A person should not be late at the office

Бессарабова, О.Н.

Задания по чтению для подготовки к тестированию по английскому языку: учебно-методическое пособие / О.Н. Бессарабова ; Рост. гос. ун-т путей сообщения. – Ростов н/Д, 2011. – 49 с.

Учебно-методическое пособие предназначено для аудиторной и самостоятельной работы студентов первого и второго курсов всех специальностей при подготовке к промежуточному и итоговому тестированию по английскому языку.

Основной задачей данного пособия является развитие у студентов навыков различных видов чтения, необходимых для успешного освоения дидактической единицы «Чтение».

Пособие содержит тексты различной сложности, соответствующие требованию к уровням усвоения иностранного языка в каждом из четырех семестров первого и второго курсов обучения, комплекты заданий по различным видам чтения, методические рекомендации для студентов и преподавателей. Разработанная система упражнений позволяет диагностировать трудности, возникающие у студентов при работе с текстовым материалом, и корректировать соответствующие навыки. Кроме того, работа с пособием предполагает также усвоение студентами информации общекультурного, страноведческого характера и нацелена на развитие культурологической составляющей коммуникативной компетенции.

Рецензенты

канд.филол.наук, доц. В.А. Ражина (РГУПС);

ст. преп. В.К. Барашян (РГУПС)

Оглавление

Введение………………………..………………...
Методические рекомендации………………...…………
Тесты – Тип 1………..……………………………….
Семестр 1…………………………………………………….
Семестр 2…………………………………………………….
Семестр 3…………………………………………………….
Семестр 4…………………………………………………….
Тесты – Тип 2………………………………………….
Семестр 1…………………………………………………….
Семестр 2…………………………………………………….
Семестр 3…………………………………………………….
Семестр 4…………………………………………………….
Библиографический список………………………………

Введение

Одним из важнейших способов получения информации в современном мире, независимо от возраста, образования, воспитания человека, является чтение. Но для специалиста, работающего в условиях глобализации и интернационализации рынка труда, необходимым условием успешной профессиональной деятельности становится умение получать информацию из различных источников, в том числе на иностранных языках. Поэтому умение читать и понимать иностранную литературу является одним из основных требований, заложенных в программе по иностранному языку любого высшего профессионального учебного заведения.

Чтение тесно связано с письмом, поскольку использует графическую систему изучаемого языка. Но чтение также связано и с говорением, так как информация, полученная при чтении, используется в процессе коммуникации. Современный коммуникативный подход к изучению иностранного языка требует подчинения всех частных задач общей цели – обеспечить необходимые навыки и условия для успешного осуществления коммуникации. Но это вовсе не означает подчинения чтения как вида деятельности устной речи. Каждый из них имеет свою специфику, цели и задачи, включает набор необходимых навыков. Чтение как определенный вид деятельности характеризуется мотивом, целью, условиями и результатом. «Мотивом является всегда общение или коммуникация с помощью печатного слова; целью – получение информации по тому вопросу, который интересует читающего. К условиям деятельности чтения относят овладение графической системой языка и приемами извлечения информации. Результатом деятельности является понимание или извлечение информации из прочитанного с разной степенью точности и глубины» [1].

Хотя чтение и является рецептивным видом деятельности, результатом успешного применения навыков чтения являются продуктивные действия, то есть использование полученной информации в устной и письменной речи, в повседневных и профессиональных ситуациях общения. «Задачи обучения чтению как самостоятельному виду речевой деятельности заключаются в следующем: научить учащихся извлекать информацию из текста в том объеме, который необходим для решения конкретной речевой задачи, используя определенные технологии» [2]. Именно эта установка и определяет один из принципов классификации чтения по видам.

Виды чтения – это последовательность действий, обусловленных целью чтения и характеризующихся «специфическим сочетанием приемов смысловой и перцептивной переработки материала, воспринимаемого зрительно» [3]. Классификация видов чтения связана с коммуникативными целями и задачами читающего, которые определяют необходимую степень полноты и точности понимания материала. На основе этих критериев С. К. Фоломкина выделяет следующие виды чтения: поисковое, просмотровое, ознакомительное и изучающее [4].

При ознакомительном чтении необходимо «в результате быстрого прочтения всего текста извлечь содержащуюся в нем основную информацию, то есть выяснить, какие вопросы и каким образом решаются в тексте, что именно говорится в нем по данным вопросам. Оно требует умения различать главную и второстепенную информацию» [5]. Этот вид чтения предполагает работу со всем предложенным текстом, произведением. Студент не имеет задачи воспроизвести текст или использовать информацию каким-либо способом. Задания для данного вида чтения предлагают ответить на вопросы, соотнести информацию с содержанием текста, проанализировать слова.

«Изучающее чтение предусматривает максимально полное и точное понимание всей содержащейся в тексте информации и критическое ее осмысление» [5]. Этот вид чтения требует значительного количества времени для вдумчивого чтения текста и анализа его содержания. Предлагаемые задания также могут потребовать ответить на вопросы, но для успешного выполнения необходимо не только вернуться к нужному разделу или абзацу, но и полностью осознать, понять и суметь интерпретировать предложенную информацию.

Просмотровое чтение – это «беглое, выборочное чтение текста по блокам для более подробного ознакомления с его «фокусирующими» деталями и частями» [5]. Студент должен получить общее представление о ряде вопросов, рассматриваемых в тексте и суметь оформить информацию в виде краткого сообщения или реферата. Задания по данному виду чтения могут включать следующее: просмотреть текст и определить, подходит ли он к данной теме, о чем этот текст, каковы его ключевые слова.

Цель поискового чтения – «быстрое нахождение в тексте вполне определенных данных (фактов, характеристик, цифровых показателей, указаний). Оно направлено на нахождение в тексте конкретной информации» [5]. Студент не анализирует текст целиком или по частям, а лишь выбирает необходимую информацию, ориентируясь на структуру текста.

