[originaltext]And now, if you’ll walk this way, [9-1] ladies and gentlemen, the

And now, if you’ll walk this way, [9-1] ladies and gentlemen, the next room we’re going to see is [10] the room in which the family used to hold their formal dinner parties and even occasionally entertain heads of state and royalty. However, they managed to keep this room friendly and intimate and I think you’ll agree it has a very informal atmosphere, quite unlike some grand houses you visit. The curtains were never drawn, even at night, so guests got a view of the lake and fountains outside, which were lit up at night. A very attractive sight.
[9-2] As you can see, ladies and gentlemen, the guests were seated very informally around this oval table, which would add to the relaxed atmosphere. The table dates from the eighteenth century and is made of Spanish oak. It’s rather remarkable for the fact that [11] although it is extremely big, it’s supported by just six rather slim legs. However, it seems to have survived like that for two hundred years, so it’s probably going to last a bit longer. The chairs which go with the table are not a complete set—there were originally six of them. They are interesting for the fact that they are very plain and undecorated for the time, with only one plain central panel at the back and no arm-rests. [12] I myself find them rather uncomfortable to sit in for very long, but people were used to more discomfort in the past.
[9-3] And now, ladies and gentlemen, if you’d like to follow me into the Great Hall…
Questions 9 to 12 are based on the conversation you have just heard.
1.What do we learn about the speaker?
2.What does the speaker say about the room they are visiting?
3.What is said about the oval table in the room?
4.What does the speaker say about the chairs?