Reading.1.Material

Střední průmyslová škola elektrotechnická Mohelnice













Reading Material

( 1 )







The following chapters are aimed primarily for freshmen students to deepen their reading
skills, understanding, and to broaden their vocalularies. They cover the topics as follows:

 My Family
 My Friend
 Daily Routines
 Hobbies
 Housing
 Christmas Time
 Food and Eating
 Shopping
 Seasons and Weather
 Human Body

We hope you find them inspiring and at the same time contributing to your knowledge
of the English vocabulary, and – hopefully – to your success (☺) at the exams.

Your English Language Teachers
Ver. 06/2009











































Sources:

Chudá J., Chudý T. – Topics for English Conversation. Fragment, Havlíčkův Brod, 1995.
Odehnalová J. – Reading Material for the Graduation Exam. Práh, Praha, 1994.
Loyda V. – English Conversational Topics for Students. Motiv, Praha, 1995.
Smith-Dlouhá G. – Angličtina: otázky a odpovědi. Infoa, Dubicko, 2007.
Hovorková M. a kol. – Ilustrovaný tematický slovník. Fraus, Plzeň, 2005.
I. My Family

My family is quite large. I have an older brother who studies at university, so he does not live
with us any more. He just comes from time to time for a weekend or on holidays. I also have a
younger sister who is fifteen and so she still lives with the rest of the family. Since my brother
left I have my own room, I don't have to share it with anybody else. My mum comes from
quite a large family; she has four brothers and sisters so I have many cousins from that side of
the family. My dad is an only child.
I have always loved my granny who lives in a village. My brother, sister and I used to
spend our holidays there. We could play in the garden, in the loft and the cellar full of old
things. I still keep in touch with her. My grandmother is a widow, my granddad died five
years ago. We visit her regularly, especially at Christmas or when it's her birthday. My granny
bakes the tastiest buns I know. I rarely see the rest of my relatives, only when it's someone's
birthday. But I really don't like the obligatory visits when the whole family is invited by a
relative for lunch. I prefer to come up with an excuse like an already arranged trip, etc.
Now I spend less time with my parents and siblings than I used to. I think that it is
natural since I am a teenager and I like going out and chatting with my friends rather than
with my parents. My parents are quite tolerant but sometimes they stop me and I have to
spend some time with them. After all it's not so bad; sometimes they can really help me with
my problems. Unless I am gone on a trip, they insist on eating together at weekends. I don't
spend holidays with my parents any more as it is boring for me.
I get on well with my parents although we argue at times. The last time we had a row
was about my coming late from a party. I don't understand why they are so scared about
everything; I am nearly an adult so I think I can manage on my own! They told me off but
later we made up.
Everybody is influenced by the parents, and although I criticize them very often and
just don't understand them, sometimes I notice that I use the same language when talking to
someone else. So yes, I think that I will be very similar to them when I grow up; I will have
very similar opinions and will probably lead the same kind of life.
I would never wish to be an only child. Life must be so boring when you stay and play
and talk just with adults. I think that only children have problems with making friends
because they can't share things, they are not used to communicating and listening to other
children, they are often spoilt as their parents buy them everything they want and they never
have to wear worn-out clothes ''inherited'' from older brothers and sisters. All in all I am glad
to have a big family.
Vocabulary: My Family

etc. / e.g. / i.e. atd. / např. / tj. to share room sdílet pokoj
to keep in touch with být v kontaktu s to leave family odejít od rodiny
used to (do) (kdysi) dělávat be used to (doing) být zvyklý dělat
be invited být pozván to come up with přijít s (nápadem)
to arrange domluvit si (výlet) to spend time with trávit čas (čím)
to chat povídat si be gone být pryč (z domova)
to insist on trvat na (čem) to get bored být otrávený (nudou)
to get on (well) with (dobře) vycházet s (kým) to have a row hádat se, prát se
to argue dohadovat se be scared about obávat se, mít strach
to manage on my own zařídit se po svém to tell off vynadat, hubovat
to make up usmířit se be influenced by být ovlivněn (kým)
to communicate komunikovat to spoil / spoilt child rozmazlit / rozmazlené dítě
to wear nosit (oblečení) to inherit zdědit (po sourozenci)
to criticize kritizovat to notice povšimnout si
be similar to podobat se be different from odlišovat se od
to take after (father) být po (otci) to grow up vyrůst, vychovat
to lead (my own) life vést (vlastní) život to wish přát (si)
to make friends spřátelit se to prefer upřednostňovat
to enjoy těšit se z (čeho) to prepare připravovat (se)
to celebrate oslavovat to mind vadit, obtěžovat
to have excuses vymlouvat se to hate nesnášet
to clean čistit, uklízet to (un)wrap (roz-)zabalit
rest of family zbytek rodiny schoolmate spolužák
from maternal side ze strany matky from paretnal side ze strany otce
quite docela rather than spíše než
any more už ne enough dost(atek)
unless jestliže ne although ačkoli
since od té doby / protože at times občas
regularly pravidelně especially (ob)zvláště
obligatory visit povinná návštěva tolerant tolerantní
youngster / adult mladík / dospělý (in my) opinion podle mého názoru
according to him podle něho worn-out clothes obnošené šaty
it is my birthday mám narozeniny wedding svatba
christening křtiny name day jmeniny

