Helpful indeed most loving ones out doing the humans ответы егэ

ОГЭ Английский язык задание №9 Демонстрационный вариант 2018 Про­чи­тай­те тек­сты и уста­но­ви­те со­от­вет­ствие между тек­ста­ми А–G и за­го­лов­ка­ми 1–8. В ответ за­пи­ши­те цифры, в по­ряд­ке, со­от­вет­ству­ю­щем бук­вам. Ис­поль­зуй­те каж­дую цифру толь­ко один раз. В за­да­нии есть один лиш­ний за­го­ло­вок.

1. The scientific explanation
5. Places without rainbows
2. The real shape
6. A personal vision
3. A lucky sign
7. A bridge between worlds
4. Some tips
8. Impossible to catch

A. Two people never see the same rainbow. Each person sees a different one. It
happens because the raindrops are constantly moving so the rainbow is always
changing too. Each time you see a rainbow it is unique and it will never be the
same! In addition, everyone sees colours differently according to the light and
how their eyes interpret it.
B. A rainbow is an optical phenomenon that is seen in the atmosphere. It appears
in the sky when the sun’s light is reflected by the raindrops. A rainbow always
appears during or immediately after showers when the sun is shining and the
air contains raindrops. As a result, a spectrum of colours is seen in the sky. It
takes the shape of a multicoloured arc.
C. Many cultures see the rainbow as a road, a connection between earth and
heaven (the place where God lives). Legends say that it goes below the earth at
the horizon and then comes back up again. In this way it makes a permanent
link between what is above and below, between life and death. In some myths
the rainbow is compared to a staircase connecting earth to heaven.
D. We all believe that the rainbow is arch-shaped. The funny thing is that it’s
actually a circle. The reason we don’t see the other half of the rainbow is
because we cannot see below the horizon. However, the higher we are above
the ground, the more of the rainbow’s circle we can see. That is why, from an
airplane in flight, a rainbow will appear as a complete circle with the shadow of
the airplane in the centre.
E. In many cultures there is a belief that seeing a rainbow is good. Legends say
that if you dig at the end of a rainbow, you’ll find a pot of gold. Rainbows are
also seen after a storm, showing that the weather is getting better, and there is
hope after the storm. This is why they are associated with rescue and good
fortune. If people happen to get married on such a day, it is said that they will
enjoy a very happy life together.

F. You can never reach the end of a rainbow. A rainbow is all light and water. It is
always in front of you while your back is to the sun. As you move, the rainbow
that your eye sees moves as well and it will always ‘move away’ at the same
speed that you are moving. No matter how hard you try, a rainbow will always
be as far away from you as it was before you started to move towards it.
G. To see a rainbow you have to remember some points. First, you should be
standing with the sun behind you. Secondly, the rain should be in front of you.
The most impressive rainbows appear when half of the sky is still dark with
clouds and the other half is clear. The best time to see a rainbow is on a warm
day in the early morning after sunrise or late afternoon before sunset. Rainbows
are often seen near waterfalls and fountains.
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ОГЭ Английский язык задание №9 Демонстрационный вариант 2017

1. Traditional delivery         2. Loss of popularity          3. Money above privacy
4. The best-known newspapers         5. Focus on different readers         6. The successful competitor
7. Size makes a difference        8. Weekend reading

A. As in many other European countries, Britain’s main newspapers are losing their readers. Fewer and fewer people are buying broadsheets and tabloids at the newsagent’s. In the last quarter of the twentieth century people became richer and now they can choose other forms of leisure activity. Also, there is the Internet which is a convenient and inexpensive alternative source of news.

B. The ‘Sunday papers’ are so called because that is the only day on which they are published. Sunday papers are usually thicker than the dailies and many of them have six or more sections. Some of them are ‘sisters’ of the daily newspapers. It means they are published by the same company but not on week days.

C. Another proof of the importance of ‘the papers’ is the morning ‘paper round’. Most newsagents organise these. It has become common that more than half of the country’s readers get their morning paper brought to their door by a teenager. The boy or girl usually gets up at around 5:30 a.m. every day including Sunday to earn a bit of pocket money.

D. The quality papers or broadsheets are for the better educated readers. They devote much space to politics and other ‘serious’ news. The popular papers, or tabloids, sell to a much larger readership. They contain less text and a lot more pictures. They use bigger headlines and write in a simpler style of English. They concentrate on ‘human interest stories’ which often means scandal.

E. Not so long ago in Britain if you saw someone reading a newspaper you could tell what kind it was without even checking the name. It was because the quality papers were printed on very large pages called ‘broadsheet’. You had to have expert turning skills to be able to read more than one page. The tabloids were printed on much smaller pages which were much easier to turn.

F. The desire to attract more readers has meant that in the twentieth century sometimes even the broadsheets in Britain look rather ‘popular’. They give a lot of coverage to scandal and details of people’s private lives. The reason is simple. What matters most for all newspaper publishers is making a profit. They would do anything to sell more copies.

G. If you go into any newsagent’s shop in Britain you will not find only newspapers. You will also see rows and rows of magazines for almost every imaginable taste. There are specialist magazines for many popular pastimes. There are around 3,000 of them published in the country and they are widely read, especially by women. Magazines usually list all the TV and radio programmes for the coming week and many British readers prefer them to newspapers.

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1.Living through ages 2. Influenced by fashion 3. Young and energetic
4. Old and beautiful 5. Still a mystery 6. A lot to see and to do
7. Welcome to students 8. Fine scenery

A. Ireland is situated on the western edge of Europe. It is an island of great beauty with rugged mountains, blue lakes, ancient castles, long sandy beaches and picturesque harbors. The climate is mild and temperate throughout the year. Ireland enjoys one of the cleanest environments in Europe. Its unspoilt countryside provides such leisure ac¬tivities as hiking, cycling, golfing and horse-riding.
B. Over the past two decades, Ireland has become one of the top destinations for En¬glish language learning — more than 100,000 visitors come to Ireland every year to study English. One quarter of Ireland’s population is under 25 years of age and Dublin acts as a magnet for young people looking for quality education. The Irish are relaxed, friendly, spontaneous, hospitable people and have a great love of conversation. So, there is no better way of learning a language than to learn it in the country where it is spoken.
C. Dublin sits in a vast natural harbor. Such a protected harbor appealed to the first settlers 5,000 years ago and traces of their culture have been found around Dublin and its coast. But it was not until the Vikings came sailing down the coast in the middle 9th cen¬tury that Dublin became an important town. Next to arrive were the Anglo-Norman ad¬venturers. This was the beginning of the long process of colonization that dictated Ire¬land’s development over the next seven hundred years.
D. Now Dublin is changing fast and partly it ’s thanks to its youthful population over 50 percent are under the age of twenty-five and that makes the city come alive. To¬day Dublin is a city full of charm with a dynamic cultural life, small enough to be friend¬ly, yet cosmopolitan in outlook. This is the culture where the heritage of ancient days brings past and present together.
E. In general, cultural life of Dublin is very rich and you can enjoy visiting different museums, art galleries and exhibitions. But for those looking for peace and quiet there are two public parks in the centre of the city: St. Stephen’s Green and Merrion Square.
The city centre has several great shopping areas depending on your budget as well as nu¬merous parks and green areas for relaxing in. Dublin is also a sports-m ad city and wheth¬er you are playing or watching, it has everything for the sports enthusiast.
F. Step dances are the creation of Irish dancing m asters of the late 18th century.
Dancing m asters would often travel from town to town, teaching basic dancing steps to those interested and able to pay for them . Their appearance was motivated by a desire to learn the ‘fashionable’ dance styles which were coming from France. The dance m asters often changed these dances to fit the traditional music and, in doing so, laid the basis for much of today’s traditional Irish dance — ceili, step, and set.
G. St Patrick is known as the patron saint of Ireland. True, he was not a born Irish.
But he has become an integral part of the Irish heritage, mostly through his service across Ireland of the 5th century. Patrick was born in the second half of the 4th century AD. There are different views about the exact year and place of his birth . According to one school of opinion, he was born about 390 A.D., while the other school says it is about 373 AD. Again, his birth place is said to be in either Scotland or Roman England. So, though Patricius was his Romanicized name, he became later known as Patrick.
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Источник: ОГЭ 2017 АНГЛИЙСКИЙ ЯЗЫК Л.М.Гудкова О.В.Терентьева


1.Thanks to new technology 2. A custom for a sweet-tooth 3. The upside down world
4. Nice for people in love 5. Happy next year 6. Not allowed for some time
7. Watch out or give the money 8. Christmas is coming

A. Houses are decorated with colored paper ribbons and chains. Holly with red ber¬ries is put on the walls and looks very colorful. A piece of mistletoe (a plant) is hung from the ceiling. It is said to be lucky to kiss under the mistletoe hanging from the ceil¬ing. As you can understand, a lot of people who may not usually kiss each other take the chance given by a piece of mistletoe!
B. One of the delicacies the British have enjoyed for almost 900 years is the mince pie.
This is a sort of small cake with a delicious mixture of spices and fruit. It was the Cru¬saders who introduced it when they brought back new aromatic spices from the Holy Land. In the 17th century Oliver Cromwell tried to ban the eating of mince pies (as well as singing of carols) — but people continued to eat (and sing) in secret.
C. Christmas Day is a family day when families try to be together. In past years, the Queen has broadcast a radio message from her study at Sandringham House. Since 1959 she has been recording her message every year some weeks before Christmas, so it could be broadcast on Christmas Day by radio in all parts of the British Commonwealth.
D. In the USA many towns have a public tree place in some square or park or outside the town hall. This custom began first in America when an illuminated tree was set up in 1909 in Pasadena, California. Now we can observe the ceremony of putting up the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center in the heart of New York City, as well as in the main square of every town in the country. The nation’s main Christmas tree is set up in Washington, D.C. on the parade ground near the White House. A few days before Christ¬mas the President of the United States presses a button to light the tree. This is the sig¬nal for lighting trees across the land.
E. The custom of breaking a wishbone (of a chicken or turkey) comes from the Ro¬mans who used them for fortune telling. They examined the bones of sacrificed birds, which they thought were messengers from their gods. Looking for signs of future events, they broke the wishbone and the person with the longest piece could make a wish which may bring him luck or good fortune.
F. Christmas in Australia is not like anywhere else since December is one of the hot¬test months of the year. But the Australians have a great time anyway. Those who live near the coast go to the beach on Christmas day. They have a swim, play cricket or vol¬leyball, surf or just sit around with family and friends enjoying Christmas dinner. Santa Claus arrives on a surfboard — quite a change from sliding down a chimney!
G. Christmas caroling is particularly popular in Wales where it is often accompanied by a harp. In some rural areas a villager is chosen to be the Mari Lawyed. This person travels around the town dressed in white and carrying a horse’s skull on a long pole. Anyone given the ‘bite’ by the horse’s jaws must pay a fine.

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Источник: ОГЭ 2017 АНГЛИЙСКИЙ ЯЗЫК Л.М.Гудкова О.В.Терентьева


1.A two-language melting pot 2. Born of hardships 3. Enough land for both
4. Failures and successes 5. Native tribes 6. Difficult life
7. Back to the roots 8. The birth of the new nation

A. Long before Europeans first came to America, many groups of Indians lived there.
They hunted forest animals for food and clothing. They gathered berries and nuts in the forests. Many groups fished in the rivers and streams that flowed through the forests.
Most anthropologists agree that the North American Indians migrated over the Bering Sea from Siberia, 10,000 to 30,000 years ago.
B. Later, in 1534 the French king sent Jacques C artier to find a water route to the Far East. C artier made several voyages to the new World, and he tried to establish a colony on the banks of the St. Lawrence River (where Montreal is located today) but he failed.
In 1608, Samuel de Champlain built the first perm anent French settlement in Canada.
He named it Quebec.
C. Both nations began to expand in the New World. English colonists began to settle along the Atlantic Coast. The French began to explore and build forts in the region south of the Great Lakes in the valleys of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers.
D. So Great Britain and France were fighting for control of Canada until 1763. As a result, France signed a treaty giving up all its claims to land on the continent of North America. The French who were living in Canada did not return to France. They continued to follow the customs and religion of their native land. They became ‘French Canadians’.КНТ 3
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E. Since that time, millions of immigrants from the United States, Scotland, Ireland, England, Germany, Russia, Poland, Scandinavia, and other countries of the world have moved to Canada. Today about one third of the Canadians speak French and about two thirds speak English. English and French are both official languages of Canada.
F. Since the 1950s, there has been a remarkable rebirth of Indian culture. Native lan¬guage, culture and history programmes have been instituted in schools. Cultural centres are flourishing, and traditional practices and beliefs are increasingly being used to com¬bat alcoholism and drug problems. Indian elders are once again playing a vital role and linking generations.
G. Canadian sport is indebted to Indian culture for the toboggan, snowshoe, lacrosse stick and canoe. Many Indian games had utilitarian purposes related to survival, e.g. wrestling, archery, spear throw ing, foot and canoe racing. Some of them initially were meant to prepare youngsters for cooperative existence in a cruel environment

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Источник: ОГЭ 2017 АНГЛИЙСКИЙ ЯЗЫК Л.М.Гудкова О.В.Терентьева


1. The history of a popular drink 2. Healthy drink 3. They want it quick and easy
4. Not a drink 5. Some changes in British diet 6. Some changes in British tastes
7. Making tea process 8. Helpful hint

A. British attitude to what they eat daily has changed a lot over the past twenty years. In the 1990s each person ate about 352 gram s of ‘red ’ meat each week, but now it’s less than 250 gram s. People prefer chicken and fresh fish. And more people are interest¬ed in healthy eating these days. In 1988 the national average was 905 gram s of fruit and fruit juices each week, but now i t ’s nearly 2,000 gram s.
B. Twenty years ago, British people usually ate at home. They only went out for a meal at special times, like for somebody’s birthday. Today when both parents are work¬ing, they cannot cook large meals in the evenings. ‘Ready-made’ meals from supermar¬kets and Marks and Spencer and ‘take-aw ay’ meals from fast food restaurants are very popular. If you are feeling tired or lazy, you can even phone a local restaurant. They will bring the food to your house.
C. In the past, traditional steakhouses were very popular places, but now more and more people prefer foreign food. Every British town has Indian and Chinese restaurants, and large towns have restaurants from many other countries too.
D. The British population drinks a lot of tea. Tea — mostly green tea from China — came to Britain in the late 1500s. But it was only for the very rich. It became cheap¬er about three hundred years later, when it was planted in India and later in Ceylon (Sri Lanka). People from all classes started drinking it. But some people thought that too much tea was bad for their health. So they started putting milk in it to make it healthier!
E. Afternoon tea is a small meal. Now most ordinary British families do not have time for afternoon tea at home, but in the past it was a tradition. It became popular when rich ladies invited their friends to their houses for an afternoon cup of tea. They started of¬fering their visitors sandwiches and cakes too. Soon everybody was enjoying this excit¬ing new meal.
F. If someone in England asks you ‘Would you like a cup?’ they are asking if you would like a cup of tea. If someone says, ‘Let me be m other’ or ‘Shall I be m other?’ they are offering to pour out the tea from the teapot.
G. Most people today use teabags to make tea, but some serious drinkers make tea in the traditional way. First the water is boiled. Then some of the boiled water is used to warm the teapot. Then the tealeaves are put in the teapot. Then the boiling water is add¬ed. Then the pot is left for five minutes under a ‘teacosy’. Finally, the tea is served in delicate cups with saucers.

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Источник: ОГЭ 2017 АНГЛИЙСКИЙ ЯЗЫК Л.М.Гудкова О.В.Терентьева


1.Absolute honesty 2.The cost of education 3. Just choosing 4. Inform al teaching
5. Another application 6. Optional teaching 7. Needed move 8. Uncertain parents

A. At the beginning of your last year at school you receive an application form . On this form you choose up to five universities that you would like to go to. The form is sent to those universities with information from your school about you and your academic results. If the universities are interested in your application, they will ask you to attend an interview and will offer you a place. Any offer, however, is only conditional at this stage.
B. А-level examinations are the exams taken at the end of your time at school. So, when a university makes an offer, it will tell you the minimum grades that you must get on your а-level exam. If you don’t get those grades, then you will not be accepted and you will have to apply again to another university.
C. Like all British universities, Oxford is a state university not a private one.
Students are selected on the basis of their results in the national examination or the special Oxford entrance examination. There are many applicants and nobody can get a place by paying. Successful candidates are admitted to a special college of the university: that will be their home for the next three years and for a longer period if they would like to go on studying for a postgraduate degree.
D. An undergraduate will spend an hour a week with his or her ‘tutor’; perhaps in the company of one other student. Each of them will have written an essay for the tutor, which serves as the basis for discussion, arguments, the exposition of ideas and academic methods. At the end of the hour the students go away with a new essay and a list of books that might be helpful in preparing for the essay.
E. Lectures and seminars are other kinds of teaching; popular lecturers can attract audience from several faculties, while others may find themselves speaking to two or three loyal students or maybe to no-one at all. In practice, most students at Oxford are enthusiastic about academic life and many of them work for days on each essay, sometimes sitting up through the night with a wet towel round their heads.
F. Most 18 and 19 year-olds in Britain are rather independent people, and when the time comes to pick a college, choose one as far away from home as possible. So, many students in northern and Scottish universities come from England and vice versa. It’s very unusual for students to live at home. Although parents may be a little sad to see this happen, they usually have to approve of this step and see it as a necessary part of becoming an adult.
G. Students all over the world have to work for their education. A college education in the USA is expensive. The costs are so high that most families begin to save for their children’s education when their children are the babies. Even so, many young people cannot afford to pay the expenses of full-time college work. They do not have enough money to pay for school costs. Tuition for attending the university, books for classes, and dormitory costs are high. There are other expenses such as chemistry and biology laboratories fees and special student activity fees.

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Источник: ОГЭ 2017 АНГЛИЙСКИЙ ЯЗЫК Л.М.Гудкова О.В.Терентьева

Подготовка к заданию ЕГЭ-11 АЯ 40 — «письменное высказывание с элементами рассуждения».

