Установите соответствие между заголовками 1–8 и текстами A–G. Запишите свои ответы в таблицу. Используйте каждую цифру только один раз. В задании есть один лишний заголовок.
1. Plan beforehand
2. Carnival roots
3. The best viewpoints
4. Styles of dancing
5. A music group for a street
6. Carnival’s music
7. The time for pleasure
8. The time to attend the Carnival
A. Carnival is the most famous holiday in Brazil and has become a world-famous annual celebration. It is celebrated in towns and villages throughout Brazil for almost a week 40 days before Easter, which is usually in February, the hottest month in the Southern Hemisphere. Officially, it starts on Saturday and finishes on Fat Tuesday with the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday, during which some Christians give up something that they enjoy.
B. The most colourful events take place in the Carnival World Capital, Rio de Janeiro. It was the original place where, in 1723, Portuguese immigrants went out onto the streets soaking each other with buckets of water and throwing mud and food, often ending up in street brawls and riots. The concept kept changing throughout the 1800s with more organized parades, where the Emperor with a group of aristocrats joined in masks with luxurious costumes and music.
C. Now the parade varies from state to state. It is a mixture of arts. The music played during Rio Carnival is samba — a unique Brazilian music originating from Rio. It’s also a dance form that was invented by the poor Afro-Brazilians as a type of ritual music. The word «samba» meant to pray to the spirits of the ancestors and the gods of the African Pantheon. As a noun, it could mean a complaint or a cry.
D. Even today, the most involved groups in Rio Carnival are the poorest, the so-called «favelas», where houses are made of cardboard or other metal remains, and there is often no water, electricity or sewage system. However, the favelas’ residents always join in the festivities and actually make the Carnival, which really means a lot to them. Because, for once during the year, they get to go out and have as much fun as they can.
E. Residents of the favelas are often members of local samba schools and are deeply involved with the performance and costumes of their groups. Each neighborhood in Rio has its favorite Carnival street band. There are more than 300 of them in Rio nowadays, and each year this number increases. Each band has its place or street for its parade and the big ones usually close the streets to the traffic.
F. Rio de Janeiro is usually divided into three zones. The so-called Zona Sul is by far the most pleasant place to stay in Rio, as it is by the sea and is the most civilized part of the city. Districts Copacabana and Ipanema together form a big stage offering a carnival happening at every corner. Leblon, being a bit more upscale, is also an excellent location.
G. Except the industries, malls and the carnival-related workers, the country stops completely for almost a week and festivities are intense, day and night. If you plan to go to watch the Carnival, you should organize your trip well in advance. The best hotels, especially in the Zona Sul, are booked up early, so it’s a good idea to make a reservation at least 3 or 4 months in advance.
| Текст | A | B | C | D | E | F | G |
| Заголовок |
1) Установите соответствие между заголовками 1 — 8 и текстами A — G. Используйте каждую цифру только один раз. В задании один заголовок лишний.
1. The best viewpoints
2. Plan beforehand
3. Carnival roots
4. The time to attend the Carnival
5. Carnival’s music
6. Styles of dancing
7. A music group for a street
8. The time for pleasure
A. Carnival is the most famous holiday in Brazil and has become a world-famous annual celebration. It is celebrated in towns and villages throughout Brazil for almost a week 40 days before Easter, which is usually in February, the hottest month in the Southern Hemisphere. Officially, it starts on Saturday and finishes on Fat Tuesday with the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday, during which some Christians give up something that they enjoy.
B. The most colourful events take place in the Carnival World Capital, Rio de Janeiro. It was the original place where, in 1723, Portuguese immigrants went out onto the streets soaking each other with buckets of water and throwing mud and food, often ending up in street brawls and riots. The concept kept changing throughout the 1800s with more organized parades, where the Emperor with a group of aristocrats joined in masks with luxurious costumes and music.
C. Now the parade varies from state to state. It is a mixture of arts. The music played during Rio Carnival is samba – a unique Brazilian music originating from Rio. It’s also a dance form that was invented by the poor Afro-Brazilians as a type of ritual music. The word “samba” meant to pray to the spirits of the ancestors and the gods of the African Pantheon. As a noun, it could mean a complaint or a cry.
D. Even today, the most involved groups in Rio Carnival are the poorest, the so-called “favelas”, where houses are made of cardboard or other metal remains, and there is often no water, electricity or sewage system. However, the favelas’ residents always join in the festivities and actually make the Carnival, which really means a lot to them. Because, for once during the year, they get to go out and have as much fun as they can.
E. Residents of the favelas are often members of local samba schools and are deeply involved with the performance and costumes of their groups. Each neighborhood in Rio has its favorite Carnival street band. There are more than 300 of them in Rio nowadays, and each year this number increases. Each band has its place or street for its parade and the big ones usually close the streets to the traffic.
F. Rio de Janeiro is usually divided into three zones. The so-called Zona Sul is by far the most pleasant place to stay in Rio, as it is by the sea and is the most civilized part of the city. Districts Copacabana and Ipanema together form a big stage offering a carnival happening at every corner. Leblon, being a bit more upscale, is also an excellent location.
G. Except the industries, malls and the carnival-related workers, the country stops completely for almost a week and festivities are intense, day and night. If you plan to go to watch the Carnival, you should organize your trip well in advance. The best hotels, especially in the Zona Sul, are booked up early, so it’s a good idea to make a reservation at least 3 or 4 months in advance.
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G |
2) Прочитайте текст и заполните пропуски A — F частями предложений, обозначенными цифрами 1 — 7. Одна из частей в списке 1—7 лишняя.
Orient Express
In the early 1860s, trains were the preferred way to travel. They weren’t particularly comfortable, however, until American engineer George Mortimer Pullman decided to make trains more luxurious.
By the late 1860s, trains furnished not only sleeping cars, but kitchen and dining facilities, where ___ (A). This was innovative for the time, and was aimed to encourage people ___ (B). The first of these Pullman trains in England ran from London to Brighton and used electricity for illumination.
In 1881, another railway entrepreneur, George Nagelmacker, introduced the use of a restaurant car onboard, and the first Orient Express train service was begun. Running from Paris to Romania the route included Strasbourg, Vienna, Budapest and Bucharest.
Thanks to the 12 mile Simplon Tunnel, ___ (C), the Orient Express expanded, including a route to Istanbul, and the legendary romance of the Orient Express was in full swing.
Everyone in the social register, including royalty, chose to travel on the wheels of that luxury hotel ___ (D) in wealthy surroundings. Legends, stories, and intrigue surrounded those trips to exotic places, and those famous people ___ (E).
Unfortunately, during World War II this luxury travel was closed for the most part, and later, after the war, ___ (F) to start it again. Within the next few years airplane travel became popular, and train passenger service declined.
1. which connected Switzerland and Italy
2. there was no money
3. that served dishes and wines
4. elegant meals were served to passengers
5. who rode the train
6. to use trains for long distance travel and vacations
7. who wrote about it
| A | B | C | D | E | F |
3) Прочитайте текст и запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа.
Показать текст. ⇓
Dr. Gijbert Stoet claims that women do worse than men at maths because they
1) are not encouraged to do the subject.
2) do not believe in their own competence.
3) use improper methods in problem-solving.
4) employ wrong stereotypical techniques.
4) Прочитайте текст и запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа.
Показать текст. ⇓
Last year’s A-levels maths results show that
1) more girls take the subject.
2) girls do better than boys.
3) boys get more A grades.
4) boys are more likely to fail.
5) Прочитайте текст и запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа.
Показать текст. ⇓
Which of the following statements is NOT true, according to paragraphs 5 and 6?
1) The author has worked in engineering for over 20 years.
2) The prospects for women in science are best in Sweden.
3) The author’s expectations about women in science have not come true.
4) Britain has fewer womenengineers than other European countries.
6) Прочитайте текст и запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа.
Показать текст. ⇓
According to the author, social conditioning taking place in Britain implies that
1) boys are smarter than girls.
2) science could be interesting.
3) science is for boys.
4) math is an optional skill.
7) Прочитайте текст и запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа.
Показать текст. ⇓
“They” in “to talk to schoolchildren about what they do” (paragraph 7) may refer to
1) scientists.
2) schoolchildren.
3) careers.
4) experiments.
Прочитайте текст и запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа.
Показать текст. ⇓
According to the final paragraphs, which of the factors discouraging girls from careers in science appears to be most important?
1) Lack of opportunities in career growth.
2) Academic underachievement.
3) Social stereotypes.
4) Lack of encouragement.
9) Прочитайте текст и запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа.
Показать текст. ⇓
The author’s attitude to the problem may be called
1) impartial.
2) biased.
3) negative.
4) interested.
Установите соответствие
между заголовками 1–8 и текстами A–G. Занесите свои ответы в таблицу. Используйте
каждую цифру только один раз. В задании один заголовок лишний.
| A. |
Carnival is the most famous holiday in Brazil and has become a world-famous annual celebration. It is celebrated in towns and villages throughout Brazil for almost a week 40 days before Easter, which is usually in February, the hottest month in the Southern Hemisphere. Officially, it starts on Saturday and finishes on Fat Tuesday with the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday, during which some Christians give up something that they enjoy.
|
1. |
The best viewpoints |
| B. |
The most colourful events take place in the Carnival World Capital, Rio de Janeiro. It was the original place where, in 1723, Portuguese immigrants went out onto the streets soaking each other with buckets of water and throwing mud and food, often ending up in street brawls and riots. The concept kept changing throughout the 1800s with more organized parades, where the Emperor with a group of aristocrats joined in masks with luxurious costumes and music.
|
2. |
Plan beforehand |
| C. |
Now the parade varies from state to state. It is a mixture of arts. The music played during Rio Carnival is samba – a unique Brazilian music originating from Rio. It’s also a dance form that was invented by the poor Afro-Brazilians as a type of ritual music. The word “samba” meant to pray to the spirits of the ancestors and the gods of the African Pantheon. As a noun, it could mean a complaint or a cry.
|
3. |
Carnival roots |
| D. |
Even today, the most involved groups in Rio Carnival are the poorest, the so-called “favelas”, where houses are made of cardboard or other metal remains, and there is often no water, electricity or sewage system. However, the favelas’ residents always join in the festivities and actually make the Carnival, which really means a lot to them. Because, for once during the year, they get to go out and have as much fun as they can.
|
4. |
The time to attend the Carnival |
| E. |
Residents of the favelas are often members of local samba schools and are deeply involved with the performance and costumes of their groups. Each neighborhood in Rio has its favorite Carnival street band. There are more than 300 of them in Rio nowadays, and each year this number increases. Each band has its place or street for its parade and the big ones usually close the streets to the traffic.
|
5. |
Carnival’s music |
| F. |
Rio de Janeiro is usually divided into three zones. The so-called Zona Sul is by far the most pleasant place to stay in Rio, as it is by the sea and is the most civilized part of the city. Districts Copacabana and Ipanema together form a big stage offering a carnival happening at every corner. Leblon, being a bit more upscale, is also an excellent location.
|
6. |
Styles of dancing |
| G. |
Except the industries, malls and the carnival-related workers, the country stops completely for almost a week and festivities are intense, day and night. If you plan to go to watch the Carnival, you should organize your trip well in advance. The best hotels, especially in the Zona Sul, are booked up early, so it’s a good idea to make a reservation at least 3 or 4 months in advance.
|
7. |
A music group for a street |
| 8. |
The time for pleasure |
Установите соответствие между заголовками 1–8 и текстами A–G. Занесите свои ответы в таблицу. Используйте каждую цифру только один раз. В задании один заголовок лишний.
№1
1. New rules to follow
2. New perspectives
3. Perfect for a quiet holiday
4. Land of nature wonders
5. A visit to the zoo
6. Perfect for an active holiday
7. Difficult start
8. Bad for animals
A.
The mountains of Scotland (we call them the Highlands) are а wild and beautiful part of Europe. A golden eagle flies over the mountains. A deer walks through the silence of the forest. Salmon and trout swim in the clean, pure water of the rivers. Some say that not only fish swim in the deep water of Loch Ness. Speak to the people living by the Loch. Each person has a story of the monster, and some have photographs.
B.
Tresco is a beautiful island with no cars, crowds or noise – just flowers, birds, long sandy beaches and the Tresco Abbey Garden. John and Wendy Pyatt welcome you to the Island Hotel, famous for delicious food, comfort and brilliant service. You will appreciate superb accommodation, free saunas and the indoor swimming pool.
C.
The Camel and Wildlife Safari is a unique mixture of the traditional and modern. Kenya’s countryside suits the Safari purposes exceptionally well. Tourists will have a chance to explore the bush country near Samburu, to travel on a camel back or to sleep out under the stars. Modern safari vehicles are always available for those who prefer comfort.
D.
Arrival can be the hardest part of a trip. It is late, you are road-weary, and everything is new and strange. You need an affordable place to sleep, something to eat and drink, and probably a way to get around. But in general, it’s a wonderful trip, full of wonderful and unusual places. Whether it is the first stop on a trip or the fifth city visited, every traveller feels a little overwhelmed stepping onto a new street in a new city.
E.
No zoo has enough money to provide basic habitats or environments for all the species they keep. Most animals are put in a totally artificial environment, isolated from everything they would meet in their natural habitat. Many will agree that this isolation is harmful to the most of zoo inhabitants, it can even amount to cruelty.
F.
A new London Zoo Project is a ten year project to secure the future for the Zoo and for many endangered animals. The plan has been devised by both animal and business experts to provide world-leading accommodation for all our animals, to more fully engage and inform people about conservation issues, to redesign certain aspects of Zoo layout.
G.
Leave-no-trace camping is an increasingly popular approach to travel in wilderness areas. As the term suggests, the goal is for the camper to leave as little impact as possible on the place he is visiting. One of its mottos is “Take nothing but pictures. Leave nothing but footprints.” Its simplest and most fundamental rule is: pack it in, pack it out, but it goes beyond that.
№2
1. Old word – new meaning
2. Not for profit
3. Generosity to taste
4. New word – old service
5. For travellers’ needs
6. For body and mind
7. Under lock and key
8. Cheap yet safe
A.
The residents of the southern United States are particularly warm to visitors, ready to welcome them to their homes and to the South in general. Food places an important role in the traditions of southern hospitality. A cake or other delicacy is often brought to the door of a new neighbor as a means of introduction. When a serious illness occurs, neighbors, friends, and church members generally bring food to that family as a form of support and encouragement.
B.
Destination spas exist for those who only can take a short term trip, but still want to develop healthy habits. Guests reside and participate in the program at a destination spa instead of just visiting it for a treatment or pure vacation. Typically over a seven-day stay, such facilities provide a program that includes spa services, physical fitness activities, wellness education, healthy cuisine and special interest programming.
C.
When people travel, stay in a hotel, eat out, or go to the movies, they rarely think that they are experiencing many-sided, vast and very diverse hospitality industry. The tourism industry is very challenging for those who work there, as they should be able to meet a wide variety of needs and to be flexible enough to anticipate them. The right person to help us feel at home likes working with the public, and enjoys solving puzzles.
D.
Ten years ago, with the help of friends and family, Veit Kühne founded Hospitality Club as a general-purpose Internet-based hospitality exchange organization. Now, it is one of the largest hospitality networks with members in 226 countries. This is a completely free organization, which involves no money. The core activity is the exchange of accommodation, when hosts offer their guests the possibility to stay free at their homes.
E.
To the ancient Greeks and Romans, hospitality was a divine right. The host was expected to make sure the needs of his guests were seen to. In the contemporary West, hospitality is rarely associated with generously provided care and kindness to whoever is in need or strangers. Now it is only a service that includes hotels, casinos, and resorts, which offer comfort and guidance to strangers, but only as part of a business relationship.
F.
A bed and breakfast is a type of overnight accommodation with breakfast offered in someone’s private home. This type of service was established in Europe many years ago and its roots lie a long way back in history when monasteries provided bed and breakfasts for travelers. But the term appeared in the UK only after World War II, when numerous foreigners needed a place to stay and local people opened their homes and started serving breakfast to those overnight guests.
G.
Hostels are nothing more than budget oriented, sociable accommodation where guests can rent a bed, and share a bathroom, lounge and sometimes a kitchen. But somehow there are misconceptions that a hostel is a kind of homeless shelter, a dangerous place where young people can face potential threat. This does not reflect the high quality and level of professionalism in many modern hostels.
№3
1. Earth is not enough
2. The word came first
3. Challenging the skilful
4. Coloured stereotype
5.Taste of culture
6. Not only exercising
7. To preserve and respect
8. Follow the idol
A.
Entering the English language in the late nineteenth century, the word safari meant a trip to Africa for a big-game hunt. Today the term refers to a trip taken not to hunt, but to observe and photograph the animals and other wildlife. This activity had become so popular that it has originated a certain style of fashion. It includes khaki clothing, belted bush jackets, helmets and animal skin prints, like leopard’s skin, for example.
B.
The purpose of ecological tourism is to educate the traveler, provide funds for conservation and promote respect for different cultures and human rights. The participants of ecotourism want the environment to stay relatively untouched by human intervention, so that coming generations can experience it fully. That is why ecotourism appeals to ecologically and socially conscious individuals, who don’t mind volunteering.
C.
People who like seeing dangerous places, such as mountains, jungles and deserts, participating in dangerous events, and experiencing extreme sport definitely appreciate extreme tourism or shock tourism. This type of tourism is based on two key factors. The first one is an addiction to adrenaline caused by an element of risk. And another one is the opportunity to show a high degree of engagement and professionalism.
D.
Culinary tourism is something you can enjoy if you like good food and want each of your dishes to be a unique and memorable experience. But culinary tourism also considers food to be a vital component of traditions and history of any country, region or city. The tourists believe that by experiencing each other’s foods people can learn something new about each other’s lives.
E.
Space tourism used to mean ordinary members of the public buying tickets to travel to space and back. That is why many people find this idea revolutionary. But over the past few years a growing volume of work has been done on the subject, and it’s clear that commercial space tourism is a realistic target for business today. Market research has shown that many people in the developed countries would like to take a trip to space if it were possible.
F.
The sports tourism industry has earned an international reputation because it is open to everyone: amateurs, fans, and professional athletes with their trainers and coaches who come for a range of activities from training camps through friendship games to international championship competitions. Sport tourism combines the opportunity for athletes and sportspeople to benefit from sports activities with a relaxing and enjoyable vacation.
G.
To go to Tunisia to explore the place where the film Star Wars was made or to New Zealand after The Lord of the Rings is very easy for those who practice pop-culture tourism and like to travel to locations featured in literature, films, music, or any other form of popular entertainment. But pop-culture tourism is not only about going to popular destinations. In some respects it is very similar to a pilgrimage, only the places are new, for example Elvis Presley’s Graceland.
№4
1.Inspired by noble goals
2. Protected by law
3. Small size — great opportunities
4. Little experience – big success
5. Hard to see and to believe
6. Hard to explain how they could
7. Breathtaking just to watch
8. From travelling to discovery
A.
Charles Darwin’s five-year voyage on H.M.S. Beagle has become legendary and greatly influenced his masterwork, the book, On the Origin of Species. Darwin didn’t actually formulate his theory of evolution while sailing around the world aboard the Royal Navy ship. But the exotic plants and animals he encountered challenged his thinking and led him to consider scientific evidence in new ways.
B.
The 19th century was a remarkable time for exploration. Vast portions of the globe, such as the interior of Africa, were mapped by explorers and adventurers. It was the time when David Livingstone became convinced of his mission to reach new peoples in Africa and introduce them to Christianity, as well as free them from slavery.
C.
Louis Pasteur’s various investigations convinced him of the rightness of his germ theory of disease, which holds that germs attack the body from outside. Many felt that such tiny organisms as germs could not possibly kill larger ones such as humans. But Pasteur extended this theory to explain the causes of many diseases – including cholera, TB and smallpox – and their prevention by vaccination.
D.
Frederick Law Olmsted, the architect who designed New York City’s Central Park, called the Yosemite Valley “the greatest glory of nature.” Californians convinced one of their representatives, Senator John Conness, to do something about its protection. In May 1864, Conness introduced legislation to bring the Yosemite Valley under the control of the state of California. President Abraham Lincoln signed the bill into law.
E.
The Maya thrived for nearly 2,000 years. Without the use of the cartwheel or metal tools, they built massive stone structures. They were accomplished scientists. They tracked a solar year of 365 days and one of the few surviving ancient Maya books contains tables of eclipses. From observatories, like the one at Chichen Itza, they tracked the progress of the war star, Mars.
F.
Bali has been a surfing hotspot since the early 20th century, and continues to attract surfers from all over the world. The island’s small size and unique geography provides wonderful surfing conditions, in all seasons, for surfers of any level of experience. Inexperienced surfers might like to try Kuta’s kind waves, while more able surfers will try Nusa Dua’s powerful waves.
G.
Base jumping is an extreme sport, one which only very adventurous travelers enjoy. Some base jumpers leap off bridges, others off buildings and the most extreme off cliffs in Norway. Once a year, base jumpers in the US get to leap off the New River Bridge in West Virginia. During the annual Bridge Day, hundreds of jumpers can go off the bridge legally. Thousands of spectators show up to watch.
№5
1. Reaching a target audience
2. Let the air in
3. Using modern technology
4. Violating regulations
5. Careless behaviour
6. Original meaning
7. Needs protection
8. Use of a dead language
A.
Distance education or e-learning offers several advantages. Students participating in e-learning programs are often able to set their own schedules and work at their own pace. The learning experience can be supported by multimedia such as videos, interactive websites, and real-time conferencing with experts from anywhere in the world. Additionally, e-learning programs are less expensive than traditional ones.
B.
Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm did not expect to create a children’s collection of fairy tales. Instead, they wanted to preserve Germany’s oral tradition by collecting different stories. Not until several editions of their collection were published did the brothers realize that children were to be a major audience. Once the Brothers Grimm saw this new public, they tried to refine and soften their tales, which had originated centuries earlier as folklore.
C.
The five Potter books have sold 250 million copies worldwide in 55 languages, including Latin and Ancient Greek. In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, J.K. Rowlings uses spells and charms that are largely based on Latin. But one of the most serious spells, Avada Kedavra, may be a variant of «abracadabra». In the Harry Potter series, it is a spell that causes death. Harry Potter is the only one known to have survived it.
D.
Critics of the Harry Potter books point out that the main characters who are supposed to be “good” are consistently and regularly portrayed as breaking all manner of ethical rules like those against lying, cheating, and stealing. They also regularly break school rules against behavior like going out at night, using magic in the Muggle world, and so forth.
E.
On Christmas Eve of 1968, NASA astronaut William Anders, while orbiting the moon with the Apollo 8 mission, took a photograph that provided a foundation for the modern green movement. His photo shows a small, blue planet Earth peeking over the horizon of the Moon. The image of a small planet, alone in a vast ocean of space, showed billions of people the fragility of our planet and the importance of preserving and protecting Earth.
F.
There are many indoor air pollutants that can be harmful. Indoor air can be up to 100 times more polluted than outdoor air. Organic compounds from some paints, carpets, synthetic fabrics and adhesives are a known health hazard, contributing to the disease known as Sick Building Syndrome. Proper technology can help – open windows to let fresh air in and bad air out.
G.
Some people, especially in rural areas, burn their trash in pits or barrels. It seems an easy way to get rid of your garbage, but the smoke it creates has a lot of really unhealthy toxic chemicals. Burning things like foam cups, plastics, and colored and bleached paper in backyards or even fireplaces causes toxic smoke that can spread throughout the neighborhood.
№6
1. The best viewpoints
2. Plan beforehand
3. Carnival roots
4. The time to attend the Carnival
5. Carnival’s music
6. Styles of dancing
7. A music group for a street
8. The time for pleasure
A.
Carnival is the most famous holiday in Brazil and has become a world-famous annual celebration. It is celebrated in towns and villages throughout Brazil for almost a week 40 days before Easter, which is usually in February, the hottest month in the Southern Hemisphere. Officially, it starts on Saturday and finishes on Fat Tuesday with the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday, during which some Christians give up something that they enjoy.
B.
The most colourful events take place in the Carnival World Capital, Rio de Janeiro. It was the original place where, in 1723, Portuguese immigrants went out onto the streets soaking each other with buckets of water and throwing mud and food, often ending up in street brawls and riots. The concept kept changing throughout the 1800s with more organized parades, where the Emperor with a group of aristocrats joined in masks with luxurious costumes and music.
C.
Now the parade varies from state to state. It is a mixture of arts. The music played during Rio Carnival is samba – a unique Brazilian music originating from Rio. It’s also a dance form that was invented by the poor Afro-Brazilians as a type of ritual music. The word “samba” meant to pray to the spirits of the ancestors and the gods of the African Pantheon. As a noun, it could mean a complaint or a cry.
D.
Even today, the most involved groups in Rio Carnival are the poorest, the so-called “favelas”, where houses are made of cardboard or other metal remains, and there is often no water, electricity or sewage system. However, the favelas’ residents always join in the festivities and actually make the Carnival, which really means a lot to them. Because, for once during the year, they get to go out and have as much fun as they can.
E.
Residents of the favelas are often members of local samba schools and are deeply involved with the performance and costumes of their groups. Each neighborhood in Rio has its favorite Carnival street band. There are more than 300 of them in Rio nowadays, and each year this number increases. Each band has its place or street for its parade and the big ones usually close the streets to the traffic.
F.
Rio de Janeiro is usually divided into three zones. The so-called Zona Sul is by far the most pleasant place to stay in Rio, as it is by the sea and is the most civilized part of the city. Districts Copacabana and Ipanema together form a big stage offering a carnival happening at every corner. Leblon, being a bit more upscale, is also an excellent location.
G.
Except the industries, malls and the carnival-related workers, the country stops completely for almost a week and festivities are intense, day and night. If you plan to go to watch the Carnival, you should organize your trip well in advance. The best hotels, especially in the Zona Sul, are booked up early, so it’s a good idea to make a reservation at least 3 or 4 months in advance.
№7
1. Presents begin to enrich the collection
2. Reason for extension
3. First famous exhibits
4. One on the basis of two
5. Shift towards history
6. Location of the museum
7. New collections for the new building
8. New field for the old museum
A.
The present Ashmolean Museum was created in 1908 by combining two ancient Oxford institutions: the University Art Collection and the original Ashmolean Museum. The older partner in this merger, the University Art Collection, was based for many years in what is now the Upper Reading Room in the Bodleian Library.
B.
The collection began modestly in the 1620s with a handful of portraits and curiosities displayed in a small room on the upper floor. In the 17th century there were added notable collections of coins and medals later incorporated into the Ashmolean coin collection. The objects of curiosity included Guy Fawkes’ lantern and a sword given by the Pope to Henry VIII, and a number of more exotic items.
C.
In the 1660s and ’70s, the collection grew rapidly and, in 1683, the Bodleian Gallery was left to develop as a museum of art. At first, it was a gallery of portraits of distinguished contemporaries, but from the mid 1660s, it began to acquire a more historical perspective with the addition of images of people from the past: college founders, scientists, soldiers, monarchs, writers and artists.
D.
In the eighteenth century, several painters donated self-portraits. They also added a number of landscapes, historical paintings and scenes from contemporary life. Other donors, former members of the University, added collections of Old Masters so that by the early nineteenth century, it had become an art gallery of general interest and an essential point of call on the tourist map. The public was admitted on payment of a small charge. Catalogues were available at the entrance and the paintings were well displayed in a large gallery.
E.
It was only with the gift of a collection of ancient Greek and Roman statuary from the Countess of Pomfret in 1755 that the need for a new art gallery became urgent. The marble figures were too heavy to be placed in an upstairs gallery and were installed in a dark ground-floor room in the library pending the creation of a new museum.
F.
Before the new museum was finished, a major group of drawings by Raphael and Michelangelo was purchased by public subscription for the new galleries, establishing the importance of the Oxford museum as a centre for the study of Old Master drawings. The new museum also attracted gifts of paintings. In 1851, a collection of early Italian paintings, which included Uccello’s “Hunt in the Forest”, one of the museum’s major works of art was presented.
G.
In the 1850s, the University established a new Natural History Museum, which is now known as the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. And all the natural history specimens from the Ashmolean were transferred to the new institution. Having lost what had become the most important element in its collection, the Ashmolean was to find a major new role in the emerging field of archaeology.
№8
1. Back from the seas
2. A museum of popular drinks
3. Magic as attraction
4. One tool museum
5. Not a bank but …
6. Still moving along
7. A brand new shore museum
8. To play any tune
A.
The Salem Witch Museum brings you back to Salem of 1692 for a dramatic overview of the Witch Trials, including stage sets with life-size figures, lighting and a narration. There is also a possibility to go on a candlelight tour to four selected homes. The museum is open all year round and closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Salem is also famous for its Haunted Happenings, a 24-day Halloween festival.
B.
The Discover Sea Shipwreck Museum opened its doors in 1995, and has one of the largest collections of shipwreck and recovered artifacts in the Mid-Atlantic. It contains about 10,000 artifacts from local and worldwide locations, including an intact blown-glass hourglass from a 200-year-old shipwreck, which is also the world’s deepest wooden wreck at the heart of the Bermuda Triangle.
C.
The Seashore Trolley Museum is the oldest and largest electric railway museum in the world. It was founded in 1939 with one open trolley car, No. 31 from the Biddeford & Saco Railroad Company. The Seashore Trolley Museum contains over 250 transit vehicles, mostly trolleys, from the United States, Canada and abroad. Visitors can even take a trip along the Maine countryside aboard a restored early-1900s electric streetcar.
D.
American Hop Museum is dedicated to the brewing industry and located in the heart of the Yakima Valley’s hop fields, which gather the best harvest for producing beer. It chronicles the American hop industry from the New England colonies to its expansion into California and the Pacific Northwest, and includes historical equipment, photos and artifacts that pay tribute to hop, the everlasting vine that is still an integral part of the brewing industry.
E.
The Money Museum in Colorado Springs is America’s largest museum dedicated to numismatics (the study of collecting coins and metals). The collection contains over 250,000 items from the earliest invention of money to modern day, with items including paper money, coins, tokens, medals, and traditional money from all over the world. Highlights include the 1804 dollar, the 1913 V Nickel, the 1866 no motto series, a comprehensive collection of American gold coins, and experimental pattern coins and paper money.
F.
The Kenneth G. Fiske Museum of Musical Instruments in California has one of the most diverse collections of musical instruments in the United States. This museum is home to over 1,400 American, European and ethnic instruments from the 17th–20th centuries. Selections from all parts of the world also include keyboards, brass, woodwind, stringed, percussion, mechanical and electronic instruments. Other highlights are rare pieces from the violin and viola families, reed organs and instruments from the Orient and Tibet.
G.
The Hammer Museum in Alaska is the world’s first museum dedicated to hammers. The Museum provides a view of the past through the use of man’s first tool. You will find over 1500 hammers on display, ranging from ancient times to the present. The museum does not have any paid staff, and it is run by volunteers. This quaint and quirky museum is an interesting and informative stop for the whole family.
№9
1. Music from every corner of the world
2. From pig to pork
3. Perfect time for a picnic
4. From a holiday to a sport
5. Famous religious celebrations
6. See them fly
7. Animal races and shows
8. Diving into history
A.
Diwali is a five-day festival that is celebrated in October or November, depending on the cycle of the moon. It represents the start of the Hindu New Year and honors the victory of good over evil, and brightness over darkness. It also marks the start of winter. Diwali is actually celebrated in honor of Lord Rama and his wife Sita. One of the best places to experience Diwali is in the «pink city» of Jaipur, in Rajasthan. Each year there’s a competition for the best decorated and most brilliantly lit up market that attracts visitors from all over India.
B.
The Blossom Kite Festival, previously named the Smithsonian Kite Festival, is an annual event that is traditionally a part of the festivities at the National Cherry Blossom Festival on the National Mall in Washington, DC. Kite enthusiasts show off their stunt skills and compete for awards in over 36 categories including aerodynamics and beauty. The Kite Festival is one of the most popular annual events in Washington, DC and features kite fliers from across the U.S. and the world.
C.
The annual Ostrich Festival has been recognized as one of the «Top 10 Unique Festivals in the United States» with its lanky ostriches, multiple entertainment bands and many special gift and food vendors. It is truly a unique festival, and suitable for the entire family. The Festival usually holds Ostrich Races, an Exotic Zoo, Pig Races, a Sea Lion Show, a Hot Rod Show, Amateur Boxing and a Thrill Circus.
D.
Iceland’s Viking Festival takes place in mid-June every year and lasts 6 days, no matter what the weather in Iceland may be. It’s one of the most popular annual events in Iceland where you can see Viking-style costumes, musical instruments, jewelry and crafts at the Viking Village. Visitors at the Viking Festival see sword fighting by professional Vikings and demonstrations of marksmanship with bows and muscle power. They can listen to Viking songs and lectures at the festival, or grab a bite at the Viking Restaurant nearby.
E.
Dragon Boat Festival is one of the major holidays in Chinese culture. This summer festival was originally a time to ward off bad spirits, but now it is a celebration of the life of Qu Yuan, who was a Chinese poet of ancient period. Dragon boat festival has been an important holiday for centuries for Chinese culture, but in recent years dragon boat racing has become an international sport.
F.
The Mangalica Festival is held in early February at Vajdahunyad Castle in Budapest. It offers the opportunity to experience Hungarian food, music, and other aspects of Hungarian culture. The festival is named for a furry pig indigenous to the region of Hungary and the Balkans. A mangalica is a breed of pig recognizable by its curly hair and known for its fatty flesh. Sausage, cheese and other dishes made with pork can be sampled at the festival.
G.
Hanami is an important Japanese custom and is held all over Japan in spring. Hanami literally means «viewing flowers», but now it is a cherry blossom viewing. The origin of hanami dates back to more than one thousand years ago when aristocrats enjoyed looking at beautiful cherry blossoms and wrote poems. Nowadays, people in Japan have fun viewing cherry blossoms, drinking and eating. People bring home-cooked meals, do BBQ, or buy take-out food for hanami.
№10
1. It had its finest hour
2. A long way to popularity
3. A stairway to heaven
4. Extraordinary combinations
5. Ideas on sale
6. Brilliant ideas and brave deeds
7. Borrowed ideas
8. Revolutionary materials
A.
Born in 1743, Thomas Jefferson helped shape the new American nation and also shaped some of the country’s most famous buildings. The twentieth century architects who designed the circular Jefferson Memorial in Washington D.C. drew inspiration from Thomas Jefferson’s architectural ideas. And from where did Jefferson get his ideas? The Pantheon in Rome! This building with its classical portico became a model that influenced Western architecture for 2,000 years.
B.
Postmodern architecture evolved from the modernist movement, yet contradicts many of the modernist ideas. Combining new ideas with traditional forms, postmodernist buildings may startle, surprise, and even amuse. Familiar shapes and details are used in unexpected ways. Philip Johnson’s AT&T Headquarters is often cited as an example of postmodernism. Like many buildings in the international style, this skyscraper has a classical facade.
C.
The Industrial Revolution in Europe brought about a new trend: the use of metals instead of wood and stone in construction. Built in 1889, the Eiffel Tower is perhaps the most famous example of this new use for metal. For 40 years, the Eiffel Tower measured the tallest in the world. The metal lattice-work, formed with very pure structural iron, makes the tower both extremely light and able to withstand tremendous wind forces.
D.
By the early 1800s, Belfast had become a major port at the beating heart of the region’s industry. The launching of the Titanic from the shipways was attended by an estimated 100,000 people, showing how important this event was for Belfast. Many more impressive ships would leave the yard in the coming years before the decline of the shipbuilding industry began in the 1950s, but the Titanic marked the zenith of the great shipbuilding era in Belfast.
E.
Thomas Andrews was the chief naval architect at the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast during the early 1900s. He brought the idea of ‘Olympic class’ ocean liners to life. The most famous of these was Titanic, which he joined on its first voyage. His actions when the ship sank on 15 April 1912 are believed to have saved many lives, but at the cost of his own. In his home town of Comber, the life of Thomas Andrews is commemorated by the Memorial Hall, opened in 1915.
F.
An e-book or “electronic book” is available digitally downloaded, and accessed through a device such as a computer, a smart phone or, popularly, a portable e-book reader. In 1971, Michael Hart began storing vast contents of libraries in electronic formats. Hart named his efforts Project Gutenberg, after the inventor of the printing press. Libraries were early adopters of the technology. But it took nearly thirty years for the idea of the e-book to take firm hold with the consumer.
G.
The Frankfurt Book Fair is held in October of each year. It usually hosts more than 7,300 exhibitors from 100 countries ranging from Albania to Zimbabwe. For the American book publishing industry, the Frankfurt Book Fair is predominantly a trade fair, that is, a professional meeting place for publishers, editors, librarians, book subsidiary rights managers, booksellers, film producers, authors and many others who are involved in the creation and licensing of book content.
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соответствующую часть предложения, в таблицу.
London
Zoo
London Zoo is
one of the most important zoos in the world. There are over 12,000
animals at London Zoo and A __________! Its main
concern is to breed threatened animals in captivity. This means we
might be able to restock the wild, should disaster ever befall the wild
population.
Partula
Snail, Red Crowned Crane, Arabian Oryx, Golden Lion Tamarin, Persian
Leopard, Asiatic Lion and Sumatran Tiger are just some of the species
London Zoo is helping to save.
That is why
it is so important that we fight to preserve the habitats that these
animals live in, as well as eliminate other dangers B __________.
But we aim to make your day at London Zoo a fun and memorable
time, C __________.
In the Ambika
Paul Children’s Zoo, for instance, youngsters can learn a new love and
appreciation for animals D __________. They can also
learn how to care for favourite pets in the Pet Care Centre.
Then there
are numerous special Highlight events E __________
unforgettable pony rides to feeding times and spectacular animal
displays. You will get to meet keepers and ask them what you are
interested in about the animals they care for, F __________.
Whatever you
decide, you will have a great day. We have left no stone unturned to
make sure you do!
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предложений, обозначенными цифрами 1–7. Одна из
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соответствующую часть предложения, в таблицу.
Harry
Potter course for
university students
Students of
Durham University are being given the chance to sign up to what is
thought to be the UK’s first course focusing on the world
of Harry Potter. Although every English-speaking person in the world
knows about Harry Potter books and films, few have thought of using
them as a guide to … modern life.
The Durham
University module uses the works of JK Rowling A __________ modern
society. “Harry Potter and the Age of Illusion” will be available for
study next year. So far about 80 undergraduates have signed B __________ a
BA degree in Education Studies. Future educationalists will analyse JK
Rowling’s fanfiction from various points of view.
A university
spokesman said: “This module places the Harry Potter novels in a wider
social and cultural context.” He added that a number of themes would be
explored, C __________ the classroom, bullying,
friendship and solidarity and the ideals of and good citizenship.
The module
was created by the head of the Department of Education at Durham
University. He said the idea for the new module had appeared in
response D __________ body: “It seeks to place
the series in its wider social and cultural context and will explore
some fundamental issuesE __________. You just need to read
the academic writing which started F __________ that
Harry Potter is worthy of serious study.”
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предложений, обозначенными цифрами 1–7. Одна из
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соответствующую часть предложения, в таблицу.
Mobile
phones
On New Year’s
Day, 1985, Michael Harrison phoned his father, Sir Ernest, to wish him
a happy new year. Sir Ernest was chairman of Racal Electronics, the
owner of Vodafone, A __________.
At the time,
mobile phones weighed almost a kilogram, cost several thousand pounds
and provided only 20 minutes talktime. The networks themselves were small;
Vodafone had just a dozen masts covering London. Nobody had any idea of
the huge potential of wireless communication and the dramatic
impact B __________.
Hardly anyone
believed there would come a day when mobile phones were so
popular C __________. But in 1999 one mobile phone was
sold in the UK every four seconds, and by 2004 there were more mobile
phones in the UK than people. The boom was a result of increased
competition which pushed prices lower and created innovations in the
way that mobiles were sold.
When the
government introduced more competition, companies started cutting
prices to attract more customers. Cellnet, for example, changed its
prices, D __________. It also introduced local call
tariffs.
The way that
handsets themselves were marketed was also changing and it was
Finland’s Nokia who made E __________. In the late
1990s Nokia realized that the mobile phone was a fashion item: so it
offered interchangeable covers which allowed you to customize and
personalize your handset.
The mobile
phone industry has spent the later part of the past decade reducing its
monthly charge F __________, which has culminated in
the fight between the iPhone and a succession of touch screen rivals.
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предложений, обозначенными цифрами 1–7. Одна из
частей в списке 1–7 лишняя. Занесите цифру, обозначающую
соответствующую часть предложения, в таблицу.
Laughing
and evolution
The first
hoots of laughter from an ancient ancestor of humans could be heard at
least 10 million years ago, according to the results of a new study.
Researchers
used recordings of apes and babies being tickled A __________
to the last common ancestor that humans shared with the modern great
apes, which include chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans.
The finding
challenges the opinion B __________, suggesting
instead that it emerged long before humans split from the evolutionary
path that led to our primate cousins, between 10m and 16m years ago.
“In humans,
laughing can be the strongest way of expressing how much we are
enjoying ourselves, but it can also be used in other contexts, like
making fun of someone,” said Marina Davila Ross, a psychologist at
Portsmouth University. “I was interested in C __________.”
Davila Ross
travelled to seven zoos around Europe and visited a wildlife reserve in
Sabah, Borneo, to record baby and juvenile apesD __________.
Great apes are known to make noises that are similar to laughter when
they are excited and while they are playing with each other.
Davila Ross
collected recordings of laughter from 21 chimps, gorillas, orangutans
and bonobos and added recordings of three babies that were tickled to
make them laugh.
To analyze
the recordings, the team put them into a computer program. “Our
evolutionary tree based on these acoustic recordings alone showed E __________,
but furthest from orangutans, with gorillas somewhere in the middle.”
said Davila Ross. “What this shows is
strong evidence to suggest F __________.”
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соответствующую часть предложения, в таблицу.
Nenets
Culture affected by Global Warming
For 1,000
years the indigenous Nenets people have migrated along the
450-mile-long Yamal peninsula in northern Russia. In summer they wander
northwards, taking their reindeer with them. In winter they return
southwards.
But this
remote region of north-west Siberia is now being affected by global
warming. Traditionally the Nenets travel across the frozen River Ob in
November A __________ around Nadym. These days,
though, this annual winter migration is delayed. Last year the Nenets,
together with many thousands of reindeer, had to wait until late
December B __________.
“Our reindeer
were hungry. There wasn’t enough food,” Jakov Japtik, a Nenets reindeer
herder, said. “The snow is melting sooner, quicker and faster than
before. In spring it’s difficult for the reindeer to pull the sledges.
They get tired,” Japtik said.
Herders say
that the peninsula’s weather is increasingly
unpredictable – with unseasonal snowstorms C __________,
and milder longer autumns. In winter, temperatures used to go down
to -50°C. Now they are normally around -30°C, according to
Japtik. “Obviously we prefer-30°C. But the changes aren’t good for the
reindeer D __________,” he said, setting off on his
sledge to round up his reindeer herd.
Here, in one
of the most remote parts of the planet, there are clear signs E __________.
Last year the Nenets arrived at a regular summer camping spot and
discovered that half of their lake had disappeared. The water had
drained away after a landslide. The Nenets report other curious changes
– there are fewer mosquitoes and a strange increase in flies. Scientists say there is unmistakable evidence F __________.
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предложений, обозначенными цифрами 1–7. Одна из
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соответствующую часть предложения, в таблицу.
Duration
of life and its social implications
The world’s
population is about to reach a landmark of huge social and economic
importance, when the proportion of the global population over 65
outnumbers children under 5 for the first time. A new report by the US
census bureau shows A __________, with enormous
consequences for both rich and poor nations.
The rate of
growth will shoot up in the next couple of years. B __________
a combination of the high birth rates after the Second World War and
more recent improvements in health that are bringing down death rates
at older ages. Separate UN forecasts predict that the global population
will be more than nine billion by 2050.
The US census
bureau was the first to sound C __________. Its latest
forecasts warn governments and international bodies that this change in
population structure will bring widespread challenges at every level of
human organization, starting with the structure of the family, which
will be transformed as people live longer. This will in turn place new
burdens on careers and social services providers, D __________ for
health services and pensions systems.
“People are
living longer and, in some parts of the world, healthier lives,” the
authors conclude. “This represents one of the greatest achievements of
the last century but also a significant challenge E __________ population.”
Ageing will
put pressure on societies at all levels. One way of measuring that is
to look at the older dependency ratio, F __________ that
must be supported by them. The ODR is the number of people aged 65 and
over for every 100 people aged 20 to 64. It varies widely, from just
six in Kenya to 33 in Italy and Japan. The UK has an ODR of
26, and the US has 21.
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предложений, в таблицу.
Welcome to the Smithsonian
When you visit any of the Smithsonian’s 19 museums and
galleries or the National zoo, you are entering the largest museum
complex in the world. This complex holds about 137 million unique
objects in its trust for the American people.
The Smithsonian was established in 1846 with funds given
to the United States by
James Smithson, an English scientist. The main idea was to increase and
spread knowledge for free. And now all Smithsonian institutions are
still devoted to public education, A__________
history.
Ten Smithsonian museums and galleries are located in the
centre of the U.S. capital.
Six other museums and the National zoo are nearby in the Washington metropolitan
area, B__________.
The 19th and
the newest museum C__________
is the National Museum of African American history and culture. It is
now operating in the form of a virtual museum. Its key feature is the
memory book, D__________.
These diverse memories are linked to each other and to the museum
content, E__________.
The Smithsonian complex is home to the world’s foremost
research centres in science, the arts and the humanities. Besides the
basic research F__________,
there are a number of special facilities. Conservation centre at the
zoo studies rare and endangered species, environment centre carries out
research in ecosystems in the coastal area.
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предложений, в таблицу.
Arizona’s world class cruise
Spectacular Canyon Lake is
situated in the heart of the Superstition Mountains in Arizona,
giving home to the Dolly Steamboat. The Dolly Steamboat, A __________,
now cruises the secluded inner waterways of this beautiful lake. It is
worth exploring this favourite destination of President Theodore Roosevelt
who declared, “The Apache Trail and surrounding area combines the
grandeur of the Alps, the glory of the Rockies, the magnificence of the Grand
Canyon and then adds something B __________.”
You will marvel as you travel up to the national forest, which provides
the most inspiring and beautiful panorama C __________.
Every trip brings new discoveries of rock formations, geological
history, and the flora and fauna distinct to the deserts of Arizona.
Once aboard the Dolly Steamboat, you may view the majestic desert big
horn sheep, bald eagles and a host bird of other wildlife, water fowl, D __________.
Experience the unique sound harmony that is created by the waters of Canyon Lake.
Stretch out and relax at one of the tables or stand next to the
railings on the deck. There is plenty of leg room on the Dolly. You
will get a unique chance to listen to the captainE __________.
All the passengers are treated with outstanding service and personal
attention to every need. Feel free to ask questions, move about and
mingle with the crew. So enjoy an unforgettable vacation cruise and see F __________
like a ride on Arizona’s Dolly Steamboat.
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предложений, в таблицу.
Lots of fun in Cardiff
As you would
expect of a capital city, Cardiff offers
a huge choice of exciting sport and entertainment throughout the year.
Every March
the city celebrates St. David, Wales’
patron saint, with parades and music. August sees the International
Festival of Street Entertainment, with the heart of the city A __________.
Family fun days in the parks and at the waterfront are part of this
sensational summer scene. Brass and military bands are often to be seen
on Cardiff’s streets. Between May
and October the world’s only seagoing paddle steamer cruises from Cardiff’s
seaside resort.
In autumn the
fun continues with Cardiff’s Festival of the Arts B __________.
Music is at the centre of the festival, with international starsC __________.
Christmas in Cardiff is
full of colour and festivities. The truly spectacular Christmas
illuminations have earned Cardiff the
title of “Christmas City”.
And there is entertainment for all the family, D __________.
There is
always something happening in Cardiff.
The BBC National Orchestra of Wales and Welsh National Opera can both
be heard here.Cardiff previews
many London “West
End” shows E __________.
The city’s
range of accommodation facilities is truly impressive, F __________.
And with a city as compact as Cardiff there
are places to stay in all price brackets.
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D808FB |
Установите соответствие между заголовками 1–8 и
текстами A–G. Занесите свои ответы в таблицу.
Используйте каждую цифру только один раз. В задании один
заголовок лишний.
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F6B66B |
Прочитайте текст и выполните задания А15–А21.
В каждом задании укажите номер выбранного Вами варианта ответа.
Orient Express
In the early 1860s,
trains were the preferred way to travel. They weren’t particularly
comfortable, however, until American engineer George Mortimer Pullman
decided to make trains more luxurious.
By the late 1860s, trains
furnished not only sleeping cars, but kitchen and dining facilities,
where A __________.
This was innovative for the time, and was aimed to encourage people B __________.
The first of these Pullman trains in England ran
from London to Brighton and
used electricity for illumination.
In 1881, another railway
entrepreneur, George Nagelmacker, introduced the use of a restaurant
car onboard, and the first Orient Express train service was begun.
Running from Paris to Romania the
route included Strasbourg, Vienna, Budapest and Bucharest.
Thanks to the 12
mile Simplon Tunnel, C __________,
the Orient Express expanded, including a route to Istanbul,
and the legendary romance of the Orient Express was in full swing.
Everyone in the social
register, including royalty, chose to travel on the wheels of that luxury
hotel D __________ in
wealthy surroundings. Legends, stories, and intrigue surrounded those
trips to exotic places, and those famous people E __________.
Unfortunately, during World War
II this luxury travel was closed for the most part, and later, after
the war, F __________ to
start it again. Within the next few years airplane travel became
popular, and train passenger service declined.
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42AB16 |
Установите соответствие между заголовками 1–8 и
текстами A–G. Занесите свои ответы в таблицу.
Используйте каждую цифру только один раз. В задании один
заголовок лишний.
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97F1E7 |
Прочитайте текст и заполните пропуски A–F частями
предложений, обозначенными цифрами 1–7. Одна из
частей в списке 1–7 лишняя. Занесите цифры, обозначающие
соответствующие части предложений, в таблицу.
Number of teenagers with Saturday job drops
The number of teenagers with
Saturday jobs has dropped. Young people do not acquire any experience
for their CVs – a crucial step towards getting full-time
work. The proportion of teenagers combining part-time jobs with school
or college has slumped from 40% in the 1990s to around 20% now,
according to the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES),
a government agency. Latest figures show that only A__________
in 1997.
The trend is not just
recession-related, but the result of an increasing expectation B__________
well as a falling number of Saturday jobs, according to the report.
Many of the jobs that young people do, such as bar work, are in
long-term decline, and are forecast to decline further over the next
decade.
«Recruiters place
significant emphasis on experience … C__________,»
the report says. Word of mouth is the most common way to get a job, D__________
young people are unable to build up informal contacts, it adds.
Ms. Todd, a commissioner
at the UKCES, said: «There’s more emphasis on doing well at
school, young people are finding less time to do what they would have
done a few years ago. «I think it’s also the changing structure of
the labour market. Retail is still a big employer,E__________.
As a consequence, we need to think about how we get young people the
work experience they need.»
A new initiative to send
employees into state schools to talk about their careers was also
launched recently. The scheme, Inspiring the Future, is meant to give
state schoolchildren access to the kind of careers advice that private
schools offer. The deputy prime minister said: «The power of
making connections F__________
and can be life-changing.»
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1C55FB |
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Установите соответствие между заголовками 1–8 и
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Прочитайте текст и заполните пропуски A–F частями Saturday Research has The link Skier Chemmy Alcott got a job working for the Good Ski As part of its response to the Saturday job statistics,
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Установите соответствие между заголовками 1–8 и
текстами A–G. Занесите свои ответы в таблицу. Используйте
каждую цифру только один раз. В задании один заголовок лишний.
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228F8F |
Прочитайте текст и заполните пропуски A–F частями
предложений, обозначенными цифрами 1–7. Одна из частей
в списке 1–7 лишняя. Занесите цифры, обозначающие соответствующие
части предложений, в таблицу.
America’s
fun place on America’s
main street
If any city were considered a part of every citizen in
the United States, it would be Washington, DC.
To many, the Old Post Office Pavilion serves A __________.
If you are in the area, be a part of it all by visiting
us – or B __________. Doing so
will keep you aware of the latest musical events, great happenings and
international dining, to say the least.
