C. Compromise

The two sides have reached a compromise with regard to the plan to build the new road across a nature reserve.

The Minister was not prepared to compromise on the issue of raising university fees.

The government made several concessions to the protesters. [accepted some of the demands of]

The management and the union reached a settlement and the strike ended. [reached a decision/ agreement]

In this particular case we should exercise some discretion. [be sensitive, use our judgement]

Task 2. Fill in the prepositions which normally accompany the verbs in the table. Then use these expressions (except agree with) to fill the gaps in these sentences. Use each item once only.

verb preposition agree   approve   conform   tally   coincide   concur   compromise   be in accord

1. The list of principles............................ to the normal idea of what a set of rules should be trying to achieve. 2. My view............................ completely with yours. We think on exactly the same lines. 3. For once all the committee members............................ with one another. 4. Her latest statement simply does not............................ with her earlier ones. She is contradicting herself. 5. I............................ of all the changes suggested, and hope they can be made to work. 6. This plan is in............................ with the proposal made by the committee in 1998. 7. Even though I disagree, I'm willing to............................ on your proposal to increase our expenditure.

Task 3. Match these newspaper headlines with the most suitable extract.

RIFT OVER PENSIONS POLICY GROWS

DISSENT MUST BE KEPT WITHIN LIMITS, MINISTER SAYS

PARTY SPLIT OVER TAX CUTS NO LONGER A SECRET

DIVISION IN EUROPE OVER RESPONSE TO AFRICAN CRISIS

RELIGIOUS DISCORD THREATENS SOCIAL HARMONY

a) Approximately 50% of members think the proposals are wrong.

b) Intolerance is increasing and there have been isolated outbreaks of violence.

c) There is increasing pressure on the Minister to think again.

d) Several different approaches have emerged which could weaken unity.

e) To disagree is everyone's right, but a sense of responsibility is also important.

Task 4. Rewrite the sentences using a noun instead of the underlined word. Make any other necessary changes.

1. The President has conceded that the opposition party should be allowed a place on the committee.

2. I think one should always be as discreet as possible when it is a question of people's private lives.

3. The landowners settled their dispute with the authorities over the route of the road.

4. The negotiating team were able to compromise and put an end to the long strike.

Appendix 6.