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материал для подготовки к егэ (гиа) по английскому языку (8 класс) на тему

Опубликовано 04.11.2015 - 13:10 - Султанова Наиля Ахтямовна

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Прочитайте тексты и установите соответствие между текстами А–G и заголовками 1–8. Запишите свои ответы в таблицу. Используйте каждую цифру только один раз. В задании есть один лишний заголовок.

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 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)Some cars 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 organisations 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 was 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 change in people’s attitude

2)A problem still unsolved

3)A new state organisation

4)A governmental plan of action

5)No time to waste

6)An eco-friendly means of transport

7)A set of dangerous signs

8)A reason for global warming

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)A widely used aroma

2)Makes meals different

3)A relaxing effect

4)Scents and colours

5)Another unique characteristic

6)Holiday scents

7)Creating memories

8)Smelling emotions

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 back to 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 theisland of Great Britain. Edinburgh, the country's capital and second largest city, is one ofEurope'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)A talisman for luck

2)The wildlife of the country

3)The modern side of the country

4)Useful in many ways

5)A country profile

6)A false stereotype

7)Opportunities for different sports

8)The national sporting event

Текст

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 was the time for the Cheese Rolling Ceremony in many places. Competitors gathered at the top of a hill. The Master of the Ceremonies let a heavy head of cheese roll down the hill. Brave runners raced down to be the first to catch it. However, the event was cancelled in 2010 due to safety reasons.

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 the 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.

2)Eating together

3)Important for the whole country

4)Lifting weights

5)Cooking competition

6)Cheese Rolling

7)In memory of the past events

8)A cookery sprint

Текст

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 organise 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)Traditional delivery

2)Loss of popularity

3)Money above privacy

4)The best-known newspapers

5)Focus on different readers

6)The successful competitor

7)Size makes a difference

8)Weekend reading

Прочитайте тексты и установите соответствие между текстами А–G и заголовками 1–8. Запишите свои ответы в таблицу. Используйте каждую букву только один раз. В задании есть один лишний заголовок.

Текст

A)The world’s deepest lake, the Baikal, is in Siberia. It is also the largest freshwater lake in Eurasia and the oldest lake on the Earth. At least 1,500 unique species live there - they cannot be found anywhere else on the planet! The water in the lake is so clear that if you drop a coin, it can be clearly seen a hundred feet below the water.

B)People who live in the Baikal region believe that it’s a unique and mysterious place. According to them, the water from Lake Baikal can cure different illnesses, gives you strength and clears your mind. They also say that the lake was formed millions of years ago when a huge, hot rock fell to earth. It melted the ice around and that was how Lake Baikal appeared. The story about the meteorite has, however, never been proved by scientists.

C)The lake has also become famous for its unique fish and birds that are not found in other waters. The lake is home to more than 1000 animal species. Among them there are the world’s only freshwater seals. There’s no evidence of how the seals got to the lake but they obviously enjoy their life there. Huge brown bears often come to the lake out of the forest to hunt and fish.

D)Though Lake Baikal is located in a very remote place, and is difficult to reach in autumn and winter, it attracts thousands of visitors every year. A chance to see this unique place is worth the long journey! On the banks of Lake Baikal you can stay in a modern, comfortable hotel, take part in hiking tours and enjoy the untouched natural beauty. People who have visited Lake Baikal once want to return to the place again and again.

E)However, the growing popularity of the lake and the industrial development of the region have caused ecological problems. The safety of this unique natural ecosystem has been discussed at an international level. Now Lake Baikal is on the list of heritage sites protected by UNESCO. A federal state law about the conservation of the lake was also supported in Russia.

F)The lake attracts not only tourists but also many wildlife researchers, biologists and even archaeologists. The world famous explorer and scientist, Jacques Cousteau, and his team spent lots of time studying the deep waters of Lake Baikal. They also shot a film about their research that was broadcast by major TV channels all over the world.

G)Everyone considers the Siberian climate very severe, which is perfectly true for the Baikal region. The winters there are really freezing - the average temperature is as low as -25 degrees Celsius. Due to its location in the middle of the continent, the place is characterised by a sharp contrast between winter and summer temperatures. The summers are generally cool, with a few hot days. The sun shines brightly above the lake till late autumn.

1)Local legends

2)Special in many ways

3)Tourist аttraction

4)Diverse wildlife

5)Protection of the ecosystem

6)Extinct species

7)Scientific expeditions

8)Harsh climate

Текст

A)Lions have caught people’s imagination for centuries. They are stars in documentary movies and books; their images can be found on emblems, coats of arms and shields. Lions live in the jungle, open woodlands or thick grasslands where they hunt. In their environment, lions are at the top of the food chain - adult lions have no natural enemies. If we call a person ‘a lion’ it means he is strong, aggressive and important.

B)Lions do not look the same as other members of the large group of cats: tigers, leopards, and jaguars. Adult male lions are much larger and have thick brown hair around their neck, which is called a mane. No other cats have manes. The mane makes the lion look more impressive and protects the animal in fights with other lions for territory.

C)Lions live in large social groups called ‘prides’. A pride can have up to thirty female lions and their children. Inside the pride there are mothers, sisters, and cousins. The pride has a close relationship and never accepts a stranger. They mark their territory by scent. There are very strict rules in the pride and everyone has to observe them.

D)Lions and lionesses have different roles in the pride. Females do most of the hunting. Together, lionesses guard and look after their cubs. The little ones feel safer and more confident with so many ‘nannies’ around. It also reduces the chance that they are left hungry. The females usually exchange their hunting and home duties during the day.

E)Male lions spend most of their day sleeping or relaxing. While it may look like the lionesses do all the work in the pride, lions play an important role too. Though they bring less food and hunt less, they mark their territory and protect it from strangers. A lion from outside the pride is very dangerous for cubs. If he gets into the pride, he may kill all the little ones there.

F)When new lions are born, they are not shown to the rest of the pride for a month, until the cubs become strong enough. Later they start playing together and have a lot of playmates. If needed, any lioness becomes their nurse and teacher. Small lions have to learn hunting and survival skills. When they are two years old, male lions leave the pride to live on their own. The females may stay with their mothers for the rest of their lives.

G)In the wild, lions eat mainly meat. That’s why they greatly depend on hunting. Their favourite dishes are zebras, deer, and even young elephants and rhinos. When hungry, they chase mice, birds and reptiles. Very rarely they may eat fruit and vegetables, but it is never their first choice. In zoos and national parks, where the lions cannot hunt, they are offered special meals made of beef and chicken.

1)King of the wild

2)Different from the others

3)Early years

4)Hunting habits

5)A big family

6)Team work

7)The lion’s responsibilities

8)Their essential diet

Текст

A)The London Underground is the quickest and easiest way of getting around the city. Today it is as important a landmark of the capital as Big Ben or the London Eye. The underground is often called the Tube because of its shape: tube shaped tunnels, stations and trains. The Tube became an official name for the first time in the early 1900s, after the Central London Railway (now the Central Line) was named the Twopenny Tube.

B)In 1956 the red London double-decker bus appeared on the London streets for the first time. At that time, the London buildings had gone black because of smoke from the coal used for heating. What’s more, due to the local climate and lack of wind, there was always fog in the city. Under such gloomy circumstances, the bright-red London double-decker bus became a sensation! In the past 50 years, the red double-decker has become an icon of London.

C)Oyster is an electronic smart card ticket. Regardless of whether you live in London, or you are a tourist, a day trip visitor, or a regular visitor to the capital, the Oyster Card is definitely the easiest way to travel around the London Transport system. Simply touch the card on the yellow reader to get through the Tube gates or board other London public transport. The card doesn't even need to be removed from your purse or wallet to work.

D)The London Transport Museum is worth visiting. Entrance is not free but the price of £15 for a year pass is more than reasonable. The exhibitions displayed in the museum present London transport in its historical context. There are more than 80 vehicles, including a red London bus and the world's first Underground train. The galleries are full of interactive exhibits for young people to play on – including real buses and trains!

E)In London there are around 23 000 taxis. The taxi drivers know every corner of London because all of them have to take an exam, called the Knowledge. This exam supposes that the candidate driver can recognize most of the 20 000 London streets and knows how to choose the shortest route between two points. Each taxi driver should also know all the parks, cinemas, theaters and museums in the city.

F)Over the last few years, cycling around London has been getting more and more popular. The reasons are obvious - there is no ‘carbon waste’ and it prevents obesity and heart disease. For tourists, it is often also the quickest and the easiest way to see London, with the bonus of getting some exercise. The casual user hires a bike at one of the numerous bike stations, rides it where he or she wants and then returns it to any of the docking stations.

G)If you’ve ever been to Britain, one of the first things you will have noticed is that the British drive on the wrong side of the road. They drive on the left! The reason for this goes back to the days when people travelled on horses. Most people are right-handed and the left is the natural side to ride on if you are on horseback - you need your right hand to hold a sword in case of any trouble.

1)Capital experts

2)A place to see history

3)Popular tourist routes

4)Named after its form

5)An easy way to pay for the trip

6)A healthy form of transport

7)A contrast to the dark city

8)Why driving on the other side

Текст

A)New Zealand is an island country. Cruises to New Zealand are a perfect way to explore over 15,000 km of coastline and to enjoy the spectacular landscapes this diverse country has to offer. Cruising to New Zealand is a well-established tradition. Until the 1960s, it was the only way to arrive in the country.

B)The climate is pleasant in all seasons, though it's rather windy. Wellington, the country's capital, is known as the Windy City. The strongest winds blow from the south. The wind speed and direction can be seen from the flag flown from the Parliament. A large flag is flown only on calm days and a small flag is flown when windy days are expected.

C)More than a century before Columbus crossed the Atlantic to discover America, the Maoris sailed over thousands of kilometers of ocean to settle in New Zealand. They made their great journey in double canoes. Today, Maoris make up 14% of the country's population and their history, language and traditions are central to New Zealand’s identity.

D)Before humans settled in New Zealand, it had an incredible variety of birds. As they had no natural enemies to fly away from, wings became unnecessary for some birds. When Maori and, later, Europeans came to New Zealand, they started to hunt birds. They also brought predators, including rats. The new enemies and loss of territory led to the reduction in the birds’ populations and to the complete extinction of some species.

E)Ever since the first 'Lord of the Rings' film was released in 2001, New Zealand has been known as the 'Home of Middle-earth'. New Zealand’s dramatic scenery plays the mythical world of Middle-earth on the big screen in both 'The Lord of the Rings' and ‘The Hobbit’ trilogies. More than 250 places throughout the country were used as locations for the films, which made New Zealand the greatest destination for Tolkien enthusiasts.

F)Auckland is the largest city, and is sometimes called the ‘crime capital’ of the country. Violent crime is not common in New Zealand but minor crimes are committed there quite often. A major problem is theft, primarily from cars -travellers should avoid leaving valuables in vehicles, no matter where they are parked. Actually, according to criminal statistics, tourist parking areas and car parks are the worst places.

G)Auckland’s diverse landscapes provide countless opportunities to be impressed: rainforests and black sand beaches, picturesque country gardens and calm bays. However, this region is spotted with 48 volcanic cones. Rangitoto Island, just a 25-minute ferry ride from Auckland, is the region's most iconic volcano and a favourite day trip destination for visitors. But who knows when the trip might be interrupted?

1)Beware of thieves

2)The best way to get there and get around

3)A beautiful but dangerous land

4)Weather watching

5)National sports

6)The first inhabitants

7)Attractions for fantasy book fans

8)Once safe, now endangered

Текст

A)Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants on the Earth. Some people think bamboo is a tree, but it is not – bamboo is grass though some species can grow over 30 meters! People use bamboo for different purposes: to build and decorate houses, to produce textiles and paper, to make food and drinks. Recently, a new practical application for bamboo has been suggested: in the bicycle industry.

