SINTEZA LIMBA ENGLEZĂ

Cursul practic (obligatoriu/opţional/facultativ) de limba engleză dedicat studenţilor

anului I de studiu îşi propune să fixeze şi să aprofundeze cunoştinţele de limba engleză
generală dobândite de studenţi în învăţământul preuniversitar, în vederea pregătirii
acestora pentru înţelegerea şi aprofundarea practicilor de succes din domeniul de
specializare.
Pentru studenţii de la programul de studiu ID activităţile tutoriale se desfăşoară prin
întâlniri faţă în faţă cu coordonatorul de disciplină sau cu tutorele conform programării
prevăzută în calendarul disciplinei.
Activităţile tutoriale pentru disciplina Limba engleză – curs practic sunt următoarele:
 Introducing yourself (1h)
 Introduction to the British civilisation (1h)
 Social network sites – between theory and practise (2h)

Bibliografie generală
Obligatorie:
 Barbu A.M., Chirimbu S., English Practice for Daily Use, Editura Fundaţiei
România de Mâine, Bucureşti, 2007.
 Bondrea E., Mihăilă R. (Coord.), Aspecte ale civilizaţiilor europene, Editura
Fundaţiei România de Mâine, Bucureşti, 2009.

Facultativă:
 Banciu V., Chirimbu S., Aspecte ale vieţii britanice, EUO, Oradea, 2013.
 Barbu A.M., Chirimbu S., Discurs cotidian în limba engleză, Editura Fundaţiei
România de Mâine, Bucureşti, 2011.
 Bondrea E., Mihăilă R. (Coord.), Dicţionar poliglot de termeni comunitari,
Editura Fundaţiei România de Mâine, Bucureşti, 2006.
 Chirimbu S., English Language within a Business Context, Editura Stef, Iaşi,
2011.
 Chirimbu D., Chirimbu S., Critu A., Marea Britanie între tradiţie şi realitate,
Editura Doxologia, Iaşi, 2013.

Cursul practic de limba engleză este structurat în 14 unităţi de învăţare cu

următoarele
componente:
Unitatea de învăţare 1. HELLO!
Unitatea de învăţare 2. I’M A STUDENT
Unitatea de învăţare 3. CAREER
Unitatea de învăţare 4. GOING ON A HOLIDAYS
Unitatea de învăţare 5. THE UNITED KINGDOM 1
Unitatea de învăţare 6. THE UNITED KINGDOM 2
Unitatea de învăţare 7. THE EUROPEAN UNION 1
Unitatea de învăţare 8. GOING SHOPPING
Unitatea de învăţare 9. CAN MONEY BUY HAPINESS?
Unitatea de învăţare 10. EATING OUT Unitatea de învăţare
Unitatea de învăţare 11. COMMUNICATION
Unitatea de învăţare 12. THE USA 1

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 Unitatea de învăţare 13. THE USA 2
Unitatea de învăţare 14. THE EUROPEAN UNION 2

Teme de control (TC)

Tema de control 1: Choose a job advertisement from a newspaper / specialized web
site and write an Application Letter and a Curriculum Vitae for it.
Tema de control 2: Write a short essay about how you see yourself 10 years from now
on; refer to your possible personal and professional achievements. (20-25 lines)
Vor fi exploatate din punct de vedere lingvistic, gramatical, funcţii ale limbii,
traducerii textele reproduse în paginile următoare (Unităţile 1-14).

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 UNIT 1

1.1. Identify yourself using the following questions:

a) What is your name?
b) When and where were you born?
c) Where do you live? Where are you living now?
d) Who do you live with?
e) What are your hobbies?
f) Which zodiacal sign were you born under? Do you know any of its main
characteristics?
g) Do you have a job? If the answer is positive describe it in a few words.

1.2. Reading objective

Greetings in everyday life
Ten minutes to 8. I am going to the office. In front of the elevator door, my neighbour
greets me: “Morning”. “Morning”, I reply absent-minted.
After 9 hours I meet his uncle in the very place I’ve met him this morning.
“Afternoon”, I say. “Afternoon”, he answers.
7 o’clock p.m. I’d like to watch the news. But grandpa has a terrible headache. “Have
to go to the chemists to buy some pills for him”, I say to myself.
“Good evening”, I say. The chemist asks me smilingly: “Good evening. What can I do
for you?”
“I need something against a terrible headache”, I answer. She gives me a plastic bottle
with some pills.
“Twenty lei”, she adds.
“Here you are. Thank you. Good night”. “Good night”, she says.
Our entire social life is marked by greetings. People’s greetings relate to either certain
moments of the day or with certain events.

The greetings we utter in our everyday life are:

 6-12 a.m. : “Good morning” to which we reply, “Good morning”. In the informal
speech we use the short form “Morning”.
 12-6 p.m. : “Good afternoon”, which will be answered the same way.
 After 6 p.m. : “Good evening” and “Good night”.
 No matter the hour we can say “Hello” when we meet somebody and “Goodbye”
when we leave a place or, more informally, “Hi” and “Bye”
What do you say if you meet someone you’ve never met before? You’ll have to
introduce yourself to the person whom is sitting next to you at a workshop/symposium or
conference.
You will say your name and surname “My name is Elizabeth Parker”.
You may be introduced to an unknown person by one of your acquaintances: “Robert,
this is Elizabeth Parker.” Robert will say “Hello, Elizabeth”. You can answer: “Hello,
Robert”. The interest shown by the speaker is obvious in the question “How are you?”, which
is generally answered “Very well, thank you”, “Fine”, “Not bad”.
A polite person says: “Nice to meet you” if you see that person for the first time or
“Nice to see you”, if you know the speaker well.
If you arrive at a company for an appointment, your introduction will be more official.
You’ll be expected to say not only your full name, i.e. name and surname – Sebastian
Chirimbu – but also the reason why you are there.

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 “My name’s Sebastian Chirimbu. I have an appointment with Mr. Smith at 8.30 a.m.”,
or “Can I introduce myself?” “I’m Sebastian Chirimbu from the Spiru Haret University,
Department of Foreign Languages”.
If a person who knows both speakers is there he will say: “I don’t think you know
each other, do you? Sebastian, this is Robert White, our new marketing assistant manager.
Robert, this is Sebastian Chirimbu, the English trainer I’ve told you about”.
If you introduce a person who is visiting your organisation, be it school, college or
office, to your colleagues, you’ll say: “Mr. White, may I introduce my colleague, Daniel
Green to you. Daniel, this is Ms. Samantha”.
After saying your name clearly, you add: “How do you do?”, sentence which has no
meaning, it’s simply a greeting.
If you are welcoming a visitor, you’ll be politer than when welcoming an old friend:
“Mr. Green? How do you do?”
“How do you do, Miss Parker?”
“Do come into my office. I’m very pleased to meet you again”
Compare the above conversation, which is polite, formal with the following quite
informal one:
“Hi, you must be Laura”.
“Oh, no, Liz, I haven’t seen you for ages!”
“Since we graduated. In the 1996. Makes 17 years ago.” “How are things going?”

Reading comprehension:
a. According to the text, what are the greetings we utter every day?
b. What can we say when we meet somebody for the first time?

1.3. Practise introductions after the following models:

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 UNIT 2

I’m Martin Grüber from Bonn, Germany. I’m a German citizen although my mother
comes from Romania. I live at Number 10 Weisstrasse Street. My parents and I live in a large
house. I’m the only child. My family is rather small. My uncle and aunt are both clerks. My
cousin is a football player. I work as a consultant in a large software company. I like playing
sports, climbing mountains, reading novels and poetry and speaking English. I also like
travelling both inside Germany and abroad. So far, I’ve visited some Eastern and Western
European countries. I also visited Romania, the USA, Canada, Japan, China and Thailand. I’d
like to travel all over the world. I consider that all countries are very interesting from many
points of view. They really deserve to be visited.
I’m Ioana Pavelescu from Ploieşti, Romania. I’m 23 years old. I’m a Romanian. I live
at Number 12, Iancului Street in a block of flats at the 3rd floor, apartment no 22. My
telephone number is 021.2506421. I have a large family. My dad is a businessman and my
mum are a teacher. I also have two younger sisters who are pupils at an elementary school in
Bucharest. My uncle is an economist, my aunt is an accountant and my cousins are both
doctors. I’m a student. I love speaking English and listening to English pop music, which is a
great way of learning new words and every day expressions. I also like listening to music and
travelling a lot both inside Romania and abroad. I visited some Western European countries.
In future, I’d like to visit some countries from other continents, such as Canada or the USA. I
know they are very interesting. Now, I’d like to give you some more details about my
family. My father speaks English and Russian very fluently. He wants me to speak it well
enough so that I can join his company after graduating university. But I’d rather work in
public relations soon.

2.1. Lead in
Before reading the text of this learning unit let’s answer a few questions connected to
the topic: Do you remember which your favourite subject in school was? What about the
subject you liked
the least?
What would you appreciate at a teacher? What attitudes/ behaviour of the teacher
might prevent
you from learning?
Why did you apply for the faculty where you are now a student? What do you know
about Spiru
Haret University?
What useful things do you expect to learn in the next three years?
Why is it important for you to learn English / a foreign language in general?

2.2. Reading objective

Studying in the UK
When we think about studying in the UK, the names of two famous universities,
Cambridge and Oxford, come to our mind. However, these two, although among the best
known in the world, are not the only ones which make the pride of an old, tradition based
educational system.
Speaking about the British education in general, one of the first things to be noticed is
that there is no unitary system of education, but two systems: one covering England, Wales

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and Northern Ireland and one covering Scotland, but the core organizational principles and
the main examinations are the same all over the country.
If you decide to study in the UK, you must know that higher education is divided into
two sectors: further education and higher education proper. Further education is offered by
schools or colleges to both young people between the ages of sixteen and eighteen and adults;
it teaches skills valuable in the work market such as Communication and Technological skills
or sometimes they prepare people for University admittance. Students who choose this type
of education receive a Vocational Diploma and Universities such as London Metropolitan
University cooperate with employers from all the spectrum of the marketplace to teach useful
skills.
Higher Education is offered by Universities. There are about ninety universities in
England, the most notable being Oxford and Cambridge known collectively as Oxbridge.
These two institutions were established in the thirteenth century, and have a rich and
distinguished history. They are currently ranked in the top ten best universities according to
Times Magazine and they receive the best students from all over the world. Anyone may
apply for a place at these universities and should they be considered suitable by the
admissions committee they will receive both a place and in some cases financial help. The
tuition fees of students from underprivileged backgrounds are paid entirely by the state.
Higher education includes both the teaching and the research activities of universities,
and as far as teaching is concerned, it includes both the undergraduate level and the graduate
levels.
Undergraduate degrees take three years to complete in England, Wales and Northern
Ireland, while at Scottish universities they last four years. At the graduate level, a master's
degree is normally obtained in a single year, a research master's degree takes two years and a
doctoral degree is often completed in three years.
Professional courses, such as medicine, veterinary medicine, law and teaching,
usually are undertaken as five-year undergraduate degrees.
UK universities are popular all over the world and about 270,000 foreign students
come to study in England every year. One of the features which makes UK Universities so
popular with people from all countries, backgrounds and cultures it’s the fact that high
diversity and cultural exchanges are traditionally encouraged among the student body.

Degrees and Graduation

There is a three-level hierarchy of degrees (Bachelor, Master, Doctor ) currently used
in the United Kingdom. A graduate student is an individual who has completed a bachelor's
degree (B.A., B.S./B.Sc., or another similar programme) and is pursuing further higher
education, with the goal of achieving a master's degree (M.A., M.S./M.Sc., M.Ed., etc.) or
doctorate (Ph.D., Ed.D., D.A., D.Sc., D.M.A., Th.D., etc.)

Reading Comprehension
1. What are the two types of higher education you can attend in the UK?
2. What degrees can you get at the end of each higher education cycle in the UK?
3. Why are foreign students attracted by British universities?

2.3 Translation Practice (English→ Romanian)

A. Education is an important part of British life. There are hundreds of schools,
colleges and universities, including some of the most famous in the world.
Education is free and compulsory for all children between the ages of 5 - 16. Some
children are educated at home rather than in school.

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 Children's education in England is normally divided into two separate stages. They
begin with primary education at the age of five and this usually lasts until they are eleven.
Then they move to secondary school, there they stay until they reach sixteen, seventeen or
eighteen years of age. Find out what year (grade) you would be in England.
Teachers in primary schools (4-11-year olds) are always addressed by their surname
by parents and pupils alike, always Mr, Mrs. or Miss Smith… In secondary schools (11-16
years), teachers are usually addressed as Miss or Sir.
Education is important in England, as it is Wales and Scotland too. British children
are required by law to have an education until they are 16 years old. Education is compulsory,
but school is not, children are not required to attend school. They could be educated at home.
The 1996 Education Act of the UK . Section 7 of the 1996 Education Act states:
"The parent of every child of compulsory school age shall cause him to receive efficient full-
time education suitable-
(a) to his age, ability and aptitude, and
(b) to any special educational needs, he may have, either by regular attendance at
school or otherwise."
British children are required to attend school until they are 16 years old. In England,
compulsory schooling currently ends on the last Friday in June during the academic year in
which a pupil attains the age of 16. Current government proposals are to raise the age until
which students must continue to receive some form of education or training to 18. This is
expected to be phased in by 2015.
At the age of 16, students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland take an
examination called the GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education). Study of GSCE
subjects begins at the start of Year 10 (age 14-15), and final examinations are then taken at
the end of Year 11 (age 15-16).
In state schools English, Mathematics, Science, Religious Education and Physical
Education are studied during Key Stage 4 (the GCSE years of school); in England, some form
of ICT and citizenship must be studied, and, in Wales, Welsh must be studied. Other subjects,
chosen by the individual pupil, are also studied.
In Scotland, the equivalent of the GCSE is the Standard Grade.
After completing the GCSE, some students leave school, others go onto technical
college, whilst others continue at high school for two more years and take a further set of
standardized exams, known as A levels, in three or four subjects. These exams determine
whether a student is eligible for university.
B. “Spiru Haret” University-21st Century University- Established in 1991, today
“Spiru Haret” University comprises 23 accredited faculties with over 43 specializations.
“Spiru Haret” University has a complex structure which reflects a diversity of
specializations- from law, public administration and economic studies to architecture and
veterinary medicine, from philosophy, journalism, sociology and psychology to history and
international relations, from mathematics and informatics to drama, music and physical
education. But the most important aspect is the fact that in terms of the content of studies,
teaching methodology, the Faculties of “Spiru Haret” University have reached European
standards .Students working for their first degree at our university are called undergraduates.
When they take their degree, we say that they graduate and then they are called graduates. If
they continue studying at “Spiru Haret” University, after they have graduated, they are called
Post- graduates.
“Spiru Haret” has a highly-educated staff – the teaching quality at “Spiru Haret”
relies, first, on the activity of highly dedicated professors with excellent methodological
skills. Moreover, many of them are personalities well known nationally and internationally.

