GABRIELA DUMBRAV

LIMBA ENGLEZ. CURS PRACTIC

(Nivel mediu)

LESSON 1

His Favourite Cousin

Horace was very proud of his cousin, Mike Aspen, Hollywoods brightest young star.
Whenever his cousin appeared on the screen, Horace would say, Isnt he wonderful? Hes my
cousin, you know .
What was worse, Horace was always cutting pictures of his cousin out of movie
magazines and putting them on the kitchen wall. His wife would say, We used to have a nice
clean wall. Now all I can see is Mike, Mike, Mike! Then she would walk angrily out of the
kitchen and slam the door behind her.
When Mikes face used to appear on posters or billboards, Horace would proudly brag
about his cousins successful career. He used to go to Midville High School, you know. We
would always play in the schoolyard together, and we were always getting into trouble together.
I remember how he was always stealing apples from the corner grocery store. He used to be like
a brother to me. We were always missing classes together. What a great guy, a truly great guy.
He was my favorite cousin.
One day, though, everyone woke up to find the daily newspapers covered with the
headlines, MIKE ASPEN INVOLVED IN GANGLAND KILLING. Reporters went to Horaces house to
interview him. Did you and Mike Aspen really use to be like brothers? Is it true you were both
getting in trouble all the time? What kind of trouble? Did you really play in the school yard
together?
Mike Aspen . . . Mike Aspen . . . . , he said in a puzzled voice.
Oh, yes! The actor. Horace shook his head, No relation to me. Never met the guy.

COMPREHENSION
Answer the following questions according to your understanding of the text:
1. Who was Mike Aspen?
2. Why was Horace proud of him?
3. What was Horace always doing?
4. Why was Horaces wife angry?
5. What school did Horace and his cousin go to?
6. What were they always doing together?
7. What happened one day?
8. What did Horace tell the reporters?
9. Did he tell the truth?
10. What do you think about Horaces attitude?

GRAMMAR

HABIT IN THE PAST (Exprimarea unei aciuni obinuite n trecut)

O aciune care a avut loc n mod obinuit n trecut se red n limba englez prin una
dintre urmtoarele trei construcii gramaticale:
1. Used to
Used + infinitivul lung al verbului se folosete n urmtoarele situaii:
a. Pentru a reda o aciune cu caracter de rutin n trecut:
Exemplu: When I worked on the farm I used to get up at five in the
morning, and I used to eat an enormous breakfast before going out to work.
b. Un obicei din trecut care nu mai exist n prezent:
Exemplu: I used to smoke a lot, but I dont any more.
I used to visit my parents every weekend, but now I see them very rarely.
c. O stare de fapt valabil numai pentru un interval de timp din trecut:
Exemplu: He used to have a beard, but he shaved it off.
She used to be a good tennis player when she was young.
2. Would (do)
Would + infinitivul scurt al verbului:
Exemplu:

When I worked on the farm, I would get up at five oclock.

3. Was / Were always (. . . ing)

Trecutul continuu nsoit de adverbul de timp always:
Exemplu:
He was always following me around when we were kids.

Grammar Practice
1. Make sentences from each of the following. Choose used to, would always, or was
always.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Heather
Carla
Mark and Carl
They
He
She

other peoples papers during the exams.

tricks on her friends when she was a child.
bad jokes at parties.
mistakes when they were in college.
me flowers when we were first married.
lies when she was a child.
2

7. They
8. She
9. They
10. She

into trouble when they were kids.

Beatles records when she lived in New York.
backaches when they had that hard bed.
the wrong bus when she was in New York.

II. Complete the following with used to and the negative-interrogative.

Example:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

you
on Queen Street ?
Didnt you use to live on Queen Street ?
she
your brother
she
your sister
your parents
that man
they
you

school in Boston ?
at the British Institute ?
your best friend ?
in an apartment in Chicago ?
their vacations in Florida ?
football for the Toronto Tigers ?
a big house in the country ?
a red sports car ?

VOCABULARY
WHATEVER, WHEREVER, WHENEVER (orice, oriunde, oricnd)

Exercise
Change the following sentences using whatever, wherever, whenever.
Example: Doris went somewhere; her friend went too.
Wherever Doris went, her friend went too.
1. I started to say something; he always interrupted me.
__________________________________________
2. Billy did something; his little brother always did the same.
__________________________________________
3. She went somewhere; she always took her dog.
__________________________________________
4. He came to visit us; he always talked about his problems.
__________________________________________
5. He went somewhere; he always took his family.
_________________________________________
6. Jane said something; her little boy always said the same thing.
___________________________________________________
7. I watched TV; I always had a headache.
________________________________________
8. David went jogging; his dog always followed him.
_______________________________________
9. I asked him something; he always refused me.
________________________________________
10. He came to visit me; he always brought me flowers.
________________________________________
3

LESSON 2
Confidence Man
Ive never been so humiliated in my life! shouted Dorothy angrily.
Why didnt you stand up to that jerk? Tell me , she continued, have you ever lost your
temper or been in a fight? Ill bet youve never hit anybody in your whole life!
How would you like to be the first? Clyde said to himself, knowing that Dorothy
couldnt hear him. She was walking rapidly away in the direction of the parking lot.
The next day at work, Clyde couldnt help thinking about the incident. They had been
relaxing on the beach when Dorothy decided she was hungry. At the refreshment stand, a big
muscular man had pushed in front of them and stepped on Dorothys foot. Clyde had made a
weak protest, but the man had only laughed in his face.
His thoughts were suddenly interrupted when the manager shouted, Clyde! Have you
waited on that customer yet? Ive got a business to run here, so wake up, will you? And what
about the inventory list? Have you taken it to Mr. Watson yet? Not even waiting for a reply, the
manager hurried back to his office. Im tired of this! Clyde whispered, knowing his boss
couldnt hear him.
That evening Clyde was reading the newspaper when he saw an advertisement: DO YOU
LACK SELF-CONFIDENCE? HAVE YOU EVER FELT UNPOPULAR AND LEFT OUT OF A GROUP? IF YOU
HAVENT ENROLLED YET ENROLL NOW IN DOCTOR IVOS CONFIDENCE COURSE. AFTER A FEW EASY
LESSONS YOULL BE A DIFFERENT PERSON.

Thats just what I need, Clyde thought. Ill enroll tomorrow.

After finishing the course, Clyde really did feel like a new person. When Dorothy finally
called him, he decided to show off his new personality. Clyde! I havent heard from you in
ages! Why dont we go and see the new movie at the Roxy ? Ive already seen it, Clyde said
confidently. I took Linda to see it last night, as a matter of fact.
Dorothy was shocked. Youve already seen it, have you? she said furiously. Yes, I
have, said Clyde calmly. If I have time I might give you a call next week, but I havent made
up my mind yet, he said, hanging up the phone.
The next day at work his boss started shouting at him as usual, but this time Clyde
answered, Listen, Mr. Bumstern, Ive already written that report and given it to Mr. Watson. In
fact, its only eleven oclock, and Ive already sold two hundred dollars worth of merchandise,
so why dont you shout at somebody else for a change?
Two months later, Clyde was sitting in the company lunchroom with his friends, telling
jokes and flirting with all the girls. Mr. Bumstern told us that youve already broken last years
sales record, said Frank, a fellow worker, and this fiscal year hasnt even ended yet! Have
you ever thought of selling your secret of success to the rest of us? asked Miriam, the cashier.
Clyde smiled and told his story is feelings of rejection, and the confidence he gained
with Doctor Ivo. Ivo, Ivo, repeated Miriam; Ive never heard of him. I have, said Frank.
Havent you seen the article about him in the newspaper yet, Clyde? He pulled out The Daily
Mail and pointed to the article: CON MAN WALLACE IVO CONVINCTED OF FRAUD. Clyde read the
article with a sick feeling in his stomach.
Forget that dumb article and tell us a joke, said Miriam. Everyone smiled and waited
eagerly for Clyde to tell them one of his funny stories. I cant . . . uh . . . I mean . . . Ive
never . . . I cant remember . . . I mean Ive never been able to tell good jokes. He got up and
left the table.
Not long afterwards, Clyde lost his job. He hadnt made a single sale in three months.
youre a funny guy, said Mr. Bumstern when he fired him. Ive never met anyone like you.
4

What you need is a confidence course. Have you ever thought of taking one? No, sir, I never
have. Clyde smiled sadly, picked up his briefcase, and walked out into the rain.

COMPREHENSION
Answer the following questions according to you understanding of the text:
1. Why was Dorothy angry?
2. Where were they when she got hungry?
3. What happened at the refreshment stand?
4. What did the big man do?
5. How did Clyde protest?
6. What did he read in the newspaper?
7. How did he feel after finishing the confidence course?
8. What did he read in The Daily Mail?
9. How did he feel after reading the article?
10. What happened afterwards?

GRAMMAR
THE PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE (I)
Mod de formare. Acest timp verbal se formeaz cu ajutorul auxiliarului have/has
la care se adaug participiul trecut al verbului.
Exemplu: I have worked a lot today.
He has read many books in English.
Interogativul se formeaz prin inversiune: Have you worked a lot?
Has he read many books?
Negativul se exprimn cu ajutorul formei de negativ a auxiliarului:
I havent worked a lot today.
He hasnt read many English books.
Utilizare
EVER, NEVER, ALREADY, YET
Aceste adverbe de timp se folosesc mpreun cu Present Perfect Simple pentru a
indica o aciune al crei moment de desfurare nu este precizat.
I. Ever / Never
A. Ever (vreodat) se folosete la interogativ i se aeaz naintea participiului
trecut al verbului:

Exemple:

Have you ever seen an elephant?

