New Comers
- Hello, Sam!
- Hi, Dan, nice to meet you.
- Do you know that we have two new comers in our form?
- Yes, at the interval I even have got acquainted with one of them.
- Really, what interesting?! And what is his name?
- His name is Robert Allen and he is very humorous. He was telling me a joke every minute.
- What does he look like? And how old is he?
- Robert is 13 years old - a slender, of medium height boy with green eyes and with a mole on the cheek. From my point of view, he will be the tidiest, cleanest and neatest person in the whole form. Furthermore he is very inventive.
- Do you think that if he is well dressed, his character is good and that we will have a faithful pupil and friend?
- However, …
- Dont worry. Youre luckier than me. Because Gary, who was talking with me at the interval was untidiest person I had ever seen. He is plump, even overweight 14 years old boy that is making such loud noises, imitating animals as a fool. But he seems to me very cheerful boy.
- I saw him. If he is casually dressed, and with a turned up nose and freckles on the face.
- Yes you are absolutely right Dan!
- Sorry Sam, but do you know that the bell rings earlier this day than others?
- Are you sure?
- Yes, better if we finish our talk later. And know lets go to our classroom and see the other pupils.
- OK.A World Of books
- Hello, Dan, glad to meet you!
- Hi Sam, havent seen you for ages. Where have you been? Let me see what book youve borrowed in the library.
- Oh, this is a great book, which contains a lot of fairy tales of Charles Dickens. And how about you, do you read books?
- You know Im a very busy person and read books when I have freetime. From my point of view, why to read books whereas you can watch TV. You can widen your knowledge or get useful information in a few minutes.
- You are wrong. I know that TV programmes provide us with pictures and sound, but books are still a cheap way to get information and entertainment. And then for example a paperback novel is cheaper than an evening at the cinema of theatre. You can also keep a book forever and read it many times and every time.
- I agree with you, however its a problem for people that do not have time for reading the latest news from the newspaper. Practically when I have holidays and go to the library, instead of watching TV-set, I see a lot of books in it, and find it difficult to make a good choice.
- I can give you advise to read books that impressed your friends and which, in their opinion, are beautifully written or consult a librarian who maybe analyzed some chapters from the books. And also make a choice from book not for their pictures, its cover, however the table of contents. Always follow the rule, that basically you read to get information and for fun, not to while the time away.
- Hmm… Thanks for your help. Ill follow your advice. I think that having a home library is a good and interesting idea, too. From my point of view, as Im not a good reader, books in the home are a wonderful source of knowledge and pleasure, and some types of books should be in every home, such as: good dictionaries, that you can consult it any time you need to find some information; large encyclopedia again as the source of info, though it might be expensive; and of course an Geographical Atlas.
- In a word, what kind of books do you read or like to read at all? I think that most of all I like science fiction because it is about events that take a place in the future or in other universes.
- Im sorry Dan, Im in a hurry and promised to be at home at four oclock, we might finish our talk later.
- Sure Sam. It was nice to talk with you, thank you for so interesting conversation.
- Ill phone you as soon as possible, bye!
- Good Bye!
Australia
- Ooo, Sam - what brings you here? Hello, havent seen you for ages.
- Hi, Dan. Glad to meet you too! I think the last time I saw you was at school, when we had an evening with our class.
- Yes, you are right… Many years have passed since then. Ive heard that your family left Estonia for Australia.
- We went there at once after I finished a school. But how do you know that?
- It doesnt matter! Tell me, how are you doing.
- Im fine. You know…
- And how is it there in Australia?
- Every person that Ive met ask me the same question.
- It is because not every one has been to Australia.
- You know Australia is an unique country. First, because its nature strikes with its view. Wild animals are everywhere. Big extraordinary species of birds and animals. A kangaroo, a duckbill, an emu, anteater and koala, eucalyptus and wild dog - dingo, and a huge buffalo: these animals are the only ones it once on the Earth (planet). Huge deserts… the Great Sand and the Victoria, the Gibson desert… and the temperature is higher than 30 degrees above zero.
- Really?! It is very hot. As I know the hottest summer temperature in Estonia is nearly 29 above zero.