Originally built in 1899, the Old Post Office Pavilion
embodied the modern spirit С __________. Today, our
architecture and spirit of innovation continues to evolve and thrive.
And, thanks to forward-thinking people, you can now stroll through the
Old Post Office Pavilion and experience both D __________
with international food, eclectic shopping and musical events. All
designed to entertain lunch, mid-day and after work audiences all week
long.
A highlight of the Old Post Office Pavilion is its 315-foot Clock
Tower. Offering a breath-taking view of the city, National Park Service
Rangers give free Clock Tower tours every day! Individuals and large
tour groups are all welcome. The Old Post Office Clock Tower also
proudly houses the official United States Bells of Congress, a gift
from England E __________.
The Washington Ringing Society sounds the Bells of Congress every
Thursday evening and on special occasions.
Visit the Old Post Office Pavilion, right on Pennsylvania
Avenue between the White House and the
Capitol. It is a great opportunityF __________,
this is a landmark not to be missed no matter your age.
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46CA5E |
Установите соответствие между заголовками 1–8 и
текстами A–G. Занесите свои ответы в таблицу.
Используйте каждую цифру только один раз. В задании один
заголовок лишний.
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0DF142 |
Прочитайте текст и заполните пропуски A–F частями
предложений, обозначенными цифрами 1–7. Одна из
частей в списке 1–7 лишняя. Занесите цифры, обозначающие
соответствующие части предложений, в таблицу.
Changing
image
For more than 200 years Madame Tussaud’s has been
attracting tourists from all over the world and it remains just as
popular as it ever was. There are many reasons for this enduring
success, but at the heart of it all is good, old-fashioned curiosity.
Madame Tussaud’s original concept has entered a brand
new era of interactive entertainment A __________.
Today’s visitors are sent on a breathtaking journey in black cabs
through hundreds of years of the past. They have a unique chance to see
the great legends of history,B __________ of politics.
Much of the figure construction technique follows the traditional
pattern, beginning whenever possible with the subject C __________
and personal characteristics. The surprising likeliness of the wax
portraits also owes much to many stars D __________,
either by providing their stage clothes, or simply giving useful
advice.
The museum continues constantly to add figures E __________
popularity. The attraction also continues to expand globally with
established international branches in New
York, Hong Kong, Amsterdam and
many other cities. And they all have the same rich mix of interaction,
authenticity and local appeal.
The museum provides a stimulating and educational
environment for schoolchildren. Its specialists are working together
with practicing teachers and educational advisors to create different
programmes of activities, F __________.
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41FB36 |
Установите соответствие между заголовками 1–8 и
текстами A–G. Занесите свои ответы в таблицу.
Используйте каждую цифру только один раз. В задании один
заголовок лишний.
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0D4B04 |
Прочитайте текст и заполните пропуски A–F частями
предложений, обозначенными цифрами 1–7. Одна из
частей в списке 1–7 лишняя. Занесите цифры, обозначающие
соответствующие части предложений, в таблицу.
Lindsay Wildlife Museum
Lindsay Wildlife Museum is a unique
natural history and environmental education centre where visitors can
listen to the cry of a red-tailed hawk, go eye-to-eye with a grey fox
and watch a bald eagle eat lunch. More than fifty species of native California animals
are on exhibit here.
Thousands of school children learn about the natural
environment in their classrooms A __________ of
the museum. Nature- and science-oriented classes and trips are offered
for adults and children. More than 600 volunteers help to feed and care
for wild animals,B __________. Volunteers are active in the
museum’s work, contributing C __________.
The museum was founded by a local businessman, Alexander
Lindsay. Sandy, as friends knew him,
started teaching neighborhood children about nature in the early 1950s.
Initially housed in an elementary school, the museum began offering
school-aged children summer classes, D__________.
After nearly a decade of the museum operation, it became
apparent E __________.
With a new 5,000 square-foot home, the museum could now develop and
display a permanent collection of live, native wildlife and natural
history objects.
People came to the museum for help with wild animals F __________
urban growth. In response, a formal wildlife rehabilitation
programme – the first of its kind in the United
States of America – began in 1970.
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1399C9 |
Прочитайте
вопросы 1 – 6. Установите, в каких текстах A – G можно
найти ответы на эти вопросы. Занесите свои ответы в таблицу. Используйте
каждый текст только один раз. В задании один текст
лишний.
In which
place сan
visitors
|
1. |
buy |
4. |
see a very |
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2. |
lie in the |
5. |
eat Irish |
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3. |
do water |
6. |
see a |
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-A- |
-B- A |
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-C- |
-D- |
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-E- |
-F- |
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-G- |
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6C28DD |
Прочитайте
вопросы 1 – 6. Установите, в каких текстах A – G можно
найти ответы на эти вопросы. Занесите свои ответы в таблицу. Используйте
каждый текст только один раз. В задании один текст
лишний.
Which place
|
1. |
is rich in |
4. |
is a |
|
2. |
was a |
5. |
was described |
|
3. |
was an |
6. |
is a centre |
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-A- Rochester was |
-B- Herkimer was |
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-C- Cooperstown was |
-D- Saranac |
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-E- Potsdam was |
-F- Huntington has |
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-G- Panama |
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1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
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5F4705 |
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Прочитайте Which place
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Прочитайте
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Прочитайте
утверждения 1 – 6 и следующие за
ними тексты. Установите соответствие между утверждениями и содержанием
текстов. Запишите в таблицу цифру 1, если утверждение верное,
цифру 0, если утверждение неверное.
|
1. Leicester’s 2. Most 3. The |
On first |
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4. Local 5. A famous 6. Dorchester is |
The county |
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1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
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A10A9A |
Прочитайте
утверждения 1 – 6 и следующие за
ними тексты. Установите соответствие между утверждениями и содержанием
текстов. Запишите в таблицу цифру 1, если утверждение верное,
цифру 0, если утверждение неверное.
|
1. Atlanta is 2. Tourists 3. There |
Atlanta is |
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4. Chicago is 5. Chicago is 6. Chicago’s |
Chicago is |
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
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|
391BD8 |
Прочитайте
утверждения 1 – 6 и следующие за
ними тексты. Установите соответствие между утверждениями и содержанием
текстов. Запишите в таблицу цифру 1, если утверждение верное,
цифру 0, если утверждение неверное.
|
1. New 2. Jackson 3. Visitors |
As an |
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4. The 5. Portlandia 6. Informal |
There is |
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1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
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51BF5A |
Установите
соответствие между заголовками A – F и текстами писем 1 – 5, опубликованных в
журнале для изучающих английский язык. Занесите свои ответы в
таблицу. Используйте каждую букву только один раз. В задании один заголовоклишний.
А. PROBLEMS
WITH TEACHING METHODS
B. MAKING
IT EASIER TO UNDERSTAND
C. STUDYING
WITH OR WITHOUT A TEACHER
D. COMMUNICATION
PROBLEMS
E. EXAMINATION
RESULTS
F. ENGLISH
PEOPLE’S MISTAKES
1. I’m
a 24-year-old business student from Malaysia and I’ve been
going to English classes at night school for the past 5 years. Up to now
I’ve thought that I’m a good student. Last month I went to Britain.
Nobody could understand me and I couldn’t understand them. What went
wrong? My English teacher is very good and I always get the highest mark
for my grammar test.
2. I’m
writing to ask your opinion on my problem. My English teacher never
corrects my mistakes when I’m speaking. Isn’t that her job? How am I
going to learn to speak better? Also she’s always telling me that I
should forget all the rules of grammar that I learnt when I was younger.
3. I
am looking after two small English children. I love my job but the way
that English people speak is a little surprising. For example, I often
hear them say things like ‘more friendlier’, and I thought it should be
‘more friendly’. Many of them say ‘we was’ instead of ‘we were’. Can you
explain this? Would it be impolite of me to correct them?
4. I
have been studying English for three years. I’m quite good at reading and
writing but listening is very difficult for me. My teacher suggested that
I listen to the BBC World Service every day in order to understand
English better. The problem is that it’s hard for me to understand every
word. Do you have any ideas about how to make listening to the radio less
difficult? I like to listen to news very much.
5. I
have studied English for five years at school but for the past six months
I have been using the Internet and books to learn. There are lots of
materials to choose but I’m not sure what is best for me and how I should
use them. I really would like to take some international examination but
don’t know how to study without help. Should I take a course in my local
school – which is a little expensive for me now – or is it possible to
prepare for the exam on my own?
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
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E4BE99 |
Установите
соответствие между темами A – G и текстами 1 – 6. Занесите свои ответы в
таблицу. Используйте каждую буквутолько один раз. В
задании одна тема лишняя.
This museum tells you
about the history of
|
A. |
industry |
E. |
а city |
|
B. |
science |
F. |
transport |
|
C. |
toys |
G. |
canals |
|
D. |
costumes |
1. Step
inside this magical 1850s »Cinema» for an exciting tour
of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. As the lights go down a
brilliant moving image of the capital appears before you, while the guide
tells the story of Edinburgh’s historic past.
2. The National Waterways Museum of Gloucester brings
to life the time when Britain’s waterways were dug between towns.
Transport by these ways was cheaper than transport by land. Many exhibits
give visitors the chance to relive the Age which helped to
revolutionize Britain’s water system.
3. Black
Country Museum is an open-air museum. Your visit there is
always exciting and enjoyable. Guides in national costumes and working
demonstrators tell visitors a story of the time when different machines
were invented in Britain and factories began to develop very
quickly.
4. Travel
through time and discover the colourful story of travel. See shiny buses,
tube trains and trams of different centuries. As you step into the past
you’ll meet people who’ve kept London moving for 200 years.
Hold tight as you put yourself in the driving seat and enjoy your
journey.
5. This
museum is full of wonderful models of trains, buses, ships and cars. See
the 1920s model Story Land Park and play the old
slot-machines. It also has a nursery of the beginning of the 20th century.
The wonderful collection of dolls contains different marionettes from
Ancient Roman Gladiator doll to figures of today.
6. This
museum illustrates the development of human knowledge through different
instruments. The museum has a clockwork model of the solar system
from1750 as well as microscopes, telescopes, navigation instruments,
electrical machines and tools.
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
|
|
D607F3 |
Установите
соответствие между темами A – G и текстами 1 – 6. Занесите свои ответы в
таблицу. Используйте каждую букву только один раз. В
задании одна тема лишняя.
|
A. |
Dance |
E. |
Imaginary |
|
B. |
Souvenirs |
F. |
Shops |
|
C. |
Food and drink |
G. |
Language |
|
D. |
Material |
1. Irish
hand-made tweed is famous all over the world for its individual look, its
quality and different colours. This cloth is made from wool and widely
used for caps, hats, skirts, trousers, and jackets. Tweeds can be bought
in most of the larger cities as well as in the specialist tweed shops.
The most famous place for tweed production in Ireland is
Donegal.
2. Ceili
consists of hundreds of people. They join arms together, dance up and
down a hall at high speeds to the fast sounds of Irish traditional music.
Men and women move so quickly turning round and round, that if they don’t
fall at least once, it means that they are not trying hard enough.
3. Gaelic
is not widely used today in Ireland. With hundreds of years of
colonisation by the British it lost its significance and was used less
and less. It wasn’t allowed to be taught in the schools, and it became
impossible to use Gaelic in most jobs.
4. Irish
products are very popular. Irish hand-made farmhouse cheeses, chocolates
and wild smoked salmon taste so nice that they are known everywhere. Many
people like Irish coffee which is a hot drink made with coffee, whiskey,
and cream. Baileys, a cream liqueur, is becoming known internationally.
We must also mention Guinness, is a type of beer, which for many years
has been as the meal in a glass.
5. Children
in Ireland love to listen to stories about leprechaun, a small
wizard with magic powers who could make impossible things happen. He is
dressed in green velvet and wears a shiny black belt and magic shoes. He
is very small, no more than half a metre tall. He has a pot of gold and
gets very angry if he thinks someone is trying to steal it.
6. Irish
products are of great value and high quality. They can always tell a
story of the history, culture and geography of the place where they were
made. Most visitors know of Aran sweaters, Irish
lace, Ulster linen table-cloths and bed
covers, Galway glasses, Tara plates and cups. Hardly
any visitor leaves the country without buying something which will remind
them of the country later.
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
|
|
EB8526 |
Установите
соответствие между темами A – G и текстами 1 – 6. Занесите свои ответы в
таблицу. Используйте каждую букву только один раз. В
задании одна тема лишняя.
|
A. |
Hotel |
E. |
Safety rules |
|
B. |
Climate |
F. |
Parks |
|
C. |
Parking |
G. |
Sightseeing |
|
D. |
Newspapers |
1. On
most downtown Manhattan streets people are not allowed to leave
their cars. Midtown car parks and garages are about $6.75 an hour. Some
restaurants and hotels have free car parks. If you are staying at a hotel
with this service, it is easiest to leave your car in the garage and use
public transport or taxis.
2. Start
your day with a laugh, enjoy the funniest pictures in The New
York Daily News. Turn over the pages of The NY Times which
has won a total of 108 Pulitzer prizes. Read 11 English and foreign
language papers which come out every day and you will be in touch with
serious problems in the world and in the country.
3. Seasons
in New York are distinct. Summers are generally hot and humid,
with practically no difference between daytime and evening temperatures.
Winters tend to be bitter, although snow and sleet are not that often.
Spring and autumn are mild in the day time and cool at nights.
4. This
is a great way to see New York. Drivers are experienced and you will
feel safe; buses are comfortable and you will feel fine in any weather.
They are all air-conditioned. You are offered different excursions. The
all-day excursions visit the top tourist attractions and other excursions
which last from 2 to 4 hours can be interesting for people with
different tastes.
5. No
visit to Long Island is complete without the Marriot. Centrally
located near Roosevelt Raceway and Roosevelt Field Indoor Mall, it offers
expensive and comfortable rooms, fine restaurants, a lively nightclub
with an indoor pool. You will be offered outstanding service and
hospitality. For information and reservation call (800)228-9290.
6. Drivers,
front seat passengers and all back seat passengers younger than 10 must
fasten their seat belts around themselves. The state law takes these
precautions to protect people against possible trouble. Drivers pay if
their passengers are younger than 16 and not wearing seat belts.
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
|
|
FE3391 |
Установите
соответствие между заголовками A – G и текстами 1 – 6. Занесите свои ответы в
таблицу. Используйте каждую букву только один раз. В задании один заголовок лишний.
|
A. |
First |
E. |
Professional |
|
B. |
Risky sport |
F. |
Shopping from |
|
C. |
Shopping in |
G. |
New users |
|
D. |
Difficult |
1. A group
of university students from Brazil have been given the job of
discovering and locating all the waterfalls in their country. It is not
easy because very often the maps are not detailed. The students have to
remain in water for long periods of time. Every day they cover a distance
of 35 to 40 kilometers through the jungle, each carrying 40
kilos of equipment.
2. For
many years now, mail-order shopping has served the needs of a certain
kind of customers. Everything they order from a catalogue is delivered to
their door. Now, though, e-mail shopping on the Internet has opened up
even more opportunities for this kind of shopping.
3. Another
generation of computer fans has arrived. They are neither spotty
schoolchildren nor intellectual professors, but pensioners who are
learning computing with much enthusiasm. It is particularly interesting
for people suffering from arthritis as computers offer a way of writing
nice clear letters. Now pensioners have discovered the Internet and at
the moment they make up the fastest growing membership.
4. Shopping
centres are full of all kinds of stores. They are like small,
self-contained towns where you can find everything you want. In a large
centre, shoppers can find everything they need without having to go
anywhere else. They can leave their cars in the shopping centre car park
and buy everything in a covered complex, protected from the heat, cold or
rain.
5. Not
many people know that, back in the fifties, computers were very big, and
also very slow. They took up complete floors of a building, and were less
powerful, and much slower than any of today’s compact portable computers.
At first, the data they had to process and record was fed in on
punched-out paper; later magnetic tape was used, but both systems were
completely inconvenient.
6. Potholing
is a dull name for a most interesting and adventurous sport. Deep
underground, on the tracks of primitive men and strange animals who have
adapted to life without light, finding unusual landscapes and underground
lakes, the potholer lives an exciting adventure. You mustn’t forget,
though, that it can be quite dangerous. Without the proper equipment you
can fall, get injured or lost.
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1. Safe, 2. As 3. Nowadays, 4. Technology 5. Good-bye, 6. If
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Установите
1. People 2. Pandas 3. Imagine 4. Today 5. Pet 6. One
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Прочитайте
журнальную статью о книге и выполните задания 1 – 5, выбирая
букву A, B, C или D. Установите соответствие номера задания выбранному вами
варианту ответа.
«A good book for
children should simply be a good book in its own right.» These are
the words of Mollie Hunter, a well-known author of books for youngsters.
Born and bred near Edinburgh, Mollie has devoted her talents to
writing primarily for young people. She firmly believes that there is always
and should always be a wider audience for any good book whatever its main
market. In Mollie’s opinion it is essential to make full use of language
and she enjoys telling a story, which is what every writer should be
doing: »If you aren’t telling a story, you’re a very dead writer
indeed,» she says.
When Mollie was a
child her home was still a village with buttercup meadows and strawberry
fields – sadly now covered with modern houses. «I was once taken
back to see it and I felt that somebody had lain dirty hands all over my
childhood. I’ll never go back,» she said. «Never.» »When
I set one of my books in Scotland,» she said, «I can
recapture my romantic feelings as a child playing in those fields, or
watching the village blacksmith at work. And that’s important, because
children now know so much so early that romance can’t exist for them, as
it did for us.»
To this day, Mollie
has a lively affection for children, which is reflected in the love she
has for her writing. «When we have visitors with children the adults
always say, «If you go to visit Mollie, she’ll spend more time with
the children.» Molly believes that parents don’t realize that
children are much more interesting company and always have something new
and unexpected to say.
1. In
Mollie’s opinion a good book should
А) be attractive to a
wide audience.
B) be attractive
primarily to youngsters.
C) be based on
original ideas.
D) include a lot of
description.
2. How
does Mollie feel about what has happened to her birthplace?
А) confused
B) ashamed
C) disappointed
D) surprised
3. In
comparison with children of earlier years, Mollie feels that modern
children are
А) more romantic.
B) better informed.
C) less keen to learn.
D) less interested in
fiction.
4. Mollie’s
adult visitors generally discover that she
А) is a lively person.
B) is interesting
company.
C) talks a lot about
her work.
D) pays more attention
to their children.
5. Mollie
thinks that the parents
А) are not aware of
their children’s gifts.
B) overestimate their
children’s talents.
C) sometimes don’t
understand what their children say.
D) don’t spend much
time with their children.
|
|
7F6D5A |
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букву A, B, C или D. Установите соответствие номера задания выбранному вами
варианту ответа.
I had first become
acquainted with my Italian friend by meeting him at certain great houses
where he taught his own language and I taught drawing. All I then knew of
the history of his life was that he had left Italy for
political reasons; and that he had been for many years respectably
established in London as a teacher.
Without being actually
a dwarf – for he was perfectly well-proportioned from head to foot –
Pesca was, I think, the smallest human being I ever saw. Remarkable
anywhere, by his personal appearance, he was still further distinguished
among the mankind by the eccentricity of his character. The ruling idea
of Peska’s life now was to show his gratitude to the country that had
given him a shelter by doing his utmost to turn himself into an
Englishman. The Professor aspired to become an Englishman in his habits and
amusements, as well as in his personal appearance. Finding us
distinguished, as a nation, by our love of athletic exercises, the little
man, devoted himself to all our English sports and pastimes, firmly
persuaded that he could adopt our national amusements by an effort of
will the same way as he had adopted our national gaiters and our national
white hat.
I had seen him risk
his limbs blindly unlike others at a fox-hunt and in
a cricket field; and soon afterwards I saw him risk his life, just as
blindly, in the sea at Brighton.
We had met there
accidentally, and were bathing together. If we had been engaged in any
exercise peculiar to my own nation I should, of course, have looked after
Pesca carefully; but as foreigners are generally quite as well able to
take care of themselves in the water as Englishmen, it never occurred to
me that the art of swimming might merely add one more to the list of
manly exercises which the Professor believed that he could learn on the
spot. Soon after we had both struck out from shore, I stopped, finding my
friend did not
follow me, and turned round to look for him. To my horror and amazement,
I saw nothing between me and the beach but two little white arms which
struggled for an instant above the surface of the water, and then
disappeared from view. When I dived for him, the poor little man was
lying quietly at the bottom, looking smaller than I had ever seen him
look before.
When he had thoroughly
recovered himself, his warm Southern nature broke through all artificial
English restraints in a moment. He overwhelmed me with the wildest
expressions of affection and in his exaggerated Italian way declared that
he should never be happy again until he rendered me some service which I
might remember to the end of my days.
Little did I think
then – little did I think afterwards – that the opportunity of serving me
was soon to come; that he was eagerly to seize it on the instant; and
that by so doing he was to turn the whole current of my existence into a
new channel. Yet so it was. If I had not dived for Professor Pesca when
he lay under water, I should never, perhaps, have heard even the name of
the woman, who now directs the purpose of my life.
1. Peska taught
A) drawing.
B) Italian.
C) English.
D) politics.
2. Peska
impressed people by being
A) well-built.
B) well-mannered.
C) strange.
D) ill-mannered.
3. Peska tried
to become a true Englishman because he
A) was
thankful to the country that had adopted him.
B) enjoyed
Englishman’s pastimes and amusements.
C) loved
the way the English did athletic exercises.
D) was
fond of the eccentric fashions of the English.
4. ‘… risk his
limbs blindly’ means Peska
A) didn’t
look where he went.
B)
was unaware of danger from others.
C)
caused a problem for others.
D) acted
rather thoughtlessly.
5. The author
didn’t look after Peska carefully because
A) they
both had been engaged in the peculiar English exercise.
B) foreigners
were generally bathing not far from the shore.
C) the
author was sure that Peska would learn swimming on the spot.
D) the
author was sure that Peska was a very good swimmer.
6. Peska wanted
to do the author some favour as
A) it
was in his warm nature.
B) the
author had saved his life.
C) the
author was his best friend.
D) he
wanted to look English.
7. Peska managed
to
A) change
the author’s life completely.
B) become
English to the core.
C) meet
a woman who later directed his life.
D) turn
his existence into a new channel.
|
|
F2A5B2 |
Прочитайте
отрывок из романа и выполните задания 1 – 7, выбирая
букву A, B, C или D. Установите соответствие номера задания выбранному вами
варианту ответа.
Pitcher, a
confidential clerk in the office of Harvey Maxwell, allowed a look of
mild interest and surprise when his employer briskly entered at half-past
nine in company with a young lady. Miss Leslie had been Maxwell’s
stenographer for a year. She was beautiful in a way that was decidedly
unstenographic. On this morning she was softly and shyly radiant. Her
eyes were dreamily bright, her expression a happy one, tinged with
reminiscence. Pitcher, still mildly curious, noticed a difference in her
ways this morning. Instead of going straight into the adjoining room,
where her desk was, she stayed for a while, slightly irresolute, in the
outer office. Once she moved over by Maxwell’s desk near enough for him
to be aware of her presence.
The man sitting at
that desk was no longer a man; it was a machine, moved by buzzing wheels
and uncoiling springs.
“Well – what is it?
Anything?” asked Maxwell sharply.
“Nothing,” answered
the stenographer, moving away with a little smile.
This day was Harvey
Maxwell’s busy day. Messenger boys ran in and out with messages and
telegrams. Maxwell himself jumped from desk to door sweating. On
the Exchange there were hurricanes and snowstorms and
volcanoes, and those powerful disturbances were reproduced in
miniature in Maxwell’s office. The rush and pace of business grew faster
and fiercer. Share prices were falling and orders to sell them were coming
and going and the man was working like some strong machine. Here was a
world of finance, and there was no room in it for the human world or the
world of nature.
When the luncheon hour
came, Maxwell stood by his desk with a fountain pen over his right ear.
His window was open. And through the window came a delicate, sweet smell
of lilac that fixed the broker for a moment immovable. For this odour
belonged to Miss Leslie; it was her own, and hers only. She was in the
next room – twenty steps away.
“By George, I’ll do it
now,” said Maxwell half aloud. “ I’ll ask her now. I wonder why I didn’t
do it long ago.” He dashed into the inner office and charged upon the
desk of the stenographer. She looked at him with a smile.
“Miss Leslie,” he
began hurriedly, “I have but a moment to spare. I want to say something
in that moment. Will you be my wife? I haven’t had time to approach you
in the ordinary way, but I really do love you.”
“Oh, what are you
talking about?” exclaimed the young lady. She rose to her feet and gazed
upon him, round-eyed.
“Don’t you
understand?” said Maxwell. “I want you to marry me. I love you, Miss
Leslie. I wanted to tell you, and I snatched a minute. They are calling
me for the phone now. Tell them to wait a minute, Pitcher. Won’t you,
Miss Leslie?”
The stenographer acted
very strangely. She seemed overcome with amazement; then tears flowed
from her wondering eyes; and then she smiled sunnily through them.
“I know now,” she said
softly. “It is this old business that has driven everything else out of
your head for the time. I was frightened at first. Don’t you
remember, Harvey? We were married last evening at 8
o’clock in the Little Church Around the Corner.”
1. Harvey
Maxwell was
A) a
stenographer.
B) a
clerk.
C) Pitcher’s
boss.
D) Pitcher’s
partner.
2. Pitcher
was mildly interested and surprised because
A) Miss
Leslie moved decidedly to Maxwell’s desk.
B) Miss
Leslie arrived with Maxwell.
C) Maxwell
came late at half past ten.
D) Maxwell
looked irresolute that morning.
3. It
was Harvey Maxwell’s hard day because
A) he
had no one to help him.
B) all
messenger boys had gone.
C) the
weather was hot.
D) the
Exchange was a busy place.
4. ‘On
the Exchange there were hurricanes and snowstorms and volcanoes’ means
A) the Exchange was
about to be destroyed.
B) the financial
situation was difficult.
C) natural disasters
often happened in that area.
D) those were powerful
disturbances of nature.
5. Maxwell
dashed into the inner office at lunch time because
A) he liked the lilac
smell.
B) the smell reminded
him of Miss Leslie.
C) Pitcher called him
for a phone call.
D) he needed to send a
message.
6. Harvey
Maxwell made a proposal between phone calls because he
A) was rather pressed
for time.
B) used to make
business proposals in such a way.
C) always acted very
strangely.
D) was afraid Miss
Leslie would leave him.
7. Miss
Leslie was astonished by the proposal because
A) she had never heard
anyone make it in such a way.
B) she had never
expected it from Harvey Maxwell.
C) she had married the
man the day before.
D) it came too quickly
and without warning.
|
|
A90C24 |
Прочитайте
отрывок из романа и выполните задания 1 – 7, выбирая
букву A, B, C или D. Установите соответствие номера задания выбранному вами
варианту ответа.
The London Marathon
celebrates its 23rd birthday. That is 23 years of
stresses and strains, blisters and sore bits, and incredible tales.
Somehow, yours truly has managed to run four of them. And I have medals
to prove it. It seemed like a good idea at the time. I watched the
inaugural London Marathon on March 29th, 1981. It seemed
extraordinary that normal people would want to run 26 miles and 385
yards. And, it must be said, they looked strange and not quite steady at
the end of it all. There are, indeed, terrible tales of people losing
consciousness by the time they reach that glorious finishing line. But I
was captivated. I knew I had to do it.
Three years later I
was living in London, not far from Greenwich where the
event begins, and it seemed the perfect opportunity to give it a go. I
was only a short train ride from the starting line, but more than 26
miles from the finish. “Who cares?” I thought. By the end I did. The
moment I crossed that finishing line, and had that medal placed around my
neck, was one of the finest in my life. The sense of achievement was
immense. It was a mad thing to do, and ultimately pointless. But knowing
that I’d run a Marathon – that most historic of all distant
races – felt incredible.
London provides
one of the easiest of all the officially sanctioned marathons because
most of it is flat. Yes, there are the cobblestones while running through
the Tower of London, and there are the quiet patches where
crowds are thin and you are crying out for some encouragement – those
things matter to the alleged “fun” runners like myself, the serious
runners don’t think of such things.
This
year London will attract unprecedented number of athletes, a
lot of title holders among them. It is set to witness what is
probably the greatest field ever for a marathon. In the men’s
race, for example, among numerous applicants there’s the holder of the
world’s best time, Khalid Khannouchi of the USA; the defending
champion El Mouriz of Morocco; Ethiopia’s Olympic bronze-medallist
Tesfaye Tola. And, making his marathon debut, is one of the finest long
distance runners of all time Haile Gebrselassie.
Since 1981, almost
half a million people have completed the London Marathon, raising more
than $125 million for charity. For the majority of the runners, this is
what it is all about. It is for charity, for fun, for self-development.
It is a wonderful day. I have run it with poor training, with proper
training. And I have always loved it.
It’s crazy, and it’s
one of the greatest things I’ve ever done. If you want to feel as though
you’ve achieved something, run a marathon.
1. Participation
in the London Marathon resulted for the author in
A) stresses
and strains.
B) blisters
and sore bits.
C) memorable
medals.
D) incredible
tales.
2. When
the author watched the end of the first marathon he saw people who were
A) extraordinary
steady.
B) feeling weak and
exhausted.
C) losing
consciousness.
D) having a glorious
time.
3. The
reason for the author’s participation in the marathon was the fact that
he
A) was fascinated by
it.
B) lived not far from
its finishing line.
C) wanted to receive a
medal.
D) wanted to do
something incredible.
4. “By
the end I did” means that the author
A) found the distance
suitable.
B) found the distance
challenging.
C) decided to take
part in the marathon.
D) eventually took a
train to the finish.
5. According
to the author, the London Marathon is one of the easiest
because
A) it goes through
the Tower of London.
B) there are quiet
patches without crowds.
C) many “fun” runners
participate in it.
D) its course does not
slope up or down.
6. “…
the greatest field ever for a marathon” means that the marathon
A) will take place on
a big field.
B) is to be run by the
famous runners only.
C) will be witnessed
by more people.
D) will welcome a huge
number of sportsmen.
7. According
to the author, one should run the London Marathon to
A) raise money for
charity.
B) get some training.
C) feel
self-fulfillment.
D) have fun in a crazy
way.
|
|
880754 |
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букву A, B, C или D. Установите соответствие номера задания выбранному вами
варианту ответа.
Harry had come
to Canada from Poland at the age of eight. The family
was sent to a Jewish farming village in Manitoba. His father had
been a merchant in the old country, but he was allowed
into Canada on condition that he took up agriculture. In the
village, they lived in a small wooden house.
When he was sixteen
Harry moved to Winnipeg to work for his cousin Albert in the
fur business. He was paid fifteen dollars a week for sixty or seventy
hours of work. This arrangement continued for two
years, and then Harry asked for a raise or a reduction in working time.
His cousin said no; that was when Harry began his own family fur
business. After his parents sold their farm and moved into the city, he
operated out of their North Winnipeg basement.
I was introduced to
Harry through a friend of mine, a local city planner. Harry now owned
properties in the exchange district, so named because it was where the
grain and fur exchanges started. My friend had been encouraging Harry to
renovate these buildings. The city was trying to save its architectural
past. Much remained that would have been torn down in other Canadian
cities.
The three of us walked
to a restaurant called Bottles. Looking at the menu, Harry said he didn’t
want anything rich. He had had problems with his stomach since he was
eighteen. “Poor eating,” he explained. There had not been enough money
for decent food.
“I don’t know what’s
happened to Winnipeg,” Harry said. “Thirty years ago Portage
Avenue was full of life. Now in the evening the whole downtown is
dead.”
Harry had bought his
first raw pelts in 1952. There had been a thousand people employed in the
fur trade when he began. Now he thought there might be a hundred. The fur
manufactures in Montreal and Toronto, many of them Greek
immigrants, had taken over the business. “We used to work like dogs. One
of my parents’ neighbours reported us – we weren’t supposed to work out
of a house – so we had to rent space downtown.People said we’d be
broke very soon. But slowly we expanded.”
Harry was among the
inter-war immigrants who had given Winnipeg’s north end its special
character. Then North Winnipeg had been a seat of political
ferment and of Jewish immigrant culture. Its history had acquired a
patina because so many talented people had escaped its poverty and gone
into business or the arts professions. But Harry was one of the
last. Many of the old Jewish families had moved across the river into
more expensive neighbourhoods. There was a new underclass made up of
Filipinos, Vietnamese, and Canadian Indians.
1. Harry’s
father was permitted to come to Canada if he
A) didn’t work in
agriculture.
B) became a farmer.
C) remained
a merchant.
D) returned
to Poland after some years.
2. Harry
stopped working for his cousin Albert because
A) he returned to his
father’s farm.
B) he went
to Poland to start his own business.
C) his cousin refused
to pay him more money.
D) his cousin wanted
to increase working hours.
3. A
local city planner wanted Harry to
A) tear down the old
buildings.
B) own the buildings.
C) exchange the
buildings for fur.
D) restore the
buildings.
4. Harry
had some problems with his stomach because in his childhood he
A) had eaten too much.
B) had not been able
to eat proper food.
C) used to starve.
D) had liked rich
food.
5. One
of Harry’s parents’ neighbours told the police about them because they
A) used to work like
dogs.
B) rented a place
downtown.
C) ran their business
at home.
D) had expanded their
business.
6. “People
said we’d be broke very soon” means that people expected them to
A) go bankrupt soon.
B) destroy their
house.
C) have a breakthrough
in business.
D) break their back
due to hard work.
7. “Last”
in “Harry was one of the last” refers to
A) the political
figures who gave Manitoba its special character.
B) those who had moved
into more expensive neighbourhood.
C) successful
immigrants who still lived in North Winnipeg.
D) those who had
chosen the profession of the arts.
|
|
2A77EF |
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отрывок из романа и выполните задания 1 – 7, выбирая
букву A, B, C или D. Установите соответствие номера задания выбранному вами
варианту ответа.
I wanted to find my
niche. I wanted to fit so badly with some group, any group in high school.
Sports didn’t really work for me. In fact, I dreaded those times in PE
when the captains picked teams. Fights sometimes happened between
captains about who would have the misfortune of ending up with me on
their team. But one day, I saw a girl I liked go into the marching band
office to sign up. Okay, sure, the uniforms looked stupid and being in
the band didn’t exactly give you the best reputation at school, but
there was Jaclyn. I would later learn that many of the
greatest musicians of our time were motivated to music by some girl whose
name they most likely don’t remember anymore.
The first thing to
learn was how to hold the drum and play it. Holding the drum and playing
it is not as easy as it might look. I did, after several private lessons,
learn the rhythm. Next, as if that weren’t difficult enough, I had to
learn how to play it while not only walking, but marching. At the end of
the summer, our uniforms arrived. The band uniform is a sacred attire. It
is not only carefully sized to fit the individual, long-sleeved and hand
sewn, acquired through a lot of fund raising activities, and cleaned
after each use. It is worn with pride. It is also 100 percent wool.
I forgot to mention
something. In addition to an inability to play sports, I was also not so
good at marching. If you were not in step, the band director would yell
in a loud and embarrassingly annoyed voice, “OUT OF STEP!” It was at that
point that I began to question my decision to join the band. How do
playing music and marching around in silly formations, all “in step”, go
together?
The day of our first
competition finally arrived. Although it didn’t start until 9 a.m.,
we had to meet at 6 a.m. to get our uniforms from the “band
boosters” – those selfless, dedicated parents who provided comfort and
assistance to the members of the band. I was not really in existence. I
could walk and talk, but inside my brain was fast asleep. I was standing
around waiting for my hat to be cleaned when I noticed a big container of
coffee. I poured myself a cup – my first-ever cup of coffee. It tasted
pretty bitter, but I had to wake up.
Finally, they lined us
all up and off we went. I had had my coffee, so I marched and beat the
rhythm out with all my heart. Then, suddenly all my energy drained away.
I began to feel sleepy and I fell “OUT OF STEP.” No one noticed at first
and I tried to skip back into step. But nothing worked. Then I saw one of
the band boosters talking to another one and pointing at me. Then they
motioned for me to leave the formation. I walked over to them as the band
marched on. They told me what I already knew, I was “OUT OF STEP”, and
would have to stay out of the formation until the band passed the judging
stand.
I couldn’t believe it.
Now I had to climb over the lawn chairs, popcorn and arms and legs of my
fellow townspeople for the next mile to keep up with the band, carrying
my drum and wearing my uniform. This was the most humiliating moment of
my life.
1. When
the narrator was in high school he
A) wanted badly to
belong to some sports team.
B) looked forward to
PE classes.
C) sometimes had
fights with team captains picking teams.
D) longed to have
something in common with other students.
2. The
reason why the narrator decided to sign up for the band was his
A) dream to become a
musician.
B) wish to get a
better reputation.
C) attraction to a
girl.
D) liking the band
uniform.
3. “The
band uniform is a sacred attire” means it is
A) carefully sized to
fit the individual.
B) long-sleeved hand
sewn pure wool.
C) cleaned after each
use.
D) highly respected
and symbolic.
4. The
narrator began to question his decision to join the band because he
A) saw no connection
between playing music and marching.
B) suddenly found out
that he was not so good at marching.
C) had a bad ear for
music.
D) got frightened by
the yells of the band director.
5. The
narrator had a cup of coffee before marching because he
A) sometimes liked to
have some.
B) didn’t want to feel
sleepy.
C) had got tired of
waiting.
D) liked its bitter
taste.
6. When
the narrator fell “OUT OF STEP” he
A) just kept on
marching.
B) expected the band
boosters to encourage him.
C) worked hard to
improve the situation.
D) looked forward to
leaving the formation.
7. When
the narrator was told to leave the formation he felt
A) frightened that the
band director would scold him.
B) miserable because
he knew he would be a laughing stock.
C) relieved because he
did not have to march any more.
D) happy that he could
join his fellow townspeople.
|
|
076A6E |
Прочитайте
отрывок из романа и выполните задания 1 – 7, выбирая
букву A, B, C или D. Установите соответствие номера задания выбранному вами
варианту ответа.
I like my house and my
bed and my shower. I do not like camping. I guess that means I’m weird.
Men are supposed to like camping. When I was eight, my father took me on
our first and last camping trip together. It was the worst weekend of my
life. It was freezing cold. It rained. We went for a hike, and I got lost.
My dad had tried to teach me how to use a compass. We walked for a mile
while he talked about north, south, east and west. I was cold and bored,
so I didn’t listen very well. He left me with the compass and told me to
find my way back. My dad says I wasn’t lost for very long. It felt like a
whole day.
My company recently
transferred me to Denver, Colorado. My new co-workers have
invited me to go hiking or camping several times since I arrived. I keep
making excuses, because I do not want to tell them the truth. My buddy
from Texas thinks I should go over it, because I’m not eight
anymore. I’m afraid that if I go, I will make a complete fool of myself.
If I don’t go, they will quit asking. If they quit asking, I won’t have
any buddies to hang out with. Back home my buddies and I played golf
every other Saturday. I miss golf. But here wilderness stuff is what
people do for fun.
I finally decided I
would give it a try. They made plans to hike in
the Rocky Mountain National Park this weekend. After
work, I found the nearest wilderness shop. The salesperson thought I had
lost my mind, but boy he had a big smile on his face. I bought one of
almost everything, just in case. I even bought a wilderness guide. I
think I could survive on Mount Everest wearing the coat he sold
me. I went home and read all the manuals. I practiced setting up a tent
in the backyard. I wore my new hiking boots around the house until I got
a blister.
After packing my car
Friday morning, I could not see out the back of my Jeep Cherokee.
Everything I bought was crammed inside. We decided to caravan
to Estes Park and then hike up Beaver Meadow Trail. I
wondered if we would get lost. But I just wanted to play it cool and
follow along.
After work, we went in
the parking lot to discuss who would lead the caravan. As soon as they
saw my Jeep, they started giving me a hard time. “Are ya movin’ in, Tom?”
“Movin’ in where?” “To the woods”. They all laughed. “Oh that. Just
wanted to be prepared.” They raised their eyebrows and gave me the OK sign.
I felt like a complete idiot. “You should have told us. We would have
left everything we own at home”. “Very funny. Bunch of comedians.”
On the way
to Estes Park, I tried to relax. I tried to think macho
thoughts. And then it started to rain. I panicked. All I could think
about was being eight years old, alone in the woods, cold and hungry. The
guys didn’t seem bothered by the rain. In fact, they seemed to enjoy it.
We all put on our backpacks. Once again, I stood out. My backpack looked
bright and spotless. I forgot to rub it in the dirt and stomp on it. The
price tag was still hanging from the zipper. My backpack was the only one
dripping with gadgets. They all stared at me.
On the way up Beaver
Meadow Trail, the rain started to pour. It was cold and harsh. I removed
the Mount Everest coat from my waist and put it on. One of my
gadgets was a small, sturdy umbrella. I pulled it off the hook, opened
it, and held it in front of my face. The waterproof gloves I bought felt
toasty warm. I looked around at my macho friends. They were checking out
my backpack. I suddenly felt more confident. They looked miserable, and I
almost felt sorry for them. When it started to hail, we moved off the
trail.
I removed my backpack.
A rolled up tent was attached to the bottom with straps of Velcro. They
didn’t laugh this time. It took us 30 minutes, but we finally put the
tent together. It was not big enough for five people. Somehow, we
squeezed inside anyway. After several awkward moments, someone said “So
what else you got in that backpack, Tom?” We spent the next hour joking
and laughing and eating beef jerky. I told them all about my first
camping experience. I also told them that I miss playing golf. They said
they would give it a try sometime. I decided camping might not be so bad
after all.
1. Tom
believes that he is weird because he
A) expects to sleep in
a comfortable bed when camping.
B) didn’t like camping
when he was eight years old.
C) doesn’t like the
thing other people expect him to enjoy.
D) didn’t like to
spend weekends with his father in his childhood.
2. Tom got
lost on a hike because
A) his father hadn’t
explained to him how to use a compass.
B) his father had left
him alone to teach him a lesson.
C) he wanted to make
his father feel sorry for him.
D) he had paid no
attention to what his father was telling him.
3. Tom
isn’t quite happy in Denver because
A) he feels a complete
fool in the company of his co-workers.
B) he dislikes the
leisure time activities of his new colleagues.
C) his new colleagues
have quit inviting him to go hiking or camping.
D) there are no men
whom he would like to become his buddies.
4. The
salesperson thought Tom had lost his mind because
A) Tom wanted to
climb Mount Everest without any previous experience.
B) Tom had bought a
lot of unnecessary things.
C) no one had ever
bought so many manuals.
D) Tom had bought
outrageously expensive hiking equipment.
5. Tom’s
colleagues started giving him a hard time because they
A) thought he had too
many things in his jeep.
B) were envious of his
Jeep Cherokee and hiking equipment.
C) believed he was a
complete idiot.
D) thought he couldn’t
lead the caravan.
6. When
everyone stared at his backpack Tom wished he
A) had bought a
cheaper one.
B) had removed some of
the gadgets.
C) hadn’t bought such
a bright one.
D) had made it look
old and used.
7. Tom
found his camping experience not so bad after all because
A) it taught him to
appreciate nature’s beauty.
B) he realized that
camping might go well with playing sports.
C) he enjoyed the
company of his co-workers.
D) he liked eating
beef cooked over a campfire.
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C5BDB4 |
Установите
соответствие тем A—H текстам 1-7. Занесите свои ответы в
таблицу. Используйте каждую букву только один раз. В задании одна
тема лишняя.
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A. |
PARTY DESSERT |
E. |
GIVING A |
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B. |
OUTDOOR GAME |
F. |
PARTY ANIMALS |
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C. |
TAKING CARE |
G. |
FUN ON THE |
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D. |
COLLECTING |
H. |
PARTY GAME |
1. Ask
your parents for permission to have a party. Decide what kind of party
you want and whether it will be held indoors or outdoors. Send written
invitations to your friends. Tell them what kind of party you are having,
at what time, where, and whether or not the guests should wear costumes.
Make a list of games you would like to play. Ask your mother to help you
prepare refreshments. Ice cream, cake, cookies, and lemonade are good for
any party.
2. This
activity makes everybody laugh. Have the guests sit around the room.
Choose one person to be a pussycat. The pussy must go over to a guest and
do his/her best to make the guest laugh. He/she can make funny meows and
walk around like a cat. The pussy goes from one guest to another until
someone laughs. The first one to laugh becomes the new pussy.
3. It’s
easy to make a cake from a cake mix that you get from the grocery store.
You usually add only water or milk. Cake mixes come in many flavours,
such as chocolate, lemon, banana, vanilla and others. When you make a
cake from a mix, always follow the directions on the package carefully.
Then you can be sure that your cake will turn out right and your guests
will enjoy it. Many mixes have a small envelope of powdered frosting
hidden inside the flour.
4. As
you ride on a bus with your friends, get someone to start singing.
Everyone joins in. At the first crossroad, another person starts a
different song, and everyone joins in. Keep changing songs at every
crossroad.
5. Looking
after cats is easy. They wash themselves every day and eat almost any
food. Cats like to drink milk and cream. But they need to be fed fish,
beef, liver, and other kinds of meat. They need a clean, dry bed at
night. You can use a basket or a cardboard box for your cat’s bed. Cats
like to play with a rubber ball or chase a string.
6. You
can have a whole army of toy soldiers made of tin, wood or plastic. Some
may be dressed in fancy uniforms, some may be sitting on horses. Others
may be ready for battle, carrying guns and shoulder packs. You can have
soldiers from other countries, or only Civil War soldiers or only modern
soldiers. If you get two soldiers that are alike, trade your extra soldier
with another toy soldier lover.
7. Even
animals get involved in elections. The donkey and elephant have been
political symbols in the USA for more than 100 years. Why? In
1828, Democrat Andrew Jackson ran for president. Critics said he was
stubborn as a donkey. The donkey has been the symbol of the Democratic
Party ever since. In the 1870s, newspaper cartoonists began using the
elephant to stand for the Republican Party.
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1. This 2. This 3. The 4. In 5. Have 6. This 7. Do
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Установите
1. Today Jakarta has 2. Sumatra is 3. Various 4. Jakarta has 5. In 6. Whether 7. The
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Прочитайте
текст и заполните пропуски 1 – 6 частями
предложений A – G. Одна из частей в списке А – G лишняя.Перенесите
ответы в таблицу.
Before the Hubble
Space Telescope was launched, scientists thought they knew the universe.
They were wrong.
The Hubble Space
Telescope has changed many scientists’ view of the universe. The telescope
is named after American astronomer Edwin Hubble, 1 _______________________.
He established that
many galaxies exist and developed the first system for their
classifications.
In many ways, Hubble
is like any other telescope. It simply gathers light. It is roughly the
size of a large school bus. What makes Hubble special is not what it
is, 2 _______________________.
Hubble was launched in
1990 from the “Discovery” space shuttle and it is about 350 miles above
our planet, 3 _______________________.
It is far from the
glare of city lights, it doesn’t have to look through the air, 4 _______________________.
And what a view it is!
Hubble is so powerful it could spot a fly on the moon.
Yet in an average
orbit, it uses the same amount of energy as 28 100-watt light bulbs.
Hubble pictures require no film. The telescope takes digital images 5 _______________________.
Hubble has snapped
photos of storms on Saturn and exploding stars. Hubble doesn’t just focus
on our solar system. It also peers into our galaxy and beyond. Many
Hubble photos show the stars that make up the Milky Way galaxy. A galaxy
is a city of stars.
Hubble cannot take
pictures of the sun or other very bright objects, because doing so could
“fry” the telescope’s instruments, but it can detect infrared and ultra
violet light 6 _______________________.
Some of the sights of
our solar system that Hubble has glimpsed may even change the number of
planets in it.
A. which
is above Earth’s atmosphere.
B. which
are transmitted to scientists on Earth.
C. which
is invisible to the human eye.
D. who
calculated the speed at which galaxies move.
E. so
it has a clear view of space.
F. because
many stars are in clouds of gas.
G. but
where it is.
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1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
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655EAE |
Прочитайте
текст и заполните пропуски 1 – 6 частями
предложений A – G. Одна из частей в списке А – G лишняя.Перенесите
ответы в таблицу.
The science of sound,
or acoustics, as it is often called, has been made over radically within
a comparatively short space of time. Not so long ago the lectures on
sound in colleges and high schools dealt chiefly with the vibrations of
such things as the air columns in organ pipes. Nowadays, however, thanks
chiefly to a number of electronic instruments engineers can study sounds
as effectively 1 _______________________. The result has
been a new approach to research in sound. Scientists have been able to
make far-reaching discoveries in many fields of acoustics 2_______________________.
Foremost among the instruments
that have revolutionized the study of acoustics are electronic
sound-level meters also known as sound meters and sound-intensity meters.
These are effective devices that first convert sound waves into weak
electric signals, then amplify the signals through electronic means 3 _______________________.
The intensity of a sound is measured in units called decibels. “Zero”
sound is the faintest sound4 _______________________. The
decibel measures the ratio of the intensity of a given sound to the standard
“zero” sound. The decibel scale ranges from 0 to 130. An intensity of 130
decibels is perceived not only as a sound, but also 5 _______________________.
The normal range of painlessly audible sounds for the average human ear
is about 120 decibels. For forms of life other than ourselves, the range
can be quite different.
The ordinary sound
meter measures the intensity of a given sound, rather than its actual
loudness. Under most conditions, however, it is a quite good indicator of
loudness. Probably the loudest known noise ever heard by human ears was
that of the explosive eruption in August, 1883, of the volcano of
Krakatoa in the East Indies. No electronic sound meters, of course,
were in existence then, but physicists estimate that the sound at its source
must have had an intensity of 190 decibels, 6 _______________________.
A. and
finally measure them.
B. since
it was heard 3,000 miles away.
C. and
they have been able to put many of these discoveries to practical use.
D. since
a loud sound is of high intensity.
E. as
they study mechanical forces.
F. as
a painful sensation in the ear.
G. that
the unaided human ear can detect.
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1 |
2 |
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4 |
5 |
6 |
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C16F6B |
Прочитайте
текст и заполните пропуски 1 – 6 частями
предложений A – G. Одна из частей в списке А – G – лишняя.Перенесите
ответы в таблицу.
Do
you speak English?
When I arrived
in England I thought I knew English. After I’d been here an
hour I realized that I did not understand one word. In the first week I
picked up a tolerable working knowledge of the language and the next
seven years convinced me gradually but thoroughly that I 1_______________________,
let alone perfectly. This is sad. My only consolation being that nobody
speaks English perfectly.
Remember that those
five hundred words an average Englishman uses are 2 _______________________.
You may learn another five hundred and another five thousand and yet
another fifty thousand and still you may come across a further fifty
thousand 3 _______________________.
If you live here long
enough you will find out to your greatest amazement that the
adjective nice is not the only adjective the language
possesses, in spite of the fact that 4 _______________________.
You can say that the weather is nice, a restaurant is nice, Mr. Soandso
is nice, Mrs. Soandso’s clothes are nice, you had a nice time, 5 _______________________.
Then you have to
decide on your accent. The easiest way to give the impression of having a
good accent or no foreign accent at all is to hold an unlit pipe in your
mouth, to mutter between your teeth and finish all your sentences with
the question: “isn’t it?” People will not understand much, but they are
accustomed to that and they will get a 6 _______________________.
A. whatever
it costs
B. most
excellent impression
C. you
have never heard of before, and nobody else either
D. in
the first three years you do not need to learn or use any other
adjectives
E. would
never know it really well
F. far
from being the whole vocabulary of the language
G. and
all this will be correct
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1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
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8A9DAE |
Прочитайте
текст и выполните задания 1 – 7, выбирая букву A, B, C или D. Установите соответствие номера задания выбранному вами
варианту ответа.
Whilst travelling in
2001, I had my first but definitely not last go at snowboarding. Rhona
and I went to the Cardona ski resort, a couple of hours from Queenstown
in New Zealand. We had been staying in Queenstown for a couple of
weeks and had tried a couple of the local ski resorts. They had been so
popular, that there was almost no room to stay. The problem for me with
this was that with so many people moving around me, my eyes were
constantly re-focusing. This meant that I couldn’t see a thing! As I had never
snowboarded before, we decided that it was going to be a problem. A guy
at one of the local ski rental shops recommended that we should try
Cardona.
