завдання для підготовки учнів до всеукраїнської учнівської олімпіади з англійської мови

Lesson 1 – 2
9th
Form
Speaking comprehension
Students should select a topic, take a short time to prepare and then present an unmemorized
speech which fully covers all aspects of the topic. Minimum length – 2 minutes. Maximum – 5
minutes.
1.You are going to a party. Your parents ask you to be back at 10 p. m. Persuade
them to let you come home later. You are already fourteen, and know how to
behave.
2.You are in a strange city. How are you going to spend your spare time? What
are you going to do? Where are you going to go?
3.Your friend is calling you to congratulate you on your birthday. You had your
birthday party yesterday. Tell him about it.
4.You are at an international summer camp. Tell your new friends about the main
sights of your native city or village.
5.You are going to study abroad. You meet a person from this country. Find out
as much information about the country as you can.
6.You are participating in an international conference. Introduce the political
system of Ukraine.
7.Your friend has suggested that you should join some sports club. Persuade him
that the best kind of sport is your favourite.
8.You share a room with your friend at some language courses. You have to set
up some mutually beneficial rules with your roommate.
9.You are going to visit a foreign country on holidays. Ask about the travel costs
and boarding at the travel agent’s.
10. When you were abroad you saw a car crash. Give us a detailed account of it.
11. You were invited by a friend of yours to visit a holiday in a foreign country.
What do you know about holidays in this country?
12. You haven’t seen your friend for a long time. Tell him about your plans for
the future.
13. You want to show your room to a foreigner. Tell him about it in detail.
14. You have just come back from a trip to Great Britain. Share your
impressions with your classmates.
15. Tell your friends why you are learning English.
16. You were told to make a report about your favourite British writer.
17. You share a room with a foreign student. Tell him about your family
traditions.
18. During your stay in Britain you have to make a report about Ukrainian

climate.
19. A new pupil came to your class. He used to study abroad. Tell him about
Ukraine and your town or village.
20. During your stay in Britain you fell ill and were taken to hospital. Tell your
classmates about it.
Listening comprehension
History Jokes
His name was Fleming, and he was a poor Scottish farmer. One day, while
trying to make a living for his family, he heard a cry for help coming from a
nearby boy. He dropped his tools and ran to the boy. There, mired to his waist in
black muck, was a terrified boy, screaming and struggling to free himself. Farmer
Fleming saved the boy from what could have been a slow and terrifying death.
The next day, a fancy carriage pulled up to the Scotsman’s place. An
elegantly dressed nobleman stepped out and introduced himself as the father of the
boy farmer Fleming had saved.
“I want to repay you”, said the nobleman. “You saved my son’s life”. “No,
I can’t accept payment for what I did”, the Scottish farmer replied, waving off the
offer. At that moment, the farmer’s own son came to the door of the family hovel.
“Is that your son?” the nobleman asked. “Yes”, the farmer replied proudly. “I’ll
make you a deal. Let me take him and give him a good education. If the fellow is
anything like his father, he’ll grow to a man you can be proud of”.
And that he did. In time, farmer Fleming’s son graduated from St. Mary’s
Hospital Medical School in London, and went on to become known throughout the
world as the noted Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of Penicillin.
Years afterward, the nobleman’s son was close to death from pneumonia.
What saved him?
Penicillin. The name of the nobleman? Lord Randolph Churchill. His son’s
name? Sir Winston Churchill
Task 1.
For each of the questions 1–10 decide which of the statements are true or false on
the basis of what is stated or implied in what you have heard and put a “+” if a
statement is true and a “–” if a statement is false next to the corresponding number
on your answer sheet.
Remember: you are NOT allowed to take notes at ANY time when the text is
being read to you.
1.The text mainly tells about ordinary events in history.

2.At the beginning of the story, the farmer was bathing in a river.
3.There must have been an accident with a little boy.
4.The action takes place nowadays.
5.The farmer’s children were all girls.
6.The little boy’s father wanted to give the farmer a sum of money.
7.The farmer seemed to know the importance of knowledge.
8.The nobleman’s prediction did not come true.
9.The boy glorified his family name.
10. Sometimes wonderful coincidences happen in life.
Task 2.
For each of the questions 11–20 decide which of the answers (a, b, c or d) best
complete the statements on the basis of what is stated or implied in what you have
heard and mark the corresponding letter with a “+” on your answer sheet.
11. It may be inferred from the text that the Fleming
family lived:
a) in the south of Great Britain; b) in the north of Great Britain;
c) in the centre of Great Britain; d) outside Great Britain.
12. The farmer must have been:
a) kind and wealthy; b) noble and proud;
c) hardly able to make ends meet; d) idle and suspicious.
13. One can make a conclusion that the saved boy’s
father was:
a) a successful farmer; b) a good hunter;
c) an aristocrat; d) a beggar.
14. The farmer’s son must have been:
a) worth pride; b) a wonder kid;
c) a nobleman; d) from Ireland.
15. The nobleman’s offer was:
a) rather stupid; b) just and generous;
c) not worth considering; d) never accepted.
16. After receiving his education, young Fleming was
supposed to:
a) work with customers; b) sell medicines;
c) look for criminals; d) treat patients.
17.Alexander Fleming discovered:

a) a penny ceiling; b) a pan sealing;
c) penicillin; d) pennies while pealing.
18. Fleming’s discovery made him:
a) cruel and dangerous; b) famous worldwide;
c) thrilling and exciting; d) quite boring.
19. The word “sir” before Fleming’s name may mean
that he:
a) became as noble as Churchill;
b) came from Syracuse;
c) performed in a circle;
d) was a sergeant in the British Army.
20. One can infer from the text that:
a) the Flemings and the Churchills were close friends;
b) Alexander Fleming may not necessarily have seen Winston Churchill after the
childhood accident;
c) Winston Churchill almost died from the medicines given by Fleming;
d) Alexander Fleming was Winston Churchill’s personal doctor.
Reading Comprehension
Directions: For each of the questions 1–10 decide which of the answers (a, b, c or
d) best complete the statements on the basis of what is stated or implied in the text
and mark the corresponding letter (a, b, c or d) with a “+” on your answer sheet.
І. American English spelling differs from British English spelling largely because
of one man, American lexicographer Noah Webster. In addition to his well-known
American Dictionary of the English Language, Webster published The American
Spelling Book (1783, with many subsequent editions), which became one of the
most widely used schoolbooks in American history. Webster’s books sought to
standardize spelling in the United States by promoting the use of an American
language that intentionally differed from British English. The development of a
specifically American variety of English mirrored the new country’s separate
political development. Webster’s most successful changes were spellings with or
instead of our (honor, labor for the British honour, labour); with er instead of re
(center, theater for the British centre, theatre); with an s instead of a c (defense,
license for the British defence, licence); with a final ck instead of que (check, mask
for the British cheque, masque); and without a final k (traffic, public, now also
used in British English, for the older traffick, publick). Later spelling reform
created a few other differences, such as program for British programme. Canadian
spelling varies between the British and American forms, more British in eastern
Canada and more American in western Canada.

Statements
1. The passage mainly discusses:
a) Noah Webster’s literary heritage;
b) the varieties of spelling;
c) Webster’s political preferences;
d) popular schoolbooks in America.
2. The passage implies that written British and American words:
a) look absolutely different; b) are absolutely the same;
c) may differ; d) come from Canada.
3. It may be inferred from the passage that Webster’s scientific interest was in:
a) standards; b) vocabulary;
c) editing books; d) political reforms.
4. The changes between American and British English were generated:
a) on purpose; b) by accident;
c) in Canada; d) by politicians.
5. The word “subsequent” in line 4 may most probably mean the following::
a) different; b) expensive;
c) following; d) literary.
6. One can make a conclusion that Webster’s changes:
a) simplified the language;
b) were of no importance;
c) made the language more difficult for understanding;
d) developed the language used in Great Britain.
7. The word “mirrored” in line 8 is closest in meaning to:
a) portrayed; b) reflected;
c) generated; d) prevented.
8. It can be seen from the passage that the changes brought into American English
must have:
a) developed a completely new language;
b) stopped using dictionaries;
c) required spelling books;
d) influenced the original British English.
9. The passage states that in Canada:
a) people use the only variety of the English language;
b) people live only in the east and the west of the country;
c) there may be language misunderstanding between people from different regions
of the country;
d) people use different grammar rules compared to the US.

