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Прочитайте текст. Определите, какие из приведённых утверждений 13–19 соответствуют содержанию текста (1 — True), какие не соответствуют (2 — False) и о чём в тексте не сказано, то есть на основании текста нельзя дать ни положительного, ни отрицательного ответа (3 — Not stated).

Пример ответа: 1

Wild and Beautiful

I saw my first tiger in a national park in India. It was a male and he was drinking at a waterhole. He raised his head slowly and stared at us for a full minute. Then he turned his back on us and disappeared quickly into the jungle.

Twenty years ago, the tiger was in trouble. In India its numbers were around 1,800. Then the Indian government launched Project Tiger, which set up national parks all over the country. Poachers still hunt the tiger illegally, but at least it is no longer in danger of extinction.

In Africa, the most important species in danger is the elephant, the world’s largest living land mammal. In 1979 there were 1.3 million elephants there. Ten years later, their numbers were down to fewer than 600,000 and still were falling. Conservationists warned that the species could be extinct by the end of the century.

But slowly the situation changed. In July 1989, Kenya’s President Moi publicly burnt his country’s stock of ivory, and towards the end of 1989 the world agreed to ban the ivory trade completely. Since then, the demand for ivory has fallen sharply, and elephant numbers in countries such as Kenya and Tanzania are increasing rapidly.

On the other side of the world, the grey whales of California nearly disappeared in the last century. Fortunately, the US Marine Mammals Protection Act of 1972 saved them. That same year, Mexico created the world’s first whale sanctuary on the west coast of the Baja. The grey whales recovered quickly. Today there are perhaps 20,000 and these gentle giants are now worth more alive than dead. The reason is whale-watching, American craze for tourists.

All over the world other rare species continue to receive protection; giant tortoises in the Galapagos, pink pigeons in Mauritius. In America you can hear the song of the timber wolf, and see the mountain lion in the canyons high forests.

Suddenly, wildlife is good for the tourist trade. And tourism — provided it takes only pictures and leaves only footprints — is good for the national parks. If wildlife can be seen to be paying its way, then its chance of survival will be much greater.

14. The number of tigers in India has grown twice.

1) True 2) False 3) Not stated

Прочитайте текст. Определите, какие из приведённых утверждений 13–19 соответствуют содержанию текста (1 — True), какие не соответствуют (2 — False) и о чём в тексте не сказано, то есть на основании текста нельзя дать ни положительного, ни отрицательного ответа (3 — Not stated).

Пример ответа: 1

Wild and Beautiful

I saw my first tiger in a national park in India. It was a male and he was drinking at a waterhole. He raised his head slowly and stared at us for a full minute. Then he turned his back on us and disappeared quickly into the jungle.

Twenty years ago, the tiger was in trouble. In India its numbers were around 1,800. Then the Indian government launched Project Tiger, which set up national parks all over the country. Poachers still hunt the tiger illegally, but at least it is no longer in danger of extinction.

In Africa, the most important species in danger is the elephant, the world’s largest living land mammal. In 1979 there were 1.3 million elephants there. Ten years later, their numbers were down to fewer than 600,000 and still were falling. Conservationists warned that the species could be extinct by the end of the century.

But slowly the situation changed. In July 1989, Kenya’s President Moi publicly burnt his country’s stock of ivory, and towards the end of 1989 the world agreed to ban the ivory trade completely. Since then, the demand for ivory has fallen sharply, and elephant numbers in countries such as Kenya and Tanzania are increasing rapidly.

On the other side of the world, the grey whales of California nearly disappeared in the last century. Fortunately, the US Marine Mammals Protection Act of 1972 saved them. That same year, Mexico created the world’s first whale sanctuary on the west coast of the Baja. The grey whales recovered quickly. Today there are perhaps 20,000 and these gentle giants are now worth more alive than dead. The reason is whale-watching, American craze for tourists.

All over the world other rare species continue to receive protection; giant tortoises in the Galapagos, pink pigeons in Mauritius. In America you can hear the song of the timber wolf, and see the mountain lion in the canyons high forests.

Suddenly, wildlife is good for the tourist trade. And tourism — provided it takes only pictures and leaves only footprints — is good for the national parks. If wildlife can be seen to be paying its way, then its chance of survival will be much greater.

15. The ivory trade put the elephant in danger.

1) True 2) False 3) Not stated

Прочитайте текст. Определите, какие из приведённых утверждений 13–19 соответствуют содержанию текста (1 — True), какие не соответствуют (2 — False) и о чём в тексте не сказано, то есть на основании текста нельзя дать ни положительного, ни отрицательного ответа (3 — Not stated).

Пример ответа: 1

Wild and Beautiful

I saw my first tiger in a national park in India. It was a male and he was drinking at a waterhole. He raised his head slowly and stared at us for a full minute. Then he turned his back on us and disappeared quickly into the jungle.

Twenty years ago, the tiger was in trouble. In India its numbers were around 1,800. Then the Indian government launched Project Tiger, which set up national parks all over the country. Poachers still hunt the tiger illegally, but at least it is no longer in danger of extinction.

In Africa, the most important species in danger is the elephant, the world’s largest living land mammal. In 1979 there were 1.3 million elephants there. Ten years later, their numbers were down to fewer than 600,000 and still were falling. Conservationists warned that the species could be extinct by the end of the century.

But slowly the situation changed. In July 1989, Kenya’s President Moi publicly burnt his country’s stock of ivory, and towards the end of 1989 the world agreed to ban the ivory trade completely. Since then, the demand for ivory has fallen sharply, and elephant numbers in countries such as Kenya and Tanzania are increasing rapidly.

On the other side of the world, the grey whales of California nearly disappeared in the last century. Fortunately, the US Marine Mammals Protection Act of 1972 saved them. That same year, Mexico created the world’s first whale sanctuary on the west coast of the Baja. The grey whales recovered quickly. Today there are perhaps 20,000 and these gentle giants are now worth more alive than dead. The reason is whale-watching, American craze for tourists.

All over the world other rare species continue to receive protection; giant tortoises in the Galapagos, pink pigeons in Mauritius. In America you can hear the song of the timber wolf, and see the mountain lion in the canyons high forests.

Suddenly, wildlife is good for the tourist trade. And tourism — provided it takes only pictures and leaves only footprints — is good for the national parks. If wildlife can be seen to be paying its way, then its chance of survival will be much greater.

16. Illegal hunters still threaten the survival of elephants.

1) True 2) False 3) Not stated

Прочитайте текст. Определите, какие из приведённых утверждений 13–19 соответствуют содержанию текста (1 — True), какие не соответствуют (2 — False) и о чём в тексте не сказано, то есть на основании текста нельзя дать ни положительного, ни отрицательного ответа (3 — Not stated).

Пример ответа: 1

Wild and Beautiful

I saw my first tiger in a national park in India. It was a male and he was drinking at a waterhole. He raised his head slowly and stared at us for a full minute. Then he turned his back on us and disappeared quickly into the jungle.

