Revision

? WRITING

Task 1. Write a letter to the arts page of a newspaper. In your letter, answer the question: Why do (don’t) we need the arts? Ponder on the following:

1. Do you ever think a lot of art is not really art?
2. Does art change the way you think or feel?
3. Do you think anyone can be an artist or do you need a special talent?
4. Do you think all children should study art/ learn the history of art at school? Why?
5. Do you think a painting can really cost $1, 000, 000 (or more)?
6. Do you think today’s artists are as good as those from hundreds of years ago?
7. What kind of life do you think an artist’s one is?
8. What is the purpose of art? Or does it, by definition, have no?

9. How would the world be different without art and artists?

Remember to follow the rules of writing a formal letter (see Appendix 8).

Unit 2. music

? VOCABULARY PRACTICE

MAN AND MUSIC

Task 1. Here is some topical vocabulary that can be useful when describing music. Arrange the words and phrases under the appropriate headings. Make sure you know the meanings of all the words on the list. Then get ready for a test-reading.

Amplifier, to arrange, band, bass, bow, cello, chorus, clarinet, concerto, folk (country) music, French horn, to improvise, jam session, movement, operetta, percussion, samba, single, turn-table, virtuoso.

1. Musical genres (styles): classical music (instrumental, vocal, chamber, symphony), opera, ______________, musical, ballet, blues, ragtime, jazz, pop, rock, ______________, background music, incidental music.

2. Musical forms: piece, ______________, sonata, aria, fantasy, suite, rhapsody, ______________, solo, duet, trio, quartet, quintet, sextet (etc.), ______________.

3. Musical rhythms: polka, waltz, march, blues, ragtime, jazz, swing, bassanova, ______________, disco, rock.

4. Musical instruments:

(string group): violin, viola, ______________, guitar, harp;

(wind group): flute, oboe, ______________, bassoon, saxophone;

(brass group): trumpet, ______________, tuba;

(______________): drum, cymbals, piano;

(aerophones): accor­dion;

(electronic instruments): synthesiser, ______________; as opposed to acoustic instruments.

5. Music makers: composer, conductor, musician, soloist, ______________, minstreller group, team, ______________, orchestra.

6. Music making: to write authentically Russian, Afro-American, etc. music; to compose, ______________, to transcribe, to make music, to perform, ______________, to interpret, to accompany, to complete.

7. Musical equipment: tape-recorder, tuner, ______________, player, equalizer, (loud) speaker, ______________.

8. Musical events: (made up) concert, recital, ______________, festival, competition.

9. Miscellany: major, flat, baton, ______________, drum sticks, under the baton, ______________, album, track, record jacket (sleeve), score, spiritual, beat, video-clip, syncopation, harmony.

Task 2. Study carefully all the given information and learn the vocabulary you have not been familiar with.