10.The passage implies that of the two books mentioned in it:
a) neither was published;
b) both were printed at the same time;
c) the Spelling Book was published before the Dictionary;
d) the Dictionary was published before the Spelling Book.
ІІ. Ambient divers, unlike divers who go underwater in submersible vehicles or
pressure resistant suits, are exposed to the pressure and temperature of the
surrounding (ambient) water. Of all types of diving, the oldest and simplest is free
diving. Free divers may use no equipment at all, but most use a face mask, foot
fins, and a snorkel. Under the surface, free divers must hold their breath. Most free
divers can only descend 30 to 40 feet, but some skilled divers can go as deep as
100 feet.
SCUBA diving provides greater range than free diving. The word SCUBA
stands for Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. SCUBA divers wear
metal tanks with compressed air or other breathing gases. When using open circuit
equipment, a SCUBA diver simply breathes air from the tank through a hose and
releases the exhaled air into the water. A closed-circuit breathing device, also
called a rebreather, filters out carbon dioxide and other harmful gases and
automatically adds oxygen. This enables the diver to breathe the same air over and
over.
In surface supplied diving, divers wear helmets and waterproof canvas suits.
Today, sophisticated plastic helmets have replaced the heavy copper helmets used
in the past. These divers get their air from a hose connected to compressors on a
boat. Surface supplied divers can go deeper than any other type of ambient diver.
Statements
1. The passage mainly discusses:
a) going underwater in submersible vehicles;
b) free diving;
c) surface supplied diving;
d) various types of diving.
2. The passage implies that the oldest type of diving is called:
a) ambient diving; b) SCUBA diving;
c) free diving; d) pearl diving.
3. It may be inferred from the passage that all divers:
a) use no equipment at all; b) use sophisticated equipment;
c) submerge; d) surface.
4. According to the text most free divers use:
a) a snorkel, a face mask and hand fins;
b) a face mask, foot fins, and a snorkel;
c) a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus;

d) a snorkel, back fins and helmet.
5. The word “ambient” in line one may most probably mean the following:
a) underwater; b) encompassing;
c) resistant; d) submersible.
6. One can make a conclusion that most free divers can reach the depth of:
a) 10 yards; b) 20 yards;
c) 30 yards; d) 40 yards.
7. While going underwater a SCUBA diver wears:
a) a canvas hose; b) a plastic helmet;
c) rebreathers; d) metal tanks.
8. It can be seen from the passage that the rebreather filters out:
a) carbon dioxide; b) detrimental gases;
c) inert gases; d) open circuit gases.
9. The passage states that the diver can breathe:
a) the same air over and over;b) raw oxygen;
c) carbon dioxide; d) other harmful gases.
10. The passage implies that in surface supplied diving,
divers wear:
a) intricate canvas helmets; b) sophisticated copper helmets;
c) sophisticated plastic helmets; d) heavy copper helmets.
Writing Comprehension
Choose one of the three suggested topics and comment on it.
1.Television and computer games will soon lead to disappearing of books.
2.People don’t need sport to live happily.
3.There is no ideal school in the world.
10th
Form
Students should select a topic, take a short time to prepare and then present an
unmemorized speech which fully covers all aspects of the topic. Minimum length –
2 minutes. Maximum – 5 minutes.
1. You share a room with a foreign student. Tell him about your family and
traditions.
2. You have some problems at school and do not know how to solve them. Ask
your friends for advice.

3.A new pupil came to your form. He is from another city. Tell him how he can
get to school, where he can go shopping, how he can spend his spare time, etc.
4.During your stay in the USA you have to discuss the current political situation
in the world.
5.You participate in an international conference on ecological problems. Tell
about ecological situation in your country.
6.You are a sports fan. Tell about your favourite sports team.
7.You are going out with a girl/ boy. Where would you like to go?
8.You are crazy about computers. Tell your friend about your favourite computer
game.
9.You have just visited a concert of a popular group. Share your impressions
about it.
10. Your friend has some problems with his parents.
They do not understand each other. Give your advice.
11. You have got some bad habits that you want to get
rid off. Ask your best friend to help you.
12. You are going to visit the USA. Find out as much
information about the country as you can.
13. Are you an ambitious person? Share your ambitions
with a friend.
14. You have won a lottery. What would you do with
the money? Where would you go?
15. Your friend is keen on marshal arts. Ask him to give
you several lessons for self-defence.
16. Your parents are going to rent a room to a foreigner.
Give her detailed information about it.
17. You have to make a report about a famous writer
from an English speaking country.
18. You are at an international summer camp. Tell your
friends an interesting episode from the history of your country.
19. Your friends are going to hold a sports tournament.
What sports or games should be included?
21. You are at an interview with the manager of a large
firm. There is a vacancy at the marketing department.
22. You have to tell a foreigner about the values of our
Ukrainian society.
23. You want to have a pet, and your parents do not
want any pets at home. Try to persuade them.

24. You have many friends, but only one of them is the
best. Why?
25. You are at an international conference on drug
abuse. Take part in the discussion.
Natural Classic
I’m a very keen reader, but selecting the book with a natural history theme,
which has influenced me most was some challenge, until I thought back to my
childhood. Then it was easy.
Where the book came from is a mystery, and I have never met anyone who has
heard of it. It is Rita Richie’s The Golden Hawks of Genghis Khan. I read it when I
was about 10 years old and I remember to this day the effect it had on me.
Set in 1218, it is a story of a rich boy whose parents are dead. He is growing up
in the splendid city of Samarkand and has a fascination for hawks, those
magnificent hunting birds. There is a great deal of mystery surrounding his past,
but he is led to believe that a band of Mongols killed his father to steal a rare type
of bird the golden hawk. Determined to get these birds back, he runs away from
Samarkand and joins a group of people travelling to the country of Mongolia.
What follows is a grand adventure centred on the city of Karakorum, where the
great Mongol chief Genghis Khan was then based.
The book combines adventure, mystery, honour, friendship, danger, suffering
all seen through the eyes of the young hero, Jalair. I still find this fantasy a thrilling
read. Jalair’s great love for the birds was enviable and inspiring. But most of all it
was the sense of place that stayed with me. The book gives the reader an idea of
the vast open spaces of central Asia and its huge skies, without the use of the long
descriptive passages that would bore a child. There are no boundaries. The
emptiness of the Gobi Desert, the Tian Shan mountains and the excitement of
riding through forests and over rolling hills fascinated me.
The book gave me more than hawks, horses and a desire for wild places. It also
gave me a set of values. The Mongols in The Golden Hawks were totally
uninterested in possessions, a characteristic that is absolutely essential for people
who spent their lives travelling from place to place. They were never mean.
Generosity, good will and optimism were highly valued, hard work was enjoyed
and the rest was pure fun. They simply loved life.
Two years ago, I fulfilled a lifelong ambition and went riding in Mongolia’s
mountains. I was not disappointed.
Task 1.

the basis of what is stated or implied in what you have heard and put a «+» if a
statement is true and a «–» if a statement is false next to the corresponding number
being read to you.
1.The author hasn’t read a good history book for a long time.
2.The book the author is telling about was borrowed from a library.
3.The main character of the book is Genghis Khan.
4.The action takes place in the 13th
century.
5.Jalair is an orphan.
6.Mongols take the boy as prisoner..
7.The Mongols’ chief is dead at the beginning of the story.
8.Jalair’s father’s nickname was Golden Hawk.
9.The boy is eager to find those who killed his father.
10. The book was interesting to read because it had a lot
of pictures in it
Task 2.
heard and mark the corresponding letter with a «+» on your answer sheet.
11. One can make a conclusion that the writer:
a) is an educated person;
b) can hardly read;
c) has always been fond of nothing but history;
d) is an experienced traveller.
12. The city where the boy lived was probably:
a) like slums;
b) a wonderful place to live;
c) the capital city of Mongols;
d) the place for training hunting birds.
13. One can make a conclusion that the boy’s father
was:
a) a successful businessman; b) a good hunter;
c) a Mongol; d) a beggar.
14. Jalair seems to:
a) be a promising traveller;
b) become a merchant in future;

c) follow in his father’s footsteps;
d) be a relative of Genghis Khan.
15. The geographical name NOT mentioned in the text
is:
a) Karakorum; b) Gobi;
c) Tian Shan; d) Everest.
16. Jalair is trying to get to:
a) the heart of Mongolia; b) Asia;
c) Mongolia’s mountains; d) Samarkand.
17. The book most probably was written:
a) with a lot of facts and details; b) in a pretty simple language;
c) in Mongolia; d) by an eyewitness.
18. Jalair’s travel must have been:
a) hard and dangerous; b) extremely boring;
c) thrilling and exciting; d) quite simple.
19. The Mongols in the book:
a) are strong and merciless warriors;
b) differ from the traditional image;
c) are keen on collecting valuables;
d) have no positive features at all.
20. Which of the following is NOT true about the
writer?
a) She has not regretted going to Mongolia;
b) She is an unemotional person;
c) She was able to realize her old dream;
d) She knows how to handle a horse.
and mark the corresponding letter (a, b, c or d) with a “+” on your answer sheet.
І. Academy Awards is the name for prizes given annually in the United States by
the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for excellence in the creation
and production of motion pictures. First presented in 1929 for films shown in 1927
and 1928, the Academy Awards, commonly known as Oscars, are among the film
industry’s most coveted prizes. The entire academy membership participates in
voting for the annual awards. In most award categories, a maximum of five
entrants are first nominated by the academy members who work in that particular
field (that is, actors select actors, directors select directors, and so on). From

