6.5. PERSON AND SOCIETY

6.5. PERSON AND SOCIETY

6.5.1

Reading

Translate the text and think what your

position on this is.

Public Spirit

Each nation has its own peculiar character which distinguishes it from others. But the people of the world have more points in which they are all like each other than points in which they are different. One type of person that is common in every country is the one who always tries to do as little as possibly can and get as much in return as he can. His opposite, the man who is in the habit of doing more than is strictly necessary and who is ready to accept what is offered in return, is rare everywhere.

Both these types are usually unconscious of their character. The man who avoids effort is always talking about his ‘rights’: he appears to think that society owes him a pleasant, easy life. The man who is always doing more than his share talks of ‘duties’, he feels that the individual is in debt to society, and not society to the individual. As a result of their views, neither of these men thinks that he behaves at all strangely.

The man who tries to do as little as he can is always full of excuses: if he has neglected to do something, it was because he had a headache, or the weather was too hot – or too cold – or because he was prevented by bad luck. At first, other people, such as his friends and his employer, generously accept his stories; but soon they realize what kind of person he is. In the long run he deceives only himself. When his friends become cool towards him and he fails to make progress in his job, he is surprised and hurt. He blames everyone and everything except himself. He feels that society is failing in its duties towards him, and that he is being unjustly treated. He soon becomes one of the discontented members of the society he lives in.

His public-spirited opposite is never too busy to take on an extra piece of work: that is the strangest thing about the whole business. If you want something done in a hurry, don’t go to the man who has clearly not much to do. He will probably have a dozen excellent excuses for not being able to help you, much as he claims he would like to. Go to the busiest man you know, particularly if you are sure that he has not a spare minute in the week. If your work is really important, he will make time for it.

6.5.2

Vocabulary

Translate into Russian, paying attention

to the words in italics.

1. He appears to think that society owes him an easy life. 2. He fails to make progress in his job. 3. He feels that society is failing in its duties towards him. 4. The man who avoids effort is always talking about his ‘rights’. 5. He was prevented from going out by bad weather. 6. They soon realized what kind of person he was. 7. A public-spirited man is never too busy to take an extra piece of work. 8. He claims he would like to help you but there is always a reason he cannot do it.

Comprehension

Finish the sentences, choosing the option

which corresponds to the text.

1. He was always discontented because …

a. his stories were generously accepted.

b. he felt he was unjustly treated.

2. The public-spirited man does more than it is necessary because

a. he can’t refuse when he is asked to do some extra work.

b. he expects to get something in return.

c. he feels an individual is in debt to society.

3. ‘He neglected his duties’ means that …

a. he is always ready to do his bit.

b. he avoids doing what is his share of work.

4. ‘He claims he would like to help’ means that …

a. he really wants to help.

b. he makes a show of his willingness though in fact he has no such wish.

6.5.3

Rephrase

Substitute expressions in italics using

phrases given below.

They were discontented with themselves.
She behaved strangely.
I owed him some money.
They treated him unjustly.
He blames the Conservatives for the situation in the country.

Translation

Give the English for:

1. Я сделаю все возможное, чтобы помочь вам. 2. Он никогда не бывает слишком занят, чтобы выполнить дополнительную работу. 3. Я считаю, что этот ученый внес большой вклад в науку. 4. Он не имеет никакого отношения к этому эксперименту. 5. Если у него плохо идут дела на работе, он винит в этом всех, кроме себя. 6. Не ошибается тот, кто ничего не делает. 7. Она сделала попытку изменить свой образ жизни. 8. Стороны попытались придти к соглашению. 9. Каждый из нас несет ответственность за то, что происходит в нашей стране.

6.5.4

Idiom

Read the dialogue and try to explain

the idioms in bold.

- Mr Whitbread, you’ve recently 1) come under fire over your comments on industrial pollution. What is your response to this criticism?

- I don’t regret saying what I did at all. The main obstacle to reducing pollution is still cost, so of course we need to determine who is going to 2) foot the bill.

- Okay, Mr Whitbread, but we should act before it’s too late for our planet. We will be 3) counting the cost of this procrastination for a generation.

- I agree totally. 4) On the other hand, what is the good of 5) breaking the bank in an effort to guarantee ourselves a future if it’s only this country that’s willing to do it? I mean that would only be 6) a drop in the ocean. To have the desired effect, every industrial nation in the world needs to contribute!

- So, what you’re saying is that unless everyone else 7) toes the line, this government won’t do anything to reduce pollution levels, right?

- I don’t think you need to be quite so negative, but yes, I believe it would be very foolish for us to spend millions of pounds on a plan which we know would 8) go up in smoke.

