Waiting for the Police

1. Waiting for the Police

2. Structure The story can be divided into three parts. The first part is an idle discussion about where Mr. Wainwright has gone and serves to introduce the characters who live in the boardinghouse. The second part begins when Mr. Penbury walks into the room and announces that Mr. Wainwright is dead. The sudden death of Mr. Wainwright shocks everyone except Miss Wicks.

3. What follows is the most important part, in which Mr. Penbury directs a general rehearsal of their alibis while they are waiting for the police to arrive. The story ends when they hear footsteps entering and hear Mr. Wainwright�s cough.

4. Characters in the story Mrs. Mayton, the landlady, who is always trying to keep everyone talking; Miss Wicks, the oldest who has been knitting for seventy years and promises to go on knitting for another seventy; Miss Bella, the young lovely, who does not seem to be particularly smart;

5. Mr. Calthrop, the middle-aged man, who is said to walk in his sleep and is dozing off all the time. Mr. Penbury is, of course, the most intelligent of them, who can be described as the director of this little melodrama.

6. The story has all the basic qualities of a little mystery story and keeps us readers guessing who has killed Mr. Wainwright until we come to the surprise ending, when we suddenly realize that we also have been fooled

7. Basics of Mystery story Easier - A mystery is something that is difficult to explain or understand. Mysteries are also stories where a problem, crime, or puzzle must be solved. Harder - Mysteries often contain secrets or hidden qualities that must be solved. There may be information that is unknown and must be explained. Professional detectives and sleuths seek out clues to solve mysteries. To solve a mystery, people must use their skills at deductive reasoning.

8. Mysteries are a popular genre of fiction. Many people enjoy reading series of books by the same author. For example, Sherlock Holmes is a classic fictional sleuth.

9. Whip sth./sb. up (p.2):to make people feel enthusiastic; to arouse Bodily exercise whips up blood circulation.(??) The strong beat of the music whipped up his interest in dancing. (??) The orator whipped the crowd up to a state of frenzy. (????????????????????)

10. Keep/start/set the ball rolling(p.4): to keep or begin sth.,esp. conversation 1 To keep the ball rolling, he introduced the general conditions of this company when the President invited comments and opinions.

11. Alternative n. (p.10) 1 choice between two things You have the alternative of working hard and being successful or of being idle and facing the failure. 2 one or more than two possibilities Can you give us an alternative to what you have proposed?

12. Mr. Calthrop, coming suddenly out of a middle-aged doze, � He is a middle-aged man and he suddenly waked from a nap. Does Mr. Calthrop often doze? Why do you think so?

13. To pop in and/ out(p.11):go out and come in quickly (giving the idea of rapid or unexpected movement or activity. 1 The neighbors� children are always popping in and out. 2 When I came into the house, I saw him pop his head out of the study. 3 Her eyes almost popped out (of her head) in surprise.(?????????) pop-eyed ?????,????? Popcorn??? popgun??

14. Clear up (sth.) (Pa.31) (doubt, mystery, misunderstanding, etc.) 1 make clear or tidy; put in order 1 don�t mind you using the kitchen as long as you clear up afterwards. 2 to explain or solve sth., or make it easier to understand We have to clear up several points before publish this accident. 3 get rid of criminals and immoral elements The mayor has decided to clear up the city after the corruption was exposed.

15. Alibi n. (pa.34) 1 The accused man was able to establish / prove an alibi. ((legal) plea that one was in another place at the time of an alleged act) 2 You say you were late because of the traffic jam, but we regard it as nothing but an alibi. ( (colloq) excuse for failure, etc.)

16. Company n. (Pa.38) being together with another or others; friends; guest; 1She stays at home to keep her son company/ keep company with her son. 2 The teacher visited the library in company with a group of students. 3 I will wait with you at the station for company until the bus comes. 4 Sin in good company. ????,????? 5 You can judge a man by the company he keeps. 6 He is not well enough to receive a great deal of company.

17. Powder one�s nose (Pa58) 1 to put power on one�s nose or face You�d better powder your nose. Otherwise, everybody can see you�ve been crying your eyes out. 2 to go to the toilet (euphemism) Excuse me, where can I powder my nose? powder-room: ladies� room

18. Oblige v. (Pa. 59) 1 oblige sb to do sth : require, bind by a promise, oath, etc. The law oblige parents to send their children to school for at least nine years in China. 2 be obliged to do sth : compel or force Poor Yang Bailao was obliged to sell his daughter to pay off his debt. 3 do sth for sb as a favor Please oblige me by opening the door?

19. Get on one�s nerves (Pa.79) make one annoyed, worried or irritated 1The noise made by my neighbor�s boy who practices playing piano every day really gets on my nerves. 2 Her son cannot speak a word at the age of 2, which gets on her nerves.

20. Turn on (Pa.84) 1 turn on sb: become hostile to; attack The dog turned on the man who came off the wall and bit his leg. That girl turned on the man who had tried to flirt with her. 2 turn on sth: depend on The success of a party usually turns on the hostess.

21. Note-writing Write on ANSWER SHEET ONE a note of about 50-60 words based on the following situation: Your friend, Jane, has failed in the final exam, and is feeling very unhappy about it. Write a note to comfort her and give her some encouragement. Marks will be awarded for content, organization, grammar and appropriateness.

22. instantaneous Aspirin Gulp Knit Shriek Ejaculate Latchkey mess

23. Triumphantly Tablet Blow one�s nose Aggression Approximately Moisten one�s lips

24. Thank you for your cooperation!!!