Business English is English especially related to international trade. It is a part of English for Specific Purposes and can be considered a specialism within English language learning and teaching; for example, the teachers' organisation IATEFL has a special interest group called BESIG [1]. Many non-native English speakers study the subject with the goal of doing business with English-speaking countries, or with companies located outside the Anglosphere but which nonetheless use English as a shared language or lingua franca. Much of the English communication that takes place within business circles all over the world occurs between non-native speakers. In cases such as these the object of the exercise is efficient and effective communication. The strict rules of grammar are in such cases sometimes ignored, when, for example, a stressed negotiator's only goal is to reach an agreement as quickly as possible. (See linguist Braj Kachru's theory of the "expanding circle".)
Business English means different things to different people.[who?] For some, it focuses on vocabulary and topics used in the worlds of business, trade, finance, and international relations. For others it refers to the communication skills used in the workplace, and focuses on the language and skills needed for typical business communication such as presentations, negotiations, meetings, small talk, socializing, correspondence, report writing, and so on. In both of these cases it can be taught to native speakers of English, for example, high school students preparing to enter the job market.
It can also be a form of international English.
It is possible to study Business English at college and university; institutes around the world have on offer courses (modules) in BE, which can even lead to a degree in the subject[1].
sumber : From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Kamis, 27 Mei 2010
Global warming
For past climate change, see Paleoclimatology and Geologic temperature record.
This article is semi-protected indefinitely in response to an ongoing high risk of vandalism.
This is a featured article. Click here for more information.
Global mean surface temperature difference relative to the 1961–1990 average
Comparison of ground based (blue) and satellite based (red: UAH; green: RSS) records of temperature variations since 1979. Trends plotted since January 1982.
Mean surface temperature change for the period 2000 to 2009 relative to the average temperatures from 1951 to 1980.[1]
Global warming is the increase in the average temperature of Earth's near-surface air and oceans since the mid-20th century and its projected continuation. According to a report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) global surface temperature increased 0.74 ± 0.18 °C (1.33 ± 0.32 °F) between the start and the end of the 20th century.[2][A] The global scientific community agrees that most of the observed temperature increase since the middle of the 20th century was caused by increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases, which results from human activity such as fossil fuel burning and deforestation.
Climate model projections summarized in the latest IPCC report indicate that the global surface temperature is likely to rise a further 1.1 to 6.4 °C (2.0 to 11.5 °F) during the 21st century.[2] The uncertainty in this estimate arises from the use of models with differing sensitivity to greenhouse gas concentrations and the use of differing estimates of future greenhouse gas emissions. An increase in global temperature will cause sea levels to rise and will change the amount and pattern of precipitation, probably including expansion of subtropical deserts.[3] Warming is expected to be strongest in the Arctic and would be associated with continuing retreat of glaciers, permafrost and sea ice. Other likely effects include changes in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, species extinctions, and changes in agricultural yields. Warming and related changes will vary from region to region around the globe, though the nature of these regional variations is uncertain.[4]
Political and public debate continues, regarding the legitimacy of global warming, in part due to the fact that multinational oil and coal corporations have funded public relations campaigns to attack and/or deny scientific evidence in order to protect their industries/investments [5]. There is no debate amongst the scientific community as to whether or not human-made global warming is real.[6]
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is semi-protected indefinitely in response to an ongoing high risk of vandalism.
This is a featured article. Click here for more information.
Global mean surface temperature difference relative to the 1961–1990 average
Comparison of ground based (blue) and satellite based (red: UAH; green: RSS) records of temperature variations since 1979. Trends plotted since January 1982.
Mean surface temperature change for the period 2000 to 2009 relative to the average temperatures from 1951 to 1980.[1]
Global warming is the increase in the average temperature of Earth's near-surface air and oceans since the mid-20th century and its projected continuation. According to a report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) global surface temperature increased 0.74 ± 0.18 °C (1.33 ± 0.32 °F) between the start and the end of the 20th century.[2][A] The global scientific community agrees that most of the observed temperature increase since the middle of the 20th century was caused by increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases, which results from human activity such as fossil fuel burning and deforestation.
