They stood over the grave ofthe little Technician, but were not sorry. They didn 't need him any longer.

Now it could go on by itself.

Nine times seven, thought Shuman, is sixty-three, and I don 't need a computer to tell me so. The computer is in my head. And it gave him the wonderful feeling ofpower.

eginnen                     (S)                                       Kny6

HaqHHa10

Aü3eK A3HMOB

Intermediate Koponwe npoao.ll*arounx ÞaCTnqeCKHe

BToporo ypoBHR

ate apolóhkã10iuøx eTbero„

Advanced

A.mq COBePmeHCTBYK)1UHXCfl

Isaac Asimov

Sci nce Fiction

g 78581 1 224357                                                 STORIES

Intermediate

О Ангмйсктлдуб———

Айзек Азимов Короткие фантастические РАССКАЗЫ

Адаптация текста, комментарий, упражнения, словарь Н. Н. Чесовой

москт

АЙРИС ПРЕСС

2007

YAK 811.111(075) bbK 81.2AHTJ1-93

A35

CepHfl «AHenuùcxuù Kaay6» BKJHOqaeT Kl--1HrM H yqe6Hb1e noc06HH, PaCCHHTaHHb1e Ha rlHTb 3TanoB H3yqeHHfl aHrJIHñCKOrO q3b1Ka: Elementary (DIH HatlMHa}0111HX), PreIntermediate (AJTfl rrpoaonxažou.1HX nepBoro ypoBHfl), Intermediate rrpoaonxamuux BToporo yp0BHq), Upper Intermediate (WIR rlPOAOJIXaK)UIHX TpeTbero yp0BHq) H Advanced (WIA COBePU1eHCTBymUHXCfl).

CepHiÍHoe 0(þopMJ1eHHe A. M. apaeoeoeo

A3HMOB, A.

A35 KOPOTKHe (þaHTaCTHqeCKHe paccKa3b1 / AM3eK A3HMOY, aaanTauvrq TeKCTa, KOMMeHT., yrrpa)KHeHHH, CJIOBaPb H. H. MecoBOM. — M.: Aiápuc-npecc, 2007. — 64 C.: WI. — (AHFJIHÏCKHiá wry6). — (A0Ma1LIHee tneHHe).

ISBN 978-5-8112-2435-7

He60JTbL11He no ofr£MY paccva3b1 AM3eKa A3HMOBa MOXHO HC110J1b30BaTb

H 06cyxaeHHfl B paMKax OAHoro aKaaeMHqecKoro qaca Ha ypoKax B LUKOJ1e H CaMOCTOR1tJ1bHOro q•reHHH AOMa. TeKCTb1 paccKa.30B aaarmrpoBaHb1 B yye6Hb1X uengx ao yp0BHR Intermediate H conp0Boxaamcq KOMMeyrapueM. K Kay.AOMY paccKa3Y npeanaraercq 3aaaHHM OTPa60TKH H 3aKpenneHHB HaBbIKOB anaaeHHq maMMaTHHeCKHM, JleKCHqeCKHM Ma•repHaJ10M, a TaKXe POBHTHR HaBb1KOB t-1TeHH$1, rOBOPeHHH H flHCbMa. B KOHUe noco6HH IIPHBOAHTCH aHrno-pyccKHh CJIOBaPb.

KHHra aapecoBaHa yqaL.uHMcq CPeAHH,X H crapurux KJ1aCCOB UIKOJI, .nuueeB H rHMHa3Hh.

AaHHbriá c60PHHK MO)KeT craTb He3aMeHHMb1M flOMOULHHKOM npenonaBaTenq npu noaroT0BKe 3K3aMeHaUHOHHOrO MaTepnana no tneHM}O.

YpoœHb a.aarITauHH M TepaaTHgeCKHìi noa60p r103BOJ1fflOT HCflOJ1b30Ba•n, KHHIY caMOCTOHTeJ1bHom cwaeHTaM He¶3bIKOBbrx BY30B

B3POCJTb1M YHTaTeJIHM, H3yx1a10u1HM WIM H3Y'HaBWHM aidl'JIHhcKHii fl3bIK, KOTOPNM He06XOAMMa raKom poaa npaKTHKa..

Isaac Asimov

Isaac Asimov (1920—1992) is the American author and biochemist, a highly successful and prolific writer of science fiction and of science books for the layperson. He published about 500 volumes.

Asimov was born in Petrovichi, Russia. His family immigrated to the U. S. in 1923, when he was three years old, and settled in Brooklyn, N. Y. He was a graduate of Columbia University.

Asimov began writing stories to science-fiction magazines in 1939. In 050, he published his first book, Pebble in the Sky, and his first science book, a biochemistry text written with two colleagues.

Asimov turned to writing full time in 1958. He wrote 500 books for young and adult readers — science fiction, mystery stories, humour, history, and several volumes on the Bible and Shakespeare.

He is famous for the trilogy of novels, known as The Foundation Trilogy. Foundation, Foundation and Empire, and Second Foundation.

In the short-story collection I, Robot he developed a set of ethics for robots and intelligent machines that greatly influenced other writers' approach to the subject.

Among his best-known science fiction works are the sequels to The Foundation Trilogy: Foundation 's Edge, The Naked Sun, The Gods Themselves.

THE FEELING OF POWER

Part 1

Jehan Shuman, a famous computer programmer, took Technician Aub to New Pentagon.

"Myron Aub, gentlemen, has an unusual gift. I discovered it quite by accident. "

"So, what is it?" Congressman Brant asked.

"Aub! How much is nine times sevenl?" asked Shuman.

" Sixty-three. "

"Is that right?" "Check it for yourself, Congressman."

nine times seven =

4

The Congressman took out his pocket computer, "Is this the gift you brought us here to show? An illusionist?"

"More than that, sir. Aub can compute on paper." "A paper computer?" said the general.

"No, sir," said Shuman. "Simply a sheet of paper. General, would you tell a number?" "Seventeen."

"And you, Congressman?"

"Twenty-three. "

"The answer is three hundred and ninety-one."

Congressman Brant took out his computer again. "By Godfreyl, so it is. How did he guess?"

"No guess, Congressman," said Shuman. "He computed that result. He did it on this sheet of paper. "

"Humbug," said the general. "I don't believe it. It's too difficult. "

"Oh no, sir," said Aub. "It only seems difficult because you're not used to it. Actually, the rules are quite simple and will work for any numbers."

"Any numbers, eh?" said the general. He took out his own computer and pushed it at random. "Write a five seven three eight on the paper. "

"Yes, sir," said Aub.

"Now, seven two three nine."

"Yes, sir."

"And now multiply those two." Aub set to work.

"Are you through with your magic-making, Technician?" "I'm almost done, sir. Here it is, sir. Forty-one million, five hundred and thirty-seven thousand, thœe hundred and eighty-two. " General Weider smiled and pushed the button on his computer. Then he said in surprise, "Great Galaxy2, the fella's3 right."

1   By Godfrey — boxe MOM!

2   Great Galaxy = My God!

3   fella = fellow

5

The President of the Terrestrial Federation was surprised. "Computing without a computer?"

"Computing, " said the Congressman. "A machine can do it, or the human brain can. Here is an example." And he did some sums.

"Does this always work?"

"Every time, Mr. President. It is foolproof. "

"Is it hard to learn?"

"It took me a week to get the real hang ofl it. I think you would do better. "

"Well," said the President, "it's an interesting game, but what is the use of it?"

"It is the way towards freedom from the machine," the Congressman said. "It is a method for going without the computer. "

"But how far can human computation go?"

"There is no limit, according to Programmer Shuman. He tells that there is nothing the computer can do that the human mind cannot do. '

 The president said, "If Shuman says this, I believe him. But how can anyone know how a computer works?"

"Well, Mr. President, it seems that once human beings designed computers. Those were simple computers, of course." "Yes, yes. Go on."

"Aub has a hobby — the reconstruction of some ancient plans. He studied the details and found he could imitate them. " "Amazing!"

 "So, we can give the humans this peaceful hobby and they will have no time for wars. It can be useful for the party in power. '

"Ah," said the president, "I see your point2. Well, sit down, Congressman, show me that trick again. Let's see if I can catch the point of it."

I to get a hang of smth — OCBOHTb YTO-JI.