B)More and more Londoners prefer to use bicycles to get to their offices in the city centre. The latest model of this popular form of transport was presented at the motor show in Birmingham. It was made from bamboo. The designers, from Oxford Brooks University, say they have invented a bamboo bike not only for ecological reasons. According to them, bamboo is as safe as metal.

C)The new bikes will be produced in Yorkshire. At the beginning the price of a bike might be rather high - about 1700 pounds. Nevertheless, the designers expect that the model will be successful on the market. Its growing popularity will finally bring down the price. By the year 2014, the company is planning to produce five hundred thousand bamboo bikes for the British.

D)One of the inventors of the new technology, James Bruton, teaches at the University. During one of his seminars, students were testing different materials and chose bamboo. They discovered that its characteristics were ideal for long journeys because it stopped vibration. The whole journey becomes more pleasant than on a metal bike and the cyclist will be less tired.

E)Not everyone, however, believed in the safety of bamboo. Skeptics doubted if it could stand long distances. They argued that a metal frame helped the wheels turn faster. As a result, engineers decided to test the bamboo in a real situation. They rode twenty kilometers in the hills. The experiment was successful in spite of the difficult conditions.

F)During the project, designers had to solve another problem: what sort of bamboo to use, as not all of them were suitable for making a bike. Finally, from more than a thousand varieties, the scientists chose only one. Another important detail is that the bamboo should be cut at a definite stage of growth.

G)The director of the Raw Bikes Company, Rachel Hammond, says she would support the idea of a bamboo farm. She has been interested in bamboo bikes for a long time. Once she rode the bike, she felt comfortable and happy. Now Rachel has an idea to make bamboo bikes for import. Although production takes several days, she is sure the model is attractive and will have a long life.

1)Useful in many ways

2)An unusual material

3)A real enthusiast

4)Ambitious sales plans

5)А road test

6)A cycling competition

7)Excellent qualities

8)The right kind of bamboo

Текст

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 Pemberton'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)Supporting sports

2)A remarkable container design

3)A universal medicine

4)A smart symbol

5)The drink ingredients

6)Good in any season

7)A fan society

8)The drink varieties

Текст

A)Sport can be a great way to develop life skills. It helps you to learn about teamwork, self-control, and competition. You set your goals and do your best to reach them. In a good sporting environment, children have the opportunity to make new friends and develop new interests. Sport also keeps you fit and greatly improves your health. If you do sports, you have no weight problems.

B)German planes have finally managed to save a climber from one of the world's highest mountain peaks. Tom Gummar, a Slovenian, was trying to climb the mountain when he ran into difficulties. He had spent nearly a week six-thousand metres above the ground. All the previous attempts to save him had been unsuccessful because of snow storms. Only yesterday the planes managed to reach him and now his health is improving.

C)The Ancient Olympic Games were held in Greece. The beginning of these games is surrounded with mystery and legend. One of the most popular myths says that Heracles was the first who called the Games "Olympic". He started the tradition of holding them every four years. The legend continues that he built the Olympic stadium in honour of his father.

D)Former Wimbledon winner Maria Sharapova is back at the US Open semi-finals. "It's been a long road back to the tournament," said Sharapova, who spent 10 months off court with a shoulder injury that needed serious treatment. “Now I’m in good shape again and hope to repeat the 2006 title win,” she added.

E)Chelsea was founded in 1905 and it soon entered the Football League. In the early years they saw little success. From the very beginning Chelsea had a reputation for inviting famous footballers to play for them but the team changed dramatically only after a new coach, Ted Drake, joined it. He led them to their first main victory: they won the national championship.

F)Yesterday Andy Wistler played one of his best matches at the Australian Open. Due to his wonderful performance he easily won three sets and the match was finished very quickly. It was impossible for his opponent Yang Chung to play at the same level and the match was finished in a very short time. Still, it should be mentioned that Yang Chung was an experienced Chinese tennis player.

G)Janet Evans retired from swimming in 1996. She was sure her best days were behind her. She had won three gold medals at the Seoul Olympics and had set world records that had stood for years. Everyone was surprised when Janet announced her return. She said she is hoping to become part of the US Olympic team. A big decision after a 16 year break!

1)Winning a quick victory

2)Saving a sportsman

3)Fit and healthy again

4)The first sporting events

5)The club history

6)Sport and its advantages

7)The swimmer comes back

8)Champions award ceremony

Текст

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)Learn and play

2)A less popular subject

3)Never too late to learn

4)The essential piece of uniform

5)Keeping the tradition

6)The advantages of learning together

7)Choosing the place to learn

8)School exchange programmes

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A)When you think of the Irish, you often picture a red-haired person dressed all in green. However, it's just a popular myth which has grown into a tradition, particularly in the United States. It's customary in Ireland to wear green clothes only on St. Patrick's Day. Lots of people are tricked by this cliché. However, originally, the colour associated with Saint Patrick was not green, but blue.

B)In Ireland, the colour green was long considered to bring bad fortune. The reason is that in Irish folklore green is the favourite color of the Good People (the proper name for fairies). Myths run that they are likely to steal people, especially children, who wear too much of the colour. In the past, a girl would never wear anything green on her wedding day.

C)Christmas is a very important celebration in Ireland. After dinner on Christmas Eve, it is common for families to leave milk and bread on the table as a sign of friendliness and kindness. Another custom is to leave the door unlocked. A lit candle is left in a window during the night. It represents help for any traveller who is passing by.

D)Potatoes form the basis for many traditional Irish dishes. They are eaten boiled, mashed, fried and baked. Potatoes are mixed with cabbage or green onions to make traditional Irish dishes. They are also made into potato cakes and used in soups or stews. It’s common to find potatoes cooked in two different ways on the same dinner plate.

E)The shamrock is still a popular sign of good fortune in Ireland. It is believed that anyone who possesses one will be blessed with fortune in everything, even in gambling, and will be saved from the evil of witches. There are certain conditions to be met so that its power remains effective: the owner of the shamrock must keep it away from the public eye and never give it to anyone else.

F)The name Gulliver is known to everyone due to the book or the film about the fantastic trip of the English doctor. However, not all of us remember the name of the author Jonathan Swift, an Irish writer, who was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1667. In his book Gulliver’s Travels a man went to an island where strange tiny people lived. His life there was full of adventures and dangers, he met there friends and enemies.

G)Ireland is known as the native land of limericks – short humorous poems that have five lines. They make people laugh and are easy to remember! Lots of poets and writers were fond of limericks. The word ‘limerick’ probably comes from the Irish town of Limerick. The short poem has made the town known all over the world.

1)A false stereotype

2)An unlucky symbol

3)A colourful present

4)A world famous journey

5)One and the same name

6)The national food

7)A talisman for luck

8)Old holiday traditions

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A)The history of Scotland is rich and varied but most people would also describe it as violent and bloody. Scotland's history appears to be just an endless list of battles between the Scottish clans and their close neighbours, the English. But if you look carefully at the history of Scotland, you will be surprised by the great influence that this small nation has had upon the development of Western civilization.

B)Of all the scary places in Scotland, the castles provide us with the most terrifying stories. You need courage to visit them. The castles are known for numerous murders and cases of violent death. Edinburgh castle is at the top of the list. According to legend, there is the ghost of a headless drummer and the ghost of a piper, whose music can be heard even above the noise of Edinburgh's traffic.

C)To decide on what to wear for a walk can be a challenge in Scotland! This tiny country is surrounded by so much water that Scottish weather can change at any moment. In fact, sometimes you feel as though you've experienced three (or even all four) seasons in just one day! This may explain why Scots are fascinated by the weather, and follow daily weather reports very closely.

D)Scotland has 30,000 miles of roads. Travelling around Scotland by car can be challenging for foreign visitors. When travelling by car, tourists should be very careful. When they see something they wish to look at, they mustn't slow down as they could be hit by the car behind. Tourists should also remember that Scottish motorways have a speed limit of 70 miles per hour.

E)There are many breeds of Scottish dogs. One of the most famous is the Collie or Scotch colliethat comes from the Scottish highlands. It has been bred for many years to help shepherds. Some people say the name Collie comes from the Gaelic word for useful. The Collie is a dog that can do many jobs. The Collie can guard property as well as search for a missing chicken or drive sheep. The dogs can be taught how to open doors and gates.

F)Scotland is a country where tourism offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy nature at its best. As you explore the Scottish countryside, be sure to look out for Daubenton's bats. These tiny creatures with funny short ears weigh from 7 to 11 grams but they are vital for the ecosystem as they keep insect populations in check, eating lots of small insects every day.

G)For active and curious people there is a lot to do in the Scottish Highlands! You can explore castles and visit museums. The famous Loch Ness is situated here and you'll find ancient castles, which can be visited. If you like something more adventurous, you might try horse riding, mountain biking, kayaking and sailing. There is no end of things to do in the Highlands so you can be sure you'll enjoy yourself there.

1)А small but important country

2)Sights for the brave

3)Mind your driving

4)You’ll never get bored

5)Difficult to predict

6)Traditional industries

7)Keeping the balance in nature

8)Helpful assistants

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A)Geographically, the Wild West refers to the states west of the Mississippi River. The American West is both a place and an idea. In people’s minds, it was a place that promised excitement because it was new and unknown. From the middle of the 18th century to the beginning of the 20th century, lots of people pushed their way westward trying to find land, better lives, gold and silver, and, sometimes, to escape the law.

B)Due to books and films, the first thing that comes to mind about the American West is cowboys, rodeos and riding broncos. Bronco is the nickname for a wild horse. When a bronco jumps, it kicks its back legs trying to throw the rider off. Nowadays, there are popular rodeo competitions where cowboys try to remain on aggressive broncos as long as possible. To entertain the public they also lasso cows and bulls.

C)Yellowstone Park, the first American national park, is situated in the western states. The park has a great variety of natural features – waterfalls, plateaus, canyons, hot springs and geysers. It is also famous for its diverse wildlife and harsh beauty. Camping and backpacking are encouraged at Yellowstone, but visitors must be careful. A few careless or unlucky people have already been killed by angry bears.

D)In the 1970s and 1980s, people from all over the United States moved to Colorado to work in the mining industry. New citizens of the state capital, Denver, were attracted to the city by its location in the Rocky Mountains and its clean air. However, due to the rapid development of Denver, they got into serious trouble –growing air pollution. Car engines did not burn fuel efficiently at a high altitude and thick smog hung over the city.

E)In 1935, the federal government selected St. Louis, Missouri, as the site for a new national monument – The Gateway Arch. The memorial, also known as the Gateway to the West, was to honor the pioneers exploring the American West. Eero Saarinen, an architect, won the nationwide competition with his project for a giant steel arch. Since the Gateway Arch was opened in 1965, millions of people visit it every year.

F)The Mississippi River is often mentioned in Mark Twain’s books. In his novel, Life on the Mississippi, the famous writer describes the history of the river and his own experiences related to it. There is also a collection of tales that either take place on the river or are associated with it. Another of Mark Twain’s famous works, the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, tells us about a journey down the river.

G)Hawaii is the USA's 50th state. It’s a popular holiday destination for the citizens, as well as for foreign tourists. Along with Florida, it's one of a few states where it's usually sunny and hot all the year round. Hawaii is made up of 132 tropical islands, though people live only on seven of them. Tourism is Hawaii’s biggest industry. People are attracted to the islands because of their beautiful scenery and beaches. Surfers come to experience the high waves.

