Decide if the statements are true or false.

Unit 1. Friends

Text 1. True friends

Many foreign people who come to Britain often say that it is very difficult to make friends with a British person because British people are cold and reserved. This is not true. What is true is that different cultures have different ways of showing affection. In many countries (for example, Spain or Russia) friends often hug and kiss each other when they get together. In Britain, this is not so common. British people are not likely to tell their whole life story to a complete stranger or even share their problems and worries with a friend. However, this is not because they are cold and unemotional! The reason is that they do not want to trouble other people with their problems. Also, many British people are quite shy. Besides, the English live on an overpopulated island, so they have to ‘protect’ their personal space more than people who live on the continent. It is true that it takes a long time to make friends in Britain but once you have friends, they are friends for life. They are very loyal and always happy to forgive and forget.

Here’s what some Brit teens say about friendship.

‘Friendship is what gets you through the bad times and helps you enjoy the good times.’ - Kate, 18.

‘A friend is someone who is loyal to you and will never say anything behind your back, someone who is kind and has a good sense of humour, someone who forgives easily and someone you can trust!’ - Jerry, 17.

‘I think that a true friend is someone who you can feel completely comfortable with and you don’t have to make yourself someone you’re not.’ - Sarah, 17.

‘A friend is someone who is always there for you no matter what, who will always support you and make you smile even when you are really upset!’ - Fiona, 18.

‘A friend will be there for you when things are good... but a TRUE friend will be there for you when things are good and also when things are very bad... and just when it feels like you’ll never smile again...’ - David, 16.

‘Here’s my favourite recipe for friendship: 2 heaping cups of patience, 1 heartful of love, 2 handfuls of generosity, 1 headful of understanding, a dash of humour. Sprinkle generously with kindness and plenty of faith. Mix well. Spread over a period of a life time. Serve to everyone you meet.’ - Natalie, 15.

Answer these questions. Use the complete sentences.

1. What do foreign people say about a British person?
2. How does the author describe British people?
3. What does “the personal space” mean for the English?
4. What do friends in other countries do when they meet together?
5. Comment on the words of young Britons.

Decide if the statements are true or false.

1. According to foreigners, British people are cold and reserved.
2. Different cultures have the same ways of showing their feelings.
3. In Britain, it is common that friends hug and kiss each other when they meet.
4. British people prefer to share their problems and worries with a friend.
5. You will have to spend much time to make friends in Britain.

Дата добавления: 2015-11-14