Climate model projections summarized in the latest IPCC report indicate that the global surface temperature is likely to rise a further 1.1 to 6.4 °C (2.0 to 11.5 °F) during the 21st century.[2] The uncertainty in this estimate arises from the use of models with differing sensitivity to greenhouse gas concentrations and the use of differing estimates of future greenhouse gas emissions. An increase in global temperature will cause sea levels to rise and will change the amount and pattern of precipitation, probably including expansion of subtropical deserts.[3] Warming is expected to be strongest in the Arctic and would be associated with continuing retreat of glaciers, permafrost and sea ice. Other likely effects include changes in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, species extinctions, and changes in agricultural yields. Warming and related changes will vary from region to region around the globe, though the nature of these regional variations is uncertain.[4]
Political and public debate continues, regarding the legitimacy of global warming, in part due to the fact that multinational oil and coal corporations have funded public relations campaigns to attack and/or deny scientific evidence in order to protect their industries/investments [5]. There is no debate amongst the scientific community as to whether or not human-made global warming is real.[6]
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
What is the Ideal Age to Learn English?
Learning English is something that you really have to do if you want to make it big in today’s world. Between the type of English common in the United States and the type of English common in the United Kingdom, most of the world’s population is represented in terms of people that know how to speak English. All of the major business is transacted in that language and everyone that happens to be rich, successful or otherwise powerful in the world today learned English at some point in their life.
Now that it has been established that learning English is essential, it is time to think about the different times in a person’s life that learning English can be ideal. While there is no one particular ideal age at which to learn English, there are times when it can be better to do so and those times are discussed at length below.
From Birth
The absolutely most ideal age at which learning English can happen is at birth. When a baby speaks their first words, if those words are in English, then English will be the first language that they learn. This also makes it the easiest language for them to learn as many babies never end up learning another language after they have learned their initial one. Some people just have a mental block when it comes to learning languages, which is why English as their first language is absolutely the best way to go.
During Primary Schooling
If a child has not learned English as their first language, then the next best time to get them to learn it would be during the time in their life when they are thinking about doing primary schooling. Primary schooling is extremely important and allows children to expand their knowledge and grow on multiple fronts during the second group of formative years in their life (the first being their pre-school years). Because of the rapid rate at which children tend to learn at this age, English language training is definitely a good idea.
During Secondary Schooling
If a child has gone through the initial and primary school years of their life without learning English, then you will want to make sure that you start them on an English language learning course right away. While secondary school students are still learning a lot, the information that high school gives them is largely specialized information. This is quite different from the formative study they undertake in primary school which in turn means that teaching them something as basic as a new way of speaking is a lot harder to do.
During Post-Secondary Schooling
While a large argument is currently raging across academic circles at which time is better to learn English between secondary and post-secondary schooling, most people tend to believe that post-secondary schooling provides an environment that makes learning a new language a lot easier to do. People are exposed to new ideas and concepts that might completely change the way they look at and think about life in post-secondary school and that makes taking on big new challenges like learning English easier to do than it would be in secondary school.
As an Adult
It is possible for an out of school adult to learn English, but it is at the same time a lot harder to do. The thing that makes it easier for adults to learn English sometimes is the fact that adults that are out of school tend to have a far more disciplined approach to things like this and for that reason have the ability to grasp information pertinent to their life at a relatively quick pace.
By Amy Nutt
sumber : xamux.com
Now that it has been established that learning English is essential, it is time to think about the different times in a person’s life that learning English can be ideal. While there is no one particular ideal age at which to learn English, there are times when it can be better to do so and those times are discussed at length below.
From Birth
The absolutely most ideal age at which learning English can happen is at birth. When a baby speaks their first words, if those words are in English, then English will be the first language that they learn. This also makes it the easiest language for them to learn as many babies never end up learning another language after they have learned their initial one. Some people just have a mental block when it comes to learning languages, which is why English as their first language is absolutely the best way to go.
During Primary Schooling
If a child has not learned English as their first language, then the next best time to get them to learn it would be during the time in their life when they are thinking about doing primary schooling. Primary schooling is extremely important and allows children to expand their knowledge and grow on multiple fronts during the second group of formative years in their life (the first being their pre-school years). Because of the rapid rate at which children tend to learn at this age, English language training is definitely a good idea.
During Secondary Schooling
If a child has gone through the initial and primary school years of their life without learning English, then you will want to make sure that you start them on an English language learning course right away. While secondary school students are still learning a lot, the information that high school gives them is largely specialized information. This is quite different from the formative study they undertake in primary school which in turn means that teaching them something as basic as a new way of speaking is a lot harder to do.
