Завдання "Олімпіаді завдання для учнів 8-9 класів"

Listening comprehension

 

In America, we celebrate many holidays during the year.  I will tell you about three of my favourite holidays, when they occur, why they are important and how we celebrate them.  These three  holidays are the Fourth of July, Halloween, and Thanksgiving.

On the Fourth of July, we celebrate the birthday of the United States.  This holiday is not only called the Fourth of July, but also Independence Day.  On July 4, 1776 the people of the American colonies declared their independence from England.  Many people, including George Washington, helped the early Americans gain their freedom and independence.  Today, Americans celebrate the Fourth of July in different ways.  Many families gather to enjoy a special meal outdoors in the warm weather.  Some families go to the beach to relax.  Some families watch sports such as baseball.  And all over America, people watch a beautiful show of fireworks. 

Another one of my favourite holidays is Halloween.  We celebrate Halloween on the 31st of October.  Children all over America love Halloween.  They dress up in costumes, looking like ghosts and witches.  They ask people for candy and other sweet things to eat.  They go to parties and try to scare one another.  Even adults love Halloween, because it is a time to dress in costume and pretend to be someone else.

My third favourite holiday is Thanksgiving. We celebrate Thanksgiving on the last Thursday in November.  Children do not go to school and adults do not go to work on this special day.  Early Americans celebrated Thanksgiving to express their thanks for the fall harvest.  Today we celebrate Thanksgiving to take time to be thankful for all the wonderful things we have, such as family, food, good health and freedom.  On Thanksgiving, families gather and enjoy a special meal of turkey, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie.  In New York City there is a special parade with music and dancing.  Many Americans watch the Thanksgiving parade on television to make the day special.  I have been to the parade and have enjoyed seeing how happy everyone is to celebrate this special day.

 

Task 1.

               Statements 1 through 10 (decide if the statements are True or False):

1. The Fourth of July is also called Independence Day.
2. The American colonies declared their freedom from Spain.
3. Many Americans watch sports such as basketball on July 4th.
4. The story also discussed Halloween, which falls on October 30th.
5. It is customary for children to ask people for flowers on Halloween.
6. Both children and adults like dressing up in costume on Halloween.
7. The third holiday mentioned, Thanksgiving, occurs in August.
8. One of the traditional foods of  Thanksgiving is macaroni.
9. Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude for good health and freedom.
10. In New York City there is a big parade every Thanksgiving Day.

 

Task 2.

           Questions 11 through  20 (choose the correct letter A, B, C or D):

11) All of the following holidays are mentioned in the passage except:

1. the Fourth of July
2. Christmas
3. Thanksgiving
4. Halloween

12) The Fourth of July commemorates:

1. U.S. independence from Spain
2. U.S. independence from France
3. U.S. independence from England
4. U.S. independence from all foreign powers

13) The weather on the Fourth of July is described as:

1. cool
2. hot
3. warm
4. moderate

14) America declared its independence in the year:

1. 1876
2. 1772
3. 1676
4. 1776

15) Halloween is celebrated on:

1. October 31st
2. October 13th
3. October 30th
4. October 3rd

16) The speaker mentions that on Halloween children dress up as:

1. movie stars
2. baseball players
3. ghosts and witches
4. animals

17) Thanksgiving is celebrated on:

1. the first Friday in November
2. the last Thursday in November
3. the third Thursday in November
4. the last Tuesday in November

18) Early Americans celebrated Thanksgiving to express thanks for:

1. the winter harvest
2. the fall harvest
3. rainfall
4. peace with their neighbours

19) The speaker mentions all of the following foods except:

1. pumpkin pie
2. corn
3. sweet potatoes
4. turkey

20) In New York City on Thanksgiving there is a special:

1. football game
2. political demonstration
3. parade
4. fireworks show

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reading comprehension

Text  1

 

Dear  Sir,

I am writing to tell you about an experience I had while shopping in Bristol last Saturday.

I wanted to do my Christmas shopping so I drove into the City Centre. My first problem was finding somewhere to park. The Galleries car park was full so I went to the Old Market multi–storey car park. The sign said there were 23 spaces free so I drove in. I drove around for twenty minutes but couldn’t find a space. As I left the attendant told me that I had to pay the minimum parking charge of $1.I told him that I hadn’t actually parked but he threatened to call the police so I paid.