Методисты выделяют три типа заданий по чтению: с извлечением основной информации (ознакомительное чтение), с извлечением полной информации (изучающее чтение), с извлечением необходимой информации (просмотровое/ поисковое чтение). «В основе каждого вида чтения лежат следующие умения:

1) понимание общего содержания: получать общее представление о прочитанном; определять, есть ли в тексте интересующая читателя информация;2) понимание основного содержания: определять и выделять основную информацию текста; отделять информацию первостепенной важности от второстепенной; устанавливать связь (логическую, хронологическую) событий, фактов; предвосхищать возможное развитие (завершение) действия, событий; обобщать изложенные в тексте факты; делать выводы по прочитанному и т.д.; 3) извлечение полной информации из текста: полно и точно понимать факты, детали, выделять информацию, подтверждающую, уточняющую что-либо; устанавливать взаимосвязь событий; раскрывать причинно-следственные отношения между ними, определять главную идею, сравнивать, сопоставлять информацию и др.;4) понимание необходимой (интересующей) информации: определять в общих чертах тему текста; определять жанр текста, выявлять информацию, относящуюся к какому-либо вопросу, определять важность (ценность) информации и др.» [5].

Развитие навыков чтения иностранной литературы чрезвычайно необходимо при подготовке будущих специалистов в любой сфере профессиональной деятельности. Без этих умений и навыков невозможно формирование иноязычной коммуникативной компетенции специалиста. Чтение литературы на иностранном языке расширяет кругозор человека, снабжает его необходимыми знаниями, обеспечивает его не только профессиональной, но и страноведческой, общекультурной информацией.

Методические рекомендации

Умения читать, понимать и осмысливать материал в процессе чтения определяют глубину и точность понимания заключенной в тексте информации. При работе с иностранной литературой специалист должен уметь просмотреть статью и определить, относится ли она к его теме, содержит ли нужную информацию, и следует ли читать материал более внимательно (просмотровое чтение). Если текст соответствует запросу, то специалист может ознакомиться с ее содержанием и узнать, что в нем говорится по интересующим его вопросам (ознакомительное чтение), и при наличии новой (интересной, непонятной) информации, перейти к внимательному чтению текста, чтобы полностью понять и проанализировать его содержание (изучающее чтение). В других случаях специалисту будет необходимо отыскать в нем нужную информацию (поисковое чтение). Очевидно, что специалисту для работы с материалом на иностранном языке понадобятся навыки всех видов чтения, однако контроль изучающего чтения в формате тестирования представляется сложным вследствие ограниченного времени, поэтому тестовые задания главным образом отражают контроль навыков просмотрового, поискового и ознакомительного чтения.

В соответствии с содержанием «Банка тестовых заданий», имеющихся в наличии Центра тестирования Ростовского государственного университета путей сообщения, мы представляем два вида тестов (Tests – Type 1, Tests – Type 2). Тесты первого типа используются для всех специальностей и направлений подготовки, а тесты второго типа разработаны для экономического направления. Мы рекомендуем при подготовке к тестированию проработать оба варианта тестов.

В соответствии с требованиями к уровням усвоения иностранного языка, изложенным в программах по иностранным языкам для всех специальностей, студенты первого курса должны овладеть навыками чтения текстов прагматической и страноведческой направленности. В третьем семестре студенты работают с текстами страноведческого характера и текстами по широкому профилю специальности. Для четвертого семестра предусмотрены тексты страноведческого характера, по широкому и узкому профилям специальности. Поэтому при подготовке к тестированию в четвертом семестре студентам необходимо выбирать в данном пособии тексты, соответствующие направлению обучения, которое указано после номера текста.

Тесты первого типа предусматривают пять заданий по различным видам чтения к каждому тексту. На чтение текста и выполнение заданий отводится 20 минут.

Тесты второго типа предлагают по одному заданию к каждому тексту, таким образом, с каждым текстом тренируется один вид чтения. На чтение текста и выполнение задания отводится 5–7 минут.

Для обеспечения более эффективной подготовки к тестированию преподавателям рекомендуется отрабатывать со студентами по одному тексту на каждом уроке.

ТЕСТЫ – ТИП 1

Семестр 1

Text 1

For thousands of years people lived in harmony with Nature and it seemed to them that natural riches were unlimited. But with the development of civilization man's interference in nature began to increase.

The poisoning of the world's land, air, and water is the fastest-spreading disease of civilization. It is potentially one of history's greatest dangers to human life on earth. Overpopulation, pollution and energy consumption have created such planet-wide problems as thin ozone layer, acid rains and the global warming that is caused by the greenhouse effect. If such actions continue for the next several decades, our planet will die.

The seas are filled with poison: industrial and nuclear waste, chemical pesticides. The Mediterranean is already nearly dead; the North Sea is following. The Aral Sea is on the point of extinction. If nothing is done about it, one day nothing will be able to live in the seas.

Every year world industry pollutes the atmosphere with about 1000 million tons of dust and other harmful substances. Many cities suffer from smog. In Cairo just breathing the air is equivalent to smoking two packs of cigarettes a day. The same is true for Mexico City and 600 cities of the former Soviet Union.

Vast forests are cut and burn in fire. Their disappearance upsets the oxygen balance. As a result some rare species of animals, birds, fish and plants disappear forever, a number of rivers and lakes dry up. Every ten minutes one kind of animal, plant or insect dies out.

An even greater environmental threat is nuclear power stations. The most horrible ecological disaster befell Ukraine and its people after the Chernobyl tragedy in April 1986. About one fifth of the territory of Belarus was polluted with radioactive substances. A great damage has been done to the agriculture, forests and people's health.