- Dont compare?! Australia is sometimes called “the upside down world”. Can you guess why?
- Hmm… Let me think!
- Dont try, - because the continent lies in the Southern Hemisphere, where winter comes in July and summer begins in December.
- And what people do during the Christmas holidays?
- To your surprise they often sunbathe on the beach or swim and surf in the ocean.
- From my point of view, if Ive been a geograph Id called Australia the hottest place in the hole World.
- If it is youd became a bad geograph. But if you said that this continent is the hottest place in the Southern Hemisphere youd been absolutely right as the summer temperature in Egypt (Africa) is nearly 45 degrees above zero.
- You called me fool, however I know something about Australia at all…
- And for example? (laughing)
- …Tasmania. Lets talk about Tasmania. To the best of my geography knowledge, Tasmania is the island state which one of the few places in Australia that have enough rain all year. The island is Australias leading producer of pears and berries of different kinds. Potatoes are also grown in some areas. And Tasmania is sometimes called the orange isle because it produces most of Australian oranges.
- Ha ha ha…
- What are you laughing at? (angry)
- Dont become angry. Relax. You are wrong about producing oranges. The main product is apples and the isle is sometimes called the apple isle. But dont make our talk become a quarrel.
- OK.
- Better, - if you can, of course - , show me the town which I havent seen for many years.
Collecting Coins and Sports
- Hi, Dan, nice to meet you (havent seen you for ages). Are you busy today? How about playing table tennis at 5 oclock? There is a new club near our town castle.
- Thats a good idea. Ive heard about your interest in sports, especially - in tennis. But why did you choose this kind of sport as a hobby? From my point of view playing tennis doesnt involve much knowledge.
- No, you are mistaken. We have a lot of competitions in different cities or even countries.
And during our pastime we always go sightseeing and visit many different places: museums, exhibitions, art galleries. You can see how much knowledge we get, learning the history of a country, its customs (traditions) and culture.
- And where have you been with your team?
- For example last week our clubs team took part in the Euro-championship in Finland, where people from many parts of Europe participated. There were Swedish, Finnish, German and French, even Chinese teams and many others. Of course we spent much time at the competitions, however, we could go to the famous Finnish National Art Gallery, where I was able to see the paintings and sculptures of well-known artists and different work of art of their country. And I can tell you that I was full of unforgettable impressions.
- Tastes differ. As for me, I like indoor activities most of all.
- What sort of activities? I mean, do you have a special hobby?
- Yes, collecting coins. I have a big collection of coins. All of them are dated from the ancient times. Each can tell you about famous people, and you get acquainted with many Kings and Queens and other well known person. You can get much knowledge from this kind of hobby.
- And what is so interesting in it? I think its very boring and just a waste of time! - Just have a look! Have you ever seen this American coin? It is very rare and expensive. The coin is old, - dated by the 1815 (year). There is a famous Queen on its front side and wise phrases on its back. This is the best copy of my collection. Im very proud of it, because it consist of nearly 1000 coins.
- Well now I see that you have neatly labelled and counted each coin. But does this hobby involve any physical activity? For example sport is a physical activity. As Ive been playing it for 6 years, I have become fit, healthy, and I practically never get (feel) ill.
- OK. Lets say all hobbies are interesting. For some people it is a pleasure to collect coins, for others sport is a hobby.
- Yes, you are right. Oh, Im sorry, but I have to run. I promised to be at home at five. Bye!
- It was nice to talk to you! Bye!
Collecting Stamps and Sports
- Hi, I havent seen you for ages. Please come in and have a seat. Ill show you my new stamps. I bought them when I was in Tallinn last time. You know that Ive got a great collection of stamps. And Im very proud of it.
- Ive heard about your interest in collecting stamps. But why did you choose such a boring hobby? It seems to me it is just a waste of time to look at the same stamps time after time.
- Of course not, you are mistaken. We learn a lot from stamps. They can tell you all about the history of different countries, people and you get acquainted with new species of plants, animals, insects. Collecting stamps is very popular with people of all ages and it is very interesting.
Just have a look! This German stamp is very rare and will cost a fortune one day. All these stamps are very old, they are dated from the year 1930. My favorite section in my collection is famous people. If I dont know the person on a stamp I always try to find information about him in books.
