Page 98 - 4710

A: Taking an exam is definitely the first most stressful situation. I get really nervous! Well,
not being able to sleep at night is the second most stressful situation for me. I hate tossing
and turning all night. And my third most stressful situation has to be waiting in a queue for a
long time. You know, I just hate wasting my time. To me, going to the dentist is the fourth
stressful situation. I can’t stand drills! etc
B: Well, I just hate being stuck in traffic jams. I really get stressed when I have to sit and
wait for ages.
8. Focus your attention on the structures
prefer+noun/-ing form+to+noun/-ing form
would rather+ bare inf+than+bare inf
I prefer getting together with friends to going shopping.
I’d rather go cycling than go to the gym.
I prefer reading a good book to painting.
I’d rather listen to music than play music.
In pairs, discuss what you prefer doing to relax. Use the table below.
POSITIVE NEGATIVE
I (really) enjoy/like/love/prefer … I don’t like …
I’m fond of/interested in/keen on … I hate/detest/can’t stand …
I find … quite exciting/relaxing/fascinating I’m not very fond of/interested in/keen on …
…
I find … a bit/rather boring/tiring
A: I find painting quite relaxing.
B: Really? I’m not very fond of drawing, but I enjoy playing squash.
9. Comment upon the following:
a) different ways to relax; b) pros and cons of active and passive relaxation.
I A: Watching TV is a form of passive relaxation.
B: Yes, you can sit quietly and forget about all your problems.
A: That’s true. Also, you can travel all over the world without leaving your living room, so
it’s very cheap.
B: On the other hand, you don’t get any exercise. It can also damage your eyesight.
II A: Playing sports is a form of active relaxation.
B: You’re right. When you exercise, you spend time with friends and team mates, and wind
down.
A: However, you have to be careful not to get injured.
B: That’s true. Moreover, playing sports can be quite expensive. You have to buy all sorts
of equipment and pay membership fees to clubs and gyms.
DESCRIBING FEELINGS
Present/Past Participles
We use -ed participles to describe how we feel/felt: I felt confused when I heard the
problem.
We use -ing participles to say what an experience is/was like: Hearing the problem was
confusing.
10. Choose words from the list and make up pairs of sentences of your own, as in the
examples.
Satisfied, disappointed, thrilled, tired, embarrassed, frightened, excited, annoyed,
fascinated, confused, worried, relaxed, bored, pleased, relieved.
Model: I feel relaxed when I listen to music.
Listening to music is relaxing.
I feel bored when I have nothing to do.
100