Environmental protection is of a universal concern. Some measures have been already taken. As many as 159 countries - members of the UNO - have set up environmental protection agencies. Numerous conferences have been held by these agencies to discuss problems facing ecologically poor regions including the Aral Sea, the South Urals, Kuzbass, Donbass, Semipalatinsk and Chernobyl. But these are only the initial steps and they must be carried onward to save life on the planet for the sake of the future generations.

Задание 1. Выберите заголовок для текста.

1 Environmental problems.

2 Environmental protection.

3 Nuclear power stations.

4 The poisoning of the world's land.

Задание 2. Найдите в тексте ответ на вопрос «What is the reason of the global warming?».

1 Thin ozone layer.

2 Acid rains .

3 The greenhouse effect.

4 Rare species of animals.

Задание 3. Закончите предложение «Environmental protection agencies have been established ...» согласно тексту.

in 159 countries.

despite the opinion of the UNO.

in Kuzbass, Donbass and Semipalatinsk.

after the Chernobyl tragedy.

Задание 4. Определите, какое предложение соответствует содержанию текста.

1 In Cairo people smoke two packs of cigarettes a day.

2 Every ten minutes one kind of animal, plant or insect disappear forever.

3 The Aral Sea, the South Urals, Kuzbass, Donbass, Semipalatinsk and Chernobyl have improved poor ecology.

4 Radioactive substances polluted fifty percent of the territory of Belarus.

Задание 5. Определите значение слова species в тексте.

1. специи

2. вид

3. специальный

4. редкий

Text 2

The world’s greatest international sports games are known as the Olympic Games. They began in 777 BC in Greece and took place every four years for nearly twelve centuries at Olympia. All the cities in Greece sent their best athletes to Olympia to compete in the Games. All athletes took an oath that they had been preparing for the Games well, and promised to compete honestly and keep the rules of the sacred Olympics. Those that didn’t obey the rules were physically punished. The athletes took part in all kinds of competitions. Winners were called “olympionics”, they were awarded with olive wreaths and cups of olive oil. For the period of the Games all the wars stopped. So the Olympic Games became the symbol of peace and friendship. In 394 AD the Games were abolished and were not renewed until many centuries later.

In 1894, a Frenchman, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, addressed all the sports governing bodies and pointed out the significance of sports and its educational value. Two years later the first modern Olympic Games took place. Of course, the competitions were held in Greece to symbolize the continuation of the centuries-old tradition. In 1896 the International Olympic Committee was set up. It is formed by the representatives of all countries which take part in the Olympic Games. The International Olympic Committee decides upon the programme of the games, the number of the participants and the city-host for the Games. Over one hundred and fifty countries are represented in the International Olympic Committee now. Besides, each country has its National Olympic Committee.

The Games opening ceremony is celebrated by lighting a flame called the “Olympic flame”. The Olympic motto is “Faster, Higher, Stronger.” The Olympic symbol is five interlocking circles colored blue, yellow, black, green and red.

Summer and Winter Games are held separately. Major cities compete for the right to host the O.G. The most suitable is selected by the International Committee. After that the city of the Games starts preparations for the competitions, constructs new sports facilities, stadiums, hotels, press centres. Thousands of athletes, journalists and guests come to the Games, and it takes great efforts to arrange everything. There is always an interesting cultural programme of concerts, exhibitions, festivals, etc., for each Games.

Задание 1. Определите тему текста.

1. Summer and Winter Games.

2. The symbol of peace and friendship.

3. The International Olympic Committee.

4. The history of the Olympic Games.

Задание 2. Найдите в тексте ответ на вопрос «Why did the Olympic Games become the symbol of peace and friendship ?».

1. because for the period of the Games all the wars stopped.

2. because in 394 AD the Games were abolished.

3. because the winners were awarded olive wreaths and cups of olive oil.

4. because the Olympic Games have great educational value.

Задание 3. Закончите предложение «The International Olympic Committee chooses ...» согласно тексту.

1. the city-host for the Games.

2. the Olympic motto.

3. the Games opening ceremony.

4. one hundred and fifty countries.

Задание 4. Определите, какое предложение соответствует содержанию текста.

1. The International Olympic Committee includes the representatives of one hundred and forty five countries.

2. The first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896.

3. The athletes taking part in the ancient Olympic Games were called “olympionics”.

4. The first modern Olympic Games took place in Greece.

Задание 5. Определите значение слова sacred в тексте.

1. неприкосновенный

2. священный

3. посвященный

4. закрытый

Text 3

Almost in every culture in the world there is a celebration of thanks for rich harvest. The American Thanksgiving began as a feast of thanksgiving almost four hundred years ago.

In 1620, a religious community sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to settle in the New World. They settled in what is now known as the state of Massachusetts. Their first winter in America was difficult. They arrived too late to grow a rich harvest. Moreover, half the colony died from disease. The following spring the Iroquois Indians taught them how to grow corn. Indians showed them also how to grow other crops and how to hunt and fish.

In the autumn of 1621 they got a beautiful harvest of corn, barley, beans and pumpkins. The colonists had much to be thankful for, so they planned a feast. Local Indian chief and ninety Indians were present. The colonists learned from Indians how to cook cranberries and dishes of corn and pumpkins.

In following years many of the colonists celebrated the harvest with a feast of thanks. After the United States gained independence, Congress recommended one yearly day of thanksgiving for the whole country. Later, George Washington suggested the date November 26 as Thanksgiving Day. Then, after the Civil war, Abraham Lincoln suggested the last Thursday in November to be the day of thanksgiving.

On Thanksgiving Day, family members gather at the house of an older relative, even if they live far away. All give thanks for everything good they have. Charitable organizations offer traditional meal to the homeless.

Foods, eaten at the first thanksgiving, have become traditional. The traditional thanksgiving meal consists of roast turkey stuffed with herb-flavored bread, cranberry jelly, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie. Other dishes may vary as to region: ham, sweet potatoes, creamed corn.

