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3.
At the table there are two armchairs.
4.
The armchairs are very comfortable with tall backs.
5.
On the right there is a fireplace.
6.
On the mantelpiece there is a clock.
7.
Just opposite the fireplace there is a sofa.
8.
There are four cushions on the sofa.
9.
The sofa is small and comfortable.
10.
In the foreground we can see a desk.
11.
In the far left comer there is a standard lamp.
12.
The walls are covered with beautiful carpets.
Exercise 18
Look at the picture. Describe this picture in detail. What would you bring in or take away to make it look
cosier? How would you furnish it to your taste?
Exercise 19
Read and translate the text.
The Randolf sisters, Sadie and Esther, live just a block away from each other. Sadie constantly complains
that the people in town are cold and unfriendly, while Esther finds them warm and pleasant.
Although Sadie can't see it, the difference is in the way they approach those people. Sadie and her
husband have a lovely house. It's filled with beautiful antique furniture and glassware that is so fragile it
could easily be broken by a careless guest or adventurous child. Whenever someone is visiting, Sadie and
her husband are constantly "straightening up". Their behaviour seems to indicate that they put more of an
emphasis on the looks of their house than on the comfort of their guests. As a result, their nervous guests
behave with excessive care — and they leave as soon as possible.
In contrast, Esther's house is not fancy at all. In fact, it's almost shabby. But she and her husband have a
relaxed, friendly attitude toward visitors, who don't have to worry about an accident occurring with an
expensive piece of furniture or vase. Esther's house is a place where people can drop in, put their feet up on
the coffee table, and feel at home.
(from "Grammar Dimensions")
I. Answer the questions.
1. Whose house, Sadie's or Esther's, appeals to you? Why?
2. Which one would you drop in? Why?
3. In what houses do you feel at home? Why?
4. What do you think of those hosts who put more of an emphasis on the looks of their house than on the
comfort of their guests?
5. What house would you call lovely?
6. What house would you call shabby?
7. What does home mean to you?
II. Make up dialogues:
1) between Sadie, her husband and their guests;
2) between Esther, her husband and their guests.
Exercise 20