ОСВІТА ЧЕРНІВЕЧЧИНИ

Чернівці 2013

Збірник підготували:

С.М. Куриш – завідувач кафедри методики викладання філологічних дисциплін ІППО Чернівецької області, доцент.

Н.С. Брандес – заступник директора з навчально-виховної роботи, вчитель англійської мови, спеціаліст вищої категорії, вчитель–методист гімназії №7 м. Чернівців.

Ю.В. Гільчук – вчитель англійської мови, спеціаліст вищої категорії, старший вчитель гімназії №7 м. Чернівців.

О.І. Куканова – вчитель англійської мови, спеціаліст вищої категорії, вчитель – методист гімназії №7 м. Чернівців.

Н.Р. Дудук – заступник директора з навчально-виховної роботи ЗОСШ №22 м.Чернівців

А.М. Шевчук – вчитель англійської мови Глибоцької ЗОШ

І.В.Іванова – вчитель англійської мови Хотинської гімназії

Рецензенти:

В.В.Михайленко – завідувач кафедри сучасних європейських мов БДФУ

О.Л.Кузьміна – головний спеціаліст управління освіти Чернівецької міської ради

Особлива подяка вчителю німецької мови гімназії №7 м. Чернівців Белінському П.В. за надання технічної допомоги в упорядкуванні та дизайні.

Затверджено

Вченою радою інституту післядипломної педагогічної освіти Чернівецької області

Червень 2013р.

Збірник завдань для підготовки до зовнішнього незалежного оцінювання , олімпіад та для роботи з обдарованими учнями з англійської мови. Вижниця: - Черемош, 2013, - ст.

Збірник складено із урахуванням вимог Міністерства освіти, науки, молоді та спорту України. Тестові завдання розраховані для перевірки рівня навченості з чотирьох видів компетенції учнів та лексико-граматичні завдання з англійської мови. Завдання стануть в нагоді учням, які готуються до зовнішнього незалежногооцінювання з англійської мови, до участі в олімпіадах та конкурсах. Матеріали збірника стануть в нагоді вчителям, викладачам під час роботи з обдарованими дітьми.

© С.М. Куриш, Н.С. Брандес, Ю.В. Гільчук та ін.

Передмова

Посібник “Catch the Wave” - збірник тестових завдань з чотирьох видів компетенцій учнів та лексико-граматичних завдань з англійської мови, призначений для учнів середніх загальноосвітніх закладів. Тестові завдання стануть у нагоді абітурієнтам , які мають складати ЗНО з англійської мови для вступу до вищого навчального закладу та вчителям під час роботи з обдарованими дітьми.

Завдання розроблені згідно з Державним стандартом з англійської мови , Загальноєвропейськими рекомендаціями з мовної освіти, форматом олімпіадних і конкурсних завдань з англійської мови та програмою ЗНО з іноземних мов для вступників до вищих навчальних закладів України.

Завдання носять творчий характер і націлені на перевірку вмінь користуватися мовним матеріалом для висловлювання зв'язної, граматично правильної думки та викладу її у формі розповіді, письмового повідомлення тощо.

Бажаємо успіху!

ЗМІСТ

1. Тексти для аудіювання та читання …………………………….5 – 110

2. Завдання для контролю рівня компетенції письма ………….111 – 114

3. Завдання для контролю рівня компетенції говоріння ………115 – 120

4. Лексико-граматичні тести …………………………………….121 – 200

5. Ключі до тестів ………………………………………………...201 – 207

Part I Texts for Listening and Reading

Text № 1

Ludwig van Beethoven was one of the greatest composers in musical history. He has had a great influence on music. He won for composers a new freedom to express themselves. Beethoven made music more independent of social, religious, or teaching purposes.

Beethoven was born in Bonn, Germany, on December 16, 1770. He showed musical talent when he was very young, and learned to play the violin and piano from his father, who was a singer. In 1787, Beethoven’s gentle and loving mother died. After that, his father was often drunk and had a bad temper. Beethoven found relief from his difficult family life when he became the tutor to two children of the Von Bruening family. The children’s mother was a kind and well-educated woman who introduced Beethoven to important people in Bonn. Beethoven also visited Vienna in 1787, and the famous composer Wolfgang Mozart heard him play the piano. About this time, Beethoven met Count Ferdinand Waldstein, who became his lifelong friend and often helped his career.

In 1792, the composer Joseph Haydn in Bonn praised one of the Beethoven’s compositions and encouraged him to visit Vienna. Beethoven was welcomed into the homes of many of Vienna’s leading noblemen. Except for short trips, e stayed there for the rest of his life.

Many great composers of the day were treated as employees by the people who bought their music. However, Beethoven associated as an equal with the wealthy and royalty. They paid him money for his works, but they knew and admired him as a friend rather than as someone they hired to write music.

Beethoven began to lose his hearing in the late 1790’s. From about 1800, this increasing deafness changed his personality. Beethoven had always been proud, independent, and somewhat odd. But as he lost his hearing, he became more suspicious and irritable. He became totally deaf during the last years of his life, but his deafness did not hinder his composing, as many people believe. However, it did reduce his normal social life, which made him suffer deeply.

Beethoven’s life took on added bitterness because of his unhappy relationship with his brothers Johann and Karl, who also lived in Vienna. The two quarreled with Beethoven almost constantly. Some scholars writing about Beethoven’s life blame the two brothers for the trouble, but Beethoven himself was very difficult to get along with. Karl died in 1815, leaving a 9-year-old son. The boy became Beethoven’s ward, but this relationship also turned out badly. Beethoven did not have a disposition to be a father and the young man rebelled against him, causing Beethoven much grief.

Beethoven caught a serious cold at the end of 1826, which developed into pneumonia and then dropsy. He died on March 26, 1827.