among these nominees all academy members select the winners by secret ballot.
The winners are publicly announced at a formal ceremony each spring. One hour
of the 1929 awards ceremony was broadcast on the radio, and from 1944 through
1969 the entire ceremony was broadcast. Television broadcasts began in 1953 and
today attract a worldwide audience. Various people claim to have given the name
Oscar to the symbolic statuette presented to winners, but the origin of the name has
never been definitively determined. The gold plated bronze human figure, which is
34.3 cm high and weighs 3.9 kg , was created by American sculptor George
Stanley based on sketches made by American motion picture art director Cedric
Gibbons. Awards are given for best motion picture; foreign language film;
performances by male and female actors in both leading and supporting roles;
achievement in direction; screenplays, both original and adapted from previously
produced or published material; and scores and songs composed for films. Other
award categories include live action short subject, animated short subject,
documentary feature, and documentary short feature. Excellence in technical
disciplines is also recognized, including art direction, cinematography, costume
design, makeup, film editing, sound and sound effects editing, and visual effects.
In addition, special or honorary awards are given for distinguished careers or
humanitarian achievement.
Statements
1. The ceremony described in the passage is about:
a) 1929 years old;
b) as old as three quarters of a century;
c) giving prizes to the members of the Academy;
d) to die out.
2. The word “coveted” in line 5 may best be replaced with:
a) excellent; b) desired;
c) distributed; d) useless.
3. It may be inferred from the text that the awards are given for:
a) the movies made in the current year;
b) the movies made in the two years before the ceremony;
c) the movies made in the following year;
d) the movies made in the previous year.
4. The decision on giving an award is made by:
a) the Academy’s rector; b) all the members of the Academy;
c) a few selected academicians; d) the public.
5. It may be inferred that the Academy is:
a) an educational establishment; b) a scientific organization;
c) a research institution; d) a public organization.
6. Each nominee has a … percent probability to become a winner.:

a) twenty; b) fifty;
c) five; d) twenty-five.
7. The official ceremony is closest in time to:
a) Christmas; b) Thanksgiving Day;
c) Independence Day; d) April Fool’s Day.
8. The word “scores” in line 23 most probably means:
a) music; b) marks;
c) subjects; d) topics.
9. It is stated that Oscars are made of:
a) bronze covered with gold; b) gold covered with bronze;
c) an alloy of bronze and gold; d) golden plates.
10. One can make a conclusion that this category will
NOT be awarded:
a) a 30 minute thriller;
b) a 60 minute documentary about Saddam Hussein;
c) a 5 minute cartoon about Mickey Mouse;
d) a 100 series Santa Barbara TV soap opera.
ІІ. Given the choice, most people would prefer not to climb a live volcano. But for
Hazel Rymer, it’s all in a day’s work, and she loves her job. Studying volcanoes is
a demanding profession. Hazel Rymer frequently has to struggle through
rainforests, climb to the top of mountains, then climb 200 meters into the crater of
active volcanoes. But the 38yearold volcanologist does her best to make it sound
less alarming than it is. “Driving to work is more risky”, she insists. “And the
deepest I go into the crater of a volcano is about 300 meters. I generally just
scramble down then scramble back up again”, she adds, trying to make it all sound
as ordinary as taking the dog for a walk. Hazel has been studying volcanoes for a
long time, so it’s not surprising she is used to the danger. Her interest in volcanoes
began while she was learning Latin at school. A teacher gave her a book about
Pompeii. “I remember reading about the eruption of Vesuvius and the destruction
of the city”, she explains. The thought of all those Pompeians just frozen in time
had quite an effect on me. Twenty years later, this fascination is still strong. “I
suppose you sense that volcanoes have this dangerous beauty, and that never
leaves you”, she smiles. “I still get excited when I approach one I haven’t
encountered before”.
Nowadays, volcanoes are getting more and more unpredictable. There have been
many changes in sea level caused by global warming and melting icecaps. These
have resulted in some dormant volcanoes erupting, so studying them is more
hazardous than ever before. Hazel seems unconcerned. “I don’t take any
unnecessary risks and I don’t try to make situations dangerous”, she says. “If
things happen, they happen”. However, she has had some frightening moments.
Her worst experience was on the slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily. While she was

taking measurements on the edge of the lava flow, she was slowly surrounded by
lava. “I had a choice of walking 10 hours to get around the lava flow or just
walking across it”, she explains. She chose to pick a path across the cooler rocks in
the lava stream. “I guess it was 50 meters. The flow was 1,000°C, so if you
hesitated your boots would begin to melt. It was scary, but it really was a practical
decision — there wasn’t time to do anything else”. And what about the future? “I
haven’t been to the volcanoes in Indonesia yet. And I would love to spend some
time working in the Antarctic”, she says. “I would also like to know why quiet lava
flows erupt from some volcanoes and why other volcanoes go bang”. In other
words, Hazel Rymer won’t be exchanging her volcanoes for the relative safety of
driving to work just yet.
Statements
11. Given the choice, most people would prefer not to:
a) climb alive volcano; b) descend a live volcano;
c) mount a live volcano; d) ascend alive volcano.
12. Studying volcanoes is a … profession.
a) challenging; b) frustrating;
c) rigorous; d) solemn.
13. It may be inferred from the text that … is more
risky.
a) driving to work; b) scrambled a volcano;
c) ascending a volcano; d) arriving to work.
14. The word “scramble” in line 8 most probably means:
a) jumble; b) rush;
c) mess up; d) mix up.
15. It may be inferred that Hazel Rymer got interested in
volcanoes while she was:
a) teaching; b) educating;
c) leaning; d) studying.
16. I suppose you sense that volcanoes have this
dangerous:
a) gorgeousness; b) attractiveness;
c) magnificence; d) loveliness.
17. Nowadays, volcanoes are getting more and more:
a) regular; b) volatile;
c) explosive; d) humdrum.
18. The word “dormant” in line 20 most probably
means:
a) undeveloped; b) active;

c) hidden; d) sleeping.
19. It is stated that Hazel’s worst experience was on:
a) the slope of Mount Etna in Sicily; b) the slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily;
c) the slope of Mount Etna in Sicily; d) the slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily.
20. One can make a conclusion that Hazel Rymer will:
a) substitute her volcanoes; b) explore her volcanoes;
c) operate her volcanoes; d) pursuit her volcanoes.
1. The place we live in is a reflection of our personality.
2. What would you do if you became President of Ukraine?
3. The school system of Ukraine needs to be changed.
11th
Form
Students should select a topic, take a short time to prepare and then present a
speech which fully covers all aspects of the topic. (2 – 5 minutes)
1. You are taking a job interview. What would you tell about yourself, your
interests, and hobbies?
2. Which of the members of your family do you appreciate most and why?
3. What would you change in TV broadcasting if you had enough authority?
4. What would you say to persuade your parents that the music you listen to is
worth doing it?
5. If you were a personnel manager, would you demand that your staff know a

foreign language?
6. Which of the school subjects will be most useful in your future career?
7. Does weather influence your performance?
8. Your English friend is going to come to Ukraine. What would you tell him to
help him feel comfortable in the country?
9. If you were to make a list of the most outstanding Ukrainians, what names
would you include in it?
10. You are to write an article about your favourite
sportsman. What would you write?
11. Where in Kharkiv would you take your guest from
another country?
12. What career are you planning for yourself in the
future?
13. What English-speaking country would you choose
for living if you had a chance?
14. What events in the recent world history impressed
you most?
15. Do you think there are holidays in English-speaking
countries worth adopting in Ukraine?
16. How would you modify the political system of
Ukraine if you were asked to?
17. What should an ideal school be like? How is your
current school different from the ideal?
18. Do you think it’s impossible to be spiritually rich
without being religious?
19. Do you believe that ethnic background may affect a
person’s success in life?
20. Do you agree that giving students marks at school
only prevents students from studying efficiently?

Show Me the Way to Go Home
Unexpected numbers of young adults are living with their parents. This fact is
becoming abundantly familiar as American parents are forced to make room for
their adult children. There is a naive notion that children grow up and leave home
when they are 18, and the truth is far from that. Today, 59 % of men and 47% of
women between 18 and 24 depend on their parents for housing in this or that way
and this is part of a major shift in the middle class.
Analysts cite a variety of reasons for this return to the nest. The marriage age is
rising, a condition that makes home and its amenities particularly attractive to
young people. A high divorce rate and a declining remarriage rate are sending
economically pressed and emotionally battered survivors back to parental shelters.
For some, the expense of an away-from-home college has become so exorbitant
that many students now attend local schools. Even after graduation young people
find their wings clipped by skyrocketing housing costs.
Sharing the family home requires adjustments for all. There are the hassles over
bathrooms, telephones, and privacy. Some families, however, manage the delicate
balancing act.
Still, most psychologists feel lengthy homecomings are a mistake. Offspring,
struggling to establish separate identities, can wind up with a sense of inadequacy,
defeat, and failure. And aging parents who should be enjoying some financial and
personal freedom, find themselves bogged down with responsibilities. Living with
children of any age involves compromise and obligation, factors that can be
detrimental to some aspects of wellbeing. All children, even adult children, require
accommodation and create stress.
Brief visits, however, can work beneficially. They may make parents and their
children much closer to each other without being a burden for either part.
Task 1.
the basis of what is stated or implied in what you have heard and put a “+” if a
statement is true and a “–” if a statement is false next to the corresponding number
being read to you.
1.Leaving home after school used to be a tradition in the US.
2.Children do not want to leave their parents’ houses.
3.There is a variety of choices for children to make.
4.Students nowadays have fewer options for studying than before.
5.More females than males depend on their parents for housing.
6.Living with adult children is relaxing in most cases.
7.When adult children return home, it is them who need to get used to their
parents’ way of life.

