Science and technology, modern communications

№1

1. Now let's speak about science. What scientific achievements do you find very important?Scientific research has a history of thousands of years. Science has offered many gifts to mankind. Fire was the first discovery and wheel was the first invention. Since that time we have travelled far. Scientists like Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton, and many others have turned the tables of the world.

To my mind electricity is a gift of science without which the modern civilization can not survive. If we stop using it, the whole world would come to a standstill. And the most important devices of today are the time-measuring device and the computer. A time-measuring device (a clock or a watch) regulates the activities and functionalities of our life - ranging from personal life to communication and transportation. A computer controls both personal and impersonal issues at local and global levels. How chaotic life could result if these two devices stop functioning all of a sudden!To many people, one of the most famous inventions of the 20th century is the automobile.

2. Would you like to be a scientist? Why (not)?Personally I have never thought of being a scientist. It’s not my cup of tea. There aren’t so many people who have got real talent and passion for science. Reading the biographies of great scientists you understand that almost all of them devoted their lives for science. I think I am not ready for this way of life. And I haven’t got passion for it.

3. Give me some of advice on how to become a good scientist.I can recommend for those people who feel inspiration for inventions and discoveries to read the ”Letter to Youth” written by Pavlov. Pavlov wrote it not long before his death. Here are some of his thoughts.First of all – learn the ABC of science before you try to reach its heights. Always study. Develop patience. Never try to escape the hard jobs in science. Study, compare, gather facts.The second thing is modesty. Never think that you know everything.The third thing is passion. Remember, science requires your whole life. Science demands of man the greatest effort & supreme passion. Be passionate in your work.

4. What would you like to know about a new gadget — iPad?

Some of my classmates have already got iPads, so I’ve got an idea about it. Probably it would be interesting to know about the latest models.

- What is the model of your iPad?

- Are there any new functions in your iPad?

- What model would you recommend to buy?

5. Parents think that the internet influences negatively the development of teenagers' thinking skills. Children, on the contrary, believe that it's impossible to imagine our modern world without the Internet. What is your point of view?The Internet is a great source of information and entertainment for many people. It has made possible new forms of social interaction and has become a major source of leisure.Personally, I can’t imagine my life without Internet. Thanks to it I have got an opportunity to access mews, documents, images, sounds, video and games, to make friends, to book tickets and to purchase different things online. There are a lot of different sites for students, gardeners, businessmen, engineers, for people who are fond of music, cinema, theatre, sports and even for disabled people. What is more, the Internet has revolutionized the way people communicate. Sending electronic text messages is much faster and easier than writing letters. People use e-mail to stay in touch with friends worldwide.However, internet-addiction is a topical problem nowadays. Spending much time in front of the screen becomes a kind of obsession for many people. The symptoms of internet-addiction include sleep deprivation, decreased physical activity and social interaction with others. People who spend most of their time in the virtual world forget about the real one. They neglect their relatives and ruin their families. Besides, there is a lot of rubbish online and you can’t always trust what you read on the web.To sum up, the Internet becomes dangerous when it is misused. But if it is used wisely and moderately, it helps you work, study or entertain and it saves plenty of time.

№2

1. Now let's speak about science. What science are you interested in? What makes it special for you?Scientific research has a history of thousands of years. Science has offered many gifts to mankind. Fire was the first discovery and wheel was the first invention. Since that time we have travelled far. Scientists like Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton, and many others have turned the tables of the world.

I think all sciences are very interesting. We may not like any subject at school like Physics or Mathematics. But the reason of our dislike doesn’t lie in the sphere of science itself. Usually we don’t like some subjects because they are difficult for learning and understanding. As for science it’s a sphere with a lot of mysterious ideas, questions and phenomena. To my mind our world is interesting in all aspects so it’s the question of time to have special interest in this or that sphere of our World.

2. Would you like to be a scientist? Why (not)?

See Card 1(2)

3. What questions would you ask an outstanding scientist?

It would be a great opportunity to meet such person. So I would ask:

- What helps you to get new ideas?