I finally found a space in the Galleries and left to do my shopping. I had just finished when it started raining. By the time I got back to the car both my shopping and I were completely soaked. I got into my car and drove out. At the exit I put my electronic ticket in the machine and it told me that the ticket was damaged and I had to pay the maximum charge of £15. (The ticket was in my back pocket and got slightly damp in the rain.)

Overall, I spent one and a half hour and £16 trying to park last Saturday. In January, for the sales, I'm going to go to the new out-of-town shopping centre where parking is free and the car parks are never full. I wanted to support city centre shopping but not at the cost of two or three extra Christmas presents for my grandchildren.

Yours,

 Geoffrey Williams Kingsdown

 

Task 1: Questions (choose the correct letter  A, B, C or D):

1. Which word best describes how the writer feels?
   1. happy
   2. sad
   3. tired
   4. angry
2. Where did the writer park?
   1. The Galleries
   2. First the Galleries, then Old Market
   3. First the Old-Market, then Galleries
   4. Old Market
3. What   caused the problem at Old Market?
   1. The sign was wrong.
   2. The attendant called the police.
   3. The writer's car was too big.
   4. The writer drove around for twenty minutes.
4. Why did the writer pay £15 for a ticket?
   1. His shopping was wet.
   2. He was wet.
   3. His ticket was wet
   4. The machine was out of order.
5. Why is the  writer going to go to the out-of-town shopping centre in January?
   1. The sales are better than in the city centre.
   2. It's easier to go by car than to the city centre.
   3. He prefers shopping in the city centre.
   4. He wants to buy more Christmas presents for his grandchildren.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reading comprehension

Text 2.

 

TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF SHOPPING

      The holiday season is one of the most stressful time of the year, especially when it comes to shopping. Shoppers are faced with long queues, last minute shopping trips and midnight gift wrapping. If you want to enjoy the holidays and experience less stress, here are a few simple holiday shopping tips. The first step to successful gift shopping is to make a list of who you need to buy presents for. You also need to know what type of gift you would like to give each person, as this will help you save both time and money. The next step is to decide where you want to do your shopping. If you are going to a shopping centre, make sure you have already decided which shops you want to visit. This will help cut down on the time you have to spend on your shopping trip as well as keeping you from wandering around window shopping. If possible try to do your shopping on weekdays, or if you have to do it on the weekends, go early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Another tip is to stock up on basic items such as wrapping paper, ribbon, tape and cards before the season rush begins. It's also a good idea to buy some spare presents, for example candles or chocolates as this can save you from embarrassing moments and last-minute trips to the shops for people you have forgotten.

     If all of this sounds like too much hard work, then, thanks to modern technology, many of us can do all our shopping on the Internet, without ever having to leave home. No matter how you do your shopping, it's important not to lose sight of the fact that you are buying gifts to show your love and affection for friends and family.

 

Task  1:  Decide if the sentences are True (T) or False (F):

1. It's important to make a list of  how much you want to spend.
2. You should take the time to go window shopping.
3. The best time to go shopping is at the weekend.
4. It's better to buy wrapping paper and cards before you buy your gifts.
5. Buying spare presents can save your money.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reading comprehension 

 

Text 3      WORKING  ABROAD

 

Jonathan Palmer, 40, is a graphic designer from England. He moved to Germany four years ago and started his own advertising company. He says that Germany is a good place to work in advertising because the Germans think the British are very creative.

Jonathan had studied graphic design in England and had worked for eleven years in companies around the country. But he wanted a different lifestyle and decided to look for work abroad. He admits that his poor level of German was a big problem, although before moving to Germany he had attended six-month language courses. But even after that he couldn’t speak the language well. He says that if you want to get a good job in another country, you have to be able to speak the language well. Why did he go to Germany? Jonathan says that nowadays many people from the UK are leaving their country in large numbers because they want to work abroad. In the past most of them headed for English-speaking countries like Australia and America. Now, thanks to new work regulations, it is easier to work in any country of Europe.

Another problem he had there was getting used to new traffic rules as in Britain you have to drive on your left while in other countries of Europe you have to do it on the right.