Задание 1. Определите тему текста.

1. The traditional thanksgiving meal.

2. The help of the Iroquois Indians.

3. The history and traditions of Thanksgiving day in America.

4. The date November 26 .

Задание 2. Найдите в тексте ответ на вопрос « Who decided to celebrate the first feast of Thanksgiving?».

1. Local Indian chief and ninety Indians.

2. The colonists.

3. Abraham Lincoln.

4. George Washington .

Задание 3. Закончите предложение «The traditional dishes on Thanksgiving are ...» согласно тексту.

1. ham, sweet potatoes, creamed corn.

2. corn and other crops.

3. meat and fish

4. cranberry jelly, pumpkin pie.

Задание 4. Определите, какое предложение соответствует содержанию текста.

1. In their first winter in the New World a bigger part of the colony died.

2. On Thanksgiving Day, family members congratulate the oldest relative.

3. The colonists taught Indians how to cook pumpkins.

4. George Washington suggested the last Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day.

Задание 5. Определите значение слова chief в тексте.

1. шеф

2. начальник

3. вождь

4. руководитель

Text 4

St. Valentine's Day has roots in several different legends. One of the earliest popular symbols of the day is Cupid, the Roman god of Love, who is represented by the image of a young boy with a bow and arrow. Three hundred years after the death of Jesus Christ, the Roman emperors still demanded that everyone believe in the Roman gods. Valentine, a Christian priest, had been thrown in prison for his teachings. According to the legend he performed a miracle — he cured his jailer's daughter of her blindness. On February 14,Valentine was beheaded. The night before he was executed, he wrote the jailer's daughter a farewell letter signing it, "From Your Valentine". Another legend tells us that this same Valentine, loved by all, wrote notes from his jail cell to children and friends who missed him. According to another legend, Valentine was an Italian bishop who lived at about the same time. He was thrown into prison because he secretly married couples, contrary to the laws of the Roman empire. The legend says that he was burnt at the stake. February 14 was also a Roman holiday, held in honour of a goddess. On this day young men randomly chose the name of the girl to escort to the festival. The custom of choosing a sweetheart on this day became very popular in the medieval Europe. Later this custom spread to American colonies. St. Valentine's Day is now a day for sweethearts. It is the day that you show your friend or loved one that you care. You can send candy to someone you think is special. Or you can send roses, the flower of love. Most people send “Valentines", a greeting card named after the notes that St. Valentine wrote from jail. Valentines can be sentimental, romantic and heartfelt. They can be funny and friendly. A short rhyme can be written inside the heart: “Roses are red. Violets are blue, Sugar is sweet, And so are you!” If you are shy, you can sign it, "Your Secret Admirer". Americans of all ages love to send and receive valentines. Handmade valentines are created by cutting hearts out of coloured paper. Valentines can be heart-shaped, or have hearts, the symbol of love, on them.

Задание 1. Определите тему текста.

1. The history and traditions of St.Valentine`s day.

2. Different legends of St. Valentine's Day.

3. Greeting cards “Valentines”.

4. The custom of choosing a sweetheart.

Задание 2. Найдите в тексте ответ на вопрос « What did the Romans do on the 14th of February?».

1. Young men sent candy and roses to their sweethearts.

2. Young men chose the name of the girl to escort to the festival.

3. Most people sent “Valentines", greeting cards.

4. Young couples got married.

Задание 3. Закончите предложение «According to the legends St. Valentine ...» согласно тексту.

1. received letters from his children and friends.

2. secretly married couples in America.

3. was executed on the 14^th of February

4. wrote a farewell letter to his wife from the jail.

Задание 4. Определите, какое предложение соответствует содержанию текста.

1. In their first winter in the New World a bigger part of the colony died.

2. On Thanksgiving Day, family members congratulate the oldest relative.

3. The colonists taught Indians how to cook pumpkins.

4. George Washington suggested the last Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day.

Задание 5. Определите значение слова Admirer в тексте.

1. поклонник

2. адмирал

3. секретный

4. администратор

Term 2

Text 1

We often hear a saying "Don't invent a bicycle" about something simple and known for a long time. Really, the bicycle is old enough — more than a hundred years of age. Its first prototype appeared in 1791 in France. In 1800 a Russian peasant Artamonov made an iron bicycle and travelled on it from Nizhni Tagil to Moscow.

First bicycles looked odd: a large (about 1,5 m high) front wheel with a cranked axle. The back wheel was usually smaller. Bicycles were made of iron and riding them was not comfortable because of shaking. They were even called "boneshakers". In 1868 rubber tyres (1) were invented, first solid, then pneumatic. New types of bicycles appeared every year but only in 1885 people saw a model which looked like modern cycles. It had two almost equal wheels and a chain drive to the rear (2) wheel. As time went by, new bicycles were invented — for two, three and even fifteen riders!

The first bicycle race was held in 1868 in Paris. But the sport became popular only several decades later because bicycles were expensive and only rich people could afford them. By the end of the 19th century many factories produced thousands of bicycles which became cheap, so many people could practise cycling and take part in various competitions.

Cycling competitions are generally divided into road and track events. Both kinds are in the Olympic programme. Olympic road events include individual and team races. Individual races' distances are different usually up to 200 kilometres. The winner is the first cyclist who passes over the finish line with his front wheel. In the team road event the teams start the contest with 2— 4 minutes interval, and that team wins whose members get the best sum of timings. Track events take place on special cycling tracks which look like elongated stadiums with a sloping runway made of concrete, wood or plastics. Track events are very spectacular.

The Olympic programme includes 1 km sprint races, 1 km time trial, individual pursuit and team pursuit over 4 km. Modern sport bicycles are very light but firm machines made of special metals.

