VII. The internet

The Internet, a computer-based worldwide information network, is composed of a large number of smaller interconnected networks called internets

The Internet has made it possible for people all over the world to effectively and inexpensively communicate with each other. Unlike traditional broadcasting media, such as radio and television, the Inter­net is a decentralized system. Each connected individual can commu­nicate with anyone else on the Internet, can publish ideas, and can sell products with a minimum overhead cost.

The internets from which the Internet is composed are usually public access networks, meaning that the resources of the network can be shared with anyone accessing the network.

During the 1990s the Internet has grown tremendously in the number of people using it and the amount of information contained on it. According to the Internet Society, a non-profit society that studies and promotes the use of the Internet, 134 countries had full Internet connection and an additional 52 countries had limited access (for example-mail only) in 1996. September 1997 there were between 53 and 57 million users of the Internet worldwide.

VIII. Have you ever used a computer?

A: Have you ever used a computer? B: It's so strange question. Of course, yes. I think computer is the most important thing nowadays for everybody. A: I agree, but I understand that I have some problems. B: What do you mean? A: It’s awful, but I can’t buy a computer now. B: How about Computer Science Lessons? A: Frankly speaking, my classmates are really good at working with computer. And I am afraid even printing, because I do it so slowly. В: I see. Come to my place tomorrow and I try to give you basic knowledge.

IX. Environmental protection

The protection of environment has become one of the most burning problems of our century.

Large cities with thousands of smoky industrial enterprises appear all over the world today. The by-products of their activity pollute the air we breathe, the water we drink, the soil we grow grain and vegetables! Every year the world industry pollutes the atmosphere with about 1000 million tons of dust and other harmful substances. Many cities suffer from smog. Vast forests are cut. Their disappearance upsets the oxygen balance. As a result some rare species of animals, birds, fish and plants disappear forever, a number of rivers and lakes dry up.

The pollution of air and the world's ocean, destruction of the ozone layer is the result of man's careless interaction with nature, a sign of ecological crisis.

The most horrible ecological disaster befell Ukraine and its people in the result of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power station in April 1986. A great damage has been done to Ukraine's agriculture, forests and people's health.

Environmental protection is a global problem. That is why the most serious measures to create a universal system of ecological security should be taken.

The activity of various environmental organizations helps to improve the situation. Among them are the Greenpeace and The Green Party.

If we are unable to learn to use the environment carefully and to protect it from destructive man's activities, very soon we'll have no world to live in.