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Note:
Letters may be personal or business. We will consider the layout of a personal letter. It consists of the
date, the greeting, the opening paragraph, the middle paragraphs, the closing paragraph, the closing proper
and signature, and sometimes a postscript. Below is a sample outline of a letter to a friend.
1 September, 1999
LESSON 9 CHARACTER AND APPEARANCE
INTRODUCTORY READING AND TALK
Appearances are deceptive. It is a common truth; practically everyone has met at least someone whose
character and appearance differ radically.
When one sees a tall, broad-shouldered youth, one expects him to be strong-willed and brave. One
thinks: 'A model to follow!' How often a good-looking individual turns out to be petty, weak-willed or
even cowardly. Then one thinks: 'A mediocrity!'
At the same time everyone knows that a lot of great people were of a poor build: short and fragile. It did
not stop them from displaying intelligence and courage. Ingenuity does not depend on one's complexion
or constitution.
Plump or fat people create an impression of generous and kind personalities. Strangely enough, not
rarely they may be thrifty or even greedy. One usually thinks: 'A scrooge!'
On the other hand, thin or slim nervous ladies often tend to be lavish. They like to buy and never think
twice when they pay. One thinks: 'I would call her open-handed and Mother would call her a spendthrift'.
Yes, mothers are always stricter in judgements.
Has it ever happened to you that you come to an important office and see an important boss? You
immediately evaluate his looks:
'Round-faced, small narrow eyes, dimples on the cheeks and an up-
turned nose. What a kind-hearted person! A simpleton!' You tell the boss of your troubles and expect
immediate help. But the boss appears to be rude, harsh and wilful. You never get your help and think: 'A
stone heart and an iron fist'.
When someone sees a delicately built pretty blonde with curly hair, blue eyes, a straight nose and a
high forehead, one is inclined to think that the beauty is intelligent and nice. It may be disappointing to
think later 'What a stupid, capricious, impolite bore!'
On the contrary, when one sees a skinny brunette with ugly irregular features — a hooked nose,
pointed chin, close-set eyes and
thin lips, strange thoughts come to one's head; because it is the image of evil people — cruel and
cunning . It may be a relief some time later to find her a clever, gentle and good-mannered lady and think:
'What charm! A heart of gold!'
Another general misconception lies in the fact that children are always expected to resemble their
parents. And parents like it when children take after them. Relatives like to compare moles, the shape of