Задания для подготовки к ГИА 9-й класс
учебно-методический материал по английскому языку (9 класс) по теме

Английский язык, 9 класс.

Письмо:

1. You have 30 minutes to do this task.

You have received a letter from your English–speaking pen friend, Ben.

… I live in the centre of the city.  But I’ve always dreamed about living in the country.

…Where do you live: in the city or in the country? What are the best things about living in your place? Where would you like to live, why? …

Write him a letter and answer his 3 questions.

Write 100–120 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.

2. You have 30 minutes to do this task.

You have received a letter from your English–speaking pen friend, Ben.

… I want to be a scientist and I would try to discover a new medicine for cancer. That’s why I’m interested in Science.

…What job would you like to do in the future? What school subjects are important for your future career? Which subjects have you chosen for your exams and why? …

Write him a letter and answer his 3 questions.

Write 100–120 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.

3. You have 30 minutes to do this task.

You have received a letter from your English–speaking pen friend, Ben.

… I’m very busy preparing for my school exams in Literature and History. To pass them successfully, I have to remember a lot.

…What subjects have you chosen for your exams and why? What type of exam do you prefer – oral or written? How do you prepare for exams? …

Write him a letter and answer his 3 questions.

Write 100–120 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.

4. You have 30 minutes to do this task.

You have received a letter from your English–speaking pen friend, Ben.

… I like summer because I can give as much time as I want to my hobby – reading. I know it sounds strange nowadays.

…Why do teenagers read less than their parents did? What kind of books do you like reading? What do you do in your free time? ...

Write him a letter and answer his 3 questions.

Write 100–120 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.

5. You have 30 minutes to do this task.

You have received a letter from your English–speaking pen friend, Ben.

… Most of my classmates like summer. But I like winter holidays. I’m keen on skating, and in winter I’ve got lots of opportunities to do my hobby.

…When do you have your school holidays in Russia? Which holidays are the shortest? Which holidays are your favourite and why? …

Write him a letter and answer his 3 questions.

Write 100–120 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.

6. You have 30 minutes to do this task.

You have received a letter from your English–speaking pen friend, Ben.

… and everything went  wrong today. Tuesday is always the hardest day for me. Besides everything else, there’s lots of homework for Wednesday. …What is your favourite lesson, why do you like it?  How long does it usually take you to do homework? What else do you usually do after lessons?...

Write him a letter and answer his 3 questions.

Write 100–120 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.

7. You have 30 minutes to do this task.

You have received a letter from your English–speaking pen friend, Ben.

… We moved and I had to go to a new school. It’s a good school but I feel very lonely as I don't know anybody there. It’ll take me ages to make new friends. 

…Have you got a best friend? When and where did you meet? What do you like most about your friend?Why? ...

Write him a letter and answer his 3 questions.

Write 100–120 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.

8. You have 30 minutes to do this task.

You have received a letter from your English–speaking pen friend, Ben.

… My brother sent his best photos to a young photographers' competition and won a camera. It was cool! I'll try my luck one day too. 

…What kind of competition would you like to take part in?  What prize would you like to win?  Do you think participating in competitions is worth the time and effort, why? …

Write him a letter and answer his 3 questions.

Write 100–120 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.

9. You have 30 minutes to do this task.

You have received a letter from your English–speaking pen friend, Ben.

… Yesterday, I took part in a competition for those who speak French. I hope to win first prize.

…How many foreign languages do you learn at school? What language besides English would you like to speak? What English-speaking country would you like to visit and why? …

Write him a letter and answer his 3 questions.

Write 100–120 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.

10. You have 30 minutes to do this task.

You have received a letter from your English–speaking pen friend, Ben.

… I enjoy travelling, and I travel a lot with my family.

…Do you like travelling, why? Where would you like to go? What is your favourite means of transport, why? ...

Write him a letter and answer his 3 questions.

Write 100–120 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.

8.

You have 30 minutes to do this task.

