UNIT 5

Listening and Speaking

1.

What is a classic? In terms of literature, a classic is a work that contains vivid characters, exciting plots, 1) deep insights, imaginative fantasy, witty satire, surprising twists, unique 2) personalities not found in our real lives. Classics are 3) irresistible books. Sometimes they are easy to read and sometimes they’re near impossible. Sometimes they can change you, support you, inform you and 4) inspire you. Classics are the few books 5) that never vanish. They are seemingly always in print or always 6) accessible. The bottom line is that classics are classics because they have meaning and quality. These things seem to appeal to readers. Classics such as Moby Dick are a part of our heritage and our legacy to future 7) generations. Our world is changing so fast that we need to stop and 8) remind ourselves of our own cultural heritage. Most classics are 9) complex and profound, far beyond our ability to analyze completely. As is said by a Scottish novelist, “The difficulty of literature is not to write, but to write what you mean; not to affect your reader, but to affect him precisely 10) as you wish.” Text A

Reading Comprehension

1.

A. Conflict Detail Implied meaning Between 1) Miss Leslie lingered in the outer office, and Maxwell already forgot what had Maxwell and once moved over by Maxwell’s desk near enough happened between Miss Leslie Miss Leslie for him to be aware of her presence. and himself. 2) “Well — What is it? Anything?” Maxwell asked sharply, and his keen grey eyes, impersonal and harsh, flashed upon her half impatiently. Between 1) Told by Maxwell to engage another Maxwell completely forgot what Maxwell and stenographer, Pitcher led a young lady to he had told Pitcher to do. Pitcher Maxwell’s office. 2) Maxwell blamed Pitcher, “You are losing your mind.” And he said that the place was Miss Leslie’s as long as she chose to retain it. Between 1) That day was Maxwell’s busy day. Here was a He was entirely preoccupied Maxwell and world of finance, leaving no room for with his business; only the odor himself the humanworld and the world of nature. of Miss Leslie brought back 2) In the luncheon hour, through the open his human interest. window came a wandering, delicate, sweet odor, Conflict Detail which specially belonged to Miss Leslie, and she was thus brought vividly and almost tangibly before him. Implied meaning B. Character Implied trait Miss Leslie Elegant, tasteful and discreet; tender, kind and frank Maxwell Too absorbed in work C. Theme: Maxwell was too devoted to his work to care about other things in life, including his own marriage. 2.

For reference

1) (metaphor) The broker had to work really hard and swiftly.

Explanation for reference: Buzzing wheels and uncoiling springs are parts of a machine. Here the author uses the metaphor to indicate that the broker is working like a machine, in a hard and swift manner. 2) (metonymy) So far, nobody has come to apply for this job. 3) (simile) The clerks in the office were extremely busy with work. 4) (metaphor, parallelism) What brokers had to face in work is that the stock market frequently changed greatly and rose and fell unpredictably. 5) (simile) Transactions were being handled as quickly as possible. 6) (simile, parallelism) The broker was working intensely, promptly, accurately, and decidedly.

Language in Use 4.

?

1) radiant

? 2) reminiscence

?

3) odor

? 4) impersonal

? ?

5) lingered 6) notify

? 7) confidential

? 8) tangibly

? 9) fidelity

? 10) viciously

5.

A.

?

1) a

? 2) d

? 3) g

? 4) i

? ?

5) c 6) f

? 7) e

? 8) b

? 9) h B.

? 1) stroll

? 2) limped

? 3) roam

? ?

4) marched 5) sneaked

? 6) crawl

? 7) padded

? 8) toddling