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Another aspect, just as important as the one mentioned above, is the fact that “Spiru
Haret” has a permanent staff of professors, which ensures the continuity of teaching.
A national, cultural and academic television station that broadcasts live and recorded
lectures, debates, syntheses and seminars, TH2O represents a major advantage that “Spiru
Haret” University has in promoting distance learning, a form of attendance that has come up
to a standard of EU countries….To the young people who choose to attend one of our
faculties and specializations we only wish them good luck with the exams, as “Spiru Haret”
University is a guarantee for their success in life. The long, medium and short-term objectives
set by “Spiru Haret” University and Romania’s Tomorrow Foundations are meant to add new
dimensions to our academic community. They regard the fulfilment of high quality cultural
tasks and the improvement of a kind of educational system whose essential attributes should
be modernity and competitiveness, dynamism and flexibility, to adequately and efficiently
meet the requirements raised by the integration of Romanian higher education into the
European higher education and research area.
(Adapted from „Monitorul Oficial” – Official Bulletin, July 2002)
C. There are forty-seven universities in Britain and thirty polytechnics, plus 350
colleges and institutes of higher education. Undergraduate courses normally take three years
of full-time study, although several subjects take longer, including medicine, architecture and
foreign languages (where courses include a year abroad). They lead in most cases to a
Bachelor’s degree in Arts or Science (BA or BSc). Students of law, architecture and some
other professions can take qualifications that are awarded by their own professional bodies
instead of degrees. There are various postgraduate degrees, including Master of Arts or
Philosophy (MA or MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). Universities accept students
mainly based on their “A” levels, although they may interview them as well. At present,
students who have been accepted by Universities or other institutions of higher education
receive a grant from their local authority, which covers the cost of the course, and may cover
living expenses, books travel, although parents with higher incomes are expected to
contribute. Before 1990 the grant was paid back, but since then a system of loans has
been introduced.
(Adapted from Britain Explored, Longman, 1998)

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 UNIT 3

3.1. Lead in
How do you feel about working and being a student at the same time? What kind of
job would you like to have as a student?
Have you ever been to an interview? Why do you think you were / were not
successful?
When applying for a job, the first step is usually to send an Application Letter (or
Covering Letter) and a Curriculum Vitae. What are the role and function of each?

3.2. Reading objective

The Curriculum Vitae and the Application/ Covering Letter
When you have decided to find a job, the first step is to read the ads for vacancies in
different newspapers, magazines, on specialised internet sites or to contact a recruitment
agency. Then, after you have selected some position that might suit your wishes and
experience you need to write an Application Letter and a Curriculum Vitae.
Read the following model of application letter and decide what its main
communicative functions are. The letter is written by a student of marketing who graduated
an economic college and worked for eight months as a market research trainee for a company
in Bucharest.
Advertisement: BEST FASHION Ltd, a multinational company providing expertise,
human resources and equipment for the clothing industry requires Assistant Manager (Ref.
095MK) for its Marketing Department. Applications are accepted from students and recent
graduates of marketing and / or related fields. Applicants should be reliable and enthusiastic,
willing to work in teams and able to meet deadlines. Fluent English is a must while
knowledge of French or German would be a plus. E-mail or fax your covering letter and CV
to Mr. Paul Densfield, Human Resources Manager, tel./fax 021 3113030, e-mail
bestfashion_hr@yahoo.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
APPLICATION LETTER Attn. of: Mr. Paul Densfield
Human Resources Manager
Best Fashion Ltd. Dear Mr. Densfield,
Ref.: 095MK (Assistant Manager Vacancy)
I am writing to apply for the position of Assistant Manager that you advertised in
“Romania Libera” newspaper on 15 June 2006 as I believe it offers the career challenge
which I am seeking.
As you will see from my Curriculum Vitae, I currently study Psychology and
Marketing at “Spiru Haret” University and last year I graduated from a theoretic college
(humanities specialization) , which offered me a strong background in the field.
I would like to highlight the following skills which I believe would add value to your
organisation:
- basic practical marketing skills and team work abilities developed by working
for a market research
company as well as theoretical marketing knowledge acquired as a student of
marketing;
- ability to meet deadlines and to work under pressure developed as a market
research trainee;
- fluency in English acquired by attending an intensive Business English Course
and working in an English-speaking environment for almost a year.

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 I have a genuine interest in marketing and I would appreciate the opportunity of an
interview to discuss why I believe I am an eligible and suitable candidate for the vacancy you
advertised.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely, Andrei Popescu
Tel. 021 222 2020, 0720304050
E-mail: andrei_popescu@yahoo.com

CURRICULUM VITAE – Eupropass Format

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Replace with First name(s) Surname(s)

[All CV headings are optional. Remove any empty headings]

REPLACE WITH HOUSE NUMBER, STREET NAME, CITY, POSTCODE,
COUNTRY
REPLACE WITH TELEPHONE NUMBER REPLACE WITH MOBILE
NUMBER
STATE E-MAIL ADDRESS
STATE PERSONAL WEBSITE(S)
REPLACE WITH TYPE OF IM SERVICE REPLACE WITH MESSAGING
ACCOUNT(S)

Sex Enter sex | Date of birth dd/mm/yyyy | Nationality Enter nationality/-ies

JOB APPLIED FOR POSITION PREFERRED JOB

STUDIES APPLIED FOR

Replace with preferred job / job applied for / studies applied for / position
(delete non-relevant headings in left column)

WORK EXPERIENCE

[Add separate entries for each experience. Start from the most recent.]

Replace with dates

(from - to)

Replace with occupation or position held

Replace with employer’s name and locality (if relevant, full address and website)
▪ Replace with main activities and responsibilities
Business or sector Replace with type of business or sector

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 EDUCATION AND TRAINING
[Add separate entries for each course. Start from the most recent.]

Replace with dates

(from - to)

Replace with qualification awarded Replace with European Qualification

Framework (or other) level if relevant
Replace with education or training organisation’s name and locality (if relevant,
country)
▪ Replace with a list of principal subjects covered or skills acquired

PERSONAL SKILLS

[Remove any headings left empty.]

Mother tongue(s) Replace with mother tongue(s)

Other language(s)

Replace with language Enter Level Enter level Enter level Enter
Level Enter level
Replace with name of language certificate. Enter level if known.
Replace with language Enter Level Enter Level Enter Level Enter level
Enter level
Replace with name of language certificate. Enter level if known. Levels: A1/2: Basic
user - B1/2: Independent user - C1/2 Proficient user Common European Framework of
Reference for Languages

Communication skills Replace with your communication skills. Specify in what

context they were acquired. Example:
▪ good communication skills gained through my experience as sales manager

Organisational / managerial skills

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 Replace with your organisational / managerial skills. Specify in what context they
were acquired. Example:
▪ leadership (currently responsible for a team of 10 people)

Job-related skills Replace with any job-related skills not listed elsewhere.
Specify in what context they were acquired. Example:
▪ good command of quality control processes (currently responsible for quality audit)

Computer skills Replace with your computer skills. Specify in what context
they were acquired. Example:
▪ good command of Microsoft Office™ tools

Other skills Replace with other relevant skills not already mentioned. Specify in
what context they were acquired. Example:
▪ carpentry

Driving licence Replace with driving licence category/-ies. Example:

▪B

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Publications Presentations Projects Conferences Seminars

Honours and awards Memberships References

Replace with relevant publications, presentations, projects, conferences, seminars,

honours and awards, memberships, references. Remove headings not relevant in the left
column.
Example of publication:
▪ How to write a successful CV, New Associated Publishers, London, 2002. Example
of project:
▪ Devon new public library. Principal architect in charge of design,
production, bidding and construction supervision (2008-2012).

ANNEXES

Replace with list of documents annexed to your CV. Examples:

▪ copies of degrees and qualifications;
▪ testimonial of employment or work placement;
▪ publications or research.

In Romania, there are different sources of job information (just use them to get the
proper job):

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 – newspaper advertisements: the classified section of newspapers is a major source of
job openings. Two kinds of classified advertisements are listed in newspapers: signed and
blind. A signed advertisement includes the name of the firm placing the advertisement. A
blind advertisement does not show the firm’s name. In many cases only a telephone number
or a post office box number is given in a blind advertisement. Private employment agencies
must place signed advertisements;
– employment agencies;
– placement offices and instructors: most schools and colleges have placement
counsellors that aid students in career planning;
– friends and relatives.

3.3 Identify the steps for a job application process. Then translate the text into
Romanian: The job application process
Before you apply for a job with a company, find out all you can about the company.
This information is needed for two major reasons. First, you need to know if you meet
your career goals by working for this company. Secondly, you need to know as much about
the company as possible to be prepared for the interview. One question often asked in the
interview is “Why do you want to work for this company” Unless you know something about
the company, you cannot satisfactorily answer this question.
When a company needs to employ new people, it may decide to advertise the job or
position in a newspaper. People who are interested can then apply for the job by sending in a
letter of application or covering letter (US cover letter) and a curriculum vitae or CV (US
resumé) containing details of their education and experience. In some cases, a company may
prefer to do this initial selection after asking candidates to complete a standard application
form. The company’s human resource department will then select the applications that it
considers the most suitable and prepare a shortlist of candidates or applicants who are invited
to attend an interview.

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 UNIT 4

4. 1. Lead in
1. When was the last time you went on a trip? Where did you go?
2. Do you have a favourite holiday destination?
3. What makes a perfect holiday destination?
4. If you won a trip at a contest would you rather choose to visit to visit a large city or
a desert island?
5. What specific points would you include in a sightseeing tour of Romania for
foreigners?

4.2. Reading objective

Travelling in the UK
There are a lot of places worth visiting if you go on a trip to The United Kingdom.
Besides the well-known destinations such as Stonehenge, Stratford upon Avon or Oxford, the
capital cities of its provinces should be on your sightseeing list. It goes without saying that
any tourist to The UK should stop for at least a few days in London, but there are other
capital cities that you shouldn’t miss either.
Just like any other country in the world, officially, the United Kingdom of Great
Britain and Northern Ireland has just one capital city, London. However, Northern Ireland,
Wales and Scotland, the other three countries (besides England) that are included in the UK,
have their own capital cities.
LONDON – the capital of England and the UK, is the world's ninth-largest city and it
is situated on the banks of the river Thames, in the south-east of England. London is made up
of two ancient cities which are now joined together: The City of London (known as
Londinium during Roman times) and the City of Westminster.
The City of London or “the City” is the business and financial heart of the United
Kingdom while The City of Westminster, is the place where the Parliament and most of the
Government buildings are located. Here tourists can visit Buckingham Palace, the official
London residence of the Queen and of the Royal family.
BELFAST is the capital of Northern Ireland. As this part of the UK has a certain
degree of independence, the Government and the Legislative Assembly of Northern Ireland
are located here. The city consists of seven "quarters", the historic centre of Belfast being
situated in the Cathedral Quarter.
CARDIFF – the capital city of Wales is the most important commercial and industrial
centre of this part of Britain as well as the seat of the National Assembly for Wales. Tourists
can visit the very old Cardiff Castle which was started during Roman times. The Norman and
Victorian influences are also present in the architecture and decorations of the castle.
EDINBURGH – the capital city of Scotland is the seventh largest city in the UK and
the second largest city in Scotland, after Glasgow. As the other capitals described above, it is
also the seat of the Scottish Parliament. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe due to
its numerous medieval and Georgian buildings and monuments. Something that few people
know is that Edinburgh is situated on two extinct volcanoes, one of them right in the City
Centre on which Edinburgh Castle is built.
Reading comprehension
A. Answer the following questions:
1. Where is London situated?

14
 2. Which are the two ancient cities that gave birth to London?
3. What is Edinburgh famous for?

4.3 Translation Practice (English→ Romanian)

New Year's Day is a public holiday in the United Kingdom on January 1 each year. It
marks the start of the New Year in the Gregorian calendar. For many people have a quiet day
on January 1, which marks the end of the Christmas break before they return to work.
However, there are some special customs, particularly in Scotland.
What do people do?
On New Year's Eve (December 31), just before midnight, many people turn on a
television to show pictures of one of the four clocks on the Clock Tower on the Palace of
Westminster, or Houses of Parliament, in London counting down the last minutes of the old
year. At midnight, as the New Year begins, the chimes of Big Ben, the bell inside the Clock
Tower, are broadcast to mark the start of the New Year. Champagne or other sparkling wines
are often served at this point.
Many people hold parties at home or go out to pubs or night clubs. These parties often
continue into the early hours of the morning. Hence, for many people, New Year's Day is
time for recovering from the excesses of the night before. For others, it is the last day of the
Christmas holiday before they return to work. Some take the opportunity to carry out home
improvements or to go for a walk in the country. In many places around the United
Kingdom's coast, groups of people dress up in fancy costumes and run into the cold sea.
Many people make New Year's resolutions. These are promises to themselves that
they will lead a better life in some way in the coming year. Common New Year's resolutions
include stopping smoking, losing weight, eating more healthily, getting more exercise or
spending less money. Some types of resolution that would lead to a healthier lifestyle are
supported by government advertising campaigns.
In some areas, there are several customs associated with New Year's Day. In Scotland
many people sing the song 'Auld Lang Syne' at midnight as New Year's Day begins. In
Scotland and northern England, it is customary to go first footing. This is the first person to
enter a house on January 1. There are many traditions and superstitions associated with first
footing. A male first-footer brings good luck, but a female bad luck. In different areas there
are different traditions about whether the first footer should have fair or dark hair, whether
the person should bring coal, salt or other things and what food or drink that person should be
served after arrival.
Public life
New Year's Day is a bank holiday. If January 1 is a Saturday or Sunday, the bank
holiday falls on Monday, January 2 or 3. Nearly all schools, large businesses and
organizations are closed. In some areas stores may be open, although this varies a lot. Public
transport systems do not usually run on their normal timetables. In general, public life shuts
down completely on New Year's Day.
Background
Now the start of a new calendar year is marked in the winter on January 1. However,
this was different in the past. From the earliest times in Europe, winter festivals have been
held around or just after the winter solstice (December 21). These have now developed into
the Christmas and New Year celebrations that are now held. However, before the present
Gregorian calendar was adopted in England, in 1752, the Julian calendar was used.
According to the Julian calendar, the administrative year began on March 25.
The Julian calendar was introduced in the Roman Empire 45 years before the birth of
Christ. The average length of a year in this calendar was slightly shorter than the actual
length of a solar year. For this reason, by the 1700s, the official dates of the winter, spring,

15
summer and autumn equinoxes had moved about ten days from the days on which the actual
equinoxes fell. This meant that a correction to the date had to be made, when England
changed over to the Gregorian calendar. Hence, in 1752, Wednesday, September 2 was
followed by Thursday, September 14.
This had important consequences for the tax, or fiscal, year. The British tax
authorities and many landlords were unhappy about potentially “losing” 11 days’ worth of
revenue. For this reason, the 1752-1753 tax year did not end on March 24 but April 4 and so
still lasted for 365 days. Another correction was carried out in the calendar in 1800 and again
the tax year was adjusted so that it still lasted for the full 365 days. Since then the tax year in
the United Kingdom has stated on April 6. This tax year was also used in the Republic of
Ireland until 2001, when the start of the tax year was moved to coincide with the start of the
calendar year on January 1.

16
 UNIT 5

5.1. Lead in
1.What comes to your mind when you think about Britain / about London?
2.What is the official and full name of Britain?
3. Name a few important cities from the UK.
4. What do you know about the weather in the UK?
5.What specific points would you include in a sightseeing tour of Romania for
foreigners?

