Vocabulary and reading skills

Literal or figurative? Building bridges

Look at the examples. Then answer the question.

In Period 3, we saw how the phrase building bridges can be used in two ways:

Which of these two meanings are used in the examples? Example A ___ Example B

Figurative phrases from the earlier readings: the pictures

Look at the pictures, which show the literal meanings of phrases from the text you read in Periods 3 and 4. Then, in pairs, choose one picture and discuss how the literal meanings are related to their figurative uses in the text.

Explain your ideas to the rest of the class.

More figurative phrases: draw a line under, turn back the clock

Look at the sentences, which contain other figurative phrases related to the theme of this Unit. Explain the literal and figurative meanings of the phrases.

‘We need to draw a line under everything that’s happened so far and think about the future.’ Literal meaning: Figurative meaning:

‘There’s no point thinking about how things might have been different. You can’t turn back the clock.’ Literal meaning: Figurative meaning:

Complete the sentences with the figurative phrases in Activities 2 and 4.

He wants to _ his father’s _ by becoming a Professor.

It’s time to ___ these events and decide what should happen next.

She wasn’t the person involved in the discussions, but she definitely ___ in making them successful.

I wish I could ___ and have that chance again.

It’s been a difficult time for the economy, but there are signs that the ___ .

She’s been a very popular singer ever since she first ___ over twenty years ago.

This was a ___ event in our history. Things were never the same afterwards.