Содержание

Some people say that genetically modified food is hazardous to health 

Some people think that organic food is healthier than conventional food 

Some people think that we should eat at home 

Some people think that clothes help them show who they really are 

Some people say that there should not be any rules about the clothes people can wear in the workplace 

Some people think that tattoos and piercing make them more attractive 

Some people say that school trips are beneficial for students 

Some people think that the best way to travel in a town or in a city is on foot 

Some people say that travelling by plane is very convenient 

Some people say that hitchhiking is the best way of travelling 

Some people think that international travel has a lot of benefits 

Some people say that the best way to travel is by ship 

Some people say that having friends is important for everyone 

Some people think that only those who have much in common can become friends 

Many people think that love makes a person happy 

Some people think that only those who earn a lot of money can be happy 

Some people say that making money with the Internet is reality 

Some people say that having a hobby is important for everyone 

Some people believe that teenagers should not be given too much free time 

Some people think that collecting various things is a waste of time and money 

Some people think that homeschooling is an excellent alternative to traditional education 

Some people think that if you want to get a good education, you should go abroad 

Some people think that the most important thing for a teacher is to make studying enjoyable for students 

Some people think that computers may replace teachers in the future 

Many people think that homework is essential for every student 

Some people think that grades encourage students to learn 

Some people think that creativity is an essential ability which must be taught at school 

Some people say that having jobs can be of great benefit to teenagers 

Some people think that it is more important to get satisfaction from your work than to earn much money 

Some people think that young people should follow in their parents’ footsteps when choosing a profession 

Some people think that it is better to work abroad 

At present, there is no difficulty in finding a good job 

Many people believe that it is important to develop teamwork in the workplace 

Some people think that modern technologies make life more convenient 

Some people say that using mobile telephones must be prohibited in school 

Some people think that the Internet has more drawbacks than advantages 

Some people say that the Internet has improved the effectiveness of education 

Some people believe that there are real risks to dating via the Internet 

Some people prefer writing traditional paper letters to using e-mail 

Some people are worried about computers and robots doing the same things that people can do 

Some people say that the theatre is likely to disappear 

Some people believe that dancing can be of great benefit to children 

Some people think that rap music has a bad influence on teenagers 

Some people think that watching movies is beneficial to everybody 

Some people prefer watching a film version to reading a book 

Some people say that we do not need public libraries any more 

Some people say that weight loss diets can be very harmful 

Some people say that extreme sports are too risky 

Some people dream of becoming professional athletes 

Some people think that surfing is rather risky 

Some people think that physical attractiveness is important for everyone 

Some people prefer to have only one child 

Some people choose to build a family through adoptions 

Some people believe that adult children should not live with their parents 

Some people say that it is wonderful to have a sibling 

Some people say that overpopulation is a major problem for the human race 

Some people continue smoking in spite of all warnings 

Some people say that capital punishment should be allowed 

Some people say that there is nothing better than watching TV 

Some people think that reality TV shows are enjoyable and bring many benefits to the audience and the actors 

Some people say that print media will disappear in the future 

Some people say that shopping is interesting and enjoyable 

Some people say that our lives would be better if we bought fewer goods 

Many people say that it is important to recycle waste 

Some people prefer hybrid cars to traditional cars 

Some people say that modern teenagers are carefree 

Parents have many concerns about their teenagers dating 

Some people believe that animals should not be taken from their natural surroundings and put into zoos 

Some people think that keeping pets is a waste of time and money 

Some people think that virtual pets can replace real pets 

Some people believe that learning foreign languages is a waste of time 

Many people dream of being famous someday 

Some people do not care whether they buy pirated or legal CDs and DVDs 

Some people say that ambitiousness is the key to success and happiness 

Some people say that nonverbal messages improve communication 

(Юнева С. А. Открывая мир с английским языком. Новые 150 эссе для ЕГЭ.)

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Установите соответствие тем 1 — 8 текстам A — G. Занесите свои ответы в соответствующее поле справа. Используйте каждую цифру только один раз. В задании одна тема лишняя.

1. Having an exit strategy

2. Focus less on gifts and presents

3. Beware of taking on too much

4. Learn to delegate tasks

5. Have realistic expectations

6. Don’t skip the exercise

7. Set a budget and stick to it

8. Be open to change

A. Some people are under the impression that the holidays are a time to relax and to take a step back from the worries of day-to-day life. Apparently those with this opinion have never had to host a dinner, plan a toy drive or shop for picky relatives. When you find yourself, for example, offering to cook the honey-baked ham at your house, be sure to know your limitations, and beware of taking on any unnecessary stress. This isn’t the time to be an overachiever.

B. Sometimes it is impossible to skip the holiday invitations that will place you in the same room with people that you could definitely wait another year to see. However, don’t deprive yourself of the joy of having a good meal with loved ones or watching children tear into their perfectly wrapped gifts with a frenzy. Instead, have a plan in mind. Sometimes there’s nothing more freeing than the possibility of an escape plan!

C. Holiday retail is characterized by its overwhelming power. It makes people fill up the shopping cart quickly and they often notice that their shopping cart is full but they haven’t bought the half of gifts. Of course, it creates months of stress when the credit bills start rolling in. Trying to keep to a budget can be difficult, especially when prices never seem to go down. But creating a list with gift ideas, including estimated pricing, can be very useful.

D. Some people are already on a strict training, when holidays come. They regularly practice jogging or swim in the swimming pool. At the same time, a lot of them use the holidays as an excuse to turn back into a couch potato. People can definitely take a step back, because they often skip exercise on Christmas Eve or other days. But they should remember to keep active.

E. Things may not always go according to plan, especially during the holidays. It is the time when schedules change and a lot of work may pile up during time off. The best way to face these difficulties is with an open mind, ready to do the best. Dinner may be held at a different time this year, or your flight might be unexpectedly rescheduled. But don’t see these incidents as negative. Enjoy the holiday!

F. With kids in the house it’s easy to fill the space completely under the Christmas tree with wrapped boxes and ribbon and bows, big and small. It’s a happy sight — for kids, and for parents. It invites the wonder into the kids’ lives. But honestly, it doesn’t take much to do that if we’re mindful and engaged. It is necessary to allow the kids to receive the gifts they are given, not just unwrap with curiosity and move on to the next. In this way, they will learn appreciation and gratitude.

G. Coping with holiday stress need not be difficult. We all long to have the ideal holiday gathering: a lovely party with your family and friends, a magnificent dinner, and wonderful gifts perfectly wrapped under a spectacular tree. Unfortunately, perfection is seldom easy, especially at Christmas! There is no perfect gift, or tree, or family! There will be a few disadvantages… burnt cookies, toys without batteries and differences in opinions. Accept that things are what they are and try focusing on pleasant things instead.

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1. Helpful indeed most loving ones out doing the humans little

2. Helpful indeed most loving ones out doing the humans little but not the least егэ

3. Helpful indeed most loving ones out doing the humans little but not the

4. Helpful indeed most loving ones out doing the humans little but not

5. Helpful indeed most loving ones out doing the humans little but not the least

6. Helpful indeed most loving ones out doing the humans little but not the least егэ ответы

Helpful indeed most loving ones out doing the humans little

Helpful indeed most loving ones out doing the humans little

Helpful indeed most loving ones out doing the humans little

Helpful indeed most loving ones out doing the humans little

Helpful indeed most loving ones out doing the humans little
Helpful indeed most loving ones out doing the humans little

Helpful indeed most loving ones out doing the humans little
Helpful indeed most loving ones out doing the humans little
Helpful indeed most loving ones out doing the humans little
Helpful indeed most loving ones out doing the humans little
Helpful indeed most loving ones out doing the humans little
Helpful indeed most loving ones out doing the humans little

  • Helpful indeed most loving ones out doing the humans little
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    Helpful indeed most loving ones out doing the humans little
    Helpful indeed most loving ones out doing the humans little
    Helpful indeed most loving ones out doing the humans little

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    Survival of the Sickest: The Surprising Connections Between Disease and Longevity
    Jonathan Prince

    Dr Sharon Moalem

    In this groundbreaking and absorbing book Dr. Sharon Moalem, delves back into the evolution of man to offer a radical perspective on survival, the human body, and our understanding of disease. Survival of the Sickest will change the way you think about your body.Dr. Moalem investigates peculiar and puzzling features of human biology to reveal the answers to such provocative questions as:• Why do we need to pee when we’re cold?• Can a person rust to death?• Why are Greeks hairier than Africans?• Can the tanning salon lower cholesterol?• Why are leeches back in vogue?• Can sunglasses cause sunburns?• Who gets drunk faster – Europeans or Asians?In considering the question of why diseases exist, Dr Moalem proposes that most common diseases came into existence for very good reasons. Diabetes, hemochromatosis, cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia may all exist because, at some time in our past, they helped our ancestors survive some grand challenge to human existence. In turn, he also discovers that genetic and cultural differences have led to each race having different and unique ways of reacting to their environment and subsequently how they become susceptible to certain diseases.Survival of the Sickest is a book about life – yours, ours and every little living thing under the sun. About how we all got here, where we’re all going and what we can do about it. Revelatory and written in an utterly engaging fashion, Sharon Moalem’s book will change the way you think about your body.

    SURVIVAL

    OF THE SICKEST

    THE SURPRISING CONNECTIONS BETWEEN

    DISEASE AND LONGEVITY

    DR. SHARON MOALEM

    with Jonathan Prince

    DEDICATION (#ulink_2878c3b8-f4de-5b31-9bc0-139e3df54f28)

    To my grandparents Tibi and Josephina Elizabeth Weiss, whose lives served to teach me the complexities of survival

    CONTENTS

    Cover (#uecb74959-3d6a-598c-a8bb-28775219e542)

    Title Page (#uf93971d2-4f1a-5e2c-8df9-e296f3a8aa74)

    Dedication (#ufdbd1824-ce3b-5d51-bb34-9b3bdce29564)

    Introduction (#ue23abc6e-4470-5c06-9d82-9af8a2f017d0)

    Chapter One: Ironing It Out (#u0d9cd7c5-4446-51b1-8759-49ef3647cf35)

    Chapter Two: A Spoonful of Sugar Helps the Temperature Go Down (#u8a7af0ed-e5c9-55b0-b8be-d893b19a45b0)

    Chapter Three: The Cholesterol Also Rises (#u9b060441-cf4e-52f7-aa95-5351e72c54b2)

    Chapter Four: Hey, Bud, Can You Do Me a Fava? (#litres_trial_promo)

    Chapter Five: Of Microbes and Men (#litres_trial_promo)

    Chapter Six: Jump into the Gene Pool (#litres_trial_promo)

    Chapter Seven: Methyl Madness: Road to the Final Phenotype (#litres_trial_promo)

    Chapter Eight: That’s Life: Why You and Your iPod Must Die (#litres_trial_promo)

    Index (#litres_trial_promo)

    Acknowledgments (#litres_trial_promo)

    About the Author (#litres_trial_promo)

    Notes (#litres_trial_promo)

    Copyright (#litres_trial_promo)

    About the Publisher (#litres_trial_promo)

    INTRODUCTION (#ulink_f4defdc4-86b8-51e4-8798-8a7e033f8683)

    This is a book about mysteries and miracles. About medicine and myth. About cold iron, red blood, and neverending ice. It’s a book about survival and creation. It’s a book that wonders why, and a book that asks why not. It’s a book in love with order and a book that craves a little chaos.

    Most of all, it’s a book about life – yours, ours, and that of every little living thing under the sun. About how we all got here, where we’re all going, and what we can do about it.

    Welcome to our magical medical mystery tour.

    When I was fifteen years old, my grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. He was seventy-one. Alzheimer’s – as too many people know – is a terrible disease to watch. And when you’re fifteen, watching a strong, loving man drift away almost before your eyes, it’s hard to accept. You want answers. You want to know why.

    Now, there was one thing about my grandfather that always struck me as kind of strange – he loved to give blood. And I mean he loved it. He loved the way it made him feel; he loved the way it energized him. Most people donate blood purely because it makes them feel good emotionally to do something altruistic – not my grandfather; it made him feel good both emotionally and physically. He said no matter where his body hurt, all he needed was a good bleeding to make the aches and pains go away. I couldn’t understand how giving away a pint of the stuff our lives depend on could make someone feel so good. I asked my high school biology teachers. I asked the family doctor. Nobody could explain it. So I felt it was up to me to figure it out.

    I convinced my father to take me to a medical library, where I spent countless hours searching for an answer. I don’t know how I possibly found it among the thousands and thousands of books in the library, but something steered me there. In a hunch, I decided to plow through all the books about iron – I knew enough to know that iron was one of the big things my grandfather was giving up every time he donated blood. And then – bam! There it was – a relatively unheard of hereditary condition called hemochromatosis. Basically, hemochromatosis is a disorder that causes iron to build up in the body. Eventually, the iron can build up to dangerous levels, where it damages organs like the pancreas and the liver; that’s why it’s also called “iron overload.” Sometimes, some of that excess iron is deposited in the skin, giving you a George Hamilton perma-tan all year long. And as we’ll explore, giving blood is the best way to reduce the iron levels in your body – all my grand-father’s blood donations were actually treating his hemochromatosis!

    Well, when my grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, I had a gut instinct that the two diseases had to be connected. After all, if hemochromatosis caused dangerous iron buildups that damaged other organs, why couldn’t it contribute to damage in the brain? Of course, nobody took me very seriously – I was fifteen.

    When I went to college a few years later, there was no question that I was going to study biology. And there was no question that I was going to keep on searching for the link between Alzheimer’s and hemochromatosis. Soon after I graduated, I learned that the gene for hemochromatosis had been pinpointed; I knew that this was the right time to pursue my hunch seriously. I delayed medical school to enter a Ph.D. program focused on neurogenetics. After just two years of collaborative work with researchers and physicians from many different laboratories we had our answer. It was a complex genetic association, but sure enough there was indeed a link between hemochromatosis and certain types of Alzheimer’s disease.

    It was a bittersweet victory, though. I had proved my high school hunch (and even earned a Ph.D. for it), but it did nothing for my grandfather. He had died twelve years earlier, at seventy-six, after five long years battling Alzheimer’s. Of course, I also knew that this discovery could help many others – and that’s why I wanted to be a physician and a scientist in the first place.

    And actually, as we’ll discuss more in the next chapter, unlike many scientific discoveries, this one came with the potential for an immediate payoff. Hemochromatosis is one of the most common genetic disorders in people descended from Western Europeans: more than 30 percent carry these genes. And if you know you have hemochromatosis, there are some very straightforward steps you can take to reduce the iron levels in your blood and prevent the iron buildups that can damage your organs, including the one my grandfather discovered on his own – bleeding. And as for knowing whether or not you have hemochromatosis – well, there are a couple of very simple blood tests used to make the diagnosis. That’s about it. And if the results come back positive, then you start to give blood regularly and modify your diet. But you can live with it.

    I do.

    I was around eighteen when I first started feeling “achy.” And then it dawned on me – maybe I have iron overload like my grandfather. And sure enough, the tests came back positive. As you can imagine, that got me thinking – what did this mean for me? Why did I get it? And the biggest question of all – why would so many people inherit a gene for something potentially so harmful? Why would evolution – which is supposed to weed out harmful traits and promote helpful ones – allow this gene to persist?

    That’s what this book is about.

    The more I plunged into research, the more questions I wanted answered. This book is the product of all the questions I asked, the research they led to, and some of the connections uncovered along the way. I hope it gives you a window into the beautiful, varied, and interconnected nature of life on this wonderful world we inhabit.

    Instead of just asking what’s wrong and what can be done about it, I want people to look behind the evolutionary curtain, to ask why this condition or that particular infection occurs in the first place. I think the answers will surprise you, enlighten you, and – in the long run – give all of us a chance to live longer, healthier lives.

    We’re going to start by looking at some hereditary disorders. Hereditary disorders are very interesting to people like me who study both evolution and medicine – because common conditions that are only caused by inheritance should die out along the evolutionary line under most circumstances.

    Evolution likes genetic traits that help us survive and reproduce – it doesn’t like traits that weaken us or threaten our health (especially when they threaten it before we can reproduce). That preference for genes that give us a survival or reproductive advantage is called natural selection. Here are the basics: If a gene produces a trait that makes an organism less likely to survive and reproduce, that gene (and thus, that trait) won’t get passed on, at least not for very long, because the individuals who carry it are less likely to survive. On the other hand, when a gene produces a trait that makes an organism better suited for the environment and more likely to reproduce, that gene (and again, that trait) is more likely to get passed on to its offspring. The more advantageous a trait is, the faster the gene that produces it will spread through the gene pool.

    So hereditary disorders don’t make much evolutionary sense at first glance. Why would genes that make people sick still be in the gene pool after millions of years? You’ll soon find out.

    From there, we’re going to examine how the environment of our ancestors helped to shape our genes.

    Подготовка к заданию ЕГЭ-11 АЯ 40 — «письменное высказывание с элементами рассуждения».

    Содержание

    Some people say that genetically modified food is hazardous to health 

    Some people think that organic food is healthier than conventional food 

    Some people think that we should eat at home 

    Some people think that clothes help them show who they really are 

    Some people say that there should not be any rules about the clothes people can wear in the workplace 

    Some people think that tattoos and piercing make them more attractive 

    Some people say that school trips are beneficial for students 

    Some people think that the best way to travel in a town or in a city is on foot 

    Some people say that travelling by plane is very convenient 

    Some people say that hitchhiking is the best way of travelling 

    Some people think that international travel has a lot of benefits 

    Some people say that the best way to travel is by ship 

    Some people say that having friends is important for everyone 

    Some people think that only those who have much in common can become friends 

    Many people think that love makes a person happy 

    Some people think that only those who earn a lot of money can be happy 

    Some people say that making money with the Internet is reality 

    Some people say that having a hobby is important for everyone 

    Some people believe that teenagers should not be given too much free time 

    Some people think that collecting various things is a waste of time and money 

    Some people think that homeschooling is an excellent alternative to traditional education 

    Some people think that if you want to get a good education, you should go abroad 

    Some people think that the most important thing for a teacher is to make studying enjoyable for students 

    Some people think that computers may replace teachers in the future 

    Many people think that homework is essential for every student 

    Some people think that grades encourage students to learn 

    Some people think that creativity is an essential ability which must be taught at school 

    Some people say that having jobs can be of great benefit to teenagers 

    Some people think that it is more important to get satisfaction from your work than to earn much money 

    Some people think that young people should follow in their parents’ footsteps when choosing a profession 

    Some people think that it is better to work abroad 

    At present, there is no difficulty in finding a good job 

    Many people believe that it is important to develop teamwork in the workplace 

    Some people think that modern technologies make life more convenient 

    Some people say that using mobile telephones must be prohibited in school 

    Some people think that the Internet has more drawbacks than advantages 

    Some people say that the Internet has improved the effectiveness of education 

    Some people believe that there are real risks to dating via the Internet 

    Some people prefer writing traditional paper letters to using e-mail 

    Some people are worried about computers and robots doing the same things that people can do 

    Some people say that the theatre is likely to disappear 

    Some people believe that dancing can be of great benefit to children 

    Some people think that rap music has a bad influence on teenagers 

    Some people think that watching movies is beneficial to everybody 

    Some people prefer watching a film version to reading a book 

    Some people say that we do not need public libraries any more 

    Some people say that weight loss diets can be very harmful 

    Some people say that extreme sports are too risky 

    Some people dream of becoming professional athletes 

    Some people think that surfing is rather risky 

    Some people think that physical attractiveness is important for everyone 

    Some people prefer to have only one child 

    Some people choose to build a family through adoptions 

    Some people believe that adult children should not live with their parents 

    Some people say that it is wonderful to have a sibling 

    Some people say that overpopulation is a major problem for the human race 

    Some people continue smoking in spite of all warnings 

    Some people say that capital punishment should be allowed 

    Some people say that there is nothing better than watching TV 

    Some people think that reality TV shows are enjoyable and bring many benefits to the audience and the actors 

    Some people say that print media will disappear in the future 

    Some people say that shopping is interesting and enjoyable 

    Some people say that our lives would be better if we bought fewer goods 

    Many people say that it is important to recycle waste 

    Some people prefer hybrid cars to traditional cars 

    Some people say that modern teenagers are carefree 

    Parents have many concerns about their teenagers dating 

    Some people believe that animals should not be taken from their natural surroundings and put into zoos 

    Some people think that keeping pets is a waste of time and money 

    Some people think that virtual pets can replace real pets 

    Some people believe that learning foreign languages is a waste of time 

    Many people dream of being famous someday 

    Some people do not care whether they buy pirated or legal CDs and DVDs 

    Some people say that ambitiousness is the key to success and happiness 

    Some people say that nonverbal messages improve communication 

    (Юнева С. А. Открывая мир с английским языком. Новые 150 эссе для ЕГЭ.)

