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ЕГЭ по английскому языку Задание №10 Понимание основного содержания текста

Установите соответствие между текстами A–G и заголовками 1–8. Используйте каждую цифру только один раз. В задании один заголовок лишний. 

Пример ответа: 1234567

1. Gender disproportion
2. A woodland country
3. An extreme climate
4. One expression, different attitudes
5. A good purchase
6. A popular holiday
7. The biggest of all
8. Moving in a circle

A.The scale of Russia is difficult to imagine. That is excellent for travelers because that means there is plenty to explore. The total landmass of Russia is 6,601,665 square miles. That is equal to 11% of the world’s total landmass! Based on the total landmass, Russia is the largest country in the world – nearly twice as big as Canada. It is the world’s second-largest nation as it covers all northern Asia and much of Eastern Europe. It shares land borders with more than a dozen countries, and shares sea borders with Japan and the United States.

B.There is a big difference between the male and female population in Russia. While females in Russia make up 54% of the population, males only make up 46%. Why is there such a big difference in the population? The population gap began during World War II when 25 million Russian soldiers died during
the war. Moreover, men have a much shorter lifespan than women do. Many Russians live in rural communities where the way of life is harsh and Russian men often fall victim to hunting accidents, or health care issues.

C.One of the best Russian facts is that Russians learn not to smile while growing up. While smiling in many cultures is a sign of happiness and friendliness, Russians don’t view it that way. To Russians, smiling is a sign of weakness and not showing one’s true feelings. Russians do smile at people they know well and care about, but not at strangers as many other cultures do. If you smile
at a Russian on the street, don’t expect them to smile back. However, we found that many Russians smiled and waved back when we were in Russia.

D.Folk dancing is an important part of Russian history and Russian culture. Russians perform folk dances at festivals, markets, and in the theater. Khorovod is one of the most common types of Russian folk dancing. This style of dance consists of people dancing together and holding hands. Khorovod is performed in the following way: women stand in a round and move from east to west, as the Sun goes across the sky. Foreign visitors have noticed that Khorovod reflects some traits of Russian character, such as enthusiasm, creativity, and joy of living.

E.Russia has a lot of trees. If you are someone that loves nature, this is a fact you will enjoy. Around 20% of all the trees in the entire world are in Russia. That ends up being around 640 billion trees. About 45% of the country is covered by trees, much of it in Russia’s boreal forest, or taiga, located in remote areas of Siberia. They are part of wild, untouched forests that are too cold to travel to. These thick forest regions were once completely under glaciers and are now home to a whole load of brave species, including the Siberian tiger, wild boars, eagles, and owls.

F.Because Russia has harsh winter conditions, it is probably no surprise that Russia is home to the coldest village in the world. While winters there average -58 degrees Fahrenheit, the coldest recorded temperature in Oymyakon is -96 degrees Fahrenheit. Living in these harsh temperatures comes with its fair share of disadvantages. For example, if someone tries to wear glasses outside, the glasses will freeze on their face. Also, cars have to stay in heated garages, or the engines will not start. If you decide to visit Oymyakon, be sure to pack for winter.

G.In 1897, Russia sold Alaska to the United States for only 7.2 million dollars. With inflation, that is around 120 million dollars today. At the time, critics thought that Secretary of State William H. Seward who agreed to buy Alaska was crazy. But Seward had wanted to do it for a long time. Alaska is so large that the addition of this land increased the size of the U.S. by nearly 20 percent. Major discoveries of gold were made there in the 1880s and 1890s. These discoveries brought attention and people to Alaska.

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1. Perm’s industry
2. Beneficial location
3. City’s cultural life
4. Too important to be left alone
5. Traditionally liberal
6. The greatest achievement
7. Natural resource as attraction
8. Where the name comes from

A.The word “Perm” first appeared in the 12th century in the Primary Chronicle, the main source describing the early history of the Russian people. The Perm were listed among the people who paid tribute to the Rus. The origin of the word “Perm” remains unclear. Most likely, the word came from the Finno-Ugric languages and meant “far land” or “flat, forested place”. But some local residents say it may have come from Per, a hero and the main character of many local legends.

B.Novgorodian traders were the first to show an interest in Perm. Starting from the 15th century, the Muscovite princes included the area in their plans to create a unified Russian state. During this time the first Russian villages appeared in the northern part of the region. The first industry to appear in the area was a salt factory, which developed on the Usolka river in the city of Solikamsk. Rich salt reserves generated great interest on the part of Russia’s wealthiest merchants, some of whom bought land there.

C.The history of the modern city of Perm starts with the development of the Ural region by Tsar Peter the Great. Perm became the capital of the region in 1781 when the territorial structure of the country was reformed. A special commission determined that the best place would be at the crossroads of the Trans-Siberian Railroad, which runs east-west and the Kazan line, which runs north-south. This choice resulted in Perm becoming a major trade and industrial centre. The city quickly grew to become one of the biggest in the region.

D.Perm is generally stable and peaceful, so the shocks of 1917 did not reach it right away. Neither did they have the same bloody results as in Petrograd. Perm tried to distance itself from the excesses and did not share the enthusiasm for change of its neighbours. Residents supported more moderate parties. They voted for the establishment of a west European style democracy in Russia. Unfortunately, the city could not stay completely unaffected, as both the White and the Red armies wanted its factories.

E.Perm’s desire for stability and self-control made the region seem like a “swamp” during the democratic reforms of the 1990s. Unlike other regions, there were no intense social conflicts or strikes. Nevertheless, Perm was always among the regions that supported the democratic movement. In the 1999 elections, the party that wanted to continue the reforms won a majority in the region. So the city got an unofficial status of “the capital of civil society” or even “the capital of Russian liberalism”.

F.During the Second World War many factories were moved to Perm Oblast and continued to work there after it ended. Chemicals, non-ferrous metallurgy, and oil refining were the key industries after the war. Other factories produced aircraft engines, equipment for telephones, ships, bicycles, and cable. Perm press produces about 70 percent of Russia’s currency and stamped envelopes. Nowadays several major business companies are located in Perm. The biggest players of Russian aircraft industry are among them.

G.Perm has at least a dozen theatres featuring productions that are attracting audiences from faraway cities, and even from abroad. The broad esplanade running from the city’s main square has become the site of almost continuous international art, theatre and music fairs during the summer. Even the former prison camp with grim walls outside town was converted into a theater last July for a production of “Fidelio”, Beethoven’s opera about political repression. The performance was well-reviewed.

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1. Time to spend with your family
2. Types of holidays
3. Different ways of celebrating
4. The origin of the holiday
5. The origin of the words
6. A well-known holiday
7. The importance of traditions
8. A merry farewell to cold weather

A.Easter is the most important day of the year for Christians. In America, Easter means church services, Easter egg hunts, and baskets full of candy. French children don’t get treats from the Easter bunny; they get them from the Easter bells. Easter in Portugal is celebrated with sweet bread called Floor da Pascoa. The bread is usually served at breakfast on Easter morning. The island of Corfu gets pretty messy on the morning of Holy Saturday. Those who live there take part in the annual “Pot Throwing”.

B.Maslenitsa, or Pancake Week, is one of the most cheerful holidays in Russia. It’s a gathering of Russian people to celebrate the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Pancakes are eaten all week during the festival to symbolise the sun in shape and colour. People eat pancakes with a variety of jams, butter and even caviar. According to the tradition, Sunday is the day to convince sins, say sorry, forgive and start anew. One of the most fun and anticipated parts on this day is the burning of Lady Maslenitsa.

C.Traditions represent a crucial piece of our culture. They help form the structure and foundation of our families and our society. They remind us that we are part of a history that defines our past, shapes who we are today and who we are likely to become. They serve as a venue for creating lasting memories for our families and friends. Once we ignore the meaning of our traditions, we’re in danger of damaging the underpinning of our identity. It is a pity but some people can’t even remember the true meaning of the holidays.

D.There are a lot of different holidays around the world. Christmas is a national holiday worldwide and one of the most beautiful and inspiring events in the world. It marks the birth of Jesus Christ as he was considered to be a present from God to humanity. Decorated Christmas trees and children waiting for Santa to bring gifts in winter make it a perfect sight for everyone. It is generally celebrated on December 25 by billions of people around the world. It is one of the most festive times of the year.

E.People all over the world celebrate special days known as festivals or holidays. Some of these days are connected to specific dates, but others are not. The word “holiday” originally meant “holy day”. Many holidays are still religious, but others are not. The word “festival” comes from the word “feast”. The earliest festivals seem to have been connected with offerings to the dead. Food plays a major role in many of today’s festivals and holidays. The Thanksgiving turkey is an example of a traditional food linked to a holiday.

F.The Pilgrims of the Plymouth Colony landed in America on their ship in December 1620. Only half of them survived that first winter. The next year, the harvest in the fall was good. To celebrate their harvest, the colonists and their guests enjoyed a three-day feast. In December 1941 Congress named the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day. Many people use this holiday as a day to reflect on the positive things in life and spend time with the people they love. Nearly everyone gets one or two days off school or work.

G.A holiday is a day for celebration when a lot of people are allowed to have days off work or school. Most countries have a designated national day. This holiday usually celebrates something notable in the creation of that country, such as its independence or signing of the constitution. There is no uniform definition of a public holiday around the world. It can occur on the same date every year. In some countries, the date varies from year to year. Bank holidays can mean two different things depending on which country you are in.

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Пример ответа: 1234567

1. Not only at dinner
2. Local rules in temples
3. Conversation topics
4. Watch your tongue
5. Foreigners banned
6. Mind what you wear
7. Chance to learn
8. A different body culture

A.Religion is taken very seriously in India. It is important to show due respect to religious buildings, images, and people at prayer. When entering a temple or mosque, remove your shoes and leave them at the door. Socks are acceptable, and protect your feet from burning-hot stone ground. Some temples do not allow you to enter wearing or carrying leather articles. In the southern state of Kerala, most Hindu temples are closed to non-Hindus, but those that aren’t require men to remove their shoes and shirts before entering.

B.The biggest minefield of potential failure has to do with eating. This is usually done with the fingers, and requires practice to get it absolutely right. Rule one is: eat with your right hand only. While you can hold a cup or utensil in your left hand, you should not eat, pass food or wipe your mouth with your left hand. This rule extends beyond food. In general, do not pass anything to anyone with your left hand, or point at anyone with it either. You should accept things given to you with your right hand – though using both hands is a sign of respect.

C.Indian people are very conservative about dress. Women are expected to dress modestly, with legs and shoulders covered. Trousers are acceptable, but shorts and short skirts are offensive to many. Men should always wear a shirt in public, and avoid shorts away from beach areas. These rules are particularly important in temples and mosques. Men are similarly expected to dress appropriately with their legs and head covered. Caps are usually available on loan, often free, for visitors, and sometimes cloth is available to cover up your arms and legs.

D.Kissing and embracing are not accepted in public. In more conservative areas, it is still rare for couples to hold hands, though Indian men can sometimes be seen holding hands as a sign of “brotherliness.” Be aware of your feet. When entering a private home, you should normally remove your shoes. When sitting, avoid pointing the soles of your feet at anyone. Accidental contact with one’s foot is always followed by an apology. Knowing and following these rules vastly improves the impression you make on local people.

E.As a traveller, you will constantly come across people who want to strike up a conversation. English not being the first language in India, they may not be familiar with the conventional ways of doing this. Indian English can be very formal, and even ceremonious. Indian people may well call you “sir” or “madam,” even “good lady” or “kind sir.” At the same time, you should be aware that your English may seem rude to them. In particular, swearing is taken rather seriously, and casual use of offensive words is likely to shock.

F.You may find it odd, or even intrusive, that complete strangers would want to know some personal stuff, but these subjects are considered polite conversation between strangers in India. They help people place one another in terms of social position. Your family, children, job, even income, are not considered “personal” subjects, and it is completely normal to ask people about them. Asking the same questions back will not be taken amiss – far from it. Being curious does not have the “nosey” stigma in India that it has in the West.

G.If you are not religious, travel alone, or stay in cheap hotels when, as a tourist, you are relatively rich, people in India will find it strange. You will probably end up having to explain the same things many times to many different people. It is more likely to happen if they are older or more traditional. On the other hand, you can ask questions too, so you could take it as an opportunity to understand more about India. English-speaking Indians and members of the middle class are usually extremely well-informed and well-educated.

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1. Reasons to be afraid
2. A place of wonders
3. Fight your fear
4. How to say thank you
5. Visiting for wild life and animals
6. It’s never late to learn
7. Reading non-verbal language
8. Learn to be grateful

A.Nowadays when it’s all too easy to send an email or text, the best way to show that you are grateful to somebody is to actually mail a hand-written card. The person who gets it will know you took the extra time and thought to write a card and put it in the mail with a nice stamp. That person will appreciate your efforts much more. Plus, you’ll get the added bonus of feeling grateful a little longer than usual as you write out each note and wait for it to arrive.
B.Music is a noble passion, and people who can play a musical instrument have always been seen as intelligent people. Learning how to play a musical instrument is far more efficient if you do it in childhood. However, there are millions of adults who learn to enjoy music throughout their lives. Moreover, they don’t focus on just one instrument, but specialize in two or even more, if they have the time and the necessary ambition.

C.Millions of people avoid air travel each year because of their fear of flying. The fear of accidents happening is probably the most common fear among air travellers. It is an understandable fear, since there have been many aviation accidents throughout history. Some people may have a fear that the plane has some type of malfunction or breakdown, while others may have a fear that the weather or turbulance will affect the plane.

D.Try to understand that being scared is just an illusion that makes you limited and miserable. Take control of your mind and don’t let your imagination create frightening pictures in your head. If you cannot deal with it, you should make attempts to leave your comfort zone. Choose things and activities you are afraid of and meet your worries face to face, because it is impossible to run away from them. Just face your troubles no matter how powerful they may seem.

E.When you get chronically bored with something, your mind gets used to seeing the world negatively. It is necessary to break the chain of negative thoughts and train your mind to notice the best. Just write down 5 things you are thankful for. This way, your mind will change for the better in a while. The thankfulness will open your eyes to the beauty of the world around you and will help you to focus on positive moments in your life.

F.If you go to Ireland, go to isolated distant places in the country, talk to the locals and they will tell you the stories about the mythical Irish place, called the Otherworld. They believe that it is the land of paradise and happiness. In Irish poetry and tales, it is described as a series of islands near Ireland where the various fairytale creatures lived. Also the Otherworld seemed to be able to move from one location to another.

G.Many people can understand the nature of character without talking to the person they are interested in. The gestures and postures usually reflect the mood and the level of the person’s confidence. It’s easy to notice a highly confident person even in a big group of people. They stand in one place without constant moving from place to place, and they always make eye contact with the person they are talking to.

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1. Beautiful water
2. The jewel of Rome
3. Rome layout
4. Built on seven hills
5. From the history of Rome
6. Highs and lows
7. Climate in Rome
8. Key facts

A.Rome is an important historic city of Italy. Rome is located in the central part of the Italian peninsula, on the Tiber River about 15 miles (24 km) inland from the Tyrrhenian Sea. Once the capital of an ancient republic and empire whose armies were so powerful, now it is the spiritual and physical seat of the Roman Catholic Church and the site of major pinnacles of artistic and intellectual achievement. The city area is 496 square miles; the population is more than 3 million people.

B.For well over a millennium, Rome controlled the life of all civilizations known to Europe, but then it fell into dissolution and disrepair. Physically, economically, politically and militarily helpless by the late Middle Ages, Rome nevertheless remained a world power as an idea. The force of Rome as a lawgiver, teacher, and builder continued to radiate throughout Europe. Rome found glory as the head of Christianity and the capital for arts and eventually won back its power and wealth.

C.The ancient centre of Rome is divided into 22 districts, the names of most dating back to Classical times, while surrounding it are 35 urban sectors that began to be officially absorbed into the municipality after 1911. Within the city limits on the western and northwestern fringes are six large suburbs. About 6 miles (10 km) out from the centre of the city, a belt highway makes a huge circle around the capital, tying together the antiquated roads that led to ancient Rome.

D.Rome’s hot, dry summer days, with high temperatures often above 24 °C, are frequently cooled in the afternoons by a west wind that rises from the Tyrrhenian Sea. The city receives roughly 30 inches (750 mm) of precipitation annually; spring and autumn are the rainiest seasons. Frosts and occasional light snowfalls punctuate the otherwise mild winters, when high temperatures average just above 10 °C. A cold, dry wind from the north frequents the city in the winter.

E.The main street in central Rome is Via del Corso, an important thoroughfare since Classical times, when it was the Via Flaminia, the road to the Adriatic. Its present name comes from the horse races that were part of the Roman carnival celebrations. From the foot of the Capitoline Hill, the Corso runs to the Piazza del Popolo and through a gate in the city wall, the Porta del Popolo, there to resume its ancient name. It’s a must to see for any visitor to Rome.

F.Rome is as much a city of fountains as it is of churches or palaces, antiquities or urban problems. The more than 300 monumental fountains are an essential part of Rome’s seductive powers. They are points of personal, often sentimental attachment to the city and have been a source of inspiration for many people of art throughout the history of mankind. They also provide a sense of luxury. One cannot turn them off as they flow all the time.

G.The Roman countryside, also known as the Campagna, was one of the last areas of central Italy to be settled in antiquity. It is important to mention that Rome was built on a defensible hill that dominated the last downstream, high-banked river crossing. This hill, Palatine Hill, was one of a group of hills, traditionally counted as seven, around which the ancient city grew. The other hills are the Capitoline, the Quirinal, the Viminal, the Esquiline, the Caelian, and the Aventine.

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1. Eco-friendly
2. Teen inventor
3. Positive thinking
4. Natural resources
5. More useful information
6. Invented by accident
7. Different task
8. Dangerous behaviour

A.After a major fire swept through London in 1666, destroying two thirds of the city, architects began planning to rebuild the city. Sir Christopher Wren, who by this time had proven himself as a building designer, was responsible for drawing up plans for reconstructing London, but they were not used. Instead, he was asked to build the new St. Paul’s Cathedral. The building had been destroyed in the fire, and while it might have been possible to reconstruct it, a decision was made to build a new cathedral in a modern style.

