In large cities walking and transit егэ - Помощь в подготовке к экзаменам и поступлению

Task 1 Прочитайте текст и заполните пропуски A–F частями предложений, обозначенными цифрами 1–7. Одна из частей в списке 1–7 лишняя. Занесите цифру, обозначающую соответствующую часть предложения, в таблицу.

Fire Crews Hunt Escaped Hamster

Eight firefighters have been called in to help find an escaped hamster. Two crews used a chocolate-covered camera and a vacuum cleaner A ____ , called Fudgie, at the home of a six-year-old girl in Dunbar, Scotland.

The girl’s mother said: ‘We came down for breakfast and discovered Fudgie had opened the top lid of her cage and had made her way into the kitchen and we think she has gone В ____ .’

The fire crews spent five hours trying to recover the pet after it ran down a hole in the kitchen floor. But, the hamster still refused С ____ .

In the search for Fudgie, the firefighters took the family cooker and gas pipes apart. They also dropped a mini-camera coated with chocolate under the floorboards. They then hoped to take out the hamster using a vacuum cleaner. Despite all their efforts, they failed to find Fudgie.

In the end, the firefighters put another camera down the hole D ____ , connected to the screen of the family home computer, to see if Fudgie appeared. Besides, the girl and her parents regularly dropped food E ____ .

At last, after eight days the hamster returned to her cage safe and sound. She crawled from the hole in the kitchen floor early in the morning. It was the girl’s father who first found Fudgie F ____ .

The girl said that day it was like Christmas morning for her. Her parents added that they too felt extremely happy when Fudgie had finally returned.

through a small hole in the floor
through the hole for the hamster
and locked the runaway hamster
to come out of the hole
to look after the pet
to try and locate the missing hamster
and left it under the floorboards

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
6	1	4	7	2	3

Task 2

Speed of eating is ‘key to obesity’

If you eat very quickly, it may be enough to increase your risk of being overweight, research suggests.

Osaka University scientists looked at the eating habits of 3,000 people. Just about half of them told researchers that they A ______ . Compared with those who did not eat quickly, fast-eating men were 84% more likely to be overweight, and women were 100% more likely to В ______ .

Japanese scientists said that there were a number of reasons why eating fast С ______ . They said it could prevent the work of a signalling system which tells your brain to stop eating because your stomach is full. They said: ‘If you eat quickly you basically fill your stomach before the system has a chance to react, so you D _____ .

The researchers also explained that a mechanism that helps make us fat today, developed with evolution and helped people get more food in the periods when they were short of it. The scientists added that the habit of eating fast could be received from one’s parents genes or E ______ .

They said that, if possible, children should be taught to F ______ , and allowed to stop when they felt full up at mealtimes. ‘The advice of our grandmothers about chewing everything 20 times might be true — if you take a bit more time eating, it could have a positive influence on your weight.

just overfill your stomach
could be bad for your weight
have a habit of eating quickly
linked to obesity
eat as slowly as possible
put on weight
learned at a very early age

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
3	6	2	1	7	5

Task 3

Hi-Tech Brings Families Together

Technology is helping families stay in touch like never before, says a report carried out in the US.

Instead of driving people apart, mobile phones and the Internet are A ____ . The research looked at the differences in technology use between families with children and single adults. It found that traditional families have more hi-tech gadgets in their home В ____ . Several mobile phones were found in 89% of families and 66% had a high-speed Internet connection. The research also found that 58% of families have more С ____ .

Many people use their mobile phone to keep in touch and communicate with parents and children. Seventy percent of couples, D ____ , use it every day to chat or say hello. In addition, it was found that 42% of parents contact their children via their mobile every day.

The growing use of mobile phones, computers and the Internet means that families no longer gather round the TV to spend time together. 25% of those who took part in the report said they now spend less time E ____ . Only 58% of 18—29 year olds said they watched TV every day. Instead the research found that 52% of Internet users who live with their families go online F ____ several times a week and 51% of parents browse the web with their children.

Some analysts have worried that new technologies hurt families, but we see that technology allows for new kinds of connectedness built around cell phones and the Internet/ said the report.

than any other group
watching television
in the company of someone else
than two computers in the home
communicated with their families
helping them communicate
owning a mobile

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
6	1	4	7	2	3

Task 4

The Power of ‘Hello’

I work at a company where there are hundreds of employees. I know most of them and almost all of them know me. It is all based on one simple principle: I believe every single person deserves to be acknowledged, A ______ .

When I was about 10 years old, I was walking down the street with my mother. She stopped to speak to Mr. Lee. I knew I could see Mr. Lee any time around the neighborhood, В ______ .

After we passed Mr. Lee, my mother said something that has stuck with me from that day until now. She said, ‘You let that be the last time you ever walk by somebody and not open up your mouth to speak, because even a dog can wag its tail С______ . That phrase sounds simple, but it has been a guidepost for me and the foundation of who I am. I started to see that when I spoke to someone, they spoke back. And that felt good. It is not just something I believe in — D ______ . I believe that every person deserves to feel someone acknowledges their presence, no matter how unimportant they may be.

At work, I always used to say ‘hello’ to the founder of the company and ask him how our business was doing. But I was also speaking to the people in the cafe, and asked how their children were doing. I remembered after a few years of passing by the founder, I had the courage to ask him for a meeting. We had a great talk.

At a certain point, I asked him E ______ . He said, ‘If you want to, you can get all the way to this seat.’ I have become vice president, but that has not changed the way I approach people. I speak to everyone I see, no matter where I am. I have learned that speaking to people creates a pathway into their world, F ______ .

it has become a way of life.
when it passes you on the street.
when you see him and talk to him.
and it lets them come into mine, too.
so I did not pay any attention to him.
however small or simple the greeting is.
how far he thought I could go in his company.

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
6	5	2	1	7	4

Task 5

Friendship and Love

A strong friendship takes a significant amount of time to develop. It will not just magically mature overnight. A friendship involves committing oneself to help another person A ______ . I believe that, nothing can replace a true friend, not material objects, or money, and definitely not a boy.

I met this guy a couple summers ago who I ended up spending almost all of my free time with. His parents did not approve of our dating because of our age difference, В ______ . He had told me the day we met that he had joined the air force and would leave for overseas that coming October. After three months had past, the time came when he had to leave. This left me feeling completely alone.

I turned to my friends for support, but to my surprise, С ______ . I had spent so much time with this guy and so little time with them, that they did not feel sorry for me when he left. For so long they had become the only constant in my life, and I had taken them for granted over something D ______ .

When my boyfriend came back, our relationship changed. I tried to fix all the aspects in my life that had gone so wrong in the previous six months.

This experience taught me that true friendships will only survive if one puts forth effort to make them last. Keeping friends close will guarantee that E ______ . When a relationship falls apart, a friend will always do everything in their power to make everything less painful. As for me, I try to keep my friends as close as I can. I know they will always support me in whatever I do, and to them, I F ______ .

but we did anyway.
whenever a need arises.
they did not really care.
whenever they need your help.
could not guarantee would even last.
am eternally grateful for a second chance.
someone will always have a shoulder to cry on.

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
2	1	3	5	7	6

Task 6

Mobile phones

On New Year’s Day, 1985, Michael Harrison phoned his father, Sir Ernest, to wish him a happy new year. Sir Ernest was chairman of Racal Electronics, the owner of Vodafone, A ______ .

At the time, mobile phones weighed almost a kilogram, cost several thousand pounds and provided only 20 minutes talktime. The networks themselves were small; Vodafone had just a dozen masts covering London. Nobody had any idea of the huge potential of wireless communication and the dramatic impact В ______ .

Hardly anyone believed there would come a day when mobile phones were so popular С ______ .But in 1999 one mobile phone was sold in the UK every four seconds, and by 2004 there were more mobile phones in the UK than people. The boom was a result of increased competition which pushed prices lower and created innovations in the way that mobiles were sold.

When the government introduced more competition, companies started cutting prices to attract more customers. Cellnet, for example, changed its prices, D ______ . It also introduced local call tariffs.

The way that handsets themselves were marketed was also changing and it was Finland’s Nokia who made E ______ . In the late 1990s Nokia realized that the mobile phone was a fashion item: so it offered interchangeable covers which allowed you to customize and personalize your handset.

The mobile phone industry has spent the later part of the past decade reducing its monthly charge F ______ , which has culminated in the fight between the iPhone and a succession of touch screen rivals.

trying to persuade people to do more with their phones than just call and text
that there would be more phones in the UK than there are people
and relying instead on actual call charges
that mobile phones would have over the next quarter century
the leap from phones as technology to phones as fashion items
and his son was making the first-ever mobile phone call in the UK
the move to digital technology, connecting machines to wireless networks

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
6	4	2	1	5	3

Task 7

London Zoo

London Zoo is one of the most important zoos in the world. There are over 12,000 animals at London Zoo and A ______ ! Its main concern is to breed threatened animals in captivity. This means we might be able to restock the wild, should disaster ever befall the wild population.

Partula Snail, Red Crowned Crane, Arabian Oryx, Golden Lion Tamarin, Persian Leopard, Asiatic Lion and Sumatran Tiger are just some of the species London Zoo is helping to save.

That is why it is so important that we fight to preserve the habitats that these animals live in, as well as eliminate other dangers В ______ . But we aim to make your day at London Zoo a fun and memorable time, С ______ .

In the Ambika Paul Children’s Zoo, for instance, youngsters can learn a new love and appreciation for animals D ______ . They can also learn how to care for favourite pets in the Pet Care Centre.

Then there are numerous special Highlight events E ______ unforgettable pony rides to feeding times and spectacular animal displays. You will get to meet keepers and ask them what you are interested in about the animals they care for, F ______ .

Whatever you decide, you will have a great day. We have left no stone unturned to make sure you do!

such as hunting exotic animals and selling furs
as well as the ins and outs of being a keeper at London Zoo
which take place every day, from
because they see and touch them close up
despite the serious side to our work
which demand much time and effort
that is not counting every ant in the colony

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
7	1	5	4	3	2

Task 8

‘Second Stonehenge’ discovered near original

Archaeologists have discovered evidence of what they believe was a second Stonehenge located a little more than a mile away from the world-famous prehistoric monument.

The new find on the west bank of the river Avon has been called «Bluestonehenge», after the colour of the 25 Welsh stones of A______.

Excavations at the site have suggested there was once a stone circle 10 metres in diameter and surrounded by a henge — a ditch with an external bank, according to the project director, Professor Mike Parker Pearson, of the University of Sheffield.

The stones at the site were removed thousands of years ago but the sizes of the holes in B ______ indicate that this was a circle of bluestones, brought from the Preseli mountains of Wales, 150 miles away.

The standing stones marked the end of the avenue C _____, a 1¾-mile long processional route constructed at the end of the Stone Age. The outer henge around the stones was built about 2400BC but arrowheads found in the stone circle indicate the stones were put up as much as 500 years earlier.

Parker Pearson said his team was waiting for results of radiocarbon dating D _____ whether stones currently in the inner circle of Stonehenge were originally located at the other riverside construction.

Pearson said: «The big, big question is when these stones were erected and when they were removed — and when we get the dating evidence we can answer both those questions.»

He added: «We speculated in the past E ______ at the end of the avenue near the river. But we were completely unprepared to discover that there was an entire stone circle. Another team member, Professor Julian Thomas, said the discovery indicated F______was central to the religious lives of the people who built Stonehenge. «Old theories about Stonehenge that do not explain the evident significance of the river will have to be rethought,» he said. Dr Josh Pollard, project co-director from the University of Bristol, described the discovery as «incredible».

which could reveal
which they stood
which it was once made up
that this stretch of the river Avon
that there might have been something
that it should be considered as integral part
that leads from the river Avon to Stonehenge

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
3	2	7	1	5	4

Task 9

Australia

Australia was the last great landmass to be discovered by the Europeans. The continent they eventually discovered had already been inhabited for tens of thousands of years.

Australia is an island continent A _____ is the result of gradual changes wrought over millions of years.

B ____, Australia is one of the most stable land masses, and for about 100 million years has been free of the forces that have given rise to huge mountain ranges elsewhere.

From the east coast a narrow, fertile strip merges into the greatly eroded Great Dividing Range, C ____.

The mountains are merely reminders of the mighty range, D ____. Only in the section straddling the New South Wales border with Victoria and in Tasmania, are they high enough to have winter snow.

West of the range of the country becomes increasingly flat and dry. The endless flatness is broken only by salt lakes, occasional mysterious protuberances and some mountains E ____. In places the scant vegetation is sufficient to allow some grazing. However, much of the Australian outback is a barren land of harsh stone deserts and dry lakes.

The extreme north of Australia, the Top End, is a tropical area within the monsoon belt. F ____, it comes in more or less one short, sharp burst. This has prevented the Top End from becoming seriously productive area.

that once stood here
that is almost continent long
whose property is situated to the north of Tasmania
whose landscape — much of bleak and inhospitable
whose beauty reminds of the MacDonald Ranges
Although its annual rainfall looks adequate on paper
Although there is still seismic activity in the eastern highland area

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
4	7	2	1	5	6

Task 10

Scotland Yard

Scotland Yard is the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police in London. To most people, its name immediately brings to mind the picture of a detective — cool, efficient, ready to track down any criminal, or a helmeted police constable — A____ and trusty helper of every traveller from overseas.

Scotland Yard is situated on the Thames Embankment close to the Houses of Parliament and the familiar clock tower of Big Ben, and its jurisdiction extends over 740 square miles with the exception of the ancient City of London, B____.

One of the most successful developments in Scotland Yard’s crime detection and emergency service has been the “999 system”. On receipt of a call the 999 Room operator ascertains by electronic device the position of the nearest available police car, C ____. Almost instantly a message is also sent by teleprinter to the police station concerned so that within seconds of a call for assistance being received, a police car is on its way to the scene. An old-established section of the Metropolitan police is the Mounted Branch, with its strength of about 200 horses stabled at strategic points. These horses are particularly suited to ceremonial occasions, D ____.

An interesting branch of Scotland Yard is the branch of Police Dogs, first used as an experiment in 1939. Now these dogs are an important part of the Force. One dog, for example, can search a warehouse in ten minutes, E ____.

There is also the River Police, or Thames Division, which deals with all crimes occurring within its river boundaries.

There are two other departments of Scotland Yard – the Witness Room (known as the Rogues’ Gallery) where a photographic record of known and suspected criminals is kept, and the Museum, F ____.

which is contacted by radio
that familiar figure of the London scene
for they are accustomed to military bands
which possesses its own separate police force
which contains murder relics and forgery exhibits
that this policeman will bring the criminal to justice
whereas the same search would take six men an hour

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
2	4	1	3	7	5

Task 11

Harry Potter course for university students

Students of Durham University are being given the chance to sign up to what is thought to be the UK’s first course focusing on the world of Harry Potter. Although every English-speaking person in the world knows about Harry Potter books and films, few have thought of using them as a guide to … modern life.

The Durham University module uses the works of JK Rowling A ______ modern society. “Harry Potter and the Age of Illusion” will be available for study next year. So far about 80 undergraduates have signed В ______ a BA degree in Education Studies. Future educationalists will analyse JK Rowling’s fanfiction from various points of view.

A university spokesman said: “This module places the Harry Potter novels in a wider social and cultural context.” He added that a number of themes would be explored, С ______ the classroom, bullying, friendship and solidarity and the ideals of and good citizenship.

The module was created by the head of the Department of Education at Durham University. He said the idea for the new module had appeared in response D ______ body: “It seeks to place the series in its wider social and cultural context and will explore some fundamental issues E ______ . You just need to read the academic writing which started F ______ that Harry Potter is worthy of serious study.”

up for the optional module, part of
to emerge four or five years ago to see
to examine prejudice, citizenship and bullying in
such as the response of the writer
including the world of rituals, prejudice and intolerance in
to growing demand from the student
such as the moral universe of the school

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
3	1	5	6	7	2

Task 12

Laughing and evolution

The first hoots of laughter from an ancient ancestor of humans could be heard at least 10 million years ago, according to the results of a new study. Researchers used recordings of apes and babies being tickled A ______ to the last common ancestor that humans shared with the modern great apes, which include chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans.

The finding challenges the opinion В ______ , suggesting instead that it emerged long before humans split from the evolutionary path that led to our primate cousins, between 10m and 16m years ago.

“In humans, laughing can be the strongest way of expressing how much we are enjoying ourselves, but it can also be used in other contexts, like making fun of someone,” said Marina Davila Ross, a psychologist at Portsmouth University. “I was interested in С ______ .”

Davila Ross travelled to seven zoos around Europe and visited a wildlife reserve in Sabah, Borneo, to record baby and juvenile apes D ______ . Great apes are known to make noises that are similar to laughter when they are excited and while they are playing with each other.

Davila Ross collected recordings of laughter from 21 chimps, gorillas, orangutans and bonobos and added recordings of three babies that were tickled to make them laugh.

To analyze the recordings, the team put them into a computer program. “Our evolutionary tree based on these acoustic recordings alone showed E ______ , but furthest from orangutans, with gorillas somewhere in the middle.” said Davila Ross. “What this shows is strong evidence to suggest F ______ .”

whether laughing emerged earlier on than humans did
to create the evolutionary tree linking humans and apes
that laughter is a uniquely human trait
that humans were closest to chimps and bonobos
that laughing comes from a common primate ancestor
while their caretakers tickled them
to trace the origin of laughter back

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
7	3	1	6	4	5

Task 13

Nenets culture affected by global warming

For 1,000 years the indigenous Nenets people have migrated along the 450-mile- long Yamal peninsula in northern Russia. In summer they wander northwards, taking their reindeer with them. In winter they return southwards.

But this remote region of north-west Siberia is now being affected by global warming. Traditionally the Nenets travel across the frozen River Ob in November A ___ around Nadym. These days, though, this annual winter migration is delayed. Last year the Nenets, together with many thousands of reindeer, had to wait until late December В ____ .

“Our reindeer were hungry. There wasn’t enough food,” Jakov Japtik, a Nenets reindeer herder, said. “The snow is melting sooner, quicker and faster than before. In spring it’s difficult for the reindeer to pull the sledges. They get tired,” Japtik said.

Herders say that the peninsula’s weather is increasingly unpredictable — with unseasonal snowstorms С ___, and milder longer autumns. In winter, temperatures used to go down to -50°C. Now they are normally around -30°C, according to Japtik. “Obviously we prefer -30°C. But the changes aren’t good for the reindeer D ___,” he said, setting off on his sledge to round up his reindeer herd.

Even here, in one of the most remote parts of the planet, E __ . Last year the Nenets arrived at a regular summer camping spot and discovered that half of their lake had disappeared. The water had drained away after a landslide. The Nenets report other curious changes — there are fewer mosquitoes and a strange increase in flies. Scientists say there is unmistakable evidence F ___ .

when the ice was finally thick enough to cross
that the impact on Russia would be disastrous
the environment is under pressure
and in the end what is good for the reindeer is good for us
and set up their camps in the southern forests
that Yamal’s ancient permafrost is melting
when the reindeer give birth in May

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
5	1	7	4	3	6

Task 14

Duration of life and its social implications

The world’s population is about to reach a landmark of huge social and economic importance, when the proportion of the global population over 65 outnumbers children under 5 for the first time. A new report by the US census bureau shows A____ , with enormous consequences for both rich and poor nations.

The rate of growth will shoot up in the next couple of years. The В ___ a combination of the high birth rates after the Second World War and more recent improvements in health that are bringing down death rates at older ages. Separate UN forecasts predict that the global population will be more than nine billion by 2050.

The US census bureau was the first to sound the С ___ . Its latest forecasts warn governments and international bodies that this change in population structure will bring widespread challenges at every level of human organization, starting with the structure of the family, which will be transformed as people live longer. This will in turn place new burdens on careers and social services providers, D ___ for health services and pensions systems.

“People are living longer and, in some parts of the world, healthier lives,” the authors conclude. “This represents one of the greatest achievements of the last century but also a significant challenge E ___ population.”

Ageing will put pressure on societies at all levels. One way of measuring that is to look at the older dependency ratio, F ___ that must be supported by them. The ODR is the number of people aged 65 and over for every 100 people aged 20 to 64. It varies widely, from just six in Kenya to 33 in Italy and Japan. The UK has an ODR of 26, and the US has 21.

which recently replaced Italy as the world’s oldest major country
alarm about these changes
a huge shift towards an ageing population
change is due to
while patterns of work and retirement will have huge implications
which shows the balance between working-age people and the older
as proportions of older people increase in most countries

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
3	4	2	5	7	6

Task 15

Elephants sense ‘danger’ clothes

St Andrews University researchers discovered that elephants could recognise the degree of danger posed by various groups of individuals. The study found that African elephants always reacted with fear A ______ previously worn by men of the Maasai tribe. They are known to demonstrate their courage by В ______ .

The elephants also responded aggressively to red clothing, which defines traditional Maasai dress.

However, the elephants showed a much milder reaction to clothing previously worn by the Kamba people, С ______ and pose little threat.

The researchers first presented elephants with clean, red clothing and with red clothing that had been worn for five days by D ______ .

They revealed that Maasai-smelt clothing motivated elephants to travel significantly faster in the first minute after they moved away.

They then investigated whether elephants could also use the colour of clothing as a cue to classify a potential threat and found the elephants reacted with aggression E ______ . This suggested that they associated the colour red with the Maasai.

The researchers believe the distinction in the elephants’ emotional reaction to smell and colour might be explained by F ______ . They might be able to distinguish among different human groups according to the level of risk they posed.

«We regard this experiment as just a start to investigating precisely how elephants ‘see the world’, and it may be that their abilities will turn out to equal or exceed those of our closer relatives, the monkeys and apes,» researchers added.

either a Maasai or a Kamba man
who do not hunt elephants
when they detected the smell of clothes
who carried out the research
the amount of risk they sense
spearing elephants
when they spotted red but not white cloth

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
3	6	2	1	7	5

Task 16

Culture and customs

In less than twenty years, the mobile telephone has gone from being rare, expensive equipment of the business elite to a pervasive, low-cost personal item. In many countries, mobile telephones A ___ ; in the U.S., 50 per cent of children have mobile telephones. In many young adults’ households it has supplanted the land-line telephone. The mobile phone is В ___ , such as North Korea.

Paul Levinson in his 2004 book Cellphone argues that by looking back through history we can find many precursors to the idea of people simultaneously walking and talking on a mobile phone. Mobile phones are the next extension in portable media, that now can be С ___ into one device. Levinson highlights that as the only mammal to use only two out of our four limbs to walk, we are left two hands free D ___ — like talking on a mobile phone.

Levinson writes that “Intelligence and inventiveness, applied to our need to communicate regardless of where we may be, led logically and eventually to telephones that we E ___ .”

Given the high levels of societal mobile telephone service penetration, it is a key means for people F ___ . The SMS feature spawned the «texting» sub-culture. In December 1993, the first person-to-person SMS text message was transmitted in Finland. Currently, texting is the most widely-used data service; 1.8 billion users generated $80 billion of revenue in 2006.

to perform other actions
outnumber traditional telephones
to communicate with each other
combined with the Internet
to serve basic needs
banned in some countries
carry in our pockets

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
2	6	4	1	7	5

Task 17

My Stage

My family moved to Rockaway, New Jersey in the summer of 1978. It was there that my dreams of stardom began.