2 | see your point — Bama TOt1Ka 3peHH¶ r10HflTHa

6

Helpful Words and Expressions

quite by accident — COBepu1eHH0 cJ1yqaüH0 compute — cqu^rraTb, BblnOJIHflTb apHOfeTHqecKHe aeìÍCTBHfl Humbug — B3AOP! at random — Hayraa set to smth — HatlHHaTb, 11PHHHMaTbCfl 3a LITO-JI. Are you through with...? — Bbl 3aKOHHWIH...? I'm almost done — notiTH 3aKOHHW1 foolproof — 3au1HTa 0T aypaK0B

What is the use of it? — KaKaq 0T 3Toro 110J1b3a? the party in power — npaBmuaq napTHH catch the point — YJIOBHTb HaeK)

Activities

Reading

Choose the right word.

I. Shuman was

A.    a famous computer programmer

B.     a Congressman

C.     an illusionist

2.            There isthe computer can do that the human mind cannot do.

A.   much

B.    nothing

C.    something

3.            It usually tookto get the real hang of comput ing without a computer.

A.   a year

B.    a day

C. a week

7

4.             The rules are quite simple and will work for

A.  no numbers

B.   some numbers C. any numbers

5.             It seems that oncedesigned computers.

A.  machines

B.   human beings

C.   robots

      Vocabulary

Read the definitions of the word crazy and match them (A—E) with the meaning in the following sentences (1—5).

A.          Characterized by weakness or feebleness; decrepit; broken; falling to decay; shaky; unsafe.

B.           Intensely enthusiastic about or preoccupied with.

C.           Immoderately fond; infatuated, intensely involved or preoccupied.

D.          Inordinately desirous; foolishly eager. E. Affected with madness; insane.

l. They got a crazy boat to carry them to the island.

2.    They were running around like crazy.

3.    The crowd at the game went crazy.

4.    The girls were crazy to be introduced to him. 5. The young man is crazy about cars and racing.

Grammar

Be used to smth/doing smth

9T0 yc^rroìͼHBoe BblpaxeHHe, 3HaqeHHe K0Toporo — npuebl'camb K qeMY-n.

8

BblpaxeHHe be used to MOXHO HC110J1b30BaTb B JH060M BpeMeHM.

When we lived in the South, we were used to hot weather.

I have been used to for a long time.

You will soon be used to living alone.

I          Translate the following sentences into Russian.

l. He was used to having a cup of coffee in the morning. 2. Don't worry, I will be used to having my duties soon.

3.             The lady is used to walking in the garden before going to bed.

4.             Dogs are usually more used to their masters than cats.

5.             My Granny is used to drinking very hot tea.

2        Make up sentences using the table.

I am used toeating with a spoon soon.

We were used towaiting for him after lessons.

The baby will be used toeach other.

The birds are usually used tosleeping in one place.

The dogs are used totheir nests.

9

 Speaking

1                       Explain why:

a)            everybody was so excited about the counting without a computer.

b)            the President was surprised.

c)            they decided to make use of Aub's hobby.

2                       Prove that:

a)            Shuman was really clever.

b)            there is nothing the computer can do that the human mind cannot do.

c)            Aub's hobby could be used by any human.

     Writing

Imagine that you get into the time of the story by the time machine. Write an article to the newspaper about the things you saw there after you are back. Don't forget to mention:

 the houses;  the roads;  the cars; the people's clothes; the food;  the language.

You may use the following expressions:

10

Part 11

Programmer Shuman did not try to hurry matters, but he tried to talk to Loesser. Loesser controlled the West European computer unit. He said, "I'm not sure I like the idea of relaxing our hold on computers. The human mind is a capricious thing. The computer will give the same answer to the same problem each time. What guarantee have we that the human mind will do the same?"

"The human mind, Loesser, only manipulates facts. It doesn't matter whether the human mind or a machine does it. They are just tools.'

"Yes, yes. "

"After all, computers have not always existed. The cave men had no computers. "

"And possibly they did not compute or you think they computed in the way you demonstrate?"

"Probably not. After all, the cave men had some method, eh9"

"Lost arts! If you're going to talk about lost arts..."

"No, no. But compare your pocket computer with the massive jobs of a thousand years ago. Come, sir, we want your help. If patriotism doesn't move you, think about the intellectual adventure. "

Loesser said skeptically, "What progress? What more can

"In time, sir. In time. Last month I learnt to handle division. I can determine, and correctly, integral quotientsl and decimal quotients2. "

"Decimal quotients? To how many places?3"

1       integral quotient — Nam. yacTHoe, BblpaxeHHOe UeJ1b1M HMCJIOM 

2       decimal quotient — Mam. gacTHoe, BblpaxeHHOe aeCflTHHHOü np06b}0

3To how many places? — Ao KaKOrO pa3pqna?

11

Programmer Shuman tried to keep his tone casual. "Any number!"

"Without a computer?" "Set me a problem.

 "Divide twenty-seven by thirteen. Take it to six places."

Five minutes later, Shuman said, "Two point Ohi seven six nine two three. '

Loesser checked it. "Well, now, that's amazing. Multiplication didn't impress me too much, but decimals!"

        "And that is not all. "

"Square roots?"

"A man like you, a trained and talented mathematician, will have no difficulty. "

"Square roots," said Loesser.

"Cube roots, too. Are you with us?" "Count me in.'

General Weider addressed his listeners.

He said, "Cube roots are all fine."

Technician Aub listened with painful attention. He was no longer a Technician, of course. He had now a fine title and good pay.

The general said, "Our goal is simple, gentlemen: the replacement of the computer. A ship that can navigate space without a computer on board.

"And I see something even more. It may be fantastic now, a dream; but in the future I see the manned missile!"

"Now missiles are limited in intelligence. A missile with a man or two is lighter, more mobile, and more intelligent. "

He said more but Technician Aub did not wait. He left and went home.

 At home he wrote the following note:

I oh = zero

12

"When I began the study, it was my hobby. It was a pleasure, an exercise of mind, but I was sure it could have practical use as a help to mankind. Now I see that you are going to use it only for death and destruction. I cannot face the responsibility. "

He then turned the focus of a protein-depolarizer on himself and fell dead.

They stood over the grave of the little Technician, but were not sorry. They didn't need him any longer. Now it could go on by itself.

Nine times seven, thought Shuman, is sixty-three, and I don't need a computer to tell me so. The computer is in my head. And it gave him the wonderful feeling of power.

Helpful Words and Expressions

to relax one's hold on smth — OCJ1a6HTb KOHTPOJ1b Han qeM-J1. It doesn't matter — HeBaXHO

After all — Bce xe

In time — Co BpeMeHeM

Set me a problem. — 3anaWre MHe 3anaqy. Count me in. — BwuoqaüTe MeHA B CIIHCOK.

face the responsibility — 6paTb Ha ce6q OTBeTCTBeHHOCTb

Activities

Reading

Choose the right word.

l. The human mind is

A.  a capricious thing

B.   a difficult mechanism C. a powerful thing

13

2. The cave men hadcomputers.

A.    many

B.     some

C. no

3.             Loesser thought counting of the cave men

A.                       very progressive

B.                        lost arts

C.                        worth examining

4.             The main goal for them was the replacement of the computer by

A.                       animals

B.                        humans

C.                        pencils and paper

5.             Technician Aub killed himself because he was

A.                       not famous

B.                        poor C. sorry

Vocabulary

Read the definitions of the word problem and match them (A—E) with the meaning in the following sentences (1—5).

A.         A question to be considered, solved, or answered.

B.          A situation, matter, or person that presents perplexity or difficulty.

C.          A misgiving, objection, or complaint. D. A source of difficulty.

E. Anything that is required to be done.

l. This teacher has problems with her pupils.

2.             Their homework always consists of ten problems.

3.             It is not my problem, go away.

14

4.             The problem of ecology is very important.

5.             His problems always make him upset.

8 Grammar

060POT to be going to

To be going to is not a tense, it is a special expression to talk about the future.

Use going to:

l)           when you have already made a decision before speaking.

•          My friend is going to buy a new sport car.  We're not going to have dinner before you come.

•          When are you going to go on holiday?

2) to make a prediction about the future. We are saying what we think will happen.

                 The sky is blue. It is not going to rain.

                 It's six thirty already! You're going to miss the performance!

I will not come to her birthday party. She isn't going to be very unhappy, I am sure.

In the above examples, the present situation (the blue

sky, the time, a missed visit) gives us a good idea of what is going to happen.

15

Translate into English, using to be going to.

l. UBeTb1 TaKHe XHBb1e M flPKHe! He 6yay (He CO6MpaK)Cb) CPb1BaTb.