- How much time is it necessary to understand that you have made a discovery?

- Do you feel envy of your colleagues’ success?

- Do you prefer to work alone or with a group of scientists?

4. Give me a piece of advice on how to convince my parents of the necessity of a mobile phone for every teenager.Mobile phones have changed people’s life. They give us an opportunity to stay in touch and to be reachable everywhere. Now it’s difficult to imagine how people lived without mobile phones in the past.

The mobile phone is a very useful device. Thanks to it, I can access people I need: my parents, my friends and teachers. I can never miss anything important. If I need some help, I just call for help. If I’m late for some reason I may send a message to inform about it. What is more, with the help of my mobile phone I can access the Internet, listen to music and what not. A mobile phone gives us freedom.

5. Why do you think cloning was banned in some countries?

Some of modern discoveries cause heated debates. One such problem is human cloning. Supporters of human cloning say it could ease pain and prolong life. They also say cloning would expand the boundaries of reproductive choice. Opponents of cloning say that human cloning projects are criminally irresponsible. That is why nowadays several governments around the world have banned public money being spent on human cloning research.

№18

Let's talk about healthy way of life.

A wise man said, “Never hurry. Take plenty of exercise. Always be cheerful. Take all the sleep you need. You may expect to be well.” Actually these are the basis of our health. I would add to this list of advice healthy eating habits.

A considerable ingredient of a healthy way of life is sport and exercising. Sports develop force, dexterity (ловкость) and accuracy. Going in for sport helps us not only to preserve good physical health but also to breed up a strong character, to be better organized and better disciplined.

All kinds of sports are useful and healthy but it is not compulsory to go in for sports professionally. Doctors say that twenty minutes’ exercise three times a week is all you need to be fit. Regularly walking the dog around the block, raking leaves, going on short distances on foot, taking the stairs instead of elevators can be considered as exercising. The advantages of being fit are evident. Fitness reduces the risk of different diseases and illnesses, makes you feel healthier, more positive and optimistic, helps you to avoid obesity and gives you strength and energy so that you don’t get tired easily.

But fitness comes not just from some exercises done now and then but from the way you live all the time. Good eating habits, regular sleeping habits, and plenty of fresh air are all important parts of the way to keep fit.

The Department of Health and Human Services indicates that mental health and proper social functioning are essential to your well-being. Maintaining this aspect of a healthy lifestyle includes avoiding or managing stress.

1. What can you do to become a healthier person?

The best way to promote a healthy way of life is to find motivation so as to be healthy. The best motivation for people is to look beautiful, to enjoy life and to be free. It is necessary to understand that only being healthy you can enjoy life in its full beauty.As Franklin Adams said, “Health is the thing that makes you feel that now is the best time of the year.”

For anyone who really wants to be healthy, fitness has become an integral part of their lives. A lot of health and fitness clubs, and public leisure centres that were created help people to be fit.

Besides there are many other opportunities for keeping fit. First of all it is necessary to do exercises. People of different ages can design exercises that will fit them. Running, jumping, swimming, bending and stretching are among the most popular exercises. Many people prefer jogging, which is the cheapest and the most accessible sport. Walking is a very popular activity too. For example, popular running competitions are now held everywhere. Lots of people want to see if they can run faster than anyone else. The big city marathons have become sporting events. Television and newspapers report about them in detail. In order to keep fit some people do aerobics or yoga; others prefer some kind of weight training in a gym. People can easily learn more about fitness through popular books and videos that are sold almost everywhere. Even moderate physical activity can protect against heart disease and strokes as well as improve general health and the quality of life. Everyone can benefit from being a little more active. Making small changes like using the stairs instead of the lift or walking or cycling instead of taking the bus can help people live a more active, healthier and enjoyable life.

As for me I try to follow all these recommendations and I have PE classes three times a week. I think it’s quite appropriate for me and helps me to be fit and healthy.

