How Does A Waterfall Form?

A waterfall occurs when a river, travelling on its way towards the sea, flows over a boundary
between hard rock and soft rock. Over time, the force of the water wears away the soft rock in a
process called erosion. As the water crashes over the fall into the river below, it creates a plunge
pool - an area of deeper water right underneath the waterfall. The water hitting the surface of the
river is also constantly splashing the soft rock behind the waterfall. This splashing-called splash
back-slowly eats away at the soft rock behind the waterfall, carving out a cave behind the falling
water and leaving the hard rock above sticking out. This shelf of hard rock is referred to as an
overhang. Eventually, there is not enough soft rock to support the hard rock above and the
overhang collapses into the plunge pool below.
This process of erosion and collapse happens again and again over the centuries. This causes the
waterfall to retreat up the river, leaving behind a steep-sided valley called a gorge.
Read the text and mark the sentences T (true) and F (false).

1 The flowing water of a river erodes soft rock. ……True…..

2 When the overhang collapses it creates a plunge pool. …True……..

3 It doesn't take very long for a steep-sided gorge to form. …False……..
4 This shelf of hard rock is referred to as an overhang ……True……
5 the waterfall leaves behind a steep-sided valley called a gorge. ………False…

Canada's Ice Tsunami

It was a quiet Friday night for the residents of the lakeside community Duaphin Lake in
Manitoba. Then they heard the ice coming. "A horrible cracking sound like thousands of
windows breaking" is how one resident described the sound of the moving ice. Residents rushed
outside to find an unbelievable sight: a wall of ice as high as 9 metres was approaching them.
Like a slow-moving tsunami, the powerful wall plowed its way inland crushing everything in its
path. Residents quickly abandoned their homes taking whatever they could with them. 15
minutes later it was over and the ice stopped moving. However, in that short period of time the
ice tsunami managed to damage and destroy many homes along the shoreline.
This unusual phenomenon occurs when very strong winds as high as 60 kph blow heavy chunks
of ice out of a thawing lake toward the shoreline. The more the wind blows the more the ice
moves onto the land.
The tsunami was an experience these Canadians are unlikely to ever forget!
Read the text and mark the sentences T (true), F (false).

1 When the residents went outside, they saw a wall of ice as high as 9 metres ………True.

2 When residents saw the ice tsunami, they stayed at their homes…… False

3 The ice tsunami lasted 15 min………………… True

4 An ice tsunami develops when very strong winds as high as 60 kph blow heavy chunks of ice
out of a thawing lake toward the shoreline. ……………… True

5 The ice tsunami didn’t destroy any homes along the shoreline. False

American Crime through the Words of Raymond Chandler

American crime stories just wouldn't be the same without Raymond Chandler. Chandler set the
standard in American crime fiction, bringing a quality and depth it hadn't seen before.
In 1932, at the age of 44, Raymond Chandler decided to become a crime fiction writer after
losing his job as an oil company executive during the Depression. His decision turned out to be a
wise one indeed, as a popular crime magazine published his first short story Blackmailers Don't
Shoot'. In 1939, Chandler wrote his first novel, 'The Big Sleep', featuring the detective who
would become his most famous character wisecracking private eye - Philip Marlowe who had to
deal with crime on the tough streets of Los Angeles. Chandler gave his readers an unforgettable
portrait of Los Angeles - "a city where lawlessness mixed with luxury and dreams". His
fascinating detective Philip Marlowe soon became a true American Classic.
Read the text again and mark the sentences T (true), F (false).

1 Chandler quit his job at an oil company to become a writer. …True……

2 Chandler's first story was successful. ……True…

3 Phillip Marlow was Chandler's most popular character. …True……

4 Chandler used Los Angeles for the setting of many of his stories. ……False….

5 Chandler’s first novel was written in 1939 True

Musical Instruments across America

Music is an important part of every culture. It brings people together through song and dance. In
America there are various musical instruments that reflect the American way of life. Let's take a
look at some of them!
A) The Banjo
The banjo is a traditional instrument of African American folk music. It has got a round body
with a long neck and metal strings. In the early 1800s the banjo was often played at African
American gatherings where people would dance, sing and tell stories. It soon became a popular
instrument all over America. The banjo influenced the development of American folk. country
and jazz music.
B) The Powwow Drum
A powwow drum is one of the oldest and most basic instruments in Native American music. It is
large and made from carved wood, with buffalo, deer or cow skin stretched on top. Several men
form a circle and strike the drum together with covered mallets. The men sing along to the beat
of the drum. The songs are in Native American languages and have great spiritual meaning.
C) The 'Uli'Uli
The 'uli'uli is one of the most popular instruments used in Hawaiian music. It is a beautiful rattle
made from a coconut filled with seeds and fitted with a feathered handle. Men and women play
the 'uli'uli in traditional hula dancing performances. Dancers hold them and shake them to create
a rattling sound while gracefully swaying their hips from side to side.

