The Record

1
The Record
1. Background Knowledge
2. Text Analysis
3. Exercises
4. Questions For Discussion
2
Background Knowledge
1. Schumann (??) Robert Alexander Schumann
(1810-1856) was a major German composer, music
critic and leader of the romantic movement. His
compositions and music journal greatly influenced
the music of his time. Though he wrote orchestral
and chamber music, he best expressed his ardent
romanticism in his piano works and songs. Most of
the latter were composed in 1840.
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Background Knowledge
2. Concerto concerto is a musical composition
for one or more solo instruments supported by an
orchestra. The three-movement orchestral form was
elaborated by Bach(??). Handel(???)added the
cadenza(????)as a regular feature. Mozart set the
style for the modern concerto the orchestra
announces an opening subject, then takes a
subordinate position when the solo instrument
enters, thus establishing the pattern of
interchanges. Beethoven added many novel touches
to Mozarts basic form others including
Mendelssohn(????)and Schumann have developed the
concerto, using a wide range of solo instruments.
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4
Exercises
1. True/False Questions 2. Multiple-choice
Questions 3. Translation
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5
True/False Questions
1. Fred and the author were good friends because
they had much in common. 2. It was the
admiration for each other that held the
friendship between Fred and the author together.
3. The author often tried to get Fred interested
in music, but in vain.
Answer
6
True/False Questions
1. Fred and the author were good friends because
they had much in common. (F) 2. It was the
admiration for each other that held the
friendship between Fred and the author together.
3. The author often tried to get Fred interested
in music, but in vain.
Answer
7
True/False Questions
1. Fred and the author were good friends because
they had much in common. (F) 2. It was the
admiration for each other that held the
friendship between Fred and the author together.
(T) 3. The author often tried to get Fred
interested in music, but in vain.
Answer
8
True/False Questions
1. Fred and the author were good friends because
they had much in common. (F) 2. It was the
admiration for each other that held the
friendship between Fred and the author together.
(T) 3. The author often tried to get Fred
interested in music, but in vain. (T)
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True/False Questions
4. Fred was glad to get the record because he was
getting interested in music. 5. Fred gave the
author a copy of the little monkey, which he had
bought in a shop. 6. The black monkey was made
from the melted record.
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True/False Questions
4. Fred was glad to get the record because he was
getting interested in music. (F) 5. Fred gave the
author a copy of the little monkey, which he had
bought in a shop. 6. The black monkey was made
from the melted record.
Answer
11
True/False Questions
4. Fred was glad to get the record because he was
getting interested in music. (F) 5. Fred gave the
author a copy of the little monkey, which he had
bought in a shop. (F) 6. The black monkey was
made from the melted record.
Answer
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True/False Questions
4. Fred was glad to get the record because he was
getting interested in music. (F) 5. Fred gave the
author a copy of the little monkey, which he had
bought in a shop. (F) 6. The black monkey was
made from the melted record. (T)
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Multiple-choice Questions
1. What does the author say about Fred? A) He
is easy to get along with. B) He is
attractive. C) He is often busy. D) He is
always helpful.
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14
Multiple-choice Questions
1. What does the author say about Fred? (D) A)
He is easy to get along with. B) He is
attractive. C) He is often busy. D) He is
always helpful.
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Multiple-choice Questions
2. Which of the following is true of Fred? A)
He doesnt like classical music. B) He doesnt
understand much music. C) He has no interest in
music at all. D) He doesnt have time for music.
Answer
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Multiple-choice Questions
2. Which of the following is true of Fred? (C)
A) He doesnt like classical music. B) He
doesnt understand much music. C) He has no
interest in music at all. D) He doesnt have
time for music.
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Multiple-choice Questions
3. When they sat together, listening to the
record, Fred was thinking of . A)
his own business B) his friends explanation of
music C) the little black statue of monkey on
the shelf D) getting a record
Answer
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Multiple-choice Questions
3. When they sat together, listening to the
record, Fred was thinking of C . A) his
own business B) his friends explanation of
music C) the little black statue of monkey on
the shelf D) getting a record
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Multiple-choice Questions
4. Freds eyes had lit up because .
A) he had a new idea of making use of the record
B) he enjoyed the music very much C) he wanted
to take the record with him D) he was eager to
listen to the record once more
Answer
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Multiple-choice Questions
4. Freds eyes had lit up because A .
A) he had a new idea of making use of the record
B) he enjoyed the music very much C) he wanted
to take the record with him D) he was eager to
listen to the record once more
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Multiple-choice Questions
5. In answering the authors question Did you
enjoy it, Fred said Oh, yes yes. He meant
. A) he enjoyed the music B) he
liked the record C) he enjoyed the tea D) he
liked the tea things
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Multiple-choice Questions
5. In answering the authors question Did you
enjoy it, Fred said Oh, yes yes. He meant
B . A) he enjoyed the music B) he liked
the record C) he enjoyed the tea D) he liked
the tea things
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Multiple-choice Questions
6. Seeing the little present, the author was
. A) ashamed B) excited C) angry
D) confused
Answer
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Multiple-choice Questions
6. Seeing the little present, the author was
D . A) ashamed B) excited C) angry D)
confused
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25
Translation
1. I have a big collection of records.
Answer
26
Translation
1. I have a big collection of records.
??????????
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Translation
2. I did not want Fred to listen to my remarkable
version of it.
Answer
28
Translation
2. I did not want Fred to listen to my remarkable
version of it. ?????????????????
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29
Translation
3. His eyes had lit up in a curious way.
Answer
30
Translation
3. His eyes had lit up in a curious way.
????????????????
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31
Translation
4. I dont know what came over me.
Answer
32
Translation
4. I dont know what came over me.
???????????
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33
Translation
5. Fred answered with a big smile all over his
face.
Answer
34
Translation
5. Fred answered with a big smile all over his
face. ???????????
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35
Questions for Discussion
1) What kind of man is the author? 2) How do you
think the author felt when he was given the
present? 3) Give your comment on the friendship
between Fred and the author. Express your
view on friendship.
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36
Text Analysis

