However, …


Just like any other part of a building, a thatched roof needs periodical maintenance and repair. You can prevent problems such as vermin damage or rot from shortening the lifespan of the roof.


Even small repairs should be carried out by a professional thatcher. Take time to stand and look at your roof – it is obvious if a thatched roof is in a poor condition.


If fixings are exposed all over the roof, it indicates that the thatch is either nearing, or has reached the end of its life. Excess wear around the chimney stack can indicate heat escaping through the chimney. If so, contact your local thatcher for advice on the possible need to conduct repairs to the chimney.


If gullies (deep vertical area of rot) are appearing, they will need the attention of a professional thatcher.


Dark wet patches on the eaves close to the wall indicate the thatch is leaking. Heavy moss could mean that the thatch is unable to breathe and is therefore unable to dry out properly.


If contractors have to work on your roof (to repair a chimney or fix an aerial), make sure they speak with your thatcher first to ensure any roof ladders or equipment they use do not damage your thatch.


D Match the definitions 1–9 below with the highlighted items in the extract.


1. a person who makes thatched roofs 2. how long something lasts 3. the part of the chimney that is visible above the roof 4. piece of equipment that receives television signals 5. where the thatch is fixed to the frame of the roof 6. small animals or insects that cause damage 7. soft green or brown plant that grows where it is wet 8. parts of the roof that continue out over the wall 9. the process of decay / decaying material


Writing


A Mark each opinion a, b and c in the sets below 3 if it is expressed appropriately for a formal composition, 7 if it is expressed a little too forcefully and 77 if it expressed far too aggressively.


1.


a) I can’t imagine why people choose to live in dull suburban towns. b) Personally, I do not see the appeal of sleepy suburban towns. c) I couldn’t bear the thought of living in a boring little suburban town.


2.


a) I reckon it’s absolutely brilliant that they’re doing up so many old buildings. b) I think it’s great that so many old buildings are being renovated. c) The renovation of so many old buildings is a very welcome development.


3.


a) To my mind, traditional building methods were not necessarily superior than those used today.


b) I don’t think it’s true that traditional building methods were better than building methods used now.


c) People say old building methods were better – that’s a load of rubbish! B Rewrite the strongly-expressed opinions below so that they are more appropriate.


1. I can’t stand the new museum they’ve built in my city. It looks really stupid. 2. It drives me crazy when ugly modern buildings suddenly go up in the middle of a pretty town.


178 Pathway to IELTS 6.0


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