Т. В. Адамянц, C. Т. Адамянц

Английский язык:
учебное пособие для работы с видеофильмом «Игра»

Под редакцией 
кандидата филологических наук, доцента 
Е. А. Евсиковой

ebooks@prospekt.org

Информация о книге

УДК 811.111(075.8)

ББК 81.2Англ-923

А28

Авторы:
Адамянц Т. В., старший преподаватель, Московский государственный институт международных отношений (университет) Министерства иностранных дел Российской Федерации;
Адамянц С. Т., кандидат юридических наук, старший преподаватель, Московский государственный институт международных отношений (университет) Министерства иностранных дел Российской Федерации.

Рецензенты:
Овчинникова Г. В., доктор филологических наук, профессор кафедры романской филологии, Московский государственный областной университет;
Федорова Н. А., кандидат филологических наук, доцент кафедры политико-правовых дисциплин и социальных коммуникаций, Российская академия народного хозяйства и государственной службы при Президенте Российской Федерации.

Под редакцией кандидата филологических наук, доцента Е. А. Евсиковой.

Настоящее пособие представляет собой сборник коммуникативно ориентированных заданий, направленных на расширение лексического запаса студентов и развитие у них рецептивных умений (аудирования) и речевой компетенции в процессе освоения аутентичного языкового материала художественного фильма режиссера Дэвида Финчера «Игра».

Для студентов бакалавриата факультета управления и политики МГИМО МИД России.

Может быть использовано на продвинутом этапе обучения в вузах гуманитарного профиля (уровень языковой компетенции – от B1+ до B2), а также широким кругом лиц, стремящихся нарастить индивидуальный тезаурус и совершенствующих свои речевые умения.

Текст печатается в авторской редакции.

УДК 811.111(075.8)

ББК 81.2Англ-923

© Адамянц Т. В., Адамянц С. Т., 2023

© ООО «Проспект», 2023

ПРЕДИСЛОВИЕ

Данное пособие, разработанное по материалам англоязычного художественного фильма «Игра», основано на принципах коммуникативного подхода к изучению иностранного языка для профессионального уровня владения В2.

Основная цель настоящего пособия — обеспечить планомерное руководство самостоятельной и аудиторной деятельностью студентов, направленной на расширение их лексического запаса и развитие у них рецептивных умений (аудирования) и речевой компетенции. Пособие также ставит своей целью изучение лексических особенностей современного разговорного американского варианта английского языка, поскольку аудитивный материал используемого видеофильма представлен американским произносительным вариантом.

МЕТОДИЧЕСКАЯ ЗАПИСКА

Представленный в пособии учебный материал видеоряда включает 15 блоков, соответствующих 15 эпизодам фильма. Как показывает собственный опыт авторов, при полном использовании материалов пособия работа над каждым эпизодом занимает 3–4 академических часа. В целом пособие рассчитано на 50 академических часов.

К каждому эпизоду фильма в пособии предложен корпус заданий и упражнений, которые представлены в соответствующих разделах в зависимости от вида учебной деятельности.

В разделах Watching and Listening for Main Ideas и Watching and Listening for Detail представлены вопросы, контролирующие общее и детальное понимание студентами просмотренного отрывка.

Неотъемлемую часть раздела Episode Vocabulary Boost: Learning the Word Clusters составляет корпус ключевых слов и словосочетаний, встречающихся в речи персонажей фильма и подлежащих активному усвоению. Активный словарь каждого урока содержит деривационные единицы ключевых слов, их сочетаемостные модели, синонимические и антонимические ряды, а также идиоматические выражения и пословицы с указанием разговорных британского и американского вариантов современного английского языка. Для прочного усвоения данного лексического материала на коммуникативном уровне студентам предлагаются творческие задания, предусматривающие работу в парах, — составление диалогов с использованием максимального количества указанных лексических единиц в рамках уже обозначенных ситуаций общения или на свободную тему.

В разделе Episode Vocabulary Boost: Understanding Colloquial Phrases на основе лексического материала отдельных эпизодов построены задания на интерпретацию значения некоторых разговорных выражений и детальное описание ситуативного контекста их употребления конкретными персонажами.

В разделе Language and Culture Reference: Learning the Origin of English Idioms знакомство с историей той или иной устойчивой речевой единицы расширит общекультурные фоновые знания студентов.

Раздел Script File to the Episode содержит транскрипт эпизода с целью повторного обращения к аудиоматериалу после двухразового предъявления видеоряда, которое может понадобиться студентам в ходе выполнения заданий предшествующих разделов на понимание и интерпретацию сюжетной линии и лексического материала.

Заключительный раздел каждого блока пособия Speaking on the Related Topics включает ряд проблемных вопросов, связанных с содержательным аспектом конкретного эпизода и вместе с тем выводящих студентов в более широкую тему, которая выходит за рамки тематики сюжета и позволяет сформулировать собственное мнение по проблемам, служащим отправной точкой дискуссии. Такие наиболее творческие по характеру задания предполагают работу в группах или обсуждение и оценку со стороны каждого участника работы.

Авторы выражают благодарность рецензентам пособия — доктору филологических наук, профессору кафедры романской филологии Московского государственного областного университета Г. В. Овчинниковой и кандидату филологических наук, доценту РАНХиГС Н. А. Федоровой за внимательное прочтение рукописи и ценные рекомендации, которые были учтены в ходе дальнейшей работы над ней.

EPISODE 1

00:00–09:26

Watching and Listening for Main Ideas

I. Watch Episode 1 for general information and outline:

– the main character: his name, his job, his lifestyle;

– the scene at the restaurant: what does Conrad want?

Watching and Listening for Detail

II. Watch Episode 1 again and answer the following comprehension questions. Turn to the Script File to Episode 1 at the end of the module if necessary.

1. What is Nicholas Van Orton? What kind of impression does he make?

2. Why does Nicholas decline all the invitations? Is he a sociable person? Why did he want Maria to read them out anyway?

