TW HỘI KỶ LỤC GIA VIỆT NAM – VIỆN KỶ LỤC GIA VIỆT NAM
TT NGHIÊN CỨU, PHÁT TRIỂN, VÀ ỨNG DỤNG ANH NGỮ HỌC THUẬT VIỆT NAM – IELTS VIỆT NAM
Địa chỉ: 11a Đường D5, Phường 25, Bình Thạnh, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
Website: https://ieltsvietnam.edu.vn/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ieltsvietnam.edu.vn
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDULsOTtiMerO0tMlGQBfHw
Email: ieltsvietnam@gmail.com
A strange salesman knocks on Victoria’s door and offers the end to all her problems. Will
she say yes or is the price too high?
Before reading
Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and do the exercises.
Preparation task
Match the definitions (a–h) with the vocabulary (1–8).
Vocabulary
1. …… a miracle
2. …… your niece
3. …… to scream
4. …… warmth
5. …… eternity
6. …… a banister
7. …… to float
8. …… to slide (past tense: ‘slid’)
Definition
a. time that never ends
b. a) heat, being slightly hot; b) friendly feelings
c. an amazing action or event that people think happens
because of God
d. the daughter of your brother or sister
e. to make a loud, high noise with your voice because you’re
hurt or frightened
f. to move easily over a surface while continuing to touch it
g. to stay up in the air
h. a long piece of wood or metal at the side of stairs that you
can hold so you don’t fall
The devil’s in the details
Someone knocked at her door just as Victoria was about to leave her flat. It was
strange because she hadn’t heard the lift or anyone on the stairs. She quickly tried to put
on her other shoe and nearly fell over. There were many unopened letters – probably
asking for money – on the floor. She was late to work for the third time this month and
now she had a visitor. Great, she thought.
She opened the door and tried to smile in a way that would say ‘I’d love to talk, but
sorry I can’t!’
‘And how are you today, Victoria?’ the man at her door asked. ‘Good, I hope! If
not, I bring you an eternity of warmth and best wishes from the wonderful director of my
company.’
TW HỘI KỶ LỤC GIA VIỆT NAM – VIỆN KỶ LỤC GIA VIỆT NAM
TT NGHIÊN CỨU, PHÁT TRIỂN, VÀ ỨNG DỤNG ANH NGỮ HỌC THUẬT VIỆT NAM – IELTS VIỆT NAM
Địa chỉ: 11a Đường D5, Phường 25, Bình Thạnh, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
Website: https://ieltsvietnam.edu.vn/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ieltsvietnam.edu.vn
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDULsOTtiMerO0tMlGQBfHw
Email: ieltsvietnam@gmail.com
Victoria’s smile disappeared. How did he know her name?
‘You know how I can be so sure?’ he asked. ‘I am the wonderful director of my
company!’
‘I’m sorry,’ said Victoria. ‘I really have to go. I‘m late for work.’
‘Time!’ He sounded sad. ‘That’s what they all want. Time or happiness, which one
would you like more of?’
‘Listen, really,’ said Victoria, ‘I’m not interested, sorry.’
‘We’ve got a special offer on,’ he replied. ‘Twenty-five years of extra life in
exchange for eternity. Or,’ he smiled, ‘double your happiness for the same price.’
‘Price?’ she repeated, confused.