Family Tree Rodokmen
mother / mum matka / máma father / dad otec / táta
child / children dítě / děti son / daughter syn / dcera
brother / sister bratr / sestra husband / wife(-ves) manžel / manželka
brother(s)-in-law švagr mother-in-law tchýně
daughter-in-law snacha aunt / uncle teta / strýc
nephew / niece synovec / neteř cousin sestřenice / bratranec
grandmother / grandma babička grandfather / grandpa dědeček
great grandmother prababička grandson / granddaughter vnuk / vnučka
close / distant relatives blízcí / vzdálení příbuzní in-law(s) příbuzní
step-parents nevlastní rodiče step-children nevlastní děti
only-child / orphan jedináček / sirotek childless bezdětný
sibling sourozenec be married to ženatý s
single svobodný divorced rozvedený
widow / widower vdova / vdovec be pregnant těhotná
twins / triplets dvojčata / trojčata to go out with chodit s
bride / groom nevěsta / ženich to marry sb vzít si (koho)


My Experience: Family Celebrations
In our family we celebrate many holidays – birthday, wedding, christening. I nearly forgot all
about the name day, which we really like to celebrate – according to the calendar every name
has its date and it's like a second birthday, we prepare a small celebration with a cake or open
sandwiches and we get presents. We celebrate Easter, of course, but I don't much like this
particular holiday. I prefer Christmas because we don't go to school and its atmosphere lasts
for a long time. On All Souls Day we go to the cemetery, clean the tomb and decorate it with
flowers and light candles. I also enjoy April Fool's Day as we prepare many tricks for
teachers at school, for parents and schoolmates, too.
As I said I look foward to Christmas. We all do the preparations days ahead. I don't
even mind helping my mum with the sweets because I can eat the broken pieces. What I hate
about Christmas is the cleaning and the stress. I love watching my relatives when opening
presents bought by me. I always try to be original and prepare a surprise. I think that the
atmosphere just before unwrapping the presents is the best.
▄
II. My Friend

I always have many friends around. But most of my relationships end as soon as we stop
going to the same school. But there is one exception – my friendship with Charles still
survives. He is my best friend and I think I know him fairly well.
I met him for the first time in the fourth form. He didn't look handsome. He had
freekles, red wavy hair, he was wearing glasses and was a bit heavier than his classmates.
This made him clumsy and shy. He was very sensitive about boys who laughed at his
awkwardness. Once I stood up for him, and since that time we have been friends.
Since that time his appearance changed very much, but his character remained the
same. He is medium height, slim and well-proportioned. His hair got darker into a chestnut
shade. He wears it long almost to his shoulders. His face has soft features, his freckles
disappeared, but his complexion remains pale as before. Instead of glasses he wears contact
lenses. He has a small straight nose, and his wide mouth with enchanting smile makes his face
look really charming.
Charles has nice manners. He is sincere, but polite, tactful, amiable, and helpful. He is
not easily angered, touchy, or hot tempered. Experience from his childhood taught him to be
patient and not to show off. He still remains a bit withdrawn, irresolute, and reluctant but on
the other hand he is dutiful and consistent as far as his priorities. It is rather difficult for him
to make new friends. He is still a little suspicious when people praise him. But he is warm-
hearted, good-natured, tolerant and sensitive to other people's shortcomings. He always tries
to help. These are the qualities of his character which I like him for.
At school he does quite well. He is bright, attentive and keen to learn new things. He
tries hard to achieve good marks but sometimes his hobbies are more important for him than
school. He lacks will to learn what he does not much like, though he manages to achieve A's.
He is not lazy at all. Unlike me, he always has his room neat because he does not mind doing
housework.
He is a member of a riding club, and he devotes all his spare time to horses. His
parents are sometimes cross with him because he neglects his duties but he stays firm in his
interest.
Apart from that, like many boys of his age, he likes playing the guitar and listening to
modern music. He is not a sporty boy, but he cycles a little and is a poor table-tennis player.
We spend quite a lot of time together. He understands my problems and I can rely on
him. We go to the cinema and to concerts. Sometimes we just stroll around town and talk.
Mostly we have the same view of things and even if we argue we always find a compromise.
Though he has his faults, nobody is perfect, I like him and I hope we will stay friends forever.