Twenty years ago, the tiger was in trouble. In India its numbers were around 1,800. Then the Indian government launched Project Tiger, which set up national parks all over the country. Poachers still hunt the tiger illegally, but at least it is no longer in danger of extinction.

In Africa, the most important species in danger is the elephant, the world’s largest living land mammal. In 1979 there were 1.3 million elephants there. Ten years later, their numbers were down to fewer than 600,000 and still were falling. Conservationists warned that the species could be extinct by the end of the century.

But slowly the situation changed. In July 1989, Kenya’s President Moi publicly burnt his country’s stock of ivory, and towards the end of 1989 the world agreed to ban the ivory trade completely. Since then, the demand for ivory has fallen sharply, and elephant numbers in countries such as Kenya and Tanzania are increasing rapidly.

On the other side of the world, the grey whales of California nearly disappeared in the last century. Fortunately, the US Marine Mammals Protection Act of 1972 saved them. That same year, Mexico created the world’s first whale sanctuary on the west coast of the Baja. The grey whales recovered quickly. Today there are perhaps 20,000 and these gentle giants are now worth more alive than dead. The reason is whale-watching, American craze for tourists.

All over the world other rare species continue to receive protection; giant tortoises in the Galapagos, pink pigeons in Mauritius. In America you can hear the song of the timber wolf, and see the mountain lion in the canyons high forests.

Suddenly, wildlife is good for the tourist trade. And tourism — provided it takes only pictures and leaves only footprints — is good for the national parks. If wildlife can be seen to be paying its way, then its chance of survival will be much greater.

17. Different countries combine their actions to save the whales.

1) True 2) False 3) Not stated

Прочитайте текст. Определите, какие из приведённых утверждений 13–19 соответствуют содержанию текста (1 — True), какие не соответствуют (2 — False) и о чём в тексте не сказано, то есть на основании текста нельзя дать ни положительного, ни отрицательного ответа (3 — Not stated).

Пример ответа: 1

Wild and Beautiful

I saw my first tiger in a national park in India. It was a male and he was drinking at a waterhole. He raised his head slowly and stared at us for a full minute. Then he turned his back on us and disappeared quickly into the jungle.

Twenty years ago, the tiger was in trouble. In India its numbers were around 1,800. Then the Indian government launched Project Tiger, which set up national parks all over the country. Poachers still hunt the tiger illegally, but at least it is no longer in danger of extinction.

In Africa, the most important species in danger is the elephant, the world’s largest living land mammal. In 1979 there were 1.3 million elephants there. Ten years later, their numbers were down to fewer than 600,000 and still were falling. Conservationists warned that the species could be extinct by the end of the century.

But slowly the situation changed. In July 1989, Kenya’s President Moi publicly burnt his country’s stock of ivory, and towards the end of 1989 the world agreed to ban the ivory trade completely. Since then, the demand for ivory has fallen sharply, and elephant numbers in countries such as Kenya and Tanzania are increasing rapidly.

On the other side of the world, the grey whales of California nearly disappeared in the last century. Fortunately, the US Marine Mammals Protection Act of 1972 saved them. That same year, Mexico created the world’s first whale sanctuary on the west coast of the Baja. The grey whales recovered quickly. Today there are perhaps 20,000 and these gentle giants are now worth more alive than dead. The reason is whale-watching, American craze for tourists.

All over the world other rare species continue to receive protection; giant tortoises in the Galapagos, pink pigeons in Mauritius. In America you can hear the song of the timber wolf, and see the mountain lion in the canyons high forests.

Suddenly, wildlife is good for the tourist trade. And tourism — provided it takes only pictures and leaves only footprints — is good for the national parks. If wildlife can be seen to be paying its way, then its chance of survival will be much greater.

18. Tourists were not interested in whales thirty years ago.

1) True 2) False 3) Not stated

Прочитайте текст. Определите, какие из приведённых утверждений 13–19 соответствуют содержанию текста (1 — True), какие не соответствуют (2 — False) и о чём в тексте не сказано, то есть на основании текста нельзя дать ни положительного, ни отрицательного ответа (3 — Not stated).

Пример ответа: 1

Wild and Beautiful

I saw my first tiger in a national park in India. It was a male and he was drinking at a waterhole. He raised his head slowly and stared at us for a full minute. Then he turned his back on us and disappeared quickly into the jungle.

Twenty years ago, the tiger was in trouble. In India its numbers were around 1,800. Then the Indian government launched Project Tiger, which set up national parks all over the country. Poachers still hunt the tiger illegally, but at least it is no longer in danger of extinction.

In Africa, the most important species in danger is the elephant, the world’s largest living land mammal. In 1979 there were 1.3 million elephants there. Ten years later, their numbers were down to fewer than 600,000 and still were falling. Conservationists warned that the species could be extinct by the end of the century.

But slowly the situation changed. In July 1989, Kenya’s President Moi publicly burnt his country’s stock of ivory, and towards the end of 1989 the world agreed to ban the ivory trade completely. Since then, the demand for ivory has fallen sharply, and elephant numbers in countries such as Kenya and Tanzania are increasing rapidly.

On the other side of the world, the grey whales of California nearly disappeared in the last century. Fortunately, the US Marine Mammals Protection Act of 1972 saved them. That same year, Mexico created the world’s first whale sanctuary on the west coast of the Baja. The grey whales recovered quickly. Today there are perhaps 20,000 and these gentle giants are now worth more alive than dead. The reason is whale-watching, American craze for tourists.

All over the world other rare species continue to receive protection; giant tortoises in the Galapagos, pink pigeons in Mauritius. In America you can hear the song of the timber wolf, and see the mountain lion in the canyons high forests.

Suddenly, wildlife is good for the tourist trade. And tourism — provided it takes only pictures and leaves only footprints — is good for the national parks. If wildlife can be seen to be paying its way, then its chance of survival will be much greater.

19. America is the only continent where rare species are protected.

1) True 2) False 3) Not stated

Прочитайте текст. Определите, какие из приведённых утверждений 13–19 соответствуют содержанию текста (1 — True), какие не соответствуют (2 — False) и о чём в тексте не сказано, то есть на основании текста нельзя дать ни положительного, ни отрицательного ответа (3 — Not stated).
Пример ответа: 1

The Selective Memory

Long, warm evenings spent messing around the village harbour. Watching the fishermen going about their business. I remember a general sensation of well-being. It never used to be cold as it always seems to be when I walk along the seacoast today. The endless days spent indoors because of the steady rain are forgotten. Only the sunshine and warmth remain as a memory.

I lived in a little seaside village which was full of holidaymakers in the summer and deserted the rest of the year. We ran free, a gang of local children of all ages. School work was never a big issue; we used to do it quickly so we could go off down to the village. We used to eat enormous slices of bread and jam before pulling on our bathing costumes and heading for the harbour to join other kids.