2. Do you agree that bad habits, like smoking, can be dangerous? Why (not)?

Of course I agree. Smoking is harmful for all people and especially for children. It’s known from statistics that smoking kills 2,5 million people a year. Many of them die from lung cancer. Some aren’t even smokers. They are people who live or work with heavy smokers. Also smoking may cause heart diseases and spoil your teeth and skin.

So it is better not to begin smoking because in future you will have to make a lot of efforts so as to get rid of this bad habit.

3. What questions will you ask a fitness coach?

Have you got special programs for people who suffer from overweight?

Do you advise to have special diets?

How much time is it necessary so as to become fit?

4. What can you advise a person who wants to lose weight?

There are many books about different methods of loosing weight. But sometimes it may take a person a lot of time even to look through all of them. Probably that’s why people like to follow someone’s advice from her or his friends or mates. I would advise for such people to analyze the way of life they have. The second step will be to take measures so as to change the way of life: to have regular exercises and to move as much as possible, to eat more fruit and vegetables and reject junk food, to eat in small portions at regular hours and be positive in your attitude towards your appearance. I think people should love themselves and take care of their souls and bodies.

5. Is home-made food better than junk food? Why?

It is really better than junk food. But junk food is associated with spending time with your friends and having fun. That’s why it is so popular among teens. But all of us like our Mums’ home-made food. We usually have our favourite dishes and like to spend time with the family enjoying a Sunday dinner.

Obviously, a diet of junk food is not the best thing for your health. In today’s fast moving world, people have less and less time to spend eating, let alone cooking. It’s probably for this reason that junk food has become so popular. Teenagers should know that people who prefer burgers and chips, crisps and hot dogs tend to become overweight. Besides, fast food is high in saturated fat. This type of fat is associated with a greater risk of cancer. Nevertheless, healthy eating habits do not mean giving up all your favourite food; it is all about choosing food wisely and preparing meals in a healthier way. The best advice for those who cannot live without hamburgers and chocolate bars, is to limit the amount of junk food they eat. A little now and then will probably do no harm.

№19

Let's talk about sport

Sport is a world of its own and it can’t mean the same to everybody. Some people do amateur sports and some are professionals. Some people like one game and some like others. There are sports preferred by men and those preferred by women.

We say sport when we mean this physical activity generally and sport/sports when we mean a particular kind of sport. People who go in for sport are sportsmen and sportswomen or athletes. Other people who are important in sport are: a coach, an instructor, a judge or a referee (in games).

Sports are practiced indoors and outdoors. So there are indoor sports such as: boxing, wrestling, chess, basketball, swimming, ice skating. Outdoor sports are: downhill skiing, football, sailing, track and field athletics, tennis and others. Some of sports and games may be more popular than others. The popular games are: basketball, football, hockey, tennis. The popular sports are: boxing, ski jumping, judo. Less popular sports and games are: water polo, diving, archery, handball.

Professional sport is an exciting creative sphere of hard work and competition. Sport provides an opportunity for people to express themselves. It can provide a challenge (вызов) and can break down economic and social barriers. But sport is not just for participants; it’s for spectators too. Millions of people all over the world spend hours every week watching sports events on television, or at stadium. Of course, spectators particularly enjoy watching international matches and contests, and events such as the Olympic Games or the Football World Cup attract more and more spectators.

1. What do you do to keep fit?

For anyone who really wants to be healthy, fitness has become an integral part of their lives. A lot of health and fitness clubs, and public leisure centres that were created in many countries indicate the popularity of sports. Families can spend their holidays at huge indoor water parks. In such places everybody will have much fun.

Besides there are many other opportunities for keeping fit. First of all it is necessary to do exercises. People of different ages can design exercises that will fit them. Running, jumping, swimming, bending and stretching are among the most popular exercises. Many people prefer jogging, which is the cheapest and the most accessible sport. Walking is a very popular activity too.