3. Why do you think Nicholas agreed to have lunch with ‘Mr. Seymour Butts’?

4. Why did Maria think it was a prank? Why do you think she delivered this message to Nicholas after all?

5. Who is Conrad? How is he related to Nicholas? What kind of relationship do they have?

6. Does Nicholas have a wife, a family?

7. Why did Conrad come? What did he give to Nicholas? How does Nicholas feel about it?

8. The movie opens with a footage. What is captured there? Who were the people in the footage and what were they doing?

Episode Vocabulary Boost: Learning the Word Clusters

III. Study and memorize the following words and set expressions clustered round the items in bold from the Script File below.

1. faint — слабый; faint hopes — напрасные надежды; faint colour — блеклый цвет; faint resemblance — cлабое сходство; to faint — падать в обморок

2. stock — акция; запас, to be out of stock — закончиться; to stock up — запасаться; a laughing stock — посмешище, joint stock company — товарищество на паях, joint venture — совместное предприятие, venture — риск, nothing ventured, nothing gained — кто не рискует, тот не пьет шампанского, no pain, no gain — без труда не выловишь и рыбку из пруда, stock exchange — фондовая биржа

3. free — свободный, бесплатный, freeway — автомагистраль, driveway — подъездная дорожка к дому, to free from — освободить от, freebie — халява, free of charge — бесплатно, feel free — не стесняйтесь, freedom = liberty — свобода, [I took the liberty of ordering fish without confirming with you] — я позволил себе заказать рыбу, не посоветовавшись с вами, you’re taking liberties — вы много себе позволяете

4. to sink (sank, sunk) — тонуть, sink or swim — пан или пропал, sink — раковина (в кухне), basin — раковина (в ванной), my heart sank — у меня сердце в пятки ушло

5. term — условия сделки, срок, термин, семестр (в учебном заведении), long term — долгосрочный, in the short term — в ближайшее время, on your terms — на ваших условиях, mid-terms — промежуточные экзамены, term paper — курсовая работа, to be on friendly terms with smb — быть в хороших отношениях, abstract term — абстрактное понятие

6. line — строка, линия, очередь, on the line — на кону, to read between the lines — читать между строк, bottom line — итог, сухой остаток, it’s out of line — это недопустимо, to drop a line — черкнуть пару строк, you crossed the line — вы зашли слишком далеко, to cut in the line — лезть без очереди

7. tea — чай, it’s not my cup of tea — мне это неинтересно, to brew tea — заваривать чай, tea bag — чайный пакетик

8. to miss — скучать, упускать, I miss you badly — я сильно по тебе скучаю, don’t miss your chance — не упусти свой шанс, it’s a hit or miss affair — раз на раз не приходится, we missed the plane — мы не успели на самолет, something’s missing — чего-то не достает, it’s the third time you’ve missed — ты промахнулся в третий раз

9. track — след, to cover up tracks — заметать следы, to get back on track — вернуться в привычное русло, off the beaten track — самобытный, to track — отслеживать, to keep track of smb — следить за кем-то, they can track you down — они могут тебя выследить, you’ve got one-track mind — у тебя одно на уме, I lost track of time — я потерял счет времени

10. club — клуб, дубинка, country club — загородный клуб, clubs — трефы, Jack of clubs — трефовый валет

IV. Make sure you can decipher the unit words and set expressions answering the questions below.

What do you say…

– about a heavyset person?

– if something happens at random?

– if you’re not interested in something?

– when you start realising something?

– if you speak straightforwardly without sugarcoating it?

– about an original approach?

– if someone’s behaving improperly or disrespectfully?

– if you get along well with somebody?

Episode Vocabulary Boost 2.
Understanding Colloquial Phrases

V. Explain what the following colloquial phrases mean. Remember which of the main characters they belong to and the situations in which they were used.

1. ‘Touchè’

2. ‘It didn’t take’

3. ‘That’s too bad’

4. ‘All of a sudden it clicked’

5. ‘You shouldn’t have’

6. ‘Do you mind?’

VI. Learn more words and expressions used to talk about a family. Put the words below to complete the sentences and translate them into Russian.

a. immediate family

b. extended family

c. separated

d. step-brother

e. half-brother

f. in-laws

g. generation gap

i. family trait

j. get together

k. get along (with)

l. age difference

m. flesh and blood

n. bring up

o. take after

h. run in the family

1. People always say I ______________ my father, though I think I’m much more like my mom really.

2. It wasn’t until my parents got ______________ that I realized they had never ______________.

3. His father and uncle were basketball stars in college, so athletic ability ______________.

4. While my ______________ is quite small, my ______________ is huge — I think I’ve got over 15 first cousins.

5. There’s a real ______________ in their choice of music, restaurants, clothing — you name it.

6. She can’t cut her own ______________ out of her will.

7. Harry’s parents died when he was a baby so his aunt and uncle had to _______ him _______.

8. Although we live in different cities we still try to ______________ on holidays.

9. What’s the difference between a __________ and a _____________? — The former is when you share a parent; the latter is when neither parent is shared.

Language and Culture Reference:
Learning the Origin of English Idioms

VII. Read the references below about the meaning and origin of the idioms ‘no pain no gain’. Search the Internet for the information about the origin of 2–3 idiomatic expressions you memorized from this unit and share your findings in class.

no pain, no gain

без труда не выловишь и рыбку из пруда

MEANING:

If you want to improve, you must work so hard that it hurts

I’ve worked for hours on those irregular French verbs, but no pain, no gain.

ORIGIN:

This phrase came into prominence after 1982 when actress Jane Fonda began to produce a series of aerobics workout videos. In these videos, Fonda would use “No pain, no gain” as a catchphrase for the concept of working out past the point of experiencing muscle aches.

Speaking on the Related Topics

VIII. Discuss the following items suggested below.

1. Do you like jokes? Are you good at telling jokes? Do you know anyone who is?

2. Do you laugh at your own jokes? Do you think it’s decent to do this?

3. Can you take a joke when someone plays a joke on you?

4. What do you think makes a joke funny? What is the funniest joke you know?

5. In the US ‘mother-in-law’ jokes and ‘blonde’ jokes are quite wide-spread. Are there groups of people in your country that are commonly joked about?

6. Do you ever think your country’s leaders or sports teams are a joke? Are there times when jokes are bad and should not be told?