Mark the statements true (T) or false (F)

1. Ludwig van Beethoven has had a great influence on art.

2. Beethoven made music more independent of social, religious or teaching purposes.

3. Beethoven was born in Berlin, Germany, on December 16, 1770.

4. Beethoven learned to play the violin and piano from his mother.

5. Beethoven became the tutor to two children of the Von Bruening family.

6. In 1787 the famous composer Wolfgang Mozart heard Beethoven play the piano.

7. Beethoven was welcomed into the homes of many of Bonn´s leading noblemen.

8. Beethoven had two brothers – Mike and Karl.

9. Beethoven caught a serious cold at the end of 1828.

10. Beethoven died on March 26, 1827.

Circle the correct item

1. Ludwig van Beethoven was one of the greatest …

1. composers

2. musicians

3. pianists

2.Beethoven has had a great influence on …

1. art

2. music

3. people

3. He showed musical … when he was very young.

1. talent

2. success

3. ability

4.The famous composer Mozart heard him play…

1. the piano

2. the organ

3. the violin

5.Count Ferdinand Waldstein became Beethoven´s …

1. life-long friend

2. close friend

3. mutual friend

6.Many great composers of the day were treated as …

1. employees

2. workers

3. servants

7.Beethoven began to lose …

1. his eye-sight

2. his hearing

3. his weight

8.Beethoven´s life took on added bitterness because of his unhappy relationship with …

1. his brothers

2. his sisters

3. his parents

9.The boy become Beethoven´s …

1. friend

2. pupil

3. ward

10.Beethoven died on March 26, ….

1. 1826

2. 1828

3. 1827

Text № 2

Ballet is a form of dancing performed for theater audiences. Like other dance forms, ballet may tell a story, express a mood, or simply reflect the music. But a ballet dancer’s technique and special skills differ greatly from those of other dancers. Ballet dancers perform many movements that are unnatural for the body. But they make these movements gracefully and with no sign of strain or effort.

Ballet dancers seem to ignore the law of gravity as they float through the air in long, slow leaps. They keep perfect balance while they spin like tops without becoming dizzy. In certain steps, their feet move so rapidly that the eye can hardly follow. The women often dance on the tips of their toes, and the men lift them high overhead as if they were as light as feathers.

The dancers take joy in controlling their bodies, and ballet audiences share their feelings. The viewers feel as if they were gliding and spinning with the dancers. Simply by using their bodies, ballet dancers are able to express many emotions, such as anger, fear, jealousy, joy, and sadness. The lines of the dancers’ bodies form beautiful, harmonious designs. Ballet technique is called classical because it stresses this purity and harmony of design.

In addition to the dance form called ballet, an individual dance work or performance using classical ballet technique is called a ballet. Any dance work involving a group of dancers may also be called a ballet even though it may not use classical ballet technique. For example, works of modern dance, musical comedy, and dance on television programs may or may not include this technique, but many are called ballets. Classical ballet technique developed in France during the 1660’s. Today, French words are used in all parts of the world for the various steps and positions.

Different ballet styles have developed in various countries. The American style is energetic and fast. British ballet is more refined. Russian ballet is forceful and showy, French ballet is pretty and decorative. Ballet dancers travel throughout the world and adopt features of foreign styles. Because of these international influences, all ballet is continually being broadened and enriched.

Mark the statements T (True) or F (False)

1. Ballet is a form of dancing performed for theatre audiences.

2. A ballet dancer´s technique and special skills are the same as those of other dancers.

3. Ballet dancers seem to ignore the law of gravity.

4. The women do not often dance on the tips of their toes.

5. The dancers take joy in music.

6. The lines of the dancers´ bodies form beautiful, harmonious designs.

7. Ballet technique is called classical because it stresses body movements.

8. A group dance work or performance using classical ballet technique is called a ballet.

9. Classical ballet technique developed in France during the 1660´s.

10. French ballet is energetic and fast.

Circle the correct item

1. Ballet is a form of dancing performed for…

   1. theatre public

   2. theatre audience

   3. ballet lovers

2. Like other … ballet may tell a story, express a mood, or simply reflect the music.

   1. dance forms

   2. song forms

   3. symphonic forms

3. Ballet dancers perform many movements that are unnatural …

   1. for physical structure of a person

   2. for personality

   3. for the body

4. Ballet dancers seem to ignore … as they float through the air in long, slow leaps.

   1. the law of gravity

   2. the laws of physics

   3. the laws of nature

5. The dancers take joy in controlling their …

   1. movements

   2. bodies

   3. positions

6. The lines of the dancers' bodies form … designs.

   1. wonderful, beautiful

   2. fabulous, harmonious

   3. beautiful, harmonious

7. Today, … words are used in all parts of the world for the various steps and positions.

   1. German

   2. French

   3. Italian

8. Different ballet styles have developed in…

   1. two countries

   2. various countries

   3. one country

9. The American style is …

   1. energetic and fast

   2. forceful and showy

   3. pretty and decorative

10. Ballet is continually being broadened and enriched because of …

    1. self-development

    2. different art programs

    3. international influences

Text № 3

A huge triangle formed by the islands of Bermuda and Puerto Rico, and the city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is said to be an area of profound danger for anyone or anything venturing into it. It was first so designated by a writer for Argosy magazine.

The whole legend began in December 1944 when five Avenger bombers of the US Navy were lost while on a routine training missions out of the Fort Lauderdale air base. A sensational 1974 book by Charles Berlitz, The Bermuda Triangle, brought this supposed mystery to the attention of the public.

The Berlitz book, written thirty years after the loss of the bombers, contained invented details, distorted and exaggerated figures and descriptions and even radio conversations that were claimed to have taken place between the naval pilots and the Fort Lauderdale air base. The event was not that unusual – if the invented details are ignored – and as evidence for any sort of mystery in the Triangle the Avenger Bombers matter is a very poor example. It remains, though, the event most quoted by the believers.

Other ships that are said to have vanished in the area either did not exist, or sank or capsized in other areas – even in the Pacific or Mediterranean – or went down due to perfectly ordinary and well-understood causes.

The Bermuda Triangle, an area subject to violent storms and rough seas, does produce problems, but no more than any other similar area anywhere in the world. There is no need to ascribe supernatural or even unusual causes to any losses that occur there. Unless, of course, you want to sell lots and lots of books.

Mark the statements T (True) or F (False)

1. A huge triangle formed by the islands of Bermuda and Puerto Rico and the city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is said to be an area of profound danger.

2. The Bermuda Triangle was first designated by a writer for Argosy newspaper.

3. The whole legend began in December 1943 when five Avenger bombers of the US Navy were lost, while on a routine training missions out of the Fort Lauderdale air base.

4. The Berlitz book was written forty years after the loss of the bombers.

5. The event was not so unusual.

6. The Avenger Bombers matter is a very good example.

7. Other ships that are said to have vanished in the area either did not exist or sank or capsized in other areas.

8. The Bermuda Triangle an area subject to violent storms and rough seas does produce problems, but no more than any other similar area anywhere in the world.

9. There is a need to ascribe supernatural or even unusual causes to any losses that occur there.

10. People want to sell lots and lots of books.

Circle the correct item

1. A huge triangle formed by the islands of Bermuda and Puerto Rico and the city of Fort Lauderdale, Florida is said to be an area of …

1. profound danger

2. profound risk

3. profound threat

2. It was first so designated by a writer for…

1. Argosy magazine

2. Argosy newspaper

3. Argosy book

3. The whole … began in December 1944

1. legend

2. story

3. description

4. … 1974 book by Charles Berlitz, “The Bermuda Triangle”, brought this supposed mystery to the attention of the public.

1. An interesting

2. A sensational

3. A surprising

5. The Berlitz book, written thirty years after the loss of … contained invented details.

1. the bombers

2. the planes

3. the fighters

6. The event was not that …

1. unusual

2. strange

3. usual

7. It remains the event most … by the believers.

1. informed

2. quoted

3. repeated

8. Other ships that are said to …

1. have vanished

2. have disappeared

3. have stopped

9. The Bermuda Triangle an area subject to violent storms and rough seas does produce …

1. difficulties

2. problems

3. questions

10. There is no need to ascribe … or even unusual causes to any losses that occur there

1. impossible

2. strange

3. supernatural

Text № 4

Great Pyramid of Giza is known to the ancients as Khuit, meaning ‘horizon’. Believed to be the intended tomb of Pharaoh Cheops, this is the largest of all the Egyptian pyramids, located in Giza, five miles from Cairo. A remarkable engineering feat consisting of over fifteen million tons of limestone, it is evidence of the superior skills of the ancient architects.

Some mystics like Erich von Däniken have chosen to claim that the early Egyptians were incapable of building this structure without extra-terrestrial assistance. The methods of constructing the Pyramid are well known and understood, and though an enormous amount of labour and skill was expended in the task, it was by no means beyond the ancients. One reason given to prove that the task was impossible is that the limestone used in the building had to be brought from a great distance away. Recent discoveries have shown that not only was the stone quarried locally but that an entire small city, with all necessary amenities, existed there to support a large crew of workers who worked on the monument.

What makes the Great Pyramid seem much more of a riddle is that the mystics indicate certain aspects that they say make the Pyramid a secret record of the world’s history. This all began in 1864 when a Scottish astronomer named Charles Piazzi Smyth, an otherwise competent scientist, seized upon the notion developed by an English publisher, John Taylor that there was a cosmic message concealed in the measurements of the Pyramid. When the Royal Society of London refused to consider Smyth’s passionate promotion of this absurdity, Smyth resigned his valued membership.

Aficionados of pyramid prophecy point out all manner of relationships in their chosen measurements of the edifice. For example, they say that by multiplying the height of the Pyramid by 1,000,000,000, a figure is obtained that is close to the mean distance between the Earth and the Sun. That figure is quite close, 98.5 per cent of the actual distance. As author Martin Gardner has shown, relationships between obviously unconnected events and structures can always be found. The claims of astounding accuracy of alignment of the Great Pyramid as evidence of its divine origin appeared to be the result of over-enthusiastic reports by amateurs. There is the usual lack of precision; though this is no way detracts from the accomplishments of the builders and designers of this remarkable monument.

Mark the statements T (True) or F (False)

1. Great Pyramid of Giza is known to the ancients as Khuit, meaning “horizon”.

2. The tomb of Pharaoh Cheops is the largest of all the Egyptian pyramids, located in Cairo.

3. A remarkable engineering consists of over fourteen million tons of limestone.

4. The task was impossible because the limestone used in the building had to be brought from a great distance away.

5. The pyramid is a secret record of the world's history.

6. The history of Pyramids began in 1866.

7. By multiplying the height of the Pyramid by 1 000 000 000 a figure is obtained that is close to the mean distance between the Earth and the Sun.

8. The Sun is quite close 90,7 per cent of the actual distance .

9. Martin Gardner has shown that relationships between obviously unconnected events and structures can always be found.

10. The evidence of the Great Pyramid's divine origin appeared to be the result of over-enthusiastic reports of amateurs.

Circle the correct item

1. Great Pyramid of Giza is known to the ancients as Kheid meaning …

1. horizon

2. road

3. rainbow

2. Great Pyramid of Giza is located in Giza, …miles from Cairo

1. five

2. seven

3. ten

3. The methods of … the Pyramid are well known and understood.

1. constructing

2. building

3. combining

4. One reason given to prove that the task was … is that the limestone used in the building had to be brought from a great distance away.

1. difficult

2. unreasonable

3. impossible

5. What made the Great Pyramid seem much more of a riddle is that the mystics indicate certain aspects that they say make the Pyramid a secret record of the world's …

1. past life

2. history

3. past events

6. There was a cosmic message … in the measurements of the Pyramid.

1. hidden

2. concealed

3. taken off

7. Scientists say that by multiplying the height of the Pyramid by 1.000.000.000, a figure is obtained that is close to the mean distance between …

1. the Moon and the Sun

2. the Earth and the Moon

3. the Earth and the Sun

8. That figure is quite close , 98,5% of the …

1. exact distance

2. actual distance

3. real distance

9. The claims of astounding accuracy of alignment of the Great Pyramid as evidence of its divine origin appeared to be the result of over-enthusiastic reports by …

1. professionals

2. amateurs

3. scientists

10. There is the usual lack of …

1. precision

2. exactness

3. correctness

Text № 5

Baseball is a sport that is so popular in the United States that it is often called the national pastime. Every spring and summer, millions of people throughout the country play this exciting “bat and ball” game. Millions also watch baseball games and closely follow the progress of their favourite teams and players.

A baseball game is played on a large field between two teams of 9 or 10 players each. The teams take turns at bat (on offense) and in the field (on defense). A player of the team in the field, called the pitcher, throws a baseball towards a player of a team at bat, called the batter. The batter tries to hit the ball with a bat and drive it out of the reach of the players in the field. By hitting the ball, and in other ways, players can advance around the four bases that lie on the field. A player who does so scores a run for his team. The team that scores the most runs wins the game.

Basically, baseball matches the skills of the pitcher against those of the batter. A good pitcher can throw a variety of pitches. But fielders and base runners also play key roles in the game. Many experts believe that a batter’s job of hitting a ball thrown by a major league pitcher is the hardest thing to do in any sport. The ball reaches the batter in a fraction of a second and it may move in any way. Even so, batters are able to follow the flight of the ball.

Many people play baseball on the informal basis. They get together with their friends, choose up the sides, and play a ball game. But millions of people also play baseball on formal, organized basis. They join teams that belong to a league and play regularly scheduled games against other teams.

Mark the statements T (True) or F (False)

1. Baseball is a sport that is so popular in Great Britain that it is often called the national pastime.

2. Every winter and autumn millions of people throughout the country play baseball.

3. A baseball game is played on a large field between two teams of 8 or 11 players each.

4. The teams take turns at bat and in the field.

5. A player of the team in the field, called the batter, throws a baseball towards a player of a team at bat, called the pitcher.

6. The team that scores the most runs wins the game.

7. A good batter can throw a variety of pitches.

8. The ball reaches the batter in a fraction of a minute.

9. Batters are able to follow the flight of the ball.

10. Many people play baseball on the informal basis.

Circle the correct item

1. Baseball is a sport that is popular in …

a) Great Britain

2. Australia

3. The United States

2. A baseball game is played on a large … between two teams of 9 or 10 players each.

   1. field

   2. stadium

   3. court

3. The … take turns at bat (on offense) and in the field (on defense).

   1. teams

   2. groups of people

   3. collectives

4. Players can advance around the … that lie on the field.

   1. two bases

   2. four bases

   3. six bases

5. The team that scores the most runs …

   1. wins the game

   2. loses the game

   3. gains the victory

6. A good pitcher can throw …

   1. different pitches

   2. a lot of pitches

   3. a variety of pitches

7. Batters are able to follow the flight of …

   1. the ball

   2. the puck

   3. the bat

8. Many people play baseball on …

   1. the informal basis

   2. the formal basis

   3. the well- organized basis

9. People play baseball together …

   1. with their friends

   2. with their family

   3. with other sportsmen

10. Teams play regularly and belong …

    1. to a league

    2. to a group

    3. to a society

Text №6

From “Wild Food Crops to be ‘Rescued’” by Victoria Gill, BBC News, 2010

Scientists have announced a plan to collect and store the wild plant relatives of essential food crops, including wheat, rice, and potatoes. The project, coordinated by the Global Crop Diversity Trust, will collect and catalogue seeds from across the globe. The aim is to safeguard valuable genetic traits that the wild plants contain, which could be bred into crops to make them more hardy and versatile. This could help secure food supplies in the face of a changing climate.

All of the plant material collected will be stored in seed banks in the long term, but much of it will also be used in pre-breeding trials to find out if the wild varieties could be used to combat diseases that are already threatening food production. Dr Paul Smith is the head of the Millennium Seed Bank at London's Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, which is playing a key role in the project. "There is a real sense of urgency about this," he told BBC News. "For some of these species, we may just get this one bite of the cherry, because so many of them are already threatened [with extinction] in their natural habitats."

The hope is that the wild relatives of food crops will help plant-breeders to "correct for", not only a changing climate, but plant diseases and loss of viable agricultural land. Cary Fowler, executive director of the Global Crop Diversity Trust explained: "All our crops were originally developed from wild species- that's how farming began." But they were adapted from the plants best suited to the climates of the past. "Climate change means we need to go back to the wild to find those relatives of our crops that can thrive in the climates of the future."

Mark the statements T (True) or F (False)

1. Scientists haven’t begun to collect anything yet.

2. Scientists will be collecting wild relatives of domesticated crops.

3. Many of these wild plants are in danger of dying out.

4. All of the seeds will be stored and studied as historical examples of genetic diversity.

5. The project’s goal is to use the wild plants to genetically strengthen current crops.

6. The project will collect wild variants only of wheat, rice and potatoes.

7. The Millennium Seed Bank is the leader of the project.

8. Scientists will use the stored seeds to research solutions to current food-crop problems.

9. Dr. Smith feels that there is no reason to rush into this project.

10. This project could reverse the effects of climate change.

Circle the correct item

1.We can infer from the text that …

a) food crops are weakening nowadays

b) there’ll be less crops in the future

c) diseases will threaten the wild plants

d) farmers have to adjust to the changing climate.

2. The aim of the project is …

a) to breed new crops

b) to safeguard the native traits of plants

c) to make the crops more versatile

d) to collect the seeds across the globe.

3. The key role in the project is played by …

a) Dr Paul Smith

b) Millennium Seed Bank

c) London's Royal Botanic Gardens

d) the wild relatives of food crops.

4. Food production is threatened because of the fact that …

a) crops are stored in the seed bank

b) crops are used in the pre-breeding trails

c) farmers can’t combat the diseases

d) wild varieties are too numerous.

5. The next factors could help secure food supplies in the face of a changing climate best…

1. hardy crops

2. versatile crops

3. wild plants

4. hardy and versatile crops.

6. According to the text, the reason why we can get only one bite of a cherry is…

a) they are already threatened with extinction

b) they are already threatened in their natural habitats

c) we can’t afford it

d) we can’t find them.

7. The wild relatives of food crops will help plant-breeders mostly to "correct for"…

a) changing climate

b) plant diseases

c) loss of viable agricultural land

d) plant diseases and loss of viable agricultural land.

8. Farming began with…

a) adapted plants

b) the plants best suited to the climates of the past

c) adapted plants with the best genetic traits

d) wild species.

9. In the last paragraph “to go back to the wild” means…

a) to watch more films about wildlife

b) to visit the forest more often

c) to take the best traits of the wild plants

d) to gather more wild crops.

10. Plant-breeders need to find the wild relatives of food crops that…

a) could thrive in the climate of the past

b) have the best genetic traits

c) can thrive in the climates of the future

d) are suitable for our region.

Text №7

Excerpt from “Island of the Blue Dolphins” by Scott O’Dell

I do not remember much of this time, except that many suns rose and set. I thought about what I was going to do now that I was alone. I did not leave the village. Not until I had eaten all of the abalones did I leave and then only to gather more.

Yet I do remember the day that I decided I would never live in the village again.

It was a morning of thick fog and the sound of far-off waves breaking on the shore. I had never noticed before how silent the village was. Fog crept in and out of the empty huts. It made shapes as it drifted and they reminded me of all the people who were dead and those who were gone. The noise of the surf seemed to be their voices speaking.

I sat for a long time, seeing these shapes and hearing the voices, until the sun came out and the fog vanished. Then I made a fire against the wall of the house. When it was burned to the earth I started a fire in another house. Thus, one by one, I destroyed them all so that there were only ashes left to mark the village of Ghalas-at.

Mark the statements T (True) or F (False)

1. The narrator remembers much of that time.

2. He stayed in the village for a long time.

3. He left the village because he had eaten all the food.

4. The narrator does remember the day he came to live in the village.

5. The sea was far enough from the village.

6. You could see fog in every hut.

7. The days were foggy too.

8. The fire was caught because of the strong wind.

9. At first the walls were on fire.

10. You could see the fire at night from far away.

Circle the correct item

1.We can infer from the text that Ghalas-at is…

1. idyllically beautiful

2. quaint

3. located by the sea

4. a large settlement.

2. The narrator firstly thinks about…

   1. food for himself

   2. his loneliness

   3. his plans for future

   4. leaving the village.

3. At first, the narrator only leaves the village to…

1. find food

2. go swimming

3. watch the sun rise and set

4. the narrator never leaves the village.

4. What does the narrator perceive in the fog?

1. Nothing

2. The voices of the villagers speaking

3. Empty huts

4. The shapes of the people who are dead and gone.

5. The narrator had never noticed before how silent the village was because…

   1. he was busy all the time

   2. he didn’t think about it

   3. he was in distress

   4. he didn’t feel lonely.

6. The narrator hears the voices of the villagers speaking in …

a) the silence of the village

b) his head

c) the fire of one of the houses

d) tidal wave.

7.In the last paragraph, “vanished” means…

1. drifted

2. disappeared

3. thickened

4. vanquished.

8. The narrator started a fire in another house after having burned the previous one because…

1. he had enough time

2. he hadn’t enough Mathes

3. he tried to honour every villager separately

4. there were only a few houses.

9. The things that marked the village of Ghalas-at were…

a) numerous houses

b) the sea near the settlement

c) the ashes

d) people speaking.

10.The burning of the village can be best described as an act of …

1. survival

2. war

3. mourning

4. pleasure.

Text №8

From Lonely Planet Review: Australia, “Sydney Aquarium”, 15^th Edition, 2009

This place brings in more paying visitors than any other attraction in Australia– even with its hefty admission charges. Aqua fans enter through huge, kitsch, metallic shark jaws into 160m of underwater tunnels, looking at 11,000 happy Australian sea creatures. Highlights include clownfish, an intimidating array of sharks in the Open Ocean section, and the Great Barrier Reef exhibit’s swoon-worthy Van Gogh coral colours. Residents of the Seal Sanctuary have lawless amounts of fun. Needless to say, kids love it. Arrive early to beat the crowds (but less chatter makes it harder to ignore the piped-in indigestive whale noises). Disabled access is good. Booking online will save you a few dollars. Discounted combo tickets are also available accessing Sydney Tower and/or Sydney Wildlife World.

Mark the statements T (True) or F (False)

1.Visitor of Sydney Aquarium do not want to pay the charges.