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    5 Âàì íóæíî ïðîâåñòè îáñóæäåíèå â êëàññå î âîçäåéñòâèè òåõíîëîãèé íà îáùåñòâî. Òåïåðü âàø ó÷èòåëü ïîïðîñèë âàñ íàïèñàòü ýññå ñ âàøèì ìíåíèåì ïî ñëåäóþùåé òåìå. Íàïèøèòå ýññå ïðèìåðíî 180-200 ñëîâ.

    «Ïðåäñòàâüòå ñåáå, ÷òî âû ìîãëè áû èñïîëüçîâàòü òîëüêî îäíî èç ñëåäóþùèõ: êîìïüþòåð, ìîáèëüíûé òåëåôîí èëè õîëîäèëüíèê. ×òî áû âû èñïîëüçîâàëè è ïî÷åìó?»

    Ðåøåíèå #1

    If I had to choose only one device from mobile phone, computer or fridge for using I would choose a computer. I can explain why.

    Firstly, I can use it for calling people through the Internet as well as mobile phone. Secondly, I can find any information I need and use computer for spending leisure time. For example, I can read a book, watch a film, play games or listen to music. Thirdly, I can buy all necessary things in online shops. It is really comfortable, because there is a huge assortment of things and it is easy to find what you need in these shops. Moreover, I can order different fresh food which will be delivered to my house for a short time.

    To sum up, I would choose a computer as the most necessary device. Of course, it has one meaningful disadvantage. I will not be able to take computer everywhere because of its size. However, I think it is not so important, because only computer let me do much work using different programs. Mobile phone and fridge don’t have such possibilities.

    Ïåðåâîä:

    Åñëè áû ÿ äîëæåí áûë âûáðàòü òîëüêî îäíî óñòðîéñòâî èç ìîáèëüíîãî òåëåôîíà, êîìïüþòåðà èëè õîëîäèëüíèêà äëÿ èñïîëüçîâàíèÿ, ÿ áû âûáðàë êîìïüþòåð. ß ìîãó ïîÿñíèòü ïî÷åìó.

    Âî-ïåðâûõ, ÿ ìîãó èñïîëüçîâàòü åãî äëÿ çâîíîê ëþäÿì ÷åðåç èíòåðíåò òàê æå, êàê è ìîáèëüíûé òåëåôîí. Âî-âòîðûõ, ÿ ìîãó íàéòè ëþáóþ èíôîðìàöèþ, êîòîðàÿ ìíå íóæíà è èñïîëüçîâàòü êîìïüþòåð äëÿ ïðîâåäåíèÿ äîñóãà. Íàïðèìåð, ÿ ìîãó ïðî÷èòàòü êíèãó, ïîñìîòðåòü ôèëüì, ïîèãðàòü â èãðû èëè ïîñëóøàòü ìóçûêó. Â-òðåòüèõ, ÿ ìîãó êóïèòü âñå íåîáõîäèìûå âåùè â îíëàéí ìàãàçèíàõ. Ýòî äåéñòâèòåëüíî óäîáíî, ïîòîìó ÷òî òàì áîëüøîé àññîðòèìåíò âåùåé è ëåãêî íàéòè ÷òî òåáå íóæíî â òàêèõ ìàãàçèíàõ. Êðîìå òîãî, ÿ ìîãó çàêàçàòü ðàçëè÷íóþ ñâåæóþ åäó, êîòîðàÿ áóäåò äîñòàâëåíà â ìîé äîì çà êîðîòêîå âðåìÿ.

    Òàêèì îáðàçîì, ÿ áû âûáðàë êîìïüþòåð êàê ñàìîå íåîáõîäèìîå óñòðîéñòâî. Êîíå÷íî, îí èìååò îäèí çíà÷èìûé íåäîñòàòîê. ß íå ñìîãó âçÿòü åãî êóäà óãîäíî èç çà åãî ðàçìåðà. Îäíàêî, ÿ äóìàþ ýòî íå î÷åíü âàæíî, òàê êàê òîëüêî êîìïüþòåð ïîçâîëÿåò ìíå ñäåëàòü ìíîãî ðàáîòû, èñïîëüçóÿ ðàçíûå ïðîãðàììû. Ìîáèëüíûé òåëåôîí è õîëîäèëüíèê íå èìåþò òàêèõ âîçìîæíîñòåé.

    Ðåøåíèå #2

    Nowadays technical devices such as computers, phones, laptops, i-Pods, digital tape recorders and many other things are becoming a vital part of our life. Everyone needs these inventions because they have revolutionized the world and significantly changed our life to the better. As for me, if I had to choose between a computer, a mobile phone and a refrigerator, I would definitely choose the second option. The point is that I can do without a fridge as I live next to the large supermarket. So I can buy fresh food whenever I want. Also I can imagine living without a computer. This device is extremely expensive and unhandy. I suppose the most useful modern device is a mobile phone. To begin with, it gives me an opportunity to be reachable at any time and in any place. That’s why I always keep in touch with my relatives and friends. In addition, it’s a good source of entertainment.) I can play games, watch videos, listen to music, take photos. What is more, my phone helps me study. With its help I can access the Internet where I find much informative facts, reports, useful hints that is necessary for broadening my mind and doing my homework. Finally, mobile phones save our time and money. Everybody can afford this device because there are a lot of cheap and simple in using cell-phones in the shops. Last but not least, a mobile phone is undoubtedly important when we are running late or in emergency. This tool is irreplaceable to me.

    Ïåðåâîä:

     íàøå âðåìÿ òåõíè÷åñêèå óñòðîéñòâà, òàêèå êàê êîìïüþòåðû, òåëåôîíû, íîóòáóêè, àéïîäû, öèôðîâûå ìàãíèòîôîíû è ìíîãî äðóãèõ âåùåé ñòàíîâÿòñÿ íàñóùíîé ÷àñòüþ íàøåé æèçíè. Âñåì íóæíû ýòè èçîáðåòåíèÿ, ïîòîìó ÷òî îíè êîðåííûì îáðàçîì èçìåíèëè ìèð è çíà÷èòåëüíî èçìåíèëè íàøó æèçíü ê ëó÷øåìó. ×òî êàñàåòñÿ ìåíÿ, åñëè áû ÿ äîëæíà áûëà âûáðàòü ìåæäó êîìïüþòåðîì, ìîáèëüíûì òåëåôîíîì è õîëîäèëüíèêîì, ÿ îïðåäåëåííî âûáðàëà áû âòîðîé âàðèàíò. Äåëî â òîì, ÷òî ÿ ìîãó îáîéòèñü áåç õîëîäèëüíèêà, ïîñêîëüêó ÿ æèâó ðÿäîì ñ êðóïíûì ñóïåðìàðêåòîì. Òàêèì îáðàçîì, ÿ ìîãó êóïèòü ñâåæèå ïðîäóêòû êàæäûé ðàç, êîãäà ÿ õî÷ó. Òàêæå ÿ ìîãó ïðåäñòàâèòü ñåáå æèçíü áåç êîìïüþòåðà. Ýòî óñòðîéñòâî ÷ðåçâû÷àéíî äîðîãîå è íåóäîáíîå. ß ïðåäïîëàãàþ, ÷òî ñàìîå ïîëåçíîå ñîâðåìåííîå óñòðîéñòâî — ìîáèëüíûé òåëåôîí. Âî-ïåðâûõ, îí äàåò ìíå âîçìîæíîñòü áûòü äîñòóïíîé â ëþáîå âðåìÿ è â ëþáîì ìåñòå. Ïîýòîìó ÿ âñåãäà ïîääåðæèâàþ êîíòàêò ñî ñâîèìè ðîäñòâåííèêàìè è äðóçüÿìè. Êðîìå òîãî, ýòî) õîðîøèé èñòî÷íèê ðàçâëå÷åíèÿ. ß ìîãó èãðàòü â èãðû, ñìîòðåòü âèäåîôèëüìû, ñëóøàòü ìóçûêó, äåëàòü ôîòîãðàôèè. Ê òîìó æå, ìîé òåëåôîí ïîìîãàåò ìíå ó÷èòüñÿ. Ñ åãî ïîìîùüþ ÿ ìîãó ïîëó÷èòü äîñòóï ê Èíòåðíåòó, ãäå ÿ íàõîæó ìíîãî èíôîðìàòèâíûõ ôàêòîâ, ðåôåðàòîâ, ïîëåçíûõ ñîâåòîâ, ÷òî íåîáõîäèìî äëÿ ðàñøèðåíèÿ ìîåãî êðóãîçîðà è âûïîëíåíèÿ äîìàøíåé ðàáîòû.  êîíöå êîíöîâ, ìîáèëüíûå òåëåôîíû ýêîíîìÿò íàøå âðåìÿ è äåíüãè. Âñå ìîãóò ïðåäîñòàâèòü ñåáå ýòî óñòðîéñòâî, ïîòîìó ÷òî åñòü ìíîãî äåøåâûõ è ïðîñòûõ â èñïîëüçîâàíèè ñîòîâûõ òåëåôîíîâ â ìàãàçèíàõ. Íàêîíåö, ÷òî íå ìåíåå âàæíî, ìîáèëüíûé òåëåôîí, íåñîìíåííî, âàæåí, êîãäà ìû îïàçäûâàåì èëè íàõîäèìñÿ â ÷ðåçâû÷àéíîé ñèòóàöèè. Ýòîò ïðèáîð íåçàìåíèì äëÿ ìåíÿ.

    Ðåøåíèå #3

    I think that nowadays technology has à very strong impact on our society. We use everyday new technologies. It’s very important to understand all the importance of our technologies. For example, with the help of computer we all can communicate with each other, find any information in the Internet and so on. With the help of mobile phones we can call each other, even being not at home! Also today’s technologies are very advanced, so now mobile phone is not only used for calling, but also as a gadget for Internet and other computer operations. With the help of fridge we can save our products. It doesn’t give them become rot. The temperature in the fridge is very low, that’s why it saves all the useful properties of products.

    I think I’ll choose the fridge, if I could use only one thing. It is more necessary I guess, than other devices.

    Ïåðåâîä:

    ß äóìàþ, ÷òî â íàøè äíè òåõíîëîãèÿ èìååò î÷åíü ñèëüíîå âëèÿíèå íà íàøå îáùåñòâî. Ìû èñïîëüçóåì êàæäûé äåíü íîâûå òåõíîëîãèè. Î÷åíü âàæíî ïîíèìàòü âñþ çíà÷èìîñòü òåõíîëîãèé. Íàïðèìåð, ñ ïîìîùüþ êîìïüþòåðà ìû ìîæåì îáùàòüñÿ äðóã ñ äðóãîì, íàõîäèòü ëþáóþ èíôîðìàöèþ â Èíòåðíåòå è ò.ä. C ïîìîùüþ òåëåôîíîâ ìû ìîæåì çâîíèòü äðóã äðóãó, äàæå íå íàõîäÿñü äîìà! Òàêæå ñåãîäíÿøíèå òåõíîëîãèè î÷åíü ïðîäâèíóòûå, ïîýòîìó òåïåðü äàæå ìîáèëüíûé òåëåôîí èñïîëüçóåòñÿ íå òîëüêî äëÿ çâîíêîâ, íî òàêæå êàê ãàäæåò äëÿ âûõîäà â Èíòåðíåò è äðóãèõ êîìïüþòåðíûõ îïåðàöèé. C ïîìîùüþ õîëîäèëüíèêà ìû ìîæåì ñîõðàíèòü íàøè ïðîäóêòû. Îí íå äàåò èì ñãíèòü. Òåìïåðàòóðà â õîëîäèëüíèêå î÷åíü íèçêàÿ, âîò ïî÷åìó îí ñîõðàíÿåò ïîëåçíûå ñâîéñòâà ïðîäóêòîâ.

    ß äóìàþ, ÷òî ÿ áû âûáðàë õîëîäèëüíèê, åñëè ÿ ìîã áû èñïîëüçîâàòü òîëüêî îäíó âåùü. Îí áîëüøå íåîáõîäèì, ÿ òàê äóìàþ, ÷åì äðóãèå óñòðîéñòâà.

    Ðåøåíèå #4

    Nowadays there are so many different appliances. Each device is important. New technologies are developing very quickly. Each month, new models of phones, computers, TV sets, refrigerators etc are available. People are not live without these devices. Many people are attached to devices.

    A computer, a mobile phone or a fridge? I do not know what to choose. I think I would choose the computer, because it functioned much. With a computer you can know the world news, communicate with friends and family, use different programs to work, learn languages and various sciences, play games, read books online and make purchases on the internet. Modern technologies are not stand still. Computers are used in areas such as medicine, physics, aerospace, education and many others.

    Everyday computers help us in the many areas and I believe that will be much more places in our life for computers in the future. Very interesting what computers will be in the future.

    Ðåøåíèå #5

    Nowadays, modern people can not imagine my life without technology. Each person needs in many devices. It is hard to imagine that I am have not a some device. So, if I had to use only one device, then I would choose the computer. Because my computer now for me is most needed. With it, I quickly find necessary information, doing some homework and just relax.

    In addition, with the help of modern computer programs, we can call your friends and family. So, the computer can replace the phone. Although it should be noted that the phone is more portable than a computer and phone can take in any place.

    Of course, with a refrigerator is more complicated. Unfortunately the computer does not have a program for freezing food) ) But when you choose between a refrigerator and a computer, I choose the computer. Because I can eat, for example, in a cafe or order a meal at home.

    In conclusion, I want to say that I would never want to make a choice between these devices. Because each of these is the achievement of scientists, which should make people’s lives better and more comfortable.

    Ðåøåíèå #6

    When I had to think what subject to choose, frankly speaking I got confused. It is so because in the modern world such like subjects play an imminent role people’s lives.

    Nowadays a computer is in every family. It helps to communicate with people by Skype, get necessary information, be informed, watch favourite movies and download music. Though in the last decade there appeared to be new high technology mobile phones that have the same options. So the computers have become replacable in some ways.

    A fridge is necessary to keep food fresh in. All the people know how important it is now to stay healthy and not to eat fast -food. Though some of them neglect that and get problems with their health.

    It I some day had to choose one of these subjects I’d use a mobile phone to get with my beloved parents or friends who have a fridge and a computer.

    Ðåøåíèå #7

    In our century of great technological progress, we begin being depent from different new things and gadjets. And I think, not every person can answer, which of things, used in daily life are more important. As for me, if I could use only fridge, mobile phone, or computer I think, I’d chose the third variant

    Why? Because I know other ways of keeping food, and I can communicate, using my stationary telephone, or the Internet. And with the help of computer I can learn about what’s hapening in the world without the official gossip from television, I can keep useful materials on the hard disk, I can write a book, if I want at last! That is the reason of such choise.I could use only computer to communicate and get information, instead of such a great amount of things. I can visit my friends and talk to them myself at last. I can buy food, which doesn’t need to be kept in the refrigerator but I need to get information somehow, without brainwashing from TV. That are the main arguments for my opinion.

    Ðåøåíèå #8

    That’s a really hard question for consideration, and it’s also a strange one because I wouldn’t put in one row electronic gadgets such as computer and mobile phone that meant for some projection and designing problems solving and a fridge which was created for domestic demands, particularly, for foodstuff conserving.

    If it is talked about being lost and left on an uninhabited island I would pick a fridge. But I need it just if it was an exotic island with hot climate. Otherwise, I mean, at permanent cold weather, I don’t need a fridge for food storage.

    If the use of one of those doesn’t mean leaving civilized comfortable life, possibly I would choose a fridge anyway, because I need to control the food not to go off. But that choice only relates to my today’s situation.

    If I were a businessman, a politician, a manager of some company, or even a student, I wouldn’t be able to live without a cellphone and a computer. Those are an integral part of busy people’s life. In case they don’t have a refrigerator such people can store food at another cold place or even eat always out. That’s why, possibly, the most important thing in their life must be a mobile phone. Imagine one of the days of those. If they are hungry they can commonly have lunch at cafe. And now think about what they would do if they lost their cellular phone. That means complete chaos and horror.

    I should mention again that this topic is kind of strange. I would probably get confused if I had a problem like this.

    Everyone has its own opinion. Somebody may not agree with me, but this is my view.

    Ðåøåíèå #9

    Nowadays people cannot imagine their life without modern technologies. Every day we use computers, cell phones, washing machines, fridges, TV-sets, MP3-players, electronic books, etc.

    Let’s suppose that you have to choose only one of them and forget about other things. As to me, I am accustomed to using all of them regularly, however, I would pick up a computer. At first, it is better than a mobile phone or a TV-set, because it combines the function of both. As for the fridge, it does not give me anything besides food, which I can buy in shops. That is why I would never choose it. My relaxation of and education are more important than food.

    However, in my opinion, some people would not choose a computer, as they think it harms their health, makes them addicted and takes much time. Nevertheless, if you manage your time well, it will be only useful.

    In conclusion, I would like to say, that I could never make up my mind in this situation, because all these devices are an important part in our life. However, some of them are vital for us, and without some of them we can easily live.

    Ðåøåíèå #10

    Nowadays there are many different inventions for better living,because today technology develops faster and faster.Such modern devices as a fridge, a computer, a mobile phone are very important today.

    But which invention is the most necessary for modern man? Unfortunately, I can not choose one of these things because I can’t do without them. For example, in a fridge can store food.Talking about computer and mobile phone), almost every family own one now.Though it has both advantages and disadvantages.With phone we can call any person wherever he is, for example, to connect with your relatives or friends. But a phone has it’s waves those affect human body. With the help of a computer we can communicate with our friends, order meals, listening to music, watch movies, find important information and many other things. On-line games are very popular with teenagers nowadays and they play them so much that they get a dependence on them.

    Finally, I mean to say that all of those things are necessary for us.

    Ðåøåíèå #11

    Tecnologies develop very quickly and nowadays we can not imagine our life without modern appliances. How did our parents live without computers, mobile phones, TV…? Our parents did not use the Internet when they did their homework!