• The Record
• People differ greatly in their characters and
  interests. Is it possible for people with
  entirely different characters and backgrounds to
  become great friends? Read the story and find the
  answer.

37
Text Analysis

• Fred Ames and I havent much in common. I
  sometimes wonder why we are friends at all.
  Perhaps it is Freds skill as a craftsman that I
  find so attractive. Hes always busy making
  things. Everything he makes is so perfect that I
  sometimes feel a bit jealous of him. If I happen
  to mention that one of my books is so old and
  torn that I shall have to throw it away, Fred
  takes it home with him and returns it a few days
  later beautifully bound. If I knock over a vase
  and it is broken into a thousand pieces, Fred
  puts it together again in such a way that only an
  expert would see the difference.

38
Text Analysis

• My trouble is that Im one of those
  hopelessly impractical and incurably lazy people.
  Outside my work at the office (which is dull
  enough, God knows), the only thing that interests
  me is listening to classical music. I have a big
  collection of records and all day long the only
  thing I can think about is when I am going to get
  home to listen to a new concerto.

39
Text Analysis

• Ive often tried to get Fred interested in
  music. When Im in the mood and would like to
  find someone to talk to (which isnt often, by
  the way), I always have Fred with me. I spend
  hours pointing out the beauties of a certain
  piece. I look at him as hes gazing at that
  little black statue of monkey I keep on the shelf
  and wonder if hes heard anything at all. When I
  look into those big, blue, expressionless eyes of
  his, I realize that he hasnt been listening to a
  word Ive said. Id love to make a copy of that
  some day, he says and makes a sign that he is
  referring to the statue.

40
Text Analysis

• One Saturday afternoon I came home from work
  even earlier than usual. Getting home from work
  is one of the few things Im good at. Its
  certainly the only time I ever hurry. But this
  day I left the office in an even greater hurry
  than usual. I had just bought a new recording of
  Schumanns piano concerto and I could hardly wait
  to listen to it.

41
Text Analysis

• I had already played the record twice over
  when Fred came in. Perhaps because of the effect
  the music had on me, I was more than usually
  pleased to see him. I started talking excitedly
  about the record how perfect it was, how
  marvellous how he just had to listen to it. He
  said nothing and after he had sat down, he asked
  me where the little black monkey had got to. I
  answered that the cleaner had knocked it off the
  shelf and I had thrown it away. What a pity,
  Fred exclaimed.

42
Text Analysis

• After I had put the record on, I left the
  living-room to make some tea. I gave Fred strict
  instructions to listen to the music as I was sure
  he would like it.
• It took me some time to get the tea ready,
  and when I returned with a tray, the second
  movement had just begun. I immediately started
  singing loudly and did not stop till the movement
  had come to an end. Then I remembered that I
  wanted Fred to listen to the concerto, not to my
  remarkable version of it, so I kept quiet.