Read the texts. Which musical instrument (A, B or C):

requires several people to play in harmony? 1 B
had an effect on other types of music? 2 A
is used in traditional shows? 3 C
is made from an animal organ? 4 B
is made from a fruit? 5 C

What is your Water Footprint

1) A water footprint is the amount of water a person consumes each day. However, it's not
as simple as calculating the amount of water you drink or use to wash with. Your water
footprint is the amount of water that you consume by your way of life. It includes the
water that is used to make your clothes, the food you eat, and any other products you
consume.

2) Everywhere around the world people use water daily, but not everyone has access to
clean water. The world's water supply is under pressure from a growing population.
Already, 1.2 billion people, about a fifth of the world's population, are living in areas
where water scarce. And many people in the rest of the world use more water than they
need which adds to the problem of water shortages.

3) So what can you do to reduce your water footprint? First, try changing some bad habits
you have like taking a shower instead of a bath or turning off the tap while brushing your
teeth. Another important way to reduce water waste is not to waste food. By eating all the
food you buy, you help make the most of the water used to produce it. The less food you
waste, the less water you waste. Finally, you should be aware of what foods and other
products require a lot of water to produce and make smart consumer choices. Knowing
your water footprint and making an effort to reduce it can really make a difference.
Read the text again and match the paragraphs (1-3) to the headings (A-D). One heading is
extra.
A) How to Calculate Your Water Footprint
B) Do Your Part 3 b

C) Not Just the Water you Drink 1 C

D) Why Does It Matter? 2 D
E) Foods require a lot of water

Fire Fighter of the Sky

Being a fire fighter is a tough job. However, smokejumpers take this to the extreme by jumping
into wildfires - from an airplane! It's dangerous work but somebody has to do it. Ethan Riley
shares his experience.
It was 7 o'clock in the evening. I was eating my dinner when I received the call. Trinity National
Forest was on fire. The fire was in an area that couldn't be reached by ground. 1 I put on my
gear (fireproof suit, helmet and gloves) and boarded the plane as fast as I could.
The high-speed jet reached the forest within minutes. 2 There was no time to lose. Together
with 7 other fearless smokejumpers, I dived from the plane and glided towards the fire using my
parachute. Our cargo followed shortly afterwards, providing us with the necessary tools to put
out the flames. "We need to make a fire line!" I shouted to my crew. 3 While we were doing
this, air tankers were flying overhead, dropping water onto the flames. They covered us as well,
but the icy water was a welcome relief from the heat.
It was midnight when the fire finally died out. 4 What a night! We were filthy, thirsty and
completely exhausted. However, that's nothing new; it's just business as usual for a
smokejumper and I wouldn't change it for the world!
Read the text and complete the gaps (1-4) with appropriate sentences (A-E). One sentence
is extra.
A From above, I could see clouds of smoke filling the air.- 2
B He got caught in a tree and had to cut himself loose.
C This meant it was a job for a smokejumper!- 1
D At last, we could return to the base.- 4
E We began cutting down trees around the fire to stop it from spreading.- 3

MY UNDERGROUND HOLIDAY
Greetings from Coober Pedy, Australial 1 Coober Pedy is a small town in Northern Australia
famous for its unique underground houses, hotels and shops. That's everyone has learned to get
along really well and they right; for a whole week, I've been sleeping, showering and eating
underground!
Before I arrived, I thought that life underground would be hot, dark and cramped - but I was
wrong! The homes in Cooper Pedy are comfortable and get fresh air and natural light through
special shafts. 2 It contains shops, a restaurant, a games room and even a health spa! It's one of
the nicest hotels I've ever stayed in.
 Another great thing about Coober Pedy is the people that live here. Although the town's
population is small, it is home to 45 different nationalities. 3 On top of that, everyone has
learned to get along really well and they have been so friendly to me that I feel right at home!
The reason that there are so many nationalities here is because the soil in Coober Pedy is rich in
precious stones such as opal. 4 In fact, I've just got back from my own treasure hunt! Together
with tourists and local people I went digging through massive piles of broken rock to find pieces
of opal that miners missed. We had to be really careful, though, because there were thousands I
didn't find any opals, but it was a lot of fun! of mineshafts in the ground that we could have
fallen into! I didn't find any opals, but it was a lot of fun!
Read the text and complete the gaps (1-4) with appropriate sentences (A-E). One sentence
is extra.