1)Eco-friendly business

2)A good place for holidays

3)A silent hero of American literature

4)In search of luck and happiness

5)To those who went west

6)An unexpected environmental problem

7)Great sights and dangerous creatures

8)Dangerous sport

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A)The popularity of social networking sites such as Vkontakte, 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)Worrying time statistics

2)Hidden dangers

3)New communication opportunities

4)Communication problems in real life

5)Different opinions

6)The best social networking site

7)Time eaters

8)Prospects in education

Текст

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 inFrance, 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 inMecca. 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)Coffee in the New World

2)The original taste of coffee

3)A chance discovery

4)A place for communication

5)An illegal drink

6)A long journey to Europe

7)Growing coffee plants

8)Different recipes

Текст

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)Historical facts

2)Different reasons for drawing
in the street

3)A street art exhibition

4)A commercial effect

5)An innovative method

6)An unknown artist

7)The meaning of the term

8)Keeping their names secret

Прочитайте тексты и установите соответствие между текстами А–G и заголовками 1–8.

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A)For tourists coming to China, visiting Shanghai is a must. Shanghai is the largest city not only in China but in the world, too. About twenty-three million people live there! The city has always attracted people looking for a new life and business opportunities. Lots of Americans, Japanese, Koreans, French, Russians, and Germans live there permanently. Like most multinational cities, Shanghai accepts all cultures to produce a new type of a global culture.

B)To keep up with the city’s rhythm, tourists may use the metro system, which is cheap and very efficient. The Shanghai metro is fast and modern. It covers the whole city and is known as the biggest metro in the world. Stations and trains are perfectly clean and well-equipped. Monitors show arrival and departure time and business adverts, and give information about Shanghai sights and events in many languages.

C)If you love shopping, you will be glad to get lost in Shanghai for a couple of days, especially in Nanjing Road. This street houses a great number of prestigious shops, restaurants, and night clubs. There is no traffic here, which is very convenient for people. The shop assistants are very helpful and tourists are very welcome. In the evening the street looks absolutely magical with colourful lights.

D)Another iconic landmark of the city is the embankment of the River Huangpu, the Bund. It is famous for its classical European buildings. There are more than fifty large buildings on the Bund. They are built in different styles such as Gothic, Romanesque or Baroque and others. In spite of this great variety, the buildings stand together in perfect harmony. The constructions in this part of the city remind people of those in New York, Chicago, London, Moscow and ten thousand other cities.

E)Among the many monuments in Shanghai, the monument to Alexander Pushkin is special. First built in 1937, the monument was ruined and restored twice throughout its history. Now it stands at a road intersection. Specialists from both China and Russia took part in its construction. It is devoted to the greatest poet of all time and also highlights the friendly relationship between the two countries.

F)The Shanghai climate is generally mild and humid, with four distinct seasons - a pleasant, warm spring, a hot, rainy summer, a comfortable, cool autumn and an overcast, cold winter. The location makes the city really wet - it rains for about one third of the year. From late August to mid-September, typhoons may happen. The hottest time comes in July and August, the coldest - from late January to early February. The spring is recommended as the best time to visit Shanghai.

G)Naturally, if you visit the city, you have a chance to try authentic Shanghai cuisine, which is very diverse. It offers dishes made of fresh meat, chicken, vegetables and various, seafood such as fish, shrimps and crabs. The dishes may taste hot and spicy, sweet and bitter. It really differs from European cuisine but Europeans usually enjoy it very much, as well as the atmosphere of the authentic national restaurants.

1)Seasons and weather

2)The most convenient transport

3)Local food

4)Multicultural community

5)World business centre

6)Links with Russian culture

7)Diverse architecture

8)A paradise for shopaholics

Текст

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)Good for everyone

2)Easy to care for

3)Part of culture

4)Screen fashion

5)An innovative idea

6)Working clothes

7)Jeans’ labels

8)Clothes to protest

Текст

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 café, 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)A new music instrument

2)The latest fashion

3)A mobile for grandma

4)Phone addiction

5)A strange competition

6)A law against mobiles

7)Back to real-life communication

8)Digital personal assistants

Текст

A)Edinburgh Tattoo takes place every year in August in the capital of Scotland. It is an event when military music is played by different bands from all over the world. It also includes traditional dances, bagpipe melodies, songs and a horse parade. All this is accompanied by the sounds of national Scottish music.

B)Using music can make the learning process more enjoyable and effective. You can introduce a new topic with music. It may be a great way to improve vocabulary and make students start thinking in the right direction. If students are doing a grammar exercise, you may play some music in the background, and this will help them concentrate.

C)The performance Lady Gaga gave at Manchester was called "The Monster Ball". It was a really strong and loud concert, consisting of four parts. The singer changed costumes 15 times. The "special" effects included a big sea monster and a grand piano which was burnt to pieces. The audience was just going crazy with every new song, it was no doubt a thrilling performance.

D)Are words important in a song? Some people say they don't matter much. A song is music and you enjoy listening to the melody and don't pay attention to words. On the other hand, a musician expresses himself through words, so they also matter. The words give meaning to a song and touch people’s feelings.

E)The most common song for English speakers on New Year's eve is "Auld Lang Syne". When the clock strikes midnight, people join their hands and start singing. However, few of them remember that it's an old Scottish song first published by the poet Robert Burns. The Scots also sing it on January 25th when they celebrate Burns' birthday.

F)It’s typical to use music in advertising on radio and television. A lot of companies have jingles. They are short songs or tunes that attract customers. A jingle is quick to remember and usually has very simple words. The melody should be easy to sing and cheerful. The jingle must give a positive image of the company. A good example of it is McDonalds' "I'm lovin' it".

G)"We Are the Champions" is a ballad performed by the British group "Queen". It has become one of the most famous and widely used songs. It is also regularly played to celebrate sports victories. The song can be heard in many films, video games, cartoons, TV programmes. It was named the world's favourite song in 2005.

1)The song of the winners

2)An annual music festival

3)Music of the future

4)Two sides of the same coin

5)An impressive show

6)Music in the classroom

7)The old music hit

8)Music for advert

Текст

A)The first winners of the Olympic Games got free food and housing for the whole lives. They were mentioned in poems and well-known all over Greece. Sculptors even built statues of the competitors. Everyone respected and admired the winners. In short, the victory in the competitions made the man a national hero and all the little children wanted to be like him.

B)Olympia was chosen as the place of the Games because it was a peaceful and neutral area. There the ancient Greeks praised their most important God – Zeus. Another factor was that it had a beautiful green valley. It was very suitable for all kinds of sports competitions. Also people could easily get to Olympia because there were two rivers nearby. It was impossible to find a better place anywhere else in Greece.

C)The Olympiads were named in honor of the runner who came first in the stadium race. For example, the Olympiad of Dionis. So the years after this Olympiad were named as the first, the second, the third or the fourth year since the Olympiad of Dionis. The early historians used this system to give dates to important events.

D)The Olympic Museum was founded in 1993 in Switzerland. It has a big collection of pieces connected with the Olympic movement. It also has the largest number of books and documents about the Games in the world. No wonder the place is one of the main tourist attractions. The museum is surrounded by a park with wonderful works of art based on a sporting theme.

E)The modern Olympics began in 1894. Baron Pierre de Coubertin, a Frenchman decided to bring back the ancient Greek tradition. He wanted to begin a sports festival to celebrate health, youth and peace. The first modern Olympiad took place in Athens in 1896. Since then the Olympic Games have been held every four years with two exceptions because of the two world wars.

F)The Olympic Games traditionally start with the “Parade of the Nations”. Most of the participating athletes walk out into the stadium. The Greek athletes open the parade and the hosts appear on stadium the last. The name of each country is announced in French and English, the official languages of the Olympic Games, and the language spoken in the country that organizes the Games.

G)The five Olympic rings represent the five main regions of the world – Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceana. Every national flag in the world includes one of the five colours, which are blue, yellow, black, green, and red. The rings are connected and there is a reason for it. It’s done to show that the Games are for all nations. All good sportsmen can come and compete against one another in unity.

1)The opening ceremony

2)A great honour

3)The Olympic team

4)The Greek calendar

5)A symbolic meaning

6)A place to visit

7)A new start

8)The best location

Текст

A)The age between 14 and 17 is often considered to be one of the best periods in a person’s life. Grown-ups remember it with excitement and happiness. The wish they were teenagers again. However, most teenagers won’t agree with this point of view if they were asked. They're sure that they are facing a lot of difficult problems and that's quite true.

B)Smoking has become one of the most important problems for modern teenagers. About 40 percent of teenagers are attracted by the bright cigarette advertisement. It seems they just don't realize the harm it does to their health, because advertisements show smoking as something positive. They really believe that smoking will make them look like they're cool and grown-up.

C)In fact, teenagers have got a lot of work. They're busy with their studies, household chores, some of them have jobs. They can’t even find a moment to entertain themselves at times. It’s a more serious problem especially for those who are responsible and want to be successful students and good children.

D)The problem number one for most young people is between fathers and sons. All young people want to be independent, they want their parents to listen to their opinion. As for parents, they want to control their children’s lives. At the same time some parents can’t find a common language with their kids and simply don’t pay enough attention to them.

E)They say that all teenagers want to have a lot of money to dress well, to go to theatres, to visit foreign countries, to eat what they want and to buy books. But how can they do all these things? They have to get some money and it’s possible to do it. Some teenagers wash cars, others sell newspapers, help elderly people and babysit.

F)School ages are also very difficult. Children are always stressed because of their marks at school. It seems to teenagers that they do a lot of homework, but mothers and fathers are never satisfied. They want their children to have the highest marks at school. Teenagers do their best, but adults are never happy. They always want more.

G)There are many organizations which unite young people. Teenagers get together because of common interests and beliefs. Members of every organisations have their own attitudes to the world. There are some informal clubs, for example: emos, hippies, panks, and so on. However, some teenagers choose to join more serious groups like Greenpeace.

1)Generation gap

2)Attractive but unhealthy

3)Youth movements and societies

4)Always busy

5)Conflicts with friends

6)Parents’ ambitions

7)Are teenagers happy?

8)They want to earn and spend

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A)Hamleys is the best toyshop in the UK. It has seven floors of toys, games and sweets. The shop assistants often dress up in costumes of famous characters from fairy tales and stories. Because of this the place looks like a magic land. The atmosphere is wonderful, and the shop really has everything young ones could ever want.

B)Harrods, is perhaps London's most famous department store, named after Charles Harrods, who opened a family grocer's shop on the site in 1849. The little shop has grown and become a symbol for expensive and glamorous shopping. It contains over 300 departments selling luxury items, from furniture and ladies fashion to sports equipment. Harrods continues to astonish customers from around the world with first-class service and product quality.

C)The Old Umbrella Shop is one of the shops that hasn’t changed from the early twentieth century. Inside it looks exactly as it was years ago. There are old telephones, shelves, shop windows and an umbrella museum. What's more, it still sells umbrellas and doesn’t want to specialize in anything else. The shop has faithful clients who have been coming there for years.

D)Muara Kuin is an unusual river market in Indonesia. With the sunrise people from local villages arrive here by boat with fresh fruit and vegetables. Buyers get to the market in the same way. Nobody goes on shore, all business is done from boats. If you wish to get a cup of tea, there are special motor boats selling drinks and cookies.

E)The city of Dongguan in China has the world's largest shopping mall. There are seven zones in it, which are designed to look like world's cities and regions. In no time you'll get fromParis to Amsterdam. Take a lift and it will take you from Europe to Canada. There's even a small river with boats, where you can relax and take a trip after shopping.