(1) tyre – шина,

(2) rear – задний.

Задание 1. Определите тему текста.

1. The history of the bicycle.

2. The first bicycle race.

3. The bicycle and cycling.

4. Cycling competitions.

Задание 2. Найдите в тексте ответ на вопрос « When was the first all-metal bicycle invented?».

1. In 1791.

2. In 1800.

3. In 1868.

4. In 1885.

Задание 3. Закончите предложение «First bicycles had ...» согласно тексту.

1. a small front wheel.

2. a structure made of wood.

3. rubber tyres.

4. a strange exterior.

Задание 4. Определите, какое предложение соответствует содержанию текста.

1. The bicycle races became popular in 1868.

2. Cycling competitions comprise four types of races.

3. In the team races the cyclists start all together.

4. Both road and track races are included into the Olympic programme.

Задание 5. Определите значение слова oddв тексте.

1. нечетный

2. лишний

3. случайный

4. странный

Text 2

At the beginning of this century medical scientists made a surprising discovery: that we are built not just of flesh and blood but also of time. They were able to demonstrate that we all have an internal "body clock" which regulates the rise and fall of our body energies, making us different from one day to the next.

The idea of an internal "body clock" should not be surprising, since the lives of most living things are dominated by the 24-hour night-and-day cycle. The most obvious feature of this cycle is the way we feel tired and fall asleep at night and become awake during the day. If the 24-hour rhythm is interrupted, most people experience unpleasant side effects.

As well as the daily rhythm of sleeping and waking we also have other rhythms which last longer that one day and which influence wide areas of our lives. Most of us would agree that we feel good on some days and not so good on others. Scientists have identified the following three biorhythmic cycles: physical, emotional and intellectual. Each cycle lasts approximately 28 days and each is divided into a high energy period and a low energy period of equal length. During the low energy period we are less resistant to illness and tire more easily. The low period puts energy into our "batteries" for the next high period. During the high energy period of a physical biorhythm we are more resistant to illness, better coordinated and more energetic.

The "critical" or weakest time is the time of changeover from the high energy period to the low energy period, or vice versa. This "critical" time usually lasts a day. On the critical day of a physical biorhythm, there is a greater chance of accident and illness. Human experience is always individual and we each have our own biorhythmic experiences. Some people experience such enormous physical turbulence on their "physically critical" days that they have to go to bed.

Задание 1. Выберите название для текста.

1. Physical biorhythms.

2. Biorhythms.

3. The 24-hour night-and-day cycle.

4. Human experience.

Задание 2. Найдите в тексте ответ на вопрос « What biorhythmic cycles have scientists found?».

1. Physical, emotional and intellectual.

2. Night cycles and day cycles.

3. High energy cycles and low energy cycles.

4. Battery cycles.

Задание 3. Закончите предложение «The most dangerous time for the person is ..» согласно тексту.

1. during the low energy period.

2. when the high energy period and the low energy period relieve one another.

3. when he experiences unpleasant side effects.

4. when he becomes awake during the night.

Задание 4. Определите, какое предложение соответствует содержанию текста.

1. "Body clock” makes people feel the same from one day to the next.

2. High energy period lasts approximately 28 days.

3. During the low energy period people can better fight with illnesses.

4. The daily rhythm of sleeping and waking is not the only cycle which influences people`s lives.

Задание 5. Определите значение слова internal в тексте.

1. междуусобный

2. внутренний

3. сокровенный

4. свойственный

Text 3

Despite its name, Boxing Day, which is celebrated on December 26 in Great Britain, has nothing to do with sport competition. Nor is it a day for people to return unwanted Christmas presents. While the exact origins of the holiday are unknown, it is likely that Boxing Day began in England during the Middle Ages.

Some historians say the holiday developed because servants were required to work on Christmas Day, but took the following day off. As servants prepared to leave to visit their families, their employers would present them with gift boxes.

Another theory is that the boxes were placed in churches where people deposited coins for the poor. The boxes were opened and the contents distributed on December 26, which is also the Feast of St. Stephen.

As time went by, Boxing Day gift giving expanded to include those who had rendered a service during the previous year. This tradition survives today as people give presents to tradesmen, mail carriers, doormen, porters, and others who have helped them.

Boxing Day is December 26, the day after Christmas, and is celebrated in Great Britain and in most areas settled by the English (the U.S. is the major exception), including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Boxing Day is just one of the British bank holidays recognized since 1871 that are observed by banks, government offices, and the post office. The others include Christmas, Good Friday, Easter, Whitmonday (1) (the day after Pentecost (2)), and the banking holiday on the last Monday in August.

The Feast of St. Stephen also takes place on December 26. St. Stephen was one of the seven original deacons of the Christian Church who were ordained (3) by the Apostles to care for widows and the poor. For his devotion to Christ, St. Stephen was killed by the crowd. As he died, he begged God not to punish his killers.

(1) Whitmonday – Духов день,

(2) Pentecost – День Святого Духа (Троицы),

(3) ordained – рукоположен.

Задание 1. Определите тему текста.

1. The Feast of St. Stephen.

2. Boxing Day in America.

3. The British bank holidays.

4. The history of Boxing day.

Задание 2. Найдите в тексте ответ на вопрос « What are the traditions of Boxing day?».

1. Servants had a day off Christmas Day, but worked on the next day.

2. The coins from the boxes were given to the poor on this day.

3. Tradesmen, mail carriers, doormen, porters give presents to whom they have helped.

4. Banks, government offices, and the post office open all the boxes on this day.

Задание 3. Закончите предложение « Boxing Day is ..» согласно тексту.

1. celebrated in the United States.

2. not included into the British bank holidays.

3. the banking holiday on the last Monday in August.

4. celebrated on the day after Christmas.

Задание 4. Определите, какое предложение соответствует содержанию текста.

