Glossary

1. Cornerstone [ˈkɔːrnərstoʊn] - an important quality or feature on which a particular thing depends or is based
2. Vessels [ˈvɛsəlz] - containers or carriers, often used metaphorically to describe means of conveying ideas or knowledge
3. Relevance [ˈrɛləvəns] - the quality of being closely connected or appropriate to what is being done or considered
4. Undiminished [ˌʌndɪˈmɪnɪʃt] - not reduced or lessened
5. Reflective thinking [rɪˈflɛktɪv ˈθɪŋkɪŋ] - careful consideration of thoughts, ideas, or experiences
6. Transient [ˈtrænziənt] - lasting only for a short time; temporary
7. Intellectual exploration [ˌɪntəˈlɛkʧuəl ˌɛksplɔːˈreɪʃən] - the pursuit of knowledge and understanding through critical thinking and study
8. Cultural heritage [ˈkʌlʧərəl ˈhɛrɪtɪʤ] - the legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes inherited from past generations
9. Transcend [trænˈsɛnd] - to go beyond the limits of something, especially a conceptual field or division
10. Nostalgia [nəˈstælʤə] - a sentimental longing for the past, typically for a period with happy personal associations

#ReadingC1

Reading Passage: The Enduring Power of Books

Books have been a cornerstone of human civilization for centuries, serving as vessels of knowledge, culture, and ideas. In an era dominated by rapid technological advancements, the relevance of books remains undiminished. They offer more than just information; they provide a profound connection to the past, present, and future. Through books, we can explore the thoughts of great minds, traverse distant lands, and immerse ourselves in narratives that challenge our perspectives.

One of the unique attributes of books is their ability to foster deep, reflective thinking. Unlike the transient nature of digital media, books demand our time and attention, encouraging us to engage with ideas on a more meaningful level. This deliberate pace of reading allows for greater intellectual exploration and understanding. Moreover, the tactile experience of holding a book, turning its pages, and annotating its margins creates a physical connection that enhances the overall experience.

Books also play a crucial role in preserving cultural heritage. They are repositories of language, tradition, and history, capturing the essence of human experience across generations. In societies where oral traditions once prevailed, books have become the enduring medium through which knowledge is transmitted. Furthermore, books have the power to transcend borders, enabling the exchange of ideas between different cultures and societies. This exchange fosters mutual understanding and respect, which are essential for global harmony.

Despite the growing popularity of e-books and audiobooks, the printed book continues to hold a special place in the hearts of readers. The sensory experience of a physical book—the smell of the paper, the texture of the cover, the weight in one’s hands—creates an irreplaceable connection to the act of reading. This tangible interaction contributes to the nostalgia and emotional attachment many feel towards books.

In conclusion, the power of books lies not only in the knowledge they impart but also in the experiences they offer. They challenge our thinking, expand our horizons, and connect us to the broader human experience. As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, the enduring value of books remains clear—they are timeless companions in our pursuit of wisdom and understanding.

Glossary

1. Essential [ɪˈsɛnʃəl] - absolutely necessary; extremely important
2. Inspiration [ˌɪnspəˈreɪʃən] - the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative
3. Perspectives [pəˈspɛktɪvz] - a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view
4. Critical thinking [ˈkrɪtɪkl ˈθɪŋkɪŋ] - the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment
5. Fast-paced [fæst peɪst] - moving or developing quickly
6. Imagination [ɪˌmæʤɪˈneɪʃən] - the ability of the mind to be creative or resourceful
7. Cognitive abilities [ˈkɒɡnɪtɪv əˈbɪlɪtiz] - mental skills that include reasoning, problem-solving, and learning
8. Empathy [ˈɛmpəθi] - the ability to understand and share the feelings of another
9. Profound [prəˈfaʊnd] - very great or intense
10. Engagement [ɪnˈɡeɪʤmənt] - the action of being involved or participating in something

Interviewer: Excuse me, do you have a few minutes? I want to ask you a couple of questions.

Charlie: Yes, alright. What would you like to know?