A This rainbow- coloured gemstone attracts miners from all over the world. 4
B I've been staying here for a week now, and it's been awesome! 1
C They had to use their own hands to dig the soil.
D The place I am staying in is called the Desert Cave Hotel. 2
E This makes its culture really diverse and interesting. 3

The World of Microbes

Microbes are everywhere! They live around us, on us and inside us. We can't see them but they
are there. There are good microbes that help you fight diseases and keep you healthy. Some
microbes, however, are bad and can make you sick causing diseases. Here are three main of
microbes.
1 Bacteria: These are very clever microbes that can live and reproduce outside a living
organism. Bad bacteria can cause infections like sore throats and ear infections. Good bacteria
help our bodies to digest food. Scientists use bacteria to produce medicine like antibiotics and
vaccines to fight diseases.
2 Viruses: These are simple microbes that can't do much on their own. They need a living
organism to survive. Once a virus is inside your body it can spread and make you sick.
3 Fungi: These are microbes that grow almost everywhere, especially warm and damp places.
Fungi feed off of living organisms. They can grow inside the body and also on the skin and nails.
How can you protect yourself from bad microbes?
Harmful microbes can pass from one person to another in different ways. They can travel in the
air and can also spread through touch. So wash your hands with soap often and cover your mouth
when you cough or sneeze to avoid spreading microbes. By being careful you can keep those bad
and ugly microbes out of your life!
Read the text and complete the sentences.
1 Microbes are everywhere but they are so small we can't see them
2 Bacteria cannot survive in inside the organizm
3 Not all bacteria are harmful
4 Viruses cannot survive outside a living organism
5 Fungi often grow in especially warm and damp places
6 Dirty hands pass

KaBOOM
Every child deserves a great place to play!
Today in America, more and more children are spending less time playing outdoors. This is
having a terrible effect on their health, school performance and overall well being. One group
has taken this problem 1) and is trying to create a great place to play within walking distance of
every child in America. KaBOOM! started in Washington D.C. in 1985. Since then this group
has 2) built 2,000 play spaces including playgrounds, ice rinks, skate parks and athletic fields
across America. KaBOOM! helped build 100 new playgrounds along the gulf coast after
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita struck the area. But it's not all about just playing, KaBOOM!
projects create a sense of community spirit that drives residents to take 3).and improve their
neighbourhoods. It's about getting involved and having fun at the same time.
Read the text and use these words to complete it. Two words are extra.

A built D action
B part E carefully
C seriously

DIAMONDS are forever?

It has been called the largest heist in history. Leonardo Notarbartolo and his gang stole over
$100 million in gems from the Diamond Centre in Antwerp, Belgium. But how did they break
through some of the toughest security in the world?
It wasn't something they planned overnight. 1 In 2000, he rented an office in the Diamond
Centre, giving him access to the building. He then made copies of the master keys and studied
the centre's alarm system. All the thieves had to do was wait for the perfect moment. Then, in
February 2003, it arrived.
The centre was host to the Diamond Games Tennis Tournament, an event which attracted
celebrities from all across the world. With everybody distracted, the gang set their plan in
motion. 2 Then to avoid being seen by the security cameras, they stole the CCTV video tapes
and replaced them with footage that had been recorded earlier. When they were ready, the gang
approached the diamond vault. Fixed to the door were two magnetic plates which would trigger
the alarm when separated. But the gang had been preparing for this. 3 Then, they unbolted the
plates and moved them away from the door. This meant that the thieves were free to enter the
vault unnoticed. They collected the diamonds and made their escape.
Although the thieves got away, Notarbartolo made a careless mistake. While escaping, he had
disposed of a bag containing tools and other evidence by the roadside, Inside the bag were the
leftovers from his lunch: a half eaten sandwich. 4 He received a 10-year prison sentence and
a $1.3 million fine. However, police never found the stolen diamonds. To this day, their location
remains a secret -perhaps forever?
Fill in: through, in, away, of, to.
1 The Diamond Centre was host of a major sporting event.
2 While the tournament was on, the gang set their plan in motion.
3 Notarbartolo disposed to his bag at the side of the road.
4 The gang managed to break through security.
5 The thieves got away from the scene of the crime.

………

AVA your airport virtual assistant!

Airports can be stressful and confusing places. The queues, the crowds, and the complicated
security rules can make you wish you had just stayed at home! However, in the future there will
be high-tech help available. Introducing AVA: the Airport Virtual Assistant!
So what exactly is AVA? Well, it is actually a holographic image of a real person. To create the
hologram, the manufacturers videotape a person speaking and then project the film onto a plastic
screen. The result is a moving, three-dimensional image which users can interact with. It's
science fiction come to life!
If approached by a member of the public, AVA responds by giving general information and
security advice. According to the manufacturer, though, the help that AVA will give will be
much more advanced. AVA is going to have voice recognition and will be able to answer
traveller's questions directly. Even though it only speaks English right now, the manufacturer
also plans to introduce multilingual assistants who will respond in numerous languages.
So what does this mean for real-life staff? The manufacturers say that virtual assistants free-up
employees to do more varied and interesting jobs. What's more, AVA is not limited to airport use
only. In fact, the makers are already expanding their range of holograms for hospitals, offices,
shops and museums. So could AVA soon be commonplace? It seems that in the near future,
virtual reality will soon become a reality!
Fill in: interact, hologram, manufacturers, advanced, assistant.
1 A(n) hologram is a flat image that appears three-dimensional.
2 AVA is a virtual assistant that can provide help and information for travellers.
3 Technology of the future will be much more advanced than it is now
4 The manufacturers of AVA plan to use the device in various public buildings.
5 In the future, people will be able to interact with AVA by asking it questions.