During Post-Secondary Schooling
While a large argument is currently raging across academic circles at which time is better to learn English between secondary and post-secondary schooling, most people tend to believe that post-secondary schooling provides an environment that makes learning a new language a lot easier to do. People are exposed to new ideas and concepts that might completely change the way they look at and think about life in post-secondary school and that makes taking on big new challenges like learning English easier to do than it would be in secondary school.
As an Adult
It is possible for an out of school adult to learn English, but it is at the same time a lot harder to do. The thing that makes it easier for adults to learn English sometimes is the fact that adults that are out of school tend to have a far more disciplined approach to things like this and for that reason have the ability to grasp information pertinent to their life at a relatively quick pace.
By Amy Nutt
sumber : xamux.com
How to Learn English As You Write - The Easy Way!
Writing software is not traditionally a tool for teaching English language skills. However, as these types of applications have matured through the years, they are increasingly becoming useful tools not just for fashioning your written documents into shape, but for helping you improve you master the language as well. How exactly does it perform as a language learning software?
See, every time you run a document through an English writing software, it analyzes it and points out erroneous portions, instantly letting you see weaknesses in your language skill set. As it points our mistakes and provides advice on how you may fix them, it’s serving as a teaching tool, almost like a private tutor of sorts. In fact, we’d go so far as to say that it’s probably a better learning platform than many courses, simply because you’re developing the language skills in an applied manner.
If you’re an ESL speaker currently taking a language course, using a writing software when you practice at home is bound to do more good for you than watching hours of English television or reading a chapter of a grammar book. Think back to when you were studying Math, for instance. Did you learn more from listening to a teacher, observing your classmates or solving the problems yourself while getting direct one-on-one feedback on your solutions? I’d venture a guess that the third of those options offered the best results when it came to lessons that you actually remember and seamlessly integrated into your skillset.
In many ways, an English writing software is akin to hiring a private tutor, except its infinitely cheaper and more convenient.
A powerful vocabulary usually takes time and experience to build. While that holds true for most folks, it doesn’t mean you can’t help accelerate the process a bit along the way. These practical tips should help you develop a robust vocabulary store faster than your average English learner.
1. Derive relationships
Words based on a common theme or concept are easier to memorize than those with no concept to tie them together. Most vocabulary lessons found on language learning software are structured this way for a reason - they work exceptionally well.
2. Write it down
Writing, for some reason, has a way of imprinting words into your consciousness. Instead of just reading words off a page, try putting them to paper yourself - the effect can be downright amazing.
3. Use your creativity
Employ your creative side and relate words to drawings, photographs, dance moves or whatever art form feels most natural to you. This can create a relationship that will help you pull out the right words at just the right time - most of the time, anyway.
4. Find relevance
Study words that carry a certain relevance to certain areas of your life. If you’re into basketball, for instance, words that relate to the game will usually prove easier to memorize than words often used in engineering pursuits. Whatever hobby, life event or situation carries meaning for you, use them to your advantage in vocabulary-building.
5. Be reasonable
Your vocabulary is not going to go from zero to hero in one day. As such, set reasonable goals that you can succeed in to build your confidence. That will prove 10 times better than failing over and over while trying to pursue unrealistic ideals.
By Jennifer Sefo
sumber : xamux.com
See, every time you run a document through an English writing software, it analyzes it and points out erroneous portions, instantly letting you see weaknesses in your language skill set. As it points our mistakes and provides advice on how you may fix them, it’s serving as a teaching tool, almost like a private tutor of sorts. In fact, we’d go so far as to say that it’s probably a better learning platform than many courses, simply because you’re developing the language skills in an applied manner.
If you’re an ESL speaker currently taking a language course, using a writing software when you practice at home is bound to do more good for you than watching hours of English television or reading a chapter of a grammar book. Think back to when you were studying Math, for instance. Did you learn more from listening to a teacher, observing your classmates or solving the problems yourself while getting direct one-on-one feedback on your solutions? I’d venture a guess that the third of those options offered the best results when it came to lessons that you actually remember and seamlessly integrated into your skillset.
In many ways, an English writing software is akin to hiring a private tutor, except its infinitely cheaper and more convenient.