8.Most parents expect their lives will change for the better without their children
living with them.
9.Living with parents may be psychologically harmful.
10. There seems to be no possible way to handle the
problem today.
Task 2.
heard and mark the corresponding letter with a «+» on your answer sheet.
11. The situation described is something:
a) not very well known; b) not very much waited for;
c) not very embarrassing; d) not very naїve.
12. It can be inferred from the text that:
a) the life of the middle class has changed;
b) middle class people have to work in two shifts;
c) middle class students major in housing;
d) middle class houses are different from what they used to be.
13. You may be most likely expected to live with your
parents if you are:
a) 21; b) 28;
c) 42; d) 81.
14. Americans today tend to get married:
a) earlier than before; b) at the same age as before;
c) later than before; d) only after being forced to.
15. The text states that the cost of housing:
a) is slowly getting more expensive; b) remains the same;
c) is going down a bit; d) is increasing at a high speed.
16. It is implied in the text that:
a) most families feel comfortable when living together;
b) a few families are able to find a compromise;
c) there is no problem with personal space;
d) no efforts to solve the problem are made.
17. Living in the parents’ house may produce a negative
effect on children’s:
a) self-esteem; b) selfishness;
c) attitude to parents; d) intentions to get married.
18. In the families where parents and adult children live

together, it is more likely to find the atmosphere of:
a) friendliness; b) hopefulness;
c) nervousness; d) ruthlessness.
19. According to the text, parents believe that they must:
a) provide their children with a place to live;
b) improve their children’s wellbeing;
c) enjoy their children;
d) establish children’s identities.
20. One can make a conclusion that parents and children
in America are traditionally:
a) very close; b) a bit distant from each other;
c) glad to visit each other; d) a burden for each other.
and mark the corresponding letter (a, b, c or d) with a «+» on your answer sheet.
І. Everyone in the world knows The Beatles, a British rock music group, which
revolutionized popular music around the world in the 1960s by leading a
movement in rock music known as the British Invasion. From 1964 through 1969,
the Beatles achieved unprecedented popularity with 30 songs reaching the
Billboard magazine top ten popular music charts.
Formed in 1959, the Beatles were composed of four musicians born in Liverpool,
England: guitarist George Harrison, guitarist John Lennon, bassist Paul
McCartney, and drummer Peter Best. In 1962 drummer Ringo Starr (born Richard
Starkey) replaced Best. Influenced by American rock-and-roll artists of the late
1950s, such as Little Richard and Buddy Holly, the Beatles styled their songs in
the sophisticated manner of the American tradition of popular music songwriting
that peaked in the 1920s and 1930s. From the simple, fresh style of their early
songs, such as “I Want to Hold Your Hand” (1963) and “A Hard Day’s Night”
(1964), the Beatles progressed to innovative, experimental works culminating in
the album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967). Considered the first
concept album (songs unified by a common theme), Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts
Club Band was also admired for its haunting harmony and lyrics, unconventional
musical phrases and rhythms, and the integrated use of electronic music and the
Indian sitar. Other Beatles’ albums include With the Beatles (1963), Beatles for
Sale (1964), Abbey Road (1969), and Let it Be (1970).
In 1970 the Beatles split up and each member pursued another musical career,
either as a solo artist or as bandleader. Despite individual successes, members were
often approached with requests to reunite, fueling wide speculation until John
Lennon’s murder in 1980. The Beatles won the Grammy Trustees Award in 1972
and the group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. In 1995

the first volume of a three-album retrospective of the Beatles, Anthology, was
released, accompanied by a television miniseries of the same name. The Anthology
album, which includes the previously unrecorded song “Free as a Bird” (written by
Lennon and recorded by the surviving band members during 1994 and 1995),
became one of the fastest selling albums in the history of popular music. The
second album of the series, Anthology 2, was released in 1996.
Statements
1. The words “the British Invasion” in line 3 most probably mean:
a) a British attack on America;
b) conquering a new land by the British;
c) spreading of new ideas;
d) putting something into a British vase.
2. It may be concluded from the passage that:
a) no one had managed to write famous songs before the Beatles;
b) the Beatles became popular by making music charts;
c) the Billboard magazine writes on music;
d) the Beatles composed about 5 songs a year.
3. The composition of the group:
a) was never changed; b) needed changing regularly;
c) was the same for about 8 years; d) required much time and effort.
4. It is implied in the passage that the Beatles wouldn’t have become famous had it
not been for:
a) Ringo Starr; b) a little man named Richard;
c) the culture of a different country; d) Hollywood.
5. The word “sophisticated” in line 9 can best be replaced with:
a) pervert; b) subtle;
c) complicated; d) urban.
6. It took the Beatles about … years to get to the peak of their artistic career.
a) 2; b) 4;
c) 6; d) 8.
7. The thing that was NOT mentioned as the one that made Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely
Hearts Club Band an outstanding event in music was:
a) song texts;
b) voice arrangements;
c) unusual instrument combinations;
d) the general idea.
8. It is implied that:

a) a lot of people wanted the Beatles to join together after their breakup;
b) each of the Beatles wanted to become a bandleader;
c) John Lennon was murdered not to let the group reunite;
d) the ex-Beatles’ were not very happy in their solo careers.
9. It can be inferred that the Grammy Trustees Award is given for achievements:
a) in music; b) in murder;
c) in splitting up; d) in reuniting.
10. One can make a conclusion that:
a) the Anthology album was released shortly after Lennon’s death;
b) in 25 years after the breakup the group was still very popular;
c) after inducting into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame the group never recorded
songs together;
d) the album consisted of previously unrecorded songs.
ІІ. Hobbits are an unobtrusive but very ancient people, more numerous formerly
than they are today; for they love peace and quiet and good tilled earth: a well
ordered and well farmed countryside was their favorite haunt. They do not and did
not understand or like machines more complicated than a forge bellows,
a watermill, or a handloom, though they were skilful with tools. Even in ancient
days they were, as a rule, shy of “the Big Folk”, as they call us, and now they
avoid us with dismay and are becoming hard to find. They are quick of hearing and
sharp-eyed, and though they are inclined to be fat and do not hurry unnecessarily,
they are nonetheless nimble and deft in their movements. They possessed from the
first the art of disappearing swiftly and silently, when large folk whom they do not
wish to meet come blundering by; and this art they have developed until to Men it
may seem magical. But Hobbits have never, in fact, studied magic of any kind, and
their elusiveness is due solely to a professional skill that heredity and practice, and
a close friendship with the earth, have rendered inimitable by bigger and clumsier
races. For they are a little people, smaller than Dwarves: less stout and stocky, that
is, even when they are not actually much shorter. Their height is variable, ranging
between two and four feet of our measure. They seldom now reach three feet; but
they have dwindled, they say, and in ancient days they were taller.
As for the Hobbits of the Shire, with whom these tales are concerned, in the days
of their peace and prosperity they were a merry folk. They dressed in bright colors,
being notably fond of yellow and green; but they seldom wore shoes, since their
feet had tough leathery soles and were clad in a thick curling hair, much like the
hair of their heads, which was commonly brown. Thus, the only craft little
practiced among them was shoemaking; but they had long and skilful fingers and
could make many other useful and comely things. Their faces were as a rule good-
natured rather than beautiful, broad, bright-eyed, red cheeked, with mouths apt to
laughter, and to eating and drinking. And laugh they did, and eat, and drink, often

and heartily, being fond of simple jests at all times, and of six meals a day (when
they could get them). They were hospitable and delighted in parties, and in
presents, which they gave away freely and eagerly accepted. It is plain indeed that
in spite of later estrangement Hobbits are relatives of ours: far nearer to us than
Elves, or even than Dwarves. Of old they spoke the languages of Men, after their
own fashion, and liked and disliked much the same things as Men did. But what
exactly our relationship is can no longer be discovered. The beginning of Hobbits
lies far back in the Elder Days that are now lost and forgotten. Only the Elves still
preserve any records of that vanished time, and their traditions are concerned
almost entirely with their own history, in which Men appear seldom and Hobbits
are not mentioned at all. Yet it is clear that Hobbits had, in fact, lived quietly in
Middle earth for many long years before other folk became even aware of them.
And the world being after all full of strange creatures beyond count, these little
people seemed of very little importance. But in the days of Bilbo, and of Frodo his
heir, they suddenly became, by no wish of their own, both important and
renowned, and troubled the counsels of the Wise and the Great.
Statements
11. Hobbits are an unobtrusive people who love:
a) ancient dwarves; b) their haunted houses;
c) peace with rivals; d) good tilled earth.
12. It may be concluded from the passage that the
hobbits did not use:
a) forge bellows; b) sophisticated equipment;
c) forge fellows; d) hunting equipment.
13. The word “dismay” in line 6 most probably means:
a) shrewdness; b) felicity;
c) shock; d) mischief.
14. It is stated in the text that in the ancient days hobbits
were:
a) timid; b) cunning;
c) trustworthy; d) clumsy.
15. It is implied in the passage that the hobbits
possessed the art of:
a) arriving home tipsy;
b) appearing swiftly and silently;
c) disappearing quickly and quietly;
d) blundering at night.
16. The hobbits have a tendency to be:
a) less stout and stocky;
b) overweight and tired of magic spells;
c) nimble and deft cooks;

d) swift in their movements.
17. They say the hobbits used to be between:
a) 105 and 150 centimetres; b) 85 and 140 centimetres;
c) 50 and 145 centimetres; d) 65 and 120 centimetres.
18. They were a merry folk:
a) dressed in bright gowns;
b) welcoming and elated in parties;
c) elated at their present;
d) readily giving and accepting orders.
19. Hobbits are relatives of:
a) elves; b) dwarves;
c) people; d) witches.
20. In the world being full of strange creatures, these
little people seemed to be of:
a) great importance; b) very little value;
c) unknown significance; d) well-known price.
1.Nowadays young people often choose their future profession without being cut
out for it but just for the sake of expected financial benefit.
2.It is absolutely necessary that Ukraine reshape itself following the countries of
the European Union.
3.It is unfair that Ukrainian higher education diplomas are not recognized in many
developed countries.
Lesson 3 – 4
9-th form
Listening Comprehension
Text 1
Norwich
Norwich, the capital of the part of Britain known as East Anglia, has existed
as a place to live for more than two thousand years. It began as a small village
beside the River Wensum.
The first cathedral was built in 1095 and has recently celebrated its 900th
anniversary, while Norwich itself had a year of celebration in 1994 to mark the