B.In the past mapmakers used drawings to show where things such as castles and mountains were located. The drawings were large so they could be clearly seen. Such artwork was nice to look at and easy to understand. However, it produced maps that were disorderly and not very detailed. Over time, maps became simpler. Mapmakers replaced pictures with symbols, each symbol representing one particular thing. A map may have different symbols for cities, rivers, lakes, roads, railroad tracks, and so on.

C.The Ural Mountains of Russia form the traditional boundary between Europe and Asia. The Urals are about 2,500 kilometres long. They extend from the Kara Sea in the north to the Ural River in the south. The highest peak is Mount Narodnaya, at 1,895 metres. The economy of the Urals depends on mineral supplies. Mountain mines produce iron ore, copper, chromite, gold, silver, and platinum. Factories make metal goods, chemicals, and machinery. The huge forests of the Urals provide valuable wood.

D.Easton LaChappelle built his first robotic hand using Lego parts, tubing, and electrical tape at age 14. Easton used the Internet to learn programming, electronics, mechanics, and design, and then he created a robotic hand, which won third place at the 2011 Colorado State science fair. At age 17, he built an arm controlled by a wireless headset that communicates brainwaves to the hand. These days, Easton is so well known that he gives talks before adult audiences and is recognized in the 3D and robotics worlds.

E.Which is more important, texting or safety? If you are looking at your phone while walking, you might not see a car approach or traffic light turn red. Texting while walking is unsafe, not only on the road but also in other places. For example, in China, one person drowned in a canal and another got her leg stuck in a drain, because both had their mind on their phone. Some people suggest that we should make texting while crossing the street illegal so we see fewer “smartphone zombies” on the street and keep them alive as humans.

F.For most people, plastic bags are a necessary part of any shopping trip. However, there is an opinion that communities should limit the use of plastic bags. Every year, 485 billion plastic bags are not recycled. Some end up in the ocean and can cause harm to sea life. Placing a small tax on plastic bags might encourage shoppers to bring their own reusable bags to stores. Reusable bags would cut down waste and save the environment. Businesses would also save money by not having to provide as many plastic bags to customers.

G.In a new study, researchers gave a math test to 240 children ages 7 to 10. They found out that when children believed they were good at math, they did better on the test. Previously, scientists thought it was important to enjoy math in order to be good at it. However, the new study shows that it is also important to believe you can become good at something. That is what improves your ability to learn. A good attitude opens the door to higher achievement, which means you then have a better attitude, getting you into a good cycle of learning.

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1. Inspired by nature
2. Wonderful combination
3. Restoring old traditions
4. Protecting the environment
5. Different at different time
6. Chosen as the best among hundreds
7. The closest to the sky
8. Saved from being pulled down

A.Sydney Opera House was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 as one of the most iconic buildings in the world. Its planning began in the 1940s, as the existing building for large theatrical productions was not large enough. The Opera House was designed by a Danish architect Jorn Utzon whose design was selected as the winning one among 232 other entries in an international design competition. The formal inauguration of the building took place on 20 October 1973.

B.The Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 in Paris. It was designed as an entrance to the 1889 World’s Fair and named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the tower. However, initially the plan was to make it stand for only twenty years since its construction. The City had planned to tear it down in 1909, but as the tower proved to be valuable for the image of the city, it was allowed to remain. Now it has become the symbol of the city, seen as one of the World’s wonders.

C.The Electric Forest Festival, which started less than a decade ago, is a four-day multi-genre event, held in Rothbury, Michigan. The main focus of the event is upon electronic and jam bands. But what captures the eyes is a special atmosphere during this festival. The surrounding environment becomes a kaleidoscope of laser light shows. The mixture of electronic lights and the sounds appeal to different senses and together create a unique, surreal, magical experience.

D.Casa Mila, designed by the architect Antoni Gaudí, is one of Barcelona’s World Heritage sites and is one of the most visited attractions the city has to offer. The building is also known as “La Pedrera” translated as the Stone wave, because of the facade which is made up completely with natural stones and does not have any straight lines. Gaudi explained it by the fact that straight lines cannot be found anywhere in the wild landscape and it can be made only by men.

E.To mark the end of the Christmas season, Shetland in Scotland celebrates a variety of fire festivals every year. The most interesting of them is held at the capital, where this practice was born as early as in 1876, when strong men dragged barrels with burning tar on sledges. Today, thousands of people dress up in period-clothes. The procession burns down the model of a Viking ship. The brightness of the fire and men in clothes of the long-gone era make a spectacle show.
F.Burj Khalifa is an 829.8 m skyscraper in Dubai. It is the tallest structure in the world. There are hotels, residences and observational laboratories in the 163 floors of the building. It’s not only the tallest building in the world, it is also the tallest freestanding structure in the world, has the highest number of stories in the world, highest occupied floor in the world, highest outdoor observation deck in the world, and an elevator with the longest travel distance in the world.

G.The Taj Mahal is an architectural marvel made of white marble situated on the banks of the river Yamuna in Agra, India. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. Nowadays around 8 million tourists visit the Taj Mahal every year. They come to see the changing colors of the Taj Mahal, which change from pink in the morning, milky white in the evening and golden at night when lit by the moon.

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1. More advantages at the job market
2. How long does it take?
3. Using different resources
4. Available to everybody
5. Cheaper than usual
6. Fewer possibilities
7. Types of distance learning
8. Not for everybody

A.Thanks to technology innovation, distance learning has always involved more than reading texts and writing essays or assignments. Virtual microscopes, interactive laboratories and online collaborations have taken the place of home experiment kits sent by post, while late night TV programmes have been replaced by DVDs and online interactive videos. Distance teaching universities can nowadays choose from many methods to support learning.

B.The delivery method of distance learning programmes varies. Although many courses are taught entirely online, some schools also give students an opportunity to meet face-to-face with tutors and classmates several times a year. In other situations, students will do all their work online and are only required to attend specific locations for exams. Others may attend weekly lectures in addition to completing work online. This combined system is known as blended learning.

C.Employers can be especially impressed by people who have studied for a distance learning qualification. The CEO of a large international consulting firm recently commented that he would value more favourably a graduate from a distance learning MBA who had achieved the same results as a graduate from similar on-campus programme because it takes more commitment, enthusiasm, time and energy from the student to achieve this result.

D.Distance learning requires self-discipline and determination and would not suit someone with no motivation to study on his or her own, who needs the structure of a traditional learning environment, or with simply no time for studying. Although it is possible to still have time for family and professional commitments while attending a distance education school, it does not mean there will be less work than at residential school.

E.The length of online university courses varies depending on whether you’ll be studying full- or part-time, the level of the qualification, and the subject of study. For the majority of full-time undergraduate programmes, the timeframe is similar to a traditional bachelor’s course of three or four years. For part-time courses, your studies may take additional two or three years. Most online university courses will give a specific time period within which students must complete their studies.

F.One of the leading providers of online education in the UK is the Open University. Fees at the Open University vary depending on whether you study part-time or full-time, but the average cost for full-time is ?5,264 annually for three years. This is approximately ?3,700 less per year than enrolling at a campus-based UK university as a home student, and considerably less than the amount international students would pay to study in the UK.

G.In the last few years another type of online education has appeared – MOOCs (massive open online courses). These are free online education programmes that anyone can sign up to, typically offered by well-known universities. They now cover a wide range of subjects. As MOOCs are free and open to all with access to the internet, they are useful for people of all ages and professional backgrounds who are keen to learn a new skill or gain information about a particular subject.

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1. Ways to save
2. Inexpensive but unreliable
3. For warmer seasons
4. Far from busy cities
5. Do not get confused
6. Options to choose from
7. The least popular
8. Both benefits and downsides

A.The first big decision when visiting England is whether to travel by private car or use the extensive public transport system. Having your own car means you can make the best use of time and reach remote places, but rental and fuel costs can be expensive, and there are always traffic delays to put up with. Public transport, which includes a reliable system of trains and coaches (buses), is often the better choice for getting around in the United Kingdom. Aside from London, England’s city centres with multiple pedestrian streets are very walkable, too.

B.For long-distance travel around England, trains are generally faster and more comfortable than buses but are usually much more expensive. The English like to moan about their trains, but around 85% run on time, and major stations are well-equipped – with super helpful staff and a range of food outlets. If you leave booking your ticket to the last minute, fares can be disproportionally high, so it is always worth booking as far in advance as you can. Sometimes buying two single tickets can be cheaper than buying a return.

C.Long-distance buses are known as coaches in the UK, and services run between most major towns and cities. If you are on a tight budget, coaches are nearly always the cheapest way to get around England, although they are also the slowest and sometimes late. If you book early or travel at off-peak periods, coach tickets can be very cheap. If you are going to the airport, then take a faster train or taxi for peace of mind that you will make it in time for your flight. The two major coach companies are National Express and Megabus.