- I see that you have neatly labeled every page and every section in your collection. But dont you think that your hobby doesnt make you healthier and stronger?
You know, my hobby is tennis. I can spend the whole day on the tennis court. Ive been playing tennis for 4 years and since then I have become fit, healthy and with a lots of energy, I practically never feel ill.
- Id like to say that tastes differ. Of course I agree that collecting stamps doesnt involve physical activity but I learn a lot and get much knowledge, when I devote most of my free time to collecting stamps. Can you become more intelligent playing tennis?
- Of course I can. You know that we have a lot of competitions in different cities or even countries.
During your free time we always go sightseeing and visit different museums and exhibitions. You can see of that we learn a lot about the history, culture and traditions of different countries.
Only a month ago our team took part in the championship in Moscow. Of course we spend much time on courts but also we could go to the Tretjakov Gallery where I was able to see the paintings of famous artists. And I can tell you that I was full of unforgettable impressions.
- Lets say all hobbies are interesting. For some people it is pleasure to collect stamps, for other sport is a hobby.
- Yes, you are right. Oh, Im sorry, but I promised my mum to be at home at 5 oclock. I have to run. Bye!
- It was nice to talk with you! Bye!
English-Speaking Countries
- Hi, Sam! Glad to meet you. Where have you been? I havent seen you for ages.
- I have travelled around the USA.
- Around the USA? Wow! Great! Some people are luckier than others. Did you enjoy sightseeing in this huge country? Did you like it?
- Yes, it was really wonderful, - unforgettable impressions.
Weve been to their national library and learned the USA history. And now I know everything about its customs, traditions and history.
And what have you been doing all this time?
- Ive been on a trip to Great Britain, - to the land of Kings and Queens. My knowledge of the British history has increased.
For example, do you know why this country is called Britain?
- No, thats very interesting. Can you tell me?
- Sure. It was called Britain because the tribes of the first people who lived on the island were called Britons; so Britain was the land of the Britons.
- But the name of the USA isnt connected with American tribes. On the contrary, one of the first settlers were English.
The group of people who had decided to make homes for themselves in the new land across the ocean, believing that they would have a better life there, left England for America. After a stormy voyage across the Atlantic ocean on board the “Mayflower” ship early settlers, reached new land, built their first colonies and were called colonists. The prosperous colonies grew bigger and bigger, but were ruled by England for a long time.
- And what happened then? Didnt they want to become independent?
- Yes, In 1776 the 13 young American colonies united and began a war against England for freedom and independence (the war was called the War of Independence) , which they won, a new country was born which became the United States of America.
- Ooh! How interesting! However, the UK development absolutely differs from what you have said.
- Really?
- Yes, In the 5th century some tribes from the northern part of the continent of Europe landed in Britain. They were Angels, the Saxons and the Jutes, who were wild and fearless people. They settled down in the land they had conquered and became the forefathers of the people of England and part of Scotland. Several states were formed; one of them was east Anglia, the land where the Angels lived. Some time later the people began to call the whole of the southern part of the country the land of the Angels (Angle Land) , which became England.
- And in 1066 the Normans, people who came from the north of France, conquered England. As the years passed, the Normans and the Anglo-Saxons formed the English people.
- How do you know that?!
- From the school lessons, when we learned the history of the UK.
OK. But what about the wars. Were there any?
- Sure there were many of them, when little by little England became the strongest of all the states on the British Isles. In the 15th century it conquered Wales. And in general there were many wars between England and Scotland until in 1707, when they were united under one king, and became the powerful state. Its name has been Great Britain since then.
- O, Im sorry, but I have to run. I must prepare for a school exam that I have at 5 oclock today.
- OK, see you later, bye!
- Bye.
Feeling Good At School
- Hello, Dan.
- Hi, Sam. Well, how do you feel at your new school?
- You know, there are some things that Im satisfied and to the contrary disappointed with.
- Yeah!? What do you mean talking in that way? Can you explain me all in details?
- All right. You know, Id like it at all. Educational level is high, what is very important nowadays, teachers are well knowledgeable and kind in all ways, however still give us a lot of homework, pupils are very easygoing, gentle and thoughtful.
