Card № 19

I.Read the  article and say in 2—3 sentences what it is about.

MOBILE PHONES

 From children to senior citizens, mobile phones have become a craze as a way of staying ahead with the technology. With our fast lifestyles, we have no time to meet our relatives or friends and are left with the only option of talking over the phone. Here comes the need of mobile phones, which allow us to stay connected wherever we are and whenever we need to.

 Everybody today owns at least a basic mobile phone. What makes it easy to use is its user-friendly nature, small size and its numerous attractive features. However, people are always eager to replace their mobile phones with the latest models having more advanced features.

 As the technology is scaling new heights, mobile phones are becoming cheaper and cheaper and the customer is getting more for less. A great way of amusing yourself is by playing games on your mobile phone. If you want to store your precious moments, you can use its video recording feature. Mobile phones can become expressions of who we are by getting mobile ringtones, wallpapers, which turn your phone into a unique device.

 Whatever may be said against mobile phones their advantages have always scored over their disadvantages. They have proved useful for every purpose. Nothing is as comfortable as a mobile phone for communicating over a distance. You cannot be present at the same time at more than one place, but if required you can just make use of your mobile phone and get your work done. Mobile phones have definitely become the most vital part of our lives. It is hard to imagine life without mobiles. Indeed, mobile phones keep you connected round the clock. They are now inexpensive, easy to use, comfortable and equipped with almost every latest feature you desire. Today, a technologically advanced mobile phone can perform as many tasks as well as that of a personal computer. Even remote countries have started having mobile phone services.

 2. The author explains why people need mobile phones nowadays. Find this extract and read it aloud.

 3. What features can be found in modern mobile phones?

1. Why are mobile phones a vital part of our life?

II. Listen to Tina talking about a nasty experience she had and answer the questions below.

1.               Who did Tina go to the skating-rink with?

2.               What happened to her there?

3.               How was she saved?

III. Let’s talk about sport.

Card № 20

I.Read the  article and say in 2—3 sentences what it is about.

HOW I GOT TO THE TOP

 I was either ten or eleven when I wrote my first song. I don't remember. My mum was struggling financially and emotionally, so I didn't talk a lot. Finally, she told me if I couldn't talk about what was bothering me, I should write about it. So she gave me a notebook, and my poems turned into lyrics.

 I grew up in a very hardworking family. But we didn't have lots of money. I was the kid whom friends' parents bought Christmas presents for. One year, though, when I was in the sixth grade, my mom got a bonus at work, and instead of paying off bills, she bought me a CD player and four CDs. I eventually got several college music scholarships but passed on them to move to Los Angeles in 2001. Everyone thought I was crazy to do it, but I moved to California anyway and got work singing backup. A friend and I lived in a house with some other people, and we finally saved enough money to get our own place. The day we moved into our apartment, the building burned down. I stayed in my car for a few days so I could get enough money to drive back to Texas. When I got home, a friend told me about the American Idol audition in Dallas.

 Looking back on the show, I find it strange going back and performing on Idol last spring. Everyone was always supportive and nice. But I think they were so nice because no one thought I was going to win. Members of the crew came up to me after the finale and told me they didn't think I could have won. I recently gave a self-esteem workshop for Girl Scouts in Nashville, and I told the girls that I wasn't a role model for my weight. Sometimes I'm thicker when I'm around my family and I'm eating more. Sometimes I'm thinner because I'm on the road and that takes a lot out of me. But I do feel it's important to talk to girls about weight. They see these images, and there's no way they'll ever live up to them.

 Everyone says I'm down-to-earth. It would be very hard for me to keep up any sort of celebrity persona. It's just not me. I'm comfortable in my skin. I'm outspoken. I don't know any other way to be.

 2. The author explains what made her write songs. Find this extract and read it aloud.

 3. Why were all the people nice to her during the show?

 4. What did she talk to Girl Scouts in Nashville about?

II.Listen to Ann speaking about a holiday that went wrong and answer the questions below.

1.               What holiday did Ann want to have?

2.               What problems did she have a face?

3.               What decision did she make in the end?

III. Let’s talk about fashion.

 

Card № 21

I.Read the  article and say in 2—3 sentences what it is about.

HALLOWEEN

 Halloween is always celebrated on 31 October. On that night, many people will look like frightening creatures such as vampires or ghosts. They do this with the help of special clothing and face paint.

 Halloween traditions developed from Celtic beliefs in ancient Britain. The Celts believed that spirits of the dead would return to their homes on October the thirty-first, the day of the autumn feast. They built huge fires to frighten away evil spirits that night.

 People from Scotland and Ireland brought these ideas with them when they came to America. Some believed that spirits played tricks on people on the last night of October. Historians say many of the Halloween traditions of today developed from those of ancient times. They say that wearing a mask to hide a person's face is similar to the way ancient villagers covered their faces to make evil spirits go away.

