A. Exploring Themes. 1. Why do people like Hilary write books?

1. Why do people like Hilary write books? How did Patrick characterize her book?

2. Translate and explain how this passage characterizes Michael as an author? (p. 104) 'You used to have … would understand that'

3. Explain (p. 106) … 'perfect for the market right now'

4. Do you agree with the idea (p. 120) that 'There was no condition — spiritual, metaphysical, psychological or emotional — which could not be expressed mathematically?'

5. Why do you think the author placed his hero underground and compared him with Orpheus?

6. What is The National Health Service from the point of view of Uncle Lawrence?

7. Characterize Alan Beamish as a reporter

B. Judging for Yourself

1. Do you think Michael will continue writing his book?

2. What sort of book will it be?

3. What can you say about the attitude of Alan Beamish to Henry? Why did he ask all these questions?

C. Making Connections

1. Is there 'market of literature' in this country? Do you read it?

2. What can you say about the National Health Service in this country?

Part III

Building the Vocabulary

Consult the English-English dictionary for the following words and phrases:

to bear fruit (p. 94)

unobtrusively (p. 95)

to come to a standstill (p. 96)

to look on the bright side (p.96)

to rectify (p. 98)

to cope with (p. 98)

resentment (p. 98)

to keep a low profile (p. 99)

to be wrapped up in smth. (p. 100)

to take smth. the wrong way (p. 101)

a land-locked fish (p. 101)

to eleborate (p. 102)

to accept one's bid (p. 103)

to get through (p. 104)

to press the point home (p. 104)

revelation (p. 105)

verity (p. 105)

deprecation (p. 105)

to cover tracks (p. 106)

vindictive (p. 106)

to come up with smth. (p. 106)

crucial (p. 108)

to go Dutch with smb. (p. 109)

to adorn (p. 110)

to be behind smth. (p. 112)

to give a free hand (p. 112)

underhand way (p. 113)

to hang around (p. 114)

to be driven bats (p. 120)

gorgeous (p. 122)

to run out of cash (p. 122)

to go into raptures (p. 122)

to pull the rug out from under smb's feet (p. 123)

shareholders (p. 123)

coup (p. 126)

UNIT V (p. p. 129 - 163)

Part I

First Reading