F)Hope and Greenwood is a sweet shop in London. It offers traditional British sweets. They were popular in the 50s and 70s. Now you can’t find them anywhere else, because chocolate factories use new modern recipes and ingredients. This shop offers a unique opportunity to try the desserts of the previous century.

G)Oxfam is a chain of shops all over the world, which sells very cheap things. Its aim is to attract shoppers by offering them many second-hand and donated things of good quality. Also anyone can come and bring the books or clothes they no longer need. Oxfam takes everything: from stamps to furniture.

1)Shop and travel

2)They don’t want to change anything

3)A shop for the rich

4)Shopping on water

5)Children's dreamland

6)Shopping alone

7)A taste from the past

8)Not new but good and cheap

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A)For intelligence, ravens rate up with chimpanzees and dolphins. These birds have the largest brain of any bird species. Ravens can push rocks on people to keep them from climbing to their nests and play dead to scare other ravens away from a delicious meal. If a raven knows another raven is watching, it hides its food. It pretends to put the food in one place but hides it in another.

B)It’s amazing to watch ravens sliding on snow-covered roofs. For entertainment, they also roll down snowy hills. Ravens often play keep-away with other animals like wolves, foxes and dogs. They even make toys—a rare animal behaviour—from sticks, pine cones, golf balls, or rocks to play with each other or by themselves. When they feel bored, they mock other creatures and find it very amusing.

C)According to surveys, the ravens are one of the main reasons why tourists come to see the Tower of London. Nobody knows when the ravens first appeared there but there is a belief that at least six ravens must always remain on the territory of the Tower. Otherwise, the British Monarchy may fall. To prevent the birds from flying away their wings are clipped every three weeks.

D)In the past, in some cultures, people were truly afraid of these dark birds. In Germany, ravens were considered to be the incarnation of criminals’ souls or sometimes Satan himself. In Sweden, ravens were thought to be the souls of murdered people. And in Denmark, people believed that it was dangerous to look at ravens because you could turn into a raven yourself.

E)Sometimes people find injured ravens and take them home but keeping a raven as a pet is really difficult. These birds require a lot of care, a lot of freedom, and a lot of time. Ravens are wild creatures, and are not pets in the same way as cats and dogs are. If the bird is strong and healthy, it is unfair and cruel to keep it in captivity. In some countries it’s even illegal. So if you really love and admire these birds, enjoy them from a distance!

F)Crows and ravens are often confused with each other because they are both black birds. Even people who are well aware of the differences between the two birds can get confused. You can tell them apart by their voice and differences in their behaviour. Ravens are larger than crows, with thicker beaks, and longer tails. Ravens have a deeper voice than crows.

G)Many poets and writers wrote about ravens in their works. Shakespeare refers to the raven more often than to any other bird. The raven Grip plays an important part in Charles Dickens' book Barnaby Rudge. Edgar Allan Poe presents the raven as a mystical messenger in his poem The Raven. The wise and sensible raven is also a popular figure in fairy tales.

1)The dark bird of evil

2)A prominent literary character

3)Fun lovers

4)Alike but different

5)The guardians of the country

6)Smart and cunning

7)Born to be free

8)Favourite diet

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A)How many rubbish bins do you have where you live? In our area there are about 6 of them, each bin for a different kind of rubbish. There are separate containers for glass, cans, paper, textiles, plastic bottles and food products. I'm sure it's really good because lots of things which we throw away can easily be recycled. It's time to start caring for our environment.

B)"Please, keep this place clean". This is often written on picnic sites and camping areas in forests. Do we follow the recommendation? We have fun and enjoy the views and then throw away unwanted food, glass, plastic bottles, cans, wrappers and paper. Is that your "thanks" to nature? Make your site or travel route look like nobody was there. Leave no sign of human influence.

C)Before people started destroying the rainforests, they covered 15% of the Earth's land area. Today, they cover only 6%. In just the last 50 years, one third of the tropical rainforests have been destroyed. If people don't stop, global warming will become more severe, rare ecosystems will be destroyed, we'll breathe polluted air and the climate will be changed forever.

D)In the first years of the 21st century there were lots of discoveries in the animal world. But in the past 10 years some animals have completely disappeared from earth. You can no longer see a golden toad, a baiji dolphin or a black rhino. It is frightening that today the process is going faster and faster. These days about 5000 animals could disappear at any time.

E)More than 100 million animals every year suffer and die from inhuman drug, food or cosmetic tests, biology lessons, medical training exercises and other experiments. It seems that we have no pity for them. Have you ever thought that we hurt them? If there isn’t testing on people there shouldn't be testing on animals either.

F)For my birthday this year I got an unusual and unexpected invitation from a friend to plant a tree. It was a thrilling experience. On the day of the event I chose a tree myself, got some professional advice and did the job. I have never felt such joy. I know my "personal" tree will be part of a small park in the district, a place of beauty for people of all ages to enjoy.

G)The Green School Awards are for quality in environmental education. You can enter the competition as a whole school, a class, a team or an individual. The main task is to make a report on any topic mentioned on our website. You can present it in any form: a scrapbook, a DVD, a website, and so on. Each winner will get a cheque for £700.

1)Why worry about trees?

2)Choose: what goes where?

3)Cruel business

4)Dead or endangered

5)A green society

6)Don’t leave rubbish behind!

7)A green present

8)Become green and get the prize!

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A)Everybody remembers what school smells and sounds like. It may seem unimportant but research results suggest that smells and sounds can influence learning ability and creativity. Some schools are now introducing noises, music and even smell into the classroom. The aim is to see which of these factors can improve students’ grades.

B)It’s obvious that the constant sounds of traffic, airports and police sirens are a part of a busy city. Numerous studies have focused on the combined effect of aircraft and road traffic sounds on reading ability and memory. It was found out that children from schools near big airports reported annoyance and showed less success at exams, which proves that the aircraft noise is the most harmful type of machinery noise.

C)The International Noise Awareness Day was started by the American Centre for Hearing and Communication in 1995. The aim of this day, which takes place every year in April, is to raise awareness among the people of the noise problem and the risks it makes. On that day people are asked to turn off noise sources such as TV sets and auto engines for a few hours and to enjoy the silence.

D)There is no one best colour, some are just better than others in different situations. The design of the classroom is very important, too. It should be nice and pleasant and help students to focus on learning – remember about it when you paint the walls! Generally, light blue and purple have a calming effect on learners. Warm tones like peach and light yellow provide a relaxing atmosphere that is good for learning too. However, most physiologists say that red, white, black and brown should be avoided in the classroom.

E)However, when students do tasks in groups or discuss something, noise is unavoidable. Sometimes the noise distracts other students. To prevent this, a traffic light system has been introduced. A large set of traffic lights, made of coloured paper, is placed in the classroom. When the noise is acceptable, the green light is on. When it gets too loud, the yellow light is put on. Changing to the red light means the end of activities or complete silence.

F)On the other hand, some noises stimulate creativity, but the sound should be neither too high nor too low. There was a special experiment held in an office. While working, the people were listening to different melodies, played at different levels. It was observed that the most original projects were created when the songs and compositions were played at a medium level. Low and high levels, on the other hand, damaged creativity.

G)According to Professor Shields, listening to classical or calm music helps creative learning. This conclusion is not really new. For a long time, teachers and coaches have been using quiet melodies to inspire their students and stimulate their imagination. This is particularly useful in art classes, where students learn to create pieces of art like pictures, sculptures and hand-made articles.

1)Some time without noise

2)Harmful background noise

3)Special effects for better results

4)A way to reduce noise pollution

5)Colours for the classroom

6)Music in the classroom

7)Music for relaxation

8)Different effects of music

Предварительный просмотр:

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A)The Native Americans were the first inhabitants of the Americas. They were the first environmentalists. To them, every part of the natural world, whether it was an animal, vegetable or mineral, had a spirit. American Indians viewed nature as a gift from the Gods, which should be treated with great respect at all times. They gratefully took food and clothes from nature, but they never exceeded the limits.

B)The Native Americans inhabited different regions of the country and there is no reliable evidence of where they come from. The Native Americans claim that they have lived there since the beginning of time. There is also an opinion that they migrated there in prehistoric times via the Bering Strait Land Bridge. Some researchers believe that they came from Siberia or Asia. All these are still only hypotheses.

C)When Christopher Columbus landed, he thought he had reached India and called all the native people Indians. The name, though it was wrong, stuck to the local people and has been used to the present day. In fact, there were lots of different independent tribes with their own distinct cultures and languages. But they all became known to common public as Indians

.D)The Pilgrims, who sought religious freedom and crossed the Atlantic in the Mayflower in 1620, were treated kindly by the Indian tribe in Massachusetts. The native inhabitants generously shared their knowledge with the newcomers. They showed the Pilgrims how to plant corn, beans, and pumpkins, and where to hunt and fish. In fact, the Indians were excellent fishermen and even invented a special canoe. A widely celebrated holiday of Thanksgiving still reminds us of this gesture of goodwill.

E)However, this harmonious relationship was short-lived. Native Americans had lived in isolation for centuries and they had no protection against such European diseases as smallpox, typhus and measles. Unfortunately, the newcomers introduced these diseases to them. For those in regular contact with European settlers, the effects were destructive: it is estimated that in some tribes up to 90% of Native Americans died during the first century of contact with the Europeans.

F)Then things moved from bad to worse. European settlers drove the Indians away from their lands as settlers moved westward. Treaties were often signed after Indian leaders were given alcohol. Whether through war or lies, the Native Americans' lands were systematically taken. Indians were forced to move to separate areas, known as Indian Reservations. Most of the lands were unsuitable for cultivation and didn't have any valuable resources.

G)Many visitors to the USA ask about how they can visit an Indian Reservation. They could hardly do it! Nowadays very few natives live in reservations or in the traditional dwellings of their ancestors. Most Indian families live in homes that are not very different from any other houses in the USA, and their lifestyle does not differ much from contemporary American lifestyle.

1)Like the others do

2)Unclear origin

3)Eco-friendly people

4)Keeping traditions

5)A warm welcome

6)Dishonest business

7)A long-lasting name mistake

8)A deadly misfortune

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A)The St. Petersburg Metro has been open since 1955 and carries almost 2.5 million passengers daily. Because of the river Neva and the city’s interesting relief, the Metro is one of the deepest subway systems in the world. The system’s deepest station, Admiralteyskaya, is 105 meters below ground because it is situated under the river.

B)The London Underground is the world's oldest underground system. It has lots of dark tunnels and passages where you can get lost. They say that some stations are visited by ghosts. On the Piccadilly Line there appears a man dressed in an evening suit. Some staff members have refused to work at the station because of him. They’re just too afraid.

C)In Paris no building is more than 500 meters away from a subway station. In the past theParis metro offered a choice between 1st and 2nd class tickets. A 1st class ticket was more expensive. There were no other differences between the two classes. The result was that the first class trains were just less crowded. The difference existed till 1991.

D)The Tokyo underground system is extremely clean and unusually modern. It’s also very punctual: trains are always on time. At rush hour the metro is always overcrowded. The Tokyosubway has about 8.7 million passengers every day. The carriages are always packed. There are even special platform assistants who push people inside so that the doors can close.

E)The Metro in Washington DC has its own police. At each station police officers patrol to see if there is any trouble or danger around. Eating, drinking and smoking is not permitted in trains or stations. Anyone who enters the underground may be asked to open their bags for inspection. All this is done to protect the passengers as the metro is usually quite crowded.

The Stockholm Metro is one of the most picturesque underground systems in the world. Artists, painters and sculptors have turned 90 subways into displays of their art. As a result the subways are decorated with pictures, frescos, and graffiti. For example, at one station there's a whole wall showing the history of different human civilizations.