 On Halloween night, American children put on masks and other clothing. They go from home to home shouting "Trick or treat"! If the people in the homes do not give them a treat, the children may play a trick on them. Some adults put on costumes and attend Halloween parties. They also decorate their homes. They might clean out the insides of pumpkins and cut funny faces on the surface. Then, they place a burning candle inside. Some hang fake bats, spider webs and other things around the home.

 The National Retail Federation is predicting that Americans will spend more on Halloween treats and products this year. The group says about six point nine billion dollars will be spent in all. That is eighteen percent more than last year when Americans spent five point eight billion dollars to celebrate Halloween. The National Retail Federation also has information about what Americans will be wearing for Halloween this year. It says zombie costumes are tops among women, men and children.

 2.The author describes how the ideas of celebrating Halloween came to the USA. Find this extract and read it aloud.

3. What do adults and children do to get ready for Halloween?

4.               Why do many people celebrate this holiday nowadays?

II.Listen to the conversation between a journalist and a Japanese girl answer the questions below.

1.                 What does Shima usually eat?

2.                 Where does she eat?

3.                 What is happening to the Japanese diet at the moment?

III. Let’s talk about travelling and tourism.

Card № 22

I.Read the  article and say in 2—3 sentences what it is about.

FELT BOOTS ARE FEAST FOR THE EYES

 The financial-economic crisis of the 2009 was the third of its kind for Smilovichi Felting Factory's Director, Vasily Saban. However, each time his unique company recovered from its challenging situation. Mr Saban, 55, has not only survived these times of trouble but has discovered a solution for 'his' factory — the company modernized its felt boot production, with the range of wool-made products expanded.

 "This branch may be one of the oldest but it has seen progress," says Mr Saban, looking at black-and-white photos from the 1950- 1960s. "In 1928 Smilovichi staff made just 8—10 pairs of felt boots daily; the figure is ten times larger now, the quality has also improved. We are now working on making women's felt boots more attractive and fashionable, without giving them high heels!" Felt boots have been worn for over two centuries but still enjoy popularity with villagers, buiders, the military, steel workers and ice fishermen. In recent years, felt boots have even gained special status, being bought in Russia, the Baltic States, Ukraine and Finland; Smilovichi-made footwear is worn with pleasure.

 The company makes 37 different wollen products — including felt boots for children and adults, technical felt, woollen blankets and pillows, and sets for banyas. Its major supplies of raw materials are based in Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan. The company has managed not only to avoid bankruptcy but to advance significantly in its traditional manufacture. The process of felt boot making is complicated and labour intensive, including 36 operations, with only a few of them mechanised.

 ...I went to Smilovichi to buy felt boots for my sister and ended up buying some for myself and my family. They are beautiful and warm and environmentally friendly, being produced from sheep's wool, without addictive and synthetic glue. Anyone wearing Smilovichi-made felt boots must surely feel warm; their footwear has been made with love and keeps the warmth of their makers' hands.

 2. The director of the felting factory tells us about the factory's achievements over the years. Find this extract and read it aloud.

 3. What does the factory produce?

 4. Why are felt boots becoming more and more popular all over the world?

 II.Listen to the conversation between a girl and boy speaking about their family life and answer the questions below.

1.                 What do the boy and the girl say about their families?

2.                 Is the girl happy to have a family party?

3.                 What do John’s parents hope he will do after school?

 III. Let’s talk about enviroment.

Card № 23

I.Read the  article and say in 2—3 sentences what it is about.

VILLAGE WITH HISTORY OF A CITY

 Rakov is a wonderful place. Once it was a big city — a cultural, religious and economic centre. Today, it's just a village located 40 km from Minsk. I've heard plenty of stories about the origin of this unusual name — Rakov. Some connect the name with the Belarusian word 'raka', or the first settler, named Rak, or, even, the ancient Egyptian sun god Ra.

 Rakov was first mentioned in written chronicles* in the 15th century — noted as a placc owned by the great Lithuanian dukes. 150 years later, it became a town at the centre of Rakov county, with a castle, governor and constitution. A famous Belarusian nobleman and composer Michal Oginski also owned Rakov county for some time.

 Rakov reachcd its height of power in the 17th century, when it was owned by the Sanguszko family. Anna Sanguszko — the wife of one of the Radziwills — set up in her native city the manufacture of ceramic ware* that enjoyed great popularity all over Belarus. Ceramic pots, angel figurines and baking dishes are still found buried beneath Rakov.

 Today, Rakov has neither factories nor workshops. However, its residents are proud of their clean air and wonderful landscapes. A complex of several-storey red-brick buildings, constructed in an unusual style in a Rakov residents' garden, stands out against the village's architectural landscape. A large inscription* on the facade reads: 'Museum. Art-Gallery'.

 Felix Yanushkevich — a restorer and a famous artist (his pictures are hung even in the Trctyakov Gallery) — owns the placc. The gallery shows Felix's works, as well as pieces by his no less talented brothers. Moreover, it holds ancient documents, furniture, musical instruments, ceramic ware. Today, the gallery has over 12,000 exhibits.

