your speech
fluent. And it is always necessary to remember never to give way to despair in
a case of a failure.
- I agree with you, I also think that there are many
educational supplementary training courses in our town. Either ask help from
your teacher, I’m sure she or he can always do it for you, or get somebody’s,
who knows a subject matter well, advice to solve your problems. On the other
hand how to make use of, for example, English TV, songs, periodicals, etc.?
- Oh, I suppose it as a superior thought. And furthermore it
is easy accessible. You can just go and by a new English newspaper or a
magazine in a nearby newsstand. Also you can choose from this variety of
TV-channels that your providers offer and again in English.
- Certainly! Moreover at the end I feel like to say that
communication with native speakers is so important as other factors of help in
studying language. Thee can hold different discussions and conversations with
inhabitant people of the foreign language you want to learn and to receive
invaluable support. But, if you can’t find him or her don’t be saddened, you
can find yourself in the language environment as well in school classes.
- I couldn’t agree more.
- Thanks for your answers, they were very good.
- Thank you too. Bye!
- Bye-bye!
Inviting a Friend
- Hallo! Could I speak to
Dan?
- Speaking.
- Ooh… Hi Dan. It is me, -
Sam!
- Hi Sam haven’t heard from
you for ages. How are you? And where are you calling from?
- From Narva of course. And
I’m fine. And how do you feel?
- I’m fine too.
- That’s good. You know, we
have a school holidays next week.
- Really, what a coincidence,
we, too.
- I didn’t know that.
Thought, that you only have it in summer. Would you like to come and see me
next week while you are on holiday? We would have a good time, even better than
you would have in New York.
- I don’t know what to say.
- Don’t you believe me? I
will show you all Narva sights. Have you heard anything about famous Narva
Castle that was built at the end of the 13th and at the beginning of
the 14th centuries by the Danes? The bastioned Castle with its high
tower, named Tall Herman, being one of the most interesting erections of the
medieval Estonia. Narva has always been and remains one of the most important
gateways of Estonia.
- That is very interesting. I
think you’d better come to see me in New York. Everyone knows something about
New York – the Statue of Liberty, the spectacular skyscrapers, the beautiful
shops of Fifth Avenue, and the many theaters on Broadway. I think you too.
- Yes you are right. I
remember our school lessons about New York city and its history.
- And I can show you many
other different and interesting places in New York, too. Because this city is
the place to try something new. And it may be an experience that you will never
forget.
We
will visit well-known Disneyland, you will see one of the highest buildings
(constructions) in the hole World,- New York Trade Center(s) skyscraper. It has
110 floors. We will also walk on Broadway and watch some performances in its
theatres. Then we will…
- Hold on! You named me so
many places to visit that my head has begun to spin around. However, in Narva
there aren’t fewer places to see. Narva Art Museum performs large collections
of paintings of the best art makers all over the Europe. You will be amazed at
the Kreenholm factory with its capacious size. This manufactory has worked
since the end of the last century. It produces clothes and many other textile
products.
- And where can we have a
rest in Narva?
- Our resorts and recreation
centers are situated in the Narva suburb – Narva-Jõesuu and
can receive and accommodate over 1000 guests. Holidaymakers come here every
summer from St.Petersburg, Sweden and even from your America. Estonia is
prouded of its clear, fresh air and clean water of the Finnish Gulf and its
lakes inside the country.
- You know, we have the same
place, named oasis of New York’s concrete desert, - beautiful Central Park. The
park is surprisingly big, with lakes and woods as well as organized recreation
areas. New Yorkers love Central Park, and they use it all the time. In the
winter, going ice-skating, and in the summer roller-skating, bicycling and
boating. They play ball, ride horses and have picnics. And there is even a
children’s zoo with wild birds and animals. Families come here to enjoy the sun
and fresh air. The children can play safely here away from fast cars and busy streets.
Musicians, hot dogs and hamburgers, water birds, fine and calm weather, - what
can be better!?
- That’s great, but not as
good as in Narva…
- Sam I’m sorry (watching to
the clock). Let me phone you tomorrow.
- What’s happened? We haven’t
finished our talk yet.
- You see, I have a training
session at 5 o’clock and can’t be late, because we will have an Estonian
Championship in basketball and I must get ready for it!
- That’s a pity, but if it
needs I will be waiting for your call. And I think that I will convince you to
come here.
