In many Belarusian cities we have what we call multiple service establishments. They are tailor shops, shoemaker’s, barber’s, hairdresser’s, dyer’s, dry cleaner’s, watch repair and other service shops combined in one. Service is generally good, but sometimes it leaves much to be desired. Such service establishments are an excellent arrangement for the busy man, especially when all the little things, minor services) are done while you wait. The tailor shop will take care of major and minor alterations and repairs: lengthen or shorten the sleeves, patch trousers and set them right for you, press clothing and even sew on buttons. At these service establishments they also have a dyer’s and cleaner’s shop (dyeing and cleaning service). If you have any stains you want to be removed, the dry cleaner’s will take care of them. Nowadays they have ways of removing stains without leaving any traces. The dyer’s will make a neat job of dyeing material from one colour to another. One of the services available is the photographer’s. You can have your photo taken there, and if it’s urgent they’ll do it in a few hours. They will also develop and print snapshots taken by amateur photographers. Then you will find a watchmaker at your service. He will set your watch, if it is slow or fast, put a new glass in, or clean it, if it needs cleaning. As a rule a watch keeps perfect time after the watchmaker’s hands. A busy place is the shoemaker’s. They have a wide choice of leather and rubber soles and heels. And they don’t charge much, prices are quite reasonable. Another service establishment that we frequently visit is the barber’s shop for men and the hairdresser’s (or beauty parlour) for women. At the barber’s you can get a shave, haircut and shampoo. The services you would expect to find at the hairdresser’s are: permanent wave, manicure, skin treatment (massages both hand and electric) with all sorts of creams. They will do your hair to the latest fashion.
Answer these questions: 1 What services does a multiple service shop offer its customers? 2 Why is it convenient to have all services combined in amulti pie service establishment?
3 Is a multiple service centre an excellent arrangement for a busy man? 4 Are you a regular customer at the local multi pie service establishment? 5. What kind of people are most likely to use services of the tailor’s and dressmaker’s? Do the British use services more frequently than people in our country? Ho do you account for it? 6. In what season of the year is the shoemaker’s an especially busy place? Why? 7. Where do you usually have your footwear repaired? 8. Why do people change their walking shoes for slippers when they come home? 9. Do you press your clothes or do you have them pressed for you? 10. Who are usually more clever with the needle, men or women? Why? 11. If a watch keeps perfect time, would you have it cleaned? 12. If your watch gains (or if it is slow), could you set it right yourself’? 13. What services are available at the dry cleaner’s? 14. How often do you usually have a haircut? A shave? 15. Which is a more busy place, a barber’s or a hairdresser’s? Why? 16. Would you like to wear your hair long or short, combed back or parted on the side? 17.Are you good at photography? Is it your hobby? 18. Why do people like taking photographs? 19. Would you like to be taken in full face or in profile? 20. What type of photograph do you prefer: landscape, portrait or still life?