 

Task 1: Questions (choose the correct letter A, B, C or D):

1. Before moving to Germany Jonathan Palmer …
   1. had learned the German language at University.
   2. had worked in different places.
   3. had his own advertising company.
   4. had lived in Australia and America.
2. Jonathan Palmer decided to work abroad because …
   1. he wanted to learn other languages.
   2. he didn’t have work in Britain.
   3. he wanted to try something new.
   4. a German advertising company offered him a job.
3. Why  do the British choose Germany for work?
   1. People in Europe speak English well.
   2. Now it is easier to find work in Europe.
   3. It is easy to start business in Europe.
   4. They want to travel.
4. What is the WRONG statement?
   1. The British think that the Germans are very creative.
   2. Britain and Germany have different traffic rules.
   3. Jonathan Palmer is a designer.
   4. Jonathan Palmer has worked in Germany for 4 years.
5. What does the underlined phrase in the text mean?
   1. lived
   2. travelled
   3. worked
   4. thought

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reading comprehension

 Text 4

Memories of Food

 

Both my mum and dad were great cooks when I was growing up. Well, my dad was. My mum would try, bless her. As a family, we always used to try new things and experiment with food. I remember being in Spain when I was about six, and all the kids wanted burgers and chips, and I remember digging into prawns and garlic. I've always loved trying new foods. The only things I really dislike are peas. And my mum still gives them to me!

Restaurants were always a real treat when I was growing up. My brother and I would share food because we couldn't really afford to splurge, and so now when I go out to eat I treat it as a luxury and I feel lucky.

When I was growing up, we always used to eat around a table, except for Saturday night, which was a tray dinner in front of the TV as a treat. I think that's why I enjoy food, because meals were, and still are, a family event. We used to go to my grandma’s on Sunday – she used to make these lovely cherry pies. Now on Sundays I go to my dad's house. I think of him sitting at the table on a Sunday when I was little, and he would eat half and then leave the rest for later.

I think a happy childhood gives you a balanced view of food and of yourself. I eat what I fancy and I feel good about it. I feel lucky that I escaped all the size zero nonsense when I was younger. I've had times with the press, especially during the Spice Girl days, when they've called me fat. Of course it does hurt, but having a great family and having normal, non-famous people around me keeps me grounded.

 

 

Task. Decide if the sentences 7-12 are True or False.

1. Emma's mother was a better cook than her father.
   1. True
   2. False
2. Her family enjoyed eating new things.
   1. True
   2. False
3. Her mother still cooks peas for her.
   1. True
   2. False
4. She often went to restaurants with her family.
   1. True
   2. False
5. Her family ate around a table every night.
   1. True
   2. False
6. She eats whatever she wants these days.
   1. True
   2. False

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reading Comprehension

 

Task 5

Are you allergic to mornings?

 

Are you somebody who can't wake up in the morning? Do you need two cups of coffee before you can start a new day? Do you feel awful when you first wake up? Scientists say it's all because of our genes. How did they find this out? Researchers from the University of Surrey interviewed 500 people. They asked them questions about their lifestyle, for example what time of day they preferred to do exercise and how difficult they found it to wake up in the morning. Scientists then compared their answers to the people's DNA.

They discovered that we all have a 'clock' gene, also called a Period 3 gene. This gene can be long or short. People who have the long gene are usually people who are very good in the morning, but who get tired quite early at night. People who have the short gene are usually people who are more active at night but who have problems waking up early in the morning. How does it help us to know if we have the long or short gene? Scientists say that if possible, we should try to change our working hours to fit our 'body clock'. If you are a 'morning person' then you could start work early and finish early. But if you are bad in the mornings, then it might be better to start work in the afternoon and work until late at night. So maybe, instead of nine to five it should be seven to three or twelve to eight.

 

Task.  For questions 1-6, choose the correct answer (A, B, C, or D).

1. Scientists say that if we are bad at getting up in the morning, this is because…
   1. we are born like that.
   2. we go to bed too late.
   3. we drink too much coffee.
   4. work late hours.
2. Researchers asked people questions about…
   1. the way they lived.
   2. science.
   3. sport and exercise.
   4. their job.
3. What helped scientists to come to the conclusion?
   1. People’s answers.
   2. People’s DNA.
   3. The time they do exercises and wake up.
   4. The comparison of people’s answers and their DNA.
4. They discovered that people who have a short 'clock' gene…
   1. are better in the morning than in the evening.
   2. wake up early in the morning.
   3. get tired very early.
   4. are better in the evening than in the morning.
5. The information about short and long genes can help us…
   1. keep fit according to our body clock.
   2. make some changes in our working hours according to our body clock.
   3. feel better in the evening.
   4. feel better  in the morning.
6. They recommend that people who have a long 'clock' gene…
   1. should only work in the afternoon and evening.
   2. should work late hours.
   3. should start work early and finish early.
   4. should start work late and finish late.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Writing comprehension

 

Directions:

 In this Test you will select from the three tasks written on the board one which you feel you are most capable to write about. You will then begin writing your essay on the pages provided. When you are finished close your papers, lay down your pen and wait for us to collect your test materials.