I was nine years old. Heather Lambrix lived next door, and she and I became best friends. I thought she was so lucky A ___ . She took tap and jazz and got to wear cool costumes with bright sequences and makeup and perform on stage. I went to all of her recitals and В ___ .

My living room and sometimes the garage were my stage. I belonged to a cast of four, which consisted of Heather, my two younger sisters, Lisa and Faith, and I. Since I was the oldest and the bossiest, I was the director. Heather came with her own costumes С ___ . We choreographed most of our dance numbers as we went along. Poor Faith … we would throw her around D ___ . She was only about four or five … and so agile. We danced around in our bathing suits to audiocassettes and records from all the Broadway musicals. We’d put a small piece of plywood on the living room carpet, E ___ . And I would imitate her in my sneakers on the linoleum in the hall. I was a dancer in the making.

My dad eventually converted a part of our basement into a small theater. He hung two “spotlights” and a sheet for a curtain. We performed dance numbers to tunes like “One” and “The Music and the Mirror” from A Chorus Line. I sang all the songs from Annie. I loved to sing, F ___. I just loved to sing. So I belted out songs like “Tomorrow”, “Maybe” and “What I Did For Love.” I knew then, this is what I wanted to do with my life.

like she was a rag doll
whether I was good at it or not
wished I, too, could be on stage
and I designed the rest
and I was star struck
so Heather could do her tap routine
because she got to go to dance lessons

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
7	3	4	1	6	2

Task 18

Cat’s punctuality

Sergeant Podge, a Norwegian Forest Cat, disappears from his owner’s home in a small town in Kent, every night. But what baffles his owner, Liz Bullard, mostly is the fact that the next morning, the 12-year-old cat always pops up in exactly the same place, A ___ . And every morning Ms. Bullard takes her son to school before collecting Sergeant Podge.

She said that the routine had set in earlier this year, when Sergeant Podge disappeared one day. Ms. Bullard spent hours telephoning her neighbours В ___ .

An elderly woman living about one and a half miles away called back to inform Ms. Bullard that she had found a cat matching Sergeant Podge’s description. Ms. Bullard picked him up but within days he vanished from sight again. She rang the elderly woman С ___ .

She said a routine has now become established, where each morning she takes her son to school before driving to collect Sergeant Podge D ___ .

It is thought Sergeant Podge walks across a golf course every night to reach his destination.

Ms. Bullard said: “If it’s raining he may be in the bush but he comes running if I clap my hands.” All she has to do is open the car passenger door from the inside for Sergeant Podge to jump in.

Ms. Bullard also makes the trip at weekends and during school holidays — E ___ .

She does not know why, after 12 years, Sergeant Podge has begun the routine but explained that another woman who lived nearby used to feed him sardines, and that he may be F ___ .

His owner doesn’t mind his wandering off at night as long as she knows where to collect him.

on the look-out for more treats
from the pavement between 0800 and 0815 GMT
to discover Sergeant Podge was back outside her home
on a pavement about one and a half miles (2.4km) away
to identify if anyone had bumped into him
when her son is having a lie-in
collected by car every morning

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
4	5	3	2	6	1

Task 19

Do you speak English?

When I arrived in England I thought I knew English. After I’d been here an hour I realized that I did not understand one word. In the first week I picked up a tolerable working knowledge of the language and the next seven years convinced me gradually but thoroughly that I A ______ , let alone perfectly. This is sad. My only consolation being that nobody speaks English perfectly.

Remember that those five hundred words an average Englishman uses are B ______ . You may learn another five hundred and another five thousand and yet another fifty thousand and still you may come across a further fifty thousand C ______ .

If you live here long enough you will find out to your greatest amazement that the adjective nice is not the only adjective the language possesses, in spite of the fact that D ______ . You can say that the weather is nice, a restaurant is nice, Mr. Soandso is nice, Mrs. Soandso’s clothes are nice, you had a nice time, E ______ .

Then you have to decide on your accent. The easiest way to give the impression of having a good accent or no foreign accent at all is to hold an unlit pipe in your mouth, to mutter between your teeth and finish all your sentences with the question: “isn’t it?” People will not understand much, but they are accustomed to that and they will get a F ______ .

whatever it costs
most excellent impression
you have never heard of before, and nobody else either
in the first three years you do not need to learn or use any other adjectives
would never know it really well
far from being the whole vocabulary of the language
and all this

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
5	6	3	4	7	2

Task 20

Before the Hubble Space Telescope was launched, scientists thought they knew the universe. They were wrong.

The Hubble Space Telescope has changed many scientists’ view of the universe. The telescope is named after American astronomer Edwin Hubble, A ______ .

He established that many galaxies exist and developed the first system for their classifications.

In many ways, Hubble is like any other telescope. It simply gathers light. It is roughly the size of a large school bus. What makes Hubble special is not what it is, B ______ .

Hubble was launched in 1990 from the “Discovery” space shuttle and it is about 350 miles above our planet, C ______ .

It is far from the glare of city lights, it doesn’t have to look through the air, D ______ .

And what a view it is! Hubble is so powerful it could spot a fly on the moon. Yet in an average orbit, it uses the same amount of energy as 28100-watt light bulbs. Hubble pictures require no film. The telescope takes digital images E ______ .

Hubble has snapped photos of storms on Saturn and exploding stars. Hubble doesn’t just focus on our solar system. It also peers into our galaxy and beyond. Many Hubble photos show the stars that make up the Milky Way galaxy. A galaxy is a city of stars.

Hubble cannot take pictures of the sun or other very bright objects, because doing so could “fry” the telescope’s instruments, but it can detect infrared and ultra violet light F ______ .

Some of the sights of our solar system that Hubble has glimpsed may even change the number of planets in it.

which is above Earth’s atmosphere.
which are transmitted to scientists on Earth.
which is invisible to the human eye.
who calculated the speed at which galaxies move.
so it has a clear view of space.
because many stars are in clouds of gas.
but where it is.

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
4	7	1	5	2	3

Task 21

The science of sound, or acoustics, as it is often called, has been made over radically within a comparatively short space of time. Not so long ago the lectures on sound in colleges and high schools dealt chiefly with the vibrations of such things as the air columns in organ pipes. Nowadays, however, thanks chiefly to a number of electronic instruments engineers can study sounds as effectively A ____ . The result has been a new approach to research in sound. Scientists have been able to make far-reaching discoveries in many fields of acoustics B _____ .

Foremost among the instruments that have revolutionized the study of acoustics are electronic sound-level meters also known as sound meters and sound-intensity meters. These are effective devices that first convert sound waves into weak electric signals, then amplify the signals through electronic means C ______ . The intensity of a sound is measured in units called decibels. “Zero” sound is the faintest sound D ______ . The decibel measures the ratio of the intensity of a given sound to the standard “zero” sound. The decibel scale ranges from 0 to 130. An intensity of 130 decibels is perceived not only as a sound, but also E ______ . The normal range of painlessly audible sounds for the average human ear is about 120 decibels. For forms of life other than ourselves, the range can be quite different.

The ordinary sound meter measures the intensity of a given sound, rather than its actual loudness. Under most conditions, however, it is a quite good indicator of loudness. Probably the loudest known noise ever heard by human ears was that of the explosive eruption in August, 1883, of the volcano of Krakatoa in the East Indies. No electronic sound meters, of course, were in existence then, but physicists estimate that the sound at its source must have had an intensity of 190 decibels, F ______ .

and finally measure them.
since it was heard 3,000 miles away.
and they have been able to put many of these discoveries to practical use.
that loud sound is of high intensity.
as they study mechanical forces.
as a painful sensation in the ear.
that the unaided human ear can detect.

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
5	3	1	7	6	2

Task 22

Chocolate

Chocolate is made from a number of raw and processed foods produced from the seeds of tropical cacao trees. Cacao has been cultivated in A ______ at least 3000 years. For most of this time it was made into a drink called, in translation — “bitter water”. This is because В ______ to be fermented to develop a palatable flavour. After fermentation the beans are dried and roasted and the shell is removed to produce cacao nibs. These are then ground and liquefied into chocolate liquor. The liquor is then processed into cocoa solids or cocoa butter. Pure chocolate contains primarily cocoa solids and butter in different proportions. Much of С ______ with added sugar. Milk chocolate is sweetened chocolate that additionally contains either milk powder or condensed milk. White chocolate on the other D ______ is therefore not a true chocolate. Chocolate contains theobromine and phenethylamine which have physiological effects on the body. It is similar to serotonin levels in the brain. Scientists claim E ______ , can lower blood pressure. Recently, dark chocolate has also been promoted for its health benefits. But pet owners should remember that the presence of theobromine makes it toxic to cats and dogs. Chocolate is now one F______ , although 16 of the top 20 chocolate consuming countries are in Europe. Also interesting is that 66% of world chocolate is consumed between meals.

the chocolate consumed today is made
that chocolate, eaten in moderation
central and southern America for
of the world’s most popular flavours
hand contains no cocoa solids and
cacao seeds are intensely bitter and have
many countries worldwide at

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
3	6	1	5	2	4

Task 23

Reality TV

Reality TV seems to dominate broadcasting these days. But what is it, how did it emerge and why on earth is it so popular? The first question is easily answered. Reality TV A ______ presents unscripted, dramatic or humorous situations or events. It can involve celebrities В ______ of the public. Reality TV has been gradually growing in importance for over 60 years. “Candid Camera” — the show that filmed ordinary people reacting to set ups and pranks — started in 1948. Some people, however, believe it was the Japanese with their awful shows in the 1980s and 90s that brought reality TV to centre stage. Others believe С ______ that is called “Big Brother” was the show that spawned the reality TV age. But why are the shows so popular? Different theories come to life. Some believe that it is D ______ we like to watch horrible behaviour: the same instinct that once inspired the ancient Romans to go and watch gladiators destroy each other at the Coliseum. Others suggest a kind of voyeurism is involved there — an unhealthy curiosity to spy on other people’s lives.

Whatever the real reason — the trend seems to have already peaked. A lot of such shows E ______ or are expected to go in the near future. And the replacement seems to be talents shows — watching competitions in dance, singing and general entertainment. Does it mean that people are changing? It is too early to say. Most agree that these F ______ .

due to basic human instinct that
is still early to judge
are simply the cycles of fashion
but more usually the stars are members
that the television phenomenon
is a type of programme that
seem to have disappeared

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
6	4	5	1	7	3

Task 24

Mikhail Lomonosov and Moscow State University

Mikhail Lomonosov was one of the intellectual titans of XVIII century. His interests ranged from history, rhetoric, art and poetry A ______ . Alexander Pushkin described him as В ______ , whose lifelong passion was learning.

Lomonosov’s activity is a manifestation of the enormous potential of the Russian scientific community. Peter I reformed Russia, which allowed the country to reach the standard of С ______ many spheres. Great importance was placed on education. St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences, founded by Peter I, established a university and a grammar school to educate intellectuals and researchers the country needed; however, these educational establishments could not fulfill the task they took on. It was Michail Lomonosov D ______ of establishing a university in Moscow. An influential courtier and the E ______ Count Shuvalov supported Lomonosov’s plans for a new university and presented them to the Empress.

In 1755, on 25 January-St. Tatiana’s Day according to the Russian Orthodox Church calendar — Elizaveta signed the decree that a university should be founded in Moscow. The opening ceremony took place on 26 April, when Elizaveta’s coronation day was celebrated. Since 1755 25 January and 26 April F ______ Moscow University; the annual conference where students present the results of their research work is traditionally held in April.

who suggested in his letter to Count Shuvalov the idea
to mechanics, chemistry and mineralogy
a person of formidable willpower and keen scientific mind
favourite of Empress Elizaveta Petrovna, the patron of arts and science
the contemporary European powers in
are marked by special events and festivities at
famous among all educated people

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
2	3	5	1	4	6

Task 25

Window Shopping

The day would be spent with my best friends Kath and Kate. We are actually three Catherines (by birth spelt with a C), A______ we are all K’s: Kat (that’s me), Kath and Kate — the 3K Window Shopping gang!

Window shopping is simply wonderful. You can look at any outfit. You can try on В ______ not a single item on sale for which the price is a problem. You will try something on, ponder, pout, twirl, think hard, check yourself in the mirror one last time and finally reflect С ______ right for you! The highlight of this regular adventure however, is generally the 3K chocolate and ice cream break in the Shopping Centre’s top floor cafii Of course we do not believe that we are wasting anyone’s time. We do D ______ as well, but a reliable equation for us is — 3Ks + shopping mall = a good time.

But E ______ out to be especially memorable. One of the stores had a questionnaire lottery with the first prize being a voucher worth £200. We filled in the question forms while in the cafiiand returned to the store by their 2.00pm deadline. Kate won the first prize but we had decided in advance that if any of us won something, we would share equally: All for one К and one for all! At this point our morning of window shopping paid off. We completed F ______ slightly less than 10 minutes: three skirts, three hats and three belts and three very OK, K’s.

not like to spend our time
that it’s probably not quite
that particular day turned
our real shopping in
sometimes go shopping for real
anything you want and there is
but when we are together

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
7	6	2	5	3	4

Task 26

The Hotel

“Have you stayed with us before sir?” asked the receptionist. His accent sounded middle-European; Czech possibly or Polish. Actually I hadn’t stayed at this particular hotel before A ______ to many others from the same chain that I had stayed at. “No — first time” I replied with unnecessary brevity. The thing is I always feel В ______ rather than treated as an individual. Every word that I was about to hear, I had heard before — delivered no doubt from the depths of a tourism and hospitality course. “Welcome to Newcastle sir. Is this your first visit to our city? Can I trouble you to complete this form? Actually the first two lines and the signature at the bottom will do. Would you like С ______ , Sir? This will automatically unlock room facilities like mini-bar and telephone and any other extras you may require. Can I see your passport sir?” The questions and information D ______ responses were actually required and I handed over my passport, credit card and partly filled out form. I was tempted to write under name and address “Donald Duck, Duck Towers, Disney Street” — E ______ ever read the form again. But being a creature of habit I wrote my real name and address. While my card was being processed I looked across the reception area through the wall height windows to the beautiful River Tyne. A wave of nostalgia came over me. It was good to be back. I found myself thinking about her again and wondering F ______ a voice broke in: “It’s a plastic key card sir. You also need it to activate the lift and when you get to your room, plug it into the switch on the left as you open the door. It will automatically supply electricity to the room. Any help with your baggage? No? Then enjoy your stay”. The accomplished young Pole smiled as he delivered the final command and duly processed, I proceeded to the card activated lift.

me to take a print of your credit card
points poured out smoothly, no verbal
if I would even see her when
although it seemed virtually identical
so sure was I that nobody would
me to help you with your luggage
as if I am being processed like a product

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
4	7	1	2	5	3

Task 27

Lindsay Wildlife Museum

Lindsay Wildlife Museum is a unique natural history and environmental education centre where visitors can listen to the cry of a red-tailed hawk, go eye-to-eye with a grey fox and watch a bald eagle eat lunch. More than fifty species of native California animals are on exhibit here.

Thousands of school children learn about the natural environment in their classrooms A ____ of the museum. Nature- and science- oriented classes and trips are offered for adults and children. More than 600 volunteers help to feed and care for wild animals, В _____. Volunteers are active in the museum’s work, contributing С ____.

The museum was founded by a local businessman, Alexander Lindsay. Sandy, as friends knew him, started teaching neighborhood children about nature in the early 1950s. Initially housed in an elementary school, the museum began offering school-aged children summer classes, D ____.

After nearly a decade of the museum operation, it became apparent E ____. With a new 5,000 square-foot home, the museum could now develop and display a permanent collection of live, native wildlife and natural history objects. People came to the museum for help with wild animals F ___ urban growth. In response, a formal wildlife rehabilitation programme — the first of its kind in the United States of America — began in 1970.

that a permanent, year-round site was necessary
as well as field trips focused on the natural world
many hours of service to wildlife care and fundraising
that had been injured or orphaned because of intense
that needed public attention and a new building
as well as teach children and adults about nature
through education programmes and on-site tours

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
7	6	3	2	1	4

Task 28

America’s fun place on America’s main street

If any city were considered a part of every citizen in the United States, it would be Washington, DC. To many, the Old Post Office Pavilion serves A ____. If you are in the area, be a part of it all by visiting us — or В ____. Doing so will keep you aware of the latest musical events, great happenings and international dining, to say the least.

Originally built in 1899, the Old Post Office Pavilion embodied the modern spirit С ____. Today, our architecture and spirit of innovation continues to evolve and thrive. And, thanks to forward-thinking people, you can now stroll through the Old Post Office Pavilion and experience both D ____ with international food, eclectic shopping and musical events. All designed to entertain lunch, mid-day and after work audiences all week long.

A highlight of the Old Post Office Pavilion is its 315-foot Clock Tower. Offering a breath-taking view of the city, National Park Service Rangers give free Clock Tower tours every day! Individuals and large tour groups are all welcome. The Old Post Office Clock Tower also proudly houses the official United States Bells of Congress, a gift from England E ____. The Washington Ringing Society sounds the Bells of Congress every Thursday evening and on special occasions.

Visit the Old Post Office Pavilion, right on Pennsylvania Avenue between the White House and the Capitol. It is a great opportunity F ____, this is a landmark not to be missed no matter your age.

that are offered to the visitors
its glamorous past and fun-filled present
as a landmark reminder of wonderful experiences
by joining our e-community
that was sweeping the country
celebrating the end of the Revolutionary War
to learn more about American history

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
3	4	5	2	6	7

Task 29

Number of teenagers with Saturday job drops

The number of teenagers with Saturday jobs has dropped. Young people do not acquire any experience for their CVs — a crucial step towards getting full-time work. The proportion of teenagers combining part-time jobs with school or college has slumped from 40% in the 1990s to around 20% now, according to the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES), a government agency. Latest figures show that only A ____ in 1997.

The trend is not just recession-related, but the result of an increasing expectation В ____ well as a falling number of Saturday jobs, according to the report. Many of the jobs that young people do, such as bar work, are in long-term decline, and are forecast to decline further over the next decade.

«Recruiters place significant emphasis on experience С ____,» the report says. Word of mouth is the most common way to get a job, D _____ young people are unable to build up informal contacts, it adds.

Ms. Todd, a commissioner at the UKCES, said: «There’s more emphasis on doing well at school, young people are finding less time to do what they would have done a few years ago.» «I think it’s also the changing structure of the labour market. Retail is still a big employer, E ____. As a consequence, we need to think about how we get young people the work experience they need.»

A new initiative to send employees into state schools to talk about their careers was also launched recently. The scheme, Inspiring the Future, is meant to give state schoolchildren access to the kind of careers advice that private schools offer. The deputy prime minister said: «The power of making connections F ____ and can be life-changing.»

that it was researching the system of funding education after 16
260,000 teenagers have a Saturday job compared with 435,000
but young people are leaving education increasingly less experienced
that inspire young people is immeasurable
but an increasing shortage of work experience means
that young people should stay on at school, as
but a lot more of it is being done online

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
2	6	3	5	7	4

Task 30

Lots of fun in Cardiff

As you would expect of a capital city, Cardiff offers a huge choice of exciting sport and entertainment throughout the year.

Every March the city celebrates St. David, Wales’ patron saint, with parades and music. August sees the International Festival of Street Entertainment, with the heart of the city A ____. Family fun days in the parks and at the waterfront are part of this sensational summer scene. Brass and military bands are often to be seen on Cardiff s streets. Between May and October the world’s only seagoing paddle steamer cruises from Cardiff’s seaside resort.

In autumn the fun continues with Cardiff s Festival of the Arts В _____. Music is at the centre of the festival, with international stars С ____. Christmas in Cardiff is full of colour and festivities. The truly spectacular Christmas illuminations have earned Cardiff the title of «Christmas City». And there is entertainment for all the family, D ____.

There is always something happening in Cardiff. The BBC National Orchestra of Wales and Welsh National Opera can both be heard here. Cardiff previews many London «West End» shows E _____.

The city’s range of accommodation facilities is truly impressive, F ____. And with a city as compact as Cardiff there are places to stay in all price brackets.

from international names to family-run guest houses
joining some of Wales’ most talented musicians
having their summer holidays in Cardiff
that usually attract hundreds of theatre lovers
which features music, film, literature and graphics
from pantomimes to Christmas tree celebrations
beating with dance and theatrical performances

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
7	5	2	6	4	1

Task 31

Changing image

For more than 200 years Madame Tussaud’s has been attracting tourists from all over the world and it remains just as popular as it ever was. There are many reasons for this enduring success, but at the heart of it all is good, old-fashioned curiosity.

Madame Tussaud’s original concept has entered a brand new era of interactive entertainment A _____. Today’s visitors are sent on a breathtaking journey in black cabs through hundreds of years of the past. They have a unique chance to see the great legends of history, В _____ of politics.

Much of the figure construction technique follows the traditional pattern, beginning whenever possible with the subject С _____ and personal characteristics. The surprising likeliness of the wax portraits also owes much to many stars D _____, either by providing their stage clothes, or simply giving useful advice.

The museum continues constantly to add figures E ____ popularity. The attraction also continues to expand globally with established international branches in New York, Hong Kong, Amsterdam and many other cities. And they all have the same rich mix of interaction, authenticity and local appeal.

The museum provides a stimulating and educational environment for schoolchildren. Its specialists are working together with practicing teachers and educational advisors to create different programmes of activities, F ____.

as well as resources on art, technology and drama
as well as the idols of popular music and the icons
who is sitting to determine exact measurements
ranging from special effects to fully animated figures
ranging from all kinds of souvenirs to sports equipment
that reflect contemporary public opinion and celebrity
who are eager to help in any possible way they can

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
4	2	3	7	6	1

Task 32

Saturday jobs: memories of weekend working

Research has shown a sharp fall in the number of teenagers who do Saturday jobs. It seems such a shame — my Saturday job as a kitchen porter was something of a rite of passage. I’ll never forget long hours A _____, scouring grease off huge saucepans and griddles. Working atmosphere there helped me grow a thicker skin, develop quicker banter and, most importantly, taught me the value of hard work. It also resulted in a steady supply of cash, В ____. I’m not the only one who has strong memories of weekend work. DJ Trevor Nelson said everyone should be able to have a Saturday job: «It taught me a lot, С ____.»

The link between the type of Saturday job a celebrity performed and their later career is sometimes obvious. Dragon’s Den star and businessman Peter Jones, for example, showed early promise by starting his own business. «I passed my Lawn Tennis Association coaching exam, D ____,» he explains. «At the start I was coaching other kids, E ____, for which I could charge £25-30 an hour. While my friends on milk rounds were getting £35 a week, I was doing five hours on a Saturday and earning four times as much.»

Skier Chemmy Alcott got a job working for the Good Ski Guide, on the advertising side. «It became clear to me what my personal value to companies could be. It led directly to me finding my head sponsor … and it offered me an eight-year contract. That gave me the financial backing F ____.»

As part of its response to the Saturday job statistics, the UK Commission for Employment and Skills said a lack of early work opportunities makes it harder for young people to acquire experience for their СVs.

and things would be different if everyone was given the chance
which let me know he approved of me
and I persuaded my local club to let me use a court on Saturdays
which I needed to become a professional skier
which I would happily spend as I liked
that I spent in the kitchen of a busy country pub in East Sussex
but soon I got adults wanting to book lessons

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
6	5	1	3	7	4

Task 33

Orient Express

In the early 1860s, trains were the preferred way to travel. They weren’t particularly comfortable, however, until American engineer George Mortimer Pullman decided to make trains more luxurious.