1. Boxing Day is connected with sports.

2. On Boxing Day people have a chance to return Christmas presents.

3. Boxing Day has been celebrated since 1871.

4. Boxing Day is celebrated in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Задание 5. Определите значение слова settled в тексте.

1. заселенный

2. отрегулированный

3. успокоенный

4. решенный

Text 4

New Yorkers used to see the graffiti on the walls of poor neighbourhoods and subway trains as an example of urban hooliganism. The awful names and aggressive slogans were seen the work of vandals trying to express their identities or even make a political point. Up to the 1970s, most New Yorkers hated graffiti, considering it as an eyesore that was illegal and punishable by fines.

Since those days, graffiti has changed a lot and it is no longer found only in the subway and the poor ghetto areas of the city. Nowadays, it has the status of “street art” and you get graffiti in places where you wouldn't expect to - in advertisements, on clothes, on toys, and even on the Wall Street Journal's official website! In the early 1980s, there was a real craze for graffiti art and the sophisticated Manhattan art world had displays of street art in its galleries. The trend was short-lived – until the arrival of hip-hop music in the late 80s.

In her book, Subway Art, Martha Cooper says "Graffiti came back with hip-hop music and people are now appreciating it for its style, which they couldn't back then, because they couldn't get beyond the vandalism thing." Hip-hop was originally black ghetto music, sung by young African Americans from the poor, run-down districts of American cities. When it suddenly got to the top of the American music charts, hip-hop culture was spread, bringing graffiti with it.

Today companies are starting to realize the appeal of graffiti in advertising. Kel Rodriguez, who used to spray New York subway trains, was the artist chosen to design the Wall Street Journal's website and it is obviously done in graffiti-style. Many of this new wave of artists give lectures on developments in their art. Lee Quindnesis having a lot of success in Europe and feels that European galleries and museums are more open to his art form. He can get up to $10,000 for his paintings. Indeed, the Groninger Museum in Holland is one of the few museums in the world that displays and recognizes graffiti as an art form.

Another artist, Blade, has his own website devoted only to the world of graffiti. Leonard McGurr, a street artist for 25 years, went from painting subway trains to designing and marketing graffiti-inspired clothes for young people. "Graffiti has been a story of survival," he says. "There's a way to benefit from your work without spoiling public property."

Задание 1. Определите тему текста.

1. New Yorkers.

2. Street Art.

3. Hip-hop music.

4. Urban hooliganism.

Задание 2. Найдите в тексте ответ на вопрос « What helped graffiti to become a recognized art?».

1. Hip-hop music.

2. Groninger Museum in Holland.

3. Subway trains.

4. Lectures on its developments.

Задание 3. Закончите предложение «“Street art” or graffiti ..» согласно тексту.

1. was considered awful and illegal up to 1970s.

2. is not used in advertisements and on official websites.

3. was prohibited in art galleries of Manhattan in the early 1980s.

4. has never been used in the subway and the poor ghetto areas.

Задание 4. Определите, какое предложение соответствует содержанию текста.

1. Blade designed the Wall Street Journal's website in graffiti-style.

2. Leonard McGurr can get thousands of dollars for his paintings.

3. Groninger Museum in Holland refused to display graffiti paintings.

4. Martha Cooper is the author of the book “Subway Art”.

Задание 5. Определите значение слова craze в тексте.

1. сумасшедший

2. повальное увлечение

3. сходить с ума

4. трещина

Term 3

Text 1

November is the time of the year when people wear a red poppy in memory of those who sacrificed their lives for us during wars. The eleventh hour of the eleventh dayof the eleventh month marks the signing of the Armistice (1), on 11th November 1918, to signal the end of World War One. At 11 am on 11 November 1918 the guns of the Western Front fell silent after more than four years continuous warfare.

This day was specifically dedicated by King George V, on 7 November 1919, to the observance of the victims of World War I. At one time the day was known as Armistice Day and was renamed Remembrance Day after the Second World War. It is a special day set aside to remember all those men and women who were killed during the two World Wars and other conflicts.

Remembrance Day is on11 November. The common British tradition includes either one or two minutes of silence at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month (11:00 a.m., 11 November), as that marks the time (in the United Kingdom) when armistice became effective. The start and end of the silence is often also marked by the firing of a cannon. A minute's or two minutes' silence is also frequently incorporated into church services. The First Two Minute Silence in London was held on 11 November 1919.

In the United Kingdom, although two minutes of silence are on 11 November itself, the main observance is held on the second Sunday of November. Remembrance Sunday is usually the Sunday nearest to 11 November. Special services are held at war memorials and churches all over Britain. A national ceremony takes place at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London. The Queen lays the first wreath at the Cenotaph. Typically, poppy wreaths are laid by representatives of the Crown, the armed forces, and local civic leaders, as well as by local organizations including ex-servicemen organizations, cadet forces, the Scouts, Guides, Boys' Brigade, St John Ambulance and the Salvation Army. People also leave small wooden crosses by the memorials in remembrance of family members who died in war.

Remembrance Day is also known as Poppy Day, because it is traditional to wear an artificial poppy. The red poppy has become a familiar emblem of Remembrance Day due to the poem In Flanders Fields. These poppies bloomed across some of the worst battlefields of Flanders in World War I, so their brilliant red colour became an appropriate symbol for the blood spilt in the war.

(1) Armistice – перемирие

Задание 1. Определите тему текста.

1. British holidays in November.

2. The national ceremony at the Cenotaph.

3. The common British traditions.

4. The origins and traditions of Remembrance Day.

Задание 2. Найдите в тексте ответ на вопрос «What is Remembrance Day dedicated to nowadays?».