Interviewer: Well, I work for The Regal Bookstore and we are doing a survey about people's reading habits. Can I ask you how often you read fiction books?

Charlie: Very often. I usually read about one book a week, sometimes more if I'm away on vacation.

Interviewer: Now then, next question. What three categories of books do you prefer to read?

Charlie: Hmm, let me think. I absolutely love crime books, you know Agatha Christie, a good whodunit. I am also keen on science fiction books such as Arthur C. Clark and Asimov. And then, recently I've read a lot of Westerns.

Interviewer: Fine. How much do you think you spend on fiction books every month?

Charlie: Not very much because I get a lot of my books from friends when they have finished reading them. Probably around $50.

Interviewer: OK, now the next question is about where you buy your books, if you don't get them from your friends of course. Do you spend most of your money on books in stores or on the Internet?

Charlie: As I said, I don't buy books very often but when I do, I buy them online or sometimes I go to a bookstore if I see something interesting in the window.

Interviewer: And have you ever been to The Regal Bookstore before to buy books?

Charlie: Yes, I bought something from that store only two weeks ago. It was the new book by Grisham. I saw that it was on special offer so I came in.

Interviewer: Great, now my final question. Would you buy a book from the Regal Bookstore web site? We have a new site, did you know?

Charlie: No, I didn't know. I will go and have a look at it as you have some good prices. I would like to buy something from the site if the price was right, of course.

Interviewer: OK sir, thank you for your time. Have a nice day.

Charlie: No problems. Good day to you.

Graham: Oh, I fell asleep. Where are we?

Barbara: We're almost there.

Graham: Oh no! I wanted to look out of the window to see all the places we flew over. Why didn't you wake me up?

Barbara: You looked very tired so I didn't want to.

Graham: I was asleep for over three hours. What can you see out of the window now?

Barbara: It looks like desert below, but I think we are near Los Angeles. We went over the Rockies a short time ago. The mountains were absolutely beautiful.

Graham: I can't believe I missed that. I really wanted to see the Rockies.

Barbara: Sorry Graham. You can sit next to the window when we fly back to New York.

Graham: Thanks. Did you have something to eat? I know you were hungry.

Barbara: Yes. About an hour ago. I ate chicken and rice. There was also a dessert but it had pear in it so I didn't touch it.

Graham: I'm really hungry now too. I didn't have any breakfast this morning either.

Barbara: We can buy something for you when we get to the airport. You don't like chicken anyway and the alternative was Spanish Omelet which looked disgusting.

Graham: What other things did you see out of the window? Did you see Chicago and the Great Lakes?

Barbara: Yes, we flew right over Chicago. I could see little boats on the lake. It was wonderful.

Graham: I can't believe I was sleeping. And I had a dream about flying too.

Barbara: They showed a great movie too. You know the one about Brad Pitt being the manager of the chocolate factory.

Graham: That's not Brad Pitt in that movie. I like that film too. I think we are starting to land.

Barbara: Yes, we aren't so high now. What are we going to do when we get to Los Angeles?

Graham: We have to make a phone call to your father, don't we?

Barbara: Right, then, let's go straight to the hotel to sleep. I'm exhausted.

Bu gün conversation mövzumuz : shopping

1. Shop - Mağaza
2. Store - Mağaza
3. Buy - Almaq
4. Purchase - Satın almaq
5. Sale - Endirim
6. Discount - Endirim
7. Cart - alış-veriş arabası
8. Checkout - Ödəmə
9. Cashier - Kassir
10. Receipt - Qəbz
11. Customer - Müştəri
12. Retail - Pərakəndə
13. Wholesale - Toptan
14. Sale clerk - Satıcı
15. Sale - Satış
16. Return - Qaytarış
17. Mall - Ticarət mərkəzi
18. Cash - Nağd pul
19. Wallet - pul qabı
20. Credit card - Kredit kartı
21. Shopping list - Alış-veriş siyahısı
22. Price tag - Qiymət etiketi
23. Brand - Marka
24. Size - Ölçü
25. Gift card - Hədiyyə kartı