Lesson 67 Volcanoes
Why does Tazieff risk his life like this?
Haroun Tazieff, the Polish scientist, has spent his lifetime studying active volcanoes and
deep caves in all parts of the world. In 1948, he went to Lake Kivu in the Congo to
observe a new volcano which he later named Kituro. Tazieff was able to set up his camp
very close to the volcano while it was erupting violently. Though he managed to take
a number of brilliant photographs, he could not stay near the volcano for very long.
He noticed that a river of liquid rock was coming towards him. It threatened to
surround him completely, but Tazieff managed to escape just in time. He waited until
the volcano became quiet and he was able to return two days later. This time,
he managed to climb into the mouth of Kituro so that he could take photographs
and measure temperatures. Tazieff has often risked his life in this way. He has been
able to tell us more about active volcanoes than any man alive.
Lesson 68 Persistent
Why did Elizabeth tell Nigel that she was going to the dentist?
I crossed the street to avoid meeting him, but he saw me and came running towards
me. It was no use pretending that I had not seen him, so I waved to him. I never enjoy
meeting Nigel Dykes. He never has anything to do. No matter how busy you are,
he always insists on coming with you. I had to think of a way of preventing him
from following me around all morning.
Hello, Nigel, I said.
Fancy meeting you here!
Hi, Elizabeth, Nigel answered.
I was just wondering how to spend the morning-until I saw you.
You're not busy doing anything, are you?
No, not at all, I answered. I'm going to... Would you mind my coming with you? he
asked, before I had finished speaking. Not at all, I lied, but I'm going to the dentist.
Then I'll come with you, he answered. There's always plenty to read in the waiting room!
Lesson 69 But not murder!
Do you think that the writer passed his driving test? Why? I was being tested for a
driving licence for the third time. I had been asked to drive in heavy traffic and
had done so successfully. After having been instructed to drive out of town, I began to
acquire confidence. Sure that I had passed, I was almost beginning to enjoy my test.
The examiner must have been pleased with my performance, for he smiled and said.
Just one more thing, Mr.Eames. Let us suppose that a child suddenly crosses the road
in front of you. As soon as I tap on the window, you must stop within five feet.
I continued driving and after some time, the examiner tapped loudly, Though the sound
could be heard clearly, it took me a long time to react. I suddenly pressed the
brake pedal and we were both thrown forward. The examiner looked at me sadly.
Mr.Eames, he said, in a mournful voice, you have just killed that child!