JONATHAN SWIFT AND THE ERRAND BOY

Jonathan Swift, the famous Irish writer (1667-1745), leading satirist of his age,

was not very generous. He seldom gave anything to the servants of those who sent him presents. But once he received a lesson from a boy who very often brought him hares, partridges, and other game.

One day the boy arrived with a heavy basket full of fish, fruit, and game. When

Swift opened the door, the boy said gruffly, “Here, my master has sent you a basket full of things.” Swift, feeling displeased at the boy’s rude manners, said to him: “Come here, my boy, and I will teach you how to deliver a message a little more politely. Come, imagine yourself Jonathan Swift, and I will be the boy.

Then taking off his hat very politely and addressing himself to the boy, he said: “Sir, my master sends you a little present and begs you will do him the honour to accept it.”

“Oh, very well, my boy,” replied the boy, “tell your master I am much obliged to him, and there is half a crown for yourself."

Swift laughed heartily, and gave the boy a crown for his wit.

partridge- куріпка

game - дичина

wit - кмітливість

Hares, partridges, and other game mean...

A. different kinds of soup. В. different animals that are hunted.

C. different kinds of precious metals. D. different customary gifts of the time.

2. Why does the text say, “‘Oh, very well, my boy,’ replied the boy?”

A. The boy was insulting Jonathan Swift by talking down to him.

В. The boy was pretending to be Jonathan Swift.

C. The boy thought that he was better than Swift.

D. It is a mistake.

In the end, Jonathan Swift was impressed by the boy because...

A. he showed how proper he could be.

В. he proved how cultured he was.

C. he showed his wit by taking advantage of the situation.

D. Jonathan Swift was not impressed by the boy.

Jonathan Swift gave the boy a crown because...

A. the boy was actually a prince.

В. he wanted to give the witty boy a tip.

C. he was a generous man.

D. he didn’t give the boy a tip, he actually gave himself a tip, as he was pretending

to be the boy.

The boy can be most fairly characterized by being called...

A. arrogant and witty. C. daring and rude.

В. daring and witty. D. intelligent and confident

II. Writing.

Your friend is fond of fast food restaurants. Write an email (35-45 words) to him/her.

· persuade him/her that home food is better and healthier;

· give your advice on healthy eating habits

III. Speaking

There are many traditional holidays in Ukraine. Talk about them. Include the

following:

· list the holidays that people celebrate in Ukraine;

· describe the most important holiday (New Year, Easter or some other one);

· say why you like to celebrate it.