Prime Time 7, Coursebook plus Semester Self-checks

Mr Coroner? Anyone at home? I’m sorry, but there’s no disturbed mental balance here, my friend. I’d say he got it just right. Bad thing upon bad thing upon bad thing until you can’t take any more, and then it’s off to the nearest multi-storey car park in the family car with a length of rubber tubing. Surely that’s fair enough? Surely the coroner’s inquest should read, “He took his own life after sober and careful contemplation of the fucking shambles it had become”? Not once did I read a newspaper report which convinced me that the deceased was off the old trolley. You know: “The Manchester United forward, who was engaged to the current Miss Sweden, had recently achieved a unique Double: he is the only man ever to have won the FA Cup and an Oscar for Best Actor in the same year. The rights to his first novel had just been bought for an undisclosed sum by Steven Spielberg. He was found hanging from a beam in his stables by a member of his staff.” Now, I’ve never seen a coroner’s report like that, but if there were cases in which happy, successful, talented people took their own lives, one could safely come to the conclusion that the old balance was indeed faulty. And I’m not saying that being engaged to Miss Sweden, playing for Manchester United and winning Oscars makes you immune against depression – I’m sure it doesn’t. I’m just saying that these things help. (From: Nick Hornby, A long way down ) 45 50 55 60 65 70 Talking about the text a) What is the author’s opinion of suicide inquests? b) What does he criticise in particular? c) In groups, discuss the reasons for and against emigrating. • Which of these reasons are important for you? • How could you solve this dilemma? • Are there any other problems to be expected? Talking about the style a) What is the exact meaning of the following expressions? sarcastic cynical mock satirical hilarious ironic funny humorous ridiculous b) Use these expressions to discuss the general tone of the extract from A long way down . c) Do you think it is appropriate to write such a text in such a way? Give reasons for your views. Talking about pictures Comment on the picture on the right and consider the following points. a) Describe the picture: What can you see in the foreground/background? b) What is the purpose of this sign? c) Where do you think it was taken? d) Do you think such a sign is necessary? Give reasons. e) Do you think such a sign might have influenced Martin in Nick Hornby’s story? Explain. f) Would you change anything or add anything to the sign? If yes, what would you do and why? 3  Word bank Dealing with difficulties to address/approach/deal with/face/solve/ tackle a problem or difficulty • to identify a problem • to consider multiple solutions • to get into difficulty/trouble • to talk sb. out of sth. • to talk sth. through • to talk some sense into sb. W 4  5  73 Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv