2. Do you find some British holidays and celebrations special? Why (not)?

There are many festivals and celebrations in Britain which are quite special and are worth visiting. One of them is Lord Mayor’s show which takes place in November. It is a colourful street parade in which the newly elected Lord Mayor travels along the streets of the City in a golden coach. Another very interesting festival known as the National Eisteddfod [ai’stedfod] is held in Wales. Poets, singers and musicians compete in bardic songs and poems. It attracts a lot of people.

3. What questions can you ask a British teenager about his birthday celebration?

4. What British festivals would you advise your friend to visit?

I would advise my friend to visit a very popular festival called Guy Fawkes Night which takes place on the fifth of November. It commemorates the so-called Gunpowder plot. It is traditionally celebrated with fireworks and a bonfire on which the figure of a man called Guy is burnt. I would also advise visiting a very colourful ceremony – the Changing of the Guard, which takes place at Buckingham Palace every morning. It attracts a lot of tourists.

5. Nowadays more and more people are getting interested in customs and traditions of different countries. What do you think about it?

I think that it is only natural that nowadays more and more people are getting interested in customs and traditions of different countries. People travel all over the world and if they want to avoid problems connected with cultural issues they should learn a few things about the country they are going to visit. They should remember that every country has its customs and it’s necessary to respect its history and culture.

8. Let’s talk about modern means of communication.

1. Let’s talk about modern means of communication. What are they?

When we think about modern means of communication, it is mostly the Internet and mobile phones that come into our minds. People can easily socialize on the internet using Skype, video-chats, chat-rooms and instant messaging. Emails have replaced letters and postcards almost completely. They are quicker to write and send, and more sure to reach the addressee. Mobile phones let us contact others wherever they are. Furthermore, they offer the possibility of texting. It is the most convenient and the cheapest form of communication when we need to pass a quick note.

2. Is there any means of communication you can’t live without? Why (not)?

Nowadays we use a number of means of communication. The internet, Skype, mobile phones, have become part and parcel of our life. People are becoming more and more dependent on them. I don’t think it’s bad. As a matter of fact, they make our life much easier, so why not use them? Personally, I can’t live without my mobile. Due to it I’m always in touch with my friends and parents. It also has the Internet, so it is very useful for me in many ways.

3. What questions will you ask people who live without a TV set, a computer or a radio?

4. Give me a piece of advice on how to convince my parents of the necessity of a mobile phone for a teenager.

I think that mobile phones are necessary for every teenager. Due to them parents can know where their children are and what they do. Many phones have the internet, so students can get the necessary information for their lessons. They also have a calculator, a calendar and what not. So why forbid them?

5. Can the internet replace all the other means of communication? What is your point of view?

In my opinion mobiles and the Internet have already replaced the other means of communication for most people. Of course, the Internet may lead to poor health through rushed meals, lack of sleep, lack of exercise, eyestrain when used too often, but we can’t stop progress and it’s up to us to decide how to use it to the utmost advantage.

8. Let’s talk about a healthy way of life.

1. Let’s talk about a healthy way of life. What can you do to become a healthier person?

I suppose that one of the main ingredients of a healthy way of life is physical activity. Personally I go in for volleyball (football, tennis). It is a very emotional game. It needs mobility [mou`biliti] (подвижность), stamina [`stæminә] (выносливость) and quick thinking. Volleyball (football, tennis) and my daily dozen help me to keep fit. Regular physical activity is an important part of a healthy lifestyle but, of course, it’s not enough. To become a healthier person you should also sleep not less than 8 hours, eat more fruit and vegetables, drink more water, have positive emotions because they prolong life. And last but not least – you should avoid bad habits like smoking, drinking alcohol, taking drugs or overeating.

2. Do you agree that bad habits, like smoking, can be dangerous? Why (not)?

No doubt, bad habits, like smoking, can be dangerous. Smoking is a very unhealthy habit. It increases the risk of cancer, bronchitis, heart diseases. Vitamin C is destroyed by smoking. That’s why active smokers usually look older than non-smokers. Smoking not only affects active smokers but the so-called passive smokers as well.

3. What questions will you ask a person who keeps to a slimming diet?

4. What can you advise a person who cannot give up a bad habit?

It is never too late to start anything or stop anything. Deciding to stop smoking is deciding to choose a healthy way of life. But, of course, it is not easy to give up a bad habit. I think that the best thing is to stay away from peers who smoke or drink. You can also find an occupation that you enjoy, it will distract you from bad habits.

5. What health problems does fast food lead to? What should you do to avoid them?

One more ingredient of a healthy lifestyle is proper nutrition. We should choose what we eat more carefully, keep to a well-balanced diet and eat less fast food. Fast food leads to obesity, it is very unhealthy. Junk food has additives which make it much tastier, but which are dangerous for our health. People who often eat fast food easily become overweight. In order to lose weight they should do regular exercise and keep to a well-balanced diet.