Advanced English Conversations (2) - Robert Allans, Matt Edie, A. Mustafaoglu 2020

Set 49 - I always pack light for the beach

Jenny: What are you doing tomorrow?

Paula: I’m going to the beach with my family for a change of air. So, I’m gonna pack my bag and go to bed early as we’re setting off early in the morning.

Jenny: Good luck with that! What are you taking?

Paula: I always pack light for the beach—a bathing suit, some T-shirts, a hat, lots of sunscreen and some odds and ends. How about you? What are you up to next week?

Jenny: I’m going to stay home and catch up on some unfinished projects.

Paula: Like what?

Jenny: Oh, I have a long list! First I’m going to clear up my office, pay bills, write letters, and take care of a bunch of paperwork. Then I’m going to do up my bedroom and get rid of the weeds that came of their own accord to my garden.

Paula: Wow. That’s a lot to do. Can you handle all these chores yourself?

Jenny: No way. I’ve already arranged with a service company to carry out the work.

Paula: Cool. Can’t wait to see your house after the decoration. See you soon.

Jenny: See you dear. And make the most of your trip.

Vocabulary;

a change of air: a different place from where one usually is.

set off: to depart for or begin traveling (to some place).

odds and ends: an assortment of small, miscellaneous items.

catch up on: to do tasks which one should have done earlier.

clear up: to remove obstructions, unwanted objects, or imperfections from something

a bunch of: any particular group of things or people; a number of things.

do up: to decorate.

of their own accord: without being asked or forced.

chores: routine tasks, especially household ones.

carry out: to do or complete something.

Can’t wait: to be very excited about something and eager to do or experience it.

make the most of: to use to the greatest advantage.

Exercise;

Fill in the gaps with the appropriate phrases or words;

1. I've been stuck here in the city for months. I could really use a .......... of air.

2. Could you help me .......... up the table after dinner?

3. The class quickly made the .......... of the teacher's absence.

4. Mom can't .......... for the flowers to bloom and brighten up our yard.

5. It is hoped that the kidnappers will not .......... their threat to kill the hostages.

6. By the time he’d finished all the household .......... it was mid­ afternoon.

7. There was always the chance that the girl had simply chosen to run away of her .......... accord.

8. I .......... the room up with crepe paper and balloons for the birthday party.

9. Using a .......... of bananas, the zoo-keeper persuaded the monkey back into its cage.

10. .......................... I'm .......... off for New York tomorrow to attend a business meeting.

11. There were lots of odds and .......... in the attic, but nothing of real value.

12. I'm trying to .......... up on work after being out sick, but my inbox alone might take all day!

1. change 2. clear 3. most 4. wait 5. carry out 6. chores 7. own 8. did 9. bunch 10. setting 11. ends 12. catch