On arrival I went
straight to the Ski Patrol and explained my situation. They suggested
that I should wear a vest, that they supplied, with the words ‘BLIND
SKIER’ on the front and back on top of my jacket. They told me that this
was more for the benefit of the other skiers around me. I must admit, I
wasn’t very keen to do this, but thought I would give it a try.
Once onto the slopes,
I put my vest on and began to practise my limited skills. Because I have
done some other board sports, i. e. skateboarding, surfing, etc., it
wasn’t too hard to learn the basics. Once I was comfortable with this, I
headed off for the ski lift and the big slopes. As I stood in the queue I
could hear people talking about that ‘poor blind guy’. This niggled me a
bit, but I decided to try to ignore it. At the top of the lift I stepped
off and strapped my feet onto the board.
As we headed off I
could hear more people talking about the vest. I was starting to get
paranoid. Then as I gathered speed and Rhona would shout directions, I
realized that the people who saw the vest were getting out of my way.
Fantastic! This was better than a white stick in a crowd. We picked up
speed turning left, then right, hitting a few bumps, but mainly going
really well. I even managed to control the snowboard. Well, sort of
control it. Before I knew it, we had zipped down a long straight slope
and had come to the end of the run. The adrenaline was buzzing and I was
‘high as a kite’. What a feeling. I got back on the ski lift and headed
back up. This time I was going to do the run solo!
I had memorized the
slope from my first run and felt very confident. As I came off the lift,
I rushed to get started. Again, I could hear people talking about me, but
now it didn’t matter. The vest was a definite benefit for the novice
snowboarder! I took the first stage at a steady pace, looking for my
first left bend. No problems there. I found that easy enough. I was now
looking for my fast approaching right bend. I missed this one completely
and ended up in the safety netting at the edge of the run.
At this point, I
decided I was not the world’s best snowboarder and would have to take
things a little slower. As the day progressed, so did my skills. I had a
great time. Even taking ‘air’ on quite a few occasions. However this was
not deliberate! I was now very wary about that bend I had missed, so I
started to take it a bit earlier. Unfortunately, this meant that I would
leap about 2 metres into the air. And what was more surprising than being
airborne, was the fact that on half a dozen occasions, (out of about 30),
I landed on my feet and carried on downhill. The rest of the time I fell
on my bottom. I heard some people comment on how brave ‘that blind guy’
was. Little did they know it was lack of skill rather than bravery.
We boarded at Cardona
for two days and had a fantastic time. Because it is a bit of a drive
away from most of the tourist places, it is not as busy as the other ski
resorts. It is mostly visited by the locals and I think that says
something. If you get the chance, I would definitely recommend Cardona. I
would also like to thank the Ski Patrol for that great suggestion.
Without the vest, I am sure there could have been some crashes, caused by
me. But with the vest , everyone just got out of the way. However, I
think that if I was to get a vest for myself, it would probably read
“BLIND &DAFT”.
1. The narrator
and his companion decided to choose the Cardona ski resort
because
A) it was a short
distance from Queenstown.
B)
they couldn’t find a room at other resorts.
C) somebody said that
it was worth going to.
D) it was popular with
snowboarders.
2. The
Ski Patrol suggested that the narrator should wear a vest in order to
A) make it easier for
them to locate the narrator in case of an accident.
B) make the narrator
feel more confident during his first go at snowboarding.
C) keep an eye on him
on the slope.
D) prevent other
people from colliding with him on the slopes.
3. When
the narrator was standing in the queue he
A) felt annoyed by
people’s comments.
B) felt comfortable in
his vest.
C) tried to focus his
eyes on the track.
D) tried to ignore his
fear.
4. “This”
in “This was better than a white stick in the crowd” refers to
A) the fact that
people were getting out of the narrator’s way.
B) the narrator’s
moving at a high speed down the slope.
C) the fact that Rhona
was giving the narrator directions.
D) the narrator’s
hearing more people talking about the vest.
5. The
narrator did the second run solo and he
A) tried to memorize
all the bends.
B) failed to go round
one of the bends.
C) tried not to listen
to Rhona’s directions.
D) fell down and was
injured.
6. The
narrator believes that his successful leaps into the air and landing on
his
feet were due
to
A) his personal
courage.
B) people’s
encouragement.
C) his intensive
practising.
D) pure chance.
7. The
narrator recommends the Cardona ski resort because
A) of the Ski Patrol
efficient service
B) skiers are supplied
with vests there.
C) it is less crowded
than other places.
D) there are few
crashes on the slopes.
|
|
010287 |
Прочитайте
текст и выполните задания 1 – 7, выбирая букву A, B, C или D.
Установите соответствие номера задания выбранному вами варианту ответа.
The
introduction to a new biography of Gannibal by the author
Alexander Pushkin was
not only Russia’s greatest poet, but he was also the great-grandson of an
African slave. The slave, whose godfather was Peter the Great, claimed to
have royal blood of his own. Certainly his Russian descendants believed
that he was an African prince. His descendants have included members as
well as close friends of the English royal family. So the legend goes on.
Pushkin told the story
of his black ancestor in “The Negro of Peter the Great”, but this
biography tells a different version. The main difference is between fact
and fiction. The Russian poet hoped to discover a biographical truth by
sticking to the facts, only to discover that facts are slippery and not
always true. His biography turned into a novel. Even then, it was left
unfinished after six and a half chapters. The scrawled manuscript comes
to an end with a line of dialogue – ‘Sit down, you scoundrel, let’s
talk!’ — and a line of dots. Pushkin could be speaking to himself. In any
case, it’s now time to stand up and carry on with the story. I have tried
to join up the dots.
This is a book, then,
about a missing link between the storyteller and his subject, an African
prince; between the various branches of a family and its roots; between
Pushkin and Africa; Africa and Europe; Europe and Russia; black and
white. It is the story of a remarkable life and it poses the question:
how is such a life to be explained?
My own explanation
began in 2001, while I was living in Russia and working there as a
journalist. The first draft was written during the war in Afghanistan, on
the road to Kabul, but it describes my journey to the frontline of a
different kind of war in Africa between the armies of Ethiopia and
Eritrea. According to legend, Pushkin’s ancestor was born there, on the
northern bank of the River Mareb, where I was arrested for taking
photographs and compass readings, on suspicion of being a spy.
Understandably my captors didn’t believe that I was only a journalist
researching the life of Russia’s greatest writer. At the military camp,
where I was held for a number of hours, the commandant looked me up and
down when I asked, in my best posh English accent, ‘I say, my good man,
can you tell me, basically, what is going on here?’ ‘Basically,’ he
replied, with distaste, ‘you are in prison!’ The incident taught me
something. Journalists, like biographers, are meant to respect facts, and
by retracing Gannibal’s footsteps, I hoped to find a true story.
Some of those journeys
lie behind the book, and are used whenever it is helpful to show that the
past often retains a physical presence for the biographer – in
landscapes, buildings, portraits, and above all in the trace of
handwriting on original letters or journals. But my own journeys are not
the point of the book. It is Gannibal’s story. I am only following him.
Descriptions of Africa
and the slave trade result from my journeys, but this is not a book about
a ‘stolen legacy’, nor certainly about the intellectual wars that have
been part of black history in recent years. Biographers, like novelists,
should tell stories. I have tried to do this. I should, however, point
out from the outset that Gannibal was not the only black face to be seen
in the centre of fashionable St Petersburg at that time. Negro slaves
were a common sight in the grand salons of Millionaires’ Street and they
appeared in a variety of roles, such as pets, pages, footmen, mascots,
mistresses, favourites and adopted children. At the Winter Palace,
so-called court Arabs, usually Ethiopians dressed in turbans and baggy
trousers stood guard like stage extras in the marble wings.
1. The
slave’s Russian descendants believe that the slave
A) had Russian royal
blood in him.
B) was Peter the
Great’s godfather.
C) belonged to the
royal family in his native land.
D) was a close friend
of the English royal family.
2. According to
the narrator, the biography of Pushkin’s ancestor turned into a
novel because
Pushkin
A) didn’t like the
true biographical facts he had discovered.
B) found it impossible
to stick to the facts that were doubtful.
C) could not do
without describing fictional events.
D) found the true
facts of the slave’s biography uninspiring.
3. The
narrator’s objective in writing the book was to
A) write a new version
of the novel “The Negro of Peter the Great”.
B) continue the story
from where it was left unfinished.
C) interpret’s
attitude to his ancestor.
D) prove that
Pushkin’s ancestor was an African prince.
4. The
narrator says that his research for the book
A) brought him to
Russia to work as a journalist.
B) made him go to the
war in Afghanistan.
C) led him to take
part in the war in Africa.
D) brought him to a
river bank in Africa.
5. The
lesson that the narrator learnt from his arrest was
A) not to use a camera
and compass at the frontline.
B) to avoid speaking
to people in his best posh English accent.
C) not to distort
information about real events.
D) never to tell
people about his research.
6. The
narrator thinks that his journeys
A) helped him find
some visible traces of the past.
B) made him to feel
sympathy to a “stolen legacy”.
C) deepened his
understanding of the concept of intellectual wars.
D) turned out to be
the main contents of his book.
7. The
narrator points out that at the time of Gannibal
A) negro slaves played
a variety of roles in the theatre.
B) black slaves were
like stage extras in royal processions.
C) many Africans made
a brilliant career at the court.
D) Africans were not a
novelty in the capital of Russia.
|
|
BE96BC |
Прочитайте
текст и выполните задания 1 – 7, выбирая букву A, B, C или D. Установите соответствие номера задания выбранному вами варианту
ответа.
A
GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP – AN IMPOSSIBLE DREAM?
Tonight, do yourself a
favor. Shut off the TV, log off the Internet and unplug the phone. Relax,
take a bath, maybe sip some herbal tea. Then move into the bedroom. Set
your alarm clock for a time no less than eight hours in the future, fluff
up your pillows and lay your head down for a peaceful night of
restorative shut-eye. That’s what American doctors advise.
American sleep experts
are sounding an alarm over America’s sleep deficit. They say Americans
are a somnambulant nation, stumbling groggily through their waking hours
for lack of sufficient sleep. They are working longer days – and,
increasingly, nights – and they are playing longer, too, as TV and the
Internet expand the range of round-the-clock entertainment options. By
some estimates, Americans are sleeping as much as an hour and a half less
per night than they did at the turn of the century – and the problem is
likely to get worse.
The health
repercussions of sleep deprivation are not well understood, but sleep
researchers point to ills ranging from heart problems to depression. In a
famous experiment conducted at
the University of Chicago in 1988, rats kept from
sleeping died after two and a half weeks. People are not likely to drop
dead in the same way, but sleep deprivation may cost them their lives
indirectly, when an exhausted doctor prescribes the wrong dosage or a
sleepy driver weaves into someone’s lane.
What irritates sleep
experts most is the fact that much sleep deprivation is voluntary.
“People have regarded sleep as a commodity that they could shortchange,”
says one of them. “It’s been considered a mark of very hard work and
upward mobility to get very little sleep. It’s a macho attitude.” Slumber
scientists hope that attitude will change. They say people have learned
to modify their behavior in terms of lowering their cholesterol and
increasing exercise. Doctors also think people need to be educated that
allowing enough time for sleep and taking strategic naps are the most reliable
ways to promote alertness behind the wheel and on the job.
Well, naps would be
nice, but at the moment, employers tend to frown on them. And what about
the increasing numbers of people who work at night? Not only must they
work while their bodies’ light-activated circadian rhythms tell them to
sleep, they also find it tough to get to sleep after work. Biologists say
night workers have a hard time not paying attention to the 9-to-5 day
because of noises or family obligations or that’s the only time they can
go to the dentist. There are not too many dentists open at midnight.
As one might imagine,
companies are springing up to take advantage of sleeplessness. One of the
companies makes specially designed shift-work lighting systems intended
to keep workers alert around the clock. Shift-work’s theory is that
bright light, delivered in a controlled fashion, can help adjust people’s
biological clocks. The company president says they are using light like a
medicine. So far, such special lighting has been the province of NASA astronauts
and nuclear power plant workers. He thinks that in the future, such
systems may pop up in places like hospitals and 24-hour credit-card
processing centers. Other researchers are experimenting with everything
from welder’s goggles (which night workers wear during the day) to human
growth hormones. And, of course, there is always what doctors refer to as
“therapeutic caffeine use,” but everyone is already familiar with that.
So, is a good night’s
sleep an impossible dream for Americans? Maybe so.
1. The
advice of American doctors is all about
A) ways to reduce
negative effect of modern technologies.
B) complex measures
that ensure healthy sleep.
C) positive effect of
herbal therapy.
D) the process of restoring
from unexpected psychological stress.
2. Americans
are referred to as a “somnambulant nation” because they
A) need special help
to fall asleep.
B) are sleepwalkers.
C) regularly wake up
at night.
D) don’t get enough
sleep to function effectively.
3. Experiments
with sleep deprivation proved that
A) it inevitably leads
to death.
B) its repercussions
have finally become predictable.
C) it is likely to
result in cardio or nervous problems.
D) animal and human
reaction are almost alike.
4. There
is a tendency to sleep less because
A) people want to look
tough at any cost.
B) people think they
can reduce sleeping hours without any harm .
C) people have learned
to cope with less sleep just as they have learned to lower cholesterol.
D) otherwise they lose
career and social opportunities.
5. Having
naps during the day would be nice, but
A) doctors do not find
them effective.
B) people won’t take
them voluntarily.
C) bosses are against
this.
D) it is difficult to
arrange.
6. People
who work at night can hardly
A) fulfill traditional
family obligations.
B) consult doctors
when needed.
C) socialize to their
liking.
D) ever sleep without
ear-plugs.
7. The
main aim of specially designed shift-work lighting system is
A) to help people feel
alert at night.
B) to provide better
lightning.
C) to prevent heart
diseases.
D) to stimulate human
growth hormones.
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5BF5A3 |
Установите соответствие между заголовками A – Н и
текстами 1 – 7. Занесите свои ответы в таблицу. Используйте
каждую букву только один раз. В
задании один заголовок лишний.
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A. |
Supercomputer |
E. |
Intelligent |
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B. |
Human intelligence test |
F. |
Computer intelligence test |
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C. |
Man against computer |
G. |
Computers change human brains |
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D. |
Robotic industry |
H. |
Electronic film stars |
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41DA54 |
Установите соответствие между заголовками A – Н и текстами 1 – 7. Занесите свои ответы в таблицу. Используйте каждую букву только один раз. В задании один заголовок лишний.
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A. |
Chocolate |
E. |
Friend |
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B. |
History |
F. |
Safe |
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C. |
Love |
G. |
Help |
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D. |
Balanced |
H. |
Problems |
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Chocolate |
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You |
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All |
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Like |
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Back |
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Californian |
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Being
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Прочитайте HEALTHY SCHOOL MEALS Children at Southdown Southdown’s healthy Now Ms Culley, the Pupils are also Parents are also The efforts of staff, Ms Culley said: “We
|
Прочитайте
текст и заполните пропуски 1 – 6 частями
предложений, обозначенными буквами A – G. Одна
из частей в списке А – G лишняя. Занесите букву,
обозначающую соответствующую часть предложения, в таблицу.
Walking is not enough to keep fit
Walking may not be
enough on its own to produce significant health benefits, research
suggests. A team from Canada’s University of Alberta compared a
10,000-step exercise programme with a more traditional fitness regime of
moderate intensity. Researchers found improvements1 _______________________ were
significantly higher in the second group. They told an American College
of Sports Medicine meeting that gentle exercise was 2 _______________________.
In total 128 people took 3 _______________________.
The researchers assessed influence on fitness by measuring blood pressure
and lung capacity. They found out the 10,000-step programme did help to
get people motivated – and was an excellent way to start 4 _______________________.
But to increase the effectiveness, some intensity must be added to their
exercise. “Across your day, while you are achieving those 10,000 steps,
take 200 to 400 of them at a faster pace. You’ve got to do more than
light exercise and include regular moderate activity, and don’t be shy to
have an occasional period of time at an energetic level.” The researchers
were concerned there was too much focus 5 _______________________,
rather than on its intensity.
Professor Stuart
Biddle, an expert in exercise science at the University of Loughborough,
said it was possible that the current guidelines on how much exercise to
take were set too low. “However, you have got to find 6 _______________________.
The harder you make it, the fewer people will actually do it.” Professor
Biddle said there was no doubt that energetic exercise was the way to get
fit, but volume rather than intensity might be more useful in tackling
issues such as obesity.
A. part
in the project
B. taking
exercise
C. gave
marked health benefits
D. in
fitness levels
E. on
simply getting people to take exercise
F. not
enough to get fit
G. a
compromise between physiology and psychology
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
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|
5683FE |
Прочитайте
текст и заполните пропуски 1 – 6 частями
предложений, обозначенными буквами A – G. Одна
из частей в списке А – G лишняя. Занесите букву,
обозначающую соответствующую часть предложения, в таблицу.
Double-decker Bus
A double-decker bus is
a bus that has two levels. While double-decker long-distance buses are in
widespread use around the world,1 _______________________.
Double-decker buses are popular in some European cities and in some parts
of Asia, usually in former British colonies. Many towns around the world
have a few that specialize in short sight-seeing tours for tourists
because, as William Gladstone observed, «the way to see London is
from the top of a ‘bus'».
Double-decker buses
are taller than other buses. They are extensively used in the United
Kingdom, 2 _______________________,
removed from normal service in December 2005 — they still operate on
heritage routes. Elsewhere in Europe, double-deckers are used throughout
the Dublin Bus network in Ireland, where they are making a comeback on
Dublin’s outer suburban routes and also the streets of Cork, Limerick,
Galway and Waterford. They are a common sight in Berlin, where the BVG
makes extensive use of them. Double-decker long-distance coaches are also
in widespread use throughout Europe.
Most buses in Hong
Kong and about half in Singapore are double-deckers as well. The only
areas in North America that3 _______________________ are
the western Canadian province of British Columbia and the United States
city of Las Vegas. They are currently being tested in Ottawa on the
express routes. The city of Davis, California, in the United States uses
vintage double-decker buses for public transport. Davis, California is
also home to the first vintage double-decker bus converted from diesel
gasoline to run on CNG. The city of Victoria, BC, the city of Vancouver,
British Columbia, and a couple of others use Dennis Tridents. A few are
also used as tour buses, especially in New York. Double-deckers are have
also been used in Mumbai since 1937.
In Brazil, 4 _______________________,
some companies use double-decker buses. Double-deckers are not a good
option for use outside the towns (most roads in Brazil are in very poor
condition), and 5 _______________________.
Double-decker buses
are in widespread use in India in many of the major cities. Some
double-decker buses 6 _______________________,
with no roof and shallow sides. These are popular for sightseeing tours.
A. double-deckers
are adored by thousands of tourists
B. use
double-decker buses for public transport
C. double-decker
city buses are less common
D. where
perhaps the most famous was the London Routemaster
E. their
use is being discouraged by transportation authorities
F. have
an open upper deck
G. where
buses are sometimes the only interstate transport
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
|
|
5CDC57 |
Прочитайте
рассказ и выполните задания 1 – 7, обводя
букву A, B, C или D,
соответствующую номеру выбранного вами варианта ответа.
ABBY’S TIDY DRAWER
One Saturday morning,
Abby’s Mum came upstairs to see Abby in her bedroom. There was a big mess
on the floor and Abby sat in the middle of it all reading a book.
“What a mess,” Mum
said. “You need to have a clear up in here. Because things get broken or
lost when they’re all willy-nilly like this. Come on, have a tidy up
now.”
“But I’m very busy,”
Abby argued, “and it’s boring doing it on my own. Can’t you help me?”
“No I can’t, I’m busy
too. But I’ll give you extra pocket money if you do a good job.”
When Mum came back
later all the toys and clothes and books had disappeared.
“I’m impressed,” said
Mum. “But I’ll inspect it properly later.”
“It was easy,” said
Abby. “Can I have my extra pocket money now?”
“All right. Get it out
of my change purse. It’s in the kitchen tidy drawer.”
In the kitchen, Abby
went over to the dresser and pulled open the tidy drawer. She hunted for
the purse.
“It must be somewhere
at the bottom,” Mum said. “Let’s have a proper look.”
She pulled the drawer
out and carried it over to the table. Abby looked inside. There were lots
of boring things like staplers and string, but there were lots of
interesting things as well.
“What’s this?” Abby
asked, holding up a plastic bottle full of red liquid.
“Fake blood, from a
Halloween party years ago. Your Dad and I took you to that, dressed up as
a baby vampire. You were really scary.”
Abby carried on
looking through the drawer. She found some vampire teeth, white face
paint, plastic witch nails and hair gel. Mum pulled out a glittery hair
band. It had springs with wobbly balls on the top that flashed disco
colours! Abby found some sparkly hair elastics to match the hair band.
She made her Mum put lots of little bunches all over her head so she
looked really silly.
“I remember this,”
Abby said as she pulled out a plastic bag. “This is from my pirate
party.” Inside there was a black, false moustache and some big gold
earrings.
“Come here,” Mum said
and smeared white face paint all over Abby’s face. She dribbled the fake
blood so it looked as if it was coming out of Abby’s eyes and mouth. She
put gel all over Abby’s hair and made it stand up into weird, pointy
shapes. Abby put in the vampire teeth and slipped on the witch fingers.
She made scary noises at Wow-Wow, the cat. He ignored her and carried on
washing himself on the seat next to her.
Abby came to sit on
her Mum’s knee.
“It’s fun doing this
together,” she said.
“Maybe. But we still
haven’t found the change purse.”
“Well, you know things
will get lost, or broken, when they’re all willy-nilly.”
“You cheeky monkey!”
Mum laughed. “But what shall I do with it all?”
“I know, it’s
easy,” Abby said and began to remove everything off the table into her
arms. She put it all back in the kitchen drawer.
Mum looked at her
suspiciously.
“Let’s go and inspect
your bedroom, shall we?”
Abby followed her
upstairs and into her bedroom. Wow-Wow was sitting in front of her fish
tank looking hungrily at the goldfish. He dashed under the bed when he
saw Mum and Abby. Mum kneeled down and lifted the bed cover to get him
out. Underneath were heaps of Abby’s toys, books, tapes, clothes and
shoes, empty plastic cups, wrappers and a half-eaten sandwich on a plate.
“Abby! What’s all
this?”
“It’s my tidy drawer,”
Abby said. She wrapped her arms around her Mum and gave her a kiss.
“Let’s sort this one out together now.”
1. When Mum came
to Abby’s room she saw
A) her daughter
reading at her table.
B) the cat looking at
the fish.
C) a terrible mess all
over the place.
D) Abby dressed up as
a vampire.
2. Abby agreed
to tidy up her room because Mother
A) promised to take
her to the Halloween party.
B) offered to give her
extra pocket money.
C) promised to help
her.
D) said that she would
punish her.
3. Where did
Abby find many interesting things?
A) In her Mother’s
change purse.
B) Under her bed.
C) On the kitchen
table.
D) In the tidy drawer
in the kitchen.
4. Abby’s
parents used most of the interesting things
A) when they dressed
themselves up for Halloween parties.
B) as presents for
Halloween parties.
C) to dress her up for
different parties.
D) when they wanted to
play tricks on Abby.
5. Abby put on
the vampire teeth, witch nails and other things from the tidy drawer
because
A) she wanted to scare
the cat.
B) she was going to a
Halloween party that evening.
C) she enjoyed
dressing up with her Mother.
D) she had to dress up
for a pirate party.
6. Abby’s Mother
decided to inspect Abby’s bedroom
A) after she had seen
Abby tidy up the kitchen table.
B) because she had
promised she would do that.
C) before Father came
home from work.
D) when they heard
some strange noise from it.
7. When Abby’s
Mother looked under her daughter’s bed she saw
A) the cat eating a
sandwich.
B) the tidy drawer
from the kitchen.
C) her change purse.
D) all the Abby’s
things.
|
|
E1078C |
Прочитайте
рассказ и выполните задания 1 – 7, обводя
букву A, B, C или D,
соответствующую номеру выбранного вами варианта ответа.
Mr. Sticky
No one knew how Mr.
Sticky got in the fish tank.
«He’s very
small,» Mum said as she peered at the tiny water snail. «Just a
black dot.»
In the morning Abby
jumped out of bed and switched on the light in her fish tank.
Gerry, the fat orange
goldfish, was dozing inside the stone archway. It took Abby a while to
discover Mr. Sticky because he was clinging to the glass near the bottom,
right next to the gravel.
At school that day she
wrote about the mysterious Mr. Sticky who was so small you could mistake
him for a piece of gravel. Some of the girls in her class said he seemed
an ideal pet for her and kept giggling about it.
«I think he’s
grown a bit,» Abby told her Mum at breakfast the next day.
«Just as well if
he’s going to be eaten up like that,» her Mum said, trying to put on
her coat and eat toast at the same time. «But I don’t want him to
get too huge or he won’t be cute anymore. Small things are cute aren’t
they?»
«Yes they are.
Now hurry up, I’m going to miss my train.»
At the weekend they
cleaned out the tank. «There’s a lot of filth on the sides,»
Mum said. «I’m not sure Mr. Sticky’s quite up to the job yet.»
They took the fish out
and put them in a bowl while they emptied some of the water. Mr. Sticky
stayed out of the way, clinging to the glass while Mum used the special
‘vacuum cleaner’ to clean the gravel. Abby cleaned the archway and the
filter tube. Mum poured new water into the tank.
«Where’s Mr.
Sticky?» Abby asked.
«On the
side,» Mum said. She was busy concentrating on the water.
Abby looked on all
sides of the tank. There was no sign of the water snail.
«He’s probably in
the gravel then,» her mum said. She put the fish back in the clean
water where they swam round and round, looking baffled.
That evening Abby went
up to her bedroom to examine the tank. The water had settled and looked
lovely and clear but there was no sign of Mr. Sticky. She went
downstairs.
Her mum was in the
study surrounded by papers. She looked impatient when she saw Abby in the
doorway and even more impatient when she heard the bad news.
«He’ll turn
up.» was all she said. «Now off to bed Abby. I’ve got masses of
work to catch up on.»
Abby felt her face go
hot and red. It always happened when she was furious or offended.
«You’ve poured
him out, haven’t you,» she said. «You were in such a
rush.»
«I have not. I
was very cautious. But he is extremely small.»
«What’s wrong
with being small?»
«Nothing at all.
But it makes things hard to find.»
«Or notice,»
Abby said and ran from the room.
The door to the
bedroom opened and Mum’s face appeared. Abby tried to ignore her but it
was hard when she walked over to the bed and sat next to her. She was
holding her glasses in her hand. «These are my new pair,» she
said. «Extra powerful, for snail hunting.» She smiled at Abby.
Abby tried not to smile back.
«And I’ve got a
magnifying glass,» Abby suddenly remembered and rushed off to find
it.
They sat beside each
other on the floor with the tank between them and peered into the water.
«Ah ha!» Mum
suddenly cried.
There, perfectly
hidden against the dark stone, sat Mr. Sticky. And right next to him was
another water snail, even smaller than him.
«Mrs.
Sticky!» Abby breathed.
They both laughed.
Then Abby put her head on her mum’s chest and smiled.
1. Mr. Sticky
was
A) a goldfish.
B) a piece of gravel.
C) a snail.
D) a turtle.
2. Abby didn’t
want Mr. Sticky to grow too big because
A) there wouldn’t be
enough space in the fish tank.
B) he would eat too
much.
C) he would leave a
lot of dirt on the walls of the fish tank.
D) she found small
things to be very pretty.
3. When helping
her mother to clean out the tank Abby
A) polished the walls
of the tank.
B) used a vacuum
cleaner.
C) poured fresh water
into the tank.
D) cleaned the filter
tube of the fish tank.
4. Abby came to
her mother’s study
A) to tell her that
Mr. Sticky hadn’t turned up.
B) when she
had found Mr. and Mrs. Sticky.
C) because she didn’t
want to go to bed.
D) to say goodnight.
5. Abby was
angry with her Mum because
A) mother ignored her.
B) mother didn’t like
Mr. Sticky.
C) she thought that
her mother had poured out Mr. Sticky.
D) mother was very
strict.
6. Mother came
to Abby’s room to look for Mr. Sticky with
A) her new glasses.
B) a filter tube.
C) a magnifying glass.
D) a vacuum cleaner.
7. Abby felt
happy and laughed because
A) mother came to help
her look for Mr. Sticky.
B) they found Mr.
Sticky in the fish tank.
C) the water in the
fish tank was very clear and clean.
D) her mother was
trying to make her laugh.
|
|
3A861C |
Прочитайте
текст и выполните задания 1 – 7, обводя букву A, B, C или D,
соответствующую номеру выбранного вами варианта ответа.
A Gifted Cook
If there is a gene for
cuisine, Gabe, my 11-year-old son, could splice it to perfection.
Somewhere between Greenwich Village, where he was born, and the San
Francisco Bay area, where he has grown up, the little kid with the
stubborn disposition and freckles on his nose has forsaken Boy Scouts and
baseball in favor of wielding a kitchen knife.
I suppose he is a member
of the Emeril generation. Gabe has spent his formative years shopping at
the Berkeley Bowl, where over half a dozen varieties of Thanksgiving
yams, in lesser mortals, can instill emotional paralysis. He is blessed
with a critical eye. “I think Emeril is really cheesy,” he observed the
other night while watching a puff pastry segment. “He makes the stupidest
jokes. But he cooks really well.”
With its manifold
indigenous cultures, Oaxaca seemed the perfect place to push boundaries.
Like the mole sauces for which it is justly famous, the region itself is
a subtle blend of ingredients – from dusty Zapotec villages where Spanish
is a second language to the zocalo in colonial Oaxaca, a sophisticated
town square brimming with street life and vendors selling twisty,
one-story-tall balloons.
Appealing to Gabe’s
inner Iron Chef seemed like an indirect way to introduce him to a place
where the artful approach to life presides. There was also a selfish
motive: Gabe is my soul mate, a fellow food wanderer who is not above
embracing insanity to follow his appetite wherever it leads.
Months ahead of time,
we enrolled via the Internet in the daylong Wednesday cooking class at
Seasons of My Heart, the chef and cookbook author Susana Trilling’s
cooking school in the Elta Valley, about a 45-minute drive north to town.
In her cookbook and PBS series of the same name, Ms. Trilling, an
American whose maternal grandparents were Mexican, calls Oaxaca “the land
of no waste” where cooking techniques in some ancient villages have
endured for a thousand years.
I suspected that the
very notion of what constitutes food in Oaxaca would test Gabe’s mettle.
At the suggestion of Jacob, his older brother, we spent our second night
in Mexico at a Oaxaca Guerrero baseball game, where instead of peanuts
and Cracker Jack, vendors hawked huge trays piled high with chapulines,
fried grasshoppers cooked in chili and lime, a local delicacy. Gabe was
bug-eyed as he watched the man next to him snack on exoskeletal munchies
in a paper bowl. “It’s probably less gross than a hot dog,” he admitted.
“But on the rim of the bowl I saw a bunch of legs and served body parts.
That’s revolting!”
Our cooking day began
at the Wednesday market in Etla, shopping for ingredients and sampling as
we went. On the way in the van, Gabe had made friends with Cindy and Fred
Beams, fellow classmates from Boston, sharing opinions about Caesar salad
and bemoaning his brother’s preference for plain pizza instead of
Hawaiian. Cindy told Gabe about a delicious sauce she’d just had on her
omelet at her B & B. “It was the best sauce – to die for,” she said.
“Then I found out the provenance. Roasted worms.”
The Oaxacan taste for
insects, we’d learn – including the worm salt spied at the supermarket
and the “basket of fried locusts” at a nearby restaurant – was a source
of protein dating back to pre-Hispanic times.
When our cooking class
was over I saw a flicker of regret in his face, as though he sensed the
world’s infinite variety and possibilities in all the dishes he didn’t
learn to cook. “Mom”, he said plaintively, surveying the sensual
offerings of the table. “Can we make everything when we get home?”
1. Gabe’s mother
thinks that he is
A) lazy.
B) determined.
C) selfish.
D) thoughtful.
2. Gabe is
supposed to represent the Emeril generation because he
A) is fond of
criticizing others.
B) feels happy being
alone.
C) is interested in
cooking.
D) is good at making
jokes.
3. The narrator
wanted to take Gabe to Oaxaca because
A) he could speak
Spanish.
B) there are a lot of
entertainments for children there.
C) he knew a lot about
local cultures.
D) he was the best to
keep her company.
4. Gabe was
struck when he
A) was told that local
cooking techniques were a thousand years old.
B) saw the man next to
him eat insects.
C) did not find any
dish to satisfy his appetite.
D) understood that a
hot dog was less gross than a local delicacy.
5. The Oaxacan
people eat insects because this kind of food
A) tastes pleasant.
B) is easy to cook.
C) contains an
essential nutritional element.
D) helps to cure many
diseases.
6. At the end of
the class Gabe felt regret because
A) there were a lot of
dishes he could not make on his own.
B) the dishes he made
were not tasty.
C) he did not want to
go back home.
D) he had not managed
to master all the dishes he liked.
7. In paragraph
3 “brimming with” means
A) lacking.
B) being filled with.
C) astonishing with.
D)
beckoning with.
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8216AB |
Установите соответствие между темами A–Н и
текстами 1–7. Занесите свои ответы в таблицу. Используйте
каждую буквутолько один раз. В задании одна тема лишняя.
А. Places
to stay in
B. Arts
and culture
C. New
country image
D. Going
out
E. Different
landscapes
F. Transport
system
G. National
languages
H. Eating
out
1. Belgium
has always had a lot more than the faceless administrative buildings that
you can see in the outskirts of its capital, Brussels. A number of
beautiful historic cities and Brussels itself offer impressive
architecture, lively nightlife, first-rate restaurants and numerous other
attractions for visitors. Today, the old-fashioned idea of ‘boring
Belgium’ has been well and truly forgotten, as more and more people
discover its very individual charms for themselves.
2. Nature
in Belgium is varied. The rivers and hills of the Ardennes in the
southeast contrast sharply with the rolling plains which make up much of
the northern and western countryside. The most notable features are the
great forest near the frontier with Germany and Luxembourg and the wide,
sandy beaches of the northern coast.
3. It
is easy both to enter and to travel around pocket-sized Belgium which is
divided into the Dutch-speaking north and the French-speaking south.
Officially the Belgians speak Dutch, French and German. Dutch is slightly
more widely spoken than French, and German is spoken the least. The
Belgians, living in the north, will often prefer to answer visitors in
English rather than French, even if the visitor’s French is good.
4. Belgium
has a wide range of hotels from 5-star luxury to small family pensions
and inns. In some regions of the country, farm holidays are available.
There visitors can (for a small cost) participate in the daily work of
the farm. There are plenty of opportunities to rent furnished villas,
flats, rooms, or bungalows for a holiday period. These holiday houses and
flats are comfortable and well-equipped.
5. The
Belgian style of cooking is similar to French, based on meat and seafood.
Each region in Belgium has its own special dish. Butter, cream, beer and
wine are generously used in cooking. The Belgians are keen on their food,
and the country is very well supplied with excellent restaurants to suit
all budgets. The perfect evening out here involves a delicious meal, and
the restaurants and cafes are busy at all times of the week.
6. As
well as being one of the best cities in the world for eating out (both
for its high quality and range), Brussels has a very active and varied
nightlife. It has 10 theatres which produce plays in both Dutch and
French. There are also dozens of cinemas, numerous discos and many
night-time cafes in Brussels. Elsewhere, the nightlife choices depend on
the size of the town, but there is no shortage of fun to be had in any of
the major cities.
7. There
is a good system of underground trains, trams and buses in all the major
towns and cities. In addition, Belgium’s waterways offer a pleasant way
to enjoy the country. Visitors can take a one-hour cruise around the
canals of Bruges, (sometimes described as the Venice of the North) or an
extended cruise along the rivers and canals linking the major cities of
Belgium and the Netherlands.
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A4E1C4 |
Установите соответствие между темами A–Н и
текстами 1–7. Занесите свои ответы в таблицу. Используйте
каждую буквутолько один раз. В задании одна тема лишняя.
А. Places
to stay in
B. Public
transport
C. Cultural
differences
D. Nightlife
E. Camping
holidays
F. Contacts
with neighbours
G. Different
landscapes
H. Eating
out
1. Sweden
is a land of contrast, from the Danish influence of the southwest to the
Laplanders wandering freely with their reindeer in the wild Arctic north.
And while Sweden in cities is stylish and modern, the countryside offers
many simpler pleasures for those who look for peace and calm. The land
and its people have an air of reserved calm, and still the world’s
best-selling pop group Abba, which used to attract crowds of hysterical
fans, come from Sweden.
2. Historically,
Sweden has an interesting story. Its dealings with the outside world
began, in fact, during Viking times, when in addition to the well-known
surprise attacks of the nearby lands, there was much trading around the
Baltic, mostly in furs and weapons. Swedish connections with the other
Scandinavian countries, Norway and Denmark, have been strong since the
Middle Ages. The monarchies of all three are still closely linked.
3. Sweden’s
scenery has a gentler charm than that of neighbouring Norway’s rocky
coast. Much of Sweden is forested, and there are thousands lakes, notably
large pools near the capital, Stockholm. The lakeside resort in the
centre of Sweden is popular with Scandinavians, but most visitors prefer first
the Baltic islands. The largest island, Gotland, with its ruined medieval
churches, is a particular attraction.
4. Sweden
boasts a good range of hotels, covering the full spectrum of prices and
standards. Many of them offer discounts in summer and at weekends during
the winter. In addition, working farms throughout Sweden offer
accommodation, either in the main farmhouse or in a cottage nearby.
Forest cabins and chalets are also available throughout the country,
generally set in beautiful surroundings, near lakes, in quiet forest
glades or on an island in some remote place.
5. Living
in a tent or caravan with your family or friends at weekends and on
holiday is extremely popular in Sweden and there is a fantastic variety
of special places. Most are located on a lakeside or by the sea with free
bathing facilities close at hand. There are over 600 campsites in the
country. It is often possible to rent boats or bicycles, play mini-golf
or tennis, ride a horse or relax in a sauna. It is also possible to camp in
areas away from other houses.
6. Swedes
like plain meals, simply prepared from the freshest ingredients. As a
country with a sea coast and many freshwater lakes, fish dishes are found
on all hotel or restaurant menus. Top-class restaurants in Sweden are
usually fairly expensive, but even the smallest towns have reasonably
priced self-service restaurants and grill bars. Many restaurants all over
Sweden offer a special dish of the day at a reduced price that includes
main course, salad, soft drink and coffee.
7. Stockholm
has a variety of pubs, cafes, clubs, restaurants, cinemas and theatres
but in the country evenings tend to be very calm and peaceful. From
August to June the Royal Ballet performs in Stockholm. Music and theatre
productions take place in many cities during the summer in the open air.
Outside Stockholm in the 18th-century palace there are performances of
18th-century opera very popular with tourists.
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588D50 |
Установите соответствие между темами A–Н и
текстами 1–7. Занесите свои ответы в таблицу. Используйте
каждую буквутолько один раз. В задании одна тема лишняя.
А. Education
B. Way
of life
C. Public
transport
D. Geography
E. Places
to stay in
F. Favourite
food
G. Hot
spots for kids
H. Nightlife
1. Denmark,
a small kingdom in northern Europe, has a lot of interesting places for
tourists with children. For example, Legoland, a theme park, has become
the largest tourist attraction in Denmark outside its capital Copenhagen.
And Copenhagen itself is world famous for its Tivoli Gardens amusement
park, which opened in 1843 in the heart of the city. The park offers
ballet and circus performances, restaurants, concerts, and fireworks
displays.
2. Denmark
is the smallest Scandinavian country, consisting of the Jutland
peninsula, north of Germany, and over 400 islands of various sizes, some
inhabited and linked to the mainland by ferry or bridge. Throughout the
country, low hills provide a constant change of attractive views; there
are also cool and shady forests of beech trees, large areas of open land
covered with rough grass, a beautiful lake district, sand dunes and white
cliffs on the coast.
3. More
than four-fifths of all Danes live in towns. The main cities represent a
combination of medieval buildings, such as castles and cathedrals, and
modern office buildings and homes. Denmark’s high standard of living and
wide-ranging social services guarantee that the cities have no poor
districts. Most people in the cities live in flats. But in the suburbs
many also live in single-family houses.
4. Denmark’s
fine beaches attract many visitors, and there are hotels and pensions in
all major seaside resorts. Besides, excellent inns are to be found all
over the country. Some are small and only serve local travellers, but
others are adapted to the tourist and have established reputations for
both international dishes and local specialities. There are also private
rooms to let, usually for one night, and chalets all over Denmark.
5. There
is a wide selection of places to go out in the evening, particularly in
Copenhagen. Jazz and dance clubs in the capital city are top quality and
world-famous performers appear regularly. There are numerous cafes, beer
gardens and speciality beer bars. Entertainment available includes opera
at the recently opened opera house in Copenhagen, ballet and theatre at a
number of places in the larger cities, and live music of all kinds.
6. Most
Danes eat four meals a day — breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a late-evening
supper. Breakfast generally consists of cereal, cheese, or eggs. Dinner,
which includes fish or meat, is usually the only hot meal. A traditional
Danish dinner consists of roast duckling stuffed with apples, served with
red cabbage and boiled potatoes. The other Danish meals consist mostly of
sandwiches.
7. Almost all adult Danes can
read and write. Danish law requires children to attend nine years of
school. Primary school consists of the first seven grades, and secondary
school lasts from three to five years. A five-year secondary school
student can enter a university. Denmark has three universities. The
University of Copenhagen is the oldest and largest. It
was founded in 1479 and has about 24,000 students.
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Установите соответствие между темами A–Н и А. Education: the Way to the Top B. C. D. E. F. G. H. 1. Education 2. Language 3. I 4. One 5. Lifelong 6. Math 7. When
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Установите соответствие между темами A–Н и А. Not Just Fun B. C. D. E. F. G. H. 1. I 2. I 3. I 4. My 5. Baseball 6. I 7. I
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Установите соответствие между темами A–Н и
текстами 1–7. Занесите свои ответы в таблицу. Используйте
каждую буквутолько один раз. В задании одна тема лишняя.
А. Personal style in a uniform
B.
Old but dear
C.
Get a holiday spirit
D.
Dance competition
E.
A hobby that carries away
F.
Meaning without words
G.
The number is not guilty
H.
Yes to school uniform
1. Dance
is in my heart, in my blood and in my mind. I dance daily. The seldom-used
dining room of my house is now an often-used ballroom. The CD-changer has
five discs at the ready: waltz, rock-and-roll, swing, salsa, and tango.
Tango is a complex and difficult dance. I take three dancing lessons a
week, and I am off to Buenos Aires for three months to feel the culture
of tango.
2. Clothes
play an important role in my life. My passion for fashion began when I
was in elementary school. I attended a private school with uniformed
dress code. At first I felt bad that I could not wear what I wanted, but
soon I learned to display my creativity and style through shoes and
accessories. They can make each of us each of us unique, in a uniform or
not.
3. I
believe that music has a bigger place in our society than it is given
credit for. The single word ‘music’ covers so many styles. Rock bands and
classical musicians make listeners get the meaning from the music. Music
tells stories about life and death, expresses feelings of love, sadness,
anger, guilt, and pain without using words.
4. Even
as an eighteen year old young adult, I still feel the magic of Christmas.
I believe in a real Christmas tree. My family has had a real Christmas
tree every year of my life. When you get home and smell the sweet pine
needles, something magical goes into your soul, raises your spirits.
Every year we buy a real tree to fully embrace the spirit of Christmas.
5. People
often try to get rid of the number thirteen. Many hotels and office
buildings across the world do not have a 13th floor! I believe that the number
thirteen is not an unlucky number. I was born on January, 13 and do not
consider myself unlucky in any way at all! I believe that this number
should have all the rights and respect we give the rest of the numbers.
6. Many
kids that go to public schools don’t wear a uniform. They like to show
off the new expensive clothes and often have trouble picking out outfits
for school in the morning. They are more worried about whether their
shirt matches the belt, rather than if the homework is completed. I believe
that this is a fault of our school system and only causes problems.
7. They
say that the music of your youth is the soundtrack of your life. I am 50;
I enjoy new artists and new music, but I still find words of wisdom in
singles of sixties and seventies, still believe that «you can’t
always get what you want, but sometimes, you get what you need,»
that «all you need is love.» I like to listen to the songs I
grew up with.
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5A2870 |
Прочитайте
рассказ и выполните задания 1–7. В каждом задании
обведите букву A, B, C или D,
соответствующую выбранному вами варианту ответа.
A
School Story
It happened at my
private school thirty odd years ago, and I still can’t explain it. I came
to that school in September and among the boys who arrived on the same
day was one whom I took to. I will call him McLeod. The school was a
large one: there must have been from 120 to 130 boys there as a rule, and
so a considerable staff of masters was required. One term a new master
made his appearance. His name was Sampson. He was a tall, well-built,
pale, black-bearded man. I think we liked him. He had travelled a good
deal, and had stories which amused us on our school walks, so that there
was some competition among us to get a chance to listen to him.
Well, the first odd thing that happened was this. Sampson was doing Latin
grammar with us. One of his favourite methods was to make us construct
sentences out of our own heads to illustrate the rules he was trying to
teach us. Now, on this occasion he ordered us each to make a sentence
bringing in the verb memini, ‘I remember.’ Well, most of us made up some
ordinary sentence such as ‘I remember my father,’ but the boy I mentioned
— McLeod — was evidently thinking of something more interesting than
that. Finally, very quickly he wrote a couple of lines on his paper, and
showed it up with the rest. The phrase was «Remember the lake among
the four oaks.» Later McLeod told me that it had just come into his
head. When Sampson read it he got up and went to the mantel-piece and
stopped quite a long time without saying anything looking really
embarrassed. Then he wanted to know why McLeod had put it down, and where
his family lived, and if there was such a lake there, and things
like that.
There was one other incident of the same kind. We were told to make a
conditional sentence, expressing a future consequence. We did it and
showed up our bits of paper, and Sampson began looking through them. All
at once he got up, made some odd sort of noise in his throat, and rushed
out. I noticed that he hadn’t taken any of the papers with him, so we
went to look at them on his desk. The top paper on the desk was written
in red ink — which no one used — and it wasn’t in anyone’s handwriting
who was in the class. I questioned everyone myself! Then I thought of
counting the bits of paper: there were seventeen of them on the desk, and
sixteen boys in the form. I put the extra paper in my bag and kept it.
The phrase on it was simple and harmless enough: ‘If you don’t come to
me, I’ll come to you.’ That same afternoon I took it out of my bag — I
know for certain it was the same bit of paper, for I made a finger-mark
on it — and there was no single piece of writing on it!
The next day Sampson was in school again, much as usual. That night the
third and last incident in my story happened. We — McLeod and I — slept
in a bedroom the windows of which looked out at the main building of the
school. Sampson slept in the main building on the first floor. At an hour
which I can’t remember exactly, but some time between one and two, I was
woken up by somebody shaking me. I saw McLeod in the light of the moon
which was looking right into our windows. ‘Come,’ he said, — ‘come,
there’s someone getting in through Sampson’s window. About five minutes
before I woke you, I found myself looking out of this window here, and
there was a man sitting on Sampson’s window-sill, and looking in.’ ‘What
sort of man? Is anyone from the senior class going to play a trick on
him? Or was it a burglar?!’ McLeod seemed unwilling to answer. ‘I don’t
know,’ he said, ‘but I can tell you one thing — he was as thin as a rail:
and water was running down his hair and clothing and,’ he said, looking
round and whispering as if he hardly liked to hear himself, ‘I’m not at
all sure that he was alive.’ Naturally I came and looked, and naturally
there was no one there.
And next day Mr. Sampson was gone: not to be found, and I believe no
trace of him has ever come to light since. Neither McLeod nor I ever
mentioned what we had seen to anyone. We seemed unable to speak about it.
We both felt strange horror which neither could explain.
1. Why
did schoolchildren like the new teacher, Mr. Sampson?
А)
They liked his appearance.
B) He often went for a
walk with them.
C) He organized
competitions for them.
D) They enjoyed
listening to his stories.
2. How did Mr.
Sampson teach Latin grammar?
А)
He told the pupils to learn the rules by heart.
B) He asked the pupils
to make up example sentences.
C) He illustrated the
rules with pictures.
D) He made up
interesting sentences to illustrate the rules.
3. Why
did McLeod write the phrase «Remember the lake among the four
oaks?»
А)
There was a place like that in his native town.
B) He wanted to show
his knowledge of Latin grammar.
C) The phrase suddenly
came to his mind.
D) He wanted to
embarrass the teacher.
4. What
did Mr. Sampson do after reading the examples of conditional sentences?
А)
He left the classroom immediately.
B) He put the papers
with the examples into his bag.
C) He asked who had
written the example in red ink.
D) He gave marks to
the pupils.
5. What
was wrong with the paper written in red ink?
А)
It didn’t illustrate the rule that was studied.
B) It had finger-marks
on it.
C) It didn’t belong to
anyone in the class.
D) It had many grammar
mistakes.
6. Who
did McLeod see on Mr. Sampson’s window-sill?
А)
Nobody.
B) A stranger.
C) One of his
schoolmates.
D) Mr. Sampson.
7. Why
did the boys never tell anyone about the incident at night?
А)
They were not asked about it.
B) Mr. Sampson asked
them not to tell anyone.
C) They agreed to keep
it secret.
D) They were afraid to
speak about it.
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ECEDAC |
Прочитайте
рассказ и выполните задания 1–7. В каждом задании
обведите букву A, B, C или D,
соответствующую выбранному вами варианту ответа.
First
Train Trip
I must have been about
eight when I made my first train trip. I think I was in second grade at
that time. It was midsummer, hot and wet in central Kansas, and time for
my aunt Winnie’s annual vacation from the store, where she worked as a
clerk six days a week. She invited me to join her on a trip to
Pittsburgh, fifty miles away, to see her sister, my aunt Alice.
«Sally, would you like to go there by train or by car?» aunt
Winnie asked. «Oh, please, by train, aunt Winnie, dear! We’ve been there
by car three times already!»
Alice was one of my favourite relatives and I was delighted to be invited
to her house. As I was the youngest niece in Mother’s big family, the
aunties all tended to spoil me and Alice was no exception. She kept a
boarding house for college students, a two-storey, brown brick building
with comfortable, nicely decorated rooms at the corner of 1200 Kearney
Avenue. She was also a world-class cook, which kept her boarding house
full of young people. It seemed to me that their life was so exciting and
joyful.
Since I’d never ridden a train before, I became more and more excited as
the magic day drew near. I kept questioning Mother about train travel,
but she just said, «Wait. You’ll see.» For an eight-year-old,
waiting was really difficult, but finally the big day arrived. Mother had
helped me pack the night before, and my little suitcase was full with
summer sundresses, shorts and blouses, underwear and pyjamas. I was
reading Billy Whiskers, a fantastic story about a goat that once made a
train trip to New York, and I had put that in as well. It was almost
midnight when I could go to bed at last.
We arrived at the station early, purchased our tickets and found our car.
I was fascinated by the face-to-face seats so some passengers could ride
backwards. Why would anyone, I thought, want to see where they’d been? I
only wanted to see what lay ahead for me.
Finally, the conductor shouted, «All aboard!» to the people on
the platform. They climbed into the cars, the engineer blew the whistle
and clanged the bell, and we pulled out of the station.
This train stopped at every town between my home in Solomon and
Pittsburgh. It was known as the «milk train» because at one
time it had delivered goods as well as passengers to these villages. I
looked eagerly at the signs at each station. I’d been through all these
towns by car, but this was different. The shaky ride of the coaches, the
soft brown plush seats, the smells of the engine drifting back down the
track and in through the open windows made this trip far more exotic.
The conductor, with his black uniform and shiny hat, the twinkling
signals that told the engineer when to stop and go, thrilled me. To an
adult, the trip must have seemed painfully slow, but I enjoyed every
minute.
Aunt Winnie had packed a lunch for us to eat along the way as there was
no dining car in the train. I was dying to know just what was in that big
shopping bag she carried, but she, too, said, «Wait. You’ll
see.» Midway, Aunt Winnie pulled down her shopping bag from the luggage
rack above our seats. My eyes widened as she opened it and began to take
out its contents. I had expected lunchmeat sandwiches, but instead there
was a container of fried chicken, two hardboiled eggs, bread and butter
wrapped in waxed paper, crisp radishes and slim green onions from
Winnie’s garden, as well as rosy sliced tomatoes. She had brought paper
plates, paper cups and some of the «everyday» silverware. A
large bottle of cold tea was well wrapped in a dishtowel; the ice had
melted, but it was still chilly. I cautiously balanced my plate on my
knees and ate, wiping my lips and fingers with a large paper napkin. This
was living!