 

1. Real friends usually have many things to share.

 

2. The brightest memories of  my childhood.

 

3. Different hobbies are popular with children and adults.

 

 

 

Speaking comprehension

Directions:

In this Test you will choose from 20 topics to speak about. Each number corresponds to one topic. The number of your choice is the theme of your oral presentation. Take about a minute to collect your thoughts before you begin to speak on the topic.

 

1. Anything is possible when you have a real friend.

-Do you consider you have a true friend?

-What qualities do you appreciate in friends?

- Would you like to have friends in different parts of the world?

 

2. Ukraine is a nation made up of different traditions.

- Describe your family traditions.

- What traditions are you most proud of?

- Why are traditions important to people?

 

3. A good book is a good friend.

- What kind of books do you prefer?

- What makes a book exciting to read?

-Is it important to read nowadays in the time of high technologies?

 

4. Many teenagers love listening to music.

-What kinds of music are popular among teenagers?

- What band or singer do you admire?

- Can you play any musical instrument?

 

5. Foreign language learning is important.

- What makes studying a foreign language interesting?

- Is it easy or difficult for you to learn English?

- Do you like learning English individually or at school?

 

6. Nowadays a lot of people love travelling.

- Why do people travel?

- What means of travelling is the most convenient and popular with travelers?

- Describe your most memorable journey.

 

7. What do you think are the keys to a healthy lifestyle?

- Is it important  to have a balanced diet?

 -What do you do to be healthy?

-Can a person who is not healthy be happy?

 

8. Sports are played and televised all over the world.

- What is your favourite sport?

- What attracts people to this sport?

- What are its most exciting moments

 

9. A foreign visitor has some days to spend in your country.

- What landmarks would you recommend him or her to see?

-Prove that your country is worth visiting.

-What places  would you like to visit?

 

10. You are going on a trip to another country.

- How would you plan your trip?

- Where would you go?

- Would you travel for adventure or to see historical sights?

 

11. Different hobbies are popular with children and adults.

- Which hobbies are the most expensive?

- Which hobbies are the cheapest?

- Which hobbies cost nothing at all?

 

12. Some people want to have apartments, while others want to have private homes.

-What about you?

- What makes your dwelling comfortable?

- What things have you got in your bedroom?

 

13. At school pupils spend the most important years of their lives.

- Are you proud of your school?

- Which of the school subjects will be most useful in your future career?

-What are the most exciting events in the school year?

 

14. Pets are important members of our family.

1. Do you have a pet?

2. What do you do to take good care of your pet?

3. What do you teach it to do?

 

15. You want to make new friends online.

1. Tell about yourself.

2. Which of the members of your family do you admire and why?

3. Tell about your interests and hobbies.

 

16. We look forward to weekends to enjoy ourselves and rest a little.

- What do you prefer doing on your day off?

- Do you prefer to spend time with your friends or family?

- Do you like indoor or outdoor activities more?

 

17. Every Ukrainian teenager has duties at school and at home.

- Are you a good helper at home?

- What are your duties at school?

- Do you cooperate in the family and at school?

 

 

 

18. Some people prefer eating out, others prefer preparing home-made food.

-What are your eating habits?

- Who cooks meals in your family?

-What do you think of fast food?

 

Listening comprehension

 

 

Holiday Choice

 

Over 300 million people take holiday abroad every year, and a recent survey has shown that they would rather cut back spending on food and clothing than spend less on holidays. Choosing the ideal holiday is not always easy, but in this day and age there is a wide range of choice, and you should be able to find something to suit your taste and pocket.

Some people like planning their holiday independently, while others prefer to book a package. It depends on where you are going, how much money you have and whether you are travelling alone or with friends or family.

