Felt boots are feast for the eyes
Билет №21
I.1. Read the article and say in 2-3 sentences what it is about.
HALLOWEEN
Halloween is always celebrated on 31 October. On that night, many people will look like frightening creatures such as vampires or ghosts. They do this with the help of special clothing and face paint.
Halloween traditions developed from Celtic beliefs in ancient Britain. The Celts believed that spirits of the dead would return to their homes on October the thirty-first, the day of the autumn feast. They built huge fires to frighten away evil spirits that night.
People from Scotland and Ireland brought these ideas with them when they came to America. Some believed that spirits played tricks on people on the last night of October. Historians say many of the Halloween traditions of today developed from those of ancient times. They say that wearing a mask to hide a person's face is similar to the way ancient villagers covered their faces to make evil spirits go away. On Halloween night, American children put on masks and other clothing. They go from home to home shouting "Trick or treat"! If the people in the homes do not give them a treat, the children may play a trick on them. Some adults put on costumes and attend Halloween parties. They also decorate their homes. They might clean out the insides of pumpkins and cut funny faces on the surface. Then, they place a burning candle inside. Some hang fake bats, spider webs and other things around the home.
The National Retail Federation is predicting that Americans will spend more on Halloween treats and products this year. The group says about six point nine billion dollars will be spent in all. That is eighteen percent more than last year when Americans spent five point eight billion dollars to celebrate Halloween. The National Retail Federation also has information about what Americans will be wearing for Halloween this year. It says zombie costumes are tops among women, men and children.
2. The author describes how the ideas of celebrating Halloween came to the USA. Find this extract and read it aloud.
3. What do adults and children do to get ready for Halloween?
4. Why do many people celebrate this holiday nowadays?
II.Listen to the conversation between a journalist and a Japanese girl and answer the questions below.
1. What does Shima usually eat?
2. Where does she eat?
3. What is happening to the Japanese diet at the moment?
Journalist:What do you eat in a typical day, Shima?
Shima: I don’t usually have breakfast, because I can’t get up early enough to it. I normally just buy a coffee and drink it in the office. I usually have lunch in the restaurant near the office with people from work. When I was younger, I used to go to fast food restaurants and have pizza, fried chicken and chips, but now I prefer eating something healthier, so I go to sushi restaurants or restaurants which serve organic, healthy food which is grown in local gardens. And for dinner I have to eat out a lot too.
Journalist:Do you ever eat unhealthy food?
Shima:Well I don’t eat a lot of unhealthy things, but I drink a lot of coffee every day. I know it is not a good habit and I am going to give it up one day I began drinking more juice. Orange one is my favourite.
Journalist:Are people’s diets in your country getting better or worse?
Shima:Oh, probably worse. I think the diet in Japan today is much more westernized than before and that’s why some people are getting fatter. Butpersonally I like the fact that there are more different kinds of food and restaurants now. I enjoy the variety, it makes eating out much more fun.
III.
1. Let’s talk about travelling and tourism. What role do they play in your life?
2. How do you like to travel?
3. What questions should you ask a travel agent to learn more about a tour?
4. What can you advise a person who doesn’t know where to spend his/her holiday?
5. What difficulties can you have when visiting a foreign country? Is it possible to avoid them?
Билет №22
I.1. Read the article and say in 2-3 sentences what it is about.
FELT BOOTS ARE FEAST FOR THE EYES
The financial-economic crisis of the 2009 was the third of its kind for Smilovichi Felting Factory's Director, Vasily Saban. However, each time his unique company recovered from its challenging situation. Mr Saban, 55, has not only survived these times of trouble but has discovered a solution for 'his' factory — the company modernized its felt boot production, with the range of wool-made products expanded.
"This branch may be one of the oldest but it has seen progress," says Mr Saban, looking at black-and-white photos from the 1950- 1960s. "In 1928 Smilovichi staff made just 8—10 pairs of felt boots daily; the figure is ten times larger now, the quality has also improved. We are now working on making women's felt boots more attractive and fashionable, without giving them high heels!"
Felt boots have been worn for over two centuries but still enjoy popularity with villagers, buiders, the military, steel workers and ice fishermen. In recent years, felt boots have even gained special status, being bought in Russia, the Baltic States, Ukraine and Finland; Smilovichi-made footwear is worn with pleasure.
The company makes 37 different wollen products — including felt boots for children and adults, technical felt, woollen blankets and pillows, and sets for banyas. Its major supplies of raw materials are based in Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan. The company has managed not only to avoid bankruptcy but to advance significantly in its traditional manufacture. The process of felt boot making is complicated and labour intensive, including 36 operations, with only a few of them mechanised.
...I went to Smilovichi to buy felt boots for my sister and ended up buying some for myself and my family. They are beautiful and warm and environmentally friendly, being produced from sheep's wool, without addictive and synthetic glue. Anyone wearing Smilovichi-made felt boots must surely feel warm; their footwear has been made with love and keeps the warmth of their makers' hands.
2. The director of the felting factory tells us about the factory's achievements over the years. Find this extract and read it aloud.
3. What does the factory produce?
4. Why are felt boots becoming more and more popular all over the world?
II.Listen to the conversation between a girl and a boy speaking about their family life and answer the questions below.
1. What do the boy and the girl say about their families?
2. Is the girl happy to have a family party?
3. What do John’s parents hope he will do after school?
Angela:I don’t know your family very well, John. I guess I haven’t been to your house that often.
John:No — you must come round again soon, and have dinner. My parents are quite fun. They come from up north, and then they moved down here when they decided that they wanted to start a family.
Angela:My family have always lived round here. It’s full of my cousins! So, do you get on well with your family? You don’t talk about them as much as some people talk about their families.
John:Oh yeah, they’re fine. It’s OK. They both work hard, so I don’t see them so much.
Angela:Sometimes I wish I saw a little less of mine! But in fact, I’m going to see everybody soon. I can’t wait for this party we’re having next month. Everyone’s coming.
John:That sounds like fun. I could do with some fun.
Angela:Oh? Is something the matter?
John:Well, it’s just that I’m expected to follow tradition and join my uncle’s firm when we finish school, but I think it’s boring. OK for a holiday job, maybe, but that’s enough...
Angela: Hm— what can you do in this sort of situation?
John:Yeah, I would ask my older brother, but he’s always at university...
III.
1. Let's talk about environment. People say that our planet is in danger. Do you share this opinion?
2. What do you think people should do to protect the environment?
3. What would you like to ask your British friend about measures that are taken to protect the environment in Britain?
4. A friend of yours wants to develop a programme to protect the city where he lives. Give him a piece of advice.
5. Green School of the Year contest is held in the country and you want your school to enter it. Give ideas for some ’green events’.
Билет №23
I.1. Read the article and say in 2-3 sentences what it is about.