When we had cleaned our plates, Aunt Winnie looked into the bag one more
time. The best treat of all appeared – homemade chocolate cakes! Another
cup of cold tea washed these down and then we carefully returned the
remains of the food and silverware to the bag, which Aunt Winnie put into
the corner by her feet.
«Almost there,» said my aunt, looking out of the window at the
scenery passing by. And sure enough, as we pulled into the Pittsburgh
station we immediately caught sight of aunt Alice, waiting for us, a
smile like the sun lighting up her face, arms wide open. We got off the
train and she led us past the taxi rank and the bus stop to her car that
was parked near the station. And all the way to her home she was asking
about my impressions of my first train trip and I could hardly find the
words to express all the thrill and excitement that filled me.
1. The
first time Sally travelled by train was when she
А)
had to move to her aunt Alice.
B) had a summer
vacation at school.
C) went to Pittsburgh
for the first time in her life.
D) visited her aunt
Alice together with aunt Winnie.
2. Aunt
Alice made her living by
А)
working as a cook.
B) keeping a boarding
house.
C) decorating houses.
D) working as a
teacher at college.
3. Sally
was waiting for her first train trip so impatiently that she
А)
packed her things long before the trip.
B) lost her appetite a
week before the trip.
C) asked her Mother
many questions about train trips.
D) couldn’t sleep the
night before the trip
4. Sally
didn’t like the idea of riding backwards because
А)
it could make her sick.
B) she could miss her
station.
C) she could miss the
conductor.
D) she wanted to see
where she was going.
5. The
trip to Pittsburgh by train seemed so exotic to Sally because
А)
she had never travelled so far from her native town.
B) travelling by train
was very different from a car ride.
C) she had never
travelled in comfort.
D) she had never
travelled without her parents.
6. Sally
thought that at lunchtime they would have
А)
meat sandwiches.
B) bread and butter
with coffee.
C) fried chicken, eggs
and vegetables.
D) tea with chocolate
cakes.
7. Aunt
Alice was waiting for Sally and aunt Winnie
А)
at home.
B) in her car.
C) on the platform.
D) at the bus stop.
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6A227D |
Прочитайте
рассказ и выполните задания 1–7. В каждом задании
обведите букву A, B, C или D,
соответствующую выбранному вами варианту ответа.
Sisters
“Dear Kathy! Chance
made us sisters, hearts made us friends.” This quote is at the center of
a collage of photographs – covering our twenty-something years – that now
hangs in my office. My sister, Susie, made it for me as a wedding
present. It probably cost very little to make (she is a starving college
student, after all), but it means more to me than any of the more
“traditional” wedding presents my husband and I received from family and
friends last June. Whenever I look at the collage, it reminds me of my
sister and what a true friend she is.
Susie and I weren’t always close friends. Far from it, in fact. We shared
a room for nearly fifteen years when we were younger, and at the time I
thought I couldn’t have asked for a worse roommate. She was always
around! If we argued and I wanted to go to my room to be alone, she’d
follow me right in. If I told her to go away, she’d say right back, “It’s
my room, too! And I can be here if I want to.” I’d consult my mother and
she usually agreed with Susie. I suppose being three years younger has
its benefits.
When we were kids, she’d “borrow” my dolls without asking. (And no toy
was safe in her hands.) When we got older, Susie quit borrowing my toys
and started borrowing my clothes. That was the final straw. I couldn’t
take it anymore. I begged my parents to let me have a room of my own –
preferably one with a lock on the door. The answer was always a
resounding “no.” “Please?!” I’d beg. My parents would just shake their
heads. They didn’t agree with each other on much, but for some reason
they had a united front on this issue.
To crown it all, she had this habit of doing everything I did. Choirs,
rock bands, sports teams, dance studios: There was no place where I was
safe. “She looks up to you,” my mom would say. I didn’t care. I just
wanted a piece of my life that didn’t involve my little sister. When I
complained to my mother, she’d just smile and say, “One day you’ll want
her around.” Sure.
It’s strange how mothers have this habit of being right about everything.
When I was sixteen and my sister was thirteen, we went through a series
of life-changing events together that would forever change our
relationship. First, my parents announced that they were divorcing. My
dad packed up and moved to an apartment in New Hampshire – more than a
half hour drive away from our cozy house in Massachusetts. He bought me
my first car and I often went with Susie to his place when we missed him
a lot. During those trips we started discussing our troubles and making
plans about how to reunite the family again. But a year later, our father
met his future second wife and moved again; this time to Indiana. This meant
we could only see him once or twice a year, as opposed to once every few
weeks. That was hard.
Yet those few months changed my relationship with my sister forever. We
started having more heart-to-heart talks as opposed to silly fights. Over
time, she became my most cherished friend. It’s not uncommon for us to
have three-hour-long telephone conversations about everything or about
nothing—just laughing over memories from childhood or high school.
She’s the only person who’s been through all of the tough stuff that I’ve
been through, and the only person who truly understands me. Susie and I
have shared so much. She’s been my roommate, my friend, and my partner in
crime. We’ve done plays together, gone to amusement parks, sang, and
taken long road trips together. We’ve laughed until our sides hurt, and
wiped away each others’ tears.
Even though distance separates us now, we’re closer than ever. Sisters
share a special bond. They’ve seen all of your most embarrassing moments.
They know your deepest, darkest secrets. Most importantly, they love you
unconditionally. I’m lucky to be able to say that my little sister is my
best friend. I only wish everyone could be so fortunate.
1. Why
is the collage of photographs more important for Kathy than the other
wedding presents?
А)
It reminds Kathy of her wedding.
B) Kathy didn’t like
the other wedding presents.
C) It was the most
expensive present.
D) Kathy’s sister made
it for her.
2. Why
was Kathy against sharing a room with her sister?
А)
They always quarreled.
B) Susie never left
her alone.
C) They were of
different age.
D) Susie said it was
her own room.
3. What
did Kathy call the final straw in paragraph 3?
А)
The fact that Susie often borrowed Kathy’s toys.
B) The fact that Susie
never asked for the things she borrowed.
C) The fact that Susie
began to wear Kathy’s clothes without her permission.
D) The fact that Susie
broke all the toys she played with.
4. What
was Kathy’s greatest wish that she mentioned in paragraph 4?
А)
To have a separate life from her sister.
B) To live in peace
and safety.
C) To never part with
her sister.
D) To have the same
hobbies as her sister.
5. When
did the relationship between Susie and Kathy start to change?
А)
When they moved to a new house.
B) After their father
married the second time.
C) After their parents
divorced.
D) When Kathy’s father
bought her a car.
6. What
are Kathy’s relationships with Susie now?
А)
They hate each other.
B) They are close
friends.
C) They are business
partners.
D) They do not see
each other.
7. Why
do the sisters understand each other?
А)
They have got the same hobbies.
B) They have similar
sense of humour.
C) They love each
other very much.
D) They have similar
life experience.
|
|
5F3C89 |
Прочитайте
рассказ и выполните задания 1–7. В каждом задании
обведите букву A, B, C или D,
соответствующую выбранному вами варианту ответа.
To
Become Wealthy
As a kid, I always
wanted to become wealthy. I knew if I could achieve this, I would be able
to consider myself successful. At the time, I had no worries and felt my
happiness would be based on whether I could fulfill all my needs and
wants. My simple philosophy of that time was if I was rich, I would
definitely be content with my life.
My father always stressed his belief that happiness includes much more
than money. I can remember him lecturing me about how money does not make
an individual happy; other things in life such as: health, family,
friends, and memorable experiences make a person genuinely happy. At this
time in my life, I took what my dad said for granted and did not give any
thought to his words. All I could see was the great life my cousins had
because they had everything a kid ever dreamed of.
At a young age, I noticed society was extremely materialistic. The media
seemed to portray the wealthy as happy people who add value to our
society. My opinions did not change; in high school I still sought a
career that would eventually yield a high salary. I still felt that the
possibility of living life from paycheck to paycheck would automatically
translate into my unhappiness. However, things changed when I decided to
take an internship in the accounting department for the summer after my
second year of college.
Starting the first day on the job in the accounting department, I found
myself extremely bored. I was forced to do monotonous work, such as audit
eight thousand travel and expense reports for a potential duplicate. In
addition, I had to relocate away from friends and family in order to accept
the position. I was earning the money I always wanted; however, I noticed
that having money to spend when you are by yourself was not satisfying.
I began to think back to what my dad always said. After a few months in
the job, I truly realized that money does not bring happiness. A more
satisfying experience for me would have been doing an ordinary summer job
for far less money. For me to understand that concept, it took an
experience as painful as this one. I often contemplated how much money it
would take me to do this as my everyday job. I concluded, whatever the
salary for this position I would never be capable of fulfilling a happy
life and making a career out of this job.
As I looked forward to the summer to draw to a close, I truly
comprehended the meaning of my dad’s words. Contrary to my prior beliefs,
I firmly believe through experience that money cannot make a person
happy. The term “wealth” is a broad term, and I believe the key to
happiness is to become wealthy in great memories, friends, family, and
health. This I believe.
1. In
his childhood the narrator’s idea of happiness was to
А)
get what he wanted.
B) live an interesting
life.
C) be an influential
person.
D) make other people
happy.
2. The
narrator heard what his father used to say, but did not
А)
believe him.
B) agree with him.
C) understand him.
D) think over his
words.
3. From
his early childhood till he finished school the narrator was convinced
that
А)
society was extremely unfair.
B) media added value
to society.
C) money was the only
thing that ensured happiness.
D) the wealthy could
not spend money properly.
4. After
the second year in the college the narrator decided to
А)
start to work.
B) quit his studies.
C) change the college.
D) take a summer
course.
5. The
narrator’s internship proved that
А)
it was not a money-making job.
B) he had chosen the
wrong job.
C) he could not cope
with professional tasks.
D) he had to get rid
of his family and friends to keep the position.
6. It
became obvious to the narrator that he
А)
needed to think of another career.
B) would like to work
only in summer.
C) would like to have
a higher position.
D) preferred ordinary
non-professional work.
7. The
summer for the narrator was
А)
monotonous and lonely.
B) dragged out and
boring.
C) dynamic and
satisfying.
D) difficult but
inspirational.
|
|
EFC69A |
Прочитайте
рассказ и выполните задания 1–7. В каждом задании
обведите букву A, B, C или D,
соответствующую выбранному вами варианту ответа.
The Joy and Enthusiasm of Reading
I believe in the
absolute and unlimited liberty of reading. I believe in wandering through
the huge stacks of books and picking out the first thing that strikes me.
I believe in choosing books based on the dust jacket. I believe in
reading books because others dislike them or find them dangerous, or too
thick to spend their free time on, or too difficult to understand. I
believe in choosing the hardest book imaginable. I believe in reading
what others have to say about this difficult book, and then making up my
own mind, agreeing or disagreeing with what I have read and understood.
Part of this has to do with Mr. Buxton, who taught me Shakespeare in the
10th grade. We were reading Macbeth. Mr. Buxton, who probably had better
things to do, nonetheless agreed to meet one night to go over the text
line by line. The first thing he did was point out the repetition of
motifs. For example, the reversals of things («fair is foul and foul
is fair»). Then there was the association of masculinity with
violence in the play.
What Mr. Buxton did not tell me was what the play meant. He left the
conclusions to me. The situation was much the same with my history
teacher in 11th grade, Mr. Flanders, who encouraged me to have my own
relationship with historical events and my own attitude to them. He often
quoted famous historians in the process. I especially liked the one who
said, «Those who forget their history have no future.»
High school was followed by college, where I read Umberto Eco’s Role of
the Reader, in which it is said that the reader completes the text, that
the text is never finished until it meets this careful and engaged
reader. The open texts, Eco calls them. In college, I read some of the
great Europeans and Latin Americans. All the works I read were open
texts. It was an exciting experience. Besides, I got familiar with
wonderful works of literary criticism.
There are those critics, of course, who insist that there are right ways
and wrong ways to read every book. No doubt they arrived at these beliefs
through their own adventures in the stacks. Perhaps their adventures were
not so exciting or romantic. And these are important questions for
philosophers of every character. But yet I know only what joy and
enthusiasm about reading have taught me, in bookstores new and used. They
have taught me not to be afraid of something new, unusual or
non-traditional, not to deny it but embrace it and try to understand even
if you cannot agree with it. Not to stay within the boundaries but always
seek for something new and enjoy every second of this creative process
and be happy every time you get some result, no matter how positive or
negative.
I believe there is not now and never will be an authority who can tell me
how to interpret, how to read, how to find the pearl of literary meaning
in all cases. There exist thousands of versions, interpretations, colours
and shadows. You could spend a lifetime thinking about a sentence, and
making it your own. In just this way, I believe in the freedom to see
literature, history, truth, unfolding ahead of me like a book whose spine
has just now been cracked.
1. The
unlimited liberty of reading for the narrator means
А)
access to different types of books.
B) freedom in choosing
and interpreting books.
C) possibility to
challenge other opinions on the book.
D) opportunity to
select what to read according to the mood.
2. The
narrator thinks that his love of reading
А)
is an inborn quality.
B) developed early at
school.
C) was initially
fostered by Mr. Buxton.
D) is all due to the
efforts of his Shakespeare teacher.
3. The
narrator gives credit to Mr. Buxton for teaching him how to
А)
love classical literature.
B) read Shakespeare
aloud.
C) interpret stylistic
devices.
D) find the meaning of
a book for oneself.
4. The
history teacher quoted famous historians to prove that people
А)
are often blind or deaf to learning.
B) understand
historical texts too literally.
C) can’t understand
the meaning of historical events.
D) should learn from
history not to make similar mistakes.
5. According
to Umberto Eco, an open text is a text
А)
commented on by the author.
B) plus the reader’s
attitude to it.
C) that the author has
not finished.
D) with different
variants of an end.
6. Some
critics say about text interpretation that
А)
only philosophers should interpret texts.
B) people should enjoy
books but not interpret them.
C) there are several
ways to interpret a text.
D) there is the right
interpretation to every book.
7. The
narrator believes that
А)
it is impossible to interpret good writers.
B) interpreting is
collective intellectual work.
C) authorities in
interpreting will appear in future.
D) one should find a
proper interpretation by oneself.
|
|
8DBA06 |
Прочитайте
рассказ и выполните задания 1–7. В каждом задании обведите букву A, B, C или D,
соответствующую выбранному вами варианту ответа.
Unleashing
the Power of Creativity
I have always been an
optimist and I suppose that is rooted in my belief that the power of
creativity and intelligence can make the world a better place. And the
life did not disappoint me – many times it proved me right.
For as long as I can remember, I have loved learning new things and
solving problems. So when I sat down at a computer for the first time in
the seventh grade, I was hooked. It was a clunky old Teletype machine and
it could barely do anything compared to the computers we have today. But
it changed my life.
When my friend Paul Allen and I started Microsoft 30 years ago, we had a
vision of «a computer on every desk and in every home,» which
probably sounded a little too optimistic at a time when most computers
were the size of refrigerators and cost as much as a new modern Japanese
car. But we believed that personal computers would change the world. And
they have.
And now, after 30 years, I am still as inspired by computers as I was
back in the seventh grade.
I believe that computers are the most incredible tool we can use to feed
our curiosity and inventiveness – to help us solve problems that even the
smartest people could not solve on their own.
Computers have transformed how we learn, giving kids everywhere a window
into all of the world’s knowledge. And the only thing these youngsters
should do is make the right choice, which is not always an easy choice.
Computers are helping us build communities around the things we care
about and to stay close to the people who are important to us, no matter
where they live — next door or on the other side of the world.
Like my friend Warren Buffett, I feel particularly lucky to do something
every day that I love doing. He calls it «tap-dancing to work.»
My job at Microsoft is as challenging as ever, but what makes me
«tap-dance to work» is when we show people something new, like
a computer that can recognize your handwriting or your speech, or
gestures, or one that can store a lifetime’s worth of photos or home
videos and they say, «I didn’t know you could do that with a
PC!»
But for all the cool things that a person can do with a PC, there are
lots of other ways we can put our creativity and intelligence to work to
improve our world. There are still far too many people in the world whose
most basic needs go unmet. Every year, for example, millions of people
die from diseases that are easy to prevent or treat in the developed
world.
I believe that my own good fortune brings with it a responsibility to
give back to the world. My wife, Melinda, and I have committed ourselves
to improving health and education in a way that can help as many people
as possible.
As a father, I believe that the death of a child in Africa is no less
bitter or tragic than the death of a child anywhere else. And that it
does not take much to make an immense difference in these children’s
lives.
I am still very much an optimist, and I believe that progress on even the
world’s toughest problems is possible – and it is happening every day. We
are seeing new drugs for deadly diseases, new diagnostic tools, and new
attention paid to the health problems in the developing world.
I am excited by the possibilities I see for medicine. And I believe that
through our natural inventiveness, creativity and willingness to solve
tough problems, we are going to see some amazing achievements in this
area in my lifetime.
1. The
narrator considers himself an optimist as he
А)
has a strong religious belief.
B) believes the world
is perfect.
C) believes in the
power of human mind.
D) knows how to
develop one’s creativity.
2. After
the narrator first used a computer he
А)
got fascinated with its size.
B) used it to solve
his problems.
C) could no longer do
without it.
D) was amazed at its
unlimited possibilities.
3. The
initial dream of the narrator and his friend proved to be
А)
naïve.
B) manageable.
C) wishful thinking.
D) optimistic but
unreal.
4. The
narrator believes that computers are perfect to
А)
be human friends.
B) create new fields
of knowledge.
C) provide people with
creative ideas.
D) be used as an
instrument to solve human problems.
5. The
narrator «tap-dances to work» because he enjoys
А)
meeting new people.
B) watching dancing
contests.
C) teaching people
basic computer skills.
D) doing his job very
much.
6. The
narrator believes that
А)
a lot of people in the world need help.
B) it is impossible to
make the world better.
C) people in the world
have too many needs.
D) the computer is the
only way to improve the world.
7. The
narrator sees the development of
А)
new unknown diseases.
B) new methods in
education.
C) new technologies in
medicine.
D) new creative ways
of thinking.
|
|
61E86E |
Прочитайте текст и заполните
пропуски 1–6 частями предложений, обозначенными
буквами A–G. Одна из частей в списке А–G лишняя.
Занесите букву, обозначающую соответствующую часть предложения, в
таблицу.
Fire crews hunt escaped hamster
Eight
firefighters have been called in to help find an escaped hamster. Two
crews used a chocolate-covered camera and a vacuum cleaner1 _______________________,
called Fudgie, at the home of a six-year-old girl in Dunbar, Scotland.
The girl’s mother said: «We came down for breakfast and discovered
Fudgie had opened the top lid of her cage and had made her way into the
kitchen and we think she has gone 2 _______________________.»
The fire crews spent five hours trying to recover the pet after it ran down
a hole in the kitchen floor. But, the hamster still refused3 _______________________.
In the search for Fudgie, the firefighters took the family cooker and gas
pipes apart. They also dropped a mini-camera coated with chocolate under
the floorboards.
They then hoped to take out the hamster using a vacuum cleaner. Despite
all their efforts, they failed to find Fudgie.
In the end, the firefighters put another camera down the hole 4 _______________________,
connected to the screen of the family home computer, to see if Fudgie
appeared. Besides, the girl and her parents regularly dropped food 5 _______________________.
At last, after eight days the hamster returned to her cage safe and
sound. She crawled from the hole in the kitchen floor early in the morning.
It was the girl’s father who first found Fudgie 6 _______________________.
The girl said that day it was like Christmas morning for her. Her parents
added that they too felt extremely happy when Fudgie had finally
returned.
A. through
a small hole in the floor
B. through
the hole for the hamster
C. and
locked the runaway hamster
D. to
come out of the hole
E. to
look after the pet
F. to
try and locate the missing hamster
G. and
left it under the floorboards
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B84C80 |
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Прочитайте Speed of eating is ‘key to obesity’ If A. just B. could C. have D. linked E. eat F. put G. learned
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Прочитайте текст и заполните Hi-tech brings families together Technology A. than B. watching C. in D. than E. communicated F. helping G. owning a mobile
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Прочитайте текст и заполните
пропуски 1–6 частями предложений, обозначенными
буквами A–G. Одна из частей в списке А–G лишняя.
Занесите букву, обозначающую соответствующую часть предложения, в
таблицу.
The Power Of ‘Hello’
I
work at a company where there are hundreds of employees. I know most of
them and almost all of them know me. It is all based on one simple
principle: I believe every single person deserves to be acknowledged, 1 ___________________.
When I was about 10 years old, I was walking down the street with my
mother. She stopped to speak to Mr. Lee. I knew I could see Mr. Lee any
time around the neighborhood, 2 ___________________.
After we passed Mr. Lee, my mother said something that has stuck with me
from that day until now. She said, «You let that be the last time
you ever walk by somebody and not open up your mouth to speak, because
even a dog can wag its tail 3 ___________________«.
That phrase sounds simple, but it has been a guidepost for me and the
foundation of who I am. I started to see that when I spoke to someone,
they spoke back. And that felt good. It is not just something I believe
in; 4 ___________________.
I believe that every person deserves to feel someone acknowledges their
presence, no matter how unimportant they may be.
At work, I always used to say ‘hello’ to the founder of the company and
ask him how our business was doing. But I was also speaking to the people
in the cafe, and asked how their children were doing. I remembered after
a few years of passing by the founder, I had the courage to ask him for a
meeting. We had a great talk. At a certain point, I asked him 5 ___________________.
He said, «If you want to, you can get all the way to this
seat.»
I have become vice president, but that has not changed the way I approach
people. I speak to everyone I see, no matter where I am. I have learned
that speaking to people creates a pathway into their world, 6 ___________________.
A. it
has become a way of life
B. when
it passes you on the street
C. when
you see him and talk to him
D. and
it lets them come into mine, too
E. so
I did not pay any attention to him
F. however
small or simple the greeting is
G. how
far he thought I could go in his company
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
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5D2CE9 |
Прочитайте текст и заполните
пропуски 1–6 частями предложений, обозначенными
буквами A–G. Одна из частей в списке А–G лишняя.
Занесите букву, обозначающую соответствующую часть предложения, в
таблицу.
Friendship
And Love
A
strong friendship takes a significant amount of time to develop. It will
not just magically mature overnight. A friendship involves committing
oneself to help another person 1 _______________________.
I believe that nothing can replace a true friend, not material objects,
or money, and definitely not a boy.
I met this guy a couple summers ago who I ended up spending almost all of
my free time with. His parents did not approve of our dating because of
our age difference, 2 _______________________.
He had told me the day we met that he had joined the air force and would
leave for overseas that coming October. After three months had past, the
time came when he had to leave. This left me feeling completely alone.
I turned to my friends for support, but to my surprise, 3 _______________________.
I had spent so much time with this guy and so little time with them, that
they did not feel sorry for me when he left. For so long they had become
the only constant in my life, and I had taken them for granted over
something 4 _______________________.
When my boyfriend came back, our relationship changed. I tried to fix all
the aspects in my life that had gone so wrong in the previous six months.
This experience taught me that true friendships will only survive if one
puts forth effort to make them last. Keeping friends close will guarantee
that 5 _______________________.
When a relationship falls apart, a friend will always do everything in
their power to make everything less painful. As for me, I try to keep my
friends as close as I can. I know they will always support me in whatever
I do, and to them,6 _______________________.
A. but
we did anyway
B. whenever
a need arises
C. they
did not really care
D. whenever
they need your help
E. I
could not guarantee would even last
F. I
am eternally grateful for a second chance
G. someone
will always have a shoulder to cry on
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1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
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FB530C |
Прочитайте текст и заполните
пропуски 1–6 частями предложений, обозначенными
буквами A–G. Одна из частей в списке А–G лишняя.
Занесите букву, обозначающую соответствующую часть предложения, в
таблицу.
Natural Links In a Long Chain of Being
I
believe we are not alone.
Even if I am on the other side of the world from the farmhouse I live in,
I still dream of the ancient vines out the window, and the shed out back
that my grandfather’s father built in 1870 with eucalyptus trunks. As
long as I can recreate these images, 1 _______________________.
All of us need some grounding in our modern world of constant moving,
buying, selling, meeting and leaving. Some find constancy in religion,
others in friends or community. But we need some daily signposts that we
are not different, not better, 2 _______________________.
For me, this house, farm, these ancient vines are those roots. Although I
came into this world alone and will leave alone, I am not alone.
There are ghosts of dozens of conversations in the hallways, stories I
remember about buying new plows that now rust in the barnyard and ruined
crops from the same vines 3 _______________________.
All of us are natural links in a long chain of being, and that I need to
know what time of day it is, what season is coming, whether the wind is
blowing north or from the east, and if the moon is still full tomorrow
night, 4 _______________________.
The physical world around us constantly changes, 5 _______________________. We
must struggle in our brief existence to find some transcendent meaning
and so find relief in the knowledge 6 _______________________.
You may find that too boring, living with the past as present. I find it
refreshing. There is an old answer to every new problem, that wise
whispers of the past are with us. If we just listen and remember, we are
not alone; we have been here before.
A. I
never quite leave home
B. but
human nature does not
C. that
we are now harvesting
D. but
we as well as our heart did not
E. not
worse than those who came before us
F. just
as the farmers who came before me did
G. that
our ancestors have gone through this before
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2F2C03 |
Установите соответствие между
заголовками A–Н и
текстами 1–7. Занесите свои
ответы в таблицу. Используйте каждую букву только один раз. В
задании один заголовок лишний.
|
A. |
Ordering |
E. |
Lucky |
|
B. |
Too |
F. |
Long |
|
C. |
Fast |
G. |
Growing |
|
D. |
A new way to |
H. |
Good |
|
1. |
When you are |
|
2. |
A school |
|
3. |
A teenager |
|
4. |
You can buy |
|
5. |
Making new |
|
6. |
I like eating |
|
7. |
“Facebook” is |
|
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
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|
CCE9A4 |
Установите соответствие между
заголовками A–Н и
текстами 1–7. Занесите свои ответы в таблицу. Используйте
каждую букву только один раз. В задании один
заголовок лишний.
|
A. |
Shades |
E. |
Deceiving |
|
B. |
Recipes |
F. |
Secrets of |
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Прочитайте
текст и заполните пропуски 1–6 частями предложений,
обозначенными буквами A–G. Одна из частей в списке
А–G – лишняя. Занесите букву, обозначающую
соответствующую часть предложения, в таблицу.
My
Stage
My family moved to
Rockaway, New Jersey in the summer of 1978. It was there that my dreams
of stardom began.
I was nine years old.
Heather Lambrix lived next door, and she and I became best friends. I
thought she was so lucky1 _______________________.
She took tap and jazz and got to wear cool costumes with bright sequences
and makeup and perform on stage. I went to all of her recitals and 2 _______________________.
My living room and
sometimes the garage were my stage. I belonged to a cast
of four, which consisted of Heather, my two younger sisters, Lisa and
Faith, and I. Since I was the oldest and the bossiest, I was the
director. Heather came with her own costumes3 _______________________.
We choreographed most of our dance numbers as we went along. Poor Faith …
we would throw her around4 _______________________.
She was only about four or five … and so agile. We danced around in our
bathing suits to audiocassettes and records from all the
Broadway musicals. We’d put a small piece of plywood on the living room
carpet, 5 _______________________. And I would
imitate her in my sneakers on the linoleum in the hall. I was a dancer in
the making.
My dad eventually
converted a part of our basement into a small theater. He hung two
“spotlights” and a sheet for a curtain. We performed dance numbers to
tunes like “One” and “The Music and the Mirror” from A Chorus Line. I
sang all the songs from Annie. I loved to sing,6 _______________________.
I just loved to sing. So I belted out songs like “Tomorrow”, “Maybe” and
“What I Did For Love.” I knew then, this is what I wanted to do with my
life.
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and I |
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and I was |
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because she |
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like she was |
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wished I, |
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so Heather |
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219751 |
Прочитайте
текст и заполните пропуски 1–6 частями предложений,
обозначенными буквами A–G. Одна из частей в списке
А–G – лишняя. Занесите букву, обозначающую
соответствующую часть предложения, в таблицу.
The
Show Begins
My Uncle Jim took me
to all the Broadway shows in New York City, and I was star struck!
Actually he wasn’t my real uncle – that’s just what we called him. He was
a close friend of my parents. He was a bit stocky with red hair, 1 _______________________.
I remember the
theaters on Broadway, 2 _______________________. The
curtains were made of this real heavy, dark red material. There were huge
chandelier lights hanging from the ceiling. The walls were dark, paneled
wood. The seats were red and cushy3 _______________________.
The orchestra sat at
the base of the stage in a pit. I usually went down to the front to see
the musicians 4 _______________________. They were all
crammed into such a tiny space. I played the flute myself and my dad kept
encouraging me that if I kept it up,5 _______________________.
But truly, I didn’t want to be tucked away down there. I wanted to be on
top, front and center.
Most people dressed
rather finely, and certain fragrances took center stage as various women
passed by. The sounds of the audience6 _______________________ at
their seats were clearly heard while last minute patrons filled in. There
was electricity in the air and then the lights would go down and up, and
you knew it was time for the show to get started. The lights dimmed. The
music began. And you were swept up into a whole new world. I loved it!
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and set real |
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which were so |
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getting ready |
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laughing |
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281657 |
Прочитайте текст и заполните пропуски A–F частями предложений, обозначенными цифрами 1–7. Одна из частей в списке 1–7 лишняя. Занесите цифры, обозначающие соответствующие части
предложений, в таблицу.
Scouting
moves ahead
The Scout
Movement, which is also known as the Boy Scouts has changed massively
in more than 100 years, though many people do not realise this.
For many people
in Britain the word “scouting” evokes images of boys in short
trousers A__________. Many people imagine that the Scout
Association and its female counterpart the Guides Association are
old-fashioned. They think these associations are for people B__________than
the future, people who just like camping in the rain and washing in
cold water.
It’s quite
easy to understand why Scouts and Guides have this sort of image. The
“Boy Scouts” were founded over 100 years ago by Robert Baden-Powell, a
retired English army general; the “Girl Guides” followed three years
later. They were organised in an almost military manner. Young people
had to learn discipline and how to do things as a group. They C__________ in
difficult conditions, learnt to make campfires and, yes, they certainly
had to get used to washing in cold water. In those days though,
that D__________ many people washed in cold water.
Nevertheless,
even at the start, there was much more to scouting than that. Scouts
and Guides also learned the value of solidarity. Right from the start,
they had to cope with difficult situations, E__________,
and play a useful part in society. Baden-Powell’s organisations were
inclusive, and never exclusive; any young person could become a Scout
or a Guide, regardless of race, background or religion.
Though the
Scout and Guide movements began in England, they soon spread to other
countries, and within 50 years, scouting F__________with
young people all over the world.
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Прочитайте текст и заполните пропуски A–F частями предложений, обозначенными цифрами 1–7. Одна из частей в списке 1–7 лишняя. Занесите цифры, обозначающие соответствующие части Visiting the Royal Parks London has a well-deserved The Royal The Royal Dogs are The Royal
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Установите соответствие между текстами A–G и заголовками 1–8. Занесите свои ответы в таблицу. Используйте каждую
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Прочитайте текст и заполните пропуски A–F частями предложений, обозначенными цифрами 1–7. Одна из частей в списке 1–7 лишняя. Занесите цифры, обозначающие соответствующие части
предложений, в таблицу.
Archaeology done underwater
Nautical
archaeology is the science of finding, collecting, preserving, and
studying human objects that have become lost or buried under water. It
is a fairly modern field of study since it depends on having the
technology to be able to remain underwater for some time to do real
work. Whether it is conducted in freshwater or in the sea, A__________,
nautical archaeology is another way of learning more about the human
past.
Although some
use the words nautical archaeology to mean a specialized branch of
underwater archaeology, B__________, most consider the term
to mean the same as the words underwater archaeology or marine
archaeology. All of these interchangeable terms mean simplyC__________.
Once real
trade began, it is safe to say D__________ was probably
transported over water at some point in time. By studying submerged
objects, we can learn more about past human cultures. In fact, studying
ancient artifacts is the only way to learn anything about human
societiesE__________. Being able to examine the actual objects
made and used by ancient people not only adds to the written records
they left behind, but allows us to get much closer to the reality of
what life was like when they lived. Also, if we pay close attention to
how the objects were made and used, we begin to get a more realistic
picture of F__________.
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9FC5B5 |
Установите соответствие между текстами A–G и заголовками 1–8. Занесите свои ответы в таблицу. Используйте каждую
цифру только один раз. В задании один заголовок лишний.
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B19829 |
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цифру только один раз. В задании один заголовок лишний.
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D191CD |
Установите соответствие между текстами A–G и заголовками 1–8. Занесите свои ответы в таблицу. Используйте каждую
цифру только один раз. В задании один заголовок лишний.
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5DE997 |
Прочитайте текст и заполните пропуски A–F частями предложений, обозначенными цифрами 1–7. Одна из частей в списке 1–7 лишняя. Занесите цифры, обозначающие соответствующие части
предложений, в таблицу.
Skip the sun,
get a glow the healthy way
Everyone at
some point has wanted a “healthy glow,” whether it’s a must-have for
summer, or a vacation, the thought of tan skin has crossed the minds of
millions. If you are pale, it A__________. There is wild
excitement when after a day in the sun your skin is tan, not burnt.
Surely everyone is familiar with the famous conversation upon the
realization that you got fried at the beach. Your friends reassure you
with “Don’t worry it B__________.” It may all seem like fun
and games at the time, but alarming new research C__________.
Some
tan-seekers do it the old-fashioned way, grab a towel and hit the pool
or beach. Recently, millions of young girls D__________ instead.
Regardless of how the tan is achieved, any change in skin coloring is
evidence of skin cell damage. This can lead to cancer. According to the
Skin Cancer Foundation, melanoma, or skin cancer, among people aged 18
to 39 has risen dramatically. In the United States the number of skin
cancer cases due to tanning, is higher than the number of lung cancer
cases due to smoking.
While it is
true that being outside and active is great for your body and the sun
does provide vitamin D, everyone’s health still needs protecting.
However, it’s E__________, limit time spent in direct
sunlight, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and wear
sunscreen at all times. A fashionable option is the sun hat: both
elegant and fun. Big floppy hats may seem ridiculous at first, but F__________.
Another
advice is to look into sunless tanners: They are cheap and in no way
endanger the lives of users. So,
fake it, don’t bake it!
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661FE1 |
Установите соответствие между текстами A–G и заголовками 1–8. Занесите свои ответы в таблицу. Используйте каждую
цифру только один раз. В задании один заголовок лишний.
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7AEB39 |
Прочитайте текст и заполните пропуски A–F частями предложений, обозначенными цифрами 1–7. Одна из частей в списке 1–7 лишняя. Занесите цифры, обозначающие соответствующие части
предложений, в таблицу.
Grant-making
agency
The National
Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is an independent grant-making
agency of the United States government. Established in 1965, it is one
of the largest sources of grant funds for humanities projects and
programs in the U.S. NEH promotes knowledge of the history, thought,
and culture, not only of the United States, A__________.
NEH grants
facilitate research and original scholarship, strengthen teaching and
learning in the humanities in American schools and colleges, give
opportunities for citizens to engage in lifelong learning, B__________.
The Endowment
is directed by a chairman, C__________ and confirmed by the
U.S. Senate for a term of four years. Advising the chairman is the
National Council on the Humanities, a board of 26 distinguished private
citizens D__________ with the advice of the Senate. The
National Council members serve six-year terms.
NEH grants
are typically awarded to U.S. cultural institutions, such as museums,
archives, libraries, colleges, universities, and public television and
radio stations, E__________. Eligibility is limited to U.S.
non-profit institutions and to U.S. citizens and foreigners F__________
prior to the time of application. Grants are awarded through a
competitive process. The chairman takes into account the advice
provided by the review process and, by law, makes all funding
decisions.
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Прочитайте The Slob’s Holiday My husband and I The first thing Nothing much We travel abroad I never want to I also want to I don’t want to So, the slob’s As I write, we The parents’ |
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Прочитайте Lily and I had planned We’d been friends Lily was studying for I couldn’t wait Saturday afternoon The girl |
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Прочитайте Scarcely had we Sitting under the open Later I discovered My new teacher came Every morning at nine “If it took two While I was struggling In geography we made How did the |
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Прочитайте Hazlitt’s I took a cab to Hazlitt’s Hotel on Frith Street. I The other distinctive thing about them, and the reason I When you tell him that “Actually, it’s an “Course it is. I know According to |
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Прочитайте Llandudno Llandudno is truly a To my consternation, Farther on along the All the guesthouses I selected a place My room was everything The bathroom, faintly The narrator |
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Прочитайте For almost 125 years, the secrecy surrounding the recipe Now, one of America’s The formula was created by John Pemberton, an Atlanta chemist Glass came across a recipe that he believes is the secret The column was based on information found in an old The rediscovered recipe includes extract of coca leaves, Coke’s secret recipe is, in fact, partly a myth. The soda In 1980, the company replaced sugar, squeezed from beet Despite such occasional controversies, one element has Who |
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Прочитайте текст и выполните Family Fortune In 1840, times were In 1910, an oil In 1975, in Bradford, England, a man called In the same year, As it turned out, And the fortune of the What did |
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Прочитайте Chronic One in three British workers suffers from poor sleep, A third were dissatisfied with the amount and quality of While experts say that everyone should ideally get seven When researchers combined those results to give each The extent of inadequate rest has prompted fears that many «Too few people practice sleep hygiene,» said The growing tendency for employees to do extra work in the The best guarantee of good quality shut-eye is to work «These are very worrying findings because lack of The phrase “vicious |
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Прочитайте Do you believe in climate change? This may seem like an odd question for a climate scientist Those asking the question include a wide range of people I Recent studies show that public acceptance of the This is very hard for scientists to understand. The Around three years ago, I raised the issue of the way that Which brings me to the question, should you believe in You can see research by the Met Office that shows the Ultimately, as the planet continues to warm, the issue of The more appropriate questions for today are how will our The |
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Прочитайте Why I sent Oxford a rejection letter A little over a month ago, I sent Oxford a rejection email In my letter I wrote: «I have now considered your I sent the email after returning from my interview at Magdalen College, Oxford, I certainly did not expect the email to spread as far as For me, such questions paint a picture of a very cynical To me, withdrawing my application to an institution that So, why did I apply in the first place? If you’re achieving It was only at the interview that I started to question Although I share concern that not going to Oxbridge gives A year ago, I was in awe of the beautiful buildings of The email |
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Прочитайте Meat I am a vegetarian as well as my However, it could never happen, and not because I’m so Analysis of more than 6,000 pancreatic cancer cases It should be pointed out that this is If, by now, you’re thinking that I’m out to shock you, Sympathy is in short supply these days. Yet if these meat eaters are mentioned at all, it’s in It’s not as if they haven’t been warned countless times Speaking |
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611E63 |
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Прочитайте Shape Rushing up and down the streets, I often have days when I There’s no doubt that the university tries to make To solve the problem of finding healthy food on campus First, I take advantage of meal options I had previously As I create a pattern of eateries to maintain a healthy This is where my second solution comes in. I have learned Finally, I have learned to get creative in dining halls. When living on a college campus, it can be difficult to According to |
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Прочитайте Start For the last two years I’ve been working really hard to Everyone else that I talked to, however, didn’t seem to The summer before I came to college was probably the most We finally made it to the doors and began unloading my After I had all my things unpacked and put exactly where I I still miss the security of living at home (and I wonder How did the |
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Прочитайте Avoidance activity I am in I can see the When I sit in ‘Madam’s hair is I am hopeless at I’ve looked at There is a I am indulging It didn’t work. I can’t wait to The last |
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EC197D |
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Прочитайте текст и выполните задания 12–18. В каждом задании запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, Honey as When I get a sore Honey’s main effects Honey also contains a Honey can be used not Now that we’ve looked But it is important The |
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Прочитайте текст и выполните задания 12–18. В каждом задании запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, The lure of the I used to tell my parents that the first cell phone I will It took me a while to So maybe it was a little And while I recall my Today, however, youngsters are becoming so attached to In April, The Kinney goes on to say It is true that we are LeapFrog, the popular I read that Google is Because of this For parents, What |
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Прочитайте текст и выполните задания 12–18. В каждом задании запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, Experience: I My father wasn’t a king, he was a taxi driver, but I am a In 1903, the Portuguese government didn’t have enough I tried to find some business partners, but they all When the King of Portugal originally sold the island in When I bought it, I I have both a Portuguese passport and a passport for The Portuguese I don’t live in my Madeira is surrounded by water, but for some reason we all Our lives are gone in a flash. My son is 27 and if I were What |
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Прочитайте текст и выполните задания 12–18. В каждом задании запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, Driverless cars Driverless cars are Today, the discussions The concept of a Computer-operated cars Each passenger will Vehicle owners will no The social and This resembles the Where we’re going, we According to |
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Прочитайте текст и выполните задания 12–18. В каждом задании The truth about bananas When I was in college, I On a trip to Costa Rica, Among the other interesting tidbits we learned was that banana Bananas also have an These peculiarities aside, But what about banana The |
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1. Thoughtless behavior 5. Science brings hope
2. Benefits of private business 6. Road incident
3. Too complicated to use 7. More parking places
4. Bad for business 8. Personal choice
A. City center parking is expensive and many important roads are now closed to private transport. This would be fine — if public transport was cheap and convenient, but it is neither. The result is that people are avoiding the city center so restaurants, cinemas and shops are closing.
B. The motorcyclist drew a long side and I heard abusive language as he banged on the car roof. I immediately locked the car doors and tried to work out what was wrong. He then shouted that I had almost collided with him. Truth to tell — I didn’t see him until now. I tried to apologize but he wouldn’t listen.
C. They now have cars that run on electricity, solar power and even on vegetable oil. New petrol engines are super-efficient and make less harmful emissions. More people are working from home because of advances in communication technology and computer security. At last we have some grounds for optimism.
D. As she approached the traffic lights the driver in front of her tipped out a mess of fast food boxes, polystyrene cups and chip bags. She pressed her horn angrily. “Why don’t people consider what they do”, she wondered helplessly. “Someone will have to clear this up and we all have to pay for it.”
E. Sarah has worked for herself more than 10 years now. It had been risky but now her interior decoration business is a success. She loves being her own boss. It constantly amazes her that her friends in big corporations believe they have job security. How can they think this way when these companies are constantly firing people to make bigger profits?
F. It was not easy deciding. It never is when buying a new car. Reliability and comfort are big issues as are fuel economy, maintenance and so forth. A car has to feel right as well. Price and value for money are also critical. But in the end Ralph made his decision confident that it was just the right one for him.
G. Jane studied the small print. To make a successful insurance claim for her accident she needed so much information. Several complicated forms took hours to complete. She then needed three independent quotations, a witness statement, and a police statement and after everything she still had to pay the first $500 anyway.
1. A shop that inspired writers 5. Birth of a popular sport
2. Country’s brave defenders 6. Textile business links
3. A truly international place 7. A nice-sounding building
4. Governesses of rich children 8. The initial steps of commerce
A. Moscow has always been a multicultural city. If we look back at its history, we will see that there were several foreign communities living in Moscow on a permanent basis. We all know about German people inhabiting the banks of the Yauza river, where little Peter, the future tsar of all Russia, ran around, made friends and got his first ideas of learning about ships and fleets. But what do we know about the British community of Moscow? Did it even exist?
B. The first ties between Russia and Britain were formed in the middle of the 16th century in the time of Ivan the Terrible. It was then that some wealthy British merchants founded the Muscovy Company which held a monopoly on trade between Britain and Russia until 1698. The building of its Moscow headquarters was granted to the company by the tsar in 1556 and can be still visited at 4, Varvarka Street, known to us now as The Old English Court.
C. Beginning from the time of Peter the Great, several talented British military men moved to Russia. Many of them served as army generals and navy admirals, defending Russian borders in different wars and battles. Among the most famous ones were Field Marshall James Bruce, Field Marshall Barclay de Tolly and Admiral Thomas Mackenzie, all of them of Scottish origin.
D. In the 18th century, British industrialists made themselves known in Russia. One of the most outstanding figures was Robert McGill, who lived in Moscow and served as an intermediary between Lancashire mill engineers and the Russian cotton industry, and built over 150 mills (cotton factories) in Russia. Robert McGill had a house in Spiridonovka Street and together with his wife Jane was a prominent member of the British community in Moscow.
E. If you talk to Moscow concert musicians who were active between the 1960s and the 1990s, they will tell you of the fantastic acoustics of the “Melodiya” recording studio at 8, Voznesensky Lane, which they lovingly called ‘kirche’, mistakenly thinking it was a German church. This building, designed in the English neo-gothic architectural style, was in fact built in 1885 by Robert McGill and is St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, which was used as a recording studio in Soviet times.
F. Another spectacular example of British architecture in Moscow is the old building of TsUM next to the Bolshoy and Maly theatres. Built in the early 1900s, it was back then the biggest department store in Moscow. It was owned by Scottish merchants Andrew Muir and Archie Mirrielees. Mayakovsky mentions Muir&Mirrielees in several of his poems, while Chekhov named his dogs after its two owners.
G. In 1887, two other cotton industrialists from Lancashire, Clement and Harry Charnock, moved to work at a cotton factory in Orekhovo-Zuevo, near Moscow. They were both great football fans and decided to introduce this game to the workers of the factory. This resulted in the first professional football team in Russia which after the Revolution became the core of Moscow Dynamo team.
1. Education: the Way to the Top 5. Things worth learning
2. From Agony to Love 6. The right word can bring changes
3. Teaching to Learn 7. What my father taught me
4. Learning That Never Stops 8. The power of numbers
A. Education has the power to transform a person’s life. I am the living example of this. When I was on the streets, I thought I was not good at anything but I wrote a poem, and it got published. I went back to school to learn. I have learned the benefit of research and reading, of debate and listening. One day soon a group of fresh-faced college students will call me professor.
B. Language has the capacity to change the world and the way we live in it. People are often afraid to call things by their direct names, use taboos not to notice dangerous tendencies. Freedom begins with naming things. This has to happen in spite of political climates, careers being won or lost, and the fear of being criticized. After Helen Caldicott used the word ‘nuclear arms race’ an anti-nuclear movement appeared.
C. I never wanted to be a teacher. Yet years later, I find myself teaching high school English. I consider my job to be one of the most important aspects of my life, still I do not teach for the love of teaching. I am a teacher because I love to learn, and I have come to realize that the best way to learn is to teach.
D. One day my sister and I got one and the same homework. My sister finished the task in 2 minutes and went off to play. But I could not do it, so I went into my sister’s room and quickly copied her work. But there was one small problem: my father caught me. He didn’t punish me, but explained that cheating makes people feel helpless. And then I was left feeling guilty for cheating.
E. Lifelong learning does not mean spending all my time reading. It is equally important to get the habit of asking such questions as ‘what don’t I know about this topic, or subject?’, ‘what can I learn from this moment or person?’, and ‘what more do I need to learn?’ regardless of where I am, who I am talking to, or what I am doing.
F. Math has always been something that I am good at. Mathematics attracts me because of its stability. It has logic; it is dependable and never changes. There might be some additions to the area of mathematics, but once mathematics is created, it is set in stone. We would not be able to check emails or play videogames without the computer solving complex algorithms.
G. When my high school English teacher asked us to read Shakespeare, I thought it was boring and too difficult. I agonized over the syntax — I had never read anything like this. But now I am a Shakespeare professor, arid enjoy teaching Hamlet every semester. Each time I re-read the play, I find and learn something new for myself.
1. Look to your past 5. Time out with a purpose
2. Health benefits of hobbies 6. Finding time for your hobby
3. Finding a hobby that suits you 7. Making new friends
4. Dangerous hobby 8. Finding excitement
A. Hobbies provide work-free and responsibility-free time in your schedule. This can be especially useful for people who feel stressed by all that they have to do and need to recharge their batteries. For some of us it may be difficult to give ourselves permission to just sit and relax. Having a hobby, however, can provide a break and help people feel that they’re not just ‘sitting around’ but are using their free time for something productive.
B. Are there things you enjoyed as a child that you might still enjoy as an adult? Maybe you had a fantastic record collection, loved to make clothes for your dolls or were always out on your bike. Those are all things you could pick up again as an adult that would make great hobbies. Or there may be hobbies in your home right now that you started but have recently forgotten about. Maybe it’s time to finish that crochet project or pick up the guitar again.
C. If you’re adding a new thing into your life, you have to take time and focus away from something else. The good news is that most of us have a lot of time we’re not using well, either because we’re spending a lot of time online or watching TV or just wasting time we could be spending on our hobbies. See if you can spend a half hour or so every other day to explore your interest. This way it would be best in case you find that hobby isn’t for you after all.
D. Of course, everyone is different and your personality does play a role in what sorts of hobbies you’ll like. If you don’t have a lot of patience you might feel that knitting is too much for you, but exploring quick sewing projects might be a better choice. Maybe you really like being with friends, so you need to take a class or have an interest that you can do with a group. If you travel a lot, something portable or that you can do anywhere is helpful.
E. One study found that those who engage in physical leisure activities for at least 20 minutes once a week are less likely to have a fatigue. Other research found that enjoyable activities performed during leisure time were associated with lower blood pressure, total cortisol, and body mass index, and feelings of better physical function. Such activities were also associated with higher levels of positive psychosocial states and lower levels of depression.
F. When you look for material or equipment for your hobby, you are likely to find people who have the same hobby as you. You may be surprised to know how serious some people are about their hobbies and therefore would have great knowledge of their chosen pastime. Instead of meeting people from your work or college or those whom you have grown apart with, it is a great way to meet people with whom you have something in common.
G. For those who aren’t very stressed and may actually be under stimulated, hobbies provide a nice source of eustress, the healthy kind of stress that we all need to remain feeling happy about life. If the rest of your life is somewhat dull or uninspiring, hobbies can provide meaning and fun, and can break up a boring schedule, without feeling like work. In other words, hobbies can provide just the right amount of challenge.
1. Just Do It! 5. Take it easy!
2. Just What the Doctor Ordered 6. Hard to guess the meaning
3. Dangerous Consequences 7. The devil is not so black as he is painted
4. Source of the Problem 8. A hidden problem
A. You can often find articles and books addressing the problem of procrastination. If you don’t know this word, you might think it was a terrible disease. In reality, procrastination can be defined as a bad habit of doing something less important in order to avoid doing something more important. People procrastinate in many different areas, but we will focus on procrastinating at school, where it is a frequent problem.
B. Procrastination at school can lead to poor grades, low test scores, and finally not getting into a good university. Another negative result of procrastination is the stress of waiting to the last minute to do something. This can lead to staying up all night to prepare for a test. Also, the constant stress of having something hanging over your head, being scolded and criticized by teachers and parents can lead to feelings of guilt and worthlessness.
C. Usually it is very obvious when somebody is procrastinating, for example, playing video games instead of doing homework. Sometimes, however, it can be less obvious. Sharpening your pencils and cleaning your desk may fool some people into thinking you are working hard, but can also be forms of procrastination. Some pupils are even able to fool themselves into thinking they are working, when they are just trying to avoid real work.
D. It is not always clear why people procrastinate. Some are just lazy or don’t have enough willpower, but there may be other reasons, perfectionism for one. Some people are afraid that they will be judged by others as failures if their work is less than perfect. For example, a pupil may fear the judgment of parents and teachers on a school report. According to psychologists, this fear of failure may be a cause of procrastination.
E. Although it is difficult, there are ways to stop procrastinating. One way of doing it is to find out why you are procrastinating and deal with those problems. If you are a perfectionist, try to do the task quickly and not worry about it being perfect. Another solution, especially when the task seems too big, is to break it into smaller steps and do those one by one. This may lessen the desire to procrastinate.
F. Still, procrastinating can be a good thing. For those who spend much more time working on a project than is necessary, waiting until the last minute can be a more economical use of time. Also, some people while procrastinating do things that are creative or useful in other ways. Finally, a certain amount of procrastination is part of human nature. Feeling guilty about it can be worse and more damaging than the procrastination itself.