Has Joan ever eaten Italian food?
B. Never (niciodat) se folosete la negativ, fiind aezat tot dup participiul

trecut.
Exemple:

Ive never seen such a beautiful apartment.

Hes never driven a car.

II. Already(deja) se folosete la afirmativ.

Exemple:

Ive already called the police.

Theyve already chosen the winner.
Hes already made three mistakes.
III. Yet se folosete n urmtoarele contexte:
A. la interogativ, cnd este aezat la sfritul propoziiei i sensul lui este
deja.

Exemple:

Has he bought a new car yet ?

Have you packed your bags yet ?

B. la negativ, situaie n care va aprea tot la sfritul propoziiei, dar sensul

lui va fi nc .
Exemple:

We havent made any definite plans yet.

The train hasnt left yet.

Grammar Practice
I. Complete the following using ever and an appropriate verb.
Example:

she
Has she ever had the measles ?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

you
John
they
I
you
he
Mary
they
we
you

II. Ask a question with When . .

following example :
Example:

the measles ?
in a jet plane ?
a love poem ?
a play by G. B. Shaw ?
a lie ?
such a beautiful girl ?
Chinese food ?
in jail ?
to the President before ?
Beethovens Fifth Symphony ?
a cold in the summer ?

and answer it using already. Pay close attention to the

your sister / her exam

When will your sister take her exam ?
Shes already taken it.
1. you / call the police
_______________________?
2. they / choose a new car
_______________________?
3. Peter / begin his French course
6

___________________
___________________

_________________________?
4. she / read that book
__________________________?
5. you / speak to Martha
__________________________?
6. he / have his operation
__________________________?
7. Laura / feed the baby
__________________________?
8. Tom / pay his bills
__________________________?
9. Janet / do the dishes
__________________________?
10. Peter and Liz / give a party
__________________________?

___________________
____________________
_____________________
____________________
____________________
_____________________
____________________
_____________________

III. Complete the following sentences with the negative and yet. Use the words in parentheses.
Example:

I would like to read this letter, but I . . . (find my glasses)

I would like to read this letter, but I havent found my glasses yet.
1. I bought a new tie other day, but I
(wear it)
______________________________________________
2. Ive been on a diet for two weeks, but I
(lose any weight)
______________________________________________
3. I took fifty dollars out of the bank last week but I
(spend it)
_____________________________________________
4. I bought a new book the other day, but I
(read it)
_____________________________________________
5. Hes been a bus driver for twenty years but
(have an accident)
____________________________________________
6. He promised her a diamond ring last month but he
(give her one)
___________________________________________
7. Mr. Weeks bought a new car last week, but
(drive it)
____________________________________________
8. The baby has been in bed for an hour, but he
(fall asleep)
_____________________________________________
9. My sisters birthday is tomorrow, but I
(buy her a present)
_____________________________________________
10. He gave me a box of chocolates, but I
(eat them all)
____________________________________________

IV. Complete the following sentences using a verb in the Present Perfect Simple + never.
Follow the example.
Example:

We
such a delicious salad.
We have never eaten such a delicious salad.
1. They
2. You

such beautiful music.

such a terrible lie before.
7

3. Margaret

4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Jack
They
We
Mary and Wayne
She
He
You

to such a luxurious restaurant.

such a bad movie.
such a long letter before.
such a bad book.
such a long trip before
in such a fast train before.
to such a big city before.
on such a soft bed before.

VOCABULARY

WHAT DOES HE/ SHE LOOK LIKE? este ntrebarea pe care o adresm unui interlocutor atunci
cnd vrem s obinem o descriere fizic a cuiva. Echivalentul romnesc este CUM ARAT?
Exemplu: What does he look like?
He is tall and thin:
WHAT IS HE/SHE LIKE? Este o ntrebare prin care solicitm informaii referitoare la
personalitatea cuiva (CUM ESTE....?)
Exemplu: What is she like?
She is kind and calm.
Exercise
Use the following characteristics to answer the questions what does he/ she look like? or what is
he/ she like?
- handsome, intelligent, ambitious, fat, hard working, careless, untidy, dark haired, blue eyed,
athletic, cheerful, optimistic, insensitive.

LESSON 3
Faces in Focus
DAVID SNOW : Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Tonight on Faces in Focus my lovely
co-host, Wendy Storm, and I would like to welcome five fantastic record breakers!
WENDY: Yes, these fine people are all trying to break very different kinds of records. Lets
talk to our first guest. Mr. Fred Appleby well known to tennis fans everywhere.
DAVID: Fred, youve been a tennis champ for a long time, but this year has been a special
one for you, hasnt it?
FRED: Yes, David. Ive played in forty tournaments so far this year, and Ive won all of
them.
WENDY: Youve also broken the money making record, havent you?
FRED: Yes, Wendy, Ive won three million dollars this year.
DAVID: And how much did you win last year, Fred?
FRED: Well, last year I won only a million dollars. Quite a big improvement, wouldnt you
say?
WENDY: Yes but you know youre not the only one with a lot of endurance, Fred. Jack
Lawson here has had a tough year too. I understand youre trying to break the worlds record for
long distance walking, Jack?
JACK: Thats right, Wendy.
DAVID: How many miles have you walked so far this year?
JACK: Well, Ive walked about 2,000 miles so far, and there are still three months to go
before the end of the year.
DAVID: How many different places have you been to during the course of your walks,
Jack?
JACK: Ive been to seven different European countries, and Ive walked across fifteen
states in the U.S. But its been really hard!
WENDY: What do you mean, Jack?
JACK: So far this year Ive been to the hospital seven times with foot trouble. Ive been
attacked by thieves, chased by dogs, insulted by the press, and . . . well, Ive lost about twentypounds, too.
DAVID: Well, heres a man who probably hasnt lost any weight, right Ray? Its Ray
Campbell, pancake champ!
RAY: Thats right, David. Excuse me for talking with my mouth full, but I cant afford to
lose any time.
DAVID: Ray is trying to break the twenty-four-hour pancake-eating record. How many
pancakes have you eaten so far today?
RAY: About 400. I tried to break the record last year, too but I only managed to eat 350.
WENDY: How much weight do you think youve gained in the last few hours?
RAY: Well, Ive eaten 400 pancakes, ten pounds of butter, and two gallons of syrup. So,
Ive probably gained about twenty-five pounds today. Excuse me while I take another bite.
WENDY: Thats quite all right, Ray. And now, Florence Castro. What record are you trying
to break, Florence?
FLORENCE: Im hoping to break the uninterrupted gum-chewing record. Ive been chewing
gum without stopping for eight months.
DAVID: Even in your sleep?

Yes, David, I even chew in my sleep. It becomes a reflex action after a while.
I figure Ive chewed about 550 packs of gum this year. Ive spent hundreds of dollars on gum,
and also on vitamins to supplement my diet.
WENDY: How many times have you been to the dentist this year, Florence?
FLORENCE: I havent been to the dentist at all this year. Id be afraid to see the bill.
DAVID: Amazing! And now for our last guest, Ted Doolittle. Ted is trying to break the
most unusual record of all, a truly fantastic attempt that requires courage and stamina. Its just
amazing!
WENDY: It certainly is! Many have tried before and failed. Tell us about your record, Ted.
TED: Well, despite inflation and the high cost of living, Ive gone ten years without
giving my employees a raise.
FLORENCE:

COMPREHENSION
Answer the following questions according to your understanding of the text:

1. What is the title of the TV show?

2. Who are the host and the co host?
3. How many guests do they have?
4. What is the name of the first guest and what is he?
5. How much money has he won?
6. Who is the second guest and what record is he trying to break?
7. What about the third guest?
8. How many pancakes has he eaten?
9. Who is the fourth guest and what record is she trying to break?
10. What record has the fifth guest managed to break?

GRAMMAR

THE PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE (II)

Present Perfect se mai folosete i mpreun cu adverbele de timp today, this
week, this month, this year pentru a reda o aciune care se ncadreaz ntr- o
perioad de timp nencheiat.
Exemple:

Ive eaten only one meal today.

She hasnt spent much money this week.
Have they been to the casino this month?

Grammar Practice
I. Complete the following question beginning with How much or How many.
Answer the questions using the information in parentheses.
Example:

money / save / this year ($ 500.00)

How much money have you saved this year ?
Ive saved $ 500.00
lies / tell / today ? (0)
How many lies have you told today ?
I havent told any lies.
10

1. milk / have today ?

_________________________
2. books / read this month ?
_________________________
3. cigarettes / smoke today ?
_________________________
4. classes / miss this week ?
_________________________
5. letters / write this week ?
________________________
6. money / earn this year ?
________________________
7. pills / take today ?
_________________________
8. miles / walk this week ?
_________________________
9. fruit / eat today ?
_________________________
10. weight / lose this month ?
_________________________

(4 glasses)
___________________
(2)
___________________
(0)
___________________
(1)
___________________
(3)
___________________
(a lot)
___________________
(0)
___________________
(6)
___________________
(2 bananas)
___________________
(0)
___________________

II. Complete the following questions using How many times + be. Answer the questions in the
negative + at all.
Example:

you / to the movies this week ?