- However, with what thing does your upset related? Maybe its the whole conditions that environ you: for example the manner of coloring walls in classrooms or disliked design of desks; otherwise perhaps youve no acquaintances with your classmates and neighbors?
- I dont quit agree with even one of your suggestions. Think easier. Im completely fulfilled with all of this things that youve just now listed and got many friends of mine, sitting at the desk colored so that I really keen on it. Dont you know since Ive been graduated to the new school, I start spending very much time on my mathematics, for the reason that its very hard for me to solve some problems.
- Well, Sam, we all make mistakes at first, so dont let it get you down and hope for the best, no more than. A little practice and, in no doubt, youll be more successful next time. And do not forget teachers help that can be very useful.
- I think, its necessary to do as you are told.
- Listen, Ive heard that your school is on the first place for going on educational excursions and trips. And it is holding all kinds of contests and competitions, discussions and conversations.
- Oh, dont even talk about it. It is definite true. For example every week anyone who wants may take part in nature walks. It is marvelous. Participating in this kind of activities helps me to get rid of boredom. What can be better as a true friendship with your schoolmates. And for it I like my school time.
- Maybe you are able to decide which of the reasons, why you go to school, you think most important. As for me on the first place stands a reason of that school helps you make your own decisions and introduces you to new scientific ideas.
- Other than youre my opinion is a bit different. I apologize that school helps you to understand yourself better and makes you polite and well behaved. Furthermore it teaches you moral values and helps train you for a job.
- Maybe youre right. Oh, Sam Im sorry I have to run - forgot that Ive extra-curricula classes of Biology. See you tomorrow.
- OK, Bye!
- Bye!
Immigration to Australia
- Hi, Dan!
- O, hello my friend, Sam!
- Well, what is your solution about the state we want to immigrate in Australia? Did you think of it?
- Yes Ive been thinking of it all day, and have decided, that the best place will be the South Australia.
- Why do you think so? Could you explain this to me?
- You know, this state is the 3rd largest state in the country (Australia).
- Size doesnt matter. What are the living conditions there?
- Most of South Australias people, farms and industry are in the south-eastern part of the state. Much fruit are grown there: apricots, pears, nectarines and others. And hot temperature in this state dominates. At last we will “have a rest” from our Estonian frosts.
- But, you know that where a hot temperature is, there are always deserts. And from my point of view living in the state where the most unproductive desert lands occupy the greater part is silly.
- Yes, you are right as always. And what is your opinion?
- Hmm… Let me think for a minute. Western Australia is dry and inhospitable - there are even three deserts are there: the Great Sandy Desert, the Gibson Desert and Great Victo-ria Desert; Northern Territory is the least populated and least developed part of the conti-nent, where only wild animals, as crocodiles and emu, live.
- …And about South Australia we have “completed”… What about Tasmania? Tasmania is an island state and I dont want to live there and to become a savage in this huge country. I know - it will be Queensland state, where long sandy beautiful beaches stretch for many kilometers.
- However, the same deserts are situated there.
- Well, I would choose New South Wales - Australias leading indus-trial state, where most people live along the east coast, and most of them in Sydney. Syd-ney is also the largest city in Australia. Or maybe Australian Capital Territory, occupying an area of 2,432 square kilometers.
- It is situated on the same territory as New South Wales. You know its long enough to see a main sights of Victoria state…
- Sorry, maybe we will finish our talk later, because I have an exam at school?
- OK. See you soon. Bye!
- Bye!
Improving Language Skills
- Hello, Dan.
- Hi, Sam, glad to meet you!
- Dan, Im taking interview to the best language learner for our class newspaper, thatll give advice how to improve language communication skills, and want you to ask some questions for me.
- I think, Ill do this. You may start, however why have you chosen me as the best learner of languages.
- Because it seems to be that youre the one in our class that has fives in languages. OK, lets begin. What kind of recommendation would you give to those, who want to improve their basic language skills?
- At first Id like to say that cause wont turn into reality without an experience in subject that you learn. Excellent work in the classroom and diligent homework preparing is successful result in your primary achievements.