By the late 1860s, trains furnished not only sleeping cars, but kitchen and dining facilities, where A _____. This was innovative for the time, and was aimed to encourage people В _____. The first of these Pullman trains in England ran from London to Brighton and used electricity for illumination.

In 1881, another railway entrepreneur, George Nagelmacker, introduced the use of a restaurant car onboard, and the first Orient Express train service was begun. Running from Paris to Romania the route included Strasbourg, Vienna, Budapest and Bucharest.

Thanks to the 12 mile Simplon Tunnel, С _____, the Orient Express expanded, including a route to Istanbul, and the legendary romance of the Orient Express was in full swing.

Everyone in the social register, including royalty, chose to travel on the wheels of that luxury hotel D _____ in wealthy surroundings. Legends, stories, and intrigue surrounded those trips to exotic places, and those famous people E _____.

Unfortunately, during World War II this luxury travel was closed for the most part, and later, after the war, F ____ to start it again. Within the next few years airplane travel became popular, and train passenger service declined.

elegant meals were served to passengers
to use trains for long distance travel and vacations
who rode the train
who wrote about it
which connected Switzerland and Italy
that served dishes and wines
there was no money

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
1	2	5	6	3	7

Task 34

Arizona’s world class cruise

Spectacular Canyon Lake is situated in the heart of the Superstition Mountains in Arizona, giving home to the Dolly Steamboat. The Dolly Steamboat, A ____, now cruises the secluded inner waterways of this beautiful lake. It is worth exploring this favourite destination of President Theodore Roosevelt who declared, «The Apache Trail and surrounding area combines the grandeur of the Alps, the glory of the Rockies, the magnificence of the Grand Canyon and then adds something В ____.» You will marvel as you travel up to the national forest, which provides the most inspiring and beautiful panorama С ____. Every trip brings new discoveries of rock formations, geological history, and the flora and fauna distinct to the deserts of Arizona.

Once aboard the Dolly Steamboat, you may view the majestic desert big horn sheep, bald eagles and a host bird of other wildlife, water fowl, D ____. Experience the unique sound harmony that is created by the waters of Canyon Lake. Stretch out and relax at one of the tables or stand next to the railings on the deck. There is plenty of leg room on the Dolly. You will get a unique chance to listen to the captain E ____.

All the passengers are treated with outstanding service and personal attention to every need. Feel free to ask questions, move about and mingle with the crew. So enjoy an unforgettable vacation cruise and see F ____ ,like a ride on Arizona’s Dolly Steamboat.

that nature has ever created in the wild
that none of the others have
hovering over the magnificent lake
who retells the legends of the mysterious past
for yourself why there is nothing quite
who pays much attention to children’s safety
continuing a tradition of cruising since 1925

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
7	2	1	3	4	5

Task 35

US Congress

The Congress of the United States of America is an important part of the US federal government.

It is an assembly of elected representatives A ____ but not to select the chief executive of the nation; that individual is elected by the people.

Congress is not a single organization; it is a vast and complex collection of organizations B ____ and through which members of Congress form alliances.

C ____, in which political parties are the only important kind of organization, parties are only one of many important units in Congress.

In fact other organizations have grown in number D ____.

The Democrats and Republicans in the House and the Senate are organized by party leaders, E ____ within the House and Senate. The party structure is essentially the same in the House as in the Senate, though the titles of various posts are different.

But leadership carries more power in the House than in the Senate because of the House rules. F _____, the House must restrict debate and schedule its business with great care; thus leaders who do the scheduling and who determine how the rules shall be applied usually have substantial influence.

as party influence has declined
against the spirit of the Constitution
being so large (435 members)
empowered to make laws
unlike the British Parliament
by which the business of Congress is carried on
who in turn are elected by the full party membership

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
4	6	5	1	7	3

Task 36

The Trailblazers

In the early 1800s, the area that would become the western United States was completely undeveloped.

Explorers, hunters, traders, and settlers had to blaze their own trails. A____ to move possessions and supplies became common place.

Manifest Destiny was the belief that Americans had a God-given right to take over the continent. As they moved west, settlers used this policy B_____ to new people and territories.

Trails increased trade opportunities between western and eastern regions, and the U.S. economy prospered C_____ on each other for goods.

To achieve Manifest Destiny, the United States purchased land from other countries or conquered territory D_____ until its borders stretched from coast to coast.

More than one-half million people chose to travel West on trails between 1800 and 1870, E_____.

As new technology spread across the West, however, the use of trails came to an end. The railroads built thousands of miles of tracks, and, F ____, a cheap, relatively safe, and quick way to transport people and supplies to western areas existed.

to spread U.S. ideas and government
for the first time in history
thus replacing them forever
as territories became interdependent
the use of covered wagons
by taking land from Native peoples
forming the largest mass migration in history

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
5	1	4	6	7	2

Task 37

A Young Mayor

This is a very unusual case, but as you will see, unusual doesn’t mean impossible.

An 18-year-old school girl has become the youngest mayor of a British town in history. Amanda Bracebridge, A_____, won leadership of Clun village council in a dramatic election last night. The tiny village only has 122 voters and Amanda won the election by just two votes from the only other candidate, 69-year-old Fred Gardner of the Conservative party. Amanda, B _____, was an independent candidate. She was surprised by her success, C _____. “My election promise was to make sure D _____,” she told us. She was referring to the plans from a large company to buy up farmland and build flats there. “We live in one of the most beautiful villages in Shropshire and I want to make sure it stays that way.”

Amanda, who is in her last year at nearby Bishop’s Castle High School, E _____ and her exams which she takes in two months. “It’s going to be a pretty busy few months,” she said. “But when the exams are over I will be able to concentrate completely on helping my village”.

Amanda had plans to go to university but is now going to start a year later F _____. “I’ve talked to Leeds University and they say my place will wait for me”. And what is she going to study? Politics? “No, actually, I am going to do sociology and economics”.

who is not a member of any political party
that our village would be protected from outside interests
but it was not a total shock to her
being a politics student at the university
so she can do her job as mayor properly
who is only just old enough to vote herself
will have to find time for her work as mayor

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
6	1	3	2	7	5

Task 38

Is there enough to say?

They only appeared about ten years ago but already they are everywhere, everyone’s got one. They are the wonder of the modern age — mobile phones, or cell phones, A ____. Apparently, mobile phones are now used by about 2.5 billion people worldwide, and about one billion new mobile phones are sold every year worldwide. Go back to 1997, and only 100 million were sold. As we can see, the mobile phone business B_____.

And the developments keep on coming. Once we could only make phone calls; now mobile phones C_____ and do many other useful things. Once we had to hold our mobile phones in our hand; now we can use throat microphones. What next? We are told that soon, tiny microphones will be implanted into our lips. We’ll be able to dial numbers just by saying them.

But surely we need to ask ourselves: What’s good about this? OK, we can talk to other people almost all the time now — but is that so great? Watch and listen to people when a plane has landed. Anxious D _____, dial a number, and then: “It’s me, I’m here. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.” Is this communication? Is this what all these years of technology have brought us to?

In the early days of communication there were letters. When they arrived at your house, you knew they had been delivered by a man E _____.

In those days, people would think very hard before they wrote a letter. You had to have a good reason to write — communication was serious. Now it’s not — people phone each other F ____. Once the phone was a way for people far away from each other to talk — now it’s just an excuse to talk.

has been developed very quickly
not understand why they are doing it for
as Americans call them
riding halfway across the country on a horse
just because they can
can also be used to take and send photos
fingers immediately switch on the mobile phone

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
3	1	6	7	4	5

Task 39

Promoting language learning

The European Union (EU) is committed to supporting the rights of its citizens to personal and professional mobility, and their ability to communicate with each other. It does so by A_____ to promote the teaching and learning of European languages. These programmes have at least one thing in common: they cover cross-border projects involving partners from two, and often three or more, EU countries.

The EU programmes are designed to complement the national education policies of member countries. Each government is responsible for its own national education policy, B_____. What the EU programmes do is to create links between countries and regions via joint projects, C____.

Since 2007 the main programmes have been put under the overall umbrella of the EU’s lifelong learning programme. All languages are eligible for support under this programme: official languages, regional, minority and migrant languages, D____. There are national information centres in each country, E_____.

The cultural programmes of the EU also promote linguistic and cultural diversity in a number of ways. The “Media” programme funds the dubbing and subtitling of European films for F ____. The “Culture” programme builds cross-cultural bridges by supporting the translation of modern authors into other EU languages.

and the languages of the EU’s major trading partners
which includes language teaching and learning
cinemas and television in other EU countries
which enhance the impact of language teaching and learning
funding a number of educational programmes
and encouraging people to learn new languages
where details about the application procedures are given

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
5	2	4	1	7	3

Task 40

Starting your own business

What are the reasons for starting your own business? One of them is because you believe you are the best in that line or because you have a product or service that has never been offered to the market before. Another is that you are a person in a real hurry and cannot suffer the A_____ to reach your goals. Sometimes it is because you have an inheritance B_____ soon after you set up a business or that there already is a cash purse with loose strings and you want to make the best of this bonanza.

If your reasons are any or all of the above, abandon the thought right now and save yourself the disillusionment C____ into the world of commerce.

Start your own business just for the sake of doing a trade, or for D____. Do not burden yourself with lofty notions of superiority when compared to your peers. When setting out to start your own business, be emotional about it, but not impractical; don’t be led by your heart, but be dictated by your mind.

Having covered those parts that are not taught in a business school, let us look at E____ your own business. You should start with a SWOT analysis – strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats – analyze these for yourself, for partners in your business, if any, and for the business itself.

If the result of the analysis is encouraging, then prepare a business plan. It is like a road map for actions in the near foreseeable future to achieve your business goals. Finally, execute the business plan with precision; tweak it as you go along, only so that it helps to meet the end goal of successfully F_____ the business.

the essentials of starting
that awaits when you step
trials and tribulations of employment
establishing and conducting
preparing a business plan
waiting to be acquired
undertaking the commercial activity

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
3	6	2	7	1	4

Task 41

Archaeology done underwater

Nautical archaeology is the science of finding, collecting, preserving, and studying human objects that have become lost or buried under water. It is a fairly modern field of study since it depends on having the technology to be able to remain underwater for some time to do real work. Whether it is conducted in freshwater or in the sea, A____, nautical archaeology is another way of learning more about the human past.

Although some use the words nautical archaeology to mean a specialized branch of underwater archaeology, B____, most consider the term to mean the same as the words underwater archaeology or marine

archaeology. All of these interchangeable terms mean simply C_____.

Once real trade began, it is safe to say D_____ was probably transported over water at some point in time. By studying submerged objects, we can learn more about past human cultures. In fact, studying ancient artifacts is the only way to learn anything about human societies E_____. Being able to examine the actual objects made and used by ancient people not only adds to the written records they left behind, but allows us to get much closer to the reality of what life was like when they lived. Also, if we pay close attention to how the objects were made and used, we begin to get a more realistic picture of F_____.

that existed long before the invention of writing
that nearly every object made by humans
what those people were really like
which is concerned only with ships and the history of seafaring
that it is the study of archaeology done underwater
and whether it finds sunken ships or old cities
and what was discovered underwater

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
6	4	5	2	1	3

Task 42

Visiting the Royal Parks

London has a well-deserved reputation as one of the greenest cities in Europe, with a huge number of open spaces across the center of the city. Tourists A_____ can always relax in a lovely, quiet London park.

The Royal Parks, such as St James’s, Green Park, the Regent’s Park, Hyde Park, Richmond, Greenwich, Bushy Park and Kensington Gardens, are beautifully maintained and popular with locals and visitors alike. Many are former hunting estates of English monarchs, preserved as open space B______. They are ideal places to relax and sunbathe in summer, enjoy gorgeous flower beds in spring C_____.

The Royal Parks provide fantastic green routes in London D______ and through some of the most attractive areas of the capital. Picnics in the parks are also a popular activity especially during the busy summer months.

Dogs are welcome in all the Royal Parks, although there are some places E_____. These are clearly indicated within each park and are usually ecologically sensitive sites, children’s play areas, restaurants, cafes and some sports areas. Ground nesting birds are particularly sensitive to disturbance by dogs and people. So it is necessary to observe the warning signs F____. In Bushy Park and Richmond Park dogs should be kept away from the deer.

The Royal Parks are for everyone to enjoy.

that are displayed during the nesting season
while the city has grown up around them
and admire the changing leaves as autumn arrives
where they are not allowed or should be kept on a lead
who are tired of the noise, crowds and excitement of sightseeing
who does not know the route to the place of destination
that take cyclists away from traffic

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
5	2	3	7	4	1

Task 43

The Survival of the Welsh Language

Wales is a small country of just over 3 million people, on the north west seaboard of Europe. Despite many historical incursions of other peoples, particularly the English, it has preserved its ancient Celtic language, A_____. Welsh is habitually spoken by about 10% of the people, half understood by a further 10%, and not spoken at all by the majority in this ‘bilingual’ society.

Up to the First World War most people were Welsh speaking, especially in the mountains of North Wales. The English-speaking areas were along the more fertile coastal plains. On the whole there was an easy tolerance of the two languages, B______.

By 1919 there was a considerable drop in Welsh speakers. This was due to the large flows of capital investment from England into the South Wales coalfield, C_____.

Now, D_____, commerce and everyday business were carried out in English.

In the rural mountain areas 80% to 85% of the population were Welsh speakers, E ____. However, in the coalfield country of Glamorgan 70% spoke English only, and in its neighbour border county the figure was over 90%.

By 1931 the number of people able to speak Welsh in the whole of Wales had fallen to 37% of the population, F ____. It continued to drop and reached its lowest – 18.6% — in the 1990s. But by the start of the 21st century, numbers had begun to increase again and reached 21.7% in 2004!

as well as education and the law
the only one of a number of allied languages that remain
with radio and the English press further speeding the decline
many being able to speak Welsh only
where Welsh was studied as language and literature in an academic manner
apart from the fact that Welsh was not permitted to be used at all in the schools
bringing a flood of immigrant labour from all over Britain

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
2	6	7	1	4	3

Task 44

Secrets of Long Life

There are places in the world where people live longer than anywhere else. The remote Japanese island of Okinawa is one of these places. While the lifespan in Britain is 77 years for men and 81 for women, Okinawa has a population of about one million, of which 900 are centenarians — A_____ in Britain or the USA. So what is their secret of long life?

«The calendar may say they’re 80, but their body says they’re 60,» says Bradley Willcox, a scientist researching the extraordinary phenomenon. The research has shown hormonal differences between Okinawans and B____ but their longevity has been linked to diet. They eat more tofu and soya than any other people in the world and also enjoy a range of different fruit and vegetables, all rich in anti-oxidants. But the most significant thing isn’t what they eat but how much. The Okinawans C_____ known as ‘hara hachi bu’, which translates as ‘eat until you are only 80 % full’.

Scientists refer to this way of eating as ‘caloric restrictions’. No-one knows exactly why it works, but scientists believe it D_____ that there is the danger of famine. This in turn E_____ and so may lead to better preservation and slower aging.

«It’s a stark contrast with the cultural habits that drive food consumption in F____ » says Mr. Willcox. If we look at high streets and supermarkets in most other countries, you will see that he is right. Restaurants offer all-you-can-eat menus and supersize portions. Supermarkets are full of special offers encouraging us to buy more food than we need.

make it a healthy diet
other parts of the world
four times higher than the average
have a cultural tradition
sends a signal to the body
the rest of the population
makes the body protect itself

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
3	6	4	5	7	2

Task 45

Beaches of Portugal

Covering more than 850 km, the Portuguese coast boasts such a large number of fine, white sandy beaches that it is almost impossible to keep count. All bathed by the Atlantic Ocean and all different, their beauty is hard to describe, so there is nothing better A _____.

The most famous are in the Algarve. With three thousand hours of sun per year and warm waters, there are beaches to suit every taste and many dreamlike resorts. The choices are many, from sandy stretches extending as far as the eye can see B ______, the trade image of the region. They are always accompanied by a calm clear sea, C_____.

In Costa da Caparica, the beaches are particularly dear to Lisbonites D _____ for sun and sea bathing. There are deserted beaches here too, of a wild beauty, E ____ nature. In the centre, tourists will find very wide sandy stretches, to which traditional fishing adds a picturesque touch. And further north, the colder waters and the invigorating sea are tempered by the welcoming atmosphere and the clean air of the mountains and the forests.

Despite all their differences, all beaches share one thing – quality. They are safe and offer a wide range of support and recreational services, F ____. And a large number of Portuguese beaches are granted the European blue flag every year, a distinction that is a sign of their excellent conditions.

where one can enjoy close contact with
which meet every need of their users
than to discover them once for oneself
who has never been to this wonderful city
which is ideal for various water sports
to the smaller coves, sheltered by huge cliffs
who have different options around the capital

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
3	6	5	7	1	2

Task 46

The Joy of Reading

Have you ever wondered why people read? Why reading is one of the few things A _____ for thousands of years? Even before reading became available to the general public, stories were told around campfires, passed down from generation to generation.

First of all, stories are a good way to escape from your ordinary life, to get immersed in another world, if only for a little time. While reading, you can imagine yourself in different situations B _____, but in the moment that doesn’t matter. Whether you’re suffering from depression or are just bored, reading is a great distraction.

Similarly, another reason people are attracted to stories, is because they are lonely, very often they feel as if they are the only ones in the world C _____. Identifying with a fictional character can make a big difference in helping a person understand D _____.

Other people read because it can be a good way to relax. It can be very nice to sit down and enjoy a good plot unfold, to watch the actions of fictional characters from the side, and to see the consequences of these actions, E ____.

Lastly, people read because it is the easiest way to gain knowledge in a certain area. Instead of finding a teacher, you can just find a book, sit down, and spend a few hours reading. This way you can study wherever you want, whenever you want F _____.

There are countless books in the world, and whoever you are, whatever you’re feeling, there is definitely a book out there, just waiting for you to discover it.

try to avoid the boredom of life
that has consistently remained part of society
that they are not alone
going through something difficult
without having to bear any responsibility
that range from unlikely to impossible
at your own pace

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
2	6	4	3	5	7

Task 47

Peter and Paul Fortress

The Peter and Paul Fortress in St. Petersburg, located on small Hare Island, is the historic core of the city. The history of St. Petersburg begins with the history of the fortress.

Since 1700 Russia had been fighting the Northern War against Sweden. By 1703 the lands by the Neva River were conquered. To protect them from the attacks of the Swedes it was necessary to build a strong outpost here. The fortress was founded on Hare Island 16 (27) May, 1703 by joint plan of Peter I and French engineer Joseph-Gaspard Lambert de Guerin. This day is well known A____.

The fortress stretches from west to east with six bastions B____. The Peter’s Gate on the east side, C____, has remained since the time of Peter I. The Peter and Paul Cathedral, D____ emperors and the monument of Russian baroque, was completed after the death of the emperor, in 1733. The weathervane as a golden angel with a cross, E____, is one of the main symbols of the city. On the opposite side of the cathedral, there is the Mint building, constructed in the time of Paul I by architect A. Porto. Coinage was moved to the fortress F____ in the time of Peter I. The Peter and Paul Fortress has never directly participated in any fighting. From the very beginning of its existence it was used as a political prison. Since 1924 the Peter and Paul Fortress has been a part of the Museum of the History of St. Petersburg.

as the day of the birth of St. Petersburg
which was designed by D. Trezzini
which was the burial place of Russian
and reminding of the rich history of the city
as the most protected part of the city
which is located on the spire of the cathedral
that are located at the corners

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
1	7	2	3	6	5

Task 48

Surviving in a Desert

A desert is defined as a place that gets less than 250 mm of rain each year. It differs sharply from the climate of a rain forest, A _____.

Arid desert lands cover about one third of the earth’s surface. Most deserts are covered with sand, B _____. There are also usually a lot of rocky areas. This combination of sand and rock means that the soil is not very fertile. C ____, some living things are able to do well in this setting. Many plants have changed and developed in ways D____. These changes have become apparent in a number of ways. Some plants are able to grow very quickly E____. They turn green and produce flowers within just a few days. Other desert plants simply stop growing in very dry weather. They appear to be dead, but when the rain returns, they come back to life and begin growing again.

Desert animals have also developed many characteristics that help them to survive in arid environment. Camels can go for a very long time without drinking. Other animals, such as snakes and rats, find cool places to sleep during the day and come out only at night. The extremely long ears of desert rabbits help them F_____. Changes like these have allowed some animals and plants to grow and develop successfully in a very challenging ecological system: the desert.

There are countless books in the world, and whoever you are, whatever you’re feeling, there is definitely a book out there, just waiting for you to discover it.

which is often in the form of hills called sand dunes
whenever it rains
to find water as far as 25 metres away
which can receive up to 10,000 mm of rain annually
to better distribute their body heat and stay cool
even though the desert environment is very dry and hot
that help them to live in the desert

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
4	1	6	7	2	5

Task 49

Nevsky Prospect

Nevsky Prospect is the main and most famous street of St. Petersburg. The unique architectural ensemble of Nevsky Prospect was formed during the 18th – early 20th centuries. It starts from the bank of the Neva River, runs through the centre of the city and ends at the Neva River. The whole history of St. Petersburg can be seen in the history of the avenue. Nevsky Prospect is 4.5 km long and 25-60 m wide. The narrowest section is located from the Admiralty to the Moika River, A_____.

After the construction of the Admiralty in 1704 and the Alexander Nevsky Monastery in 1710, it was decided to build a road B_____ each other and with the Novgorod Path, which was used by Russian merchants. The construction began on both sides at the same time, the roads were laid through the wood, and in 1760s they were connected into one road, C_____, but with a turn at the Vosstaniya Square. Nevsky Prospect got its name only in 1783. The road was paved with cobble stones, D_____. It was the first street in St. Petersburg with gas lighting. By the early 20th century Nevsky Prospect had become the financial centre of Russia E____ had their offices there.

Nowadays, Nevsky Prospect is the centre of cultural and social life of St. Petersburg. There are museums, theatres, exhibition halls, cinemas, restaurants, cafés, shops F____.

and hotels there or nearby the avenue
showing the original width of the avenue
which was not as straight as it was planned
which were built by famous architects and
connecting these two important structures with
and a few rows of trees were planted along the street
as the 40 largest banks of Russia, Europe and America

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
2	5	3	6	7	1

Task 50

Whales in a Noisy Ocean

Whales use sound in very different ways. Some whales produce songs that travel over vast distances. They also use echolocation, like bats, A _____. But other noise in the ocean creates a problem for the whales.

Since 1987, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has sent their research vessel Song of the Whale around the world B _____. During the travels, the Song of the Whale scientists have developed expertise C ____ to listen to and record the sounds that the animals make. Thishelps them to track, identify, and survey different species.

One of the threats facing whales and other marine animals is noise pollution in the seas, such as noise from drilling, military activities, oil exploration, and coastal construction. This noise can cause great distress to whales and dolphins and can D _____.