7. In English there are jokes, anecdotes, pranks, gags, stunts, practical jokes, hoaxes, and tricks. Find the definition and examples for them.

8. Have you ever done anything that is beyond a joke? Have you ever pulled a prank or a stunt? What lines should never be crossed? When does good old-fashioned fun become a painful embarrassment?

IX. Culture Reference. The reference will help you to discuss the items suggested in Task VIII. Render the text below into English.

Как известно, США — страна законопослушных граждан. Если первоапрельские шутки идут через СМИ, то, согласно американским законам, они должны предупредить граждан, что они шутят. Например, по радио и телевидению 1 апреля принято объявлять список самых глупых людей года. Перед этим диктор обязан предупредить зрителей и слушателей, что будет оглашена первоапрельская шутка. В тройку лидеров в течение многих лет постоянно входит бывший американский президент Джордж Буш.

А как разыгрывают друг друга простые американцы? До сих пор в ходу такие незатейливые розыгрыши как валяющийся на дороге привязанный бумажник или прикрепленное на спину сообщение «Пни меня»!

Американцы не блещут разнообразием шуток в День первоапрельского дурака. До сих пор можно обмануть доверчивого американца замечаниями: «У тебя подошва отклеилась!» или «У тебя шнурок развязался!» 80% процентов граждан клюют на эту незатейливую уловку.

Американские школьники тоже не блещут разнообразием розыгрышей своих товарищей. Они пытаются втюхать доверчивым одноклассникам, что сегодня занятий не будет, потому что учитель заболел, либо сейчас будем писать зачетную работу. Если кто-то попался на эту удочку, то раздается возглас: «Апрельский дурачок!» Студенты колледжей не отстают от своих младших братьев. Среди них очень популярна безобидная шутка: перевести часы соседа по комнате на час или два вперед. Спросонья товарищ не заметит подвоха, начнет торопиться и… попадет впросак, придя не на ту лекцию или семинар. Обнаружить такую подставу вначале бывает очень трудно. Этот розыгрыш работает уже много лет.

Родители не отстают от своих деток. Например, когда чада приходят домой с занятий, мама им сообщает, что она приготовила потрясающей торт. Снаружи он выглядит очень аппетитным, но внутри в качестве начинки может быть вата или кусок ткани. После обнаружения специфической начинки вся семья дружно смеется.

Американцы — очень доверчивые люди, и их можно легко разыграть в «День апрельского дурака» старыми незатейливыми шутками. Ну что тут поделать? Хорошо, что такой день только раз в году.

[Тина Хелвиг. Как празднуют 1 апреля в США?
https://proza.ru/2012/04/02/159]

Script File to Episode 1

Male Voice: …stocks here in London. The Financial Times 100 Index up eleven points just above the key 3800 level. As for the rest of Europe, Frankfurt’s DAX gaining nine points to to 2532. In Paris, the CAC 40 losing seven, a weaker franc weighing on the market.

Nicholas: Thank you, Ilsa.

Ilsa: Have a nice day.

Male Voice: …actually are on time this morning, according to dispatchers. San Francisco’s freeways are…

Valet: Morning, sir.

Male Voice: Well, tell me what we’re supposed to do. I mean you may be perched on majority shares, but we all get screwed if the actuals crash. The old man is gonna sink us.

Nicholas: As soon as I have Baer/Grant’s P&L report in hand, I will be speed-dialing your number.

Male Voice: Is that a promise?

Nicholas: I’m sorry… I’m not aware of that term.

Male Voice: Well, what do I do if Anson calls me about substantiation procedure?

Nicholas: Take evasive action: have your secretary say you’re in a meeting. Thank you, Jack.

Nicholas: Yes, Maria.

Maria: Invitations. The Museum Gala?

Nicholas: No.

Maria: The Fitzwilliam Botanical Annual Fundraiser.

Nicholas: No.

Maria: The Hinchberger wedding.

Nicholas: Hinchberger wedding? Tuxedos, droning conversations… I don’t think so, no.

Maria: I’ll send your regrets. Honestly, why must I bother?

Nicholas: You don’t know about society, Maria, you don’t have the satisfaction of avoiding it.

Assistant: I have an Elizabeth on line three.

Maria: Your ex-wife.

Nicholas: I know who it is. Take a message.

Assistant: Happy Birthday, sir.

Maria: Thank you, Maggie.

Nicholas: I don’t like her.

Maria: I wouldn’t even mention the following, but he was very insistent. It’s obviously some sort of prank.

Nicholas: What?

Maria: A gentleman called requesting to have lunch with you; I tried to assure him that you were very busy…

Nicholas: What’s his name?

Maria: A Mr. Seymour Butts.

Nicholas: ‘Under the Bleachers’… by Seymour Butts.

Maria: I’m sorry?

Nicholas: Cancel my lunch. Make a reservation at the City Club for myself and Mr. Butts — my usual table. Maria, put the reservation under my name.

Waitress: Are you ready to order, sir?

Nicholas: No, I’m still waiting. This was iced tea. Conrad, what a surprise.

Conrad: Happy Birthday, Nicky.

Nicholas: ‘Seymour Butts.’ I’ll never get tired of that one.

Conrad: That’s why it’s a classic. This is a nice restaurant. They gave me a free jacket.

Nicholas: I’m sure they’re gonna want it back.

Conrad: I remember being here a long time ago.

Nicholas: Yeah, I took you here once.

Conrad: No. I used to buy crystal-meth off the maitre d’.

Nicholas: Oh, really?

Conrad: In college.

Nicholas: Which college?

Conrad: Touché. Missed me?

Nicholas: As much as that’s possible. You look good.

Conrad: So do you. To think I was worried…

Nicholas: Worried about me?

Conrad: How long has it been? Since Mom’s funeral? Two, three years?

Nicholas: I thought you’d quit.

Conrad: I did. It didn’t take.

Nicholas: Well, you can’t smoke here.

Conrad: I’m with you.

Nicholas: It’s illegal to smoke in restaurants in California.

Conrad: Screw California. How are you?

Nicholas: Couldn’t be better.

Conrad: Elizabeth?