- Hmm… But surely we can do more than just 9) pay lip-service to these schemes which must be carried out eventually! I mean stricter regulations on cars for example; surely that would be 10) a step in the right direction.

- Oh, please, now that is another matter altogether…

Definition

Match the items with the idioms from part A.

a. to suffer the consequences of a reckless / foolish action

b. to be condemned / to be sharply criticized

c. a very small amount compared to what is necessary / needed

d. to pay for something

e. however

e. to voice / express agreement on smth when you don’t actually support it

g. to end in nothing / to result in failure

h. to leave smb without money

i. to obey orders / rules

j. a positive action, especially towards a solution

6.5.5 Word Use

Fill in the gaps:

This car is smoother to drive than that one. That one … is a bargain.
The price of the mansion was a mere … compared to the multi-millionaire’s staggering fortune.
My plans to have a quiet evening at home … when Geoffrey arrived with six of his friends.
Mayor Banks lost favour with Tunstown residents as he only … to their anxieties.
You really upset Janet; it would certainly be … if you wrote and apologized to her.

Practice

Add the necessary idioms to the following

extract from a news report:

The writing is on the wall for the Chanson Group who have been given two years 1) ….. and adopt cleaner methods of production in their factories. Chanson’s owners, who 2) …… last year when it was discovered that they were releasing tons of toxic waste into the North Sea, have said that such changes will 3) ….. . It seems that the Chanson Group will soon be 4) ….. of their past failure to observe regulations unless they find someone willing to help them to 5) ….. .

6.5.6 Idiom

Read the extract from a newspaper and try to

explain the idioms in bold.

The new Environment Minister, Tony Lord, is proving himself to be 1) a breath of fresh air in a department whose policies have proved stale and unconvincing up to now. Yesterday, he 2) was put on the spot by the environmental group Earth SOS when he was challenged to respond to Earth SOS’s latest report which has 3) brought to light the extent of the pollution in the River Flay.

The previous Minister, Lord Garter, commissioned the Environmental Ministry to produce a special report on the River Flay last month. Based on the evidence in the report, he gave both the river and the large NFC Pharmaceuticals factory, which is situated on the river, 4) a clean bill of health. Lord Garter reported that the environment around the factory is now 5) ‘as clean as a whistle’ and the water in the river is ‘safe enough to drink’.

Earth SOS’s report must have come as 6) a rude awakening to Mr Lord since it shows that pollution in and around the river is still far above the levels permitted by law. The report refers to plantations of small trees around the NFC factory 7) burnt to a crisp by sulphur emission, and 8) pitch-black sediment at the bottom of the river which is the product of industrial waste. The report also notes that the previous minister is now a director of NFC Pharmaceuticals.

Mr Lord announced that the Ministry would no longer 9) bury its head in the sand and pretend there was no problem with the River Flay and that he personally would lead a new enquiry into pollution there. He invited Earth SOS to take part. He said there was nothing to be gained by having his Ministry and environmental groups constantly 10) at loggerheads with each other, and concluded by saying that everyone wants a cleaner and safer environment in which to live.

Definition

Match the items with the idioms from part A.

a. to put smb in a difficult position, especially by a sudden question

b. to burn smth completely

c. to ignore trouble by pretending it doesn’t exist

d. a statement that smth / smb is in satisfactory condition / health

e. in strong disagreement

f. very clean

g. a sudden understanding / awareness of smth unpleasant

h. black / very dark

i. to make known

j. smb / smth refreshingly new and different

6.5.7

Rephrase

Reword the following sentences using the word

in brackets. Do not change these words in any way.

Before the General inspected their barracks, the soldiers made sure that everything was very clean. (whistle)
My sister and I have strongly disagreed for years – you name it, we argue about it. (loggerheads)
Terry’s romantic dinner was ruined when the roast in the oven caught fire. (burnt)
When the lights went out, it was very dark. (black)
Scarlet Snake’s new record was different and exciting so everyone wanted to buy it. (fresh)

Practice

Fill in the gaps:

Joseph was … when his mother demanded an explanation for his low school marks.
Environmental groups concerned about the issue have accused the government of … .
After all his aches and pains, he was relieved to be given a … .
We had rather a … to the cost of phone calls when we had our first bill.
Residents were appalled when Cubbley Council’s mismanagement of local funds was …

6.5.8

Check Yourself

Add the missing words to complete the idioms.

Use them in a situation of your own.

