2. Reading Comprehension

General Comprehension

Read the article and say whether these statements are true or false. Give reasons.

T/F

…….. 1. Exhaust fumes from cars are responsible for the pollution of the environment.

…….. 2. Solar radiation is the direct cause of the life-threatening greenhouse effect.

…….. 3. Exhaust fumes will place stress on natural and social systems unprecedented since the Ice Age.

…….. 4. Such diseases as asthma, bronchitis and brain strokes have nothing to do with traffic pollution.

…….. 5. Traffic noise is another hazard leading to ruinous effect.

…….. 6. According to environmentalists European governments are doing their best dealing with the problems of traffic congestion.

…….. 7. If European countries improve their traffic systems the environmental problems will be solved.

…….. 8. The author gives a definite answer to the question how to avoid car pollution.

Detailed Comprehension.

Read the article another time and answer the following questions.

1. In what way do cars in our cities and towns affect the environment?

2. Does the author predict a lot of problems caused by exhaust fumes? What are they?

3. How does the traffic congestion affect people’s health?

4. What are other hazards of the city traffic besides air pollution?

5. Does the author think European governments are tackling the problems in the right way?

6. What are the tips how to keep our cities clean given by Ms Gordon?

3. Making up a Summary

Divide the article into 4 logical parts Write out key words for each part. Sum up the contents of each one in 2-3 sentences. Make up a summary of the article.

4. Reviewing the Article

Now, using the scheme of reviewing newspaper articles (App. 2), useful vocabulary and clichés (App. 1 – 2) and the summary you have just made up, review the article. Do not forget to give your opinion of the material.

Unit 13 frank blake will soon swim lake champlain

1. Before Reading Tasks

a. Do you know anything about charity activities either in this country or abroad?

b. Have you ever given people a helping hand?

c. Words in Context

Choose the meaning of the underlined word or expression based on its use in the sentence.

The Hinsdale man has raised money for several local charities.

a. has found b. has earned c. has borrowed

2. He has done a lot of volunteer work.

a. work on his free will b. manual work c. charitable work

3. Her family is still trying to pay the hospital bills.

a. to pay debts b. to make profit c. to pay for certain services

4. She and her family were very good to me.

a. kind b. efficient c. well-behaved

5. I stayed with them when I was training for the swim across the lake.

a. was becoming physically fit b. collected information c. got an education

6. She never let her handicap let her down.

a. upset b. cause depression c. horrify

7. He rides a stationary bike.

a. sits on and manages b. supports c. sits still.

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