800th anniversary of the city receiving a Royal Charter. This allowed it to be
called a city and to govern itself independently.
Today, in comparison with places like London or Manchester, Norwich is
quite small, with a population of around 150,000, but in the 16th century Norwich
was the second city of England. It continued to grow for the next 300 years and got
richer and richer, becoming famous for having as many churches as there are
weeks in the year and as many pubs as there are days in the year.
Nowadays, there are far fewer churches and pubs. With its fast growing
university student population and its success as a modern commercial centre, the
city now has a wide choice of entertainment: theatres, cinemas, nightclubs, busy
cafes, excellent restaurants, and a number of arts and leisure centres. Now the city's
attractions include another important development, a modern shopping centre
called 'The Castle Mall'. The people of Norwich lived with a very large hole in the
middle of their city for over two years, as builders dug up the main car park.
Lorries moved nearly a million tons of earth so that the roof of the Mall could
become a city centre park, with attractive water pools and hundreds of trees. But
the local people are really pleased that the old open market remains, right in the
heart of the city and next to the new development.
Text 2
When you imagine the desert, you probably think of a very hot place covered
with sand. Although this is a good description for many deserts, Earth’s largest
desert is actually a very cold place covered with ice: Antarctica.
In order for an area to be considered a desert, it must receive very little
rainfall. More specifically, it must receive an average of less than ten inches of
precipitation – which can be rain, sleet, hail, or snow-on the ground every year.
Antarctica, the coldest place on earth, has an average temperature that usually falls
below the freezing point. And because cold air holds less moisture than warm air,
the air in Antarctica does not hold much moisture at all. This is evident in the low
precipitation statistics recorded for Antarctica. For example, the central part of
Antarctica receives an average of less than 2 inches of snow every year. The
coastline of Antarctica receives a little bit more – between seven and eight inches a
year. Because Antarctica gets so little precipitation every year, it is considered a
desert.
When precipitation falls in hot deserts, it quickly evaporates back into the
atmosphere. The air over Antarctica is too cold to hold water vapor, so there is
very little evaporation. Due to this low rate of evaporation, most of the snow that
falls to the ground remains there permanently, eventually building up into thick ice
sheets. Any snow that does not freeze into ice sheets becomes caught up in the
strong winds that constantly blow over Antarctica. These snow-filled winds can
make it look as if it is snowing. Even though snowfall is very rare there, blizzards
are actually very common on Antarctica.
Task 1. Decide whether the statements are true or false

1. The River Wensum flows through East Anglia.
2. People have lived by the River Wensum for at least 2,000 years.
3. In the 11th century Norwich was a small village.
4. Norwich has been a city since its first cathedral was built.
5. Norwich has always been one of the smallest English cities.
7. The number of students in Norwich is increasing.
8. The Castle Mall took more than two years to build.
9. Norwich people still like shopping at the old market.
10. The city park surrounds the Mall.
Task 2. Listen to the text and choose one answer for each question. Circle the
correct letter A, B, C or D.
11. The main purpose of paragraph 1 is to
A. accept a conclusion
B. introduce an argument
C. provide a brief history
D. deny a common belief
12. The best title for this passage would be
A. Earth’s Many Deserts
B. Antarctica: The Coldest Place on Earth
C. A Desert of Ice
D. Unusual Blizzards
13. Africa’s Sahara Desert is the second-largest desert on earth. Based on the
information in the passage, what characteristic must the Sahara share with
Antarctica?
A. low temperatures
B. high temperatures
C. frequent blizzards
D. low precipitation
14. As used in paragraph 2, which is the best definition for precipitation?
A. moisture in the air that falls to the ground
B. any type of weather event
C. weather events that only happen in very cold areas
D. a blizzard that occurs in areas with limited snowfall
15. Based on the information in the final paragraph, it can be understood that
blizzards in Antarctica are mainly the result of
A. freezing cold temperatures
B. large amounts of snowfall
C. low amounts of precipitation
D. strong winds
Task 3. Decide whether the statements are true or false.
16) The Earth’s largest desert is the coldest place on the Earth.

17) The air in Antarctica holds much moisture.
18) Antarctica is considered as a desert because it gets little precipitation.
19) In hot deserts precipitation doesn’t evaporate quickly.
20) Snowfall is very rare in Antarctic.
Read the story. Use the information in the story to answer the questions below.
Circle the correct letter A, B, C, or D.
Text1
Harriet Tubman: Civil War Spy
By: Catherine Clarke Fox
Harriet Tubman is well known for risking her life as a “conductor” in the
Underground Railroad, which led escaped slaves to freedom in the North. But did
you know that the former slave also served as a spy for the Union during the Civil
War and was the first woman in American history to lead a military expedition?
During a time when women were usually restricted to traditional roles like
cooking and nursing, she did her share of those jobs. But she also worked side-by-
side with men, says writer Tom Allen, who tells her exciting story in the National
Geographic book, Harriet Tubman, Secret Agent. Tubman decided to help the
Union Army because she wanted freedom for all of the people who were forced
into slavery, not just the few she could help by herself. And she convinced many
other brave African Americans to join her as spies, even at the risk of being hanged
if they were caught. In one of her most dramatic and dangerous roles, Tubman
helped Colonel James Montgomery plan a raid to free slaves from plantations
along the Combahee (pronounced “KUM-bee”) River in South Carolina. Early on
the morning of June 1, 1863, three gunboats carrying several hundred male soldiers
along with Harriet Tubman set out on their mission. Tubman had gathered key
information from her scouts about the Confederate positions. She knew where they
were hiding along the shore. She also found out where they had placed torpedoes,
or barrels filled with gunpowder, in the water. As the early morning fog lifted on
some of the South’s most important rice plantations, the Union expedition hit hard.
The raiders set fire to buildings and destroyed bridges, so they couldn’t be used by
theConfederate Army. They also freed about 750 slaves-men, women, children,
andbabies - and did not lose one soldier in the attack.Allen, who writes about this
adventure and many others, got to know Tubman wellthrough the months of
research he did for the book. The historic details he shares bringTubman and many
other important figures of her time to life. To gather the facts, Allen searched
libraries and the Internet, and even walked inTubman’s footsteps. “I went on the
river just south of the area where the raid took place,” hesays. “You are in that kind
of country she would have known, with plenty of mosquitoesandsnakes, and there
are still dirt roads there today - so you get a feeling of what it was like.”

Allen says his most exciting moment came when a librarian led him to written
accountsby people who actually saw Tubman and the raiders in action.
“She was five feet two inches (157 centimeters) tall, born a slave, had a
debilitatingillness, and was unable to read or write. Yet here was this tough woman
who could takecharge and lead men. Put all that together and you get Harriet
Tubman. I got to like herpretty quickly because of her strength and her spirit,”
Allen says.
1. Harriet Tubman is best known for being a “conductor” in the Underground
Railroad. She is
also known as the first woman in American History to _________.
A. Ride in a train
B. Meet the president
C. Lead a military expedition
D. Serve in the Revolutionary War
2. Why did Tubman decide to help the Union Army?
A. She wanted to fight for the South
B. She wanted freedom for all of the people who were forced into slavery
C. She wanted to form a union
D. She had nowhere else to go
3. During this time, how did the Confederate Army make torpedoes?
A. They made them with wood, copper, and dirt
B. They made them in a submarine
C. Filled barrels with water and put them in gunpowder
D. Filled barrels with gunpowder and put them in water
4. Other than the library and the Internet, how did Tom Allen gather
information about
Harriet Tubman?
A. He walked in her footsteps
B. He sent her a message on Facebook
C. Hired a detective
D. He wrote a book
5. In the last paragraph, why does the author tell about Tubman’s size and
illness?
A. To make the reader feel bad for her
B. To give the reader a description of her
C. To explain to the reader that she had little, yet she accomplished so much
D. To tell a story about Harriet Tubman being a spy
Decide whether the statements are true or false
6. Tubman decided to help the Union Army because she wanted freedom for
the people who were forced into slavery.
7. Tubman didn’t know where the Confederate positions were.
8. The raiders freed about 1000 slaves.
9. Allen read the real evidence of people who actually had seen Tubman.