Nicholas: We’re divorced. She remarried a pediatrician, or a gynecologist, or a pediatric gynaecologist. Lives in Sausalito.

Conrad: That’s too bad, I liked her.

Nicholas: And what about you?

Conrad: What, you don’t keep track of me anymore?

Nicholas: Not since family week at rehab. So what brings you to town, Conrad? Everything alright?

Conrad: Yeah.

Nicholas: Need anything?

Conrad: No.

Nicholas: Really?

Conrad: No, I don’t need anything from you. I just… found myself laying naked on a beach near Ibiza and all of a sudden it clicked: October, 12 — Nicky’s birthday.

Nicholas: October, 11.

Conrad: Whatever. This is for you.

Nicholas: You shouldn’t have.

Conrad: What do you get for the man who has everything?

Nicholas: ‘Consumer Recreation Services.’ Well, I do have golf clubs.

Conrad: Call that number.

Nicholas: Why?

Conrad: They make your life fun.

Nicholas: Fun?

Conrad: You know what that is. You’ve seen other people have it. It’s an entertainment service.

Nicholas: An escort service?

Conrad: A profound life experience.

Waitress: Sorry–

Nicholas: No, that’s all right. Just–

Conrad: Tell me you’ll call.

Nicholas: I said I would…

Conrad: No, you didn’t.

Nicholas: You still on medication?

Conrad: Why would you say that?

Waitress: Gentlemen, ready to order?

Nicholas: I didn’t mean it the way it sounded.

Conrad: I’m not on anything. I’m not even seeing a shrink. And I feel great. Do you mind? I think you’ll like this. I did. And it was the best thing that ever happened to me.

Nicholas: I’ll call them.

Conrad: Do it for you.

Nicholas: I said I’d call, okay? All right, I’ll call. It’s just that… I hate surprises.

Conrad: I know…

Waiters and waitresses (singing): Happy Birthday to you, Mr. Van Orton…

EPISODE 2

09:27–16:55

Watching and Listening for Main Ideas

I. Watch Episode 2 for general information and outline:

– A call from Elizabeth: who is she? Why is she calling?

– Where does Nicholas go after his meeting? How does he end up there?

– The information Nicholas learned about the gift he received?

Watching and Listening for Detail

II. Watch Episode 2 again and answer the following comprehension questions. If you have any comprehension trouble spots, turn to the Script File to Episode 2 at the end of the module.

1. What does Nicholas mean when he says that his brother is in a “personal improvement cult”? What made him think so? Is it a good thing?

2. When Elizabeth asks Nicholas about his birthday what does he answer? Is it a yes or a no?

3. Why does Elizabeth think that birthdays are difficult for Nicholas?

4. Does Elizabeth have children? How did you know?

5. Why do you think Elizabeth still keeps in touch with Nicholas?

6. Why do you think Nicholas decided to use the gift card he got from Conrad?

7. What office does Jim Feingold hold at CRS? Is he acting accordingly?

8. How does Jim describe the game? Did you get an understanding of what it could be like?

9. Do you agree that there’s nothing lacking in Nicholas’s life?

Episode Vocabulary Boost: Learning the Word Clusters

III. Study and memorize the following words and set expressions clustered round the items in bold from the Script File below.

1. to drive — ездить, to drive a car — водить машину, he’s a good driver — он хорошо водить, driver’s licence — водительское удостоверение, truck driver — водитель грузовика, DUI (driving under influence) — вождение в нетрезвом виде, a drive-in theatre — кинотеатр под открытым небом, driven — энергичный, мотивированный, to drive by — проезжать мимо

2. personal — личный, personal data — персональные данные, personal traits — личностные качества, it’s nothing personal — ничего личного, let’s not get too personal — не будем переходить на личности, impersonal — безличный, personality — личность, personality glasses — очки без диоптрий, которые носят, чтобы выглядеть умнее, person — человек, in person — лично, I’ve never met him in person — мы никогда не встречались лично

3. call — звонок, it was a good call — это был верный шаг, tough call — тяжелый выбор, to miss a call — пропустить звонок, call the police — звони в полицию, being a doctor is my true calling — быть врачом это мое призвание, what’s it called? — как это называется?, to call out — вызывать, duty calls! — долг зовет

4. care — забота, to take care of — заботиться о ком-то, take care — пока (прощание), care-giver — попечитель, healthcare — здравоохранение, childcare — охрана детства, why do you care? — тебе какое дело?, for all I care — мне до этого дела нет, I couldn’t care less — мне абсолютно все равно, caring — заботливый, careful — осторожный, careless — неосторожный, безалаберный, carefree — беззаботный

5. to mean — подразумевать, mean girls — вредные девчонки, meaning? — то есть?, meaningless — бессмысленный, meaningful — значимый, I mean it — я серьезно, what did he mean by that? — что он этим хотел сказать?, I meant it as a compliment — я в хорошем смысле, it’s not meant to be — этому не суждено сбыться, they’re meant to be together — они созданы друг для друга

6. to count — считать, to count to three — считать до трех, on count three — на счет три, you can count on him — на него можно положиться, I wouldn’t count on that — я бы на это не рассчитывал, it doesn’t count — это не в счет, to count one’s blessings — осознавать свою удачу, counter — прилавок, countdown — обратный отсчет

7. mind — ум, bear in mind that… — не забывай, что…, to give a piece of mind — устроить выволочку, to keep an open mind — быть открытым для предложений, are you out of your mind? — ты в своем уме?, if you don’t mind — если вы не возражаете, out of sight, out of mind — с глаз долой, из сердца вон, practical mind — практический ум, to change one’s mind — передумать.