G. Procrastination is also a popular subject of laughter in films and TV shows and there are many coffee mugs, cartoons, and notebooks covered with jokes about it. Though many people consider it a serious psychological problem and even view it as a kind of disease, others laugh about it and are even proud to be procrastinators
1. Motivating opportunity 5. Numbers come first
2. Books come first 6. Relevant for today
3. Teachers to come first 7. Learn by using
4. Junk food — out 8. Fewer and worse
A. High school students have rights protected by the Constitution like everyone else, but it is complicated. There is no one set of rules. State laws differ from federal laws, and school board regulations vary from place to place. Students discover what rights they have by trying to exercise them, and, if prevented, taking the school to court.
B. Kids who live on junk food grow up to be fat and unhealthy, so schools should teach good health. They should fill their vending machines with health foods, and lunch programs should serve nothing but nutritious meals. If some kids complain, so what? They complain about algebra, too.
C. There is a new five-year program that lets students earn a high school diploma and two years of college at no cost. It is getting kids who are at risk to become more mature in the lower grades, to take college-prep courses, study harder, and focus on a career. Once in the program, very few drop out.
D. Neuroscience (brain science) is finding out how teaching affects the brain. It has discovered pre-school kids can learn numbers and simple math because the number instinct is hard-wired in the brain. So is the language instinct, but teaching kids to read is harder. It takes longer for the brain to connect sounds with letters — up to 11 years.
E. In hard times, colleges must be relevant. Today’s students want Chinese and Arabic, not Latin and Greek. Economics is in demand; and even English classes are teaching how to network, write a resume, and present oneself in an interview. It is not a good time to be a philosophy professor.
F. Computers help with drills and practice, but they are not much help in higher-level thinking. In the lower grades, money is better spent on new textbooks, music programs and the arts. In the higher grades, there is no choice. Everyone should learn to use the electronic genie.
G. The US program, No Child Left Behind, seeks to place a qualified teacher in every classroom. But where is the pool of qualified people out there waiting to teach disadvantaged kids in the cities? US policy should provide better training and support for those already teaching. They could start a new program and call it No Teacher Left Behind.
1. A step to a wider variety 5. Origin of theatre
2. Varieties of theatre 6. Ladies enter
3. Modern problems 7. Not the least important
4. Theatre and politics 8. Stars for a repertoire
A. Modern Western theatre comes in large measure from ancient Greek drama, from which it takes technical terminology, classification into genres, and many of its themes, stock characters, and plot elements. The Greeks also developed the concepts of dramatic criticism, acting as a career, and theatre architecture. The theatre of ancient Greece consisted of three types of drama: tragedy, comedy, and the satyr play.
B. Western theatre developed and expanded considerably under the Romans. The Roman historian Livy wrote that the Romans first experienced theatre in the 4th century BC. The theatre of ancient Rome was a thriving and diverse art form, ranging from festival performances of street theatre, nude dancing, and acrobatics, to the staging of broadly appealing situation comedies, to the high style, verbally elaborate tragedies.
C. Theatre took on many different forms in the West between the 15th and 19th centuries, including commedia dell’arte and melodrama. The general trend was away from the poetic drama of the Greeks and the Renaissance and toward a more naturalistic prose style of dialogue, especially following the Industrial Revolution. Theatre today, broadly defined, includes performances of plays and musicals, ballets, operas and various other forms.
D. The eighteenth century in Britain introduced women to the stage, which would have been extremely inappropriate before. These women were looked at as celebrities but on the other hand, it was still very new and revolutionary that they were on the stage and some said they were unladylike and looked down n. Charles II did not like young men playing the parts of young women, so he asked that women play their own parts.
E. Theatre took a big pause during 1642 and 1660 in England because of Cromwell’s Interregnum. Theatre was seen as something sinful and the Puritans tried very hard to drive it out of their society. Because of this stagnant period, once Charles II came back to the throne in 1660, theatre (among other arts) exploded because of a lot of influence from France, where Charles was in exile the years previous to his reign.
F. Stagecraft is a term referring to the technical aspects of theatrical, film, and video production. It includes constructing scenery, hanging and focusing of lighting, design and procurement of costumes, makeup, props, stage management, and recording and mixing of sound. Considered a technical rather than an artistic field, it is equally crucial for the practical implementation of a designer’s artistic idea.
G. While most modern theatre companies rehearse one piece of theatre at a time, perform that piece for a set “run”, retire the piece, and begin rehearsing a new show, repertory companies rehearse multiple shows at one time. Repertory theatre generally involves a group of similarly accomplished actors, and relies more on the reputation of the group than on an individual star actor.
1. Lucky escape 5. Ordering in
2. Long journey 6. Fast food is unhealthy
3. Good way to meet 7. A new way to buy
4. Growing in popularity 8. Too much choice
A. When you are tired and don’t want to cook, just pick up the phone. Restaurants are expensive and take some time and effort to reach if you don’t live in the centre of town. Ordering food for home delivery is cheap and these days there is a huge choice. Indian and Chinese are the most popular but I prefer to get in a pizza.
B. A school group on a skiing holiday to Italy narrowly avoided disaster when their coach left the road and fell eighty meters into a valley. Trees slowed down the falling coach and because of the fresh new snow the vehicle landed quite softly. Amazingly no one was injured.
C. A teenager from London is making news around the world. On his recent holiday in Australia he set off without his mobile phone. Experts are amazed that he is still alive after walking for fourteen days, surviving extreme temperatures and living off the land. However, a lot of Australians are unhappy with him. The rescue cost is estimated at more than 100,000 dollars.
D. You can buy almost anything, new or second hand, on the internet. On one site you can offer the price you want to pay for something. Whoever offers the highest price can buy that item. Recently I made the highest offer for a nearly new pair of skis. However, I only paid half of what they would have cost new in a shop.
E. Making new friends on the internet makes so much sense. You can see someone’s photo and read if they share your interests and opinions. The important thing is you can spend time getting to know people who are attractive to you and looking for the same things in life that you are. Still, for personal safety, most sites recommend that in person you meet initially in a public place like a cafe or a gallery.
F. I like eating out but some restaurants have huge menus. And usually every item sounds mouthwatering. The trouble is I like to read about everything on offer and sometimes waiters wait for me rather than on me! The other issue is how they can offer so much whilst maintaining quality? I’d rather take one of five options knowing that each one was brilliant.
G. “Facebook” is a social networking website that has 250 million members and despite lots of criticism by employers, governments and media, continues to attract thousands of new users daily. In spite of claims of concerns about privacy, safety and wasting time at work, “Facebook” is one of the most rapidly establishing phenomena of recent years.
1. Water-related diseases 5. Physical characteristics
2. Personal measure 6. Worrying statistics
3. Ways of using 7. Hard to get
4. More than survival 8. Natural threats
A. Water is the most important resource for mankind. It is a condition for all life on our planet, a factor for any social and technological development, a possible source of welfare or misery, cooperation or conflict. 97 percent of it is undrinkable because it’s saltwater. Only 3 percent of the world’s water supply is fresh water, and 77 percent of that is frozen. Of the 23 percent that is not frozen, only a half a percent is available to supply everyone with all the water they need to survive.
B. Natural disasters like earthquakes, tornados, hurricanes and other types of incidents can disrupt drinking water and waste water systems. Water consumers, water and wastewater utilities, and private well and septic owners should be informed on what to do in emergency. It is important to be prepared because drinking water and wastewater disruptions can directly threaten your health, the health of your family, and the health of your community.
C. Water security is about fighting poverty and hunger, and protecting the environment. It is about saving children from disease. It is about allowing girls to go to school instead of walking kilometers to fetch water. It is about providing women and men with access to sanitation, wherever they live. Fundamentally, it is about peace. When we talk about water security, we are really talking about human rights, human dignity, and the development of all societies.
D. Water is the only substance that occurs naturally as a solid (ice), a liquid and a gas (water vapor). It covers about 70 percent of the Earth for approximately 1,386 million cubic kilometers. In its purest form, it’s odorless, nearly colorless and tasteless. Water molecules are naturally attracted and stick to each other like magnets. This is the reason behind many of water’s special properties, such as the fact that it’s denser in its liquid state than in its solid state (ice floats on water).
E. You use water to clean yourself, your clothes, your dishes, your car and everything else around you. You can travel on it or jump in it to cool off on hot summer days. Many of the products that you use every day contain water or were manufactured using it. It seems pretty simple, and yet there are a lot of things about it that scientists still don’t fully understand.
F. Every day you lose water. For your body to function properly, you must replenish its water supply. So how much fluid does the average, healthy adult living in a temperate climate need? The Institute of Medicine determined that an adequate intake for men is roughly 3 liters a day. The intake for women is 2.2 liters a day. But in truth, your water needs depend on many factors, including your health, how active you are and where you live.
G. Around 1.1 billion people globally do not have access to clean water supply sources whereas 2.4 billion people do not have bathrooms with running water. About 2 million people die every year due to water-related diseases, most of them are children less than 5 years of age. The most affected are people in developing countries, living in extreme conditions of poverty.
1. Travel memories 5. Popular hobby
2. Animal lover magazine 6. Family magazine
3. Travel to stars 7. People and nature
4. Star dreams 8. Animals in danger
A. Most people who spend a holiday travelling take a camera with them and photograph anything that interests them – sights of a city, views of mountains, lakes, waterfalls, men and women, children, ruins of ancient buildings, and even birds and animals. Later looking through their albums they will remember the happy time they have had, the islands, outries and cities they have seen.
B. Of course, different people dream of different things. Someone wishes a calm and quiet life; others imagine their life as a never-ending adventure. The majority dream of something concrete: a villa in some warm place, an account in a Swiss bank, a splendid car… It’s interesting to know what the dreams of people who already have all this are. Celebrities, as we know, never hide their unusual hobbies, and often shock us with their extravagant behaviour.
C. It is Junior Baseball Magazine’s mission to provide information that enhances the youth baseball experience for the entire family. The player improves his skills and is more successful. The family enjoys the activity more and shares this precious time in their life. Junior Baseball emphasizes good sportsmanship, safety, physical fitness and wholesome family values.
D. The seas are in danger. They are filled with poison like industrial, nuclear and chemical waste. The Mediterranean Sea is already nearly dead; the North Sea is following it. The Aral Sea is on the brink of extinction. If nothing is done about it, one day nothing will be able to live in the seas. Every ten minutes one species of animal, plant or insect dies out forever.
E. Lots of people all over the world enjoy collecting stamps. Stamps are like little pictures. Very often they show the flowers or the trees which grow in this or
that country, or they can show different kinds of transport of the country. Stamps may also have portraits of famous people on them. Some stamps show art work from the history of the country.
F. “Friend” is the title of my favorite magazine. It consists of 70 pages, with lots of colourful and bright pictures and provides interesting and useful information for people who love animals. The magazine includes numerous articles devoted to various topics connected with domestic animals, ways to take care of them, pet food, animal health and many other topics crucial for any animal lover.
G. People are beginning to realize that environmental problems are not just somebody else’s. Many people join and support various international organizations and green parties. What could be more important than human life? Polluted air, poisoned water, wastelands, noise, smoke – all these influence not only nature but people as well. Everything should be done to improve ecological conditions on our planet.
1. Musical performance 5. Film for all ages
2. Attractive landscape 6. Exciting hobby
3. Perfect holidays 7. Colorful festival
4. Portrait of a girl 8. Interesting book
A. This is a full-length (ninety minutes) cartoon, which is entertaining for both adults and children over six. The animation and colour are of very high quality and the story has lots of fun and excitement. The plot is quick moving and full of surprises. There’s romance, action, comedy, music and lots of fantastic songs and dances.
B. This is a full-blooded magnificently written portrait of history’s most fascinating woman. Readers will lose themselves for hours in this richly entertaining novel full of dramatic twists and turns. From the spectacular era that bears her name comes the spellbinding story of Elizabeth I — her tragic childhood, her confrontation with Mary, Queen of Scots and her brilliant reign.
C. The young woman is shown in a “shepherdess” hat and white dress, recalling a classical chiton. The background landscape, common in such paintings, seems to indicate the heroine’s closeness to nature, to the ordinary joys of life. The painter’s colour range — at times as translucent as porcelain, at others muted like mother -of- pearl — is based upon subtle plays of gray and green, light blue and pink.
D. In this picture one is struck by the artist’s absolute mastery in portraying natural details, whether the dry, sandy soil of the forest, the clear stream of water in the foreground, the yellow bark and fluffy needles of the pines, or the sense of a bright, clear, calm summer day. The artist managed to create an image familiar to anyone who has seen a Russian forest.
E. Have a good time on the most lively and exciting island in the Caribbean. Relax under a palm tree on the white sandy beaches. Swim in the clear, blue sea. Listen to the bands playing Calypso music. Or get really adventurous and go scuba diving for sunken treasure on the sea bed. Join in the many cultural celebrations we offer, for example the sugar harvest festival.
F. This event is considered the greatest attraction for visitors to the Isle of Man. No definite date can be given, but it is normally held between 5th and 15th July. The Pageant begins at about 8 p.m. First we are given a glimpse of village life in Celtic times. Then suddenly Viking long ships appear and then there are scenes of war. Then Celts and Vikings unite, and the Manx nation is born. The actual Pageant is followed by a grand torchlight procession and firework display.
G. Do you like Latin American dancing? Do you want to dance like you see in the films and on the stage? Do you want to feel the rhythm of the music in your body and in your soul? Do you want to meet other people who have a love for the same music as you? If you have answered “Yes” to any of these questions, join our Latin dance classes on Thursday night between seven and ten. All are welcome.
1. Good for everyone 8. Clothes to protest
5. An innovative idea 4. Screen fashion
2. Easy to care for 7. Jeans’ label
6. Working clothes 3. Part of culture
A. Jeans are one of fashion’s most long enduring trends. Cowboys wear them but so do supermodels, farmers, presidents and housewives. Ask any group of people why they wear jeans and you will get a range of answers. For some they’re comfortable and easy — for others they’re trendy and cool. Jeans mean different things to different people but they are popular everywhere.
B. Americans do not have a national folk dress with a long tradition. Blue jeans are probably the most recognisable article of American clothing. They have been part of American life for over 125 years. Blue denim jeans became not only an expression of American fashion but also an element of American identity known around the world.
C. Jeans were first designed as trousers for farmers and miners in the states of the American West. They quickly grew popular with common people, including cowboys, factory employees and railroad builders. The new trousers were made from a very strong material which did not wear out easily. However, at the same time jeans were very practical and comfortable to wear.
D. Pockets were the weak point of the miners’ clothes — they easily tore away from the jeans. A man called Jacob Davis had the idea of using metal rivets (fasteners) to hold the pockets and the jeans together so that they wouldn’t tear. Davis wanted to patent his idea, but he didn’t have enough money, so he offered Levi Strauss a deal if Strauss paid for the patent. Strauss accepted and started making jeans.
E. By the middle of the twentieth century, these heavy cotton trousers were a symbol of opposition for young artists and writers. College students started to wear them to show they were against the Vietnam War. The new trousers were banned in American schools from coast to coast and sometimes in theatres and cinemas.
F. Jeans are good because they don’t show the dirt. You can easily go a month without washing them and they don’t look shocking. They don’t need to be washed as often as other trousers and you don’t need to iron them. What’s more, because of the strong material you can wear your favorite jeans for years. Even the occasional hole or spot doesn’t spoil them at all.
G. In the 30s and 40s many people began to spend their spare time watching movies where adventurous cowboys rode horses, fought bad guys and wore blue jeans. The actors made jeans popular in movies and everyone wanted to wear them. Young people wished to imitate the casual “cowboyish” look they saw in films, and they began to wear jeans as casual wear.
1. The parents’ decision 8. A new learning experience
2. The students’ room 7. Famous graduates
3. The new school 6. Location of the school
4. Old friends 5. Ambitious plans
A. Her parents left and Joanna looked around her new place. It was a large room with five beds — and she was sitting on one of them. There were also writing desks, chairs, bedside units and hangers for clothes. Joanna’s classmates-to-be were in the classroom — their beds were carefully made, their clothes and personal belongings — in perfect order. From the large windows was a view of a high, brick wall that surrounded the boarding school grounds.
B. The poor view was a disappointment — Joanna remembered that the way to the school had been very picturesque. They had driven over green hills and past several country houses before pulling up in front of the old monastery right on the bank of a narrow but fast-flowing river. The approach to the school was lined with tall maple trees. The monastery had been built two or three centuries ago but there were no monks there any more — the old building now housed a prestigious boarding school.
C. During the whole trip Joanna hadn’t exchanged a word with her parents. She didn’t like the idea of learning at a boarding school but her father said there was no other way. He was quite a prominent statesman. Recently he had been offered a post in another city and couldn’t reject it for political reasons. Joanna couldn’t go with them as, firstly, there was no appropriate school there and, secondly, he would have to concentrate on the new job. Joanna’s mother supported him as she always did.
D. Joanna’s mother was obsessed with her education. That’s why the famous boarding school that offered all kinds of opportunities seemed an ideal option to her. When Joanna had visited the website, she had been impressed, too. The school had a genetic laboratory and an observatory. The computer equipment was state of the art. The teachers were scientists who published their research in serious scientific journals. It was amazing that all that was hidden behind the walls of a medieval monastery!
E. Joanna started to unpack her suitcase — jeans, socks, a warm jumper. Then she pulled out a photo. It had been taken in her former school before the Christmas show. Her friends, Linda and Emma, were there setting up the microphones on the stage, Neil was busy with his laptop — he was in charge of the Slide Show performance. Joanna sighed — she wasn’t going to see any of them before the summer.
F. Joanna left her suitcase and went up to the window. The situation was probably not as bad as it had seemed at first glance. The school could give her career a good start. She’d always dreamt about a career in bio-technology. Joanna believed that human society was about to make some absolutely fantastic discoveries and wanted to participate in the exciting process. A solid education was essential for her, and the school seemed to be the right place to get it.
G. She remembered the photos in the school corridor — people in research laboratories, at scientific conferences and even at the Nobel Prize Award Ceremony. At first Joanna thought that it was all about the teachers, but then she realized that those were the former students of the school. There was another surprise — along with scholars, there were photos of a famous film producer and even a Hollywood celebrity. The education the school provided seemed to fit any industry.
1. Traditional delivery 8. Weekend reading
2. Loss of popularity 7. Size makes a difference
3. Money above privacy 6. The successful competitor
4. The best-known newspapers 5. Focus on different readers
A. As in many other European countries, Britain’s main newspapers are losing their readers. Fewer and fewer people are buying broadsheets and tabloids at the newsagent’s. In the last quarter of the twentieth century people became richer and now they can choose other forms of leisure activity. Also, there is the Internet which is a convenient and inexpensive alternative source of news.
B. The ‘Sunday papers’ are so called because that is the only day on which they are published. Sunday papers are usually thicker than the dailies and many of them have six or more sections. Some of them are ‘sisters’ of the daily newspapers. It means they are published by the same company but not on week days.
C. Another proof of the importance of ‘the papers’ is the morning ‘paper round’. Most newsagents organize these. It has become common that more than half of the country’s readers get their morning paper brought to their door by a teenager. The boy or girl usually gets up at around 5:30 a.m. every day including Sunday to earn a bit of pocket money.
D. The quality papers or broadsheets are for the better educated readers. They devote much space to politics and other ‘serious’ news. The popular papers, or tabloids, sell to a much larger readership. They contain less text and a lot more pictures. They use bigger headlines and write in a simpler style of English. They concentrate on ‘human interest stories’ which often means scandal.
E. Not so long ago in Britain if you saw someone reading a newspaper you could tell what kind it was without even checking the name. It was because the quality papers were printed on very large pages called ‘broadsheet’. You had to have expert turning skills to be able to read more than one page. The tabloids were printed on much smaller pages which were much easier to turn.
F. The desire to attract more readers has meant that in the twentieth century sometimes even the broadsheets in Britain look rather ‘popular’. They give a lot of coverage to scandal and details of people’s private lives. The reason is simple. What matters most for all newspaper publishers is making a profit. They would do anything to sell more copies.
G. If you go into any newsagent’s shop in Britain you will not find only newspapers. You will also see rows and rows of magazines for almost every imaginable taste. There are specialist magazines for many popular pastimes. There are around 3,000 of them published in the country and they are widely read, especially by women. Magazines usually list all the TV and radio programmes for the coming week and many British readers prefer them to newspapers
1. The symbols of London 5. On the road
2. Means of travelling 6. A healthy but difficult choice
3. World record holder 7. An unusual hobby
4. A sweet in the street 8. Conflict over roads
A. The British are enthusiastic about mobility. They think that the ability to travel far and frequently is their right. People can spend up to two or three hours commuting to London or another big city and arrive back at their homes in the countryside only late in the evening. They put up with the long journey because they want their families to avoid the unhealthy lifestyle of big cities.
B. Most journeys to work are made by private road transport. It leads to the pollution so familiar to many big cities, and to traffic jams. Congestion is especially high in Britain because the British do not welcome the idea of building new roads. They don’t like living close to them. Each proposal to build a new road is criticised so it’s not easy to improve the road situation.
C. Perhaps because the trains were the first means of transport in Britain many people still have a romantic outlook on them. Thousands of train-lovers spend a lot of time looking for information about trains, especially old steam engines. Many enthusiasts spend their free time restoring and repairing old trains. They even earn some money by offering rides to tourists.
D. It is possible to travel between any two towns or cities by either road or rail. In some parts of the country there is a very good rail network but most commercially successful trains run between London and the largest cities in the country. By modern European standards British trains are not fast. Coach services are generally even slower than trains but are much cheaper. It explains why they are still in use.
E. Britain is one of the few countries in Europe where double-decker buses are a common sight. Although single-deckers have been in use since 1960s, London still has many double-deckers in operation. They are world-famous, an image associated with the city. Another London icon is the black taxi. Normally, these traditional taxis cannot be hired by phone. You simply have to find one on the street.
F. In 1953, most schoolchildren walked to school. For this reason, school crossing patrols were introduced. This ‘patrol’ consists of an adult wearing a bright waterproof coat and carrying a stick with a circle on top of it, which reads ‘STOP’. Armed with this ‘lollipop’, the adult walks out into the middle of the road, stops the traffic and allows the children to cross.
G. On 9 January 2013, the London Underground (or the Tube) celebrated 150 years since the first underground journey. It is both the world’s oldest underground railway and the oldest rapid transit system. It was also the first underground railway to operate electric trains. The Underground has 268 stations and 400 km of track, making it the longest metro system in the world by route length.
1. Worrying time statistics 5. Different opinions
2. Hidden dangers 6. The best social networking site
3. New communication opportunities 7. Time eaters
4. Communication problems in real life 8. Prospects in education
A. The popularity of social networking sites such as Vkon takte, Facebook, MySpace, and Classmates has risen more than four times from 2005 to 2009. Many users say these sites are good for our society, but others are sure that there are more dangers in them than benefits. Your attitude to such websites depends on your age, job, interests and way of life.
B. Social networks promote communication with friends and family, they give people necessary and useful computer skills and teach them to express their ideas in a clear way. Another thing is that the sites let people create new relationships and reconnect with old friends. In every way, more communication, even online, makes connections stronger.
C. Social networking sites make people spend more time online and less time communicating face-to-face. The sites have many time-wasting activities. You stay online longer than you planned and do nothing serious or important. Experts say that teenagers spend about nine hours every week on social networking sites.
D. A big risk about social networks is that teenagers are careless. They don’t worry that their personal information and photos could be open to lots of people. Also the sites don’t guarantee that their registered members are who they say they are. If a person says he is James Burns, a college student, we have to believe him. We cannot check his real name or occupation.
E. Psychologists say that social networking sites can have serious disadvantages. It is hard for children to have real conversations and make friends. They become selfish personalities and lose interest in real life. Parents spend less time with their children and all members of the family spend less time with each other because they are using the Internet instead of communicating in person.
F. Internet users spend most of their time on social networks and blogs. Users in the USA spend about five and a half hours every month on their favourite site. And the number is growing. Russians spend 6.6 hours monthly on social networking sites. It is more than people in any other country. For example, in Europe it is 3.7 hours a month.
G. New research shows that social networking sites can be used in schools. Teachers should find ways to use them in class. It would help students to learn how to get information from Internet resources and share it with classmates. Students would also be able to express themselves creatively and present themselves better.
1. A new music instrument 5. A strange competition
2. The latest fashion 6. A law against mobiles
3. A mobile for grandma 7. Back to real-life communications
4. Phone addiction 8. Digital personal assistants
A. Young people often worry about the style and functions of mobile phones. However, today companies present more models for people who are over 50 or 60 years old. They need a mobile phone with large buttons, so that they can dial numbers without glasses. The menu is also simple. It really doesn’t matter if the phone has a camera or the Internet. For them, less is more.
B. Today, when friends meet in a cafe, they put their mobile phones in the middle of the table. They aren’t allowed to touch them at all. If someone does it and answers the phone, they have to pay for everybody. Sounds fun, right? The idea is to make people concentrate on a real conversation with each other instead of using their mobiles all the time.
C. Visitors of theatres and cinemas often complain that mobile phones ring during performances. The city government of New York passed a new act. It is now forbidden to use mobile phones in places, like theaters, libraries, museums, galleries, and cinemas. Those who don’t switch off their mobiles will have to pay $50.
D. With mobile phones we can contact anyone, anywhere, any time. Scientists say that some people are so used to mobiles that they can’t go to the kitchen without them. They are in panic if they leave them at home or lose. It has become a habit to have a mobile everywhere. People depend on mobile phones so much that doctors have started worrying. They say it may be a thing similar to drugs.
E. Throwing mobile phones is an international sport that started in Finland in 2000. Traditionally participants throw mobile phones over their shoulders. The person, who throws farthest, wins. There’s also freestyle throwing. In this contest sportsmen should throw a mobile in a beautiful and creative way.
F. In 2010, a young girl from China made a song using only her mobile phone. She wrote it without any guitars, pianos, drums. She used different functions of her mobile. It took her several days to record the song. Later she made a video of it and put the video on the Internet, where over a million people watched it. She sent the song to the Apple company and suggested using it in their advertisements.
G. Today’s mobile phones can already send e-mails, surf the Internet, and keep you in touch with friends. Tomorrow’s phones are like helpful secretaries. In a few years you’ll see that they know your habits and can advise you what to cook for dinner. They will remind you where to go and what present to buy.
1. Is there any risk-free alternative to tattoo? 5. Is getting a tattoo dangerous?
2. What equipment is used? 6. What are the most popular tattoo designs?
3. What are the motives for getting a tattoo? 7. How old is the tattooing tradition?
4. What is tattoo ink made from? 8. Can tattoos be removed?
A. Tattoos are surprisingly popular in different parts of the globe. The oldest tattooed person, the so-called Iceman, is a frozen mummy found in the Alps in 1991. The frozen man, aged more than 5000 years, has 57 tattoos! The scientists think that they were created with some sharp instruments like thorns, and ash from fireplace was used instead of ink. There’s also a theory that Iceman’s tattoos were made for medical reasons rather than for any other, reason.
B. Medical tattoos mark the places where acupuncture needles need to be used, however, that reason for getting a tattoo is rare. Tattooing for religious and spiritual reasons happens much more often. Soldiers and sailors get tattoos in memory of their battles and journeys. Some people tattoo the names of those they love, and some get tattoos for no reason at all, just because they think it’s cool.
C. There are lots of tattooing techniques. Some tribes in Africa make cuts on the body and rub ash into them. Tattooists may also work with sharpened sticks or animal bones — the procedure is painful and not at all hygienic. In modern studios electric machines are usually used. They have one or more needles that quickly go in and out of the skin. The machine has ink containers and the ink gets into the skin via the needles. For safety reasons the needles should only be used once.
D. In the past, tattoo ink was made from tree bark, ash and coal dust. Later, pen ink was often used. Today, the inks produced by factories are usually made of metal salts and metal oxides. Heavy metals are used for colouring too: cadmium gives red and orange shades, aluminum — green and violet, cobalt — blue, titanium — white. There’s no need to say that heavy metals may cause allergies and some far more serious diseases, cancer included.
E. Parents may get outraged by their children’s desire for tattoos and they’ve got good reasons to get panicky — apart from ink related risks, getting tattoos is associated with the risk of infection. Anything from skin infections to tuberculosis and even AIDS can be transmitted via the instruments. If the tattooist ignores strict hygienic requirements, like using fresh ink for each session, changing gloves after each stage of tattooing or disinfecting the furniture, the client may catch a very serious disease.
F. Another reason against permanent tattoos is… their permanent character. You may like it now but people tend to change their preferences. A safe alternative is a temporary tattoo which lasts for only a few weeks. Their main advantage is that the skin is not damaged — the tattoo artist just applies henna on it. This type of tattoos is popular with fashion models who care for their bodies and don’t want them to get damaged.
G. The actress Amy Taylor says that she got her tattoo when she was sixteen. She thought it was cool, but several years later the tattoo became a nuisance. Amy wanted to get it removed. She believed that modern technologies like laser treatment could do it easily but the doctors warned her that the tattoo wouldn’t be fully removed anyway. The treatment is usually long, expensive and rather painful — getting the tattoo is much easier
1. A holiday tradition 5. A city of contrasts
2. All kinds of entertainment 6. The name meaning
3. It’s a must for any tourist 7. The green spots
4. Going back in history 8. Not for everyone
A. The population of London grew in the 17th century. Many houses were built during that period. It was needed after the Great Fire of 1666. In the 19th century the city suffered from pollution and epidemics. The German bombings during World War II destroyed the historical center of London. After the war the city was reconstructed and now it is one of the most beautiful European capitals.
B. Each year in December, the people of Norway send a present to Londoners. It is a very big Christmas Tree, which is put in Trafalgar Square. In this way they thank Britain for help during World War II. This tree becomes one of the unforgettable sights of London, especially when it is lit by hundreds of fairy lights. Londoners often group around the tree and sing Christmas songs.
C. Trafalgar Square is situated in central London. It is one of the greatest and most famous tourist attractions. Your visit to the capital usually begins with this place. It’s absolutely necessary for every tourist to see Nelson’s Column. Everyone should admire the lovely fountains of the square. Also, you can’t say that you’ve been to London if you don’t take a picture of yourself in the square.
D. London was founded by the Romans in the 1st century AD and called Londinium. There is a common theory that the word «Londinium» comes from the name of a Celtic village. Also, the adjective «lond» meant «wild» in the Celtic language. Perhaps, it characterized the river Thames, on which the city was started. So, most scientists think that London is a «village on the wild river».
E. In spite of being an important industrial and business centre London is known for its parks and open spaces. In every part of the city, you can find at least one park. It can be just a small pool with surrounding trees or a big and magnificent park like Hyde Park or Regent’s Park. They are all loved and visited by Londoners all the year round.
F. The liveliest part of London is West End. There are a lot of pubs, clubs, shops, theatres and cafes there. All kinds of pastimes are offered to tourists. Most of them choose shopping in Oxford Street with its stores, boutiques and gift shops. It’s a pleasant experience because the choices are great.
G. Big Ben is one of London’s best-known sights. The name «Big Ben» actually refers not to the clock-tower itself, but to the thirteen ton bell hanging within. The tower is not open to the general public. A tourist from abroad can’t visit it. The citizens of the UK are luckier. They can write a letter to a member of Parliament and ask to allow them to tour the clock tower. Usually, the permission is given.
1. How flashmobs are prepared 5. Why flashmob events are arranged
2. What the performers did 6. What people attitude is
3. Who can join the movement 7. What a flashmob is
4. Where the action took place and who took part in it 8. What the word means
A. It was a nice spring day. The city centre looked busy: cars sped by and people hurried across the square in front of an impressive bank building. There were business people, couriers, tourists and lots of clerks. There were probably too many clerks. And they kept coming from the adjoining streets and side streets. They were young and seemed strikingly similar — all of them were wearing black trousers and white shirts with a little daisy pinned to their black ties.
B. All of a sudden the people in office uniform stood still, facing the bank. They paid no attention to other passersby bumping into them. Something weird was going on but nobody could say what exactly was wrong. And.. the clerks started to dance. They danced to the music nobody could hear — that looked odd but captivating. The strange performance lasted for only a minute, after which all the black-and-white clerks rearranged their ties and instantly dispersed. The square was spotted with daisies.
C. The new phenomenon when lots of people get together in a public place and perform some action is called a flashmob. The participants may dance or perform mock fighting or put up similar umbrellas on a bright cloudless day and pretend they are hiding from the rain or something else. The performance is very brief — it lasts only one or two minutes. Then the flash mobbers disperse, as if nothing has been happening, leaving the passersby surprised and puzzled.
D. To surprise and puzzle is probable the main aim of the flash mobbers. It’s difficult to find another motivation for their actions which often seem pointless and strange. Unlike demonstrators or protestors, flash mobbers do not demand anything. They don’t get violent and they don’t normally have any problems with the police, though the latter don’t approve of flash mobbers as, in their opinion, crowds are potentially dangerous whatever their intentions are.
E. Like the phenomenon itself the word flashmob is very young but it has already been included in all contemporary dictionaries. It is formed with two words: flash, which means a bright light that shines for a short time and then stops shining, and mob — a crowd of people. The two words joined together connote the brisk and striking character of the action performed by those who at first looked like a simple crowd of people.
F. It’s difficult, however, to call them a simple crowd — flash mobbers are well-organized. The information about the coming flashmob spreads via the internet and mobiles — modern technology like blogs and social nets makes instant information exchange very easy. The place and the time of the coming flash mob event are usually kept secret till the very last moment. The participants are informed by text messages where they should head to and it’s amazing how quickly they get together.
G. Most people who have witnessed a flashmob say that they felt surprised and puzzled, but when the brief event was over, they started feeling more cheerful and relaxed than before the action. One of probable reasons is that people always welcome some unexpected event that makes their life less monotonous and ordinary. It’s important that flash mobbers sustain their positive image and never allow any violent behaviour to spoil it
1. The scientific explanation 5. Places without rainbows
2. The real shape 6. A personal vision
3. A lucky sign 7. A bridge between worlds
4. Some tips 8. Impossible to catch
A. Two people never see the same rainbow. Each person sees a different one. It happens because the raindrops are constantly moving so the rainbow is always changing too. Each time you see a rainbow it is unique and it will never be the same! In addition, everyone sees colours differently according to the light and how their eyes interpret it.
B. A rainbow is an optical phenomenon that is seen in the atmosphere. It appears in the sky when the sun’s light is reflected by the raindrops. A rainbow always appears during or immediately after showers when the sun is shining and the air contains raindrops. As a result, a spectrum of colours is seen in the sky. It takes the shape of a multicoloured arc.
C. Many cultures see the rainbow as a road, a connection between earth and heaven (the place where God lives). Legends say that it goes below the earth at the horizon and then comes back up again. In this way it makes a permanent link between what is above and below, between life and death. In some myths the rainbow is compared to a staircase connecting earth to heaven.
D. We all believe that the rainbow is arch-shaped. The funny thing is that it’s actually a circle. The reason we don’t see the other half of the rainbow is because we cannot see below the horizon. However, the higher we are above the ground, the more of the rainbow’s circle we can see. That is why, from an airplane in flight, a rainbow will appear as a complete circle with the shadow of the airplane in the centre.
E. In many cultures there is a belief that seeing a rainbow is good. Legends say that if you dig at the end of a rainbow, you’ll find a pot of gold. Rainbows are also seen after a storm, showing that the weather is getting better, and there is hope after the storm. This is why they are associated with rescue and good fortune. If people happen to get married on such a day, it is said that they will enjoy a very happy life together.
F. You can never reach the end of a rainbow. A rainbow is all light and water. It is always in front of you while your back is to the sun. As you move, the rainbow that your eye sees moves as well and it will always ‘move away’ at the same speed that you are moving. No matter how hard you try, a rainbow will always be as far away from you as it was before you started to move towards it.
G. To see a rainbow you have to remember some points. First, you should be standing with the sun behind you. Secondly, the rain should be in front of you. The most impressive rainbows appear when half of the sky is still dark with clouds and the other half is clear. The best time to see a rainbow is on a warm day in the early morning after sunrise or late afternoon before sunset. Rainbows are often seen near waterfalls and fountains.
1. Architectural heritage 5. Similar yet different
2. The mystery of the name 6. Literary landmarks
3. The district of crafts 7. A fashionable place to live in
4. The souvenir street 8. An open-air studio
A. Arbat Street is one of the most famous pedestrian streets in the historic centre of Moscow. In the 17th century the area was popular with carpenters, silversmiths, bakers and skilled people of other trades. They lived there and ran their businesses — there were lots of workshops and small stores on the ground floors of the houses. Nowadays, the Arbat’s side streets show evidence of their past with names that describe various trades or products.
B. In the 18th century the Arbat became popular with Moscow’s upper class, who enjoyed walking there and visiting the local cafés. There were hardly any workshops there then. The Arbat became a popular residential area that attracted Moscow nobility. The whole street was built up with private residences of wealthy Russian families – the Dolgorukiys, the Golitsins, the Tolstoys, the Sheremetyevs and others. It became the most stylish and desirable place to live.
C. Famous poets, thinkers, musicians and actors contributed to the Arbat’s charm. Alexander Pushkin and his wife lived there, in house number 53. Later the mansion was turned into a museum. One of the houses on the adjoining lane belonged to Leo Tolstoy. Over a century later, Bulat Okudzhava, the famous poet and bard, lived in house number 43. Today his statue stands on the corner of the side street.
D. The name Arbat does not sound like a Russian word and actually the original meaning of the place name is unknown. There are several hypotheses. Some linguists state that the name comes from the Arabic word meaning ‘suburb’ or ‘outskirts’. Another hypothesis links the word Arbat with the Tatar word arba, i.e. «cart». However, both theories are disputed.
E. Until the middle of the 20th century, the Arbat remained a part оf the main road frоm the Moscow Kremlin westwards. Іn the 1960s, а parallel road, the New Arbat was built, аnd the traffic was rerouted. The New Arbat, wіth іts wide sidewalks, has nо side streets, which was more convenient for drivers and safer for pedestrians. Twо decades later, the New Arbat took all the traffic and the Arbat wаs made іntо the fіrst pedestrian zone іn Moscow. Іn order tо avoid confusion wіth the New Arbat, people began tо refer tо the Arbat аs the Old Arbat.
F. To tourists, the area of the Arbat is a nice combination of cosy little side streets with the buildings representing different epochs. There, one can find an unusual looking house in the shape of two interlocking cylinders with more than 60 six-sided windows. It was built as an experimental house by the Soviet architect Konstantin Melnikov, a famous representative of Constructivism.
G. At both ends of the street, you’ll often see artists sketching portraits. There’s no need to go into a workshop – just choose an artist and take a seat. The artists have all they need at hand. Anyone can have a charcoal portrait of themselves or a caricature drawn. There’s no fixed price for the work — you can bargain.
1. Exploring wildlife 5. The symbols of Florida
2. Active pastimes 6. Entertainment for children
3. The land of sun and beauty 7. Life on a beach
4. Mind the strong wind 8. A family holiday resort
A. Florida has always been very popular with tourists from different parts of the world. It presents a lucky combination of pleasant climate and man-made attractions. Thousands of parents and their children go there in search of fun, sun and entertainment. They enjoy theme parks like the Walt Disney World Resort and the Sea World Resort, numerous movie studios, water parks, pools and other facilities.
B. One of the most popular places is the Walt Disney Resort, the biggest amusement park in the world. It includes different attractions for younger tourists. Children can enjoy magic exhibits or explore science at special centers situated within the area of the resort. They can also watch wild animals at the Animal Kingdom or enjoy one of the world movies at Disney Studios.
C. However, there is more to see in Florida than just Mickey Mouse. Florida is probably the sunniest state of the USA. Its nickname is the ‘Sunshine State’. Though Florida is one of the flattest states in America, its landscape is really amazing. Lakes with fresh water, hills, forests, eight miles of coastline and countless small islands create a fantastic atmosphere in the resort.
D. Florida provides an opportunity for adventure on both land and water. There are many types of unique wildlife, including dolphins and whales, deer and black bears. Tourists can enjoy African wildlife in a huge park in Tampa Bay. Giraffes, lions and zebras walk through the park’s grounds. Tourists can watch the animals in the wild and take photos. It goes without saying all kinds of hunting are strictly prohibited.
E. Besides all of this, Florida is also an extremely popular seaside resort. One of its beaches was called the safest bathing beach in the world. The range of facilities for holidaymakers is also impressive — from banana riding to renting boats for fishing and dolphin watching. Numerous cafes offer tourists excellent service, tasty seafood and a vast variety of drinks to cool down on a hot day.
F. The warm summers and mild winters make Florida an ideal place for different sports like boating, diving, surfing and water skiing. Not only are water sports popular — lots of people go there to play golf and they even plan their vacations around golfing! There are more golf courses in Florida than in any other state of the USA. There are state and private courses within a short driving distance of each other.
G. Hurricanes are a fact of Florida life. They can affect some vacations that is why it’s wise to avoid Florida in certain months. The Florida Hurricane Season officially starts on June 1 and ends on November 30. Historically, September is the most active month of the year. The National Hurricane Centre monitors the territory of Florida in order to warn the people of the danger well beforehand.
1. Just in time 5. Reduced expectations
2. Just in case 6. Royal brother
3. Eventful life 7. Royal ancestor
4. A curious case 8. Double trouble
A. I am a mother of identical, mirror-image boys — David and John. No one but me can tell them apart. I am constantly amazed at how close they are. Once when they were babies David was ill, but it was John who began crying wildly. I tried to calm John first since nothing was wrong with him. But he only cried louder. Finally I gave some medicine to David — who really was unwell. As soon as John sensed his brother felt better, he immediately settled to sleep.
B. The 12 year old was playing near the Platte River in North Bend, Nebraska. The river was high and as the boy stepped in, the current pushed his legs away. He floated off, spinning in the powerful current. At the last possible moment before the rapids, his yells were heard by his dog. It jumped in, reached the boy and towed him ashore. Another second and the boy would have been swept away to certain death.
C. Armgaard Karl Graves, referred to in press reports as ‘the Glasgow Spy’, was convicted in Scotland under the Official Secrets Act (1911) for spying on the British Navy. He spent years successfully creating an identity as an Australian doctor and in Scotland even conducted important clinical experiments. But he was eventually caught by a suspicious post office worker as he sent and received post under a variety of assumed names.
D. Zsa Zsa Gabor was born in Budapest on February 6th, 1917. Now in her 90s she has had a long and varied life. She was a beauty queen and singer before becoming a famous screen actress. She was married 8 times but only had one child with second husband, Conrad Hilton. Her last marriage to Frederic von Anhalt gave her the honorary title Prinzessin von Anhalt.
E. “Who do you think you are” is one of my favourite TV programs. Each episode researches the family history of a celebrity, back into the mists of time. In the UK there are good records of births, marriages and deaths going back hundreds of-years. One of the best episodes was on Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London. He was thrilled when he discovered he was directly related to King George II.
F. Paris Hilton is a famous socialite, media personality, actress, model and singer. In 2007 her grandfather Barron Hilton pledged 97% of his estate — a value of more than 2 billion US dollars — to a charitable foundation. Many now believe that Paris and the other grandchildren have had their potential inheritance sharply reduced. Others have commented that this news was unlikely to change her future life style.
G. Andy always travels well equipped for any potential possibility. He has a sewing repair kit and a small medical kit with aspirin. These are, I suppose, perfectly sensible. But what about a ball of string, tape measure, masking tape, Swiss army penknife, disposable cutlery, disinfectant, dry bags and an inflatable back rest? Andy says you never know what might happen and it’s always best to be prepared.
1. A taste of everything 5. Activities for the adventurous and hardy
2. Shop till you drop 6. On the crossroads of religions
3. City’s tourist attractions 7. For the body, mind and soul
4. Ancient traditions live on 8. From the high peaks to the deep seas
A. Today Jakarta has much to offer, ranging from museums, art and antique markets, first class shopping to accommodations and a wide variety of cultural activities. Jakarta’s most famous landmark, the National Monument or Monas is a 137m obelisk topped with a flame sculpture coated with 35 kg of gold. Among other places one can mention the National museum that holds an extensive collection of ethnographic artifacts and relics, the Maritime Museum that exhibits Indonesia’s seafaring traditions, including models of sea going vessels.
B. Sumatra is a paradise for nature lovers, its national parks are the largest in the world, home to a variety of monkeys, tigers and elephants. Facing the open sea, the western coastline of Sumatra and the waters surrounding Nias Island have big waves that make them one of the best surfer’s beaches in Indonesia. There are beautiful coral reefs that are ideal for diving. For those who prefer night dives, the waters of Riau Archipelago offer a rewarding experience with marine scavengers of the dark waters.
C. Various establishments offer professional pampering service with floral baths, body scrubs, aromatic oils, massages and meditation; rituals and treatments that use spices and aromatic herbs to promote physical and mental wellness. Various spa hotels are extremely popular. Indonesians believe that when treating the body you cure the mind.
D. Jakarta has a distinctly cosmopolitan flavor. Tantalize your taste buds with a gastronomic spree around the city’s many eateries. Like French gourmet dining, exotic Asian cuisine, American fast food, stylish cafes, restaurants all compete to find a way into your heart through your stomach. The taste of Indonesia’s many cultures can be found in almost any corner of the city: hot and spicy food from West Sumatra, sweet tastes of Dental Java, the tangy fish dishes of North Sulawesi.
E. In the face of constant exposure to modernization and foreign influences, the native people still faithfully cling to their culture and rituals. The pre-Hindu Bali Aga tribe still maintains their own traditions of architecture, pagan religion, dance and music, such as unique rituals of dances and gladiator-like battles between youths. On the island of Siberut native tribes have retained their Neolithic hunter-gathering culture.
F. Whether you are a serious spender or half hearted shopper, there is sure to be something for everybody in Jakarta. Catering to diverse tastes and pockets, the wide variety of things you can buy in Jakarta is mind boggling from the best of local handicrafts to haute couture labels. Modern super and hyper markets, multi-level shopping centers, retail and specialty shops, sell quality goods at a competitive price. Sidewalk bargains range from tropical blooms of vivid colors and scents in attractive bouquets to luscious fruits of the seasons.
G. The land’s long and rich history can’t be separated from the influence of Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Christianity. There is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Java, the majestic Buddhist ‘monastery on the hill’, Borobudur, the largest Buddhist monument in the world. About 17 km away from this monastery is a 9th century temple complex built by the Sanjaya dynasty. Prambanan complex is dedicated to the Hindu trinity: Ciwa, Vishnu and Brahma. The spread of Islam also left interesting monuments such as the 15th century Minaret Mosque in Kudus.
1. Different pets, different characters 5. Friends in need
2. Having fun together 6. Pets can teach
3. A long-term treatment 7. A global problem and its solution
4. Reading dog stories 8. Where to get a pet
A. It has become clear that stress affects our mental and physical health and, sadly, our world has become more stressful than ever. We live in the environment that can easily wear us out. Luckily, there are certain methods to reduce stress and have control. One of the best is to own a pet. Pets require attention and dedication, but those are small prices to pay for the amount of benefits they bring into our lives.
B. Pets provide support because they are always available to listen (without any judgment) or rub up against your hand, which can help you relax after a hectic day. They can help you see the situation differently and let out some steam.Moreover, when you are feeling under the weather, there is nothing like a sweet pair of eyes that immediately get your mind off thoughts that are making you sad and depressed.
C. Companionship with a loving pet is a real source of entertainment. Pets are constantly giving off love and gratitude, and they are happy to be in your presence. You can be yourself around pets. You can dance silly or talk silly, and they will not criticize you. In fact, they will love the silliness and get silly themselves. Cats and dogs are fantastic companions to sit down and watch TV at night.
D. Studies have shown that communicating with a pet boosts the immune system, improves heart health, reduces physical pain, and improves mental health as well. One man with tuberculosis says that the cat he received after his diagnosis kept him going for 21 years with little pain and very few physical issues. He talked to his cat which helped him walk through his troubles. That proves the power of true love that animals have.
E. Pets are living creatures that have habits and personalities. They can surprise you. Dogs, cats, and birds are probably most known for having distinct personalities. However, one snake owner says that her snake had his own unique personality. He got excited when she came into the room, and she would often put him in the bathtub where he would do all sorts of funny tricks while splashing around.
F. No matter what type of pet you get, it will require you to take care of it. Being responsible for another living being can help you be more responsible in the rest of your life too. This is especially true for kids who are learning the value of good habits. However, adults can benefit from the consistent responsibility as well. Responsible pet owners are kind to pets and remember they are their pets’ world.
G. With millions of cats and dogs killed in shelters in the United States every year, adopting a pet instead of buying one saves at least one animal’s life. Adoption saves not only the animal you adopt, but also the new animal the shelter can take in. Adopting from a shelter helps both ends of the problem: fewer animals will be bred, and more animals can go to a good home.
1. Controlling skies 5. Blocked roads
2. Lack of safety 6. Paid roads
3. Bicycle is faster 7. Improving railways
4. Office at home 8. Buses instead of cars
A. The world’s first public passenger railway was built in Great Britain in 1826 and ran between the industrial north-eastern towns of Stockton and Darlington. After 180 years’ experience the British say that their trains still don’t seem to run efficiently or even safely. On average, about 500 accidents with broken rail tracks happen in the country every year.
B. The British government is promising to give £33.5 billion to modernise the railways before 2010. Another £30 billion is to come from the private sector. The main target is to increase safety and speed. For example, new London-to-Scotland high-speed trains significantly reduce journey times and in 2004 a warning system was installed throughout the country.
C. Statistics show that only 12% of all journeys made in Britain are by public transport. The remaining 88% are made by car. Every year British people spend about two weeks travelling to and from work including nine days in their own cars. But anyone will say this isn’t a quick and easy way to travel. In fact, a journey from London to Manchester frequently takes seven hours. A cyclist could get there quicker.
D. Every year there are about half a million traffic jams in Britain. That is nearly 10,000 a week. There are hundreds of big traffic jams every day. According to the forecast, the number of jams will grow by 20 per cent over the next ten years. Nearly a quarter British people find themselves in a jam every day and 55 per cent at least once a week.
E. Nowadays many British people take their children to school by car. Twenty years ago, nearly one in three primary school children made their own way to school. Now only one child in nine makes their own way. During the school year at 08:50 a. m. one car in five on the roads in any British town is taking children to school. The solution could be special school buses widely used in the USA.
F. Many scientists hope that new technologies allowing more people to work at home may help with traffic problems. Fewer people will work from 9 to 5 and travel to and from work during the rush hour. But only 15% of people now want to spend more time working at home. The workplace is, for many people, a place to meet other people and to talk to them, so they would miss it if they worked from home.
G. In 1903, the Wright brothers made the first aeroplane flight. It only lasted 12 seconds but changed the world forever. A century later, air travel is no longer a miracle, it is part of everyday life. One billion air passengers now fly every year — that’s equivalent to a sixth of the world’s population. To make sure everything runs smoothly, there are special air traffic control centres in each country which watch every aeroplane.
1. Global language 5. English in other languages
2. How it all began 6. French influence
3. Great borrower 7. Crazy English
4. The language of computer 8. Do you speak cockney?
A. It’s strange that the differences in Britain itself are greater than those between Britain and other English-speaking countries. For a Londoner, it’s easier to understand an American than a Cockney. Cockney has a pronunciation, accent and vocabulary unlike any other dialect. Cockney speech is famous for its rhyming slang. A word is replaced by a phrase or a person’s name which rhymes with it.
B. Other languages absorb English words too, often giving them new forms and meanings. So many Japanese, French, Spanish and Germans mix English words with their mother tongues that the resulting hybrids are called Japlish, Franglais, Spanglish and Denglish, In Japanese, for example, there is a verb Makudonaru, to eat at McDonald’s.
C. Have you ever wondered why the English language has different words for animals and meat? When William the Conqueror invaded England in 1066, French became the official language of the court. The English would look after the animals and cook the meat, still calling the animals pig, sheep and cow. The Normans, when they saw the cooked meat arrive at their table, would use French words – pork, mutton and beef.
D. English is mixing with other languages around the world. It’s probably the biggest borrower. Words newly coined or in vogue in one language are very often added to English as well. There are words from 120 languages in its vocabulary, including Arabic, French, German, Greek, Italian, Russian, Spanish and Turkish. 70 per cent of the English vocabulary are loan words and only 30 per cent of the words are native.