5..2. Reading objective

What’s in a Name?
There are several names used to describe the country whose language you are trying
to study, which might lead to confusions: Britain, Great Britain, The United Kingdom, the
UK, England.
Great Britain is made up of three separate countries - England, Wales and Scotland.
England is the dominant country, but the peoples of Scotland and Wales have kept a strong
sense of national identity. It is important to remember that the terms Great Britain and
England refer to different political entities; they are not interchangeable, and to say England
when you mean Britain could cause offense if you are in Wales or Scotland. Scotland has a
separate parliament and church, plus its own systems of law, banking and education. Wales
has its own National Assembly- although it doesn’t enjoy as much autonomy as the Scottish
parliament.
The United Kingdom (UK) consists of Great Britain, Northern Ireland and some
semiautonomous islands such as the Isle of Man. The island of Ireland consists of Northern
Ireland and the Republic of Ireland (also called Eire).
Geographically speaking, the British Isles is the name given to a group of about
5,000 islands off the north-west coast of Europe, situated between the North Sea and the
Atlantic Ocean, more precisely between the latitudes 50ºN and 61ºN. The archipelago
consists of the large islands of Great Britain (the largest island of Europe) and Ireland and
several smaller island groups :the Orkney Islands, the Shetland Islands, the Hebrides, the
Channel Islands, the Isle of Wight and the Isle of Man as well as numerous other very small
islands.
Together, Great Britain (made up of England, Scotland and Wales), Northern Ireland
and the smaller islands mentioned above form what is officially called The United Kingdom
of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (the UK).
The Flag of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
The United Kingdom flag was officially adopted on the 1st of January 1801. Just like
the country itself, it is made up of more different flags put together: the flag of England (St.
George's Cross – the centred red cross bordered in white), St. Andrew's Cross of Scotland
(the diagonal white cross on the blue field), and the cross of the Patron Saint of Ireland
(diagonal x-shaped red cross).
National Anthem
The National Anthem of the country is "God Save the Queen". When a male monarch
is on the throne of England, it becomes "God Save the King."
Public Holidays
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, public holidays are often called bank
holidays. When an anniversary day that is usually a bank holiday falls on a weekend, the date

17
of the bank holiday is postponed and declared for a following weekday. This new date is
termed a 'bank holiday in lieu' of the actual anniversary day. In this way, public holidays are
not 'lost' on years when they coincide with weekends (which will already be a day off for
many people).
Increasingly, there are calls for public holidays on the patron saints' days in England,
Scotland and Wales (Northern Ireland already has St Patrick's Day as a holiday). An online
petition sent to the Prime Minister received 11,000 signatures for a public holiday in Wales
on St. David's Day; the Scottish Parliament has passed a bill creating a public holiday on St.
Andrew's Day although it must be taken in lieu of another public holiday; campaigners in
England are calling for a bank holiday on St. George's Day; and in Cornwall there are calls
for a public holiday on St. Piran's Day.
Reading comprehension:
A. Answer the following questions:
1. Which are the three components of the British flag?
2. What is the title of the British National Anthem?
3. Name an important holiday in each of the British territories.

5.3 Translation Practice (English →Romanian)

There are currently around 61 million people living in the UK (National Statistics
Online – March 2009). Despite the UK being a relatively small surface area, experiences of
living here can vary greatly. The UK is a highly multicultural society with no official
language. However, English is the main language and the de facto official language but there
are other languages spoken; in Wales, English and Welsh are both widely used by
officialdom, and Irish and Ulster Scots enjoy limited use alongside English in Northern
Ireland. Additionally, the Western Isles council area of Scotland has a policy to promote
Scottish Gaelic. The traditional UK culture has changed somewhat over the last 50 years and
incorporates elements of other cultures due to its diversity. The following sections provide
an insight into typical UK culture as it stands today.
Many people enjoy spending social time in pubs (public houses) in the UK. It gives
people an
opportunity to chat to friends and enjoy an alcoholic drink. Usually there is no table
service in UK pubs and you must order your drinks at the bar and pay for them immediately.
It is not usual to tip the barman every time you have a drink as it is in the USA and the legal
age to drink in a pub is 18 years.
Should you or a family member decide to settle permanently in this country you will
need to apply for naturalization as a British citizen or for indefinite leave to remain. Part of
this process requires you to take a test to show that you know about life in the UK. If you
live in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, you can do this in two ways: by taking
the Life in the UK Test or by taking combined English for Speakers of Other Languages
(ESOL) and citizenship classes.

18
 UNIT 6

6.1. Lead in
1. What is the name of the present British Monarch? What about the Prime Minister?
2. What do you know about the British political system?

6.2. Reading objective

The UK. Political System
The monarchy of the United Kingdom (commonly referred to as the British
monarchy,) is the constitutional monarchy of the United Kingdom and its overseas territories.
Monarchy is the oldest form of government in the United Kingdom. In a constitutional
monarchy, an elected Parliament makes and passes laws, and the Sovereign plays a
ceremonial and representational role.
The present monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, has reigned since 6 February 1952. She and
her immediate family have various official, ceremonial and representational duties. As a
constitutional monarch, the Queen must follow the advice of government ministers. Britain is
governed by Her Majesty’s Government in the name of the Queen.
The Queen is Head of State and an important symbol of national unity in the United
Kingdom. Her official title in the UK is "Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God of the
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Her Other Realms and
Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith".
The monarch is also the head of the church, commander in chief of the Armed Forces
(the Royal Navy, the British Army, and the Royal Air Force), accredits British High
Commissioners and ambassadors, and receives diplomats from foreign states.
The king or the queen has the prerogative to summon and to dissolve the Parliament.
Each new parliamentary session is marked by the State Opening of Parliament, during which
the Sovereign reads the Speech from the Throne in the Chamber of the House of Lords,
outlining the Government's legislative agenda. The Queen is also metaphorically called Fount
of Justice, from whom justice in the United Kingdom derives.
The Queen has a special relationship with the Prime Minister, the senior political
figure in the British Government, regardless of their political party. Although she is a
constitutional monarch who remains politically neutral, the Queen gives a weekly audience to
the Prime Minister at which she has a right and a duty to express her views on Government
matters. If either The Queen or the Prime Minister are not available to meet, then they will
speak by telephone. These meetings, as with all communications between The Queen and her
Government, remain strictly confidential.
The Parliament. In the uncodified Constitution of the United Kingdom the legislative
power is exercised by the two Houses of Parliament, the House of Lords and the House of
Commons, located in Westminster Palace.
The House of Commons. The House of Commons is the lower house of the
Parliament of the United Kingdom and represents its dynamic power. The Commons is a
democratically elected body, consisting of 659 members, who are known as "Members of
Parliament" or MP’s and who are publicly elected. The party with the largest number of
members in the Commons forms the government. Members of the Commons (MPs)

19
debate the big political issues of the day and proposals for new laws. The Commons alone is
responsible for making decisions on financial Bills, such as proposed new taxes. The Lords
can consider these Bills but cannot block or amend them.
The House of Lords. The House of Lords is the upper chamber of the Parliament of
the United Kingdom and is also commonly referred to as "the Lords". It is not democratic in
any sense at all, but its existence is a centuries old tradition. Members of the House of Lords
are mostly appointed by the Queen, a fixed number are elected internally, and a limited
number of Church of England archbishops and bishops sit in the House. The Lords act as a
revising chamber for legislation and their work complements the activity of the Commons.
The House of Lords is also the highest court in the land: the supreme court of appeal. A
group of salaried, full-time judges known as Law Lords carries out this judicial work.
The Government. The Executive power is exercised by the Prime Minister and the
Cabinet.
Following a general election, the Queen invites the leader of the majority (or largest,
in the absence of an overall majority) party represented in the Commons, to form a
government on her behalf. Government ministers are invariably members of the House of
Commons, but sometimes members of the House of Lords are appointed. These are at a
disadvantage since it is in the Commons that the government is expected to explain its
conduct of affairs. All government ministers, even the Prime Minister, who are members of
the Commons, continue to represent the parliamentary ‘constituencies’ which elected them.
After a general election, the leader of the party which has the most seats in the House of
Commons becomes Prime Minister, who chooses the Chancellor of the Exchequer (for the
Treasury), the Foreign Secretary (for foreign affairs), the Home Secretary (for domestic
affairs), and others, to form the Cabinet. The composition of governments can vary both in
the number of ministers and in the titles of some offices. The Prime Minister is, by tradition,
First Lord of the Treasury and Minister for the Civil Service. The Prime Minister’s office is
located at 10 Downing Street in central London.
The doctrine of collective responsibility means that the Cabinet acts unanimously
even when Cabinet ministers do not all agree on a subject.
The UK is a multi-party system and since the 1920s. The two largest political parties
have been the Conservative Party and the Labour Party, before the Labour Party rose in
British politics, while the Liberal Party was the other major political party along with the
Conservatives. Though coalition and minority governments have been an occasional feature
of parliamentary politics, the present electoral system used for general elections tends to
maintain the dominance of these two parties, though each has in the past century relied upon
a third party to deliver a working majority in Parliament.
The political party system has evolved since the eighteenth century, and since the first
half of the nineteenth century has been essentially a two-party system. Today, this two-party
contest is between the Conservative Party (still known by their previous nickname, the
‘Tories’) and the Labour Party, which emerged at the end of the nineteenth century because
of the introduction of universal suffrage and the decline of the Liberal Party.
The Conservative Party is the party of the Right, identified with the idea of economic
freedom and until 1979 with the idea of resistance to change. It gives emphasis to the
importance of law and order, and the maintenance of strong armed forces to protect British
interests.
The Labour Party is pre-eminently the party of social justice, though its emphasis is
less on equality than on the achievement of well-being and opportunity for all members of the
society.
The Liberal Party, which traces its origins to the eighteenth century ‘Whigs’, merged
with the new Social Democratic Party in 1988 to become the Liberal Democrats, after

20
fighting the 1987 election unsuccessfully as an alliance of both parties. It is the party keenest
on constitutional and electoral reform. It also prides itself on being less tied to either capitalist
or union interests, and being free to offer more radical policies.
Reading comprehension
a. Answer the following questions:
1) After a general election, who becomes Prime Minister?
2) Whom does the Prime Minister choose for the Treasury?
3) What do all the ministers chosen by the Prime Minister form?
4) What does the doctrine of collective responsibility mean?
5) Which are the most important British parties?
6) When was the universal suffrage introduced? What did that mean?
7) What are each party’s main interests / goals?
b. True or false?
1. The Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is the
supreme legislative body in the United Kingdom and British Overseas Territories.
2. The Parliament is in London.
3. Parliament alone possesses legislative supremacy and thereby ultimate power over
all other political bodies in the UK and its territories.
4. At its head is the Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth II.
5. The parliament is bicameral, with an upper house, the House of Lords, and a lower
house, the House of Commons.
6. The Queen is the third component of the legislature.
7. The House of Lords includes two different types of members: The Lords Spiritual
and the Lords Temporal.
8. The Parliament of Great Britain was formed in 1707 following the ratification of
the Treaty of Union by both the Parliament of England and Parliament of Scotland passing
Acts of Union.
9. The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland is
the political leader of the United Kingdom and the Head of Her Majesty's Government.
10. Current Prime Minister David Cameron was appointed on 11 May 2010.
11. Current Prime Minister is Gordon Brown helped by Tony Blair.

6.3 Translation Practice (English →Romanian)

Monarchy is the oldest form of government in the United Kingdom. In a monarchy, a
king or queen is Head of State. The British monarchy is known as a constitutional monarchy.
This means that, while The Sovereign is Head of State, the ability to make and pass
legislation resides with an elected Parliament. Although the British Sovereign no longer has a
political or executive role, he or she continues to play an important part in the life of the
nation. As Head of State, The Monarch undertakes constitutional and representational duties
which have developed over one thousand years of history. In addition to these State duties,
The Monarch has a less formal role as 'Head of Nation'. The Sovereign acts as a focus for
national identity, unity and pride; gives a sense of stability and continuity; officially
recognizes success and excellence; and supports the ideal of voluntary service. In all these
roles The Sovereign is supported by members of their immediate family.
The British Sovereign is having two roles: Head of State, and 'Head of the Nation'.
As Head of State, The Queen undertakes constitutional and representational duties
which have developed over one thousand years of history. There are inward duties, with The
Queen playing a part in State functions in Britain. Parliament must be opened, Orders in
Council must be approved, Acts of Parliament must be signed, and meetings with the Prime
Minister must be held. There are also outward duties of State, when The Queen represents

21
Britain to the rest of the world. For example, The Queen receives foreign ambassadors and
high commissioners, entertains visiting Heads of State, and makes State visits overseas to
other countries, in support of diplomatic and economic relations.
UNIT 7

7.1. Lead in
1. How would you define the European Union?
2. Do you happen to know how many countries have joined the European Union so
far?
3. Think of some advantages / risks generated by or related to the European
membership, for you as an individual and for our country.

7.2. Reading objective

Introduction to the European Union
Historic Steps
The idea of a united Europe was at first just a dream in the minds of
philosophers and visionaries. Victor Hugo, for example, imagined a peaceful “United States
of Europe” inspired by humanistic ideals.
After World War II a few courageous statesmen (Konrad Adenauer, Winston
Churchill, Alcide de Gasperi, Robert Schuman) decided to put an end to international hatred
and rivalry in Europe and to build a long-lasting peace.
Robert Schuman (French Foreign Affairs Minister) took up an idea originally
conceived by Jean Monnet and on 9 May 1950 proposed setting up a European Coal and
Steel Community (ECSC), which was a big success. It was the start of an extraordinary and
ever tighter cooperation among European states.
Today’s European Union is the result of half a century hard work. In no other region
of the world have sovereign countries pooled their sovereignty to this extent and in so many
areas of crucial importance to their citizens. The EU has created a single market in which
people, services, goods and capital move around freely.
Founding Treaties
The ground rules of the European Union are set out in a series of treaties:
The Treaty of Paris, which set up the above mentioned European Coal and Steel
Community (ECSC) in 1951, signed by six European states: France, The Federal Republic of
Germany, Italy, Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxembourg, considered the EU founding
members.
The Treaties of Rome, which set up the European Economic Community (EEC),
replacing the former ECSC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) in
1957. The EEC came as a natural continuation of ECSC, as the six member states
decided to enlarge and deepen their cooperation. The EEC was based on a common
market in a wide range of goods and services. Customs duties between the six countries were
completely removed on 1 July 1968 and common policies – notably on trade and agriculture
– were also set up during the 1960.
The founding treaties were subsequently followed by the Single European Act (1986)
signed in Luxembourg and The Hague, by the Treaty on European Union (Maastricht, 1992)
which makes the name “European Union” official, the Treaty of Amsterdam and the Treaty
of Nice. These treaties have created very strong legal ties between the EU’s member states
and have offered a legal frame for important European matters such as EU institutions
functioning procedures, the rights of European citizens, trade, defence policies, the European
Currency Unit, etc.
Enlargement

22
 So successful was the EEC initiated by France The Federal Republic of Germany, The
Netherlands, Italy, Belgium and Luxembourg that Denmark, Ireland and The United
Kingdom decided to join the Community. This first enlargement from six to nine members
took place in 1973. New social, regional and environmental policies were introduced and the
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) was set up in 1975. In 1981 Greece joined
the Community, followed by Spain and Portugal in 1986. The future European Union was
thus being built little by little. Three more countries, Austria, Finland and Sweden joined
the EU on 1 January 1995. The Union now had 15 members and was on the way for its
most spectacular achievement yet – replacing its national currencies with a single
European currency, the euro. On 1 January 2002, euro notes and coins came into circulation
in 12 EU countries (‘euro area’). The euro is now a major world currency, having a similar
status to the US dollar.
Soon after the European Union grew to 15 members another 12 countries began
knocking at its door. The EU welcomed this opportunity to help stabilise the European
continent and to extend the benefits of European unification to the young democracies in
Central and South-Eastern Europe. For ten of the candidate countries negotiations were
completed in Copenhagen, at the end of 2002 and starting from May 2004 the EU enlarged
to 25 members, by welcoming the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia,
Slovenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Cyprus and Malta as full members.
Romania and Bulgaria became EU members on 1 January 2007, after the
implementation of all the 31 chapters of the Community Acquis.
The European Union’s Symbols
The idea of a “citizens’ Europe” is very new. Making it a reality means, among other
things, obtaining popular support for symbols that represent shared European identity. That is
why the European Union has a very special anthem – Beethoven’s Ode to Joy, from
Symphony 9, a Celebration Day – 9 May and a flag (a circle of 12 golden stars on a blue
background).
Things like the introduction of the euro, the European model of passport (in use since
1985) and the EU model driving licences also contribute to the creation of a sense of
belonging to a common space.
“We are not bringing together states, we are uniting people” said Jean Monnet back in
1952.
More than half a century of integration has had an enormous impact on the history of
Europe and on the mentality of Europeans. The member state governments, whatever their
political colour know that only by joining forces and pursuing a shared destiny can their
ancient nations continue to make economic and social progress and maintain their influence
in the world.
Reading Comprehension
1. Who were the initiators of the European Union?
2. Name, in chronological order, the main treaties that have forged the identity of the
European
Union.
3. When was the European single currency introduced?
4. Which European countries joined the Union in:
- 1951:
- 1973:
- 1981:
- 1986:
- 1995:
- 2004:

23
 - 2007:
4. Which are the main areas of cooperation between members states?
5. Which are the EU’s symbols?