In order to keep fit some people do aerobics or yoga; others prefer some kind of weight training in a gym. People can easily learn more about fitness through popular books and videos that are sold almost everywhere. Even moderate physical activity can protect against heart disease and strokes as well as improve general health and the quality of life. Everyone can benefit from being a little more active. Making small changes like using the stairs instead of the lift or walking or cycling instead of taking the bus can help people live a more active, healthier and enjoyable life.

As for me I try to follow all these recommendations and I have PE classes three times a week. I think it’s quite appropriate for me and helps me to be fit and healthy.

2. Some people think that sport is only for professional sportsmen and fans. What is your point of view?

A considerable ingredient of a healthy way of life is sport and exercising. Sports develop force, dexterity (ловкость) and accuracy. Going in for sport helps us not only to preserve good physical health but also to breed up a strong character, to be better organized and better disciplined.

All kinds of sports are useful and healthy but it is not compulsory to go in for sports professionally. Doctors say that twenty minutes’ exercise three times a week is all you need to be fit. Regularly walking the dog around the block, raking leaves, going on short distances on foot, taking the stairs instead of elevators can be considered as exercising. The advantages of being fit are evident. Fitness reduces the risk of different diseases and illnesses, makes you feel healthier, more positive and optimistic, helps you to avoid obesity and gives you strength and energy so that you don’t get tired easily.

But fitness comes not just from some exercises done now and then but from the way you live all the time. Good eating habits, regular sleeping habits, and plenty of fresh air are all important parts of the way to keep fit.

3. What questions will you ask a fitness coach?

- Have you got special programs for people who suffer from overweight?

- Do you advise to have special diets?

- How much time is it necessary so as to become fit?

4. What can you advise a person who doesn't know what kind of sport to take up?

First of all I would recommend deciding several things like whether he or she wants to take it up professionally or not, outdoors or indoors, team or individual. Then it will be very useful to visit some sports clubs, talk to people who go in for sport for some years. Then it will be time to make decisions.

5. Some doctors say that sport can help people to get rid of bad habits. Do you think it will work?

Many people’s favourite hobby is sport. These people have no time for bad habits. They spend much of their spare time playing team games like football or baseball or practicing an individual sport like running, parachuting or swimming. People practice a sport for a need to keep fit. A person who takes regular sport or exercise will stay physically fit, retain youthful vigour (сохранит молодую силу) and develop endurance (выносливость). People who go in for sport even not professionally exercise not only their body but also their spirit. That’s why sport can help people to get rid of bad habits.

№20

Let's talk about fashion.

We call fashion something that is popular at some period of time. Fashion is something we deal with everyday. For sure everyone wants to keep up to date. Even people who say they don't care what they wear choose clothes every morning that say a lot about them and how they feel that day. Especially the majority of young people like to show themselves off in public.

In all times, particularly taking roots from the past centuries, person’s welfare was valued by the way man or woman was dressed. Nowadays people’s point of view hasn’t changed a lot; merely people’s choices often lay neither in the quality of product nor in its easiness in use, but in the choice brands.

Sometimes we could claim that fashion often rules the world, turning many people’s heads. To attract attention of others they wear non-traditional clothes, made by popular brands.

One certain thing in the fashion world is change. We are constantly being bombarded with new fashion ideas from music, videos, books, and television. Movies also have a big impact on what people wear. Sometimes a trend is world-wide.

Musicians and other cultural icons have always influenced what we're wearing, but so have political figures and royalty. Newspapers and magazines report on what celebrities wear.

Fashion is revealing. Clothes reveal what groups people are in. In high school, groups have names: "goths, skaters, preps, herbs." Styles show who you are, but they also create stereotypes and distance between groups. People dress a certain way to deliver the message of rebellion and separation, but within that group, the look is uniform. Acceptance or rejection of a style is a reaction to the society we live in.