Agatha Christie`s Miss Marple

Miss Marple is an amateur detective and one of the famous British writer Agatha
Christie's most popular characters . She lives quietly in a pretty village , knitting ,
gardening and people watching . Every so often , however , Miss Marple puts her
knitting aside and turns her attention to solving crimes . Agatha Christie had
already been writing for 12 years when , in 1932 , Miss Marple appeared in The
Thirteen Problems . Who was the inspiration behind the character ?
A recent discovery made by her grandson , Mathew Prichard , has shed light on
how the author created Miss Marple . Prichard had been clearing out a cupboard in
his grandmother's former home when he stumbled upon a dusty cardboard box .
Opening it , Mathew found 27 audio tapes with recordings Christie had made while
writing her autobiography .
When Mathew played the tapes , he was amazed to hear his grandmother's strong ,
distinctive voice once again . Speaking into her dictaphone , Christie revealed she
had based Miss Marple on her mother's mother . As the author said , " Although a
cheerful person , she always expected the worst of anyone and anything . And with
almost frightening accuracy , she was usually right . "
Miss Marple has the same keen intuition . She is observant , her sharp eye picks
up the smallest but most important of details . She also relates the past to the
present , drawing on past experiences to make sense of present - day puzzles . All
of this , combined with her knowledge of village life , helps to solve any mystery .
Read the text and mark the sentences T ( true ) or F ( false ) .
1 Miss Marple works for the police . False
2 Her house is in the countryside . True
3 She was Christie's first detective character . False
4 Prichard wrote his grandmother's biography . False
5 Christie's grandmother was the inspiration for creating Miss Marple. True
Binomes
A biome is a region of the world that has a similar climate in which a certain
community of plants and animals live . They are often referred to as ecosystems .
There are two main types of biomes : terrestrial and aquatic . Some scientists
identify five main types of biomes : aquatic , desert , forest , grassland and tundra .
These are further separated into more specific categories . There are three
categories of forest biomes : tropical rainforest , boreal and temperate . Let's take a
look at two of them . Boreal Forest Biome ( Taiga ) Temperate Forest Biome The
boreal forest biome is the largest land biome in the world . This biome exists below
the Arctic Circle in areas such as Scandinavia , Canada and northern Russia . It
mostly contains forests with conifers . Conifers are trees like pines and firs that
produce their seeds in cones and have needles instead of leaves . This biome has
two main seasons - a short wet summer and a long cold winter with lots of snow .
The average temperature for 6 months of the year is below freezing ! Because of
this , many of the animals in this biome such as the grizzly bear and the racoon
hibernate during winter , and many birds such as the goose and woodpecker
migrate south . Just below the boreal forest biome there is the temperate forest
biome . This biome exists in areas such as Britain , the middle of Europe and the
north of the USA . Temperate forests have trees , such as oaks and maples , which
lose their leaves every year . In this biome there are four seasons each with
different weather conditions - but the temperatures are never extremely hot or
cold . Because of this , there is a very wide variety of animals in this biome such as
deer and coyotes . Also , because of its temperate climate , this biome is also home
to a lot of the world's human population !
Choose the right answer.
1 What do some animals do to cope with the cold winters of the boreal forest
biome ?
A hibernate. B lose their leaves
2 What happens to oak trees each year ?
A lose their leaves. B migrate south
3 Why do many humans live in the temperate forest biome ?
A because of its temperate climate. B because of the different weather conditions
4. There are two main types of biomes :.
A terrestrial and aquatic. B aquatic and desert
5. Some scientists identify … main types of biomes
A five. B Four

A CITY BURNS DOWN !

A round 8 pm on the night of October 8 th, 1871 , Patrick and Catherine O'Leary
of 13 , De Koven Street , Chicago went to bed . Soon after, a fire broke out in their
barn. One of the O'Learys ' neighbours was walking by when he saw flames
coming from the barn. He shouted for help and neighbours rushed to the fire with
buckets of water. They were unable to put out the fire, and it quickly spread to
other homes. Soon the whole neighbourhood was in flames. Most of the homes and
buildings in Chicago were wooden at the time and with the help of the wind the
fire quickly grew. Unfortunately, firefighters went to the wrong location and by the
time they reached the fire it was out of control. People began to panic. They were
running in the streets, while buildings were burning down around them. When the
fire reached the Chicago River, people thought it was finally over, but , with the
help of the wind , sparks jumped over the river and buildings on the other side
caught fire . The fire then headed for the city centre . Government buildings, hotels
and businesses burnt to the ground. After two days, rain began to fall, and on the
morning of October 10th , 1871 , the fire finally died out . One of the biggest
American disasters of the 19th century left 300 people dead, 100,000 people
homeless and 17,500 buildings destroyed . The people of Chicago immediately
began to rebuild their city from this disaster that started with a small fire in the
O'Learys ' barn.