2.               OH, KOHeqHO, 01103AaeT, eCJIH He noTopor1HTcq.

3.               HTO Bbl c06npaeTecb nonapHTb eh Ha neHb POXaeHHfl?

4.               C K'eM Tbl Bc^rrpeqaelllbcq ceroAHfl BeqepoM? 5. LITO Tbl õyneulb aenaTb, Koraa 11PHaeU1b AOMOiÍ?

FRUSTRATION

Herman Gelb turned his head and saw a figure. Then he said, "Wasn't that the Secretary?"

"Yes, that was the Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Old manl

                                                                                                     Hargrove. Are you ready for lunch?"                                                                         

"Of course. What is he doing here?"

Peter Jonsbeck didn't answer at once. He stood up, and asked Gelb to follow. They walked down the corridor and into a room with a smell of spicy food.

"Here you are," said Jonsbeck. "The meal was prepared by computer. Completely automated. Untouched by human hands. And my own programming. I promised you a treat, and here you are!"

1 Old man — cneHe CTapHHa

17

It was good.

"But what was Hargrove doing here?"

Jonsbeck smiled. "Consulting me on programming. What else am I good form "

"But why? Or is it something you can't talk about?"

"It's something I shouldn't talk about. There isn't a computer man in the capital who doesn't know what the poor man wants. "

"What does he want then?"

"He's fighting wars. "

Gelb's eyes opened wide. "With whom?"

"With nobody, really. He fights them by computer analysis. He's just doing it."

"But why?"

"He wants the world to be noble, honest, deCent, full of respect for human rights and so on.'

 "So do I. So do we all. We must keep up the pressure on the bad guys, that's all."

"And they're keeping the pressure on us, too. They don't think we're perfect."

"I think we're not, but we're better than they are. You know that. "

"A difference in point of view. It doesn't matter. We've got a world to run, space to develop, computerization to widen. It's just that Hargrove wants quick improvement — by force. We're strong enough to do it. "

"By force? By war, you mean. We don't fight wars any more."

"That's because it's too difficult. Too much danger. We're all too powerful. You know what I mean? Except that Hargrove thinks he can find a way. You put certain starting conditions into the computer and let it fight the war mathematically and give the results. "

"How do you make equations for war?"

1 What else am I good for? —             gero erue q HyxeH?

18

"Well, you try, old man. Men. Weapons. Surprise. Counterattack. Ships. Space stations. Computers. We mustn't forget computers. There are a hundred factors and millions of combinations. Hargrove thinks it's possible to find some combination of starting conditions that will result in clear victory for us and not too much damage to the world. "

"But what if he gets what he wants?"

"Well, if he can find the combination — if the computer says, 'This is it,' then I suppose he thinks he can argue our government into fighting the war. '

"There will be losses. '

"Yes, of course. But the computer will compare the losses and other damage — to the economy and ecology — to the benefits from our control over the world. If it decides the benefits will outweigh the losses, then it will give the go-aheadl for a 'just war.'

Gelb said, "I never knew we are sitting at the lip of a volcanic crater like that. What about the 'random events' you mentioned?"

"The computer program tries to foresee the unexpected, but you can never be sure, of course. So I don't think the goahead will come. It hasn't so far:2 And unless old man Hargrove can give the government a computer simulation of a war, I don't think there's much chance he can force one.'

"And he comes to you then, for what reason?"

"To improve the program, of course. "

"And you help him?"

"Yes, certainly. There are big fees, Herman."

Gelb shook his head, "Peter! Are you going to try to arrange a war, just for money?"

"There won't be a war. There's no realistic combination of events that would make the computer decide on war. Computers put a greater value on human lives than human beings do

I the go-ahead — pa3pe111aK)111Hiá curHaJ1, oenëHaq YJIMua» 2 It hasn't so far. — TIOKa 3Toro He CJIYHHJIOCb.

19

themselves. What will seem bearable to Secretary Hargrove, or even to you and me, a computer will never pass. "

"How can you be sure of that9"

"Because I'm a programmer. I don't know any way of programming a computer to give it what is most needed to start any war. And because it lacks what is most needed, the com-

puters will always give Hargrove, and all others who want war, nothing but frustration. "

"What is it that a computer doesn't have, then?"

"Why, Gelb. It totally lacks a sense of self-righteousness.

Helpful Words and Expressions

at once — cpa3Y Here you are — BOT! and so on — H TaK aa.nee to run smth — Y11PaBJIHTb qeM-JT. to argue smb into smth — yrOBOPHTb KOTO-JI. CaenaTb HTO-n. 'random events' — cnyqaMHOCTH to shake one's head — KaqaTb rOJIOBOM (B 3HaK Hecornacnq) self-righteousness — CaMOAOBOJ1bCTBO; YBepeHHOCTb B CBoeiÍ npa-

Activities

Reading

Choose the right word.

1.                                                          prepared the meal for Herman Gelb.

A.       Computer

B.        Hargrove

C.        Peter Jonsbeck

20

2.                                                          Hargrove came to visit Peter Jonsbeck to

A.       have tasty meal

B.        see Herman Gelb

C.        get some consulting on computers

3.                                                          Hargrove wants to fight wars with

A.       the people of the Mars B. the people of the Earth

C. nobody

4.                                                          Peter Jonsbeck the go-ahead for starting the war will come.

A.       is sure

B. doesn't think C. doesn't know if

          5. A computer doesn't have                  to start any war.

A.        a little trifle

B.         the main thing C. many things

8 Grammar

The Present Continuous Tense

We use the Present Continuous Tense to talk about:

l) action happening now;

2) action in the future.

Translate the following sentences into Russian.

1.             He's just doing it.

2.             I never knew we are sitting at the lip of a volcanic  crater like that.

3.             He's fighting wars.

4.             What is he doing here?

5.             He is consulting me on programming.

21

Speaking

Explain why:

 Hargrove wants to fight wars.

 Herman Gelb worries much about the idea of the wars.

 Peter Jonsbeck is calm about the idea of the wars.

LEFT TO RIGHT

Robert L. Forward, a physicist of Hughes Research Laboratories at Malibu, and a science fiction writer, demonstrated some mechanism.

"As you see," he said, "we have here a large ring, or doughnut, of particles compressed by a magnetic field. The particles are moving at 0.95 times the speed of lightl and, if I am correct, can change any object that passes through the hole of the doughnut. "

 "A change in parity?" I said. "You mean left and right will interchange?"

1 at 0.95 times the speed of light— B 0,95 pa3 BblU1e CKOPOCTH cwra

23

"Something will interchange. I'm not sure what. I think that something like this will change particles into antiparticles and vice versa. This will be the way to get a large supply of antimatter. "

"Why not try it out?" I said. "Send a beam of protons through the hole. "

"I did that. Nothing happens. The doughnut is not powerful enough. But my mathematics tells me that the more organized the sample of matter is, the more likely it is that an interchange, such as left to right, will take place. If I can show this change, I can get a grant and make a stronger machine." "Do you have something in mind as a test?"

"Absolutely," said Bob. "I am sure that a human being is highly organized to undergo the transformation. I'm going to pass though the doughnut hole myself."

"You can't do that, Bob," I said in alarm. "You might kill yourself. "

"I can't ask anyone else to take the chance. It's my machine. '

"But even if it succeeds, the top of your heart will be pointed to the right; your liver will be on the left. Worse, all your amino acids will change from L to D, and all your sugars from D to L. You will no longer be able to eat."

"Nonsense," said Bob. "I'll just pass through it a second time and then I'll be exactly as I was before."

He climbed a small ladder and jumped through. He landed on a rubber mattress.

"How do you feel?" I asked nervously.

"I'm alive," he said.

"Yes, but how do you feel?"

"Perfectly normal," said Bob, "I feel exactly as I did before I jumped through.

"Well, of course you would, but where is your heart?"

Bob placed his hand on his chest, felt around, and then shook his head. "The heartbeat is on the left side, as usual — Wait, let's check my appendicitis scar.'

24

He did, and then looked up at me. "Right where it's supposed to be. Nothing happened. There goes all my chance at a grant."

I said hopefully, "Perhaps there is some other change."

"No. Nothing changed. Nothing at all. I'm as sure of that as I'm sure that my name is Robert L. Backwa<d."

Helpful Words and Expressions

a science fiction writer — nucaTeJ1b-d)aHTacT doughnut — Mam. TOPOHA vice versa — nam. Ha060POT the more likely — Ter•vf 60nee BeP0flTH0 in alarm — BCTPeBOXeHO to take the chance — PHCKOBaTb

Activities

     Vocabulary

Read the definitions of the word change and match them (A—E) with the meaning in the following sentences (1—5).