How many times have you been to the movies this week ?
I havent been to the movies at all this week.
1. they / to the dentist this month ?
_______________________________?
_______________________________
2. she / in the hospital this year ?
______________________________?
______________________________
3. Mrs. Davis / to the supermarket today ?
______________________________?
______________________________
4. Bob / to New York this year ?
_____________________________?
____________________________
5. you / to the doctor this month ?
_____________________________?
_____________________________

11

III. Complete the following questions and answers.

Example:

yesterday she / write two postcards

today / any
Yesterday she wrote two postcards, but today she hasnt written any.
yesterday they / buy three newspaper
today they have bought only one.
Yesterday they bought three newspapers, but today they have bought only one.
1. last month I / lose two pounds
this month / only one
_______________________________________________________
2. last week she / spend two hundred dollars
this week / only fifty dollars
______________________________________________________________
3. last month they / give three parties
this month / any
__________________________________________________________
4. yesterday she / drink four cups of tea
today / only one
__________________________________________________________
5. last week he / teach seven lessons
this week / only three
______________________________________________________
6. yesterday he / steal two wallets
today / only one
_____________________________________________________
7. last month they / win four games
this month / any
_____________________________________________________
8. last year he / have three car accidents
this year / any
____________________________________________________
9. yesterday I / eat three apples
today / only one
_____________________________________________________
10. last month I / borrow a lot of money
this month any
_____________________________________________________

VOCABULARY

WHETHER OR NOT (dac... sau nu) este o expresie care se folosete, ca i n limba romn,
pentru a sublinia existena a dou alternative posibile.
De reinut c whether poate fi folosit ca nlocuitor al lui if n orice context, cu excepia
subordonatelor condiionale.
Exercise
Answer the questions below using the expression it depends on whether (or not).
Example: Are you planning to buy a new car?
(raise)
It depends on whether or not my boss raises my salary.
1. Are you planning to go to the beach tomorrow?
(rain)
__________________________________
2. Are they planning to visit their parents in London?
(have a vacation)
__________________________________________
3. Is Jane planning to buy a new TV?
(have enough money)
_________________________________________
4. Are you planning to take tennis lessons?
(have enough time)
________________________________________

12

5. Is she planning to ask her boss for a raise?

(be in a good mood)
________________________________________
6. Are you planning to go to college?
(pass my final exams)
_______________________________________
7. Is he planning to move to Chicago?
(find a better job there)
______________________________________
8. Are you planning to see the movie tonight?
(find tickets)
______________________________________
9. Is she planning to get married?
(ask her)
______________________________________
10. Are you planning to buy that new dress?
(can save enough money)
______________________________________

13

LESSON 4
Getting Ahead
Gerald had been a door-to-door salesman for the Ace Vacuum Cleaner Company for ten
years. He was good at his job and his boss had even asked him to work in the sales office parttime. But the company was very small, and Gerald knew that he could never be much more than
a vacuum cleaner salesman and part-time office worker for the rest of his life.
He was reading the newspaper one evening when he saw an ad: Wanted-Home Utilities
Market Prospector. Dynamic young man with at least ten years sales experience; some office
experience preferable.
Gerald showed his wife the ad. Ive had ten years sales experience, he said
enthusiastically, and Ive also worked in the companys sales office. Im going to answer this
ad!
Not only that, said his wife, Agnes, but youve trained hundreds of new salesmen,
youve reorganized the whole accounting department and youve spent hours working overtime
without extra pay. I think its time for a change.
For the next few days he could think of nothing else. He would no longer be just a simple
door-to-door salesman. He would have an important position with an impressive name-Home
Utilities Market Prospector! When he received an answer to his application a week later, Gerald
was overjoyed. They want to interview me for the job, he said to Agnes eagerly. He put on his
best suit, shined his shoes, and hurried downtown to an address on March Street. The personnel
director seemed friendly and asked Gerald several questions about his professional life:
How many different jobs have you had, Mr. Smith?
Well, Ive only had one-with the Ace Vacuum Cleaner Company. Ive been with them
for ten years now.
And how much sales experience have you had?
Ive had ten years sales experience. Ive mainly worked as a salesman for the company,
but I havent been able to move up or get a better position there.
And hows your general health? Have you had any serious illnesses?
Ive been sick now and then, but nothing serious. In fact, Ive never been in the hospital,
and Ive only missed two or three days of work.
The personnel director smiled at Gerald and said, I think youre just the man weve been
looking for. You can start next week. Geralds eyes lit up, and a smile of pleasure crossed his
face at the thought of starting his new job. Agnes would be so pleased. Finally, after all these
years, he was getting ahead.
As he was leaving, he realized that he hadnt asked the personnel manager for details
about his new job. Oh, by the way, I forgot to ask you. What exactly does a home utilities
market prospector do? Geralds heart was beating in anticipation. Oh, didnt you know? said
the director, I thought everybody did. A home utilities market prospector sells things door-todoor. In your case itll be vacuum cleaner.

14

COMPREHENSION
Answer the following questions according to your understanding of the text:
1. What is Gerald? What does he sell?
2. What company does he work for?
3. What did he see in the newspaper one night?
4. What kind of man was wanted for the job?
5. What was the name of the job?
6. Why was he so happy?
7. When did he receive an answer to his application?
8. How many different jobs has he had?
9. Has he ever been ill?
10. What was the big final surprise?

GRAMMAR

THE PRESENT PERFECT SIMPLE (III)

Present Perfect Simple se utilizeaz i n contexte care nu menioneaz intervalul de timp n
care se ncadreaz aciunea.
Exemple:

Ive met a lot of important people.

How many jobs have you had ?
Clyde hasnt had much luck.

Grammar Practice
I. Wendy Storm has had a very busy life. Tell about what shes done in her lifetime,
using the cues provided.
Examples:

a toy factory.
She has worked in a toy factory.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

for several newspapers.

lingerie in a department store.
a model
English to foreign students.
around the world several times.
several films.
on TV shows.
divorced five times.
several cosmetic operations.
three books about her life.

15

II. Contradict each of the following statements using the Present Perfect in the first part
and the Simple Past in the second. Follow the examples given below.
Example:

Do you know that Mark has never heard a Beethoven symphony ?

But he has. He heard the Ninth Symphony just yesterday.
1. Do you know that Ive never drunk sherry ?
But
.
a glass of sherry just yesterday.
2. Do you know that Harry has never seen a film by Fellini ?
But
.
La Strada just last week.
3. Do you know that Luisa has never read a play by Shakespeare ?
But
.
Hamlet just last month.
4. Do you know that Mike and Helen have never eaten a hamburger ?
But
.
four hamburgers just last week.
5. Do you know that Marco has never taken a math course ?
But
.
one just last semester.
6. Do you know that Bill and Andrea have never been to Europe ?
But
.
Luxembourg just last week.
7. Do you know that Marcia has never gone camping ?
But
.
just yesterday.
8. Do you know that youve never talked to my brother ?
But
.
on the phone just a minute ago.
9. Do you know that youve never told me you loved me ?
But
.
just last night.
10. Do you know that Jack and Susan have never been to the dirty ?
But
.
just this afternoon.

III. Complete the following sentences using the Present Perfect or the Simple Past tense.
1. I
(visit) Bangkok three times. The last time I
it was in
1975.
2. How many books
(write), Mr. Trumbolt ? When
you
your last book ?
3. She
(have) an interesting life. She
(be) an actress,
fashion model, and she
even
(take) flying lessons.
4. Im afraid I
(have-negative) much sales experience. However, I
(work) as a salesman for a few months.
5. DOCTOR:
you
(have) any serious illnesses ?
PATIENT: I
typhoid fever when I was a child.
6. John
(work) for several newspapers, but he
never
(write) sports articles.
7. Im sorry, but were looking for someone who
(drive) a truck
before.
8. I
(be) in India in 1976. How long
there ?

16

9. He thinks hes important because he __________ (work with) a lot of famous

people.
10. Of course I like camping! I _________ (go) camping with some friends just
last week. We _______ (have) a marvelous time !

VOCABULARY

WONT BE ABLE TO este echivalentul lui CANT la viitor.

Exemplu: I cant do it now and I wont be able to do it next week either.
(Nu pot s o fac acum i nu voi putea nici sptmna viitoare.)
Exercise
Draw conclusions from the following statements beginning with I guess and using wont be able
to + a suitable verb.
Example: He broke his leg last week.
I guess he wont be able to go to work for three weeks.
1. She lost her driving licence last week.
_________________________________
2. I left all my books at school.
_________________________________
3. Their telephone is broken.
_________________________________
4. I lost the theatre tickets.
_________________________________
5. He left Marys address at home.
_________________________________
6. Someone just sat on my glasses.
_________________________________
7. They cant find their passports anywhere.
_________________________________
8. The last two pages of that book are missing.
_________________________________
9. It just started raining.
_________________________________
10. I cant find my keys.
_________________________________

17

LESSON 5
Myrtle Meets a Movie Star

How many in your party, sir?

