GRAMMAR
PHRASAL VERBS
4
a
A phrasal verb is formed by a verb
and one or two other words (e.g.
up,
down, off
). We call these other words
‘particles’. The meaning of a phrasal verb
is often different from the meaning of
the verb without a particle. Underline the
verbs in these sentences.
1
a
He’s going to the supermarket.
b
The amount of waste is going up.
2
a
She cut her birthday cake.
b
Packaging cuts down damage.
4
b
Look at the verbs again. Which
two are phrasal verbs? What are the
differences in meaning between the
phrasal and non-phrasal verbs?
5
a
Phrasal verbs can be transitive or
intransitive. Transitive verbs need an
object. Intransitive verbs do not need
an object. Look at the phrasal verbs in
Exercise 4a. Which one is transitive?
Which is intransitive?
5
b
Find other phrasal verbs in the interview. Which are transitive?
Which are intransitive?
¬
Language reference and extra practice, pages 122–123
6
a
Complete the sentences below with the particles in the box.
back down out (x2) up (x2)
1
Did prices go
or down last year?
2
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve found
recently?
3
Have you ever carried
any research?
4
Has anyone in your family ever set
a company or a club?
5
Have you ever borrowed anything that you haven’t given
?
6
Why must we cut
the amount of packaging waste?
6
b
Work with a partner. Take turns to ask and answer the questions
above. If possible, develop your answers using two or three sentences.
SPEAKING
7
a
Problem-solving
Work in small groups. Discuss what you can do to
cut down waste. Think about these things: birthday cards, toys, plastic
bags, fruit and vegetables, print-outs from your computer, DVDs, water.
mobile phones and clothes – recycle them
birthday presents – give cinema or concert tickets, not disposable goods
7
b
Turn to page 136 to check your ideas.
WASTE NOT, WANT NOT
11.2
KM:
I see. However, the fact is that here in the
UK, we throw a huge amount of packaging
away – 4.9 million tonnes every year. All
those cans, jars and boxes add about £500 a
year to the average food bill. In addition, our
streets are full of packaging rubbish such as water bottles,
crisp packets, noodle pots and plastic bags. Isn’t it your
responsibility to do something about this?
AS:
As a matter of fact, we are doing
something. In the UK, customers have to buy
plastic carrier bags at the supermarket, and
more and more people are now recycling their
bags to avoid this cost. A lot of thought now
goes into the design of packaging, so that in many cases
we use the minimum amount of material. We’re also using
more biodegradable materials, and these end up mainly as
water vapour. But people shouldn’t just blame this
problem on the packaging industry. Consumers and
governments also need to take action.
KM:
I think they are. The amount of
packaging waste that’s recovered and recycled
in the UK has gone up for a number of years
– although this country’s record is poor
compared with other European countries.
However, even with biodegradable materials, it’s not
enough just to put rubbish in a hole in the ground.
Without sun, air and water, a rubbish bag that should
break up in 15 days could still exist hundreds of years
from now.
AS:
Yes, that’s a problem for planners.
Remember too, that changes in society are
going on which affect the amount of
packaging that’s produced. For example, more
and more people are living alone and they’re
eating more convenience food. So this issue isn’t just
about the packaging industry – everyone has to pull
together on this.
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