A. The act, process, or result of altering or modifying. B. The replacing of one thing for another; substitution.

C.     A transformation or transition from one state, condition, or phase to another.

D.    Something different; variety.

E.      Money of smaller denomination given or received in exchange.

l. The change in atmosphere is very clear now.

2.            The change of seasons is always a new sensation to her.

3.            The boy took the change and went home in a hurry.

25

The Past Simple Tense

We use the Simple Past Tense to talk about an action or a situation — an event — in the past. The event can be short or long. Here are some short events with the Simple Past Tense:

The car exploded at 9.30am yesterday.

She went to the door.

We did not hear the telephone. Did you see that car?

Here are some long events with the Simple Past Tense:

I lived in Bangkok for 10 years.

The Jurassic period lasted about 62 million years.

We did not sing at the concert. Did you watch TV last night?

It does not matter how long ago the event is: it can be a few minutes or seconds in the past, or millions of years in the past.

 It does not matter how long the event is. It can be a few milliseconds (car explosion) or millions of years (Jurassic period). We use the Simple Past Tense when:

l) the event is in the past;

2)           the event is completely finished;

3)           we say (or understand) the time and/or place of the event.

Translate the sentences into Russian.

1.             I lived in that house when I was young.

2.             He didn't like the film.

26

THE FUN THEY HAD

Margie even wrote about it that night in her diary. On the page of May 17, 2155, she wrote, "Today Tommy found a real book!"

It was a very old book. Margie's grandfather said that when he was a little boy his grandfather told him that there was a time when all stories were printed on paper.

They turned the pages. They were yellow. It was awfully funny to read words that stood still instead of moving on a screen. And then, when they turned back to the page before, it had the same words on it!

"Geei " said Tommy, "what a waste! When you finish the book, you just throw it away, I guess. Our television screen

1 Gee — BOT 3T0 na!

28

must have a million books on it and it's good for more. I wouldn't throw it away."

"Same with mine," said Margie. She was eleven and couldn't see as many telebooks as Tommy did. He was thirteen.

She said, "Where did you find it?"

"In my house." He was busy reading. "In the attic."

"What's it about?"

" School. "

"School? What's there to write about school? I hate school. " Margie always hated school, but now she hated it more than ever. The mechanical teacher gave her test after test in geography. Her mother sent for the County Inspector.

He was a round little man with a red face and a big box of tools. He smiled at her and gave her an apple, then took the teacher apart. Margie hoped he wouldn't know how to put it together again, but he knew it all right. After an hour or so, there it was again, large and black and ugly with a big screen!

That wasn't so bad. The part she hated most was the slot where she put homework and test papers. She always wrote them out in a code she learnt when she was six years old.

The inspector finished and said to her mother, "I think the geography sector was a little too quick. Those things happen sometimes. '

Margie hoped they would take the teacher away. They once took Tommy's teacher away because the history sector was out of order completely.

So she said to Tommy, "Why would anyone write about school?"

Tommy looked at her. "Because it's not our kind of school, stupid. This is the old kind of school that they had hundreds and hundreds of years ago." He added, "Centuries ago."

"Well, I don't know what kind of school they had all that time ago." She read the book over his shoulder for a while, and then said, "Anyway, they had a teacher."

'Sure they had a teacher. It was a man."

"A man? How could a man be a teacher?"

29

"Well, he just told the boys and girls things and gave them homework and asked them questions. "

"A man isn't smart enough. "

"Sure he is. My father knows as much as my teacher."

"He can't. A man can't know as much as a teacher.'

"He knows almost as much I bet you. '

Margie wasn't prepared to dispute that. She said, "I wouldn't want a strange man in my house to teach me."

Tommy laughed, "You don't know much, Margie. The teachers didn't live in the house. They had a special building and all the kids went there.'

"And all the kids learnt the same thing?"

"Sure, if they were the same age."

"But my mother says a teacher must fit the mind of each boy and girl it teaches and that each kid has to be taught differently. "

 "Just the same, they didn't do it that way then. If you don't like it, you don't have to read the book."

"I didn't say I didn't like it," Margie said quickly. She wanted to read about those funny schools.

Margie's mother called, "Margie! School!"

Margie looked up. "Not yet, mamma.'

"Now," said Mrs. Jones. "And it's time for Tommy,

too. "

 Margie said to Tommy, "Can I read the book some more with you after school?"

"Maybe," he said.

Margie went into the schoolroom. It was near her bedroom, and the mechanical teacher was on and waiting for her. It was always on at the same time every day except Saturday and Sunday.

The screen said: "Today's arithmetic lesson is on the addition of proper fractions. Please put yesterday's homework in the slot.'

Margie did so with a sigh. She thought about the old schools they had when her grandfather's grandfather was a

30

little boy. All the kids from the whole neighborhood came, laughing and shouting in the schoolyard, sitting together in the schoolroom, going home together at the end of the day. They learnt the same things so they could help one another on the homework and talk about it.

And the teachers were people..

The mechanical teacher flashed on the screen: "When we add the fractions 1/2 and 1/4...'

Margie thought about how the kids loved it in the old days. She thought about the fun they had.

Helpful Words and Expressions

what a waste! — KaKaq PaCTOMHTeJ1bHOCTb! or so — HJIH OKOJIO Toro stupid — 3ð. rJ1yr1b1u.1Ka Anyway — B m060M cnyqae Sure — 3ð. KOHeHH0 bet you — cri0PHM? a strange man — nocrrop0HHHiá addition — Nam. CJIOXeHHe proper fractions — Mam. npaBHJ1bHb1e AP06H

Activities

8 Grammar

Can / Could / Will be able to

Can turns to could in the past and to will be able to in the future.

Can is used when we:

— talk about possibility and ability;  make requests;  ask for or give permission.

31

We use can to talk about what is possible, what we are able or free to do:

•               She can drive a car.

•               John can speak Spanish.

•               I cannot hear you. (I can't hear you.)

•               Can you hear me?   

Can is used for the present. But it is possible to use can when we make present decisions about future ability.

— Can you help me with my homework? (present)

— Sorry. I'm busy today. But I can help you tomorrow. (future)

We often use can in a question to ask somebody to do something. This is not a real question — we do not really want to know if the person is able to do something, we want them to do it! The use of can in this way is informal (mainly between friends and family).

•               Can you make a cup of coffee, please.

•               Can you put the TV on.

•               Can you come here for a minute.

•               Can you be quiet!

We sometimes use can to ask or give permission for some-

— Can I smoke in this room?

— You can't smoke here, but you can smoke in the garden.

32

Choose the right form of can.

1.he understand what you were talking about?

2. My sister  play tennis now.

walk when I was less than a year old.

4.            Can you help me? I    never understand this.

5.            Will Manlive forever one day?

Writing

Imagine that you have a chance to choose a teacher. What is the ideal of a teacher to you? Try to write a description. Don't forget to mention:

— the gender (man/woman);  the age (young/old);  the place where the lessons should take place (school/ home/some other place);  the subjects you'd like to learn;  the additional information you'd like to get;  the time of the day when you'd like to have your lessons.

about the Sun, the Sun moves about the core of the Galaxy, the Galaxy moves about some center of gravity, all the galaxies move.

"I calculated those motions and I find that 27.5 million years in the future, a red dwarf starl will take up the position our Sun does now. If we go 27.5 million years into the future, in less than a moment that red dwarf star will be near our spaceship and we can come home after studying it a bit. "

Atkins said, "Can that be?"

'I sent experimental animals through time, but I can't make them automatically return. If you and I go, we can then manage the controls so that we can return.'

"And you want me to go?"

"Of course. Come, it will be an unbelievable adventure."

Atkins inspected the ship. It was a 2217 Glennfusion model and looked beautiful.

"When we get back, will the Sun and the Earth move on?" "Of course, but how far can the Sun and Earth move in the few hours it will take us to study the star I don't know. Are you ready, Mr. Atkins?"

"Ready," sighed Atkins.