It is feared this noise pollution may cause mass strandings, E _____. If the Song of the Whale team can F ____, then hopefully the nature and location of disturbing noise can be changed.

in using underwater microphones
to locate food and find their way
result in injury and even death
track and identify their habitats
to filter out food from the water
to provide a platform for marine research
when large numbers come ashore

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
2	6	1	3	7	4

Task 51

Unique nature of Kamchatka

Kamchatka is a peninsula located in the north-eastern part of Russia. It is surrounded with the Okhotskoye Sea, the Beringovo Sea and the Pacific Ocean. This region has a very unique environment A_____ one is looking for picturesque views, unforgettable travels and unity with nature.

Kamchatka is famous for its volcanoes, B_____. Volcanoes are represented on Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the most eastern city in the northern hemisphere, coat of arms as well. There are more than 300 volcanoes

in Kamchatka, from 28 up to 36 of them are active, or potentially active. Kamchatka volcanoes are included in the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The region is also known C____ — rivers and lakes. Many Kamchatka rivers spring from mountain tops and glaciers, that is why they are very clean, and it is wonderful for those D_____. In general, there are up to 14 thousand rivers and streams, 100 thousand lakes and 414 glaciers in Kamchatka.

Kamchatka is a home to the Valley of Geysers, E_____ geysers in the world, after Icelandic geyser fields. It is not easily accessible, as long as it is too unique to be opened for tourists all the time. The Valley of Geysers’ ecosystem is very vulnerable, F_____ and regulate the visiting. In fact, the larger part of Kamchatka is preserved. There are many nature reserves and nature parks in Kamchatka.

which are depicted on most souvenirs there
so it is necessary to monitor it all the time
who love fishing, including Kamchatka bears
which has the second largest concentration of
to be a place of many water sources
to be a popular nature reserve and health resort
that makes it a place to visit when

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
7	1	5	3	4	2

Task 52

The life of Pi

«The Life of Pi» published in 2001 is the third book by the Canadian author Yann Martel. It has A_____, won several prizes and been translated into forty-one languages.

At the start of the book, we B____ in India. His father owns the city zoo and the family home is in the zoo. When they aren’t at school, Pi and his brother help their father at the zoo and he learns a lot about animals.

When Pi is sixteen, his parents decide to close the zoo and move to Canada. They travel by ship taking the animals with them. On the way, there is C_____. Sadly, Pi’s family and the sailors all die in the storm, but Pi lives and finds himself in a lifeboat with a hyena, zebra, orangutan and an enormous tiger. At first, Pi is scared of the animals and jumps into the ocean. Then he remembers there are sharks in the water and decides to climb back into the lifeboat. One by one, the animals in the lifeboat kill and eat each other, till only Pi and the tiger are left alive. Luckily for Pi, there is D_____, but he soon needs to start catching fish. He feeds the tiger to stop it killing and eating him. He also uses a whistle and E_____ and show it that he’s the boss.

Pi and the tiger spend 227 days in the lifeboat. They live through terrible storms and the burning heat of the Pacific sun. They are often hungry and ill. Finally, they arrive at the coast of Mexico, but you will have to F_____ in the end!

read the book to find out what happens
some food and water on the lifeboat
his knowledge of animals to control the tiger
received an award for being strong
sold seven million copies worldwide
learn about Pi’s childhood in Pondicherry
a terrible storm and the ship sinks

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
5	6	7	2	3	1

Task 53

Santa Claus

The man we know as Santa Claus has a history all to his own. Today, he is thought of mainly as the jolly man in red, but his story A_____ the 3rd century to a monk named St. Nicholas. It is believed that Nicholas was born sometime around 280 AD in modern-day Turkey. Much admired for his kindness, St. Nicholas B_____. It is said that he gave away all of his inherited wealth and traveled the countryside helping the poor and sick. Over the course of many years, Nicholas’s popularity spread and he became known as the protector of children and sailors. His feast day C_____ his death, December 6. This was traditionally considered a lucky day to make large purchases or to get married. By the Renaissance, St. Nicholas was the most popular saint in Europe.

St. Nicholas first D______ at the end of the 18th century. The name Santa Claus evolved from a Dutch shortened form of Sint Nikolaas. As his popularity grew, Sinter Klaas was described as everything from a jocker with a blue three-cornered hat, red waistcoat, and yellow stockings to a man wearing a broad-brimmed hat and a huge pair of Flemish trousers.

In the 19th centuries big stores E_____ using images of the newly-popular Santa Claus. In 1841, thousands of children visited a Philadelphia shop to see a life-size Santa Claus model. It F_____ before stores began to attract children, and their parents, with the lure of a peek at the “real-life” Santa Claus with his famous white beard and red gown.

began to advertise Christmas shopping
became the subject of many legends
began dressing up unemployed men in
is celebrated on the anniversary of
was only a matter of time
stretches all the way back to
appeared in American popular culture

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
6	2	4	7	1	5

Task 54

Welcome to the Smithsonian

When you visit any of the Smithsonian’s 19 museums and galleries or the National zoo, you are entering the largest museum complex in the world. This complex holds about 137 million unique objects in its trust for the American people.

The Smithsonian was established in 1846 with funds given to the United States by James Smithson, an English scientist. The main idea was to increase and spread knowledge for free. And now all Smithsonian institutions are still devoted to public education, A__________ history.

Ten Smithsonian museums and galleries are located in the centre of the U.S. capital. Six other museums and the National zoo are nearby in the Washington metropolitan area, B__________.

The 19th and the newest museum C__________ is the National Museum of African American history and culture. It is now operating in the form of a virtual museum. Its key feature is the memory book, D__________. These diverse memories are linked to each other and to the museum content, E__________.

The Smithsonian complex is home to the world’s foremost research centres in science, the arts and the humanities. Besides the basic research F__________, there are a number of special facilities. Conservation centre at the zoo studies rare and endangered species, environment centre carries out research in ecosystems in the coastal area.

that is carried on regularly in each of the museums
providing different materials in the arts, science and
placing a spotlight on people and events in African American history
that has been established within the Smithsonian complex
which allows website visitors to upload their own stories or images
and visitors can enjoy watching rare exhibits on
and two museums are situated in New York City

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
2	7	4	5	3	1

Task 55

National Gallery of Art

The National Gallery of Art was created in Washington D.C. for the people of the United States in 1937. It started with the gift of the financier and art collector A__________. His gift also included a building to house the new museum, to be constructed on the National Mall. Opened to the public in 1941, this grand building, B__________, was at the time the largest marble structure in the world.

The newly created National Gallery soon attracted similar gifts from hundreds of other collectors. This tradition of generosity continues to this day with gifts from private donors and artists C__________.

The gallery’s East building contains the collection of modern and contemporary painting, sculpture, D__________. The East and West buildings are connected by an underground tunnel with a moving walkway.

The National Gallery enjoys federal support, E__________, to fulfill its mission to exhibit and interpret great works of European and American art in the nation’s collection. Since its founding, federal funds have fostered the protection and care of the art collection and have supported the gallery’s work, ensuring F__________. Private funding helped to create a renowned collection of works of art and to construct the two landmark buildings. Private support makes possible to arrange a changing programme of special exhibitions.

which is now called the West building
that the gallery brings daily profit to the country
who are willing to share their possessions with the public
who presented old master paintings and sculptures to the country
as well as partnership with private organizations
that the gallery is open daily and free of charge
as well as an advanced research centre and an art library

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
4	1	3	7	5	6

Task 56

Healthy school meals

Children at Southdown Infants School in Bath enjoy tasty homemade meals such as roast turkey with fresh vegetables, chicken, salad and fresh fruit for pudding. Vegetables are A ____________. Instead of crisps, chocolate and sweets, the school canteen serves organic carrots, dried fruit and fresh seasonal fruit in bags for 10p, B ______________.

Southdown’s healthy eating initiative began four years ago with the start of a breakfast club.

Now Ms Culley, the head teacher of the school, says that the teachers very clearly see the link between diet and concentration. “Children’s concentration and behaviour C ______________.” The teachers would also like to give the children the experience of eating together. It turned out that some children weren’t used to that.

Pupils are also encouraged to find out more about where their food comes from by D ______________.

Parents are also involved and are invited in to try school dinners on special occasions, E _______________.

The efforts of staff, pupils and parents to create a healthy eating environment were recognized earlier this month F ______________ the Best School Dinner award.

Ms Culley said: “We are happy to win this award. Healthy eating is at the centre of everything we do. It’s really rewarding to see so many children enjoy real food.”

such as Easter and Christmas
visiting a local farm
local, fresh and organic where possible
provide good quality food
definitely improve after a good meal
and about 100 bags are sold each day
when the school was awarded

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
3	6	5	2	1	7

Task 57

Walking is not enough to keep fit

Walking may not be enough on its own to produce significant health benefits, research suggests. A team from Canada’s University of Alberta compared a 10,000-step exercise programme with a more traditional fitness regime of moderate intensity. Researchers found improvements A _______ were significantly higher in the second group. They told an American College of Sports Medicine meeting that gentle exercise was B __________. In total 128 people took C _________. The researchers assessed influence on fitness by measuring blood pressure and lung capacity. They found out the 10,000-step programme did help to get people motivated – and was an excellent way to start D _________. But to increase the effectiveness, some intensity must be added to their exercise. “Across your day, while you are achieving those 10,000 steps, take 200 to 400 of them at a faster pace. You’ve got to do more than light exercise and include regular moderate activity, and don’t be shy to have an occasional period of time at an energetic level.” The researchers were concerned there was too much focus E __________, rather than on its intensity.

Professor Stuart Biddle, an expert in exercise science at the University of Loughborough, said it was possible that the current guidelines on how much exercise to take were set too low. “However, you have got to find F ____. The harder you make it, the fewer people will actually do it.” Professor Biddle said there was no doubt that energetic exercise was the way to get fit, but volume rather than intensity might be more useful in tackling issues such as obesity.

part in the project
taking exercise
gave marked health benefits
in fitness levels
on simply getting people to take exercise
not enough to get fit
a compromise between physiology and psychology

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
4	6	1	2	5	7

Task 58

Double-decker Bus

A double-decker bus is a bus that has two levels. While double-decker long-distance buses are in widespread use around the world, A ____. Double-decker buses are popular in some European cities and in some parts of Asia, usually in former British colonies. Many towns around the world have a few that specialize in short sight-seeing tours for tourists because, as William Gladstone observed, «the way to see London is from the top of a ‘bus'».

Double-decker buses are taller than other buses. They are extensively used in the United Kingdom, B _____, removed from normal service in December 2005 — they still operate on heritage routes. Elsewhere in Europe, double-deckers are used throughout the Dublin Bus network in Ireland, where they are making a comeback on Dublin’s outer suburban routes and also the streets of Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford. They are a common sight in Berlin, where the BVG makes extensive use of them. Double-decker long-distance coaches are also in widespread use throughout Europe.

Most buses in Hong Kong and about half in Singapore are double-deckers as well. The only areas in North America that C _____ are the western Canadian province of British Columbia and the United States city of Las Vegas. They are currently being tested in Ottawa on the express routes. The city of Davis, California, in the United States uses vintage double-decker buses for public transport. Davis, California is also home to the first vintage double-decker bus converted from diesel gasoline to run on CNG. The city of Victoria, BC, the city of Vancouver, British Columbia, and a couple of others use Dennis Tridents. A few are also used as tour buses, especially in New York. Double-deckers are have also been used in Mumbai since 1937.

In Brazil, D _____, some companies use double-decker buses. Double-deckers are not a good option for use outside the towns (most roads in Brazil are in very poor condition), and E _____.

Double-decker buses are in widespread use in India in many of the major cities. Some double-decker buses F _____, with no roof and shallow sides. These are popular for sightseeing tours.

double-deckers are adored by thousands of tourists
use double-decker buses for public transport
double-decker city buses are less common
where perhaps the most famous was the London Routemaster
their use is being discouraged by transportation authorities
have an open upper deck
where buses are sometimes the only interstate transport

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
3	4	2	7	5	6

Task 59

Natural Links In a Long Chain of Being

I believe we are not alone.

Even if I am on the other side of the world from the farmhouse I live in, I still dream of the ancient vines out the window, and the shed out back that my grandfather’s father built in 1870 with eucalyptus trunks. As long as I can recreate these images, A ____.

All of us need some grounding in our modern world of constant moving, buying, selling, meeting and leaving. Some find constancy in religion, others in friends or community. But we need some daily signposts that we are not different, not better, B ____.

For me, this house, farm, these ancient vines are those roots. Although I came into this world alone and will leave alone, I am not alone.

There are ghosts of dozens of conversations in the hallways, stories I remember about buying new plows that now rust in the barnyard and ruined crops from the same vines C ____.

All of us are natural links in a long chain of being, and that I need to know what time of day it is, what season is coming, whether the wind is blowing north or from the east, and if the moon is still full tomorrow night, D _____.

The physical world around us constantly changes, E _____. We must struggle in our brief existence to find some transcendent meaning and so find relief in the knowledge F _____.

You may find that too boring, living with the past as present. I find it refreshing. There is an old answer to every new problem, that wise whispers of the past are with us. If we just listen and remember, we are not alone; we have been here before.

I never quite leave home
but human nature does not
that we are now harvesting
but we as well as our heart did not
not worse than those who came before us
just as the farmers who came before me did
that our ancestors have gone through this before

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
1	5	3	6	2	7

Task 60

The Show Begins

My Uncle Jim took me to all the Broadway shows in New York City, and I was star struck! Actually he wasn’t my real uncle – that’s just what we called him. He was a close friend of my parents. He was a bit stocky with red hair, A _________.

I remember the theaters on Broadway, B __________. The curtains were made of this real heavy, dark red material. There were huge chandelier lights hanging from the ceiling. The walls were dark, paneled wood. The seats were red and cushy C __________.

The orchestra sat at the base of the stage in a pit. I usually went down to the front to see the musicians D __________. They were all crammed into such a tiny space. I played the flute myself and my dad kept encouraging me that if I kept it up, E ___________. But truly, I didn’t want to be tucked away down there. I wanted to be on top, front and center.

Most people dressed rather finely, and certain fragrances took center stage as various women passed by. The sounds of the audience F __________ at their seats were clearly heard while last minute patrons filled in. There was electricity in the air and then the lights would go down and up, and you knew it was time for the show to get started. The lights dimmed. The music began. And you were swept up into a whole new world. I loved it!

I could be playing down there someday
and set real close together
which were so old and posh
and he had a beard and moustache
I wasn’t that good at music
getting ready and warming up
laughing and chattering away

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
4	3	2	6	1	7

Task 61

Scouting moves ahead

The Scout Movement, which is also known as the Boy Scouts has changed massively in more than 100 years, though many people do not realise this.

For many people in Britain the word “scouting” evokes images of boys in short trousers A__________. Many people imagine that the Scout Association and its female counterpart the Guides Association are old-fashioned. They think these associations are for people B__________ than the future, people who just like camping in the rain and washing in cold water.

It’s quite easy to understand why Scouts and Guides have this sort of image. The “Boy Scouts” were founded over 100 years ago by Robert Baden-Powell, a retired English army general; the “Girl Guides” followed three years later. They were organised in an almost military manner. Young people had to learn discipline and how to do things as a group. They C__________ in difficult conditions, learnt to make campfires and, yes, they certainly had to get used to washing in cold water. In those days though, that D__________ many people washed in cold water.

Nevertheless, even at the start, there was much more to scouting than that. Scouts and Guides also learned the value of solidarity. Right from the start, they had to cope with difficult situations, E__________, and play a useful part in society. Baden-Powell’s organisations were inclusive, and never exclusive; any young person could become a Scout or a Guide, regardless of race, background or religion.

Though the Scout and Guide movements began in England, they soon spread to other countries, and within 50 years, scouting F__________ with young people all over the world.

who are more interested in the past
and girls in blue uniforms
that were generally better
was not particularly unusual as
went on camping expeditions
interact with other people
had become a popular activity

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
2	1	5	4	6	7

Task 62

Skip the sun, get a glow the healthy way

Everyone at some point has wanted a “healthy glow,” whether it’s a must-have for summer, or a vacation, the thought of tan skin has crossed the minds of millions. If you are pale, it A__________. There is wild excitement when after a day in the sun your skin is tan, not burnt. Surely everyone is familiar with the famous conversation upon the realization that you got fried at the beach. Your friends reassure you with “Don’t worry it B__________.” It may all seem like fun and games at the time, but alarming new research C__________.

Some tan-seekers do it the old-fashioned way, grab a towel and hit the pool or beach. Recently, millions of young girls D__________ instead. Regardless of how the tan is achieved, any change in skin coloring is evidence of skin cell damage. This can lead to cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, melanoma, or skin cancer, among people aged 18 to 39 has risen dramatically. In the United States the number of skin cancer cases due to tanning, is higher than the number of lung cancer cases due to smoking.

While it is true that being outside and active is great for your body and the sun does provide vitamin D, everyone’s health still needs protecting. However, it’s E__________, limit time spent in direct sunlight, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and wear sunscreen at all times. A fashionable option is the sun hat: both elegant and fun. Big floppy hats may seem ridiculous at first, but F__________.

Another advice is to look into sunless tanners: They are cheap and in no way endanger the lives of users. So, fake it, don’t bake it!

takes a lot of time and effort to tan
have been turning to tanning beds
they are actually quite classy accessories
better to avoid indoor tanning
have inspired people to get their skin checked
will eventually turn into a tan
has taken the healthy out of healthy glow

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
1	6	7	2	4	3

Task 63

Grant-making agency

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) is an independent grant-making agency of the United States government. Established in 1965, it is one of the largest sources of grant funds for humanities projects and programs in the U.S. NEH promotes knowledge of the history, thought, and culture, not only of the United States, A__________.

NEH grants facilitate research and original scholarship, strengthen teaching and learning in the humanities in American schools and colleges, give opportunities for citizens to engage in lifelong learning, B__________.

The Endowment is directed by a chairman, C__________ and confirmed by the U.S. Senate for a term of four years. Advising the chairman is the National Council on the Humanities, a board of 26 distinguished private citizens D__________ with the advice of the Senate. The National Council members serve six-year terms.

NEH grants are typically awarded to U.S. cultural institutions, such as museums, archives, libraries, colleges, universities, and public television and radio stations, E__________. Eligibility is limited to U.S. non-profit institutions and to U.S. citizens and foreigners F__________ prior to the time of application. Grants are awarded through a competitive process. The chairman takes into account the advice provided by the review process and, by law, makes all funding decisions.

who is appointed by the president
but of other countries of the world
but in every aspect of social sciences
who are also appointed by the president
who have been living in the U.S. for three years
as well as to individual scholars of the humanities
as well as provide access to cultural and educational resources

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
2	7	1	4	6	5

Task 64

The Bonfire Night

The 5th of November has always had a very special place in my heart. More important than New Year’s Eve, but probably less important than the Olympics ceremonies, the 5th of November every year is A __________ all over the country to go wild!

The night of the 5th is often cold and damp and parents wrap up their children in layers of jumpers, coats, hats, scarves and gloves. They fuss over the littlest B __________ aren’t scared. They comfort their pets and give them a safe place to curl up inside, away from the cacophony about to start outside.

Outside the bonfire is C __________ up your nose. If you’re lucky, there might be some pumpkin soup left over from Halloween to warm you up, because in spite of all the layers and the excitement, you’ll still need warming up until the bonfire gets going!

When it’s absolutely dark and the bonfire is blazing, the children and parents huddle together in groups, staring up at the sky. What are they waiting for? The screech of the first firework deafens them all and D __________. The “oohs” and “aaahs” of the crowd keep perfect time with the “kabooms” of the rockets. With every firework that lights up the sky, parents watch the delight grow on their children’s faces and sigh with relief.

After the grand finale, they make their way home with the noises still echoing in their ears. An extra special treat E __________! Waving them through the chilly air, spelling out names and drawing pictures, even the oldest members of the family remember how to be kids!

This is what the 5th of November means to me. Every year, it F __________ such bright and colourful fireworks and heard such loud bangs. I really hope I never grow out of it!

differences in traditions
children and hope that they
the day for fireworks lovers
the explosion lights up the sky
feels like the first time I’ve seen
waits at home though: sparklers
lit and the smell of smoke creeps

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
3	2	7	4	6	5

Task 65

Earth-sheltered homes

Earth-sheltered or simply underground homes are one of those creations by man, which brings him closer to nature. Unlike the normal traditional houses that A __________, these earth-sheltered homes are built using the shelter of the ground. Earth-sheltered homes can be easily made in hilly areas.

The basic idea behind the construction of such a house is that they are built with the idea of B ________ and each of these homes is built entirely different from each other.

The construction of these homes is usually done according to the shape of the area where the house is built. Their designs C ________ to the nature. The early earth houses which were initially built lacked windows. Modern day earth-sheltered homes though have windows as well as any other facility that the people living there might require.

Some of the major benefits of earth-sheltered homes are that they are naturally insulating. This makes them cool in the summer and cozy and warm in the winter. Another advantage D __________ and are well protected from earthquakes as well as wind-storms. Many earth-sheltered homes are also defended against intruders since there is usually only one entry.

As everything has its pros and cons, earth-sheltered homes also do. The interior decoration of these homes, like placing the furniture or huge paintings, E __________. These homes also have dark spaces inside and for this reason, lots of lighting is essential.

Earth-sheltered homes are one of the greenest housing designs that combines Mother Nature with eco-friendly F __________.

are built on the ground
are usually very organic
is being built facing south
being environmentally friendly
building materials and lifestyle
is that these homes are safe from fire
can be difficult due to the construction

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
1	4	2	6	7	5

Task 66

Australia

Australia is one of the world’s most ethnically diverse nations. Nearly a quarter of the people who live in Australia A __________. They come from the United Kingdom and other European countries, but also from China, Vietnam, North Africa, and the Middle East.

First people arrived in Australia about 50,000 years ago. They B __________ land bridges when sea levels were lower. The next to land in Australia were Dutch explorers. They came in 1606. In 1788 the British began to settle there. Many settlers C __________ as punishment. For a short time, the newcomers lived peacefully with the Aboriginal people.

In 1851, gold was discovered in Australia. A rush to find riches brought D __________ 1859, six separate colonies were created which later became part of the British Commonwealth.

Australian culture is founded on stories of battlers, bushrangers and brave soldiers. Today E __________ its Aboriginal heritage, vibrant mix of cultures, innovative ideas and a thriving ecosystem.

Australia’s ecosystem is an unusual one because of its remote location. As a result, there are F __________ and nowhere else in the world, such as kangaroo and koala.

One of Australia’s most amazing sites rises like an enormous whale’s back from a flat desert called the Red Center. It is a sacred natural formation at the heart of the country and the largest rock in the world!

Australia is one of the most
were born in other countries
Australia also defines itself by
many animal species that occur here
may have travelled from Asia across
thousands of new immigrants, and by
were criminals sent to live in Australia

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
2	5	7	6	3	4

Task 67

Living nature in Madeira

Right in the middle of the Atlantic, the islands of Madeira and Porto Santo are a haven of natural beauty. The exotic colours of the flowers stand out from among the blue sea and the emerald green vegetation. This is an archipelago where the big territory is a protected area and A __________ is located.

The Madeira Natural Park was created in 1982 to preserve this vast natural heritage, a worldwide rarity. The park is classified as a Biogenetic Reserve, B __________, with some rare species such as the mountain orchid, unique in the world, and also some exotic large trees. To visit this park is to discover Nature! The park covers about two-thirds of the island, making Madeira a truly ecological destination.