- Do you think that out-of-class activities may bring you desired help - help in getting reading, writing, conversation and pronunciation skills? Is it a good idea, to come home and after making homework, to practice in writing, obeying your teachers exact and clear explanations, if it is so.
- Its just what I was thinking. In addition Id like to say that your every extra reading, simple writing compositions, industriousness and responsibility in a good work habits, constant study will make your speech fluent. And it is always necessary to remember never to give way to despair in a case of a failure.
- I agree with you, I also think that there are many educational supplementary training courses in our town. Either ask help from your teacher, Im sure she or he can always do it for you, or get somebodys, who knows a subject matter well, advice to solve your problems. On the other hand how to make use of, for example, English TV, songs, periodicals, etc.?
- Oh, I suppose it as a superior thought. And furthermore it is easy accessible. You can just go and by a new English newspaper or a magazine in a nearby newsstand. Also you can choose from this variety of TV-channels that your providers offer and again in English.
- Certainly! Moreover at the end I feel like to say that communication with native speakers is so important as other factors of help in studying language. Thee can hold different discussions and conversations with inhabitant people of the foreign language you want to learn and to receive invaluable support. But, if you cant find him or her dont be saddened, you can find yourself in the language environment as well in school classes.
- I couldnt agree more.
- Thanks for your answers, they were very good.
- Thank you too. Bye!
- Bye-bye!
Inviting a Friend
- Hallo! Could I speak to Dan?
- Speaking.
- Ooh… Hi Dan. It is me, - Sam!
- Hi Sam havent heard from you for ages. How are you? And where are you calling from?
- From Narva of course. And Im fine. And how do you feel?
- Im fine too.
- Thats good. You know, we have a school holidays next week.
- Really, what a coincidence, we, too.
- I didnt know that. Thought, that you only have it in summer. Would you like to come and see me next week while you are on holiday? We would have a good time, even better than you would have in New York.
- I dont know what to say.
- Dont you believe me? I will show you all Narva sights. Have you heard anything about famous Narva Castle that was built at the end of the 13th and at the beginning of the 14th centuries by the Danes? The bastioned Castle with its high tower, named Tall Herman, being one of the most interesting erections of the medieval Estonia. Narva has always been and remains one of the most important gateways of Estonia.
- That is very interesting. I think youd better come to see me in New York. Everyone knows something about New York - the Statue of Liberty, the spectacular skyscrapers, the beautiful shops of Fifth Avenue, and the many theaters on Broadway. I think you too.
- Yes you are right. I remember our school lessons about New York city and its history.
- And I can show you many other different and interesting places in New York, too. Because this city is the place to try something new. And it may be an experience that you will never forget.
We will visit well-known Disneyland, you will see one of the highest buildings (constructions) in the hole World,- New York Trade Center(s) skyscraper. It has 110 floors. We will also walk on Broadway and watch some performances in its theatres. Then we will…
- Hold on! You named me so many places to visit that my head has begun to spin around. However, in Narva there arent fewer places to see. Narva Art Museum performs large collections of paintings of the best art makers all over the Europe. You will be amazed at the Kreenholm factory with its capacious size. This manufactory has worked since the end of the last century. It produces clothes and many other textile products.
- And where can we have a rest in Narva?
- Our resorts and recreation centers are situated in the Narva suburb - Narva-Jхesuu and can receive and accommodate over 1000 guests. Holidaymakers come here every summer from St.Petersburg, Sweden and even from your America. Estonia is prouded of its clear, fresh air and clean water of the Finnish Gulf and its lakes inside the country.
- You know, we have the same place, named oasis of New Yorks concrete desert, - beautiful Central Park. The park is surprisingly big, with lakes and woods as well as organized recreation areas. New Yorkers love Central Park, and they use it all the time. In the winter, going ice-skating, and in the summer roller-skating, bicycling and boating. They play ball, ride horses and have picnics. And there is even a childrens zoo with wild birds and animals. Families come here to enjoy the sun and fresh air. The children can play safely here away from fast cars and busy streets. Musicians, hot dogs and hamburgers, water birds, fine and calm weather, - what can be better!?
- Thats great, but not as good as in Narva…
- Sam Im sorry (watching to the clock). Let me phone you tomorrow.