Professor Firebrenner made the necessary adjustments THE INSTABILITY and nailed the ship to the fabric of the Universe while 27.5 million years passed. And then, in less than a nash2, time began to Professor Firebrenner explained carefully: "Time-percep- move forward again in the usual way, and everything in the tion depends on the structure of the Universe. When the Uni- Universe moved forward with it.

verse is expanding, we feel that time is going forward; when it is Through the window of their ship, Professor Firebrenner contracting, we feel that it is going backward. If we could make and Mr. Atkins could see the small orbit of the red dwarf star. the Universe static, neither expanding nor contracting, time The professor smiled. "You and I, Atkins," he said, "Are would stand still. " the first ever to see, close at hand, any star other than our "But you can't put the Universe in stasisl " said Mr. Atkins. own Sun. '

"I can put a little part of the Universe in stasis," said the During two-and-a-half hours, they photographed the star professor. "Just enough to hold a ship. Time will stand still and and its spectrum, tested the chemical composition of the gas. we can move forward or backward at will and the trip will last less Then Professor Firebrenner said, "I think we had better go than a minute. All the parts of the Universe will move while we home now. ' stand still, while we are nailed to the Universe. The Earth moves

1 dwarf star — acmp. KaPJIMKOBafl 3Be3Aa in stasis — HerlOABHXHO     2 in less than a flash — B MaHOBeHHe 0Ka

                                                     34                                                         35

the Universe — BceneHHaq  B. Professor Firebrenner was wrong in his calcula-

come into being — rlOHBHTbCH

Activities

Reading

Choose the right word.

l. Professor Firebrenner is

A.    a scientist

B.     a writer

C.     an astronaut

I a Big Bang — 3eyxonoðp. 6ax!

36

ONE NIGHT OF SONG

As it happens, I have a friend who hints, sometimes, that he can call up spiritsl.

Or at least one spirit — a tiny one.

That evening I said, "Do you remember that spirit of yours, George?"

"Eh?" said George.

"Not your drink2 " I said. "The little spirit about two centimeters high, whom you once told me you could call up from some other place of existence. The one with the paranatural powers."

"Ah," said George. "Azazel. Not his name, of course.

1    call up spirits — Bb13b1BaTb nyxoB

2    drink — Hen0110HHMaHHe 3HaqeHHq CJIOBa spirits MOXHO 06bflCHHTb ero MHOF03Hat1HOCTbK); spirit— ayx, 11PMBwneHHe•, cnupT, Kpe11KMiá UlKOrOJ1bHb1ìi 1--rar1HTOK

38

Couldn't pronounce his real name, I suppose. But that's what

I call him. I remember him."

"Do you use him much?"

"No. Dangerous. It's too dangerous. There's always the temptation to play with power. I'm careful myself; as you know, I have a high standard of ethics. The damage that did! Dreadful!" "What happened?"

'I suppose I ought to get it off my chest," said George. "I was a good deal younger then and in those days and I had a friend, Mortenson — Andrew Mortenson. I don't think you know him. I haven't seen much of him myself in recent years. The point is, he was in love with a woman. She was an angel, he said. He couldn't live without her.

"The trouble was she didn't love him. My heart bled for himl and I said, 'I'm sorry, Mortenson, but you mustn't take on so. She's only a woman. Maybe I can help. I can make use of a spirit with quite extraordinary powers. A small spirit, of course.' I told him about Azazel and, of course, he believed me. His eyes glittered as I told him. " 'You say your spirit has only limited power?' " 'He is a small thing,' I said. " 'Could he give her a perfect voice? For a time, anyway. At least for one performance.'

" 'I'll ask him.'

"That woman sang cantatas2 at the local church. I enjoyed hearing her singing.

"So I consulted Azazel. He wanted to help; none of this nonsense, you know, of taking my soul in exchange. I remember I once asked Azazel if he wanted my soul and he didn't even know what it was. He just likes to help out.

"One night when she was singing Bach3 and was going to have a long and impressive s0104.

My heart bled for him — Y B,reHS1 cepaue KPOBb}0 06JIHBa.r10Cb

2          cantata = a musical composition, often based on a sacred text, comprising recitatives, arias, and choruses

3          Bach — Bennyaü111Hh HeMeLIKHñ KOM1103HTOP H opraHHCT nepnoaa 1103AHero 6aPOKK0

4          solo = a performance by a single singer

39

"Mortenson went to the church that night and, of course, I went too. I felt responsible for what was going to happen.

"Mortenson said, 'I attended the rehearsals. She was just singing the same way she always did; you know, as though she had a tail and someone was stepping on it. But I want her voice to be perfect. Really perfect. Do you think your spirit can handle it?'

" 'The change won't start till 8:15 P. M.'

"She started at her usual level and then at 8:15, it was as though another voice was added. I saw her give a little jump as though she didn't believe what she heard. And she got better with each note. The organist wasn't looking at the music, he was looking at her, and stopped playing. There was anyway nothing which you could hear while she was singing. Anything else but her.

"Her voice was singing by itself and she didn't need to control or direct it. The solo ended at last and the chorus sounded in what was a whisper. For the rest of the program it was all her. When she didn't sing, it was as though we were sitting in the dark, and we couldn't bear the absence of light. And when it was over — well, you don't applaud in church, but they did then.

"She did sing againl; her voice alone, with the organ whispering in the background. But it had to end and it was over. Even the applause was over. It was only then that I understood that, next to me, Mortenson was sitting absorbed in her singing.

"She sang perfectly — but she would never sing perfectly again. It was as though she were blind from birth, and for just three hours could see — all the colors and shapes and wonders — and then be blind again!

"That woman never sang again, of course. But that's only part of it. The real tragedy was to us, to the audience. We had perfect music for three hours, perfect music. Do you think we could ever again bear to listen to anything else than that?

"I went to one of those rock festivals, just to test myself out. You won't believe me2, but I couldn't make out one tune. It was all noise to me.

I She did sing again — H OHa CHOBa nena (ycwtumenb,yag 3MØamugecŒcag K0Hcmpycgug)

2 You won't believe me — Xo•rwre BepbTe, xo^rrwre HeT

40

" My only consolation is that Mortenson, who listened with the most concentration, is worse off than anyone in that audience. He wears earplugs at all times. He can't stand any sound above a whisper. Serves him right!"

Helpful Words and Expressions

get it off my chest — BbTOBOPHTbCfl, 06J1e1'HMTb AY1_uy in exchange — B3aMeH attend the rehearsals — noce1uaTb peneTHLIHH handle smth — cnpaBJ1flTbCfl C qeM-J1. as though — KaK 6YAT0 Anything else but — Hnqero KPOMe next to — ps1A0M make out — pa306paTb can't stand any sound above a whisper — He MOXeT BblHOCHTb HH OAHoro 3BYKa, rp0Mqe, geM meno^rr Serves him right! — TaK eMY M HUIO!

Activities

     Vocabulary

Make B COqeTaHMH c nocneayouuth•f npmara^rreJ1bHb1M BblpaxaeT aeñCTBHe, COOTBeTCTBYfflUee 3HaqeHUK) npwrararreJ1bHoro.

to make fast — 3aKpenwrv, npHBfl3aTb to make merry — BeceJIHTbcq to make public — 06HaPOAOBaTb, caenaTb 06U1eH3BeCTHb1M to make good — A06HTbC51 ycnexa, AOCTHHb UeJIH to make sure /certain/ that or of — YAOCTOBePHTbCH, y6eAHTbCfl

Make your own sentences using the verb make with the adjectives given above.

41

8 Grammar Translate the phrases into English, paying attention to the right word order (consult the table above).

Word order

Очень высокая красивая француженка; маленькая злая японская собака; небольшой аккуратный южный городок; странный научно-фантастический рассказ; черно-белый старый интересный фильм.

42

THE SECRET SENSE

The Martians couldn 't taste and their hearing was bad, but they had a secret sense all of their own.

Part I

Lincoln Fields loves music. It filled his mind with dreams of beauty. He turned and smiled at Garth Jan. Garth liked Lincoln Fields but didn't understand him. They were worlds

apart. Garth came from the underground cities of Mars while Fields was from Terrestrial New York.

Lincoln stopped playing.

"How was that, Garth, old fellow?" asked Fields.

44

Garth shook his head. "I listened attentively and can truly say that it was not unpleasant. There is a certain rhythm. But beautiful? No!"

There was pity in Fields' eyes. The Martianl understood all that it meant. His bony figure was up in a chair that was too small for him and one thin leg swung back and forth.

"Here! Seat yourself on the bench."

Garth obeyed. "I see you want to carry out some little experiment. "

"You've guessed it! I read scientific works about the difference in sense equipment2 between Earthman and Martian, but I never could quite understand it all." He tapped the notes C and F3 in a single octave and looked at the Martian.

"If there's a difference," said Garth, "it's a very small one. I would certainly say you had hit the same note twice." "How's this?" He tapped C and G4.

"I can hear the difference this time."