8. sense — разум, смысл, common sense — здравый смысл, It makes no sense — это бессмыслица, now you make sense! — вот и договорились, have you lost your senses? — ты с ума сошел?, sensible — разумный, sensitive — чувствительный, sensation — ощущение, сенсация, sensational — поразительный, it’s a sensitive topic — это щекотливая тема, senseless — бесчувственный, бессознательный, the sixth sense — шестое чувство

9. to drop — ронять, a drop of milk — капля молока, eye drops — глазные капли, to drop out of university — бросить университет, he’s a Stanford dropout — он не доучился в Стэнфорде, to drop by — заскочить (в гости), drop it — проехали, drop me a line if you need anything — черкни мне пару строк, если тебе что-то понадобится, to drop dead — падать замертво

10. time — время, срок, to serve time — отбывать срок наказания, long time no see — сколько лет, сколько зим, time flies — время летит, time obliterates sorrow — время лечит, at times — иногда, подчас, on time — к заранее установленному времени, in time — вовремя, in no time — мгновенно, all in good time — всему свое время, in a timely manner — своевременно, to time — планировать время, time management — организация времени, time me! — засекай время!, it’s not a good time for me — мне не очень удобно говорить, the timing was perfect — пришлось как нельзя кстати, one step at a time — не спеша, he is going to come any time now — он придет с минуты на минуту, at any time — в любое время, any time — обращайся (ответ на “thank you”).

IV. Make sure you can decipher the unit words and set expressions answering the questions below.

What do you say…

– when you meet someone you haven’t seen for a while?

– if someone’s listening in?

– about a reliable person?

– if someone’s grateful for how happy they are?

– when you feel indifferent?

– if you like what someone has come around to?

– if someone’s wearing fake glasses to appear smarter?

– when you avoid seeing someone?

Episode Vocabulary Boost 2.
Understanding Colloquial Phrases

V. Explain what the following colloquial phrases mean. Remember which of the main characters they belong to and the situations in which they were used.

1. ‘I can only imagine’

2. ‘Anyway?’

3. ‘I mean that’

4. ‘Oh, here we go’

5. ‘Sorry about the hullabaloo here’

6. ‘Humor me with specifics’

7. ‘That was my sales pitch’

8. ‘You’ll be out of here in no time’

VI. Learn more expressions with the verb ‘to drive’. Match expressions 1–8 to their meaning a-h.

1. to drive a stick

2. to drive a coach and horses through smth

3. to drive smb insane

4. to drive it home

5. to drive the porcelain bus

6. to drive a wedge between smb

7. to drive a hard bargain

8. to drive one’s pigs to market

a. to vomit profusely into the toilet, usually as the result of drinking excessive amounts of alcohol

b. to cause a division between people or groups

c. to snore

d. to annoy or irritate

e. to work hard to negotiate prices or agreements in one’s own favor

f. to say something very clearly and with a lot of force, often repeating it several times, so that you are sure that people understand it

g. to expose weak points or ‘holes’ in an argument, alibi, or criminal case

h. to drive a manual transmission vehicle

Language and Culture Reference:
Learning the Origin of English Idioms

VII. Read the references below about the meaning and origin of the idioms ‘To drive one’s pigs to market’ and ‘To go through the spanking machine’. Search the Internet for the information about the origin of 2–3 idiomatic expressions you memorized from this unit and share your findings in class.

To drive one’s pigs to market

Громко храпеть

MEANING:

to snore very loudly

I can’t get any sleep with Will driving his pigs to market every night — I think it’s time for him to see a doctor about his snoring.

ORIGIN:

This is a saying used in Derbyshire, when a man snores in his sleep. Originally it sounded as “to drive one’s hogs over Swarston-bridge”. Swarston-bridge (or bridges, for there are several of them one after another) led the way to the biggest fair; it is very long, and not very wide, which causes the hogs to be crowded together; in which situation they always make a loud grunting noise.

To go through the spanking machine

Дергать за уши именинника

MEANING:

to receive congratulations on one’s birthday

It’s your birthday, you know what that means! It’s time for the spanking machine.

ORIGIN:

In the US there’s a tradition of “birthday spankings” where the birthday girl or boy receives the same number of hits as her or his age (plus “one to grow on”) during the birthday party. Everyone lines up behind each other with their feet spaced apart. The birthday person crawls between the legs while getting spanked. Birthday spankings are administered over the clothes and are generally playful swats not meant to cause real pain.

Speaking on the Related Topics

VIII. In Episode 2 when Elizabeth asks Nicholas if he’s had a nice birthday he replies with a question, ‘Does Rose Kennedy own a black dress?’. Nicholas refers to the number of Kennedys who died by unnatural causes hence multiple funerals Rose Kennedy had to attend. This is a kind of response given to an unnecessary question for which the obvious answer is ‘yes’. Match the words from the columns to make more rhetorical questions:

1. Does a one-legged duck a. blue?

2. Is the sky b. hot?

3. Does a bear c. catholic?

4. Was Gandhi d. fly?

5. Is the Pope e. swim in circles?

6. Can birds f. poop in the woods?

7. Is hell g hungry?

IX. Culture Reference. Read and translate the text on the Kennedy family suggested below and discuss the questions after it.

The Kennedy Curse

There’s no such thing as royalty in the United States, but if anyone has ever come close to that level, it’s the Kennedy family. For 64 years, Washington had at least one Kennedy in public office. Descended from Irish Catholics who fled the potato famine, the family has a strong tradition in the Democratic party, the most prominent member being President John F. Kennedy. In addition to fame and political power, the Kennedy clan has had more than its fair share of tragedy, which contributed to the idea of the “Kennedy curse”. Rosemary Kennedy underwent a lobotomy which left her incapacitated; John and Robert were both assassinated in the 1960s; Ted was involved in the Chappaquiddick incident in 1969, which caused the death of his young assistant, Mary Jo Kopechne ; and Joseph Jr., Kathleen, and John Jr. all died in airplane crashes.

[Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kennedy_family,
http://www.biography.com/people/groups/the-kennedy-family]

1. Do you believe in curses or bad luck? What superstitions do you have?

2. Are you afraid of spirits? Do you believe in angels?

3. Do you believe in astrology? What is your astrological sign?

4. Do you believe in life after death?

Script File to Episode 2

Male Voice: Someone’s got to fly to Seattle and drive a stake through Anson’s heart. Have you seen the profitability report?

Nicholas: You can imagine how much more unhappy I am.

Male Voice: So, you’re gonna deal with Anson?

Nicholas: That’s correct.

Male Voice: We’re furious. Sleep well, Nicholas.

Nicholas: I will.

Nicholas: Good night, Ilsa.