    A fridge is very comfortable home appliance, because it can keep our products and they will not be addle for a long time. With fridge we can save our money and time, because we should not go to shop every day.

    Mobile phone is appliance, without which can not live almost everyone. With phone we can call any person wherever he is.

    Computer is very important appliance in our life too. Of course, if it is with the Internet. The Internet is necessary for almost everyone. It is used by working people, for example, to send by e-mail some reporting, by students to do reports or any homework without visiting a library. The Internet is way of entertainment. You can play different on-line games or play games on a computer. The Internet is comfortable way of communication. People can maintain relationships if they did not meet for a long time.

    As for me, I choose a mobile phone. I can not live without mobile phone even a day.

    Ðåøåíèå #12

    Nowadays there are a lot of technologies which have been invented to improve our life. Technologies have been developing rather intensive lately. Just think, our parents were not able to communicate to each other by using, for example, mobile phones. They also couldn’t use the Internet because they didn’t have computers. However our generation does have a lot of appliances such as a fridge, a mobile phone or a computer.

    It goes without saying, fridges are very comfortable for us, because they can keep our products for a long of time. As a result we don’t waste our money and time. Mobile phones make us more accessible, they help us to link with people who are far away from our place. As for computers, they give us a lot of necessary information that can be very important especially for pupils and students. Using a computer we can communicate with people from different cities or even countries. There are very many social networks and other useful sites where we can not only talk to our friends but also develop our knowledge and skills.

    So if somebody asks me what I will choose I will answer: «a computer». Exactly a computer is the most useful. By the way, I’m really used to utilizing it every day, so I cannot imagine my life without my computer.

    Ðåøåíèå #13

    Unfortunately, I can not choose one of these things. A computer, a mobile phone and a fridge are very important because each of them performs necessary functions. A fridge is necessary for satisfaction of physiological requirements, but a computer and a mobile phone are necessary for satisfaction of spiritual requirements.

    For example, if I got in an accident, I would have to use my mobile phone. In this case, I need not a computer or a fridge.

    However, if I need get some necessary information, I use a computer or a phone, for there is Internet. Also can be such case, as I want to eat and only a fridge can helped me because only in a fridge can store food, not a computer and not a mobile phone.

    Finally, I mean to say that all of those things are necessary for us. It all depends on the situation.

    Ðåøåíèå #14

    When a first thought about what appliance of these to choose I got a shock. Indeed, nowadays we can’t imagine our lives without using computers, mobile phones and fridges. As for me, I really can’t do without them!

    Talking about a computer, almost every family own one now. No doubt, computers are very helpful, you can find any information you want using the Internet. But it also has disadvantages. You know, on-line games are very popular with teenagers nowadays and they play them so much that they get a dependence on them. To my mind it’s disgusting when people are fond of only virtual world but not of real one. So if I must renounce one of three things (a computer, a mobile phone or a fridge) I will renounce a computer.

    Both refrigerator and mobile phone are very useful. People got the former rather long ago and since that time we can’t keep our food without it. But there are such people, who eat only fast food or a meal from restaurants. For example, a lot of students don’t prepare their meals; they buy half-finished products and just boil or fry them. However everybody knows that it’s very harmful for people heal.

    It’s not a secret, now almost everybody has a phone. Though it has both advantages and disadvantages. Using you phone you can reach every person you want wherever he or she is. Besides, you can not only call but you can also text, that’s very convenient. But a phone has it’s waves those affect human body. Therefore a role of mobile phone in a person’s life may be different.

    Summing up I don’t know what I would choose, probable I will select my mobile phone, but I’m not sure it would be right choice. How splendid that I don’t really need to choose!

    Ðåøåíèå #15

    In the modern world the technology very quickly develops. We can observe huge set of inventions. The majority of them are intended for life simplification. Many of inventions really help people with a life, in work, in dialogue, in movement and many other things. I would choose a mobile phone from all this set. In my opinion this invention is very important for human life. He allows us to communicate among themselves even if we are far apart. The mobile phone can help if the urgent call is necessary, and the person is not at home. As the mobile phone serves as a player. On it it is possible to listen to music and as to look and remove various videos. It is possible to do photos. Though they not high quality, but all the same for memory remain. In a mobile phone it is possible to play games, to communicate with friends in icq. Phone is convenient as in it there is a calendar, time, an alarm clock. All it is located in the small stylish invention of mankind. In the conclusion I want to tell that without this invention hard. Many people have very much got used to a mobile phone, including me.

    Ðåøåíèå #16

    Nowadays there are many different inventions for better living. Such modern devices as a fridge, a computer, a mobile phone are very popular today. All these devices have appeared not so long ago. But people can not life without them. Lately people kept food in cellars, wrote letters instead of using a mobile phone and people preferred real communication instead of virtual. Among such modern invention as a fridge),a computer), a mobile phone. I would choose a computer). Today we can not imagine our life without a computer. We use a computer in our work, education, daily life. It has more of advantages then a mobile phone or a fridge. With the help of a computer we can communicate with our friends, order meals, listening to music, watch movies, find important information and many other things. A computer prevails over a mobile phone. With the help of a computer we also can call our friends.

    In conclusion I wont to say that all this devices are very important and play a great role in our life. In fact I do not want to choose among them.

    Ðåøåíèå #17

    Nowadays we can see so many different technologies everywhere. Today technology develops faster and faster. Our parents had not opportunity to use personal computer but now many of them have pocket computers.

    But which invention is the most necessary for modern man? Let`s discuss three of them. A fridge is a very useful invention of human. We can keep our food in good state so long now! I think, that no one can live without fridge in everyday life, but we have some dry products which keep their freshness so long. So, fridge isn`t the most necessary invention. The next is a mobile phone. Everyone has it and uses everyday. It is so comfortable to carry it in your pocket and so pleasure to have an opportunity to connect with your relatives or friends in any moment. But I think that a computer is the most necessary invention because we can call anybody using computer programs as Skype, for example. We can take it with us everywhere too.

    Èñòî÷íèê: http://school69rzn.ucoz.ru/blog/appliances/2012-02-11-25

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    Задачи для практики

    Задача 1

    I have a confession to make. Even though my wife, Morgen, is an endless fount of interesting topics, when she suggested that I write about passenger pigeons, my first reaction was a yawn. How interesting can pigeons be? There are bazillions of them out there — I practically trip over them walking down the sidewalk every day. “But passenger pigeons are extinct,” she said. So are lots of animals, and that’s very sad, but it still doesn’t make them particularly interesting to the general public. She kept insisting that no, really, this particular kind of extinct pigeon is truly fascinating, and I kept displaying a complete lack of enthusiasm. Finally, she started reading some facts off a Web page. After the fi rst couple of items, I thought, “Yeah, OK, that’s a bit interesting, but if that’s all there is to it…” Only it wasn’t. She kept reading — and I kept saying “Wow.” Even I had to admit, yes, the story of the passenger pigeon is quite interesting. So by way of penance, allow me to present the official information on passenger pigeons.

    The last passenger pigeon in the world died less than 100 years ago — in 1914, according to most reports. In fact, we know exactly when and where the species went extinct: Tuesday, September 1, 1914, at 1:00 p. m. Eastern time at the Cincinnati Zoo. We even know the last bird’s name: Martha. She was 29 years old. It’s rather extraordinary that we should have such detailed and precise information about the moment when a species meets its demise — the passenger pigeon is almost certainly unique in that regard. What’s even more extraordinary is that just a century or so earlier, passenger pigeons had been more numerous than any other bird in North America — numbering in the billions.

    The word “passenger” in the name does not mean the pigeon liked to hitch rides on other animals (nor should the passenger pigeon be confused with the carrier pigeon, an entirely different animal). Rather, the name apparently comes from the French word passage, which means, roughly, “passage” (or “transit” or “crossing”); it referred to the birds’ massive and frequent migrations. The adjective form of passage is passager, and this apparently became “passenger” in English via folk etymology. The scientific name is Ectopistes migratorius, which means, more or less, “migrating wanderer.”

    Because the birds always stayed in large groups, the small animals that were their main predators posed little threat; they could never kill enough of a flock to threaten the group’s survival. This behavior, however, became their undoing once the human population began to balloon in North America. As European settlers and their descendants moved across the continent, they cut down many of the trees that had provided food and shelter for the passenger pigeons. This had relatively little effect on the birds’ overall population, but it did restrict their habitat. Because birds nesting by the hundreds of thousands or millions in a confined area were such an easy target — and, perhaps, in “retaliation” for destroying crops — farmers and hunters began to trap and kill passenger pigeons in huge numbers, selling them (very cheaply) for meat.

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    How did the author become interested in the topic of passenger pigeon?

    1. His wife read him some facts from the Internet in a loud voice.
    2. His wife found some facts in books and gave him to read.
    3. His wife found and read him some facts from traditional books.
    4. His wife showed him some facts on the Internet and he read them himself.

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    Задача 2

    I’m not normally one to lose sleep over missed opportunities; we all make the best decisions we can and life goes on. But about a decade ago, I made a truly stupid choice and I’ve been kicking myself for it ever since. I was doing graduate work in linguistics at the University of California, San Diego, and a musical group called Huun-Huur-Tu came to town and put on a concert at the university. I saw the posters, noticed that my classmates excitedly anticipated the concert, and seriously considered going… but for some unfathomable reason, I decided not to. The next day, and for a week or two afterward, that was all anyone could talk about: this amazing, surreal event — and, for linguistics students in particular, the complex vocal mechanics behind it. In the years since, I’ve yet to cross paths with the Huun-Huur-Tu again, and when two different people suggested to write about them, it was with a certain sense of shame and self-pity that I agreed.

    What could be so special about a style of singing — don’t all singers use their throats? Not like these folks. The simplest way of explaining what throat singers do is that they can sing two notes at the same time. In fact, not just two notes — some throat singers can produce as many as four distinct tones simultaneously. The effect is truly weird and chilling. The singers hail from Tuva, an autonomous Russian republic just north of the Mongolian border and a bit west of Irkutsk. Although Tuvans are the best-known throat singers, similar vocal techniques are used by some Tibetan Buddhist monks, as well as Mongolians and other residents of central Asia; the technique is also known among the Inuit in North America and Siberia. Xhosa-speaking women in southern Africa also practice a form of throat singing.

    The combinations of notes you hear in throat singing aren’t really chords in the conventional sense; even the best throat singer can’t sing a melody and counterpoint at the same time. Instead, the sound is more like a bagpipe, with a constant-pitched drone under a higher melody with a different timbre.

    There are in fact several very distinct forms of throat singing. One sounds rather like a digeridoo, with a flute- or whistle-like melody. Others resemble a low growling sound, a bird call, or rolling water, to give just a few examples. But in every case throat singing sounds like it could not possibly be coming from a human being — especially not a single human.

    Throat singing is closely related to vocal techniques known as overtone singing, harmonic singing, and multiphonic singing. Whether these techniques amount to the same thing, or whether one is considered a subset of another, depends on whom you ask; there are no precise, widely agreedon definitions. But all have in common a way of changing vocal sounds so that multiple distinct tones are perceived at once.

    Although Huun-Huur-Tu is the best-known group of traditional Tuvan Throat Singers, there’s another Tuvan who has taken the art down a different path. A singer named Ondar combines Tuvan throat-singing techniques with modern instruments and pop stylings that sound familiar to western ears. While some critics feel he has corrupted a beautiful art form, a more charitable view is that he has helped to make throat singing more accessible and understandable to an audience that would otherwise not accept it. Ondar was featured in the documentary Genghis Blues, and has music available on Apple’s iTunes Music Store — a sure sign of popular acceptance.

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    What is the meaning of the word ‘note’ in the second paragraph?

    1. A characteristic way of speaking.
    2. Something written down to assist the memory.
    3. A musical sound which represents a tone.
    4. A short, informal letter.

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    Задача 3

    When I travel, I usually make a conscious effort to avoid having very specific expectations. I plan out an itinerary, but I try to maintain a sense of equanimity about the experiences ahead. I like to be surprised — and I like to be able to experience new things in my own way, on my own terms. This sort of attitude has not only saved me some disappointment, it’s helped me to approach fairly commonplace sights and events with a sense of wonder and delight. As a result — and frankly, without much effort — I found myself feeling neutral, perhaps even about the prospect of visiting a glacier in Patagonia. I’ve seen ice; what could this be other than a great quantity of it? I expected to be cold, so I packed appropriate clothing. I expected scenic views, so I packed my camera. And that was about as far as I thought about it.

    The trip to the Perito Moreno glacier took us more than an hour by bus from the town of El Calafate, Argentina. When we rounded a corner on a mountain road and I got my first glimpse of the glacier, I thought, “Wow. That’s really big.” Later, from a much different angle, I realized what a tiny slice of one corner of one end of this glacier I’d seen earlier, and I was overwhelmed at the scale of what I saw. As glaciers go, I am told, this is not one of the larger ones. Even though I took dozens of pictures, including some panoramic shots, there is simply no way to capture how big this thing looks in person. No wide-angle lens could do it, because it’s not only impossibly wide but tall and long as well. Shot of climbing a mountain or flying high overhead, there is no way to take in the whole thing at once. So, yes: a lot of ice… but that doesn’t begin to tell the story.

    We took a boat across the lake into which the glacier drains, then hiked along the shore to a point near the edge of the glacier. There, we were outfitted with crampons for a 90-minute hike on the glacier itself. After about five minutes of climbing on the steep ice, our guides mentioned that it would become much more strenuous from here on, and two members of our group decided to turn back. The rest of us got a good workout, some extraordinary views, and a few surprises.

    The Perito Moreno glacier also has several unique features. For one thing, it is, at the moment (according to some experts, at least) the only glacier in the world in a state of equilibrium — neither advancing nor retreating. Retreating is the norm, due to global warming — numerous glaciers have disappeared in recent decades, and many others are shrinking rapidly. The Perito Moreno glacier, however, advances at the same rate ice breaks off, and has done so for many years.

    Another unusual characteristic is that this glacier empties into a lake right at the point where two branches connect through a fairly narrow channel. From time to time, the glacier’s face reaches all the way to the outcropping of land on the other side of the channel — sealing it off to create, in effect, two separate lakes. As the glacier continues to melt, the water level in one of the lakes rises at a faster rate than the other, causing significant flooding. Eventually, the warm water melts enough of the ice that an underwater tunnel forms between the lakes; as the tunnel expands, the water levels equalize. Before long, the tunnel becomes more of an underpass for a giant ice bridge; when this inevitably collapses, it’s a spectacular sight. The last such collapse occurred in March 2004. The glacier then advanced to block the channel again, and when we visited in December 2004, a small tunnel had recently formed and the water from the higher lake was still rushing into the lower one.

    Just before we went around the last wall of ice on our way off the glacier, the guide said there was a special treat waiting for us. They’d set up a little table on the ice with complimentary cups of hot tea for everyone — on the rocks, of course. Yes, those rocks. It was a delightful treat. We left tired, sweaty, sunburned, and very satisfied.

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    ‘This in’ ‘… what could this be other than a great quantity of it?’ (The first paragraph) refers to…

    1. a glacier in Patagonia.
    2. ice.
    3. the prospect.
    4. his feelings.

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    Задача 4

    As an American, I have always been a bit ambivalent when it comes to units of measurement. I learned units like inches, pints, and pounds first, but all through elementary and secondary school, the metric system (or S. I., Système International) was taught, along with dire warnings that we’d better get used to the new measurements because the U. S. was going to be giving up Imperial units real soon now. That would have been fine with me, because I’m fluent in meters, liters, and grams too, and they all make more sense to me than their Imperial counterparts. Temperature, strangely, is the exception: I can’t seem to switch my brain out of Fahrenheit. The entire world — excluding Americans — has come to the sane conclusion that units of measurement based on outdated and arbitrary standards should be abandoned, and that everything should be based on easy-to-calculate units of ten.

    Everything, that is, except time, the measurement of which requires dealing in inconvenient quantities such as 60, 12, 7, 365, 31, 30, 28, and every so often, 29 and 366. Why shouldn’t time be measured in units of 10, 100, and 1000? Seconds, hours, weeks, and months, after all, are simply arbitrary divisions of days, seasons, and years. It would be better to divide them up in a decimal-friendly way. But it turns out that there have been numerous proposals to do exactly that.

    Let’s back up a bit and consider a few basics. Everyone agrees that time measurements should be based on regular, observable phenomena such as the dependable fact that the sun rises and sets every day, and that the Earth’s position relative to the sun follows predictable, year-long cycles. One could argue that the notion of a “day” having a fixed duration is a bit of a fiction, since the hours of sunlight vary according to season and latitude, but I think most people are content taking an average (i. e., a mean solar day) as the rule. And of course there’s the whole leap year problem, but that need not hold up an entire timekeeping revolution. Though the idea of a “day” and “year” are with us to stay, however, all the other units — seconds, minutes, hours, weeks, and months (and even seasons, depending on where you live)— are arbitrary divisions that are ripe for revision.

    The first serious attempt to slice up the clock and calendar decimally happened in France as a consequence of the French Revolution. The new government instituted a republican calendar that consisted of 12 months of 30 days each, months bearing names suggestive of the season in which they fell (but only, of course, in France). An extra five days of festivities were added at the end of each year (not part of any month) to make the solar cycle work out. Each month consisted of three “dekades,” or 10-day weeks. New clocks had to be designed and built, too. A day now had 10 hours; hours had 100 minutes, and minutes had 100 seconds. Because the months were not that much different from existing months (breaking the strict unitof- 10 rule), they were relatively easy to get used to. But having a “minute” that was almost a minute and a half long, and an “hour” that lasted almost two and a half hours, was too much. The republican government fought a losing battle to institute the new timekeeping system from 1793 until 1805, when it was finally abandoned.

    One exception to the solution is Internet Time, a standard promoted by Swiss watchmaker Swatch. In Swatch’s system, the day is divided evenly into 1000 units called “beats”; each beat lasts 1 minute, 26.4 seconds. Internet Time is designed to be universal, rather than local — so if you say an event is going to occur at 435 beats (which is how Internet Time is notated), that represents a fixed time that works anywhere in the world. Beat 0 is defined as midnight in Biel, Switzerland, where the Swatch headquarters is located. The downside to the lack of time zones, of course, is that Internet Time has no consistent relationship to the cycle of the sun; you simply have to memorize what beat range constitutes periods such as “morning,” “afternoon,” and “evening” in your local area — and then recalculate if you travel.

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    The phrase ‘in a decimal-friendly way’ in the second paragraph is closest in meaning to…

    1. the way of accurate calculation.
    2. the way of using convenient fractions.
    3. the way based on the unit ten.
    4. the way of easy calculation.

