Here are the key details from the conversation: - Martha is having a party this Saturday and invites Jane - Peter and Mark will help with the cooking - Jane offers to make lasagna - Martha says some Italian cousins will be there - Martha plans to hire a clown for entertainment The conversation provides context about plans for an upcoming social gathering.

1. Read the following short paragraph about Mary and her hobbies and interests. Pay
attention to how often and when she does her various hobbies. Once you understand,
make sure to take the quiz to test your knowledge.
Mary's Hobbies and Interests
Mary has a lot of hobbies and interests. She usually gets up early so she can run
before work. She doesn't often have time to ski, but she occasionally goes on
Saturdays during the winter. Mary often rides a horse at a stable near here home. She
sometimes goes after work, but she usually goes horseback riding on Sundays. She
loves music. She always goes to choir practice on Wednesday evenings and sings in
church on Sundays. She doesn't have much extra money, so she rarely goes to
concerts in the city. She seldom watches TV because she likes doing things outside.
She usually goes to the gym if it's raining outside. She isn't often alone because she
has a lot of friends. She occasionally does something alone, but she usually does her
activities with one of her friends. She's a happy woman!
Why does she usually get up early?
A. She gets up early to run before
work.
B. She gets up early to go to work.
C. She gets up early to have
breakfast.
How often does she ski?
A. She often skis.
B. She occasionally skis in winter.
C. She rarely skis in winter.
How often does she ride a horse?
A. She rides a horse every day.
B. She often rides a horse.
C. She never rides a horse.
When doe she usually go horseback
riding?
A. She usually goes horseback
riding after work.
B. She usually goes horseback
riding on Saturdays.
C. She usually goes horseback
riding on Sundays.
What kind of music does she like
doing?
A. Playing the violin
B. Singing
C. Playing the piano
How often does she go to concerts
in the city?
A. Every Sunday
B. Rarely
C. Never
How often does she watch TV?
A. She usually watches TV every
night.
B. She seldom watches TV.
C. She never watches TV.
What does she usually do if it's
raining?
A. She goes outside.
B. She goes to the gym.
C. She calls friends.
How often is she alone?
A. She is often alone.
B. She isn't often alone.
C. She is usually alone.
How often does she do something
alone?
A. She never does something
alone.
B. She occasionally does
something alone.
C. She always does something
alone.

2. Ben’s day.
When I woke up this morning, I found my dog, Fox, waiting for me. He wanted me to take
him for a walk. I was too hungry, so first I had breakfast. I had a glass of milk and a piece
of toast. Then I washed my teeth and put on a track-suit and a heavy coat, because it was
really cold outside. Fox was already impatient. We both went out, and walked to the park
near home. He ran and jumped, and pursued some passers-by. He also destroyed some
pieces of furniture somebody left on the road. I sat on a bench all the time, wishing I could
be inside my warm bed. When my hands were frozen, I decided it was time to go back
home. Fox didn’t want to, but I pulled hard and I managed to take him back. When we
arrived at the front door, I realized I didn’t have my keys with me, so we stayed out in the
cold for more than an hour! Fox was happy, but I was late for work!
1. Write all the verbs you find in the past simple tense. Which of them are regular?
Which are irregular? Write the infinitive of the irregular verbs:
2. Answer the questions:
1. Who was happy to stay outside?
_____________________________________________________________
2. What did Ben do in the park?
_____________________________________________________________
3. What did Fox do in the park?
__________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
4. What did Ben have for breakfast?
__________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
5. What was the weather like?
__________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
6. What was Ben wearing?
__________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
7. When did Ben decide it was time to go home?
__________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

3. BREAKFAST HELPS GIRLS STAY SLIP
A newly published report says that girls should eat breakfast every day if they want to stay
slim. Researchers from America’s Maryland Medical Research Institute followed the eating
habits and weight of nearly 2,400 girls throughout their adolescence. This ten-year period is
a time when “girls put on a lot of weight”, according to lead researcher Bruce Barton. The
conclusion of the findings was that teenage girls who ate cereal for breakfast three times a
week or more were more likely to stay slim.
A press release from the Journal of the American Dietetic Association reports that “cereal
consumption had positive effects on the girls”. This is because cereals contain high levels
of calcium and fiber and low levels of fat and cholesterol. The researchers suggest that there
are other reasons why eating cereal may help girls stay slimmer. One factor is that other
healthy things are usually consumed with cereal, such as milk and juice. Researchers also
concluded that cereals help girls to get the right amounts of nutrients.
1. What did you think when you first saw this headline and why?
__________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
2. What do you usually have for breakfast?
__________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
3. Why do you think many children do not eat healthier breakfasts?
__________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
4. What do you think about what you read?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
5. How healthy is your daily diet?
__________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
6. What is the best time for eating for you and why?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