Ilsa: Dinner’s in the oven.

Nicholas: Thank you. Oh. I saw Conrad today.

Ilsa: Did you? How is he?

Nicholas: He’s okay. I think he’s in one of those… personal improvement cults or something.

Ilsa: Well, send my love if you see him again. Happy birthday.

Nicholas: Good night.

Male Voice: From companies that defaulted on their payments. The FCC expects to receive… more than $500 million in bids as the licenses —

Nicholas: Elizabeth, good evening.

Elizabeth: Happy birthday, Nicky.

Nicholas: 11:40. You almost missed it this year.

Elizabeth: Have you had a nice birthday?

Nicholas: Does Rose Kennedy have a black dress? I went not once but twice through the spanking machine.

Elizabeth: I can only imagine. How are you?

Nicholas: Connie asked me the same thing today.

Elizabeth: Connie? Really? I always liked your brother.

Nicholas: Anyway?

Elizabeth: I just thought this might be difficult for you.

Nicholas: Just another birthday.

Elizabeth: Because of your father…

Nicholas: That’s right. He was 48, wasn’t he? I hadn’t really thought about it until now.

Elizabeth: Why do I call?

Nicholas: I honestly don’t know. Please send Dr. Mel and Rachel my best.

Elizabeth: She has a little brother on the way. We did the ultrasound.

Nicholas: Official nuclear family. You must be very pleased.

Elizabeth: We are. We are very pleased.

Nicholas: Well, it’s good to talk with you.

Elizabeth: I guess I should let you go.

Nicholas: Take care of yourself.

Elizabeth: You too, Nicholas. I mean that. I really do.

Nicholas: Uh-huh. Be well. Bye.

Male Voice: A proposal to encourage small businesses… to provide their employees with health insurance… is now being debated by Washington legislators. The bill, which attaches small-business health plans to those of larger corporations, is receiving initial support… from a number of key Republican leaders. However, Democratic lawmakers…are voicing serious concerns about the bill… claiming it would undermine local efforts —

Nicholas: I just want to make sure that we understand each other. Once you get it down on paper… then you can count on my full support.

Men: We understand.

Nicholas: Thank you.

Men: We’ll talk soon.

Receptionist: No. Well, you shouldn’t feel this reflects negatively on you.

Male Voice: Well, I do feel it reflects…

Nicholas: I received this…

Receptionist: Just a moment. I’m sorry you feel that way. I understand. We hope we haven’t caused you any inconvenience. Thank you for choosing CRS. Mr. Feingold, could you assist this gentleman?

Jim: Oh, yeah. Sure. Jim Feingold, VP, engineering and data analysis.

Nicholas: I don’t know exactly how this works. My brother sent me this card.

Jim: Oh, here we go. Yeah. All right. Excellent. Well, let’s get started. Yeah, I’m sorry about, you know…all this hullabaloo here. We’re still moving. I got an office around here somewhere. Well, it’s… You mind holding that? Thank you very much. Okay. Thank you. Are you hungry’? New Moon Cafe.

Nicholas: No, thank you.

Jim: Best in Chinatown.

Jim: A gift from Conrad Van Orton. Interesting.

Nicholas: What is?

Jim: Well, your brother was a client with our London branch. We do a sort of informal scoring, and his numbers were outstanding.

Nicholas: Really? Hmm.

Jim: You sure you’re not hungry?

Nicholas: No, thank you.

Jim: Okay, fine. Now, you need to fill out these forms. There’s an application… and a couple of psych tests there — the MMPI and the PAP. Oh, for the financial questionnaire…don’t answer anything you don’t feel like. We’ll run a TRW.

Nicholas: ‘I sometimes hurt small animals. True or false?’ ‘I feel guilty when I masturbate.’

Jim: Well, I don’t write the questions. I just review the answers.

Nicholas: What is this for?

Jim: Well, to give us an overall sense of your capabilities.

Nicholas: No, what is this for? What are you selling?

Jim: Oh. It’s a game.

Nicholas: A game?

Jim: Specifically tailored for each participant. Think of it as a great vacation. Except you don’t go to it, it comes to you.

Nicholas: Well, what — what kind of vacation?

Jim: It’s different every time.

Nicholas: Humor me with specifics.

Jim: We provide… whatever’s lacking.

Nicholas: And what if nothing is lacking?

Jim: May I make two suggestions?

Nicholas: You really think that I’ll participate without knowing any —

Jim: First, admit to yourself that it sounds intriguing. Second, you don’t have to decide today. Take the silly tests, fill out the stupid forms. One day your game begins. You either love it or hate it. Decide then. You know, we’re like…an experiential book-of-the-month club. You can drop out at any time with no further obligation. That was my sales pitch.

Nicholas: How long will this take?

Jim: About an hour for those, another hour for the physical.

Nicholas: ‘Physical’?

Jim: It’s a cursory examination. Turn-your-head-and-cough sort of thing. You’ll be out of here in no time.

EPISODE 3

18:34–26:20

Watching and Listening for Main Ideas

I. Watch Episode 3 for general information and outline:

– What happens at the CRS office?

– What do the gentlemen at the club say about the Game?

Watching and Listening for Detail

II. Watch Episode 3 again and answer the following comprehension questions. Turn to the Script File to Episode 3 at the end of the module if necessary.

1. Why do you think the examination is taking so long? Why isn’t Nicholas leaving?

2. Why does Nicholas correct Jim? What’s the difference between ‘unsatisfied’ and ‘dissatisfied’? Do you find it appropriate to correct other people’s mistakes?

3. How does Nicholas describe his experience with CRS to his brother? How does Conrad react?

4. Why does Nicholas decide to talk to the new members at the club?

5. The man at the club describes the Game with a Bible quote, “Whereas once I was blind… now I can see”. What do you think he means by that?

6. Why do you think Nicholas got rejected? How does he feel about that? Does he tell Conrad about it?

7. Who do you think put a clown at Nicholas’s door? Does its pose resemble anything to you?

8. Episode 3 contains yet another phone call on Baer-Grant Publishing. Find the first two in the previous episodes and try to speculate what the issue is and what Nicholas is going to do about it.