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    Задача 5

    Books used to be such rare and wonderful things. I’m not talking about centuries ago, either. As recently as a couple of decades ago, when I was in school, I felt awestruck every time I visited the large public library downtown. It was amazing to me that as an ordinary citizen—a kid, no less—I could walk in and borrow nearly any book, no matter how old, famous, or important it was. Searching through endless card catalogs seemed like a mysterious black art, and I was always slightly surprised to find that a book I was looking for was actually on the shelves. Wouldn’t everyone in the city want to read this?

    I’m equally amazed at the profound changes that have taken place in the last ten years or so with respect to how people think about books. On the one hand, there seems to be an increasingly common assumption that all useful knowledge exists in digital form, or is at least catalogued that way. Where once a search for information would begin at the library, now it seems that’s the last place many people look—if it isn’t on the Web, how important can it be? On the other hand, despite the ever-increasing numbers of books being published and mega-bookstores, the meme of borrowing books from a library has lost a lot of its vigor. You can pick up any book you might want on the way home from work, or order it online with one click. For a certain segment of modern western society, going to a library for books is now seen as a sign of lower, rather than higher, class. Be that as it may, libraries remain the primary repository of a huge portion of the world’s knowledge, ready to be uncovered by seekers of all kinds. But there are libraries…and then there are libraries.

    Public libraries funded by taxes are a relatively modern invention, dating back only to the mid-1800s in the United States. Before that time, members of the general public who wanted access to a large collection of books had to pay for it. One very common form of library required patrons to pay monthly or annual dues in exchange for access (which may or may not have included borrowing rights). When public libraries began to catch on, these membership libraries (also called subscription libraries) began to dwindle rapidly; there are now just 18 still functioning in the U.S.

    One such library is the Mechanics’ Institute Library in San Francisco, of which I’m a member. The library was founded in 1854 as an educational resource for “mechanics”—that is, anyone in an engineering or technical field—providing not just books but classes, lectures, and cultural programs. By 1906, the library’s collection had reached nearly 200,000 volumes, but they were completely destroyed by the fire resulting from the great earthquake that hit the city that year. Within four years, however, a new building was erected for the library, and with a number of generous donations, it was back in business—this time, with a more general collection to appeal to a wider and less technically oriented audience. It also added a chess room, home to one of the oldest chess clubs in the country but available for use by all members. Today, the Mechanics’ Institute Library is still going strong, with an up-to-date and ever-expanding collection of books, periodicals, CDs, videotapes, and DVDs; high-speed wireless internet access; and a very popular series of cultural events. It’s one of my favorite spots to do research, write, or just get away from the noise and chaos of the city.

    Why would I pay to go to the Mechanics’ Institute Library when there is a perfectly good public library in town that’s much larger, closer to where I live, and free? That’s a bit like asking why I’d eat at a small, out of the way, expensive French restaurant when there’s a perfectly good mall food court nearby. In other words: you get what you pay for. When I go to the Mechanics’ Institute, I know that I will be walking into a clean, quiet, beautiful setting filled with great books—as well as intelligent and thoughtful people who, like me, care enough about the quality of their library experience to pay for it. Both patrons and staff take books very seriously— much more so, on average, than what I’ve seen in public libraries.

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    What question does the author pose in the first paragraph?

    1. Why hasn’t the book been borrowed yet?
    2. Why don’t people go to the library?
    3. Why has the book never been read?
    4. Who would like to read the book?

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    Задача 6

    I have a special fondness for contradiction — the apparent not-goingtogether of things I like or believe equally. For example, I love living in the city, and can’t imagine being without the energy, resources, and constant stimulation it provides. But I could say with equal conviction that I’m the happiest person when I’m far away from people, noise, and chaos, immersed in the solitude of nature. As a result, when planning a vacation, I’m never quite sure whether I want to “get away from it all” or experience the novelty and adventure of another urban area. Las Vegas, New York, and Paris are among my favorite places to visit; on the other hand, I also enjoy a meditative retreat, a long weekend in the desert, or a lazy trip through the countryside. But my very favorite place to go for peace and quiet is Saturna Island.

    Perhaps I should begin with a quick geography lesson. British Columbia is Canada’s westernmost province. Its largest city, Vancouver, is on the Pacific coast. Not far off the coast — about an hour and a half by ferry — is Vancouver Island, which is an immense piece of land. On Vancouver Island you’ll find Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia, and about three-quarters of a million people. The stretch of ocean between the mainland and Vancouver Island is known as the Georgia Strait, and scattered along the 300-mile length of the strait are hundreds of smaller islands, only a handful of which are inhabited. The Gulf Islands, as they are called, have all the natural beauty typical of the Pacific Northwest, and a much more relaxed pace of life than the big cities.

    Saturna is the southernmost Gulf Island, just beyond U. S. waters. Although it’s one of the larger islands at twelve square miles, it’s the least populated, with just over 300 year-round residents. It can be reached only by float plane, private boat, or ferry, but there are no direct ferry routes from the mainland. By the time you get there, you already have a sense of its remoteness. And as soon as you begin to look around, you realize you’re in a wonderfully different place.

    Guidebooks sometimes describe Saturna in terms of what it doesn’t have. There are no camping facilities. There’s no town, either — just a few scattered businesses. There’s no laundromat, bookstore, movie theater, or pharmacy. And there’s no bank; by law, that would require the presence of a full-time police officer on the island, which it also doesn’t have. In this tiny rural outpost of civilization, you can find not only peace and quiet, but an amazing concentration of interesting things and people.

    I distinctly remember the exact moment I got hooked on Saturna. On our first visit there several years ago, Saturna was our last stop on a tour of the Gulf Islands. We had reservations at the Breezy Bay Bed & Breakfast. When we arrived, our host, Renie Muir, showed us to our room in the 1890s farmhouse. As we walked up the stairs, we first entered a library. I just gasped — this was the room of my dreams. Dark wood, the smell of old books, and comfy chairs all around. For me, that’s heaven. I knew I had come to the right place, and as I was to discover, that room was in a way a microcosm of the entire island: a place of contemplation, interesting ideas, and a simpler, more meaningful way of life.

    Outside our window was a farm. One path led down to a small beach; another led up to the top of a hill with a beautiful panoramic view. We spent many hours relaxing, exploring, reading, and talking. You may be thinking, “That’s nice, but I can relax or talk anywhere. What’s really so special about Saturna?” The best way I can think of to put it is, of all the places I’ve visited, Saturna has consistently had the highest concentration of memorable moments. Something about the place, the environment, and the people who are drawn to the island, makes it a fertile breeding ground for interesting things.

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    How many people live on Vancouver Island?

    1. About 600 000 people.
    2. About three million people.
    3. About 750 000 people.
    4. About 350 000 people.

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    Задача 7

    When I get a sore throat, I always find a cup of tea with some honey very soothing. I always assumed that the restorative power of honey was mostly in my head. Sure, it tastes good and has a pleasant texture that coats my irritated throat, but it’s practically pure sugar, after all. What good could it possibly do me other than diminishing my perception of discomfort for a few minutes? So I’ve been content in my belief that honey is little more than a tasty treat. Now, ironically enough, my convictions are being challenged, as researchers are turning up new evidence of honey’s medical benefits left and right.

    Historically, honey has been used as a folk remedy in cultures around the world for millennia. It has been prescribed informally as a cure for smallpox, baldness, eye diseases, and indigestion. As with most natural “cures” unsupported by scientific studies, I sort of chuckle and sigh when I read about things like this—honey’s properties make it a surprisingly effective cure-all. Or, let’s say, cure-much.

    Honey’s salutary effects stem primarily from its antimicrobial properties. Most bacteria and other microorganisms cannot grow or reproduce in honey. I found this quite surprising, because bacteria love sugar. Honey contains around 40% fructose and 30% glucose—among other sugars—making it seemingly a great treat for microbes. However, honey is also somewhat acidic, and acids prevent the growth of some bacteria.

    So what happens when you dilute honey with water—the bacteria just multiply like crazy, right? Well…yes and no. Amazingly enough, diluted honey supports the growth of bacteria that are helpful to humans while killing off dangerous bacteria. Some microorganisms do indeed flourish in a water solution of honey—such as the yeast added into honey.

    What does all this mean in practical terms? For one thing, it means that honey applied topically to a wound can promote healing just as well as, or in many cases better than, ointments and other cures. Its antibacterial properties prevent infection. It also functions as an anti-inflammatory agent, reducing both swelling and pain. As if that weren’t enough, it even reduces scarring. In studies around the world, honey has been shown to be extraordinarily effective in the treatment of wounds, burns, and surgical incisions. Honey has been shown to be effective in treating inflammation of the eyes. Honey also functions as cream, making it a useful treatment for sunburn as well as a skin softener. But wait, there’s more! Honey is truly a head-to-toe cure.

    Now that you’ve worked yourself into a gleeful frenzy over the miraculous properties of honey, I want to temper your enthusiasm a bit. The bad news, if you can call it that, is that not all honey is created equal. The chemical composition of honey depends on a huge number of variables, the most important of which is the type or types of plant that provided the source nectar. Honeys vary not only in color and flavor, but in their medicinal properties, with some varieties being much more potent than others. Because it’s impossible to regulate the comings and goings of millions of bees, there’s also no way to guarantee that honey from any location will be chemically the same from year to year or free of contamination from pollutants the bees may have found their way into. Honey supplies must be tested thoroughly and regularly.

    As I was reflecting on all the health benefits of honey, it suddenly occurred to me: I don’t think I’ve ever seen a sick bee. Coincidence? Probably. But honey may be one miracle cure that lives up to the buzz.

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    The author is skeptical…

    1. when he reads that honey heals almost all diseases.
    2. reading that honey heals baldness and smallpox.
    3. when he reads about folk stories about this remedy.
    4. when he reads about the support of scientific studies.

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    Задача 8

    The other day I was at a restaurant with some friends, and one member of our party arrived a bit late. Before sitting down, he started heading toward the corner of the room, and when someone asked where he was going, he held up his hands and said, “Demunification.” Although I had never heard that word before, I understood immediately what he was saying: he was heading to the lavatory to wash his hands in order to “de-MUNI-fy” them — MUNI being short for San Francisco Municipal Railway, the transit authority that runs the city’s buses and streetcars. When you’re riding a bus or streetcar that’s so crowded you have to stand, you end up holding onto the handrails, which feel grimy from being handled by untold thousands of people before you. Almost everyone I know who rides MUNI habitually washes their hands as soon afterward as possible, which is probably an excellent idea.

    From time to time I’m in some sort of social situation where a handshake is expected, but my hands are not necessarily clean. This always makes me feel awkward — it’s one thing to decline a handshake when my hands are covered with motor oil or pastry flour, but in the absence of visible contaminants, North Americans typically consider it an insult not to accept a handshake. Not that I’m hypersensitive about germs, but this made me wonder: considering the wide range of alternatives, how did the handshake come to be the standard greeting in this society?

    I’ve read at least half a dozen contradictory accounts of the origin of the handshake. Because handshakes clearly predate written history, all these explanations are ultimately somewhat speculative. But the most popular story is that an open right hand showed you were not carrying a weapon; if two men met and displayed empty right hands, this presumably meant a basic level of trust existed that neither would stab the other. In one variant of this story, the handshake evolved from an elbow-to-wrist “patdown” to check for hidden knives; in another, the shaking motion was supposed to dislodge any sharp objects that may have been kept in the sleeve.

    Meanwhile, the “I’m-not-going-to-stab-you” story doesn’t tell us why the handshake won out over other greeting gestures in the West. After all, in some cultures the standard greeting (even between people who don’t know each other well) is a kiss on one or both cheeks; in others, people hug, rub noses, bow, or even stick out their tongues. I suggest one possibility. At one time the English were more demonstrative with their gestures of greeting — for example, English men routinely greeted all women with a kiss. As part of the Victorian behavioral “reforms,” public kissing of any kind became socially unacceptable and the handshake came into fashion for both men and women as a convenient way to keep a person at arm’s length. So to speak.

    At least in the United States, the handshake has become an extremely ambiguous symbol. At one level, it just means “hello” or “goodbye.” But it can also be construed to mean “we’re in agreement” or even that an informal contract has been reached.

    Of course, business types will read all sorts of meaning into the very style of your handshake. Even if you execute it under exactly the right circumstances, it must be firm but not too firm; it must be held for exactly the right amount of time but no longer; it must be accompanied by direct eye contact; and, for bonus sincerity points, you should add your left hand to make a “hand sandwich.” You may also be judged on the angle of your hand and the number and intensity of shakes.

    So then, how do we convey all those extra meanings that are supposed to be encoded in a handshake? My advice is to do what our parents told us when we were three years old: “Use your words.”

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    Which of the following makes the author feel awkward?

    1. To decline a handshake when his hands are covered with motor oil.
    2. To decline a handshake when his hands are covered with pastry flour.
    3. To decline a handshake when his hands are covered with visible contaminants.
    4. To decline a handshake when his hands are seen clean.

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    Задача 9

    My decision to re-think my consumer habits and become more eco conscious was an awareness that grew slowly over time. It was an accumulation of noticing rubbish strewn around the city, seeing videos on the effect of plastic pollution on our oceans, numerous documentaries and books and the infamous Blue planet II. It finally culminated with the realisation that the cheap synthetic material involved in fast fashion, the rows and rows of plastic film covering items on the supermarket shelf, the takeaway cutlery, and every disposable coffee cup you see in the hands of people in the city, cannot be recycled and are therefore going straight to landfill or to be incinerated.

    Plastics can stay around for up to 450 years, releasing toxins into the environment and breaking down into smaller pieces which pollute our oceans and harm birds and marine life. I quickly realised that the throw away culture and the plastic waste epidemic that is destroying the world’s oceans and finding its way back to us through the food chain wasn’t just happening ‘elsewhere’ – the Emerald Isle was just as much a part of the mess and what’s more we were all contributing to it! But why? How had it come to this and why wasn’t this being talked about?

    I knew that I had to make a change and transform my consumer habits so that I could begin as much as possible, to lessen my negative impact on this beautiful planet. I decided to start with my personal contribution to landfill waste and began to reduce the amount of items in plastic packaging that I bought, seeking biodegradable and compostable options, or simply no packaging at all, as well as durable and recyclable replacements such as glass and stainless steel.

    Our current linear economy where we endlessly “make, use, and dispose” and intentionally construct products ‘designed for the dump’ is creating global depletion of natural resources and over accumulation of waste which is detrimental to our environment, our wildlife and our health. We want to create a more sustainable circular economy where items are designed and manufactured to last and then kept in use for as long as possible by repairing them, reusing, upcycling, sharing, or repurposing them and at the end of their life, when they are completely exhausted, the individual parts can be used again to make something else or otherwise biodegrade harmlessly back into the earth.

    Fast Fashion has a big environmental impact which includes worker exploitation, chemical pollution and depletion of natural resources. Synthetic fibres also don’t biodegrade and are derived from coal and petroleum products. Globally we consume 80 billion new pieces of clothing each year, this is 400% more than we consumed 20 years ago and we are discarding them even faster.

    We need to take back our consumer power and start talking about the impact our throwaway culture is having on the planet. Each one of us can make a difference and if we engage and empower our families, friends and communities and through this begin to influence local government and businesses, small changes can lead to big ones!

    I am interested in minimalism, zero waste and in becoming part of a circular economy where things are built to last, where we can reduce the over consumption that is draining the earth’s resources and polluting our oceans, and instead become conscious consumers, where we value and take responsibility for our possessions, and repair, swap, thrift, upcycle or recycle rather than throw away.

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    The necessity of improving the throw away culture is evident because…

    1. it is happening only in the Emerald Isle.
    2. the plastic waste epidemic leads to change the food chain.
    3. it applies to all parts of the world.
    4. it contributes to the destruction of the world’s oceans.

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    Задача 10

    By Joshua Marks

    While 97 percent of climate scientists agree that climate change is occurring and greenhouse gas emissions are the main cause, political measures will have not been strong enough so far to initiate a massive policy shift away from fossil fuels and toward sustainable forms of energy. Perhaps more extreme weather events such as droughts, wildfires, heat waves and flooding will convince the public to put more pressure on policymakers to act urgently to curb carbon emissions and address this issue before it’s too late.

    Air pollution and climate change are closely linked, as the same greenhouse gas emissions that are warming the planet are also creating smoggy conditions in major cities that endanger public health. If you’ve seen horrifying images of pollution-choked Chinese cities and think the smog is isolated to Beij ing or Shanghai, think again. U. S. scientists are finding that Chinese pollution is intensifying storms over the Pacific Ocean and contributing to more erratic weather in the U. S.

    Water and soil pollution might not get the media attention that air pollution does, but they are still important public health concerns. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, dirty water is the world’s biggest health risk. While the Clean Water Act did much to make American water safe from harmful pollutants, today there is a new threat to clean water coming from the shale gas fracking boom taking place across the country.

    Soil contamination is a major issue across the world. In China, nearly 20 percent of arable land has been contaminated by toxic heavy metals. Soil pollution threatens food security and poses health risks to the local population. The use of pesticides and fertilizers are also major factors in soil pollution.

    Forests are important to mitigating climate change because they serve as “carbon sinks,” meaning that they absorb CO2 that would otherwise escape into the atmosphere and worsen global warming. It is estimated that 15 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions come from deforestation. Cutting down trees also threatens animals and humans who rely on healthy forests to sustain themselves, and the loss of tropical rainforests is particularly concerning because around 80 percent of the world’s species reside in these areas. About 17 percent of the Amazon rainforest has been cut down in the past 50 years to make way for cattle ranching.

    As the population increases and climate change causes more droughts, water scarcity is becoming more of an issue. Only three percent of the world’s water is fresh water and 1.1 billion people lack access to clean, safe drinking water. As the current drought in California dramatically shows, access to water is not just an issue for developing countries but the United States as well. In fact, by the middle of this century more than a third of all counties in the lower 48 states will be at higher risk of water shortages with more than 400 of the 1,100 counties facing an extremely high risk.

    Increasing human encroachment on wildlife habitats is causing a rapid loss of biodiversity that threatens food security, population health and world stability. Climate change is also a major contributor to biodiversity loss, as some species aren’t able to adapt to changing temperatures. According to the World Wildlife Fund’s Living Planet Index, biodiversity has declined 27 percent in the last 35 years.

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    What are U. S. scientists mostly worried about?

    1. Smog is dangerous for humans.
    2. Chinese cities suffer from air pollution.
    3. The weather in the USA is becoming unpredictable.
    4. Major cities are going to vanish in the Pacific Ocean.

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    Задача 11

    The first Wednesday in every month was a Perfectly Awful Day — a day to be awaited with dread, endured with courage and forgotten with haste. Every floor must be spotless, every chair dustless, and every bed without a wrinkle. Ninety-seven squirming little orphans must be scrubbed and combed and buttoned into freshly starched ginghams; and all ninety-seven reminded of their manners, and told to say, ‘Yes, sir,’ ‘No, sir,’ whenever a Trustee spoke.