Choose right variant.

1. Why did the Chicago fire grow so quickly?
A with the help of the wind. B people began to panic
2. What happened to the fire when it reached the river?
A sparks jumped over the river and buildings on the other side caught fire.
B fire slowly spread to other homes.
3. What makes the Chicago Fire one of the biggest American disasters?
A left 300 people dead. B 5,000 buildings destroyed
4. The fire then headed for the...
A city centre. B the Chicago River
5. Firefighters went to the wrong …
A location. B barn.
SANDY Strikes
What a terrible night ! It was 11 o'clock and I was sleeping . Suddenly , I heard a
loud bang . I realised it was thunder , and I jumped out of bed ! I ran to the window
and saw that it was raining heavily . The wind was blowing and the trees were
swaying . Then , my mother came into my bedroom . She looked very shocked and
she was shaking . " Hurricane Sandy is coming ! " she cried . We ran downstairs
into the basement where we were safe from the storm . The wind was so strong that
the whole house was shaking. Outside, we could hear windows smashing . It was
terrifying!
We spent all of last night in the basement. When we finally came out in the
morning, we were surprised by what we saw . The streets were flooded , there were
power lines on the ground and our car lay under a fallen tree . All across town , the
sirens of the emergency services were wailing while people were clearing up the
mess in their homes and gardens . Luckily our house wasn't too badly damaged .
There was only some glass on the floor , and rubbish on our lawn . Thankfully , no
one was hurt . As we were cleaning up the lawn , I suddenly heard a little yelp . It
was coming from under the porch. I went to get a closer look and couldn't believe
my eyes ! There before me was a tiny white puppy. It was shivering and covered in
mud . When it saw me, it jumped into my arms . It's such a miracle that this little
dog survived such a terrible storm!
Read the diary entries and choose the right answer A , B , C or D.
1 The writer woke up because of
A thunder . B rain . C wind . D her mum's voice .
2 While they were in the basement they felt
A safe . C surprised . B scared . D lucky .
3 The writer was relieved that
A all her neighbours were safe . B emergency services were close .
C the house was in good condition . D a puppy survived the hurricane .
4 The author's purpose is to
A explain how a disaster happened . B describe a bad experience .
C inform us of a disaster . D describe a surprising rescue .
5. He heard a loud …
A bang. B wind. C thunder. D storm

EARTHQUAKE safety advice

A) If an overnight earthquake wakes you , don't get up . Trying to move to a safer
location is more dangerous than staying under the sheets . For example , broken
glass can injure you if you try to go downstairs . Instead , stay where you are and
protect your head with a pillow .
B) Stop at the roadside in a safe place . Avoid bridges and locations near trees ,
damaged buildings and broken power lines . Don't leave your vehicle and don't
remove your seat belt . Switch on the radio and listen for advice from the
authorities .
C) Don't waste food or water . Major earthquakes can create a shortage of both . If
water is still running from the tap , it's a good idea to fill a bathtub . If you are
without power , unplug all electrical items to prevent fires when the electricity
returns .

Which leaflet gives useful advice for

1 survivors of an earthquake ? C
2 people who work nights ? A
3 people who are in cars ? B
4 people who experience an earthquake while sleeping ? A
5 drivers? B
 The hound of the Baskervilles
A thick , white fog hung over the moor that night , moving slowly in our direction .
The moon shone on it and Holmes sighed impatiently as he watched it . " It's
moving towards us , Watson . " " Is that serious ? " I asked . " Very serious , indeed
- the one thing that the one thing that could ruin my plan . Sir Henry can't be very
long now . His life depends on his coming out of the house before the fog covers
the path . " The fog had covered the trees in the garden and was getting closer to
the house . " If he isn't outside in a quarter of an hour , the path will be covered . In
half an hour we won't be able to see our hands in front of us . " " Shall we move
further back to higher ground ? " " Yes , I think it would be better . " We moved
back until we were half a mile from the house , and still that white sea swept
onwards . A sound of quick steps broke the silence . The steps grew louder , and
through the fog , as through a curtain , Sir Henry appeared . " Look out ! " cried
Holmes , " It's coming ! " There was a strange sound from within the fog . We
waited , uncertain what horror would break from its heart . Suddenly , Holmes '
eyes were wide with amazement . I rushed to my feet , my mind paralysed by the
dreadful shape which had sprung out from the shadows of the fog . A hound it
was , an enormous coal - black hound - fire burst from its mouth and its eyes
glowed like flames .

