TASK 4. (0-8)
Read two texts about butlers. Do tasks 4.1.-4.8.
Text 1
THE LASTING MEMORY
The conference in Darlington Hall began on a rainy morning during the last week of March
1923 in the somewhat unlikely setting of the drawing room - a venue chosen to
accommodate the ‘off the record’ nature of the event. In fact, to my eyes, the appearance of
informality had been taken to a faintly ludicrous degree. It was odd enough to see a feminine
room crammed full with so many stern, dark-jacketed gentlemen, sitting three or four abreast
upon a sofa; but such was the determination on the part of some to maintain the appearance
that this was nothing more than a social event that they had actually gone to the lengths of
having newspapers open on their knees.
As I was obliged to constantly go in and out of the room, I was unable to follow the
proceedings chaired by Lord Darlington. Somewhat disconcertingly, before noon I found
the kitchen on the brink of pandemonium, and in general, an extremely strained atmosphere
amongst all levels of staff. However, by the time dinner was served, I was reassured to see
that nothing but efficiency and professional calm was exhibited on the part of my team. It was
a memorable sight to see the magnificent banqueting hall employed to its full capacity.
Of course, the effect produced by unbroken lines of gentlemen in evening suits, far
outnumbering representatives of the fairer sex, was a rather gloomy one; but, in those days,
the two large chandeliers that hang over the table still ran on gas - which resulted in
a subtle, rather dim light pervading the room - and did not produce the dazzling brightness
they have done ever since their electrification.
At the close of dinner, which from my professional viewpoint had been executed without any
significant difficulties, Lord Darlington rose to address his guests by expressing his gratitude
to all present that the exchanges of opinion during the conference, “though at times
exhilaratingly frank,” had been conducted in a spirit of friendship, unity and the desire to see
virtue prevail. This was met by an enthusiastic burst of approval. After that, not only did
the conversation flow more freely and loudly, but we found ourselves serving out wine at an
increased rate. After all the speeches had finished, I saw the gentlemen proceeding into
the smoking room. There the guests seemed to be standing in clusters laughing and clapping
each other on the shoulder. I made my way through the guests. I had just finished serving
some wine when somebody behind me said, “You will compliment the cook for me, Stevens.”
When I turned, I saw one of the guests, the German countess. “And you and your team did
well also,” she added.
“Thank you most kindly, madam,” I answered.
Of course, it is not for me to suggest that I am worthy of ever being placed alongside
the likes of the ‘great’ butlers of our generation, such as Mr Marshall. Let me make clear that
the conference of 1923, and that night in particular, constituted a turning point in my
professional development. I am speaking very much in terms of my own more humble
standards. Even so, if you consider the pressures contingent on me that night, I believe
I displayed, in the face of everything, a dignity worthy of someone like Mr Marshall, at least to
some degree. Indeed, why should I deny it? Whenever I recall that evening today, I find I do
so with a large sense of triumph.
Adapted from: K. Ishiguro, The Remains of the Day, London 1989.
MJAA-D0-100
For questions 4.1.-4.4., choose the answer that best matches the text and circle
the appropriate letter (A, B, C or D).
4.1. In the first paragraph, the narrator implies that
A. the meeting was held in a setting which was unusual.
B. the participants were not seated in the appropriate order.
C. there was no control over the proceedings at the meeting.
D. some participants considered the atmosphere of the event excessively formal.
4.2. The narrator felt relieved when he saw that
A. his fears over the capacity of the room were unfounded.
B. the initial tension among his staff had subsided before dinner.
C. the lighting accentuated the elegance of the gentlemen’s attire.
D. his decision to organize dinner in the banqueting hall met with approval.
4.3. Which of the following gave rise to a more relaxed atmosphere at the event?
A. the appearance of the countess in the smoking room
B. some light-hearted remarks addressed to Lord Darlington
C. Lord Darlington’s reference to the positive attitude of the participants
D. the jovial attitude towards the servants who were offering refreshments
4.4. From the final paragraph of the text, we can conclude that the narrator
A. resented Lord Darlington’s insufficient appreciation during the event.
B. felt that he had risen to the challenge of the event.
C. believed that his staff deserved more recognition.
D. considered himself superior to Mr Marshall.
TRANSFER YOUR ANSWERS TO THE ANSWER SHEET!
MJAA-D0-100
Text 2
ENGLISH BUTLERS ARE IN DEMAND
As the travelling butler to a self-made Asian multimillionaire, an industrialist who sleeps less
than four hours a night and hurtles around the globe networking and building his empire, I am
perhaps in a good position to explain why demand for English butlers is on the increase.
The modern butler bears little resemblance to Mr Carson, the impeccably mannered
character from the popular TV series Downton Abbey. In that era, the butler had to embody
the virtues demanded of the head of a household, ensuring that the rest of the staff were
performing their duties and following the protocols of their rank. In this regard, I am
hard-pressed to find any parallels between Mr Carson’s role and my own.
In my experience, the two most desirable qualities in a good butler are loyalty and discretion.
It’s no surprise to me that it is English butlers who are most in demand. For the new
super-rich, an English butler is a status symbol akin to having a Swiss banker to manage
their finances. The English are seen as cultured, dignified, reserved when needed, and able
to adapt to any given situation, without giving way to emotion or anxiety. They are also there
to bring a certain sophistication and old-world charm to the halls of their employers’
pretentious homes; they add a touch of class alongside the gold taps and kitschy
chandeliers.
Constantly by my master’s side, I am privy to things that even his inner circle do not know.
As the relationship grows, I observe his quirks and vices, some of which are not always
palatable. But with knowledge comes power, and with power comes responsibility. Once I
have earned his trust, the lines between master and servant begin to blur. I do not expect to
be treated as an equal; nor would I want to be. But the hope is that one day he will come to
rely on having me by his side so completely that my absence would be unthinkable. There is
an unspoken understanding that one day the balance of power will shift, and the butler will
know more about what his master wants than the master himself.
As a modern-day butler, I’m expected to be well versed in etiquette, and conduct myself with
a suitable demeanour; I must also adapt to my master’s culture and all the inconveniences
this brings with it. The present-day butler must be able to navigate the tribulations of the
world with efficiency and style and, in whichever way he can, make life a little bit easier for
his employer. And, in this respect, the job of a butler probably has not changed much since
the 19th century, other than the fact that I carry two mobile phones instead of my master’s
coat-tails.
Adapted from: www.theguardian.com
MJAA-D0-100
Based on the text, complete sentences 4.5.-4.8.
4.5. The narrator refers to Mr Carson in order to illustrate
4.6. According to the narrator,
is a way for the new super-rich to bring refinement to their homes.
4.7. The narrator hopes that with time he will
to his employer.
4.8. In the last paragraph, the author points to what 19th-century and present-day butlers
have in common, which is
MJAA-D0-100
dopuszczalne są błędy językowe i/lub ortograficzne, o ile nie zakłócają komunikacji,
a odpowiedź wskazuje, że zdający zrozumiał tekst.