Episode Vocabulary Boost: Learning the Word Clusters

III. Study and memorize the following words and set expressions clustered round the items in bold from the Script File below.

1. blood — кровь, bloody — кровавый, bloody hell! — черт побери!, he’s my flesh and blood — он моя плоть и кровь, blood type — группа крови, blood test — анализ крови, in cold blood — хладнокровно, It was a cold-blooded murder — это было хладнокровное убийство, to bleed — истекать кровью, кровоточить

2. to point — указывать, point — точка, pointy — остроконечный, point-blank — «в лоб», to ask point-blank — спрашивать без обиняков, задать вопрос в лоб, to shoot point-blank — выстрелить в упор, pointer — совет, there’s no point in doing that — это бессмысленно, what’s the point? — зачем?, what’s your point? — к чему это ты?, get to the point! — говори по делу!, I get your point — я вас понял, pointless — бессмысленный.

3. sorry — виноватый, better safe than sorry — береженого бог бережет, a sorry smile — жалкая улыбка.

4. right — правильный, you’re entitled to your rights — эти права вам гарантированы, right back at you — тебе того же, rights and wrongs — плюсы и минусы

5. round — круг, merry-go-round — карусель, well-rounded — эрудированный, let’s round it up to $20 — давай округлим до 20 долларов, turn the situation around — переломить ход событий, round of talks — раунд переговоров

6. question — вопрос, questionable — сомнительный, unquestionably — без сомнения, it’s out of the question = it’s ruled out — это не обсуждается, any questions on the floor? — У слушателей есть вопросы?, the article in question — данная статья, to question — ставить под сомнение, he’s being questioned (=interrogated) by the police — его допрашивает полиция

7. luck — удача, lucky charm — сувенир на удачу, lucky me — повезло мне, better luck next time — повезет в другой раз, no luck — не повезло (не удалось), bad luck — дурной знак

8. agree — соглашаться, agreeable — приятный, agreement — соглашение, prenuptial agreement — брачный договор, in agreement with — в соответствии с, agreed! — договорились!, let’s agree to disagree — каждый пусть останется при своем мнении

9. pound — фунт (=453,6 g), penny-wise and pound-foolish — скупой платит дважды, to pound — молотить, наносить удар, go pound salt — отстань, ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure — профилактика — лучшее лекарство, in for a penny, in for a pound — сказал А, говори Б.

10. ring — звонить, to ring the doorbell — звонить в дверь, her ears are ringing — у него уши горят, it doesn’t ring a bell — это мне ни о чем не говорит.

IV. Make sure you can decipher the unit words and set expressions answering the questions below.

What do you say

– when something is non-negotiable?

– when someone is a close relative?

– to comfort someone?

– to make someone finish their thought?

– to highlight that it’s better to check twice?

– about a very healthy person?

– about an intelligent person?

– when you want to stop arguing?

Episode Vocabulary Boost 2.
Understanding Colloquial Phrases

V. Explain what the following colloquial phrases mean. Remember which of the main characters they belong to and the situations in which they were used.

1. “You’re almost done”

2. “Well, it’s all down to this”

3. “No, that’s bad for me”

4. “Gotcha, sir”

5. “Kudos”

6. “Here’s to new experiences”

VI. In Episode 3 a man at the club makes a toast, “here’s to new experiences”. Read the reference below and learn more ways to make a toast.

– Cheers!

– Here’s to… (you/Mary/your health/our new contract)

– Bottoms up! (informal, used with shots)

– Down the hatch! (informal)

– Prost/ Salut (sometimes people use foreign expressions with the same meaning)

– Chin-chin!

The reaction to such toasts can be as follows:

Person 1: Here’s to your health.

Person 2: And to yours!

Person 1: Here’s to our new contract!

Person 2: Here, here!

Person 1: A toast to Mary!

Person 2: Cheers!

Person 1: I’d like to make a toast to Jim. May he live long and prosper!

Person 2: May he live long and prosper!

Language and Culture Reference:
Learning the Origin of English Idioms

VII. Read the references below about the meaning and origin of the idioms ‘to ring a bell’ and ‘800-pound gorilla’. Search the Internet for the information about the origin of 2–3 idiomatic expressions you memorized from this unit and share your findings in class.

To ring a bell

Вызывать отклик, напоминать

MEANING:

to trigger a memory

I’m sorry, that description doesn’t ring any bells with me.

ORIGIN:

The origin of this phrase is unclear; however it might be a reference to Pavlovian experiments. Pavlov became interested in studying reflexes when he saw that the dogs drooled without the proper stimulus. In a series of experiments, Pavlov then tried to figure out how these phenomena were linked. For example, he struck a bell when the dogs were fed. If the bell was sounded in close association with their meal, the dogs learnt to associate the sound of the bell with food. After a while, at the mere sound of the bell, they responded by drooling.

800-pound gorilla

Тот, кто устанавливает правила, задает тон

MEANING:

a person or organization so powerful that it can act without regard to the rights of others or the law

Characterized by the the leading fly-fishing journal as an ‘800 pound gorilla’, Orvis is recognized for its unparalleled influence on the sport.

ORIGIN:

The phrase is rooted in a joke riddle:

“Where does an 800-lb. gorilla sleep?”

“Anywhere it wants to.”

This highlights the disparity of power between the “800-lb. gorilla” and everything else. The term can describe a powerful geopolitical and military force, or, in business, a powerful corporate entity that has such a large majority percentage of whatever market they compete within that they can use that strength to crush would-be competitors.

Speaking on the Related Topics

VIII. Discuss the following items suggested below.

1. What images spring to mind when you hear the word ‘test’?

2. Do you get nervous when you take tests?

3. Are there any kinds of tests that you love?

4. Have you ever taken an IQ test?

5. Have you ever had a blood test? A breath test?

6. Would you be more nervous before your driving test, a breath test, a blood test or an English test?

7. Do you have any special routines you follow before you take a test?

8. What do you think about while you wait for the result of a test?

9. Have you ever cheated on a test?

10. Do you think testing is useful or a waste of time?

11. Do you think your test scores reflect your true ability and intelligence?

Script File to Episode 3

Nicholas: Confused. Risky. Bloody. Whoops.

