Reading comprehension

Task 12. Are the following statements true or false? Correct the false ones.

1. The story takes place in spring when everything is in blossom.

2. He had a rule to call on only the prosperous.

3. Mr Cyril Boggis owned a shop and showroom in the King's Road,the West End.

4. He was a talented salesman and when buying or selling a piece he could slide smoothly into whichever mood suited the client best.

5. Mr Boggis had achieved consider­able fame among his friends in the trade by his deep knowledge of French, English and Italian furniture.

6. The woman knew that her armchairs were valuable and was looking for a buyer to sell them dearly.

7. To gain admittance to people’s houses, Mr Boggis turned into a nice old parson.

8. He had never had unpleasant incidents in his business as all people were friendly.

9. Mr Boggis carried an old oak walking‑stick as he was lame.

10. The three men watched the clergyman suspiciously because Rummins didn't have a government permit to kill the pig, and they were all afraid of the punishment.

11. Mr Boggis finally ended up purchasing the commode for the grand total of twenty pounds.

12. The men sawed the legs off and then decided that because Mr Boggis had referred to the commode as being "firewood," that they should chop the rest of it into pieces.

Task 13. Who and under what circumstances said the following?

1. Madam, I beg of you please don't get me started on Socialism'.

2. 'What on earth are you talking about? There ain't no chair in the world worth four hundred pound'.

3. `I think you're after buying the stuff your­self. Why else would you be going to all this trouble?'

4. `This chest‑of‑­drawers worth a few pounds, I dare say, but no more. A rather crude reproduction, I'm afraid. Probably made in Victorian times. Did you paint it white?'

5. `It's been in here over twenty years, and before that it was up at the Manor House. I bought it there myself at auction when the old Squire died. You can't tell me that thing's new'.

6. 'The time and trouble that some mortals will go to in order to deceive the inno­cent!'

7. 'It's worth more 'n that for firewood!'

8. 'My dear friends, it was so good of you to let me peep inside your little home — so kind. I do hope I haven't been a terrible old bore'.

Task 14. Answer the following questions.

1. When and where did the story take place?

2. What did Mr Boggis look like?

3. Why did Mr Boggis disguise himself in the uniform of a clergyman?

4. How did Mr Boggis try to insinuate himself into the woman dressed in ri­ding­-bree­ches’ favour? What other methods did Mr Boggis use to get into people's homes?

2. How did Rummins, Claud and Bert behave when they saw Mr Boggis? Why?

3. Why did Mr Boggis say that he was only interested in the legs?

4. Why did Rummins, Claud and Bert saw off the legs of the chest of drawers?

5. You could say that Mr Boggis got what he deserved. Or are you sorry for him?

6. What is this story about? Greed? Stupid people? Is it about something else? What?

7. Do you find this story funny or tragic? Why?

8. Do you think that most antique dealers are honest? Do they make too much money?

9. Did the story leave you in suspense? What was the twist that Dahl created?

10. Should the story have given us Mr Boggis' reaction when he returned to collect the chest of drawers?

11. How will you translate the title of the story? What is the dual meaning of the word combination «Parson’s Pleasure»? Does it give you any clues in understanding the author's message?

12. Think of some other titles for the story, perhaps associated with Mr Boggis’ emotions.

13. Who narrates the story?

14. What aim does it serve?

15. What was the turning point of the story?

Дата добавления: 2015-03-31