Post-reading tasks

Read the text once again to fulfill the tasks to follow.

1. The text has no heading. Below you will find three possible versions. Choose the one that suits best the information given in the text. Explain your choice.

a) Don’t push your luck!

b) Guardians of their own communities.

c) Intervene or go past?

Choose the synonyms to the words given in italics according to the context.

rebuking a) reproaching b) beating c) arresting d) disgracing

meekly a) obediently b) reluctantly c) hastily d) patiently

abuse a) misuse b) maltreatment c) attack d) swearing

hasty a) quick b) thoughtless c) prompt d) fast

distress a) danger b) trouble c) pain d) worry

3. Choose the best answer or statement.

Intervening is

a) an example of active citizenship.

b) pushing one’s luck.

c) a notable feature of modern society.

2. How did the author react to the sight of the man on the train?

a) He asked him to take his feet off the seat.

b) He was embarrassed by the behaviour.

c) He didn’t say anything.

The author thinks that

a) we should ask for more policemen.

b) active citizenship works well in Japan.

c) the idea of active citizenship is inappropriate in England.

In comparison with the French, the British are unlikely to intervene because

a) they leave it to the police.

b) they don’t want to.

c) there is no law to make them do so.

5. Which statement is closest to the author’s opinion?

a) People in Cairo hate the police as much as the British.

b) People in Cairo are less organized but more likely to intervene.

c) People living in Cairo don’t intervene if somebody is in danger or distress.

6. What does the author think about the action of the elderly woman?

a) It was foolish of her.

b) She taught the criminal a good lesson.

c) She expected too much.