43
Text Analysis

• Later, when I took the tea things out, I
  could not help thinking that there had been a
  different expression on Freds face this time.
  His eyes had lit up in a curious way. He looked
  as if he had just discovered something. Once he
  even smiled to himself. He had been listening!
• I got back to the living-room to find Fred
  holding the record in his hands. It was so
  strange to see such a delicate object in his big,
  rough hands that for a moment I felt like telling
  him to be careful. But I was too pleased with
  myself to do that.

44
Text Analysis

• Did you enjoy it? I asked eagerly.
• Oh, yes yes. he answered vaguely.
• I dont know what came over me, but at that
  moment I said, Well, you can have it.
• Fred was astonished. What, the record? No,
  I couldnt, he answered, Youve only just
• Go on, take it! I insisted.
• Well, thanks very much. I will.

45
Text Analysis

• A few days later Fred arrived with a little
  box under his arm. He gave it to me smiling as
  soon as he came in. A little present, he said.
• When I opened it, I was astonished to find an
  exact copy of the little monkey which my cleaner
  had broken.

46
Text Analysis

• Did you make this, Fred? I couldnt believe
  it and asked.
• Yes, answered Fred simply with a big smile
  all over his face.
• But however did you manage it? I asked.
• Oh, it was quite easy really, Fred
  answered. I got the idea from a magazine. You
  just melt down an old record and then you can
  mould it into any shape you like.
• Simplified from Essay and Letter Writing, ed.,
  L.G. Alexander, Longman, 1965.
• Approximately 850 words.

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record 5rekCd n. ?????something that
records a disk designed to be played on a
phonographe.g. The doctor keeps a record of all
the serious illnesses in the village.
?????????????????????

• Words to Know

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craftsman 5krBftsmEn n. ???,??a man who
practices a craft with great skille.g. It took
the craftsman 30 years to make this work of
art.??????????????????

• Words to Know

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attractive E5trAktIvadj. ?????having the
power to attracte.g. I found the little town
very attractive.?????????????

• Words to Know

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jealous 5dVelEs adj. ???resentful or bitter
in rivalry enviouse.g. I was jealous of Sarah
when she got her new bicycle. ???????????,??????

• Words to Know

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vase vBz n. ??an open container, as of
glass or porcelain, used for holding flowers or
for ornamentatione.g. The little boy was
punished by his mother for breaking that valuable
vase.?????????????????????

• Words to Know

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expert 5eksp\t n. ????a person with a high
degree of skill in or knowledge of a certain
subjecte.g. Sara is an expert in cookery.
???????????

• Words to Know

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classical 5klAsIkl adj. ???of or relating to
European music during the latter half of the 18th
and the early 19th centuriese.g. Both Bach and
Beethoven wrote classical music.????????????????

• Words to Know

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concerto kEn5tFEtEu n. ???a composition for
an orchestra and one or more solo instruments,
typically in three movementse.g. The young
pianist played the concerto with perfect
skills.???????????????????

• Words to Know

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mood mud n. ??,(??)??state of mind or
spiritsThe beautiful sunny morning put me in a
happy mood. ?????????????? be in the mood
???e.g. Im not in the mood of shopping.???????

• Phrases and Expressions

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particular adj. ??????of, belonging to, or
associated with a specific person, group, thing,
or category not general or universale.g. She
has a particular preference for Chinese
art.?????????????

• Words to Know

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gaze eIz vi. (???)???to look steadily,
intently, and with fixed attentione.g. The child
gazed at the toys in the shop window.
???????????????

• Words to Know

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statue5stAtju n. ??,??a three-dimensional
form or likeness sculpted, modeled, carved, or
cast in material such as stone, clay, wood, or
bronzee.g. The Statue of Liberty was presented
to the United States of America in the nineteenth
century by the people of France.???????????19????
????

• Words to Know

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marvellous5mBvElEs adj. ???????,???astonis
hing wonderfule.g. He had had the most
marvellous experience.?????????

• Words to Know

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strictstrIkt adj. ???,???exacting in
enforcement, observance, or requirement
stringente.g. Any student in this school has to
obey strict rules.????????????????????

• Words to Know

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instructionIn5strQkFEn n. ??an
authoritative direction to be obeyed an
ordere.g. The girl had instructions to be home
by midnight.???????????????

• Words to Know

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version5vEFEn n. (?????????)??????a
description or an account from one point of view,
especially as opposed to anothere.g. I have
heard two versions of the accident.
??????????????????

• Words to Know

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delicate5delIkEt adj. ???pleasing to the
senses, especially in a subtle waye.g. The
tourist bought a delicate piece of
embroidery.?????????????

