Контроль навичок читання. Prepare 7 (НУШ). Unit 1

Teenage challenges

Would you like to learn rock climbing? Or spend time working at an animal sanctuary? That’s what Andrea Black and Jenny Smith are doing as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award programme.

The award encourages young people to do exciting cultural, social and adventure activities in their free lime. The Queen's husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, started the award in 1956. He started it because he wanted young people to learn to help themselves and other people.

The award is for people aged 14-25, and there are three levels: Bronze, for those aged 14 or over, Silver for over 15s, and Gold for over 16s. You have to complete four activities to achieve the award:

•              go on an expedition (e.g. hiking, kayaking or climbing)
•              learn a new practical or social skill (anything from painting to podcasting!)
•              take on a physical challenge (e.g. learn or improve at a sport)
•              do voluntary work, helping people or the environment (e.g. work with disabled or elderly people, or raise money for a chanty).

Young people usually do the award at a Duke of Edinburgh club at their local youth group. They decide what they are going to do, and write a plan. It usually takes between one and three years to finish an award.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a part of the International Award Association that unites different countries. But the names of the Award are different. For example, the President Award (Ireland, Kenya, and others), the Prince Henrique Award (Portugal), the Crown Prince Award (Jordan), and the Congressional Award (the USA).

1. Answer the questions.

1. Who started the award?
2. Why did he start the award?
3. How many levels of award are there?
4. How old do you have to be to get a Gold award?
5. How many activities do participants have to complete?
6. Who plans which activities the participants do?

2. Mark the statements with T if they are true and with F if they are false.

1. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is for people between fourteen and twenty-five years of age.
2. This award is for people who want to have fun.
3. Each level of the award has 6 sections.
4. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is very popular in all countries.
5. In many countries there are similar awards, but they have different names.