Female Voice: Mr. Sutherland called about Baer-Grant Publishing.

Nicholas: Cancel it. Push it back till Wednesday.

Female Voice: And Anson Baer called about tomorrow.

Nicholas: Tomorrow?

Female Voice: Yes.

Nicholas: How much longer is this gonna take?

Man in a robe: Shouldn’t be long. You’re almost done.

Nicholas: You said that two hours ago. All right. Put it back until tomorrow.

Female Voice: …for the following emotional responses. You have point-nine seconds to continue your emotional responses. Reaction time is a factor. Please make a selection for the following emotional responses. You have point-nine seconds…

Nicholas: Does this thing end?

Jim: Sorry to keep you waiting.

Nicholas: Oh, don’t worry. It’s been just terrific spending my entire day with your crack team.

Jim: Well, it’s all down to this. This is an insurance company requirement. It states that you’re aware that the game exists and that you’re a willing participant in said game, and so on and so forth. Our guarantee. Payment’s entirely at your brother’s discretion as a gift. It’s dependent on your satisfaction.

Nicholas: Does that mean if I’m not happy, he doesn’t have to pay?

Jim: That’s never happened. We’ve never had an unsatisfied customer.

Nicholas: I think you mean, “dissatisfied”.

Nicholas: That’s right. You’re a left-brained word fetishist. Initials, initials… and sign there… in blood. Just kidding. All right. Now, your copy will be at the front desk in this folder… and — Well, keep the pen. We’ll let you know.

Conrad: What about Monday or Tuesday?

Nicholas: No, that’s bad for me.

Conrad: Well, how about tonight?

Nicholas: Well, I’m working all this evening. Wednesday’s the only possibility right now. You want to do dinner?

Conrad: Okay.

Nicholas: By the way, I went to CRS.

Conrad: Really? What’d you think?

Nicholas: Well, they seem just a little bit disorganized.

Conrad: Well, when I did it in London, they’d been around a while. Are you gonna do this?

Nicholas: Oh, I haven’t decided yet.

Man 1: I’m telling you, it’s like getting in on the ground floor of the next Disneyland.

Man 2: CRS won’t go public. They’re family-owned.

Man 1: Mm, stranger things have happened.

Man 2: No, they haven’t, actually.

Man 1: They opened here — the Game — in San Francisco? See? They’re doing fine without any of us.

Bartender: Nicholas, how are you?

Nicholas: James, good evening.

Bartender: Good evening, sir.

Nicholas: Got new members here?

Bartender: Believe so, sir.

Nicholas: Put their next round on me.

Bartender: Gotcha, sir.

Man 1: No, no, no, no. Last time I played Pebble, I swore I’d never pick up another club again.

Nicholas: Well, speaking about games… I couldn’t help but overhear you talking about CRS. The reason I mention it is I took the test today at the Montgomery Street office.

Man 2: You did? Kudos.

Man 1: So yours hasn’t started yet?

Nicholas: No, not yet. That was one of the questions I had for you. What is it?

Man 2: Ah, what is it? The eternal question.

Man 1: You know, I envy you. I wish I could go back… and do it for the first time, all over again. Here’s to… new experiences. Mm. If you’ll excuse me, I gotta go. Night, Ted.

Man 2: Mm.

Man 1: Nicholas.

Nicholas: Nice to meet you. So you played recently?

Man 2: Oh, about a year ago. I was working in Los Angeles.

Nicholas: I hear the London office is very good too. Sounds like a lot of fantasy role-playing nonsense though.

Man 2: You want to know what it is? What it’s all about? John chapter 9, verse 25.

Nicholas: I haven’t been to Sunday school in a long time.

Man 2: “Whereas once I was blind… now I can see”. Good night, Nicholas. Best of luck.

Nicholas: Good night.

Nicholas: If the Baer-Grant meeting… is not held tomorrow… it may as well not be held at all.

Lawyer: When Mr. Van Orton boards his plane on the morrow he will have every agreement and addendum, the complete closing package flawlessly revised. So you’ll miss another opera you would’ve slept during anyway. We now have an opportunity to show our clients how well we will rise to his exhilarating challenge.

Nicholas: Yes?

Female Voice: Nicholas Van Orton?

Nicholas: Who is this?

Female Voice: This is Cynthia from CRS.

Nicholas: How’d you get this number?

Female Voice: We finished processing your application.

Nicholas: Look, I’m in a meeting right now.

Female Voice: I’m afraid it was rejected.

Nicholas: I beg your pardon?

Female Voice: You shouldn’t feel this reflects negatively on you. We hope we haven’t caused you any inconvenience.

Nicholas: Oh, this is ridiculous.

Female Voice: Thank you for thinking of CRS.

Lawyer: Anything wrong?

Nicholas: Uh, no, no. Nothing.

Female Voice: You may hang up or press “pound” for more options.

Conrad’s machine: This is Conrad. Leave a message.

Nicholas: Yes, Connie, it’s Nicholas. Give me a ring when you get in. Oh, uh… regarding your birthday present, uhm… things are a little crazy right now. I don’t really know if I can fit it in my schedule. But we’ll talk about it at dinner tomorrow. Thanks. Bye.

Nicholas: Hello?

EPISODE 4

26:20–33:53

Watching and Listening for Main Ideas

I. Watch Episode 4 for general information and outline the following:

– What does Nicholas find in front of his house?

– How does the Game start for Nicholas?

Watching and Listening for Detail

II. Watch Episode 4 again and answer the following comprehension questions. Turn to the Script File to Episode 4 at the end of the module if necessary.

1. Why do you think Nicholas decides to drag the clown inside? Would you do the same?

2. What does Nicholas find in the clown’s mouth? How do you think he can use it?

3. What is the TV anchor talking about? In what context does he mention Nicholas’s name? Why do you think he does it?

4. How can the TV anchor see Nicholas?

5. How does Nicholas react to someone talking to him through television? Does he seem anxious / distressed / frustrated / startled / irritated / vexed to you?

6. What number does the TV anchor give to Nicholas? Is Nicholas allowed to call it anytime and ask anything?

7. What happens