7.3 Translation Practice (English →Romanian)

Already in the 1920s some politicians (such as Briand and Stresemann) tried to
achieve reconciliation between France and Germany as the basis for establishing a durable
peace in Europe. A few intellectuals, such as Fritz von Unruh in Germany, even talked and
wrote about a union of sorts between France and Germany. However, the Great Depression
and the rise of the Nazis wrecked their efforts.
After WW2 there were fresh efforts, however. Initially, the countries actively
involved were France, West Germany, Italy and the Benelux countries. The move also had
the support of Churchill. It began in 1951 with European Coal and Steel Community which
created a common market for coal and steel amongst 6 member-states (West Germany,
France, Italy, Belgium, Netherlands and Luxembourg).
The next step was a customs union - the European Economic Union (1957) - with tax
harmonization in some areas. It was also felt that economic interdependence would
strengthen peace. The first expansion occurred in 1973 when Britain, the Irish Republic and
Denmark joined. The EU has continued to expand and now consists of 27 countries with an
overall population of about 492 million people (2007). Additional countries are clamouring
for admission. After all, nothing succeeds more than success. Britain appears to be a reluctant
member. It has still not succeeded in finding a post-imperial role for itself. Moreover, at key
junctures many British politicians have badly underestimated the potential of the EU - and
still do so.

24
 UNIT 8

8.1. Lead in
1. How frequently do you go shopping? What do you buy most often?
2. Do you prefer super/hypermarkets or small shops? Explain your answer.
3. Which is the most extravagant thing you have ever bought?
4. Which is the most expensive thing you have ever bought?
5. How important is it for you to buy branded products? Which are your reasons for
(not) buying no name products?
6. Can you define FMCG, durables, white goods, brown goods?
7. How much does advertising influence your buying choice?

8.2 Reading objective

One of the most successful brands exported by Britain, known all over the world, is
the famous Marks & Spencer. There are a few M&S stores in Romania as well, selling
clothes; However, clothes are just one of the company’s product lines, as it also sells food.
Marks and Spencer plc (also known as M&S) is a British retailer headquartered in the
City of Westminster, London, with over 700 stores in the United Kingdom and over 300
stores spread across more than 40 countries. It specialises in the selling of clothing and luxury
food products. M&S was founded in 1884 by Michael Marks and Thomas Spencer in Leeds.
In 1998, it became the first British retailer to make a pre-tax profit of over £1 billion,
though a few years later it plunged into a crisis which lasted for several years.
The company was founded by a partnership between Michael Marks, a Litvak Jew
from Slonim, Poland (now in Belarus), and Thomas Spencer, a cashier from Yorkshire. The
next few years saw Michael Marks open market stalls in many locations around the North
West of England. In 1894, Thomas Spencer invested in Marks' activities and they opened
their first store, in partnership, in Manchester.
Marks and Spencer, known colloquially as "Marks and Sparks", "Markies", or
"M&S", made its reputation in the early 20th century on a policy of only selling British-made
goods (a policy eventually discontinued in 2002). It also accepted the return of unwanted
items, giving a full cash refund if the receipt was shown, no matter how long ago the product
was purchased, which was unusual for the time. It adopted a 90-day returns policy in 2005
but on 12 April 2009 the refund policy changed once again to 35 days.
The company put its main emphasis on quality, for most of its history having a
reputation for offering fair value for money. M&S has historically been an iconic retailer of
'British Quality Goods’.
Reading comprehension:
1. How old is the M&S brand?
2. Who created it?
3. What does M&S sell?
4. Which have been its refund policies which changed in time?

8.3 Translation Practice (English →Romanian)

Oxford Street is undeniably the West End's main shopping attraction. Start at Marble
Arch -- the westernmost end -- for an enormous branch of budget clothes chain Primark and
designer department store Selfridges. As you walk the length of the famous street toward

25
Tottenham Court Road, you'll notice that the quality of shops goes downhill, especially
east of Oxford Circus. Think bargain basement tat and cheap souvenirs, and you have the
idea. Topshop remains an Oxford Street must-visit (the branch here is the largest clothes shop
in Europe), and a giant New Look close to Marble Arch offers yet more great value clothes.
You're certainly very brave to attempt Oxford Street at the weekend; weekday mornings are
best for your sanity.
Oxford Street is also a great starting point for hitting the more interesting shopping
areas, such as affluent Marylebone. If you're looking for some extreme shopping adventures,
this is where London's top plastic surgeons are based -- and it's impossible not to fall in love
with the quaintness of Marylebone's main street. The street's chocolate shops and interiors
brands ooze luxury; make sure you pop into Rococo, 45 Marylebone High St. (tel. 020/7935-
7780; www.rococochocolates.com), for some chocolate samples -- they're sometimes free.
Regent Street -- home to an Apple Store -- crosses Oxford Street at Oxford Circus.
Regent Street shopping is more toward the high end of "high street," typified by the
affordable luxury of chain shops such as Mango and French Connection. Boutique lifestyle
shop Anthropologie is a relatively new addition, but is expensive in comparison to its U.S.
equivalent. Head south from Oxford Circus for the world-famous Liberty department store.
Inside a mock-Tudor building, Liberty is a London landmark. You're now at the top of
Carnaby Street, and although it's not quite the Sixties' style mecca it once was, it's worth a
stroll -- especially if you veer off into the Newburgh Quarter. The area is also home to Kingly
Court, a gorgeous little piazza of independent shops and vintage boutiques -- the cafes are
generally overpriced, but do provide a great perch to sit and people-watch.
Parallel to Regent Street, the Bond Street area connects Piccadilly with Oxford Street,
and is synonymous with the luxury rag trade. It's not just one street, but a whole area, mainly
comprising New Bond Street and Old Bond Street. It's the hot address for international
designers -- Donna Karan has two shops here, and Tiffany is quite at home nestled among
designer jewellery shops. A slew of international hotshots, from Chanel to Versace, have digs
nearby. Make sure you stop off at Dover Street Market -- not a market at all, but a designer
shop housing all sorts of fashionable folk under one roof.
Burlington Arcade (Tube: Piccadilly Circus), a glass-roofed Regency passage leading
off Piccadilly, looks like a period exhibition, and is lined with 35 mahogany-fronted
intriguing shops and boutiques. Lit by wrought-iron lamps and decorated with clusters of
ferns and flowers, its small, upscale stores specialize in fashion, gold jewellery, Irish linen,
and cashmere. If you linger there until 5:30 pm, you can watch the beadles (the last London
representatives of Britain's oldest police force), in their black-and-yellow livery and top hats,
ceremoniously place the iron grills that block off the arcade until 9am, at which time they
remove them to start a new business day. Also at 5:30pm, the Burlington Bell is sounded,
signalling the end of trading. Make sure to catch the clock at Fortnum and Mason -- it moves
on the hour in a rather lovely display.
Nearby Jermyn Street (Tube: Piccadilly Circus), on the south side of Piccadilly, is a
tiny two- block street devoted to high-end men's haberdashers and toiletries shops; many
have been doing business for centuries. Several hold Royal warrants, including Turnbull &
Asser, 71-72 Jermyn St. (tel. 020/7808-3000), where HRH Prince Charles has his PJs made.
A bit to the northwest, Savile Row is where you'll find London's finest men's tailors.
The West End theatre district borders two more shopping areas: the still-not-ready-
for-prime- time Soho (Tube: Tottenham Court Rd. or Leicester Sq.), where the sex shops are
slowly morphing into cutting-edge designer boutiques -- check out clothing exchange Bang-
Bang, 9 Berwick St. (tel. 020/7494-2042), for designer bargains -- and Covent Garden, a
shopping masterpiece stocked with fashion, food, books, and everything else. The original
Covent Garden marketplace has overflowed its boundaries and eaten up the surrounding

26
neighbourhood; it's fun to shop the narrow streets. Just off trendy Neal Street and Seven
Dials, Neal's Yard is a stunning splash of colour on rainy days if you're looking to buy
foodstuffs from Neal's Yard Dairy. Monmouth Street is somewhat of a local secret. Many
shops here serve as outlets for British designers, selling both used and new clothing. In
addition, stores specialize in everything from musical instruments from the Far East to palm
readings. Make sure, too, to take in Charing Cross Road and get your nose into one of
the many second-hand bookshops. You can't avoid Foyles (and nor should you), but the
smaller shops have some great options and well-priced first editions if you're about your
Pulitzers.
West London
If you're heading west, the first place you should find yourself in is Notting Hill. Of
course, one of the main draws for shopping in West London is Portobello Market. Every
Sunday, the whole of Portobello Road turns into a sea of antiques, cool clothing (and even
cooler shoppers), and maybe even a celebrity or three.
Some of the best boutiques in London are also here. The independent shopping scene
thrives; this is an area where people want to be unique, but still look expensive and groomed.
Expect one-off, vintage-style dresses, quirky homewares, and more than a handful of retro
record shops. Stick to Portobello for antiques, but head to Westbourne Grove and Ledbury
Road for boutiques.
The area is also full of organic and fancy food stores, with Whole Foods having its
flagship home here. They take their food very seriously in West London: It does come at a
price, but the quality is good so make sure you pick up a few bits. Pop into Melt on Ledbury
Road for luxury chocolate, or head to one of London's top cupcake bakeries, the
Hummingbird Bakery at 133 Portobello Rd. (tel. 020/7851-1795).
West London is also home to two American-style shopping malls. Westfield takes up
residence in Shepherd's Bush and Whiteleys sits in Bayswater. They're huge, they have
everything, and they're busy. If it's raining and you still want your high-street shops, head
here. Just don't expect to find anything special or out of the ordinary.
Southwest London
The home of Harrods, Knightsbridge is probably the second-most famous London
retail district (Oxford Street just edges it out). Sloane Street is traditionally regarded as a
designer area, but these days it's more "upscale high-street," and nowhere near as luxurious as
Bond Street . This is where you can grab some aromatherapy from Jo Malone, 150 Sloane St.
(tel. 0870/192-5121; www.jomalone.co.uk; Tube: Sloane Sq.), a haven for bespoke perfumes.
Walk southwest on Brompton Road -- toward the V&A Museum -- and you'll find
Cheval Place,
lined with designer resale shops, and Beauchamp Place (pronounced Bee-cham). It's
high end, but with a hint of irony. Expect to see little lapdogs in handbags.
If you walk farther along Brompton Road, you'll connect to Brompton Cross, another
hip area for designer shops made popular when Michelin House was rehabbed by Sir
Terence Conran, becoming the Conran Shop. Seek out Walton Street, a tiny snake of a street
running from Brompton Cross back toward the museums. Most of the shops here specialize
in nonessential luxury products, the kind a severe Victorian moralist might dismiss as
"vanities and fripperies." You'll also be near King's Road (Tube: Sloane Sq.); once a beacon
of Sixties cool, this is now a haven for designer clothes and homewares. About a third of
King's Road is devoted to independent fashion shops, another third houses design-trade
showrooms and stores for household wares (Scandinavian designs are prominent), and the
remaining third a mix of dress shops and shoe boutiques. The clothes shops tend to suit a
more mature customer (with a more mature budget), but you'll have fun shopping here if you
remain oblivious to shop assistants who can be on the snooty side.

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 Finally, don't forget all those museums in nearby South Kensington. They have
fantastic and exclusive gift shops. If you're looking for jewellery and homewares, the V&A
and the Design Museum are must-visits. The Science Museum shop is perfect for inquisitive
youngsters. Make sure to view the collections, too. They're free, and have some world-class
exhibits.
Kensington High Street (Tube: High St. Kensington) is the hangout of the classier
breed of teen, one who has graduated from Carnaby Street. While there are a few staples of
basic British fashion here, most of the stores feature items that can be described as modern
classics with a twist. Think black, well cut, and tailored, with a fun edge for the youngsters.
From Kensington High Street, you can walk up Kensington Church Street. Like Portobello
Road, this is one of the city's main shopping avenues for antiques, offering everything from
antique furniture to Impressionist paintings.
Insider Tip: Kensington might scream money, but there are still places to pick up a
bargain. The charity shops here (particularly along Kensington Church Street) are full of
designer bargains. After all, where else is London's upper crust going to drop off last season's
clobber? It might not be good enough for them, but if you're looking for cut-price Gucci and
Pucci, that's where you'll find it. That's not to say you'll be paying pennies for your wares (the
people who work here aren't stupid), but you can pick up a vintage bargain and do your bit
for charity at the same time. There's nothing better than virtuous shopping, is there?
Herne Hill (Train: Herne Hill) and Dulwich (Train: North Dulwich) merge slightly,
and both attract a "yummy mummy" crowd -- that's middle-class mothers with posh buggies,
in case you're wondering -- but the shops also benefit from a local community vibe. It's
certainly worth browsing here, in preference to Clapham -- which apart from a few gems such
as Lisa Stickley, is unlikely to wow you.
The best place for shopping in London's far southwest is Chiswick (Tube: Turnham
Green), which has always had a thriving artsy community. This is where you'll find modern
little galleries on the corner of residential streets, and unique homewares retailers such as Eco
as well as pop-up stores (temporary shops). It's still a mostly residential suburb, but there's
always something new happening here, especially when it comes to shopping. Start your
browsing along Devonshire Road and follow your senses.
On the Outskirts -- The outskirts of South London are a bit of an odd bag, because
the shopping areas are so widely separated. You can easily get to each area by train or bus
(usually from London Bridge or Victoria stations), but you can't hop between them very
easily like you can in the centre of town. One place to head is Crystal Palace (Train: Crystal
Palace) for its cute collection of vintage shops and indie stores. Check out the Bookseller
Crow, 50 Westow St. (tel. 020/8771-8831; www.booksellercrow.co.uk), for unique children's
books, and then Crystal Palace Antiques.
The South Bank
Apart from Gabriel's Wharf, the South Bank isn't really a shopping destination on its
own -- although the area is slowly getting a facelift. The OXO Tower, Bargehouse St. (tel.
020/7021-1600; Tube: Waterloo), now has a collection of upscale boutiques in its lower
floors, and Hay's Galleria, 2 Battle Bridge Lane (tel. 020/7403-3583; Tube: London Bridge),
by the Tooley Street entrance to London Bridge station, is cute, if rather empty (you'll find a
toyshop and a ubiquitous Starbucks, but not much else). Borough Market brings foodie
crowds south in their droves, as does Tate Modern with its fabulous shop for artsy visitors
and locals.
Something delightful happens to the area over Christmas, however. There's a
Christmas Market, which stretches along the whole South Bank, offering festive delights.
Everything from food to Christmas decorations can be bought, all before taking a trip to see