"Well, I suppose all they say about your people is true. You poor fellows have such a crude sense of hearing5. You don't know what you're missing. '

"One misses nothing that one has never had. The comparison of sense equipment is very interesting. "

"That's right, " agreed the Earthman, "though we seem to have all the advantage. You know Terrestrial biologists wondered that a race so poorly equipped in the matter of senseperception could develop so high a civilization as yours. "

"All is relative6, Lincoln. What we have is sufficient for us. " "But if you only knew7, Garth, if you only knew what you are missing. You've never seen the beauties of a sunset or of

1   The Martian — MapcuaHHH  

2   sense equipment — opramoauuq B0CITPHflTMfl

3   the notes C and F — MY'3. HOTH no M (þa

4   C and G — MY'3. HOTb1 no H COJ1b

5   a crude sense of hearing — rmoxoü cnyx

6   All is relative — Bce OTHOCHTeJ1bHO

7   if you only knew — ecJIM 6b1 Tbl TOJ1bKO 3HaJ1

45

dancing fields of flowers. You can't admire the blue of the sky, the green of the grass, the yellow of ripe corn. To you the world consists of shades of dark and light. You can't smell a flower or understand its delicate perfume. You can't even enjoy such a simple thing as a good meal. You can't taste nor smell nor see color. I pity you for your dull world."

"What you say is meaningless, Lincoln. Waste no pity on mel, for I am as happy as you. You must not judge us with such easy superiority, you know. We do not boast of certain events of our race of which you know nothing."

Fields sat puzzled for a moment.

"What did you mean by that last remark?"

"Forget it, Lincoln."

"It's true, isn't it? It's logical that Martians have senses

Earthmen do not, but your people want to keep it secret."

"That is as it may be?"

"Of course! I'll be as secret as the grave. Tell me, what is this secret sense of yours?"

"How can I explain? Can you define color to me, who cannot even imagine it?"

"I'm not asking for a definition. Tell me its uses. Please." The Martian sighed. "It won't do you much good. Would it satisfy you to know that if you show me two containers, each filled with a clear liquid, I could tell you at once whether either of the two were poisonous? Or, if you show me a copper wire, I could tell whether an electric current were passing through it, even if it were as little as a thousandth of an ampere. Or I Could tell you the temperature of any substance within three degrees of the true value even if you held it as much as five yards away. Or I could... well, I've said enough."

"Is that all?" asked Fields.

"What more do you wish?"

"It is very useful — but where is the beauty in it?"

Waste no pity on me — He CTOHT Mel-IH XU1eTb

2 That is as it may be — MoxeT, praK OHO H eCTb.

46

"Really, Lincoln, you talk foolishly."

Field opened his mouth to speak but the Martian talked first. "You're going to chat foolishness about sunsets or something. But what do you know of beauty? Have you ever seen the beauty of the naked copper wiresl when an AC current2 is turned

"Every race has its own attributes but I see no reason why you should keep it such a secret. We Earthmen have kept no secrets from your race.'

"According to the Martian code of ethics, we never act without reason, we Martians. And certainly it is not for our own sake that we hide this magnificent ability." The Earthman smiled.

"No doubt there is some nobility behind it all. It is a strange quality of your race that you can always find some altruistic motive for your actions.'

"You have no right to say that. I'll explain by analogy." The Martian spoke, eyes half-closed.

"You have told me that I live in a world that consists of shades of light and dark. You describe a world of yours as that of variety and beauty. I listen but care little about it. I have never known it and never can know it. One does not weep over the loss of what one has never owned.3

"But, what if you were able to give me the ability to see color for five minutes? What if, for five minutes, I reveled in wonders undreamed of? What if, after those five minutes, I have to return it forever? Would those five minutes of paradise be worth a lifetime of regret afterwards a lifetime of dissatisfaction because of my own shortcomings? Would it not have been the kinder act never to have told me of color in the first place and so have removed its ever-present temptation?"

1  the naked copper wires —- oroJ1eHHbre MellHb1e np0B0Aa

2  AC current — nepeMeHHb1h 311eKTpnqeCKHiÍ TOK

3One does not weep over the loss of what one has never owned.

He CTOHT COXaneTb 0 110Tepe Toro, gero HHKOrna He HMWI.

47

"Do you mean an Earthman can possess the Martian sense if so desired?"

"For five minutes in a lifetime and in those five minutes sense... You know more than is good for you. See that you don't forget your promise. " He rose and went away as quickly as he could. Lincoln Fields made no move to stop him. He just sat there and thought.

Helpful Words and Expressions

old fellow — CTapHHa back and forth — TYAa-cK)aa to carry out some little experiment — rlPOBOAHTb He60J1b1110iÍ

3KCnePHMeHT

You've guessed it! — YraaaJ1! You poor fellows — Bbl, 6enonarH to have all the advantage — HMeTb BCe npeHMY1uecTBa as secret as the grave -- HeM KaK Morma for our own sake — paAH Hac CaMHX shortcomings — HeAOCTaTKM

Part 11

Some weeks later Fields came to the capital city of Mars.  The Martian was surprised to see his friend but just smiled.

"I've come to ask for those five minutes you said you can give me! May I have them?"

"Is that a rhetorical question? It certainly doesn't seem to need an answer.

"Do you mindl if I outline my position in a few words?"

The Martian smiled. "It won't make any difference," he said.

1 Do you mind He Bœpaxaeulb

48

"The situation is this: I've been born and grown up in luxury and is spoiled. I've never yet had a reasonable desire

that I have not been able to fulfill. I don't know what it means not to get what I want. Do you see?l" There was no answer.

"I found my happiness in beautiful sights, beautiful words, and beautiful sounds. I made a cult of beauty. In a word, I am an aesthete. "

"Most interesting, but what is the problem?"

"Just this: You speak of a new form of beauty — a form unknown to me at present, but one which I could know if you so wished. It attracts me."

"I hesitated only for your own sake." The Martian rose and held out his hand, "Agreed?"

"Agreed!" The two shook hands.

'Have we much longer to wait?"

"We're waiting for Novi Lon and for Done Vol. They'll be along soon. "

Fields saw a low stage with some equipment in the center of the room.

"A curious thing, this," said the Earthman.

"It's an expensive instrument. It cost me ten thousand

Martian credits. "

         "How does it work?"          

"Not so differently from a Terrestrial piano. Each of the upper knobs controls a different electric circuit. The pedals below control the strength of the current." Fields nodded ab-

sently and ran his fingers over the knobs at random. He sensed nothing.

"Is the instrument really playing?"

The Martian smiled, "Yes, it is. Oh, this is Novi Lon,' he said to Fields.

Fields rose to meet the newcomer.

"So this is the young Earthman," he cried. "It is a great pity you can own our sense for no more than five minutes.

1 Do you see? — HOHflTHO?

49

Without it no one can truly be said to live." Garth Jan laughed, "He exaggerates, Lincoln. He's one of the greatest musicians of Mars. He was my teacher in my youth."

Martian Done Vol came in soon.

"Is all ready?"

"Yes," said the Martian, "and a particularly uninteresting experiment this will be. We know all the results beforehand. Is this the one who wishes to be inoculated?" Lincoln Fields nodded.

"What are you going to do?" he asked.

"He'll just inoculate you. It'll take a second," Garth Jan assured him. "You see, the sense-organs are several groups of cells in the cortex of the brainl. They are activated by a hormone, a synthetic preparation which is used to stimulate the dormant cells2 of some Martians who are born — er — blind. You'll have the same treatment."

"Oh! — then Earthmen have those cortex cells?"

'In a very rudimentary state. The concentrated hormone will activate them, but only for five minutes. After that, they can't be re-activated under any circumstances3. "

 When the operation finished, the Terrestrial waited a moment or two and then laughed, "I don't feel any change."

"You won't for about ten minutes," explained Garth. "It takes time. Just sit back and relax."

Novi Lon began playing Bar Danin's "Canals in the Desert".

Fields found himself coldly calm. Novi played furiously and Garth Jan was already lost in it.

The Martians listened attentively but to him the room was empty.

What — no, it was impossible, of course — but what if it were just a practical joke?

 1 cortex of the brain — a,yam. Kopa roJ10BHoro M03ra

2 dormant cells — K'1eTKH B COCTO¶HHH 110K051

3under any circumstances — HH     Kak'HX Y'CJIOBHHX

50

The minutes passed; Novi Lon's fingers flew; Garth Jan's expression was one of real delight. Then for a moment a nimbus of color seemed to surround the musician and his instrument. He couldn't identify it — but it was there. It grew and spread until the room was full of it.