A powerful vocabulary usually takes time and experience to build. While that holds true for most folks, it doesn’t mean you can’t help accelerate the process a bit along the way. These practical tips should help you develop a robust vocabulary store faster than your average English learner.
1. Derive relationships
Words based on a common theme or concept are easier to memorize than those with no concept to tie them together. Most vocabulary lessons found on language learning software are structured this way for a reason - they work exceptionally well.
2. Write it down
Writing, for some reason, has a way of imprinting words into your consciousness. Instead of just reading words off a page, try putting them to paper yourself - the effect can be downright amazing.
3. Use your creativity
Employ your creative side and relate words to drawings, photographs, dance moves or whatever art form feels most natural to you. This can create a relationship that will help you pull out the right words at just the right time - most of the time, anyway.
4. Find relevance
Study words that carry a certain relevance to certain areas of your life. If you’re into basketball, for instance, words that relate to the game will usually prove easier to memorize than words often used in engineering pursuits. Whatever hobby, life event or situation carries meaning for you, use them to your advantage in vocabulary-building.
5. Be reasonable
Your vocabulary is not going to go from zero to hero in one day. As such, set reasonable goals that you can succeed in to build your confidence. That will prove 10 times better than failing over and over while trying to pursue unrealistic ideals.
By Jennifer Sefo
sumber : xamux.com
Rabu, 26 Mei 2010
gaya tidur
Tidurmu, Kepribadianmu
Bagaimana posisi Anda saat tidur? Sebuah survey dari Inggris menyelidiki 1000 orang dan menunjukkan adanya hubungan antara gaya tidur dengan kepribadian seseorang. Jadi, apa gaya Anda?
Gaya meringkuk
Ini adalah posisi paling umum terutama di antara para wanita. Mereka yang tidur dengan posisi ini dikenal berkepribadian tangguh tapi tetap peka terhadap sekitar. Mereka mungkin terlihat pemalu tapi mudah akrab.
Gaya menyamping
Jika Anda tidur menyamping dengan kedua tangan di samping tubuh, Anda adalah orang yang pandai bergaul, mudah mempercayai orang, bahkan kadang mudah ditipu. Sekitar 15% orang tidur dengan gaya ini.
Gaya peminta
Sepertiga orang tidur menyamping dengan kedua tangan diletakkan di depan tubuh. Mereka dikenal berpikiran terbuka namun agak sinis, pencuriga dan keras kepala dalam pengambilan keputusan.
Gaya prajurit
Orang yang tidur dengan gaya ini tidur terlentang dengan lengan rapat disamping tubuh. Mereka disebut bersifat pendiam, tertutup, dan menetapkan standard tinggi untuk diri dan rekan. Mereka juga lebih sering mendengkur, yang membuat mereka mendapat tidur berkualitas lebih sedikit.
Gaya terjun bebas
Sebagian kecil orang tidur tengkurap, dengan bagian perut dibawah dan lengan di bawah atau memeluk bantal. Sedangkan kepala akan menghadap ke salah satu sisi. Orang dengan posisi tidur ini dikenal blak-blakan, supel, dan tidak suka dikritik.
Gaya bintang laut
Jenis gaya tidur yang terakhir adalah terlentang, dengan tangan di dekat kepala. Mereka dengan gaya tidur ini biasanya adalah pendengar yang baik, suka menolong dan tidak nyaman menjadi pusat perhatian. Mereka juga sering mendengkur dan kurang mendapat tidur berkualitas.
(mg)
sumber : yahoo.com
Bagaimana posisi Anda saat tidur? Sebuah survey dari Inggris menyelidiki 1000 orang dan menunjukkan adanya hubungan antara gaya tidur dengan kepribadian seseorang. Jadi, apa gaya Anda?
Gaya meringkuk
Ini adalah posisi paling umum terutama di antara para wanita. Mereka yang tidur dengan posisi ini dikenal berkepribadian tangguh tapi tetap peka terhadap sekitar. Mereka mungkin terlihat pemalu tapi mudah akrab.
Gaya menyamping
Jika Anda tidur menyamping dengan kedua tangan di samping tubuh, Anda adalah orang yang pandai bergaul, mudah mempercayai orang, bahkan kadang mudah ditipu. Sekitar 15% orang tidur dengan gaya ini.