HARRY: Just my wife and myself.
MYRTLE: Yes. Wed like a table for twoin the middle of the restaurant so we can see everyone
who comes in. You see, Ive been dying to come to Hollywood ever since I was a young girl.
Ive heard a lot of stars come here
HARRY: Myrtle, Im sure this gentleman is not interested in your life story.
MYRTLE: and today is our wedding anniversaryweve been married for thirty years. Isnt that
just wonderful?
HEADWAITER: Thats simply fascinating, Madam. This is your table, sir. Have a nice meal.
WAITER: Would you like to order now? I recommend the pepper steak its
MYRTLE: Waiter, I suppose youve seen thousands of movie stars. How long have you been
working here?
WAITER: Ive been working here for twenty-five years, and Ive seen all the greatsGable,
Cooper, Monroe, Wayne, NewmanIve been serving stars ever since I was a young man.
MYRTLE: How long have you been living in Hollywood?
HARRY: Well have the pepper steak, please.
HEADWAITER:

FOUR HOURS LATER

Myrtle, you must admit Ive been patient this time. Weve been sitting here for four
hours and not one star has come in.
MYRTLE: Just drink your coffee, Harry. Im not leaving until I see a movie star!
HARRY: But Ive been drinking coffee for three hours . . .
MYRTLE: Harry! I dont believe it! Robert Redford and his wife are coming this way! Ive been
waiting for this moment for years! (she gets up) Oh, Mr. Redford! This is wonderful! Ive been
a fan of yours ever since I saw you in Butch Cassidy.
MAN: Im not Robert Redford, maam. Scrubbs the name. Huey Scrubb.
MYRTLE: I know youre Robert Redford. Ive seen all your movies! My daughter has had a picture
of you on her wall for years! Youre Robert Redford!
WOMAN: I beg your pardon but Ive been married to this man for fifteen years, and I can assure
you hes Huey Scrubb. Will you excuse us? Weve been walking around all day, and wed like
something to eat.
MYRTLE: (raising her voice) Youre Robert Redford! Please give me your autograph.
MAN: Huey Scrubbs my name!
WOMAN: Waiter! This womans been bothering us! She says my husband is Robert Redford.
Could you please tell her to stop annoying us?
HEADWAITER: Weve had Robert Redford in here hundreds of times, and this is not him!
HARRY: Ive been patient with you, Myrtle, but this time youve gone too far!
MYRTLE: Ive been waiting for a chance like this for years . . . and now he wont give me his
autograph.
WAITER: (to man) Give her your autograph. Maybe this way shell leave you alone.
MAN: OK (writes) To my favourite fan, from Robert Redford (gives piece of paper to Myrtle)
HARRY:

18

Thanks. Hey, wait! This is not Robert Redfords signature. Of all the nerve! Youre an
impostor! How long have you been going around telling people youre Robert Redford?
HEADWAITER: Ive been working here for thirty years, and Ive had all kinds of trouble with
customers, but never like this!
WAITER: Its that poor guy I feel sorry for. Hes had the same trouble for thirty years.
MYRTLE:

COMPREHENSION

Answer the following questions according to your understanding of the text:

1. What kind of table does Myrtle want and why?
2. Why has she been dying to come to Hollywood?
3. What do Harry and Myrtle celebrate?
4. How long have they been married?
5. How long have they been sitting at the table when Huey Scrubb appears?
6. Who does she think he is?
7. What does she want from him?
8. Who does Scrubbs wife call?
9. What does she say?
10. What does the waiter say?
GRAMMAR
THE PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
Mod de formare
Present Perfect Continuous se formeaz cu auxiliarul have / has + been + verb la care se
adaug terminaia -ing.
Utilizare
Acest timp verbal se folosete pentru a exprima o aciune nceput ntr un moment
trecut care se extinde i n prezent.
Exemplu: I have been living here since 1985.
He has been reading for three hours.
Prin urmare, ntrebarea cu care se asociaz, n mod logic, acest timp este How long? , iar
rspunsurile vor conine for + o anumit durat (two weeks, three days, six years) sau since +
momentul din trecut cnd a nceput aciunea (since morning, since 1980, since January).
Exemplu:

How long have you been studying English ?

Ive been studying it for two years.
since 1982.

Observaie: n cazul verbelor care nu suport form continu , cum ar fi be, have, know,
like, (vezi i lecia The Present Continuous Tense),Present Perfect Continuous se va nlocui cu
Present Perfect Simple, chiar dac aciunea continu i n prezent.
Exemple:

How long have you been a doctor ?

Ive been a doctor for ten years.
since 1974.

19

How long have you had your car?

I have had it for ten years.
Grammar Practice
I. Give affirmative answers to the following questions using the words in parentheses. Use for,
since or all + a time period.
Example:

Is she still typing those letters ?

(two hours)
Yes. She has been typing them for two hours.
Is it raining ? (one oclock)
Yes. It has been raining since one oclock.
Are they still trying to call New York ?
(all morning)
Yes. They have been trying all morning.
1. Is he really the president of Apex Inc.?
___________________________________
2. Are you feeling sick ?
____________________________________
3. Is Paul still studying ?
____________________________________
4. Is he still wearing that same shirt ?
____________________________________
5. Are the children still sleeping ?
____________________________________
6. Are they still arguing ?
____________________________________
7. Are they married ?
_____________________________________
8. Is he still waiting for the phone call ?
_____________________________________
9. Is that woman still talking on the phone ?
_____________________________________
10. Is your brother still working on his car ?
_____________________________________

(1976)
(all week)
(one oclock)
(two days)
(four oclock)
(all evening)
(several years)
(two oclock this afternoon)
(an hour and a half)
(two days)

II. Complete the following using the Present Perfect Continuous, an appropriate verb, and for or
since.
Example:

He
TV
an hour.
He has been watching TV for an hour.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Denise
They
The secretary
We
They
She
Harry

in Boston
1967.
for the Ford Motor Company
seven years.
those letters
an hour and a half.
swimming lessons
last summer.
in the doctors office
two hours.
for her exams
last month.
on the phone
three oclock.
20

8. He
9. Janet
10. She

cough medicine
for the French test
basketball

a long time.
a week.
eight oclock.

III. Complete the following questions using How long . . . and a logical verb in the Present
Perfect Continuous tense.
Example :

you / piano lessons ?

How long have you been taking piano lessons ?
1. you / your vacations in Miami ?
____________________________?
2. they / out together ?
____________________________?
3. Janis in that apartment
____________________________?
4. he / Shine hair cream
____________________________?
5. Bob / glasses ?
____________________________?
6. he / in that factory ?
___________________________?
7.they / love letters to each other ?
___________________________?
8. you / your clothes in that department store ?
__________________________________?
9. you / concerts/ ?
____________________________?

10. he / for his final exams ?

____________________________?

VOCABULARY
EVER SINCE (de cnd) este o expresie prin cre vorbitorul accentueaz importana unui
eveniment sau durata unei perioade.
Exemple: I have liked Beethoven ever since I heard the Fifth Symphony. (accentuarea
importanei evenimentului); I have been sitting here ever since you left. (accentuarea
duratei)

Exercise
Combine the following sentences using ever since, according to the model:
Example: She became a movie star. Then she started wearing diamond rings.
She has been wearing diamond rings ever since she became a movie star.
.

21

1. I saw that film. Right then I decided I wanted to become an actor.

___________________________________________
2. He got to Chicago last month. He is still looking for a job.
___________________________________________
3. When he became famous, he started driving expensive cars.
________________________________________________
4. I started singing when I was a child.
____________________________________
5. Tom came back from the war. Then they got married.
_________________________________________
6. I read a book about the pyramids of Egypt. Now Im interested in archaeology.
______________________________________________________
7. He swam in that cold river. Now he is coughing.
____________________________________
8. He saved my life. Then we became best friends.
______________________________________
9. They told me I had a terrible voice. Thats why Im taking singing lessons.
_____________________________________________________
10. Her boss told her she was fired. She is still crying.
________________________________________

22

PROGRESS TEST I
I. Complete the following sentences using used to + a suitable verb:
1. When we lived in the country, we __________________ at six oclock every morning.
2. He ________________ a blue sports car, but he sold it.
3. Mary ________________ at the University of Wisconsin, but she doesnt any more.
4. Harry ______________ a very good swimmer, but he isnt any more.
5. When we were kids, we _______________ our homework together.
6. Aunt Harriet _______________ jokes whenever she went to a party.
7. They ________________ into trouble when they were teenagers.
8. She __________________ expensive clothes when she worked at that company.
9. My sister ______________ late for her classes when she was a student.
10. They ________________ champagne every evening when they were rich.
II. Fill in the blanks with the Present Perfect Simple of the verbs in brackets:
1. Would you like to join us for lunch? No thanks, I ________ already ______________.
(eat)
2. She is getting married next week, but she ________________her wedding dress yet.
(buy)
3. ________ you ever _____________ your wifes birthday? (forget)
4. ________ your father __________ the newspaper yet?
5. I gave her some beautiful gloves, but she still ________________ them. (not wear)
6. Its too late! I ________ already __________ the letter. (send)
7. Can you believe it? He _________ never __________ to a concert in his life! (be)
8. _________ they ever __________ Martini? (drink)
9. He is leaving for Paris tomorrow, but he _______________ packing yet. (not finish)
10. I _________ never _________ to Scotland, but Id like to go there some day. (be)
III. Fill in the blanks with the Simple Past or Present Perfect Simple of the verbs in brackets:
1. She _____________ three books last month, but she _____________ this month. ( not
read)
2. How many times _______ he __________ late for work this week? (be)
3. He _____________ two aspirins so far today, but he ______________ any yesterday.
(take, not take)
4. ________ they __________ a lot of money this month? (spend)
5. How many times _________ you _________ your teeth yesterday? (brush)
6. I _____________ (negative) to the movies at all this month. (go)
7. Bob ____________ three exams so far this week. (fail)
8. I _______________ to the doctor twice last year. (go)
9. He _____________ any work so far today, and he _____________ any work yesterday
either. (not do)
10. Professor Wilson ______________two lessons yesterday. (teach)