E. Have you ever wondered how many people speak English? It’s around 400 million people. Geographically, English is the most wide-spread language on earth, and it’s second only to Chinese in the number of people who speak it. It’s spoken in the British Isles, the USA, Australia, New Zealand and much of Canada and South Africa. English is also a second language of another 300 million people living in more than 60 countries.
F. In Shakespeare’s time only a few million people spoke English. All of them lived in what is now Great Britain. Through the centuries, as a result of various historical events, English spread throughout the world. There were only 30,000 words in Old English. Modern English has the largest vocabulary in the world – more than 600,000 words.
G. In the English language blackboards can be green or white, and blackberries are green and then red before they are ripe. There is no egg in eggplant, neither mush nor room in mushroom, neither pine nor apple in pineapple, no ham in hamburger. Why is it that a king rules a kingdom but a queen doesn’t rule a queendom? If the plural of tooth is teeth, shouldn’t the plural of booth be beeth? And in what other language can your nose run?
1. Expenses 5. Place to stay in
2. Ways of behavior 6. Eating out
3. Nightlife 7. National languages
4. Favorite food 8. Great outdoors
A. Norway is first of all a land for those who love nature. The breathtaking fjords in the southwest of the country and Europe’s largest glacier are Norway’s most attractive places, but there are many other reasons to visit this country in the north of Europe. There are wonderful opportunities to enjoy skiing, fishing and rock-climbing. Others can take pleasure in the charm of the Norwegian countryside, with its countless valleys, high mountain lakes and unbelievable views.
B. Many tourists coming to Norway in the summer prefer to stay in a cottage used by northern Norwegian fishermen during the winter cod-fishing season. Equipped with all the necessary facilities, these cottages are leased to holidaymakers, providing an attractive form of accommodation. They will often be actually over the water. Catching your own fish and cooking it on the fire will add a few pleasant moments to your holiday.
C. Norway has a long history of fishing, although much of the high quality shellfish and other species caught off the coast are exported. However, fish remains a common dish, along with meat, potatoes and other root vegetables, although tastes have changed in recent years to involve a wider international choice, including pizzas and burgers. The most popular traditional hot snack is a form of sausage, sold at numerous outlets.
D. Traditionally entertainment in the country is largely home-based, but this has been changing in recent years. Most Norwegians tend to go out only on Fridays and Saturdays, the rest of the week being fairly quiet. This is in no small part due to the high prices of food and drink, and the fact that the working day starts early. And at weekends, it is normal for the Norwegians to enjoy drinks at home before leaving it as late as 11.00 p.m.
E. Restaurants tend to be concentrated in city centres, while in recent years the pub culture has been gradually arriving in Norway. Cities are nowadays well supplied with a wide choice of bars, many of which offer food that has a lower price compared to the restaurants. Most villages of any size have at least one cafe or restaurant where it is possible to drink and eat out.
F. Norwegians are generally sincere and polite, though communication doesn’t often come easy — it is usually up to you to break the ice and establish contact. They can be very direct and rarely say ‘please’, which may seem rude, but it’s due to the fact that the Norwegian language rarely uses the word. On the other hand, they say ‘thank you’ for almost everything. They also tend to address people by their first name even on many formal occasions.
G. Norway is an expensive country. As labour is costly here, anything that can be seen as a ‘service’ will generally be more expensive than you expect. Transport costs can also be a killer, because the country is large and distances are long. But there is one good point: Norway has a high quality of tap water. So buying bottled drinking water is usually unnecessary and this will save your budget.
1. То play any tune 5. Not a bank but …
2. A brand new shore museum 6. Magic as attraction
3. Still moving along 7. A museum of popular drinks
4. Back from the seas 8. One tool museum
A. The Salem Witch Museum brings you back to Salem of 1692 for a dramatic overview of the Witch Trials, including stage sets with life-size figures, lighting and a narration. There is also a possibility to go on a candlelight tour to four selected homes. The museum is open all year round and closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Salem is also famous for its Haunted Happenings, a 24-day Halloween festival.
B. The Discover Sea Shipwreck Museum opened its doors in 1995, and has one of the largest collections of shipwreck and recovered artifacts in the Mid-Atlantic. It contains about 10,000 artifacts from local and worldwide locations, including an intact blown-glass hourglass from a 200-year-old shipwreck, which is also the world’s deepest wooden wreck at the heart of the Bermuda Triangle.
C. The Seashore Trolley Museum is the oldest and largest electric railway museum in the world. It was founded in 1939 with one open trolley car, No. 31 from the Biddeford & Saco Railroad Company. The Seashore Trolley Museum contains over 250 transit vehicles, mostly trolleys, from the United States, Canada and abroad. Visitors can even take a trip along the Maine countryside aboard a restored early-1900s electric streetcar.
D. American Hop Museum is dedicated to the brewing industry and located in the heart of the Yakima Valley’s hop fields, which gather the best harvest for producing beer. It chronicles the American hop industry from the New England colonies to its expansion into California and the Pacific Northwest, and includes historical equipment, photos and artifacts that pay tribute to hop, the everlasting vine that is still an integral part of the brewing industry.
E. The Money Museum in Colorado Springs is America’s largest museum dedicated to numismatics (the study of collecting coins and metals). The collection contains over 250,000 items from the earliest invention of money to modern day, with items including paper money, coins, tokens, medals, and traditional money from all over the world. Highlights include the 1804 dollar, the 1913 V Nickel, the 1866 no motto series, a comprehensive collection of American gold coins, and experimental pattern coins and paper money.
F. The Kenneth G. Fiske Museum of Musical Instruments in California has one of the most diverse collections of musical instruments in the United States. This museum is home to over 1,400 American, European and ethnic instruments from the 17th-20th centuries. Selections from all parts of the world also include keyboards, brass, woodwind, stringed, percussion, mechanical and electronic instruments. Other highlights are rare pieces from the violin and viola families, reed organs and instruments from the Orient and Tibet.
G. The Hammer Museum in Alaska is the world’s first museum dedicated to hammers. The Museum provides a view of the past through the use of man’s first tool. You will find over 1500 hammers on display, ranging from ancient times to the present. The museum does not have any paid staff, and it is run by volunteers. This quaint and quirky museum is an interesting and informative stop for the whole family.
1. For parents and friends 5. Mobile future
2. Radiation threat 6. Mobile booking office
3. Threat for kids 7. New language
4. Feeling of safety 8. SMS to premier
A. Mobile phones use ‘radio waves’ to send signals. Since the 1920s, scientists have known that radio waves can cause the heating of the skin and influence the nervous system. But mobile phones don’t produce many radio waves. Still children should be especially careful about mobile phone use because their nervous system may be hurt. Children should only use mobiles for short calls.
B. It is known that the strength of radio wave radiation decreases with distance. It suggests that hands-free sets may be effective in avoiding all the dangers of mobile phones. But another study described an increase in radiation that reached the user of a hands-free set. It says that the cable of the hands-free set acted as an antenna, directing more radio waves into the user’s ear.
C. Train passengers will soon be able to buy tickets on their mobile phone. Chiltern Railways plans to sell tickets through mobile phones. The new technology sends a code to a mobile phone in a text message, which passengers can then scan at the station ticket barrier. It’s hoped the method will make buying tickets easier for passengers and help fight against queues at stations.
D. Many parents now use mobiles to control their children’s behaviour. It gives parents peace of mind and makes young people feel protected. Parents say that young people are safer with mobiles than without them. But, while parents said they liked to call their children on the mobile to actually hear their voice, young people liked to send text messages to parents.
E. A research showed that those young people who have a mobile feel more independent and often use it to plan meetings both relatives and peers. In particular, young people often use mobiles to ask their parents if they can come home later. The study showed that girls more often text parents to let them know they were safe than boys. They also use text messaging for socializing purposes.
F. It is not only parents who want to connect with young people through mobile technologies. Nowadays politicians and different organizations look for ways to use text messaging as a channel for communication with the young. In late 2004, the UK government offered people the opportunity to ‘text Tony’. People were invited to send a text question to the prime minister to be answered as part of a ‘mobile chat’.
G. The popularity of text messages led to the development of a special system of words or ‘chat speak’. For example, acronyms, that are words made from the first letters of other words, are often used both in online chatrooms and text messages sent to your mobile phone. This ‘chat speak’ is very popular with children who are fast at texting. Parents might be interested to know that ‘PAW’ means ‘parents are watching’
1. Plan beforehand 5. A music group for a street
2. Carnival roots 6. Carnival’s music
3. The best viewpoints 7. The time of pleasure
4. Styles of dancing 8. The time to attend the Carnival
A. Carnival is the most famous holiday in Brazil and has become a world-famous annual celebration. It is celebrated in towns and villages throughout Brazil for almost a week 40 days before Easter, which is usually in February, the hottest month in the Southern Hemisphere. Officially, it starts on Saturday and finishes on Fat Tuesday with the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday, during which some Christians give up something that they enjoy.
B. The most colourful events take place in the Carnival World Capital, Rio de Janeiro. It was the original place where, in 1723, Portuguese immigrants went out onto the streets soaking each other with buckets of water and throwing mud and food, often ending up in street brawls and riots. The concept kept changing throughout the 1800s with more organized parades, where the Emperor with a group of aristocrats joined in masks with luxurious costumes and music.
C. Now the parade varies from state to state. It is a mixture of arts. The music played during Rio Carnival is samba — a unique Brazilian music originating from Rio. It’s also a dance form that was invented by the poor Afro-Brazilians as a type of ritual music. The word «samba» meant to pray to the spirits of the ancestors and the gods of the African Pantheon. As a noun, it could mean a complaint or a cry.
D. Even today, the most involved groups in Rio Carnival are the poorest, the so-called «favelas», where houses are made of cardboard or other metal remains, and there is often no water, electricity or sewage system. However, the favelas’ residents always join in the festivities and actually make the Carnival, which really means a lot to them. Because, for once during the year, they get to go out and have as much fun as they can.
E. Residents of the favelas are often members of local samba schools and are deeply involved with the performance and costumes of their groups. Each neighborhood in Rio has its favorite Carnival street band. There are more than 300 of them in Rio nowadays, and each year this number increases. Each band has its place or street for its parade and the big ones usually close the streets to the traffic.
F. Rio de Janeiro is usually divided into three zones. The so-called Zona Sul is by far the most pleasant place to stay in Rio, as it is by the sea and is the most civilized part of the city. Districts Copacabana and Ipanema together form a big stage offering a carnival happening at every corner. Leblon, being a bit more upscale, is also an excellent location.
G. Except the industries, malls and the carnival-related workers, the country stops completely for almost a week and festivities are intense, day and night. If you plan to go to watch the Carnival, you should organize your trip well in advance. The best hotels, especially in the Zona Sul, are booked up early, so it’s a good idea to make a reservation at least 3 or 4 months in advance.
1. The wrong goal 5. Too stressful
2. Extra-curricular over load 6. Too many distraction
3. Too much homework 7. A better system
4. Arguably helpful 8. Poor coordination
A. My problem with homework is that I am rather fond of TV and computer games. Every evening after school it is the same. I start with the highest intentions. I’ll just play one round of Final fantasy and then begin. But it tends to be three rounds and then tea time. Oh — and then my favourite program begins in 10 minutes so I’ll start after that. And so it goes on. Probably I lack motivation.
B. It is so much faster doing homework these days. All our assignments can be done on the PC which means correcting and changing things is so easy. But of course the Internet is the biggest shortcut of all. Maybe it’s true what they say that it stops you reading textbooks. You get snatches of information rather than the whole story. Maybe I should try to use the internet less.
C. I am a drummer and a pianist. The school really encourages this and I have two one hour lessons a week plus one to two hours daily practice. I am in the basketball team. The school encourages this and we practice twice a week. I got picked to be in the school play. Rehearsals are two hours a week. Will somebody please tell me when I am supposed to get my homework done?
D. Exam practice, constant revision, exam techniques and how to get the highest possible grade— is this what education is supposed to be about? The school seems obsessed with grades and the school results league table. We are currently 17th highest achievers in England but if we really try hard this year we might make top 10. Silly me! I thought education was about learning and preparing for adult life.
E. For some kids exams bring more pressure than they can cope with. They worry about what their parents will say, not to mention what their teachers or class mates will think. No wonder some of them freeze up in the exam hall and are unable to write anything out of sheer nerves.
F. Why do they do it? We get three weeks in a row with minimal homework and then every teacher in the school sets a massive assignment to be completed “by next Friday — no late submissions”. Why don’t they get together and try and even the load?
G. I think Continuous Assessment is a very sensible idea. Education should not simply be about slick exam performance, but about overall how you perform in school — how you study, how much you read, how logical and clear your essay arguments are. 50% of our final grading should be based on course work. I think it is fair.
1. CHRISTMAS SHOPPING 5. Christmas in Russia
2. CRIME AT CHRISTMAS 6. Christmas dinner
3. CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS 7. Christmas weather
4. CHRISTMAS – A FAMILY CELEBRATION 8. New Year’s celebrations
A. There are a lot of traditions connected with Christmas but perhaps the most important one is the giving of presents. Family members wrap up their gifts and leave them at the bottom of the Christmas tree to be found on Christmas morning. Children leave a long sock or stocking at the end of their beds on Christmas Eve, 24th December, hoping that Father Christmas will come down the chimney during the night and bring them small presents, fruit and nuts.
B. At some time on Christmas day the family will sit down to a big turkey dinner followed by Christmas pudding or Christmas cake. As for Christmas cake, heavy and overfilling it is not to everybody’s taste. To make things worse, it takes weeks to make and when it is ready it can last until Easter, so if you don’t like it, you have to try and eat some at Christmas to avoid being haunted by it months after.
C. Officially Christmas and New Year celebrations run from the 24th of December to the 2nd of January. However, for many Brits the Christmas marathon starts as early as the beginning of October with the first festive adverts on TV. The idea of Christmas shopping is that you spend as much money as you can on anything you cast your eyes on, preferably something neither you nor your family or friends will ever use. An average British family spends 670 pounds or more around the Christmas period.
D. Long live Christmas! -say pickpockets, car thieves and burglars getting their share of Christmas shopping. Every year thousands of people get their wallets stolen in overcrowded shops and streets. Lots of lovely presents, which somebody spent so much time and money on, disappear without a trace when cars and homes are broken into. As much as 9% of people experience a burglary in December.
E. Who doesn’t want to have a white Christmas? Playing snowballs and making a snowman with the whole family on Christmas Day is most people’s dream (apart from the countries like Australia that celebrate Christmas in summer, on the beach). This dream is more likely to come true in northern countries like Russia, but for the British people it’s different. Although it’s not uncommon to get some snow in Scotland and northern England, the rest of Britain is normally only lucky enough to get some frost. In most cases the weather is wet and gloomy.
F. New Year is a time for celebrating and making a new start in life. In Britain many people make New Year’s resolutions. This involves people promising themselves that they will improve their behaviour in some way, by giving up bad habits. People might decide to give up smoking, for example, or to go on a diet. These promises are often broken in the first few days of the New Year, however!
G. Christmas is celebrated on the 25th of December. For most families, this is the most important festival of the year. On this day many people are travelling home to be with their families. Most houses are decorated with brightly-coloured paper or holly, and there is usually a Christmas tree in the corner of the front room. Unfortunately, not all families get on well together. As it is a well-known fact, some magazines publish tips on how to cope with Christmas, such as yoga, meditation or holidays abroad.
1. Controversies and developments 5. Unusual commercials
2. Difficult to find the difference 6. Time is money
3. Good for various spheres of life 7. Fairer chances for business
4. Keeping viewers glued to a TV set 8. The appearance of TV adverting
A. For about seventy years TV has been used as a vehicle for advertising in some countries. Since the late 1940s, television commercials have become far and away the most effective and most popular method of selling products of all sorts. The radio advertising industry was well-established when television made its debut in the 1940s, and television was developed as a commercial medium, based upon the successful format of the radio.
B. In the earliest days of television, it was often difficult to understand whether you watch actual television programmes or commercials. Many of the earliest television shows were sponsored by single companies, who inserted their names and products into the shows as much as possible. For example, Texaco employees appeared during the show to perform while the Texaco musical logo would play in the background.
C. Another important milestone came in the 1960s with the introduction of very short commercial breaks during a TV show. Now it was possible for several companies to use a popular programme as an advertising platform together. It was one of the most efficient ways of marketing, and companies like Tide and Crest took it as an opportunity to expand their ad campaigns.
D. In the 1970s, the broadcast of television advertisements which promoted cigarettes was banned by the administration. This resulted in a conflict between the government and television networks, as for them these ads constituted a significant portion of the total revenue. The period between the 1970s and the 1990s was marked by the increase of the time of commercial breaks from 9 to 19 minutes or the debut of celebrities advertising brand products.
E. Today the vast majority of television commercials consist of brief advertising spots, ranging in length from a few seconds to several minutes. Commercials of this sort have been used to sell literally every product imaginable over the years, from household products to goods and services, to political campaigns. It is considered impossible for a politician to wage a successful election campaign without airing a good television commercial.
F. The brief commercial «breaks» that interrupt shows regularly are the primary reason for the existence of modern-day television networks. The programming is intended to capture the attention of the audience so that they will not want to change the channel; instead, they will (hopefully) watch the commercials while waiting for the next segment of the show. Entire industries exist that focus solely on the task of keeping the viewing audience interested enough to sit through commercials.
G. The TV commercial is generally considered the most effective mass-market advertising format, and this is reflected by the high prices TV networks charge for commercial airtime during popular TV events. The ratings systems determine how successful television shows are, so that they can decide what rates to charge advertisers for their commercial airtime. For example, a single thirty-second TV spot in prime time may cost up to $2 million.
1.The wrong goal 5. Too stressful
2.Extra-curricular over load 6. Too many distractions
3.Too much homework 7. A better system
4.Arguably helpful 8. Poor coordination
A.My problem with homework is that I am rather fond of TV and computer games. Every evening after school it is the same. I start with the highest intentions. I’ll just play one round of Final fantasy and then begin. But it tends to be three rounds and then tea time. Oh — and then my favourite program begins in 10 minutes so I’ll start after that. And so it goes on. Probably I lack motivation.
B.It is so much faster doing homework these days. All our assignments can be done on the PC which means correcting and changing things is so easy. But of course the Internet is the biggest shortcut of all. Maybe it’s true what they say that it stops you reading textbooks. You get snatches of information rather than the whole story. Maybe I should try to use the internet less.
C.I am a drummer and a pianist. The school really encourages this and I have two one hour lessons a week plus one to two hours daily practice. I am in the basketball team. The school encourages this and we practice twice a week. I got picked to be in the school play. Rehearsals are two hours a week. Will somebody please tell me when I am supposed to get my homework done?
D.Exam practice, constant revision, exam techniques and how to get the highest possible grade— is this what education is supposed to be about? The school seems obsessed with grades and the school results league table. We are currently 17th highest achievers in England but if we really try hard this year we might make top 10. Silly me! I thought education was about learning and preparing for adult life.
E.For some kids exams bring more pressure than they can cope with. They worry about what their parents will say, not to mention what their teachers or class mates will think. No wonder some of them freeze up in the exam hall and are unable to write anything out of sheer nerves.
F.Why do they do it? We get three weeks in a row with minimal homework and then every teacher in the school sets a massive assignment to be completed “by next Friday — no late submissions”. Why don’t they get together and try and even the load?
G.I think Continuous Assessment is a very sensible idea. Education should not simply be about slick exam performance, but about overall how you perform in school — how you study, how much you read, how logical and clear your essay arguments are. 50% of our final grading should be based on course work. I think it is fa
1.National language 5. Geography
2.Freedom of media 6. Leaisure and sport
3.Customs and traditions 7. Modern history
4.Public transport 8. Economic outlook
A.Lithuania is situated on the eastern Baltic coast and borders Latvia in the north, the Kaliningrad region of the Russian Federation and Poland in the southwest, and Belarus in the southwest and east. The geometrical centre of Europe lies in eastern Lithuania 25km north of its capital Vilnius. The landscape varies between lowland plains and hilly uplands and has a complex network of rivers.
B.Lithuania has historically been the least developed of the Baltic republics, with a smaller industrial base and greater dependence on agriculture. Sugar beet, cereals, potatoes and vegetables are the main crops. Lithuania’s foreign trade has gradually changed during the 1990s, and now the European Union, not Russia, is its main trading partner.
C.Lithuanian is the mother tongue for 80% of the population. After the country joined the European Union in 2004 this language has become one of the EU official languages. Lithuania has a large number of dialects for such a small territory, including High Lithuanian and Low Lithuanian.
D.Lithuania offers different opportunities for a nice vacation. You can explore a range of large sand dunes and pine forests while hiking in the Curonian Spit National Park, take part in some action sports in Nida, a village that makes a true paradise for sailing, windsurfing, paragliding and kiting, or try out more extreme sports, such as hot-air ballooning and gliding.
E.Those who are interested in folklore may enjoy their stay in Lithuania in any season of the year. The Mardi Gras celebrations are held in various Lithuanian cities and small towns at the beginning of February. The Folklore Festival is held in Vilnius’ Old Town during in May. There you can see craft fairs, taste traditional dishes, join song and parties and listen to psalms.
F.Lithuania’s TV market is dominated by commercial channels. The radio market is similarly competitive. Lithuania’s media are free and operate independently of the state, and there are no government-owned newspapers. However, politicians do occasionally attempt to influence editorial policy.
G.In cities and towns there are buses and trolleybuses, which usually run from 05.00 to 23.00, but times do vary between routes. You can’t pay the fare to the driver in cash but you can buy coupons from him. Coupons can be also bought at news kiosks before boarding. Minibuses are less crowded but more expensive.
1.Places to stay in 5. Different landscapes
2.Arts and culture 6. Transport system
3.New country image 7. National languages
4.Going out 8. Eating out
A .Belgium has always had a lot more than the faceless administrative buildings that you can see in the outskirts of its capital, Brussels. A number of beautiful historic cities and Brussels itself offer impressive architecture, lively nightlife, first-rate restaurants and numerous other attractions for visitors. Today, the old-fashioned idea of ‘boring Belgium’ has been well and truly forgotten, as more and more people discover its very individual charms for themselves.
B .Nature in Belgium is varied. The rivers and hills of the Ardennes in the southeast contrast sharply with the rolling plains which make up much of the northern and western countryside. The most notable features are the great forest near the frontier with Germany and Luxembourg and the wide, sandy beaches of the northern coast.
C .It is easy both to enter and to travel around pocket- sized Belgium which is divided into the Dutchspeaking north and the French-speaking south. Officially the Belgians speak Dutch, French and German. Dutch is slightly more widely spoken than French, and German is spoken the least. The Belgians, living in the north, will often prefer to answer visitors in English rather than French, even if the visitor’s French is good.
D. Belgium has a wide range of hotels from 5-star luxury to small family pensions and inns. In some regions of the country, farm holidays are available. There visitors can (for a small cost) participate in the daily work of the farm. There are plenty of opportunities to rent furnished villas, flats, rooms, or bungalows for a holiday period. These holiday houses and flats are comfortable and well-equipped.
E. The Belgian style of cooking is similar to French, based on meat and seafood. Each region in Belgium has its own special dish. Butter, cream, beer and wine are generously used in cooking. The Belgians are keen on their food, and the country is very well supplied with excellent restaurants to suit all budgets. The perfect evening out here involves a delicious meal, and the restaurants and cafes are busy at all times of the week.
F.As well as being one of the best cities in the world for eating out (both for its high quality and range), Brussels has a very active and varied nightlife. It has 10 theatres which produce plays in both Dutch and French. There are also dozens of cinemas, numerous discos and many night-time cafes in Brussels. Elsewhere, the nightlife choices depend on the size of the town, but there is no shortage of fun to be had in any of the major cities.
G.There is a good system of underground trains, trams and buses in all the major towns and cities. In addition, Belgium’s waterways offer a pleasant way to enjoy the country. Visitors can take a one-hour cruise around the canals of Bruges (sometimes described as the Venice of the North) or an extended cruise along the rivers and canals linking the major cities of Belgium and the Netherlands.
1.For parents and friends 5. Mobile future
2.Radiation threat 6. Mobile booking office
3.Threat for kids 7. New language
4.Feeling of safety 8. SMS to premier
A.Mobile phones use ‘radio waves’ to send signals. Since the 1920s, scientists have known that radio waves can cause the heating of the skin and influence the nervous system. But mobile phones don’t produce many radio waves. Still children should be especially careful about mobile phone use because their nervous system may be hurt. Children should only use mobiles for short calls.
B.It is known that the strength of radio wave radiation decreases with distance. It suggests that hands-free sets may be effective in avoiding all the dangers of mobile phones. But another study described an increase in radiation that reached the user of a hands-free set. It says that the cable of the hands-free set acted as an antenna, directing more radio waves into the user’s ear.
C.Train passengers will soon be able to buy tickets on their mobile phone. Chiltern Railways plans to sell tickets through mobile phones. The new technology sends a code to a mobile phone in a text message, which passengers can then scan at the station ticket barrier. It’s hoped the method will make buying tickets easier for passengers and help fight against queues at stations.
D.Many parents now use mobiles to control their children’s behaviour. It gives parents peace of mind and makes young people feel protected. Parents say that young people are safer with mobiles than without them. But, while parents said they liked to call their children on the mobile to actually hear their voice, young people liked to send text messages to parents.
E.A research showed that those young people who have a mobile feel more independent and often use it to plan meetings both relatives and peers. In particular, young people often use mobiles to ask their parents if they can come home later. The study showed that girls more often text parents to let them know they were safe than boys. They also use text messaging for socializing purposes.
F.It is not only parents who want to connect with young people through mobile technologies. Nowadays politicians and different organizations look for ways to use text messaging as a channel for communication with the young. In late 2004, the UK government offered people the opportunity to ‘text Tony’. People were invited to send a text question to the prime minister to be answered as part of a ‘mobile chat’.
G.The popularity of text messages led to the development of a special system of words or ‘chat speak’. For example, acronyms, that are words made from the first letters of other words, are often used both in online chatrooms and text messages sent to your mobile phone. This ‘chat speak’ is very popular with children who are fast at texting. Parents might be interested to know that ‘PAW’ means ‘parents are watching’!
1.National language 5. Geography
2.Freedom of media 6. Leisure and sport
3.Customs and traditions 7. Modern history
4.Public transport 8. Economic outlook
A.Lithuania is situated on the eastern Baltic coast and borders Latvia in the north, the Kaliningrad region of the Russian Federation and Poland in the southwest, and Belarus in the southwest and east. The geometrical centre of Europe lies in eastern Lithuania 25km north of its capital Vilnius. The landscape varies between lowland plains and hilly uplands and has a complex network of rivers.
B.Lithuania has historically been the least developed of the Baltic republics, with a smaller industrial base and greater dependence on agriculture. Sugar beet, cereals, potatoes and vegetables are the main crops. Lithuania’s foreign trade has gradually changed during the 1990s, and now the European Union, not Russia, is its main trading partner.
C.Lithuanian is the mother tongue for 80% of the population. After the country joined the European Union in 2004 this language has become one of the EU official languages. Lithuania has a large number of dialects for such a small territory, including High Lithuanian and Low Lithuanian.
D.Lithuania offers different opportunities for a nice vacation. You can explore a range of large sand dunes and pine forests while hiking in the Curonian Spit National Park, take part in some action sports in Nida, a village that makes a true paradise for sailing, windsurfing, paragliding and kiting, or try out more extreme sports, such as hot-air ballooning and gliding.
E.Those who are interested in folklore may enjoy their stay in Lithuania in any season of the year. The Mardi Gras celebrations are held in various Lithuanian cities and small towns at the beginning of February. The Folklore Festival is held in Vilnius’ Old Town during in May. There you can see craft fairs, taste traditional dishes, join song and parties and listen to psalms.
F.Lithuania’s TV market is dominated by commercial channels. The radio market is similarly competitive. Lithuania’s media are free and operate independently of the state, and there are no government-owned newspapers. However, politicians do occasionally attempt to influence editorial policy.
G.In cities and towns there are buses and trolleybuses, which usually run from 05.00 to 23.00, but times do vary between routes. You can’t pay the fare to the driver in cash but you can buy coupons from him. Coupons can be also bought at news kiosks before boarding. Minibuses are less crowded but more expensive.
1. Unhealthy eating habits 5. Simple lifestyles
2. Correcting mother nature 6. Summer all year round
3. The turning point 7. Unnatural lasts longer
4. The solution 8. A tricky question
A. Have you ever wondered where our food comes from? The obvious answer is that it comes from the supermarket. However, that still doesn’t answer the question because nowadays, it can come from anywhere on the planet. In addition, we have no idea how some of the food products we buy, such as hot dogs or cookies, are made. For us, food is sometimes a mystery.
B. Long ago, things were not so mysterious. Our ancestors would have known exactly where their food had come from. When we were hunters and gatherers, we ate what we killed or gathered with our own hands. Later as farmers, we grew or raised the food that we ate. If we didn’t grow it ourselves, it would have come from a nearby farm or at the furthest, a neighboring village.
C. Beginning in the late 15th century, during the development of trade with India and America everything changed. Explorers discovered exotic kinds of food such as potatoes, tomatoes, pumpkins and chocolate, and introduced them to Europe. Although they are common now, people back then were suspicious and even thought they might be poisonous. All of a sudden, what you were eating was not so obvious.
D. In recent times, technology and modern forms of transportation have changed things even more. Food can be shipped from one side of the planet to the other, and refrigeration means that we don’t have to worry about things spoiling. As a result, the whole idea of seasonal fruits and vegetables has lost its meaning and it no longer seems strange to eat strawberries in winter. Exotic fruits have become common, and many people have no idea where they come from.
E. Advances in food science and chemistry have changed food even more. Processed foods such as cookies, cereal, spaghetti sauces and soft drinks are made in factories with chemicals. The reason this is done is to save money since natural ingredients cost much more than artificial ones. It’s also done to increase the shelf life, meaning the time that the products can remain on the shelves of the supermarket without going bad.
F. Even if you avoid eating processed foods, you still can’t be sure what you are eating. Farming practices have changed beyond recognition and farms are often run like a factory. Animals are injected with hormones to make them fat and fruits and vegetables are genetically modified to produce ‘improved’ versions. In addition, chemical fertilizers and pesticides are regularly sprayed on plants. The health effects of this are not yet known and have yet to be seen.
G. So what can you do? The main thing you can do is educate yourself so that you know exactly what you are eating. Read the labels carefully and know what chemical ingredients are harmful. Try to buy organic fruits and vegetables that are grown naturally or buy them from local farmers’ markets. By being aware and selective of the food that we buy, we can be more certain of what we are eating, enjoy more delicious food, as well as make sure we are eating healthily.
1.Naturally different 5. Small differences
2.Big age difference 6. No difference at all
3.Different opinions 7. Different rules
4.Different ambitions 8. Learning to be different
A.John and James are identical twins but they don’t go to the same school. Their parents felt this would help them develop individual tastes, interests and styles-but the boys at first hated the idea. Now they are really happy at their schools but occasionally they swap places just for fun! The brothers are best friends but they now agree that their parents were probably correct.
B.Anna and Beth are twin sisters but they are most unlike each other. Technically they are “non-identical” twins. Anna is blonde and Beth is a brunette. Anna is noisy, energetic and always crashing around to hip hop and rap. Beth is much quieter and likes listening to classical music and reading. Anna eats anything and Beth is a vegetarian. But they are, absolutely, the closest and best of friends.
C.The Perkins children, Sally and John, both study hard every evening after college and most weekends. Sally studies French, history and Art. She plans to go to university in Paris and wants to either work in a museum or an art sale room. John studies the Russian language, business studies and maths. He wants to study in St. Petersburg and to set up his own import business. I am sure both will succeed.
D.Greg’s dad believes that there is no original, exciting new music being written and performed today. Greg strongly disagrees and can name several new bands and singers that are both completely original and really popular. But his Dad is a professional musician and was quite successful when he was young. He argues that nearly every successful song now is simply a reworked version of an older one.
E.In the UK you can legally do different things depending on your age. You can vote for a new government at 18 but at 17 you cannot drink a beer. At 16 you can marry and become a parent but you cannot drive to your wedding or make a traditional toast! Meanwhile lots of bars and clubs are open only to people above 21 which means, married, voting, car driving parents could still be too young to enter.
F.Serious stamp collectors are men and women who appreciate details. To the casual observer, the oldest postage stamps in the world — the Victorian “Penny Blacks” — all look identical. Millions were made but only a few of them are truly valuable. A serious collector knows this and the ability to find tiny variations in the paper, ink or code used helps them to find the “Penny Black’s” that are rare and valuable.
G.Dina Ruiz has Japanese and black ancestry on her father’s side of the family and English, Welsh and German on her mother’s. She was born in California and married her husband, actor Clint Eastwood, in Las Vegas. When she first met Eastwood, she was 28 and he was 63. She is most famous as a TV news “anchor” and is Chair of The California Museum for History, Women and the Arts.we are eating, enjoy more delicious food, as well as make sure we are eating healthily.
1. Plan beforehand 5. A music group for street
2. Carnival roots 6. Carnival’s music
3. The best viewpoints 7. The time for pleasure
4. Styles of dancing 8. The time to attend the Carnival
A. Carnival is the most famous holiday in Brazil and has become a world-famous annual celebration. It is celebrated in towns and villages throughout Brazil for almost a week 40 days before Easter, which is usually in February, the hottest month in the Southern Hemisphere. Officially, it starts on Saturday and finishes on Fat Tuesday with the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday, during which some Christians give up something that they enjoy.
B. The most colourful events take place in the Carnival World Capital, Rio de Janeiro. It was the original place where, in 1723, Portuguese immigrants went out onto the streets soaking each other with buckets of water and throwing mud and food, often ending up in street brawls and riots. The concept kept changing throughout the 1800s with more organized parades, where the Emperor with a group of aristocrats joined in masks with luxurious costumes and music.
C. Now the parade varies from state to state. It is a mixture of arts. The music played during Rio Carnival is samba — a unique Brazilian music originating from Rio. It’s also a dance form that was invented by the poor Afro-Brazilians as a type of ritual music. The word «samba» meant to pray to the spirits of the ancestors and the gods of the African Pantheon. As a noun, it could mean a complaint or a cry.
D. Even today, the most involved groups in Rio Carnival are the poorest, the so-called «favelas», where houses are made of cardboard or other metal remains, and there is often no water, electricity or sewage system. However, the favelas’ residents always join in the festivities and actually make the Carnival, which really means a lot to them. Because, for once during the year, they get to go out and have as much fun as they can.
E.Residents of the favelas are often members of local samba schools and are deeply involved with the performance and costumes of their groups. Each neighborhood in Rio has its favorite Carnival street band. There are more than 300 of them in Rio nowadays, and each year this number increases. Each band has its place or street for its parade and the big ones usually close the streets to the traffic.
F.Rio de Janeiro is usually divided into three zones. The so-called Zona Sul is by far the most pleasant place to stay in Rio, as it is by the sea and is the most civilized part of the city. Districts Copacabana and Ipanema together form a big stage offering a carnival happening at every corner. Leblon, being a bit more upscale, is also an excellent location.
G.Except the industries, malls and the carnival-related workers, the country stops completely for almost a week and festivities are intense, day and night. If you plan to go to watch the Carnival, you should organize your trip well in advance. The best hotels, especially in the Zona Sul, are booked up early, so it’s a good idea to make a reservation at least 3 or 4 months in advance.
1. Places to stay in 5. Camping holidays
2. Public transport 6. Contacts with neighbours
3. Cultural differences 7. Different landscapes
4. Nightlife 8. Eating out
A.Sweden is a land of contrast, from the Danish influence of the southwest to the Laplanders wandering freely with their reindeer in the wild Arctic north. And while Sweden in cities is stylish and modern, the countryside offers many simpler pleasures for those who look for peace and calm. The land and its people have an air of reserved calm, and still the world’s best-selling pop group Abba, which used to attract crowds of hysterical fans, come from Sweden.
B.Historically, Sweden has an interesting story. Its dealings with the outside world began, in fact, during Viking times, when in addition to the well- known surprise attacks of the nearby lands, there was much trading around the Baltic, mostly in furs and weapons. Swedish connections with the other Scandinavian countries, Norway and Denmark, have been strong since the Middle Ages. The monarchies of all three are still closely linked.
C.Sweden’s scenery has a gentler charm than that of neighbouring Norway’s rocky coast. Much of Sweden is forested, and there are thousands lakes, notably large pools near the capital, Stockholm. The lakeside resort in the centre of Sweden is popular with Scandinavians, but most visitors prefer first the Baltic islands. The largest island, Gotland, with its ruined medieval churches, is a particular attraction.
D.Sweden boasts a good range of hotels, covering the full spectrum of prices and standards. Many of them offer discounts in summer and at weekends during the winter. In addition, working farms throughout Sweden offer accommodation, either in the main farmhouse or in a cottage nearby. Forest cabins and chalets are also available throughout the country, generally set in beautiful surroundings, near lakes, in quiet forest glades or on an island in some remote place.
E.Living in a tent or caravan with your family or friends at weekends and on holiday is extremely popular in Sweden and there is a fantastic variety of special places. Most are located on a lakeside or by the sea with free bathing facilities close at hand. There are over 600 campsites in the country. It is often possible to rent boats or bicycles, play mini-golf or tennis, ride a horse or relax in a sauna. It is also possible to camp in areas away from other houses.
F.Swedes like plain meals, simply prepared from the freshest ingredients. As a country with a sea coast and many freshwater lakes, fish dishes are found on all hotel or restaurant menus. Top-class restaurants in Sweden are usually fairly expensive, but even the smallest towns have reasonably priced self-service restaurants and grill bars. Many restaurants all over Sweden offer a special dish of the day at a reduced price that includes main course, salad, soft drink and coffee.
G.Stockholm has a variety of pubs, cafes, clubs, restaurants, cinemas and theatres but in the country evenings tend to be very calm and peaceful. From August to June the Royal Ballet performs in Stockholm. Music and theatre productions take place in many cities during the summer in the open air.
1.Perfect time for a picnic 5. Diving into history
2.See them fly 6. Famous religious celebrations
3.From pig to pork 7. Animal races and shows
4.From a holiday to a sport 8. Music from every corner of the world
A. Diwali is a five-day festival that is celebrated in October or November, depending on the cycle of the moon. It represents the start of the Hindu New Year and honors the victory of good over evil, and brightness over darkness. It also marks the start of winter. Diwali is actually celebrated in honor of Lord Rama and his wife Sita. One of the best places to experience Diwali is in the «pink city» of Jaipur, in Rajasthan. Each year there’s a competition for the best decorated and most brilliantly lit up market that attracts visitors from all over India.
B. The Blossom Kite Festival, previously named the Smithsonian Kite Festival, is an annual event that is traditionally a part of the festivities at the National Cherry Blossom Festival on the National Mall in Washington, DC. Kite enthusiasts show off their stunt skills and compete for awards in over 36 categories including aerodynamics and beauty. The Kite Festival is one of the most popular annual events in Washington, DC and features kite fliers from across the U.S. and the world.
C. The annual Ostrich Festival has been recognized as one of the «Top 10 Unique Festivals in the United States» with its lanky ostriches, multiple entertainment bands and many special gift and food vendors. It is truly a unique festival, and suitable for the entire family. The Festival usually holds Ostrich Races, an Exotic Zoo, Pig Races, a Sea Lion Show, a Hot Rod Show, Amateur Boxing and a Thrill Circus.
D. Iceland’s Viking Festival takes place in mid-June every year and lasts 6 days, no matter what the weather in Iceland may be. It’s one of the most popular annual events in Iceland where you can see Viking-style costumes, musical instruments, jewelry and crafts at the Viking Village. Visitors at the Viking Festival see sword fighting by professional Vikings and demonstrations of marksmanship with bows and muscle power. They can listen to Viking songs and lectures at the festival, or grab a bite at the Viking Restaurant nearby.
E.Dragon Boat Festival is one of the major holidays in Chinese culture. This summer festival was originally a time to ward off bad spirits, but now it is a celebration of the life of Qu Yuan, who was a Chinese poet of ancient period. Dragon boat festival has been an important holiday for centuries for Chinese culture, but in recent years dragon boat racing has become an international sport.
F.The Mangalica Festival is held in early February at Vajdahunyad Castle in Budapest. It offers the opportunity to experience Hungarian food, music, and other aspects of Hungarian culture. The festival is named for a furry pig indigenous to the region of Hungary and the Balkans. A mangalica is a breed of pig recognizable by its curly hair and known for its fatty flesh. Sausage, cheese and other dishes made with pork can be sampled at the festival.
G.Hanami is an important Japanese custom and is held all over Japan in spring. Hanami literally means «viewing flowers», but now it is a cherry blossom viewing. The origin of hanami dates back to more than one thousand years ago when aristocrats enjoyed looking at beautiful cherry blossoms and wrote poems. Nowadays, people in Japan have fun viewing cherry blossoms, drinking and eating. People bring home-cooked meals, do BBQ, or buy takeout food for hanami.
1. A good source of information 5. Making it quick and efficient
2. From elitist knowledge to democratic usage 6. The victory of technology
3. The revival of letter writing 7. Beauty is forever
4. A beautiful tradition lost 8. As long As you can write on it
A. There is something pleasant about receiving a handwritten letter from a friend. It is also very enjoyable to write a letter — choosing the paper and envelope, writing with a favourite pen, and the satisfying closure of licking the envelope and putting on a stamp. Unfortunately, since the widespread use of email, not many people write and send letters any more. The history of letter writing, however, is very interesting.
B. Before the invention of the postal service, letters were delivered on foot by couriers. The ancient Greeks used athletic runners for that. Later, horses were used because they were faster and could be changed at various stations. The Romans developed this system into a postal service. The Latin word ‘positus’ meant carriers, and that is where the English word ‘post’ comes from.
C. The material of letter writing has changed over time. Originally, people wrote on clay tablets. Later the Egyptians started using papyrus, a plant that grows in the river. The English word ‘paper’ comes from this plant. In the West, paper was produced from animal skins. In medieval times, the Saxons used the bark of the beech tree, called bok. This is where the English word ‘book’ comes from.
D. Literacy has had a big effect on letter writing: if you can’t read you can’t write letters! Before the 15t century letter writing was restricted to governments, the church, and the aristocracy. After the invention of the printing press that made books cheaper, literacy was greatly increased. Ordinary people started writing letters and it became the most popular and the only way of long distance communication until the invention of the telegraph in 1837.
E. Much of what we know of the lives of people long dead comes from personal letters. Certainly books have provided historical information about the Ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, but much of what we know of daily life from these periods comes from letters. Modern biographers get most of their information about the famous people they are writing about from their correspondence.
F. In the 18th and 19th centuries, letter writing was considered an art and essential part of life. People wrote not only to keep in touch but also as a method of literary expression, as a work of art, and conformed to conventions of etiquette and form. Literary figures wrote letters knowing that they would be read in the future by historians, and one day might be published. There were even novels consisting of a series of letters, known as the epistolary novel.
G. Even after the telephone became a common fixture in homes, people continued to write letters. What killed the letter was the widespread use of email, and the development of texting and chatting on social media. This type of communication holds many advantages. You don’t need to worry about the hassle of paper, envelopes, stamps, and going to the mailbox. It is also possible to get an instant reply.
1. Useful Invention 5. Verbal misunderstanding
2. US Younger Generation 6. Britain, the world Empire
3. Modern Branch of Industry 7. All in one
4. Historical Separation 8. Old enough
A.For 150 years America was a British colony. At that time British and American English were almost exactly the same. When America won the War of Independence in 1776, it became a free country. The USA was quickly growing richer, and millions of Europeans came to settle here. They brought new words and expressions to the language. As a result, English in America began to develop in its own way and today, there are certain differences in pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary and spelling between American and British English.
B.Typical American teenagers are in fact very ordinary. They think their teachers make them work too hard, they love their parents but are sure they don’t understand anything, and their friendships are the most important things in their lives. Some of them do have a lot of money to spend, but usually they have earned it themselves. Most young people take jobs while they are in school. They work at movie theatres, fast-food restaurants, gas stations, and stores to pay for their clothes and entertainment. Maybe this is what makes them so independent from their parents at such a young age?
C.Is it possible to have one device with the functions of a TV-set, a PC and the Internet? With the advent of Internet TV it has become a reality. Imagine watching a film on TV and getting information on the actors in the film at the same time! To enter web-addresses and write e-mails you use a remote control and an on-screen keyboard or an optional wireless keyboard. By clicking a button, you can also read adverts, ‘chat’ with a friend, plan your holiday and play your favourite video games. And in the future you’ll be able to change the plot of the film you are watching!
D.When do you stop being a child and become an adult? There are lots of laws about the age when you can start doing things. In Britain, for example, you can get married at 16, but you cannot get a tattoo until you are 18. In most American states you can have a driving licence at 17, but you cannot drink until you are 21. In Russia you can be put to prison when you are 16, but you cannot vote until you are 18. In fact, most European countries and the US have the same age for voting: 18. Many people, however, think that this is unfair. They would like to vote at an earlier age.
E.Blue jeans were a by-product of the Gold Rush. The man who invented jeans, Levi Strauss, emigrated from Germany to San Francisco in 1850. Levi was 20 years old, and he decided to sell clothes to the miners who were in California in search of gold. When he was told that durable trousers were the most needed item of clothing, Levi began making jeans of heavy tent canvas. Levi’s jeans were an immediate success. Soon he switched from canvas to a cotton fabric which came from Nimes, a city in France. The miners called it ‘denim’ and bought a lot of trousers from Strauss.
F.Some fifty years ago people hadn’t even heard of computers, and today we cannot imagine our life without them. Computer technology is now the fastest-growing industry in the world. The first computer was the size of a minibus and weighed a ton. Today, its job can be done by a chip the size of a pinhead. And the revolution is still going on. Very soon we’ll have computers that we’ll wear on our wrists or even in our glasses and ear-rings. Such wearable computers are now being developed in the USA.
G.Some American words are simply unknown on the other side of the Atlantic, and vice versa. But a lot of words exist in both variants, and these can cause trouble. British visitors to America are often surprised at the different meanings that familiar words have acquired there. If an Englishman asks in an American store for a vest, he will be offered a waistcoat. If he wants to buy a handbag for his wife, he should ask for a purse, and if she wants to buy a pair of tights, she should ask for pantyhose: tights in America are what ballet dancers wear.
1. Different pets, different characters 5. Friends in need
2. Having fun together 6. Pets can teach
3. A long-term treatment 7. A global problem
4. Reading dog stories 8. Where to get a pet
A. It has become clear that stress affects our mental and physical health and, sadly, our world has become more stressful than ever. We live in the environment that can easily wear us out. Luckily, there are certain methods to reduce stress and have control. One of the best is to own a pet. Pets require attention and dedication, but those are small prices to pay for the amount of benefits they bring into our lives.
B. Pets provide support because they are always available to listen (without any judgment) or rub up against your hand, which can help you relax after a hectic day. They can help you see the situation differently and let out some steam.Moreover, when you are feeling under the weather, there is nothing like a sweet pair of eyes that immediately get your mind off thoughts that are making you sad and depressed.
C. Companionship with a loving pet is a real source of entertainment. Pets are constantly giving off love and gratitude, and they are happy to be in your presence. You can be yourself around pets. You can dance silly or talk silly, and they will not criticize you. In fact, they will love the silliness and get silly themselves. Cats and dogs are fantastic companions to sit down and watch TV at night.
D. Studies have shown that communicating with a pet boosts the immune system, improves heart health, reduces physical pain, and improves mental health as well. One man with tuberculosis says that the cat he received after his diagnosis kept him going for 21 years with little pain and very few physical issues. He talked to his cat which helped him walk through his troubles. That proves the power of true love that animals have.
E. Pets are living creatures that have habits and personalities. They can surprise you. Dogs, cats, and birds are probably most known for having distinct personalities. However, one snake owner says that her snake had his own unique personality. He got excited when she came into the room, and she would often put him in the bathtub where he would do all sorts of funny tricks while splashing around.
F. No matter what type of pet you get, it will require you to take care of it. Being responsible for another living being can help you be more responsible in the rest of your life too. This is especially true for kids who are learning the value of good habits. However, adults can benefit from the consistent responsibility as well. Responsible pet owners are kind to pets and remember they are their pets’ world.
G. With millions of cats and dogs killed in shelters in the United States every year, adopting a pet instead of buying one saves at least one animal’s life. Adoption saves not only the animal you adopt, but also the new animal the shelter can take in. Adopting from a shelter helps both ends of the problem: fewer animals will be bred, and more animals can go to a good home.
1. Perfect for a quiet holiday 5. Perfect for an active holiday
2. Land of nature wonders 6. Difficult start
3. Bad for animals 7. New perspectives
4. A visit to the zoo 8. New rules to follow
A.The mountains of Scotland (we call them the Highlands) are a wild and beautiful part of Europe. A golden eagle flies over the mountains. A deer walks through the silence of the forest. Salmon and trout swim in the clean, pure water of the rivers. Some say that not only fish swim in the deep water of Loch Ness. Speak to the people living by the Loch. Each person has a story of the monster, and some have photographs.
B.Tresco is a beautiful island with no cars, crowds or noise — just flowers, birds, long sandy beaches and the Tresco Abbey Garden. John and Wendy Pyatt welcome you to the Island Hotel, famous for delicious food, comfort and brilliant service. You will appreciate superb accommodation, free saunas and the indoor swimming pool.
C.The Camel and Wildlife Safari is a unique mixture of the traditional and modern. Kenya’s countryside suits the Safari purposes exceptionally well. Tourists will have a chance to explore the bush country near Samburu, to travel on a camel back or to sleep out under the stars. Modern safari vehicles are always available for those who prefer comfort.
D.Arrival can be the hardest part of a trip. It is late, you are road-weary, and everything is new and strange. You need an affordable place to sleep, something to eat and drink, and probably a way to get around. But in general, it’s a wonderful trip, full of wonderful and unusual places. Whether it is the first stop on a trip or the fifth city visited, every traveller feels a little overwhelmed stepping onto a new street in a new city.
E.No zoo has enough money to provide basic habitats or environments for all the species they keep. Most animals are put in a totally artificial environment, isolated from everything they would meet in their natural habitat. Many will agree that this isolation is harmful to the most of zoo inhabitants, it can even amount to cruelty.
F.A new London Zoo Project is a ten year project to secure the future for the Zoo and for many endangered animals. The plan has been devised by both animal and business experts to provide world-leading accommodation for all our animals, to more fully engage and inform people about conservation issues, to redesign certain aspects of Zoo layout.
G.Leave-no-trace camping is an increasingly popular approach to travel in wilderness areas. As the term suggests, the goal is for the camper to leave as little impact as possible on the place he is visiting. One of its mottos is “Take nothing but pictures. Leave nothing but footprints.” Its simplest and most fundamental rule is: pack it in, pack it out, but it goes beyond that.
1. Hard to see and to believe 5. Inspired by noble goals
2. From travelling to discovery 6. Hard to explain how they could
3. Little experience — big success 7. Protected by law
4. Small size — great opportunities 8. Breathtaking just to watch
A. Charles Darwin’s five-year voyage on H. M. S. Beagle has become legendary and greatly influenced his masterwork, the book, On the Origin of Species. Darwin didn’t actually formulate his theory of evolution while sailing around the world aboard the Royal Navy ship. But the exotic plants and animals he encountered challenged his thinking and led him to consider scientific evidence in new ways.
B. The 19th century was a remarkable time for exploration. Vast portions of the globe, such as the interior of Africa, were mapped by explorers and adventurers. It was the time when David Livingstone became convinced of his mission to reach new peoples in Africa and introduce them to Christianity, as well as free them from slavery.
C. Louis Pasteur’s various investigations convinced him of the Tightness of his germ theory of disease, which holds that germs attack the body from outside. Many felt that such tiny organisms as germs could not possibly kill larger ones such as humans. But Pasteur extended this theory to explain the causes of many diseases — including cholera, ТВ and smallpox — and their prevention by vaccination.
D. Frederick Law Olmsted, the architect who designed New York City’s Central Park, called the Yosemite Valley «the greatest glory of nature.» Californians convinced one of their representatives, Senator John Conness, to do something about its protection. In May 1864, Conness introduced legislation to bring the Yosemite Valley under the control of the state of California. President Abraham Lincoln signed the bill into law.