4. BALANCED DIET
To look and feel good, you need a balanced diet, for example, some people think it’s bad to
eat carbohydrates, fat, or sugar. In fact you need all kind of foods, including fat. The food
triangle shows what to eat every day. At the base of triangle and at the base of a good diet
are carbohydrates, bread cereal, rice and pasta. Carbohydrates are low in fat and they give
you energy. Eat six to ten servings of these a day.
Next on the triangle are fruit and vegetables. These give you vitamins and they have
antioxidants. Antioxidants can protect you from cancer and others serious health problems.
Eat three or four servings of vegetables and two to four servings of fruit every day.
For calcium and protein, eat two or three servings of dairy products milk, cheese, or yogurt
every day. These foods maintain strong bones and normal blood pressure.
Protein also comes from meats, fish, beans, eggs and nuts. These foods promote muscle
development and protect you from anemia. Eat two or three servings of these high protein
foods every day
Finally at the top of the triangle are fat, oil and sugar. Don’t eat big quantities of these foods,
but don’t eliminate them from your diet, fats help transport vitamins in your body, and sugar
gives you energy.
1. Which foods give us protein?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
2. What food group forms the base of a good diet?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
3. Which foods give us energy?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
4. Which foods have antioxidants?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
5. Which foods protect us from anemia?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
6. Which foods help transport vitamins in the body?
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

5. Read the following job advertisements:
1. Needed: Full time secretary position available. Applicants should have at least 2 years
experience and be able to type 60 words a minute. No computer skills required. Apply in
person at United Business Ltd., 17 Browning Street.
2. Are you looking for a part time job? We require 3 part time shop assistants to work
during the evening. No experience required, applicants should between 18 and 26. Call 366
- 76564 for more information.
3. Computer trained secretaries: Do you have experience working with computers? Would
you like a full time position working in an exciting new company? If your answer is yes,
give us a call at 565-987-7832.
4. Teacher Needed: Tommy's Kindergarten needs 2 teacher/trainers to help with classes
from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Applicants should have appropriate licenses. For more information
visit Tommy's Kindergarten in Leicester Square No. 56.
5. Part Time work available: We are looking for retired adults who would like to work part
time at the weekend. Responsibilities include answering the telephone and giving
customer's information. For more information contact us by calling 897-980-7654.
6. University positions open: The University of Cumberland is looking for 4 teaching
assistants to help with homework correction. Applicants should have a degree in one of the
following: Political Science, Religion, Economics or History. Please contact the University
of Cumberland for more information.
Comprehension Questions
Which position is best for these people? Choose ONLY ONE position for each person.
 Jane Madison. Jane recently retired and is looking for a part time position. She
would like to work with people and enjoys public relation work.
The best job for Jane is _____
 Jack Anderson. Jack graduated from the University of Trent with a degree in
Economics two years ago. He would like an academic position.
The best job for Jack is _____
 Margaret Lillian. Margaret is 21 years old and would like a part time position to
help her pay her university expenses. She can only work in the evenings.
The best job for Margaret is _____

6.  Alice Fingelhamm. Alice was trained as a secretary and has six years of experience.
She is an excellent typist but does not know how to use a computer. She is looking
for a full time position.
The best job for Alice is _____
 Peter Florian. Peter went to business school and studied computer and secretarial
skills. He is looking for his first job and would like a full time position.
The best job for Peter is _____
 Vincent san George. Vincent loves working with children and has an education
license from the city of Birmingham. He would like to work with young children.
The best job for Vincent is _____
Tim works for a company in Sacramento, California. He's a customer service
representative. He gets up at six o'clock each workday. He drives to work and begins his
job at eight o'clock. He speaks to people on the telephone to help them with their banking
problems. People telephone the bank to ask questions about their accounts. He doesn't
give information about accounts until people answer a few questions. Tim asks callers
their birth date, the last four digits of their social security number and their address. If a
person gives incorrect information, Tim asks him to call back with the correct information.
Tim is polite and friendly with everyone. He has lunch in a park next to his office. He
returns home at five o'clock in the evening. After work, he goes to the gym to work out. He
has dinner at seven o'clock. Tim likes watching TV after dinner. He goes to bed at eleven
o'clock at night.
Choose the correct answer to these questions based on Tim's Day. Each question
has only one correct answer.