D.Travelling by car or motorcycle around England means you have more independence and flexibility, and you can reach more remote parts of the country. Minuses for drivers include regular traffic jams, the high price of fuel, the cost of insurance, and parking fees in cities and tourist towns. Compared with many countries, car-hire is expensive in England. If you have time, by using a mix of train, bus, taxi, walking and occasionally hiring a bike, you can get almost anywhere in England without having to drive.

E.Hiring a bike – for an afternoon, a day, or a week or longer – is a great way to really explore a small region or see England’s great outdoors. Some cities have bike-share schemes, while others have longer-term bike-rental shops. England also has a growing network of long-distance cycling routes that may inspire you to explore more of the country by bicycle. Only a handful of cities have an adequate system of dedicated bike lanes, so it is best to enjoy cycling in more rural and off-the beaten-track locations, particularly during the warmer seasons.

F.England doesn’t have a big network of domestic flights due to its small size, but there are some long cross-country routes that are awkward, costly and time-consuming if you travel by train (e.g. the trip from Exeter or Southampton to Newcastle). However, you’ll still pay at least a hundred pounds for one of these flights, and the time saved becomes less beneficial once transit times and the journey to and from the airport are taken into account. Considering the short distances and high carbon cost, many people prefer not to fly.

G.English cities usually have good public-transport systems. These services can be run by a puzzling number of separate companies. There is usually enough information at each stop or station to find the right one. Staff in tourist offices are always happy to help. Local bus services work year-round in cities and towns, except on Christmas Day, and sometimes also Boxing Day. Sundays also see fewer services. CityMapper is a handy app for planning the quickest journey between points, especially if you are combining transport options.

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1. For the strong and adventurous
2. Conquering cold waves
3. Watching predators and prey
4. How locals live and entertain
5. Nature and activities to enjoy
6. Impressive but difficult to reach
7. Hot water, cold air
8. Closer to wildlife

A.At the edge of Russia, on the Pacific Ocean, there is the distinctive Kamchatka peninsula, famous for its rich natural diversity. This land is surrounded by rough ocean waters, in the interior lie fiery volcanoes and boiling, steaming geysers. Some 300 volcanoes, 29 of which are active, make up nearly 40% of the peninsula. But Kamchatka’s landscapes and natural diversity are not the only things to attract the travellers from far and wide: the area is also rich in opportunities for extreme sports. Make your adventures in Kamchatka unforgettable.

B.Surfing in Bali is no big deal these days: the hot sun, the warm ocean, coconuts, bananas… We’ve seen it all! How about surfing in the chilly waters of the Pacific in Kamchatka? One of Kamchatka’s best surf destinations is Khalaktyrsky beach. You can catch waves here almost all year long: the hardiest of surfers are ready to jump in in sub-zero temperatures. Naturally, the best time to surf is summer when surf schools and equipment rental places are open for business. You don’t feel the cold in a wetsuit!

C.The Kamchatka peninsula is washed by the Pacific Ocean and the Bering Sea to the northeast and by the Sea of Okhotsk to the west. One of the best ways to explore the rugged coastline is to take a long trip by kayak. On the water, you’ll find yourself face to face with wild nature: you can get acquainted with sea lions, seals, killer whales and other sea creatures, and see the most beautiful, secluded bays, islands, headlands and lakes inland. You’re going to be taking numerous pictures of the seals and sea lions as they bask in the sun.

D.With vast numbers of fish, it is no wonder that Lake Kuril attracts over 200 Kamchatka brown bears who visit the lake to fish. Across the whole peninsula, there are around 20,000 bears altogether – that’s one bear to every 15 human inhabitants. Over the years, the animals on Lake Kuril have adapted to life alongside humans. Therefore, you can observe the bears and their prey close up as they show no signs of aggression. An experienced guide knows exactly where to observe them to make your adventure absolutely safe.

E.Discovered as recently as 1941, the Valley of Geysers in the Kronotsky Reserve in Kamchatka is one of the world’s largest geyser fields and is the only one in Eurasia. In a cramped 8 square kilometer piece of land there are over 40 powerful spouting geysers, not to mention hot springs, mud pools, thermal sites, waterfalls, all surrounded by volcanoes. As dangerous as any of these places seem, there are special paths for travellers. You can only get to the valley by air, so take a helicopter tour and face the raw power of Mother Nature.

F.If you feel comfortable on the runs at Alpine resorts and consider yourself experienced, Kamchatka will surprise you: imagine skiing down the slopes of an active volcano with breathtaking views over the Pacific! This is no fantasy: we suggest experienced riders try heli-skiing! Fly to the highest volcanoes’ peaks by helicopter, then enjoy the buzz of skiing the untouched slopes with awesome views of the not-so-distant Pacific. Such an activity requires skiers to be in great shape physically, and to have the love of an adrenaline rush.

G.Kamchatka is a very harsh place to live, yet people have lived here for centuries. In order to survive, they had to learn to live in harmony with nature. That led to the development of rituals that are still performed. When you visit, you can see how the indigenous people of Kamchatka have been living for generations in the village of Pimchakh that is open to visitors. Shortage of snow is never an issue, so the locals happily indulge in competitive and recreational dog sled races. You should certainly put a short dog sled trip on your bucket list.

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1. Famous cats
2. Books about cats
3. Figuratively speaking
4. Cats through history
5. Cats in cinematography
6. Why keep a cat?
7. A cat in your mobile
8. A cat or a dog?

A.Cats are among the most popular pets in the world. People love them because they are very smart, agile, sly and independent. The most common reasons why people choose cats as pets are because they are beautiful, clean, low maintenance and mostly self sufficient. Cats may not demonstrate their love and affection for their master openly but they do it in very subtle ways. Cats can sense your mood, especially your depression, and try to help you to get out of this bad emotional state.

B.Cats have been around humans for centuries and their perception by humans has varied over time. In ancient Egypt, for example, cats were almost considered gods. We know of Bastet, a domestic feline goddess of motherhood. Killing a cat, even by accident, was a serious crime. Still, there were times when cats were considered to bring bad luck, like in Europe in the Middle Ages. So, from country to country and from epoch to epoch, the attitude of people to cats has changed greatly.

C.Among the most enjoyable of reads are adult fiction cat stories. There is a certain something about cat characters. They demonstrate resourcefulness like no human can. Their inventiveness and creativity are magical and they can do incredible things. One of top book cats is Oliver from the story The Cat Who Saved Christmas by Sheila Norton. Another author who loves writing fictional stories about cats is Rita Mae Brown. Share these ones with kids – they’ll love them!

D.Cats rule the Internet, but not all cats were created equal. Some of the cats are A-listers whether they are famous for their good looks or their remarkable stories. One of such cats is The Grumpy Cat as it always looks annoyed. There is also the Business Cat Emilio that lives in one of the offices of a big corporation and wears a collar and a tie. It’s supposed to bring luck to the firm. The Queen of the Internet is Venus, a cat whose face is half black half red plus its eyes are blue and green.

E.Not every parent is eager to get a cat as a pet for their kids. However, children, especially girls, want to get a cat so much that they buy fluffy cat toys and everything with cats on it – dresses, handbags, notebooks and so on. Now a cat lover can download a special App in their mobile and enjoy washing, feeding and stroking a virtual cat. The cat may even talk to you and play games with you. That seems to be a good solution for those who are not inclined to get a real cat.

F.Everybody likes cats, so these fluffy creatures are often featured in films, sometimes even as one of the main characters. In fact, cats are as much loved as dogs, so it’s a safe bet to make a film about cats. Still, cats are much more difficult to train than dogs so there also tend to be fewer cat movies compared to dog movies. Cat lovers also enjoy fictional cats and cats in cartoons. Actually, in some people’s opinion, cartoons about cats are even better than feature films.

G.Learning English you come across a lot of idioms with the word cat. The meaning of many such expressions can be easily guessed by a non-native speaker of English. For example, you hear the phrase to let the cat out of the bag, you immediately understand it means a secret has been revealed. Some of these expressions, though, are difficult to understand. For example, if a person is a cool cat, he or she is fashionable, and a fat cat means a person who is quite rich.

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1. The transport system
2. From the history of Madrid
3. A rich place
4. Key facts
5. Late to bed, late to rise
6. The city and its geography
7. Something for anyone
8. A city of variety

A.Madrid is the capital of Spain. It is also Spain’s arts and financial centre. Madrid was officially made the national capital by Philip III, an entire generation after Philip II took the court to Madrid in 1561. Under the patronage of Philip II and his successors, Madrid developed into a city of curious contrasts, preserving its old, overcrowded centre, around which developed palaces, convents, churches, and public buildings. The population of the city now is more than 3 million people.

B.Madrid lies almost exactly at the geographical heart of the Iberian Peninsula. It is situated on a plateau of sand and clay at an elevation of some 2,120 feet (646 metres) above sea level, making it one of the highest-located capitals in Europe. This location is partly responsible for the weather pattern of cold, crisp winters accompanied by sharp winds. Sudden variations of temperature are possible, but summers are consistently dry and hot. Autumn is the best season for visitors.