Our main occupation during the summer months was jumping off the harbour wall into the sea. We used to encourage one another to jump higher and higher. The most admired feat used to be the big jump from the top of the small lighthouse which was the highest point along the sea wall. Only the bravest members of the gang used to do this one.

But our greatest admiration was for the beautiful, young people who drove speed boats around the bay. We used to sit on the wall watching these strangers who lived in far-away towns and who spent their holidays sunbathing and water skiing. We used to dream of becoming members of their exclusive club and going on trips around the bay. But they never mixed with us locals.

Sometimes we went fishing off the rocks. We used to spend hours in the rock pools which were only visible at low tide. We didn’t use to do things according to the time of day, but instead, we followed the rhythm of the sea. Our clock was the timetable at the entrance to the harbour which informed the fishermen of the daily times of high and low tides.

The memory selects only parts of childhood, the rest is pushed into dark corners. We never remember the whole truth, only bits and pieces picked up here and there.

My own memory has only kept the happy moments of a free and easy childhood, but I wonder if this is always the case?

13. The author remembers only the best days of his childhood.

1) True 2) False 3) Not stated

Прочитайте текст. Определите, какие из приведённых утверждений 13–19 соответствуют содержанию текста (1 — True), какие не соответствуют (2 — False) и о чём в тексте не сказано, то есть на основании текста нельзя дать ни положительного, ни отрицательного ответа (3 — Not stated).
Пример ответа: 1

The Selective Memory

Long, warm evenings spent messing around the village harbour. Watching the fishermen going about their business. I remember a general sensation of well-being. It never used to be cold as it always seems to be when I walk along the seacoast today. The endless days spent indoors because of the steady rain are forgotten. Only the sunshine and warmth remain as a memory.

I lived in a little seaside village which was full of holidaymakers in the summer and deserted the rest of the year. We ran free, a gang of local children of all ages. School work was never a big issue; we used to do it quickly so we could go off down to the village. We used to eat enormous slices of bread and jam before pulling on our bathing costumes and heading for the harbour to join other kids.

Our main occupation during the summer months was jumping off the harbour wall into the sea. We used to encourage one another to jump higher and higher. The most admired feat used to be the big jump from the top of the small lighthouse which was the highest point along the sea wall. Only the bravest members of the gang used to do this one.

But our greatest admiration was for the beautiful, young people who drove speed boats around the bay. We used to sit on the wall watching these strangers who lived in far-away towns and who spent their holidays sunbathing and water skiing. We used to dream of becoming members of their exclusive club and going on trips around the bay. But they never mixed with us locals.

Sometimes we went fishing off the rocks. We used to spend hours in the rock pools which were only visible at low tide. We didn’t use to do things according to the time of day, but instead, we followed the rhythm of the sea. Our clock was the timetable at the entrance to the harbour which informed the fishermen of the daily times of high and low tides.

The memory selects only parts of childhood, the rest is pushed into dark corners. We never remember the whole truth, only bits and pieces picked up here and there.

My own memory has only kept the happy moments of a free and easy childhood, but I wonder if this is always the case?

14. The author spent his childhood with his grandparents.

1) True 2) False 3) Not stated

Прочитайте текст. Определите, какие из приведённых утверждений 13–19 соответствуют содержанию текста (1 — True), какие не соответствуют (2 — False) и о чём в тексте не сказано, то есть на основании текста нельзя дать ни положительного, ни отрицательного ответа (3 — Not stated).
Пример ответа: 1

The Selective Memory

Long, warm evenings spent messing around the village harbour. Watching the fishermen going about their business. I remember a general sensation of well-being. It never used to be cold as it always seems to be when I walk along the seacoast today. The endless days spent indoors because of the steady rain are forgotten. Only the sunshine and warmth remain as a memory.

I lived in a little seaside village which was full of holidaymakers in the summer and deserted the rest of the year. We ran free, a gang of local children of all ages. School work was never a big issue; we used to do it quickly so we could go off down to the village. We used to eat enormous slices of bread and jam before pulling on our bathing costumes and heading for the harbour to join other kids.

Our main occupation during the summer months was jumping off the harbour wall into the sea. We used to encourage one another to jump higher and higher. The most admired feat used to be the big jump from the top of the small lighthouse which was the highest point along the sea wall. Only the bravest members of the gang used to do this one.

But our greatest admiration was for the beautiful, young people who drove speed boats around the bay. We used to sit on the wall watching these strangers who lived in far-away towns and who spent their holidays sunbathing and water skiing. We used to dream of becoming members of their exclusive club and going on trips around the bay. But they never mixed with us locals.

Sometimes we went fishing off the rocks. We used to spend hours in the rock pools which were only visible at low tide. We didn’t use to do things according to the time of day, but instead, we followed the rhythm of the sea. Our clock was the timetable at the entrance to the harbour which informed the fishermen of the daily times of high and low tides.

The memory selects only parts of childhood, the rest is pushed into dark corners. We never remember the whole truth, only bits and pieces picked up here and there.

My own memory has only kept the happy moments of a free and easy childhood, but I wonder if this is always the case?

15. The village was empty in cold seasons.

1) True 2) False 3) Not stated

Прочитайте текст. Определите, какие из приведённых утверждений 13–19 соответствуют содержанию текста (1 — True), какие не соответствуют (2 — False) и о чём в тексте не сказано, то есть на основании текста нельзя дать ни положительного, ни отрицательного ответа (3 — Not stated).
Пример ответа: 1

The Selective Memory

Long, warm evenings spent messing around the village harbour. Watching the fishermen going about their business. I remember a general sensation of well-being. It never used to be cold as it always seems to be when I walk along the seacoast today. The endless days spent indoors because of the steady rain are forgotten. Only the sunshine and warmth remain as a memory.

I lived in a little seaside village which was full of holidaymakers in the summer and deserted the rest of the year. We ran free, a gang of local children of all ages. School work was never a big issue; we used to do it quickly so we could go off down to the village. We used to eat enormous slices of bread and jam before pulling on our bathing costumes and heading for the harbour to join other kids.

Our main occupation during the summer months was jumping off the harbour wall into the sea. We used to encourage one another to jump higher and higher. The most admired feat used to be the big jump from the top of the small lighthouse which was the highest point along the sea wall. Only the bravest members of the gang used to do this one.

But our greatest admiration was for the beautiful, young people who drove speed boats around the bay. We used to sit on the wall watching these strangers who lived in far-away towns and who spent their holidays sunbathing and water skiing. We used to dream of becoming members of their exclusive club and going on trips around the bay. But they never mixed with us locals.

Sometimes we went fishing off the rocks. We used to spend hours in the rock pools which were only visible at low tide. We didn’t use to do things according to the time of day, but instead, we followed the rhythm of the sea. Our clock was the timetable at the entrance to the harbour which informed the fishermen of the daily times of high and low tides.