 Silver water of the Rakov holy spring is running through my fingers again. What will happen if I drop a coin? They say it means that you're sure to return. I certainly wish to come back, since I've truly enjoyed seeing this unusual village with the history of a city.

 2. The author tells us when Rakov was first mentioned in the chronicles and some facts about the town's history. Find this extract and read it aloud.

  3. What museum is situated in Rakov?

 4.   Why will it be interesting for people to visit Rakov?

 II. Listen to the telephone conversation between a woman and a receptionist from Go-World Home Delivery service and answer the questions below.

1.What`s Jessica`s surname and address in Byford?

2. What does the woman want to order?

3.Which gift has she chosen?

III. Let’s talk about weather and climate.

Card № 24

I.Read the  article and say in 2—3 sentences what it is about.

NEVER FORGOTTEN

 The first stone has been laid in the foundation of the new building of the Museum of Great Patriotic War History. A time capsule has been laid into the foundation and, by spring 2013, the building is to open. Architects have done their best to make the five-storey, multi-level building, with each of its four sections symbolising a year of the war.

 The decision to set up a museum dedicated to the fight against Nazi fascism was taken in 1942. It opened its doors in Minsk in July 1944. Millions of people have visited it since and, with the passing years, the need for a new, more spacious and well-equipped building has become clear. Each year, over 150,000 people visit the museum. Of course, they hope to find objective information and leave with a lasting impression.

 The new museum will be located near the centre of the Belarusian capital, on a hill near the Minsk-Hero-City Memorial and Pobedy Park. It will primarily reflect the heroic deeds of the Belarusian people and the big role of the Red Army in defeating Nazis. However, technical innovations, such as dynamically lit electronic maps, electronic catalogues, interactive facilities will help visitors to receive brighter impressions.

 We cannot change the fact that fewer witnesses of those dramatic military battles survive today, but we can preserve the past for new generations. Most schools in Belarus have a small museum of military glory, set up by enthusiasts. Professional historians have done much to develop this patriotic movement, preparing dozens of educational textbooks for pupils and teachers, helping to explain the events of 1941 — 1945.

 Why is interest in these distant events so keen? The territory of contemporary Belarus has seen over 200 wars in the past centuries and our nation showed heroism and patriotism on so many occasions. From 1941 — 1945, we fought against Europe's strongest army. Belarus paid a high price for its victory — 9,200 towns and villages were burnt and there were millions of victims. This can never be forgotten.

  

2. The author explains when the museum was created and how it has changed over the years. Find this extract and read it aloud.

  3. What will the visitors be able to see in the new museum?

 4  Why are people interested in the Museum of Great Patriotic War History?

II. Listen to the three people speaking about how they spend their weekends and answer the questions below.

1.What does the first speaker do at the weekend?

2.What does the second speaker do at the weekend?

3.What does the third speaker do at the weekend?

III. Let’s talk about the Republic of Belarus.

№ 25

I.Read the  article and say in 2—3 sentences what it is about.

SURPRISE PARTY

 Liz was just finishing the final details for the surprise party she was planning for her husband. She had been thoroughly preparing for this event, designing every aspect of the party from the invitations to the food, and she was very excited about it. Family members whom Andrew hadn't seen in years were flying in from Poland in a few days. Liz had tracked down several college friends, and they were coming from various places across the country. A band and dancers were invited.

 The best part for Liz was that she knew Andrew did not have any idea about the party. She could not wait to see the look on his face when he walked into a big "Surprise!" in his own home.

 The party was supposed to be on Saturday. As Liz was daydreaming about picking relatives up at the airport the next day and taking them to their hotel, Andrew walked into the kitchen and said, quite certainly, "Sweetheart, I don't want anything special done for my birthday."

 "What do you mean?" Liz responded calmly, though her heart began to beat. "I mean that I don't want a surprise party." "Okay," Liz said. "Not a problem." Liz's mind raced. There was nothing she could do about Andrew's request now. And, frankly, she didn't want to. Liz had been planning this for more than a year. The party would go off as she intended. She did not want all of her effort to fail. When Andrew came home Saturday evening from playing soccer with friends, he was shocked. Tears filled his eyes. This response was something Liz had not predicted. Among the crowd he saw friends whom he had not seen in nearly 20 years and family members who had come from Poland just for this evening. But along with being deeply moved, he was also angry with his wife. He knew he could be emotional, and he did not like people to see him that way. That was why he did not like being surprised.

 Salsa music filled the home of Liz and Andrew. Liz whispered "I love you" in Andrew's ear, they shared a kiss, and the two danced the whole night.

 2. The author describes the preparations Liz made for the birthday party. Find this extract and read it aloud.

  3. What did Andrew ask Liz for?

 4.How did Andrew feel at the party?

 II. Listen to the three people speaking about things that make them angry about mobiles and answer the questions below.

1.What makes the first speaker angry?

2.What annoys the second speaker?

3.What does the third speaker complain about?

  

III. Let’s talk about Great Britain.