2. Sydney Aquarium is situated underwater.

3.You can see a huge amount of sharks.

4. The colours of Great Barrier Reef exhibit are the same that Van Gogh used.

5. The seals are not very funny.

6. When you arrive early you will hear some pleasant noises of whales.

7. Disabled can afford the ticket.

8. Small children are afraid of seeing sea creatures.

9. It’s better to pay the ticket beforehand.

10. There’s no discount for accessing Sydney Tower and/or Sydney Wildlife World.

Circle the correct item

1. In the opinion of the writer, the price of a ticket to the Aquarium is …

   1. incredibly cheap

   2. affordable

   3. high

   4. unreasonable.

2. Visitors enter the aquarium through…

1. a metal detector

2. a kitchen where seafood is prepared

3. a replica of a shark’s mouth

4. a tunnel filled with 11,000 sea creatures.

3.In the Open Ocean section you can see…

1. clownfish

2. appalling sharks

3. dolphins

4. all kinds of fish.

4.In the Seal Sanctuary … have lawless amounts of fun.

a) children

b) seals

c) all the visitors

d) all of the above mentioned.

5.In the text, what does the word “beat” mean?

1. hit

2. arrive after

3. avoid

4. come together

6. Which of the following does the review NOT tell the reader to expect?

1. beautiful coral

2. marine life

3. sounds of whales eating

4. excursions to the open ocean

7.Why does the review recommend arriving early?

1. You can get discounted tickets

2. There will be fewer people

3. The animals are more active

4. There are more shows early in the day.

8.We could replace the word “lawless” with each of the following words EXCEPT…

a) unruly

b) unregulated

c) illegal

d) endless.

9.The opposite of “disabled” is…

a) crippled

b) incapacitated

c) able-bodied

d) lame.

10.Discounted combo tickets are also available. You can access Sydney Tower and/or  Sydney Wildlife World…

a) with separate tickets

b) paying reduced prices

c) with discounted single tickets

d) paying lower entrance fee for two places.

Text №9

From “The Cat” by Andrew Barton Paterson

Most people think that the cat is an unintelligent animal, fond of ease, and caring little for anything but mice and milk. But a cat has really more character than most human beings, and gets a great deal more satisfaction out of life. Of all the animal kingdom, the cat has the most many-sided character.

He or she is an athlete, a musician, an acrobat, a Lothario, a grim fighter, a sport of the first water. All day long the cat loafs about the house, takes things easy, sleeps by the fire, and allows himself to be pestered by the attentions of our womenfolk and annoyed by our children. To pass the time away he sometimes watches a mouse-hole for an hour or two -just to keep himself from dying of ennui; and people get the idea that this sort of thing is all that life holds for the cat. But watch him as the shades of evening fall, and you see the cat as he really is.

When the family sits down to tea, the cat usually puts in an appearance to get his share, and purrs noisily, and rubs himself against the legs of the family; and all the time he is thinking of a fight or a love-affair that is coming off that evening. If there is a guest at table the cat is particularly civil to him, because the guest is likely to have the best of what is going. Sometimes, instead of recognizing this civility with something to eat, the guest stoops down and strokes the cat, and says, "Poor pussy! Poor pussy!"

The cat soon tires of that; he puts up his claw and quietly but firmly rakes the guest in the leg.

"Oh!" says the guest, "the cat stuck his claws into me!" The delighted family remarks, "Isn't it sweet of him? Isn't he intelligent? HE WANTS YOU TO GIVE HIM SOMETHING TO EAT."

The guest dares not do what he would like to do - kick the cat through the window - so, with tears of rage and pain in his eyes, he affects to be very much amused, and sorts out a bit of fish from his plate and hands it down. The cat gingerly receives it, with a look in his eyes that says: "Another time, my friend, you won't be so dull of comprehension," and purrs maliciously as he retires to a safe distance from the guest's boot before eating it. A cat isn't a fool -- not by a long way.

Mark the statements T (True) or F (False)

1. Cats’ character is more diverse than human being’s.

2. Cats get a great deal more satisfaction out of life.

3. Cats like to be pestered by children.

4. In the morning a cat is very lively.

5. In the evening a cat is very bored,

6. The cat wants to be a participant of the teatime.

7. The cat is very amiable with a guest because he has the best food.

8. In most cases the quest misunderstands the cat.

9. The guest gets furious about being raked.

10. The delighted family really doesn’t understand the cat’s intension.

Circle the correct item

1.According to the text, which of the following is not an assumption people hold about cats?

1. Cats are lazy.

2. Cats are dumb.

3. Cats are cunning.

4. Cats only want milk and mice.

1. We could replace the phrase “a sport of the first water” with each of the following words EXCEPT…

a) a brilliant sportsman;

b) a perfect entertainer;

c) a hospitable proprietor;

d) a smart animal.

3. According to the text, why does a cat like to watch a mouse-hole?

1. To greet visitors

2. To avoid boredom

3. To catch a mouse

4. To guard the house

4. The opposite of “ennui” is …

   1. boredom

   2. tedium

   3. dullness

   4. gaiety.

5. You see the cat as he really is …

   1. when the morning begins

   2. when the evening begins

   3. when the family sits down to tea

   4. when the rainfall begins.

6. Why is the cat really nice to visitors?

1. He likes to meet new people.

2. He wants to be petted.

3. He wants to make a good impression.

4. He wants visitors to feed him at dinner.

7. Based on the text, what does the word “affects” mean?

1. pretends

2. influences

3. results

4. feels

8. After being raked the guest is going to…

   1. kick the cat through the window

   2. to show tears of rage and pain in his eyes

   3. to affect to be very much amused

   4. to give the best food to him.

9. The cat eats a bit of fish…

   1. purring maliciously

   2. thinking of your dullness

   3. under the table

   4. at the other end of the room.