10. Tubman was born a slave and had a debilitating illness, she was unable to
read and write.
II
To Whom it May Concern
On March 5, 2010, I bought a Perfect Muffin Kit from your store at Midfield
Mall. The cashier who assisted me was George. George was very friendly and
assured me that the Perfect Muffin Kit would live up to the guarantee on the box:
“Perfect Muffins Every Time!”
Unfortunately, this product did not live up to its claim. Although the box
promised, as I stated above, to provide “Perfect Muffins Every Time,” the muffins
I made were far from perfect. I followed the directions included in the package
very carefully. First, I removed the bag of mix from the box. Then, I poured it into
a bowl. Next, I added the correct amount of water to the mix and stirred it. The
directions said that after stirring the mixture, I could, and I quote, “add half a cup
of raisins, nuts, berries, or another favorite ingredient.” My favorite ingredient
happens to be hot sauce. I find that a dash of hot sauce makes pizza, pasta, and
soup taste very delicious. So, continuing to follow the directions, I added half a
cup of hot sauce to the mix and stirred it. Finally, I poured the mix into muffin tins
and baked it in the oven at 350 degrees for exactly 20 minutes.
When the muffins finished baking, I was very excited to eat the “Perfect
Muffins” as promised on the box. You can imagine my disappointment when, upon
tasting the muffins, I discovered that they were not perfect. These muffins were, in
fact, absolutely terrible. Not even my dog was interested in eating these supposedly
“perfect” muffins.
I would appreciate a full refund ($3.99) for this product as soon as possible.
Enclosed are the receipt, the empty box, and one of the un-perfect muffins so that
you can experience it for yourself. Thank you for your prompt attention to this
matter.
Sincerely,
Michelle Bauer
11. This letter is most likely addressed to
A. the owner of the muffin mix company
B. a local storeowner
C. the clerk at a local muffin bakery
D. George, the cashier who sold Michelle the muffin mix
12. The tone of the author can best be described as
A. furious
B. disgusted
C. embarrassed
D. frustrated
13. As used in paragraph 1, which is the best synonym for guarantee?
A. lie
B. warning
C. promise

D. sentence
14. Which of the following best describes the organization of paragraph 2?
A. The paragraph follows chronological order, in which events are
presented in the sequence that they occur.
B. The author explains a problem and then proposes a solution to
that problem.
C. The author makes an argument and then provides evidence to support
that argument.
D. The paragraph follows a cause-and-effect order, in which a series of
causes are given, followed by their effects.
15. It can be understood that the author is disappointed by the
product because
A. it was worth less money than she paid for it
B. it did not fulfill the promise made on the box
C. the directions included with the product contained a mistake
D. the directions included with the product were too difficult to follow
16. It can be understood that the author put hot sauce in the muffins
because she
A. wanted to get a full refund
B. did not read the directions carefully
C. was out of raisins, nuts, and berries
D. considered it one of her favorite ingredients
17. The author’s main purpose in writing this letter is to
A. complain about how bad the muffins tasted
B. obtain a full refund for her money
C. prevent others from making the same mistake she did
D. persuade the company to change the wording on their box
18. Which of the following words best describes the author?
A. shrewd
B. senseless
C. unreasonable
D. careful
19. Instead of hot sauce, which of the following ingredients might the
author have reasonably added to enhance the flavor of the muffin:
I. raspberries?
II. banana nuts?
III. chocolate chips?
A. I only
B. I and II only
C. II and III only
D. I, II, and III
20) According to the author, the muffins tasted "absolutely terrible."
This is the result of
A. misinterpretation

B. negligence
C. forgetfulness
D. recklessness
1. In some countries young people have little leisure time and are under a lot of
pressure to work hard in their studies. What do you think are the causes of this?
2. Nowadays we are producing more and more rubbish. Why do you think this is
happening? What can governments do to help reduce the amount of rubbish
produced?
3. The number of overweight children in developed countries is increasing. Some
people think this is due to problems such as the growing number of fast food
outlets. Others believe that parents are to blame for not looking after their
children's health. To what extent do you agree with these views?
10-th form
I. Facebook
Do you use any of the social networking websites which are so popular these
days, the places where you can connect up with friends and relatives and meet
people who share the same interests as you? If you’re younger you may use
MySpace, young adults are more likely to be found on Facebook and busy
professionals may prefer something like LinkedIn. But at least two of these sites
have one thing in common: apart from being social spaces where you can meet and
chat to people, share photos and other things, they’ve all added new verbs and nouns
to the language in the past couple of years. Let’s take a look at some examples. You
can facebook your holiday photos (upload them to your Facebook page), facebook
someone to see who they are (look him up in Facebook), facebook someone about a
party (contact someone through their Facebook page) and ask permission to
facebook someone (add them as a Facebook friend).
As you can see, ‘facebook’ is a pretty versatile word, and you could say the
same about ‘myspace’, which you will find being used in much the same way all
over the Net. LinkedIn (being a more adult, professional community) has not been
used in the same way. While you’re ‘facebooking’ or ‘myspacing’ you may also
find yourself ‘commenting’ (writing a comment on someone’s Facebook or
MySpace page), as in this example: ‘I commented Mary that she should come to the
pub on Saturday and she commented me that she couldn’t because she was going
away for the weekend’.
II. Carnival Safety Success

This year’s Notting Hill Carnival, Europe’s biggest street festival, was the best
ever. Despite the cloudy skies, the carnival brought the streets to life in its own
unique way with record numbers and little reported crime. After the two murders in
2009, there had been major safety worries concerning this year’s carnival. To deal
with these fears several changes were made. Firstly, the route for the carnival was
changed to avoid the narrowest streets in Notting Hill, a residential area with many
small roads. Secondly, the carnival organisers provided more stewards and they
received better training. Finally, the organisers ensured that the ending time, 9 p.m.,
was closely observed.
Following these changes, Carnival 2010 saw more than a million people party
in the streets of Notting Hill. More than 3,000 people dressed in spectacular
colourful costumes and paraded and danced through the streets, crowds of four and
five people deep lined the route to try and see the event. Residents partied on
apartment balconies and even the police took part. Apart from the carnival parade,
the local area was filled with sound systems pumping out music of all different
kinds – Samba, Reggae and Rap music being the most common.
Police yesterday said that 56 arrests were made over the weekend, which
included 30 arrests for pick-pocketing and three for robbery. The chairman of the
Notting Hill Carnival Trust, Chris Mullard, yesterday said, "The criticism of the
event has been ill-founded and I hope people will now see the carnival for what it is;
a wonderful opportunity to project the multiculturalism that is metropolitan
London.”
Task 1. Decide whether these statements are true or false.
1. People who use Myspace are generally not as old as people who use Facebook.
2. LinkedIn is for people with good jobs.
3. Sites like these have given new words such as adverbs and adjectives to the
language.
4. Myspace has proven to be a less versatile word than Facebook.
5. All three of the sites mentioned have provided some new words.
6. In this Internet context, ‘to comment’ means to leave a message for someone on
their site.
7. You can use Facebook for different purposes.
8. The new terms have been in use for ten years.
9. The word ‘facebook’ has various uses.
10. You need someone’s authorisation to add their name to your facebook page.
11. In Europe, there is a bigger festival than Notting Hill Carnival.
12. The weather was very good at this year’s Carnival.
13. The carnival parade went a different way this year.
14. Many activities continued till midnight.
15. Over a million people wore special costumes.
16. For some people, it was difficult to see the parade.
17. Some police danced and partied.

18. There were many kinds of music.
19. More than half the arrests were for theft.
20. The carnival represents only one group or community in London.
Read through the text and say whether the following statements are True or False.
I
The Battle of Bannockburn
Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland, is one of the great heroes of Scottish
history. At that time the English king Edward II wanted to rule the whole country,
but Robert the Bruce helped the Scots to resist and to form a large army which
attacked Stirling castle. King Edward’s army came to help the soldiers in the castle,
and the two armies met at the small town of Bannockburn on June 24, 1314.
At that time the strongest part of the English army was bowmen. These
bowmen, with their long bows had won many victories for the English in France.
The Scots did not have many bowmen, so when the English archers attacked they
could not defend themselves or fight back. However, Robert the Bruce was ready
for this, and he called for his cavalry, (his soldiers on horseback). The horses were
too quick for the bowmen, and the Scots knights chased them from the battlefield.
As the English knights advanced, Robert the Bruce ordered the Scots to put
sharp sticks in front of their soldiers, and to dig holes in the ground for the English
cavalry to fall into. As a result, the English were discouraged by what happened and
they did not fight very well.
Many people in the area knew that a great battle was being fought, and when
they heard that the Scots army was winning, they came to watch the battle. The
English soldiers saw them appear on the top of a nearby hill, and they thought that
they were another Scottish army arriving. The English were terrified that they would
be caught between two Scots armies and they ran away. Now the Scots cavalry
returned to the battle and the horsemen killed many English soldiers as they ran
away. After this, the English army never really succeeded in conquering Scotland,
also because they had to fight wars in other countries, such as France and Holland.
Task 1. Decide whether the statements are true or false
1. The battle of Bannockburn was in the 14th Century.
2. The battle took place in winter.
3. At the time of the battle the English were in Stirling Castle.
4. Many Scots at Bannockburn were killed by arrows.
5. The English bowmen were the weakest part of the English army
6. The English horsemen chased the Scots horsemen away.
7. It was very difficult for the English to attack the Scots army.
8. The English were frightened when another Scottish army appeared.
9. The English soldiers won the battle.
10. Scotland was also fighting with the French.
II

