The B2 phrases we'll be studying are:
on behalf of
Definition: Instead of someone else, or representing another person or group.
Example 1: I am writing this email on behalf of my manager who is on vacation.
Example 2: On behalf of the whole team, I want to say thank you for your help.
come to this conclusion
Definition: To decide that something is true after thinking carefully about all the facts.
Example 1: After reviewing all the documents, I have come to this conclusion.
Example 2: How did the police come to this conclusion without any real proof?
conscious of
Definition: Noticing something, or being aware that something exists or is happening.
Example 1: She was conscious of the fact that everyone in the room was looking at her.
Example 2: You need to be more conscious of how much money you spend each week.
out of nowhere
Definition: Very suddenly and unexpectedly, without any warning.
Example 1: A dog ran out of nowhere and nearly hit my bicycle.
Example 2: It started raining out of nowhere while we were having a picnic in the park.
grab hold of
Definition: To take or hold something or someone firmly with your hand.
Example 1: Make sure you grab hold of the railing while walking down the stairs.
Example 2: The little child grabbed hold of his mother's coat so he would not get lost.
every single one
Definition: All of them, used to emphasize each individual item or person in a group.
Example 1: I have watched every single one of the movies in this series.
Example 2: Every single one of my classmates passed the final exam.
as far as I know
Definition: Used to say what you think is true, based on the information you have.
Example 1: As far as I know, the local library is closed on Sundays.
Example 2: The meeting is still happening at two o'clock, as far as I know.
I must have been asleep, for if I had been fully awake I would have noticed the approach of such a remarkable place. In the darkness, the mansion seemed enormous, with paths leading to different directions under heavy, round stone arches. I have not yet been able to see what it looks like in daylight.
When the carriage* finally stopped, the driver jumped down and helped me out. Once again, I was amazed by his incredible strength; his hand felt like a machine made of steel. He could easily have broken all my fingers if he had chosen to. He placed my luggage next to a massive old door covered in large iron nails. While I stood there, the driver jumped straight back into his seat and shook the reins*. The horses rushed forwards, and the carriage* disappeared into one of the dark tunnels.
I stood in complete silence, having no idea what to do. There was no bell or knocker, and the stone walls were too thick for shouting. The waiting seemed endless, and my mind gradually filled with doubts and fear. Was this really a normal business trip for a newly qualified lawyer from London? My instructions had been to inform our client on behalf of our company of a property he wished to buy in London.
I rubbed my eyes, hoping to wake myself up from this dreadful nightmare. I expected to find myself safely in my own bed in England after a long day at work. But I was completely awake, standing alone in the dark Carpathian Mountains. All I could do was wait patiently for dawn.
However, just as I had come to this conclusion, I heard heavy footsteps approaching from behind the enormous door. I saw the warm light of a lamp, followed by the loud crash of metal chains shaking and heavy bolts* being pulled back. A key turned with a metallic sound, and the great door finally swung open.
Inside stood a tall old man. He wore a very long white moustache, and was dressed entirely in black from head to foot, he held an antique silver lamp that threw nervous, shaking shadows across the walls. The old man politely invited me inside in excellent English, though he had a very strange accent.
'Welcome to my house! Enter freely and of your own choice!'
He stood perfectly still, like a stone statue. However, the exact moment I stepped inside, he rushed forward and gripped my hand. His grip was painfully strong, and his skin was as freezing cold as a dead body. He spoke again:
'Welcome to my house. Come freely. Go safely, and leave some of the happiness you bring!'
His handshake corresponded so closely to the powerful driver's that I asked, 'Count Dracula?'
He bowed* politely. 'I am Dracula, and I welcome you, Mr. Harker. Come in; the night air is freezing, and you must be in need of food and rest.'
He took my bags, insisting on carrying them himself because his servants were not available. We walked up a large, twisting staircase* and down a long stone corridor, where our footsteps echoed* loudly. Finally, he opened a door to a brightly lit room where a large fire burned warmly and a table had been prepared for dinner. He told me to sit and eat, explaining that he had already had dinner.
While I ate, I examined his face closely. It was a strong face with a thin, high nose, a high forehead, and very thick eyebrows that almost met in the middle. His mouth looked hard and cruel, and he had incredibly sharp white teeth resting over bright red lips. His ears were pale and very pointed at the tops, and his skin was extraordinarily white.
When he leaned close to me, I noticed his hands were wide and rough, with thick fingers. Curiously, dark hair grew right in the centre of his palms*. His nails were long and cut to sharp points. When he touched me, his breath smelled terrible – like something dead or rotten - and I experienced a horrible wave of sickness. He noticed my expression, smiled, showing his sharp teeth, and moved away a little.
Suddenly, we heard the terrifying sound of many wolves howling* in the valley below. The Count's eyes shone brightly.
'Listen to them,' he whispered. 'The children of the night. What music they make!'
Seeing my nervous reaction, he politely led me to my bedroom and wished me a good night's sleep.
Now I am in a sea of confusion. I have deeply upsetting fears, and strange thoughts keep crossing my mind, though I dare not confess them. God protect me!
I am feeling deeply uneasy about this place and wish I had never come. If only I had someone to talk to, I could cope, but I am entirely alone with the Count. I had only slept a few hours, so I got up early to shave. I hung my small mirror by the window and began.
Suddenly, I was conscious of a presence, and then I felt a heavy hand on my shoulder and heard the Count say, 'Good morning.'
I jumped in absolute shock. I had not heard him enter, even though my mirror showed the whole room behind me. He seemed to appear out of nowhere. Surprised, I cut my chin slightly with the razor. I answered his greeting and turned back to the mirror, and my fear instantly grew. The Count was standing right beside me, but the mirror showed absolutely no reflection of him.
This impossible fact terrified me. Just then, the Count noticed the fresh blood dripping down my chin. His eyes burned with a wild, almost devil-like anger, and he violently grabbed hold of my throat. I pulled away quickly, and his hand brushed against the silver cross I wear around my neck. Instantly, his anger vanished.
'Be careful how you cut yourself,' he warned coldly. 'It is more dangerous than you think in this country.'
Then he grabbed my shaving mirror.
'This stupid object caused the problem. It is a useless tool for those who like to look at their own image. Get rid of it! '
With incredible strength, he opened the heavy window and threw the mirror out. It smashed into a thousand pieces on the stones far below. Then he left without another word...
Later that morning, I explored the castle. It sits on the very edge of a terrifying cliff. A stone dropped from my window would fall a thousand feet before hitting the dense green forest below. The view is magnificent, but it brought me no joy.
As I walked through the dark corridors, I made a shocking discovery. There are doors everywhere, but every single one of them is locked and securely bolted*. The only exit is through the high windows.
The castle is a prison, and, as far as I know, I am a prisoner!
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