Gaya peminta
Sepertiga orang tidur menyamping dengan kedua tangan diletakkan di depan tubuh. Mereka dikenal berpikiran terbuka namun agak sinis, pencuriga dan keras kepala dalam pengambilan keputusan.
Gaya prajurit
Orang yang tidur dengan gaya ini tidur terlentang dengan lengan rapat disamping tubuh. Mereka disebut bersifat pendiam, tertutup, dan menetapkan standard tinggi untuk diri dan rekan. Mereka juga lebih sering mendengkur, yang membuat mereka mendapat tidur berkualitas lebih sedikit.
Gaya terjun bebas
Sebagian kecil orang tidur tengkurap, dengan bagian perut dibawah dan lengan di bawah atau memeluk bantal. Sedangkan kepala akan menghadap ke salah satu sisi. Orang dengan posisi tidur ini dikenal blak-blakan, supel, dan tidak suka dikritik.
Gaya bintang laut
Jenis gaya tidur yang terakhir adalah terlentang, dengan tangan di dekat kepala. Mereka dengan gaya tidur ini biasanya adalah pendengar yang baik, suka menolong dan tidak nyaman menjadi pusat perhatian. Mereka juga sering mendengkur dan kurang mendapat tidur berkualitas.
(mg)
sumber : yahoo.com
Jumat, 21 Mei 2010
The Carpet Fitter
The Carpet fitter
The Carpet Fitter Eddie was a carpet fitter, and he hated it. For ten years he had spent his days sitting, squatting, kneeling or crawling on floors, in houses, offices, shops, factories and restaurants. Ten years of his life, cutting and fitting carpets for other people to walk on, without even seeing them. When his work was done, no-one ever appreciated it. No- one ever said "Oh, that's a beautiful job, the carpet fits so neatly." They just walked all over it. Eddie was sick of it. He was especially sick of it on this hot, humid day in August, as he worked to put the finishing touches to today's job. He was just cutting and fixing the last edge on a huge red carpet which he had fitted in the living room of Mrs. Vanbrugh's house. Rich Mrs. Vanbrugh, who changed her carpets every year, and always bought the best. Rich Mrs. Vanbrugh, who had never even given him a cup of tea all day, and who made him go outside when he wanted to smoke. Ah well, it was four o'clock and he had nearly finished. At least he would be able to get home early today. He began to day-dream about the weekend, about the Saturday football game he always played for the local team, where he was known as "Ed the Head" for his skill in heading goals from corner kicks. Eddie sat back and sighed. The job was done, and it was time for a last cigarette. He began tapping the pockets of his overalls, looking for the new packet of Marlboro he had bought that morning. They were not there. It was as he swung around to look in his toolbox for the cigarettes that Eddie saw the lump. Right in the middle of the brand new bright red carpet, there was a lump. A very visible lump. A lump the size of -- the size of a packet of cigarettes. "Blast!" said Eddie angrily. "I've done it again! I've left the cigarettes under the blasted carpet!" He had done this once before, and taking up and refitting the carpet had taken him two hours. Eddie was determined that he was not going to spend another two hours in this house. He decided to get rid of the lump another way. It would mean wasting a good packet of cigarettes, nearly full, but anything was better than taking up the whole carpet and fitting it again. He turned to his toolbox for a large hammer. Holding the hammer, Eddie approached the lump in the carpet. He didn't want to damage the carpet itself, so he took a block of wood and placed it on top of the lump. Then he began to beat the block of wood as hard as he could. He kept beating, hoping Mrs. Vanbrugh wouldn't hear the noise and come to see what he was doing. It would be difficult to explain why he was hammering the middle of her beautiful new carpet. After three or four minutes, the lump was beginning to flatten out. Eddie imagined the cigarette box breaking up, and the crushed cigarettes spreading out under the carpet. Soon, he judged that the lump was almost invisible. Clearing up his tools, he began to move the furniture back into the living room, and he was careful to place one of the coffee tables over the place where the lump had been, just to make sure that no-one would see the spot where his cigarettes had been lost. Finally, the job was finished, and he called Mrs. Vanbrugh from the dining room to inspect his work. "Yes, dear, very nice," said the lady, peering around the room briefly. "You'll be sending me a bill, then?" "Yes madam, as soon as I report to the office tomorrow that the job is done." Eddie picked up his tools, and began to walk out to the van. Mrs. Vanbrugh accompanied him. She seemed a little worried about something. "Young man," she began, as he climbed into the cab of his van, laying his toolbox on the passenger seat beside him, "while you were working today, you didn't by any chance see any sign of Armand, did you? Armand is my parakeet. A beautiful bird, just beautiful, such colors in his feathers... I let him out of his cage, you see, this morning, and he's disappeared. He likes to walk around the house, and he's so good, he usually just comes back to his cage after an hour or so and gets right in. Only today he didn't come back. He's never done such a thing before, it's most peculiar..." "No, madam, I haven't seen him anywhere," said Eddie, as he reached to start the van. And saw his packet of Marlboro cigarettes on the dashboard, where he had left it at lunchtime.... And remembered the lump in the carpet.... And realised what the lump was.... And remembered the hammering.... And began to feel rather sick....Multiple-Choice QuestionsClick on the answer you think is correct.