10. What statement best expresses the main idea of the text?

1. Cats make the best pets.

2. Cats are excellent hosts.

3. Cats, unlike dogs, are really man’s best friends.

4. Cats are commonly misunderstood by people.

Text № 10

A bell is a hollow, metal vessel in the shape of a cup with a clapper suspended inside. The bell rings with a clear, musical sound when the clapper strikes it. Bells serve many purposes, and their sound forms a familiar part of daily life. Church bells summon people to worship. Bells ring to announce important events such as 12 o’clock on New Year’s Eve.

Bells like many other musical instruments originated in Asia. They were known in China in the 800’s B.C. Archaeologists have found a richly ornamented Assyrian bronze bell, used for ceremonial purposes, that dates from the same period. In ancient Greece, the ringing of bells announced that freshly caught fish had arrived at the market. In times of war, bells rang to warn that enemies were approaching the city gates. In Rome, bells called the faithful to worship in the temples. Bell ringing also accompanied the funeral services of the emperors. Later, Celtic tribes, who were famous for their metal-casting techniques, bought bells from Asia to Northern Europe.

One of the oldest bells in Great Britain is the Bell of Saint Patrick’s Will, at Belfast. Legend says that it belonged to St Patrick. Bellmakers often put the year the bell was cast on the bell. A bell in Drohndorf, Germany, dates back from 1098, and one in Pisa, Italy, is marked 1106. The size of bells increased in the 1400’s.

Bells have always been closely associated with religious services. Since the 500’s, Christians have used them to summon worshipers. Church bells often toll to announce a death. Bells have served many other purposes. In England during the Middle Ages, a bell rung at evening announced the curfew. For many years, town criers rang bells to attract attention to their notices. In many countries, people used bells in case of fire, to call city council meetings, and to remind citizens of tax deadlines. In pioneer days in America, bells warned of Indian attacks. Bells have often been used in musical compositions.

Mark the statements T (True) or F (False)

1. The bell rings with a clear, musical sound when the clapper strikes it.

2. Bells serve many purposes and their sound forms a familiar par of holiday life.

3. Church bells summon people to wedding ceremony.

4. Bells like many other musical instruments originated in Europe.

5. Bells were known in China in the 800´s B.C.

6. In ancient Greece the ringing of bells announced that fruit and vegetables had arrived at the market.

7. Bells ringing accompanied the funeral services of the emperors.

8. One of the oldest bells in Great Britain is the Bell of Saint John´s Will at Belfast.

9. Bells have always been closely associated with religious services.

10. Bells have often been used in theatres.

Circle the correct item

1. A bell is a hollow metal vessel in the shape …

1. of a flower

2. of a cup

3. of a sphere

2. The bell rings with a clear musical …

1. sound

2. volume

3. tune

3. Bells serve many …

1. purposes

2. goals

3. aims

4. Church bells … people to worship.

1. summon

2. invite

3. call

5. Bells like many other musical instruments … in Asia.

1. came from

2. were invented

3. originated

6. In ancient Greece the ringing of bells announced that …

1. a freshly caught fish had arrived at the market

2. the wedding ceremony had started

3. the ships had returned home

7. One of the oldest bells in Great Britain is the …

1. Bell of St. John´s Will

2. Bell of St. Patrick´s Will

3. Bell of St. Peter´s Will

8. Bellmakers often put the year the bell … on the bell.

1. was made

2. was placed

3. was cast

9. Bells have always been closely associated with…

1. religious ceremonies

2. religious services

3. religious events

10. Bells have often been used in …

1. musical compositions

2. operas

3. ballets

Text № 11

Biological clock is a popular name given to a mysterious timing system that operates in plants and animals. It keeps accurate time of days, weeks, months, and even years. It also times the activities of living things to keep them in harmony with the regular changes of their surroundings. Birds migrate, fish spawn, and flowers blossom on schedules set by their built-in clocks. The biological clock in human beings times our periods of sleep and wakefulness and many body activities.

No one knows where this biological clock is located, or how it works. Some scientists believe that every living thing has its own built-in timing system that operates independently. Others believe that the clocks are set by the natural rhythms of the earth’s electromagnetic or gravitational forces. Still others suggest that forces both inside and outside the body are necessary to keep the clocks accurate. Scientists hope that experiments with plants and animals in outer space, far from the earth’s natural rhythms, may provide more information about how biological clock works.

Biological clocks keep track of rhythmic changes in the environment, including day and night, movements of the ocean tides, phases of the moon, and seasons of the year. Many, and possibly all, living things seem to have internal cycles – called biorhythms – that respond to these external rhythmic changes. The biorhythms of each particular species seem to be timed to enable the organism to take advantage of the changes in its environment. Biorhythms continue on schedule even in laboratories where the plant or animal is shielded from all evidence of passing time and of outside change. But the biorhythms can be shifted – and the biological clock reset – by changing the time at which the plant or animal gets light.

Biological clocks in people work on schedules essential to life and health. Many vital body processes are programmed for 24-hour biorhythms. The functions of cells, glands, kidneys, liver, and nervous system are all coordinated with each other and with the day-night rhythm of the environment. Each is timed to operate when it can do the greatest good for the entire body.

Mark the statements T (True) or F (False)

1. Biological clock is a popular name given to a mysterious timing system that operates in living beings.

2. Biological clock keeps accurate time of days, weeks, months and even years.

3. Birds migrate, fish spawn, and flowers blossom on schedules set by their inner clocks.

4. Everybody knows where this biological clock is located or how it works.

5. Scientists hope that experiments with plants and animals in outer space may provide more information about how biological clock works.