    It was a distressing time; and poor Jerusha Abbott, being the oldest orphan, had to bear the brunt of it. But this particular first Wednesday, like its predecessors, finally dragged itself to a close. Jerusha escaped from the pantry where she had been making sandwiches for the asylum’s guests, and turned upstairs to accomplish her regular work. Her special care was room F, where eleven little tots, from four to seven, occupied eleven little cots set in a row. Jerusha assembled her charges, straightened their rumpled frocks, wiped their noses, and started them in an orderly and willing line towards the dining-room to engage themselves for a blessed half hour with bread and milk and prune pudding.

    Then she dropped down on the window seat and leaned throbbing temples against the cool glass. She had been on her feet since five that morning, doing everybody’s bidding, scolded and hurried by a nervous matron. Mrs. Lippett, behind the scenes, did not always maintain that calm and pompous dignity with which she faced an audience of Trustees and lady visitors. Jerusha gazed out across a broad stretch of frozen lawn, beyond the tall iron paling that marked the confines of the asylum, down undulating ridges sprinkled with country estates, to the spires of the village rising from the midst of bare trees.

    The day was ended — quite successfully, so far as she knew. The Trustees and the visiting committee had made their rounds, and read their reports, and drunk their tea, and now were hurrying home to their own cheerful firesides, to forget their bothersome little charges for another month. Jerusha leaned forward watching with curiosity — and a touch of wistfulness — the stream of carriages and automobiles that rolled out of the asylum gates. In imagination she followed first one equipage, then another, to the big houses dotted along the hillside. She pictured herself in a fur coat and a velvet hat trimmed with feathers leaning back in the seat and nonchalantly murmuring ‘Home’ to the driver. But on the door-sill of her home the picture grew blurred.

    Jerusha had an imagination — an imagination, Mrs. Lippett told her, that would get her into trouble if she didn’t take care — but keen as it was, it could not carry her beyond the front porch of the houses she would enter.

    Poor, eager, adventurous little Jerusha, in all her seventeen years, had never stepped inside an ordinary house; she could not picture the daily routine of those other human beings who carried on their lives undiscommoded by orphans.

    Je-ru-sha Ab-bott, you are wanted in the office, And I think you’d better hurry up!

    Tommy Dillon, who had joined the choir, came singing up the stairs and down the corridor, his chant growing louder as he approached room F. Jerusha wrenched herself from the window and refaced the troubles of life.

    ‘Who wants me?’ she cut into Tommy’s chant with a note of sharp anxiety.

    Mrs. Lippett in the office, And I think she’s mad. Ah-a-men!*

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    Why the day was especially distressing for Jerusha?

    1. Because she had a lot of duties as she was the oldest girl.
    2. Because Jerusha hoped to find a family.
    3. Everybody needed her advice.
    4. Nobody wanted to help her.

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    Задача 12

    Four grunts, an indignant voice asking why nobody could leave a hat alone, a slammed door, and Mr Packington had departed to catch the eightforty- five to the City. Mrs Packington sat on at the breakfast table. Her face was flushed, her lips were pursed, and the only reason she was not crying was that at the last minute anger had taken the place of grief.

    «I won’t stand it,» said Mrs Packington. «I won’t stand it!» She remained for some moments brooding, and then murmured: «The minx. Nasty sly little cat! How George can be such a fool!»

    Anger faded; grief came back. Tears came into Mrs Packington’s eyes and rolled slowly down her middle-aged cheeks.

    «It’s all very well to say I won’t stand it, but what can I do?»

    Suddenly she felt alone, helpless, utterly forlorn. Slowly she took up the morning paper and read, not for the first time, an advertisement on the front page.

    «Confidential

    Are you happy? If not, consult Mr Parker Pyne, 17 Richmond Street».

    «Absurd!» said Mrs Packington. «Utterly absurd.» Then: «After all, I might just see…»

    Which explains why at eleven o’clock Mrs Packington, a little nervous, was being shown into Mr Parker Pyne’s private office.

    As has been said, Mrs Packington was nervous, but somehow or other, the mere sight of Mr Parker Pyne brought a feeling of reassurance. He was large, not to say fat; he had a bald head of noble proportions, strong glasses and little twinkling eyes.

    «Pray sit down,» said Mr Parker Pyne. «You have come in answer to my advertisement?» he added helpfully.

    «Yes,» said Mrs Packington, and stopped there.

    «And you are not happy,» said Mr Parker Pyne in a cheerful, matter-offact voice. «Very few people are. You would really be surprised if you knew how few people are happy.»

    «Indeed?» said Mrs Packington, not feeling, however, that it mattered whether other people were unhappy or not.

    «Not interesting to you, I know,» said Mr Parker Pyne,

    «but very interesting to me. You see, for thirty-five years of my life I have been engaged in the compiling of statistics in a government office. Now I have retired, and it has occurred to me to use the experience I have gained in a novel fashion. It is all so simple. Unhappiness can be classified under five main heads — no more, I assure you. Once you know the cause of a malady, the remedy should not be impossible.

    «I stand in the place of the doctor. The doctor first diagnoses the patient’s disorder, then he proceeds to recommend a course of treatment. There are cases where no treatment can be of any avail. If that is so, I say frankly that I can do nothing. But I assure you, Mrs Packington, that if I undertake a case, the cure is practically guaranteed.»

    Could it be so? Was this nonsense, or could it, perhaps, be true? Mrs Packington gazed at him hopefully.

    «Shall we diagnose your case?» said Mr Parker Pyne, smiling. He leaned back in his chair and brought the tips of his fingers together. «The trouble concerns your husband. You have had, on the whole, a happy married life. Your husband has, I think, prospered. I think there is a young lady concerned in the case — perhaps a young lady in your husband’s office.»

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    The expression “I won’t stand it” in the second paragraph means …

    1. I’ll cope with it.
    2. I like it.
    3. I’ll change it.
    4. I can’t bear it.

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    Задача 13

    One was called Mrs Richman and she was a widow. The second was called Mrs Sutcliffe; she was American and she had divorced two husbands. The third was called Miss Hickson and she was a spinster. They were all in the comfortable forties and they were all well off.

    Mrs Sutcliffe had the odd first name of Arrow. When she was young and slender she had liked it well enough. It suited her and the jests it occasioned though too often repeated were very flattering; she was not disinclined to believe that it suited her character too: it suggested directness, speed, and purpose.

    She liked it less now that her delicate features had grown muzzy with fat, that her arms and shoulders were so substantial and her hips so massive. It was increasingly difficult to find dresses to make her look as she liked to look. The jests her name gave rise to now were made behind her back and she very well knew that they were far from obliging. But she was by no means resigned to middle age. She still wore blue to bring out the colour of her eyes and, with the help of art, her fair hair had kept its lustre.

    What she liked about Beatrice Richman and Frances Hickson was that they were both so much fatter than she, it made her look quite slim; they were both older and much inclined to treat her as a little young thing. It was not disagreeable. They were good-natured women and they chaffed her pleasantly about her beaux; they had both given up the thought of that kind of nonsense, indeed Miss Hickson had never given it a moment’s consideration, but they were sympathetic to her f lirtations. It was understood that one of these days Arrow would make a third man happy.

    ‘Only you mustn’t get any heavier, darling,’ said Mrs Richman.

    ‘And for goodness’ sake make certain of his bridge,’ said Miss Hickson.

    They saw for her a man of about fifty, but well-preserved and of distinguished carriage, an admiral on the retired list and a good golfer, or a widower without encumbrances, but in any case with a substantial income. Arrow listened to them amiably, and kept to herself the fact that this was not at all her idea. It was true that she would have liked to marry again, but her fancy turned to a dark slim Italian with flashing eyes and a sonorous title or to a Spanish don of noble lineage; and not a day more than thirty. There were times when, looking at herself in her mirror, she was certain she did not look any more than that herself.

    They were great friends, Miss Hickson, Mrs Richman, and Arrow Sutcliffe. It was their fat that had brought them together and bridge that had cemented their alliance. They had met first at Carlsbad, where they were staying at the same hotel and were treated by the same doctor who used them with the same ruthlessness. Beatrice Richman was enormous. She was a handsome woman, with fine eyes, rouged cheeks, and painted lips. She was very well content to be a widow with a handsome fortune. She adored her food. She liked bread and butter, cream, potatoes, and suet puddings, and for eleven months of the year ate pretty well everything she had a mind to, and for one month went to Carlsbad to reduce.

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    When Mrs Sutcliffe was young she liked her name because…

    1. she liked the sound of it.
    2. it suited her character.
    3. it matched her surname.
    4. it suited both her appearance and her character.

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    Задача 14

    Mackintosh went into the dining-room and turned over once more the old newspapers. But he could not read them. The house was very still. Walker was upstairs in his room asleep, the Chinese cook was busy in the kitchen, the two policemen were out fishing. The silence that seemed to brood over the house was unearthly, and there hammered in Mackintosh’s head the question whether the revolver still lay where he had placed it. He could not bring himself to look. The uncertainty was horrible, but the certainty would be more horrible still. He sweated.

    At last he could stand the silence no longer, and he made up his mind to go down the road to the trader’s, a man named Jervis, who had a store about a mile away. He was a half-caste, but even that amount of white blood made him possible to talk to. He wanted to get away from his bungalow, with the desk littered with untidy papers, and underneath them something, or nothing. He walked along the road.

    As he passed the fine hut of a chief a greeting was called out to him. Then he came to the store. Behind the counter sat the trader’s daughter, a swarthy broad-featured girl in a pink blouse and a white drill skirt. Jervis hoped he would marry her. He had money, and he had told Mackintosh that his daughter’s husband would be well-to-do. She flushed a little when she saw Mackintosh.

    ‘Father’s just unpacking some cases that have come in this morning. I’ll tell him you’re here.’

    He sat down and the girl went out behind the shop. In a moment her mother waddled in, a huge old woman, a chiefess, who owned much land in her own right; and gave him her hand. Her monstrous obesity was an offence, but she managed to convey an impression of dignity. She was cordial without obsequiousness; affable, but conscious of her station. ‘You’re quite a stranger, Mr Mackintosh. Teresa was saying only this morning: «Why, we never see Mr Mackintosh now.»‘

    He shuddered with disgust a little as he thought of himself as that old native’s son-in- law. It was notorious that she ruled her husband, notwithstanding his white blood, with a firm hand. Hers was the authority and hers the business head. She might be no more than Mrs Jervis to the white people, but her father had been a chief of the blood royal, and his father and his father’s father had ruled as kings.

    The trader came in, small beside his imposing wife, a dark man with a black beard going grey, in ducks, with handsome eyes and flashing teeth. He was very British, and his conversation was slangy, but you felt he spoke English as a foreign tongue; with his family he used the language of his native mother. He was a servile man, cringing and obsequious.

    ‘Ah, Mr Mackintosh, this is a joyful surprise. Get the whisky, Teresa; Mr Mackintosh will have a gargle with us.’

    He gave all the latest news of Apia, watching his guest’s eyes the while, so that he might know the welcome thing to say.

    ‘And how is Walker? We’ve not seen him just lately. Mrs Jervis is going to send him a sucking-pig one day this week.’

    ‘I saw him riding home this morning,’ said Teresa.

    ‘Here’s how,’ said Jervis, holding up his whisky.

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    Where did Mackintosh decide to go?

    1. To the post-office.
    2. To the nearest shop.
    3. To a well-known restaurant.
    4. For a walk.

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    Задача 15

    Most of us would confess to have a soft spot for these charismatic birds. Penguins spread across our daily lives, featuring on items such as biscuit wrappers and book covers through to Christmas and birthday cards, as well as starring in animations on cinema and television screens. We focus on their comedic waddle, their flightless vulnerability, their enduring parental care in the frozen tundra. Who could fail to care for these birds? But for those still unsure of a penguin’s charm, there is one woman in particular who could change their minds. Her name is Dyan deNapoli, whose infectious passion for protecting penguins has earned her the moniker, ‘The Penguin Lady’. She is a penguin expert and educator. Dyan is on a mission to raise awareness and help to save these very special and endangered birds. And it all began after being surrounded by penguins at Boston’s New England Aquarium, when she became smitten and captivated by their antics.

    But it requires a lot of dedication — saving penguins is rewarding and stressful in equal measure. Chicks need feeding every few hours with freshly prepared and specialised food, and constantly weighed to monitor their growth. Dyan has spent many nights awake with worry; life is tenuous for young animals and penguin chicks are no exception. But her dedication to save these birds is vital because of the severe conservation status of many penguin species.

    It’s a worrying possibility as penguins, as we all know, aren’t usual birds: they’re flightless, spend long periods of time in the water chasing food, are long-lived and take months to raise chicks; all features that make them very susceptible to natural and man-made disasters. Crucially, penguins have important — even critical — roles to play in the ecosystem of the ocean and on land. There are 18 recognized species of penguins in the world today, with 13 of them currently in trouble.

    But it’s much more than these birds’ loveable nature and striking good looks that makes deNapoli so passionate about penguins. She has been extremely concerned about threatened and endangered species since childhood. “When I learned about the conservation status of most penguin species, I became determined to educate the public about them.” And as most species have seen a 50–95% decline over the last 50–100 years, there is plenty to worry about — especially when it’s known that healthy populations of penguins mean healthy oceans.

    On rocky shores, beaches, coastal forests, and sea-ice penguins come ashore to breed and raise their young. And here some populations are still at risk from egg poaching, habitat loss, and human disturbance. Being flightless they are particularly vulnerable to introduced predators, such as rats, cats and foxes, that shouldn’t naturally be there. It is the main problem.

    Dyan has first-hand experience of the devastating impact of oiling on these seabirds. There have been many tragic examples to deal with, but perhaps the most notable, she says, occurred in 2000 when an ore carrier called the MV Treasure sank off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa spilt more than 1,300 tonnes of oil into the ocean. It threatened a large proportion of the endangered African penguins and prompted an international rescue mission involving 12,500 volunteers, who were quickly on scene. It was a crisis that deNapoli couldn’t ignore and rushed to the affected area, where she worked as a supervisor and bird rehabilitation manager on this historic team. Together they relocated 19,500 birds before they became oiled, and cleaned and nursed back to health 91% of the 20,000 birds that were actually affected by the oil.*

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    Why is Dyan named as ‘The Penguin Lady?’

    1. Because she was surrounded by penguins in the aquarium.
    2. Because she has organized special park for penguins.
    3. Because she is an activist who tries to save these birds.
    4. Because she sells penguins and earns a lot of money.

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    Задача 16

    I’ve never entirely understood radio. As in: why do so many people have a radio on so much of the time? That’s a habit I never got into, and the whole concept of radio as an always-on background noise strikes me as odd, if not downright annoying. I love listening to music, but I prefer to pick my own tunes and play them when I’m able to pay attention to them. Besides, if I’m looking for audio, the Internet offers me a much wider range of choices than terrestrial or satellite radio stations do. As a result, I couldn’t tell you the first thing about my local radio stations: their frequencies, call letters, or what sorts of programming they offer.

    When I was growing up in western Pennsylvania, however, I had a somewhat greater awareness of radio stations — particularly during the winter months, when we’d listen eagerly on snowy mornings to find out if school had been cancelled that day. The station we usually listened to was KDKA, which happened to be both the first commercial radio station in the country and a notable exception to the rule that all radio stations in the eastern U. S. had call letters that started with W. I always had the vague idea that these two facts had something to do with each other, but as a habitual non-radio listener, I never thought that much about it. It turns out that not-thinking-that-much-about-it was a prominent theme in the history of radio call letters.

    Around the turn of the 20th century, radio was brand new and was originally used as a wireless telegraph, with messages transmitted in Morse code. To shorten the number of dots and dashes needed to identify each party, operators of radio stations on both ships and land adopted the practice already common in telegraphy to begin messages with short (oneto three-letter) identifiers — call letters (or call signs). Without a central authority to hand out call letters, users chose their own, and frequently chose ones already in use. By 1906, an international convention established that every station should have a unique, three-letter call sign, but left vague the matter of how that uniqueness was to be ensured.

    To help eliminate the confusion, the Bureau of Navigation, part of the U. S. Department of Commerce, began assigning three-letter call signs to American ships in early 1912, using the K prefix for ships on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts and W for ships on the Pacific coast and the Great Lakes; the reasons for choosing K and W, if any, are unknown. Shortly thereafter, at the London International Radiotelegraphic Convention, ranges of letters were assigned to each of the participating nations; in addition to W and most of the K range, the U. S. got the N prefix (to be used only by the navy).

    In the late 19th century and the first decade and a half or so of the 20th, call signs for both ships and land-based stations had only three letters. But as the number of ships and stations increased, the pool of available combinations began to run out. Adding a fourth letter was the obvious solution, though if a ship sank or was otherwise put out of commission, its call sign was sometimes “recycled” by a land-based station. By 1930, only four-letter call signs were available. Meanwhile, authority to assign call letters moved in 1927 from the Bureau of Navigation to the newly formed Federal Radio Commission, which was replaced by the Federal Communications Commission in 1934.*

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    Which of the following is true?

    1. The author prefers to have a radio on to provide background noise.
    2. The author wants to have the possibility to choose the music to listen to.
    3. The author prefers terrestrial or satellite radio stations to the Internet.
    4. The author knows all about local radio stations.

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    Задача 17

    On a few evenings when we were living in San Francisco, we were startled to hear a long succession of enormously loud booming noises. We went outside to investigate. The sky was clear, we didn’t see any lights to suggest explosions, and everyone seemed to be going about their business without worrying about the strange sounds, so we presumed we were simply unaware of some normal occurrence. The source, on further investigation, turned out to be fireworks — sometimes they were coming from the baseball stadium. What amazed us, though, was that the spots where these fireworks were being set off were miles away from us and over a hill — far enough that we couldn’t catch even a glimpse — and yet from the volume we would have thought they were going off right over our heads.

    Today’s interesting thing is a phenomenon consisting of similarly mysterious booming noises, but without such a ready explanation. The most generic term I could find for such sounds is mistpouffers (spelled “mistpoeffers” in Belgium and the Netherlands). In various areas they go by such diverse terms as “Guns of the Seneca” (near Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake in New York), “Barisal guns” (in Bangladesh), “uminari” (in Japan), “fog guns,” “lake guns,” and many others. In all these instances, the terms describe a sound or series of sounds that resemble loud but distant cannon fire, usually heard near the edge of a large body of water. The sounds occur when there are no storms in the vicinity that could produce thunder and no other obvious source. Sometimes they’re accompanied by a rumble that can be felt strongly enough to shake plates and hanging pictures; other times no vibration is felt.

    The fact that such sounds have been reported for centuries means that proposed explanations such as artillery tests and sonic booms are not entirely satisfying. Earthquakes and volcanoes, on the other hand, can certainly produce loud booming sounds. If the atmospheric conditions are right and the sound is loud enough, it can travel enormous distances; the 1883 eruption of Krakatoa in Indonesia was heard at least 3000 miles away. However, one would expect that if seismic activity were the cause, it would be on a newsworthy scale, and therefore easily connectable to the sounds. That doesn’t seem to be the case with mistpouffers, and they’re also too frequent to make this a really good answer.