Alternative medicine
Alternative medicine is, by definition, an alternative to something else:
modern, Western medicine. But the term ‘alternative’ can be misleading, even off-
putting for some people. Few practitioners of homeopathy, acupuncture, herbalism
and the like regard their therapies as complete substitutes for modern medicine.
Rather, they consider their disciplines as supplementary to orthodox medicine. The
problem is that many doctors refuse even to recognize ‘natural’ or alternative
medicine, to do so calls for a radically different view of health, illness and cure. But
whatever doctors may think, the demand for alternative forms of medical therapy is
stronger than ever before, as the limitations of modern medical science become
more widely understood.
Alternative therapies are often dismissed by orthodox medicine because they
are sometimes administered by people with no formal medical training. But, in
comparison with many traditional therapies, western medicine as we know it today
is a very recent phenomenon. Until only 150 years ago, herbal medicine and simple
inorganic compounds were the most effective treatments available. Despite the
medical establishment’s intolerant attitude, alternative therapies are being accepted
by more and more doctors, and the World Health Organization has agreed to
promote the integration of proven, valuable, ‘alternative’ knowledge and skills in
western medicine.
Task 2. Read through the text and choose one answer for each question.
Read the story. Use the information in the story to answer the questions below.
Circle the correct letter A, B or C.
11. The term ‘alternative’ is ...
a. not entirely appropriate.
b. rejected by Western medicine.
c. very recent.
12. Alternative therapy is often rejected by conventional doctors because ...
a. it is not beneficial.
b. it is misleading.
c. practitioners are often not qualified.
13. Few practitioners of alternative medicine think their therapies should ...
a. substitute modern medicine.
b. complement modern medicine.
c. be accepted by the medical establishment.
14. Western medicine ...
a. is based on many traditional therapies.
b. has existed for a comparatively short time.
c. is practiced by people with no formal medical training.
15. The World Health Organization ...

a. has an intolerant attitude towards alternative therapies.
b. will support effective knowledge and skills.
c. will support all alternative medicine.
Task 3. Decide whether these statements true or false.
16) The term ‘alternative’ is absolutely clear for all people.
17) The practitioners of homeopathy consider their therapies as major ones.
18) Many doctors refuse ‘natural’ or ‘alternative’ medicine.
19) Western medicine is a very recent phenomenon.
20) More than one hundred years ago alternative medicine was the most effective
treatment.
1. Many newspapers and magazines feature stories about the private lives of
famous people. We know what they eat, where they buy their clothes and who they
love. We also often see pictures of them in private situations. Is it appropriate for a
magazine or newspaper to give this kind of private information about people? Give
reasons for your answer.
2. Some people prefer to spend their lives doing the same things and avoiding
change. Others, however, think that change is always a good thing. Discuss both
these views and give your own opinion.
3. Some people say that advertising encourages us to buy things that we really do
not need. Others say that advertisements tell us about new products that may
improve our lives.
11-th form
The Hitchhiker
As Andrea turned off the motorway onto the road to Brockbourne, the small
village in which she lived, it was four o'clock in the afternoon, but already the sun
was falling behind the hills. At this time in December, it would be completely dark
by five o'clock. Andrea shivered. The interior of the car was not cold, but the trees
bending in the harsh wind and the patches of yesterday's snow still heaped in the
fields made her feel chilly inside. It was another ten miles to the cottage where she
lived with her husband Michael, and the dim light and wintry weather made her
feel a little lonely. She would have liked to listen to the radio, but it had been
stolen from her car when it was parked outside her office in London about two
weeks ago, and she had not got around to replacing it yet.
She was just coming out of the little village of Mickley when she saw the old
lady, standing by the road, with a crude hand-written sign saying "Brockbourne" in
her hand. Andrea was surprised. She had never seen an old lady hitchhiking before.

However, the weather and the coming darkness made her feel sorry for the lady,
waiting hopefully on a country road like this with little traffic. Normally, Andrea
would never pick up a hitchhiker when she was alone, thinking it was too
dangerous, but what was the harm in doing a favor for a little old lady like this?
Andrea pulled up a little way down the road, and the lady, holding a big shopping
bag, hurried over to climb in the door which Andrea had opened for her.
When she did get in, Andrea could see that she was not, in fact, so little.
Broad and fat, the old lady had some difficulty climbing in through the car door,
with her big bag, and when she had got in, she more than filled the seat next to
Andrea. She wore a long, shabby old dress, and she had a yellow hat pulled down
low over her eyes. Panting noisily from her effort, she pushed her big brown
canvas shopping bag down onto the floor under her feet, and said in a voice which
was almost a whisper, "Thank you dear. I'm just going to Brockbourne."
"Do you live there?" asked Andrea, thinking that she had never seen the old
lady in the village in the four years she had lived there herself.
"No, dear," answered the passenger, in her soft voice, "I'm just going to visit a
friend. He was supposed to meet me back there at Mickley, but his car won't start,
so I decided to hitchhike -- there isn't a bus until seven, and I didn't want to wait. I
knew some kind soul would give me a lift."
Something in the way the lady spoke, and the way she never turned her head,
but stared continuously into the darkness ahead from under her old yellow hat,
made Andrea uneasy about this strange hitchhiker. She didn't know why, but she
felt instinctively that there was something wrong, something odd,
something....dangerous. But how could an old lady be dangerous? it was absurd.
Careful not to turn her head, Andrea looked sideways at her passenger. She
studied the hat, the dirty collar of the dress, the shapeless body, the arms with their
thick black hairs....
Thick black hairs?
Hairy arms? Andrea's blood froze.
This wasn't a woman. It was a man.
At first, she didn't know what to do. Then suddenly, an idea came into her
racing, terrified brain. Swinging the wheel suddenly, she threw the car into a skid,
and brought it to a halt.
"My God!" she shouted, "A child! Did you see the child? I think I hit her!"
The "old lady" was clearly shaken by the sudden skid. "I didn't see anything
diary," she said. "I don't think you hit anything."
"I'm sure it was a child!" insisted Andrea. "Could you just get out and have a
look? Just see if there's anything on the road?" She held her breath. Would her plan
work?
It did. The passenger slowly opened the car door, leaving her bag inside, and
climbed out to investigate. As soon as she was out of the vehicle, Andrea gunned
the engine and accelerated madly away. The car door swung shut as she rounded a
bend, and soon she had put a good three miles between herself and the awful
hitchhiker.

It was only then that she thought about the bag lying on the floor in front of
her. Maybe the bag would provide some information about the real identity about
the old woman who was not an old woman. Pulling into the side of the road,
Andrea lifted the heavy bag onto her lap and opened it curiously.
It contained only one item -- a small hand axe, with a razor-sharp blade. The
axe, and the inside of the bag, were covered with the dark red stains of dried blood.
Andrea began to scream.
Task 1. Listen to the text and choose one answer for each question. Circle the
correct letter A, B, C or D.
1. Where did Andrea work?
a) Brockbourne
b) Mickley
c) London
d) the text doesn't say
2. How was Andrea feeling as she drove home?
a) happy
b) afraid
c) lonely
d) hot
3. Why didn't she listen to the radio?
a) The radio had been stolen from her car.
b) She liked peace and quiet.
c) The radio was broken.
d) There was a strike at the radio station.
4. Why did she stop to give the old lady a ride?
a) It was a cold evening.
b) Andrea felt lonely.
c) She felt sorry for the lady.
d) All of the above.
5. Where did the lady want to go?
a) Brockbourne
b) Mickley
c) London
d) The text doesn't say
6. What made Andrea afraid when she looked at the old lady?
a) She had a moustache.
b) She had a hard voice like a man.
c) She had a shopping bag.
d) She had hairy arms.

7. Why did Andrea suddenly stop the car?
a) She thought she had hit a child in the road.
b) She skidded on some ice in the road.
c) She wanted to trick the passenger into getting out.
d) She was so afraid that she couldn't concentrate, and she nearly had a crash.
8. What did Andrea do when the "old lady" got out?
a) waited for her
b) drove away quickly
c) opened her bag
d) switched off the engine
9. Why did Andrea look in the old lady's bag?
a) She wanted to steal what was in it.
b) She wanted to find her address so that she could send the bag back to her.
c) She wanted to borrow the old lady's tools.
d) She wanted to find out who the strange passenger was.
10.What was the "old lady" probably going to do to Andrea?
a) nothing
b) kill her
c) give her an axe
d) visit her in Brockbourne
Task 2. Decide whether these statements are true or false and mark one.
11. The sun was falling behind the hills when Andrea was driving to Brockbourne.
12. While driving a car Andrea couldn’t listen to the radio because it had been
stolen.
13. The woman who was standing by the road had nothing in her hands.
14. Normally Andrea always picked up a hitchhiker on the road.
15. Andrea didn’t consider this hitchhiker to be dangerous and odd.
16. Andrea hit a child on the road and was frightened of it.
17. Andrea made up a plan to make her passenger to climb out of the car and her
plan worked.
18. The passenger left his bag lying on the floor in front of Andrea.
19. The content of the bag was absolutely harmless.
20. Andrea was happy to have picked up this old lady.

