The key answer of exercise 7

a)

1. the number of years he taught in New York high schools
2. the number of copies he expected to sell of Angela's Ashes
3. the number of languages Angela's Ashes was translated into
4. the year it was published
5. the number of classes he taught a day
6. how often his photo was taken
7. He met President Clinton and Hillary Rodham Clinton.
8. He met the Duchess of York and was interviewed by her.
9. He nearly met Elton John.
10. He was asked for his opinion on William Butler Yeats (an Irish poet) as he was suddenly considered an expert on everything.

b)

• a scrap (of attention) (n) = a very small amount
• dazzled (adj) = amazed
• ascension (n) = rise
• clamour (n) = continuous loud noise
• geriatric (adj) = old (person)
• a beacon (of hope) (n) = a shining light