- Whats happened? We havent finished our talk yet.
- You see, I have a training session at 5 oclock and cant be late, because we will have an Estonian Championship in basketball and I must get ready for it!
- Thats a pity, but if it needs I will be waiting for your call. And I think that I will convince you to come here.
- We shall see! Bye!
- Bye! (laughing)
Newspapers and Magazines.
- Hello Dan, havent seen you for ages!
- Oh, hi Sam, glad to meet you to! (buying a newspaper at the newsstand)
- I see you are going to buy some recent newspapers? And your choice has felt on the “Djen za Dnjom” paper.
- You know, Sam, this is the only paper that I prefer to read.
- Can you tell me more about this kind of newspaper, as Ive even got interested in it? Ive just heard that this weekly newspaper is one of the most popular Russian papers in Estonia, and, if my memory does not lie, its circulation is nearly 70 thousand copies.
- Youre absolutely right. And of course Ill tell all that I know about the newspaper my family and I subscribe to regularly. I appeal reading to the “Djen za Dnjom” because the paper contains 50 pages and covers the most important local and international events. There are detailed articles of political nature, economic and business news, literary and artistic reviews, sport news and much more.
- Wow, you can get very useful information out of there, am I right?
- Youve stroked exactly.
- And I think that best of all you like to read the “Palata №9” partition, what is devoted to funny stories and riddles, crossword puzzles and logical tasks. Ive read it once with my friends, when we had a spare time. Moreover I know that in addition the newspaper has supplements like the “Masterok” and the “Astra”. And also the issue cost includes “TV Park” TV-guide of just about 40 channels on the whole week.
- Steep knowledge! And you know as well my parents prefer reading this kind of the newspaper too, however choosing the material they are interested in. In difference from them I like to read it because there are no long and boring articles.
- These articles from my point of view must be short, laconic and informative, entertaining and easy to read.
- I can entirely agree with your opinion. I find it helpful and convenient for the reason that the advertisements in this paper assist me find out whats on in the theatres and concert halls plus where I can buy different things.
- I wonder that this newspaper has no editorial. The front page usually contains several pictures and articles that catch the readers eye.
- Ive noticed this attention-grabbing design too. What about you - what are you your reading preferences?
- I havent thought about it yet. There are few homes to which at least one newspaper is not brought every morning, maybe at a reason of that there are many free domestic newspapers, usually containing lots of advertisements, which are brought to peoples homes whether they ask for them or not. And my home isnt elimination.
- Dan Im sorry, but I am in a hurry - I have to run. See you later. You can call me. Bye!
- Bye! It was nice talking with you.
Occurring with a writer,
who write books about Australian animals
- Good day mister Gary Fisher. (this is a name of the writer)
- Hello my friend, Sam!
- How a famous writer is doing?
- Im fine. And you know that recently a new book have been written by me. It is named “Australian animals”.
- Great! But why did you choose this theme, as you havent been to Australia?
- Who said? Last month as fiduciary, I left our town for that country, even it is better to say a continent.
- And how it is there in Australia? What animals from this country did you see and describe in your book? At all, tell me about your book.
…
- I know that. And…
- How did you know that?
- From school lessons, of course. It is not all.
…
Rubbish in newspapers
- Hello Dan, havent seen you for ages.
- Oh, hi Sam, glad to meet you.
- I see a newspaper in your hands, which I think you are going to tear. Is it so?
- Yes, it is. These ads make me really furious. Every time as you open the latest newspaper to read some recent events in the world, you see bright, catchy, small ads everywhere.
- You know Dan, from my point of view this is a global problem, if it can be called so. Many papers are often criticized by reading public because of advertisements. And there are always advertisements of the things that at the moment you dont need, and sometimes prices are so high that you cant afford these products yourself. You only waste the time looking through them.
- I can fully agree with your opinion. Id rather stay at home, put my feet up and enjoy what Ive got, than dreaming of buying a good new car, for the reason that prices incredibly have felt down from 1,000,000 krons to 999,999 krons. I always have been misleading of the ads. Once Ive bought some product at the very high price and it havent justified my hopes. That is why nowadays we cannot trust advertisements.