Minitalks:
Where did the boys meet for the first time?
On what occasion did he stand up for Charles?
What is Charles's appearance now?
What is his disposition / temperament?
What is his character (attitude to others, himself, morals, work) ?
What are Charles's hobbies?
What do the boys have in common?
Why does the writer like Charles?
Vocabulary: My Friend

relationship vztah friendship přátelství
to make friends spřátelit se classmate spolužák
shortcomings nedostatky skills dovednosti
manners / qualities chování / vlastnosti abilities schopnosti
appearance vzhled look pohled
experience zkušenost(i) nature povaha
soft / coarse features jemné / hrubé rysy awkwardness neobratnost
to look vypadat to do well at dařit se, prospívat v
to try hard snažit se (ze všech sil) to show off předvádět se
to rely on spoléhat se na to stand up for zastat se (koho)
to laugh at posmívat se (komu) be keen on (nadšeně) se věnovat
to lack will postrádat vůli to manage dokázat (něco)
to achieve dosáhnout (čeho) to devote to věnovat se (čemu)
to neglects (duties) zanedbávat (povinnosti) to stay firm in držet se pevně (čeho)

Temperament Temperament
optimist / pesimist optimista / pesimista lively / energetic živý / činorodý
emotional citově založený moody / touchy náladový / nedůtklivý
warm-hearted dobrosrdečný calm / quiet klidný / tichý
cheerful= witty veselý clumsy / irresolute nemotorný / nerozhodný
pleasant / talkative příjemný / upovídaný nervy / furious nervózní / vzteklý
be cross with / argue sb. být nevrlý na / hádat se s have a sense of humour mít smysl pro humor

Attitude to people Vztah k lidem
(im)polite (ne)zdvořilý tactful / helpful ohleduplný / ochotný
sociable společenský nice hodný, milý
kind / attentive laskavý / pozorný sensitive citlivý
(in)tolerant (ne)snášenlivý amusing zábavný
shy plachý, ostýchavý tender jemný
stern přísný reserved = withdrawn zdrženlivý
generous velkorysý mean / self-centered lakomý / sebestředný
cheeky drzý, troufalý rude / cruel nevychovaný / surový
(dis)honest (ne)čestný, (ne)poctivý sincere = frank upřímný
proud pyšný modest skromný
(un)selfish (ne)sobecký stubborn tvrdohlavý

Attitude to work Vztah k práci
punctual / patient přesný / trpělivý dutiful / reluctant svědomitý / neochotný
hard working pracovitý careful / careless pečlivý / nedbalý
skilfull šikovný orderly / reliable pořádný / spolehlivý

Will, Abilities Vůle, schopnosti
(in)dependent (ne)závislý brave odvážný
naughty neposlušný (im)patient (ne)trpělivý
well educated vzdělaný inteligent inteligentní
clever chytrý bright = smart bystrý
wise moudrý reasonable rozumný
thoughtful přemýšlivý ingenious duchaplný
curious zvědavý dull / silly hloupý / „praštěný“

Age Věk
youngster mladík teenager „náctiletý“
adult dospělý look (under/over) fifty vypadat na padesát
middle aged středního věku elderly / aged postarší / starý

Figure Postava
be medium height být střední postavy slim / thin / skinny štíhlý / hubený / vyzáblý
be overweight mít nadváhu well-proportioned dobře stavěný
plump / stout podsaditý / zavalitý shapely body (hezky) tvarované tělo
have an athletic build mít atletickou postavu have broad shoulders mít široká ramena

Appearance Vzhled
beautiful pěkný pretty krásná (o dívce)
cute roztomilá (o dívce) attractive přitažlivý
charming okouzlující gorgeous nádherná (o dívce)
good-looking šikovný handsome pohledný (o chlapci)

Hair Vlasy
long to shoulders dlouhé po ramena straight / wavy / curly rovné/ zvlněné/ kudrnaté
loose / pony-tail rozpuštěné / cop dark-haired tmavovlasý
auburn shade / red kaštanový odstín / zrzavé grey(ish) šed(ivé)
beard / moustache bradka / knírek bald headed plešatý

Eyes Oči
blue-eyed / dark blue modrooký / tmavě modré hazel-green hnědo-zelené
sparkling look jiskřivý pohled enchanting look okouzlující pohled