23

IV. Complete the following sentences using the Present Perfect Simple or Continuous of the
verbs in brackets:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

How long _________ they ______________for the bus? (wait)

__________ he ______________ French for a long time? (teach)
Hes a good friend of mine. I ________________ him for ten years. (know)
Phyllis ________________ sick since she had dinner at that new restaurant. (be)
How long _____________ your brother _____________ a psychiatrist? (see)
I have to do something! I ______________ a stomach ache for three days. (have)
___________ they _____________ married for a long time? (be)
Nancy ________________ by plane for eight hours and she is very bored. (travel)
How long ___________ she _________________ as a secretary? (work)

24

LESSON 6
Faulks Inn
He looked at his watch, but it was still very early. He poured himself another drink and yawned.
This is going to be a long night, he thought to himself.
*
*
*
It had all started as a joke. Connell had arrived at Faulks Inn on Wednesday. It seemed
like such a peaceful old place that he decided to stay until the weekend. On the first evening of
his arrival, Connell was having a drink with some of the other guest when they began asking the
owner about the history of the place. He told them the following story:
In the 1800s something very strange had happened at the inn. The owners daughter,
Jullie Faulks, had mysteriously disappeared from one of the large rooms on the second floor.
Everyone had been shocked by this strange disappearance, but no one had ever discovered where
she had gone.
Ever since the night of the mystery, guests complained of hearing strange noises coming
from the room where the girl had last been seen. Several people had also seen lights and floating
white objects.
When Connell and the others heard that no one had stayed in the room since 1860, they
began to laugh and laugh and make jokes, especially Connell. Superstitious nonsense! he
laughed. People get so frightened that their minds begin to play tricks on them.
Everyone is at least a little superstitious, said one of the guests.
Not me! said Connell. Just to show you how ridiculous this story is, Ill stay in that
room tonight.
*
*
*
Your friends downstairs would like to know if youd like a cup of coffee, sir. Connell
was awakened by a young woman carrying a tray.
Yes, he replied. All this nonsense about ghosts has made me quite sleepy.
She smiled as she poured the coffee. If you need anything else, just ring.
The next day at breakfast, Connell told the other guests about the wonderful night he had
spent, and how he had never slept better in his life.
So, nothing disturbed you? the owner asked.
Nothing. After the maid left, I fell asleep again.
What maid? the owner asked. My wife and I are the only ones who take care of the
place now.
She looked just like the girl in that picture, said Connell, pointing to a portrait above
the fireplace.
Well, Mr. Connell, you may want to change your beliefs. Thats a portrait of Julie
Faulks painted in 1859.

25

COMPREHENSION

Answer the following questions according to your understanding of the text:

1. When did Connel arrive at Faulks Inn?
2. For how long did he decide to stay? Why?
3. What had happened with the owners daughter?
4. Why did the guests complain?
5. What had some people seen?
6. Why did Connel refuse to believe the story?
7. How did he decide to prove that the story was ridiculous?
8. Who visited him in his room?
9. What did she do?
10. What did Connel find out in the morning?
GRAMMAR
THE PAST PERFECT SIMPLE TENSE
Mod de formare
Past Perfect Simple se formeaz cu ajutorul auxiliarului have la trecut (had) + participiul
trecut al verbului (verb regulat + ed/ forma a treia a verbelor neregulate).
AFFIRMATIVE

INTERROGATIVE

NEGATIVE

I
had already gone. Had I
ever been there ? I
hadnt thought of it before.
You
you
You
etc.
etc.
etc.
Utilizare
Acest timp verbal se folosete pentru a exprima o aciune care a avut loc n trecut, fiind
anterioar unei alte aciuni trecute. Adverbul de timp specific unor astfel de contexte este before.
Exemplu:

When I entered the room, I saw that someone had been there before me.

Past Perfect Simple se folosete adesea mpreun cu adverbele de timp just, already,
ever i never, care se vor aeza ntre auxiliar i participiul trecut al verbului.
Exemple:

When the police arrived, the thieves had already left.

She had just arrived when the phone started ringing.
They were very nervous because they had never travelled in a jet before.

26

Grammar Practice
I. Complete the following by supplying the missing verb in the Past Perfect.
Examples:

She
three letters before I got there.
She had written three letters before I got there.

1. They
2. The other guests
3. A thief
4. They
5. Someone
6. They
7. The train
8. She
9. He
10. He

asleep before their son arrived.

all the food before we got there.
Mrs. Bodleys money before she left the store.
dinner before we arrived.
a rock through the window before the police arrived.
their homework before their parents came home.
ten minutes before the taxi arrived at the station.
two sedatives before the doctor arrived.
three glasses of wine before his guests arrived.
all the dishes before his wife got home.

II. Give answers to the following questions using had never . . . before.
Examples:

Did your friend enjoy seeing the ballet?

Yes! She had never seen a ballet before.
1. Did they enjoy eating that Indian food?
___________________________________
2. Did you enjoy riding that horse yesterday?
___________________________________
3. Did Lucy like having tea with the Smiths?
____________________________________
4. Did the children enjoy going to the circus?
____________________________________
5. Did the Mercers enjoy giving that cocktail party?
___________________________________
6. Did you enjoy driving Johns sports car?
_________________________________
7. Did Grace enjoy taking Portuguese lessons?
_________________________________
8. Did Evelzn enjoy writing that report?
___________________________________
9. Did she enjoy speaking to the President?
__________________________________
10. Did Bob enjoy flying in that helicopter yesterday?
__________________________________

27

III. Complete the following using the Past Perfect tense.

1. By the time I arrived, they
already
dinner.
2. Barbara
just
the house when the phone
started to ring.
3. Longhorn Trumbolt, the author,
three books before
he was twenty-one years old.
4. I really enjoyed the masquerade party. I
never
to one before.
5. When their visitors finally arrived, Mr. And Mrs. Mc Master
already
to bed.
6. By the time the police arrived, the thieves
already
the money.
7. Jim enjoyed his trip to Paris. He
never
in a jet
plane before.
8. Kate
just
two sedatives when the doctor arrived.
9. Professor Collins
at three American universities before
accepting a position at the University of Lisbon.
10. By the time finally finished talking, most of the audience
asleep.

(eat)
(leave)
(write)
(be)
(go)
(steal)
(fly)
(take)
(teach)
(fall)

VOCABULARY
Might as well
Expresia might as well se folosete pentru a sublinia alegerea celei mai avantajoase
soluii pentru o anumit problem .
Exemplu: He might as well buy the small car, since he doesnt have enough money for
the big one.
De sesizat nuana de regret a afirmaiei I might as well stay at home and do the
housework since I dont have money to go out sau nepsarea redat de afirmaia As far as
I am concerned, you might as well leave.

Exercise
Comment on the following situations using might as well:
Example: He has just missed the train to Chicago. There is a bus leaving for Chicago in an hour.
He might as well take the bus.
1. Jane has forgotten to buy a new dress for the party. Luckily, her old dress is very
nice.
______________________________________
2. They would like to eat at the restaurant but there are free seats only in the snack bar
across the street.
______________________________________

28

3. I have been waiting to see the doctor for an hour and Im terribly bored. There are a
few magazines on the table in the waiting room.
______________________________________
4. Harrys engine doesnt start this morning. He is lucky that he lives near to his office.
______________________________________
5. We are going to a party. There is a bottle of wine in the refrigerator.
______________________________________
6. She wanted to send her mother a telegram for her birthday but it would be only two
dollars cheaper than a phone call.
______________________________________
7. I was going to throw away a pair of old shoes but I noticed that they are in fashion
again.
_______________________________________
8. Im so angry with them that I dont care if they leave the town forever.
_______________________________________
9. She wants to go to the cinema, but nothing good is playing. She has just remembered
that there is a film on TV.
_____________________________________
10. Its almost midnight and Helen cannot sleep. She has brought some office papers to
study.
____________________________________

29

LESSON 7
The Bank Job
Now, remember, gang, if were not careful, the bank camera will take our picture.
Also, the alarm will go off, and, the whole neighbourhood will wake up.
RICK: Not only that! As soon as it goes off, the whole New York Police Department will
be here in three minutes!
JANET: Well, maybe we shouldnt go in through the front door as we planned. Lets try
the side window.
MICKEY: But hold on a minute! As soon as we break in through the side window, the
camera will take our pictures.
ANGELA: If we have our masks on we wont be recognized.
HANK: Okay, so our big problem is to disconnect the alarm. Thats what we ought to do
first. If we dont do that, we wont be able to do anything else.
RICK: Im really scared, though. If the alarm goes off, the police will arrive right away.
JANET: And if the getaway car isnt waiting outside, theyll catch every one of us.
MICKEY: Yeah, and if they catch us, we wont get out of jail for at least ten years.
ANGELA: Hey! If they put me in jail for ten years, by the time I get out Ill be forty!
(ALL) : Me too!
JANET: Why dont we all look for jobs instead?
HANK:

COMPREHENSION

Answer the following questions:

1. Who are the five characters in the story?
2. What do they want to do?
3. What does the first character tell the others to remember?
4. What does Janet suggest?
5. What does Angela say?
6. What is their big problem, according to Hank?
7. Who is really scared? Why?
8. What does Mickey realize?
9. Why is Angela panicking?
10. What do they decide to do in the end?