G)The Dubai Metro is a well-planned automatic metro system in the United Arab Emirates. All trains and stations have air conditioning and are extremely clean. Every station has links with bus stops, taxi stands and places to lock bicycles. What's more, stations are like mini shopping centres, because there are food shops, travel offices, and even banks there.

1)Different prices for a trip

2)Natural conditions and engineering decisions

3)Facing underground horrors

4)Effective in spite of lots of passengers

5)Special safety rules

6)Everything for passengers’ comfort

7)The underground art gallery

8)The most expensive transport system

A)Alaska and Russia are less than 3 miles apart at their closest point in the Bering Strait. In winter, it is possible to walk across the ice from one country to the other. Alaskan and Russian natives on either side of the Bering Strait carry on active border trade and visit each other. Nowadays the University of Alaska has more Russian students than any other university in the United States.

B)The name of the largest American state comes from the Aleut language for ‘great land’. Native American people - Inuits, Yupik Inuits and Aleuts - have lived in Alaska for thousands of years. Life in Alaska has always been difficult, but they learned to adapt to the harsh climate. They lived by hunting seals, whales and bears and by fishing. They used sledge pulled by dogs to travel over the snow-covered land, and lived in igloos - houses made of snow.

C)The territory of Alaska was purchased from the Russians for $7.2 million (very cheaply). Alaska was considered to be a frozen wasteland and nobody could imagine that it would turn out to be one of the United States' richest resources for gold and oil. For many years the Americans called the buying of Alaska ‘Seward's Folly’, after Secretary of State William H. Seward, who arranged the purchase in 1867.

D)Most tourists expect to find the Alaskans still living in igloos and leading an isolated life on the snowy plain. To their surprise, the Alaskans’ daily life does not differ much from life in the central parts of the country. Most Alaskans live in modern homes, drive cars, watch TV, and shop in modern stores. Alaska’s communities have restaurants, theatres, museums, and modern health care facilities. The real life in Alaska is much less exotic than it is described in books and films.

E)The discovery of gold in 1896 started a huge Gold Rush that brought thousands of people to Alaska. All the adventurers wanted to make a fortune, but many died of cold and hunger on their way to the gold-field. And very few of those who survived managed to find the gold. The famous writer Jack London tried his chance in Alaska too, and many of his books were influenced by his personal experience.

F)The small Alaskan town of Gustavus is an interesting community. The town's 400 citizens are a mix of professional people - doctors, lawyers, former government workers and artists. For various reasons they decided to drop out of the stressful city life and live on their own in the middle of the woods. Electricity only arrived in the early 1980s and in some homes they still get water from a pump and make a fire to heat water to wash in.

G)Iditarod, one of Alaska’s most famous events, takes place in early March. It is the 1,100-mile sled dog race from Anchorage, the capital of Alaska, to Nome, a city on the coast of the Bering Sea. The race is very popular and the winners and their teams of dogs become local celebrities. Downhill and cross-country skiing as well as skijoring (when skiers are pulled by one or two dogs) are very popular in Alaska too.

1)Alaska in the past

2)Hopes seldom come true

3)Close neighbours

4)A mistaken opinion

5)Winter sporting activities

6)The deal of the century

7)Back to nature

8)Popular tourist routes

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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)With care for the environment

2)A favourable location

3)Medicine from birds

4)Annual events

5)Names to remember

6)Getting around the town

7)A historical building

8)A green town

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A)Iceland is a small country to the north-west of Europe close to the Arctic. It has a unique landscape with small lakes and fast rivers, volcanoes, snow and ice peaks. These striking panoramas exist in gorgeous harmony. The fact that the relief of the country is still developing makes Iceland a country of extraordinary nature and breathtaking views.

B)In spite of its hard northern climate, the island is very attractive to tourists. Many people who have visited the country once want to go there again and again. The country turns skeptics into poets and optimists. It’s not only because of the views but also because of the local people. Icelanders are friendly and hospitable and welcome guests. It really compensates for the cold harsh climate!

C)An adventurous traveller would never mistake Iceland’s scenery for any other because of the boiling water fountains and the steam coming from the earth. Smoking volcanoes attract the bravest tourists. Iceland is the only place in the world where you can hike up a volcano and even go inside. There are guided walks to the glaciers, large masses of slowly moving ice, too.

D)Icelandic weather is unpredictable throughout the year. Bright sunshine can easily change to cold and miserable weather within a few hours. In the summer, rain is typical in Iceland. From September to May, when the temperature falls, it often snows, especially on the south and west coasts.

E)Horses are widely used in Iceland for farming and for tourists. From the Viking Age they have become a part of Iceland’s culture. They look like My Little Pony toys but they are exceptionally strong, so they can do heavy work and survive cold winters. The horses are good-natured, which is perfect for new riders. Guesthouses and travel companies across the country offer horse rides and tours.

F)If you decide to visit Iceland, you’ll never regret your decision. The only thing that can spoil your trip is the weather. That’s why it’s very important to get a reliable weather forecast whatever season it is. If you wear appropriate clothes and have some smart heating devices, neither rain nor snow can ruin your trip.

G)Hengill, a place near Reykjavik, is a famous landmark of the country. It is a field of more than 7 thousand hot springs. The water from the springs is used to warm the houses and to fill the open pools in the capital of Iceland. The water comes from below the earth where the temperature is about seven thousand degrees.

1)Local customs and traditions

2)All sorts of landscapes

3)A cold but nice place

4)Advice for tourists

5)Iceland’s climate

6)Ice and fire

7)A natural central heating system

8)Good for work and entertainment

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A)The Merlin Entertainments London Eye is usually called the London Eye. It is the tallest observation wheel in Europe and it was opened on 31st December, 1999. The designers originally planned it to be a part of the great celebration for the coming of the year 2000. Since then it has been a great tourist attraction - more than three million people visit it every year.

B)It took more than a year and a half to complete the wheel. Over 1700 tonnes of metal were used in the structure. Several countries contributed to the project. The egg-shaped capsules, which can take up to 25 passengers, were transported from France by train across the English Channel. The central part of the wheel was made in the Czech Republic.

C)The London Eye is situated on the South Bank of the River Thames in London. It lies between Westminster Bridge and Hungerford Bridge, in the very heart of the city. The passengers have a fantastic view over London. They can clearly see many famous landmarks like Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament.

D)The London Eye was designed by two architects, David Marks and Julia Barfield, husband and wife. They took part in a competition for the best millennium landmark and suggested the idea of a large observation wheel. Actually, none of the participants won the competition, but the couple managed to get the financial support of British Airways, that sponsored the construction.

E)The observation wheel turns rather slowly. The London Eye is perfect for families with children. Parents can even bring babies on board as the capsule is completely enclosed. The wheel does not usually stop to take on new passengers - the slow motion allows passengers to walk on and off the capsules at ground level. Even elderly tourists find the wheel comfortable.

F)Since 2005, the London Eye has been the main location for New Year celebrations and impressive firework displays. Every coming year is marked by a 10-minute firework show, welcomed by Londoners. Fireworks can also be fired from the wheel itself. Additionally, since 2006, the London Eye has been lit by thousands of lamps, which have made night trips on the wheel extremely popular.

G)The growing popularity of the London Eye makes tourists line up for tickets. In 2009, the owners of the attraction suggested new features, which were included in the price of the tickets. They introduced a new ticket hall where people can watch a 4D film before they get on the wheel.

1)A landmark for the new millennium

2)Extra entertainment

3)An international project

4)Safety rules on the wheel

5)A family project

6)Lighting up the night

7)A favourable location

8)Appropriate for all ages

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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. It seems 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)Popular route

2)The secret of the old rocks

3)City of contrasts

4)Escape the heat

5)Common roots

6)Wildlife holidays

7)Holy waters

8)Movie magic

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A)You can enjoy pasta on any budget, and you can have a different and delicious low-cost meal every day of the week. Just serve it with a different sauce. It’s easy to make a healthy meal in minutes that will satisfy your whole family. Pasta tastes good and it's healthy. It also has a long shelf life, so you can keep it in the kitchen cupboard until you need to cook a meal.

B)It's rather difficult to find out where pasta comes from. Archeologists believe that cooking noodles was already quite a common practice in Arabic countries in the 5th century AD. At the same time, the Chinese were also making a noodle-like food. The way it reached Europe is still a mystery, though there are many theories – some believe that travelling Arabs from Central Asia were responsible for bringing early forms of pasta to the West.

C)Despite its reputation, pasta is a low-calorie dish which is good for you. With only 200 calories per cup and a gram of fat, it is perfect even for those on a strict diet. Pasta is naturally packed with vitamins and necessary minerals so it is heart-healthy as well. Pasta may help people to control their blood sugar and weight so it is recommended as part of a well-balanced diet.

D)It seems that pasta was first introduced to Italy in the eighth century. Its ‘home’ was the southern island of Sicily. Prior to its wide use in the 13th century, pasta was considered to be a luxury product in Italy. The reason was that it took a lot of time to make it as all the work was done by hand. By 1400, pasta was sold in shops, but at night a guard was kept to protect the high-priced goods.

E)Only in the 16th century did pasta become popular and affordable to all classes of people. In the city of Naples a machine was made that allowed huge quantities of pasta to be produced. It turned pasta into a cheap food. The number of pasta shops in Naples grew to three hundred. From Naples pasta began to conquer the rest of the country.

F)By the 17th century, machine-made pasta had become part of the daily meal among both rich and poor. Pasta was sold as street food by people called maccaronaros, who cooked it over an open fire. It was eaten on the spot with bare hands, with no sauce. The wealthy, who did not eat with their hands, preferred fresh pasta with cheeses and meat. With the introduction of the fork, pasta began to be served at special occasions all over Italy.

G)When most people talk about pasta, they usually think of Italy and its cooking traditions. The country and its dish have become synonymous. When Italians immigrated to different countries all over the world, they took their pasta with them to each area that they inhabited along with other customs and habits and thus pasta has become the world's favourite food.

1)A convenient food

2)Good for health

3)Part of culture

4)Unclear origins

5)Pasta ingredients

6)A useful invention

7)Classless food

8)An expensive food

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A)Recent research shows that lots of teenagers are suffering from lack of sleep which is causing problems with their behaviour and learning. As a result schools have introduced a new lesson where students are given more of an idea of the importance of sleep. According to medical data, they should get at least nine hours' sleep a night. Young people should realise that sleep is very important if they want to do well at school and enjoy life.

B)It’s common knowledge that people sleep best in a dark room that is slightly cool. It's important to close your blinds or curtains and make sure they're heavy enough to block out the light. You can add extra blankets or wear pyjamas if you're cold. Note that an uncomfortable bed, heat and noise can ruin a good night's sleep. A TV is also a distraction.

C)If you don’t sleep enough or have a disturbed sleep you can get heart disease, high blood pressure and even diabetes. People who don't sleep enough get colds and flu more often than those who do. Moreover, recent research proves that poor sleepers gain weight more easily than people who sleep well. Extra kilos are the reaction of the body to the stressful sleepless situation.

D)Think twice before watching a movie late at night. Don’t spend sleeping time on endless computer games. The thing is that by getting up and going to bed at the same time every day, even on weekends, you teach your body to follow a healthy regime. You'll quickly fall asleep, will have a good night’s sleep and will wake up at the expected time feeling fresh and active.

E)Some easy steps can prepare your body for going to sleep. You probably have some regular bedtime habits, even if you don’t realise it. Brushing your teeth, taking a shower, reading a book and setting your alarm clock may all be part of your evening routine. Remember that you should perform these activities in the same manner and in the same order every night.