Read the text and mark the sentences T ( true ) or F ( false )

1 The fog had covered the trees in the garden-TRUE
2 They were waiting for a hound.-FALSE
3 They moved further back to higher ground-TRUE
4 It was white hound -FALSE
5 There was a strange sound from within the fog-TRUE

About computers
A The Antikythera Mechanism In 1900 , some sponge divers found an ancient ship
off the coast of the Greek island of Antikythera . Inside the ship there was a
machine from around 100 BC . It took 100 years for experts to understand how it
works . When someone entered a date into it , this amazing machine could say
where the sun , the planets and the moon were on that day !
B Pascal's Calculator In 1642 , Blaise Pascal invented a machine that could do
arithmetic . He wanted to help his father do his work as a tax official . Seven years
later , Blaise began to sell the machines . He only sold twenty though because most
people couldn't understand how to use them ! Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine
C In 1837 , Charles Babbage also designed a machine that could do arithmetic , but
this machine had a special feature . It could accept cards that told it what to do .
These cards were the first computer programmes . Unfortunately , Babbage never
finished building the machine .
D ENIAC The first major electronic computer was called ENIAC . It was designed
by John Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert in 1946. It weighed 27 tonnes and took up
167 m² ! Newspapers at the time called it the ' Giant Brain ' and it opened people's
eyes to the power of computers .

Read the text and answer the questions ( 1-6 ) . Write A , B , C or D.

Which machine ...
1 took up a huge amount of space ? D
2 was invented for a family member ? B
3 used electricity ? D
4 made money for its inventor ? B
5 was lost for many years ? A

Mobiles for minors

Soon mobile phones may be as common among children as adults . Indeed,
phones that kids as young as four can use are already available .
At what age should children get mobile phones ? In many people's opinion,
children younger than 10 have no real need to have a personal phone , and are not
responsible enough to look after a valuable piece of technology . However , some
parents like the idea of their children carrying phones because they feel their sons
and daughters are safe , even when they're out of sight .
If you want to reach your children at all times , but you don't want them to
become Internet and text addicts , you can buy a basic model designed especially
for kids . There are bright , simple phones available that have no screen . All the
young phone user can do is make calls by pressing one of a number of large
buttons with contacts ' names on them , including one for 999 emergency calls .
People can call the phone only if a parent authorises them to .
These simple phones can also help to develop your child's creative side . For
example , some companies let you decide how your phone will look by using a fun
online design service . So even if all age groups are going to own mobiles in the
future , at least they will be able to express their own individual style !

Choose the correct option . Which words helped you decide ?

1 There is no way of ............ how technology will develop in the future .
A knowing B knew C to know
2 The account is easily with your personal code number .
A accessed B accessing C to access time today my computer
3 That's the has crashed .
A two B second C twice
4 Were you .............. in building the robot ?
A involving B involved C involve
5 My computer course covers lots of topics ; it's very
A varied B various C variety

Our Skin 1
Skin consists of three layers . The outer layer , the epidermis , has cells containing
keratin , a protein which strengthens the skin and makes it waterproof . It also has
melanin which darkens the skin and shields it from sunlight . How dark our skin is
depends on how much melanin the epidermis contains . The middle layer , the
dermis , is elastic and makes the sense of touch possible . The inner layer , the
hypodermis , stores fat and energy , has large blood vessels and helps regulate
body temperature . Skin is our first line of defence against bacteria and it lets us
feel heat , cold and pain . It also helps control our body temperature and keeps our
muscles , bones and internal organs safe . Skin repairs itself during sleep , so
getting enough sleep is important . Drinking water keeps skin soft and prevents it
from drying out . To keep skin looking young and well - nourished , it is also
essential to follow a balanced diet with foods rich in vitamins and minerals .
Vitamin A helps repair and maintain the health of skin . Foods high in vitamin A
include carrots , sweet potatoes , lettuce and apricots .
Vitamins C & E protect the skin from found in kiwis , oranges , broccoli and sun
damage and pollution . Vitamin C is found in kiwis , oranges , broccoli and
peppers . Vitamin E is found in nuts , olives and spinach .
Vitamin H strengthens hair and nails , which both grow out of the skin and depend
on it to be healthy . You can get vitamin H from nuts , beans , bananas and
mushrooms .
Minerals make skin elastic and help heal wounds . They are found in eggs , fish ,
whole grains and a range of fruit and vegetables .

Which of these sentences are true about our skin ?