The springtime temperature, C __________, cries out for open air activities. Visitors can go for a walk in the park, visit the city of Funchal or roam freely around the island. Boat rides are an excellent way of D __________. In such a naturally welcoming environment, balance and well-being are taken for granted. Madeira offers various tourist complexes E __________.

Popular feasts, F __________, are opportunities to appreciate traditional gastronomic flavours and see Madeira partying, especially for the Carnival parades, the Flower festival, the Atlantic festival and, above all, the end-of-year fireworks display.

which is felt all year round
which take place in Madeira all year round
where the largest laurel forest in the world
admiring the coastline from a different perspective
where one can find a unique range of flora and fauna
choosing this holiday destination for its natural beauty
that have prime conditions for boating and scuba diving

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
3	5	1	4	7	2

Task 68

Wild animals in cities

Have you ever seen bears in Vancouver parks, leopards on the streets of Mumbai or wild pigs in gardens in Berlin? Recently, there A __________ on TV about big animals coming into towns and cities. What happens when wild animals come into our cities? Is it dangerous for us and the animals?

Wild animals usually come into cities to look for food. In Cape Town, South Africa, baboons sometimes come into the suburbs. They eat fruit from gardens and go into people’s kitchens and take food from cupboards and fridges! Baboons are B __________ children and fight with pet dogs. Many people do not like them, but the city can be dangerous for baboons too. Sometimes, baboons are C __________ human food can be very bad for their teeth. The city council in Cape Town has a team of Baboon Monitors whose job is to find baboons D ___________ to the countryside. This makes the city safer for people and is healthier for the baboons. However, the main problem is that a lot of baboons will come back to the city to find food again.

In Berlin, Germany, groups of wild pigs have come into the city for hundreds of years, but now the winters are warmer, there are even more pigs than in the past. Pigs eat flowers and plants and dig in gardens and parks in the city. They also E __________ accidents. Some city residents like the pigs and give them food. But the city council is worried about the traffic accidents, so they F __________ have put up fences to stop the pigs coming into the city.

cause lots of problems
in the city and take them back
walk in the street and cause traffic
hurt in car accidents and the sugar in
strong animals and sometimes they scare
have been many reports in newspapers and
have told people to stop giving the pigs food and

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
6	5	4	2	3	7

Task 69

Europe’s best hidden gems

There are incredible destinations in Europe known worldwide, such as Amsterdam and its canals, London and its museums, its shopping and atmosphere, or Paris, the City of Light. Europe also has thousands of hidden treasures. There is a wide selection of the finest unknown destinations in Europe, from Lugano in Switzerland A __________.

Lugano is an international city, the crossroads and melting pot of European culture. It constitutes one of the most interesting regions to be discovered. Lugano is not only Switzerland’s third most important financial centre, B __________ old buildings.

The area of Cinque Terre in Italy represents one of the best preserved natural sights of the Mediterranean. Human activity has contributed to creating a unique landscape in which the development of typical stone walls is so extensive C __________. All this, D __________, makes the Cinque Terre an increasingly popular location among Italian and foreign tourists.

Sintra is a jewel set between the mountains and the sea, waiting to be discovered by tourists E __________, luxuriant nature and cosmopolitan cultural offer. Sintra has a wonderful charm that left a deep impression on the soul and work of the writers F __________. Sintra is truly the capital of Romanticism. It is a place to be experienced by everyone!

but showed evidence of an early human housing
to Cinque Terre in Italy and Sintra in Portugal
as to equal that of the famous Great Wall of China
but also a town of parks and flowers, villas and
who want to be lost in its majestic historical heritage
combined with the beauty of a crystal clear sea
who pioneered the Romantic spirit in the eighteenth century

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
2	4	3	6	5	7

Task 70

Beautiful cities of Italy

The political and cultural centre of Italy is the ‘Eternal City’, Rome. Ever since the Roman Empire, as its capital, Rome has become famous as a centre of European culture. The most striking sights of Rome are, of course, the Colosseum and the Forum. Once the Colosseum was able to receive about 50 thousand spectators, A __________ and concert halls. The Pantheon, the old temple of all gods, B __________, is also located in Rome.

The second most important town in Italy is Milan. Milan is the capital of fashion and C __________, exhibitions and conferences. The main attraction of Milan is its Cathedral Square, where the monument to the King Victor Emmanuel II is installed. Theatre fans will not be left disappointed by visiting the Theatre of La Scala.

The most popular city among tourists is Venice. The city is unique because it has more than 120 islands, D __________ and 400 bridges. Venice has been known for more than fifteen hundred years, and for E __________. The main area of the city is Saint Mark’s Square with the Cathedral of San Marco. One of the most beautiful buildings in Venice is the Palace of Doges. The other famous attraction is the Grand Canal F______.

In addition to this, there are such beautiful cities in Italy as Naples, Turin, Florence, Genoa, Pisa and the islands of Sardinia and Sicily. All of them are outstanding places to visit.

that is the largest in Venice
which was built in the early I century
that everyone is dreaming about this trip
which is comparable with modern stadiums
which are сonnected by more than 150 canals
the venue for major international festivals
that time it produced a lot of attractions

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
4	2	6	5	7	1

Task 71

City of fountains

Peterhof is a monument of world architecture and palace and park art. Peterhof includes a palace and park ensemble of the 18-19th centuries, A__________. Peterhof is a city of fountains as it contains 173 fountains and 4 cascades B__________. Each year up to 3 million people come here to enjoy the splendour of numerous fountains and the unique parks of Peterhof.

The name Peterhof was first mentioned in 1705. It was a coastal manor, close to which the construction of a grand country residence began. The original plan belonged to Peter the Great. After the brilliant victory of Russian troops over the Swedes, security of St. Petersburg both from the land C__________. Since that time, the construction of the Peterhof residence grew immensely in scope.

According to the plan of Peter the Great, on the one hand, Peterhof was meant to be equal in splendour with the most famous royal residences in Europe, D__________ to access the Baltic Sea. Both were successfully done. The Great Palace was built on a natural hill here, E__________. Following the plan of Peter the Great, F__________, the Grand Cascade with the famous Samson fountain was constructed. This is still one of the most spectacular fountains in the world. In 1990 the palaces and parks of Peterhof were included in the list of the world heritage of UNESCO.

and from the sea has been firmly ensured
which is a former royal countryside residence
who designs many royal residences in Europe
and then rebuilt in the baroque style in the 18th century
who wanted to decorate the main entrance with waterfalls
that are located in the park on the coast of the Gulf of Finland
and on the other hand, to become a monument of Russia’s struggle

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
2	6	1	7	4	5

Task 72

Sights of Sochi

Sochi is unique among other Russian cities because it has many aspects of a subtropical resort. Apart from the scenic Caucasus Mountains, pebble and sand beaches, the city attracts tourists with its vegetation, numerous parks, monuments, and extravagant architecture. About two million people visit Greater Sochi each summer, A__________. The famous Caucasian Biosphere Reserve, B__________, lies just north from the city.

Popularity of Sochi among tourists is largely explained by the beauty of its surroundings. Walking along the river Agura, everyone will admire the nature around, C__________, and amazing waterfalls. From the bridge over the Agura opens a magnificent view to the lowest Agura waterfall. In the shady Agura gorge tourists will feel the gentle coolness, D__________.

Akhun Mountain the biggest in the region has a beautiful tower on the top. The height of the tower is more than 30 metres, E__________ are stunning. The observation platform on the top of the tower gives a chance to take superb pictures of the city. Every year thousands of people visit this stone tower, F__________ the perfect view of the Black Sea coast and the Caucasus Mountains. It is a truly unforgettable experience. Tourists will enjoy visiting all the sights and the resort itself, full of exotic green and the boundless blue of the Black Sea.

and the views that open from it
which is built on the top to give visitors
when the subtropical resort is almost empty
which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
enjoying the sound of birds singing and waterfalls gurgling
when the city is home to the annual film festival “Kinotavr”
including high cliffs, exotic vegetation, breathtaking canyons

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
6	4	7	5	1	2

Task 73

Saint Petersburg

A city of palaces and museums, broad avenues and narrow canals, St. Petersburg’s short history is rich in architectural and artistic treasures. Alongside world-famous attractions such as the Hermitage and St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the city has a lot of equally interesting buildings A__________. St. Petersburg is considered to be Russia’s cultural capital. It reflects the country’s extraordinary fate like no other city.

St. Petersburg is a relatively young city, by both Russian and European standards, as B__________. Despite its short life, the city has a rich history. From the early days of Peter the Great to modern times, the city has always bustled with life and intrigue.

Lying across the delta of the Neva River, St. Petersburg, the Venice of the North, is a city C__________, some of which are well-known for their unique history. Bridges are an essential part of the city’s architectural make-up. Among the city’s over 500 bridges, there are numerous technological masterpieces. The centre of the city offers vast areas of green space, D__________.

St. Petersburg is a beautiful and fascinating holiday destination and one E__________. Whether to visit the city in a romantic and snowy Russian winter F__________, visitors will be spellbound by
St. Petersburg’s culture and beauty.

that is built on hundreds of islands
or during the dazzling white nights in summer
it was only founded in 1703 by Tsar Peter the Great
or considering a variety of the trip accommodation offers
that reveal the mysterious and tragic genius of St. Petersburg
of the most intriguing and historically significant cities in Europe
including beautiful historic gardens and extensive leisure parks

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
5	3	1	7	6	2

Task 74

State Hermitage Museum

The Hermitage is St. Petersburg’s most popular visitor attraction, and one of the world’s largest and most prestigious museums. It is a must-see for all first-time travellers to the city. With over 3 million items in its collection, it also rewards repeat visits, A__________ of the riches on offer here, from Impressionist masterpieces to fascinating Oriental treasures. It was estimated B__________ on display for just one minute. So many visitors prefer a guided tour to ensure C__________ highlights. Art-lovers, however, may find it more rewarding to seek out for themselves the works D__________.

The bulk of the Hermitage collection is housed in the Winter Palace, E__________. However, there are a number of other sites that constitute part of the Hermitage, including the recently opened Storage Facility in the north of St. Petersburg. It offers guided tours through some of the museum’s vast stocks. The magnificent General Staff Building opposite the Winter Palace is most famous for its central triumphal arch, F__________ Nevsky Prospekt. The General Staff Building contains a number of unique exhibitions. It includes the Modern European Art, probably the most visited section of the Hermitage with well-known collections of Picasso and Matisse, as well as a wealth of popular Impressionist paintings.

that they are particularly interested in
that they have time to catch all the collection’s
and new-comers can only hope to get a brief taste
which brings pedestrians out on to Palace Square from
that one would need eleven years to view each exhibit
which was the official residence of the Russian emperors
and the exhibition was often visited by military historians

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
3	5	2	1	6	4

Task 75

Letniy Sad

Letniy Sad (The Summer Garden) is a park ensemble, a monument of landscape art of the 18th century. Letniy Sad is the oldest park in St. Petersburg. The park was founded by Peter I in 1704. The Tsar dreamed of his own Versailles and drew its original plan himself. He planned to create a regular, architectural park with accurate layout and straight paths. Prominent architects and gardeners took part in its creation. The park was supposed to become a place of relaxation, A__________.

Letniy Sad is surrounded by water. Natural boundary of the park from the north and east are the Neva and Fontanka Rivers, B__________.

Peter I brought sculptures from Italy for the park and was very proud of them. In the 18th century there were more than two hundred sculptures, C__________, or moved to suburban royal residences and the Hermitage. Now Letniy Sad is decorated with 90 sculptures – copies made of artificial marble.

In May, 2012 Letniy Sad was opened after reconstruction. The reconstruction work had been going on for about three years, D__________ Letniy Sad as it was in the 18th century. Among the new items in Letniy Sad, there is the Archaeological Museum, E__________ during the restoration of the park. Visitors can take a tour of the park F__________ on Sundays.

and restorers have done everything possible to keep
combining the features of urban and suburban estates
which are planned to be the centre of scientific research
which contains interesting objects found by archaeologists
but later many of them were either destroyed in the flood
and enjoy the exhibitions and performances of a brass band
and from the south and west – the Moika River and the Lebyazhiy Canal

Ответ	A	B	C	D	E	F
2	7	5	1	4	6

Источник

1) Вставьте слово, которое грамматически будет соответствовать содержанию текста.

The Thorn Birds

The Thorn Birds is a 1977 bestselling novel by the Australian author Colin McCullough. The story gives ___ (WE) information about life on Australian sheep stations, but it also includes a dramatic love story.

2) Вставьте слово, которое грамматически будет соответствовать содержанию текста.

The book ___ (BRING) the writer international fame as soon as it was published.

3) Вставьте слово, которое грамматически будет соответствовать содержанию текста.

In 1983 it was adapted into a TV miniseries ___ (STAR) Richard Chamberlain and Rachel Ward.

4) Вставьте слово, которое грамматически будет соответствовать содержанию текста.

GPS functions

Car GPS Tracking appears a lot in new vehicles, offering drivers tracking and navigation. Yet, the ___ (LATE) inventions are even more modern and sophisticated, offering extra opportunities to people.

5) Вставьте слово, которое грамматически будет соответствовать содержанию текста.

Smart box technology is one example of how car GPS tracking systems ___ (USE) to lower car insurance.

6) Вставьте слово, которое грамматически будет соответствовать содержанию текста.

If the driver ___ (NOT BREAK) the rules, he gets a discount or an insurance premium.

7) Вставьте слово, которое грамматически будет соответствовать содержанию текста.

Without doubt, this new technology ___ (BECOME) popular among drivers very soon.

Вставьте слово, которое грамматически и лексически будет соответствовать содержанию текста.

Auckland

Auckland is the largest and most populous city in New Zealand. The ___ (POPULATE) of Auckland is getting close to 1.4 million residents.

9) Вставьте слово, которое грамматически и лексически будет соответствовать содержанию текста.

It is ___ (CONVENIENT) situated in the North Island of the country, between the Waitakere Ranges and the Hauraki Gulf.

10) Вставьте слово, которое грамматически и лексически будет соответствовать содержанию текста.

The city enjoys an oceanic climate, which is ___ (COMPARE) to the climate in most of Europe.

11) Вставьте слово, которое грамматически и лексически будет соответствовать содержанию текста.

Nothing can ___ (APPOINT) you about Auckland, which is why it is a popular destination for numerous immigrants to New Zealand.

12) Вставьте слово, которое грамматически и лексически будет соответствовать содержанию текста.

Expats have an overall good experience when staying in Auckland. Most expats find it very easy to communicate with the locals, who are very ___ (FRIEND).

13) Вставьте слово, которое грамматически и лексически будет соответствовать содержанию текста.

Another positive thing about Auckland is the amount of nature and free space, which is appreciated a lot, especially by those coming from more densely inhabited ___ (LOCATE).

14) Запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа.

Olivia

I never took Olivia to the theatre, but it was there I met her. I ___ the habit now of going every Saturday night, usually alone, sometimes with George.

1) kept
2) held
3) used
4) formed

15) Запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа.

It was George who ___ me to Olivia Nelson. She was an only child whose father, a cotton merchant, had died and left her all he had.

1) called
2) greeted
3) introduced
4) met

16) Запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа.

She was not very beautiful but she was tall, very graceful, smartly dressed and ___ me at once. Olivia got interested when George said that I was a novelist.

1) involved
2) attracted
3) appealed
4) engaged

17) Запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа.

Novelists were not too common in Cornwell then, though I believe they are now as numerous as knights. Olivia adored famous people. She was delighted to meet me. It turned ___ that Olivia had read my books, at least some of them and she liked them.

1) up
2) down
3) on
4) out

18) Запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа.

She could ___ intelligently about them. She praised them and criticized them with a good deal of common sense.

1) talk
2) tell
3) discuss
4) say

19) Запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа.

She discussed new plays and new books with me. She developed a habit of being wherever I was to be found. We had a few meals together at restaurants, and I ___ that I was dressing with unusual care.

1) determined
2) discovered
3) revealed
4) disclosed

20) Запишите в поле ответа цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, соответствующую выбранному Вами варианту ответа.

She was so excited and happy, so full of good conversation, that I was charmed and captivated by her company. But I couldn’t help thinking that something was wrong. There was no ___ to think the worst. However, I couldn’t make myself propose to her.

1) matter
2) account
3) reason
4) cause

Источник

Выберите только ОДНО из двух предложенных заданий (38.1 или 38.2). Укажите его номер и выполните согласно данному плану. В ответе на задание 38 числительные пишите цифрами.

38.1 Imagine that you are doing a project on why young people in Zetland do extreme sports. You have found some data on the subject  — the results of the opinion polls (see the table below).

Comment on the data in the table and give your opinion on the subject of the project.

Motives	Number of young athletes (%)
То get some adrenalin	47
То follow modern trends	15
To increase self-confidence	14
To fight fears and stress	13
To explore one’s limits	11

Write 200−250 words.

Use the following plan:

— make an opening statement on the subject of the project;

— select and report 2−3 facts;

— make 1−2 comparisons where relevant and give your comments;

— outline a problem that can arise with doing extreme sports and suggest a way of solving it;

— conclude by giving and explaining your opinion on the role of extreme sports in the life of young people.

38.2 Imagine that you are doing a project on what problems large cities in Zetland face. You have found some data on the subject  — the results оf the opinion polls (see the pie chart below).

Comment on the data in the diagram and give your opinion on the subject of the project.

What problems large cities in Zetland face

Write 200−250 words.

Use the following plan:

— make an opening statement on the subject of the project;

— select and report 2−3 facts;

— make 1−2 comparisons where relevant and give your comments;

— outline a problem that can arise with life in large cities for teens and suggest a way of solving it;

— conclude by giving and explaining your opinion on the disadvantages of living in large cities.

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Practice Test 12

ЧАСТЬ 1 – АУДИРОВАНИЕ

3Вы услышите девушку, рассказывающую о своём путешествии в Южную Америку. В заданиях А8–А14 обведите цифру 1, 2 или 3, соответствующую номеру выбранного вами варианта ответа. Вы услышите запись дважды.

14A8 The narrator wanted to go to South America because 1 she had enjoyed working on a project about it.

2 she wanted to see the nature there. 3 her father had told her a lot about it.

15A9 The narrator’s parents were worried that she 1 would get homesick while she was away. 2 wouldn’t come back from South America. 3 wanted to travel by herself.

16A10 The narrator says that she was surprised by

1 how well she did in her exams.

2 how long her trip took to plan.

3 how relaxed her parents were about the trip.

17A11 The narrator decided to do volunteer work because 1 some friends recommended it to her.

2 she thought it would be the most enjoyable way to spend her time. 3 she thought it would impress future employers.

18A12 Regarding her time in the mountain village, the narrator suggests that 1 it passed very quickly.

2 she would have liked to stay longer.

3 it had made her want to become a teacher.

19A13 The narrator says that she is glad that, while on her trip, she 1 spent time getting to know the locals.

2 knew how to speak some Spanish.

3 visited every country in South America.

20A14 Now that she is back from her trip, the narrator 1 is keen to travel again.

2 is recovering from an illness she caught in South America. 3 is considering going to university in South America.

ЧАСТЬ 2 – ЧТЕНИЕ

Practice Test 12

1Установите соответствие между заголовками A–Н и текстами 1–7. Занесите свои ответы в таблицу B2. Используйте каждую букву только один раз. В задании один заголовок лишний.

A A better method

B Responsible shopping

C Lucky winners

DHelp from nature

1 Two families – one from London, and one from Liverpool – have won last night’s national lottery. Speaking from outside their home in London’s East End, Mr and Mrs Miller said that they will ‘not let the money change their lives’ and that they will both be at work as usual on Monday morning. The Liverpool family, who do not wish to be named, plan to move abroad.

2 For many years now, Changi Airport in Singapore has been voted the world’s best airport by airline travellers. Changi Airport does not simply provide travellers with wonderful restaurants and shops in a calm and pleasant atmosphere. You can also swim in its rooftop swimming pool, have a massage in one of its spas, sit quietly in the ‘garden’ area of its main hall, or watch TV in comfortable chairs while waiting for your flight.

3Before the invention of the compass, sailors looked to the sun in the daytime and to the stars at night to help them find their way across the oceans. For example, by locating Polaris (or ‘the North Star’) in the night sky, sailors could identify the direction of North. This is because Polaris never moves from its position in the night sky directly above the North Pole.

4Long ago, zoos obtained their animals by going out into the wild and capturing them. Today, this happens very rarely. For one thing, it is extremely stressful for the animals involved and there is a high risk of injury.

E A great shopping experience

F Working to protect animals

G Everything you need

H Waiting in comfort

Also, wild animals often carry diseases that would harm the other animals in the zoo. Today, therefore, most zoos get their animals from the captive breeding programmes of other zoos.

5Gyms these days are full of all kinds of fancy exercise equipment; treadmills, rowing machines, exercise bikes, resistance machines and much more. But the biggest gyms also have swimming pools, steam rooms and cafeterias. They offer classes in yoga, dance, aerobics and many other forms of exercise. And they have expert trainers on hand to answer all your fitness questions.

6Here is one thing that we can all do to help species that are close to extinction. When travelling overseas, be very careful not to buy any souvenirs that have been made from species nearing extinction. This means avoiding purchasing items made from ivory, coral and fur and also ‘medicinal’ products as they often contain rhino, tiger and bear parts.

7Wildlife parks and zoos are very educational places but perhaps their greatest purpose is the conservation of endangered species. Animal centres all around the world work together in order to breed rare and endangered species. For example, today there are only a few hundred giant pandas left in the wild. If breeding programmes and conservation efforts are successful, future generations may still be able to see these beautiful animals in the flesh, not just in books.

1	2	3	4	5	6	7
B2 C	H	D	A	G	B	F

Practice Test 12

ЧАСТЬ 2 – ЧТЕНИЕ

2 Прочитайте текст и заполните пропуски 1–6 частями предложений, обозначенными буквами A–G. Одна из частей в списке А–G лишняя. Занесите букву, обозначающую соответствующую часть предложения, в таблицу B3.

In 2004, a grave containing the skeletons of a human and a cat, lying close together, was excavated in Cyprus.

The grave was around 9,500 years old, 1) …….. .

The ancient Egyptians kept cats as pets,

2) …….. .

People often placed statues of cats outside their homes, 3) …….. . When a cat died, their former owners and the other occupants of the house would go into deep mourning and would often even shave their eyebrows as a sign of grief.

Moreover, cats were frequently mummified and bowls of milk and dead rats and mice were placed in their tombs, 4) …….. .

Awhich seems very strange to modern cultures

Band showed that cats had been kept by humans for far longer than we had previously thought

Cso that they would have food for their journey into the afterlife

Das they kept rats and mice away from homes

Cats were so respected in ancient Egypt that they were even protected by law. People could be sentenced to death if they killed a cat, 5) …….. .

One record documents the execution of an unfortunate Roman soldier whose chariot had run over a cat.

There are many tomb scenes that show cats as part of everyday life in ancient Egypt. They often showed them wearing jewellery including earrings, necklaces and fancy collars. The Egyptians even took their cats on hunting expeditions, 6) …….. .

Today, it is estimated that there are over 600 million domestic cats around the world, which makes the cat the most popular of all pets. However, the cat no longer has any religious significance in any culture.