F)Sleepless nights at exam time are very bad for students. If you prepare for your exam late at night, it will not improve your performance during the exam. On the contrary, it will affect your ability to concentrate, to react quickly and to analyse information. Recent research shows that the results of the tests written after sleepless nights are lower than usual grades.

G)If you think that during sleep, the brain rests, you're mistaken. It's a common myth about sleep. Sleep is definitely needed – but it's not your brain that needs to rest, it's your body that needs to relax. Your brain is still working when you're asleep, controlling physical functions like breathing and your heart beat. However, because the brain does not have to go through the constant stress of thinking, you get up refreshed and recharged.

1)Our never sleeping part

2)Influence on academic results

3)Advantages of bedtime routine

4)Good sleeping conditions

5)Pre-sleep activities

6)Sleeping classes

7)A negative effect on health

8)The mechanism of dreaming

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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 cafés 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)Exploring wildlife

2)Active pastimes

3)The land of sun and beauty

4)Mind the strong wind

5)The symbols of Florida

6)Entertainment for children

7)Life on a beach

8)A family holiday resort

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A)The first Starbucks opened in Seattle, Washington, 1971. Three friends, who all had a passion for fresh coffee, opened a small shop. They began buying and selling fine coffee, for which people travelled from all over the country. It wasn’t a café at that time. It was a shop selling coffee and special coffee equipment.

B)In 1981 Howard Schultz joined the Starbucks company and became its leading manager. He once went to Italy and was impressed by the coffee culture he found there: people were sitting in beautiful cafés enjoying their cups of coffee for hours. What he saw made him think about Starbucks as a café. He decided to turn the Starbucks shops into fashionable and romantic coffee bars.

C)Mornings are always good when they include a healthy breakfast. But eggs, bacon, porridge, bread – who has the time to cook? Fortunately, Starbucks can solve this problem. The coffee shop offers delicious breakfast sandwiches and cakes with your morning coffee. You can choose from 8 varieties on the menu. It will really be a good morning!

D)Starbucks today is working hard to develop their recycling program. Their cups are made partially from recycled paper. More and more Starbucks cafes today serve drinks in china cups. What's more, the company encourages people to bring their own cups and mugs for coffee. If there are fewer paper cups used, it will help keep our forests alive.

E)Starbucks coffee is grown and bought from three different regions around the world. One group comes from Asia, the second from Africa and the final one from Latin America. All in all, the company buys its coffee from 24 countries. Each kind of coffee has its own special taste and aroma which you can try and enjoy at any Starbucks café.

F)If you want to bring a piece of Starbucks home, why not buy one of their special cups or mugs? You can choose from a classic white coffee mug or a mug from a limited collection or a mug with the seasonal design. For those who are ready to show their love for Starbucks, there are caps and T-shirts and even scarves. You can find all of these in almost every coffee shop.

G)"MyStarbucksIdea.com" is the first social website from Starbucks. In this way the company hopes to be closer to those who buy their coffee. They want to know their views and opinions about the prices, the service and the quality of the coffee. Anyone can enter the site, make a comment or suggest something. These ideas will help Starbucks to improve.

1)A reason for change

2)Souvenirs for coffee-lovers

3)Setting up the business

4)A traditional taste

5)A perfect start to the day

6)The sources of the coffee beans

7)Nature friendly company

8)Clients’ voices are heard

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A)The Houses of Parliament are actually divided into two parts. The House of Commons is where the elected Members of Parliament meet to debate issues and agree on changes to the law. The House of Lords is the second debating chamber. Its members are mostly people who have been awarded a title in recognition of their work for the country. Their role is to examine proposals raised by the Commons.

B)Many people think that Big Ben is the Clock Tower on the side of the Houses of Parliament. This is wrong! Big Ben is actually the nickname of the big bell inside the Tower. It was named after Sir Benjamin Hall, First Commissioner for Works, whose name is written on the bell. Recently the official name of the Clock Tower was changed to the Elizabeth Tower. The Tower was renamed in June 2012 in honour of the Queen's Jubilee.

C)Each year, the Queen opens a new parliament session in a ceremony known as the State Opening of Parliament. The ceremony takes place in the House of Lords, where Members of the House of Commons are invited too. According to the rules, neither kings nor queens can enter the House of Commons. This rule has been strictly observed since 1642 when King Charles I tried to arrest five of the House of Commons members.

D)In England, Guy Fawkes Night is celebrated with fireworks and huge bonfires. It reminds us about the date of November 5th, 1605, when a group of conspirators tried to blow up the king during the State Opening of Parliament. They were out of luck and one of the conspirators, Guy Fawkes, was caught with barrels of gunpowder. Strangely enough, the tragic incident started the long-lasting fireworks tradition.

E)Both UK residents and tourists can enter the Houses of Parliament for free and watch Members of Parliament debating. The best time to watch a debate in the House of Commons is on a Wednesday lunchtime. This is when the Prime Minister meets with the Members of Parliament. The atmosphere is usually nervous, especially when the Leader of the Opposition starts asking his six tricky questions. And this is what the tourists enjoy most.

F)The State Opening of Parliament is the most important ceremony of the year. The Queen comes to Parliament to open the new session. Before her arrival, a special ritual is held - the Queen's Body Guard searches the basement beneath the Houses of Parliament with an old candle-lantern. This has been done every year since 1605 when a group of conspirators wanted to blow up the King.

G)In the House of Commons there are two opposite rows of benches: for the government and for the opposition. In front of the benches, there is a stripe on the carpet. When a member speaking in the House puts his foot beyond that stripe, there is a shout “Order!” This dates from the time when the members had swords and the discussions often grew into fights.

1)Different houses - different responsibilities

2)Historic names

3)Don’t cross the line

4)Parliamentary holidays

5)No entry

6)Criminal roots of the special day

7)Royal security tradition

8)A show worth seeing

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A)Many cities in the United States hold marathons. The city of Chicago, Illinois, has its marathon once a year. The running area in Chicago is almost absolutely flat. The scenery is amazingly beautiful. This fact has helped some runners set some of the world’s fastest times there. Many of them hope to go back again.

B)Some people know that they have no chance of winning but they participate anyway. They are not officially registered for the race - they just start running with the crowd. These runners are called “bandits.” Many of them finish the race hours after the serious runners but they are happy to cross the finish line anyway.

C)An important battle took place in Marathon in Greece more than two thousand years ago.Greece’s army won the battle. A Greek runner was sent to Athens to announce the victory. The man ran for about 40 km at top speed. He announced his message. Then he fell to the ground and died. In memory of the great runner a marathon was included in the Olympic Games.

D)Recently, a British writer and journalist, Mario Roter, ran in a marathon. He thought it would be fun to write an article about what people felt during the race. Later he said that running forty-two kilometers was no fun. Many people agree that there is no pleasure in running a marathon, but afterwards it feels great to know that you have done it.

E)People usually start training for a marathon in early spring. They run often and gradually increase the length of their runs from eight to twelve and even to twenty kilometers. At this point it is necessary to build up the needed strength. In the months before the race, the average participant runs a total of more than eight hundred kilometers.

F)Usually there are lots of runners. The line of people stretches back hundreds of meters. As the winners are awarded prize money it is important to avoid cheating. In order to track all the participants, special chips are used. When the participants register for the marathon, they get their identification number and computer chips. The chips are activated at the start of the race and keep time.

G)A marathon is usually a big public event. In the city where the marathon is held hundreds of people give their time and effort to make the race possible. The city police block traffic on the main roads. Some runners thank the officers as they run by. Every few kilometers there are volunteers who offer water to the runners. Lots of people cheer.

1)Who supports the runners?

2)How it started

3)How to be sure of the winners

4)What to wear for a marathon

5)What it is like to run a marathon

6)How to get ready for a marathon

7)Who runs just for fun?

8)Can the landscape help?

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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 centre 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. Any 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 riverThames, on which the city was started. So, most scientists think that London is a “village on the wide 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 inOxford 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)A holiday tradition

2)All kinds of entertainment

3)It’s a must for any tourist

4)Going back in history

5)A city of contrasts

6)The name meaning

7)The green spots

8)Not for everyone

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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 Londonin 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!

1)A magic journey

2)Freedom of choice

3)A trip around the world

4)An unusual means of transport

5)A family weekend

6)Ideal for beginners

7)An all inclusive trip

8)Across the continent

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A)More than five thousand bicycles have recently appeared in London. They are available for everyone who wants to ride easily in the centre of the British capital. To take a bike, you need to be registered and get a special key. The system was planned as an addition to the city public transport. The City Council expects people to travel short distances by bike instead of going by bus or car.

B)The first half an hour’s ride is free. An hour’s journey costs a pound. To travel twenty four hours on the same bike will cost you about fifty pounds. On the other hand, it is possible to change your bike every half an hour at one of the three hundred parking stations and ride for free!

C)Before the system had started working, more than eleven thousand Londoners registered for new bikes. The company ‘Transport for London’ announced that they would be testing the system for four weeks. This time was needed to correct any technical difficulties and receive people’s comments. According to a representative of the company, four weeks would be enough to understand how the system worked.

D)The bicycle is an ecologically-friendly means of transport because unlike cars and buses it does not pollute the air. Nevertheless, some members of the Green Party in London spoke against the new system. They called it inconvenient because the bicycles have no locks and big baskets. They also suggested introducing a fixed hire tariff and travel tickets for needy families.

E)The first bicycle public transport system was introduced in Copenhagen in the 1990s. At present, there are similar schemes in a number of cities in Europe and North America. In 2007, the same project was realized in Paris. It still works very successfully, with over twenty thousand bicycles running around the capital of France. The bicycles carry commercial advertisements and can be used for free.

F)Cycling is getting popular not only in countries like the Netherlands or Denmark, where people are traditionally keen on this sport. According to statistics, in 2012 the Italians bought more bicycles than cars. In the same year Spain suggested a plan for a 10-kilometre ‘green zone’ for bicycles in Madrid.

G)In spite of their effectiveness and ease of use, riding a bicycle can be dangerous. So cyclists are strongly recommended to wear helmets and bright clothes during the day and reflective clothes at night. They must not use mobile phones or earphones and they should always ride with their hands on the handlebars. All the cyclists must ride in the same direction as other traffic, stop at all stop signs and obey traffic lights just as cars do.

1)Safety issues

2)A growing number

3)Mountain biking

4)Price list

5)Transport for hire

6)A month to check

7)World popularity

8)Some improvement needed

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A)Almost 2,000 years ago, the army of Ancient Rome landed on the coast of Britain and headed north. Soon they came to a wide, deep river. The army could neither walk across it nor find an alternative route. The only solution was building a bridge. The Romans found a place where the river was relatively narrow and built a bridge. Then they founded a settlement, which they called Londinium. Today it is known as London.

B)The Romans soon discovered that Londinium was an ideal site for a port. Their bridge prevented large ships from going up the river, so all trading ships had to stop and unload at Londinium. It made Londinium an important trading centre and stimulated the growth and development of the city.

C)The first London bridge over the Thames was built of wood – and then rebuilt time and time again. Later, a stone bridge was constructed. By the 1350s there were nearly 200 houses and shops on top of the bridge, and the road across it was very narrow. It was very difficult for carriages, horses and people to move across the bridge. They often couldn’t pass one another and had to spend hours on the bridge.

D)When the Thames flooded, it covered London with water. After a bad flood in 1953, people began to look for a way to control the river. In 1982 the Thames Barrier was opened. When its gates are raised, they form a steel wall more than half a kilometre long across the Thames. It prevents flood water from reaching London. More than 90 times, the Thames Barrier has saved the capital from flooding.