- We shall see! Bye!
- Bye! (laughing)
Newspapers and
Magazines.
- Hello Dan, haven’t seen you for ages!
- Oh, hi Sam, glad to meet you to! (buying a newspaper at
the newsstand)
- I see you are going to buy some recent newspapers? And
your choice has felt on the “Djen za Dnjom” paper.
- You know, Sam, this is the only paper that I prefer to
read.
- Can you tell me more about this kind of newspaper, as I’ve
even got interested in it? I’ve just heard that this weekly newspaper is one of
the most popular Russian papers in Estonia, and, if my memory does not lie, its
circulation is nearly 70 thousand copies.
- You’re absolutely right. And of course I’ll tell all that
I know about the newspaper my family and I subscribe to regularly. I appeal
reading to the “Djen za Dnjom” because the paper contains 50 pages and covers
the most important local and international events. There are detailed articles
of political nature, economic and business news, literary and artistic reviews,
sport news and much more.
- Wow, you can get very useful information out of there, am
I right?
- You’ve stroked exactly.
- And I think that best of all you like to read the “Palata
¹9” partition, what is devoted to funny stories and riddles, crossword puzzles
and logical tasks. I’ve read it once with my friends, when we had a spare time.
Moreover I know that in addition the newspaper has supplements like the
“Masterok” and the “Astra”. And also the issue cost includes “TV Park” TV-guide
of just about 40 channels on the whole week.
- Steep knowledge! And you know as well my parents prefer
reading this kind of the newspaper too, however choosing the material they are
interested in. In difference from them I like to read it because there are no
long and boring articles.
- These articles from my point of view must be short,
laconic and informative, entertaining and easy to read.
- I can entirely agree with your opinion. I find it helpful
and convenient for the reason that the advertisements in this paper assist me
find out what’s on in the theatres and concert halls plus where I can buy
different things.
- I wonder that this newspaper has no editorial. The front
page usually contains several pictures and articles that catch the reader’s
eye.
- I’ve noticed this attention-grabbing design too. What
about you – what are you your reading preferences?
- I haven’t thought about it yet. There are few homes to
which at least one newspaper is not brought every morning, maybe at a reason of
that there are many free domestic newspapers, usually containing lots of
advertisements, which are brought to people’s homes whether they ask for them
or not. And my home isn’t elimination.
- Dan I’m sorry, but I am in a hurry – I have to run. See
you later. You can call me. Bye!
- Bye! It was nice talking with you.
Occurring with a writer,
who write books about Australian animals
- Good day mister
Gary Fisher. (this is a name of the writer)
- Hello my
friend, Sam!
- How a famous
writer is doing?
- I’m fine. And
you know that recently a new book have been written by me. It is named
“Australian animals”.
- Great! But why
did you choose this theme, as you haven’t been to Australia?
- Who said? Last
month as fiduciary, I left our town for that country, even it is better to say
a continent.
- And how it is
there in Australia? What animals from this country did you see and describe in
your book? At all, tell me about your book.
…
- I know that.
And…
- How did you
know that?
- From school
lessons, of course. It is not all.
…
Rubbish in newspapers
- Hello Dan, haven’t seen you for ages.
- Oh, hi Sam, glad to meet you.
- I see a newspaper in your hands, which I think you are
going to tear. Is it so?
- Yes, it is. These ads make me really furious. Every time
as you open the latest newspaper to read some recent events in the world, you
see bright, catchy, small ads everywhere.
- You know Dan, from my point of view this is a global
problem, if it can be called so. Many papers are often criticized by reading
public because of advertisements. And there are always advertisements of the
things that at the moment you don’t need, and sometimes prices are so high that
you can’t afford these products yourself. You only waste the time looking
through them.
- I can fully agree with your opinion. I’d rather stay at
home, put my feet up and enjoy what I’ve got, than dreaming of buying a good
new car, for the reason that prices incredibly have felt down from 1,000,000
krons to 999,999 krons. I always have been misleading of the ads. Once I’ve
bought some product at the very high price and it haven’t justified my hopes.
That is why nowadays we cannot trust advertisements.
- However, don’t you know that economists tend to argue that
if we didn’t have advertising there wouldn’t be such a wide choice of things to
buy?
