Unusual Events and Everyday Situations: Anecdotes

A Widow's Request at the Funeral Home

A widow took a look at her dear departed…

1. He died because he was struck by lightning.
2. The woman was angry because they had put him in the brown suit, and she wanted him in the blue suit.
3. Because the woman said she was the one who paid.
4. He did not change the suit. He changed the body and put the head on another body.
5. a) To change. b) Changing.
6. If the widow had not insisted, they would not have changed the suit.
7. Dead - Departed. Start - Begin. Quick - Speedy. Exchange - Switch.
8. a) Brought b) Said.

English Lessons on the Train

When I saw English lessons only written...

1. He was invited to attend a class and see how it worked. He had to travel 40 miles to Eidsvoll and get up at six in the morning.
2. He was initiated by the director of studies of the Adult Education Services. It started as an experiment for people who wanted to make use of the time they spent traveling to Oslo every day.
3. The director wanted to extend the scope of these lessons to other routes and other subjects.
4. There was a lot of noise, so the classes had to be small. I was doing the drawings and letters wrong because of the train movement.
5. A) = b B) = a.

Six Men Trapped in a Mine

Six men have been trapped in a mine for…

1. The accident occurred 16 hours ago. Rescue operations started 16 hours ago.
2. Because two hours ago, they lowered a microphone and spoke to their closest relatives.
3. Explosives cannot be used because they would cause the roof of the mine to collapse.
4. Because it is hard rock.
5. Nevertheless - However. Fall down - Collapse. Consequently - Therefore. Happy - Cheerful.
6. a) Been able to. b) If they hadn't got a microphone/ didn't have a microphone.
7. 1 (Lose, Trough) 2. Hole 3. (North, Cause)

The Common Cold Explained

The common cold, as it is technically known…

1. You can't "catch" a cold; we actually get it from contact with someone who has it.
2. When the body's resistance to infection lowers.
3. Doctors have been unable to produce an effective vaccine against colds, although strong claims have been put forward for vitamin C.
4. a) The doctors tested b) My little girl caught...
5. What does vitamin C help us with?

Why Children Start Smoking

One of the reasons why children start smoking…

1. Children start smoking because they see adults smoking.
2. ASH's activities have included anti-smoking campaigns and limiting cigarette advertising.
3. Clogging arteries.
4. Yes, cancer is caused by tar and carbon monoxide entering the lungs.