E)Nowadays, Tower Bridge is one of the most famous bridges in the world. The walkway between the two bridge towers provides a perfect sightseeing platform to enjoy a magnificent view over London. Inside the towers there is an exhibition, which tells the history of the bridge via photos, films, and other media. Tower Bridge also performs its original function of providing a road across the River Thames.

F)In Britain, swans have privileged status. Since the 1100s, all unmarked swans on any public lakes or rivers in the country have belonged to the Crown. The swans on the River Thames are called Mute Swans. They have a bright orange beak with a black spot on the top. Every July, a special ceremony called “Swan Upping” takes place on the Thames at Windsor. All the swans are caught and their markings are checked and recorded.

G)Nowadays, the River Thames is the cleanest river in the world that flows through a big city. This is a great achievement because only fifty years ago the river was so dirty and poisoned that it was declared biologically dead. Special plants to clean the water were built in the 1950s. Soon, special laws were issued to stop factories letting their dirty water go into the river. Strict government measures have saved the river.

1)The birthplace of the city

2)Multifunctional construction

3)The first traffic jams

4)A perfect location

5)Safety gates

6)Defeating pollution

7)Navigation season

8)The royal birds

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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)The scientific explanation

2)The real shape

3)A lucky sign

4)Some tips

5)Places without rainbows

6)A personal vision

7)A bridge between worlds

8)Impossible to catch

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A)A strawberry is a small fleshy red fruit used in desserts or eaten on its own. It is usually sold in small baskets known as punnets. Strawberries contain no fat and are very low on calories. They are a rich source of vitamin B6, vitamin C, and others. The United States is the top strawberry producing country in the world, followed by Spain. The typical modern strawberry is a hybrid from both North and South America.

B)Strawberries taste great with just about anything and they make a great snack on their own. The berry was known from the late middle ages but was not very popular then. People say that the name of the fruit comes from the way it was sold. Popular legend is that long time ago in London strawberries were very cheap. Children from London and other towns picked the berry themselves and then tied onto pieces of straw to sell in the town markets yelling “straws of berries” to get attention.

C)There are many strawberry festivals held around the world in celebration of strawberry season. Each strawberry festival is unique, but some of the common elements are often a youth show, carnival rides, a sell of homemade goods, musical performances, art contests, and baking competitions. You'll probably have the chance to buy fresh strawberries or strawberry pies. Most strawberry festivals charge a small entrance fee, but it is well worth it to experience strawberry related fun for an entire weekend.

D)North American native people called strawberries as berry of the heart and ate strawberries as a favored dessert. White settlers who came into contact with native people liked the berry. Then one doctor prescribed a diet of only strawberries believing that rheumatic illness could be cured if strawberries were eaten every day. According to his observations the leaves of the strawberry could be used in tea and would help to lose weight as well.

E)Whether you eat strawberries as juice, jam, or mix it with a cake, it has the same delicious taste. It is not just delicious, but also good for our health and appearance. The berries are widely used in cosmetics. During the late 20th century strawberry flavored beauty products have become very popular. There appeared many products such as facial cleansers, shampoos, soaps, and others.

1)Food and medicine

2)A berry of beauty

3)Name meaning

4)Strawberry events

5)Strawberry recipe

6)Strawberry brief facts

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A)Tourism has become a popular activity. Indeed, nowadays people travel more, and further, than they used to. The main reasons for tourism are: recreation, leisure and business. When travelling for recreation, people want to escape their stressful daily routine and to relax. Beach holidays are an example of leisure tourism. Business trips involve going to some distant place in order to settle business issues.

B)When people travel, they broaden their horizons. Whether on a business trip or on a honeymoon, people want to explore the place they are in. They go on excursions, try new activities like diving or mountain climbing, learn about the historical background of the place, and buy souvenirs to remind them of the local cultural peculiarities. Sometimes they find out amazing facts about people and places, and about themselves, too!

C)Trips can be spontaneous or well-planned, but before any planning is done, you need to decide where you want to go. Lots of people prefer places where they can enjoy the sea and the sun, that’s why tourism in countries like Turkey, Thailand, Bali, Cyprus is quite a profitable industry. People who like winter leisure activities go to ski resorts in France, Austria, Iceland, Serbia and so on.

D)A new branch of tourism is ecotourism. It involves visiting relatively untouched places in remote areas. Ecotourism is often misinterpreted as any form of tourism involving wildlife - but it’s completely different from jungle tourism or safari. Eco-tourists are against disturbing the environment; even taking photos is not recommended. Take only memories and leave only footprints is a very popular slogan for them.

E)By educational tourism, most people mean different versions of Learn and Travel Programmes for students. But it’s not only for the young and brave. Lots of training and educational programmes for adults are offered in different corners of the world. Retired people participate in these programmes too. They gladly enroll on overseas courses ranging from gardening and design to computer skills and programming.

F)With all the benefits of travelling, it’s still a very expensive activity and may not fit every budget. To reduce the costs, avoid travelling in high season when flight tickets, hotels, food and excursions are overpriced. Remember that, as well as the well-known, popular, and therefore most expensive, destinations, there are less prestigious but even more interesting places. When planning a trip, find out about low-cost airlines, discounts and special offers.

G)If possible, consider means of transport other than the plane. Rapidly increasing numbers of flights have put the environment in danger. Planes pollute the air, which results in global warming. In fact, tourism is not harmless fun as many may think: new airports and tourist infrastructure, pollution, and crowds of noisy tourists make wild animals migrate, which may decrease their population or even make them extinct.

1)Extreme tourism

2)A way to get to know the world

3)Different types of tourism

4)For all ages and interests

5)The negative impact of tourism

6)The most popular destinations

7)Travelling tips

8)Nature-friendly tourism

A)For as long as humans have existed there has been a need to keep in touch and to transfer important information between people in different places. Before the invention of writing, oral messages were carried from one person to another between towns. Writing made it much easier to send longer messages; however, it was still difficult to make sure that your message got to the right place.

B)It was used by the Roman officials to transfer information throughout the Empire. Staging posts and a system with horses and carriages meant that messages could move quickly, by using many riders instead of one. It was very important for business and military reasons that good communication system existed. However, the Romans were not the first to realize this. The Chinese and Persian empires used systems of horses and riders more than 500 years before the Romans.

C)Before the invention of the postage stamps, letters were “franked”. It was marked on the letter that delivery had been paid for. This could have been either written or stamped. A post-mark was also stamped on the letter. Invented in 1660 in England, this was a mark that showed where and when the letter had been posted. It was used to see how long it took to deliver the letter – to make sure the service was reliable.

D)It is the humorous term used by e-mail users for the old-fashioned letters-in-envelopes postal system. It means that such letters travel very slowly, which actually is rather unfair. In Britain you can send letters first or second class; the first class ones normally get to their destination, anywhere in the country, the next morning. The postal service is called the Royal mail, and all the British stamps have the head of the Queen.

E)They were invented in Great Britain. It was a British man called Rowland Hill who proposed a stamp to be stuck on the letter to identify that postage had been paid. The first stamp was issued in 1840. It was called the Penny Black and the profile of Queen Victoria’s head was depicted there. The stamp cost 1 pence and was darkly coloured. About 65 million Penny Blacks were issued, and nowadays it is not a very rare stamp.

1)Why did people start the postal service?

2)What is snail mail?

3)Where did the first delivery system appear?

4)What are the advantages of e-mail?

5)What was the first stamp like?

6)How were the letters paid for?

A)English is basically a Germanic language with a lot of Latin words in it. In simple terms, that means that the grammar and many of the most frequent words are Germanic, and the more formal or technical vocabulary is Latinate. The linguistic mixture is a result of historical events. But the simple historical facts appear not to explain everything about the development of the language. One interesting question is why the British did not learn Latin from the Romans.

B)It came as a surprise to many people when a survey showed that 172 languages were spoken by children in London schools: Chinese, Turkish, Italian, Spanish, Punjabi and others. Some of these, like the West African language Ga, only have a couple of speakers. But others, like Punjabi, are quite significant linguistic community, with their own radio programmes and newspapers, and classes for children – to ensure that they don’t forget the language of their grandparents.

C)A nasty shock awaits many visitors to Britain. Imagine you have learnt English for years, you can read newspapers and you have no problem following the television, but when you go into a shop in Newcastle you can’t understand a word they are saying. It is the accent, mostly the vowels, which gives the visitor a problem in the shop. Some accents are so strong that they present problems for British people, too. Intonation patterns also differ between regions.

D)Billions of people speak English, two-thirds of the planet’s scientists write in English, and over 80% of the world’s electronic information is stored in English. But not all the British are really self-satisfied about the status of their language. But they are quite well aware that today it is out of their hands: the reasons for the popularity of English are either lost in history, or something to do with the superpower on the other side of the Atlantic.

E)Let’s look at the speech of young people in Britain. Here we can find several interesting developments. One is a spread of a light London accent over much of the country. Another is an openness, through the media, to American and Australian influences. The Australian effect is quite recent, and the results from the huge popularity of Australian TV soap operas. It is the phrases, idioms and grammatical forms which are catching.

1)Languages spoken in Britain

2)The origin of English

3)Modern language tendencies

4)Regional varieties of English

5)English in Australia

6)Global English

A)The early history of Canada is a story of fish and fur. But after the World War II, Canada began to develop its own industries, such as producing cars and airoplanes. Today, Canada is the largest producer of nickel. It supplies the world with iron and copper as well as wood, paper, oil, gold and silver. Canada now has moved swiftly with research and development in fibre optics and communications.

B)Canada has a reputation for being a mosaic of world cultures. About 40% of Canadians are of British origin. French descendants of the French adventurers live in Quebec. The French language they speak is unique. Words, grammar and even pronunciation still have connections with seventeenth-century French. Canada's third-largest ethnic group is German. Then come Italians, Ukrainians, Dutch, Greeks and Polish. Toronto, the centre for international immigration, is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world.

C)With so much winter and snow, it is not surprising that Canadians are good at winter sports. Ice hockey (simply called hockey) is a national pastime and it is so popular that it is more of a religion than a sport. This is especially true in Quebec, home of the Monreal Canadiens, one of the most successful professional sports teams anywhere. Other popular spectator sports include curling and football. The official national summer sport is lacrosse.

D)Canada's two official languages are English and French. They are the mother tongue of 60% and 23% of the population respectively. You can notice the both languages on highway signs, maps, tourists' leaflets and all types of packaging. Canadian English contains elements of British English and American English in its vocabulary. The five most widely-spoken non-official languages are Chinese, Punjubi, Spanish, Italian and Arabic.

E)The school summer vacations are from the end of June to the early September. On the first Monday of September the Canadians have Labour Day. Originally, it was an occasion to celebrate workers' rights. Nowadays this holiday is, first of all, an opportunity to spend time in the countryside, or have picnics or other outdoor activities with family and friends. For students, the Labour Day is the last chance to have a party before the new academic year.

1)Education

2)Economy

3)Population

4)Sport

5)Language

6)Leisure Holiday

A)Lars Magnus Ericsson, was the first man who had a telephone in his car. When he saw a place where he could get to phone lines, he connected to them with a pair of long electric wires. Then in Russia two Soviet engineers successfully tested a mobile phone installed in a car. It could connect to a local telephone network within 20 kilometers. A year later, two engineers from Europe tried to use antenna in the phone.

B)The company of mobile phones in Finland started to sell their products in 1970. There were several types of phones: 2G and later 3G. Third-generation phones are now used everywhere in the world. They are small, flat and very comfortable to use. Some people say that the only problem with the new phones is to remember all the functions. The mobile phone is often called the Seventh of the Mass Media (with Print, Recordings, Cinema, Radio, TV and Internet the first six).