The memory selects only parts of childhood, the rest is pushed into dark corners. We never remember the whole truth, only bits and pieces picked up here and there.

My own memory has only kept the happy moments of a free and easy childhood, but I wonder if this is always the case?

16. The author didn’t study well.

1) True 2) False 3) Not stated

Прочитайте текст. Определите, какие из приведённых утверждений 13–19 соответствуют содержанию текста (1 — True), какие не соответствуют (2 — False) и о чём в тексте не сказано, то есть на основании текста нельзя дать ни положительного, ни отрицательного ответа (3 — Not stated).
Пример ответа: 1

The Selective Memory

Long, warm evenings spent messing around the village harbour. Watching the fishermen going about their business. I remember a general sensation of well-being. It never used to be cold as it always seems to be when I walk along the seacoast today. The endless days spent indoors because of the steady rain are forgotten. Only the sunshine and warmth remain as a memory.

I lived in a little seaside village which was full of holidaymakers in the summer and deserted the rest of the year. We ran free, a gang of local children of all ages. School work was never a big issue; we used to do it quickly so we could go off down to the village. We used to eat enormous slices of bread and jam before pulling on our bathing costumes and heading for the harbour to join other kids.

Our main occupation during the summer months was jumping off the harbour wall into the sea. We used to encourage one another to jump higher and higher. The most admired feat used to be the big jump from the top of the small lighthouse which was the highest point along the sea wall. Only the bravest members of the gang used to do this one.

But our greatest admiration was for the beautiful, young people who drove speed boats around the bay. We used to sit on the wall watching these strangers who lived in far-away towns and who spent their holidays sunbathing and water skiing. We used to dream of becoming members of their exclusive club and going on trips around the bay. But they never mixed with us locals.

Sometimes we went fishing off the rocks. We used to spend hours in the rock pools which were only visible at low tide. We didn’t use to do things according to the time of day, but instead, we followed the rhythm of the sea. Our clock was the timetable at the entrance to the harbour which informed the fishermen of the daily times of high and low tides.

The memory selects only parts of childhood, the rest is pushed into dark corners. We never remember the whole truth, only bits and pieces picked up here and there.

My own memory has only kept the happy moments of a free and easy childhood, but I wonder if this is always the case?

17. The children never cared about what to eat.

1) True 2) False 3) Not stated

Прочитайте текст. Определите, какие из приведённых утверждений 13–19 соответствуют содержанию текста (1 — True), какие не соответствуют (2 — False) и о чём в тексте не сказано, то есть на основании текста нельзя дать ни положительного, ни отрицательного ответа (3 — Not stated).
Пример ответа: 1

The Selective Memory

Long, warm evenings spent messing around the village harbour. Watching the fishermen going about their business. I remember a general sensation of well-being. It never used to be cold as it always seems to be when I walk along the seacoast today. The endless days spent indoors because of the steady rain are forgotten. Only the sunshine and warmth remain as a memory.

I lived in a little seaside village which was full of holidaymakers in the summer and deserted the rest of the year. We ran free, a gang of local children of all ages. School work was never a big issue; we used to do it quickly so we could go off down to the village. We used to eat enormous slices of bread and jam before pulling on our bathing costumes and heading for the harbour to join other kids.

Our main occupation during the summer months was jumping off the harbour wall into the sea. We used to encourage one another to jump higher and higher. The most admired feat used to be the big jump from the top of the small lighthouse which was the highest point along the sea wall. Only the bravest members of the gang used to do this one.

But our greatest admiration was for the beautiful, young people who drove speed boats around the bay. We used to sit on the wall watching these strangers who lived in far-away towns and who spent their holidays sunbathing and water skiing. We used to dream of becoming members of their exclusive club and going on trips around the bay. But they never mixed with us locals.

Sometimes we went fishing off the rocks. We used to spend hours in the rock pools which were only visible at low tide. We didn’t use to do things according to the time of day, but instead, we followed the rhythm of the sea. Our clock was the timetable at the entrance to the harbour which informed the fishermen of the daily times of high and low tides.

The memory selects only parts of childhood, the rest is pushed into dark corners. We never remember the whole truth, only bits and pieces picked up here and there.

My own memory has only kept the happy moments of a free and easy childhood, but I wonder if this is always the case?

18. The author was the bravest member of his company.

1) True 2) False 3) Not stated

Прочитайте текст. Определите, какие из приведённых утверждений 13–19 соответствуют содержанию текста (1 — True), какие не соответствуют (2 — False) и о чём в тексте не сказано, то есть на основании текста нельзя дать ни положительного, ни отрицательного ответа (3 — Not stated).
Пример ответа: 1

The Selective Memory

Long, warm evenings spent messing around the village harbour. Watching the fishermen going about their business. I remember a general sensation of well-being. It never used to be cold as it always seems to be when I walk along the seacoast today. The endless days spent indoors because of the steady rain are forgotten. Only the sunshine and warmth remain as a memory.

I lived in a little seaside village which was full of holidaymakers in the summer and deserted the rest of the year. We ran free, a gang of local children of all ages. School work was never a big issue; we used to do it quickly so we could go off down to the village. We used to eat enormous slices of bread and jam before pulling on our bathing costumes and heading for the harbour to join other kids.

Our main occupation during the summer months was jumping off the harbour wall into the sea. We used to encourage one another to jump higher and higher. The most admired feat used to be the big jump from the top of the small lighthouse which was the highest point along the sea wall. Only the bravest members of the gang used to do this one.

But our greatest admiration was for the beautiful, young people who drove speed boats around the bay. We used to sit on the wall watching these strangers who lived in far-away towns and who spent their holidays sunbathing and water skiing. We used to dream of becoming members of their exclusive club and going on trips around the bay. But they never mixed with us locals.

Sometimes we went fishing off the rocks. We used to spend hours in the rock pools which were only visible at low tide. We didn’t use to do things according to the time of day, but instead, we followed the rhythm of the sea. Our clock was the timetable at the entrance to the harbour which informed the fishermen of the daily times of high and low tides.

The memory selects only parts of childhood, the rest is pushed into dark corners. We never remember the whole truth, only bits and pieces picked up here and there.

My own memory has only kept the happy moments of a free and easy childhood, but I wonder if this is always the case?

19. The author made a lot of friends with tourists.

1) True 2) False 3) Not stated

Прочитайте текст. Определите, какие из приведённых утверждений 13–19 соответствуют содержанию текста (1 — True), какие не соответствуют (2 — False) и о чём в тексте не сказано, то есть на основании текста нельзя дать ни положительного, ни отрицательного ответа (3 — Not stated).
Пример ответа: 1

Niccolo Paganini: Virtuoso or Devil?

He was the first superstar. His incredible technique — he could do miracles with his violin — and his unusual appearance tempted many of his admirers to whisper that he was the son of the devil.