Eand they also worshipped the cat like one of their gods

Fbecause they believed that this would protect the inhabitants

G even by accident

1	2	3	4	5	6
B3 B	E	F	C	G	A

ЧАСТЬ 2 – ЧТЕНИЕ

Practice Test 12

3Прочитайте рассказ и выполните задания А15–А21. В каждом задании обведите цифру 1, 2, 3 или 4, соответствующую выбранному вами варианту ответа.

A New Life

“Are you looking for a room?” the man had asked. We’d only just got off the bus. Ian was still pulling the bags out of the luggage

prices,” the man

A15

We’d been all around the country that summer, finding temporary work to pay for our travels. Ian had grown up in a village, so

A16

the local farmers had been happy to hire him to help them out for a week or two. I’m a city boy myself, but because I’m pretty well-built I didn’t have a problem either. Of course, that meant that I got all the heavy work!

Once we had collected our bags, we followed the man up a nearby side-street. He didn’t stop talking the whole way. After a few twists

That first night we strolled around the town to see what opportunities there might be for work. Our last job had given us enough to live off for a few weeks so we weren’t desperate,

A19

possible. Everyone we met was very friendly and we went back to our rooms feeling quite optimistic.

Within a couple of days, I had started work

at a fish restaurant in the town washing up the

A20

pots and dishes. Maybe it wasn’t the best job in the world, but after weeks of manual labour in the fields it was a welcome change. I could watch the chef preparing the food and sometimes, when the restaurant was particularly busy, I would help him. He knew

these rooms would be too expensive for us. The man must have read my thoughts. “Now, normally I’d be asking twice as much for these rooms,” he began, “but you’re in luck because the tourist season is practically over.”

The rooms were perfect. The décor was slightly shabby but, as if to make up for it, the balcony had a stunning view over the town. We decided to stay for a month initially, and depending on what happened, we would come to an arrangement after that. It was a relief to be settled somewhere, if only for a few weeks. I could now pack my suitcase in record time and we’d met so many people that I’d lost count. Sometimes when I was introduced to yet another stranger I would change my name, just to make it more interesting.

tasted amazing. I’d go home at night and write down the recipes and tips that I’d learnt.

Our first month in the town came to an end and we decided to stay for another three. Ian had found some painting and decorating work and I was quite happy. Those three months turned into six, and before I knew it I had been at the restaurant for a whole year. The chef asked me if I would like to become his assistant — he said I had a natural gift for cooking. So that’s how I ended up here, ten years later, as Head Chef at Alberto’s Fish

Restaurant. Ian is still here as well, running

A21

his own decorating business. One day I hope to achieve something similar for myself, too.

Practice Test 12	ЧАСТЬ 2 – ЧТЕНИЕ

	The man waiting at the bus stop was very
14
A15	1
	rude.
	2	impatient.
	3	unhelpful.
	4	persistent.

15A16 The farmers gave the narrator and his friend Ian work because

1 they thought they would be suitable for it.

2 they needed seasonal workers.

3 they had known Ian since he was young.

4 they found both boys cheerful and friendly.

16A17 The narrator thought the rooms could be too expensive after he realised 1 how popular they were.

2 what time of year it was.

3 how nice the exterior was.

4 where they were.

17A18 In paragraph four, the narrator suggests that he had become tired of 1 staying in hotels.

2 packing his suitcase.

3 moving from place to place.

4 meeting new people.

18A19 In paragraph five, the narrator uses the phrase ‘put out feelers’ to mean 1 meet as many people as possible.

2 speak to people to get information about work.

3 find a suitable job to earn some money.

4 get to know a new place.

19A20 The narrator enjoyed his new job because 1 all his food was cooked for him.

2 it was different from his previous jobs.

3 his boss took an interest in teaching him to cook. 4 the time passed quickly.

20A21 In the final paragraph, we learn that the narrator 1 would like to start a business with Ian.

2 regrets staying so long at Alberto’s restaurant.

3 hopes that his career as a chef will continue to advance. 4 wishes that he had achieved as much as Ian.

ЧАСТЬ 3 – ГРАММАТИКА И ЛЕКСИКА Practice Test 12

1Прочитайте приведённый ниже текст. Преобразуйте, если необходимо, сло* ва, напечатанные заглавными буквами в конце строк, обозначенных номера* ми B4–B10, так, чтобы они грамматически соответствовали содержанию текста. Заполните пропуски полученными словами. Каждый пропуск соответствует отдельному заданию из группы B4–B10.

B4	was
B5	was trying
B6	will find
B7	had passed

B8	have been given
	B9	had left
B10	fixed

2 Прочитайте приведённый ниже текст. Преобразуйте, если необходимо, слова, напечатанные заглавными буквами в конце строк, обозначенных номерами В11–B16, так, чтобы они грамматически и лексически соответ* ствовали содержанию текста. Заполните пропуски полученными словами. Каждый пропуск соответствует отдельному заданию из группы В11–В16.

The Trans Siberian Railway

Travelling on the	Trans Siberian	Express is an	extraordinary journey. It	is the	longest
	continuous
B11	railway in the world — 10,000 kilometres long, or one third of the distance

around	the globe.	Travellers on	the Trans Siberian railway describe the	journey	as a(n)
	amazing
B129)	adventure; seven days or more of exotic travel from Moscow to Vladivostok.

				10)B13		conversation	with other passengers that
However, many travellers say that it is the

makes the journey special. You can spend many hours making new friends and discussing the

landscape of the Ural Mountains and Siberia.
You can either stay on	the	train	for the	whole journey	or,	if	you are	feeling more
1B14)	adventurous	,	you	can	arrange	stops along the	way.	A	stopover	at Irkutsk is

recommended for a few days. Here you can explore the city and visit the	12)B15	beautiful

Lake Baikal; the deepest lake in the world.

The journey ends on the east coast of Russia in Vladivostok, whose name means “Lord of the East”. However you decide to spend your time on the Trans Siberian Express, it will be an extremely

13)B16	memorable	experience.

CONTINUE

AMAZE CONVERSE

ADVENTURE BEAUTY

MEMORY

Practice Test 12

ЧАСТЬ 3 – ГРАММАТИКА И ЛЕКСИКА

3Прочитайте текст с пропусками, обозначенными номерами А22–А28. Эти номера соответствуют заданиям A22–A28, в которых представлены возмож* ные варианты ответов. Обведите номер выбранного вами варианта ответа.

The Report Card

John had never been very good 14)A22…….. sports. He simply wasn’t an athletic kind of person. He knew it, his

friends knew it, and his gym teachers at school had known it, too. On his school report for the year 1992, his

Physical Education teacher had written: ‘John tries very	……..15)A23	in class, but achieves below average results.’
The teacher had obviously thought that it would be a good idea to mention John’s effort, but he only
16)A24……..
in emphasising his failure.
As an adult in his			thirties, John did everything he could to avoid playing any sort of sport. Whenever
17)A25………

his friends were trying to organise a friendly game of football, or his boss needed to find a tennis partner, John

would always 18)A26…….. an excuse. Once, he even faked an injury so that he didn’t have to take 19)A27…….. in

a basketball game. But it was only when John had to explain to his new girlfriend why he couldn’t play squash with


her that he decided that his problem with sports had gone on for long enough. It was	……..20)A28		to change.
A22	1	for	2	at	3	to	4	on
A23	1	strongly	2	well	3	heavily	4	hard
A24	1	achieved	2	succeeded	3	managed	4	ended
A25	1	beginning	2	young	3	early	4	opening
A26	1	make up	2	find out	3	put up	4	think over
A27	1	position	2	role	3	place	4	part
A28	1	time	2	moment	3	season	4	point

ЧАСТЬ 4 – ПИСЬМО

C11 You have received a letter from your English speaking pen friend Jack who writes:

… Well, my exams start next week and I’m feeling a little stressed even though I’ve studied hard. How often do you have exams at your school? Do you like taking exams? How do you

cope with the pressure?

It’s my best friend John’s birthday this weekend …

Write a letter to Jack. In your letter ● answer his questions

● ask 3 questions about his best friend’s birthday Write 100 140 words. Remember the rules of letter writing.

C22 Comment on the following statement.

“Extreme sports have become more and more popular. However, some say that they are too risky.”

What is your opinion? Does the thrill of the sport outweigh the risk? Write 200 250 words.

Use the following plan:

●write an introduction (state the problem/topic)

●express your personal opinion and give reasons for it

●give arguments for the other point of view and explain why you don’t agree with it

●draw a conclusion

ЧАСТЬ 1 – АУДИРОВАНИЕ

Practice Test 13

1 Вы услышите высказывания шести людей о путешествиях. Установите соответствие между высказываниями каждого говорящего 1–6 и утверждениями, данными в списке A–G. Используйте каждое утверждение, обозначенное буквой,

только один раз. В задании есть одно лишнее утверждение. Вы услышите запись дважды. Занесите свои ответы в таблицу B1.

A I appreciate travelling for my job.

B I have found a way to travel quite cheaply.

C I don’t have to travel far to find what I want. D I prefer to travel by myself.

E Thinking about my holiday helps me to cope with my busy schedule. F I think people should think about the negative effects of travelling. G I want to travel more but I have a problem that stops me.

1	2	3	4	5	6
B1 C	E	F	A	G	B

2Вы услышите беседу двух друзей о мобильных телефонах и Интернете. Определите, какие из приведённых утверждений А1–А7 соответствуют содержанию текста (1– True), какие не соответствуют (2 – False) и о чём в тексте не сказано, то есть на основании текста нельзя дать ни положи’ тельного, ни отрицательного ответа (3 – Not stated). Вы услышите запись дважды. Обведите правильный ответ.

A17 Laura is looking at mobile phones in a shop window.

1 True

2 False

3 Not stated

A28 Dave doesn’t own a mobile phone.

		1	True	2	False	3	Not stated

A39	Dave believes that using technology has made people more anti-social.
		1	True	2	False	3	Not stated
		Both Laura and Dave would like to use the Internet when they are not at home.
A410
		1	True	2	False	3	Not stated
		Dave is worried about the Internet having harmful effects on young people.
A511
		1	True	2	False	3	Not stated

A612 Laura’s parents monitor her use of the Internet.

1 True

2 False

3 Not stated

A713 In the end, Laura decides not to buy an Internet phone.

1 True

2 False

3 Not stated

100

Practice Test 13

ЧАСТЬ 1 – АУДИРОВАНИЕ

3Вы услышите рассказ молодого человека о вегетарианстве. В заданиях А8–А14 обведите цифру 1, 2 или 3, соответствующую номеру выбранного вами варианта ответа. Вы услышите запись дважды.

A814 While growing up, the narrator ate food that was 1 unhealthy.

2 badly cooked.

3 not very varied.

A915 The narrator says his university served food that was 1 liked only by the foreign students.

2 good value but not very healthy.

3 worse than what he was used to.

A1016 The narrator tried a vegetarian dish because

1 his vegetarian friends encouraged him to.

2 he thought the quality might be better.

3 the meat dishes had started to make him ill.

A1117 After he started eating vegetarian meals, the narrator

1 realised his attitude towards vegetarians had been wrong.

2 began to really dislike the smell of meat.

3 began to lose weight.

A1218 While deciding whether to become a vegetarian or not, the narrator

1 did some research into vegetarianism.

2 continued to eat some meat.

3 realised how healthy he felt.

A1319 The narrator finally made his decision based on

1 what he found out about the benefits of vegetarianism. 2 how much healthier he was feeling.

3 the opinions of others.

A1420 The narrator’s parents

1 are slowly accepting his decision to be a vegetarian. 2 are now thinking about becoming vegetarians too. 3 are unhappy that he is a vegetarian.

101

ЧАСТЬ 2 – ЧТЕНИЕ

Practice Test 13

A Travel with a purpose

B Make a discovery

C Getting a good view

DA difficult task

1 For hundreds of years, people have been competing in bizarre ‘gurning’ contests around England. What is gurning? Well, it is simply the act of making the ugliest face possible. Some elderly people can make some spectacular gurns. If they have false teeth, they can take them out and bring their lower lip so far up that it can cover their nose! But even younger people can make amazing gurns – just look at celebrity Jim Carrey!

2Thousands of spectators line the route of the Tour de France bike race each year, trying to see over other people’s heads. Then when the competitors pass, they flash by so quickly that it is hard to get even a glimpse of them. Therefore, it’s worth buying a tour guide with route information so that you can plan well in advance the best place to stand to see your favourite cyclists speed by.

3The goal of responsible tourism is to help people in need as well as the holidaymakers themselves. Some tour operators, for example, organise charity bike rides. Visitors cycle around places of interest following a pre-arranged route. They enjoy a valuable new experience and at the same time part of the cost of the holiday is donated to local community projects.

4The Sibit-sibit Festival is held each year to give tourists a rich and colourful picture of the history of Olongapo in the Philippines. Sibit-sibits are ancient paddle boats that

E Greatest invention

F An unusual competition

G Keeping traditions alive

H Still popular today

were used by fishing villages. During past celebrations, fishermen held races and won with their great physical strength alone. Today, the traditional Sibit-sibit Festival is a lively and enchanting event that brings together Olongapo’s rich past, successful present and promising future.

5Bicycles were first introduced in the 19th century and there are now over one billion of them worldwide. Many people still prefer this eco-friendly mode of transport. Postmen, delivery personnel and even police officers can often be seen riding bicycles.

6The Archaeological Seminars Foundation offers visitors of all ages the opportunity to ‘Dig for a Day’. This programme allows the unskilled enthusiast to get their hands dirty while getting the chance to make a fabulous discovery. Activities include digging, pottery examination and touring the latest excavation site. Thousands of people have already participated in this memorable experience!

7What is the most important mechanical invention of all time? The wheel no doubt! The earliest known use of the wheel was probably the potter’s wheel in 3500 BC in Mesopotamia. Interestingly enough, the wheel was used for manufacturing before it was used for transporting. Today, nearly every machine includes the wheel; from the smallest of pocket watches to the largest of aeroplanes.

1	2	3	4	5	6	7
B2 F	C	A	G	H	B	E

102

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20.06.20148.88 Mб95Примеры резюме на английском языке.pdf
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Источник

Английский язык (Вариант 4)

Прочитайте приведённые ниже тексты. Преобразуйте, если необходимо, слова, напечатанные заглавными буквами, так, чтобы они грамматически соответствовали содержанию текстов. Заполните поля ответа полученными словами в соответствующем порядке

26.POPULATE

Auckland

Auckland is the largest and most populous city in New Zealand. The __________________ of Auckland is getting close to 1.4 million residents.

27.CONVENIENT

It is __________________ situated in the North Island of the country, between the Waitakere Ranges and the Hauraki Gulf.

28.COMPARE

The city enjoys an oceanic climate, which is __________________ to the climate in most of Europe.

29.APPOINT

Nothing can __________________ you about Auckland, which is why it is a popular destination for numerous immigrants to New Zealand.

30.FRIEND

Expats have an overall good experience when staying in Auckland. Most expats find it very easy to communicate with the locals, who are very __________________.

31.LOCATE

Another positive thing about Auckland is the amount of nature and free space, which is appreciated a lot, especially by those coming from more densely inhabited __________________.

Заметили ошибку в тексте?
Выделите её и нажмите Ctrl + Enter

Источник

A1 Прочитайте вопросы 1-6. Установите, в каких текстах A-G можно найти ответы на эти вопросы. Запишите свои ответы в таблицу. Используйте каждую букву толькоодин раз. В задании есть один лишний заголовок.

In which country

1. do people like walking in the evening?

2. are people fond of flowers?

3. do people like swimming in cold water?

4. is arch and arrows one of the most popular sports?

5. do people love windsurfing?

6. are people fond of gambling?

The outdoors and physical fitness are important to the Finns, who enjoy a wide range of activities, including walking, fishing (and ice fishing), hunting, camping, skiing, track and field, basketball, ice hockey, cycling, and boating. Golf is gaining in popularity; some people even play on the ice in the winter. The sauna is a traditional way to relax and socialize for people of all ages. During a retreat to a summer cottage, a popular activity is to run from a hot sauna for a swim in a cold, clear lake nearby.

Badminton and soccer are the most popular sports in Indonesia, and many people play volleyball and tennis. Shadow-puppet theatre is a traditional art, and performances are particularly common in rural areas and on special occasions. Other recreational activities include watching television and going to the cinema. Censorship is strict.

Tahitians spend many of their leisure hours socializing, and parties and other festivities play an important part in their lives. Soccer is the national sport, but many others are enjoyed, such as boxing, volleyball, basketball, canoeing, windsurfing, swimming, fishing, and diving. Other popular recreational activities include watching television, going to the cinema, and dancing.

An evening or Sunday afternoon stroll around the town is a well-established tradition in both rural and urban areas. On Sundays many Italians go to the countryside, or to a sports event. In summer, crowds flock to the beach. Discotheques are popular among unmarried young people, particularly on Saturday nights. Soccer is by far the most popular sport. Bicycling, auto racing, skiing, and tennis are also popular. Recently, basketball has attracted a large Italian following.

Mongolian wrestling, horse racing, and archery are the most popular sports. The annual wrestling championships are enthusiastically followed throughout the country. Boxing, soccer, volleyball, basketball, and table tennis are also enjoyed. Leisure activities include visiting family and friends, watching television, going to the movies, and, especially in summer, making outings to the countryside. Sunday is a favourite day for picnics, and some people own small summer cabins in the hills around the capital.

People spend their leisure time socializing with relatives and neighbours or watching films; the Philippines is the world’s fourth largest producer of films, a number of which have a strong religious theme. In the cities, video cassette recorder ownership has grown considerably among the middle class, and video rental stores are common. Sundays are big days for sports; basketball, baseball, and soccer are all played. Filipinos are keen gamblers, which accounts for the popularity of horse races and cockfights, and playing mah-jongg, a Chinese table game played with tiles.

The Dutch enjoy home improvements and indoor plants — most Dutch homes overflow with greenery. Flowers are picked (if home grown) or purchased regularly to adorn the home, restaurants, and businesses. Television is very popular, and the Dutch have access through cable to numerous European channels. Soccer and cycling are the most popular sports. Almost everyone in the Netherlands cycles; there are numerous cycle clubs and bike paths throughout the country, and many people use bicycles as a means of transportation.

A2 Прочитайте утверждения 1—6 и следующий за ними текст. Установите соответствие между утверждениями и содержанием текста. Запишите в таблицу цифру 1, если утверждение верное, Цифру 0, если утверждение неверное.

1. There are quite a few borrowings in English.

2. Native Americans borrowed such words as raccoon and wigwam.

3. The origin of the word canyon has been traced to Portuguese or Spanish.

4. Peru gave English such words as quinine and cannibal.

5. The word boomerang came from Africa.

6. There are Greek or Latin roots in such words as stethoscope and supersonic.

If you speak English, you have plenty of people to talk to. It is spoken in more parts of the world than any other language.

English is constantly borrowing. It started out taking words from Latin, Greek, French, and German. Then English went on to borrow words from

more than 50 different languages. From Italian, it took cameo, pizza, and violin, for example. From Spanish and Portuguese, it borrowed the words alligator, canyon, and sombrero. From Native Americans, it got raccoon and wigwam. Peru contributed llama and quinine. The Caribbean islands gave English barbecue and cannibal. From Africa came chimpanzee and zebra, from India came bandanna, curry, and punch, and from Australia came kangaroo and boomerang.

Science caused an explosion in words. Some words in science combine parts of Greek and Latin words. They include penicillin, stethoscope, and supersonic. Others were borrowed from languages spoken today. Robot comes from a Czech word.

B 3Прочитайтетекст.Преобразуйте слова, напечатанные заглавными буквами в конце строк, обозначенных номерами В4 — В10 так, чтобы они грамматически соответствовали содержанию текста. Заполните пропуски полученными словами. Каждый пропуск соответствует отдельному заданию В4 — В10.

Crazy Bank Machine Pays £195 Jackpot

B4	Police________ last night investigating the mystery of a mad money machine which handled out a jackpot payment to a weekend shopper.	BE
B5	Brewery worker Mr David baker tapped out a request for £ 15on a National Westminster Bank cash dispenser at Kingston and ______. with about £ 195 in crisp fivers.	REWARD
B6	At their home his wife, Mrs Debora Baker, 30, said: «The money ________ a big sum for us and he immediately handed it to the police.	BE
B7	He quite ________.	ASTONISH
B8	Some of the money obviously belonged to the lady who ________ the machine before him. She wanted £50 and got nothing.»	USE
B9	A spokesman for National Westminster said: » Luckily there was a member of the staff nearby and the machine ________ off.» At Kingston police spokesman said: «We have had a number of complaints about the machine.	SWITCH
B10	I sent a special constable down to investigate but I _________ from him for some time — perhaps he has gone to the South of France…»	NOT HEAR

Ответы

B 3

B4	B5	B6	B7	B8	B9	B10
were	was rewarded	is/was	was astonished	had used	was switched	have not heard

Пояснительная записка

Предлагаемые контрольно-измерительные материалы составлены на основе материала учебника М.З. Биболетовой «EnjoyEnglish» (10 класс) и рабочих программ по нглийскому языку.

Работа включает лексико-грамматический тест и два теста по чтению.

Предлагаемая контрольная работа состоит из 3 заданий, позволяющих проверить коммуникативные умения учащихся в чтении про себя и письменной речи, а также уровень сформированности лексических навыков, поддающихся проверке в процессе чтения.

На выполнение контрольной работы, включая организационную часть отводится один урок.

В проверочной работе используются следующие типы заданий:

задания открытого типа, требующие развернутого ответа;
задания на установление соответствия.

Использование КИМов для диагностики знаний учащихся позволит сформировать у школьников навыки работы с тестовым материалом, т. е. фактически начать постепенную подготовку к Единому государственному экзамену

Для работы по подведению результатов и оценки тестовых лексико-грамматических заданий, заданий по чтению предлагается использовать рейтинговую шкалу.

Для удобства выставления оценки используется балльная система подсчёта. Она даёт лучший дифференцирующий результат, пригодна длярейтинг оценки успеваемости ученика, но требует перевода в традиционную 5-балльную систему оценок. Каждое верно выполненное задание уровня А оценивается в 2 балла, уровня В – 3 балла. Максимум 45 балла.

80 — 100 % — оценка «5» (35-44балла)

60 – 79 % — оценка «4» (26-34 баллов)

40 – 59 % оценка «3» (18-25 балла)

0 – 39% оценка «2» (0-18 баллов).

Прочитайте тексты и установите соответствие между текстами и их заголовками: к каждому тексту, обозначенному буквами А–G, подберите соответствующий заголовок, обозначенный цифрами 1–8. Используйте каждую цифру только один раз. В задании есть один лишний заголовок.

1. Projects for the near future

2. How the space station is arranged

3. The example of global cooperation

4. They cannot have it in orbit

5. How it started

6. Space research to improve our life

7. Training astronauts

8. Visiting space for pleasure

A. The international space station has been in orbit for more than fifteen years. The idea was first introduced in the agreement on space exploration signed by Russia and the USA. Since then scientists and engineers from sixteen countries have contributed to the project. Thus, the station can be called the result of technology from all over the world.

B. Like Rome, the international space station was not built in a day. The space exploration project began with small manned orbital stations designed by Russian engineers in the 1960s. Later, the bigger modules Salyut and Mir appeared. They successfully worked in orbit from the 1970s till the 2000s. The space station, which is currently in orbit, was formed from Zaria and Unity, autonomous space modules, in 1998. It is regularly used for international space missions.