28
Santa himself. There's also a Slow Food Market in winter (visit www.slowfood.org.uk),
offering roasted meats and chutneys and foods that you'll want to savour.
The City & East London
The financial district itself doesn't really offer much in the way of shopping --
especially at the weekend, when everything tends to be shut. However, a new shopping
centre, One New Change, is attracting a rich crowd for its luxury goods. It's opposite the
eastern end of St. Paul's Cathedral. You'll also find a handful of tailors in the area, and there
are several high-end brands in the nearby Royal Exchange (www.theroyalexchange.com;
Tube: Bank). Unless you're often suited up for work, however, it's not a shopping
destination by itself.
Wander west from St. Paul's and you'll wind up in the jewellery district around Hatton
Garden (Tube: Chancery Lane). On Saturdays it's a sea of nervous men hunting the perfect
engagement ring. If you're not in the market for fancy finger adornments, Lamb's Conduit
Street is a short stroll farther west. It's a beautiful street, full of history -- and now
independent shops and restaurants. Make sure you pop to Persephone for unique literature,
and pick up food goodies from Kennards, 47 Lamb's Conduit St. (tel. 020/7404-4030;
www.kennardsgoodfoods.com), next door.
Continue your adventure farther east on Commercial Street (Tube: Liverpool
St./Train: Shoreditch High St.), Shoreditch. This is where you'll find the best vintage shops in
the city. They're on almost every corner, and new one seems to appear every day, alongside
pop-up stores just here for the weekend. Make sure you hit Absolute Vintage and the smaller
Blondie around the corner, on the way to the antiques market in Spitalfields.
A short stroll north, Columbia Road is more than just a flower market; in many ways,
the main attractions are the artist studios that line the street. Head up every single one of
those staircases you see. If the door is open, you're allowed in. You'll find artists at work and
shops such as Jessica Chorley, 158a Columbia Rd. (tel. 07708/921550;
www.jessiechorley.com; Train: Shoreditch), selling handmade notebooks and jewellery.
Once you're done with the studios and shops -- Ryan Town sells fabulous papercuts --
everything at the flower market will be going cheap come 3pm.
North London
Shoppers should split north London in two: Camden (Tube: Camden Town) has its
heavy metal and Goth shops; Primrose Hill (Tube: Chalk Farm) and its surrounds has perfect
little streets full of local finds. The two could not be more different, but that doesn't mean
either is less enticing.
Camden could never be dull. Even if the bustling high street with its black leather-
clad crowds isn't your thing, it's worth a stroll just for the spectacle: street-food stalls and
Goths in full make-up at lunchtime against a backdrop of Camden Lock and the canal.
Camden Market itself has changed somewhat since a fire in 2008. The refurbishment has
tidied things up a little, although many would argue that some of the charm has gone with it.
The stalls are back, the Stables area is more exciting, and everything is just perhaps a little
more refined; it still has some rough Camden charm, but also a wider appeal, whether you're
looking for neon industrial clubwear or handmade jewellery. It's best to avoid the food stalls,
though.
Primrose Hill is Camden's northern neighbour, and the Cinderella to North London's
ugly sister. Everything is pretty, perfect, and rather posh. The original cupcake Primrose
Bakery, 69 Gloucester Ave. (tel. 020/7483-4222; www.primrosebakery.org.uk), is here, and
the area is popular with fashion celebs such as Kate Moss and Sadie Frost. Designer stores,
Chi-Chi art galleries, and overpriced clothes are what you'll find in this part of town. Some
might claim that there's not much substance, but if you're willing to search, there are great

29
frocks in Anna, 126 Regent's Park Rd. (tel. 020/7483-0411; www.shopatanna.co.uk), and
beautiful interiors shops for any budget.
Angel -- in Islington, south and east of Camden -- bridges the gap between indie and
vintage cool, and luxury and boutique style. Head to Camden Passage for the best of vintage
(we favour other shops over Denorex). The weekend market stalls are interesting, but the real
charm lies in the street's small shops. Upscale vintage and specialized antiques flank both
sides, leading up to Essex Road and Upper Street. Both these major thoroughfares have shops
lining them: Essex Road is good for independent designers; Upper Street sticks to high-street
and specialist chains such as Joy and Oliver Bonas, 147-148 Upper St. (tel. 020/7424-5305;
www.oliverbonas.com). Make sure you walk south from Angel along St. John Street; My
Sugarland is a beautiful shop showcasing the very best in women's clothing.
Greenwich
Although many London stores now open on Sundays, the best weekend shopping is
still the stalls of Greenwich's flea and craft markets. The ideal way to arrive is to float
downstream on a boat from Embankment or Westminster piers. The trip takes about a half-
hour. Both the DLR station (Cutty Sark) and the pier are minutes from the indoor craft
market, which is held Wednesday through Sunday. Greenwich town centre isn't very big:
Follow the signs -- or the crowd -- and you'll find it. Greenwich Market is bursting with art
and crafts, both global and local. The shops around the outside of the market are also worth a
look, and make sure to walk through the food market when you're done, if only to try the
churros filled with dulce de leche (milk caramel).
You're now only 5 minutes from Greenwich rail station, on Greenwich High Road,
from which there's a train back to the centre of London every half-hour until about 11:30pm.
Make sure you check out the shops around the rest of Greenwich first. Buy pies and tarts at
Rhodes Bakery, 37 King William Walk (tel. 020/8858-8995; www.rhodesbakery.co.uk), or
vintage accessories and retro music from Beehive, 322 Creek Rd. (tel. 020/8858-1964).
Book time, 227 Greenwich High Rd. (tel. 020/8293-0096) is great for bargain books.

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 UNIT 9

9.1. Lead in
1. If you could save, invest or spend 1,000 euros in just one day what would you do
with it? Explain your answer.
2. Does it matter if a wife earns more than her husband?
3. Were you given, or did you earn your pocket money as a child? What about now?
4. What was the first thing you saved up for and bought yourself?
5. What can’t money buy?
6. What do you understand by plastic money?
7. How many ways of paying for a product do you know?

9.2. Reading objective

Can Money Buy Happiness?
The following questions and answer make up an imaginary interview that sum up the
real answers to the same questions, given by more hundreds of people, as part of an opinion
survey about how important money is in our life.
Q: Were you given, or did you earn pocket money as a child?
A: I was given two shillings a week by my father, but on condition that I behaved
myself. If I didn’t behave well, I didn’t receive it. Parents were much stricter in those days.
Q: What was the first thing you saved up for and bought yourself.
A: A set of toy soldiers. Not the plastic ones you get nowadays, but little metal ones,
beautifully hand painted. It took me nearly a year to save up for them. If I’d known that they
would be valuable antiques today, I would have kept them. They would probably be worth a
fortune now.
Q: It’s impossible to have too much money – do you agree?
A: Yes. If you have dreams, money makes them possible. Personally, I can’t imagine
having too much money. I’m always broke. Anyway, if I ever felt I had too much money, I’d
give it away to charity.
Q: Would you prefer fame or fortune?
A: Being practical, I’d say fortune, but if I were single, with no kids and no
responsibilities, I’d go for fame.
Q: If you could buy yourself a skill, a talent or change in your appearance, what
would you choose?
A: Well there are lots of things I’d like to be better at, but if I had to choose one, I ‘d
like to be a brilliant football player.
Q: What can’t money buy?
A: Happiness. I tend to think that once I have enough money to buy some new clothes
or get a better car, then I’ll be happy. But it never works out like that.
Reading comprehension?
1. What did the respondent first save up money for?

31
 2.What would the respondent choose between fame and fortune? Why?
3. What can’t money buy according to the text?

9.3 Language in use

I. Paying and bargaining. If a product you want to buy has no price label you may ask:
How much is it ? or How much does it cost ? The shop assistant can ask you : What method
of payment do you prefer : cash, by cheque or by credit card ?
If you go shopping in an elegant boutique in the centre of a large city, it is quite
probable that bargaining is not accepted. But if you go to small shops, to bazaars in Greece,
Turkey or the Middle
East the shopkeepers will be happy to haggle and most of them speak English.
If you don’ agree to their price you can say something like : I’ll buy this for … (sum) .
or : How much is that if I buy two ? , I’ll buy a T-shirt as well if you give me the jeans for 10
euros.
Now imagine you are a customer. What would you say if you want to buy the
following for a lower price: a) a shirt (initial price 25 euros) for 15 euros ; b) a gold bracelet
(initial price 100 euros) for 80 euros.
II. Stating preferences. When you go shopping (and not only) you may need to
express your preferences.
Comparing things often involves making a choice. If we are comparing different cars,
items of clothing, etc for example, we often state our preferences at the same time. Here are
some useful ways of stating what you prefer:
As far as I’m concerned, the best …
From my point of view, the best …
I’d go for this one because …
I’d much prefer that one because … This one is preferable because …
I’d rather have that one because …
Decide how you would use these expressions to talk about a) a dress / a pair of
trousers / a suit / a computer you want to buy; b) different things to eat and drink. (Perhaps
look at a restaurant menu and decide what dishes to select.)

9.4. Translation practice (English → Romanian)

'The best things in life are free, but you can give them to the birds and bees, I want
money, that’s what I want, that’s what I want.'' In 1959, these words were written by Barrett
Strong in a song called ''Money (That's What I Want).'' The song was later made famous
throughout the United States and the UK when The Beatles covered it in 1963.
One year later, The Beatles again topped the charts with the hit song, ''Can’t Buy Me
Love.'' When asked about the meaning of the lyrics, Paul McCartney said, ''The idea behind it
was that all these material possessions are all very well, but they won't buy me what I really
want.'' However, when reflecting on the perks that money and fame had brought him, he was
to later comment: ''It should have been 'Can Buy Me Love.' ''
Paul McCartney and The Beatles are not the only ones who have contradictory views
around the age-old question, ''Can money buy happiness?'' Put another way, ''Does money,
or lack thereof, impact how happy we are?'' Psychologists, philosophers and ordinary folks
have debated this question for years.
In the last decade, the field of psychology took a dramatic turn from only looking at
mental illness, to exploring what makes people feel fulfilled, engaged and happy. This
Positive Psychology Movement has produced an expansive amount of researchers who are
looking at things such as happiness, positive emotions, optimism and healthy character traits.

32
At some point, every one of these top researchers explored the effects of money on happiness
and positive emotions.
What we are finding out is that happiness is the ultimate currency. Not only do happy
people enjoy life more and have more fun, but they also practice positive lifestyle habits and
have stronger immune systems. When faced with illness, happier and more optimistic
individuals have been shown to be more proactive in their medical care, more compliant with
treatment and medication, have quicker recoveries and show better health outcomes. So, if
we want to be healthier and happier, it’s worth figuring out where money comes into play.
When we talk about happiness, we need to look at it from two separate aspects--life
satisfactions vs. moment-to-moment moods. I can be satisfied with my overall life, yet still
have moments when I am not happy. Vice versa, some folks can be dissatisfied with their
current circumstances and wish for change, but still have many moments of joy throughout
the day. Interestingly, money affects our feelings about both aspects of happiness.

33
 UNIT 10

10.1. Lead in
1. How many meals do you have daily?
2. Are you a good cook? What can you cook best?
3. Ask your desk mate about his/ her favourite food/ drink. Then tell him/her what to
cook if he/she invites you to have dinner together.
4. What do you think about being a vegetarian?
5. In terms of food, what comes to your mind when you think of the following
countries: the USA, France, Austria, Japan, China, Greece, Turkey, the UK?
6. Can you add any more countries to the list above? What food/ drink are they
famous for?
7. What Romanian traditional dishes would you recommend a foreigner?

10.2. Reading objective

British Food and Cuisine
British cuisine has always been multicultural, a pot pourri of eclectic styles - in
ancient times influenced by the Romans and in medieval times by the French. During
Victorian times good old British stooge mixed with exotic spices from all over the Empire.
The Britons learnt quite a lot from the colonies. In London especially, one can not only
experiment with the best of British, but the best of the world as there are many distinct ethnic
cuisines to sample, Chinese, Indian, Italian and Greek restaurants are amongst the most
popular.
Among English cakes and pastries, many are tied to the various religious holidays of
the year.
Hot Cross Buns are eaten on Good Friday, Simnel Cake is for Mothering Sunday,
Plum Pudding for Christmas, and Twelfth Night Cake for Epiphany.
Some traditional dishes such as roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, Cornish pasties,
steak and kidney pie, bread and butter pudding, treacle tart, spotted dick or fish and chips,
remain popular. Roast beef is still the national culinary pride. It is called a "joint," and is
served at midday on Sunday with roasted potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, two vegetables, a
good strong horseradish, gravy, and mustard.
The British Breakfast
The great British breakfast is famous throughout the world! Many British people are
more likely to have a bowl of cornflakes or a cup of coffee, but the typical English breakfast
is a 19th century invention, when most English people adopted the copious meal of porridge,
fish, bacon and eggs, toast and marmalade, that has now appeared on English breakfast tables
for 100 years. The annual consumption in the United Kingdom is 450,000 tons of bacon,
5,000 tons of sausages and millions of eggs, so you can see the Great British Breakfast is
very much alive and well. It has retained its popularity as one of the country's favourite
meals, and survived a whole series of eating trends and food fads. Nowadays the great British
breakfast consists of toast with jam or marmalade, pastries, fresh orange juice, freshly

34
brewed coffee, a choice of cereals, porridge, stewed fruit , scrambled egg, streaky and
back bacon, black pudding or grilled mushrooms.
Tea
Tea, that most quintessential of English drinks, came relatively late to British shores.
Although the custom of drinking tea dates to the third millennium BC in China, it was not
until the mid-17th century that the beverage first appeared in England. It was the Portuguese
and Dutch traders who first imported tea to Europe, with regular shipments by 1610. England
was a latecomer to the tea trade, as the East India Company did not capitalize on tea's
popularity until the mid-18th century. It was the London coffee houses that were responsible
for introducing tea to England. One of the first coffee house merchants to offer tea was
Thomas Garway, who owned an establishment in Exchange Alley. He sold both liquid and
dry tea to the public as early as 1657. Three years later he issued a broadsheet advertising tea
at £6 and £10 per pound (ouch!), touting its virtues at "making the body active and lusty",
and "preserving perfect health until extreme old age". Tea gained popularity quickly in the
coffee houses, and by 1700 over 500 coffee houses sold it. By 1750 tea had become the
favoured drink of Britain's lower classes. Nowadays, it is Britain’s favourite drink and it is
also a meal in the afternoon, consisting in cookies, other sweets and of course tea.
Reading comprehension
1. What does a traditional English breakfast consist of?
2. Enumerate a few traditional English dishes.
3. Why is tea not only a drink but also a meal?

10.3 Translation Practice ( English →Romanian)

A. Potatoes have a unique place in the British diet. We each eat around 130kg every
year; boiled, baked, roasted, mashed and chipped, the humble spud is a familiar, much loved
part of mealtimes. What is surprising, though, is that although there are around 500 varieties
of potato, only about 80 varieties are grown commercially, so only a few are well known and
available in Britain's supermarkets.
We're all familiar with delectable Jersey Royals, with their wonderfully distinctive
flavour; Cara are excellent for baking; King Edwards are superb roasted, mashed or chipped;
Maris Piper are dry and floury and good for all methods of cooking, while the dense, moist
flesh of Charlottes makes wonderful potato salad.
But how many of us have come across Lady Christl, Dunbar Rover or Mr Little's
Yetholm Gypsy? These old-fashioned potato types are now deemed 'heritage' or 'gourmet'
varieties and are hard to find, although you may be lucky and come across them at farmers'
markets or from a specialist grower.
The trouble is that these heirloom potatoes are not cosmetically perfect. Even the
Prince of Wales had his organic potatoes rejected by the supermarkets because they weren't
shiny enough! He sold them to South Gloucestershire County Council instead, who supply
them to local schools. It's not surprising that many people think of potatoes as bland and
insipid if they can only buy flawless, perfectly shaped specimens with little flavour.
The supermarkets may offer us a choice beyond just 'White' or 'Red' nowadays, but
there's still a terrific range of potatoes with unique flavours and textures far beyond those
currently available. Fortunately, some supermarkets are dipping a cautious toe in the water
and are offering a few 'heirloom' varieties. I discovered some Shetland Blacks in the
supermarket recently. These small, purplish/black-skinned potatoes have yellow flesh and a
floury texture and are very tasty baked or sautéed.
Different potatoes have their own distinctive taste and their texture varies
considerably too, so it's important to cook them correctly. A potato may be described as
having a waxy or floury texture. Floury potatoes tend to break up when boiled, so are best

35
baked, roasted or chipped, while waxy potatoes are moister and have less starch, so are good
for boiling and in potato salad and layered potato dishes.
Some old-fashioned varieties date back a century or more and come in an amazing
range of shapes, colours and interesting flavours. I'm going to try and track down as many
unusual varieties as possible, not only for their unique flavours, but also to experience a true
taste of our culinary history.