Although Niccolo Paganini was always the subject of rumour, the secret of his power was that he worked hard since early childhood. Paganini was born in Genoa, Italy, on October 27, 1782. His father, Antonio Paganini raised his son with a hand of iron. He hoped that his son’s talent would bring the family fame and wealth, so he forced Niccolo to practise from morning to night. He drilled the boy constantly, even leaving him without food, if he didn’t play well enough. In 1797, Paganini started his concert tours. He earned enough money to support himself and he left home.

He composed, he taught, he gave concerts. His violin could sound so soft and sweet that his audiences often burst into tears. People just couldn’t believe that a man could play like that.

Paganini’s appearance seemed to support this opinion. He was tall and thin, and his long pale face, his eyes which were like flaming charcoals and his long curly hair looked a bit diabolic. Sometimes people crossed themselves if he accidentally touched them.

Paganini became something of a legend. He enjoyed playing tricks at his concerts. In the middle of a piece, he would cut all of the strings except for one and continue just on the one string.

Paganini made a lot of money during his career. But in 1836, he decided to open a casino — a “Casino Paganini” — in Paris. It was a failure and he lost almost all his money. Paganini’s health had always been weak and after that his illness grew worse. He died on May 27, 1840 in Nice, France.

Church refused to allow him a burial on holy ground. Paganini’s son took his father’s body to Genoa, but they were not allowed to enter the city. Only five years after Paganini’s death, his son, by appealing directly to the Pope, received permission to bury the body of the great violinist in a village church.

13. Paganini’s father was extremely strict.

1) True 2) False 3) Not stated

Прочитайте текст. Определите, какие из приведённых утверждений 13–19 соответствуют содержанию текста (1 — True), какие не соответствуют (2 — False) и о чём в тексте не сказано, то есть на основании текста нельзя дать ни положительного, ни отрицательного ответа (3 — Not stated).
Пример ответа: 1

Niccolo Paganini: Virtuoso or Devil?

He was the first superstar. His incredible technique — he could do miracles with his violin — and his unusual appearance tempted many of his admirers to whisper that he was the son of the devil.

Although Niccolo Paganini was always the subject of rumour, the secret of his power was that he worked hard since early childhood. Paganini was born in Genoa, Italy, on October 27, 1782. His father, Antonio Paganini raised his son with a hand of iron. He hoped that his son’s talent would bring the family fame and wealth, so he forced Niccolo to practise from morning to night. He drilled the boy constantly, even leaving him without food, if he didn’t play well enough. In 1797, Paganini started his concert tours. He earned enough money to support himself and he left home.

He composed, he taught, he gave concerts. His violin could sound so soft and sweet that his audiences often burst into tears. People just couldn’t believe that a man could play like that.

Paganini’s appearance seemed to support this opinion. He was tall and thin, and his long pale face, his eyes which were like flaming charcoals and his long curly hair looked a bit diabolic. Sometimes people crossed themselves if he accidentally touched them.

Paganini became something of a legend. He enjoyed playing tricks at his concerts. In the middle of a piece, he would cut all of the strings except for one and continue just on the one string.

Paganini made a lot of money during his career. But in 1836, he decided to open a casino — a “Casino Paganini” — in Paris. It was a failure and he lost almost all his money. Paganini’s health had always been weak and after that his illness grew worse. He died on May 27, 1840 in Nice, France.

Church refused to allow him a burial on holy ground. Paganini’s son took his father’s body to Genoa, but they were not allowed to enter the city. Only five years after Paganini’s death, his son, by appealing directly to the Pope, received permission to bury the body of the great violinist in a village church.

14. Paganini’s appearance attracted people’s attention.

1) True 2) False 3) Not stated

Прочитайте текст. Определите, какие из приведённых утверждений 13–19 соответствуют содержанию текста (1 — True), какие не соответствуют (2 — False) и о чём в тексте не сказано, то есть на основании текста нельзя дать ни положительного, ни отрицательного ответа (3 — Not stated).
Пример ответа: 1

Niccolo Paganini: Virtuoso or Devil?

He was the first superstar. His incredible technique — he could do miracles with his violin — and his unusual appearance tempted many of his admirers to whisper that he was the son of the devil.

Although Niccolo Paganini was always the subject of rumour, the secret of his power was that he worked hard since early childhood. Paganini was born in Genoa, Italy, on October 27, 1782. His father, Antonio Paganini raised his son with a hand of iron. He hoped that his son’s talent would bring the family fame and wealth, so he forced Niccolo to practise from morning to night. He drilled the boy constantly, even leaving him without food, if he didn’t play well enough. In 1797, Paganini started his concert tours. He earned enough money to support himself and he left home.

He composed, he taught, he gave concerts. His violin could sound so soft and sweet that his audiences often burst into tears. People just couldn’t believe that a man could play like that.

Paganini’s appearance seemed to support this opinion. He was tall and thin, and his long pale face, his eyes which were like flaming charcoals and his long curly hair looked a bit diabolic. Sometimes people crossed themselves if he accidentally touched them.

Paganini became something of a legend. He enjoyed playing tricks at his concerts. In the middle of a piece, he would cut all of the strings except for one and continue just on the one string.

Paganini made a lot of money during his career. But in 1836, he decided to open a casino — a “Casino Paganini” — in Paris. It was a failure and he lost almost all his money. Paganini’s health had always been weak and after that his illness grew worse. He died on May 27, 1840 in Nice, France.

Church refused to allow him a burial on holy ground. Paganini’s son took his father’s body to Genoa, but they were not allowed to enter the city. Only five years after Paganini’s death, his son, by appealing directly to the Pope, received permission to bury the body of the great violinist in a village church.

15. Paganini often touched people to scare them.

1) True 2) False 3) Not stated

Прочитайте текст. Определите, какие из приведённых утверждений 13–19 соответствуют содержанию текста (1 — True), какие не соответствуют (2 — False) и о чём в тексте не сказано, то есть на основании текста нельзя дать ни положительного, ни отрицательного ответа (3 — Not stated).
Пример ответа: 1

Niccolo Paganini: Virtuoso or Devil?

He was the first superstar. His incredible technique — he could do miracles with his violin — and his unusual appearance tempted many of his admirers to whisper that he was the son of the devil.

Although Niccolo Paganini was always the subject of rumour, the secret of his power was that he worked hard since early childhood. Paganini was born in Genoa, Italy, on October 27, 1782. His father, Antonio Paganini raised his son with a hand of iron. He hoped that his son’s talent would bring the family fame and wealth, so he forced Niccolo to practise from morning to night. He drilled the boy constantly, even leaving him without food, if he didn’t play well enough. In 1797, Paganini started his concert tours. He earned enough money to support himself and he left home.

He composed, he taught, he gave concerts. His violin could sound so soft and sweet that his audiences often burst into tears. People just couldn’t believe that a man could play like that.

Paganini’s appearance seemed to support this opinion. He was tall and thin, and his long pale face, his eyes which were like flaming charcoals and his long curly hair looked a bit diabolic. Sometimes people crossed themselves if he accidentally touched them.