C)In many countries, most adults and many children now have mobile phones. Mobile phones are used for a variety of purposes, including keeping in touch with the family, running business, and for emergency calls. Children and adults often play mobile phone games or use the phone as an audio player. In Japan, phone companies provide immediate notice of earthquakes and other natural disasters to their customers free of charge. In the event of an emergency, disaster response crews can find injured people using the signals from their mobile phones.

D)Today’s mobile phones do more than just offer voice, email, Web and music services. They are stylish accessories, too. Cool design has always played a great role in digital business. People, young people especially, use the phone to express their self. Just like clothes, phones can carry a message of sports lifestyle, luxury, adventure or romance. Mobile phone companies introduce their new collections every season and it’s rather difficult to keep up with today’s mobiles.

E)Mobile phones have increased greatly in the world. Some people carry more than one mobile phone for different purposes, such as for business and personal use. The mobiles are to be seen absolutely everywhere – in schools, restaurants, theatres and even churches. They ring during lectures, meetings and in classical music concerts. In recent survey, 62 % of people said that the most irritating thing in their lives was mobile phones on the train!

1)Early mobile phones

2)Annoying mobiles

3)Expensive mobiles

4)Fashionable mobiles

5)Multifunctional mobiles

6)Modern mobile phones

A)The United States is the second largest country in North America after Canada. It is washed by the Atlantic Ocean in the east, by the Pacific Ocean in the west and by the Gulf of Mexico in the south. The country is so big that there are four standard time zones. It also possesses many islands in the Pacific Ocean and Puerto Rica and the Virgin Islands in the Atlantic. The USA has the third largest population in the world (after China and India).

B)The American Dream, the hope for a better life in a new country, has attracted people from all over the world. Most of them leave their homeland because they are poor and have few opportunities. Some are forced to leave because of famines and civil war; others come for religious freedom. There are nearly 250 million people living in the USA. 10% are Spanish-speaking people than people of Asian and Pacific Island origin.

C)Each September, more than fifty million students between the ages of five and seventeen start the new school year. Students attend classes for an average of five hours a day, five days a week, and they have homework assignments to complete after school and on weekend. Many students sign up for after-school programs at their school or nearby. Sports are very popular. There are children’s baseball, soccer, football, and basketball teams in almost every school. 41% of high school graduates go to college.

D)This day celebrates Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas in 1492. As Columbus was Italian, working for Spain, Columbus Day is especially important for many Italian-Americans and Hispanic-Americans. Since 1971, the holiday has been commemorated in the U.S. on the second Monday in October. Officially, the people of the USA are invited to celebrate the anniversary of the discovery of their country with church services and other activities. In some towns and cities, special church services, parades and large events are held.

E)Most Americans enjoy sports – both playing sports themselves and watching their favourite teams and competitions. Children are encouraged to participate in sports at an early age. The rivalry between high schools and colleges in sporting events goes right through the school year from football in September to track and field in June. Sports are important in college. Students who show talent in a sport like tennis, track and field, swimming, football, or basketball can apply for sports scholarships.

1)Geography

2)Famous people

3)Population

4)Education

5)Sports

6)Holidays

A)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. Nowadays pumpkins have come to symbolize not only the lovely color of the autumn but the spirit of the season as well. A sizable number of movies were made with pumpkin and Halloween themes. Most memorable, perhaps, is the pumpkin carriage in Cinderella.

B)Pumpkins are believed to have originated in North America. Native American Indians ate pumpkins centuries before the Europeans landed. Seeds from related plants have been found in Mexico dating back to 7000 to 5500 B.C. References to pumpkins date back many centuries. 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, of course, Halloween. At almost every Thanksgiving table is the customary 'Pumpkin Pie'. Pumpkins are carved into decorated lanterns for Halloween. Pumpkin is one of the important symbols of the harvest festival and has been an American-favourite for over 400 years now. A lot of autumn festivals are dedicated to the pumpkin. Farmers from all over the US compete to determine who has grown the heaviest pumpkin.

D)In the USA, pumpkin is a very popular Thanksgiving dish. It is not sure whether pumpkin was one of the dishes in the first thanksgiving dinner. But they were, however, a part of all traditional meals long before the arrival of the first 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 has been very important for centuries. It 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)Name meaning

2)Pumpkin brief facts

3)Cooking with pumpkin

4)Activities involving pumpkin

5)Pumpkin’s recipes

6)Pumpkin’s magical popularity

A)The island of Ireland is bounded to the north and west by the Atlantic Ocean, the east coast is washed by the Irish Sea. The western landscape mostly consists of cliffs, hills and mountains. The country's interior is relatively flat, traversed by rivers such as the River Shanon and numerous lakes. Agriculture and food is an important industry in Ireland, with about 64% of the total land area used for agriculture. The main cities are Dublin, Cork and Limerick.

B)Ireland has always been an agricultural country. It is almost self-sufficient in food and a major exporter. High technology industries have now made Ireland into Europe's largest (and the world second largest) exporter of computer software. American companies like Apple and Intel have invested heavily in Irish computer factories. The secret of Ireland's success is a young and highly educated population, who speak English. Now Dublin, the capital of the country, is an important world financial centre.

C)Saint Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and his day is celebrated on the 17th March with parades, "wearing of the green," music and songs, Irish food and drink, and activities for kids such as crafts, coloring and games. It's a time for fun. On that day almost every town has a parade of bands and floats. Some floats depict scenes from Irish history, others advertise products. The largest parade is held in Dublin.

D)The Celts were the first known inhabitants of the island. They gave the Irish the basis of their language and culture. Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is said to have brought Christianity to the Celts. Later, the Vikings arrived from Scandinavia and founded Ireland's two main cities, Dublin and Cork. At the beginning of the seventeenth century the British started an invasion on Ireland. They imposed their language and laws.

E)It was imposed on the people of Ireland, yet it has produced some of the most imaginative writers of English literature. This creativity goes back the Gaelic poetry of the Celts. Irish is still the official language of Ireland, but the great majority of people speak English. Most television programmes are in English too. As a result of immigration, Polish is one of the most widely spoken languages in Ireland after English and Irish.

1)Pages of History

2)A national holiday

3)Languages

4)Cities and towns

5)Geography

6)Economy

A)Chiswick School is a secondary school in London. It has about 1.250 pupils between the ages of 11 and 19. Like in most British schools, all the pupils study the same subjects in the first three years. Then they work for their GCSE exams – usually taking about nine subjects. Everyone takes English, Maths and Science, but there is quite a wide choice of other subjects. After the exams, some pupils leave and get jobs; others go on to do their A levels at other schools or further education college; some stay on in school.

B)There are six tennis courts, a gym, two squash courts and a large games field, where boys and girls play football and hockey. Pupils can also row on the nearby River Thames. There are also three main computer centres, and most subjects (such as Chemistry and Languages) have their own computers. All pupils study Information Technology. The school has a large library and a Learning Resources Centre with photocopying facilities, computer scanners and printers.

C)When the classes are over, Chiswick students are busy too. There is judo, dance, cooking and chess provided by the school at lunch time and in the afternoon. There are music and photography clubs. There is a theatre group which puts on a play at the end of each year. The teachers and the parents encourage as many pupils as possible to take part in numerous clubs. In the holidays, the school organizes trips such as camping in Wales or skiing in Switzerland.

D)There is one basic law in the school: to respect others and their property and behave in a normal, sensible way, with due consideration for the health and safety of all. In really serious cases, it is possible to exclude pupils for a period of time from school, or to expel them permanently. As in most schools in Britain, pupils have to wear a uniform. There is some resistance to wearing school uniform, but generally teachers and parents agree that the uniform is good for discipline.

E)If, as a pupil, you misbehave there is a system known as WRO – Warning, Report, Out. First you get a warning from your teacher, you have to carry a form around with you and the teacher signs it after each lesson – to show that you were present and behave well. If you do anything wrong at this stage, you are out; you have to go to the hall to join any other pupils in trouble. In the hall, you all work in silence under the supervision of a teacher.

1)School rules

2)School subjects

3)After school activities

4)School Facilities

5)School Punishment

6)A typical English school

A)Since ancient times people all over the world have tried to understand such physical phenomena like rain, snow and wind. The Greek scientist and philosopher Aristotle wrote a book namedMeteorologica, which was about the basic elements of the environment: the earth, the winds, the seas and rivers, and of course, the weather. He is considered to be the founder of a science, which studies the atmosphere, and the title of his book has become the name of the science.

B)Meteorology supposes a lot of observations, researches and analyses. Without them it is impossible to say what the weather will be like tomorrow. In 1654 one scientist started an ambitious research project. Its aim was to record weather patterns in different Italian and European cities. The received information was studied and analyzed by the scientist. Those results were very important for meteorology. So that project gave an opportunity for G. Fahrenheit to create the modern thermometer.

C)If you enjoy everything from watching clouds to reading about hurricanes and tornados, then maybe meteorology is the career for you. Meteorologists, can be found all over the world doing some very interesting things! They may study the ozone layer or air pollution or make weather observations in Antarctica. They might monitor rainfall and give river flood warnings or fly in aircraft investigating hurricanes. Weather is world-wide and so are people, who study the weather!

D)Have you ever wondered how people are able to predict the weather ahead of time? Wouldn't it be great to know if there is a chance of rain for your football game this weekend? Weather forecasting, a prediction what weather will be like tomorrow or next week, takes into consideration many aspects, but one of the most crucial weather features is the wind. By learning how the wind affects the weather, we can learn a lot about how to predict it.

E)When light and water meet in the sky on a summer day, a rainbow appears. Such a wonderful sight! The legends of many cultures see the rainbow as a kind of bridge between heaven and earth. But it's just sunlight and raindrops. When sunlight enters a drop of rain, a part of it does not pass directly through but is reflected from the inner surface and appears from the side from which it entered.

1)What do weather people do?

2)What does the name mean?

3)What helps predict the weather?

4)How was the thermometer invented?

5)What is the most beautiful weather phenomenon?

6)How does the thermometer work?

A)The USA is often called a melting pot – a total mix of races and nationalities. In fact, the same could be said of Britain, except this process took far longer. The British today are the result of wave after wave of conquest, migration and mixing. Now there are many people of all colours and races in the UK. They are mostly former inhabitants of the former British colonies. There are special newspapers, magazines, radio and TV programmes for them.

B)Visitors to Britain are often surprised by the titles of the magazines on newsagents' shelves. Some of them are extremely specialized and lots of them are on new technology. The British are also great newspaper readers. An almost universal British custom, going for a walk, is another surprising fact.

C)Recently people have been moving into suburbs, smaller towns and the country. Villages, farms and cottages, which used to be full of agricultural workers, are now the homes of people who drive to their offices in cities. Even so Britain remains one of the most urbanised countries in the world, with nine in ten of the population living in towns or cities.

D)The Cotwolds are gentle green hills in agricultural country to west of England. A mixture of small fields separated by old-dry stone walls and lines of trees make this a perfect example of traditional English rural area. Farming is balanced with cattle and sheep, and small spots of woods. Many farms, houses and churches, like the walls dividing the fields, are built of local honey-coloured stone. Villages with climbing roses around the doors of the cottages are small and beautifully kept.

E)The poet William Blake wrote 200 years ago of “England's green and pleasant land.” In spite of their mainly urban lives, this image is still strong in British people imagination. They love the countryside and watch hours of wildlife programmes on TV every week. Some of the first environmental organisations in the world started in Britain. The British managed to defeat the London smog: replacing coal by oil and gas. And they are rather proud of this achievement.

1)Diverse population

2)City lifestyle

3)Media and communication

4)Countryside

5)Environmental issues

6)Leisure and pastime

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