CARD 25 - Exam

№ 25

  I.  1. Read the article and say in 2—3 sentences what it is about.

QUALITY OF COMMUNICATION

The Internet nowadays is like a huge city full of many different kinds of places and people. As in a real city, there are certain places which are suitable for youngsters and others which need to be avoided.

The Internet neither belongs to nor is controlled by any one person, organisation or government. It gives all of us the opportunity to create materials for others to see. On the other hand, as in ordinary life, there are those who might use it for illegal purposes. The freedom of the Net offers exciting opportunities for youngsters and, by being aware of the possible dangers and taking steps to avoid them, they can happily explore that online world in safety.

The Internet has enabled and advanced new forms of human interactions through instant messaging, Internet forums, and social networking. Common sense will certainly help children to use the Internet safely. It is preferable, for example, for parents to get to know who their children are meeting online and make sure they never give out personal information about themselves. Although it is an excellent tool for learning, playing and communicating with others, youngsters should not be allowed to become so involved that they forget other activities important to their development. How often do we hear of youngsters spending all their free time in front of the computer, isolating themselves from other people their age? Computers are admirable tools that improve the quality of life, but when used sensibly. Steve Jobs said: “Technology is nothing. What’s important is that you have a faith in people, that they’re basically good and smart, and if you give them tools, they’ll do wonderful things with them”. Obviously, surfing as a family activity is the best solution, so that any problems that are found can be discussed together.

Parents need to think about safety issues and agree on a set of rules. Just as youngsters are given instructions on road safety, they also need to be instructed on how to travel safely along that superhighway.

2.  The author says that the Internet offers exciting opportunities for youngsters. Find this extract and read it aloud.

3.  What is surfing the Internet compared to?

4.  Why is it important to use the Internet sensibly?

II.  Listen to three people speaking about their work-life balance and answer the questions below.

    1.   What does the first speaker complain about?

    2.   How has the life style of the second speaker changed?

    3.   What does the third speaker think about his way of life and the typical Japanese work-life balance?

III. Let’s talk about tourism.

                                              Let’s talk about tourism

1.    What are advantages and disadvantages of travelling?

2.    Your friend is fond of travelling. Ask him about his experience.

   3.    They say “Travelling broadens the horizons”. Prove or disapprove this idea.

    4.    What can you advise a person who doesn’t know where to spend his/ her holiday.

    5.    What difficulties can you have when visiting a foreign country? Is it possible to avoid them?

CARD 24 - Exam

№ 24

  I.  1. Read the article and say in 2—3 sentences what it is about.

WE ARE YOUNGER THAN WE EVER WERE

If you belong to the older generation, Elderhostel is a good place to live.

Elderhostel, founded in 1975, is the world’s largest educational and travel organisation for older adults. Its aim is to excite people’s minds and enrich people’s lives promoting and encouraging different activities among the older generation. There are no examinations or marks. All that you need, in order to enroll on a programme, is enquiring mind¹ and an adventurous spirit. Also, of course, you need to believe that learning and discovery continue all your life. There are expert instructors and experienced group leaders for field trips and cultural excursions.

Elderhostel offers a large number of programmes in a huge variety of areas. Amongst other things, it provides simple, online information on activities and services. First of all, there are traditional programmes. Here, people study ancient history, literature, and art, and can learn about different cultures, modern people and issues.

Also, Elderhostel believes that physical activity helps people to keep a positive self­image and contributes to the sense of well­being both mental and physical. Many programmes have keep­fit equipment and a large number of social and cultural events take place there, as well as sporting activities. Regular physical activity can prevent many common illnesses, such as high blood pressure and asthma and it helps people who already have such illnesses. Alongside the usual sports like swimming, hockey and cricket, bowling and tennis, you will find “Dog Clubs” and “Flying Clubs”. Then there is a group of adventure programmes involving activities like hiking, kayaking², biking and studying whales.

There are also programmes which give people the chance to help communities in different ways, such as protecting endangered species, tutoring school children and building affordable housing.

Finally, there are programmes which take place aboard a boat, anywhere from Antarctic to the Mississippi River.

The word ‘old’ has a very different and very positive meaning in Elderhostel!

¹ enquiring mind [ɪnˈkwaəɪrɪŋ  maɪnd] пытливый, проницательный ум

² a kayak [ˈkaɪæk] каяк (лодка)

2.  What kind of organisation is Elderhostel? Read aloud the extract which says about it.

3.  What activities does Elderhostel offer?

4.  Why does the word ‘old’ have a positive meaning in Elderhostel?

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

    1.   Why was the first speaker surprised?

    2.   When did the second speaker ask the girl out?

   3.   Why did the third speaker think that the girl was awful when they first met?

III. Let’s talk about education.

24. Let’s talk about education

1.    Do you like your school? Why or why not?

2.    Can computers be used in education? Why (not)?

3.    Your British friend has just entered a college. What questions will you ask him/her?

4.    What would you advise your friend to do to pass his exams successfully?

   5.    Nowadays some young people complain that they have lots of problems at school.  Do you agree with them?