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NAME: COURSE:

Beautiful Day, Isn't It?

The day started out rotten. Mary overslept and was late for work. Everything that happened at
the office contributed to her nervous frenzy. By the time she reached the bus stop for her
homeward trip, her stomach was one big knot.

As usual, the bus was late and jammed. She had to stand in the aisle. As the lurching
vehicle pulled her in all directions, her gloom deepened.

Then she heard a voice from up front boom, "Beautiful day, isn't it?" Because of the crowd,
she could not see the man, but she heard him as he continued to comment on the spring
scenery, calling attention to each approaching landmark. This church. That park. This
cemetery. That firehouse. Soon all the passengers were gazing out the windows. The man's
enthusiasm was so contagious she found herself smiling for the first time that day.

They reached her stop. Manoeuvring toward the door, she got a look at their "guide": an older
gentleman with a beard, wearing dark glasses and carrying a thin, white cane.

QUESTIONS
1. Answer the following questions using you own words. (2 points)
a. Did Mary have a good day?


b. When did Mary first smile?



2. Are the following statements true or false? (1 point)
a. The voice speaking on the bus was a womans voice. !
b. The passengers on the bus did not care about the person speaking. !

3. Find a word or phrase in the text which, in context, is similar in meaning to:
a. Packed with people, overcrowded.
b. Looking out, observing, watching.

4. Choose a, b or c in each question below. Only one choice is correct (2 points)
1. Mary arrived at work
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a. One hour late.
b. Late.
c. Later than usual.
2. The bus was
a. late and full of people.
b. On time but full of people.
c. Late and empty.
3. The person speaking on the bus
a. Made all the passengers on the bus angry and bored.
b. Was talking about a relative.
c. Made all the passengers happy and interested.
4. The person speaking on the bus
a. was blind.
b. was young.
c. was old.

5. Composition (100-150 words). Is it safe to use the public means of transport? Which is
your favourite means of transport? (4 points)