1. To the observance of the victims of World War I.

2. To the tradition of one or two minutes of silence.

3. To those people who were killed during the two World Wars and other conflicts.

4. To a familiar emblem of Remembrance Day – a red poppy.

Задание 3. Закончите предложение «Remembrance Day..» согласно тексту.

1. is held on the second Sunday of November.

2. is marked by the firing of a cannon.

3. was known as Armistice Day at first.

4. was renamed after the First World War.

Задание 4. Определите, какое предложение соответствует содержанию текста.

1. Red poppies symbolize the blood spilt in the war.

2. In memory of family members who died in war people put red poppies in front of the memorials.

3. World War I started on 11 November 1918.

4. Two Minute Silence was first held on 11 November 1918.

Задание 5. Определите значение слова artificial в тексте.

1. притворный

2. искусственный

3. официальный

4. цветок

Text 2

According to the federal government, the holiday observed on the third Monday in February is officially Washington’s Birthday. But many Americans believe that this holiday is now called “Presidents’ Day,” in honor of both Presidents Washington and Lincoln, whose birthdays are Feb. 22 and Feb. 12, respectively. It turns out that whether you honor one or the other or both of these presidents may depend on where you live.

The states are not obliged to adopt federal holidays, which only affect federal offices and agencies. While most states have adopted Washington’s Birthday, a dozen of them officially celebrate Presidents’ Day. A number of the states that celebrate Washington’s Birthday also recognize Lincoln’s Birthday as a separate legal holiday.

Washington’s Birthday has a history as old as our country. It was celebrated publicly for the first time in the late 18^th century, while George Washington was still president. Washington’s Birthday became official in 1885, when President Chester Arthur signed a bill making it a federal holiday. Also there was President Lincoln’s birthday on Feb. 12, which never became a federal holiday but was celebrated as a legal holiday in many states outside the old Confederacy.

In 1968, Congress passed the Monday Holidays Act, which moved the official observance of Washington’s birthday from Feb. 22 to the third Monday in February. Nevertheless, there was a popular misconception that the day had been officially renamed Presidents’ Day, and a mistaken belief was reinforced by the fact that the third Monday in February can only occur between Feb. 15 and Feb. 21. This means that the holiday is always after Lincoln’s birthday and before Washington’s birthday, without coinciding with either. Some states supported the idea that the two presidential birthdays had been combined.

While the name change to Presidents’ Day has never been authorized by Congress, it has gained a strong support of the public, and is generally used on calendars, in advertising, and even by many government agencies. No matter what’s in the law books, the popular usage is now well established. To many people, having Presidents’ Day is a sensibleway to recognize both Washington and Lincoln.

Задание 1. Определите тему текста.

1. A popular misconception about Presidents’ Day.

2. The Monday Holidays Act and its importance.

3. The traditions of Washington’s Birthday .

4. The official celebrations in the USA.

Задание 2. Найдите в тексте ответ на вопрос « When is Washington’s birthday officially celebrated in the USA?».

1. On the third Monday in February.

2. On the twenty second of February.

3. On the fifteenth of February.

4. On the twelfth of February.

Задание 3. Закончите предложение «Washington’s Birthday..» согласно тексту.

1. was officially renamed Presidents’ Day.

2. as a holiday fells on the day between the real birthdays of two great American presidents.

3. was celebrated publicly for the first time after the death of George Washington.

4. became official in the late 18^th century.

Задание 4. Определите, какое предложение соответствует содержанию текста.

1. President Lincoln’s birthday on Feb. 12 is recognized as a separate legal holiday in many states of the USA.

2. The name Presidents’ Day may not be used on calendars and in advertising.

3. The third Monday in February was chosen for the official observance of Washington’s birthday in 1885.

4. Washington’s Birthday fells on February 15 or February 22.

Задание 5. Определите значение слова sensibleв тексте.

1. разумный

2. чувствующий

3. сознающий

4. способ

Text 3

What is a brand? It's not only a trademark of some company, but the name of certain product we use every day. For example, speaking about coffee most of us say Nescafe, but not 'coffee'. This short example also illustrates the main aim of producers – to create brand popularity, so that most of people would recognize the product among the competitors products.

Advertising campaigns are started in order to develop brand awareness, that's why sometimes brand costs more than the whole company, for example one day of advertising at Yandex website (what is called by Yandex sales managers as 'increasing brand popularity') costs $20000. Recognition of a brand or, how it's called, brand awareness helps people to find the necessary size, quantity, taste, especially, when they are in another country and don't know the local products' specifications.

What qualities should brand name possess? First of all, it should be eye-catching. NameLab, company, which creates brand names, gives an example of 7-Up Company, which lost $120 millions using name “Lyke Cola” as a brand name first time after launching its product. Lexicon Company was more original, creating brand name 'Pentium' for the Intel Processor: "We've got '-ium' from the scientific text – founder of Lexicon says, – and multiplied it with 'pent'. It sounded very strong, like a real chemical element." Name Sony is based on 'son', which means sound in most of the countries.

As all brand names are registered and protected by law, no one else can produce the same product under such brand name. It's a very hard to create a new brand name, as more than 365000 brands were registered in October, 2000 by American Patent Organization, whereas Oxford dictionary consists of 615100 words, so some companies use brand stretching – using a leader-brand to launch a new product in a new category, e.g. 'Bochkarev' chips. Brands always add value to products. That's why branded products seem to be more expensive among other ones. But if we pay more, we pay for better quality. All in all, brands are one of the moving forces of globalisation.

Задание 1. Определите тему текста.

1. Advertising campaigns.

2. Brands and their main features.

3. The most popular brand names.

4. Recognition of a brand.

Задание 2. Найдите в тексте ответ на вопрос « What is the main aim of the producers?».

1. To launch an advertising campaign.

2. To create a new brand.

3. To recognize the product among the competitors products.

4. To make the brand popular.

Задание 3. Закончите предложение «Brand awareness..» согласно тексту.

