Kryachkov 2!indd

COMPREHENSION 
Ex. 1. Identify the topic and the thesis of the text. Make sure they are neither too 
broad nor too narrow.
Ex. 2. Suggest Russian equivalents for these word combinations from the text.
fleeting images
faulty generalization 
to elevate our stature
a mongrel nation 
a host of qualities 
to hold at arm’s length
vilified 
image 
to 
become 
‘ghettoised’ 
human 
malleability
to recite a litany of prejudices
master key 
a sense of oneself
to rub up against each other 
to twist the facts
Ex. 3. Think of several questions to bring out the main ideas and arguments the 
author puts forward in support of his thesis. 
90
100
110

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50
Д. А. Крячков
UNIT II
VOCABULARY
Ex. 4. Translate the following words and phrases, reproduce the contexts in which 
the words in (a) are used in the text (the lines of the text are indicated to help you).
a)
stigma (to stigmatise) (10–20)  to 
posit 
(60–70)
assumption (to assume) (20–30)
bigotry (bigot) (70–80)
prejudice (10–20) 
profound (60–70)
disparate (disparity) (20–30) 
to 
trigger 
(90–100)
to process (40–50)  
propensity 
(100–110)
to substantiate (60–70)
b) 
to attach a stigma to smth, to carry a stigma, to trigger a memory/reaction, etc., profound 
influence/impact/consequences, a profound sense of guilt, economic disparity, the disparity in 
wealth, religious/racial bigotry, to make an assumption, to assume responsibility, to substantiate 
one’s claims, deep-seated prejudice, to overcome prejudice, without prejudice to smth
Ex. 5. Match some of the words and phrases from Ex. 4 with their opposites below.
alike, approval, disprove, honor, reluctance, shallow, similar, slight, tolerance
Ex. 6. For each word given below find at least three words from the box that can go 
with it. Some words from the box can go into several groups. Can you continue the 
lists? Use the expressions in sentences of your own.
against
associated with
change(s)
crisis 
debate
differences
effect
erroneous 
groups
interests
natural
needs 
social 
to challenge
to cheat
to disregard 
to eradicate
to have
to overcome
widespread
stigma
_______
_______
_______
to trigger
_______
_______
_______
assumption
_______
_______
_______
disparate
_______
_______
_______
propensity
_______
_______
_______
profound
_______
_______
_______
prejudice
_______
_______
_______
Ex. 7. Suggest stylistically neutral synonyms for the following 
words. Supply contexts to bring out the difference between 
synonyms in each pair.
preposterous 
to 
engender 
to 
suffice 
to 
ail 
to 
posit
to 
substantiate 
to 
elevate 
propensity 
profound 
hence

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