1. to ….. under fire

2. to ….. the bill

3. to ….. the cost

4. to ….. the bank

5. to ….. lip-service

6. to ….. the line

7. to ….. smb on the spot

8. to ….. smth to a crisp

9. to ….. smth to light

10. to ….. up in smoke

Word Choice

Choose the word which best completes each

sentence:

1. Dogs are very loyal pets. On the other …, they can be quite noisy.

a. place b. point c. foot d. hand

2. The school authorities agreed that implementing corporal punishment would be a … in the right direction.

a. foot b. step c. walk d. hop

3. The money raised at the concert was a … in the ocean compared with the amount needed to build the new stadium.

a. drop b. pinch c. spot d. drip

4. Michael tends to … his head in he sand when he has problems.

a. cover b. conceal c. bury d. hide

5. The astronauts had to be given a clean … of health before embarking on the space mission.

a. certificate b. bill c. receipt d. statement

6. The two political candidates were at … over the new education act.

a. loggerheads b. odds c. dispute d. conflict

7. The police searched the alleged murderer’s flat for evidence, but it was as clean as a … .

a. flute b. bell c. crystal d. whistle

8. It was a(an) … awakening when John discovered he had no money in he bank.

a. abrupt b. sudden c. harsh d. rude

9. The children were afraid to enter the cave as it was …-black.

a. pitch b. ebony c. raven d. darts

10. Flora’s creative approach to teaching was like a … of fresh air to her pupils.

a. gasp b. gulp c. breath d. whiff

Word Use

Answer the questions below:

If a person agrees it’s polite to foot the bill occasionally but never does, is he / she paying lip-service? Why / Why not?
If a person’s medical record was as clean as a whistle, would they be given a clean bill of health?
If two friends were at loggerheads with each other, would their relationship go up in smoke? Why / Why not?

6.5.9

Reading

Read the text and note the language it offers you.

Fifties people wore pointed shoes, Sixties people wore flowers in their hair. Seventies people dyed their hair pink. So what about the Eighties? Is this a fair picture of an Eighties couple or not? If not, why not?

A 1980s Couple

They are passionate believers in vegetarianism and regard people who eat meat as worse than criminals. (In their view, egg-eaters are really no better, as eggs are baby chickens.)

I suspect, though, that part of them is sometimes dying for a nice big juicy steak.

They are suspicious of all frozen food, despise any product that contains additives, wholly disapprove of white bread, and reckon that consumers of ‘poisonous’ white sugar will nearly all die young.

I hope they’re wrong.

They view things like whaling and seal-hunting with disgust, and find vivisection extremely distasteful. They are fierce opponents of fox-hunting and are also opposed to women accepting presents of fur-coats.

I dread to think what their views would be on those cosmetic firms which try out their products on poor, defenceless little rabbits.

For them, zoos are degrading; they refuse to accept that they serve any useful purpose whatsoever. On the other hand, they welcome the growth of wild-life parks and reserves.

I can’t make up my mind where I stand on this. They know their own mind, as usual.

They feel strongly that most doctors are little better than drug-pushers, and are convinced that acupuncture is the medicine of the future.

I suppose they might have a point there.

They recommend natural childbirth for all mothers-to-be and reject the need for such things as induction, drips and painkillers, except in special circumstances.

I expect one or two of you mothers would disagree.

They are in favour of abortion being freely available, and I guess you don’t need me to tell you their feelings on women’s equality. They are against corporal punishment of any kind – I would imagine their attitude towards capital punishment is fairly predictable – and is pro voluntary euthanasia.

They take a keen interest in the fortunes of the Third World, and doubt whether any of the Western powers really care.

They are supporters of conservation in its broadest sense, back all tree-planting projects, and strongly approve of recycling waste paper and other rubbish.

I presume most people would share that particular viewpoint.

They would like to see solar energy taken more seriously and are fiercely anti-nuclear power.

My own feeling is that solar energy in Britain is rather a contradiction in terms.

They are under the impression that all politicians are either gangsters or fools.

I must admit, I’m afraid I’m tempted to agree.

They advocate prisons without bars and are of the opinion that 99% of serious criminals are in need of psychiatric help.

To my mind, pleas of insanity have become suspiciously common.

They are prepared to accept that UFOs probably do exist, and they have no time for people who dismiss reincarnation out of hand.

It all seems a bit improbable to me.

They adore punk clothes, but can’t stand the people. They rate Lennon above McCartney and are great fans of Steve Wonder.

I’ve never understood their taste in clothes or trusted their judgment when it comes to music.

As far as they are concerned, tobacco is an unspeakable evil, but they support the movement for the legalization of soft drugs. They are also for restrictions regarding the sale of alcohol.