B. Britons eat out much more than they used to—which means their diets are even
worse than those figures suggest. The average Briton eats just three grams of green
vegetables in a restaurant each week. He dines out on 44 grams of chips and 75 grams of
meat.
Engels was partly right about the reasons for this: harried working mothers have less
time to cook. Steady advances in technology—not just freezers and microwave ovens but
better containers for processed food—mean they do not need to. Above all, people have far
more choice. The speed with which Britons have abandoned foods like cabbage suggests they
never liked them much. Brussels sprouts were once such a staple that they were part of the
basket of goods used to calculate inflation. Sprout consumption has fallen by more than four-
fifths since 1974.
But if worries about changes in what people eat are well-founded, fears about the
decline of cooking and family meals are much less so. Britons are no worse in the kitchen
than they were in the past. They are just no better. Most people can rustle up about seven
different meals and simply repeat them, says Jon Firth of Kantar World panel, a market-
research firm. That is not all that different from 1950s family meals in which the same
dishes—Sunday roasts, leftovers made into cottage pies, sausage and mash—featured every
week. And today’s repertoires might at least feature once-exotic dishes such as pasta.
Nor has the tradition of family eating declined as much as is commonly supposed.
Britons have never eaten together as much as they like to think. People interviewed in the
1970s about their childhoods in the early 20th century often remembered meals without
parents. Posh mothers were commonly off doing charity work; working-class fathers were on
unsociable shifts. People still sit down to a roast Sunday lunch, a meal rarely eaten in
solitude, 14 times a year on average.
Mealtimes are no longer conventional or clearly defined. People eat often and quickly.
One study comparing Britain and Spain found that about 40% of Spaniards were eating at
2.50pm and about 30% at 9.30pm. At no point in the day were as many as 20% of Britons
eating. Over the years, peaks in sewage flow have greatly diminished, notes Rob Smith, chief
sewer-flusher for Thames Water.
Still, include the number of hours spent eating out, and the total time that families
spend together over food has stayed remarkably constant over the years, says Peter Jackson, a
geographer who studies families and food at Sheffield University. Britons eat badly and
erratically. But they do it together.

10.4. Language in use

Ordering food. Talking to the waiter.
If you go abroad you may want to eat out, so it would be useful to know a few words
connected to ordering food. Read the following short dialogues between a guest and a waiter
and then build your own dialogues.
a) A : Hello, sir !
B : Hello. Can I have a have sandwich, please ?
A : Yes, of course. Here you are. Anything else ? B : No, thanks.
A : Fifty-nine cents, please.

36
 B : Thanks. Keep the change. A : Thank you, sir.
b) A : Hello, I’m John Howard. I have booked a table for six for 9p.m. tonight.
B : Hello, sir. Just a moment to check your booking…. You’re right, table for six,
near the window, 9 p.m. The waiter will see you off at your table.
C : Hello, ladies and gentlemen, follow me. This way, please… this is your table…
and here are the menus. Enjoy your evening.
c) A : Are you ready to order, madam ?
B : Yes, I’d like two tuna salads, two chocolate ice creams and a white coffee for my
friend.
A : Sure, madam. Anything else ?
B : A glass of still water for me, please. A : OK, madam.
B. Thank you.
d) A : Yes, sir ?
B : A coffee, please. A : Black or white ? B : Sorry ?
A : Black or white ? Milk ?
B : Ah ! Black please. No milk.
A : Sixty pence, sir. B : Thanks.
Now imagine you are hungry and you go to a nice restaurant in London. How do you
order your food ? You can also think of a menu.

37
 UNIT 11

11.1. Lead in
1. How is communication different now from what it was a) 20 years ago; b) 50 years
ago; c) 150 years ago; d) 1000 years ago?
2. What new communication devices do you think will be invented in the next 25
years?
3. The Internet is among the most important inventions of the 20th century. What are
its main uses? What do you, as a student, use it for?
4. Are you a member of social network sites? How have they changed the way we
conceive communication? What do you use them for mainly? What are their other possible
uses?

11.2. Reading objective

Social Network Sites
Since their introduction, social network (or networking) sites have attracted millions
of users, who have integrated them into their daily routines. As statistics say, most of SNS-s
users are young and very young people who become members of such sites for socializing,
keeping in touch with friends and making new friends. But private issues are not the only
ones discussed on SNS-s. Public ones (such as politics, social problems) are of interest for
SNS-s members.
Regarding a possible definition of a social networking service, it is an online service,
platform, or site that focuses on building and reflecting of social networks or social relations
among people, who, for example, share interests and/or activities. A social network service
essentially consists of a representation of each user (often a profile), his/her social links, and
a variety of additional services. Social networking sites allow users to share ideas,
activities, events, and interests within their individual networks.
The main types of social networking services are those which contain category places
(such as former school year or classmates), means to connect with friends (usually with self-
description pages) and a recommendation system linked to trust. Popular methods now
combine many of these, with Facebook and Twitter widely used worldwide, Nexopia (mostly
in Canada); Bebo, VKontakte, Hi5, Hyves (mostly in The Netherlands), Draugiem.lv (mostly
in Latvia), StudiVZ (mostly in Germany), iWiW (mostly in Hungary), Tuenti (mostly in
Spain), Nasza-Klasa (mostly in Poland), Nyx.cz (mostly in Czech Republic), Decayenne,
Tagged, XING, Badoo and Skyrock in parts of Europe;] Orkut and Hi5 in South America
and Central America; and Friendster, Mixi, Multiply, Orkut, Wretch, renren and Cyworld in
Asia and the Pacific Islands and Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Orkut are very popular in
India.
Social networks or social communities such as Facebook, Hi5.com, YouTube,
MySpace, Xing or Friendster are currently the most popular ways of meeting people. These
networks meet the young people’s needs of communication, help them develop / find their
identity, (re) present themselves, practice peer-group experiences, offer them spaces of
freedom, experimentation and crossing any boundaries. The popularity of these communities

38
could be explained by children and young people’s needs to be noticed, recognized and to
become popular. They want to be seen and, in the same time, to see how appreciated and
sympathized they are – or how they seem to be.
Reading comprehension:
1.How would you define a social network site?
2.What are its main functions?
3.What needs and expectations of young people (and not only) do they satisfy?

11.3. Language in use

Telephoning. Making and changing arrangements.
1. Complete the following conversations with phrases from the list below:
Dialogue 1:
A:
B: Good morning! Could I speak to Ms. Reynolds, please?
Dialogue 2:
A: I need Mr. Stevens’ number, please.
B:
Dialogue 3:
A:
B: Yes, hold the line one moment and I’ll put you through.
Dialogue 4:
A: I’m afraid he’s in a meeting now.
B:
Dialogue 5:
A:
B: Mihai Ionescu from Flamingo electronics.
Phrases:
a) OK. I’ll call back later. Thank you.
b) Hello, RB Advertising. Can I help you?
c) Just a moment, sir. I’ll look it up for you. d)Hello. Extension 4521, please.
e) Who’s calling, please?
2. Unscramble the sentences below to obtain three coherent telephone conversations:
Dialogue 1:
A: Oh, good morning, Miss Smith!
B: Mr. Hartley? Good morning! A: Good. See you the. Good bye.
B: I’m ringing to remind you about the meeting tomorrow. 10 a.m., at your office as
arranged?
A: 10a.m., that’s right.
DIALOGUE 2:
A: Right. I’m looking forward to seeing you. goodbye.
B: Oh, hello, Mr. Williams, nice to hear from you! B: I’m afraid I can’t today. What
about tomorrow?
A: Hello! Ms. Lester? This is Tom Williams speaking, from RB Advertising.
A: I called to see if we can discuss a business proposition that our company wishes to
make.
B: Yes, 1 p.m. is OK. See you tomorrow.
A: , I hoped we could meet and talk about it. How about me coming to your
officelater today?

39
 B: I see. Could you be more specific?
A: Tomorrow will be fine. Let’s say 1 p.m., if it’s suitable for you, too.
Dialogue 3:
A: Would it be possible for you to meet us on Tuesday afternoon instead? B: Hello,
John Andrews speaking, from Durham Building.
A: Hello, Mr. Andrews.
A: I’m calling on behalf of my boss. He is very sorry he won’t be able to meet you
this
afternoon.

B: OK, I’ll be waiting for your call. Good bye, then.

B: Let me check my diary… I’m afraid I can’t. What about Wednesday morning?
B: Oh, I see.
A: Wednesday morning is all right. However, I’ll call you back later to confirm. A:
Thank you. Goodbye.
3. Together with your desk mate imagine a few short telephone conversations in
which: a) you ask for an extension; b) you want to speak to someone, but the line is busy / the
person is not in the office; c) you arrange to meet someone tomorrow at 4 p.m.; d) you try to
change an arrangement already made.

11.4 Translation practice (English →Romanian)

Who can turn around your day with a kind word or a smile?
At my local coffee shop, there is a barista who always makes my day. She greets me
with a big smile, always has a compliment at the ready and is sincerely interested in my life. I
love getting coffee from her. If I am having a crap time, she makes it a bit brighter. She does
this for all her customers. She knows their names, their orders, and their lives. My barista is a
shiny beacon of positivity and joy.
There is push-pull effect in all communication. The way you communicate can pull
people toward you like a magnet or repel people away like a deadly scorpion hiding in the
rug. Every time you open your mouth, the question needs to be asked: “is what I am about to
say going to pull people in or push them out of my life?”
Luckily, there are 11 inspired minds (and one fictional rabbit) who can guide us
to have improved communication and better relationships in these 12 brilliant quotes:
1. “You never know when a moment and a few sincere words can have an impact on a
life” ~ Zig Ziglar
A well-timed positive word or compliment can change the course of someone’s day.
2. “Who you are is speaking so loudly that I can’t hear what you’re saying” ~ Ralph
Waldo Emerson
Being authentic to who you are speaks volumes. People are drawn to authenticity and
vulnerability. Coming off like a slimy, fake used-car dealer (or Kardashian) pushes people
away.
3. “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all” ~ Thumper
from Bambi Negative words traumatize and leave an impression that can last for days. If the
communication is going to do harm, take Thumper’s advice.
4. “You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people
than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you” ~ Dale Carnegie
“You” are the most important word in any conversation. Minimize the “I” and the
“Me” and focus on the “you.”
5. “What will they think of me? Must be put aside for bliss” ~ Joseph Campbell

40
 Put aside your worries about what other’s will think of you and just serve others with
your message.
6. “I speak to everyone in the same way, whether he is the garbage man or the
president of the university” ~ Albert Einstein
Treat everyone with respect no matter their status.
7. “Don’t be embarrassed by your failures. Learn from them and start again” ~ Sir
Richard Branson
Miscommunications and misunderstandings happen! You learn much about how you
communicate through your mistakes and you learn a lot about the person you are talking to as
well!
8. “The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said” ~ Peter
Drucker
The ability to read the emotions and nonverbal communication of another person
increases understanding and elevates relationships.
9. “Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they
have to say something” ~ Plato
Speak with a purpose, not just to fill-up a silence. Remember: silence is a gift that
allows self- reflection.
10. “Be sincere; be brief; be seated” ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt Amen!
11. “The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference
between lightning and a lightning bug” ~ Mark Twain
Words are powerful! When you chose just the right word, you increase understanding
ten-fold.
12. “The way we communicate with others and with ourselves ultimately determines
the quality of our lives” ~ Anthony Robbins
If you are positive and communicate positivity, you will attract more of that into your
life.
Here’s your challenge: go out today and make a positive impact on someone’s day.
Listen. Be sincere. Smile generously. Be generous in praise and compliments.
Communication has power to make a difference and change lives, or at the very least make
someone’s day more luminous.

41
 UNIT 12

12.1. Lead in
1. What comes to your mind when you think of the USA?
2. Enumerate a few reasons why you would like to visit the USA.
3. Think of some positive and some negative aspects of the American civilisation,
which, in your opinion, influence your daily life.
4. What comes to your mind when you think about sports in the USA?

12.2. Reading objective

The United States of America (also referred to as the United States, the U.S., the
USA, or America) is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal
district. The country is situated mostly in central North America, where forty-eight states and
Washington, D.C., the capital district, lie between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, bordered
by Canada to the north and Mexico to the south. The state of Alaska is in the northwest of the
continent, with Canada to the east and Russia to the west across the Bering Strait. The state of
Hawaii is an archipelago in the mid-Pacific. The country also possesses several territories in
the Caribbean and Pacific.
At 3.79 million square miles (9.83 million km2) and with over 310 million people, the
United States is among the largest and most populated countries in the world. It is one of the
world's most ethnically diverse and multicultural nations, the product of large-scale
immigration from many countries. The U.S. economy is the world's largest national
economy, with a 2010 GDP of $14.780 trillion.
How did we come to call this vast territory America? In 1507, German cartographer
Martin Waldseemüller produced a world map on which he named the lands of the Western
Hemisphere "America" after the Italian explorer and cartographer Amerigo Vespucci. The
former British colonies first used the country's modern name in the 1776 Declaration of
Independence. Later, other official documents used this name as well.
The United States is the world's oldest surviving federation. It is a constitutional
republic and representative democracy, "in which majority rule is tempered by minority
rights protected by law". In the American federalist system, citizens are usually subject to
three levels of government: federal, state, and local.
The federal government is composed of three branches: legislative (the bicameral
Congress, made up of the Senate and the House of Representatives, makes federal law,
declares war, approves treaties, has the power of the purse, and has the power of
impeachment, by which it can remove sitting members of the government), executive (the
president and the government; the president is the commander-in-chief of the military forces,
can veto legislative bills before they become law, and appoints the members of the Cabinet
(subject to Senate approval) and other officers, who administer and enforce federal laws and
policies), judicial (the Supreme Court and lower federal courts, whose judges are appointed

42
by the president with Senate approval, conduct trials, interpret laws and change those they
find unconstitutional).
The United States has operated under a two-party system for most of its history. Since
the middle of the 19th century, the major parties have been the Democratic Party, founded in
1824, and the Republican Party, founded in 1854.
Within American political culture, the Republican Party is considered centre-right or
"conservative" and the Democratic Party is considered centre-left or "liberal". The states of
the Northeast and West Coast and some of the Great Lakes states, known as "blue states", are
relatively liberal. The "red states" of the South and parts of the Great Plains and Rocky
Mountains are relatively conservative.
The winner of the 2008 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama, is the
44th U.S. president. The 2010 midterm elections saw the Republican Party take control of
the House and make gains in the Senate, where the Democrats retain the majority. In the
112th United States Congress, the Senate comprises 51 Democrats, two independents, and
47 Republicans; the House comprises 242 Republicans and 193 Democrats. There are 29
Republican and 20 Democratic state governors, as well as one independent.
The USA are many times seen as a symbol of freedom; they are the land where people
go to achieve their dreams and the lad which as influenced the world’s culture in a decisive
way.
Who hasn’t fallen in love with the American film industry and its stars, who has never
eaten in a fast food restaurant, who has never watched a baseball match (the American
national sport), at least in movies? We are going to end this first presentation of the USA by
talking about American sport, promoted by everybody, from the President himself to
educational and health policies. Besides baseball, American football and basketball are
also very popular among Americans, as well as golf and auto racing.
However, sport is not the only important issue when talking about American culture;
customs and traditions, food, holidays are also very present in the Americans’ lives, and not
only as they have been successfully exported worldwide. The following Reading objective
will be dedicated to them.
Reading comprehension:
1. Which are the main two parties in the USA?
2. What two structures does the Congress consist of?
3. Which are the three branches of the American federal Government?
4. Enumerate a few aspects of culture / civilization that the USA are famous for.
5. Enumerate a few sports popular among the Americans.