Fashion is a language which tells a story about the person who wears it. "Clothes create a wordless means of communication that we all understand," according to Katherine Hamnett, a top British fashion designer. Hamnett became popular when her t-shirts with large messages like "Choose Life" were worn by several rock bands. There are many reasons we wear what we wear. Protection from cold, rain and snow: mountain climbers wear high-tech outerwear to avoid frostbite and over-exposure. Physical attraction: many styles are worn to inspire "chemistry." Emotions: we dress "up" when we're happy and "down" when we're upset. Religious expression: Orthodox Jewish men wear long black suits and Islamic women cover every part of their body except their eyes. Identification and tradition: judges wear robes, people in the military wear uniforms, brides wear long white dresses.

Fashion is big business. More people are involved in the buying, selling and production of clothing than any other business in the world. Everyday, millions of workers design, sew, glue, dye, and transport clothing to stores. Ads on buses, billboards and magazines give us ideas about what to wear, consciously, or subconsciously. Clothing can be used as a political weapon. In nineteenth century England, laws prohibited people from wearing clothes produced in France. During twentieth century communist revolutions, uniforms were used to abolish class and race distinctions.

High fashion is the style of a small group of men and women with a certain taste and authority in the fashion world. People of wealth and position, buyers for major department stores, editors and writers for fashion magazines are all part of Haute Couture ("High Fashion" in French). Some of these expensive and often artistic fashions may triumph and become the fashion for the larger majority. Most stay on the runway. Popular fashions are close to impossible to trace.

1. What style in clothes do you prefer and why?

As for me, it is always important to remember the rules of politeness, that there are different styles of clothes for different types of events. From my point of view, things that you have in your wardrobe should be comfortable to wear. It is better to remain true to yourself. As one wise well-known proverb says, “People meet by clothes and set off by mind”.

My favourite clothes are jeans, shirts and sweaters or jackets. They are comfortable and I can wear them in any weather.

2. Do you prefer fashionable clothes to comfortable ones? Why (not)?

I tend to wear clothes that are appropriate for the environment and fashion. To my mind fashionable clothes don’t mean uncomfortable clothes. I try to combine both comfort and fashion.

The explanation is quite simple I want to keep up to date and feel comfortable. At the same time I like to experiment with my style and remain true to myself.

3. What questions can you ask a shop assistant in a big shop?

Where is a clothes department for girls/ boys?

Have you got any discounts?

What is on sale today?

Is there a café in your shop?

Where can I have a rest?

4. What would you advise your friend who wants to buy some new clothes?

Before any kind of shopping you have to plan everything carefully. It means you should decide what you need first of all then you should know how much money you can afford. The next step will be going through some shops so as to find out the types of clothes and their prices.

I wouldn’t recommend rushing at conclusions what to buy. Think everything over and then you may go exactly to the shop you are going to make your choice at.

5. A famous person once said: "Fashions come and go, style is forever." What do you think about it?

I like this saying. Some people try to be fashionable at any cost. But they may not have their style. Fashion will not help you to look attractive if it is impersonal. Also there are cases when these or those fashionable clothes don’t fit you. In this case only your personal style will help you to avoid clumsy situations.

Besides, fashion is so changeable. As for your style it is unique and reveals your personality.

№21

Let's talk about travelling and tourism.

Travelling is necessary to us all! It keeps us from growing stale and old; it stimulates our imagination; it gives us that movement and change which are necessary to our wellbeing. Some people travel in search of beauty, others to satisfy their curiosity, and many people consider traveling to be a good form of rest.

While traveling we look for different things. Some people look for natural wonders: waterfalls, mountains; others search for ancient sites and great monuments. Some of my friends want to see romantic historical cities or exciting modern cities. As for me I like beautiful beaches and a coastline.

Some people travel light, and some take a lot of luggage on their travels, journeys, voyages or trips. They may choose various means of travelling: by air, by sea, by train, by car, by coach, on a bike, on foot or even on horseback.