• Words to Know

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vaguely5veIlI adv. ???not clearly
expressed inexplicite.g. I felt vaguely uneasy.
????????????

• Words to Know

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melt (down) melt vi. vt. ??to be changed
from a solid to a liquid state by application of
heat or pressure or bothe.g. Iron will melt down
when it is made very hot. ?????????????

• Words to Know

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mouldmEuld vt. ????make sth in a mould
from some materiale.g. The artist is moulding a
head in clay.?????????????

• Words to Know

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impractical Im5prAktIk(E)l adj.1)unwise to
implement or maintain in practice ?????e.g. Its
simply an impractical plan.???????????2)impract
icable ????? e.g. Refloating the sunken ship
proved impractical because of the great
expense.?????????????????

• Words to Know

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collection kE5lekF(E)n n.1)the act or process
of collecting ??2)a group of objects or works
to be seen, studied, or kept together
??????e.g. The old man has a large collection
of stamps. ?????????????

• Words to Know

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exact I5zAkt 1) adj.????? strictly and
completely in accord with fact not deviating
from truth or realitye.g. The exact date of the
event has escaped me.???????????????2) vt.
?????? to force the payment or yielding of
extorte.g. He exacted obedience from the
children. ??????????

• Words to Know

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God knows an expression of emphasis. Here it
means even God would agree with my viewpoint.
God knows ????e.g. God knows I work really
hard.?????????????

• Phrases and Expressions

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all day long (or all day) ????,??e.g. He had to
work all day long to support his
family.??????????????

• Phrases and Expressions

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be good at ???e.g. The salesman is very good at
persuade others.??????????????

• Phrases and Expressions

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tea things ??e.g. That set of tea things is very
precious.?????????

• Phrases and Expressions

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74
can not help (doing) ???(?)e.g. She couldnt
help crying when she heard that
news.?????????????

• Phrases and Expressions

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feel like (doing) ??e.g. I felt like going for a
walk.??????

• Phrases and Expressions

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76
came over me (figurative ???) took hold of me
come over ??e.g. A sudden fear came over me and
I began trembling.???????????????

• Phrases and Expressions

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the second movement the second division of the
concerto ????movement one division of a
symphony, concerto, or other long selection of
music

• Phrases and Expressions

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lit up or lighted up, meaning become bright
with eagerness

• Phrases and Expressions

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79
Fred Ames and I havent much in commonFred Ames
and I are quite different in interests and
personality.

• Sentence Explanation

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80
Everything he makes is so perfect that I
sometimes feel a bit jealous of
him.????????????????,????????????

• Sentence Explanation

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81
Getting home from work is one of the few things
Im good at.??????,?????????

• Sentence Explanation

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82
But this day I left the office in an even greater
hurry. I had just bought a new recording of
Schumanns piano concerto and I could hardly wait
to listen to it.?????????????,?????????????????,?
??????????? a new recording of Schumanns
??????????

• Sentence Explanation

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83
Then I remembered that I wanted Fred to listen to
the concerto, not to my remarkable version of it,
so I kept quiet.?????????????????????????????????
?,???????not to my remarkable version of
itnot to my way of singing, good as it may be

• Sentence Explanation

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84
It was so strange to see such a delicate object
in his big, rough hands that for a moment I felt
like telling him to be careful.??????????????????
????,??????????,???????I felt like telling him
I wanted to tell him

• Sentence Explanation

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85
I dont know what came over me, but at that
moment I said, Well, you can have
it.??????????,????????????????

• Sentence Explanation

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86
of a certain piece of a certain piece of music

• Phrases and Expressions

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87
with a big smile all over his face smiling
broadly.

• Phrases and Expressions

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88
What held their friendship together?

• Questions

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89
Are you interested in classical music? Can you
name some great composers and their works?

• Questions

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90
What was Fred thinking about?

• Questions

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91
What was the misunderstanding between them?

• Questions

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92
What did Fred mean?

• Questions

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93
Can you expect such an ending? How many examples
of foreshadowing(??)can you find in the text to
justify your answer?

• Questions

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94
But however did you manage it? I
asked.?????????????????
ever???,ever??????,?????????,???????,????????
,?????????,ever???????e.g. When ever did I make
such a promise??????????????????

• Sentence Explanation

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95
I got the idea from a magazine. You just melt
down an old gramophone record and then you can
mould it into any shape you like.??????????????
???????????,???????????????????????

• Sentence Explanation

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