7. Where does Tim work?
A. In Europe
B. In the USA
C. In Asia
When does he get up?
A. He gets up at seven o'clock in the
morning.
B. He gets up at six o'clock in the
morning.
C. He gets up at six o'clock in the
afternoon.
How does he get to work?
A. He walks to work.
B. He drives to work.
C. He takes the bus to work.
What does he do during the day?
A. He helps customers in a bank.
B. He helps customers on the
telephone.
C. He helps customers outside.
What does he do to check
information?
A. He asks people some questions.
B. He tells them to call later.
C. He asks to see documents.
Which question does he NOT ask?
A. What is your birth date?
B. What is your job?
C. What is your address?
What does he do if the information is
incorrect?
A. He gives banking account
information.
B. He asks the callers to call back
with correct information.
C. He asks to speak to the parents.
What is Tim like on the job?
A. He is unfriendly and helpful.
B. He is funny and helpful.
C. He is polite and friendly.
Where does he eat lunch?
A. At work
B. In a park near work
C. At home
What does he do in the evening?
A. He works out at the gym and
watches TV.
B. He works out at the gym and
reads a book.
C. He watches TV and plays ping
pong.
What Were You Doing?
Betsy: I telephoned you yesterday afternoon but you didn't answer? Where were you?
Brian: I was in another room when you called. I didn't hear the phone ringing until it was
too late.
Betsy: What were you working on?
Brian: I was photocopying a report that I needed to send to a client. What were you doing
when you telephoned?
Betsy: I was looking for Tom and couldn't find him. Do you know where he was?
Brian: Tom was driving to a meeting.
Betsy: Oh, I see. What did you do yesterday?
Brian: I met the representatives from Driver's in the morning. In the afternoon, I worked on
the report and was just finishing when you telephoned. What did you do?
Betsy: Well, at 9 I had a meeting with Ms Anderson. After that, I did some research.
Brian: Sounds like a boring day!

8. Betsy: Yes, I don't really like doing research. But it needs to be done.
Brian: I agree with you on that, no research - no business!
Betsy: Tell me about the report. What do you think of it?
Brian: I think the report is a good. Tom believes it's good, too.
Betsy: I know that every report you write is excellent.
Brian: Thank you Betsy, you are always a good friend!
What was Brian doing when Betsy
telephoned?
A. He was photocopying a report.
B. He was having a coffee-break.
C. He was at a meeting.
What was Betsy doing when she
telephoned Brian?
A. She was writing a report.
B. She was looking for Tom.
C. She was planning a meeting.
What did Brian do yesterday morning?
A. He worked on the report.
B. He drove to a meeting.
C. He met representatives from
Driver's.
When did Betsy have a meeting with
Ms Anderson?
A. this afternoon
B. yesterday afternoon
C. yesterday morning
Betsy thinks Brian does excellent
work.
A. true
B. false
C. doesn't say
Planning a Party
(two neighbors talking)
Martha:...What horrible weather today. I'd love to go out, but I think it will just continue
raining.
Jane:Oh, I don't know. Perhaps the sun will come out later this afternoon.
Martha:I hope you're right. Listen, I'm going to have a party this Saturday. Would you like
to come?
Jane:Oh, I'd love to come. Thank you for inviting me. Who's going to come to the party?
Martha:Well, a number of people haven't told me yet. But, Peter and Mark are going to
help out with the cooking!
Jane:Hey, I'll help, too!
Martha:Would you? That would be great!
Jane:I'll make lasagna!
Martha:That sounds delicious! I know my Italian cousins are going to be there. I'm sure
they'll love it.
Jane:Italians? Maybe I'll bake a cake...

9. Martha:No, no. They're not like that. They'll love it.
Jane:Well, if you say so... Is there going be a theme for the party?
Martha:No, I don't think so. Just a chance to get together and have fun.
Jane:I'm sure it'll be lots of fun.
Martha:But I'm going to hire a clown!
Jane:A clown! You're kidding me.
Martha:No, no. As I child, I always wanted a clown. Now, I'm going to have my clown at
my own party.
Jane:I'm sure everyone will have a good laugh.
Martha:That's the plan!
Choose the correct answer or phrase to fill in the blank. Each question has only one
correct answer.
What do they think about the weather?
A. It's beautiful.
B. It's terrible.
C. It's snowing.
What does Martha have to share?
A. News that she's going to get
married.
B. News that she's going to have a
party.
C. News that she's going to have a
baby.
What are Peter and Mark going to do?
A. They're going to cook lasagna.
B. They're going to help with the
cooking.
C. They're going to come dressed as
clowns.
What does Jane offer to do?
A. She says she'll help cook.
B. She says she'll come dressed as
a clown.
C. She says she'll speak Italian with
her cousins.
How does Jane react to the news
about the Italian cousins?
A. She's happy they'll taste her
lasagna.
B. She's afraid they won't
understand English.
C. She's says she'll bake a cake
instead of lasagna.
What special plan is there?
A. Martha's going to have a clown.
B. Martha's going to make an
announcement.
C. Martha's going to have a themed
party.
Why does Martha want a clown?
A. She wanted a clown as a child, so
now she's going to have one.
B. She hates clowns.
C. Because the clown goes well with
the theme of the party.
Does Martha know exactly how many
people are going to come?
A. Yes, she does.
B. No, she doesn't.
How does Jane think people will react
to the clown?
A. She thinks they'll hate it.
B. She thinks they'll love it.
C. She thinks they'll have a good
laugh.