C.Madrid is a city of contrasting styles, reflecting clearly the different periods in which change and development took place. The old centre, a maze of small streets around a few squares in the vicinity of the imposing Plaza Mayor, contrasts with the Neoclassical buildings and grand boulevards created by the best architects of their day. Modern office buildings in the centre and apartment blocks around the outskirts reflect the styles and economic realities of present-day development.

D.The local population of Madrid is often referred to as ‘cats’, partly due to the local lifestyle and the late hours kept by the city’s inhabitants, although keeping late hours is also common in other parts of Spain, especially in the heat of summer. People eat late, theatres and cinemas begin performances late, and the siesta is by no means dead, although the introduction of modern business methods and the influx of foreign interests have tended to alter the traditional workday.

E.Being the centre of government, finance, and insurance has long contributed to the prosperity of the capital, as have tourism and the city’s position as Spain’s transportation hub. Following the Spanish Civil War (1936 – 39), the city became an important manufacturing centre for the automotive and aircraft industries and for electric and electronic equipment, metallurgical manufactures, and optics, as well as for the production of plastics, rubber, and consumer goods.

F.The road and rail systems both come to the capital from all corners of the country. A subway system, the Metro, serves Madrid with various lines that extend throughout the city. Barajas Airport – Madrid’s international airport – lies about 8 miles (13 km) east of the city. A motorway (expressway) system encircles Madrid in a roughly pentagonal shape, coming to a point in the south. Other major motorways radiate from the encircling artery in all directions.

G.Modern Madrid has attractions for all people. Las Ventas, which is the largest bullring in Spain with a capacity of some 25,000 people, is where you can watch famous Spanish bullfights. For football fans there is always a game of football to watch at any of the stadiums located in Madrid. The verbenas, special fiestas held in each quarter in honour of its patron saint, are popular events, especially during warm weather. There are more than 40 parks and public gardens, churches and museums.

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1. The beginning of animation
2. Language differences
3. Fewer than in real life
4. Important rules
5. Keep it simple
6. Different parts in one
7. Drawn secretly
8. The best drawn character

A.While all of the characters and places in Disney’s animation film “Hercules” have Greek names, there’s one character that doesn’t: Hercules! Like “Mars” is for “Ares” and “Neptune” is for “Poseidon”, “Hercules” is actually the Roman name for the Greek figure “Heracles”. If the movie was consistent, the movie’s main character and title would be “Heracles”. However, Disney executives chose the Roman “Hercules” because they said it was more familiar to the general public.

B.In 1888, French scientist Charles-Emile Reynaud invented a device called the Theatre Optique. It could project a strip of pictures onto a screen. Reynaud painted individual images onto flexible strips of gel to run through the projection system. He made three animated short films to demonstrate his invention. The first was a 12-15 minute film called “Poor Pierrot”, which was shown in 1892. Some consider this to be the first animated movie.

C.The most common mistake which beginner animators make when they think of a story idea is that their plot is too detailed and long. It’s great to have an imagination and visualization of an epic storyline that involves lots of characters and several plot lines. But it’s important to keep in mind that the time frame and the available resources are usually limited. For a beginner, it’s more sensible to work on a story that is not too complicated and easy to follow.

D.One of the most difficult tasks in making “Beauty and the Beast” film was the animation of the beast. In the end, the character’s face and body represented a combination of several animals. Glen Keane, an experienced Disney animator, included the mane of a lion, the beard and head shape of a buffalo, the tusks and nose bridge of a wild boar, the strongly-muscled brows of a gorilla, the legs and tail of a wolf, and the big and bulky body of a bear.

E.A lot of cartoon characters have four fingers on their hands instead of five. The reason is simple – hands with four fingers are easier to draw and animate. Cartoon characters are always simplified versions of their real life equivalents. Four-fingered hand saves a lot of time in animating and it really does not make any difference to us while watching. It all started with the very first Mickey Mouse cartoon. Walt Disney said that this was both an artistic and financial decision.

F.Animators have hidden representations of Mickey Mouse in most of the Disney films and all of the parks. It started as a joke between Walt Disney and other animators and became a tradition carried out for decades. “Hidden Mickeys” usually consist of three circles drawn to represent Mickey’s head and ears, but sometimes they draw Mickey in a crowd scene. Nowadays people have made a game out of searching for Hidden Mickeys in Disney movies.

G.Disney’s Twelve Basic Principles of Animation is a set of principles of animation introduced by the Disney animators Ollie Johnston and Frank Thomas in their 1981 book “The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation”. Johnston and Thomas based their book on the work of the leading Disney animators, and their effort to produce more realistic animations. The book and some of its principles have been adopted by some traditional studios. Many people call it the “Bible of animation”.

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1. Long-awaited freedom
2. An excursion to the past
3. The man who touched the skies
4. Beautiful and inviting
5. Reminding of heroic deeds
6. The only famous citizen
7. Attracting people
8. Making art attractive

A.Located about 400km east of Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod is one of the most important centers of cultural, economic, and political activity in European Russia. An excellent spot to soak up the best of the city’s atmosphere, Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Street lies in the heart of Nizhny Novgorod. Gorgeous buildings and fountains towering on all sides showcase the best of its architecture. Shop fronts and local souvenirs will have you pausing at every window while the charming cafés will draw you in with their tempting aromas.

B.A city yarmarka is something like a fair, and this historic former market place was restored in 1991. The site is now home to a superb modern exhibition center. The yarmarka plays host to international events, fairs, and conventions. In 2011, for the 20th anniversary of the fair, many exhibitions were organized, attended by thousands, including members of the British royal family. The fair is not only a buzzing center of business and culture, but also one of the most impressive sights.

C.Located at the meeting point of the great Volga and Oka rivers, the ancient Kremlin of Nizhny Novgorod boasts of some of the best views in the city. Designed by an Italian architect, the 13 magnificent towers and the high walls date back to 1500. On this spot in 1612, heroes of Russian history Kuzma Minin and Dmitry Pozharsky defeated the invading Polish army in extraordinary circumstances. You’ll also find here an art museum, a monument to those who fought in the Second World War, and the flame eternally burning in their memory.

D.An idyllic spot from which to watch the sunset over the city, this monumental creation was constructed by the Soviet government and is unique to the city of Nizhny Novgorod. The staircase gets its name from pilot Valery Chkalov who, in 1937, became the first man to fly from Moscow to Vancouver over the North Pole. A monument to Chkalov stands at the top of the stairs. Over 1,500 stairs connect the city center with the river embankment. Nowadays the staircase is a favorite meeting place and relaxation spot for the locals.

E.The Rukavishnikovs were a family of immensely wealthy merchants originating from the region around Nizhny Novgorod. The superbly restored palace, their former home, has been transformed into a museum of Russian history and gives a realistic snapshot of the life of the wealthy in the 19th century. Expensive furnishings, priceless antiques, and glistening gold will transport you back in time to a world of balls, carriages, banquets, and tsars. Join the world of Russian noble ladies and gentlemen for a day in this stunning palace.

F.Sakharov Museum is dedicated to Russian scientist Andrei Sakharov. The nuclear physicist and human rights activist lived for six years in the very flat in which the museum is now housed. Sakharov’s support for civil reform and improved human rights in the Soviet Union earned him a Nobel Peace Prize in 1975. Sakharov could not leave the city until 1986 when an officer arrived to install a phone there. Just after the phone was installed, it began to ring. The caller was Mikhail Gorbachev, ringing Sakharov to inform him of his release.

G.Inside the walls of Nizhny’s Kremlin one of the best modern art galleries in Russia can be found. Linked to galleries in both St Petersburg and Moscow, this top-ranking exhibition center houses regularly changing displays of both Russian and international art as well as interactive exhibits and a media library. There are also plans of adding a concert hall, extending the exhibition areas, and creating a restaurant. These additions aim to make art contemporary, not simply a far-away, unfamiliar concept, but bring it closer to Russian people.

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1. Don't forget to rest
2. Write down and revise
3. Information and technology
4. Never put off till tomorrow
5. Set realistic targets
6. Study plans per week
7. Find a place to your liking
8. More important at college

A.Today’s young generation will also need to master a new skill – digital literacy. Digital literacy can be defined as “the ability to find, evaluate, utilize, share, and create content using information technologies and the Internet”. Digital literacy, by this definition, encompasses a wide range of skills, all of which are necessary to succeed in an increasingly digital world. Students who lack digital literacy skills may soon find themselves at a disadvantage. As technology changes, students also need to keep updated.

B.The key to becoming an effective student is learning how to study smarter, not harder. This becomes more and more true as you advance in your education. An hour or two of studying a day is usually sufficient to make it through high school with satisfactory grades, but when college arrives, there aren’t enough hours in the day to squeeze all your studying in if you don’t know how to make your study efficient without skipping sleep or meals. The vast majority of successful college students achieve their success by developing and applying effective study habits.

C.Ever find yourself up late at night expending more energy trying to keep your eyelids open than you are studying? If so, it’s time for a change. Successful students typically space their work out over shorter periods of time and rarely try to cram all of their studying into just one or two sessions. If you want to become a successful student, then you need to learn to be consistent in your studies and to have regular, yet shorter, study sessions, with periods of rest in between. That will give your brain time to process the new information.