E. The Maya thrived for nearly 2,000 years. Without the use of the cartwheel or metal tools, they built massive stone structures. They were accomplished scientists. They tracked a solar year of 365 days and one of the few surviving ancient Maya books contains tables of eclipses. From observatories, like the one at Chichen Itza, they tracked the progress of the war star, Mars.
F. Bali has been a surfing hotspot since the early 20th century, and continues to attract surfers from all over the world. The island’s small size and unique geography provides wonderful surfing conditions, in all seasons, for surfers of any level of experience. Inexperienced surfers might like to try Kuta’s kind waves, while more able surfers will try Nusa Dua’s powerful waves.
G. Base jumping is an extreme sport, one which only very adventurous travelers enjoy. Some base jumpers leap off bridges, others off buildings and the most extreme off cliffs in Norway. Once a year, base jumpers in the US get to leap off the New River Bridge in West Virginia. During the annual Bridge Day, hundreds of jumpers can go off the bridge legally. Thousands of spectators show up to watch.
1. Recovery of a masterpiece 5. Return to the market
2. Return of the popularity 6. A happy comeback
3. Dangerous when rare 7. From Eastern to Western culture
4. Back and deep into the past 8. They come back in spring
A. The Mona Lisa, also known as La Giaconda, became world famous after it was stolen from the Louvre in 1911. The painting was missing for two years before police traced the theft to Italian painter, Vincenzo Peruggia, who stole the work to return it to its country of origin. The Louvre Museum in Paris built a separate room to house the Mona Lisa, giving up to five million visitors a year the chance to see the painting.
B. The tradition of telling stories with a series of sequential images has been a part of Japanese culture long before Superman comic strips. The earliest examples of pre-manga artwork that influenced the development of modern Japanese comics are commonly attributed to Toba Sojo, an 11th-century painter-priest with an odd sense of humor. Toba’s animal paintings satirized life in the Buddhist priesthood by drawing priests as rabbits or monkeys engaged in silly activities.
C. When the story in which Holmes died was published in a popular magazine in 1893, the British reading public was outraged. More than 20,000 people canceled their subscriptions. The demand for Holmes stories was so great that Conan Doyle brought the great detective back to life by explaining that no one had actually seen Holmes go down the Reichenbach Falls. The public, glad to have new tales, bought the explanation.
D. Caviar refers to the salted eggs of the fish species, sturgeon. At the beginning of the 19th century, the United States was one of the greatest producers of caviar in the world. Because of overfishing, commercial sturgeon harvesting was banned. Today, mostly through farm-raised varieties, caviar production has returned in America. Some American caviar is very high in quality and has been compared favorably to wild Caspian caviar.
E.T.S. Eliot wrote in his poem, «The Waste Land,» that April was the «cruelest month.» He was living in England at the time, and the weather there can be dreadfully rainy and cold during spring. But from a cook’s point of view, April is anything but cruel. The month brings us some of the freshest, most wonderful foods. Consider the first ripe strawberries, asparagus, artichokes, tiny peas, and so much more.
F.When the eruption of Vesuvius started on the morning of 24 August, 79 AD, it caught the local population completely unprepared. The catastrophic magnitude of the eruption was connected with the long period of inactivity that preceded it. The longer the intervals between one eruption and another, the greater the explosion will be. Luckily, the frequent but low-level activity of Vesuvius in recent centuries has relieved the build-up of pressure in the magma chamber.
G.Iron Age Britain can only be understood from the archaeological evidence. There are few spectacular ruins from Iron Age Britain. Unlike in Classical Greece or Ancient Egypt, in Iron Age Britain there was no construction of major cities, palaces, temples or pyramids. Rather, it was an essentially rural world of farms and villages, which had no economic or religious need to build palaces, cities, major tombs or ceremonial sites.
1. Just in time 5. Reduced expectations
2. Just in case 6. Royal brother
3. Eventful life 7. Royal ancestor
4. A curious case 8. Double trouble
A. I am a mother of identical, mirror-image boys — David and John. No one but me can tell them apart. I am constantly amazed at how close they are. Once when they were babies David was ill, but it was John who began crying wildly. I tried to calm John first since nothing was wrong with him. But he only cried louder. Finally I gave some medicine to David — who really was unwell. As soon as John sensed his brother felt better, he immediately settled to sleep.
B. The 12 year old was playing near the Platte River in North Bend, Nebraska. The river was high and as the boy stepped in, the current pushed his legs away. He floated off, spinning in the powerful current. At the last possible moment before the rapids, his yells were heard by his dog. It jumped in, reached the boy and towed him ashore. Another second and the boy would have been swept away to certain death.
C. Armgaard Karl Graves, referred to in press reports as ‘the Glasgow Spy’, was convicted in Scotland under the Official Secrets Act (1911) for spying on the British Navy. He spent years successfully creating an identity as an Australian doctor and in Scotland even conducted important clinical experiments. But he was eventually caught by a suspicious post office worker as he sent and received post under a variety of assumed names.
D. Zsa Zsa Gabor was born in Budapest on February 6th, 1917. Now in her 90s she has had a long and varied life. She was a beauty queen and singer before becoming a famous screen actress. She was married 8 times but only had one child with second husband, Conrad Hilton. Her last marriage to Frederic von Anhalt gave her the honorary title Prinzessin von Anhalt.
E. “Who do you think you are” is one of my favourite TV programs. Each episode researches the family history of a celebrity, back into the mists of time. In the UK there are good records of births, marriages and deaths going back hundreds of-years. One of the best episodes was on Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London. He was thrilled when he discovered he was directly related to King George II.
F. Paris Hilton is a famous socialite, media personality, actress, model and singer. In 2007 her grandfather Barron Hilton pledged 97% of his estate — a value of more than 2 billion US dollars — to a charitable foundation. Many now believe that Paris and the other grandchildren have had their potential inheritance sharply reduced. Others have commented that this news was unlikely to change her future life style.
G. Andy always travels well equipped for any potential possibility. He has a sewing repair kit and a small medical kit with aspirin. These are, I suppose, perfectly sensible. But what about a ball of string, tape measure, masking tape, Swiss army penknife, disposable cutlery, disinfectant, dry bags and an inflatable back rest? Andy says you never know what might happen and it’s always best to be prepared
. 1. Not Just Fun 5. Team work in sport and life
2. Running For Heart and Mind 6. Next year we win
3. United By The Game 7. Learning from father
4. I Want To Be A Coach 8. School between practices
A. I believe playing sports is more than an activity to fill your day, it can teach important life lessons. When I was a child, my dad spent a lot of time teaching me how to play different sports. He told me that if I can succeed in sports, I can succeed at anything in life. He used to say, ‘It’s not about how good you become. It’s about working hard to get where you want to be.’
B. I like bicycles. Group rides help me to get new skills and make new friends. I try to apply the tactics of group riding to team work in the real world. In the perfect group ride, each rider takes a turn leading the pack, while the others enjoy the benefits of drafting. I think this way of working is a great method for approaching a group task anywhere.
C. I believe in the power of running. Running should not be a battle for your body but rather a rest for your mind. I felt this last fall, when I was running in the park. Suddenly I felt as if I could have run forever, as if I could use running as a source of therapy for my body. Running allows the body to release different types of stress and even change our understanding of life.
D. My father coached basketball every day of his life, and I was right there with him in the gym watching him work his magic. Basketball appears entertaining and exciting. But the path to success is not simple. My father always told me, ‘Nothing is free.’ I took this advice and ran with it. I truly believe that only practice and determination lead to success.
E. Baseball is so much more than a sport. One of the powers of baseball is that it brings people together. It unites fans of all ages, genders, and nationalities. No matter who you are, you can be a baseball fan. My mom and I have one unspoken rule: no matter what has been going on before, no fighting at the game.
F. I believe that you must always be loyal to the sport teams you support. The teams I follow in the United States generally lose many more than they win. The start of each season brings dreams of victory in baseball, basketball or football, dreams that fade away soon. But then there is always next year. It will be our year for sure
G. I was determined to join the swim team. I knew I would get my strengths and learn my weaknesses there. Waking up early for 6:30 a.m. practices is what swim team is all about, as it helps us get into state. On a long school day you think about the practice in the pool after school. You want to hear the crowd cheering you, telling you that you have to do more than your best.
1. Reason for extension 5. Shift towards history
2. Presents begin to enrich the collection 6. First famous exhibits
3. New collections for the new building 7. One of the basis of two
4. New field for the old museum 8. Location of the museum
A. The present Ashmolean Museum was created in 1908 by combining two ancient Oxford institutions: the University Art Collection and the original Ashmolean Museum. The older partner in this merger, the University Art Collection, was based for many years in what is now the Upper Reading Room in the Bodleian Library.
B. The collection began modestly in the 1620s with a handful of portraits and curiosities displayed in a small room on the upper floor. In the 17th century there were added notable collections of coins and medals later incorporated into the Ashmolean coin collection. The objects of curiosity included Guy Fawkes’ lantern and a sword given by the Pope to Henry VIII, and a number of more exotic items.
C. In the 1660s and 70s, the collection grew rapidly and, in 1683, the Bodleian Gallery was left to develop as a museum of art. At first, it was a gallery of portraits of distinguished contemporaries, but from the mid 1660s, it began to acquire a more historical perspective with the addition of images of people from the past: college founders, scientists, soldiers, monarchs, writers and artists.
D. In the eighteenth century, several painters donated self-portraits. They also added a number of landscapes, historical paintings and scenes from contemporary life. Other donors, former members of the University, added collections of Old Masters so that by the early nineteenth century, it had become an art gallery of general interest and an essential point of call on the tourist map. The public was admitted on payment of a small charge. Catalogues were available at the entrance and the paintings were well displayed in a large gallery.
E. It was only with the gift of a collection of ancient Greek and Roman statuary from the Countess of Pomfret in 1755 that the need for a new art gallery became urgent. The marble figures were too heavy to be placed in an upstairs gallery and were installed in a dark ground-floor room in the library pending the creation of a new museum.
F. Before the new museum was finished, a major group of drawings by Raphael and Michelangelo was purchased by public subscription for the new galleries, establishing the importance of the Oxford museum as a centre for the study of Old Master drawings. The new museum also attracted gifts of paintings. In 1851, a collection of early Italian paintings, which included Uccello’s «Hunt in the Forestone of the museum’s major works of art was presented.
G. In the 1850s, the University established a new Natural History Museum, which is now known as the Oxford University Museum of Natural History. And all the natural history specimens from the Ashmolean were transferred to the new institution. Having lost what had become the most important element in its collection, the Ashmolean was to find a major new role in the emerging field of archaeology.
1.То play any tune 5. Not a bank but …
2. A brand new shore museum 6. Magic as attraction
3. Still moving along 7. A museum of popular drinks
4. Back from the seas 8. One tool museum
A. The Salem Witch Museum brings you back to Salem of 1692 for a dramatic overview of the Witch Trials, including stage sets with life-size figures, lighting and a narration. There is also a possibility to go on a candlelight tour to four selected homes. The museum is open all year round and closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Salem is also famous for its Haunted Happenings, a 24-day Halloween festival.
B. The Discover Sea Shipwreck Museum opened its doors in 1995, and has one of the largest collections of shipwreck and recovered artifacts in the Mid-Atlantic. It contains about 10,000 artifacts from local and worldwide locations, including an intact blown-glass hourglass from a 200-year-old shipwreck, which is also the world’s deepest wooden wreck at the heart of the Bermuda Triangle.
C. The Seashore Trolley Museum is the oldest and largest electric railway museum in the world. It was founded in 1939 with one open trolley car, No. 31 from the Biddeford & Saco Railroad Company. The Seashore Trolley Museum contains over 250 transit vehicles, mostly trolleys, from the United States, Canada and abroad. Visitors can even take a trip along the Maine countryside aboard a restored early-1900s electric streetcar.
D. American Hop Museum is dedicated to the brewing industry and located in the heart of the Yakima Valley’s hop fields, which gather the best harvest for producing beer. It chronicles the American hop industry from the New England colonies to its expansion into California and the Pacific Northwest, and includes historical equipment, photos and artifacts that pay tribute to hop, the everlasting vine that is still an integral part of the brewing industry.
E.The Money Museum in Colorado Springs is America’s largest museum dedicated to numismatics (the study of collecting coins and metals). The collection contains over 250,000 items from the earliest invention of money to modern day, with items including paper money, coins, tokens, medals, and traditional money from all over the world. Highlights include the 1804 dollar, the 1913 V Nickel, the 1866 no motto series, a comprehensive collection of American gold coins, and experimental pattern coins and paper money.
F. The Kenneth G. Fiske Museum of Musical Instruments in California has one of the most diverse collections of musical instruments in the United States. This museum is home to over 1,400 American, European and ethnic instruments from the 17th-20th centuries. Selections from all parts of the world also include keyboards, brass, woodwind, stringed, percussion, mechanical and electronic instruments. Other highlights are rare pieces from the violin and viola families, reed organs and instruments from the Orient and Tibet.
G.The Hammer Museum in Alaska is the world’s first museum dedicated to hammers. The Museum provides a view of the past through the use of man’s first tool. You will find over 1500 hammers on display, ranging from ancient times to the present. The museum does not have any paid staff, and it is run by volunteers. This quaint and quirky museum is an interesting and informative stop for the whole family.
1. Reasons to be afraid 5. Visiting for wild life and animals
2. Fight your fear 6. Learn to be grateful
3. A place of wonders 7. It is never late to learn
4. How to say thank you 8. Reading non-verbal language
A. Nowadays when it’s all too easy to send an email or text, the best way to show that you are grateful to somebody is to actually mail a hand-written card. The person who gets it will know you took the extra time and thought to write a card and put it in the mail with a nice stamp. That person will appreciate your efforts much more. Plus, you’ll get the added bonus of feeling grateful a little longer than usual as you write out each note and wait for it to arrive.
B. Music is a noble passion, and people who can play a musical instrument have always been seen as intelligent people. Learning how to play a musical instrument is far more efficient if you do it in childhood. However, there are millions of adults who learn to enjoy music throughout their lives. Moreover, they don’t focus on just one instrument, but specialize in two or even more, if they have the time and the necessary ambition.
C. Millions of people avoid air travel each year because of their fear of flying. The fear of accidents happening is probably the most common fear among air travellers. It is an understandable fear, since there have been many aviation accidents throughout history. Some people may have a fear that the plane has some type of malfunction or breakdown, while others may have a fear that the weather or turbulance will affect the plane.
D. Try to understand that being scared is just an illusion that makes you limited and miserable. Take control of your mind and don’t let your imagination create frightening pictures in your head. If you cannot deal with it, you should make attempts to leave your comfort zone. Choose things and activities you are afraid of and meet your worries face to face, because it is impossible to run away from them. Just face your troubles no matter how powerful they may seem.
E. When you get chronically bored with something, your mind gets used to seeing the world negatively. It is necessary to break the chain of negative thoughts and train your mind to notice the best. Just write down 5 things you are thankful for. This way, your mind will change for the better in a while. The thankfulness will open your eyes to the beauty of the world around you and will help you to focus on positive moments in your life.
F. If you go to Ireland, go to isolated distant places in the country, talk to the locals and they will tell you the stories about the mythical Irish place, called the Otherworld. They believe that it is the land of paradise and happiness. In Irish poetry and tales, it is described as a series of islands near Ireland where the various fairytale creatures lived. Also the Otherworld seemed to be able to move from one location to another.
G. Many people can understand the nature of character without talking to the person they are interested in. The gestures and postures usually reflect the mood and the level of the person’s confidence. It’s easy to notice a highly confident person even in a big group of people. They stand in one place without constant moving from place to place, and they always make eye contact with the person they are talking to.
1. Climbing with experienced helpers 5. More than one summit
2. Dangers from natural disasters 6. Offering a well-equipped climb
3. Surrounded by sacred woods 7. Preferred by solo climbers
4. Impossible to climb in the cold season 8. Possible health problems
A. Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world and probably the best known. It is part of the Himalaya range on the Nepal-Tibet border. It attracts experienced mountaineers as well as beginners to complete a successful climb. The route to the summit takes from 10 to 12 hours. The mountain, while not posing substantial technical climbing difficulty on the standard route, still has many dangers, such as altitude sickness, due to the lack of oxygen.
B. K2 is the second highest mountain in the world after Mount Everest. K2 is known as the Savage Mountain due to the difficulty of ascent and has the second highest climber fatality rate among the 8000-meter peaks. This is the reason why K2 has never been climbed in winter. Standing over 3,000 metres above the glacial valley bottoms, it is famous for its relief. K2 is a consistently steep pyramid, dropping in almost all directions.
C. Kangchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world. It has an enormous mass with numerous satellite peaks along its ridges. The word ‘Kangchenjunga’ means ‘The Five Treasures of Snows’, as it contains five peaks, four of them over 8,450 metres. The huge massif of Kangchenjunga is supported by great ridges forming a giant ‘X’. These ridges contain majestic peaks between six and eight thousand metres.
D. Lhotse is the fourth highest mountain in the world and is connected to Everest via the South Col. Lhotse has been the scene of many failed attempts and some notable fatalities. Only an expert team of guides and Sherpa can make the ascent possible. Sherpa are local people, who are regarded as elite mountaineers and experts in the Himalayas. They are valuable to explorers because they have a genetic adaptation to living in high altitudes.
E. Manaslu is the eighth highest mountain in the world. Its name means ‘Mountain of the Spirit’. Manaslu’s long ridges and valley glaciers offer feasible approaches from all directions and culminate in a peak that towers steeply above the surrounding landscape and is visible from a far. Full of untouched forests, the Manaslu Valley is fantastic. Tourists called it the Garden of Eden because of Buddhist prohibitions on hunting.
F. Nanga Parbat, which is the ninth highest mountain in the world, is a truly awesome spectacle. The name means ‘Naked Mountain’ in Hindi. Known as the ‘Killer Mountain’, Nanga Parbat was one of the deadliest for climbers. The route was dangerously prone to avalanche and exposed to bad weather. March is the riskiest of all months. Winters transitioning into summers cause numerous avalanches on Nanga Parbat.
G. Shishapangma is one of the easiest eight-thousanders to climb due to its location entirely within Tibet. Organized climbing is cautious and careful, with excellent leadership, ‘walkie-talkie’ radios, satellite telephones, the best oxygen bottles and apparatus available. For trekkers’ comfort, there are also yak caravans carrying heavy things, tasty food, individual tents for each member, and a full kitchen in basecamp.
1. For information and urgent help 5. Key under your skin
2. World without buttons 6. Big brother is watching you
3. To monitor and treat the disease 7. Disadvantages of tech
4. A built-in charger 8. Phone always on you
A. Sure, we’re virtually connected to our phones 24/7 now, but what if we could be literally plugged in to our phones? That’s already starting to happen. Last year, for instance, artist Anthony Antonellis had a chip put in his arm that could store and transfer data to his handheld smartphone. And researchers are already experimenting with sensors that turn human bone into living speakers.
B. In the future patients will be able to use implantable technologies to diagnose and even treat diseases. Scientists in London are developing swallowable capsule-sized chip that will control fat levels in obese patients and generate genetic material that makes them feel “full”. It has potential as an alternative to surgery to handle obesity. Also it can monitor blood-sugar levels for diabetics.
C. The U.S. military has programs to identify any person using face scanning device. Some people see it as a doubtless advantage: improved crime fighting, secure elections and never a lost child again. However, such technologies can hammer against social norms and raise privacy issues. And one day there might be a computer to see all, know all and control all.
D. One of the challenges for implantable tech is delivering power to devices which are inside human bodies. You can’t plug them in as you do with your phone or computer. You can’t easily take them out to replace a battery. A team in Cambridge is working on specific bio batteries that can generate power inside the body, transfer it wirelessly where needed, and then simply melt away.
E. Soon tattoos will not only make you look cool but will be able to perform useful tasks, like opening your car or entering smartphone codes with a fingerpoint. Researchers have made an implantable skin fibers thinner than a human hair. Scientists are working on the chip that can be put inside a finger through a tattoo-like process, letting you unlock things or enter codes simply by pointing.
F. The British research team is developing pills with microprocessors in them that can text to hospitals directly from inside your body. The pills can share inside info to help doctors know if you are taking your medication properly and if it is having the desired effect. Moreover, in case of emergency, it can send a signal to the computer and the ambulance will come straight away.
G. Lately touchscreens are everywhere – from computers, phones, tablets to car systems and vending machines. Even doorbells now include touch screen controls. One has to wonder: are we moving to a world of only touchscreen devices? And the answer is probably yes. We are coming to an age where every flat or even curved surface could be made a touchscreen and we can operate from it.
1. When we don’t sleep 5. Why dream can be scary
2. Not only for humans 6. What we feel dreaming
3. How dreaming helps 7. How we forget dreams
4. When we dream 8. How we remember dreams
A. Even though our dreams may feel like they last for hours and hours, we hardly spend more than two hours dreaming each night, which means a person spends a total of nearly six years dreaming throughout a lifetime. In general there are four phases of the sleep cycle and all dreaming occurs practically at the final phase. Each of these sleep cycles lasts approximately 60 to 90 minutes and may repeat several times throughout the night.
B. Anxiety is the most popular emotion experienced in dreams. Many people dream of falling, which is often connected to something in our lives that is going in the wrong direction. In addition, dreams of being chased are very common and are linked to avoidance. Also people report dreams about their teeth falling out, which is related to the words and communication we might have in real life.
C. Dreaming helps people make sense of the information and events that occur in their lives. Dreams play an important role in processing and remembering information that we absorb daily. Also, they help reduce stress and even solve problems. It’s very possible to work through real-life problems while dreaming at night. In addition, dreams provide a lot of important content and meaning that can be used to inspire and direct our lives during the day.
D. Nearly 5 to 10% of adults have nightmares. There are several reasons for it, for example when people start taking certain medications or when they withdraw from drugs. Some physical conditions, such as stress or illness, can also be a trigger. However, in some cases adults may have frequent nightmares that are unrelated to their everyday lives, which may signify that they are more creative, sensitive, and emotional than the average person.
E. There is no person who does not have dreams, but not everybody recalls them. The most vivid dreams happen during the Rapid Eye Movement sleep stage when the brain is extremely active and the eyes move back and forth quickly underneath the eyelids. Although dream recall varies from person to person, some people have little or no recollection of the content, and around 90% of dreams are gone following the first 10 minutes of waking up.
F. Scientists have found that animals also dream and their subconscious thoughts are connected to real experiences. Animals’ dreams are complex, containing long sequences of events. Animals’ brains share the same series of sleeping states as the brain of human beings. Analyzing animals’ dreams and the content of their dreams may help scientists treat memory disorders and develop new ways for people to learn and retain information more effectively.
G. Only five minutes after the end of a dream and half of the content is likely to vanish from our memories. It’s not that dreams aren’t important enough to keep in mind, but other things tend to get in the way. Dream researcher L. Strumpell believes that dreams disappear from our memories for a number of factors. For example, we may not recall dream images that lack intensity, association or repetition, which are usually needed for dream recall.
1. How It All Began 5. Spider-man forever!
2. Equal Rights for Comics! 6. Time of great change
3. European and Asian Varieties 7. They don’t know what they are talking about
4. No Longer Just for Children 8. Birth of a hero
A. Comic books are an important part of pop culture and loved by many. Just look at how many Hollywood films are based on superhero comics such as Spider- Man, Batman, Superman and others! However, some people mistakenly assume they are only for children or that they are only about superheroes. There are many wrong ideas about comics, and they often come from people who have never even read them.
B.Comics first appeared in the USA in the early 1900’s as comic strips in newspapers. They were called ‘comics’ because they were about comical characters. Later they included adventure and crime stories and other genres, and became serialized. The more popular ones were printed in book format and were called comic books. These were especially common during the Great Depression. But they were often criticized for being ‘literature for the illiterate’.
C.Comic books about crime fighters and criminals were in demand in the 1930’s. One of them, Detective Comics, had a series about a man who dressed up as a bat to fight criminals. Fans loved him so much that eventually he had his own comic book and became known as Batman. Due to his success, other superheroes were soon invented. Superhero comics continued to grow in popularity and are now what people often associate comics with.
D.In the 1960’s comic book writers began to experiment more. Some explored genres and themes not usually used for comics, others experimented with artwork, using more sophisticated styles. In the 70’s and 80’s these trends intensified and even the format changed. In 1978 Will Eisner wrote A Contract with God, the first full book length comic. Such works were no longer called comic books, but graphic novels.
E.Nowadays there are a great variety of comic books that are radically different from the original comic strips in newspapers. They have also become more acceptable in society: earlier, if you were not a child but were interested in comics, you were looked down upon and could be called a geek or a nerd; now comic books have become largely mainstream. Comic book conventions where fans gather and even dress up as their favorite superheroes are very popular.
F.The USA is not the only country with a history of comic books. France and Japan have their own unique traditions. In France, comics are known as bandes desslnees and in Japan, manga. Each of these has its own style and history of development. The highly stylized Japanese manga characters with big eyes and brightly colored spiky hair have become just as popular around the world as comics in the west.
G.The medium of comics will undoubtedly continue to grow. Over time, the stereotypes that surround them will hopefully change. There is no reason for comics to be any different from other media such as books, films or paintings. Comics, like these other formats, will always produce bestsellers of little artistic merit, but there will also be masterpieces equivalent to great works of art or high literature.
1. .A long way to popularity 5. Brilliant ideas and brave deeds
2. Revolutionary materials 6. It had its finest hour
3. Borrowed ideas 7. Extraordinary combinations
4. A stairway to heaven 8. Ideas on sale
A.Born in 1743, Thomas Jefferson helped shape the new American nation and also shaped some of the country’s most famous buildings. The twentieth century architects who designed the circular Jefferson Memorial in Washington D.C. drew inspiration from Thomas Jefferson’s architectural ideas. And from where did Jefferson get his ideas? The Pantheon in Rome! This building with its classical portico became a model that influenced Western architecture for 2,000 years.
B.Postmodern architecture evolved from the modernist movement, yet contradicts many of the modernist ideas. Combining new ideas with traditional forms, postmodernist buildings may startle, surprise, and even amuse. Familiar shapes and details are used in unexpected ways. Philip Johnson’s AT&T Headquarters is often cited as an example of postmodernism. Like many buildings in the international style, this skyscraper has a classical facade.
C.The Industrial Revolution in Europe brought about a new trend: the use of metals instead of wood and stone in construction. Built in 1889, the Eiffel Tower is perhaps the most famous example of this new use for metal. For 40 years, the Eiffel Tower measured the tallest in the world. The metal latticework, formed with very pure structural iron, makes the tower both extremely light and able to withstand tremendous wind forces.
D.By the early 1800s, Belfast had become a major port at the beating heart of the region’s industry. The launching of the Titanic from the ship ways was attended by an estimated 100,000 people, showing how important this event was for Belfast. Many more impressive ships would leave the yard in the coming years before the decline of the shipbuilding industry began in the 1950s, but the Titanic marked the zenith of the great shipbuilding era in Belfast.
E.Thomas Andrews was the chief naval architect at the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast during the early 1900s. He brought the idea of ‘Olympic class’ ocean liners to life. The most famous of these was Titanic, which he joined on its first voyage. His actions when the ship sank on 15 April 1912 are believed to have saved many lives, but at the cost of his own. In his home town of Comber, the life of Thomas Andrews is commemorated by the Memorial Hall, opened in 1915.
F.An e-book or «electronic book» is available digitally downloaded, and accessed through a device such as a computer, a smart phone or, popularly, a portable e-book reader. In 1971, Michael Hart began storing vast contents of libraries in electronic formats. Hart named his efforts Project Gutenberg, after the inventor of the printing press. Libraries were early adopters of the technology. But it took nearly thirty years for the idea of the e-book to take firm hold with the consumer.
G.The Frankfurt Book Fair is held in October of each year. It usually hosts more than 7,300 exhibitors from 100 countries ranging from Albania to Zimbabwe. For the American book publishing industry, the Frankfurt Book Fair is predominantly a trade fair, that is, a professional meeting place for publishers, editors, librarians, book subsidiary rights managers, booksellers, film producers, authors and many others who are involved in the creation and licensing of book content.
1. The House of Commons 5. The system of Government
2. Parliamentary Procedure 6. Parliamentary Committees
3. The House of Lords 7. Whitehall
4. Westminster 8. The Crown
A. Her Majesty’s Government, in spite of its name, derives its authority and power from its party representation in Parliament. Parliament is housed in the Palace of Westminster, once a home of the monarchy. Like the monarchy, Parliament is an ancient institution, dating from the middle of the thirteenth century. Parliament is the seat of British democracy, but it is perhaps valuable to remember that while the House of Lords was created in order to provide a council of the nobility for the king, the Commons were summoned originally in order to provide the king with money.
B. The reigning monarch is not only head of state but symbol of the unity of the nation. The monarchy is Britain’s oldest secular institution, its continuity for over a thousand years broken only once by a republic that lasted a mere eleven years (1649-60). The monarchy is hereditary, the succession passing automatically to the oldest male child, or in the absence of males to the oldest female offspring of the monarch. In law the monarch is head of the executive and of the judiciary, head of the Church of England, and commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
C. The dynamic power of Parliament lies in its lower chamber. Of its 650 members, 523 represent constituencies in England, 38 in Wales, 72 in Scotland and 17 in Northern Ireland. There are only seats in the Commons debating chamber for 370 members, but except on matters of great interest, it is unusual for all members to be present at any one time. Many MPs find themselves in other rooms of the Commons, participating in a variety of committees and meetings necessary for an effective parliamentary process.
D. Britain is a democracy, yet its people are not, as one might expect in a democracy, constitutionally in control of the state. The constitutional situation is an apparently contradictory one. As a result of a historical process the people of Britain are subjects of the Crown, accepting the Queen as the head of the state. Yet even the Queen is not sovereign in any substantial sense since she receives her authority from Parliament, and is subject to its direction in almost all matters. This curious situation came about as a result of a long struggle for power between the Crown and Parliament during the sixteenth and the seventeenth centuries.
E. Her Majesty’s Government governs in the name of the Queen, and its hub, Downing Street, lies in Whitehall, a short walk from Parliament. Following a general election, the Queen invites the leader of the majority party represented in the Commons, to form a government on her behalf. Government ministers are invariably members of the House of Commons, but infrequently members of the House of Lords are appointed. All government members continue to represent “constituencies” which elected them.
F. Each parliamentary session begins with the “State Opening of Parliament”, a ceremonial occasion in which the Queen proceeds from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster where she delivers the Queen’s Speech from her throne in the House of Lords. Her speech is drafted by her government, and describes what the government intends to implement during the forthcoming session. Leading members of the Commons may hear the speech from the far end of the chamber, but are not allowed to enter the House of Lords.
G. The upper chamber of Parliament is not democratic in any sense at all. It consists of four categories of peer. The majority are hereditary peers, a total of almost 800, but of whom only about half take an active interest in the affairs of the state. A smaller number, between 350 and 400, are “life” peers – an idea introduced in 1958 to elevate to the peerage certain people who rendered political or public service to the nation. The purpose was not only to honour but also to enhance the quality of business done in the Lords.
1.Training the mind 5. Too fast
2. Welsh roots 6. Losing control
3.Quick reaction 7. Unexpected prize
4.Chemistry in tennis 8. Ads with wings
A .By now Wimbledon has become a popular national festival, together with Ascot and the Cup Final. Many people in Britain don’t know that tennis was first played in Wales. It was there, in 1873, that Major Walter Wingfield played a game with the recently invented rubber balls and enjoyed it so much, that he decided to develop the standards of the game. He published the first book of tennis rules later that year. The first Wimbledon championship was held a few years later in 1877 and the British Lawn Tennis Association formed in 1888.
B .Good mental preparation is necessary for professional tennis players. In a long match they can be on the court for several hours with nobody to talk to. There can be hundreds of stops from the crowd, their opponent and, especially at Wimbledon, the rain. Players need to practice methods for improving their concentration and for motivating themselves when the game is going against them. They are often taught to imagine some situations, such as a tense tie-break. Then they imagine what to do with it.
C.Many players find it impossible to stay calm in the stressful situation of a long tennis match and let their temper out. John McEnroe was famous for his quarrels with referees. Several players have been given warnings for throwing the racket or swearing. Some players lose matches they could easily win because their mind lets them down. Pat Rafter said that he couldn’t breathe in his 2000 Wimbledon final. The stress of being near the victory can be too much for a person.
D.The power of today’s tennis game is only partly created by the athletes themselves. Much of it comes from their rackets. New designs mean players can hit the ball with more speed and accuracy than ever before. It started in the 1970s when the traditional wooden racket was replaced with metal. Since then different materials have been used. Graphite has made the biggest influence. Now the graphite can be mixed with materials such as boron and titanium to produce even stronger, and lighter, rackets.
E.Speed isn’t always a good thing. Many fans are complaining that the speed of the game is making tennis boring to watch. After two years of testing, a new ball has now been invented which could slow down tennis and make it more exciting to watch. The ball is put together in exactly the same way as the one used now, but is 6% larger in diameter. The bigger ball gives the receiver 10% more reaction time in which to return the serve. So the number of aces — serves in a match that the receiver fails to return — will be far fewer.
F.When Irishman John Boland travelled to Athens for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, he had no idea he would return home with the gold medal in tennis. But then, he had no idea he would compete either — he went to watch the competion. In comparison, today’s Olympic tennis players include some of the best athletes in the world. They are used to five-star hotels and hundreds of thousands of dollars, but at the Olympic Games they will stay in the Olympic Village and compete for nothing but a gold medal.
G. The Wimbledon tennis tournament is famous for pigeons that sometimes come flying on to Centre Court and stop the game. So, producers of a video tennis game designed for PlayStation2 decided to use specially trained homing pigeons, decorated with the game’s logo. Twenty birds will be spray-painted with the Virtual Tennis logo and trained to fly in and out of the home of British tennis during the matches of the Wimbledon championship. The advertising pigeons will go straight for the fans and show their logos to them.
1. Education 5. Places to stay in
2. Way of life 6. Favorite food
3. Public transport 7. Hot spots for kids
4. Geography 8. Nightlife
A.Denmark, a small kingdom in northern Europe, has a lot of interesting places for tourists with children. For example, Legoland, a theme park, has become the largest tourist attraction in Denmark outside its capital Copenhagen. And Copenhagen itself is world famous for its Tivoli Gardens amusement park, which opened in 1843 in the heart of the city. The park offers ballet and circus performances, restaurants, concerts, and fireworks displays.
B.Denmark is the smallest Scandinavian country, consisting of the Jutland peninsula, north of Germany, and over 400 islands of various sizes, some inhabited and linked to the mainland by ferry or bridge. Throughout the country, low hills provide a constant change of attractive views; there are also cool and shady forests of beech trees, large areas of open land covered with rough grass, a beautiful lake district, sand dunes and white cliffs on the coast.
C.More than four-fifths of all Danes live in towns. The main cities represent a combination of medieval buildings, such as castles and cathedrals, and modern office buildings and homes. Denmark’s high standard of living and wide-ranging social services guarantee that the cities have no poor districts. Most people in the cities live in flats. But in the suburbs many also live in single-family houses.
D.Denmark’s fine beaches attract many visitors, and there are hotels and pensions in all major seaside resorts. Besides, excellent inns are to be found all over the country. Some are small and only serve local travellers, but others are adapted to the tourist and have established reputations for both international dishes and local specialities. There are also private rooms to let, usually for one night, and chalets all over Denmark.
E.There is a wide selection of places to go out in the evening, particularly in Copenhagen. Jazz and dance clubs in the capital city are top quality and world-famous performers appear regularly. There are numerous cafes, beer gardens and speciality beer bars. Entertainment available includes opera at the recently opened opera house in Copenhagen, ballet and theatre at a number of places in the larger cities, and live music of all kinds.
F.Most Danes eat four meals a day — breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a late-evening supper. Breakfast generally consists of cereal, cheese, or eggs. Dinner, which includes fish or meat, is usually the only hot meal. A traditional Danish dinner consists of roast duckling stuffed with apples, served with red cabbage and boiled potatoes. The other Danish meals consist mostly of sandwiches.
G.Almost all adult Danes can read and write. Danish law requires children to attend nine years of school. Primary school consists of the first seven grades, and secondary school lasts from three to five years. A five-year secondary school student can enter a university. Denmark has three universities. The University of Copenhagen is the oldest and largest. It was founded in 1479 and has about 24,000 students.
1. A long way to popularity 5. Brilliant ideas and brave deeds
2. Revolutionary materials 6. It had its finest hour
3. Borrowed ideas 7. Extraordinary combinations
4. A stairway to heaven 8. Ideas on sale
A.Born in 1743, Thomas Jefferson helped shape the new American nation and also shaped some of the country’s most famous buildings. The twentieth century architects who designed the circular Jefferson Memorial in Washington D.C. drew inspiration from Thomas Jefferson’s architectural ideas. And from where did Jefferson get his ideas? The Pantheon in Rome! This building with its classical portico became a model that influenced Western architecture for 2,000 years.
B.Postmodern architecture evolved from the modernist movement, yet contradicts many of the modernist ideas. Combining new ideas with traditional forms, postmodernist buildings may startle, surprise, and even amuse. Familiar shapes and details are used in unexpected ways. Philip Johnson’s AT&T Headquarters is often cited as an example of postmodernism. Like many buildings in the international style, this skyscraper has a classical facade.
C.The Industrial Revolution in Europe brought about a new trend: the use of metals instead of wood and stone in construction. Built in 1889, the Eiffel Tower is perhaps the most famous example of this new use for metal. For 40 years, the Eiffel Tower measured the tallest in the world. The metal latticework, formed with very pure structural iron, makes the tower both extremely light and able to withstand tremendous wind forces.
D.By the early 1800s, Belfast had become a major port at the beating heart of the region’s industry. The launching of the Titanic from the ship ways was attended by an estimated 100,000 people, showing how important this event was for Belfast. Many more impressive ships would leave the yard in the coming years before the decline of the shipbuilding industry began in the 1950s, but the Titanic marked the zenith of the great shipbuilding era in Belfast.
E.Thomas Andrews was the chief naval architect at the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast during the early 1900s. He brought the idea of ‘Olympic class’ ocean liners to life. The most famous of these was Titanic, which he joined on its first voyage. His actions when the ship sank on 15 April 1912 are believed to have saved many lives, but at the cost of his own. In his home town of Comber, the life of Thomas Andrews is commemorated by the Memorial Hall, opened in 1915.
F.An e-book or «electronic book» is available digitally downloaded, and accessed through a device such as a computer, a smart phone or, popularly, a portable e-book reader. In 1971, Michael Hart began storing vast contents of libraries in electronic formats. Hart named his efforts Project Gutenberg, after the inventor of the printing press. Libraries were early adopters of the technology. But it took nearly thirty years for the idea of the e-book to take firm hold with the consumer.
G.The Frankfurt Book Fair is held in October of each year. It usually hosts more than 7,300 exhibitors from 100 countries ranging from Albania to Zimbabwe. For the American book publishing industry, the Frankfurt Book Fair is predominantly a trade fair, that is, a professional meeting place for publishers, editors, librarians, book subsidiary rights managers, booksellers, film producers, authors and many others who are involved in the creation and licensing of book content.
.1. New rules to follow 5. A visit to the Zoo
2. New perspectives 6. Perfect for an active holiday
3. Perfect for a quiet holiday 7. Difficult start
4. Land of nature wonders 8. Bad for animals
A.The mountains of Scotland (we call them the Highlands) are а wild and beautiful part of Europe. A golden eagle flies over the mountains. A deer walks through the silence of the forest. Salmon and trout swim in the clean, pure water of the rivers. Some say that not only fish swim in the deep water of Loch Ness. Speak to the people living by the Loch. Each person has a story of the monster, and some have photographs.
B. Tresco is a beautiful island with no cars, crowds or noise – just flowers, birds, long sandy beaches and the Tresco Abbey Garden. John and Wendy Pyatt welcome you to the Island Hotel, famous for delicious food, comfort and brilliant service. You will appreciate superb accommodation, free saunas and the indoor swimming pool.
C. The Camel and Wildlife Safari is a unique mixture of the traditional and modern. Kenya’s countryside suits the Safari purposes exceptionally well. Tourists will have a chance to explore the bush country near Samburu, to travel on a camel back or to sleep out under the stars. Modern safari vehicles are always available for those who prefer comfort.
D. Arrival can be the hardest part of a trip. It is late, you are road-weary, and everything is new and strange. You need an affordable place to sleep, something to eat and drink, and probably a way to get around. But in general, it’s a wonderful trip, full of wonderful and unusual places. Whether it is the first stop on a trip or the fifth city visited, every traveller feels a little overwhelmed stepping onto a new street in a new city.
E. No zoo has enough money to provide basic habitats or environments for all the species they keep. Most animals are put in a totally artificial environment, isolated from everything they would meet in their natural habitat. Many will agree that this isolation is harmful to the most of zoo inhabitants, it can even amount to cruelty.
F. A new London Zoo Project is a ten year project to secure the future for the Zoo and for many endangered animals. The plan has been devised by both animal and business experts to provide world-leading accommodation for all our animals, to more fully engage and inform people about conservation issues, to redesign certain aspects of Zoo layout.
G. Leave-no-trace camping is an increasingly popular approach to travel in wilderness areas. As the term suggests, the goal is for the camper to leave as little impact as possible on the place he is visiting. One of its mottos is “Take nothing but pictures. Leave nothing but footprints.” Its simplest and most fundamental rule is: pack it in, pack it out, but it goes beyond that.
1. Old word – new meaning 5. For travellers’ need
2. Not for profit 6. For body and mind
3. Generosity to taste 7. Under lock and key
4. New word – old service 8. Cheap yet safe
A. The residents of the southern United States are particularly warm to visitors, ready to welcome them to their homes and to the South in general. Food places an important role in the traditions of southern hospitality. A cake or other delicacy is often brought to the door of a new neighbor as a means of introduction. When a serious illness occurs, neighbors, friends, and church members generally bring food to that family as a form of support and encouragement.
B. Destination spas exist for those who only can take a short term trip, but still want to develop healthy habits. Guests reside and participate in the program at a destination spa instead of just visiting it for a treatment or pure vacation. Typically over a seven-day stay, such facilities provide a program that includes spa services, physical fitness activities, wellness education, healthy cuisine and special interest programming.
C. When people travel, stay in a hotel, eat out, or go to the movies, they rarely think that they are experiencing many-sided, vast and very diverse hospitality industry. The tourism industry is very challenging for those who work there, as they should be able to meet a wide variety of needs and to be flexible enough to anticipate them. The right person to help us feel at home likes working with the public, and enjoys solving puzzles.
D. Ten years ago, with the help of friends and family, Veit Kühne founded Hospitality Club as a general-purpose Internet-based hospitality exchange organization. Now, it is one of the largest hospitality networks with members in 226 countries. This is a completely free organization, which involves no money. The core activity is the exchange of accommodation, when hosts offer their guests the possibility to stay free at their homes.
E. To the ancient Greeks and Romans, hospitality was a divine right. The host was expected to make sure the needs of his guests were seen to. In the contemporary West, hospitality is rarely associated with generously provided care and kindness to whoever is in need or strangers. Now it is only a service that includes hotels, casinos, and resorts, which offer comfort and guidance to strangers, but only as part of a business relationship.
F. A bed and breakfast is a type of overnight accommodation with breakfast offered in someone’s private home. This type of service was established in Europe many years ago and its roots lie a long way back in history when monasteries provided bed and breakfasts for travelers. But the term appeared in the UK only after World War II, when numerous foreigners needed a place to stay and local people opened their homes and started serving breakfast to those overnight guests.
G. Hostels are nothing more than budget oriented, sociable accommodation where guests can rent a bed, and share a bathroom, lounge and sometimes a kitchen. But somehow there are misconceptions that a hostel is a kind of homeless shelter, a dangerous place where young people can face potential threat. This does not reflect the high quality and level of professionalism in many modern hostels.
1. With care for the environment 5. Name to remember
2. A favorable location 6. Getting around the town
3. Medicine from birds 7. A historical building
4. Annual events 8. A green town
A. Cheltenham started as a small market town that later became one of the most fashionable health resorts in Britain. Once, in 1716 people noticed pigeons eating crystals in a meadow outside the town. These were crystals of salt which helped King George III and the members of the royal family treat their illnesses. Since then, pigeons have been a symbol of Cheltenham Spa.
B. Cheltenham is a small, ancient town in England situated to the north-west of Oxford. It lies below the highest point of the Cotswold Hills and above the level of the River Severn. The town is also called «The Western Gateway». Thanks to its position it has become a popular tourist attraction.
C. The Pittville Pump Room is the largest of the spa constructions in Cheltenham. It is a magnificent, old house of classical style made of white stone. The Pump Room was designed for balls and entertainments and, of course, for taking the medicinal waters. Today, it is still used as a concert hall at festival time and for weddings, and of course, visitors can still take the waters – if they so wish!
D. Tourism is highly developed in Cheltenham and the City Council has to reduce the negative impact of tourists on the town. A lot has been done. The town has developed walking, cycling and public transport routes as an alternative to cars. There is a pool of bicycles that tourists can use for short distance journeys. The local services try to recycle all the packaging, plastic bottles and batteries left by tourists.
E. Many famous people of the past have connections with Cheltenham. Gustav Holst, a well-known English composer of the 19th century, was born in the town. His house is now his birthplace museum. Visitors may learn a lot about Holst’s life, his music and his family. The famous Antarctic explorer Edward Wilson was also born in Cheltenham. Now a statue of him stands in the Long Gardens.
F. The beauty and wonderful sights of Cheltenham continue to attract visitors from countries all over the world. For many years people have enjoyed the beauty of Cheltenham’s parks, open spaces and the general greenery of the town. Cheltenham has been described as ‘a town within a park’. Montpellier place, which is famous for its wonderful flowers, lies in the centre of the town.
G. Thousands of visitors come to Cheltenham to take part in the festivals which are held in the town every year. The town organises literature, music, jazz and science festivals, attracting names with a national and international reputation from each field. Besides all this, for a week in March the town becomes the centre of the National Gold Cup in horse racing
1. A change in people’s attitude 5. No time to waste
2. A problem still unsolved 6. An eco-friendly means of transport
3. A new state organization 7. A set of dangerous signs
4. A governmental plan of action 8. A reason for global warming
A. Recycling is becoming easier and more widespread. Governments support companies that recycle waste. Also people prefer to buy things from companies that make their products from recycled materials. Reports say that people worldwide are starting to care more about what happens to waste products. For example, now Americans recycle almost 35% of their waste, while in the 1990s the percentage was much smaller.
B. In autumn 2004 a new governmental body was created in Russia to protect the country’s natural resources. It’s called the Federal Ecological Service. The aims of the new institution are the following: to prevent environmental pollution and to control industrial waste. They say that the new governmental service has improved the state system of environmental protection in Russia.
C. Climate change is on us. Ten years ago we only spoke about it, now it’s happening before our eyes. Global warming is bringing unpredictable changes. The Arctic sea ice is disappearing; glaciers are melting faster every year. Due to heavy rains some rivers overflow, while others dry out. Disasters such as tornadoes and floods are spreading. Strong hurricanes are becoming more common and more destructive.
D. People burn plenty of coal, oil and natural gas. As a result of this billions of tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) are released into the atmosphere every year. CO2 is a greenhouse gas that traps the sun’s radiation within the atmosphere so the concentration of CO2 increases. As a result of this, temperatures in different parts of the planet rise.
E. They are designed to work using electric power, without gasoline. It means that they don’t pollute the atmosphere, cost less and reduce the need for oil. Such cars are reliable and have interesting designs. However, they have a few bad points. Many have a maximum speed limit of about 50 miles per hour. Most cities are not ready for the appearance of such cars on their roads.
F. Environmental organizations have been discussing ways of saving the rain forests for many years. However, we are still facing huge losses in the Amazon. People think that rainforests have already had enough attention. They have been discussed in the press for years. Unfortunately the rainforest is still in danger and can be destroyed completely.
G. Environmental problems are serious and we have to deal with them immediately. There may not be easy solutions but we simply can’t continue living as if everything is fine. These problems aren’t going to disappear by themselves. If we want to keep this planet a healthy place for our grandchildren, it’s time to do everything we can to stop the catastrophe.
1. A widely used aroma 5. Another unique characteristic
2. Makes meals different 6. Holiday scents
3. A relaxing effect 7. Creating memories
4. Scents and colours 8. Smelling emotions
A. Nothing brings back memories like a particular smell. Whether it’s of Christmas pine, your grandma’s fresh-baked gingerbread, or cookies, the scents of Christmas are truly special. In the days leading up to this day, the house fills with the wonderful rich, spicy smells of vanilla, cinnamon and ginger coming from the kitchen, promising delights to come.
B. Some of the most pleasant scents after a hard day are vanilla, lavender, and scents with cinnamon or ginger. Each combination of aromas can influence you positively. For example, vanilla’s sweet scent can help you if you feel sad, lonely, or depressed. It is a naturally warming aroma. Cinnamon is good in case you feel tired; it also has a wonderful effect on your nerves, calming you down.
C. The ability to smell is linked to our ability to remember things. When you first smell a new thing, you connect it to an event, a person, or even a moment. As a result, later the smell of cookies might remind you of spending time at your grandmother’s house when you were a small child. When you come across the smell a second or third time, the link is already there, ready to bring out a certain mood.
D. There are certain smells we can identify from a mile away – almost as if they’re preprogrammed into our minds. One of them is vanilla. Today, vanilla is in our coffee, perfumes, tea, home products, body lotion, and everywhere! Both the scent and taste of vanilla are very strong and long-lasting. It is considered one of the most popular scents and flavours in the world.
E. A new study suggests that we can smell not only aromas but feelings as well – fear, happiness, disgust and joy. The experiments proved that we can find out how a person feels even if we neither see nor hear him. Nerves inside our nose take informative messages about the person and his emotional state to the brain. However, the mechanism of how this happens is not yet clear.
F. Our sense of smell does 80% of the job when we taste various foods. Without a sense of smell you can’t taste the difference between an apple and a potato or a glass of juice and a cup of cold coffee. This is why, when our nose is blocked by a cold, most foods seem tasteless. Our sense of smell becomes stronger when we are hungry.
G. There are many good reasons to believe that we all have our own particular smell. Research has proved that our smell might distinguish us from others just as our face does. Our smell is as personal as our fingerprints. For centuries the police have used this phenomenon to catch criminals. Maybe one day they will use our scent too.
1. Street performers 5. Cooking competition
2. Eating together 6. Cheese rolling
3. Important for the whole country 7. In memory of the past events
4. Lifting weights 8. A cookery sprint
A. A woolsack race is one of the British local festivals that could be called strange. It started in Tetbury, a wool town, in the 17th century when young men wanted to demonstrate their physical strength. Since then, every spring men and women compete in teams to carry heavy woolsacks up and down the hill. The race events are complemented by a funfair and musical entertainments.
B. Midsummer is the time for the Cheese Rolling Ceremony in many places. Competitors gather at the top of a hill. The Master of the Ceremonies lets a heavy head of cheese roll down the hill. Brave runners race down to be the first to catch it. Unfortunately, the event was cancelled in 2010 due to safety issues.
C. Another cheese ceremony is popular in the village of Randwick. On the first Sunday in May people roll three cheeses from right to left around the church. After rolling, the villagers cut up and share one of the cheeses. They believe that eating cheese brings health to their families.
D. The village of Marshfield, England, is famous for its Paperboys procession. People dressed in paper costumes go through the streets. They start from the market place and perform the town’s unique character play along the road. By noon they have done more than six performances for several hundred people.
E. Every January Up Helly Aa is celebrated in Scotland. People dressed in Viking costumes and helmets go through the streets of Lerwick. They hold flaming torches, sticks with special material on the top which burns in order to give light. The strongest participants carry a full size model of a Viking ship to an open field. There the people throw lit torches into the ship and burn it.
F. Melbourne Cup Day is held in Australia, in November. Although Cup Day is a public holiday only in the city of Melbourne, the rest of the country refuses to be left out of the event. People gather around televisions and computers, whether at work, at home, or wherever they are, just to watch this world famous horse race. This event is often called ‘the race that stops the nation’.
G. In a village in Eastern England, an unusual race takes place every year. Three groups take part in the race – adults, children (under 11s) and teenagers. Each participant receives a frying pan with a pancake and has to race from one end of a field to the other, throwing the pancake into the air and catching it in the frying pan without dropping it. The winner is the first to cross the line.