30

 GRAMMAR
THE FIRST CONDITIONAL CLAUSE (Subordonata condiionl de tipul I)
O fraz care conine o subordonat condiional de tipul I exprim o relaie cauz efect:
Exemplu:
If it rains tomorrow, they will stay in doors.
(cauz)
(efect)
(Dac va ploua mine, ei vor sta n cas.)
If he doesnt leave early, he will miss the bus.
(cauz)
(efect)
(Dac nu va pleca devreme, va pierde autobuzul.)
Dup cum se observ din exemplele de mai sus, spre deosebire de limba romn (unde
utilizm viitorul att n subordonat, ct i n propoziia principal), n limba englez
subordonata condiional (introdus prin if) conine n mod obligatoriu un verb la Present
Simple, iar propoziia principal un verb la Future Simple.
.
Grammar Practice
I. Match the if clause on the left with a clause on the right. There are several possible
combinations. First find the most logical match for each if clause.
1. If my mother / in / low comes to visit
Ill move to another city
________________________________________________________
2. If I cant find an apartment here
shell bite the mailman
_______________________________________________________
3. If my wife has twins
Ill take her to the zoo
_______________________________________________________
4. If my boss doesnt give me a raise
Ill go out and celebrate
_______________________________________________________
5. If Uncle Harry leaves me his fortune
Ill quit my job
______________________________________________________
6. If my dog gets free
Ill look for somebody else to marry
______________________________________________________
7. If my little cousin comes to visit
Ill go crazy
______________________________________________________
8. If you dont marry me
Ill call an ambulance
_____________________________________________________
9. If Tom gets sick again
Ill call a mechanic
____________________________________________________
10. If my car breaks down again
Ill join the navy
____________________________________________________

31

II. Complete the following sentences with appropriate clauses.

1. If
, we wont go to the beach.
2. If he loses his job,
.
3. As soon as the baby is born,
.
4. If ,
Ill call the police.
5. She
when she goes to Japan next month.
6. He
as soon as he finishes his work.
7. Ill go to the doctor next week if
.
8. If the train arrives late,
.
9. Hell lose his job if he
.
10. If you dont study,
.

VOCABULARY
What if . . .
Expresia What if + Present Simple se folosete atunci cnd vorbitorul vrea s atrag atenia
asupra unei posibile probleme. Echivalenul n limba romn este dar dac..?
Exemple: What if we miss the bus? (Dar dac pierdem autobuzul?)
What if the weather gets worse? (Dar dac vremea se nrutete?)
Exercise
Answer the following What if questions using the cues provided.
Example:

What if it rains ?
(we
the beach on Sunday)
If it rains we wont go to the beach on Sunday.
What if they dont bring enough sandwiches ?
(we
If they dont bring enough sandwiches, well eat fruit.

fruit)

1. What if we fail the exam ?

(we
it again in June)
__________________________________________________
2. What if he has an accident ?
(we
him to the hospital)
___________________________________________________
3. What if they run out of gas ?
(they
to the nearest gas station)
________________________________________________________
4. What if they cancel our flight ?
(we
the train)
_________________________________________________
5. What if the restaurant is closed ?
(I
somewhere else)
_________________________________________________
6. What if they raise the price of gas ?
(we
a smaller car next year)
_________________________________________________

32

7. What if he doesnt like river ?

(he
a steak)
_________________________________________________
8. What if they dont come on time ?
(we
to the theatre without them)
______________________________________________________
9. What if the dress doesnt fit her ?
(she
another one)
________________________________________________
10. What if he doesnt hear his alarm clock ? (he
late for work)
___________________________________________

33

LESSON 8
The Reunion
ELEANOR: Whats

wrong with you tonight, Peggy? You dont look like youre having a
good time. Dont you think this class reunion is fun?
PEGGY: I dont know . . . I just feel . . . I mean Oh, whats the use of keeping it to
myself!
BARRY: Come on, Peggy. You know youd feel better if you told us.
PEGGY: OK. Let me ask you this. If you didnt have much money and you wanted to
impress a rich man, would you tell him that you had a great job and lots of money?
NANCY: No, because if I did, he would find out sooner or later.
PEGGY: If you lived in a small apartment in the poor part of town, would you tell him you
lived in a mansion?
GREG: If a girl told me lies like that, Id never believe her again.
PEGGY: Well, do you remember Jack Torrence who went to Australia to make his fortune?
Ive been writing to him for three years and . . .
TERRY: Dont tell me youve been lying to him all this time in your letters!
PEGGY: Well, I suppose I have been exaggerating a little. And now this millionaire is
going to walk through the door any minute, and I dont know what to do.
PAT: Well, if I were you, Id keep on lying until I thought he was ready to accept the truth.
BARRY: Thats no solution. If I were Peggy, Id tell him right away.
NANCY: If he were my boyfriend and thought I had a lot of money, Id rent a luxury
apartment for a few days, and hope we left for Australia before my money ran out.
GREG: And what would you do if you ran out of money before you left for Australia?
NANCY: Id borrow some more.
ELEANOR: But if he discovered the truth, he would probably never speak to you again.
TERRY: If I were you, Id just forget about marrying him, Peggy.
PAT: Oh, look! Here comes Jack now! Doesnt he look greatlike a million bucks!
GREG: Oh, shut up, Pat. Well, go over and talk to him, Peggyand tell him the truth.
(Peggy goes over to greet Jack)
You look wonderful, Peggy. Its so good to see you after all this time.
PEGGY: Jack, I have something to tell you . . .
JACK: Wait, Peggy. Let me ask you this first, before you say anything. Would you still
love me if I told you Id lied about all the money Id made in Australia?
PEGGY: (smiles with relief) Well, Jack, lets sit down. Something tells me we have a lot to
talk about.
JACK:

34

COMPREHENSION

Answer the following questions:

1. Who are the characters of the story?
2. On what occasion do they meet?
3. Why isnt Peggy having a good time?
4. What lies has she told?
5. Who is Jack Torrence?
6. For how long has she been writing to him?
7. What does Peggy think about Jack?
8. What solution does Pat suggest?
9. What about Greg?
10. What is the big final surprise?

GRAMMAR

THE SECOND CONDITIONAL CLAUSE (Subordonata condiional de tipul II)

Subordonata condiional de tipul II este folosit n fraze care se refer la o posibil
relaie cauz effect, inexistent n momentul vorbirii.
Exemplu:

If I had enough money, I would buy a new car.

(causes )
(effect ).
(Dac a avea destui bani, mi a cumpra o main nou.)
I wouldnt talk to her if I were you.
(effect)
(cause ).
(Nu a vorbi cu ea dac a fi n locul tu.)
Dup cum se observ, n limba englez, Condiionalul prezent (would + infinitivul scurt
al verbului) din propoziia principal este nlocuit de Simple Past n subordonata condiional
(dup if).
Observaie: n subordonata condiional, forma de trecut a verbului to be va fi were
pentru toate persoanele
Exemple:
AFIRMATIV
If I
were rich, I would travel more.
you
you
she
she
he
he
we
we
they
they
We would buy a house if we were rich.

35

INTEROGATIV
Would I quit working if won the lottery ?
Where would you go if you had the money?
What would he do if he were in your place ?

NEGATIV
I wouldnt go if I didnt have the money.
They wouldnt tell him that if they werent sure.

Grammar Practice
I. Make statements beginning with If I were you . . using the following cues.
Example:

so much noise

If I were you, I wouldnt make so much noise.

1. the police ____________________________________

2. that car
____________________________________
3. so much money
_______________________________
4. that French course ______________________________
5. his advice __________________________________
6. that medicine
________________________________
7. my job
___________________________________
8. that movie ________________________________
9. that letter _________________________________
10. a vacation _____________________________________
II. Ask questions with Would you if .? for the following statements.
Example:

Laurie went to a party, even though she didnt like the hostess.
Would you go to a party if you didnt like the hostess?
1. He invited a girl to dinner, even though he didnt know her name.
______________________________________________ ?
2. She married a rich man, even though she didnt love him.
______________________________________________ ?
3. He ordered a large meal, even though he didnt have any money.
_______________________________________________?
4. I wore that ugly shirt, even though I didnt like it.
______________________________________________?

36

5. He drove a car, even though he didnt have a license.

_____________________________________________?

III. Complete the following sentences. Depending on the cues given, each clause may be either
negative or affirmative.
Examples:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

A poor man says: If

a lot of money, I
around the world.
If I had a lot of money, Id travel around the world.
A light sleeper says: If I
such o noisy neighbourhood, I
better
at night.
If I didnt live in such a noisy neighbourhood, Id sleep better at night.
A fat man says : If
A busy woman says: If
A bad student says: If
An ugly girl says: If
A tired woman says: If
A chain smoker says: If
A short man says: If
A lonely man says: If
A fat man says: If
A coffee drinker says: If

so much, I
so fat.
more time, I
the movies.
more, I
better grades.
prettier, I
as a model.
more rest, I
better.
so much, I
such a bad smoker.
so short, I
basket ball.
a girl friend, I
so lonely.
more exercise, I
so fat.
so much coffee, I
trouble sleeping.