You have received a letter from your English–speaking pen friend, Ben.

… Lots of people do sports but I’m not keen on any sport. I prefer reading detective stories. My parents keep saying that everyone should do some sport.

…Do you agree with them and why?  What sport do you do? What else do you do to keep fit? ...

Write him a letter and answer his 3 questions.

Write 100–120 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.

9.

You have 30 minutes to do this task.

You have received a letter from your English–speaking pen friend, Ben.

… My older brother spends too much time playing computer games. His passion for computers worries the whole family.

…Are you keen on computer games? What do you use your computer for? How long do your parents let you use a computer a day?Why? …

Write him a letter and answer his 3 questions.

Write 100–120 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.

10. You have 30 minutes to do this task.

You have received a letter from your English–speaking pen friend, Ben.

… I have found a summer job in the pizzeria and I hope to earn enough money to buy a guitar.

…How do teenagers get pocket money in your country? What summer jobs are popular with Russian teenagers? What kind of summer jobs would you choose for yourself and why? …

Write him a letter and answer his 3 questions.

Write 100–120 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.

You have 30 minutes to do this task.

You have received a letter from your English–speaking pen friend, Ben.

… We moved and I had to change school. In the new school, they wear uniform. I don’t like the uniform but I have to wear it.

…Do Russian schoolchildren wear uniform in school?  Do you have a uniform in your school? Do you think wearing uniform is necessary for students, why?  …

Write him a letter and answer his 3 questions.

Write 100–120  words. Remember the rules of letter writing.

  Для ответа на задание С1 используйте бланк № 2.

При выполнении задания С1 особое внимание обратите на то, что ваши ответы будут оцениваться только по записям, сделанным на бланке №  2. Никакие записи черновика не будут учитываться экспертом. Обратите внимание также на необходимость соблюдения указанного объёма письма. Письма недостаточного объёма, а также часть текста письма, превышающая требуемый объем – не оцениваются.

12. You have 30 minutes to do this task.

You have received a letter from your English-speaking pen friend,

… I had to change school because we had moved to a new house. My new school is right next to it. It is very convenient but everything is so strange here: new rules, a new uniform, new people. I haven’t made any friends yet  ...

…How long does it take you to get to your school? What clothes do you wear to school?  How do you spend time with your school friends? …

Write him a letter and answer his 3 questions.

Write 100–120 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.

13. You have 30 minutes to do this task.

You have received a letter from your English-speaking pen friend,

...I’ve just changed school. I’m fond of Mathematics and it’s the major subject in my new school. The only thing I don’t like here is too much homework! ...

…What is your favourite subject? How long does it take you to do your homework? What do you do in your free time?...

Write him a letter and answer his 3 questions.

Write 100–120 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.

14. You have 30 minutes to do this task.

You have received a letter from your English-speaking pen friend,

… We are having a Maths test tomorrow. It makes me feel scared! I would rather have three language tests instead of one Maths test. I really find learning foreign languages interesting and not difficult at all. ...

…What subject is the most difficult for you? What do you do to improve your English?  What language apart from English would you like to learn and why?...

Write him a letter and answer his 3 questions.

Write 100–120 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.

You have 30 minutes to do this task.

You have received a letter from your English-speaking pen friend,

...My parents want me to do music. It’s not what I really want to do but I have no choice. I’ve promised my parents to take at least 20 lessons. It means I won’t have any free time for about three months! Awful, isn’t it?...

…What do you do in your free time? What kind of music do you like? What musical instrument would you like to play, if any?...

Write him a letter and answer his 3 questions.

Write 100–120 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.

16. You have 30 minutes to do this task.

You have received a letter from your English-speaking pen friend,

… Last month I was late for my classes several times. Though I wasn’t late on purpose and it wasn’t actually my fault, I was punished. ...

…Do any students in your class sometimes come too late to school? What are their usual reasons for coming late?  Is there any punishment for late comers at your school and what is it?...

Write him a letter and answer his 3 questions.