D.Successful students schedule specific times throughout the week when they are going to study – and then they stick with their schedule. Students who study sporadically and whimsically typically do not perform as well as students who have a set study schedule. Сreating a weekly routine, where you set aside a period of time a few days a week, to review your courses will ensure you develop habits that will enable you to succeed in your education long term. You won’t get stressed or overwhelmed by portioning your workload.

E.It is very easy, and common, to put off your study session because of lack of interest in the subject, because you have other things you need to get done, or just because the assignment is hard and needs effort and perseverance. Successful students do not procrastinate studying. If you procrastinate your study session, your studying will become less effective and you may not get everything accomplished that you need to. Procrastination also leads to rushing, and rushing is the number one cause of errors.

F.Always make sure to take good notes in class. Before you start each study session, and before you start a particular assignment, review your notes thoroughly to make sure you know how to complete the assignment correctly. Reviewing before each study session will help you remember important subject matter learned during the day, and make sure your studying is targeted and effective. Successful students also look through what they have written down at their lectures and seminars during the week over the weekend.

G.Everyone gets distracted by something: TV, or maybe family. Some people actually study better with a little background noise. When you’re distracted while studying you lose your train of thought and are unable to focus – both of which will lead to very ineffective studying. Before you start, find a place where you won’t be disturbed. For some people this is a quiet cubical in the recesses of the library. For others it is in a common area where there is little background noise. For some it may be a park or a garden – there are so many options to choose from!

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1. Making you open-minded
2. Travel without travelling
3. Cheap and useful
4. Not for every tourist
5. Beneficial for career
6. Ways to spend less
7. For mind and body
8. A different perception of travel

A.More and more travellers are seeking a new kind of break. Wellness tourism is a trend taking the industry by storm. Apart from yoga and healthy diets, wellness tours also focus on meditation. Meditation is known for its multitude of benefits. Apart from improving your health and keeping you fit, meditation also focuses on your mood and helps you gain a more positive outlook on life. Vipassana Meditation, which means seeing things as they really are, is one of India’s most ancient techniques of meditation.

B.You do not always need to exit your house to travel the world. Nowadays it is possible to open the street view and pretend that you are walking down unfamiliar paths and tourist places. This way, you can also avoid the crowds while taking in the beauty of the surroundings. There are a lot of museums across the world that offer virtual tours, either for free or for a small price. Going to international museums physically might not be possible but learning about culture is something you can do from the comfort of your own home.

C.Travelling in the past was about adventure, discovery, exploration and domination. However, when you think about it, the term explorer has gone out of style. In today’s stressed out world, we travel places to treat ourselves, find out who we really are and do those things that make us truly happy. In a way, people were born to travel. As nomadic tribes, people moved in search of food. Travel in the name of religion prompted pilgrims and missionaries to journey into foreign lands to spread their god’s word with various success levels.

D.A person who engages with new ideas and cultures is more likely to hold different viewpoints on the same subject than someone who does not travel. Travel forces you to think about other cultures and ways of living. It replaces your old idea of reality with a new, more complex one. It is this process together with your brain’s reaction to it that pushes you to change and grow in a unique way. Travelling makes a person more creative, more flexible and more emotionally stable. It is an opportunity to learn and grow.

E.If there is one thing that helps develop your adaptability, it is travelling. You are going to be pushed out of your comfort zone. Travelling helps you develop your soft skills. No matter what you plan to get out of travelling, your soft skills will develop. Soft skills are highly sought after by employers. They include your leadership qualities and your ability to work in a team. The mix of people, social and professional skills, coupled with emotional and social intelligence is becoming highly valued in all spheres of our life.

F.Mountain climbing can be a very serious undertaking. The more prepared you are for the physical demands, the more you will enjoy the activity. If you are considering mountain climbing, even for just one adventure, you cannot just show up with your guidebook and gear. You need to spend some energy and time and get your body’s physical system ready for the demands that climbing can put on you to help protect you from injury later on. Training for mountain climbing is an important process that should never be skipped.

G.When travelling on a budget, there are lots of ways to make your money last longer. Some places become more expensive during Christmas and New Year’s, during summer and during spring breaks. If you avoid these times of year, you will find hotels that want to fill up their properties, tours that may have discount prices in order to draw visitors in the off-season and lower flight prices. Low season does not appeal to everyone. But for those who are happy to deal with alternate weather, it can be the perfect time to travel.

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1. Born to be wild
2. Comparing the two species
3. The evolution of bison
4. The history of taming
5. A beautiful place to be saved
6. Reasons to domesticate cows
7. Failed attempts to protect
8. Safer than before, but not enough

A.It is likely that the modern European bison arose from the steppe bison. Recent research says it appeared as a result of an interbreeding event between the steppe bison and the ancestor of modern cows around 120,000 years ago. At one point, some steppe bison crossbred with the ancestors of the modern yak. After that, a population of steppe bison crossed the Bering Land Bridge to North America. Then the steppe bison spread through the northern parts of North America, where it lived until around 8,000 years ago.

B.The Prioksko-Terrasny Nature Reserve is one of the smallest in Russia. It covers an area of 4,960 hectares on the terraces of the Oka River valley. This is a unique area with its natural diversity of pine and mixed forests, small rivers, streams and marshes. Here you can observe the life of animals and birds in their natural habitat. The symbol of the reserve is a bison. This is a wild forest bull, which was recently on the verge of extinction. Bison youngsters grown up to two years in the reserve are sent to replenish free-living populations.

C.Though the American and European bisons are close relatives, it is easy to spot clear differences in their behaviour and build. Adult European bisons are slimmer in build and have longer legs. European bisons tend to graze less and walk around more than their American relatives. This difference in behaviour is reflected in their build. The American bison’s head hangs lower than the European’s does. American bisons are more easily tamed than their European cousins are. They also breed with domestic cattle more readily.

D.American bisons are known for living on the Great Plains. Bisons were hunted close to extinction during the 19th and 20th centuries, but have since rebounded. The European bison owes its survival, in part, to the Chernobyl disaster. Ironically, the Chernobyl Zone has become a kind of wildlife preserve, though poaching has become a threat in recent years. The American Plains bison is no longer listed as endangered, but this does not mean the species is safe. Their fragmented herds call for active conservation measures.

E.In the middle of the 19th century people started realising how important the buffalo was. Reasons for that included not only animal cruelty, but also ecological and future resources. Someone needed to speak out, and over the years they did, but never enough at one time to count. The real extermination of the buffalo was caused by the demands of trade, aided by hunters and Indians. However, the blame really lies with the government, which in all those years permitted a few ignorant Congressmen to block the laws protecting these animals.

F.There have been several attempts to tame the buffalo, but there are a few things that stand in the way. The buffalo is very aggressive by nature; it can run up to 40 mph and can jump vertically in the air almost their entire height. Imagine trying to teach an angry, prancing sedan to stay still and respect you. All that said, there have been instances of domestic buffalo. This is possible if they are raised from calves to be only with humans. Even then, they seem to be loyal and friendly with a small set of humans, not all humans.

G.At about the same time they domesticated plants, people in Mesopotamia began to domesticate animals for meat, milk, and hides. Hides were used for clothing, storing things and for building tent shelters. Goats were probably the first animals to be domesticated, followed closely by sheep. Later, people began domesticating larger animals, such as oxen or horses, for ploughing and transportation. These are known as beasts of burden. The easiest animals to domesticate are herbivores that graze on grass, because they are the easiest to feed.

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1. Staying together
2. True vegetarians
3. Home, sweet home
4. The image in culture
5. In need of protection
6. Is climate a killer?
7. Physical characteristics
8. Useful for centuries

A.Members of the deer family, which is quite large, have split hooves with 2 toes, and typically have long, slender legs and small tails – and most males have antlers. Deer species range from very large to very small. The smallest deer is the southern pudu. This deer weighs only 9 kilograms and is only about 36 centimetres tall when fully grown. The largest deer is the moose. It can be up to 2 metres tall, from hoof to shoulder, and weigh around 820 kilograms. All deer species have antlers, except for the Chinese water deer.

B.Some scientists think that reindeer were among the first domesticated animals. They were first domesticated around 2,000 years ago. For thousands of years, reindeer have provided the basis of life for many nations through meat and fat, skins for clothing, bedding and tents, sinew for sewing, and antlers for tools. Many societies in Arctic climate rely on these animals for food, clothing, and materials for shelter. For example, in Sweden, Finland and Russia, reindeer sustain herding communities that have always depended on these animals.

C.Deer species are found all over the world, except for Australia and Antarctica. While other continents have a wide array of deer, Africa only has one – the red deer. The southern pudu is native to Chile and Argentina. The white-tailed deer is common to North and South America. Deer are found in various ecosystems. They live in wetlands, deciduous forests, grasslands, rainforests and mountains. Sometimes, when human civilizations get too close to their habitats, deer will make themselves comfortable in urban settings.