VOCABULARY
You had better (not) . . . ar fi mai bine s(nu).
Cu ajutorul acestei formule vorbitorul ofer un sfat interlocutorului sau l previne n
legtur cu o posibil problem.
Exemplu:
You never know when it will rain, so you had better take your umbrella with you.
Exercise
Complete the following sentences using the expression had better:
1. The flights usually fill up fast in August, so___________________________.
2. You might get airsick on the plane, so _______________________________.
3. Summer nights are cool in England, so ________________________________.
4. Its dangerous to carry cash around, so ______________________________.
5. You live quite far from the centre, so
_____________________________.
6. The text is full of new words, so _________________________________.
7. You may not find that medicine in Europe, so ___________________________.
8. Youll want to take pictures of all the places you visit, so _____________________.
9. Your feet will hurt after all the sight seeing, so __________________________.
10. Its easy to get lost in Munich, so _______________________.

37

LESSON 9
The Phone Man
Its almost midnight and Janice is desperately calling one of her friends.
Janice: Hello, Ann, its me, Janice..
Ann: Janice! What on earth happened? Do you have any idea what time it is?
Janice: Oh, Ann! Something terrible happened. Ive been robbed.
Ann: What do you mean? Did anyone break into your house?
Janice: No, Ann. If someone had broken into my house I would have called the police, but
Ann: But what? What are you talking about?
Janice: Oh, God! Im so ashamed! Imagine I let him into the house!
Ann: What? How could you do such a stupid thing?
Janice: You see, at about ten oclock a guy rang at my door and said he was from the phone
company and had to check something and I opened the door.
Ann: Didnt you think that if he had worked for the phone company he wouldnt have come at
that time?!
Janice: But he seemed so nice..
Ann: If he had been so nice he wouldnt have robbed you! By the way, what did he steal?
Janice: Actually thats the worst thing of all: he got away with Martins car!
Ann: Oh, my God! Did he force you to give him the keys? Why didnt you scream?
Janice: Be sure I would have screamed if he had tried to force me to do anything, but he was so
nice that I even made him a cup of coffee. Then he asked me very politely to go upstairs to see if
the phone in the bedroom works and, in the meantime, he grabbed the keys from the table in the
hall and drove off. And now I dont know what to do! Martin will kill me when he comes from
his business trip!
Ann: Janice, calm down and listen to me. You have to call the police.
Janice: And what do I tell them? That I actually let a stranger into my house late at night, I made
him coffee and I left him alone downstairs to take whatever he wanted?
Ann: Its true that nothing would have happened if you hadnt been so credulous, but this is the
only solution. Lets hope they will find the car before your husband gets home.
Janice: Yes, you are right. Youve been of great help, Ann. Thank you so much! Good night!
Ann: Good night, Janice! And, if a detective comes to your house, make sure he is real, OK?
COMPREHENSION
Answer the following questions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Who are the two characters of this dialogue?

What time did Janice call her friend?
What had happened?
Why didnt she call the police?
What did the man tell her?
What did he steal and how?
Who was Martin and where was he?

38

8. What did Ann advise Janice to do?

9. What did she say about Janice?
10. What did Ann suggest in the end?

GRAMMAR

THE THIRD CONDITIONAL CLAUSE (Subordonata condiional de tipul III)

Acest tip de condiional se folosete pentru a exprima o relaie cauz efect ireal. Prin
urmare, aciunea exprimat de verbul din propoziia principal nu a avut loc deoarece condiia
exprimat de condiional nu a fost ndeplinit.
Exemplu: If you had been more careful, you wouldnt have made so many mistakes.
(Dac ai fi fost mai atent, nu ai fi fcut attea greeli) de unde se subnelege c de
fapt ai fcut greeli deoarece condiia de a fi atent nu a fost ndeplinit.
Dup cum arat exemplul de mai sus, n propoziia condiional se folosete Past
Perfect, iar n propoziia principal - Past Conditional (would + have + Past Participle).

Grammar Practice
I. Complete the following sentences using the verbs in brackets:
Example: If she ___________earlier, she would have met them. (arrive)
If she had arrived earlier, she would have met them.
1. If you ___________there, you would have heard what he said. (be)
2. If he ___________harder, he would have been promoted. (work)
3. If they __________us, we would have helped them. (ask)
4. If it ___________so heavily, they would have left earlier. (not rain)
5. If Mum ___________about your marks, she would have been very angry. (find out)
6. If you ___________a taxi, you would have missed the plane. (not take)
7. If it __________so late, I would have paid them a visit. (not be)
8. If somebody __________him first aid, he wouldnt have died. (give)
9. If I _____________enough time, I would have finished my essay. (have)
10. If she ___________ the truth, she would have told you. (know)
II. Complete the following sentences using the verbs in brackets:
Examples: If you had worn a jacket, you___________________ so cold. (not be)
If you had worn a jacket, you wouldnt have been so cold.
If they had known you were ill, they ________________to see you. (come)
If they had known you were ill, they would have come to see you.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

If I had heard the alarm clock, I _________________late for work. (not be)
If he had been at home, he ___________________the phone. (answer)
If they had seen the thief, they __________________the police. (call)
If she had refused to join us, we __________________to convince her. (try)
If he hadnt helped you, you ___________________to finish in time. (not be able)
If we hadnt had a map, we ____________________ our way. (lose)
If he had trained more, he __________________ the race. (win)
If I had known it was his birthday, I _____________________ him a card. (send)
39

9. If you had read the novel, you __________________ the characters. (remember)
10. If the weather had been bad, they __________________ to the beach. (not go)
III. Comment on the following situations by using the third conditional clause. Pay attention to
the model.
Model: She didnt study enough, so she failed the exam.
If she had studied enough, she wouldnt have failed the exam.
1. He went to bed very late, so he had trouble waking up in the morning.
_______________________________________________________
2. The kids lied to their mother; she was angry with them.
______________________________________________________
3. It was very late, so the shops were already closed.
_____________________________________________________
4. He did his homework in a hurry; it was full of mistakes.
____________________________________________________
5. I ate too many sweets, so I put on weight.
_____________________________________________
6. She didnt find them at home; she went to the hotel.
________________________________________________
7. The house was too old; they didnt buy it.
____________________________________________
8. She forgot to give me her phone number; I didnt call her.
_________________________________________________
9. I didnt read the newspaper yesterday; I didnt know about the accident.
_______________________________________________
10. They were out of town at that time; they didnt go to the concert.
_______________________________________________

VOCABULARY

WHAT ON EARTH..este o expresie prin care vorbitorul i exprim nedumerirea (What on

earth is going on here?), ngrijorarea (Where on earth are we going to live now?) sau indignarea
(How on earth did you manage to make such a mess in your room?). Echivalentul romnesc al
expresiei este Ce/ cum/ de ce/unde Dumnezeu.....?
HOW COULD YOUeste expresia care red indignarea vorbitorului fa de o anumit situaie
sau un gest al interlocutorului: How could you be so impolite?; How could they lie to her for
such a long time? Traducerea n limba romn a acestei expresii este Cum ai putut..?
Exercise
Express your indignation or amazement using the expressions above, according to the model:
Model: I dont know what he did.
What on earth did he do?
He lied to his best friend.
How could he lie to his best friend?

40

1. Nobody knows how he survived that plane crash.

___________________________________________?
2. He forgot to return us the money.
__________________________________________?
3. They spoke very rudely to their parents.
_________________________________________?
4. I will never understand why you opened the door to that man.
________________________________________________?
5. She abandoned her children and left abroad.
_________________________________________?
6. I dont have any idea where she can be.
_____________________________________?
7. Nobody understands what she did with all that money.
________________________________________?
8. It was not nice of you to tell her she was fat.
____________________________________?
9. They refused to give that poor woman something to eat.
__________________________________________?
10. I really dont know how you are going to explain this to your boss.
_____________________________________________________?

41

LESSON 10
The Hitchhiker
John Henderson was driving home late last night from an exhausting business trip. He had put
off visiting the companys new headquarters in order to get home before midnight, and now he
was having trouble staying awake. He turned up the radio and tried to concentrate on the news
something about a robbery but his eyes kept on closing. His wife was back home in Dayton,
and he missed having her company on this long trip.
It was then he noticed the hitchhiker at the side of the road. Without even thinking about
what he was doing, he slowed down and stopped the car. He couldnt help feeling sorry for the
young man who looked so wet and miserable in the rain. Get in, he said.
John remembered having to hitchhike home from the university before he had a car. He
couldnt stand sitting at the side of the road for hours, waiting for rides.
The hitchhiker got in and immediately John was sorry that he had picked him up. The
young man had a strange face and very penetrating eyes. His clothes were old and dirty, and his
long hair needed cutting. The hitchhiker lit a cigarette and said that he was going to Woodsville
but when John asked him other questions, the young man avoided giving him any personal
information and changed the subject.
John began to sweat and his thoughts turned nervously to his wallet and all the money he
was carrying. He desperately tried to remember what the newscaster had he said earlier about a
robbery. Dont be ridiculous! He thought himself. Stop imagining things! This guy isnt a
criminal. Whats the use of panicking?
Even though he had quit smoking three months before, John felt like having a cigarette.
He asked his passenger for one but before lightning it he had to wait for his hands to stop
shaking. At the next small town John stopped the car and said, I just cant seem to stay awake. I
think Ill try and find a hotel and spend the night here. He apologized nervously to the
hitchhiker for not being able to drive him to Woodsville.
The young man slowly reached into his pocket. This is it! thought John. Im a dead
man. At that very moment he considered shouting for help, but instead of a gun or a knife, the
hitchhiker pulled out several wrinkled bills and offered them to John. Oh no. I dont want your
money. Just get out. Okay?
The young man looked puzzled, but insisted on giving John the money - $500. My
father is John Baresford, the oil millionaire, you see, he said. Thanks for taking me this far.
John waited until his passenger had disappeared from sight, then he stepped on the gas
and drove out of town. He was looking forward to getting home. Martha will never believe this!
He thought to himself.