Brilliant colors formed and faded. Simultaneously, there came the impression of sound. From a whisper it rose into glorious, ringing tremolosl.

And together with this, there came the sensation of odor. From a mere trace, it turned into a phantasmal field of flowers. Delicate spicy scents followed each other in ever stronger succession; in gentle breeze of pleasure.

Yet all this was nothing. Fields knew that. Somehow, he knew that what he saw, heard, and smelt were simple mirages of a brain that attempted to interpret an entirely new conception in the old, familiar ways.

Gradually, the colors and the sounds and the scents died. The effect of the hormone became stronger, and suddenly — in one burst — Fields realized what it was he sensed.

He didn't see it — nor hear it — nor smell it — nor taste it — nor feel it. He knew what it was but he couldn't think of the word for it. Slowly, he realized that there wasn't any word for it. Even more slowly, he realized that there wasn't even any concept for it.

Yet he knew what it was.

There was something that consisted of pure waves of enjoyment — something that lifted him out of himself and threw him headlong into a universe unknown to him earlier. He was falling through an endless eternity of something. It wasn't sound or sight but it was — something.

Something that surrounded him and hid his surroundings from him — that's what it was. It was endless in its variety and with each wave, he saw a farther horizon, and the wonderful cloak of impressions became thicker and softer and more beautiful.

tremolo — MY3. TpeMOJIO, BH6paT0

51

Then came the discordl.

         It split apart thunderously though without a sound.         

Lincoln Fields found himself back in the concert room again.

He took Garth Jan by the arm, "Garth! Why did he stop?

Tell him to continue! Tell him"'

"He is still playing, Lincoln."

The Earthman seemed not to understand. He looked about him with unseeing eyes. Novi Lon's fingers sped across the keyboard. Slowly, the truth seeped in, and the Earthman's empty eyes filled with horror.

He sat down with a cry, and buried his head in his hands. The five minutes had passed! There could be no return!

Garth Jan was smiling, "I had pitied you just a moment ago, Lincoln, but now I'm glad, glad! I hope you're satisfied, because I certainly am. For the rest of your life you'll remember these five minutes and know what it is you're missing, what it is you can never have again. You are blind, Lincoln, blind!"

The Earthman could not speak. He marched out of the room.

But within, that tiny, bitter voice was repeating over and over again, "You entered a normal man! You are blind — blind — BLIND. "

Helpful Words and Expressions

In a word — CJIOBOM to shake hands — rlOXaTb pyKH at random — Hayraa

in one burst — K'aK BCflb1UIKa

1 discord — MY3. 11HCCOHaHCHb1ñ (He6nar03BYHHb1ÈÍ) aKKOPA

52

Vocabulary

Try to guess the meaning of the following words without using a dictionary.

1.            normal

2.            pass (v)

3.            concert

4.            horizon

5.            breeze

6.            effect

Speaking

Retell the story as if you were:

 Garth Jan;

 Lincoln Fields;  Novi Lon;  the inhabitant of some other planet besides Earth and

Mars.

AHTJ10-pyccKHü CJIOBaPb

attribute [a' tribju:t] v npur1MCb1BaTb

ancient adv apeBHHìi

blind [blamdl a cnenoiá antimatter æntl 'mæta] n aHTH-

casual ['kæ3ual] a 06bAHb1ii cave [kerv] n nelllepa cell [sell n KJ1eTKa century ['sentJar1] n BeK certain [' S3:tn] a onpeneneHHb1iá chance [tfa:ns] n Ll.1aHC chat [tfæt] v 60JITaTb chest [tfest] n rpyab chorus ['ko:rasl n xop church ['tf3:tJ] n UePKOBb circuit ['smklt] n OKPYXHOCTb; uellb clear [klra] a qMCTb1iÍ climb [klmm] v 110AHHMaTbCfl compare [kam ' pea] v CPaBHMBaTb comparison n cpaBHeHHe completely [kam'pli:tll] adv rlOJIHOCTb}O compress [kam'pres] v CXMMaTb computation n noncqeT conception  n KOHuenuuq condition  n COCTOHI-IHe consist [kan'srst] V COCTOflTb (H3) consolation  n YTeureHHe  contract [kan'trækt] v c,'KHMaTb(cq) copper ['kopa] n MeAb correct [ka'rekt] a 11PaBHJ1bHb1M cube ['kju:b] a KY'6wecKHii current  n 110T0K

damage ['dærmd31 n Bpea    danger ['dernd3al n onaCHOCTb dangerous ['demd3ras] a onacHblñ dead ['ded] a MePTBb1ñ death ['de9] n CMepTb decent ['di:snt] a qeCTHb1iÍ decimal  n aecwrwl-

Haq ap06b define [dl'faln] v orrpeneMTb definition [.defl'mfan] n onpe-

aeneHHe degree [dl'gri:] n cTene1--1b delicate ['dellklt] a He)KHb1ÿi depend [dl'pendl v 3aBHCeTb design [dl'zam] n AH3aÙÍH desire [dl'zma] n XenaHHe destruction n pa3pyureHHe determine [dl't3:mrn] v onpeae-

develop [dl'velap] v Pa3BHBaTb diary ['dalarl] n AHeBHHK difference ['dlfaransl n pa3JIHHHe difficult  a -rpYAHb1ü dimensional [dl'menJanal] a H3MeprreJ1bHb1ìÍ direct [dl'rekt] v npqMoñ direction n HanpaBneHHe discord ['dlsko:d] n pa3Hornacue; ILIYM discover [drs'knva] v OTKPb1BaTb, 06HaPY)KHBaTb dissatisfaction [dls,sætrs n HeyAOBOJTbCTBHe division  n aeneHHe doubt ['davt] n COMHe1--1He doughnut ['davnAt] n 1101-11-IHK dreadful ['dredf(a)l] a yxacHb1V1

54                                                                                                              55

dream [dri:m] n MewraTb, BHAeTb BO CHe dull ['dAl] a CKyt1Hb1M

earplug ['raplng] n 3aTb1t1Ka ymeh empty ['emptil a nycT0ii enjoy [In 'd301] v panoBaTbcq enjoyment [In 'd301mant] n paAOCTb enough [l'nnf] adv AOCTaTOHHO entire [In' tala] a r10JIHb1iá entirely [In ' tarall] adv flOJIHOCTb}O equation [1'  n ypaBHel--1He equipment [I'kwlpmant] n 060pyA0BaHMe eternity  n BeqHOCTb event [I'vent] n C06b1TMe exactly [rg'zæktll] adv TOt1HO exaggerate [lg'zæd3are1t] v npe-

YBeJIWIHBaTb exercise ['eksasau] n ynpa)KHeHHe exist [lg'mst] v CYU1eCTBOBaTb existence  n cylueCTBOBaHHe expand [Iks'pænd] v pacu.lhpwrb(cq) expensive [Iks'pensrv] a noporoh explain [Iks'plem] v 06bHCHflTb expression  n BblpaxeHHe

familiar [fa'rmljal a 3HaKOMbrü famous ['fermas] a 3HaMeHHTb1ü fee ['fi:l n onnarra

feeling ['fi:lll)] n HYBCTBO field ['fi:ld] n none figure ['figal n (þurypa finger ['finga] n na.neu flash [flæf] n BCHb1LLIKa focus ['faukasl n uellb follow ['fDlavl v CJ1eAOBaTb food ['fu:d] n ena foolishness ['fu:11Jms] n rnynocTb force [fo:s] n CHJ1a forever [fa'reva] adv HaBceraa fraction ['frækf(a)n] n qacTb freedom ['fri:dam] n CB060aa frown [fraun] v '(Mypwrbc¶ frustration  n pac-

CTPOMCTBO fulfill [ful'fil] v Bb1110JIHflTb furiously ['fjvanasll] adv 3110 future ['fju:tJa] n 6ynyuee

game [germ] n Hr-pa gentle ['d3entl] a HeXHb1h gift ['gift] n nonapoK glitter ['glltal v CBeTHTbCS1 government ['gnvnmant] n npaBHTeJ1bCTBO gradually ['grædjuall] adv noCTeneHH0 grave [grew] n MOI'HJ1a gravity ['grævltl] n rpaBHTaunq guarantee  v rapaHTHPOBaTb guess ['ges] v noraAb1BaTbCfl guy [gar] n napeHb

handle ['hændl] v ynpaBJ1flTb hard ['ha:d] adv -rqxeno

hate ['helt] v HeHaBHAeTb heart [ha:tl n cepaue help [help] v noMoraTb hesitate ['hezltelt] v COMHeBaTbCfl hole [haul] n OTBepcTHe, Abrpa honest ['omstl a qeCTHb1iÍ horror ['horal n yxac human ['hju:man] a genoBeqehurry ['h,xrl] v cne111HTb