D.Deer are very social creatures. They feed, travel and rest in groups called herds. These herds can include from 10 animals up to a few hundred. Some reindeer herds can have as many as 100,000 members. The herd is often led by a dominant male. Sometimes the females will have their own herd and the males will have a separate herd. In other cases, a female herd is watched over by a herd of males. Most deer are active throughout the day, though their most active times are around sunrise and dusk. They spend their days foraging for food.

E.Deer are herbivores. It means that they only eat vegetation. For the most part, a deer’s diet consists of grass, moss, small shrubs and leaves, though they will forage in trash bins and in gardens if they cannot find the vegetation they need elsewhere. In the winter, reindeer must dig through the snow to find food. On average, an adult reindeer, for example, eats around 4 to 8 kilograms of vegetation a day. Deer have one main stomach and three “false stomachs.” Like cows, they chew their cud to fully digest their food.

F.According to the Red List of Threatened Species, many deer species are currently endangered. The Pere David’s deer is extinct in the wild and now can only be found in captive populations. The wild reindeer is listed as vulnerable. The wild reindeer and the arctic caribou are migratory, and their habitat crosses territorial and national borders. It will be increasingly important for governments to implement plans that support wildlife and ecosystems that promote positive changes in the deer population in the wild.

G.One of the biggest and most studied herds of reindeer lives on the Taimyr Peninsula, in the northern part of Russia. Monitoring showed that the Taimyr herd reached its peak of 1 million reindeer in 2000, but was reduced to 600,000 by 2016. Weather could be part of the problem. Every year in the spring and fall, this herd migrates from calving ranges on the peninsula to their winter haven in boreal forests. However, climate change has changed the timing of this trek, meaning young calves can still be too small to survive the trip.

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1. Flower shop
2. Part-time job
3. Caring for animals
4. Gardening jobs
5. Animal visit
6. Daily spotlight
7. Indoor chores
8. Daily wake-up

A. Some people might think working round the house is an easy thing, but these people obviously don’t do very much of it. When you have to tidy up a living room full of kids’ toys, clean bookshelves covered in dust and prepare a meal for suppertime, it can be exhausting. You can’t do it alone, so you’ve got to employ your family to help. Still, they don’t always do their jobs!

B. Being a florist is a rewarding job. It’s almost like being a decorator of plants. You make all sort of arrangements in a variety of colours for special occasions like weddings and Mother’s Day, and naturally, you have to be a lover of all things green. You’ve got to make sure all the plants stay healthy otherwise it’s hard to make a sale.

C. Working as a TV newsreader has its ups and downs. The up side is if you love communicating and think you do it well, it’s the perfect job for you. On the other hand, it can be quite stressful on being on camera often, especially when you don’t feel like it. Additionally, the news is often not pleasant to report on, so you’ve got to keep a stiff upper lip.

D. If you’re looking for some extra money, you might want to consider working for a few hours after school. Lots of places are keen on employing young people, and the work schedule can be quite flexible. A student has a busy life, so you probably couldn’t do more than ten or twelve hours a week, but it’s a great way to earn some cash and learn responsibility.

E. For many adults, the first thing to do every morning is to grab a cup of coffee and sit down with the news. Whether it be reading a paper or the internet, it seems to be a habit for lots of people. The news has a way of kicking your mind into gear, along with the coffee, of course, and then once you’ve had your fill, it’s off to get ready for work.

F. Whereas some people don’t mind doing housework, for others, it’s a real bother. They prefer being outside, and if they’ve got a big garden to tend to, there’ll be many tasks to keep them entertained, such as planting seeds, pruning trees and doing the watering. There’s something they can do outside every day, and they never get bored with it.

G. There are lots of different class trips a teacher can take students on, like visiting a newspaper or a bank to see how things are run. An interesting way to learn about nature is a trip to the zoo. The kids see lots of different kinds of animals, and they can learn about where they’re from. It’s just one of many class trip ideas.

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1. Living above
2. Glimpses of history
3. No meat, please!
4. Figuratively speaking
5. Belonging to one group
6. Highly social
7. Similar to people
8. Almost extinct

A. Great apes are members of the family Hominidae, which includes humans, chimps, gorillas, and orangutans. There is one species of humans (Homo sapiens), two species of chimpanzees (common chimpanzee and pygmy chimpanzee, also known as the bonobo), two species of gorillas (western gorilla and eastern gorilla), and three species of orangutans (Bornean orangutan, Sumatran orangutan, and Tapanuli orangutan). However, throughout the last few million years, there have been dozens of other great apes, some of which were arguably as intelligent as modern humans.
B. Great apes are large, tailless primates, distinguished from lesser apes (gibbons) by a larger size and generally less monkey-like anatomical features. Still, within this group there is considerable variation. These apes evolved from African lesser apes about 18 million years ago. Orangutans originated from the rest of the apes about 14 million years ago, and gorillas separated from them about 7 million years ago. Until recently, it was thought that chimps and humans separated between 3 and 5 million years ago, but more fossil finds suggest it happened earlier, between 6 and 7 million years ago.
C. Great apes are all extremely intelligent. Each one is probably smarter than every other member of the animal kingdom. All the great apes can use tools.
Their hands allow them to use rocks or sticks for various purposes, including as weapons. Gorillas have been observed testing water depth with sticks.
Chimpanzees are known to drive insects out of their nests using sticks. The orangutan is intelligent enough to build leak-proof roofs over their nightly nests. Isn’t that amazing? They are just like us!
D. Great apes play a very important role in their ecosystems. Their presence also supports biodiversity by influencing the distribution and behaviour of other species within their habitat. Unfortunately, most great ape species are considered endangered or even critically endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, and disease. According to the World Wildlife Fund, gorillas and orangutans are particularly at risk, with habitat destruction from logging, mining, and agriculture being the primary threats to their survival.
E. The orangutan, the largest creature in the world living in the trees, has probably never lived anywhere else but in the trees. Wildly mobile shoulder, knee and hip joints create a climbing machine that spends approximately 90% of its life high above ground. They eat, sleep, breed and give birth sometimes hundreds of feet above the ground. The thick forests of Borneo and Sumatra provide the perfect environment for this ape. Orangutans look graceless on the ground, but even the largest male orangutans move elegantly in the trees.
F. Gorillas eat different food, but their diet is mainly vegetarian. In the jungle, more than 85% of a gorilla’s diet is made up of leaves, shoots, stems and vines – and the rest is made up of roots, flowers and fruits. Insects, ants and termites make up less than 1% of a gorilla’s diet in the wild. The specific food of gorillas varies, depending on the presence (or absence) of certain plants in their immediate surrounding. Thus, gorillas are also almost exclusively vegetarian and devote their days to gathering fruit, leaves, roots and flowers.
G. Great apes are no exception when it comes to social interaction. They have complex social relationships that include communication through vocalizations, and body language such as grooming and hugging. Their societies are hierarchical, meaning there are dominant members who have priority access to food and other resources, while subordinate members must work harder to attain them. A new study has revealed that great apes tease one another, including hair pulling, poking, staring in faces, and other playful behaviours.

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Пример ответа: 1234567

1. Make connections

2. Do not be lazy

3. Get ready for emergencies

4. Useful tactics

5. Get your bonus at once

6. The easier, the better

7. To the target and beyond

8. Progress bit by bit

A. Healthy habits are usually formed when, in trying to reach a goal, a person repeats a healthy behaviour in some context. Over time, the behaviour no longer depends on the goal. Therefore, to form healthy habits, the first step is to set goals. As you pursue set goals, your behaviour can become habitual. For example, meditation can become a habit, even when the initial reason for meditating is no longer present. Or suppose you play basketball daily to lose weight. You may find playing basketball has become part of your routine even after the weight loss.
B. Repetition is essential to habit formation. It improves skills and reduces effort. Use reminders such as alarms or post-it notes. However, keep in mind that their effectiveness decreases over time. Rewards strengthen patterns of behaviour and make habit formation easier. Rewarding a way of behaviour only sometimes is more effective than rewarding it all the time. Anything you find rewarding, be it praise or an extra hour to play video games, may work. As reminders, rewards sometimes lose their power and need to be replaced.
C. To eat healthier, reduce the number of sugary and fatty snacks open on the table. Simply replace them with your favourite fruits. Similarly, to sleep better, make your bedroom more sleep-friendly than work-friendly. However, life can be unpredictable. In order to continue to practice a habit regularly, it is necessary to prepare and plan. For example, if you are trying to lose weight and eat healthy, think about what to do if you have no fruits or vegetables at home. Plan what you will do if a restaurant you are in has no healthy options available.
D. The best way to form a new habit is to tie it to an existing habit. Look for patterns in your day and think about how you can use existing habits to create new, positive ones. For many of us, our morning routine is our strongest routine, so that’s a great place to tack on a new habit. A morning cup of coffee, for example, can create a great opportunity to start a new one-minute meditation practice. Or, while or after you are brushing your teeth, you might choose to do squats, or stand on one foot to practice balancing.
E. British researchers studied how people form habits in the real world. The study showed that the amount of time it took for a task to become automatic ranged from 18 to 254 days. Habits take a long time to create, but they form faster when we do them more often. Start with something that is really easy to do. You are more likely to stick with an exercise habit if you do some small exercise every day, rather than trying to get to the gym three days a week. Once daily exercise becomes a habit, you can explore more intense forms of exercise.
F. Habit researchers know we are more likely to form new habits when we clear away the difficulties that stand in our way. In one study, researchers changed the timing of elevator doors so that people had to wait nearly half a minute for the doors to close. It was just enough of a delay that it convinced many people that taking the stairs was easier than waiting for the elevator. It shows how sensitive we are to small challenges in our environment. Interestingly, these people stuck with it even after the elevator went back to normal timing.
G. Rewards are an important part of habit formation. When we brush our teeth, the reward is immediate – a minty fresh mouth. But some rewards like weight loss or the physical changes from exercise take longer to show up. That’s why it helps to build in some immediate rewards to help you form a habit. Listening to audiobooks while running, for example, or watching a favourite cooking show on the treadmill can help make an exercise habit stronger. You can plan an exercise date so the reward is time with a friend.

