2. Reading Comprehension

1. General Comprehension

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

T/F

…….. 1. As Melissa’s parents were busy working her grandmother took care of the disabled girl.

…….. 2. The girl was put to hospital at the age of 13 for the first time.

…….. 3. Melissa is not Mrs. Boyd’s only grandchild.

…….. 4. Melissa’s relatives take her regularly to the clinic in France to be treated.

…….. 5. Though the girl can’t walk she’s managed to pass several exams.

…….. 6. Mrs. Blair came to the ceremony with her grandmother Vera Booth.

…….. 7. Mrs. Boyd was presented the award by Fiona Phillips.

2. Detailed Comprehension

Read the article another time and answer the following questions.

1. What kind of award did Mrs. Boyd win?

2. When and where did the ceremony take place?

3. What people were present at the ceremony?

4. What happened to Melissa?

5. How long did the girl have to stay in hospital?

6. How did her relatives take care of her?

7. What did the doctors of the British hospital say about the girl’s health?

8. Why did Melissa’s grandmother investigate various treatments?

9. What clinic did Mrs. Boyd find? What methods do they use there?

10. How often have the girl’s relatives taken the girl to the clinic to be treated?

11. Are there any improvements in her health?

12. What do the doctors say about Melissa’s future?

13. What did Mrs. Blair say about her childhood?

14. Why is there a special award for grandparents?

3. Making up a summary

Divide the article into 4 logical parts and sum up the contents of each one in 2 – 3 sentences.

Make use of the following key words.

1. Mrs. Boyd; a 56 – year-old accounts clerk; to win the award; the Age Concern Grandparent of the Year.

2. When; her granddaughter Melissa; to be 13; to break her neck; trampolining accident; to become paralysed; from neck down. During the 5 months; to spend recovering in hospital; grandma; parents; to stay day and night; to sit at her bedside. When; doctors; could do nothing; Mrs. Boyd, to discover a clinic; to practice acupuncture.

3. For three years; every month, to drive 1000 miles so that; the girl; could be treated. Now; can use her arms; to walk; within 4 years. The girl; her grandmother; to be very proud of each other.

4. Mrs. Blair; brought up by her grandmother; to be glad to praise; for that special love and care; parents; don’t always have time.

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 9 harrison ford’s son goes into drug addiction rehab

1. Before Reading Tasks

1. What is drug addiction?

2. Why, do you think, drug addiction is a serious problem? What can cause drug addiction? Is it true that children of rich and famous people often become drug addicts?

3. Words in Context

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

1. The boy is having treatment to curb an addiction to marijuana.

a. to encourage b. to restrain c. to prevent.

2. The boy is said to have been deeply affected by his parents’ split.

a. quarrel b. separation c. attending the program.

3. The programme is specially tailored to adolescents with addiction.

a. made to order b. suited to a special need c. teaching to make clothes.

4. Melissa still feels hurt about Harrison leaving her and taking up with Calista.

a. to marry b. to play in the film together c. to become friendly and to be together.

5. The actress was banned from accompanying her boyfriend to Malcolm’s therapy sessions.

a. allowed b. forbidden c. invited.

6. They clashed over issues raised during their meetings.

a. money b. children c. problems.

7. Miss Mathison won an estimated & 50 million settlement in her divorce from Ford.

a. ranch b. a payment of money claimed c. award.

Read the Following Article

Teenager was «deeply affected» when his father and mother divorced.