1. Why did Eddie hate being a carpet-fitter?
a)The pay was too low.
b)He didn't like working alone.
c)No-one appreciated his work.
d)He couldn't smoke on the job.
2. What did Eddie think of Mrs. Vanbrugh?
a)She was a kind, thoughtful lady.
b)She was rich and selfish.
c)She was always losing things.
d)She had good taste in furniture.
3. Why was Eddie called "Ed the Head" by his friends?
a)Because he was such an intelligent carpet-fitter.
b)Because he had a large head.
c)Because he was very proud and self-important.
d)Because of his footballing skills.
4. What did Eddie want to do when he had finished fitting the carpet?
a)have a cigarette
b)hammer the carpet flat
c)look for Mrs. Vanbrugh's lost bird
d)start work in the dining room
5. Why didn't Eddie remove the carpet to take out the thing that was causing the lump?
a)He couldn't take the carpet up once he had fitted it.
b)He didn't need the cigarettes because he had some more in the van.
c)It would take too long to remove the carpet and re-fit it.
d)He intended to come back and remove the lump the next day.
6. What did Eddie do with the hammer?
a)hammered nails into the lump
b)fixed the coffee table
c)left it under the carpet
d)flattened the carpet
7. What was Mrs. Vanbrugh worried about?
a)Her bird was missing.
b)She thought the carpet was going to be too expensive.
c)She thought Eddie had been smoking in the house.
d)She couldn't find her husband Armand.
8. What was really under the carpet?
a)the cigarettes
b)Eddie's toolbox
c)nothing
d)the missing bird
9. "Eddie was determined...." means that he:
a)had no idea
b)decided for sure
c)felt very angry
d)couldn't decide
10. "Peculiar" in the sentence "He's never done such a thing before, it's most peculiar..." means:
a)normal
b)like a bird
c)difficult
d)strange
Answer
1. C
2. B
3. D
4. B
5. C
6. D
7. A
8. D
9. A
10. D
The Carpet Fitter Eddie was a carpet fitter, and he hated it. For ten years he had spent his days sitting, squatting, kneeling or crawling on floors, in houses, offices, shops, factories and restaurants. Ten years of his life, cutting and fitting carpets for other people to walk on, without even seeing them. When his work was done, no-one ever appreciated it. No- one ever said "Oh, that's a beautiful job, the carpet fits so neatly." They just walked all over it. Eddie was sick of it. He was especially sick of it on this hot, humid day in August, as he worked to put the finishing touches to today's job. He was just cutting and fixing the last edge on a huge red carpet which he had fitted in the living room of Mrs. Vanbrugh's house. Rich Mrs. Vanbrugh, who changed her carpets every year, and always bought the best. Rich Mrs. Vanbrugh, who had never even given him a cup of tea all day, and who made him go outside when he wanted to smoke. Ah well, it was four o'clock and he had nearly finished. At least he would be able to get home early today. He began to day-dream about the weekend, about the Saturday football game he always played for the local team, where he was known as "Ed the Head" for his skill in heading goals from corner kicks. Eddie sat back and sighed. The job was done, and it was time for a last cigarette. He began tapping the pockets of his overalls, looking for the new packet of Marlboro he had bought that morning. They were not there. It was as he swung around to look in his toolbox for the cigarettes that Eddie saw the lump. Right in the middle of the brand new bright red carpet, there was a lump. A very visible lump. A lump the size of -- the size of a packet of cigarettes. "Blast!" said Eddie angrily. "I've done it again! I've left the cigarettes under the blasted carpet!" He had done this once before, and taking up and refitting the carpet had taken him two hours. Eddie was determined that he was not going to spend another two hours in this house. He decided to get rid of the lump another way. It would mean wasting a good packet of cigarettes, nearly full, but anything was better than taking up the whole carpet and fitting it again. He turned to his toolbox for a large hammer. Holding the hammer, Eddie approached the lump in the carpet. He