    I’ve read a number of theories having to do with escaping gases, the idea being that for one reason or another a giant gas bubble is released from the sea floor, floats up to the surface, and then makes a huge “pop”; this is thought to explain why the sounds are usually heard near water and results in the evocative name “lake farts.” The gas-bubble idea strikes me as distinctly silly. If this were truly the cause, surely there’d be innumerable reports of people sighting such bubbles popping on the water’s surface — passengers in nearby ships would be stunned by the noise — and that would be that.

    The leading theory about the sounds is disappointingly mundane: the source is thought to be thunder (or, in some cases, explosions of one sort or another) whose sound travels a long way simply because atmospheric and topographic conditions happen to be just right. This seems eminently plausible: if a volcano could be heard thousands of miles away, undoubtedly the sound from a thunderstorm far out over the sea could carry from beyond the horizon. There is a bunch of math and atmospheric science that seems to support this explanation, and while the details are a bit opaque to me, I feel confident that we need not appeal to invisible alien spacecraft, the footsteps of the gods, or other such fanciful causes.

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    Was the author able to see the fireworks?

    1. Yes, they were seen over the hill.
    2. Yes, they went off right over their heads.
    3. Yes, though they were miles away.
    4. No, they were too far away.

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    Задача 18

    I confess that I am something of a fan of the Swedish home furnishings store IKEA, having spent countless hours wandering its shiny showrooms in different countries. I always feel like I’ve found a tiny corner of Sweden wherever I happen to be in the world.

    For years I had noticed that horses, and red horses in particular, were a common decorative motif in IKEA products, whether appearing twodimensionally on pillows or rugs, or as carved decorative figures gracing elegant bookshelves. I’ve only recently learned the significance of these tiny horses, and the centuries of history they represent. I thought IKEA was a popular symbol of Sweden, but the Dalahäst (or Dalecarlian) horse is a much more ancient and enduring one. Created in the Swedish province of Dalarna (Dalecarlia in English), the painted wooden horse has become a potent icon of Swedish culture.

    Horses are an integral part of the history of Sweden, having deep cultural and religious significance. It is believed that horses were first introduced to Sweden around 2000 B.C., when nomads invaded the area, overpowering the local inhabitants with their superior military capabilities—including their horsemanship. Horses soon became a valuable asset in farming and forestry for the region.

    The religious symbolism of the horse is long-standing in Sweden; not only was the horse the sacred animal of the religion of the Vikings, but it was celebrated in Norse mythology as well. Horses were associated with the gods, most notably with Odin, who was said to have an eight-legged horse named Sleipner, given to him by the trickster figure Loki.

    When Christianity was introduced to Sweden in the 11th century, church leaders worked to discourage horse worship among the people, teaching that the horse was unclean, as were the practices associated with it. The ongoing struggle between the church and local custom can be seen in two separate incidents from the 17th century. In 1624, Bishop Johannes Rudbeckius of Västerås, the diocese city of Dalarna, gave a sermon denouncing the selling of certain “articles of destruction” in the market, a list that included wooden horses. Forty years later, during a witchcraft trial in Dalarna, the parish priest accused those on trial of using a “baror,” a magic wooden object in the shape of an animal (possibly a horse).

    Despite these negative reactions to wooden horses, they seemed only to grow in popularity in the following years. In the 18th century, men working in the forests of Dalarna would carve wooden horses as a leisure activity and give them to children back in the village. By the 19th century, painted wooden horses were a common item of trade, often used by traveling salesmen as payment for room and board on their journeys. Created primarily in the villages around the town of Mora, these horses were painted with a floral design, reflecting the general decorative style of the time. This pattern of decoration eventually developed into the kurbits (or ripple) style of painting, which continues to this day.

    Now produced only in the town of Nusnäs by two companies, the Dalahäst remains a popular icon of Sweden, often given as a gift (as when the Swedish Prime Minister presents them to foreign heads of state). Crafted from premium pine timber found in the forests surrounding Lake Siljan, the horses undergo a multi-step process, from felling the tree through hand carving, various stages of hand-painting, sanding, and varnishing. The finished product is stunning, a beautiful tribute to the long and intimate relationship between horses and humans in Sweden.

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    Why did nomads overpower the inhabitants of Sweden?

    1. Because they had deeper cultural significance.
    2. Because they had deeper religious significance.
    3. Because they had valuable assets.
    4. Because they were more powerful warriors.

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    Задача 19

    A few years ago on a family trip to Europe, we had the chance to spend an afternoon in Geneva, Switzerland, and despite limited time, we hoped to see as many of the city’s iconic sights as possible. Alas, our timing was off : the European headquarters of the United Nations, the Palais des Nations did not accept visitors over the lunch hour (right when we showed up at the gates), and more surprisingly, the famous Jet d’Eau (“water-jet”), a fountain rising 140 meters from Lake Geneva, was closed for repairs. All was not lost, however, as we consoled ourselves with wine, chocolates, and souvenir shopping.

    In 2003, two years after our visit to Geneva, the hours of operation for the Jet d’Eau were expanded, and it is now possible to see it in action all year long. This daily consistency calls to mind the Jet d’Eau’s nonmechanical predecessor, the geyser, which similarly releases water and steam at regular intervals. However, while the Jet d’Eau is the result of human ingenuity, geysers are the product of extremely rare circumstances, and once damaged, cannot be repaired so easily.

    Although, like most people, I had heard of geysers before, it was not until I looked more closely at their workings that I realized how unique they are among geological formations. For a geyser to become active and stable, four conditions must be met. The first thing required is a geothermal heat source, most often provided by underground volcanic activity. Second, there must be a reservoir of water available. Third, a geyser requires a certain kind of rock, which when exposed to water, can develop the pressure- and water-tight seal that is necessary for the proper functioning of a geyser. The fourth requirement is a constriction in the geyser formation near the surface, which allows pressure to build up below it until the geyser erupts. The life cycle of a geyser begins when water seeps into the ground from the surface (because of rain) or from underground reservoirs, eventually sinking deep enough to reach a layer of hot rock. This water is slowly heated and gathers at the bottom of the geyser channel, while colder water enters the channel from above, and sits on top of the warmer water. The pressure of the cold water prevents the warm water from boiling, although it continues to become super-heated. When the pressure becomes too great, the hot water turns to steam and pushes the colder water out of the channel. This reduces the pressure further, producing even more steam. This whole cycle can take 500 years, which means the water rushing from a geyser today may have fallen as rain during the 16th century.

    One of the most famous geysers in the world is Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park, which gets its name from its consistent schedule; it erupts on average every 91 minutes. Every geyser has its own schedule, based on its unique conditions. Even slight changes to the water supply or the rock formation can adversely affect the fragile balance of a geyser. Some are caused by natural processes, such as volcanic activity, but increasingly, geysers are threatened by human interference.

    Of course, geysers can become dormant for many reasons, and their fragility is part of their rarity; it takes a lot to create a geyser, and just as much to keep it going. They are truly scientific marvels, and worthy of being protected as much as possible, not only for their entertainment value, but for what they tell us about long-term geological processes.

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    Two years after the author’s visit to Geneva …

    1. Jet d’Eau was not in action any longer.
    2. Jet d’Eau fountain was not mechanical.
    3. Jet d’Eau fountain worked for longer hours.
    4. Jet d’Eau worked in very rare circumstances.

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    Задача 20

    Several years ago, a Swiss friend of mine told me excitedly about a new theme park that was under construction near the city of Interlaken. He sent me a magazine article about it, and even went so far as to buy me a stock certificate for the park, giving me some trivial sliver of ownership in this hot new property.

    Ever since then, Mystery Park has been on my list of things to write about, but for one reason or another it had never managed to percolate up to the top of the list until now. Which is a pity: the park closed permanently on November 19, 2006, due to a shortage of visitors (and, therefore, money). Mystery Park was the brainchild of Erich von Däniken, a Swiss author perhaps best known for his 1968 book ‘Chariots of the Gods?’, which alleged that aliens visited Earth thousands of years ago, bringing with them the technology needed to create such artifacts as the Nazca lines, the Antikythera mechanism, the pyramids in Egypt, and the statues on Easter Island. Although the book was popular, no one with any scientific credentials took it seriously, and von Däniken was immediately pigeonholed as, shall we say, a fringe theorist.

    The lack of credibility didn’t stop von Däniken from authoring more than two dozen additional books and selling tens of millions of copies worldwide. After a few decades as a bestselling author, von Däniken had some cash to play with, and he decided to design a theme park that would explore the world’s great mysteries. Not just any mysteries, of course, but those for which von Däniken implied the answer “aliens did it.” The park, built on the site of a former military air base, would be an interactive, hands-on way to spread his ideas in the guise of history, science, and entertainment.

    The park, which was tiny as theme parks go, consisted mainly of seven pavilions or “theme worlds” arranged in a ring. An elevated sphere in the center of the park served as an observation tower.

    Although von Däniken repeatedly asserted that the park’s goal was to provide questions, not answers, he certainly tried to steer visitors toward accepting his interpretations of things. He helped design the attractions, sold his books at the park, maintained an office on the premises, and regularly interacted with visitors. Critics pointed to his well-known biases as a reason the park didn’t draw more people; even to the extent that some of the exhibits were reasonably objective, skeptical would-be visitors frequently assumed they’d be getting a full dose of UFO mania and little more.

    After trying unsuccessfully to stave off creditors for months, the park eventually declared bankruptcy and closed. Analysts blamed everything from an underperforming stock market to the fact that the exhibits never changed, discouraging repeat visits. But a large part of the reason for the park’s failure seems to have been that there’s only so much to say about von Däniken’s theories and so many people who will listen to them, no matter how entertaining the multimedia presentations may be for their kids. There’s still a chance, however remote, that the park may reopen at some point—under new management, presumably, and with significant changes.

    As for the content, what can I say? I liked ‘The X-Files’; conspiracy theories and stories of alien visitors are nothing if not entertaining. But I enjoy those stories as fiction, and I hope I know enough to separate entertainment from reality. It sounds to me as though that’s exactly where von Däniken failed with his Mystery Park. Or it might have been sabotaged by aliens. You just never know.

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    The book ‘Chariots of the Gods?’ by Erich von Däniken …

    1. described the Nazca lines, the Antikythera mechanism, the pyramids in Egypt, and the statues on Easter Island.
    2. described how aliens had visited Earth many years ago.
    3. implied that many artifacts had been created by aliens.
    4. implied that many artifacts had been created by people using extraterrestrial technologies.

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    Установите соответствие тем 1 — 8 текстам A — G. Занесите свои ответы в соответствующее поле справа. Используйте каждую цифру только один раз. В задании одна тема лишняя.

    1. Comparing insects

    2. Some special features

    3. Some dragonflies migrate

    4. Excellent vision

    5. Keeping them warm or cool

    6. Masters of flight

    7. Ancient insects

    8. Risks of extinction

    A. Long before the dinosaurs walked the Earth, dragonflies took to the air. If we could transport ourselves back 250 million years, we would immediately recognize the familiar sight of dragonflies flying in pursuit of prey. Ancient dragonflies may have been considerably larger than those we see today. A fossilized impression of a dragonfly wing, found in a coal mine in England, is the oldest known dragonfly specimen. This dragonfly lived 320 million years ago and had a wingspan of 8 inches.

    B. Relative to other insects, dragonfly vision is extraordinarily good. The head consists almost entirely of two huge compound eyes, which gives the dragonfly nearly 360° vision. Each compound eye contains as many as 30,000 lenses, or ommatidia. A dragonfly uses about 80% of its brain to process all this visual information. They can see a wider spectrum of colours than humans. This remarkable vision helps them to detect the movement of other insects and avoid collisions in flight.

    C. Dragonflies can move each of their four wings independently. In addition to flapping each wing up and down, they can rotate their wings forward and back on”an axis. This flexibility enables them to put on an aerial show like no other insect. Dragonflies can move straight up or down, fly backwards, stop and hover, and make hairpin turns, at full speed or in slow motion. A dragonfly can fly forward at a speed of 100 body lengths per second, or up to 30 miles per hour.

    D. A number of dragonfly species are known to migrate. As with other organisms that migrate, dragonflies relocate to follow or find needed resources, or in response to environmental changes like cold weather. The globe skimmer is one of several species known to develop in temporary freshwater pools. Forced to follow the rains that replenish their breeding sites, the globe skimmer set a new insect world record when a biologist documented its 11,000 mile trip between India and Africa.

    E. Fifty years ago there were twice as many ponds in Britain as there are today. The draining of agricultural land, «filling in and pollution have all contributed to the disappearance of most countryside ponds. Canals have also suffered from pollution, especially by chemicals used on farmland draining into water. The loss of suitable fresh water habitats has affected dragonflies enormously and they are becoming increasingly rare. Some of dragonflies which can be found living only in the Norfolk Broads, is on the list of British endangered species of insects.

    F. A dragonfly has two large compound eyes which take up most of its head. Dragonflies have long, delicate, membranous wings which are transparent and some have light yellow colouring near the tips. Their bodies are long and slender and they have short antennae. Dragonflies are very colourful. Some are red like the Comet Darner and yellow like the Emerald Darner. They can beat each pairs of wings together or separately and their rear wings can be out of phase with the front wings. Their wing beat is around 50-90 beats per second.

    G. Dragonflies and butterflies possess two pair of wings. The butterfly’s wings are made up of two large pairs of wings each possessing a forewing and a hindwing. Butterflies can’t fly if the temperature of their body falls below 8″5 degrees and therefore need to sun themselves in order to warm up. Butterflies also have a pair of antennae with small receptors attached for smelling. Dragonflies have two pairs of wings that are transparent, rigid, straight, and have few veins. Unlike butterflies, dragonflies are adept at flying.

    ОГЭ Английский язык задание №9 Демонстрационный вариант 2018 Про­чи­тай­те тек­сты и уста­но­ви­те со­от­вет­ствие между тек­ста­ми А–G и за­го­лов­ка­ми 1–8. В ответ за­пи­ши­те цифры, в по­ряд­ке, со­от­вет­ству­ю­щем бук­вам. Ис­поль­зуй­те каж­дую цифру толь­ко один раз. В за­да­нии есть один лиш­ний за­го­ло­вок.

    1. The scientific explanation
    5. Places without rainbows
    2. The real shape
    6. A personal vision
    3. A lucky sign
    7. A bridge between worlds
    4. Some tips
    8. Impossible to catch

    A. Two people never see the same rainbow. Each person sees a different one. It
    happens because the raindrops are constantly moving so the rainbow is always
    changing too. Each time you see a rainbow it is unique and it will never be the
    same! In addition, everyone sees colours differently according to the light and
    how their eyes interpret it.
    B. A rainbow is an optical phenomenon that is seen in the atmosphere. It appears
    in the sky when the sun’s light is reflected by the raindrops. A rainbow always
    appears during or immediately after showers when the sun is shining and the
    air contains raindrops. As a result, a spectrum of colours is seen in the sky. It
    takes the shape of a multicoloured arc.
    C. Many cultures see the rainbow as a road, a connection between earth and
    heaven (the place where God lives). Legends say that it goes below the earth at
    the horizon and then comes back up again. In this way it makes a permanent
    link between what is above and below, between life and death. In some myths
    the rainbow is compared to a staircase connecting earth to heaven.
    D. We all believe that the rainbow is arch-shaped. The funny thing is that it’s
    actually a circle. The reason we don’t see the other half of the rainbow is
    because we cannot see below the horizon. However, the higher we are above
    the ground, the more of the rainbow’s circle we can see. That is why, from an
    airplane in flight, a rainbow will appear as a complete circle with the shadow of
    the airplane in the centre.
    E. In many cultures there is a belief that seeing a rainbow is good. Legends say
    that if you dig at the end of a rainbow, you’ll find a pot of gold. Rainbows are
    also seen after a storm, showing that the weather is getting better, and there is
    hope after the storm. This is why they are associated with rescue and good
    fortune. If people happen to get married on such a day, it is said that they will
    enjoy a very happy life together.

    F. You can never reach the end of a rainbow. A rainbow is all light and water. It is
    always in front of you while your back is to the sun. As you move, the rainbow
    that your eye sees moves as well and it will always ‘move away’ at the same
    speed that you are moving. No matter how hard you try, a rainbow will always
    be as far away from you as it was before you started to move towards it.
    G. To see a rainbow you have to remember some points. First, you should be
    standing with the sun behind you. Secondly, the rain should be in front of you.
    The most impressive rainbows appear when half of the sky is still dark with
    clouds and the other half is clear. The best time to see a rainbow is on a warm
    day in the early morning after sunrise or late afternoon before sunset. Rainbows
    are often seen near waterfalls and fountains.
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    Текст A B C D E F G
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    ОГЭ Английский язык задание №9 Демонстрационный вариант 2017

    1. Traditional delivery         2. Loss of popularity          3. Money above privacy
    4. The best-known newspapers         5. Focus on different readers         6. The successful competitor
    7. Size makes a difference        8. Weekend reading

    A. As in many other European countries, Britain’s main newspapers are losing their readers. Fewer and fewer people are buying broadsheets and tabloids at the newsagent’s. In the last quarter of the twentieth century people became richer and now they can choose other forms of leisure activity. Also, there is the Internet which is a convenient and inexpensive alternative source of news.

    B. The ‘Sunday papers’ are so called because that is the only day on which they are published. Sunday papers are usually thicker than the dailies and many of them have six or more sections. Some of them are ‘sisters’ of the daily newspapers. It means they are published by the same company but not on week days.

    C. Another proof of the importance of ‘the papers’ is the morning ‘paper round’. Most newsagents organise these. It has become common that more than half of the country’s readers get their morning paper brought to their door by a teenager. The boy or girl usually gets up at around 5:30 a.m. every day including Sunday to earn a bit of pocket money.

    D. The quality papers or broadsheets are for the better educated readers. They devote much space to politics and other ‘serious’ news. The popular papers, or tabloids, sell to a much larger readership. They contain less text and a lot more pictures. They use bigger headlines and write in a simpler style of English. They concentrate on ‘human interest stories’ which often means scandal.

    E. Not so long ago in Britain if you saw someone reading a newspaper you could tell what kind it was without even checking the name. It was because the quality papers were printed on very large pages called ‘broadsheet’. You had to have expert turning skills to be able to read more than one page. The tabloids were printed on much smaller pages which were much easier to turn.

    F. The desire to attract more readers has meant that in the twentieth century sometimes even the broadsheets in Britain look rather ‘popular’. They give a lot of coverage to scandal and details of people’s private lives. The reason is simple. What matters most for all newspaper publishers is making a profit. They would do anything to sell more copies.

    G. If you go into any newsagent’s shop in Britain you will not find only newspapers. You will also see rows and rows of magazines for almost every imaginable taste. There are specialist magazines for many popular pastimes. There are around 3,000 of them published in the country and they are widely read, especially by women. Magazines usually list all the TV and radio programmes for the coming week and many British readers prefer them to newspapers.