Write 100–120 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.

17. You have 30 minutes to do this task.

You have received a letter from your English-speaking pen friend,

… The end of the school year is usually a very stressful time for me. We have to take lots of tests and exams. The only thing that makes me happy is that the holidays are coming. ...

…What exams do you take this year? How do you prepare for your English exam? What are your plans for the coming summer holidays?...

Write him a letter and answer his 3 questions.

Write 100–120 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.

  You have 30 minutes to do this task.

You have received a letter from your English-speaking pen friend,

... You know, I love history so much that maybe I’ll become a historian in the future. I think it is very interesting and important to know and understand your past. … 

... What school subjects do you find the most important? Is there any school subject that you’d like to study more and why? What career would you like to choose in the future?...

Write him a letter and answer his 3 questions.

Write 100–120 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.

18. You have 30 minutes to do this task.

You have received a letter from your English-speaking pen friend,

... You’ve probably seen the photos which I took on my holiday. During the rainy day we are having now they bring back good memories! The countryside, the mountains, and I could ride my bicycle all day long! ...

...Where did you spend your last summer holidays? What did you do during your holidays? What holidays do you like more (summer or winter holidays) and why?...

Write him a letter and answer his 3 questions.

Write 100–120 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.

You have 30 minutes to do this task.

You have received a letter from your English-speaking pen friend,

….Frankly, I don’t understand why some people like classical music. I adore rock and usually listen to it on my way home from school. If my favourite band comes to our town, I’ll definitely go to their concert...

….What kind of music do you like? Do you think it is necessary to have music lessons at school, why? What musical instrument would you like to play?...

Write him a letter and answer his 3 questions.

Write 100–120 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.

20. You have 30 minutes to do this task.

You have received a letter from your English-speaking pen friend,

...It may sound unusual, but my friend likes reading very much.  He reads not only popular books but classics as well. As for me, I read only books from the school list…

... What books do you like to read? Do you prefer e-books or paper books and why? What hobbies apart from reading are popular with your friends?...

Write him a letter and answer his 3 questions.

Write 100–120 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.

21. You have 30 minutes to do this task.

You have received a letter from your English-speaking pen friend,

... Yesterday we celebrated Thanksgiving.  This is one of our favourite family holidays when we all get together. And my mother makes a wonderful pumpkin pie!…

...What holiday do you like most and why?  How do you celebrate your birthday?  What present would you like to get for your next birthday? ...

Write him a letter and answer his 3 questions.

Write 100–120 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.

22. You have 30 minutes to do this task.

You have received a letter from your English-speaking pen friend,

… I’ve just returned from our local museum. I have seen lots of curious things and I have learned some new information about our town. I was  surprised that a visit to a museum could be so enjoyable...

...Do you find visiting museums interesting and why? What museum would you like to set up, if any? What do you enjoy doing in your free time?...

Write him a letter and answer his 3 questions.

Write 100–120 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.

23.You have 30 minutes to do this task.

You have received a letter from your English-speaking pen friend,

…  I’ve just watched a TV series about robots, their past and future. Robots are so cool! If only they could do my homework…

...What jobs would you like a robot to do at your home? What else can robots be used for? Do you find science fiction films interesting or not, and why?....

Write him a letter and answer his 3 questions.

Write 100–120 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.

23. You have 30 minutes to do this task.

You have received a letter from your English-speaking pen friend,

…My mum still can’t download new music into her mobile phone. She says when she was young, there were no mobile phones at all. I just can’t believe it!…

... What do you use your mobile phone for? Can you do without your mobile phone and why? What other digital do you find the most important for you?...

Write him a letter and answer his 3 questions.

Write 100–120 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.

25.

You have 30 minutes to do this task.

You have received a letter from your English-speaking pen friend,

…Time has come to choose a profession for the future. I’m still thinking about it but I really don’t know what career to choose…

…What would you like to be in the future?  Will you use English for your future job? What do your parents advise you to be? …

Write him a letter and answer his 3 questions.