The obvious advantage of a package holiday is that it’s simple to organize. You book the holiday through a travel agent, and transport, insurance and accommodation are all arranged for you. All you have to do is pay the bill. If you take an independent holiday, on the other hand, you can spend a lot of time and a small fortune checking complicated timetables, chasing cheap flights, and trying to make hotel booking in a language you can’t even speak. What is more, package holidays are often incredibly cheap. For the price of a suit, you can have a fortnight in a foreign resort, including accommodation, meals and air travel. A similar independent holiday, however, can work out much more expensive.

Yet the advantages of planning your holiday yourself are considerable. You are free to choose exactly where and when you want to go, how you want to travel, and how long you want to stay. You can avoid the large resorts, whereas holiday - makers on package tours are often trapped among crowds of other tourists. You can eat the food of the region at reasonable prices in local restaurants, while they are served with “international” dishes and chips with everything. Besides, although package holidays are usually extremely good value for money, they are not always cheaper. If you are willing to take a little trouble, you may be able to save money by fixing up a foreign holiday yourself.

All things considered, I would prefer to plan my holiday independently. In my view, it is safer to do it yourself.

 

 

Task 1.

                     Statements 1 through 10 (decide if the statements are True or False):

1. People prefer to spend their holidays abroad.
2. People prefer to reduce their spending on food than on holiday.
3. It is only a travel agent who can choose a place for holiday for any holiday maker.
4. In case of an organized holiday people book a package.
5. Both organized and independent holiday planning have advantages and disadvantages.
6. A travel agent is responsible for a package holiday.
7. An organized holiday-maker must speak a foreign language.
8. An individual holiday - maker has no right to choose an expensive resort.
9. Package holidays are usually cheaper than individual ones.
10. Package holiday is the synonym to holiday abroad.

 

 

Task 2.

                Questions 11 through 20 (choose the correct letter a, b, c or d):

 

1. People prefer to have a holiday…

a) where they can eat food they like.            b) where they can wear clothes they like.

c) with other people of their age.                  d) that they can afford.

2. To choose a place for a holiday…

a) is not an easy job.                        b) one must consult another holiday-maker.

c) one must buy a map.                    d) one must have enough money.

3. The choice of holiday depends on everything EXCEPT…

a) where you want to go.                             b) what weather is like today.

c) who you want to go with.                       d) what means of transport you prefer.

4. If you plan your holiday independently,…

a) you don’t organize it.                            b) you organize it thoroughly.

c) you organize it secretly.                        d) you organize it yourself.

5. An organized holiday…
   1. takes you a week or two.             
   2. is booked through a travel agent.
   3. is controlled by your boss.         
   4. is arranged by your relatives.
6. If you take an independent holiday, you may…
   1. be a lucky person.                
   2. not feel fine.
   3. spend a lot of money making arrangements.
   4. have to run after planes.
7. Package holidays…
   1. demand the pay for the rent.
   2. are not always cheaper than independent holidays.
   3. are more expensive than independent ones.
   4. never end.
8. Planning the holidays on one’s own…
   1. is incredibly boring.
   2. has some advantages.
   3. is preferable for retired people.
   4. takes much time.
9. An independent holiday-maker…
   1. may choose the term of his staying at a place.
   2. is forced to eat food of the region.
   3. never avoids large resorts.
   4. has no problems.
10. Planning holidays independently is safer because…
    1. you return home reasonably satisfied.
    2. you are classified as a tourist.
    3. you depend on nobody.
    4. you have to break a booking.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reading comprehension

 

Text 1

                                                                    Love a Dog

I did not rush into getting a dog of my own. Despite the happy dogs of my youth, I wasn't sure about the commitment. What about those spontaneous trips out of town? What about vet bills and sleeping late and going for walks in the pounding, freezing rain? It seemed like a level of adulthood I wasn't ready for yet.

Oh, nobody's ready. It's just that one day you're walking through the park not even thinking about a dog, but there she is, the giant ears, the bright eyes, the tail that wags a full 75 per cent of her body. In an instant, all those solid reasons become nothing more than a collection of flimsy excuses. The girl who is trying to give her away (she found the puppy by the side of the road in a snowstorm) gives her to you be¬cause she is Your Dog.