1 Human skin has only two layers , the epidermis and the dermis .-FALSE
2 Skin helps control the temperature of the human body.bew -TRUE
3 Skin can't protect us from any bacteria . -FALSE
4 To keep our skin healthy we should eat healthily and drink enough water .-
TRUE
5 The skin is the largest organ in the human body . -TRUE
Our Skin 2
Skin consists of three layers . The outer layer , the epidermis, stores fat and energy
, has large blood vessels and helps regulate body temperature , has cells containing
keratin , a protein which strengthens the skin and makes it waterproof . It also has
melanin which darkens the skin and shields it from sunlight . How dark our skin is
depends on how much melanin the epidermis contains . The middle layer , the
dermis , is elastic and makes the sense of touch possible . The inner layer , the
hypodermis , stores fat and energy , has large blood vessels and helps regulate
body temperature . Skin is our first line of defence against bacteria and it lets us
feel heat , cold and pain . It also helps control our body temperature and keeps our
muscles , bones and internal organs safe .
Skin repairs itself during sleep , so getting enough sleep is important . Drinking
water keeps skin soft and prevents it from drying out . To keep skin looking young
and well - nourished , it is also essential to follow a balanced diet with foods rich
in vitamins and minerals .
Vitamin A helps repair and maintain the health of skin . Foods high in vitamin A
include carrots , sweet potatoes , lettuce and apricots .
Vitamins C & E protect the skin from found in kiwis , oranges , broccoli and sun
damage and pollution . Vitamin C is found in kiwis , oranges , broccoli and
peppers . Vitamin E is found in nuts , olives and spinach .
Vitamin H strengthens hair and nails , which both grow out of the skin and depend
on it to be healthy . You can get vitamin H from nuts , beans , bananas and
mushrooms .
Minerals make skin elastic and help heal wounds . They are found in eggs , fish ,
whole grains and a range of fruit and vegetables .

Read the text and mark the sentences T ( true ) or F ( false )

1 The dermis makes the sense of touch possible -T
2 Hypodermis stores fat and energy. - T
3 The epidermis helps regulate body temperature.- F
4 Drinking water keeps skin soft and prevents it from drying out. -T
5 Skin doesn’t repair itself during sleep-F
6 Vitamin A helps you to maintain healthy hair. - F
Op Art
Op Art is the art movement that plays with the way we see things .
The Op Art movement began in the early 1960s , and its centre was New York .
Artists such as Arnold Schmidt and Julian Stanczak began to study optical illusions
to discover how they worked . They used those techniques to create paintings that
played tricks on the eyes . A journalist for Time magazine first used ' Op Art ' to
describe the pieces in Stanczak's 1964 exhibition Optical Paintings and the name
stuck .
 The 1965 exhibition ' The Responsive Eye ' , which was held in the Museum of
Modern Art in New York , made Op Art world - famous . It featured many artists ,
including Ellsworth Kelly , Victor Vasarely and the British artist Bridget Riley .
Her paintings are for many classic Op Art . Mainly black and white , they won't let
the viewer focus on them . When they try , they seem to slide away from their gaze
. Turning , bending and shifting , they never stay still .
The exhibition was very popular with the public . They said the paintings
produced strong feelings such as confusion and shock . Op Art was soon
everywhere on everything from clothing to album covers and the effects were
widely used on TV and in the cinema in the sixties .

Read the text and mark the sentences T ( true ) or F ( false )

1 Arnold Schmidt and Julian Stanczak used those techniques to create paintings
that played tricks on the eyes - T
2 The Op Art movement began in the early 2000s -F
3 They began to study optical illusions - T
4 Bridget Riley’s paintings aren’t for many classic Op Art - F
5 The paintings produced strong feelings such as confusion and shock - T

Musical Instruments across America

The Banjo
The banjo is a traditional instrument of African American folk music . It has got a
round body with a long neck and metal strings . In the early 1800s the banjo was
often played at African American gatherings where people would dance , sing and
tell stories . It soon became a popular instrument all over America . The banjo
influenced the development of American folk , country and jazz music .
The Powwow Drum
A powwow drum is one of the oldest and most basic instruments in Native
American music . It is large and made from carved wood , with buffalo , deer or
cow skin stretched on top . Several men form a circle and strike the drum together
with covered mallets . The men sing along to the beat of the drum . The songs are
in Native American languages and have great spiritual meaning .
Read the texts . Which musical instrument ( A , B or C ) :
requires several people to play in harmony ? 1B
had an effect on other types of music ? 2A
is used in traditional shows ? 3C
is made from an animal organ ? 4B
is made from a fruit ? 5C

What is your Water Footprint.

1 A water footprint is the amount of water a person consumes each day . However ,
it's not as simple as calculating the amount of water you drink or use to wash with .
Your water footprint is the amount of water that you consume by your way of life .
It includes the water that is used to make your clothes , the food you eat , and any
other products you consume .
2 Everywhere around the world people use water daily , but not everyone has
access to clean water . The world's water supply is under pressure from a growing
population . Already , 1.2 billion people , about a fifth of the world's population ,
are living in areas where water is scarce . And many people in the rest of the world
use more water than they need which adds to the problem of water shortages .
3 So what can you do to reduce your water footprint ? First , try changing some
bad habits you have like taking a shower instead of a bath or turning off the tap
while brushing your teeth . Another important way to reduce water waste is not to
waste food . By eating all the food you buy , you help make the most of the water
used to produce it . The less food you waste , the less water you waste . Finally ,
you should be aware of what foods and other products require a lot of water to
produce and make smart consumer choices . Knowing your water footprint and
making an effort to reduce it can really make a difference .
Read the text and mark the sentences T ( true ) or F ( false )
1 A water footprint is the amount of water a person consumes each week -T
2 it's not as simple as calculating the amount of water you drink - T
3 The world's water supply is under pressure from a growing population - T
4 Using more water than they need doesn’t add to the problem of water shortages
-F
5 The less food you waste , the more water you waste - F