12.3. Vocabulary
1. Having a hobby is good both for your physical and mental health. Check the
meaning of the new words from the list below and tell if any of them is your hobby: dancing,
visiting museums, doing crosswords, walking, skiing, listening to music, watching TV,
taking photographs, ice-skating, cooking, playing computer games, sailing, painting,
swimming, reading, going to the cinema, playing volleyball, windsurfing, sunbathing, playing
cards, fishing.
2. Write play or go in front of the following:
football,
ice skating,
swimming,
windsurfing,
golf,
walking,

43
 baseball,
dancing,
ice hockey,
volleyball,
sailing,
skiing,
fishing,
tennis,

12.4 Language in use

Inviting. Accepting / refusing an invitation. Apologising .
1. Depending on the addressee, an invitation can be formal. Read the following
possible invitations and rank them according to their degree of formality.
a) We’re going to the theatre on Sunday evening and we were wondering if you’d
like to join us.
b) If you’re free tonight, why not come round for a drink ?
c) If you don’t have any plans for the weekend I’d be happy to show you the old
town and some museums. I’m sure you’ll love it.
d) Hello, sir. Andreea Popescu speaking, Mr. Howard’s assistant manager. He would
like to invite you to dinner tomorrow evening. Would that be possible for you ?
e) It gives me great pleasure to invite you to the hotel’s inauguration ceremony , on
the 20th next month.
f) We would be honoured if you accepted to have supper with the members of our
department at the company club on Friday evening.
g) How about going to a movie on Saturday ?
2. Now look at the following thank your expressions. Some of them can be used when
accepting, others when declining an invitation. Use them to build your own answers to the
invitations above.
It’ very kind of you to invite me but I’ve already got something planned.
What a pity. I don’t think I can come. I’ve got some friends coming for dinner. Thank
you very much, that would be nice.
Sure, why not ? Thank you for the invitation.
That’s very nice of you but unfortunately I’ m busy this weekend.
1. You are an assistant manager and you must invite a foreign guest : a) to dinner ; b)
to look round the factory ; c) to make a speech at an official dinner ; on behalf of your boss.
Together with your desk mate decide what exactly you can say.

12.5. Translation practice (English →Romanian)

The Story of Helen Keller, The Girl Who Could Not See, Hear or Speak
I’d like you to know the story of Helen Keller, who could neither see nor hear from
the time she was a baby. Yet the brilliant girl was able to overcome all those handicaps, to
graduate from a college with honours and become a useful citizen.
I must say there was nothing wrong with Helen Keller when she was born. Her father
and mother were very proud of their pretty baby, who tried to say “pa-pa” and “ma-ma”.
For nineteen months Helen grew bigger and stronger. She was able to walk when she
was a year old; she could say a few words.
But one day the child fell ill. She must have been very ill. For days she was laid up
with a high fever and soon the parents learned that their darling would never be able to see
and hear.

44
 The little child was now doomed to a life of silence and darkness. She could not hear
what was said to her and did not know how to talk, she was unable to play with other
children.
When Helen was 6 years old her parents took her to Baltimore and then to
Washington to famous doctors to find out if they could do something to make her hear and
see again, but the doctors could do nothing. The child was hopelessly deaf. Dr. Bell said the
Kellers should address the Perkins
Institution for the blind in Boston and ask if they could send someone to help the
child.
It was a wonderful day for Helen Keller when Ann Sullivan arrived in March 1887 to
take charge of the child who could neither hear nor speak. Helen was nearly seven, Ann
Sullivan was past twenty.
Ann Sullivan found a way to make herself understood. She gave the child a doll, and
taking Helen Keller’s hand she slowly spelled out "d-o-l". The child learnt for the first time
that things must have names.
When Miss Sullivan later spelled into the little girl’s hand the word “w-a-t-e-r” and
then let the water from the pumps run over her hand, a new light seemed to brighten the face
of the child. During the next 3 months, she learned 300 words and could even put some of
them into sentences.
Miss Sullivan loved her pupil who was so quick to learn. She lived with Helen, played
with her and worked with her every hour of the day. By means of the hand language, Helen
and her teacher were able to talk to each other.
Helen learned to read books that were printed for the blind with raised letters. She
also learned to use the typewriter to write what she wanted to say.
When Helen was 10 she was determined that she would
learn to speak.
At first, she learned only the sounds of the letters of the alphabet, but soon she was
able to say words and sentences.
In the story of her life Helen Keller writes, “I shall never forget the surprise and
delight I felt when I uttered my first connected sentence: “It is warm.”
At first, she had much difficulty with her speech, but Ann Sullivan understood what
Helen trying to say. Helen practised speaking day after day until at last she developed a clear
voice.
Later she was able to speak before large crowds which came to hear her whenever she
lectured. At the age of 20 Helen Keller passed all the difficult entrance examinations to
Radcliffe College. Helen did extremely well in her classes and was able to keep up with the
other students. Helen wrote “The Story of My Life” while she was in college. In her writings
and lectures Helen did everything she could to help and encourage others who were blind.
(From "Short Stories of Famous Women")

45
 UNIT 13

13.1. Lead in
1. Name a few official or unofficial American holidays which have come to be
celebrated worldwide (Romania included).
2. What do you know about these holidays?
3. Enumerate a few differences between the UK and the USA in terms of culture,
civilisation, language.

13.2. Reading objective

American Holidays
Americans celebrate a variety of holidays throughout the year. Many of them are the
same with those celebrated in many other parts of the world, such as the New Year,
Christmas or Easter but there are also other celebrations which are specifically American.
Martin Luther King Day is a federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday in
January. The Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. was an African American promoter of equality
among people; he is recognized for his tireless efforts to win civil rights for all people
through nonviolent means.
Groundhog Day is February 2 and has been celebrated since 1887. On Groundhog
Day crowds gather in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to see if the groundhog sees his shadow
after emerging from his burrow, thus predicting six more weeks of winter weather.
Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14. The day was named after an early
Christian martyr and on Valentine’s Day Americans give presents like candy or flowers to the
ones they love. The first mass produced valentine cards were sold in the 1840’s.
Washington’s Birthday is a federal holiday observed in the third Monday of February
to honour George Washington, the first president of the United States. This date is commonly
called Presidents’ Day and people honour the legacy of past presidents on this date.
Mother’s Day celebrate mothers every second Sunday of May. President Woodrow
Wilson who issued a proclamation in 1914 asked Americans to give a public expression of
reverence to mothers on this day.
Father’s Day celebrates fathers every third Sunday of June. Father’s Day began in
1909 in Spokane, Washington when a daughter requested a special day to honour her father, a
Civil War veteran who raised his children after his wife died.
Independence Day is July 4. This holiday honours the nation’s birthday – the adoption
of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. It is a day of picnics and patriotic
parades, a night of concerts and fireworks.

46
 Labour Day is the first Monday of September. This federal holiday honours the
nation’s working people, typically with parades. For most Americans it marks the end of the
summer vacation season and the start of the school year.
Halloween is celebrated on October 31. On Halloween American children dress up
funny or scary costumes and go “trick or treating” by knocking on doors in their
neighbourhood. The neighbours are expected to respond by giving them small gifts of candy
and money.
Thanksgiving Day is a federal holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday in
November. In the fall of 1621 the Pilgrims held a three-day feast to celebrate a good harvest.
Many people consider this event as the nation’s first Thanksgiving. The Thanksgiving feast
became a tradition when families gather together and give thanks to God for the good thing in
their lives. The traditional dishes eaten on this day are roast turkey, cranberry sauce, potatoes
and pumpkin pie.
Reading comprehension
1. What do the Americans celebrate at the end of October?
2. What holidays are celebrated in the first two months of the year?
3. How do the Americans celebrate Independence Day?

13.3. Language in use

Making a date. If you like a person and you want to invite him / her out you must
make a date. These are expressions you can use to arrange to meet someone. Some possible
answers are also given.
Oh, um, are you doing anything this evening, by any chance?
Um, I was thinking of going to the cinema this evening, would you like to come?
Err, are you going to be busy this evening? I was wondering if you might like to come
to the cinema with me.
I’m going out to the theatre with some friends. Would you like to join us?
YES! That’d be lovely. I’d love to.
How nice of you, thanks very much. Mm, that’s a great idea.
NO! Oh, dear, I’m afraid I’m busy tonight.
Tonight’s difficult. Perhaps tomorrow evening, though. I’m sorry, I’m expecting some
visitors this evening.
This evening’s a bit of a problem. What about tomorrow?
Task: Decide when each of these expressions would be appropriate and what you
might say before and after. Think of some possible situations in which you would use each
expression.

13.4 Translation Practice (English →Romanian)

A. Native American life is different today than it was centuries ago, but there is still a
great degree of pride and independence in Native American life. Pride in one’s tribe, care of
the land and respect for nature characterize native American life, and many Native
Americans share these principles today. Although the history of American Indians on the
continent has in later years has included many sad events, Native American pride remains,
and Native American life is ideally filled with pride for one’s roots and love of nature.
Many Native Americans today live on reservations, but in generations past, they
spanned the continent and their lifestyles and traditions varied from tribe to tribe as they do
today. Some Native Americans survived by hunting and gathering and lived in tents, while
others lived in complex longhouses and had a very organized and complex political system.
Before white settlers came to the continent, Native American life was free of European
influences, and Native Americans lived simply off the land. They were not yet acquainted

47
with the serious diseases that would later claim many lives, as Europeans brought smallpox
against which Native American populations lacked resistance. Although there was often
cooperation between tribes regarding farming and trade, other tribes were continuously at war
with each other, such as the Algonquin and the Iroquois. However, the Iroquois would often
have incorporated conquered tribes into their sophisticated political system and thus enlarge
their nation. Many of these alliances and rivalries were exploited when white settlers landed
on the American continent, and some tribes were pitted against others to serve the colonist’s
designs.
B. The American Way of life is individualistic, dynamic, pragmatic. It affirms the
supreme value and dignity of the individual; it stresses incessant activity on his part, for he is
never to rest but is always to be striving to "get ahead"; it defines an ethic of self-reliance,
merit, and character, and judges by achievement: "deeds, not creeds" are what count. The
"American Way of Life" is humanitarian, "forward-looking", optimistic. Americans are
easily the most generous and philanthropic people in the world, in terms of their ready
and unstinting response to suffering anywhere on the globe. The American believes in
progress, in self-improvement, and quite fanatically in education. But above all, the American
is idealistic. Americans cannot go on making money or achieving worldly success simply on
its own merits; such "materialistic" things must, in the American mind, be justified in
"higher" terms, in terms of "service" or "stewardship" or "general welfare"...

48
 UNIT 14

14.1. Lead in
Name a few institutions of the European Union.

14.2. Reading objective

Structure of the European Union : “The Three Pillars”
The EU constitution arises from the totality of rules and fundamental values by which
those in authority perceive themselves to be bound. These rules and values are best
summarised in a tripartite structure metaphorically called a three-pillar structure.
The first pillar is made up of the three European Communities (EC, Euratom and
ECSC) which have been deepened and enlarged by economic and monetary union. At the
heart of the EC is the single market with its four basic freedoms (free movement of goods,
free movement of workers, freedom to provide services and free movement of capital and
payments) and its rules on competition. Policy areas for which the Community is responsible
include: economic and monetary affairs (centred around the single European currency, the
euro); agriculture; visa requirements, asylum and immigration; transport; taxation;
employment; trade; social welfare, education and youth welfare; culture; consumer protection
and health; trans-European networks; industry; economic and social cohesion; research and
technology; the environment; development aid.
The second pillar is related to the common foreign and security policy, with the
following declared aims: safeguarding the commonly held values, fundamental interests and
independence of the EU; strengthening the security of the EU and its member States; securing
world peace and increasing international security; promoting international cooperation;
promoting democracy and the rule of law and safeguarding human rights and basic freedoms.
The third pillar of the European Union covers the domain of cooperation in justice
and home affairs. The aim is to offer citizens freedom, security and justice by jointly
preventing and combating crime (especially terrorism, trafficking in human beings, illicit
drug and arms trafficking corruption and fraud), racism and xenophobia.
The European Union’s Main Institutions
The foundations of a united Europe were laid on fundamental ideas and values to
which the Member States subscribe and which are translated into practical reality by
the Community’s operational institutions.

49
 The main actors on the Community stage are the European Council and the EC
institutions – the European Parliament, The Council of the EU, The European Commission
(these three being the most important) , the European Court of Justice and the Court of
Auditors. There are also several ancillary bodies: the European Central Bank and the
European Investment Bank, the Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the
Regions.
The function of the European Council is to establish policy guidelines for European
integration. The Parliament officially represents the peoples of the Member States. The
number of seats may not exceed 700 and its functions can be divided up into three areas:
decision-making functions (legislative function), advisory function (it can be consulted by the
Council and the Commission) and supervisory function (over the Commission). The
Parliament also appoints an Ombudsman to whom complains about maladministration in the
activities of Community institutions.
The European Commission consists of 20 members including 1 President and 2 Vice-
Presidents, all elected by common accord of the governments of the Member States for a
renewable term of five years. Among its main responsibilities are : initiatives for the further
development of Community policy, monitoring observance and proper application of
Community law, administering and implementing Community legislation, representing the
Community in international organisations.
The seat of the European Commission is in Brussels.
Reading comprehension:
1. What does the three-pillar structure consist of?
2. Which are the EU’s main institutions? Which are the main attributions of each of
them?
3. Where is the seat of the European Commission? What about the European
Parliament?

14.3. Vocabulary
Use the following words and expressions in sentences of your own: fundamental
values, single market, free movement of goods, free movement of workers, free
movement of capital, single European currency, taxation, social welfare, rule of law, human
rights, home affairs, trafficking, xenophobia, ancillary bodies, policy guidelines,
Ombudsman, maladministration, observance of community law, financial instrument(s), non-
reimbursement funds.

14.4. Language in use

Agreeing and disagreeing
Here are some useful ways of agreeing or disagreeing with someone’s opinion. Notice
that you need to be very polite when disagreeing with someone in English – even someone
you know quite well.
AGREEMENT I couldn’t agree more.
That’s just what I was thinking.
You know, that’s exactly what I think. I agree entirely.
That’s a good point.
DISAGREEMENT Yes, that’s quite true, but … I’m not sure I quite agree …
Well, you have a point there, but …
Perhaps, but don’t you think that … I see what you mean, but …
If you know someone very well you can disagree more directly using expressions like
these:
I can’t agree with you there. You can’t be serious!