Or that's how it was for me and Rosie

Like any love, it was exciting at first. I couldn't get my work done. I kept  having to stop and roll around on the floor with her. She fol¬lowed me around from room to room, licking my ankles. She was small and white, maybe a cross between a Jack Russell and a Chihuahua, without the deep neurosis of either breed. If shedding were an Olympic sport, she would have brought home the gold.

 

 

Task 1: Choose the correct answer (A, B, C or D):

1. The author was hesitant to get a dog because...
   1. she is an early riser.
   2. she loves long walks.
   3. she was worried about commitment.
   4. she already has a dog.
2. The dog in the story can be described as...
   1. small and white with giant ears.
   2. big and white with bright eyes.
   3. small and black with small ears.
   4. small and white with giant eyes.
3. The word "exciting" can be replaced with:

A. difficult;   C. thrilling;

B. crazy;   D. loud.

4. Which statement is FALSE?
   1. The author's work was often interrupted by the dog.
   2. The dog does not shed very much.
   3. The dog came from a girl who found it in a snowstorm.
   4. The dog was possibly a mix of two different types of dogs.
5. The author decided to get a dog because...
   1. she could afford the vet bills.
   2. she loved having a dog when she was younger.
   3. she was lonely.
   4. this particular dog was meant for her.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reading comprehension

 

Text 2  

 

A true story

 

King Louis the Eleventh was the King of France about 500 years ago. One day a young man said to the king, “I can see the future”. This was not true, but the king believed him. The young man was pleased and he hoped to get an important job. But King Louis thought, “This man knows the future, so he knows more than I know. He is dangerous and I must kill him.”

The king said to his servants, “I’m going to invite that man to have dinner with me. When he comes, watch my hand. When I lift up my hand, throw him out of the window.”

That evening the young man came to the king’s private room. The king had a smile on his face, but it was not a friendly smile. He said to the man, “You know the future, so tell me your future. When are you going to die?”

Then the young man understood his mistake. He thought quickly before he answered the king’s question. “I am going to die three days before you,” he said.

The king stopped smiling. The servants watched the king’s hand, but it did not move. The young man was safe; but he never told another lie after that.  

 

Task 2: Decide whether the following statements are True or False .

 

1. King Louis the Eleventh was the King of France about five centuries ago.
2. One day a young man said that he could predict the future.
3. The king was happy to have a servant who knew more than the king.
4. The king invited the young man to have breakfast with him.
5. During their meeting the king changed his mind.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.                                                   Reading comprehension

TEXT 3  

A Good Man is Hard to Find

After F. O’Connor

The grandmother didn't want to go to Florida. She wanted to visit some of her family in east Tennessee and she was seizing every chance to change Bailey's mind. Bailey was her son she lived with, her only son. He was sit¬ting on the edge of his chair at the table, bent over the orange sports section of the Journal. "Now look here, Bailey", she said, "see here, read this", and she stood with one hand on her thin hip and the other rattling the newspaper at his bald head...

Bailey, didn't look up from his reading so she wheeled around then and faced the children's mother; a young woman in slacks, whose face was broad and innocent as a cabbage and was tied with a green handkerchief that had two points on the top like rabbit's ears. She was sitting on the sofa, feeding the baby apricots out of a jar. "The children have been to Florida before", the old lady said. "You all ought to take them somewhere else for a change so they would see different parts of the world and be broad. They have never been to east Tennessee".

The children's mother didn't seem to hear her but the eight-year-old boy, John Wesley, a stocky child with glasses, said, "If you don't want to go to Florida, why don't you stay at home?!" He and the little girl, June Star, were reading the funny papers on the floor.

 

Task : Decide whether the following statements are True or False.

 

1. The children had already been to Florida.
2. The grandmother wanted to visit her friends.
3. The mother fed the child apples.
4. The grandmother was excited to go to Florida.
5. June Star is the old woman's granddaughter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Writing comprehension

 

Directions:

In this Test you will select from the three tasks written on the board one which you feel you are most capable to write about. You will then begin writing your essay on the pages provided. When you are finished close your papers, lay down your pen and wait for us to collect your test materials.

 

1. Many people around the world are “going green” nowadays. What can we do to make our planet a better place to live?
2. Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” What did he mean when he said this?
3. Young people today are called “digital generation”. Do you agree with this statement? Give the reasons.

 

 

 

Speaking comprehension

In this Test you will choose from 20 topics to speak about. Each number corresponds to one topic. The number of your choice is the theme of your oral presentation. Take about a minute to collect your thoughts before you begin to speak on the topic.