1. is developed during advertising campaigns.

2. cannot help people to find a necessary product .

3. is not very important in marketing.

4. means creating a new brand name.

Задание 4. Определите, какое предложение соответствует содержанию текста.

1. 7-Up Company got $120 millions with the name “Lyke Cola”.

2. Name Sony can be translated as “loud music” from several languages.

3. American Patent Organization registered 615100 brand names.

4. Some companies take a name of a famous brand for a new product in a new category.

Задание 5. Определите значение слова eye-catchingв тексте.

1. неуловимый

2. броский

3. режущий глаза

4. глазной

Text 4

We spend great part of our lives at our jobs, so choosing a right career is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life. Many students finish high school and begin college without a clear idea of what they want to do in future. Part of the problem is the size of the job market itself. With so many kinds of jobs (2000) how can you tell which will interest you? Some of occupations are already overcrowded. In old industries there may be little need for new workers, while new and growing industries will offer jobs now and in the future. Therefore, it is extremely important to explore your choice of occupations from every angle, collect as much information as you can. But above all you must evaluate yourself. Find out where your interests and talents lie. Postponing a decision is an error people make. "I'll get started tomorrow or next week, or next year," – many people think. These people refuse to face the problem, hoping it will go away. But if you don't take the first step now, how can you plan for the future, how can you take the right way? Such people miss many opportunities.

First start with yourself, make a list of your interests, talents and abilities. Most people have a lot of these, but at the beginning they are undeveloped and may not seem outstanding. By concentrating on a few, or on one you may surprise yourself at how good you can get. The interest inventory that follows covers the major fields in which most people find careers: science, art, social service, business, sales and so on. Sometimes we say that someone we know is 'a square peg in a round hole'. This means that person we are talking about is not suited for the job he is doing. Unfortunately, many people in the world are 'square pegs'. But to be a 'square peg' is not a real problem, a real problem for millions of people is to be unemployed.

Unemployment exists primarily for two reasons: first – the existence of millions of unemployed people tends to prevent most of those working from asking for higher wages since they can be replaced easily, second – in their search for profits, corporations are interested in finding the cheapest labor. As for our country more than 10% of our people are unemployed. There is no lack of work force in Russia, but at the present moment the need for professional workers is increasing. Old industries are overcrowded and it is hard to get new education for people whose age is 35-40 years. The problem of unemployment is also connected with the economic crisis in our country. And when this crisis comes to an end the problem of unemployment will not be so urgent.

Задание 1. Определите тему текста.

1. The problem of unemployment.

2. Choosing a career.

3. People`s interests, talents and abilities.

4. Kinds of occupations.

Задание 2. Найдите в тексте ответ на вопрос « What is the first step in choosing an occupation?».

1. Getting new education.

2. Collecting information about unemployment.

3. Finding out overcrowded occupations.

4. Evaluating a person`s interests, talents and abilities.

Задание 3. Закончите предложение «Unemployment in Russia..» согласно тексту.

1. appears at the age of 35-40 years.

2. is not linked with the economic crisis.

3. means lack of work force.

4. has two main causes.

Задание 4. Определите, какое предложение соответствует содержанию текста.

1. “A square peg in a round hole” means that a person has special abilities for the job.

2. New and growing industries will have no need for new workers now and in the future.

3. The main areas in which people can find careers include science, art, social service, business, sales and so on.

4. There is a great lack of work force in Russia.

Задание 5. Определите значение слова inventory в тексте.

1. инвентарь

2. инвентаризация

3. составить опись

4. список

Term 4

Text 1 ( THE HUMANITIES).

Never before in the history of the world have businessmen traveled as much as they do today. It is not surprising because we are living in a world of growing international trade and expanding economic and technical cooperation. Though it is fascinating for tourist travelling, it has become the most tiring of all occupations for many businessmen and experts. Therefore, choosing a comfortable hotel to stay at is a matter of big importance. There are plenty of good hotels, motels and guest houses in the world, which are conveniently located in major business centers.

Many developing countries, such as India, Egypt, Nigeria, Lybia, have excellent hotels. Their numerous facilities include both large and small cocktail bars, barber's shops and conference halls equipped with simultaneous, multilingual translation systems. There are parking areas which can accommodate a lot of cars. It might be useful for travelling businessmen and tourists to know that tailor shops, shoe repair shops, laundry and dry cleaning services are available for guests. People in the office help guests to book train or steamer tickets and rent a car. They are also ready to give all necessary information.

Nowadays people who go on business mostly travel by air as it is the fastest means of travelling. Passengers are requested to arrive at the airport 2 hours before the departure time on international flights and an hour on domestic flights, as there must be enough time to complete the necessary airport formalities. Passengers must register their tickets, weigh and register the luggage.

Most airlines have at least 2 classes of travel: first class and economy class which is cheaper. Each passenger of more than 2 years of age has a free luggage allowance. Generally this limit is 20kg for economic class passenger and 30kg for first class passenger. Excess luggage must be paid for except for some articles that can be carried free of charge. Each passenger is given a boarding card to show at departure gate and again to the stewardess when boarding the plane. Watch the electric sign flashes when you are on board, when the "Fasten Seat Belts" sign goes on do it promptly and also obey the "No Smoking" signal. Do not forget your personal things when leaving the plane.

Задание 1. Определите тему текста.

1. Airport formalities.

2. Hotel facilities.

3. Business trips.

4. Classes of travel.

Задание 2. Найдите в тексте ответ на вопрос « What is included into the hotel facilities?».

1. Travelling businessmen.

2. A free luggage allowance.

3. Jewelry shops.

4. Conference halls.

Задание 3. Закончите предложение «At the airport passengers are required to complete the necessary airport formalities that is..» согласно тексту.

1. to depart from the airport 2 hours after the arrival time.