50
 Come off it!
Don’t be so silly!
Tasks:
1. What do you say if you want to agree / to disagree with someone who tells you
that: a) Nadia Comaneci is the most famous sport personality in Romania; c) Hagi was one of
the best football players in the world.
2. Here is a series of extreme opinions:
“Learning English is pointless.” “Britain is unpleasant to live in.” “Football is
boring.”
“Marriage is out of date.”
“Space travel is a waste of money.” “Strikes should be made illegal.”
“All motorists should be obliged to wear seat belts.”
“There should be a 50-km speed limit on all roads.” “English is a very easy language
to learn.”
Build a short conversation about each topic, using the expressions presented above.
Follow this pattern:
A: It says here that learning English is pointless!
B: I’m not sure I quite agree, I’d say it was very worthwhile. A: Why do you think
that?

B: Well, because English is a world language – you need it to communicate with

people from other countries.
A: That’s just what I was thinking.

14.5 Translation Practice (English → Romanian)

The European project relies on several principles, such as solidarity, openness and a
vision for the future, but also on the relinquishing of nationalism, the source of numerous
conflicts on our continent. European integration is a constantly evolving process. The secret
of its success is constant re-invention and adaptation to new circumstances and needs. By
bringing together former enemies in this process, the EU is the most successful guaranty for
peace our continent has ever seen. The EU has managed to find a peaceful way for
neighbours to cooperate. It relies largely on harmoniously coordinating the policies of its
member states, but integration, the famous Community method, gives it ‘extra soul’. Instead
of looking for the lowest common denominator, here we have for the first time a model
which can achieve much more than simply adding up the various components.
The European Union is a family of 27 countries and 490 million citizens, working
together for peace and prosperity. Therefore, European integration is a large project
incorporating areas as diverse as economics, social policy, consumer protection, competition
policy, monetary policy, cooperation in internal affairs and justice, humanitarian aid,
development cooperation, the Common Foreign and Security Policy, as well as European
citizenship.
Whilst it may be easy for me to tell you about all the EU’s great achievements in
furthering integration on the continent and improving the lives of its citizens, these
achievements may not always be apparent to the EU’s general citizen. It is important in our
modern information technology society to inform our citizens as best as we can of the
advantages that membership in the European Union brings them, as the EU cannot move
forward in its drive for further integration without the full backing of its citizens.
One thing is clear: Ordinary people have other worries on their minds than what
institutional changes the new Lisbon Treaty will bring. To put it in a nutshell: what matters

51
most to citizens is to find solutions for the problems they face in their everyday lives - against
the background of changes due to globalization.
In some way citizens expect the EU to provide them with a kind of insurance
certificate for what I would call the “European way of life”. In my mind this is a wide
concept which goes well beyond European preferences for certain pastimes or fashions: The
European way of life stands for some of the most important achievements in European
politics: peace and stability, the rule of law, human rights and the respect for minorities,
solidarity, pluralism, non-discrimination, tolerance, equality of men and women, but also the
aim of full employment, sustainable jobs, social security, healthcare, a healthy environment,
education, security and last but not least the respect of diversity.
It may sound ironic, but it is still true: the European way of life is in fact outlined
rather well by the very Lisbon Treaty that we find difficult to familiarize the citizens with. In
fact, a great number of the new instruments in the Treaty are there to better defend our way of
life.
Each European Citizen has the right to live, work and study in each member
state. Free movement of workers is a fundamental right which permits nationals of one EU
Member State to work in another Member State under the same conditions as that Member
State’s own citizens. This is an important instrument to make sure people can develop their
skills in the best possible way.

Appendix 1

BRITISH AND AMERICAN ENGLISH

It is widely known that there are differences between American and British English,
but it is also important to remember that there are differences between American English and,
well, American English.
The English language was introduced to the Americans through British colonization
in the early 17th century and it spread to many parts of the world because of the strength of
the British empire. Over the years, English spoken in the United States and in Britain started
diverging from each other in various aspects. This led to two dialects in the form of the
American English and the British English.
Prior to the Revolutionary War and American independence from the British in
1776, American and British accents were similar. Both were rhotic i.e. speakers pronounced
the letter R in hard. Since 1776, the accents diverged but English accent in America has
changed less drastically than accents in Britain. Towards the end of the 18th century, non-
rhotic speech took off in southern England, especially among the upper class; this "prestige"
non-rhotic speech was standardized, and has been spreading in Britain ever since.
To be fair, both American and British English have several types of accents and there
is no one true American or British accent. In British English the present perfect is used to
express an action that has occurred in the recent past that influences the present moment. For
example: I've misplaced my pen. Can you help me find it? In American English, the use of
the past tense is also permissible: I misplaced my pen. Can you help me find it? In British
English, however, using the past tense in this example would be considered incorrect.
Other differences involving the use of the present perfect in British English and
simple past in American English include the words already, just and yet. British English: I've
just had food. Have you finished your homework yet? American English: I just had
food. OR I've just had food. I've already seen that film. OR I already saw that film.

52
 While some words may mean something in British English, the same word
might be something else in American English and vice versa. For example, Athlete in British
English is one who participates in track and field events whereas Athlete in American English
is one who participates in sports in general. There are also some words like AC, Airplane,
bro, catsup, cell phone etc. which are common in American English and not used very often
in British English. Some words widely used in British English and seldom in American
English are advert, anti-clockwise, barrister, cat's eye.
Many of the spelling differences between American and British English fall into the
following categories:
• Latin-derived spellings
o -our (British) and -or (American). e.g. colour vs color
o -re (British) and -er (American). e.g. centre vs center
o -ce (British) and -se (American). e.g. defence vs defense
• Greek-derived spellings
o -ise (British) and -ize (American). e.g. centralise vs centralize
o -yse (British) and -yze (American). e.g. analyse vs analyze
o -ogue (British) and -og (American). e.g. dialogue vs dialog
o Simplification of ae and oe in American English. e.g. gynaecology vs
gynaecology
There are also a few differences between British and American English in the
use of prepositions. For example: While the British would play in a team, Americans would
play on a team.
Another example: While the British would go out at the weekend, Americans would
go out on the weekend. Both languages have a slightly different structure of telling the time.
While the British would say quarter past ten to denote 10:15, it is not uncommon in America
to say quarter after or even a quarter after ten. Thirty minutes after the hour is commonly
called half past in both languages. Americans always write digital times with a colon, thus
6:00, whereas Britons often use a point, 6.00.
While the British would write Mr, Mrs, Dr, the Americans would write Mr., Mrs., Dr.

Engleza Britanica Engleza Americana Traducerea

Aerial Antenna Antena
Autumn Fall Toamna
Biscuit cookie Fursec
Bonnet hood Capota
Boot trunk Portbagaj
Braces suspenders Bretele
chemist's drugstore farmacie
the cinema the movies cinematograf
Cotton thread Aţa
crossroads intersection intersecţie
curtains drapes Perdele
dust-bin trashcan căldare de gunoi
Engine motor Motor
Film movie Film
Flat apartment apartament
Ground floor first floor parter
handbag purse poşeta
Holiday vacation vacanţa
Ill sick Bolnav

53
Jug pitcher container cu lichid, ulcior
Lift elevator Lift
Lorry truck camion
luggage baggage Valiza
Maize corn porumb
Nappy diaper Scutec
pavement sidewalk trotuar
to peepto peeka trage cu ochiul
Petrol gasoline benzina
postman mailman Postas
Pub bar Bar
Queue line Coada
Rubbereraser Guma de sters
Sweet desert Desert
timetable schedule Orar
Tin can conserva
Torch flashlight lanterna
trousers pants pantaloni
waistcoat vest Vesta
wardrobe closet şifonier
Zip zipper fermoar

Appendix II

LIST OF IRREGULAR VERBS

BASE FORM PAST SIMPLE PAST PARTICIPLE TRANSLATION

Arise Arose Arisen A se ridica, a răsări
Be Was, were Been A fi
Bear Bore Born A (se) naşte
Beat Beat Beaten A bate
Become Became Become A deveni
Begin Began Begun A începe
Bend Bent Bent A îndoi
Bet Bet Bet A paria
Bind Bound Bound A lega
Bite Bit Bitten / bit A muşca
Bleed Bled Bled A sângera
Blow Blew Blown A bate (despre vânt)
Break Broke BrokenA rupe, a sparge
Breed Bred Bred A creşte (animale)
Bring Brought Brought A aduce
Broadcast Broadcast Broadcast A transmite
Build Built Built A construi
Burn Burnt / burned Burnt / burned A arde
Burst Burst Burst A izbucni
Buy BoughtBoughtA cumpăra
Catch Caught Caught A prinde
Choose Chose Chosen A alege
Come Came Come A veni

54
Cost Cost Cost A costa
Creep Crept Crept A se târî
Cut Cut Cut A tăia
Deal Dealt Dealt A se ocupa de
Dig Dug Dug A săpa
Do Did Done A face
Draw Drew Drawn A desena
Dream Dreamt / dreamed Dreamt / dreamed A visa
Drink Drank Drunk A bea
Drive Drove Driven A şofa
Eat Ate Eaten A mânca
Fall Fell Fallen A cădea
Feed Fed Fed A hrăni
Feel Felt Felt A simţi
Fight Fought Fought A se lupta
Find Found Found A găsi
Fly Flew Flown A zbura
Forbid Forbade Forbidden A interzice
Forget Forgot Forgotten A uita
Forgive Forgave Forgiven A ierta
Freeze Froze Frozen A îngheţa
Get Got Got A obţine
Give Gave Given A da
Go Went Gone A merge
Grind Ground Ground A măcina
Grow Grew Grown A creşte
Hang Hung Hung A atârna
Have Had Had A avea
Hear Heard Heard A auzi
Hide Hid Hid A ascunde
Hit Hit Hit A lovi
Hold Held Held A ţine
Hurt Hurt Hurt A răni
Keep Kept Kept A ţine
Kneel Knelt Knelt A îngenunchea
Know Knew KnownA şti
Lay Laid Laid A întinde
Lead Led Led A conduce
Lean Leant / leaned Leant / leaned A (se) sprijini
Learn Learnt / learned Learnt / learned A învăţa
Leave Left Left A pleca
Lend Lent Lent A da cu împrumut
Let Let Let A lăsa
Lie Lay Lain A (se)întinde
Light Lit Lit A aprinde
Lose Lost Lost A pierde
Make Made Made A face
Mean Meant Meant A însemna
Meet Met Met A (se) întâlni
Pay Paid Paid A plăti

55
Put Put Put A pune
Read Read Read A citi
Ride Rode Ridden A călări, a merge cu
bicicleta
Ring Rang Rung A suna
Rise Rose Risen A se ridica, a răsări
Run Ran Run A alerga
Say Said Said A spune
See Saw Seen A vedea
Seek Sought Sought A căuta
Sell Sold Sold A vinde
Send Sent Sent A trimite
Set Set Set A apune
Shake Shake ShakenA scutura
Shine Shine Shone A străluci
Shoot Shot Shot A împuşca
Show Showed Shown A arăta
Shrink Shrank Shrunk A (se) micşora
Shut Shut Shut A închide
Sing Sang Sung A cânta
Sit Sat Sat A sta jos, a se aşeza
Sleep Slept Slept A dormi
Slide Slid Slid A aluneca
Smell Smelt Smelt A mirosi
Speak Spoke Spoken A vorbi
Speed Sped Sped A se grăbi, a merge cu
viteză
Spell Spelt Spelt A ortografia
Spend Spent Spent A petrece (timp), a
cheltui (bani)
Spill Spilt Spilt A vărsa (un lichid)
Spin Spun Spun A se roti
Split Split Split A despica
Spoil Spoilt / spoiled Spoilt / spoiled A strica, a răsfăţa
Spread Spread Spread A (se) împrăştia
Stand Stood Stood A sta în picioare
Steal Stole Stolen A fura
STICK Stuck Stuck A lipi
Sting Stung Stung A înţepa
Strike Struck
Stroke Struck
Stricken A bate (despre ceas), A
lovi
Swear Swore Sworn A jura
Sweep Swept Swept A mătura
Swim Swam Swum A înota
Swing Swung Swung A (se) legăna
Take Took Taken A lua
Teach Taught Taught A preda
Tear Tore Torn A sfâşia

56
 Tell Told Told A spune
Think Thought Thought A se gândi
Throw Threw Thrown A arunca
Understand Understood Understood A înţelege
Wake Woke Woken A (se) trezi
Wear Wore Worn A purta
Win Won Won A câştiga

Appendix III

SPELLING RULES

A. Doubling of consonants
Final consonants (except x) are doubled before ending beginning with a vowel letter
when the vowel before it is stressed and spelled with a single letter.
Permit,permitting, permitted
Hot, hotter, hottest
There is no doubling when the vowel is unstressed or written with two letters.
Enter, entering, entered
Dread, dreading, dreaded
Exceptions:
i. Words ending in certain consonants are doubled also after single
unstressed vowels:
-g  -gg- -c  ck-
Humbug, humbugging, humbugged
Traffic, trafficking, trafficked
ii. British English breaks the rule about certain other consonants as well:
-l  -ll- -m  -mm- -p  -pp- signal
signalling, signalled (BrE)
signalling, signalled (AmB)
travel, travelling, travelled (BrE)
traveling, travelled (AmE)
programme, programming, programmed (BrE),
program, programming, programmed (AmE)
worship, worshipping, worshipped (BrE)
worshiping, worshiped (AmE)

57
 Most verbs ending in –p, however, have the regular spellings in both BrE and AmE,
e.g.: develop, envelop, gallop, gossip.

B. Treatment of –y
i. -y changes to –ie before –s
lady ladies carry carries
ii. -y changes to –i before -ed
carry carried
iii. -y changes to –i before –er and -est easy easier, easiest
iv. -y changes to –i before -ly heavy heavily
v. -y does not change before -ing carry carrying
vi. -y does not change if the word ends in vowel + y play plays, played
boyboys
Exceptions: day daily pay paid
lay laid
say said

C. Treatment of –e
i. Final –e is regularly dropped before –ing and -ed shave shaving, shaved
ii. Verbs ending in –ie change –ie to –y before -ing
die dying
iii. Verbs with ending in –ee, -ye, -oe, and often –ge, are exceptions to the rule in
that they do not drop the –e before –ing; but they do drop it before –ed.
Agree, agreeing, agreed
Dye, dyeing, dyed
Hoe, hoeing, hoed
Singe, singing, singed

58
Appendix IV

USEFUL EXPRESSIONS WITH PREPOSITIONS

AT
at a loss / a profit
at a time (when)
at all costs
at Christmas / Easter
at church / the hairdresser’s / school at ease
at first (sight)
at hand
at home / the office at last
at least
at lunch
at this / any rate at night
at once
at peace / war at present
at sea
at the end (place)
at the same time (as)
at the weekend
at times at work

BY
by accident
by air / bus / car / plane / sea / ship
/ train (and other means of transport)
by chance

59
by day / night
by far
by mistake by post
by sight
by surprise
by yourself (alone)

FOR
for a while / time for ever
for goodness’ sake
for heaven’s sake once and for all

FROM
from A to Z
from beginning to end
from head to toe
from morning to night from time of time

IN
in a hurry
in a loud voice in a sense
in a way in all
in any case in bed
in common in danger
in debt
in difficulties in fact
in general
in half
in ink / pencil in love
in my opinion
in other words, in particular
in prison
in private in public in secret in sight
despite in stock
in tears
in the end (time)
in the morning in time
in turn

OF
ahead of
by means of dozens of hundreds of in case of
in front of instead of
because on behalf of

OFF
off duty off limits
off work

ON

60
on business on duty
on foot
on holiday
on purpose on sale
on the other hand
overall on time

OUT OF
out of breath out of control out of danger out of date
out of order
out of practice
out of reach out of stock
out of the question out of work

TO according to due to
in addition to owing to

UNDER
under control
under oath (in a court of law)
under orders
UP
up-to-date (modern)
ups and downs (good times and bad ones)

WITH / WITHOUT (what’s) wrong with (?) green with envy

with / without difficulty
with best wishes with love
with pleasure
without any fuss

61