6. Biological clocks keep track of rhythmic stability in the environment.

7. Internal cycles are called biorhythms.

8. Biorhythms do not continue on schedule in laboratories.

9. Biological clocks in people work on schedules essential to life and health.

10. Many vital body processes are programmed for 12-hour biorhythms.

Circle the correct item

1. Biological clock is a popular name given to a … timing system.

1. mysterious

2. enigmatic

3. secretive

2. It keeps accurate … of days, weeks, months and even years.

1. period

2. time

3. amount

3. The biological clock in … times our periods of sleep and wakefulness and many body activities.

1. human beings

2. people

3. persons

4. No one knows where this biological clock is … or how it works.

1. located

2. situated

3. set

5. Scientists hope that experiments with plants and animals in outer space may provide more information about how biological clock …

1. does a job

2. does an activity

3. works

6. Biological clocks keep track of rhythmic changes in the …

1. environment

2. habitat

3. territory

7. The biorhythms of each … species seem to be timed to enable the organism to take advantage of the changes in its environment.

1. certain

2. particular

3. specific

8. But the biorhythms can be shifted - and the biological clock reset - by …at which the plant or animal gets light.

1. time period

2. changing the time

3. amount

9. Biological clocks in people work on schedules essential to life and …

1. health

2. no illness

3. no disease

10. Each is timed … when it can do the greatest good for the entire body

1. to use

2. to operate

3. to control

Text № 12

from “Recipes from the ‘World’s Best Restaurant’” by NPR Staff, NPR, 2010

This year, a tiny, 12-table restaurant in Copenhagen was voted the world's best restaurant. The next day, Noma got 100,000 online requests for reservations. What makes it so great? Chef Rene Redzepi, 32, will only use food that is native to the Nordic region. That means no tomatoes, no olive oil — instead, he uses a wide variety of local and wild food he often gathers himself.

The chef has just published a cookbook whose value, above all, is not necessarily instructive, but visual. "Use it as an inspiration," Redzepi tells NPR's Melissa Block. "Look at the beautiful pictures; see how food comes together." Although the recipes are nearly impossible to make at home, the photos alone will take you to the salty shores of Scandinavia.

"We have a region that's very big — 25 million people in that region. Which means we have a nature and a product diversity ... that needs to be used again."

The recipe "Blueberries Surrounded by their Natural Environment" is one way to use that product diversity. Blueberries are abundant in Scandinavia. "My last meal on Earth," says Redzepi, "I would love it to be a bowl of blueberries with cold cream."  He thought about what grows with blueberries on a forest floor and decided to use mushrooms and pine nuts. The dish looks simple, but has more than 30 ingredients and more than 12 steps.

Block, who considers herself an adventurous chef, was intimidated by some of the recipes. They include such instructions as "submerge in liquid nitrogen" and "load a spray paint gun" in the "Snowman" recipe — undoubtedly some of the craziest directions this year. But Redzepi wants the book to be an inspiration more than a textbook.

"Look in the book and see the amount of vegetables," he says. "Use that as an inspiration: Eat more vegetables." He also wants readers to use their own environments for inspiration. "Take your family out. Take a trip to the forest and experience the greatness of getting on your knees and picking your own food and going home ... and eating it."

Mark the statements T (True) or F (False)

1. Redzepi only use foods that are indigenous to the Nordic Region.

2. The Nordic Region is a large area with a wide variety of natural foods.

3. Redzepi wants people to use his cookbook as a step-by-step guide to native Nordic cooking.

4. “Blueberries Surrounded by their Natural Environment” was inspired by the edible plants that grow close to blueberry bushes.

5. Noma is a large and expensive restaurant.

6. Redzepi thinks people should eat more natural, local food.

7. Melissa Block is confident that cooking these dishes will be easy for her.

8. The “Blueberry Surrounded by their Natural Environment” recipe is short and easy.

9. Redzepi often uses fresh vegetables including tomatoes in his dishes.

10. This cookbook is aimed at getting people to eat natural and local foods.

Circle the correct item

1. What statement best expresses the main idea of the text?

1. The indigenous food makes the best restaurant.

2. People get inspiration by using this cookbook.

3. People should eat more natural and local food.

4. People should visit the best restaurant.

2. The chef uses food that…

1. Is native to that region

2. A lot of tomatoes and olive oil

3. People bring from the forest

4. He gathers himself in the garden.

3. The cookbook is characterized by…

1. clear instructions

2. colorful pictures

3. a wide variety of European recipes

4. strange recipe titles.

4. The beautiful illustrations represent…

1. step-by-step preparation of a dish

2. picturesque landscapes of that region

3. various types of product compatibility

4. salty shores of the Atlantic ocean.

5. You can observe a nature and a product diversity in the region because…

1. the area isn’t rather vast

2. population is rather numerous

3. the climate is different

4. representatives of various nationalities live in the region.

6. The reason why the chef’s favourite food is blueberries is…

1. blueberries are abundant in Scandinavia;

2. there’s no more food on Earth;

3. he likes cold cream too;

4. he likes to gather berries in the forest.

7. The chef decided to use mushrooms and pine nuts in the recipe to…

1. show colour compatibility of the products

2. illustrate the simplicity of the dish

3. demonstrate the difficulty of preparation

4. combine the products that grow in the same environment.

8. The word “intimidated” can be replaced by each word EXCEPT…

1. frightened

2. appalled

3. terrified

4. personally.

9. In the text, the phrase "load a spray paint gun" could mean…

1. to put some food colour to cream

2. to add some paint to the dish

3. to fill in the cream bag

4. to put some bright vegetables on the plate.

10. According to the text, you get more inspiration when you…

1. eat more vegetables

2. read textbooks on cooking

3. spend more time with your family in the forest

4. gather food yourself and prepare original natural dishes.

Text № 13