Paganini became something of a legend. He enjoyed playing tricks at his concerts. In the middle of a piece, he would cut all of the strings except for one and continue just on the one string.

Paganini made a lot of money during his career. But in 1836, he decided to open a casino — a “Casino Paganini” — in Paris. It was a failure and he lost almost all his money. Paganini’s health had always been weak and after that his illness grew worse. He died on May 27, 1840 in Nice, France.

Church refused to allow him a burial on holy ground. Paganini’s son took his father’s body to Genoa, but they were not allowed to enter the city. Only five years after Paganini’s death, his son, by appealing directly to the Pope, received permission to bury the body of the great violinist in a village church.

16. At the concerts he often played on one string.

1) True 2) False 3) Not stated

Прочитайте текст. Определите, какие из приведённых утверждений 13–19 соответствуют содержанию текста (1 — True), какие не соответствуют (2 — False) и о чём в тексте не сказано, то есть на основании текста нельзя дать ни положительного, ни отрицательного ответа (3 — Not stated).
Пример ответа: 1

Niccolo Paganini: Virtuoso or Devil?

He was the first superstar. His incredible technique — he could do miracles with his violin — and his unusual appearance tempted many of his admirers to whisper that he was the son of the devil.

Although Niccolo Paganini was always the subject of rumour, the secret of his power was that he worked hard since early childhood. Paganini was born in Genoa, Italy, on October 27, 1782. His father, Antonio Paganini raised his son with a hand of iron. He hoped that his son’s talent would bring the family fame and wealth, so he forced Niccolo to practise from morning to night. He drilled the boy constantly, even leaving him without food, if he didn’t play well enough. In 1797, Paganini started his concert tours. He earned enough money to support himself and he left home.

He composed, he taught, he gave concerts. His violin could sound so soft and sweet that his audiences often burst into tears. People just couldn’t believe that a man could play like that.

Paganini’s appearance seemed to support this opinion. He was tall and thin, and his long pale face, his eyes which were like flaming charcoals and his long curly hair looked a bit diabolic. Sometimes people crossed themselves if he accidentally touched them.

Paganini became something of a legend. He enjoyed playing tricks at his concerts. In the middle of a piece, he would cut all of the strings except for one and continue just on the one string.

Paganini made a lot of money during his career. But in 1836, he decided to open a casino — a “Casino Paganini” — in Paris. It was a failure and he lost almost all his money. Paganini’s health had always been weak and after that his illness grew worse. He died on May 27, 1840 in Nice, France.

Church refused to allow him a burial on holy ground. Paganini’s son took his father’s body to Genoa, but they were not allowed to enter the city. Only five years after Paganini’s death, his son, by appealing directly to the Pope, received permission to bury the body of the great violinist in a village church.

17. Paganini was a successful businessman.

1) True 2) False 3) Not stated

Прочитайте текст. Определите, какие из приведённых утверждений 13–19 соответствуют содержанию текста (1 — True), какие не соответствуют (2 — False) и о чём в тексте не сказано, то есть на основании текста нельзя дать ни положительного, ни отрицательного ответа (3 — Not stated).
Пример ответа: 1

Niccolo Paganini: Virtuoso or Devil?

He was the first superstar. His incredible technique — he could do miracles with his violin — and his unusual appearance tempted many of his admirers to whisper that he was the son of the devil.

Although Niccolo Paganini was always the subject of rumour, the secret of his power was that he worked hard since early childhood. Paganini was born in Genoa, Italy, on October 27, 1782. His father, Antonio Paganini raised his son with a hand of iron. He hoped that his son’s talent would bring the family fame and wealth, so he forced Niccolo to practise from morning to night. He drilled the boy constantly, even leaving him without food, if he didn’t play well enough. In 1797, Paganini started his concert tours. He earned enough money to support himself and he left home.

He composed, he taught, he gave concerts. His violin could sound so soft and sweet that his audiences often burst into tears. People just couldn’t believe that a man could play like that.

Paganini’s appearance seemed to support this opinion. He was tall and thin, and his long pale face, his eyes which were like flaming charcoals and his long curly hair looked a bit diabolic. Sometimes people crossed themselves if he accidentally touched them.

Paganini became something of a legend. He enjoyed playing tricks at his concerts. In the middle of a piece, he would cut all of the strings except for one and continue just on the one string.

Paganini made a lot of money during his career. But in 1836, he decided to open a casino — a “Casino Paganini” — in Paris. It was a failure and he lost almost all his money. Paganini’s health had always been weak and after that his illness grew worse. He died on May 27, 1840 in Nice, France.

Church refused to allow him a burial on holy ground. Paganini’s son took his father’s body to Genoa, but they were not allowed to enter the city. Only five years after Paganini’s death, his son, by appealing directly to the Pope, received permission to bury the body of the great violinist in a village church.

18. He died of a heart attack.

1) True 2) False 3) Not stated

Прочитайте текст. Определите, какие из приведённых утверждений 13–19 соответствуют содержанию текста (1 — True), какие не соответствуют (2 — False) и о чём в тексте не сказано, то есть на основании текста нельзя дать ни положительного, ни отрицательного ответа (3 — Not stated).
Пример ответа: 1

Niccolo Paganini: Virtuoso or Devil?

He was the first superstar. His incredible technique — he could do miracles with his violin — and his unusual appearance tempted many of his admirers to whisper that he was the son of the devil.

Although Niccolo Paganini was always the subject of rumour, the secret of his power was that he worked hard since early childhood. Paganini was born in Genoa, Italy, on October 27, 1782. His father, Antonio Paganini raised his son with a hand of iron. He hoped that his son’s talent would bring the family fame and wealth, so he forced Niccolo to practise from morning to night. He drilled the boy constantly, even leaving him without food, if he didn’t play well enough. In 1797, Paganini started his concert tours. He earned enough money to support himself and he left home.

He composed, he taught, he gave concerts. His violin could sound so soft and sweet that his audiences often burst into tears. People just couldn’t believe that a man could play like that.

Paganini’s appearance seemed to support this opinion. He was tall and thin, and his long pale face, his eyes which were like flaming charcoals and his long curly hair looked a bit diabolic. Sometimes people crossed themselves if he accidentally touched them.

Paganini became something of a legend. He enjoyed playing tricks at his concerts. In the middle of a piece, he would cut all of the strings except for one and continue just on the one string.

Paganini made a lot of money during his career. But in 1836, he decided to open a casino — a “Casino Paganini” — in Paris. It was a failure and he lost almost all his money. Paganini’s health had always been weak and after that his illness grew worse. He died on May 27, 1840 in Nice, France.

Church refused to allow him a burial on holy ground. Paganini’s son took his father’s body to Genoa, but they were not allowed to enter the city. Only five years after Paganini’s death, his son, by appealing directly to the Pope, received permission to bury the body of the great violinist in a village church.