Variant I
Carolina talks about the great love story in her life. Listen to the mp3 file and answer true/false
for each question.
1. They first met four or five years ago.
     True
     False
2. They met for the second time about five years ago.
     True
     False
3. Enrico was sitting at a table chatting to some friends.
     True
     False
4. Enrico spoke first in the bar.
     True
     False
Variant II
Carolina talks about the great love story in her life. Listen to the mp3 file and answer true/false
for each question.
1. Carolina was surprised that Enrico recognised her after so many years.
     True
     False
2. They went for a pizza the following week.
     True
     False
3. Their daughter Sabelle is 6 months old.
     True
     False
4 . Enrico chose their daughter's name.
     True
     False
 Variant III
Listen to Carolina talking about her relationship with Enrico and choose the best option.
1. Where did Enrico's family move to?
     The south of Italy
     The USA
     a small town in Italy
     The north of Italy
2. How does Carolina describe Enrico when he was young?
     Quiet and funny
     Intelligent
     Quite funny
     Gorgeous
3. What did she study at university?
     Law
     Economics
     European languages
     European history
4. Where was she when she saw 'the handsome guy'?
     In the university
     In the cinema
     In a bar
     In a restaurant
 Variant IV
Listen to Carolina talking about her relationship with Enrico and choose the best option.

1. What was he doing?

     Talking on his phone
     Chatting to friends at the table
     Eating
     Dancing
2. What did they arrange to do?
     Go to a disco
     Go out for a pizza
     Go to have a beer
     Go to see a movie
3. What did they actually do?
     They went to the cinema
     They talked in a bar
     They went to a park
     They walked on the beach
4. How old is their daughter?
     6 months
     3 months
     1 year
     6 years
So Carolina, where did you first meet Enrico?
Well, it's funny really because we first met when we were just four or five but we don't actually
remember. We both lived in the same apartment block until Enrico's family moved to the north
of Italy, when I guess we were about seven.
So, did you keep in touch?
No, not at all. we didn't really know each other so there was no reason to. He was just the quiet,
funny looking boy that nobody ever really spoke to.
OK, so how did you meet for the second time?
Well, it was about five years ago. I went to university in Milan to study European languages and
although I worked very hard during the day, at night I liked to go out and enjoy myself. Anyway,
one night I was in a salsa bar with some friends when I noticed at the next table this really good-
looking guy who was sitting alone and chatting on his mobile. I didn't realise I was staring at
him, but after what seemed like hours he looked at me and gave me a really friendly smile. I felt
really embarrassed, I don't know why, so I just looked away and spoke to my friends.
What happened then?
Nothing. I mean, I felt a bit silly so I tried to ignore him but I just couldn't stop looking over at
his table. Every time I did he smiled. That gorgeous smile! For some reason he seemed really
familiar but I didn't remember seeing him on any of my language courses, and I certainly didn't
know anyone who lived in Milan. I was trying so hard to remember his face, but when I looked
over again he was gone..
Oh no! what did you do then?
But then there he was, standing behind our table. I just sat there and looked at him like I was
some kind of idiot. I didn't know what to say.
Who spoke first?
He did
What did he say?
He said "hello stranger. I haven't seen you since we moved away. You look wonderful. What are
you doing here?" I didn't know what to say because I didn't know what he was talking about.
Then he explained about how we'd lived in the same apartment block etc. etc.  I just couldn't
believe that he'd recognised me.
But were you happy?
Oh yeah, I mean, he was gorgeous. I just felt a bit bad that I hadn't remembered him but that he'd
remembered me.
So what happened in the end?
We swapped phone numbers and he promised to call me the following week to go out for a
pizza. It's not very original, I know, but I didn't care to be honest. I just wanted to see him again.
What in fact happened was that he called me the next morning and said that he couldn't wait a
whole week to see me, so we met that afternoon and had a beautiful walk in the local park and
talked about everything and nothing. It was so romantic. That day we fell in love and have been
happy ever since. Our daughter, Sabelle, was born 6 months ago and we're getting married next
summer.
Sabelle?! Who chose that name?
We both did.
Keys
Variant 1

Question 1 - False.

Question 2 - True.

Question 3 -: False.

Question 4 - True.

Variant II

Question 1 - True.

Question 2 - False.

Question 3 - True.

Question 4 - False.

Variant III

Question 1 - The north of Italy.

Question 2 - Quiet and funny.

Question 3 - European languages.

Question 4 - In a bar.

Variant IV

Question 1 - Talking on his phone.

Question 2 - Go out for a pizza.

Question 3 -: They went to a park.

Question 4 -6 months.