Text IX

Let's have a picnic

Ex.8. Read the text and give written translation of it. Say why people are so fond of picnics.

Picnics are popular with women and children and some men who know how to make a fire. Children are fond of picnics chiefly because, as a rule, there are no tables at picnics and consequently no table manners and because they have an excellent opportunity to eat things that do not agree with them. Since picnic lunches are always just about the same and therefore require little imagination, women do not have to trouble about thinking up a meal.

Much depends, of course, upon the day. Typical picnic weather is of three kinds. Either it is dark and threatening with occasional showers in the morning, clearing in the afternoon or it is bright and clear in the morning, with thunder showers in the afternoon; or there is a steady drizzle all day long. But as most of the lunch is prepared ahead of time, nothing much can be done about it. After all, there is not much choice between eating a picnic lunch that has waited a day or two and getting a soaking. Picnic grounds are usually situated on a body of water at some high altitude. One of these features is essential, for no picnic can be a success unless the children have something to fall into, or fall off. Also, a body of water naturally suggests taking fishing tackles along. No fish was ever known to have been caught on a picnic, but fishing serves as an excellent excuse for getting out of the way while the heavy work is being done.

Quite the most important feature of the picnic is the lunch. Fried chicken is always popular... Then there should be hard-boiled eggs. Almost everything else that comes in a can or a paper bag is good for a picnic lunch. These containers are very important as, after the contents have been eaten, they are strewn about and identify the picnic ground. Ginger ale, too, should be brought along to remind you that you left the bottle-opener at home. However, there is always at least one person present who knows how to open a bottle on a rock.

As soon as the food and other equipment have been unpacked it is in order to start a fire. Collecting wood provides occupation for people who do not know how to amuse themselves.

After the lunch has been eaten a picnic is mostly anticlimax. But there is always the possibility of someone nearly getting drowned or running into a hornets' nest or twisting an ankle. However, you must remain until well into afternoon, or you may not appear to have had a good time. To make matters worse, someone will suggest singing.

Picnics, whatever may be said against them, have their advantages. At least they reawaken in the hearts of many the truth of the old saying that there is no place like home.

Ex.9. Find the English equivalents in the text.

Требовать мало воображения; быть популярным среди; манеры поведения за столом; типичная погода; место для пикника; рыболовные снасти; высота (над уровнем моря); открывашка для бутылок; открыть бутылку о камень; разжигать огонь; собирать дрова; развлекаться; утонуть; быть приготовленным заранее; служить отличным предлогом; быть разбросанным; вывихнуть лодыжку; пробуждать в сердце.

Ex.10. Use these words and word combinations to make up sentences of your own.

Ex.11. Find in the text words and expressions describing a) typical picnic weather; b) standard picnic lunch; c) typical picnic activities (including entertainment). Expand the list of words with your own examples.

Ex.12. Answer the following questions to the text.

1. Who are picnics popular with?

2. What men are picnics popular with?

3. Why are children fond of picnics?

4. What things do children usually eat when at a picnic?

5. What do not women have to trouble about when going to a picnic?

6. Do picnic lunches have much variety?

7. What are the three kinds of typical picnic weather?

8. What is prepared ahead of time?

9. Where do people usually have picnics?

10. In what case cannot a picnic be a success?

11. What is the most important feature of the picnic?

12. What does a body of water suggest taking?

13. What serves as a good excuse not to do hard work while on picnic?

14. Picnic lunches require much imagination, don't they?

15. What is usually taken to identify the picnic grounds?

16. What can remind you of bottle-opener? How can a bottle be opened?

17. What is usually done by people when the things have been unpacked?

18. What are the traditional picnic meals?

19. What can happen to people when on picnic? What is it advised to do so as to have a good time?

20. How do people usually amuse themselves at a picnic?

21. What is your opinion of picnics? Are you fond of them? What about your relatives and friends?

10. What is the best season for having a picnic? What kind of weather is the most favourable for it?

11. Where do you prefer to have picnics?

12. How do you usually spend your time at a picnic?

13. What do you usually have for a picnic lunch?

14. Have you ever had any accidents at picnics?

15. What are the main advantages and disadvantages of picnics? What is the author's attitude to this way of spending leisure time?

---

Дата добавления: 2015-10-21