Читать книгу English vocabulary in context - - Страница 26

1. Read the text and try to figure out the meaning of the highlighted words.

Living a virtuous life is something that many of us aspire to. But what does it really mean to be virtuous? It means having high moral standards and behaving in a way that is considered good and right. Virtue is often contrasted with vice, which refers to behaviour that is immoral or harmful.

One of the most important virtues is sincerity. Being sincere means being honest and truthful in all your dealings with others. It also means being true to yourself and your own values. When you are sincere, people trust you and respect you.

Another important virtue is productivity. This means doing things that are useful and productive. It means using your time and resources wisely, and not wasting them on short-lived pleasures or frivolous pursuits.

Being amiable and agreeable is also important. This means being friendly and easy to get along with. When you are amiable, you are able to build strong relationships with others and create a positive social environment.

Sometimes being bold as brass can be necessary. This means being assertive and confident, even when faced with difficult situations. It means standing up for yourself and your beliefs, even when others try to put you down. However, it is important to be astute and aware of how your behaviour affects others. Being brusque or rude can damage relationships and cause unnecessary conflict.

Ultimately, the utility of developing virtues and positive behaviours cannot be overstated. Being virtuous doesn’t mean being serious all the time. We should strive to be bright as a button and spread joy wherever we go.

2. Match the words with the definitions.

3. Complete the sentences with the words from the previous exercise.

1. _____________________ people maximise their potential by doing their best in all aspects of their lives.

2. William is a _____________________ man; he would never accept a bribe or steal.

3. They waste their time and money on _____________________ things.

4. Unfortunately, Tina and Erica’s _____________________ friendship only lasted during their holiday, as they never saw each other again.

5. They enjoyed a trusting and _____________________ working relationship, which lasted for more than two years.

6. The crowd began happily _____________________ when their team scored a goal.

7. Ted and Paul had a friendship of _____________________; they only met when they needed something from each other.

8. Susie is very _____________________ because she is so friendly.

9. John is known for his exceptional conduct and friendly _____________________ in the office.

10. Joe is very intelligent and _____________________, so I’m pretty sure he’ll find a solution soon enough.

11. Paula _____________________ that Steve was the best person for the job.

12. Erica tried to pick up her cat, but it managed to _____________________ from her arms.

13. Despite being new, Scott walked up to the manager _____________________ and told him exactly what he thought of the company.

14. David was often blunt and impolite and was strongly disliked because of his _____________________ manners.

15. Being _____________________ and perceptive, Laura was able to assess the situation and make the right decision.

16. Being selfish is a _____________________ that Julie needs to grow out of; there’s no need to be so self-centered.

17. I don’t really _____________________ with my sister’s husband.

18. Why did you have to _____________________ me _____________________ in front of everybody like that?

19. Although both men pretended to be happy to see each other, their greeting lacked _____________________ and was clearly not genuine.

20. A simple act of _____________________, such as collecting donations for charity, can make a huge difference to someone’s life.

Key

Match the words with the definitions.

Complete the sentences with the words from the previous exercise.

1. Self-actualised people maximise their potential by doing their best in all aspects of their lives.

2. William is a virtuous man; he would never accept a bribe or steal.

3. They waste their time and money on frivolous things.

4. Unfortunately, Tina and Erica’s short-lived friendship only lasted during their holiday, as they never saw each other again.

5. They enjoyed a trusting and stable working relationship, which lasted for more than two years.

6. The crowd began happily cheering when their team scored a goal.

7. Ted and Paul had a friendship of utility; they only met when they needed something from each other.

8. Susie is very agreeable because she is so friendly.

9. John is known for his exceptional conduct and friendly behaviour in the office.

10. Joe is very intelligent and bright as a button, so I’m pretty sure he’ll find a solution soon enough.

11. Paula asserted that Steve was the best person for the job.

12. Erica tried to pick up her cat, but it managed to break away from her arms.

13. Despite being new, Scott walked up to the manager bold as brass and told him exactly what he thought of the company.

14. David was often blunt and impolite and was strongly disliked because of his brusque manners.

15. Being astute and perceptive, Laura was able to assess the situation and make the right decision.

16. Being selfish is a vice that Julie needs to grow out of; there’s no need to be so self-centred.

17. I don’t really get along with my sister’s husband.

18. Why did you have to put me down in front of everybody like that?

19. Although both men pretended to be happy to see each other, their greeting lacked sincerity and was clearly not genuine.

20. A simple act of virtue, such as collecting donations for charity, can make a huge difference to someone’s life.