Three men came to New York for a holiday. They came to a very large hotel and took a room there. Their room was on the forty-fifth floor. In the evening the friends went to the theatre and came back to the hotel very late. "I am very sorry," said the clerk of the hotel, "but the lifts do not work tonight. If you don't want to walk up to your room, we shall make beds for you in the hall." "No, no," said one of the friends, "no, thank you. We don't want to sleep in the hall. We shall walk up to our room." Then he turned to his friends and said, "It is not easy to walk up to the forty-fifth floor, but we shall make it easier. On the way to the room I shall tell you some jokes; then you, Andy, will sing us some songs; then you, Peter, will tell us some interesting stories." So they began walking up to their room. Tom told them many jokes; Andy sang some songs. At last they came to the thirty-sixth floor. They were tired and decided to have a rest. "Well," said Tom, "now it is your turn, Peter. After all the jokes, I would like to hear a sad story. Tell us a long and interesting story with a sad end." "The story which I am going to tell you," said Peter, "is sad enough. We left the key to our room in the hall."
1. That style of skirt went out fashion years ago. 2. We heard about the earthquake in the news. 3. This must be finished by five o’clock without fail. 4. Paul and I arrived at the party at the same time. 5. We were under the impression that they were moving to France. 6. Crime is on the increase in many cities. 7. The knock at the door took me by surprise. 8. He erased his project from the computer and had to start from scratch. 9. In my opinion, he is the greatest musician of our time. 10. I don’t know for certain, but I think she’s gone on holiday. 11. You’re looking a bit off colour – are you feeling alright? 12. The ceremony is being held in honour of the Pope’s visit! 13. He put salt in his tea by mistake, thinking it was sugar. 14. I can’t stop and talk. I’m in a hurry. 15. She waved until the car was out of sight. 16. We always stay in. Why don’t we go out for a change? 17. He told us the plan in brief and didn’t go into detail. 18. I mustn’t eat any chocolate. I’m on a diet. 19. Peter has gone to London on business. 20. She selected a CD at random and put in the CD player.