C. Inside the two modules there is equipment that provides astronauts with atmosphere, energy, and communications. Also, some radiators, fuel tanks and solar batteries are outside. Special screens protect all the elements of the station from meteors. The main control area is concentrated in the third, modernized module. Astronauts and all necessary goods reach the station in space ships.

D. Crews of astronauts carry out different studies and experiments in orbit. They monitor numerous space objects as well as the atmosphere, volcanoes and water resources of our planet. The results are recorded in reports that astronauts send to the Earth regularly. Science experiments are done in biology, medicine and physics. Thanks to space discoveries, scientists and engineers are able to invent new materials, medicines and technologies for people.

E. It is very important for the astronauts to have regular meals. However, their menu is very specific. All food is prepared in a special way and stored in vacuum containers. There are also foods that cannot be used in orbit at all. Bread is one of them. It is banned at the station because bread crumbs are difficult to collect. The astronauts miss bread very much and nowadays the engineers are designing a space bakery to make a special type of bread.

F. The international space station is a unique destination for space tourism. Since 2012, eight non-professional astronauts have visited it to enjoy the amazing views of the Earth. Although this type of travel costs millions of dollars, the interest to space tourism is constantly growing all over the world. Every new tourist is selected carefully because the health requirements are rather high. The journey takes ten days, including the way to and from the station.

G. At present, mass space travel to other planets is a common theme of science fiction films. Meanwhile the real space exploration scenarios are much more exciting. There are several projects for setting up stations on the Moon and to build human settlements there. A manned expedition to Mars doesn’t look like a crazy idea any more. And of course, scientists continue looking for other life in the universe.

Citi Bike bike share service, which started in May 2013

Cycling in New York City is associated with mixed cycling conditions that include dense urban proximities, relatively flat terrain, congested roadways with stop-and-go traffic, and streets with heavy pedestrian activity. The city’s large cycling population includes utility cyclists, such as delivery and messenger services; cycling clubs for recreational cyclists; and increasingly commuters.^[1] Cycling is increasingly popular in New York City; in 2018 there were approximately 510,000 daily bike trips, compared with 170,000 daily bike trips in 2005.^[2]^[3]

History[edit]

Early bike lanes[edit]

The bicycle boom of the late 19th century had a strong impact in the area, and the City of Brooklyn was especially responsive, building bike lanes in Eastern Parkway, Ocean Parkway, and elsewhere.^[4] New York did not manufacture as many bicycles as other cities, so imported many from elsewhere, including Freehold Township, New Jersey. As a spectator sport, six-day racing was popular and spurred the building of velodromes in suburbs including Washington Heights, Manhattan, and Jersey City, New Jersey. Weekly races were held in suburban roads, including Pelham Parkway in the Bronx. The biggest races were in inner city locations, notably at the original Madison Square Garden which had been designed for cycle racing and at the time was located adjacent to Madison Square. The Olympic sport, Madison Racing, is named after cycle races that became popular at Madison Square Garden.^{[citation needed]}

Several of the mid-20th-century parkway projects of Robert Moses included bike paths; however, when more people could afford cars, bicycling declined and the bikeways fell into disrepair.^{[citation needed]} Provisions for pedestrians and bicyclists were not included in the bridges connecting Queens to the Bronx (Throgs Neck Bridge and Bronx–Whitestone Bridge), and Brooklyn to Staten Island (Verrazano-Narrows Bridge).^[5] Since July 2018, buses along the Q50 route, which travels across the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge, contain bike racks at the front of each vehicle.^[6]

Late 20th century[edit]

Late in the century, bicycling resurged. Inspired by a trip to China in early 1980, Mayor Ed Koch ordered 6-foot-wide (1.8 m) buffered bike lanes to be built on some Manhattan streets.^[7] Opened in October, the lanes were protested by merchants^[8] as well as taxi and trucking interests, while garages and other businesses unsuccessfully sued to stop construction. NYCDOT reported that cycling traffic had doubled while the number of crashes remained unchanged,^[7] though it also reported an average of 5 to 10 minutes’ extra travel time for drivers, compared to before the bike lanes’ installation.^[9] In June 1981, the Mayor ordered removal of bike lane barriers due to controversy and a decline in cyclists using the lanes (estimated at 10–15 thousand a day).^[10] The lanes were removed by November of the same year.^[7] A narrow, physically separated bike lane on Sixth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan remained as a remnant of the Koch lanes.^[11]

According to a 1990 survey, less than one percent of vehicle trips in New York City were made by bicycle,^[12] but by 1991, it was reported that over 75,000 New Yorkers used bicycles to commute to work each day.^[13] Simultaneously, Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan had introduced legislation that became the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA).^[7]

21st century[edit]

Bike lanes on major bridges were also created, refurbished, or improved, and the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, in partnership with other agencies, created the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway, Brooklyn-Queens Greenway and other bikeways.^[7] The Department of Parks and Recreation also added a vendor program to provide «hop on, hop off» bicycle rental services across various city parks.^[14] The linked network of bicycle rentals is facilitated through concessions in Central Park, Riverside South, West Harlem Piers Park, and the Battery.^[15]

By 2017, there were 450,000 bike rides per day in New York City, up from 180,000 per day in 2006. Of these, 20% were commuter trips.^[2] Between 2014 and 2019, under the mayoralty of Bill de Blasio, over 340 miles (550 km) of bike lanes have been added, totaling over 1,350 miles (2,170 km) citywide.^[16]

Transportation commissioner Polly Trottenberg pushed for increasing bike lanes to demonstrate the city’s progress and commitment to transportation safety.^[16] However, with the expansion of cycling in New York City, there has been pushback from motorists. For example, in 2019, motorists and Upper West Side residents objected after two hundred parking spaces along Central Park West were eliminated to allow bike lane expansion.^[17]

Types[edit]

Utility cycling[edit]

Carrying freight on Madison Avenue

Motorized delivery bike for a restaurant, with chain, lock, and plastic bags on handles to protect from winter wind

Bike transport in Midtown

Brooklyn summer, large recreational group ride

Delivery bikes are commonly used in New York for fast food deliveries over short distances, sometimes using mountain bikes outfitted with a wide carrier for larger loads such as pizza, or other accessories. Electric bicycles are increasingly used for this service; the bikes were initially illegal (although enforcement was sporadic), but legalized in 2020.^[18] Proposals in the New York State Legislature in 2015 would define, legalize and regulate certain «electric assist bicycles» with small electric motors.^[19]

Bicycle messengers use narrower wheels to carry lighter loads short distances. Specialized cargo bicycles and tricycles carry heavier loads.

Pedicabs became commonplace at the turn of the 21st century, offering novel travel over short distances, including guided tours of Central Park. In April 2007 the New York City Council voted to limit the number of pedicabs to 325.^[20] A court overturned the limit,^[21] later regulatory efforts concentrated on requirements for insurance and safety equipment^[22] and in April 2011, new legislation tightened parking regulations and capped pedicab licenses at 850.^[23]

Bicycle sharing[edit]

In 2007 the Department studied the prospects of a bicycle sharing system^[24] and announced in 2011 that kiosks would be built for the service to begin in 2012.^[25] The project was slated to introduce 10,000 bikes that would be available from 600 stations made by PBSC Urban Solutions and operated by Alta Bicycle Share,^[26] the operators of similar schemes in other U.S. cities.

Citigroup bought a five-year sponsorship, and as a result, the bike-share system was named Citi Bike.^[27] Stations in the first stage were located between 59th Street in Manhattan, the Hudson River, Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn, and Bushwick Avenue.^[28] The system opened for business in May 2013^[29] with 330 stations and 4,300 bikes. In October 2014, Citi Bike and the City announced a price increase and a plan to expand the program to add thousands of bikes and hundreds of stations, to cover most of Manhattan and several other areas.^[30]^[31]^[32]

After Citi Bike was launched, the city also started experimented with dockless bike sharing, wherein bikes do not need to be returned to a dock after the trip is complete. The bikes would instead lock themselves into place, and can only be used once a cyclist pays using an online application.^[33] In early August 2017, the dockless bike-sharing company Spin had started a dockless operation in the Rockaways, but had been told to cease and desist operations by the NYCDOT, which had licensed Citi Bike as the only official bike-share operator in New York City.^[34]^[35]^[36] In July 2018, the city rolled out a dockless bike-sharing pilot in conjunction with five companies, with 200 bikes provided in each of three outer-borough neighborhoods.^[33]^[37]

Research conducted by Quinnipiac University Polling Institute in June 2013 showed that a majority of New Yorkers support the initiative.^[38]

Recreational[edit]

Some parks ban or restrict motor vehicles to promote bicycling, including Central Park^[39] and Prospect Park.^[40] Bike and Roll NYC operates bike rental stations in several city parks^[41]^{[failed verification]} and local bike shops also rent them, especially in areas of tourism. Less formal operators work on street corners or out of the back of a truck or in parking garages, although this type of operation is illegal on city park property. Additional services include paid guided tours.

Several organizations, including Five Borough Bicycle Club and Bike New York, conduct tours every weekend. Most are day trips for no fee;^[42] some larger or overnight tours require payment. New York City is host to several long annual recreational rides, including the Five Boro Bike Tour. New York Cycle Club and others specialize in fitness and speed. Bicycle track races run most summer weekends in Kissena Park and elsewhere. Road races are held on weekends and some weekday evenings at Prospect Park, Central Park, and Floyd Bennett Field.^[43]

Commuting[edit]

Like other forms of cycling in New York City, commuting by bicycle has increased significantly over the years. In 2015, 46,057 people said they used a bicycle as their primary mode of commuting, compared with just 16,468 who commuted primarily by bicycle in 2005. Commuters accounted for approximately one fifth of bicycle trips in New York City in 2017.^[2] Many New Yorkers live less than 12 mi (19 km) from their job, and can be seen bicycle commuting over various bridges connecting Manhattan with the outer boroughs and along the Hudson or elsewhere in good weather. In 2008 the NYC Department of Transportation released a «screenline count report» suggesting that commuter cycling had more than doubled since the turn of the century.^[44]

For mixed-mode commuting most suburban commuter rail stations provide free parking in racks, and some have bicycle lockers for security.^[45] Regulations on bicycles on trains vary by railroad and time of day; Metro-North and LIRR require a permit that can be obtained for a $5.00 fee by mail or at Grand Central Terminal. New Jersey Transit also allows bicycles onboard trains en route to New York City but restricts them on rush hour trains.^[46] Bikes are allowed on New York City Subway trains at all hours, though it is sometimes difficult to fit a bike into a packed subway car.^[47] Typically, cyclists use the subway security gates to bring bicycles into the system, and board either the very first or very last train car.^[48] Due to traffic patterns and transport network geometries, mixed-mode bicycling-plus-subway can be the fastest way to commute, or to achieve transport within New York City, for many routes and times.^[49]

Folding bicycles, which often allow parking in a workplace or home closet where there isn’t room for a full sized bike, became increasingly popular early in the 21st century.^[50] European city bikes from the Netherlands, though lacking this virtue, became a lesser trend in 2008.^[51]

In 2009, a law created by the New York City Council went into effect, requiring commercial buildings with freight elevators to allow employees to transport their bikes on them up to tenant floors. The purpose of the bill was to allow access to indoor storage spaces to encourage commuting by cycling.^[52] The City Council also created another local law in 2009 requiring many off-street parking facilities to replace some of their spaces for vehicles with bicycle racks. So far there has been limited demand by cyclists for paid off-street bicycle parking at these garages and lots.^[53] The Alliance for Downtown New York, a local Business Improvement District, announced in late 2018 that the Oonee Company would install a new kind of secure bike pod for parking on Whitehall Street.^[54]

The non-profit organization Transportation Alternatives promotes bicycle commuting and bicycle friendly facilities to lessen the impact of cars on urban life. On its website, the organization states that is «working to make New York City’s neighborhoods safer and restore a vibrant culture of street life» and advocates «for safer, smarter transportation and a healthier city.»^[55]

Renting, parking, and shopping for bikes

Bike lanes[edit]

Blocked bike lanes became commonplace during the COVID-19 pandemic

As of 2019, New York City had 1,350 miles (2,170 km) of bike lanes,^[16] compared to 513 miles (826 km) of bike lanes in 2006.^[56] The New York City Department of Transportation distributes a free and annually updated bike map online and through bike shops.^[57]

Types[edit]

There are three types of bike lanes on New York City streets: Class I, Class II, and Class III. Class I bike lanes are typically physically separated from vehicular/pedestrian paths. Class II bike lanes are simply marked with paint and signage and lie between a parking lane and a traffic lane. Class III bike lanes are shared vehicular/bike lanes, usually only marked by signage and sharrows.^[58] The majority of bike lanes in New York are Class II or Class III bike lanes.^[57]

Class I[edit]

Between 2007 and 2018, New York City added just over 100 miles of Class I bike lanes.^[59] As of the end of 2018, there were 16 corridors with Class I bike lanes.^[60] In October 2019, it was announced that an additional 250 miles (400 km) of Class I bike lanes would be built starting in 2021. At that point, there were 126 miles (203 km) of Class I bike lanes citywide.^[61]

One of the most heavily used Class I bike lanes is the Hudson River Greenway, which is segregated from pedestrians. Other parts of the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway and the Brooklyn-Queens Greenway are less continuously segregated. An east-west greenway runs through Pelham Bay Park and Pelham Parkway in the Bronx, connecting to Mosholu Parkway to Van Cortlandt Park, which in turn connects to the South County Trailway. Greenways are also prevalent along major parkways the Bronx River Parkway, Hutchinson River Parkway, Eastern Parkway, and Ocean Parkway. Others include foreshoreways along the north shore of Jamaica Bay and the south shores of Little Neck Bay and Flushing Bay, as well as waterside bikeways such as the Rockaway Beach Boardwalk, the Riegelmann Boardwalk, the South Beach Boardwalk. Several destinations such as Central Park, Prospect Park, and Governors Island contain extensive Class 1 bike lane networks.^[57]

Class I bike lanes are the safest road design for cyclists and are credited with helping increase the number of cyclists in the city while reducing crashes and injuries to all road users. Between 2009 and 2014, cyclists riding in parking protected bike lanes experienced a 75% reduction in crash-related injuries, while pedestrians on those routes experienced a 22% decrease in crash-related injuries.^[59]

Criticism[edit]

Despite their documented safety benefits, some have been critical of bike lanes.^[62] A group in Park Slope sued in March 2011 to remove a new bike lane,^[63] and in November the City Council voted to slow the installation of new lanes and pedestrian plazas.^[64] Much of the opposition has been concentrated in Manhattan and Queens neighborhoods, where opponents claim that bike lanes are a nuisance or danger to pedestrians and nearby businesses.^[2] However, an August 2012 survey found two-thirds of New Yorkers in favor of bike lanes.^[65]

Traffic lights[edit]

Dedicated bike signal (lower left) and left-turn signal (upper right)

In July 2019, the New York City Council approved legislation that allows bikers to follow pedestrian walk signals at intersections where no dedicated traffic light for cyclists is present.^[66] The program applies particularly to intersections with leading pedestrian intervals, intersections where the pedestrian signal displays the walk indication for several seconds before the vehicular traffic light indication changes from red to green.^[67]

Green waves[edit]

A «green wave» refers to the programming of traffic lights to allow for continuous traffic flow (a series of green lights) over a number of intersections in one direction. Any vehicle directed by lights, including cars, buses, trucks, and bicycles, will see a change in movement patterns and movement regulation following this programming. Traffic engineers decide on an approximate average speed of each vehicle type, and thus program the traffic lights accordingly, based on which vehicle the city aims to prioritize. In New York City, this “green wave” prioritizes bikers by timing traffic lights around the average biking speed, in addition to mitigating the negative effects of heavy automotive congestion.^[68] After a series of bicyclist deaths in 2019, the highest death toll for cyclists in two decades, the city decided to retime traffic lights, so that vehicles would have to travel an average of 15 miles per hour (24 km/h) between consecutive green lights.^[69]

The green wave concept was traditionally utilized by traffic engineers to move cars more efficiently and quickly through congested urban streets. It was adapted by cyclists in Copenhagen in 2007 and quickly spread to other locales.^[70] This programming marks a shift in prioritizing the biker over the driver, a conflict that has wider class, race, and geographical implications. This implementation of green wave traffic signal programming in New York City has followed smaller instances of success in the U.S., including San Francisco, Portland, and Denver. Both local government and non-profit transportation constituencies have supported bringing the “green wave” to New York City, America’s most congested urban area. Aaron Villere, a senior program associate for the National Association of City Transportation Officials, has cited the findings of cities that have retimed signals for cyclists, stating, “We’ve seen it improves safety… we’ve seen it makes the streets more comfortable for people biking, walking, and driving.»^[71]

However, there is also some criticism, with several critics saying that cyclists often run red lights, and that this behavior is unlikely to change based on new traffic light programming. Spokespeople from Transportation Alternatives, a group that promotes cycling, argued that drivers were likely to object to any proposed change to their long-held claim to the streets.

Riding[edit]

Laws and rules[edit]

A bicycle is treated similarly to a motorized vehicle under the law of the State of New York with several exceptions. No license is required to operate a bicycle. Cyclists must ride in the direction of traffic. On one-way streets 40 feet or wider, they may ride on either the left or right side. Children aged 13 years and under must wear a helmet. Adult cyclists must use hand signals, must only wear headphones in one ear,^[72] must not ride on sidewalks, and must use lights at night (red in rear and white in front).^[73] The NYPD issues moving violations to riders who break the rules.^[74]

Rules against fastening bikes to subway property, including fences around street stairs, are enforced more rigorously than those concerning lampposts and other street furniture.^[75] Municipal bicycle stands are installed in many neighborhoods. Most are simple «bike staples» but a few, including one each at the northwest ends of Pulaski Bridge and Union Square are larger, with a roof. More are planned.^[76]

Dangers[edit]

When mayor Bill de Blasio entered office in 2014, he sought to bring all traffic fatalities to zero through his Vision Zero initiative.^[77] In 2017, 24 cyclists were killed, and 4,485 were injured in crashes in New York City.^[78] Private parties have made maps of fatal accidents,^{[citation needed]} and some fatality locations are marked by white-painted ghost bikes.^[79] Although crash-related injuries to cyclists are not uncommon, their incidence has decreased even as the number of cyclists in New York City has increased. Between 2011 and 2015 there were 12.8 cyclist fatalities per 100 million cycling trips, compared with 44.2 cyclist fatalities per 100 million cycling trips between 1996 and 2000.^[80]

Being doored (colliding with the door of a car unexpectedly opened) is a hazard.^[81] Many Class II/Class III bike lanes run in the door zone.^[82]

New York State has established No-Fault auto insurance laws (NYIL §51-52) to pay the medical (and some other) expenses of bicyclists, pedestrians, and other people struck by vehicles.^[83] The system is highly complex, however, and no public authority has published instructions on how to access it. Individuals hit by cars should file a crash report with the NYPD or DMV.^[83] Cyclists who are hurt in non-vehicle crashes, due to mechanical problem, pothole, etc., should ask the police or EMT to write up an Aided Report; this may be used for insurance claims or to report road hazards to the City so that others are not hurt.

Public efforts[edit]

Bike New York, an organization in New York City, encourages cycling and bicycle safety. They host rides throughout the year, including the Five Boro Bike Tour, in order to fund their free bike education programs. With ten community bike education centers around all five boroughs of New York City, Bike New York offers bike education programs for children and adults.^[84]

Monthly Critical Mass rides in New York have resulted in conflict between the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and bike riders.^[85] On August 27, 2004, during the Republican National Convention, more than 400 riders were arrested for ‘disrupting traffic’.^[86] The arrests, thought to be preemptive action against protests during the convention, spawned lawsuits.^[87] Other rides were also followed by arrests,^[88] tickets^[89] though in 2008 the NYPD was content to leave alone.^[90]

References[edit]

