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Active Vocabulary and Exercises Guide

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16 views2 pages

Active Vocabulary and Exercises Guide

Uploaded by

ignatovapola
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
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ASSIGNMENT 4

Chapters XXVIII-XXXVIII
I. ACTIVE VOCABULARY
to turn smth over in one’s mind – зарождаться в голове (про мысли), постоянно думать о чем-либо,
держать в уме
to cause smb – причинять кому-либо что-либо;
inconvenience (trouble, pain, etc.) – неудобство, беспокойство
to get on well – ладить, хорошо уживаться
complacency n – самодовольство, самоуспокоенность, удовлетворение
disdain n – презрение, пренебрежение
to hold smb in contempt – презирать кого-либо
to take precautions against smth – принять меры предосторожности против чего-либо
shrewd adj – проницательный, практичный
to be panic-stricken – быть в панике, охваченный паникой
to take a risk – рисковать, идти на риск
to put on (no) frills – манерничать, важничать, держаться высокомерно
to swear by smb – свято верить во что-либо, клясться чем-либо
cunning adj, n – хитрый, коварный

II. EXERCISES
1. Give definitions relying on an English-English dictionary; give the derivatives of the words in bold
type:
to swear by smb; to hold smb in contempt; to take precautions against smth; disdain; to put on frills;
cunning; complacency; shrewd

2. Study the use of the active vocabulary in these word combinations and sentences; translate them into
Russian:
a) a shrewd look (face, observer); a cunning smile (hunter, politician); a disdainful word (phrase,
look, manner, grin); a complacent smile (air, philistine, snob)
b) 1. The father’s prestige stood high in the family, and the children swore by him. 2. The hotel
faced a busy street, and the traffic noise caused a lot of inconvenience to the guests. 3. In autumn
and spring you should take precautions against catching a cold. Don’t go bareheaded in cold
weather, you needn’t take risks. 4. After that incident the class thought the boy a coward and held
him in contempt. 5. Being a shrewd man, the teacher saw at a glance that something had
happened. 6. When the fire broke out, all the neighbourhood was panic-stricken. 7. I have been
turning your advice over and over in my mind and I have come to like it 8. The newcomer was an
easy-going man, he put on no frills, and the staff got on well with him.

3. Make up situations of your own based on your personal experience. Use the phrases given below:
1. I hate to cause you any inconvenience.
2. He was complacency itself, and we could not get on well.
3. Come, come, there’s nothing to be panic-stricken about.
4. You needn’t take unnecessary risk.
5. If you don’t take all precautious...
6. His shrewd eyes rested on me for a moment.
7. Why should I hold you in contempt? Who am I to put on frills?
8. We had turned the matter over in our minds before we came to that conclusion.
4. Recount the situations from the chapters under discussion in which the active vocabulary is employed.

5. Paraphrase or explain:
c) He’s made a science of popularity.
d) Of course he will get on. He knows all the official ropes.
e) When I’m there you are acting both of you, and acting damned badly, by George. You’d neither
of you get thirty bob a week in a touring company if that’s the best you can do.

6. Say under what circumstances and why this happened:


1. Kitty passed through the country with unseeing eyes,
2. ... I’ve ordered your dinner and I’ve invited myself.
3. Kitty found herself much alone.
4. ...she brought the conversation round to Charlie.
5. ...they ate salad every night.
He is doctoring the sick, clearing the city up, trying to get the drinking water pure.
She could not hold back the sob that choked her.

III. TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION


1. Kitty’s state of mind on the way to their destination.
2. Gather as much information as possible about the epidemic and the state of things in Mei-tan-fu.
3. Speak about Waddington. Dwell on the way he treated life, people at large and the situation in Mei-
tan-fu.
4. Kitty’s mode of life and state of mind in the new place. Compare them with Walter's.
5. Discuss the change in Kitty’s attitude to Townsend. Speak about Kitty’s talk with Waddington
about Townsend, Waddington’s opinion of him. Point out his utterances that Kitty must have been
hurt by.
6. Walter’s work and popularity in Mei-tan-fu.