- I can understand it, but can we for a little reduce
quantity of ads? I think advertising makes things more expensive, and it would
be better if the money were spent on improving quality or making things
cheaper.
- You are right. The last thing what is necessary to do is
to find the ways to improve a newspaper. Newspapers must not to have been
glossy, have colourful pictures on the whole start page with lots of small ads,
instead of having useful information. For example to have an editorial is a
same great idea, as having headlines on the current affairs.
- As I think of this theme that we are discussing now, it
can be called rubbish in newspapers. Real rubbish, which’s place is no more
than in the recycle bin.
- Dan I’m sorry, but I’ve to run. I promised my coach to be
at five on my training session. I’m really sorry, however we may finish our
talk later. Just phone to me.
- OK, bye!
- Bye, it was nice talking with you!
Traveling
- Hello, Dan!
- Hi, Sam, glad to meet you! Haven’t seen you for ages,
where you’ve been?
- I’ve been traveling all winter holidays.
- And if it’s not a secret, what places did you visit? May I
guess – it was either Sweden or Finland?
- It’s warm, however not hot. I’ve traveled to Lapland, the
North of Finland, behind an Arctic Circle. You even can’t imagine what a
delightful place it is.
- Wow! I think it’s awesome. What kind of transport did you
use and may ask your opinion about the best way of traveling.
- You know I’ve noticed that quite a lot of people have
still not found the best way to travel around. As for me I prefer car trip,
because it seems remarkable to me. Traveling by in this way attracts me for
many different reasons.
- And so what are they? Can you prove your point of view? I
think that a bicycle ride is more marvelous, for the reason that it gets you
out into the fresh air. You can go along narrow country roads, find new places,
see new sights. Furthermore it gives you exercise and keeps you in good health.
- Yes, that’s quite true but you can’t overcome long
distances riding a bicycle. The more you ride, depending on your fatigue, the
more you legs get tired, twisting (gyrating) treadles. See in your mind's eye
how you’ll enjoy picturesque spots, feeling really good. You can stop anywhere
you want, though there are some parking problems.
- I catch you, there is nothing to dream of freedom. By the
way adventure is necessary for us all, because it keeps us from growing stale
and old, develops our imagination, gives us that movement and change which are
essential to our life. Sitting on seats of the automobile you can’t afford such
breathing space environment.
- OK, you’ve convinced me. Lets better talk of the places
you’ve visited traveling by bicycle. For example I stayed in a hotel and went
mountain skiing. Outgoing, fantastic! I don’t think you saw other places,
excluding our Narva-Jõesuu sandy beach all in waste and
the dirty Boltic Sea.
- Oh, Sam, I’m sorry, but I’m in a hurry. I
promised my mom to be at home at five o’clock. Should we finish our talk later.
- No problem, I’ll be waiting for your call,
bye!
- Bye-bye!
Watching a documentary film about Australia
- Hi, Sam!
- Hi Dan, nice to
meet you!
- Have you had a
nice evening, Sam?
- Yes, I’ve been
watching a documentary film on TV.
- Really?! What
was it about?
- About the
largest island in the World.
- The largest
island? Do you mean Australia?
- I do. Though
I’m sure that Australia is the biggest island. I know that many people think
it’s a continent.
-
Yes. That’s what I think: it’s the smallest continent on the Earth.
-
And it is an independent country too
-
I know that. What is its capital? Sydney?
-
No. It’s Canberra, however Sydney is the largest city in the country.
-
Is English the official language?
-
Yes, it is, though it is a bit different from the language they speak in the
USA and Britain.
-
And I’ve heard that this country has 6 states.
-
Yes, you are absolutely right. I can tell you about this. This is a state
Queensland, where long beautiful sandy beaches situated, Victoria, Western
Australia and the South Australia – the 3rd largest state with
remaining farm industry; and the Northern Territory and Tasmania island
(state).
-
Wow! How many states (areas).
And I know that Australia is
a land of striking differences at all, and that the most part of the continent
- 50% - is desert.
- How did you
know that?
- From school
lessons, of course. But it doesn’t matter. You know, from my point of view
Australia is the smallest continent in the World. Am I right, Sam?
- Yes you are.
Ooo… Sorry Dan, but I’m in a hurry and must go, as I promised my mother to come
back at 16 o’clock.
- OK. See you
tomorrow, bye!
- Bye.