10. This reading comprehension focuses on social networks. It's followed by key
vocabulary relating to social networks and technology and a follow-up quiz to test
understanding.
Social Networks
Do the names MySpace, Facebook, Orkut, etc. ring a bell? They probably do because
they are some of the most popular sites on the internet today. These sites are all called
'social networking' sites because they help people meet and discuss things online. Each of
these social networking sites has its own strengths: MySpace is especially popular among
teenagers, Facebook is popular with college age people, Orkut is especially loved in
Brazil, and CyWorld is the site to visit in South Korea. The common thread between all of
these social networks is that they provide a place for people to interact, rather than a place
to go to read or listen to 'content'.
Web 2.0
Social networks are considered to be web 2.0. What does this mean? To understand this,
it's important to understand what the original web did (often called web 1.0). Back in the
nineties, the internet - or web - was a place to go to read articles, listen to music, get
information, etc. Most people didn't contribute to the sites. They just 'browsed' the sites
and took advantage of the information or resources provided. Of course, some people did
create their own sites. However, creating a site was difficult. You needed to know basic
HTML coding (the original language the internet uses to 'code' pages). It certainly wasn't
something most people wanted to do as it could take hours to get a basic page just right.
Things began to get easier when blogs (from web log) were introduced. With blogs, many
more people began writing 'posts', as well as commenting on other people's blogs.
MySpace Surprises Everybody
In 2003 a site named MySpace took the internet by storm. It was trying to mimic the most
popular features of Friendster, the first social networking site. It quickly became popular
among young users and the rest was history. Soon everyone was trying to develop a
social networking site. The sites didn't provide 'content' to people, they helped people
create, communicate and share what they loved including music, images and videos. They
key to the success of these sites is that they provide a platform on which users create the
content. This is very different from the beginning of the internet which focused on providing
'content' for people to enjoy.
Key to Success
Relying on users to create content is the key to the success of web 2.0 companies.
Besides the social networking sites discussed here, other huge success stories include:
Wikipedia, Digg.com and the latest success - Twitter. All of these companies rely on the
desire of users to communicate with each other, thereby creating the 'content' that others
want to consume.

11. Which social networking site was not
mentioned in the reading?
 MySpace
 LinkedIn
 Facebook
What is Facebook?
 A blog
 A content site
 A social networking site
Where is Orkut especially popular?
 In Japan
 In South Korea
 In Brazil
Which phrase best describes what people
do at social networking sites?
 They interact with other people.
 They browse articles and other
content.
 They code pages in HTML.
Social networks are considered:
 Web 1.0 sites
 Web 2.0 sites
 Web blogs
What was the original web mainly used
for?
 Interacting with other people
 Browsing content
 Creating pages in HTML
Why didn't many people create web pages
in the beginning?
 They didn't like communicating
with others.
 They didn't feel comfortable
coding HTML pages.
 They didn't know they could
create web pages.
Which is the best description of web 2.0
sites?
 They are content driven sites.
 They are platforms for interaction.
 They are like blogs, but better.
What do web 2.0 sites rely on?
 Articles written by professional
journalists
 Users creating content
 Fast internet connections
What is most important for these new
sites?
 Users' desire to communicate with
each other
 Users' desire to read interesting
content written by professionals
 Users' desire to learn coding
Please write a list of unfamiliar vocabulary and relevant to understand each of the texts read
Mary’s hobbies and interests
________________________________________
________________________________________
Ben’s day.
________________________________________
________________________________________
Breakfast helps girls stay slip
________________________________________
________________________________________
Balanced diet
________________________________________
________________________________________
Read the following job advertisements:
________________________________________
_______________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
What were you doing?
________________________________________
________________________________________
Tim
________________________________________
_______________________________________
Planning a part
________________________________________
Social networks