^ Fried, Ben (November 9, 2009). «Count on It: NYC Bike Commuting Climbs 26 Percent». streetsblog.org. Retrieved February 26, 2010.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d Hu, Winnie (July 30, 2017). «More New Yorkers Opting for Life in the Bike Lane». The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved July 31, 2017.
^ «NYC DOT — Bicyclists — Cycling In The City». www1.nyc.gov. July 2020. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
^ Goodman, J. David (November 22, 2010). «Bike Lanes’ Growth in New York Brings Backlash». The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved November 5, 2019.
^ «MTA Bike & Ride». MTA.info. Metropolitan Transportation Authority. September 19, 2014. Retrieved September 19, 2014.
^ «MTA | Press Release | NYC Transit | MTA Running Bus Routes with New Bike Racks This Summer». www.mta.info. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e Wood, Carol, ed. (multiple authors). «New York City Bike Advocacy: A Preliminary Timeline (1960–2007)». Why I Ride: The Art of Bicycling in New York (2007). Retrieved May 11, 2019.
^ Fowler, Glenn (July 24, 1980). «Auto Club Seeking to Bar Curb on Driver-Only Cars; ‘Fantastic First Step’ Praise for Bike Lanes Termed Unfair to Salesmen». The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved May 11, 2019.
^ Haberman, Clyde (October 16, 1980). «Koch Opens 2 Bike Lanes Already Used to Cyclists; A Fan Since His Trip to China Delays Up to 10 Minutes». The New York Times. Retrieved May 11, 2019.
^ Haberman, Clyde (June 30, 1981). «KOCH SAYS HE’S PREPARED TO GET RID OF BICYCLE LANES». The New York Times. Retrieved May 11, 2019.
^ «Two Wheelers Take Back Sixth Avenue Bike Lane». Transportation Alternatives. December 30, 1998. Archived from the original on June 20, 2010. Retrieved February 26, 2010.
^ Pierre-Pierre, Garry (July 14, 1997). «City Has a Plan to Sweep Bicyclists Off Their Feet». The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved May 11, 2019.
^ Bell, Trudy E. (May 25, 1991). «SPORTS LEISURE; East Side, West Side, Bike Lanes All Around». The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved May 11, 2019.
^ «My Way Pass». Bike and Roll. Cathartix, Inc. August 14, 2014. Retrieved August 14, 2014.
^ Wil Giron (June 22, 2011). «Bike and Roll Launches New ‘Hop On Hop Off’ Bike Rental Program in NYC Read more: Bike and Roll Launches New ‘Hop On Hop Off’ Bike Rental Program in NYC». Inhabitant New York City. Inhabitat.com. Archived from the original on August 14, 2014. Retrieved August 14, 2014.
^ ^a ^b ^c Barron, James (August 18, 2019). «The People of Central Park West Want Their Parking Spaces (Sorry, Cyclists)». The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved November 5, 2019.
^ Basu, Shumita (July 16, 2019). «Why Do NYC Drivers And Pedestrians Loathe Cyclists?». Gothamist. Retrieved November 30, 2020.
^
See:
- Kilgannon, Corey; Singer, Jeffrey E. (June 12, 2011). «Battery Power Gives Deliverymen a Boost, at a Cost». The New York Times. Retrieved September 22, 2011.
- Bredderman, Will. «Mayor seeks to punish businesses delivering with electric bikes». Crain’s New York Business. Retrieved August 16, 2017.
- Coulon, Jessica (June 26, 2020). «New York City Legalizes Ebikes Under 25MPH». Bicycling.com. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
^ «E-Bikes». New York Bicycling Coalition. Archived from the original on May 20, 2015. Retrieved June 17, 2015.
^ Hicks, Jonathan P. (April 24, 2007). «Pedicab Limit Withstands Mayor’s Veto». The New York Times. Retrieved February 26, 2010.
^ Chan, Sewell (January 17, 2008). «Court Strikes Down Pedicab Licensing Plan». The New York Times. Retrieved February 26, 2010.
^ Grynbaum, Michael M. (June 15, 2009). «Stalled Plan to License Pedicabs Advances». The New York Times. Retrieved February 26, 2010.
^ Gross, Courtney (April 29, 2011). «Council Cracks Down on Pedicabs Again». Gotham Gazette. Retrieved November 13, 2020.
^ Walker, Dalton (July 10, 2007). «In This Case, It’s O.K. to Take a Bike That’s Not Yours». The New York Times. Retrieved February 26, 2010.
^ Gay, Jason (June 22, 2011). «The City and Bikes: Rubber Meets Road». The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved September 22, 2011.
^ «FAQs». New York City Bike Share. The City of New York. 2013. Archived from the original on June 23, 2013. Retrieved June 28, 2013.
^ Joe Coscarelli (May 7, 2012). «NYC Bike-Share Program Is Citibank Blue and Pretty Pricey». New York Magazine. New York Media LLC. Retrieved June 28, 2013.
^ NYC DOT (May 28, 2013). «Citi Bike is Here!». New York City Bike Share. The City of New York. Archived from the original on June 23, 2013. Retrieved June 28, 2013.
^ «Citi Bike set to roll in May; Some say No to Petrosino site». The Villager. NYC Community Media LLC. April 11, 2013. Retrieved June 28, 2013.
^ «NYC DOT, Alta and Citi Announce Agreement to Expand and Enhance Citi Bike Program in New York City». New York City Department of Transportation. October 28, 2014. Archived from the original on November 3, 2014. Retrieved November 3, 2014.
^ Chaban, Matt A.V. (October 28, 2014). «New Leader Will Drive Expansion of Citi Bike». The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved November 3, 2014.
^ Tangel, Andrew (October 28, 2014). «Citi Bike to Get Millions in Financial Boost». Wall Street Journal. Retrieved November 3, 2014.
^ ^a ^b «NYC picks 5 companies to run dockless-bike program». New York Post. July 3, 2018. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
^ Hu, Winnie (August 28, 2017). «No Room on a Bike Rack? Not a Problem for These Smart Bikes». The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved September 6, 2017.
^ Barone, Vin (August 14, 2017). «Spin bike-share cancels rollout after cease-and-desist letter». am New York. Retrieved September 6, 2017.
^ Colon, David (August 12, 2017). «Dockless Bike Share Company Won’t Begin Operations In New York». Gothamist. Archived from the original on October 31, 2017. Retrieved September 6, 2017.
^ Plitt, Amy (July 13, 2018). «NYC’s dockless bike share pilot rolls out in the Rockaways». Curbed NY. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
^ Pat Smith; Maurice Carroll (June 27, 2013). «NEW YORK CITY VOTERS BACK MAYOR’S STORM PLAN 4-1, QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY POLL FINDS; SLIM MAJORITY BACKS FOOD RECYCLING, BIKE RENTALS» (PDF). Quinnipiac University Poll. Quinnipiac University. Retrieved June 28, 2013.
^ «Park Drive Regulations in Central Park». centralpark.com. Archived from the original on February 25, 2018. Retrieved January 23, 2020.
^ «Park Drive Rules + Safety — Prospect Park Alliance». prospectpark.org. Archived from the original on September 21, 2019. Retrieved January 23, 2020.
^ «Home». Bike and Roll New York City. Bike and Roll LLC. 2008. Retrieved June 28, 2013.
^ Sloan Rollins (April 27, 2012). «Bike clubs: Join a free group ride in NYC». Time Out New York. Time Out New York. Retrieved June 28, 2013.
^
See:
- «Bicycling in Prospect Park — Prospect Park Alliance». prospectpark.org. Archived from the original on January 23, 2020. Retrieved January 23, 2020.
- «nycbikeracing».
- «Kissena Cycling Club».
- «Century Road Club Association».
^ «Bicycle Counts». New York City DOT. The City of New York. 2013. Retrieved June 28, 2013.
^ «Bike to Work Long Island Secure and Go! Bicycle Locker Program» (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on March 20, 2017. Retrieved January 23, 2020.
^ «Bicycles on NJ Transit». Ridewise.org. Archived from the original on December 13, 2019. Retrieved January 23, 2020.
^ «Ask A Native New Yorker: Is It OK To Bring My Bike On The Subway? — Gothamist». Gothamist. July 21, 2016. Archived from the original on January 23, 2020.
^ «MTA Bike and Ride».
^ Weissman, Neile (July 23, 2018). «Lessons from the L-Subway applied to Hudson Rail Tunnels». Complete George. Retrieved May 11, 2019.
^ Tuff, Sarah (June 24, 2009). «Gear Test, Folding Bikes». The New York Times. Retrieved February 26, 2010.
^ Colman, David (April 15, 2009). «Riding the It Factor». The New York Times. Retrieved February 26, 2010.
^ Goodman, J. David (July 29, 2009). «Council Bill Requires Buildings to Let Bikes In». The New York Times. Retrieved February 26, 2010.
^ Goodman, J. David (February 23, 2010). «You Can Park Your Bike, but at What Price?». The New York Times. Retrieved February 26, 2010.
^ «Lower Manhattan Pilots New York City’s First Secure Bike Parking Pod Oonee | Downtown Alliance». www.downtownny.com. Retrieved January 19, 2019.
^ «About». Transportation Alternatives. Transportation Alternatives. 1997–2013. Retrieved June 28, 2013.
^ Hu, Winnie (July 30, 2017). «More New Yorkers Opting for Life in the Bike Lane». The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
^ ^a ^b ^c «NYC DOT — Bicycle Maps» (PDF). nyc.gov. New York City Department of Transportation. 2019. Retrieved May 14, 2019.
^ «Chapter 4: Street Design». Transportation Alternatives. Transportation Alternatives. 1997–2009. Archived from the original on June 29, 2013. Retrieved June 28, 2013.
^ ^a ^b «Protected Bicycle Lanes in NYC». nyc.gov. New York City Department of Transportation. September 3, 2014. Retrieved July 10, 2019.^{[permanent dead link]}
^ Walker, Ameena (December 19, 2018). «NYC added 20 miles of new protected bike lanes in 2018 (updated)». Curbed NY. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
^ Fitzsimmons, Emma G. (October 28, 2019). «After Spike in Deaths, New York to Get 250 Miles of Protected Bike Lanes». The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved October 28, 2019.
^
See:
- «The City’s Bike Obsession». Staten Island Advance. July 4, 2009. Retrieved February 26, 2010.
- Goodman, J. David (November 22, 2010). «Expansion of Bike Lanes in City Brings Backlash». The New York Times. Retrieved March 12, 2011.
^ Robbins, Liz (March 8, 2011). «In Brooklyn, Divided Opinion About a Bike Lane by a Park». The New York Times. Retrieved March 11, 2011.
^ City Council Acts to Slow Transportation Projects by Gail Robinson, November 30, 2011, Gotham Gazette
^ Michael M. Grynbaum; Marjorie Connelly (August 21, 2012). «Bicycle Lanes Draw Wide Support Among New Yorkers, Survey Finds». The New York Times. Retrieved June 28, 2013.
^ «Pilot program will allow cyclists to follow pedestrian walk signs at 50 New York City intersections». ABC7 New York. July 23, 2019. Retrieved November 4, 2019.
^ Barone, Vincent (May 28, 2019). «Success in allowing cyclists to follow pedestrian signals could mean expansion to 3,494 intersections». www.amny.com. Retrieved November 4, 2019.
^ https://www1.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/news/368-19/vision-zero-mayor-de-blasio-green-wave-bicycle-plan-address-cycling-fatalities—/#/0. “Vision Zero: Mayor de Blasio Announces ‘Green Wave’ Bicycle Plan to Address Cycling Fatalities—With Citywide Protected Bike Lane Network and Increased Enforcement”. The Official Website of the City of New York. July 25, 2019.
^ Hu, Winnie (October 23, 2019). «After Cyclist Deaths, City Adjusts Traffic Lights to Slow Cars». The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved November 4, 2019.
^ https://www1.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/bike-safety-plan.pdf. “Green Wave: A Plan for Cycling in New York City”. The Official Website of the City of New York. New York City Department of Transportation, New York Police Department.
^ https://phys.org/news/2013-05-physics-green-city-traffic-smoothly.html. Zyga, Lisa. “Physics of ‘Green Waves’ Could Make City Traffic Flow More Smoothly”. Phys.org. Europhysics Letters. May 22, 2013.
^ «Bike Smart». New York City DOT. The City of New York. 2013. Retrieved June 28, 2013.
^
See:
- «Bicycling in New York State». New York State Department of Transportation. Retrieved February 26, 2010.
- «Bicycle Laws that Apply in New York City». Freewheels Bicycle Defense Fund. Freewheels Bicycle Defense Fund. Retrieved June 28, 2013.
^ «The NYPD Is Cracking Down On Cyclists Riding Outside Bike Lanes». gothmist. April 28, 2017. Archived from the original on October 4, 2018. Retrieved December 12, 2018.
^ «Locking Your Bike». Bike.nyc. Archived from the original on January 23, 2020. Retrieved January 23, 2020.
^ «Bicyclists». New York City DOT. The City of New York. 2013. Retrieved June 28, 2013.
^ Vow to end traffic deaths vs reality by J. DAVID GOODMAN and MATT FLEGENHEIMER, New York Times, 2014 Feb 14
^ “Bicycle Crash Data Report.” Nyc.gov, New York City Department of Transportation, 2018, www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/bicycle-crash-data-report-2017.pdf.
^ Drankoski, Dustin. «Ghost bikes: A decade of quietly remembering those we lost». Mashable. Retrieved July 11, 2019.
^ “Safer Cycling: Bicycle Safety and Ridership in New York City.” Nyc.gov, New York City Department of Transportation, 2017, www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/bike-safety-study-fullreport2017.pdf.
^ «Get Doored». Word Spy. Retrieved February 26, 2010.
^ «Bike Lanes and Paths: A Primer | Biking Rules!». BikingRules.org. Archived from the original on January 23, 2020. Retrieved January 23, 2020.
^ ^a ^b Wood, Carol. «Insurance for Pedestrians and Cyclists in Car Crashes». NYC Car Crash Resources. Retrieved May 11, 2019.
^ «Education Centers | Bike New York». Bike.nyc.
^ James, Will, Freewheels, Fred Askew, Times Up! (2007). «Critical Mass Timeline». Why I Ride NYC. Retrieved May 12, 2019.
^ Wald, Jonathan (August 29, 2004). «264 arrested in NYC bicycle protest». CNN. Retrieved February 26, 2010.
^ «Archived copy» (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on June 27, 2008. Retrieved April 29, 2008.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
^ «NYPD Attempts To Criminalize Bike Riders». Time’s Up. March 28, 2005. Retrieved February 26, 2010.
^ Ferguson, Sarah (February 25, 2006). «Critical Mass: NYPD Carries Smaller Stick This Week». Village Voice. Archived from the original on October 21, 2008. Retrieved February 26, 2010.
^ «Critical Mass April ’08 Ride Report: Mass Success». onNYTurf. April 27, 2008. Archived from the original on December 16, 2008. Retrieved February 26, 2010.

External links[edit]

New York City Bike Map, from the NYCDOT
Interactive NYC Bike Map

Clubs:

5 Borough Bicycle Club, touring club
New York Cycle Club
Kissena Cycling Club, Brooklyn-based racing club
Fast & Fabulous, LGBT cycling club
Virtuous Bicycle, Bike Ed, NYC Traffic Safety, Lessons

Advocacy:

StreetBlog, NYC cycling news and advocacy
Transportation Alternatives, NYC leading advocacy group for cycling and pedestrians

cycle to work schemes are a popular employee benefit

Here’s how to get your employees started…

Cycle to work schemes are a really popular employee benefit that can support you with attracting and retaining talent while looking after your employee’s physical wellbeing.

The scheme helps your staff to afford a bike for their commute to work for better price than they may be able to find on their own, while allowing them to spread the cost over 12 to 18 months. Plus, both you and your employees will also save money on tax and NI, because the payments made for their bikes are deducted from their salaries before these come off.

As well as helping your employees stay healthy, cycling to work will help reduce your organisation’s carbon footprint too. Although Cycle To Work schemes make getting your staff on their bikes really simple from a practical point of view persuading them to swap the bus or their car for two wheels, and providing facilities to make cycling in practical, will need some more thought – here are the things you’ll need to consider, or help your staff with…

Finding the right bike:

Everyone will have different cycling needs, depending on their experience, ability, body type and where they live – there’s no one-size-fits-all for commuting bikes. And that’s not to mention preference or style! Here are just some options available, and who they might be best for:

Road bikes:

These have lightweight frames, thin tyres, and limited gears that are built for a speed that can keep up with traffic. They’re usually seen as commuter bikes – and for the majority of people living or working in large towns and cities, they’ll be exactly what they need.

Mountain bikes:

If your offices are based somewhere slightly hilly, a road or city bike won’t be practical particularly if your employees are cycling from a village to work in an out-of-town estate. Instead, a mountain bike with mudguards, heavier tyres and more gears will be much better.

Hybrid bikes:

For those who want to cycle in a city as well as the countryside, they don’t have to choose between a mountain bike or a road bike, they can have both! Hybrid bikes are designed for those cycling between urban and rural environments and will easily handle both – but are usually a bit more expensive.

Folding bikes:

Folding bikes are often popular among commuters – particularly those who can’t replace public transport altogether, but still have a few miles to travel once they’ve got the train from the suburbs to the city centre, for example. Folding bikes are typically more geared towards the city bike style of wheels and gears, but their frames are totally different – and they can take some getting used to.

Do women need specific Bikes?

The short answer is no. The difference between bikes advertised for men and women usually comes down to a smaller frame and a colour change but, depending on their build, most women will be more than comfortable on a non-gendered bike frame.

However, the type of saddle can make a real difference. Cycling Weekly recommends that women riders will generally find a wider saddle with a cut-out section to reduce pressure more comfortable.

Don’t forget about safety gear

Cycle-to-work schemes can also pay for cycling safety equipment – and while there’s no specific legislation which says what can and can’t be covered, the HMRC recommends a “common sense” approach, and lists the following as permitted safety gear:

Cycle helmets
Bells, bulb horns and lights
Child safety seats
Bike reflectors and reflective clothing

Add-ons such as a cycling computer, Sat Nav, Go Pro camera, or custom parts are unlikely to be covered – and neither is any cycle clothing that isn’t reflective.

Cycle routes

Finding the right route to work is an important part of getting started with cycling. More experienced cyclists will be happy to just follow the same roads as they would when driving, but others will feel more confident starting out on a quieter route, or on dedicated cycle lanes or paths.

Obviously all of your employees will be taking slightly different routes to work, but you can help by getting in touch with your local council to see if they have any cycling maps or resources available. Also, remind your staff to be wary of light levels and weather – some routes may be safer or more dangerous at night, or in the rain. If you’re in a city with a tram system, warn your staff to be wary of tram tracks.

Safe storage

Bikes are popular targets for theft – they’re worth a lot of money and make for a quick getaway – with 400,000 stolen in the UK each year. Anything specialised, such as a city/mountain bike hybrid, will be particularly attractive.

Your staff will all need locks, and will need to know how to use them properly – this guide from lifehacker is a good starting point on how to make a bike a bit more of a hassle to steal, even with heavy-duty tools.

For staff storing their bikes at home, a securely locking shed or garage are the best bets – or in the house or flat itself if that’s not possible. Leaving bikes in publicly accessible apartment building hallways – even if the building has secure entrances – is just asking for trouble!

At work, provide bike racks that allow people to securely double lock their bikes, with enough space for everyone to safely store their ride. If you have a secure car park where the rack can live, all the better.

It’s also important to encourage staff to insure their bikes – as the terms of the cycle-to-work scheme will mean they will keep having to make repayments even if it’s stolen. And no one wants that.

Facilities at work

Finally, cycling to work is a sweaty business – so make sure your staff have adequate hygiene facilities to make sure it’s pleasant for everyone! Access to a shower is essential, lockers to store a change of dry clothes or hang a suit can also be helpful – and all part of making sure cycling to work is as easy as possible for your employees.

HOW TO GET STARTED:

Cycle To Work schemes are a great way to support your employees wellbeing while saving money – win win! If you’re interested in offering a cycle to work scheme for your employees, get in touch with our experts today. They can help guide you through the process and how it can benefit you and your employers.

Задания 12-18

Прочитайте рассказ и выполните задания 12–18. В каждом задании обведите букву A, B, C или D, соответствующую выбранному вами варианту ответа.

Chronic lack of sleep affects one in three British workers

One in three British workers suffers from poor sleep, research shows, with stress, computers and taking work home blamed for the lack of quality sleep. Some employees get fewer than five hours sleep a night, only one in seven feels completely refreshed when they wake and more women have poor shut-eye than men. The alarming findings emerged from a study of self-assessments completed by 38,784 staff working in the UK for firms such as telecoms firm, O2, drugs developer, Quintiles and medical technology manufacturer, Medtronic.

A third were dissatisfied with the amount and quality of their sleep, with 8.4% saying they were «very unhappy» with it, and another 24.4% describing themselves as «unhappy». When asked how they felt 30 minutes after getting up, only 15.5% said «refreshed». Of the others, 3.3% said they were «exhausted», 24% said «unrefreshed» and 57.2% were still «a little tired».

While experts say that everyone should ideally get seven to eight hours sleep a night, only 38.5% of the 38,784 respondents did so. More had between five and seven hours (45%), only a lucky 10% reported sleeping for eight to nine hours and one in 100 enjoyed more than nine hours.

When researchers combined those results to give each respondent an overall «sleep score» out of 100, some 33.8% got a mark of less than 30 — the lowest category. That means someone either has, or is at high risk of developing, a sleeping problem. «This research is telling us that a large number of working adults, one in three in the UK, has a sleeping problem,» said Dr Tony Massey, medical director of Vielife, the health and productivity firm that carried out the assessments between 2009 and 2011. «A very concerning number of British workers get too little sleep.» Britain is near the top of an international league table for lack of sleep. A Vielife study of 116,452 staff in America found that 23.4% scored poorly for sleep.

The extent of inadequate rest has prompted fears that many people are too tired to do their jobs properly, with some so sleep-deprived their brains are as confused as if they had consumed too much alcohol.

«Too few people practice sleep hygiene,» said Massey. «That involves little things that people can do without professional help, like ensuring your room is dark and quiet, getting to bed at the same time every night — just like a two-year-old — reading a book, which is a proven relaxant, and not looking at bright screens, such as the TV or computer, for an hour before you go to bed as that will disturb your sleep.»

The growing tendency for employees to do extra work in the evenings and at weekends, which may have risen in the recession, also seems to be linked to poor sleep. «More people are scrunching the golden hour before they go to sleep, and they are paying the price in that their sleep isn’t refreshing and they end up in a vicious cycle of fatigue, poor productivity and then feeling that they have to do the same again the next day to compensate,» said Massey.

The best guarantee of good quality shut-eye is to work five days a week and sleep seven to eight hours a night. Five-days-a-week staff had the best sleep score, while those getting seven to eight hours a night scored 72.7.

«These are very worrying findings because lack of sleep is a risk factor for a whole range of serious health problems, such as stroke and heart disease,» said Massey.

12. Which of the following is mentioned among the reasons for poorer sleep?

A) Work for telecom firms.

B) Consumption of drugs.

C) Work done at home.

D) Lack of communication.

13. According to the research, just about … percent of people have the recommended number of sleeping hours.

A) forty

B) twenty

C) thirty

D) ten

14. Paragraph 4 stresses that …

A) the “sleep score” in Britain is relatively low.

B) many people in Britain are unaware of sleeping disorders.

C) the number of Britons who don’t get enough sleep is alarming.

D) British workers get more sleep than American ones.

15. The inadequate nighttime rest of employees might result in …

A) brain damage.

B) inefficiency at work.

C) lack of job satisfaction.

D) problems with alcohol.

16. What does “sleep hygiene” NOT involve?

A) Professional help.

B) A darkened room.

C) A relaxing book.

D) Regular bedtime.

17. The phrase “vicious cycle” in paragraph 7 means …

A) a sudden wave of tiredness.

B) a course of everyday events.

C) a large amount of extra work.

D) a repetitive cycle of poor sleep consequences.

18. What, according to the article, is important for good quality sleep?

A) Higher productivity at work.

B) A five-day working week.

C) Five to seven hours of nighttime sleep.

D) Absence of health problems.

Аудирование Чтение Языковой материал Письмо Говорение

Источник

Подробности: 37842


Прочитайте текст. Заполните пропуски в предложениях под номерами В4-В10 соответствующими формами слов, напечатанных заглавными буквами справа от каждого предложения. TEST 20 (part 1)

Traffic Problems

B4	In January 2003, the Congestion Charge was introduced in London to help solve the city’s traffic problems. (past simple passive, т.к. действие произошло в определённое время в прошлом. Был представлен, а не представил кого-то)	INTRODUCE
B5	However, London’s motorists still have traffic problems, crawling through the city’s streets. London is just as congested with cars as it was before the introduction of the traffic charging scheme. (ползая по улицам города)	CRAWL
B6	‘Without the Congestion Charge the traffic problems in London would be much worse now,’ said the TfL’s Managing Director. (степень сравнения)	BAD
B7	‘It has already proved successful in cutting traffic coming into London.’ (present perfect, т.к. это цитата. Действие происходит в настоящем для той ситуации)	PROVE
B8	However, on its own, the traffic charging scheme does not resolve the problem of congestion in the city. London streets remain clogged by road works and other measures designed to help pedestrians, buses and cyclists. (present simple, т.к. это общее утверждение)	NOT RESOLVE
B9	Mayor of London Boris Johnson says he now is working with TfL on a ‘comprehensive approach’ to ease the congestion problem. (present continuous, т.к. он работает в момент повествования)	WORK
B10	He believes that the government soon will impose new measures to eliminate traffic congestion. (future, будет вводить новые меры по …)	IMPOSE

Источник

Английский язык (Вариант 4)

History[edit]

Early bike lanes[edit]

Late 20th century[edit]

21st century[edit]

Types[edit]

Utility cycling[edit]

Bicycle sharing[edit]

Recreational[edit]

Commuting[edit]

Bike lanes[edit]

Types[edit]

Class I[edit]

Criticism[edit]

Traffic lights[edit]

Green waves[edit]

Riding[edit]

Laws and rules[edit]

Dangers[edit]

Public efforts[edit]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

External links[edit]

cycle to work schemes are a popular employee benefit

Finding the right bike:

Road bikes:

Mountain bikes:

Hybrid bikes:

Folding bikes:

Do women need specific Bikes?

Don’t forget about safety gear

Cycle routes

Safe storage

Facilities at work

HOW TO GET STARTED:

Задания 12-18

Chronic lack of sleep affects one in three British workers