III. Reading 1

Complete the text using the prepositions of time.

I came to London about six months ago. I started my job as a wine buyer at Mark& Spencer (1) _______February. To be exact, I started (2) _______February 14^th. Before coming here, I worked at a winery in South Africa and before that, (3) _______2004, I was in New York State working as an au pair. No matter where I am in the world, I always phone my parents (4) _______the weekend. I try to call them (5) _______Sundays (6) ________

6 o’clock (7) _______the evening. The other thing I try to do is go home for Christmas. I do like to spend time (8) _______Christmas with my family. If you ever get the chance, you really should go to the UK (9) _______December. The British Christmas markets are the best in the world.

Reading 2.

Read the text. Choose the right preposition.

Caravanning, catering and motor homes

There is a good choice of camp sites and caravan (RV) parks throughout Britain, normally open from Easter to October. Dur­ing/while the peak summer months, parks fill up quickly, so book in advance. In England, the tourist offices listed can be contacted during/while the summer to check on availability. International cara­van and camping sites indicate many park locations on/in the main roads. The BTA publishes a fairly comprehensive list called Camping and Caravan Parks in Britain. Two clubs — the Cara­van Club, and the Camping and Caravanning Club — publish guides listing their parks, and it may be worthwhile becoming a member. Both clubs operate their own grading system. A typical camping or caravan pitch will cost approximately £6 to £10 per night.

An alternative to a tent or caravan is to rent a motor home, which gives you great freedom to explore at your own pace and to stay almost anywhere. They are usually comfortable and very well equipped.

The BTA guide Britain: Vehicle Hire provides full de­tails of/for motor home rental. Expect to pay between/among £500 and £800 per week for/of a luxury six-berth vehicle which can even include a generator, microwave and television. Motor home companies can arrange for/to you to pick up your vehicle direct from/with the airport or ferry terminal. Most camping and caravan sites in Britain welcome motor home drivers.

Reading 3.

Read the texts. Find out the gerunds. Translate the sentences.

Thank your lucky stars

Gemini May 22 – June 21

You are quick at picking up new ideas and are better at doing mental work. You are easily bored with doing the same things. You enjoy discussing things with people.

Libra September 24 – October 23

You are good at being diplomatic. You hate quarrelling. You prefer quiet activities, such as sunbathing, painting, writing and reading.

Scorpio October 24 – November 22

You sometimes have difficulty in controlling your temper. You are a good detective. You love finding out answers and solving puzzles. You like active sports such as boxing, karate and water sports.

Sagittarius November 22 – December 21

Being free is important to you. You hate being forced into routine. You are capable of putting a lot of enthusiasm into your interests. You like walking, riding and outdoor sports.

Capricorn December 22 – January 20

You are capable of working very hard. You dislike people being untidy. You can’t stand wasting time on unnecessary things. You like organizing and you don’t mind being alone.

Reading 4.

a) Read the text. Translate the sentences with underlined words.