TEXT I
Six months ago I made a rash promise. The leader of the youth club in our
village rang me in March saying, “We’re thinking of running a children’s
playscheme for a day in October half-term. Would you be prepared to help?” My
response was “Sure, why not?” In truth I was a little flattered to be asked, even
though working as a care assistant with old people hardly qualified me for the role.
Still, I duly put the date in my diary and of course I forgot all about it. I don’t
know if you’ve noticed this but time has a habit of speeding along faster than a
police car chasing a robber and, before I knew it, the day was dawning.
I arrived at the youth centre that morning feeling full of trepidation. There
was a gang of 12 helpers including me and each pair had been allocated a
particular age group. Mine was the 10 to 11 year olds. Even with the planning
meeting I had attended the week before, I worried about whether I was up to the
task. Why hadn’t I read through the copious lesson plans we were given
beforehand? And wasn’t the average 10-year-old more interested in the latest Play
Station game than making things with paper and glue?
All too quickly the children began arriving. The look of relief on parents’
faces as they handed their offspring over to us was quite comical. A handful of the
children were already members of the club but the other forty five or so were from
the local primary schools. Again I asked myself why I had elected to spend a day
with all these ‘little monsters’ especially when I have two all of my own to contend
with!
I needn’t have worried of course as it turned out to be a marvelous day. We
watched entertaining dvd clips, learned ‘action’ songs, made clay pyramids,
decorated biscuits, played memory games and spent some time in quiet reflection. I
say ‘we’ because I rediscovered my inner child and joined in all the activities.
The particular highlight for me was the final rendition of “He’s got the
whole world in his hands” in the closing part of the day. The children knew the
words and actions off by heart and sang so loudly it was almost enough to bring
the roof down. It’s difficult to explain those moments; only that the body tingles
with the pleasure of having witnessed something so magical.
Of course there were also moments of great poignancy. I found it difficult to
stop thinking of one little girl, who mentioned oh-so-casually that her mum was in
hospital and would be there for a long time. It’s easy for us adults to idealize
childhood and forget that some children have their own burden of anxieties and
concerns. When I got home utterly exhausted, still with modeling clay under my
fingernails, I reflected on what a privilege it had been.
There was one disappointment for the children and that was that the play
scheme was only running for a day, and not the whole week. As I said farewell to
my group, one of the children turned and said “Can we do it again in the next
holiday, Miss?” My response was, “Sure, why not?”

Task 1. Read the story. Use the information in the story to answer the questions
below. Circle the correct letter A, B, C, or D.
1) When the offer of the job was made the writer
a) felt she had made a mistake to agree.
b) thought she had appropriate experience for the job.
c) believed she shouldn't have been asked.
d) gave the impression she wasn't sure about accepting the job.
2) When the day arrived the writer was surprised
a) that the day had come round so quickly.
b) because she'd forgotten to write down the date.
c) because she witnessed a car chase on the way.
d) that she woke up at dawn.
3) When the writer arrived to start her job she
a) put the children into pairs.
b) realised she should have done more preparation.
c) felt confident she could deal with 10 and 11 year olds.
d) saw the children had brought their own electronic games to play with.
4) According to the writer, the parents were
a) happy to stay with their children all day.
b) worried about children from the other schools.
c) nervous that their children might not behave themselves.
d) glad to leave their children.
5) The writer needn't have worried because
a) the children were quiet during the day.
b) the children weren't doing messy activities.
c) she had fun herself.
d) the time passed quickly.
6) The writer's best moment
a) occurred in the middle of the day.
b) took her by surprise.
c) was hard to put into words.
d) was when the day was over.
7) According to the writer, adults
a) think that being a child is a privilege.
b) sometimes forget that children have worries too.
c) are usually exhausted by bringing up their children.
d) don't have a stressful life.

8) What is the writer's attitude by the end of the day?
a) She could imagine doing the job again next time.
b) She was sad to say good bye to the children.
c) She was disappointed with the experience.
d) She hopes the playscheme will be longer in future.
Task 2. Decide whether these statements are true or false.
9) The writer was absolutely indifferent when he arrived at the youth center for the
first time.
10) 100% of children were from the local primary schools.
11) The writer absolutely disliked the final rendition of “ He’s got the whole world
in his hands” in the closing part of the day.
12) The writer couldn’t but think about one little girl whose mother had to stay in
the hospital for long period of time.
TEXT II
Protect your computer, by all means, but don't forget to protect yourself, advises
web safety expert, Amanda Knox.
We're always being urged to stay safe online. But in an era where the internet is
part of our everyday lives - for work, fun, study, shopping, even managing
finances - it's not always easy to spot the dangers. Web safety expert, Amanda
Knox, explores some of the issues lurking in cyberspace.
Her first piece of advice is to install software and a firewall to protect your
computer from viruses, hackers and criminals who want to steal your data or
financial information. "Think of these as your first line of defense," says Amanda.
So much for protecting yourself against intruders, but what about other
problems? Say you've accidentally deleted an important file or you've been at the
mercy of a natural disaster. Katy Marsh runs an online photography business from
home and when a fire destroyed part of her house it could easily have spelled ruin
for her business too. "Luckily I keep a regular back-up of my data so it wasn't a
catastrophe." Amanda advises that while back-ups are good to have we must
ensure we protect our computers to start with.
Whilst most of us are aware of the need to protect our computers, it seems we're
more lax when it comes to looking out for ourselves, at least according to a recent
web awareness survey. Web safety specialists say better personal awareness is
needed and this is due in part to the rise of 'Social Networking' sites like 'Bebo',
'MySpace' and 'Facebook', which allow us to connect with people around the world
with similar interests and professional backgrounds. Chris Simpson, a computer
programmer, learnt the hard way. "I joined a free online networking group in the
hope of making some professional contacts to help me find a new job. After a
month, one of my online contacts invited me to take out a subscription to a club
that promised access to a network of job recruiters. It turned out to be a waste of
money. I ended up a laughing stock with my mates - they couldn't believe that
someone in my job could get taken in so easily." No wonder then that Amanda

warns, "It's easy to get complacent and let our guard down when we meet someone
with the same interests online."
This brings us to other potential pitfalls. Are the people you meet online who
they really claim to be? Can you be sure the person you're chatting with is in fact a
22-year-old Maths undergraduate from London and not someone merely
masquerading as a student to win your trust? Khaled, a postgrad from Manchester
University, quickly realised that it was unwise of him to post his phone number
and email address in the public forum of an online academic discussion group. He
was soon bombarded with unwanted emails and nuisance phone calls. Yet, it's
astonishing how many highly educated people do this without considering the
consequences that anyone in the world could use the information to make
(unwanted) contact.
When networking and joining online communities it's better to be cautious
about the amount of personal information you share. For example, it isn't always
necessary to use your real name as a username when registering for a service. You
could instead use a pseudonym, or a name that doesn't give away your real identity
to other users. And is it really important to tell the world details about your school,
college or any local clubs you're a member of? Sometimes it pays to be a little
vague and simply say something like 'I'm studying at college in Madrid at the
moment and I'm a member of a local tennis club'.
If you do experience problems from another user be prepared to report them for
misusing the service. You'll be doing other users a favour too. And if all else fails,
check to see if it is easy to delete your account and leave the service if you choose
to and that you have the option to delete all your details.
A general rule of thumb is not to post any information about yourself that you
would not be happy for the world to know - not just now but in years to come. This
includes photographs of yourself, particularly embarrassing shots of you at that
party which you may later regret! It's not always easy to remove information after
it's been posted so you - not to mention your future employer - may have an
unpleasant surprise a few years down the line.
Task 3. Read the story. Use the information in the story to answer the questions
below. Circle the correct letter A, B, C, or D.
13) In the second paragraph the phrase 'first line of defense ' suggests something
a) is the only option.
b) offers protection.
c) is an instruction.
d) shows weakness.
14) The effect of the fire was
a) worse for Katy's business than her home.
b) to ruin Katy's business.
c) not as serious for Katy's business as it could have been.
d) to make Katy start to back up her data.

15) According to the web awareness survey, our attitude to our personal safety is
rather
a) relaxed.
b) concerned.
c) positive.
d) uncertain.
16) Chris first joined the networking group
a) because it promised him a job.
b) in order to make friends and have fun.
c) to assist him in a job search.
d) because it didn't cost him anything.
17) Regarding Khaled's experience, the writer is surprised that
a) people telephone complete strangers.
b) people don't think of the results of their actions online.
c) university students take part in online discussions.
d) people sent emails to Khaled without asking permission.
18) What tip does the writer give for joining an online community?
a) Always use a false name.
b) Make sure you are properly registered.
c) Limit the information you give to others.
d) Tell other users where you're studying.
19) The writer says that you should report troublesome users
a) because other people will benefit.
b) so you can stop using the service.
c) only if nothing else works.
d) if you want to delete your own details.
20) In the final paragraph, the writer advises people
a) not to put photos online.
b) to apply for a job online.
c) not to have any personal information online.
d) to consider what may cause problems in the future.
1. More and more qualified people are moving from poor to rich countries to fill
vacancies in specialist areas like engineering, computing and medicine. What do
you think about this?

2. Some people consider computers to be more of a hindrance than a help. Others
believe that they have greatly increased human potential.
3. As mass communication and transport continue to grow, societies are becoming
more and more alike leading to a phenomenon known as globalization. Some
people fear that globalization will inevitably lead to the total loss of cultural
identity. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

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