1

improve [1m 'pru:v] v YJ1y-111HTb improvement [rm'pru:vmant] n ynyqureHHe inoculate [l'nokjulert] v aenaTb IIPHBHBKY integral n HHTerpaJ1 intelligence [In   n YM interchange ['Intatfe1nd3] n 06MeH interpret [In ' t3:pr1t] v nepeB0AHTb

job ['d3Db] n pa60•ra judge ['d3Ad3] n CYAHTb

keyboard ['ki:bo:d] n KnaBua^rrypa kill [kill v y6HBaTb knob ['nobl n KHOflKa

lack [læk] n OTCYTCTBHe ladder ['læda] n neCTHMUa learn ['13:n] (learnt, learnt) v

M3yqaTb

level ['levll n ypoBeHb lip ['IIP] n 3ð. Kpah liquid ['Ilkwld] n pacTB0P liver ['llva] n neqeHb loss [IDS] n r10Tepq luxury  n POCK0111b

manage ['mæmd3] v yaaBaTbcq mankind [mæn'kamd] n genoBeyeCTBO matter ['mæta] n aeno; BellieCTBO mattress ['mætrrs] n MaTpac meal [mi:l] n eaa, Tpane3a mean [mi:n] (meant, meant) v HMe-Tb B BHAY meaningless  a 6ecCMb1CneHHb1ñ mention  v ynOMH-

HaTb mere ['rma] a npocToM missile ['misall] n pawra motion  n ABH,xeHMe move [mu:v] v ABHraTb(cq) multiply ['mnltrplal] v YMHOXaTb

nail [nell] v rlPH6MBaTb neighborhood ['nelbahud] n cocenCTB0 newcomer  n BHOBb TIPH6b1B111HM nobility  n 6naroPOACTBO noble ['naubl] a 6narop0AHb1ii nod [nod] v KHBaTb noise ['nolzl n 111YM

nonsense  n genyxa number ['nnmba] n HOMep

O

obey [a 'bell v 110AYHHHTbCfl object ['Dbd31kt] n rrpeAMeT odor ['avda] n 3anax outline autlarn] n ogep^rraHHe

page [perd3] n cTpaHwua painful  a 60J1bHOiá paper ['pelpa] n 6YMara paradise ['pæradars] n paii parity ['pærltl] n paBeHCTBO particle ['pa:tlkll n qacTMua particularly [pa'tlkjulall] adv qpe3Bb1qaiáH0 pass [pa:sl v rlPOXOAHTb peaceful ['pi:sfal] a MHPHb1iÍ perception  n BOC-

rlPHflTMe perfect ['pmflkt] a HAeaJ1bHb1ñ performance [pa'fo:mans] n npencTaBJ1eHHe perfume ['pmfju:m] n nyxw, 3a-

rra,x physicist ['fimslst] n (þH3HK pity ['Pltll n XUIOCTb pleasure ['ple3a] n YAOBOJTb-

CTBMe point ['pornt] n nyHKT poisonous ['porznas] a flAOBMTb1ñ poor ['pva] a 6eAHb1ìÍ possess [pa' zesl v 06J1anaTb possibly ['posablll adv B03MOX-

HO power ['pava] n CHJ1a

powerful ['pavafal] a CW1bHb1iá prepare [prl'peal v rOTOBHTb pressure ['preJa] n aawreHHe primeval  a nep-

B03aaHHb1ñ print ['print] v neqaTaTb probably ['probabll] adv B03-

MOXHO

promise ['proms] v 06e1-uaTb pronounce [pra' navns] v npo-

H3HOCHTb push [puf] v TOJIKaTb

puzzle ['pnzl] v YAHBJ1flTb

quality ['kwt)lltl] n KaqecTB0 quick [kW1k] a 6b1CTPb1ìí quotient ['kwavJant] n qacTHoe

race [rers] n paca

reason ['ri:zn] n npHt1HHa recent ['ri:snt] a COBPeMeHHb1ü reconstruction ['ri:kans'

n Bocc^eraH0RneHMe regret [rl'gret] v coxaJ1eTb rehearsal  n peneTH-

relax [rl'læks] v paccna6JIHTbcq remark [rl'ma:k] n 3aMeqaH1,re remember [rr'memba] v no-

MH HTb replacement [rl'plelsrnantl n 3aMeHa respect [rrs'pekt] n YBaxeHMe responsibility [rrs,ponsa'bllltl] n

OTBeTCTBeHHOCTb

revel ['revl] v OTKPb1BaTb (Tah-

root ['ru:t] n KOPeHb rubber ['rAba] n pe3HHa rule ['ru:l] n npaBHJ10

S

satisfy ['sætrsfal] v YAOBJ1eTBO-

scar [ska:] n Ll.1paM screen [skri:n] n 3KpaH seem ['si:m] v Ka3aTbCH self-righteousness ['self'raltfasms] n caM0YBepeHHocTb shape ['lerp] n d)opMa sheet [fi:t] n JIHCT shortcoming [Jo:t'kAm11)] n HeAOCTaTOK shoulder ['faulda] n mego sigh [sall v B3Ab1XaTb simple ['ympl] a lipocToñ simultaneously adv OAHOBpeMeHH0 single ['srngl] a OAHHOKHñ slot [slot] n IlleJ1b smart ['sma:t] a YMHb1h smell [smell n 3anax; v rraxHYTb soul ['soul] n nyma space ['spersl n KOCMOC spicy ['spmsl] a ocrrpb1Èí (o BKYce) spirit ['spirit] n ayx•, WIKOrOJ1b Hblii HalTHTOK spoil [spoil] v flOPTHTb spread [spred] v pacnpocnpaHHTb(Cfl) still [std] a THXHM strength ['stren9] n cwra

stupid ['stju:pld] a rnynbliá substance  n Ber.ueCTBO succeed [sak'si:d] v HMeTb yc-

successful  a ycneu.1Hb1h succession [sak'    n noc-

neAOBaTeJ1bHOCTb sufficient  a A0CTa-

TOHHb1M sum     n CYMMa sunset ['snnset] n 3aKaT superiority [sju,plarr'orrtl] n

npeBOCXOACTB0 supply [sa'plal] v rlOCTaBJTHTb suppose [sa'pauzl v npeanona-

surprise [sa' pralZ] n YAHBJ1eHHe surround [sa'raund] v OKPyxaTb

tail ['tell] n XBOCT talk ['to:k] v pa3roBapHBaTb taste ['terst] n BKYC; v np060-

BaTb temptation [temp'te1J(a)n] n HCvvyu_reHHe tiny ['tarnl] a Ma-neHbKHü tool [tu:l] n HHCTPYMeHT totally ['tautall] adv rlOJIHOCTbrO towards [ta'wo:dz] adv no Ha-

npawreHHK) treat ['tri:tl n yr01-ueHHe•, v yro-

IllaTb

treatment ['tri:tmant] n neqeHHe

turn [t3.•n] v rlOBopat1HBaTb

58                                                                                                              59

u" a crpaUIHb1h, ypoaJIHBb1A unbelievable [.nnbl'li:vabl] a HeBepoqTHb1iá unusual [nn'ju:3uall a He06b1HHblìi useful ['ju:sfal] a none3Hb1ii

value ['vælju:] n ueHa, CTOHMocrb variety [va' ralatl] n pa3H006pa3He view ['vju:l n BHA voice [VOIS] n ronoc

w

war [wo:] n BOhHa waste ['werst] v TPaTHTb (nonycry) week ['wi:k] n Henenq whisper ['wlspa] n wenor, v LuellTaTb wide [waldl a IMHPOKHA widen ['waldn] v pacu.1HpflTb wire ['wala] n npoB0A wish [WII] n xenaHHe; v xenaTb without [wr'ðaut] prep 6e3 wonderful  a Benu-

KOJIe11Hb1h, qynecHb1h world ['wy.ld] n MHP

CTOHTb

Contents

Isaac Asimov ................................................................................ .3

The Feeling Part I .. Part 11 Frustration .

Left to Right.............................. .                                ..... ..... ..... 23

The Fun They Had ..28

The Instability.34

One Night of Song... ..... ...38

The Secret Sense ..44

Part 1.........................................................44

Part 11 ..48

AHI'J10-pyccKHh CJIOBaPb ..54