Task 1. Sort out the two stories and retell them

IV. Additional tasks

III. Follow-up activities

Use the text to answer the following questions.

1. Why does the author compare the British way of planning a town to steel breast-plates, hair-shirts and nail-carpets?

2. What tips about town and city planning does the author give? Explain how it is possible to build a street the two sides of which have different names.

3. Is the author’s advice on how to build an English town really “practical”?

4. What is the purpose of such an elaborate way of planning every British town?

3. The story is written in a serious tone. Nevertheless, it produces a humorous effect. What elements of the story contribute to this effect? In ten sentences, retell the story. Try to deliver your story in a humorous tone (or a matter-of-fact way, scientific manner etc.).

4. The British people seem to be proud of the century-old practices and tricks which they use to mislead the foreigners and are never going to give these gimmicks up. Do you support this opinion? Give a short answer explaining your point.

5. In groups of 3–5, role-play the following situation. One of you is the host of a talk show. Invite your guests to discuss the Belarusian way of town and country planning.

1. You are a foreigner visiting an English town. Complain to your friend about the British way of building towns.

2. You are a member of the Ministry of Town and Country Planning. Suggest measures to improve the British way of building towns.

3. Write an article for your local magazine entitled “It is the address that makes the man”.

A stranger in London / The new hedge clipper

1. The stranger got out and ran up to the policeman.

2. He was about half way round his garden when his neighbour arrived.

3. Then he disappeared into Waterloo station.

4. “Thanks very much,” was the grateful reply.

5. “Would you mind paying my fare, officer?” he said. “I’ve train to catch.”

6. He called a taxi and asked the driver to take him to Waterloo, mentioning that he had a train to catch at three o’clock.

7. “That’s all right, at least I can now go back to bed and sleep in peace,” he said, walking back to his own house.

8. One Saturday morning a friend of mine decided to use his new hedge clipper.

9. The policeman told him and the stranger handed him the money.

10. The job was quickly finished and my friend thanked his neighbour for his help.

11. “Can I give you a hand?” the neighbour asked my friend.

12. At half past two the taxi drew up at Waterloo, the driver smiling broadly.

13. “What is the fare from Euston to Waterloo?” he asked the policeman.

14. A stranger arrived in Euston just before midday.

15. For two hours he sat back enjoying the sights of London.

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