 

1. Today many students in schools have mobile phones. Many of them don’t always turn their phones off  before going to their lessons.
   1. Is it necessary for pupils to have mobile phones? Why do you think so?
   2. Do mobile phones interrupt teachers and students? How?  How about text messages?
   3. Should teachers be able to take phones from students? In which cases should they?

 

2. Speak about your favourite genre of literature.
   1. What examples of  works of  this genre do you like?
   2. Why are these examples good representatives of this genre?
   3. What does your favourite genre say about your personality?

 

3. Supermarkets are becoming more widespread and popular in the modern world, while traditional markets (bazaars) are becoming less common.
   1. Where do you or your family do most food shopping?
   2. What advantages and disadvantages do you see with modern supermarkets?
   3. Do you think that traditional markets will disappear? Why or why not?

 

4. Zoos and ecological parks are popular in many countries of the world with both children and adults alike.
   1. What do you think the purpose of a zoo is?
   2. Are these reasons valid? Why or why not?
   3. Should there be international standards that zoos must comply with? Please explain.

 

5. If you had a week to travel out of your native country and endless supply of money where would you want to go, and how would you get there?
   1. Would you travel alone, with a few people, or with many people? Why?
   2. What are the top three things you would do in each place and why?
   3. What does your travel style say about your personality?

 

 

6. You are starting your own band.
   1. What kind of music would you play? Why?
   2. Who would be in your band? What instruments would they play?
   3. What would your songs be about?

 

7. There are thousands of different professions in the world.
   1. What professions are extremely important to the well-being of society? Explain why.
   2. How might the world be different if these professions did not exist?
   3. Is it important to choose a profession based on its significance to society? Why?

 

8. You are at a job interview and are asked to describe yourself. What will you say?
   1. What kind of character do you have?
   2. How do you get along with other people?
   3. What are your strong and weak points?

 

9. Music influences different people in different ways.
   1. What type of music influences you the most? How?
   2. Which musician has had the greatest impact on you? Why?
   3. How is the music of your generation different from the music your parents listened to?

 

10. Describe a recent book that you have read or a movie you have seen.
    1. Why was this book or movie interesting?
    2. Who were the characters? Describe them.
    3. If you could change the ending, would you? Why or why not?

 

11. Your pen-pal is planning to take a tour of Ukraine this summer and wants to know what there is to see and do. What would you recommend?
    1. Why would you recommend these places?
    2. What can you see and do there?
    3. What is the most important place in Ukraine to visit and why?

 

12. Do you think exercise should be an important part of every person’s life?
    1. Do you do any sports? Dance? Go jogging? Do you like exercise?
    2. Can you see any difference in the people around you who exercise and those who do not?
    3. What are the benefits of regular exercise?

 

13. How serious is the problem of pollution in Ukraine?
    1. Why is global warming happening?
    2. Do you personally do anything to improve the situation?
    3. What kind of environmental policies does Ukraine have/need?

 

14. What was the last movie you saw? What was it about?    
    1. What is your favourite movie? Why?
    2. What Ukrainian movies can you recommend to your peers?
    3. How often do you watch movies in English?

 

15. What would  life be like without friends?
    1. Are friends sometimes more important than family? Why?
    2. Do you agree with the expression “a friend in need is a friend indeed”?
    3. How often do you quarrel with your friends?

 

16. Why do people spend  lots of money on clothes?
    1. Who decides which clothes are fashionable?
    2. Where do you buy your clothes? Do you think clothes are a waste of money?
    3. How long does it take you to decide which clothes to wear?

 

17. Your relatives are considering leaving the town where they live and moving to the countryside. Give your comments on the following:
    1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in the countryside?
    2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in the town or city
    3. Your personal preference

 

18. Do you worry about the natural environment?
    1. Do you think our environment is beyond repair?
    2. If the environment could speak, what would it tell us?
    3. What do you think our grandkids will think of the way we treated the environment?

 

19. Many inventions have completely changed the world. Do you think so?
    1. What invention in your opinion has been the most important for the human race?
    2. Which 21st century invention makes your life more interesting?
    3. Do you imagine your life without a сomputer?

 

20. Do you get on well with all of your family members?
    1. Who do you admire in your family?
    2. When do you need family most?
    3. Can you share your secrets with your mum and dad?