Complexion Pokožka
pale bledá tanned snědá
wrinkles / wrinkled vrásky / vrásčitý freckles / freckled pihy / pihatý

Defects Vady
to wear glasses nosit brýle be cross-eyed šilhat
be blind / deaf / dumb být slepý / hluchý / němý to lame (in right leg) kulhat (na pravou nohu)


My Experience: Character Description
We met at the disco for the first time. Lucy was pretty, tall and slim with sporty figure. She
had wavy dark hair and deep blue eyes. I liked her at first sight and I think she was attracted
to me as well – therefore I asked her for a dance soon after. We spent most of the evening
together. I liked her because she was friendly, thoughtful and polite. She could tell witty
stories and was amusing.
As we came to know each other better, we fell in love. Lucy is two years younger than
me. She is intelligent and has many different skills. She studies at the Business Academy, and
she is ingenious and practical. She can even repair her bike, and she cooks very well. Despite
her abilities, she is still modest, has nice manners, and is likeable. You take to her the very
moment you see her. She is not self-centred, on the contrary, she is sensitive to other people's
problems, tries to understand them and help if she can. She is open and honest. She does not
get irritated easily and very rarely is in a bad mood. She has a sense of humour and is
optimistic. She does not like to deal with problems until they appear.
Though we have many things in common (music, travelling, nature) and share the
same opinions, I must say that she also has some faults. She spends too much money on
unnecessary things and is not very orderly. But, I still love her and I hope I won't lose her.
▄
III. My Day

Daily Routine
There is a proverb: ''An early bird catches the worm.'' If that is true I am not going to catch the
worm. And most definitely I am not an early bird! As I usually study or read a book until very
late at night I usually set my alarm clock for as late as possible. So I usually get up at around
seven and I have just enough time to rush to the bathroom, clean my teeth, comb my hair,
wash my face, drink some squash or tea, get dressed and run to school.
Hard-working students usually do their homework when they get back from school as
they still remember what is taught. Others, like me, spend the afternoons devoting to sports
and hobbies and only after dinner they tend to do the homework for the following day. Even
other students set their alarm clocks for early in the morning and do the homework before
leaving for school.
From Monday to Friday I usually get up at about 7 o'clock (unless I oversleep). I go to
school by bus and the rest of the way I walk. It takes me about 30 minutes. School starts at 8
o'clock, but some days at 7 o'clock, depending on our school schedule. Every lesson lasts for
45 minutes and there is a 10-minute break between the lessons. I am really tired and fed up
with school. Then, nearly every day, I attend some clubs. I rarely study until late at night.
At the weekends I like sleeping till late because on Fridays I usually go out with my
friends. My mum cooks lunch and I have to wash up afterwards - it is always messy in the
kitchen. In the afternoon I feel like having a nap but rarely have time to do so. In the evening I
watch TV news. Occasionally I visit my relatives or I go for a trip.
I am a very active person, I don't like hanging around doing nothing. My programme
is usually very tight and I never have time to spend the whole afternoon playing computer
games. I am a member of many clubs, on Mondays I also attend a language course.

Leisure Time
Leisure time is when I have no duties and do what brings me relaxation and pleasure. Studies
and leisure activities should be balanced so that, particularly because I do not work manually
and spend all working day in a chair and stare at the blackboard, I enjoy doing active hobbies.
There are quite a lot of possibilities to spend time. I can visit various cultural events
which include concerts, balls, exhibitions, lectures or book fairs. Last but not least, I like
photography, making films and keeping exotic animals and fish in aquariums.
Teenagers like me love playing sports or computer games, chatting on the internet,
watching films, or going out with friends. In general, I am a lazy person and I like the idea of
having nothing to do. I hate when I am asked to do something (e.g. washing up) immediately.
Therefore it is better to have hobbies because they keep me entertained.
Another popular way of spending leisure time is collecting things – napkins, tags and
labels, beer cans or mats, postcards, autographs of famous personalities and posters. My
friends also collect especially beetles, butterflies or spiders, while wealthy people can afford
to collect paintings, post-stamps, antiquities and old coins.
My mum likes needlework – sewing, knitting and crocheting while my father has his
workshop to do various little repairs. My favourite hobby is model-making, which requires
much time, patience and skills – I especially enjoy building models of railroads, aeroplanes
and ships and I also take part in contests in order to present my best models.
Vocabulary: My Day

Daily Routine Každodenní činnosti
to wake up probudit se to be up / to get up být vzhůru / vstanout
to yawn zívnout to make bed ustlat
to do hygiene routine provést každodenní hygienu to over