19. Paganini was buried in Genoa.

1) True 2) False 3) Not stated

Прочитайте текст. Определите, какие из приведённых утверждений 13–19 соответствуют содержанию текста (1 — True), какие не соответствуют (2 — False) и о чём в тексте не сказано, то есть на основании текста нельзя дать ни положительного, ни отрицательного ответа (3 — Not stated).
Пример ответа: 1

A Christmas Story

Years ago, there was a very rich man whose main interest in life was collecting art. He was a widower and he had a son, who shared his father’s passion. Together they travelled around the world buying the finest pictures for their collection.

War put an end to their travels. The young man left to serve his country. After a few weeks, his father got the news that the young man had died while taking a fellow soldier to hospital.

Miserable and lonely, the old man thought about the upcoming Christmas holidays. On Christmas morning, a knock on the door awakened the depressed old man. As he opened the door, he saw a young soldier with a large package in his hand. “I was a friend of your son,” he said. “I was the one he was rescuing when he died. May I come in? I have something to show you.”

The soldier told the old man how his son had saved his life and how everyone in the regiment loved and respected him.

“I’m an artist,” said the soldier, “and I want to give you this.” He handed the package to the old man. The old man unwrapped the package and saw that it was a picture — a portrait of his son. The old man knew enough about art to understand that the picture was not the work of a genius, but it was his son’s face, his features, his expression... The likeness was striking.

The painting of his son soon became his most prized possession. He valued it more than the pieces which museums around the world would be proud to have.

The following spring, the old man became ill and died. As he had no relatives, all his paintings were to be sold at an auction. According to the old man’s will, the pictures had to be auctioned on Christmas Day, the day he had received his greatest gift. Art collectors from around the world gathered to buy some of the world’s most famous paintings.

The auction began with a painting that was not on any museum’s list. It was the painting of the man’s son. The auctioneer asked for an opening sum. The room was silent. “Who will start with $100?” he asked. No one spoke. Minutes passed. From the back of the room came, “Who cares about that painting? It’s just a picture of his son. Let’s forget it and go on to the good stuff.”

“No, we have to sell this one first,” replied the auctioneer. “Now, who will take the son?”

After a few minutes a man stood up and said, “I’m not an art collector. I just knew the father and the son, and I’d like to have the boy’s portrait, if nobody wants it. But I have only ten dollars.”

“Ten dollars. Will anyone go higher?” called the auctioneer. “Going once, going twice. And now the auction is over.”

The room went quiet. Everybody looked at the auctioneer in disbelief. Then somebody asked, “What do you mean it’s over? We didn’t come here for a picture of some old man’s son painted by an artist nobody has heard of. What about all these paintings?”

The auctioneer replied, “It’s very simple. According to the will of the father, whoever takes the son ... gets it all.”

13. The old man’s son was a passionate artist.

1) True 2) False 3) Not stated

Прочитайте текст. Определите, какие из приведённых утверждений 13–19 соответствуют содержанию текста (1 — True), какие не соответствуют (2 — False) и о чём в тексте не сказано, то есть на основании текста нельзя дать ни положительного, ни отрицательного ответа (3 — Not stated).
Пример ответа: 1

A Christmas Story

Years ago, there was a very rich man whose main interest in life was collecting art. He was a widower and he had a son, who shared his father’s passion. Together they travelled around the world buying the finest pictures for their collection.

War put an end to their travels. The young man left to serve his country. After a few weeks, his father got the news that the young man had died while taking a fellow soldier to hospital.

Miserable and lonely, the old man thought about the upcoming Christmas holidays. On Christmas morning, a knock on the door awakened the depressed old man. As he opened the door, he saw a young soldier with a large package in his hand. “I was a friend of your son,” he said. “I was the one he was rescuing when he died. May I come in? I have something to show you.”

The soldier told the old man how his son had saved his life and how everyone in the regiment loved and respected him.

“I’m an artist,” said the soldier, “and I want to give you this.” He handed the package to the old man. The old man unwrapped the package and saw that it was a picture — a portrait of his son. The old man knew enough about art to understand that the picture was not the work of a genius, but it was his son’s face, his features, his expression... The likeness was striking.

The painting of his son soon became his most prized possession. He valued it more than the pieces which museums around the world would be proud to have.

The following spring, the old man became ill and died. As he had no relatives, all his paintings were to be sold at an auction. According to the old man’s will, the pictures had to be auctioned on Christmas Day, the day he had received his greatest gift. Art collectors from around the world gathered to buy some of the world’s most famous paintings.

The auction began with a painting that was not on any museum’s list. It was the painting of the man’s son. The auctioneer asked for an opening sum. The room was silent. “Who will start with $100?” he asked. No one spoke. Minutes passed. From the back of the room came, “Who cares about that painting? It’s just a picture of his son. Let’s forget it and go on to the good stuff.”

“No, we have to sell this one first,” replied the auctioneer. “Now, who will take the son?”

After a few minutes a man stood up and said, “I’m not an art collector. I just knew the father and the son, and I’d like to have the boy’s portrait, if nobody wants it. But I have only ten dollars.”

“Ten dollars. Will anyone go higher?” called the auctioneer. “Going once, going twice. And now the auction is over.”

The room went quiet. Everybody looked at the auctioneer in disbelief. Then somebody asked, “What do you mean it’s over? We didn’t come here for a picture of some old man’s son painted by an artist nobody has heard of. What about all these paintings?”

The auctioneer replied, “It’s very simple. According to the will of the father, whoever takes the son ... gets it all.”

14. The old man used to celebrate Christmas with his son.

1) True 2) False 3) Not stated

Прочитайте текст. Определите, какие из приведённых утверждений 13–19 соответствуют содержанию текста (1 — True), какие не соответствуют (2 — False) и о чём в тексте не сказано, то есть на основании текста нельзя дать ни положительного, ни отрицательного ответа (3 — Not stated).
Пример ответа: 1

A Christmas Story

Years ago, there was a very rich man whose main interest in life was collecting art. He was a widower and he had a son, who shared his father’s passion. Together they travelled around the world buying the finest pictures for their collection.

War put an end to their travels. The young man left to serve his country. After a few weeks, his father got the news that the young man had died while taking a fellow soldier to hospital.

Miserable and lonely, the old man thought about the upcoming Christmas holidays. On Christmas morning, a knock on the door awakened the depressed old man. As he opened the door, he saw a young soldier with a large package in his hand. “I was a friend of your son,” he said. “I was the one he was rescuing when he died. May I come in? I have something to show you.”

The soldier told the old man how his son had saved his life and how everyone in the regiment loved and respected him.

“I’m an artist,” said the soldier, “and I want to give you this.” He handed the package to the old man. The old man unwrapped the package and saw that it was a picture — a portrait of his son. The old man knew enough about art to understand that the picture was not the work of a genius, but it was his son’s face, his features, his expression... The likeness was striking.

The painting of his son soon became his most prized possession. He valued it more than the pieces which museums around the world would be proud to have.