Me? I don’t mind much about the drug thing, but I’m quite fond of my old pipe and rather keen on my brandy after dinner.

They consider that marriage should be a loose arrangement that ensures security for children, but maintain – insist even – that one balanced parent is preferable to two who are always at each other’s throats.

They’re the sort of people who believe in the freedom of all people at all times, and think anyone with a different point of view must be crazy.

I wouldn’t have thought that was a very liberal approach, but never mind. If you ask me, nobody’s totally open-minded.

Oh yes, and they jog.

OK, so you may see eye to eye with them on some of those issues, but you should try being related to one of them, that’s all!

6.5.10

Meaning

Here are some names we give to people who have

quite definite views and attitudes:

a. sadist

b. agnostic

c. racist

d. patriot

e. cynic

f. idealist

g. fatalist

h. romantic

i. optimist

j. nationalist

k. activist

l. atheist

m. pessimist

n. masochist

o. anarchist

p. perfectionist

q. disciplinarian

r. philanthropist

s. fanatic

t. realist

u. nonconformist

Who might say which of the following statements?

I don’t believe in God.
I don’t think I believe in God.
I don’t believe that anyone really believes in anything.
Love makes the world go round.
Face facts: love doesn’t make the world go round – the sun does.
Any player not on time for training will be fined 10 pounds for every minute he’s late.
Me, emigrate? You must be joking. It would break my heart.
I’m not a bad sort of person. I just happen to believe that my country is superior to and more important than any other.
I’ll concede that 99.9% is a good examination result. I just want to know why you failed to get 100%.
Honestly, I’ve nothing against foreigners, as long as they don’t come and live next door to me or try to marry my daughter.
What will be will be.
I don’t know why you bother to talk about the next World Cup. There will probably have been a nuclear war by then.
It’s no good just sitting and talking about social injustice. The time has come to do something about it.
We shall achieve our aims by any means available; if that includes bloodshed and suffering for innocent people, that’s the way it’ll have to be.
I ran fifty kilometers in the midday sun today. Every kilometer hurt more than the last, so I feel really good about it. It must have done me good.
You might not enjoy this, but I’m certainly going to enjoy watching you suffer.
What did those politicians, lawyers and priests ever do for me? We should all follow our own ideas on government, law and the church.
Just because you’re losing 0-6, 0-6, 0-5 and 0-40 doesn’t mean you’re necessarily going to lose.
I don’t care what they say – palace or not, royalty or not, hundredth anniversary or not, I am not going to wear a tie.
It’s the moral duty of all of us to do what we can to reduce the amount of human suffering in the world. At least, that’s the way I look at things.
I am convinced that we are capable of creating paradise here on earth.

6.5.11

Interaction

Act out short arguments between the pairs of people

below, who are attacking each other’s standpoints and

attitudes. Start: The trouble with people like you is …

Use vocabulary from this unit.

a. a vegetarian and a cattle farmer

b. a doctor and a teacher

c. a ‘green’ supporter and the director of a firm producing chemicals

d. a seventeen-year-old and a twenty-year-old

e. any other couple with opposite views on some subject

6.5.12

Translation

Translate the following passages about mass media

commentaries, advertisements and sensations.

1. … A weekly New Age newspaper reported on natural foods, holistic healing and spiritual matters ranging from reincarnation therapy to spirit channeling. Gurus, swamis, psychics. Tarot-card readers, acupuncturists, herbalists to movie stars, channelers, aura interpreters, palm readers, chaos-theory dice counselors, past-life guides, high-colonic therapists and other specialists offered their services in heartening numbers.

Cosmic disasters loomed at every turn: the Exploding Sun, Comet Strike, Time Snap, The Big Bang, Wasteland.

2. … The news reader informed him that taxes were going up again. The economy was slipping deeper into recession. The government was further restricting gun ownership and television violence. Robbery, rape, and homicide rates were at all-time highs. The Chinese were accusing us of possessing ‘orbital laser death rays’, and we were accusing them of the same. Some people believed that the world would end in fire; others said ice; both were testifying before Congress on behalf of competing legislative agendas designed to save the world…

A dog show was being picketed by protesters who were demanding an end to selective breeding and to the ‘exploitation of animal beauty in an exhibitionistic performance no less repugnant than the degrading of young women in topless bars…’

6.5.13

Discussion

What do the commentaries above tell you about the

interests of people nowadays? Express your opinion

of the controversial issues in the news reports at the

moment.

6.5.14

Writing

What is your attitude to the problems mentioned in

the text ‘A 1980s Couple’? Write a short essay

starting with ‘Our generation is...’.