Write 100–120 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.

26.

You have 30 minutes to do this task.

You have received a letter from your English-speaking pen friend,

… My parents say that I watch TV too much. And they are not always happy with the programmes I watch. I understand that often watching TV is waste of time but I can’t live without TV anyway. ...

…How much do you watch TV? What do you prefer: watching TV or browsing the Internet, why? What else do you do in your free time?...

Write him a letter and answer his 3 questions.

Write 100–120 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.

• 27.

You have 30 minutes to do this task.

You have received a letter from your English-speaking pen friend,

… Yesterday we had a class where we discussed different ecological problems. Our teacher suggested opening an eco-club, where we can do something useful for the environment ...

…What ecological problem do you consider the most serious? What can young people do to protect the environment? Do you think ecological problems should be discussed at school, and why?

Write him a letter and answer his 3 questions.

Write 100–120 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.

28. You have 30 minutes to do this task.

You have received a letter from your English-speaking pen friend,

…You’ll never believe it but I tried to run a marathon last Saturday. It was awful and in half an hour I was out of the race. So, now I realized how weak and unfit my body is. It’s probably because I watch sports on TV much more often than do it...

….What do you do to keep fit? What sports facilities do you have in your school? What kind of sport do you find ideal for young people? Why?

Write him a letter and answer his 3 questions.

Write 100–120 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.

  Для ответа на задание С1 используйте отдельный лист.    
При выполнении задания С1 особое внимание обратите на то, что Ваши ответы будут оцениваться только по записям, сделанным на отдельном чистом листе. Никакие записи черновика не будут учитываться экспертом. Обратите внимание также на необходимость соблюдения указанного объёма письма. Письма недостаточного объёма, а также часть текста письма, превышающая требуемый объём, не оцениваются.

• 29.

You have 30 minutes to do this task.

You have received a letter from your English–speaking pen friend, Ben.

….I have decided to take up collecting stamps as my new hobby. My uncle is a traveller and often brings me stamps from different countries….

…What hobbies are popular with Russian teenagers? What hobby would you like to take up, why? What do you usually do in your free time? …

Write him a letter and answer his 3 questions.

Write 100–120 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.

30. You have 30 minutes to do this task.

You have received a letter from your English–speaking pen friend, Ben.

...I’ve just joined our school Drama club. We give performances in English and in French. Our parents and classmates think that our performances are very good. After all, school is not only about learning...

…What do you like most about your school? What school clubs do you have? Have you joined any of your school clubs, why? …

Write him a letter and answer his 3 questions.

Write 100–120 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.

31. You have 30 minutes to do this task.

You have received a letter from your English–speaking pen friend, Ben.

… Today is Sunday, but I feel bored and unhappy. It’s already been raining hard for two days and there’s nothing to do at home…

…What is your favourite season and why? What do you do when the weather is rainy? How do you usually spend your weekends? …

Write him a letter and answer his 3 questions.

Write 100–120 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.

32. You have 30 minutes to do this task.

You have received a letter from your English–speaking pen friend, Ben.

…I’ve made friends with a boy from Russia. Now I am practicing my Russian by writing e-mails to him. I think that Russian is a very difficult language…

…How long have you been learning English? Would you like to have an English-speaking pen-friend, why? What other languages would you like to speak? …

Write him a letter and answer his 3 questions.

Write 100–120 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.

33. You have 30 minutes to do this task.

You have received a letter from your English–speaking pen friend, Ben.

...I saved some of my pocket money and have bought a new computer game. I’m glad that I didn’t have to ask my parents to buy it for me. It would be great to find a job next summer ….

…How do you get your pocket money? What do Russian teenagers usually buy with their pocket money? Would you like to get a summer job or not, why? …

Write him a letter and answer his 3 questions.

Write 100–120 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.

34. You have 30 minutes to do this task.

You have received a letter from your English–speaking pen friend, Ben.