The following spring, the old man became ill and died. As he had no relatives, all his paintings were to be sold at an auction. According to the old man’s will, the pictures had to be auctioned on Christmas Day, the day he had received his greatest gift. Art collectors from around the world gathered to buy some of the world’s most famous paintings.

The auction began with a painting that was not on any museum’s list. It was the painting of the man’s son. The auctioneer asked for an opening sum. The room was silent. “Who will start with $100?” he asked. No one spoke. Minutes passed. From the back of the room came, “Who cares about that painting? It’s just a picture of his son. Let’s forget it and go on to the good stuff.”

“No, we have to sell this one first,” replied the auctioneer. “Now, who will take the son?”

After a few minutes a man stood up and said, “I’m not an art collector. I just knew the father and the son, and I’d like to have the boy’s portrait, if nobody wants it. But I have only ten dollars.”

“Ten dollars. Will anyone go higher?” called the auctioneer. “Going once, going twice. And now the auction is over.”

The room went quiet. Everybody looked at the auctioneer in disbelief. Then somebody asked, “What do you mean it’s over? We didn’t come here for a picture of some old man’s son painted by an artist nobody has heard of. What about all these paintings?”

The auctioneer replied, “It’s very simple. According to the will of the father, whoever takes the son ... gets it all.”

15. The young man served as a medical officer in the army.

1) True 2) False 3) Not stated

Прочитайте текст. Определите, какие из приведённых утверждений 13–19 соответствуют содержанию текста (1 — True), какие не соответствуют (2 — False) и о чём в тексте не сказано, то есть на основании текста нельзя дать ни положительного, ни отрицательного ответа (3 — Not stated).
Пример ответа: 1

A Christmas Story

Years ago, there was a very rich man whose main interest in life was collecting art. He was a widower and he had a son, who shared his father’s passion. Together they travelled around the world buying the finest pictures for their collection.

War put an end to their travels. The young man left to serve his country. After a few weeks, his father got the news that the young man had died while taking a fellow soldier to hospital.

Miserable and lonely, the old man thought about the upcoming Christmas holidays. On Christmas morning, a knock on the door awakened the depressed old man. As he opened the door, he saw a young soldier with a large package in his hand. “I was a friend of your son,” he said. “I was the one he was rescuing when he died. May I come in? I have something to show you.”

The soldier told the old man how his son had saved his life and how everyone in the regiment loved and respected him.

“I’m an artist,” said the soldier, “and I want to give you this.” He handed the package to the old man. The old man unwrapped the package and saw that it was a picture — a portrait of his son. The old man knew enough about art to understand that the picture was not the work of a genius, but it was his son’s face, his features, his expression... The likeness was striking.

The painting of his son soon became his most prized possession. He valued it more than the pieces which museums around the world would be proud to have.

The following spring, the old man became ill and died. As he had no relatives, all his paintings were to be sold at an auction. According to the old man’s will, the pictures had to be auctioned on Christmas Day, the day he had received his greatest gift. Art collectors from around the world gathered to buy some of the world’s most famous paintings.

The auction began with a painting that was not on any museum’s list. It was the painting of the man’s son. The auctioneer asked for an opening sum. The room was silent. “Who will start with $100?” he asked. No one spoke. Minutes passed. From the back of the room came, “Who cares about that painting? It’s just a picture of his son. Let’s forget it and go on to the good stuff.”

“No, we have to sell this one first,” replied the auctioneer. “Now, who will take the son?”

After a few minutes a man stood up and said, “I’m not an art collector. I just knew the father and the son, and I’d like to have the boy’s portrait, if nobody wants it. But I have only ten dollars.”

“Ten dollars. Will anyone go higher?” called the auctioneer. “Going once, going twice. And now the auction is over.”

The room went quiet. Everybody looked at the auctioneer in disbelief. Then somebody asked, “What do you mean it’s over? We didn’t come here for a picture of some old man’s son painted by an artist nobody has heard of. What about all these paintings?”

The auctioneer replied, “It’s very simple. According to the will of the father, whoever takes the son ... gets it all.”

16. The soldier artist managed to paint a close-to-life portrait of his friend.

1) True 2) False 3) Not stated

Прочитайте текст. Определите, какие из приведённых утверждений 13–19 соответствуют содержанию текста (1 — True), какие не соответствуют (2 — False) и о чём в тексте не сказано, то есть на основании текста нельзя дать ни положительного, ни отрицательного ответа (3 — Not stated).
Пример ответа: 1

A Christmas Story

Years ago, there was a very rich man whose main interest in life was collecting art. He was a widower and he had a son, who shared his father’s passion. Together they travelled around the world buying the finest pictures for their collection.

War put an end to their travels. The young man left to serve his country. After a few weeks, his father got the news that the young man had died while taking a fellow soldier to hospital.

Miserable and lonely, the old man thought about the upcoming Christmas holidays. On Christmas morning, a knock on the door awakened the depressed old man. As he opened the door, he saw a young soldier with a large package in his hand. “I was a friend of your son,” he said. “I was the one he was rescuing when he died. May I come in? I have something to show you.”

The soldier told the old man how his son had saved his life and how everyone in the regiment loved and respected him.

“I’m an artist,” said the soldier, “and I want to give you this.” He handed the package to the old man. The old man unwrapped the package and saw that it was a picture — a portrait of his son. The old man knew enough about art to understand that the picture was not the work of a genius, but it was his son’s face, his features, his expression... The likeness was striking.

The painting of his son soon became his most prized possession. He valued it more than the pieces which museums around the world would be proud to have.

The following spring, the old man became ill and died. As he had no relatives, all his paintings were to be sold at an auction. According to the old man’s will, the pictures had to be auctioned on Christmas Day, the day he had received his greatest gift. Art collectors from around the world gathered to buy some of the world’s most famous paintings.

The auction began with a painting that was not on any museum’s list. It was the painting of the man’s son. The auctioneer asked for an opening sum. The room was silent. “Who will start with $100?” he asked. No one spoke. Minutes passed. From the back of the room came, “Who cares about that painting? It’s just a picture of his son. Let’s forget it and go on to the good stuff.”

“No, we have to sell this one first,” replied the auctioneer. “Now, who will take the son?”

After a few minutes a man stood up and said, “I’m not an art collector. I just knew the father and the son, and I’d like to have the boy’s portrait, if nobody wants it. But I have only ten dollars.”

“Ten dollars. Will anyone go higher?” called the auctioneer. “Going once, going twice. And now the auction is over.”

The room went quiet. Everybody looked at the auctioneer in disbelief. Then somebody asked, “What do you mean it’s over? We didn’t come here for a picture of some old man’s son painted by an artist nobody has heard of. What about all these paintings?”

The auctioneer replied, “It’s very simple. According to the will of the father, whoever takes the son ... gets it all.”

17. Christmas Day was a special day for the old man.

1) True 2) False 3) Not stated