IV. QUESTIONS
1. On the way to Mei-tan-fu Kitty asked herself questions. Try and answer them from your own point of
view.
a) ...she had never known that one could suffer so much; and she asked herself desperately what she
had done to deserve it.
b) Did you cease to love a person because you had been treated cruelly?
c) Was it possible that his love had left him (Walter) entirely? Was it possible that he really
designed her death?
1. Was Kitty cowardly by nature? How did Kitty feel about the epidemic and her role in Mei-tan-fu?
2. Do you think Waddington guessed, why Kitty had brought Townsend as the subject of their talk?
3. Who had been the first to use the word “second-rate” in reference to Kitty? Under what
circumstances?
4. Why had Walter been unpopular in Hong Kong? Why was it different in Mei-tan-fu?
5. Did Kitty know much about Walter’s work?
6. Do you regard Walter as a hero?

Common questions

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Waddington embodies a detached, almost cynical perspective on life and society, contrasting sharply with the more pressing and communal concerns in Mei-tan-fu. His treatment of life reflects a philosophical resignation, possibly nuanced with irony, distinguishing him from the urgent, survival-driven focus of Mei-tan-fu's inhabitants grappling with the epidemic . This contrast highlights varying degrees of engagement with life's challenges, from existential contemplation to immediate crisis management.

Shrewdness in the narrative is portrayed through characters who demonstrate acute perception, such as the observant teacher recognizing an anomaly at a glance . This quality allows for astute comprehension of situations, often providing a strategic advantage in social and practical contexts. Shrewd individuals typically maneuver through challenges more effectively, using their insight to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics and anticipate reactions.

The depiction of Mei-tan-fu during the epidemic offers insights into human resilience and vulnerability in the face of crisis. The urgency to purify drinking water and address health issues reflects collective efforts to preserve life amid chaos, showcasing societal adaptability and perseverance . This context illustrates broader themes of survival and interdependence, highlighting how crises necessitate communal cooperation and innovation to overcome adversity. The narrative underscores a commentary on the human condition, emphasizing strength found in unity and shared purpose.

Kitty's solitude in Mei-tan-fu prompts significant personal reflection and growth, allowing her to confront her past decisions and current realities without external influence. This isolation becomes a catalyst for introspection, reshaping her interactions with others, as she becomes more self-aware and conscious of her desires and regrets . Her solitude forces a reevaluation of her self-worth and role within her relationships.

Kitty's active engagement in self-questioning throughout her journey to Mei-tan-fu indicates her attempt to rationalize and understand her suffering. She dwells on why she deserves the pain, implying a deep introspective approach to resolving her emotional conflict . Her questioning reveals a state of confusion and desperation, suggesting that she is struggling to find control in a situation dominated by unforeseen emotions and circumstances.

Cultural adaptation is crucial in shaping relationship dynamics, particularly in how Kitty navigates her new environment in Mei-tan-fu. Her ability to integrate, or lack thereof, affects interactions and acceptance within the community. Understanding and respecting local customs and social contracts can enhance relationships, while failure to adapt may result in isolation or misunderstanding . Kitty's progression toward acceptance symbolizes her gradual adaptation and its impact on her social positioning.

Kitty's ‘unseeing eyes’ symbolize her detachment from reality and her inner emotional turmoil, signifying a disconnection from her surroundings and from herself. This lack of awareness indicates a preoccupation with internal conflicts, rendering her unable to appreciate or engage with the external world . It implies a need for self-discovery and a reconnection with her environment to achieve clarity and understanding.

Kitty's questioning about the persistence of love in the face of cruelty reveals an intense inner conflict. It suggests she is torn between her emotional attachment and the resentment stemming from mistreatment . This dichotomy indicates a struggle to reconcile emotional vulnerability with self-preservation, highlighting love's complex, multifaceted nature, especially when tested by relational turmoil.

In the interactions outlined, complacency surfaces when individuals exhibit self-satisfaction that impedes genuine connection. For example, one character's complacency makes it difficult for others to get on well with them, highlighting a barrier created by self-contentment . Such complacency can lead to misunderstandings and hinder the development of deeper, more meaningful relationships.

Walter's reputation changes significantly between Hong Kong and Mei-tan-fu due to differing environmental and social contexts. In Hong Kong, he is unpopular, possibly because his straightforward, perhaps rigid approach is not appreciated. However, in Mei-tan-fu, his work during the epidemic earns him respect and popularity. His efforts to purify drinking water and assist with medical needs highlight his dedication and expertise, which the community values amid the health crisis . This transformation underscores how external circumstances and communal need can redefine perceptions of character.

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