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1. Combining travel and fun

2. Echo of global processes

3. Not always as planned

4. Getting to the top

5. It can ruin your holiday

6. Variety of weather conditions

7. Watching wildlife

8. Avoiding crowds

A. While Nepal may be most famous for its high mountains, it actually spans from jungle-filled plains bordering India to the edge of the Tibetan Plateau. There’s a lot of climatic diversity. The best month to visit Nepal largely depends on what you want to do while you’re there, and whether you’ll be visiting either very high or very low-lying places. The climate plays a big part in the tourism seasons. In different seasons, you can see rhinos and other wild animals, go white-water rafting, or hike in the mountains.
B. Much of the above advice doesn’t really apply if you want to climb Mt Everest or another Himalayan peak. The climbing seasons are not always the same as the best trekking and sightseeing seasons. Spring (March to May) and early autumn (late September and October) are the best times for mountaineering, as temperatures and weather conditions are optimal for such activities. However, conditions vary year by year, and climbing expeditions are sometimes affected by unpredictable events in the mountains.
C. The festival season takes place during the peak tourism season. Festivals are usually held in October and in November. The dates are different because they follow a lunar calendar. One is mostly a family affair, and the capital essentially clears out for around a week during the festival. Many shops and businesses are closed. The festival of light is more accessible to travellers. You will see displays of lights outside homes and businesses all over the country. It is the best time to visit the capital of Nepal.
D. Much of Nepal sits at a lower altitude than many people think, and the short winter is typically mild there, including one in the capital. There may be some foggy mornings and cold nights, but when the sky is clear, winter days can be quite warm in the cities. The other major advantage of visiting the country in the winter is that it’s one of the cheapest times to visit Nepal, and there are few other tourists around. Lower-altitude trekking trails will be comfortable, as long as you have a good jacket for cold nights.
E. Nepal isn’t only about the mountains. National parks are full of wildlife, including lots of one-horned rhinoceros and a few Royal Bengal tigers. The best time to see wildlife is at the end of winter. In late January, local villagers are allowed to cut the high elephant grass that shoots up after the rainy season. Then the animals that were previously hiding in it become visible. You’re much more likely to see rhinos and other animals at this time of year. Later, the temperatures become very hot, and everyone including animals hide from the burning sun.
F. By late spring, the arrival of the monsoon is expected in Nepal. Temperatures become uncomfortably hot in many places, and the air quality is poor. The unpleasant conditions become more tolerable with the arrival of the monsoon in June. Then the locals welcome the rains, which are cooling and refreshing, but rather heavy. However, for travellers, the monsoon is the worst time to visit Nepal. Rain means cloudy skies, muddy and flooded streets, canceled or delayed flights, and the potential for landslides across roads.
G. For years, spring was considered to be a second high season in Nepal. However, in recent years, this common wisdom sounds less and less true. Winters are usually dry, and as temperatures heat up through the spring, wildfires spread. This has been happening for a long time. With climate change, wildfires have become worse over the last few years. The smoke from wildfires impacts air quality throughout the country, and it is already dangerous in the capital. It also negatively influences how well you can see in the mountains.

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1. Choose what you like

2. Know what you aim for

3. Schedule movement

4. Seeing the bright side

5. Discipline comes first

6. Less but more useful

7. Go step-by-step

8. Care for body and mind

A. Setting healthy goals is one way to come up with a plan on how to kickstart your new healthy lifestyle. It gives you something to work for and helps keep you motivated to work hard. By setting goals for yourself, you give yourself something to focus on. Additionally, goals allow you to measure your progress and see how much you have achieved. When setting your goals, be realistic with yourself. Not reaching your goals within some period of time might be discouraging and cause you to give up altogether.

B. Focus on one goal at a time to avoid being under pressure and cope with all tasks. If you want to lose weight, make small goals on how to do it. Work out at least three times a week, and add more vegetables to your plate when you want seconds. Keep a journal or track it on your phone to make sure you achieve those small goals weekly. When those goals just become part of your weekly routine, add a new goal – such as only eating out twice a week, or adding a weight lifting class.

C. The ability to manage your feelings and deal with everyday stresses and difficulties can be challenging. Keeping up good mental health means occasionally putting your own needs first. We can’t take care of others if we don’t take care of our own emotional and physical state. If you are looking for a healthier lifestyle, start with your mental health and make sure you are finding time to relax and do things you enjoy, rewarding yourself for the things you achieve and spending time with good people who value you.

D. How you think about yourself can have a huge impact on how you feel mentally and physically. Negative thoughts can do a lot of harm to your self-confidence, and influence those around you as well. Try to practise positive thinking instead of having negative thoughts. One way to practise positive self-talk and make a healthy mental change is to be kind to your body. A positive body image is an acceptance of your body. Body positivity makes people confident and comfortable in their own skin.

E. Getting used to a new workout routine can be difficult, especially if you are new to exercise. However, exercising is one of the best activities to add to a healthy lifestyle. It definitely improves your mood as well as physical well-being significantly. Just like changing your lifestyle, you should come up with goals and a workout plan you can follow. Start small with something as simple as walking three times a week, and gradually add various exercises to your workout schedule.

F. Eating healthy to lose weight is all about finding nutritious foods you enjoy that you can include in your diet for the rest of your life. There are a lot of diet plans out there that might work for you, but eating healthy comes down to reducing your calories and including healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, seafood, beans and nuts in your meals. Try to cut the amount of processed foods in your diet and look for whole foods instead. This doesn’t mean cutting everything you enjoy – it’s about balance.

G. Exercising to lose weight, just like eating healthy to lose weight, really only comes down to finding something healthy you enjoy and will continue to do. Just like with eating healthy, you’ll want to start small and try new activities that will help you stay active. If you don’t enjoy running, don’t do it. Find something that you look forward to doing after a long or busy day. Maybe that’s a cycle class, a long walk with a friend, or a yoga class. The important thing is that you are moving and physically using your body.

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1. Mixing styles

2. Internet sensation

3. Short lifetime

4. Money worries

5. Celebrity style

6. Cheaper to buy

7. Rebels no more

8. Shopping frenzy

A. Youth sub-culture isn’t what it used to be. In the 1960s, youths who were protesting against their parents or society dressed a certain way to show their anger, or to feel like they belonged to something. Nowadays, parents are more accepting of their children, and society is more accepting of different people. There is less of a need to act out, so there are fewer sub-cultures as a result.

B. There are still a few youth sub-cultures these days. One phenomenon is haul girls – teenage girls who shop till they drop, then come home with a big ‘haul’, usually several bags of clothes. Then they make a video of what they bought, and not just any old video, either. They put great effort into it, with editing and a storyline. It’s their way of showing off what they love to do.

C. In the old days, it took quite a lot of cash to get the look you desired. If you wanted to be Goth, going out and buying black boots, black clothes and black jewellery would cost a considerable amount. It’s all become more affordable now, so you can belong to one youth sub-culture one week and another the next, more or less.

D. There are fewer differences between youth sub-cultures than there used to be. In the old days, a hippie looked like a hippie, a punk looked like a punk, and nothing else. But it seems that the youth of today sometimes combines looks. One example is seapunk, which is punk but much more colourful and with a bit of hip-hop added. At least it’s still very creative!

E. A youth sub-culture is defined by many things. It’s the need to stand out, or the need to protest, or the need to belong. These days, kids are quite worried about their future. University has become very expensive, and the job market isn’t as strong as it used to be. How can anyone focus on creating a unique style when they’re facing such deep financial concerns?

F. Sometimes a youth sub-culture can come out of nowhere. Take Molly Soda, for example. Molly Soda is a teenage girl who posted some short films on YouTube that quickly became highly popular. Her style of dress, with her blue hair and nose piercing, is now copied by thousands of girls who find it cool. They’re called Molly Soda girls, from a youth sub-culture born overnight!

G. It is true that youth sub-cultures are like trends. They are born, they gain popularity, and then soon enough, everyone’s joined in. At that point, they are finished. This timeline used to be much longer than it is today. Now, with social media, trends spread much faster, which means they die a death much faster, too. A sub-culture is lucky if it lasts a whole year these days!