1. A talisman for luck 5. A country profile
2. The wildlife of the country 6. A false stereotype
3. The modern side of the country 7. Opportunities for different sports
4. Useful in many ways 8. The national sporting event
A. Thanks to television and films, Scotland is often seen by the rest of the world as a magical country, a land of misty mountains and the home of a lake creature called Nessie. This is the image most people have in mind. The truth, however, is completely different from the way the world thinks of Scotland. You may be surprised to find out that most Scots live in the lowlands and don’t believe in Nessie.
B. Scotland is much more than green hills and picturesque valleys. It’s dynamic and cosmopolitan, with a colourful history of invention and innovation. It’s the home of big businesses and a centre of new medical and scientific development. Each year, it hosts the world’s biggest contemporary arts festivals. Scotland is an exciting place to live in, particularly for a young person.
C. Scottish heather, a small bush with flowers, is the floral symbol of the country. The colour of the flowers usually varies from purple to lilac, but they can also be white. In the past, the Scots believed that they would never be captured by enemies and would win victories if they wore white heather. Today, when getting married, girls add white heather to bouquets to bring fortune to their family.
D. Heather has grown in Scotland as far back as its history goes. This has turned it into a kind of household good. Heather honey is rich in minerals, and was traditionally used in medicinal drinks. Thousands of years ago, dried heather was used to make perfumes, and the tough stems were used to make ropes. On many of the northern Scottish islands, heather played a major role in the construction of houses.
E. Scotland is an excellent destination for open-air activities all year round. Its lakes and coastline are ideal for boating and rowing and have some of the best sea-kayaking in the world. The rivers are perfect for fishing and the mountains are wonderful for hill climbing and skiing. Scotland is also good for walkers. You can enjoy easy family walks or more difficult mountain hikes.
F. The Highland Games in Scotland date from long before Scotland’s written history. The various athletics allowed men to demonstrate their physical power and the skills needed for battle and survival. The Games today still include the athletic competitions in their original form together with dancing contests. All the competitors wear kilts. Traditional bagpipe music accompanies all the events.
G. Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom, occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain. Edinburgh, the country’s capital and second largest city, is one of Europe’s financial centres. The population of the country is a little over 5 million people. The currency is the pound sterling although the Bank of Scotland issues its own notes and coins.
1. The history of the name 5. Pumpkin recipes
2. Pumpkin: brief facts 6. Pumpkin’s magical popularity
3. Cooking with pumpkin 7. Growing a pumpkin
4. The autumn celebrity fruit 8. Pumpkin in the learning process
A. The pumpkin is a large round fruit with a thick orange skin and large seeds. Pumpkins are 90% water but they contain potassium and vitamin A. Six of seven continents can grow pumpkins. Pumpkins symbolize the colours and the spirit of the autumn. Lots of movies were made with pumpkin and Halloween themes.
B. It’s believed that pumpkins come from North America. Native American Indians ate pumpkins for centuries before the Europeans discovered the fruit. In European languages the word »pumpkin» originated from the Greek word for «large melon» which is «pepon.» «Pepon» was changed by the French into «pompon.» The English changed «pompon» to «pumpion.»
C. In the United States, pumpkins go hand in hand with the autumn holidays of Thanksgiving and Halloween. On almost every Thanksgiving table there is the customary Pumpkin Pie. Pumpkins are carved into decorated lanterns for Halloween. The pumpkin is also one of the important symbols of the harvest festivals and has been an American favourite for over 400 years now.
D. In the USA, the pumpkin is a very popular Thanksgiving dish. We don’t know for sure whether the pumpkin was at the very first Thanksgiving dinner but it was used in all traditional meals long before the arrival of the Europeans. Most parts of the pumpkin are suitable for eating, including the shell, the seeds, the leaves, and even the flowers. When ripe, the pumpkin can be boiled, baked, steamed or roasted.
E. The pumpkin is a warm-season fruit. If you want to have a nice pumpkin for Halloween, plant the seeds from late May in northern regions to early July in southern regions. Pumpkins can be harvested whenever they are a deep, solid colour (orange for most varieties) and the coat is hard. Cut off pumpkins carefully and leave 3 to 4 inches of stem attached.
F. The pumpkin is a real October icon – the fruit of the month. It’s also popular as an available, inexpensive material for some wonderful classroom activities! Its size, colour, smell and taste make it perfect for observation and exploration. Working in groups students can search, suggest, predict and estimate the number of seeds in a set of pumpkins.
G. For centuries the pumpkin has been popular with wizards, witches and fairies. Maybe that’s why it is celebrated in so many festivals, folklore and fiction. People make jack-o’-lanterns at Halloween in the USA. In European and American fairy-tales witches often turn people into pumpkins. Even in modern the Harry Potter novels pumpkin juice is the favourite drink of the students of Hogwart’s school
1. Gastronomic delights 5. At the age of the world
2. The fate of the indigenous people 6. Main industries
3. Dead or alive? 7. The best time to visit
4. Fauna and wildlife 8. Climate and weather
A. Most Europeans consider Australia the most mysterious and dangerous continent. It is in the Southern hemisphere and everything is upside down there. Moreover, Australia is awfully far away and it looks like an isolated world. But there is a place that feels even further. It’s the Isle of Tasmania which is 240 km to the south of the Australian mainland. It used to be part of the continent but was separated from it about 10,000 years ago, at the end of the last glacial period.
B. The soils of the island are not rich and the Tasmanians have to do their best to grow their crops there. The place however is good for growing sheep. Apart from agriculture, Tasmanians have always been involved in mining, forestry, and tourism. The island is rich in copper, zinc, tin, iron and other raw materials. In spite of all the human activity, it is still densely forested, and the wood is one of their export products as well as seafood and different agricultural products. Despite the remoteness, Tasmania is a popular tourist destination and the tourism and hospitality sector gives jobs to many people there.
C. Tourist agencies define December and January as high season on Tasmania. It is summer time in the Southern Hemisphere and the weather is comfortable for exploring the island. Though the average maximum daily summer temperatures are between 17 and 23 degrees Celsius, the beaches attract holidaymakers too. The summer is also a time of different festivals and there are crowds at most popular destinations. To avoid disappointment it is highly recommended to book tickets and hotels well in advance.
D. Tasmania is the southernmost state and its cool climate is good for growing crops and producing all sorts of fine foods. It is sometimes called Apple Isle as apples were the first crops cultivated by European settlers. But there is much more there now than apples! Various kinds of classic cheese are made on the island – with garlic, chilli, and with aromatic notes of the local pine wood. Another thing any tourist should try is the local honey which has a wide range of tastes due to the great range of flowers growing there.
E.The diversity of Tasmania’s vegetation is really remarkable! Apart from a great variety of wild flowers, you will find there some of the most ancient plant species on Earth, the tallest flowering trees, and the oldest trees. In the woods the tourists have a good chance to encounter the most exotic animals like wombats, pademelons and even Tasmanian devils. The Tasmanian devil looks like a small black fierce dog. Unlike a dog, it can run very fast, swims across the rivers, and easily climbs trees!
F. It is not the Tasmanian devil, however, that is the scariest legend of the island, but the Tasmanian tiger. The animal looks like a large dog, with a long tail like rats have, with black stripes like tigers have, with a pouch (a pocket on the belly like kangaroos have) and with very powerful long jaws that are as scary as crocodiles’. When the Europeans settled in Tasmania, this mystical animal hunted their sheep and the people hunted the tiger. The Tasmanian tiger was declared extinct in the first half of the 20th century. But there are locals and researchers who are sure that the animal still exists and is hiding in the thick forest. They have not given up searching for it.
G. Sadly, it is not only animals who didn’t manage to survive the colonization of the island by the Europeans. The archaeological evidence proves that the aboriginal people lived on the territory of Tasmania as early as 40,000 years ago. The first Europeans only arrived there in the 17th century and that led to tension and violent fighting between the colonists and the aborigines. Most natives were killed and those who survived were exiled to Flinders Island. Without any immunity to the local infections, the very last aborigines soon died too.
1. Coffee in the New World 5. An illegal drink
2. The original taste of coffee 6. A long journey to Europe
3. A chance discovery 7. Growing coffee plants
4. A place for communication 8. Different recipes
A. Coffee was first found in Eastern Africa in the area we know today as Ethiopia. A popular legend says that one day a man called Kaldi was watching his goats eating grass and leaves. He noticed that after eating berries from a certain bush the goats became very active. Curious, Kaldi tried the berries himself. He found that these berries gave him additional energy. The story quickly spread throughout the region.
B. The first coffee berries were transported from Ethiopia to Arabian countries and then they were cultivated in Yemen. From there, coffee travelled to Turkey where coffee beans were roasted for the first time over open fires. The roasted beans were crushed and then boiled in water, creating the drink we enjoy today. Finally, in the seventeenth century coffee arrived in France, Britain and Italy.
C. The first coffeehouses opened in Mecca and quickly became popular centres of social and political activity. The government believed that coffee stimulated radical thinking, and the governor even thought it might unite his opposition. As a result, coffee was forbidden in Mecca. The same thing happened in Turkey a century later, when coffee drinkers were severely punished.
D. They say, in 1776 the thirteen American colonies adopted coffee as their national drink instead of tea. When the British tried to raise the tax on tea, Americans refused to buy it and switched to coffee. In fact, by drinking coffee Americans demonstrated their political views and their dislike for the British – the famous tea-lovers.
E. The Italians drink their espresso with sugar, the Germans and Swiss add an equal part of hot chocolate, the Mexicans prefer it with cinnamon, and the Belgians – with chocolate. Coffee drinkers in the Middle East usually add cardamom and spices. The Egyptians, on the other hand, are extremely fond of pure, strong coffee. They add neither milk nor cream.
F. Plain and simple, nothing else. People discovered that if they drank coffee slowly they could taste bitterness, sourness, sweetness and saltiness. For a long time such a taste was new and more than enough. It needed no improvement. Only later did they start experimenting with coffee by adding milk, chocolate, and other flavors. However, nothing can hide the taste of real coffee.
G. When the first European coffeehouses opened, they quickly grew into places where people played chess, exchanged gossip, sang and danced. Coffeehouses were very popular because anyone could go and enjoy a cup of the drink. The price of a cup of coffee was reasonable. European coffee houses became meeting points for intellectuals, writers and businessmen.
1. My accommodation in Rome 5. Plans for next summer
2. New friends 6. Language experience
3. Getting the job 7. The top tourist attraction
4. The working day 8. General impressions of the country
A.I’ve just returned from Italy, and it was the most beautiful working holiday anyone could dream of. Yes, I saw the Colosseum with my own eyes! It was built in the first century AD — the amphitheatre could house as many as 50,000 people. It’s difficult to imagine the gladiators fighting there and the public watching the cruel show. There were also fights with lions. Fortunately, there are no lions in the Colosseum now — only cats. And there are a lot of them!
B.The Colosseum was the first thing I wanted to see in Rome, but not the only one that impressed me. I used my camera a lot — Italy is a country with a great cultural heritage. Apart from the views, Italy is a country of delicious food — I’ve never eaten such gorgeous pizzas! I’d have certainly put on some weight if I hadn’t had to walk such a lot — we were saving on transport because Italy is an expensive country.
C.It took us thirty-five minutes every morning to get from the hostel where we were staying to the pizzeria we were working. Our room was very small, it had a poor view, just the house opposite, but that wasn’t a problem — we didn’t spend much time there anyway. We had only the basics in our room — two beds, hangers for clothes, a little table and one chair. There was a laundry downstairs and a shared kitchen to prepare meals.
D.As for the kitchen, we didn’t use it much — we ate at work! Our working day started at 9 am and lasted till 9 pm. We had a long siesta (a break between two and five in the afternoon) which we used for sightseeing in spite of the heat. And in the evening there were usually lots of customers and we had to be quick and attentive so as not to confuse their orders. We felt absolutely exhausted when we came home.
E.Anyway we felt privileged to have got the job. It was Anna, my best friend, who suggested working holidays in Italy. She found the vacancies and sent our CVs to the manager. At first I didn’t know what to say as I wasn’t sure I wanted to work in summer. But on the other hand, the idea of earning my own money and seeing Italy was very attractive.
F.I’m glad I agreed to Anna’s suggestion — we enjoyed living in a new country and meeting new people. Italians are very sociable and easy-going. Our fellow workers showed us lots of interesting places and it was fun to explore the country together. Anna and I really hope that they’ll come to Britain one day and we’ll be able to show them our country too. We are going to keep in touch.
G.We didn’t know Italian when we went there. Some people in the pizzeria spoke English and they helped us a lot. Two weeks later we were able to understand what the customers were asking us about and we spoke basic Italian to them. Italian is beautiful — I like how it sounds and it’s not at all difficult. We plan to go on learning it in case we want to work in the pizzeria again.
1. Historical facts 5. An innovative method
2. Different reasons for drawing in the street 6. An unknown artist
3. A street art exhibition 7. The meaning of the term
4. A commercial effect 8. Keeping their names secret
A. Street art can be described as art that is developed in public spaces and above all in the street. It can mean a lot of different things including graffiti, poster art, wall paintings, and just about any artwork that is displayed in public places. Typically, street art is used to separate public-space artwork from illegal graffiti and vandalism.
B. The start of street art is closely connected to graffiti, which appeared in New York in the 1970s. The American artists soon became an inspiration for a number of other young street artists all over the world. For the following ten years graffiti grew more and more popular and was soon joined by new forms of street art including street installations, street sculptures and 3D pavement illusions.
C. Street artists are often associated with opposition. Their artwork is considered a crime and vandalism and the artists may be arrested for damaging property so the artists prefer to use nicknames and create their drawings mostly at night. They are not looking for fame, especially in countries where graffiti is still illegal.
D. Kurt Wenner was the one who developed an absolutely new form of street art. That is 3D pavement art. He started his career as a graphic artist but after moving to Italy he worked on a new technique. Wenner attracted the attention of the entire world with his remarkable 3D artwork and he also inspired a future generation of 3D pavement street artists.
E. Banksy is probably the most famous English street artist who has already become a legendary figure. It’s still true that no one knows who the person really is. However, his works are exhibited in galleries across the world. An American magazine even named him among the top most influential people in the world. However, he was the only one whose photo the magazine could not publish.
F. The motivations and ideas that inspire street artists are as different as the artists themselves. Some street artists, by creating certain works, want to draw attention to social and political problems. For other artists, street art is just a form of self-expression. And there are those who enjoy the challenge and risks which are connected with working illegally in some city areas.
G. Traditional graffiti has recently been used as a successful method for advertising. Lots of companies agree that traditional advertising on city streets is too boring and common so many people simply ignore it. However, graffiti adverts catch your attention, creating a memorable image. Big companies find this quite useful and try to include more elements of graffiti in their advertising campaigns.
1. Residents of the North Pole 5. Hunting strategies
2. Born to live in cold weather 6. Home upbringing for bears
3. Life is getting harder 7. Changes in population
4. Sometimes they are similar to us 8. Good food is important
A.Polar bears started to evolve from brown bears about 5 million years ago. Unlike bears living on land, they are white in colour and their fur is very thick. It helps them to survive on sea ice and swim in cold waters. Polar bears are really big — adult males normally weigh from 350 to 550 kg. Females are smaller. The bears’ large paws distribute their weight when they move on thin ice, and their tails are short to conserve heat.
B.Polar bears occupy one of the planet’s coldest environments, the Arctic. They prefer northern areas like Canada, Greenland, Alaska, Russia and Norway. Scientists have identified 19 populations of polar bears spread across four different regions of the Arctic. Although many children’s books show polar bears and penguins together, the two are found at different poles.
C.These Arctic giants have no natural enemies. Their diet is based on seals. Other sources of food for polar bears are Arctic plants, and also geese, bird eggs and fish. They can eat a wide range of foods but only marine mammals, like seals and beluga whales, are able to provide them with all the necessary proteins and vitamins to survive in the icy environment.
D.Bears catch seals from ice platforms. They usually wait for seals near their breathing holes — the openings in the ice the seals use to breathe. In autumn, seals cut out breathing holes in the ice and keep them through the winter and polar bears locate the holes with their powerful sense of smell. Polar bears can also attack seals sleeping on the ice.
E.Polar bears spend lots of time hunting seals on sea ice or from large drifting blocks of ice. However, due to global warming sea ice is melting. As a result, bears have to hunt in the water, which is less successful and very risky. Polar bears are good swimmers but they cannot swim long distances and often drown. They don’t have enough food to gain enough fat and their newborn cubs are weaker than they used to be.
F.Normally, a female bear builds a den (a tunnel in the ice with two rooms) where she gives birth to two cubs. They are born very small, only about half a kilo, but they grow quickly on their mother’s rich milk. For about two years, cubs depend totally on their mothers for food and for survival skills — the mothers teach them how to hunt and survive in the harsh realities of life.
G.Native people, who have lived side by side with polar bears for centuries, say that in many ways bears are like humans. When they are not busy hunting, they play, mock fight or chase each other. Their nose-to-nose greeting usually means some request, for example, a request for food. Some scientists claim they have watched polar bears sharing their food and even performing some eating rituals like greeting their host and saying thank you after a meal.
1. The career decision 5. His favorite dishes
2. Rapid progress and a brilliant career 6. Innovations in management
3. A hard start 7. A man of many talents
4. The special guest 8. Masterpieces in the kitchen
A.An old man entered the restaurant. He looked very much like other people dining there — an elegant suit and noble manners. He could have been a banker or a businessman or even a senator. However, a brief whisper among the waiters indicated that this guest was even more special than the others. It was a great honour to have the grey-haired visitor who was called the king of chefs and the chef of kings.
B.The man was Auguste Escoffier. He spent his early years in a small village not far from Nice, went to school and dreamt about becoming a sculptor — he was very good at painting and making wooden and iron figures. However, his father thought that it wouldn’t earn his son a living and at the age of thirteen Auguste was told that he would become a cook. The boy left home to take up an apprenticeship with his uncle, who owned a restaurant in Nice.
C.Auguste didn’t mind his father’s decision very much — he liked helping his grandmother in the kitchen. However, the restaurant kitchen was very different from his grandmother’s. It was a small room, unbearably hot and stuffy. Lots of dishes were being fried, boiled or stewed at the same time. The people were sweating and swearing and the standards of hygiene were very low, if there were any at all. The cooks were rude to their assistants and punished them for any mistakes.
D.Escoffier, however, didn’t give up and he was quickly rewarded for his hard Work. At the age of nineteen he was offered a job in a highly reputable Parisian restaurant. At the time of Franko-Prussian War Escoffier served in the army as a Chef and managed to prepare delicious dishes from very basic ingredients. When Escoffier returned to civil life, he became really famous and worked in the most fashionable restaurants of Paris, London and Monte Carlo.
E.Escoffier was in the culinary profession for more than sixty years. He wrote several culinary books that are still popular with chefs. In the books one can find detailed instructions on how to make a piece of art in the kitchen. He created lots of new salads, meat and fish dishes, sauces and desserts. One of Escoffier’s most famous desserts is probably Peach Melba, a dish that he created specially for the opera singer Nellie Melba, who dined in his restaurant.
F.Escoffier made French Cuisine famous worldwide. Apart from creating new dishes he changed cooking techniques, the order of serving dishes and kitchen organization. Escoffier introduced the brigade system — each member was responsible for particular operations and the chef supervised the whole process. Escoffier’s kitchens were spotlessly clean, his staff were efficient and polite, swearing and drinking was absolutely prohibited. He turned cooking into art.
G.As with any outstanding person, Auguste Escoffier was gifted in many other ways. The famous Sarah Bernhardt liked his paintings and reproached him for burying the talent of an artist. Cesar Ritz, the founder of the Hotel Ritz in Paris and London, highly valued Escoffier as a businessman. They had worked together in Baden-Baden, Paris, London and Monte Carlo.
1.Supporting sports 5. The drink ingredients
2.A remarkable container design 6. Good in any season
3.A universal medicine 7. A fan society
4.A smart symbol 8. The drink varieties
A.Coca Cola appeared in Atlanta, Georgia, 1886. Doctor John Pemberton made a special syrup, but he kept its components secret. He added some mineral water to it and took the new product to the chemist’s. There the syrup was sold for five cents a glass. Pemberton told everyone that Coca-Cola cured many illnesses, including headaches, stomachaches, and nervous breakdowns.
B.Coca Cola was first sold in ordinary bottles. In 1915, the company held a competition to create a new bottle for their drink. They said it should be a bottle that would make Coca Cola different from all other drinks. Even today the shape of Coca Cola bottle is one of the most recognized packages on the planet…»even in the dark!».
C.The famous Coca Cola symbol was created by John Pem-berton’s colleague, Mr. Robinson. He thought that two letters «C» would look great in advertising. Besides, the red and white colours were simple and effective. Red was energetic and bright and so would attract young people. As for the style, of writing, it was just popular in the United States during that period.
D.Before the 1930s, Coca Cola was only considered to be a drink for warm weather so the company started a campaign to remind people that Coca Cola was a great choice in any month. For this a talented artist drew pictures of a happy Santa Claus enjoying a drink of Coke. The pictures were published in magazines and made Cola even more popular.
E.Coca Cola was one of the first companies that invested money in public projects. For example, the company is proud to be an old and devoted partner of the Olympic Games. This connection began in 1928 with the Games in Amsterdam. Since then the company has sponsored lots of football, hockey, and basketball competitions.
F.The Coca Cola Collectors Club was formed in 1974 by a small group of people. Today it has become international with more than 5,000 people from 28 countries. Club members collect everything connected with Coca Cola: bottles, posters, newspaper articles, postcards — everything. They sometimes meet to exchange their treasures.
G.Today there are 16 special variants of the original Coca Cola recipe. Some have less sugar or no sugar at all. Such Coke is chosen by those who want to keep fit. Children may prefer a cherry or a vanilla flavour. The drink also changes from country to country, reflecting national preferences. For example, if you travel to France, you can try the unusual orange Coca Cola.
1. A new language was born 5. What comes to life-comes to the language
2. It’s difficult to communicate across the centuries 6. The oldest English words are not at all English
3. English is a pass to the world community 7. Modern English has many faces
4. English was taught by armies and politicians 8. Who’ll be speaking English in the next century
A.The Celts, who lived on the current territory of Britain in 500BC — 43BC, are believed to be the first inhabitants of the British Isles. The Celtic vocabulary was almost wiped out but a few words, mainly the names of places, survived. The two most well-known British place names — London and the Thames — are of Celtic origin. The Romans, who invaded the Isles in 43BC, contributed to the language too. We still use some of their words, such as candle and wine.
B.However, most scholars believe that the history of the English language starts from the 5th or 6th century AD, when Germanic tribes — Angles, Saxons and Jutes started to arrive in the Isles. The settlers spoke a’ Germanic language which is now called Old English. A considerable part of their vocabulary has survived up to now. We still use words like house, food, dog, night, think and sleep and lots of other basic words.
C.Though almost all of the words from the list of 100 most commonly used English words originate from Old English, the latter and Modern English differ from each other like two separate languages. Even for well-educated people, including most scholars and linguists, reading Old English texts in the original is a problem — the language has changed out of recognition over fifteen centuries.
D.It keeps changing nowadays too and the process is getting more and more rapid due to globalization and technological progress. The vocabulary is constantly acquiring new words like website and computer geek. The words transfer easily from one language to another. There’s no need to translate Italian words like pizzeria and cappuccino or the Japanese sudoku and karaoke, is there? They are used just like the original word and don’t sound at all foreign to the new generation.
E.It’s difficult to believe that only about two million people used English a thousand years ago. However, the English actively and sometimes aggressively explored the world spreading their empire and their language around the globe. Due to colonization and overseas trade English became widely spoken in all continents and only Mandarin Chinese speakers outnumber English speakers.
F.English is most often taught as a foreign language and the reason is obvious: it’s become the main language of international and cross-cultural communication — it is the language of science, business and politics. The vast majority of scientific articles, business reports and political documents are written in English though their authors do not necessarily live in English-speaking countries.
G.Spoken in different parts of the globe, English is certainly not the same everywhere. It may sound and be spelt differently; it may differ in vocabulary and grammar. The variants of English are called dialects and accents. There is British, American, Canadian and Australian English, Cockney and Geordie as well as many kinds of pidgin English. So called Standard English is far from Shakespeare’s language too. It has been seriously standardised and simplified for international use
1. Easy to cook 5. Serving ideas
2. A healthy alternative 6. Created by chance
3. Coffee shop brownie 7. Health risks
4. What the dish is like 8. National dessert
A. Warm, freshly baked chocolate brownies are an American invention. Brownies are flat, and baked in a square or bar shape. They are neither cakes nor cookies, but somewhere in between. They can be eaten by hand if the brownies are dry and small. Or you can use a fork if your brownie is thick and moist. Anyway, there is no special etiquette, so there’s no need to care about your table manners!
B. Mystery and intrigue surround the birth of brownies. It is hard to reconstruct their true story as there are different legends about the creation of the famous dessert. Some people say that once a chef added melted chocolate to the biscuit dough by mistake. Others believe that a housewife just improvised to make a new dish. However, all these tales may be very far from the truth.
C. We all agree that brownies are yummy. And you do not have to be a professional cook to make them. All you need to do is to mix all the ingredients, pour the mixture into a pan and bake it for about half an hour. If you prefer softer brownies, cook for twenty minutes. Now, take them out of the oven and let them cool until slightly warm. Cut into squares. Enjoy the brownies with your tea, milk, or coffee!
D. Brownies look harmless, but they are not. They are high in calories, fat and sugar, and can have a negative impact on your overall health if you eat brownies on a regular basis. Eating too many of them may lead to putting on weight and cause your sugar level to rise. This may result in diabetes. Besides, too much sugar can also increase the chance of developing heart disease. Take care!
E. A regular brownie should be a special treat and not an everyday meal. The easiest way to avoid the brownies’ harmful aspects is to redesign the recipe and use other ingredients. It is recommended to replace some or all of the oil in a traditional recipe with puréed fruit, such as bananas, apples or prunes, and reduce the amount of sugar and salt. Nuts or seeds can be added.
F. Brownies are probably the best-known American dessert. They’re like puddings for the British and tiramisu for the Italians. Brownies represent a truly American experience. We say ‘as American as apple pie’, but some people think the saying should be ‘as American as a brownie’. And, each year on December 8, brownie lovers across the nation celebrate Brownie Day.
G. Traditional rich, dark, chocolaty brownies are loved by everyone. If you want to surprise your guests use some ingredients to decorate the finished product with style. Whipped cream, fruit and nuts work really well. A scoop of ice cream and some warm chocolate sauce also make your brownies irresistible. Then, take a fresh mint leaf and add it to your plate. This final touch adds style and flavour.
1. Popular snack invention 5. Events in honor of the vegetable
2. Getting round the world 6. Vegetable language
3. A new favourite in the East 7. Recipes to cook the vegetable
4. Travelling outside the Earth 8. New and frightening
A. From Spain, potatoes spread to all parts of Europe. Spanish ships carried the vegetable to Italy in around 1560, making that country the first after Spain to eat potatoes. A bit later, the potato reached Austria and France, England and Germany, Portugal and Ireland. The potato was introduced to India, possibly as early as 1615, and then reached the most remote parts of China. In 1792 Captain William Bligh planted the first potatoes in Australia.
B. It is not unusual for new foods to be met with skepticism and fear, especially those arriving from a faraway continent. The potato, however, had a harder battle for acceptance than many other vegetables from the Americas. People didn’t like its unusual, ugly appearance and originally bitter taste. Besides, the potato was not mentioned in the Bible and it was often associated with the devil.
C. In the United States, the potato has found its way into pop culture and has been used in lots of idiomatic phrases. A couch potato, for example, means an inactive person; hot potato indicates a dangerous topic; small potatoes refers to something that is not a big deal; meat and potatoes means simple food. Calling someone a potato head is not a compliment because it means someone who is not very clever.
D. In 1853, that typically American product, the potato chip, was invented by pure accident. Annoyed when the guest of the restaurant sent back his fried potatoes because they were too thick, George Crum, the chef, thought he would teach him a lesson. He sliced some potatoes paper thin, deep-fried, and salted them. The guest loved them. However, potato chips began to be commercially manufactured only in 1915.
E. Potatoes are still making history. In October 1995, the potato became the first vegetable to be grown in space. NASA created the technology with the goal of feeding astronauts on long space voyages and, eventually, feeding future space colonies. The environmentally friendly potato was chosen due to its ability to grow under different conditions.
F. Potato festivals are very popular in the United States. They are held in autumn to celebrate farmers and the potato. During the festivals adults and children take part in fun parades and carnivals, taste new potato dishes, learn about growing potatoes, and join in some fun potato competitions. There are usually huge firework displays in the evening.
G. According to the United Nations report the annual diet of an average citizen in the beginning of the 21st century included about 33 kg of potatoes. However, the local importance of the potato is extremely variable. It remains an essential vegetable in Europe, but the most rapid increase has occurred in southern and eastern Asia. Nearly a third of the world’s potatoes are harvested in China and India nowadays.
1. Learn and play 5. Keeping the tradition
2. A less popular subject 6. The advantages of learning together
3. Never too late to learn 7. Choosing the place to learn
4. The essential piece of uniform 8. School exchange programmes
A. Christ’s Hospital school was founded in the 16th century. Its uniform at that time consisted of a long blue coat, a leather belt and yellow socks. Today students still wear the same uniform because they think it’s a symbol that unites them. There was some talk about making the uniform more modern but it was decided to keep the original uniform.
B. Nola Ochs from the USA is the world’s oldest university graduate. She says she has always loved learning and has never lost her taste for knowledge. She started university when she was over 90. Her example proves that age is not important if you want to be a student. You can acquire new skills at any age.
C. The Dublin College of English offers one, two or three week Football and English Programmes. They are for young people who are interested in both learning English with native speakers and practising football. The students enjoy the friendly, inspiring atmosphere in the classrooms, after which they improve their skills on the school football pitch.
D. Harrow is a prestigious boys’ school in northern London with a strict uniform policy. You can easily recognise a Harrow student by his hat, which is part of the uniform. All boys have to wear their hats every day when going to or from lessons. Some students are allowed to wear a different scarf, tie or jumper but the hat should always be there. Wearing it remains a must.
E. One of the recent trends is the growing number of elderly students in universities and colleges. It is believed that the elderly and the young can benefit from studying in a mixed class. The older ones are quicker at detailed and logical tasks. On the other hand, younger students can often help their older classmates with new gadgets and technologies.
F. When it comes to studying English abroad, try to get as much information about the school as possible. Asking the right questions will help you save money, time, and avoid culture shock. Remember that the school should provide you both with good teaching and with an unforgettable experience so besides everyday classes, social activities should be part of the programme.
G. In most British schools children start studying a foreign language at 11, but many are happy to give up languages completely at 14. Research suggests that students think that it is more difficult to get good marks in Modern Foreign Languages than in other subjects such as Science or History. They also say that foreign languages are less fun than other lessons like PE or Art.
1. International space teams 5. The problem with closed spaces
2. A new kind of tourism 6. Down-to-Earth training for space
3. What to wear in space 7. Early space projects
4. Space station equipment 8. Space garbage
A.People have always dreamt about space travel and space discoveries. For the first time the dream came true when the unmanned satellite Sputnik was launched and scientists got the first photos of the Earth from outer space. However, the real breakthrough happened in 1961 when the first human, Yuri Gagarin, left our planet on the spacecraft Vostok and completed a full Earth orbit.
B.Since then lots of people have volunteered for space missions but few are able to meet the strict requirements for candidates. Still on the Earth, the future astronauts do tests in simulated environments and solve problems they are supposed to face during the flight. They get ready physically and psychologically for different situations. They also practise how to operate the complicated space equipment and what to do in an emergency.
C.Even wearing a spacesuit requires special skills. The main idea of the suit is to keep the person alive in outer space, during launch and landing, when the pressure on the body increases dramatically, or inside the space station, if something goes wrong. The suit is made from hard materials, contains its own oxygen supply and has lots of smart devices monitoring the condition of the astronaut.
D.Obviously, no device can completely eliminate the risk of space travel — it will always be a dangerous activity, but it attracts people anyway. They are ready to pay big money for an out-of-this-world experience and the number of such people is constantly increasing. There are already business projects for space tours and designs for space stations stuffed with equipment for entertainment instead of scientific experiments.
E.Not everyone supports the idea of idle space tourists, and there are reasons for this. Apart from unnecessary risk, it can add to the problem of space pollution. People have only started going into orbit very recently but they have already managed to leave lots of evidence of their existence there — parts of old spacecraft and satellites are circling the Earth. Scientists say that if this increases, it may cause serious problems and dangerous situations.
F.Nowadays, countries find it useful to combine their efforts when carrying out space exploration projects. The best engineers from all over the world participate in designing crafts and equipment, and astronauts working on the space station may be of different nationalities and backgrounds. Theoretically speaking, it might cause some misunderstanding and culture clashes, but in practice this never happens.
G.Long space missions, however, are going to be a great challenge to the flight team whatever nationality they are. The astronauts will have to communicate only with each other and there will be no opportunity to escape unpleasant people. Psychologists believe that stress is a serious risk factor for the planned expedition to Mars.
1. A risky place to live in 5. United but varied
2. In the past 6. An important food producer
3. Night guards 7. A dream state
4. The miracle of water 8. Attractive to IT specialists
A. The United States is so big that there are six time zones. If you want to phone from Washington to Hawaii or central Alaska, there is a six-hour time difference. The geography and climate of the United States are extremely diverse. While people go to the beach in Florida, California and Hawaii, others, in Alaska and the Midwest, are wearing thick coats and trying to keep warm.
B. California seems to have everything – a beautiful coastline on the Pacific with beaches and a warm climate, rocky national parks and amazing skiing and snowboarding opportunities. Its largest cities, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and the state capital, Sacramento, offer cultural variety and excitement. Southern California is home to such popular attractions as Disneyland and Hollywood.
C. There are many reasons for Americans to move to California, but there are also reasons to stay away. Some people say it’s a great place to visit, but they wouldn’t want to live there. In recent years, there has been drought followed by flooding and thousands of people have become homeless, and the crops were ruined. Frequent forest fires have burnt the land and destroyed people’s homes.
D. California produces more farming products than any other American state. All kinds of fruit and vegetables grow well in the moderate climate. It is especially known for its avocados and grapes. California is not technically a «breadbasket» and it is not a top five American producer of any grain product, but it is, surprisingly, the nation’s largest dairy provider.
E. The most famous children’s attraction in the world is in California. Disneyland occupies 85 acres, and lots of people are busy keeping it in order. Аnd not only people. After the park closes, an army of four-legged “workers” go out to do their job. It’s not common knowledge that Disneyland “employs” 200 wild cats that roam the grounds after sunset. Their job is to keep rats and mice away from the park. And during daylight hours the cats have a rest, hiding on the territory.
F. It is the hottest place on Earth. Yet here you can find dry lands and snowcovered peaks, beautiful sand dunes and rocky canyons. For five months of the year there is severe heat in Death Valley, and for the next seven the temperature goes down slightly. Rain rarely gets past the mountains that guard the valley. However, even this small amount of rain turns the desert into a vast colourful garden. Despite the high temperature, more than 1000 kinds of plants live within the valley.
G. South of San Francisco is Santa Clara Valley. It is famous because it has so many companies that specialize in computer technology. In fact the valley is better known as Silicon Valley, named after the material that computer chips are made of. There are also many research centers for computer hardware and software. Thousands of people from the US and abroad have moved to California to work in the computer industry.
1. Popular route 5. Common roots
2. The secret of the old rocks 6. Wildlife holidays
3. City of contrasts 7. Holy waters
4. Escape the heat 8. Movie magic
A. The world’s first university was established in India in 700 BC, where more than 10,500 students from around the world studied more than 60 different subjects. The training was conducted in Sanskrit. Nowadays Sanskrit is considered to be the mother of all the European languages. Its elements can be traced in most of them.
B. The most frequently visited place in India is Delhi, the capital of the country. Itseems to be divided into two parts. New Delhi is a modern city with hi-tech architecture, tourist attractions and modern facilities. Old Delhi is several centuries old, with narrow streets, ancient churches and noisy bazaars. Lots of people live in slums without the most essential facilities like toilets and running water.
C. People all over the world know of India’s greatest river, the Ganges. It is the subject of thousands of prayers. The river looks extremely beautiful in the morning light. It is believed that bathing in the Ganges helps to cure all kinds of diseases and can improve your life in general. It has become a common ritual for pilgrims to gather by the river in the mornings.
D. The most famous and often visited Indian historic area is the Golden Triangle. It consists of the cities of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. Lying in the south-east, Agra attracts tourists with its iconic image of the Taj Mahal palace, which is one of the eight wonders of the modern world. To the south-west is the colourful ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur, known for its Palace of Winds.
E. Indian climate differs from one part of the country to another. The air is cool and fresh in the mountains but in the plains it is usually very hot and dry so even a short trip can be very hard for an inexperienced traveller. That is why tourists are always glad to have a rest at one of the numerous stations in the hills. There they can enjoy a nice cup of real Indian tea, the most refreshing drink in such a climate.
F. India is not all history. It is also famous for its Bollywood industry, which produces love stories and action films. Indian films have always had their own style, rich in music and dancing. Though the industry is still developing, many of Indian film stars have received Oscar prizes and are known throughout the world. The home of Bollywood is Bombay, also known as a busy port and the country’s commercial centre.
G. There is an unusual treasure hidden in the Indian mountains. These are striking ancient temples cut in the rocks. For example, the Buddhist cave temples at Ajanta were built at least 2,000 years ago. Inside the caves on the walls tourists can see pictures of people’s lives and animal images. Some researchers believe that the interpretation of the images can help us to learn a lot about people’s lives in ancient times.
1. A magic journey 5. A family weekend
2. Freedom of choice 6. Ideal for beginners
3. A trip around the world 7. An all-inclusive trip
4. An unusual means of transport 8. Across the continent
A. Everyone knows that cycling is a nice and healthy way to travel. It offers you independence. You don’t depend on timetables. You can go where and when you want. You can stop at a restaurant when you please, stay in the places you like and leave if you get bored. The world is yours.
B. Learn the basics of rock climbing with Cliffs and Ice. It is a perfect choice for those who decide to take up climbing for the first time. After a week in Cornwall you will learn the main skills necessary to become a competent climber. We will give you an experience that you can use in different climbing areas in the UK.
C. It is situated close to the Lake District, which is known for picturesque scenery. The ingredients that will help you make an unforgettable winter holiday with your nearest and dearest are: the welcoming fireplaces, delicious food, cosy rooms and different sports facilities. It’s perfect for a weekend trip with children. Take the people you love to our delightful hotel in the country.
D.A journey through a wild and faraway desert — by camel! This is a wonderful choice for anyone who wants to forget the modern means of travelling. You’ll be on top of a camel and part of a desert caravan. Camel drivers will accompany you, providing good company, as you admire the golden sand and the bright blue sky.
E.If you take a train tour to the lakes, you’ll have nothing to worry about. You will leave London in a comfortable train, travel through the small picturesque towns and into the green hills. There will be no problems with the trip. The price already includes a return ticket, afternoon tea at Linden Hotel, a beautiful lake cruise, a visit to the medieval village and Hill Top, home of a famous English writer.
F.The Hogwarts Express plays a big part in the adventures of Harry Potter. A trip to the Scottish Highlands can be your chance to sit in the same carriage and dream about your own trip to the mysterious world. The journey goes through some of Scotland’s most splendid scenery. The best part of the journey is when the train crosses the Glenfinnan viaduct, a railway bridge.
G.Are you ready for Africa? Say yes and take a Safari Holiday. It is a mystery, wonder and … adventure! Our safari experts will take you through Africa from east to west. We offer views of dunes, mountain ranges, untouched beaches and open fields. You will see the amazing wildlife and beautiful nature. Let us make your African safari an experience you will never forget!
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Entry test (11th form)
I variant
Task 1.
Установите соответствие между заголовками 1-8 и текстами A-G. Занесите свои ответы в таблицу. Используйте каждую цифру только один раз. В задании один заголовок лишний.
1.
The best viewpoints
2.
Plan beforehand
3.
Carnival roots
4.
The time to attend the Carnival
5.
Carnival’s music
6.
Styles of dancing
7.
A music group for a street
8.
The time for pleasure
A.
Carnival is the most famous holiday in Brazil and has become a world-famous annual celebration. It is celebrated in towns and villages throughout Brazil for almost a week 40 days before Easter, which is usually in February, the hottest month in the Southern Hemisphere. Officially, it starts on Saturday and finishes on Fat Tuesday with the beginning of Lent on Ash Wednesday, during which some Christians give up something that they enjoy.
B.
The most colourful events take place in the Carnival World Capital, Rio de Janeiro. It was the original place where, in 1723, Portuguese immigrants went out onto the streets soaking each other with buckets of water and throwing mud and food, often ending up in street brawls and riots. The concept kept changing throughout the 1800s with more organized parades, where the Emperor with a group of aristocrats joined in masks with luxurious costumes and music.
C.
Now the parade varies from state to state. It is a mixture of arts. The music played during Rio Carnival is samba — a unique Brazilian music originating from Rio. It’s also a dance form that was invented by the poor Afro-Brazilians as a type of ritual music. The word «samba» meant to pray to the spirits of the ancestors and the gods of the African Pantheon. As a noun, it could mean a complaint or a cry.
D.
Even today, the most involved groups in Rio Carnival are the poorest, the so-called «favelas», where houses are made of cardboard or other metal remains, and there is often no water, electricity or sewage system. However, the favelas’ residents always join in the festivities and actually make the Carnival, which really means a lot to them. Because, for once during the year, they get to go out and have as much fun as they can.
E.
Residents of the favelas are often members of local samba schools and are deeply involved with the performance and costumes of their groups. Each neighborhood in Rio has its favorite Carnival streetband. There are more than 300 of them in Rio nowadays, and each year this number increases. Each band has its place or street for its parade and the big ones usually close the streets to the traffic.
F.
Rio de Janeiro is usually divided into three zones. The so-called Zona Sul is by far the most pleasant place to stay in Rio, as it is by the sea and is the most civilized part of the city. Districts Copacabana and Ipanema together form a big stage offering a carnival happening at every corner. Leblon, being a bit more upscale, is also an excellent location.
G.
Except the industries, malls and the carnival-related workers, the country stops completely for almost a week and festivities are intense, day and night. If you plan to go to watch the Carnival, you should organize your trip well in advance. The best hotels, especially in the Zona Sul, are booked up early, so it’s a good idea to make a reservation at least 3 or 4 months in advance.
Task2.
Прочитайте текст с пропусками, обозначенными номерами 1 — 8. Эти номера соответствуют заданиям 1 — 8, в которых представлены возможные варианты ответов (А, Б, В, Г). Установите соответствие номера пропуска варианту ответа.
‘It’s Only Me’
After her husband had gone to work, Mrs Richards sent her children to school and went upstairs to her bedroom. She was too excited to do any 1 ______ that morning, because in the evening she would be going to a fancy dress party with her husband. She intended to dress up as a ghost and she had 2 ______ her costume the night before. Now she was 3______ to try it on. Though the costume consisted only of a sheet, it was very effective. Mrs Richards put it 4______, looked in the mirror, smiled and went downstairs. She wanted to find out whether it would be 5______ to wear. Just as Mrs Richards was entering the dining-room, there was a 6 ______ on the front door. She knew that it must be the baker. She had told him to come straight in if ever she failed to open the door and to leave the bread on the kitchen table. Not wanting to 7 ______ the poor man, Mrs Richards quickly hid in the small store-room under the stairs. She heard the front door open and heavy footsteps in the hall. Suddenly the door of the store-room was opened and a man entered. Mrs Richards realized that it must be the man from the Electricity Board who had come to read the meter. She tried to 8 ______ the situation, saying ‘It’s only me’, but it was too late. The man let out a cry and jumped back several paces. When Mrs Richards walked towards him, he ran away, slamming the door behind him.
1. А) homework; Б) household; В) housework; Г) housewife
2. А) did; Б) made; В) built; Г) created
3. А) nervous; Б) restless; В) ill at ease; Г) impatient
4. А) up; Б) on; В) over; Г) down
5. А) attractive; Б) exciting; В) comfortable; Г) cozy
6. А) knock; Б) kick; В) hit; Г) crash
7. А) fear; Б) worry; В) disturb; Г) frighten
8. А) describe; Б) explain; В) interpret; Г) clear
Task 3.
Начало формы
Преобразуйте, если необходимо, слова, напечатанные заглавными буквами, так чтобы они грамматически соответствовали содержанию текстов. Каждый пропуск соответствует отдельному заданию из группы B4-B10. Впишите слова в поле ответа.
A phone call
Among the e-mails waiting for me at work one morning was one from a member of my staff. It was sent from his personal
e-mail address and there was only his home phone number. Thinking something was wrong, I immediately called __________________.
HE
A sleepy female voice answered and told me he was at work and __________________ home late in the evening.
COME
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The __________________ moment was when I remembered that I had recently asked staff members to give me their home numbers. I went right down to the employee’s office to apologize for my call.
BAD
__________________, however, he thanked me. I had awakened his daughter, who had an exam that morning but had forgotten to set her alarm. Thanks to my call, she hadn’t missed the exam.
LATE
New Seven Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu
Конец формы
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Конец формы
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Machu Picchu, often called «The Lost City of the Incas», is probably the most famous symbol of the Incan Empire. Machu Picchu is situated 7,875 __________________ above sea level in Peru.
FOOT
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Machu Picchu __________________ around the year 1460 by the Inca as a secret ceremonial city, very well hidden and protected.
BUILD
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The ruins of Machu Picchu were rediscovered in 1911 by an American archaeologist. Since then, Machu Picchu __________________ an important tourist attraction. Thousands of visitors come here every year to admire its wonders.
BECOME
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Entry test (11th form)
II variant
Task 1.
Установите соответствие между заголовками 1-8 и текстами A-G. Занесите свои ответы в таблицу. Используйте каждую цифру только один раз. В задании один заголовок лишний.
1.
Music from every corner of the world
2.
From pig to pork
3.
Perfect time for a picnic
4.
From a holiday to a sport
5.
Famous religious celebrations
6.
See them fly
7.
Animal races and shows
8.
Diving into history
A.
Diwali is a five-day festival that is celebrated in October or November, depending on the cycle of the moon. It represents the start of the Hindu New Year and honors the victory of good over evil, and brightness over darkness. It also marks the start of winter. Diwali is actually celebrated in honor of Lord Rama and his wife Sita. One of the best places to experience Diwali is in the «pink city» of Jaipur, in Rajasthan. Each year there’s a competition for the best decorated and most brilliantly lit up market that attracts visitors from all over India.
B.
The Blossom Kite Festival, previously named the Smithsonian Kite Festival, is an annual event that is traditionally a part of the festivities at the National Cherry Blossom Festival on the National Mall in Washington, DC. Kite enthusiasts show off their stunt skills and compete for awards in over 36 categories including aerodynamics and beauty. The Kite Festival is one of the most popular annual events in Washington, DC and features kite fliers from across the U.S. and the world.
C.
The annual Ostrich Festival has been recognized as one of the «Top 10 Unique Festivals in theUnited States» with its lanky ostriches, multiple entertainment bands and many special gift and food vendors. It is truly a unique festival, and suitable for the entire family. The Festival usually holds Ostrich Races, an Exotic Zoo, Pig Races, a Sea Lion Show, a Hot Rod Show, Amateur Boxing and a Thrill Circus.
D.
Iceland’s Viking Festival takes place in mid-June every year and lasts 6 days, no matter what the weather in Iceland may be. It’s one of the most popular annual events in Iceland where you can see Viking-style costumes, musical instruments, jewelry and crafts at the Viking Village. Visitors at the Viking Festival see sword fighting by professional Vikings and demonstrations of marksmanship with bows and muscle power. They can listen to Viking songs and lectures at the festival, or grab a bite at the Viking Restaurant nearby.
E.
Dragon Boat Festival is one of the major holidays in Chinese culture. This summer festival was originally a time to ward off bad spirits, but now it is a celebration of the life of Qu Yuan, who was a Chinese poet of ancient period. Dragon boat festival has been an important holiday for centuries for Chinese culture, but in recent years dragon boat racing has become an international sport.
F.
The Mangalica Festival is held in early February at Vajdahunyad Castle in Budapest. It offers the opportunity to experience Hungarian food, music, and other aspects of Hungarian culture. The festival is named for a furry pig indigenous to the region of Hungary and the Balkans. A mangalica is a breed of pig recognizable by its curly hair and known for its fatty flesh. Sausage, cheese and other dishes made with pork can be sampled at the festival.
G.
Hanami is an important Japanese custom and is held all over Japan in spring. Hanami literally means «viewing flowers», but now it is a cherry blossom viewing. The origin of hanami dates back to more than one thousand years ago when aristocrats enjoyed looking at beautiful cherry blossoms and wrote poems. Nowadays, people in Japan have fun viewing cherry blossoms, drinking and eating. People bring home-cooked meals, do BBQ, or buy take-out food for hanami.
Task 2.
Прочитайте текст с пропусками, обозначенными номерами 1 — 8. Эти номера соответствуют заданиям 1 — 8, в которых представлены возможные варианты ответов (А, Б, В, Г). Установите соответствие номера пропуска варианту ответа.
‘It’s Only Me’
After her husband had gone to work, Mrs Richards sent her children to school and went upstairs to her bedroom. She was too excited to do any 1 ______ that morning, because in the evening she would be going to a fancy dress party with her husband. She intended to dress up as a ghost and she had 2 ______ her costume the night before. Now she was 3______ to try it on. Though the costume consisted only of a sheet, it was very effective. Mrs Richards put it 4______, looked in the mirror, smiled and went downstairs. She wanted to find out whether it would be 5______ to wear. Just as Mrs Richards was entering the dining-room, there was a 6 ______ on the front door. She knew that it must be the baker. She had told him to come straight in if ever she failed to open the door and to leave the bread on the kitchen table. Not wanting to 7 ______ the poor man, Mrs Richards quickly hid in the small store-room under the stairs. She heard the front door open and heavy footsteps in the hall. Suddenly the door of the store-room was opened and a man entered. Mrs Richards realized that it must be the man from the Electricity Board who had come to read the meter. She tried to 8 ______ the situation, saying ‘It’s only me’, but it was too late. The man let out a cry and jumped back several paces. When Mrs Richards walked towards him, he ran away, slamming the door behind him.
1. А) homework; Б) household; В) housework; Г) housewife
2. А) did; Б) made; В) built; Г) created
3. А) nervous; Б) restless; В) ill at ease; Г) impatient
4. А) up; Б) on; В) over; Г) down
5. А) attractive; Б) exciting; В) comfortable; Г) cozy
6. А) knock; Б) kick; В) hit; Г) crash
7. А) fear; Б) worry; В) disturb; Г) frighten
8. А) describe; Б) explain; В) interpret; Г) clear
Task 3.
Преобразуйте, если необходимо, слова, напечатанные заглавными буквами, так чтобы они грамматически соответствовали содержанию текстов. Каждый пропуск соответствует отдельному заданию из группы B4-B10. Впишите слова в поле ответа.
Конец формы
Начало формы
Secret of the Sahara
This is a story about a strange discovery made in the great Sahara Desert. In1933 a French officer__________________ in the Sahara through a deep canyon in a mountain range where no other European had ever been.
RIDE
Suddenly he saw that the walls of the canyon__________________ with age-old carvings and paintings of strange unknown animals.
COVER
News of the discovery soon __________________ many experts of all kinds to the place.
BRING
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Dinosaur Facts
Dinosaurs lived on our planet millions of years ago. Some of them were very big. Now only their giant bones and footprints __________________.
FIND
Millions of years ago, the world did not look like it does today. Many of the animals that walked the land had bodies low to the ground and legs on the sides of their bodies. As time passed, the land changed. The animals changed too. Some of the animals now had legs under their bodies. They moved __________________ than the other animals.
FAST
__________________ new animals were the first dinosaurs. They came in all sizes. Some were about 75 feet long.
THIS
The dinosaurs all died about 65 million years ago. Some people think that it got too cold for the dinosaurs. Other people think the dinosaurs __________________ find enough food to eat. Still, no one is sure why the dinosaurs all died.
NOT CAN
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