Every journey has to be arranged beforehand. There is a number of things one must take care of if they want to make their journey comfortable. First of all, you should choose the most convenient way of getting at your destination. Secondly, it would be very wise of you to reserve everything in advance and save your time and trouble. Then you should find out the time of departure and the time of arrival. Think about your luggage beforehand and pack it neatly. It is strongly recommended to come to the railway station, coach station or airport well in advance so as to have enough time to settle for your traveling.

There are some things that can spoil the impression of your journey: travel sickness, heavy luggage, talkative fellow passengers, missing your transport, bad food, delays and cancellations of transport and bad weather. You should take everything into account and take drastic measures. For example you may take a medicine for your sickness, pack a couple of sandwiches, take suitable clothes, be well-organized and try to be optimistic in any case. People who are optimistic have more control and a better handle on life, live longer, persevere (добиваться) more, have more friends and generally are happier.

1. Do you like travelling? Why?

I’m extremely fond of traveling. I think this is the way to learn the world and get unique experience. Travelling is an adventure. Though you usually plan and arrange all the things you never know what people you’ll meet, what decisions you’ll have to make and what you’ll learn about yourself.

While travelling you discover different lifestyles, arts and crafts, taste different food, visit museums and picture galleries, enjoy nature.

2. How do you like to travel?

As for me, I prefer travelling by car. I think it’s very convenient. You needn’t reserve tour tickets. You needn’t carry heavy suitcases. You can stop wherever you wish, and spend at any place as much time as you like.

1. I think I should like to say a word or two for trains. With a train you have speed, comfort and pleasure combined. From the comfortable corner seat of a railway carriage you have a splendid view of the whole countryside. If you are hungry, you can have meal in the dining car; and if the journey is a long one you can have a wonderful bed in a sleeper. And there is nothing more interesting than a big railway station, too! There is the movement, the excitement, the gaiety of people going away or waiting to meet friends.

2. To me there is nothing like travel by air; it is more comfortable, more convenient and of course far quicker than any other method. There is none of the dust and dirt of a railway or car journey, none of the trouble of changing train to steamer and then to another train. There is no need to trouble about your suitcase. Being on board the plane you can read newspapers to kill the time. You are also served some drinks and food. Besides, flying is a thrilling thing.

3. What questions should you ask a travel agent to learn more about a tour?

How long will it take me to get to the destination?

What excursions are included into the tour?

Will I have to pay for excursions additionally?

4. What can you advise a person who doesn't know where to spend his/her holiday?

The most interesting way of spending holidays is travelling. First of all it is necessary to choose your destination. Then you may plan your route and a type of transport. Nowadays there are a lot of travel agencies which will help you to arrange everything in no time. Package holidays are very popular among holidaymakers because it’s very convenient. You don’t have to worry about such things as where to sleep and what to eat.

5. What difficulties can you have when visiting a foreign country? Is it possible to avoid them?

A fundamental issue for those who are in the midst of another culture is a decision about how much they should change their behaviors to fitthe beliefs, values and norms of those with whom they interact.

Sometimes it is difficult for people to change their behaviours to match cultural patterns that contradict their own beliefs and values.

But it’s better to do as the old saying teaches, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do”. It means that visitors should show respect for the other culture and its ways. In this way it will be possible to avoid difficulties.

№22

Let's talk about environment.

The Earth is the only planet in the solar system where there is life. If you look down at the Earth from a plane you will see how wonderful our planet is. You will see blue seas and oceans, rivers and lakes, high snow-capped mountains, green forests and fields. For centuries the man had lived in harmony with nature until industrialization brought human society into conflict with the natural environment. Today, the contradictions between man and nature have acquired a dramatic character. With the development of civilization man’s interference in nature has increased. Every year the world’s industry pollutes the atmosphere with millions of tons of dust and other harmful substances. People who live in big cities are badly affected by harmful discharge from plants and city transport and by the increasing noise level which is as bad for human health as lack of fresh air and clean water.

