The author describes what the book is about. Find this extract and read it aloud

3. Who helped Lily when her cat disappeared?

4. Why is it an honour to be Children's Laureate?

№ 40

1. Read the article and say in 2—3 sentences what it is about.

HOW MUCH SCREEN TIME IS TOO MUCH FOR CHILDREN?

Children can spend hours a day looking at computer screens and other digital devices. Some eye care professionals say this leads to an increase in 'computer vision syndrome'.

Nathan Bonilla-Warford is an optometrist* in Tampa, Florida. He says he has seen an increase in problems in children.

"I see a lot more children who are coming into the office either because their parents have noticed that they have headaches or red or watery eyes or discomfort, or because their near-sightedness, appears to be increasing at a fa,si rate and they're worried."

Dr Bonilla-Warford says part of the problem is that children may be more likely than adults to ignore early signs. "Even if their eyes start to feel uncomfortable or they start to get a headache, they're less likely to tell their parents, because they don't want to have the game or the computer or whatever taken away." Eye doctors offer suggestions like the following which is known as the 20/20/20 rule. "Every twenty minutes, look away twenty feet (about 6 meters) or more for at least twenty seconds from whatever device you're using." Other suggestions include putting more distance between you and the device and using good lighting. Of course, another way to avoid eye strain is to spend less time looking at screens. Many experts say children should spend no more than two hours a day using digital devices — with no screen time for children under two.

But not all eye doctors have noticed an increase in problems in children. Dr David Hunter is an optometrist at Children's Hospital, Boston. He also is a spokesman for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He has not seen an increase in his practice.

"While it is possible to develop tiredness looking at various screens for a long period of time, there's certainly no evidence that it actually causes any damage to the eyes."

an optometrist [op'tDmatrist] специалист по коррекции зрения

2. The author explains why children don't tell their parents if they have some problems with their eyes. Find this extract and read it aloud.

3. What problems do children have when they come to optometrists?

4. Why don't all eye doctors believe there is a connection between problems with eyesight and digital devices?

№ 41

1. Read the article and say in 2—3 sentences what it is about.

MEDALS FOR LARGE FAMILIES

On 1st June, Dmitry Medvedev, the Russian president, announced a plan to, encourage Russian families to have more children.

Demographers are people who study populations. They predict how populations of different countries will increase or decrease in the future. Demographers in Russia have been warning the government that the country's population is decreasing*. The current population of Russia is around 142 million people. The demographers estimate if nothing is done to stop the decrease, the number of people living in the country may go to about 110 million within 40 years.

To make his announcement, Mr Medvedev held a special ceremony at the Kremlin, in Moscow, the capital of Russia. Many families with four or more children were invited to the event. Some families had as many as 11 children. President Medvedev awarded each family a special medal called the 'Order of Parental Glory'. The medal showed a golden two-headed eagle — the symbol of Russia.

During his speech President Medvedev thanked the couples for having large families. He said they were a good example to other Russians. The ceremony was shown live.

The size of a country's population is important to governments. Countries need enough people of the right age to work in companies' offices and factories. If there are not enough workers, it can be difficult for the economy to grow. Older people who are retired are often supported by the government. Some of the money for this support comes from the taxes workers pay. If there are fewer workers, the government collects less money in taxes.

Russian men now live for an average of 60 years. This is much lower than in other European countries. Experts agree there are several reasons for this including AIDS, drinking too much alcohol, poverty and pollution.

The Russian government has also started to give families money for having a second child. Those who are awarded the new 'Order of Parental Glory' medal are given a cash payment of 50,000 roubles.

to decrease [di'kriis] уменьшаться, убывать