    Текст A B C D E F G
    Заголовок

    1.Living through ages 2. Influenced by fashion 3. Young and energetic
    4. Old and beautiful 5. Still a mystery 6. A lot to see and to do
    7. Welcome to students 8. Fine scenery

    A. Ireland is situated on the western edge of Europe. It is an island of great beauty with rugged mountains, blue lakes, ancient castles, long sandy beaches and picturesque harbors. The climate is mild and temperate throughout the year. Ireland enjoys one of the cleanest environments in Europe. Its unspoilt countryside provides such leisure ac¬tivities as hiking, cycling, golfing and horse-riding.
    B. Over the past two decades, Ireland has become one of the top destinations for En¬glish language learning — more than 100,000 visitors come to Ireland every year to study English. One quarter of Ireland’s population is under 25 years of age and Dublin acts as a magnet for young people looking for quality education. The Irish are relaxed, friendly, spontaneous, hospitable people and have a great love of conversation. So, there is no better way of learning a language than to learn it in the country where it is spoken.
    C. Dublin sits in a vast natural harbor. Such a protected harbor appealed to the first settlers 5,000 years ago and traces of their culture have been found around Dublin and its coast. But it was not until the Vikings came sailing down the coast in the middle 9th cen¬tury that Dublin became an important town. Next to arrive were the Anglo-Norman ad¬venturers. This was the beginning of the long process of colonization that dictated Ire¬land’s development over the next seven hundred years.
    D. Now Dublin is changing fast and partly it ’s thanks to its youthful population over 50 percent are under the age of twenty-five and that makes the city come alive. To¬day Dublin is a city full of charm with a dynamic cultural life, small enough to be friend¬ly, yet cosmopolitan in outlook. This is the culture where the heritage of ancient days brings past and present together.
    E. In general, cultural life of Dublin is very rich and you can enjoy visiting different museums, art galleries and exhibitions. But for those looking for peace and quiet there are two public parks in the centre of the city: St. Stephen’s Green and Merrion Square.
    The city centre has several great shopping areas depending on your budget as well as nu¬merous parks and green areas for relaxing in. Dublin is also a sports-m ad city and wheth¬er you are playing or watching, it has everything for the sports enthusiast.
    F. Step dances are the creation of Irish dancing m asters of the late 18th century.
    Dancing m asters would often travel from town to town, teaching basic dancing steps to those interested and able to pay for them . Their appearance was motivated by a desire to learn the ‘fashionable’ dance styles which were coming from France. The dance m asters often changed these dances to fit the traditional music and, in doing so, laid the basis for much of today’s traditional Irish dance — ceili, step, and set.
    G. St Patrick is known as the patron saint of Ireland. True, he was not a born Irish.
    But he has become an integral part of the Irish heritage, mostly through his service across Ireland of the 5th century. Patrick was born in the second half of the 4th century AD. There are different views about the exact year and place of his birth . According to one school of opinion, he was born about 390 A.D., while the other school says it is about 373 AD. Again, his birth place is said to be in either Scotland or Roman England. So, though Patricius was his Romanicized name, he became later known as Patrick.
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    Источник: ОГЭ 2017 АНГЛИЙСКИЙ ЯЗЫК Л.М.Гудкова О.В.Терентьева


    1.Thanks to new technology 2. A custom for a sweet-tooth 3. The upside down world
    4. Nice for people in love 5. Happy next year 6. Not allowed for some time
    7. Watch out or give the money 8. Christmas is coming

    A. Houses are decorated with colored paper ribbons and chains. Holly with red ber¬ries is put on the walls and looks very colorful. A piece of mistletoe (a plant) is hung from the ceiling. It is said to be lucky to kiss under the mistletoe hanging from the ceil¬ing. As you can understand, a lot of people who may not usually kiss each other take the chance given by a piece of mistletoe!
    B. One of the delicacies the British have enjoyed for almost 900 years is the mince pie.
    This is a sort of small cake with a delicious mixture of spices and fruit. It was the Cru¬saders who introduced it when they brought back new aromatic spices from the Holy Land. In the 17th century Oliver Cromwell tried to ban the eating of mince pies (as well as singing of carols) — but people continued to eat (and sing) in secret.
    C. Christmas Day is a family day when families try to be together. In past years, the Queen has broadcast a radio message from her study at Sandringham House. Since 1959 she has been recording her message every year some weeks before Christmas, so it could be broadcast on Christmas Day by radio in all parts of the British Commonwealth.
    D. In the USA many towns have a public tree place in some square or park or outside the town hall. This custom began first in America when an illuminated tree was set up in 1909 in Pasadena, California. Now we can observe the ceremony of putting up the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center in the heart of New York City, as well as in the main square of every town in the country. The nation’s main Christmas tree is set up in Washington, D.C. on the parade ground near the White House. A few days before Christ¬mas the President of the United States presses a button to light the tree. This is the sig¬nal for lighting trees across the land.
    E. The custom of breaking a wishbone (of a chicken or turkey) comes from the Ro¬mans who used them for fortune telling. They examined the bones of sacrificed birds, which they thought were messengers from their gods. Looking for signs of future events, they broke the wishbone and the person with the longest piece could make a wish which may bring him luck or good fortune.
    F. Christmas in Australia is not like anywhere else since December is one of the hot¬test months of the year. But the Australians have a great time anyway. Those who live near the coast go to the beach on Christmas day. They have a swim, play cricket or vol¬leyball, surf or just sit around with family and friends enjoying Christmas dinner. Santa Claus arrives on a surfboard — quite a change from sliding down a chimney!
    G. Christmas caroling is particularly popular in Wales where it is often accompanied by a harp. In some rural areas a villager is chosen to be the Mari Lawyed. This person travels around the town dressed in white and carrying a horse’s skull on a long pole. Anyone given the ‘bite’ by the horse’s jaws must pay a fine.

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    Источник: ОГЭ 2017 АНГЛИЙСКИЙ ЯЗЫК Л.М.Гудкова О.В.Терентьева


    1.A two-language melting pot 2. Born of hardships 3. Enough land for both
    4. Failures and successes 5. Native tribes 6. Difficult life
    7. Back to the roots 8. The birth of the new nation

    A. Long before Europeans first came to America, many groups of Indians lived there.
    They hunted forest animals for food and clothing. They gathered berries and nuts in the forests. Many groups fished in the rivers and streams that flowed through the forests.
    Most anthropologists agree that the North American Indians migrated over the Bering Sea from Siberia, 10,000 to 30,000 years ago.
    B. Later, in 1534 the French king sent Jacques C artier to find a water route to the Far East. C artier made several voyages to the new World, and he tried to establish a colony on the banks of the St. Lawrence River (where Montreal is located today) but he failed.
    In 1608, Samuel de Champlain built the first perm anent French settlement in Canada.
    He named it Quebec.
    C. Both nations began to expand in the New World. English colonists began to settle along the Atlantic Coast. The French began to explore and build forts in the region south of the Great Lakes in the valleys of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers.
    D. So Great Britain and France were fighting for control of Canada until 1763. As a result, France signed a treaty giving up all its claims to land on the continent of North America. The French who were living in Canada did not return to France. They continued to follow the customs and religion of their native land. They became ‘French Canadians’.КНТ 3
    19
    E. Since that time, millions of immigrants from the United States, Scotland, Ireland, England, Germany, Russia, Poland, Scandinavia, and other countries of the world have moved to Canada. Today about one third of the Canadians speak French and about two thirds speak English. English and French are both official languages of Canada.
    F. Since the 1950s, there has been a remarkable rebirth of Indian culture. Native lan¬guage, culture and history programmes have been instituted in schools. Cultural centres are flourishing, and traditional practices and beliefs are increasingly being used to com¬bat alcoholism and drug problems. Indian elders are once again playing a vital role and linking generations.
    G. Canadian sport is indebted to Indian culture for the toboggan, snowshoe, lacrosse stick and canoe. Many Indian games had utilitarian purposes related to survival, e.g. wrestling, archery, spear throw ing, foot and canoe racing. Some of them initially were meant to prepare youngsters for cooperative existence in a cruel environment

    Текст A B C D E F G
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    Источник: ОГЭ 2017 АНГЛИЙСКИЙ ЯЗЫК Л.М.Гудкова О.В.Терентьева


    1. The history of a popular drink 2. Healthy drink 3. They want it quick and easy
    4. Not a drink 5. Some changes in British diet 6. Some changes in British tastes
    7. Making tea process 8. Helpful hint

    A. British attitude to what they eat daily has changed a lot over the past twenty years. In the 1990s each person ate about 352 gram s of ‘red ’ meat each week, but now it’s less than 250 gram s. People prefer chicken and fresh fish. And more people are interest¬ed in healthy eating these days. In 1988 the national average was 905 gram s of fruit and fruit juices each week, but now i t ’s nearly 2,000 gram s.
    B. Twenty years ago, British people usually ate at home. They only went out for a meal at special times, like for somebody’s birthday. Today when both parents are work¬ing, they cannot cook large meals in the evenings. ‘Ready-made’ meals from supermar¬kets and Marks and Spencer and ‘take-aw ay’ meals from fast food restaurants are very popular. If you are feeling tired or lazy, you can even phone a local restaurant. They will bring the food to your house.
    C. In the past, traditional steakhouses were very popular places, but now more and more people prefer foreign food. Every British town has Indian and Chinese restaurants, and large towns have restaurants from many other countries too.
    D. The British population drinks a lot of tea. Tea — mostly green tea from China — came to Britain in the late 1500s. But it was only for the very rich. It became cheap¬er about three hundred years later, when it was planted in India and later in Ceylon (Sri Lanka). People from all classes started drinking it. But some people thought that too much tea was bad for their health. So they started putting milk in it to make it healthier!
    E. Afternoon tea is a small meal. Now most ordinary British families do not have time for afternoon tea at home, but in the past it was a tradition. It became popular when rich ladies invited their friends to their houses for an afternoon cup of tea. They started of¬fering their visitors sandwiches and cakes too. Soon everybody was enjoying this excit¬ing new meal.
    F. If someone in England asks you ‘Would you like a cup?’ they are asking if you would like a cup of tea. If someone says, ‘Let me be m other’ or ‘Shall I be m other?’ they are offering to pour out the tea from the teapot.
    G. Most people today use teabags to make tea, but some serious drinkers make tea in the traditional way. First the water is boiled. Then some of the boiled water is used to warm the teapot. Then the tealeaves are put in the teapot. Then the boiling water is add¬ed. Then the pot is left for five minutes under a ‘teacosy’. Finally, the tea is served in delicate cups with saucers.

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    Источник: ОГЭ 2017 АНГЛИЙСКИЙ ЯЗЫК Л.М.Гудкова О.В.Терентьева


    1.Absolute honesty 2.The cost of education 3. Just choosing 4. Inform al teaching
    5. Another application 6. Optional teaching 7. Needed move 8. Uncertain parents

    A. At the beginning of your last year at school you receive an application form . On this form you choose up to five universities that you would like to go to. The form is sent to those universities with information from your school about you and your academic results. If the universities are interested in your application, they will ask you to attend an interview and will offer you a place. Any offer, however, is only conditional at this stage.
    B. А-level examinations are the exams taken at the end of your time at school. So, when a university makes an offer, it will tell you the minimum grades that you must get on your а-level exam. If you don’t get those grades, then you will not be accepted and you will have to apply again to another university.
    C. Like all British universities, Oxford is a state university not a private one.
    Students are selected on the basis of their results in the national examination or the special Oxford entrance examination. There are many applicants and nobody can get a place by paying. Successful candidates are admitted to a special college of the university: that will be their home for the next three years and for a longer period if they would like to go on studying for a postgraduate degree.
    D. An undergraduate will spend an hour a week with his or her ‘tutor’; perhaps in the company of one other student. Each of them will have written an essay for the tutor, which serves as the basis for discussion, arguments, the exposition of ideas and academic methods. At the end of the hour the students go away with a new essay and a list of books that might be helpful in preparing for the essay.
    E. Lectures and seminars are other kinds of teaching; popular lecturers can attract audience from several faculties, while others may find themselves speaking to two or three loyal students or maybe to no-one at all. In practice, most students at Oxford are enthusiastic about academic life and many of them work for days on each essay, sometimes sitting up through the night with a wet towel round their heads.
    F. Most 18 and 19 year-olds in Britain are rather independent people, and when the time comes to pick a college, choose one as far away from home as possible. So, many students in northern and Scottish universities come from England and vice versa. It’s very unusual for students to live at home. Although parents may be a little sad to see this happen, they usually have to approve of this step and see it as a necessary part of becoming an adult.
    G. Students all over the world have to work for their education. A college education in the USA is expensive. The costs are so high that most families begin to save for their children’s education when their children are the babies. Even so, many young people cannot afford to pay the expenses of full-time college work. They do not have enough money to pay for school costs. Tuition for attending the university, books for classes, and dormitory costs are high. There are other expenses such as chemistry and biology laboratories fees and special student activity fees.

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    Источник: ОГЭ 2017 АНГЛИЙСКИЙ ЯЗЫК Л.М.Гудкова О.В.Терентьева

       
    Установите соответствие тем AG текстам 1-6. Занесите свои ответы в таблицу. Используйте каждую букву только один раз. В задании одна тема лишняяTEST 01 (part 1)

    A.   POOR COMMUNICATION 6

    B.   HELPFUL METHOD 2

    C.   PAST HOBBY 4

    D.   BODY LANGUAGE 3

    E.   ENJOYABLE GAMES

    F.   HEALTH PROBLEMS 1

    G.   MORE IMAGINATION 5

    1. In just a few years mobile phones have become a common sight everywhere. Walk past any cafe and you will see people chatting on their phones or sending text messages. However, some people are concerned that the signals these phones send out may be bad for our health. They worry that holding a mobile close to your head might have an effect on your brain. So, it may be a good idea to use your ordinary phone when you can.

    Мобильные телефоны могу быть опасными для здоровья. HEALTH PROBLEMS

    2. We learn a lot by reading, but what if you can’t see the words on the page? Many blind people can read braille шрифт Брайля. Braille is a system of writing using raised dots on the page that you can feel with your fingers. A Frenchman called Louis Braille invented [ɪn’vent] изобретать it in 1821, when he was just 12 years old. His system makes life easier for many thousands of blind people all over the world.

    Шрифт, который могут читать слепые люди. HELPFUL METHOD

    3. When we talk to someone, only a small part of our meaning is in what we say. Some people say that as little as 7% of our message is contained in our words. We use our hands to express ourselves and we use our faces to show that we are listening or to show how we feel. Our faces and our hands can also show things that we might want to hide, like the fact that we are lying, for example.

    Невербальная коммуникация. BODY LANGUAGE

    4. People can now use the Internet and e-mail to communicate with each other cheaply and quickly. Twenty years ago, however, this wasn’t possible. In those days in Britain, some people used amateur любительский, самодеятельный radio to contact people all over the country, and even around the world. They had special radios in their houses that sent out radio signals. They contacted each other to exchange news about their lives and about the weather, or even to play games such as chess.

    Любительские радио для общения. PAST HOBBY

    5. One of the most interesting types of radio programme is radio drama. Although some radio stations only broadcast music, some also produce plays for their listeners. Many people prefer listening to a play on the radio to watching it on TV because they can be more creative. On TV, the programme-makers decide exactly what a place or a person looks like. On radio, though, you can imagine it any way you like.

    Прослушивание пьес по радио даёт возможность работать воображению. MORE IMAGINATION

    6. Before the invention of radio, it was almost impossible to communicate over large distances. The only way to communicate with people far away was to send a message or a letter with a person. People lit fires on hills as a signal to each other, but it wasn’t a very good way of communicating. It was very difficult to find out what was happening in distant places and news often took weeks or even months to travel around the world.

    Раньше, до изобретения радио, было сложно общаться. POOR COMMUNICATION 

    № текста 1 2 3 4 5 6
    тема F B D C G A

    ВСЕ ТЕСТЫ

    12962. Установите соответствие между заголовками 1-8 и текстами A-G. Занесите свои ответы в таблицу. Используйте каждую цифру только один раз. В задании один заголовок лишний.

    1) Curious Conclusion
    2) Group Builders
    3) Unsolved Mystery
    4) Meteorological Phenomenon

    5) Friendly but Dangerous
    6) Clever Camouflage
    7) Feeding to Death
    8) Animal Diseases

    A. Tree squirrels are quite used to humans and many will come close to people hoping they will be fed. However, squirrels deserve our respectful distance. They have very sharp teeth and sharp claws and defend themselves by biting and scratching if they are startled. However, they are fun to observe. So treat them with gentle respect… and they can be wonderful ‘wild friends’.

    B. Elephants display ‘right-handedness’, not in their limbs, but in the tusks. Close examination of an elephant’s tusks will reveal that one tusk has a blunter tip and is thicker than its less favoured counterpart. The reason for this difference is that in their natural habitat elephants use their tusks for gathering food, and digging for water. Consequently the tusk on their favourite side becomes more developed, but blunter.

    C. In October 1987, an attempt to find the famous Loch Ness monster was made with 20 cruisers that swept the loch using sonar equipment, electronically recording all contacts. While the cruisers caught enough salmon to feed an army, there was no sign of Nessie. Most scientists would bet that there is no monster, yet they do seem to hedge themselves and keep an open mind as they await conclusive proof in the form of skeletal evidence or the capture of the monster.

    D. Birds used for the production of Foie Gras are trapped in tiny cages, where they hardly have any place to move or flap their wings. Mechanized feeders come at regular intervals to feed them and metal pipes are forced down their gullets several times a day. The over-fed birds have difficulty breathing and acquire a range of diseases. Once these birds have reached a point of near-death, they are slaughtered, and their livers end up in restaurants!

    E. Animals adapt over time to their environments, some so much so that they begin to look like their surroundings — a helpful evolutionary advantage in the face of potential predators (or while stalking prey). There are octopi that blend in perfectly with sandy ocean floors, insects that look just like leaves and fish that resemble oceanic plants. There is even an octopus that can mimic nearly twenty other oceanic species to scare off.

    F. Humans work together all the time to build incredible structures we could never have dreamed up, let alone construct, on our own — but some animal architecture is arguably even more impressive. There is a spider web built by a variety of species working together that spans much of a public park, an ant colony that extends for thousands of miles and birds nests built by entire flocks living together under one thatched roof.

    G. Raining animals… it sounds ridiculous, right? Nonetheless, it happens — although rarely. Fish, frogs and birds are the most common forms of animal rain. Sometimes the creatures land relatively unscathed but in other cases they are frozen or shredded to pieces. Theories vary in their details but generally it is assumed that certain kinds of strong winds lift up the animals with a volume of water (fish and frogs from ponds, for example) or sweep them out of the sky in the case of birds and then deposit them, often right before a major storm.

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