1. People say that our planet is in danger. Do you share this opinion?

I’d say that “our planet is in danger” is not the opinion, it’s a fact. Among the most urgent problems are the ozone layer, acid rains, global warming, toxic pollution of atmosphere, disappearance of forests, contamination of underground waters by chemical elements, destruction of soil in some areas, threat to some flora and fauna representatives, etc.

One of the most important pollution problems is the oceans. Many ships sail in the ocean water- fishing ships, some ships carrying people, some carrying oil. If a ship loses some of the oil in the water, or waste the water becomes dirty. Many sea birds die because of the polluted water. Many fish are dying in the sea, others are getting contaminated. Fishermen catch contaminated fish which may be sold in markets, and people may get sick from eating them. Lakes and rivers are becoming polluted, too. Some beaches are dangerous for swimming.

Another important problem is air pollution. Cars and factories pollute the air we use. Their car exhaust fumes also destroy the ozone layer which protects the Earth from the dangerous light of the Sun. Aerosols create large “holes” in the ozone layer round the Earth.

A sore subject is that our forests are dying from acid rains. Deforestation, especially destruction of tropical forests, affects the balance of nature in many ways. It kills animals, changes the climate and ecosystem in the world. People’s activity is crowding animals out of their natural habitat.

There are a lot of places on our planet that need immediate help. Our country is not exception. The nuclear accident at Chernobyl, which took place on April 26, 1986., has seriously aggravated the ecological situation in Belarus. That catastrophe can be considered as the largest disaster of the 20th century. As the result of that accident 18% of territories of our republic were contaminated by radioactive elements. The agriculture of our country suffered great losses. More than 20% of the population has also suffered. A death rate among children has increased considerably. The wide researches are carried out, but health state of the people living in polluted areas, is worsened. The level of thyroid gland cancer has increased, the immunity of children and women is weakened, many diseases appear out only a few years later. Everyone understands that this catastrophe is a threat to health of our nation, and though years have already passed, the results will be shown on the future generations.

I’d like to say a few words about animals in danger of extinction. The blue whale is the largest animal which has ever lived. Once there were over 200000 of these creatures living in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Since the seventeenth century they have been hunted for their oil and meat. In fact, so many of them were killed that by 1963 their population had been reduced to just 1000. Today it is even less than that. The African elephant is the world’s largest land animal. Today there are fewer than one million of these animals left. Even though they are now protected, they are still being hunted because of their tusks, which are used to make ornaments and jewellery.

2. What do you think people should do to protect the environment?

I believe that environment disasters can be avoided if people broaden ecological education and every person understands that the beauty of nature is extremely fragile and people must obey the unwritten laws of nature. Governments must be prepared to take action against pollution. Air pollution could be reduced if plants and factories were made to fit effective filters on chimneys and car exhausts. Green zones around big cities must be protected and extended. Natural resources should be used economically because their stocks are not unlimited.The problem of “holes” in the ozone layer round the Earth could be solved by individual action: stop using ozone-depleting chemicals. One more problem, greenhouse warming, can also be solved by individual action - reducing energy use. We could do this by turning off lights, turning down heaters and air conditioners, building more energy efficient buildings, shutting doors. These are all simple actions which everyone must do if we are concerned about our planet, yet not many do so. New technology may help, but lifestyle change can have much more immediate affect.

-Everyone should become an ecologically conscious person.-We should broaden the system of ecological education-We should be economical with natural recourses (water, gas, oil)-We should buy and use only ecologically safe products (never use sprays)-It is advisable to take part in the activities of different ecological organization sand volunteer work: planting trees, picketing …)-New purifying systems should be fit -We should be ecologically responsible people: stop littering to prevent air, land and water from being polluted-We should never do harm to wildlife: stop hunting and killing wild animals

3. What would you like to ask your British friend about measures that are taken to protect the environment in Britain?

- Are there any environmental organizations in Britain?

- Does your school take part in any programmes to protect the environment?

- What measures are taken by your local authority to protect the environment?

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