42

COMPREHENSION

Answer the following questions:

1. Where was John Henderson coming from?
2. What did he do to stay awake?
3. What was on the radio?
4. What did he see at the side of the road?
5. Why did he stop?
6. Why was he sorry as soon as he had picked him up?
7. How long before had he quit smoking?
8. What pretext did he find to stop in the small town?
9. What did the young man do at that moment?
10. Who was the young man?
GRAMMAR
GERUND CONSTRUCTIONS (Construcii gerunziale)
Gerunziul se formeaz prin adugarea terminaiei ing la Infinitivul scurt al verbelor.
Exemple : to sing - singing
to take - taking
n limba englez exist unele verbe, construcii i expresii care sunt obligatoriu urmate de
gerunziu, cum ar fi:
Verbe: Stop, finish, quit, start, begin, like, love, enjoy, hate, detest, dislike, avoid, miss,
deny, remember, admit, consider
Verbe cu prepoziie: give up, keep on, look forward to, put off, apologize for, think of,
insist on, feel like, accuse (someone) from, thank (someone) for
Expresii: cant hel, cant stand, whats use of, have trouble / difficulty (in).
Exemple:

John detests working for the telephone company.

hates
dislikes
enjoys
loves
likes
My uncle gave up smoking last month.
quit
stopped
began
started

43

I. Expand the following cues by providing the appropriate verb.

Example:

He likes
to the movies on Sundays.
He likes going to the movies on Sundays.
1. They enjoy
2. We like late
3. They cant
4. I love
5. Marvin hates
6. We dislike
7. Anne enjoys
8. I dont enjoy
9. She dislikes
10. He hates

a cocktail before dinner.

on Sunday morning.
stand to pop music.
fresh milk for breakfast.
to strangers.
in such a polluted city.
long letters.
a bath in cold water.
by plane.
at the phone company.

II. Combine the following sentences using the verb in parentheses and when.
Example:

She screamed. She saw a face at the window.

(start)
She started screaming when she saw a face at the window.
1. He smoked a lot. He got bronchitis.
(quit)
____________________________________________
2. She cried. Her mother came into the room.
(stop)
____________________________________________
3. He gambled a lot. He got married.
(give up)
____________________________________________
4. They had eaten. We came in.
(finish)
____________________________________________
5. Jane played tennis. She lost the championship
(give up)
____________________________________________
6. He saw Betty every weekend. He met Helen.
(stop)
____________________________________________
7. He drank too much His on died.
(start)
____________________________________________
8. She tried to be a model. They told her she was too short. (give up)
____________________________________________
9. They laughed. I told them that joke.
(begin)
____________________________________________
10. She had painted the house. Her husband came home.
(finish)
____________________________________________

44

III. Fill in the blanks with an appropriate verb in the gerund form.
1. She apologized for
, but her friends wouldnt forgive her.
2. Ive always had trouble
.
3. Its such a great day ! I certainly dont feel like
.
4. I tried to control myself, but I just couldnt help
.
5. Let me know when your brother gets here. Im looking forward to
6. He put off
for so long that now hes in the hospital.
7. I told him I was feeling fine, but I just couldnt help
.
8. Seatbelts in cars prevent a lot of people from
.
9. Although the police questioned him for two days, he denied
10. I shouted at her to stop, but she kept on
.

VOCABULARY

WOULD YOU MIND (NOT).Vb + ing

Aceast expresie se folosete pentru a solicita ceva n mod politicos (v deranjeaz s..../ vrei s
fii att de amabil s...?)
Exercise
Make up polite requests according to the model,using the following cues:
Model: wait here

Would you mind waiting here?

1. open the window ________________________________?

2. answer the phone ________________________________?
3. lend him your car _________________________________?
4. repeat you address _________________________________?
5. call tomorrow
_________________________________?
6. come later ________________________________?
7. speak louder
_______________________________?
8. try again _____________________________?
9. return the book next week ____________________________?
10. give them a message
______________________________?

45

PROGRESS TEST II
I. Complete the following sentences using the Past Perfect of the verbs in brackets:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

By the time I arrived, they __________ already ____________ dinner. (have)

Barbara _________ just ___________ the house when the phone started ringing. (leave)
The novelist ________________ three books before he was twenty one. (write)
I really enjoyed the show. I __________ never __________ such a show before. (see)
When the guests arrived, we ___________ already _______ to bed. (go)
By the time the police arrived, the thieves ___________ already ____________ away
with the money. (run)
7. Jim enjoyed his trip to Paris. He __________ never ____________ in a jet plane before.
(fly)
8. Kate __________ just ____________ two sedatives when the doctor arrived. (take)
9. Professor Collins ________________ at three American universities before accepting a
position at the University of Lisbon. (teach)
10. By the time she finally finished talking, most of the audience _____________ asleep.
(fall)
II. Complete the following sentences with the appropriate clause:
1. If______________________, we will be late for the show.
2. If he loses his job, _________________________.
3. If she has a boy, __________________________.
4. If ________________, I will call the police.
5. She ____________________ if she visits Japan.
6. He ____________________ if he finishes his project before the end of the month.
7. Ill go to the doctor next week if ___________________________.
8. If the train arrives late, ____________________.
9. Hell lose his job if _________________________.
10. If you dont study, ________________________.
III. Complete the following sentences:
1. What would you do if someone _________________________?
2. I ________________________if I had had enough money.
3. His mother ____________________ if she knew the truth.
4. I would tell them everything if I ____________________.
5. He _______________________ if he had time.
6. If she hadnt eaten so much, she______________________.
7. If I saw a crime, I ________________________.
8. If you _____________________, where would you like to live?
9. If he had been honest with us, we __________________________.
10. You wouldnt have managed if he ____________________.

46

IV. Fill in the blanks with an appropriate verb in the Gerund:

1. She apologized for _______________ so late.
2. Ive always had trouble ________________ very early in the morning.
3. Its such a great day! I dont feel like _______________ at home.
4. I tried to control myself, but I couldnt help ________________.
5. Let me know when they get here. Im looking forward to _______________.
6. He put off __________________ for so long that now he is in the hospital.
7. I told her I was feeling fine, but she insisted on ___________________.
8. Seatbelts in cars prevent a lot of people from ____________________.
9. Although the police questioned them for two days, they denied ________________.
10. I shouted at them to stop, but they kept on _____________________.

47

Minimal List of Irregular Verbs

Long Infinitive
to be
to become
to beat
to begin
to bite
to blow
to break
to bring
to buy
to catch
to choose
to come
to cut
to do
to drink
to drive
to eat
to fall
to feel
to find
to forget
to forgive
to get
to give
to go
to grow
to have
to hear
to hide
to hurt
to keep
to leave
to lend
to lose
to make
to put
to read
to run
to say
to see
to sell
to send
to shut
to sleep
to sing
to sit

Simple Past
was/ were
became
beat
began
bit
blew
broke
brought
bought
caught
chose
came
cut
did
drank
drove
ate
fell
felt
found
forgot
forgave
got
gave
went
grew
had
heard
hid
hurt
kept
left
lent
lost
made
put
read
ran
said
saw
sold
sent
shut
slept
sang
sat

Past Participle
been
become
beaten
begun
bitten
blown
broken
brought
bought
caught
chosen
come
cut
done
drunk
driven
eaten
fallen
felt
found
forgotten
forgiven
got(ten)
given
gone
grown
had
heard
hidden
hurt
kept
left
lent
lost
made
put
read
run
said
seen
sold
sent
shut
slept
sung
sat

48

Translation
a fi
a deveni
a bate
a ncepe
a muca
a sufla
a sparge
a aduce
a cumpra
a prinde
a alege
a veni
a tia
a face
a bea
a conduce
a mnca
a cdea
a (se) simi
a gsi
a uita
a ierta
a obine
a da
a merge
a crete
a avea
a auzi
a (se) ascunde
a rni
a ine, a pstra
a pleca
a mprumuta
a pierde
a face
a pune
a citi
a fugi
a zice
a vedea
a vinde
a trimite
a nchide
a dormi
a cnta
a sta (aezat)

to spend

spent

spent

to stand

stood

stood

to steal
to take
to teach

stole
took
taught

stolen
taken
taught

to think

thought

thought

to throw
to understand
to wear

threw
understood
wore

thrown
understood
worn

49

a petrece (timpul)
a cheltui
a sta
(n picioare)
a fura
a lua
a nva (pe
cineva)
a (se) gndi
a crede
a arunca
a nelege
a purta

BIBLIOGRAFIE
1. Eckersley, C. E.,

ESSENTIAL ENGLISH FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS, Editura

Vox, Bucureti, 1998;

2. Fassman, Paula
Suzanne Sezmour Tavares GALLERY, Oxford University Press, 1998;
3. Gleanu, Georgiana,
SINTEZE DE GRAMATIC ENGLEZ, EDP, Bucureti, 1982;

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