- However, dont you know that economists tend to argue that if we didnt have advertising there wouldnt be such a wide choice of things to buy?
- I can understand it, but can we for a little reduce quantity of ads? I think advertising makes things more expensive, and it would be better if the money were spent on improving quality or making things cheaper.
- You are right. The last thing what is necessary to do is to find the ways to improve a newspaper. Newspapers must not to have been glossy, have colourful pictures on the whole start page with lots of small ads, instead of having useful information. For example to have an editorial is a same great idea, as having headlines on the current affairs.
- As I think of this theme that we are discussing now, it can be called rubbish in newspapers. Real rubbish, whichs place is no more than in the recycle bin.
- Dan Im sorry, but Ive to run. I promised my coach to be at five on my training session. Im really sorry, however we may finish our talk later. Just phone to me.
- OK, bye!
- Bye, it was nice talking with you!
Traveling
- Hello, Dan!
- Hi, Sam, glad to meet you! Havent seen you for ages, where youve been?
- Ive been traveling all winter holidays.
- And if its not a secret, what places did you visit? May I guess - it was either Sweden or Finland?
- Its warm, however not hot. Ive traveled to Lapland, the North of Finland, behind an Arctic Circle. You even cant imagine what a delightful place it is.
- Wow! I think its awesome. What kind of transport did you use and may ask your opinion about the best way of traveling.
- You know Ive noticed that quite a lot of people have still not found the best way to travel around. As for me I prefer car trip, because it seems remarkable to me. Traveling by in this way attracts me for many different reasons.
- And so what are they? Can you prove your point of view? I think that a bicycle ride is more marvelous, for the reason that it gets you out into the fresh air. You can go along narrow country roads, find new places, see new sights. Furthermore it gives you exercise and keeps you in good health.
- Yes, thats quite true but you cant overcome long distances riding a bicycle. The more you ride, depending on your fatigue, the more you legs get tired, twisting (gyrating) treadles. See in your minds eye how youll enjoy picturesque spots, feeling really good. You can stop anywhere you want, though there are some parking problems.
- I catch you, there is nothing to dream of freedom. By the way adventure is necessary for us all, because it keeps us from growing stale and old, develops our imagination, gives us that movement and change which are essential to our life. Sitting on seats of the automobile you cant afford such breathing space environment.
- OK, youve convinced me. Lets better talk of the places youve visited traveling by bicycle. For example I stayed in a hotel and went mountain skiing. Outgoing, fantastic! I dont think you saw other places, excluding our Narva-Jхesuu sandy beach all in waste and the dirty Boltic Sea.
- Oh, Sam, Im sorry, but Im in a hurry. I promised my mom to be at home at five oclock. Should we finish our talk later.
- No problem, Ill be waiting for your call, bye!
- Bye-bye!
Watching a documentary film about Australia
- Hi, Sam!
- Hi Dan, nice to meet you!
- Have you had a nice evening, Sam?
- Yes, Ive been watching a documentary film on TV.
- Really?! What was it about?
- About the largest island in the World.
- The largest island? Do you mean Australia?
- I do. Though Im sure that Australia is the biggest island. I know that many people think its a continent.
- Yes. Thats what I think: its the smallest continent on the Earth.
- And it is an independent country too
- I know that. What is its capital? Sydney?
- No. Its Canberra, however Sydney is the largest city in the country.
- Is English the official language?
- Yes, it is, though it is a bit different from the language they speak in the USA and Britain.
- And Ive heard that this country has 6 states.
- Yes, you are absolutely right. I can tell you about this. This is a state Queensland, where long beautiful sandy beaches situated, Victoria, Western Australia and the South Australia - the 3rd largest state with remaining farm industry; and the Northern Territory and Tasmania island (state).
- Wow! How many states (areas).
And I know that Australia is a land of striking differences at all, and that the most part of the continent - 50% - is desert.
- How did you know that?
- From school lessons, of course. But it doesnt matter. You know, from my point of view Australia is the smallest continent in the World. Am I right, Sam?
- Yes you are. Ooo… Sorry Dan, but Im in a hurry and must go, as I promised my mother to come back at 16 oclock.
- OK. See you tomorrow, bye!
- Bye.
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