didn't want to damage the carpet itself, so he took a block of wood and placed it on top of the lump. Then he began to beat the block of wood as hard as he could. He kept beating, hoping Mrs. Vanbrugh wouldn't hear the noise and come to see what he was doing. It would be difficult to explain why he was hammering the middle of her beautiful new carpet. After three or four minutes, the lump was beginning to flatten out. Eddie imagined the cigarette box breaking up, and the crushed cigarettes spreading out under the carpet. Soon, he judged that the lump was almost invisible. Clearing up his tools, he began to move the furniture back into the living room, and he was careful to place one of the coffee tables over the place where the lump had been, just to make sure that no-one would see the spot where his cigarettes had been lost. Finally, the job was finished, and he called Mrs. Vanbrugh from the dining room to inspect his work. "Yes, dear, very nice," said the lady, peering around the room briefly. "You'll be sending me a bill, then?" "Yes madam, as soon as I report to the office tomorrow that the job is done." Eddie picked up his tools, and began to walk out to the van. Mrs. Vanbrugh accompanied him. She seemed a little worried about something. "Young man," she began, as he climbed into the cab of his van, laying his toolbox on the passenger seat beside him, "while you were working today, you didn't by any chance see any sign of Armand, did you? Armand is my parakeet. A beautiful bird, just beautiful, such colors in his feathers... I let him out of his cage, you see, this morning, and he's disappeared. He likes to walk around the house, and he's so good, he usually just comes back to his cage after an hour or so and gets right in. Only today he didn't come back. He's never done such a thing before, it's most peculiar..." "No, madam, I haven't seen him anywhere," said Eddie, as he reached to start the van. And saw his packet of Marlboro cigarettes on the dashboard, where he had left it at lunchtime.... And remembered the lump in the carpet.... And realised what the lump was.... And remembered the hammering.... And began to feel rather sick....Multiple-Choice QuestionsClick on the answer you think is correct.
1. Why did Eddie hate being a carpet-fitter?
a)The pay was too low.
b)He didn't like working alone.
c)No-one appreciated his work.
d)He couldn't smoke on the job.
2. What did Eddie think of Mrs. Vanbrugh?
a)She was a kind, thoughtful lady.
b)She was rich and selfish.
c)She was always losing things.
d)She had good taste in furniture.
3. Why was Eddie called "Ed the Head" by his friends?
a)Because he was such an intelligent carpet-fitter.
b)Because he had a large head.
c)Because he was very proud and self-important.
d)Because of his footballing skills.
4. What did Eddie want to do when he had finished fitting the carpet?
a)have a cigarette
b)hammer the carpet flat
c)look for Mrs. Vanbrugh's lost bird
d)start work in the dining room
5. Why didn't Eddie remove the carpet to take out the thing that was causing the lump?
a)He couldn't take the carpet up once he had fitted it.
b)He didn't need the cigarettes because he had some more in the van.
c)It would take too long to remove the carpet and re-fit it.
d)He intended to come back and remove the lump the next day.
6. What did Eddie do with the hammer?
a)hammered nails into the lump
b)fixed the coffee table
c)left it under the carpet
d)flattened the carpet
7. What was Mrs. Vanbrugh worried about?
a)Her bird was missing.
b)She thought the carpet was going to be too expensive.
c)She thought Eddie had been smoking in the house.
d)She couldn't find her husband Armand.
8. What was really under the carpet?
a)the cigarettes
b)Eddie's toolbox
c)nothing
d)the missing bird
9. "Eddie was determined...." means that he:
a)had no idea
b)decided for sure
c)felt very angry
d)couldn't decide
10. "Peculiar" in the sentence "He's never done such a thing before, it's most peculiar..." means:
a)normal
b)like a bird
c)difficult
d)strange
Answer
1. C
2. B
3. D
4. B
5. C
6. D
7. A
8. D
9. A
10. D
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