...My friend was very impressed by the Moscow Kremlin. He said that Russian architecture is fascinating.  I'd like to go to Russia for my holidays, too...

…How do you usually spend your holidays? What is the best season for travelling in Russia, why? What tourist attractions would you recommend seeing in your country? …

Write him a letter and answer his 3 questions.

Write 100–120 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.

35. You have 30 minutes to do this task.

You have received a letter from your English–speaking pen friend, Ben.

...One of my friends gets ill very often. The doctor says that it’s because he lives in a big city with a poor environment...

…What ecological problems are the most serious in your country? What can teenagers do to make their hometown cleaner? Would you like to live in a big city or in the country, why? …

Write him a letter and answer his 3 questions.

Write 100–120 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.

• 36.

You have 30 minutes to do this task.

You have received a letter from your English–speaking pen friend, Ben.

...I’ve just returned from China. They were celebrating the Chinese New Year there. Lots of people were dressed like dragons...

…What holidays are the most popular in Russia? What is your favourite holiday and why? How do you celebrate it? …

Write him a letter and answer his 3 questions.

Write 100–120 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.

Чтение:

  1.

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

Текст

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.

 Заголовок 

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

  2.

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

Текст

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. 

 Заголовок 

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

 3.

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)

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?

  4

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Текст

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.

 Заголовок 

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

  5.

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Текст

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.

 Заголовок 

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

  6.

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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

  7.

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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

  8.

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Текст

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.

 Заголовок 

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

  9.

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• 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

  10.

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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

  11.

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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

  12.

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• 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

  13.

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Текст

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.  

 Заголовок 

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

  14.

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Текст

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.

 Заголовок 

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

  15.

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

Текст

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.

 Заголовок 

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

  16.

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

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.

 Заголовок 

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

  17.

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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.

 Заголовок 

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

  18.

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• 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

  19.

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

A)

Everyone knows that cycling is a nice and healthy way to travel. It offers you independence. You don’t depend on timetables. You can go where and when you want. You can stop at a restaurant when you please, stay in the places you like and leave if you get bored. The world is yours.

B)

Learn the basics of rock climbing with Cliffs and Ice. It is a perfect choice for those who decide to take up climbing for the first time. After a week in Cornwall you will learn the main skills necessary to become a competent climber. We will give you an experience that you can use in different climbing areas in the UK.

C)

It is situated close to the Lake District, which is known for picturesque scenery. The ingredients that will help you make an unforgettable winter holiday with your nearest and dearest are: the welcoming fireplaces, delicious food, cosy rooms and different sports facilities. It’s perfect for a weekend trip with children. Take the people you love to our delightful hotel in the country.

D)

A journey through a wild and faraway desert – by camel! This is a wonderful choice for anyone who wants to forget the modern means of travelling. You'll be on top of a camel and part of a desert caravan. Camel drivers will accompany you, providing good company, as you admire the golden sand and the bright blue sky.

E)

If you take a train tour to the lakes, you’ll have nothing to worry about. You will leave London in a comfortable train, travel through the small picturesque towns and into the green hills. There will be no problems with the trip. The price already includes a return ticket, afternoon tea at Linden Hotel, a beautiful lake cruise, a visit to the medieval village and Hill Top, home of a famous English writer.

F)

The Hogwarts Express plays a big part in the adventures of Harry Potter. A trip to the Scottish Highlands can be your chance to sit in the same carriage and dream about your own trip to the mysterious world. The journey goes through some of Scotland’s most splendid scenery. The best part of the journey is when the train crosses the Glenfinnan viaduct, a railway bridge.

G)

Are you ready for Africa? Say yes and take a Safari Holiday. It is a mystery, wonder and … adventure! Our safari experts will take you through Africa from east to west. We offer views of dunes, mountain ranges, untouched beaches and open fields. You will see the amazing wildlife and beautiful nature. Let us make your African safari an experience you will never forget!

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

  20.

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Текст

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.

 Заголовок 

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?