Starlight Tests

A Once-in-a-lifetime Opportunity

Dogs have been man’s best friends for centuries. Even today, they 1) …………….. just companions, but also the only means of travel for many people who live in the Arctic. In parts of Greenland, for instance, dog sledding still 2) …………….. a major role in people’s lives as an essential mode of transport during the winter and spring.

Although dog sledding 3) …………….. hundreds of years ago and was used for hunting and travel, today it is mainly used to promote tourism, especially through sled tours. Dog sledding is one of the best ways for visitors to enjoy the amazing arctic scenery. Most people may 4) …………….. about dog sledding, but actually experiencing it is completely different. In fact, many countries in the Arctic Circle 5) …………….. dog sled tours for decades. Some of them include catching a glimpse of icebergs and glaciers by day, and 6) …………….. in tents on the sea ice at night.

A visit to the Arctic region is a life-long dream for many travellers. Dog sledding tours have a thrill and excitement that is incomparable to other adventure holidays. Without a doubt, dog sledding 7) …………….. to fascinate tourists in the future.

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Underwater Hockey

Underwater hockey, or Octopush, is a fast-paced 1) …………….. sport played at the bottom of a swimming pool. It was invented by divers in England and it is 2) …………….. becoming a sport that is drawing a lot of attention. Players wear a diving mask, fins, 3) …………….. gloves and a snorkel. Playing underwater hockey is quite challeging. The object of the game is to use a small stick to push the puck into a tray which acts as the opponents’ goal. Knowing when to dive and when to return to the surface for air is part of the game’s strategy. Although there are ten 4) …………….. in each team, only six are allowed in the water. As a result, player substitutions can happen at any time, increasing the speed and 5) …………….. of the game. Underwater hockey is growing in 6) …………….. and is a very exciting team water sport.

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Working towards a Dream

Most of us have fantasised about meeting our favourite actor, and I’m no different. Although I’m still in high school, I often dream of making films in New York City alongside one of Hollywood’s superstars. I also have a 1) ……. for being quite ambitious and I guess that’s one of the reasons why I joined the school’s drama club. The drama club taught me a great deal about theatrical productions and has also 2) ……. wonders for my acting skills. Our school has a long tradition in drama and theatrical performances. In fact, our drama club works together with professional theatre companies that 3) ……. workshops for our drama students. Last year, our school staged Oliver Twist and I was Nancy. Performing in front of a live audience is one of the most intense feelings I have 4) ……. experienced in my life. This year our annual school production will be Romeo and Juliet and I will play the 5) ……. of Juliet! Performing Shakespeare is not easy, especially Romeo and Juliet which is 6) ……. in Italy in the 1500s. Nevertheless, we are all extremely excited as we know that the 7) ……. will be packed with people! I don’t expect to become a star overnight, of course, but I do hope we keep the audience entertained and amused!

The Wonder of Bollywood

‘Hollywood’ is a household name. This small district of Los Angeles, California is the centre of the American film industry and the reason for the sale of over 2.6 billion cinema ticket every year. Most of the films we watch, whether they are blockbuster action films or low-budget dramas, come straight out of Hollywood. But have you ever heard of ‘Bollywood’? ‘Bollywood’ is the name given to the Hindi language film industry based in Mumbai, India. Contrary to popular belief, it far outperforms Hollywood. Last year alone, over 1000 films were produced and 4 billion cinema tickets were sold, showing that Indian cinema is far more powerful than people think.

Many likely Bollywood fans are often concerned that they will not be able to understand the language used in the films. But there is no need to worry. Although the scripts have historically been written in Hindi, more and more films use the English language, showing India’s respect for the languages that make up its culture. You will also find that most films come with English language subtitles. The ‘language barrier’ shouldn’t stop a viewer from enjoying some first-class films.

So what do you get out of a Bollywood film? It is very difficult to define a film as belonging to a certain category, because there is no such thing as a typical Bollywood film. Indians tend to describe the films by using the Hindustani word, ‘Masala’ (meaning ‘spice mixture’). The plots sometimes focus on the drama of a love triangle, but they can also be packed with laugh-out-loud comedy or edge-of-your-seat action. The only guarantee is that a Bollywood film won’t end without several catchy song and dance routines.

Many Bollywood films are over three hours long. Some people might think that this is too long, but there is a good explanation. You would be forgiven for thinking it’s due to complicated storylines, but the film companies say it’s far simpler than that. They say the aim is not to draw in bigger audiences, but to give you, the audience, your ‘money’s worth’. If you are going to spend good money on a ticket, the film should be exciting, funny, scary, dramatic, musical… Anything you want!

As in Hollywood, there is no shortage of aspiring young actors and actresses hoping to get a role in the next blockbuster. They set off to Mumbai with dreams of becoming stars. Big shot film producers and casting agents are always looking out for new talent. Of course, the vast majority never ‘make it big’, but there are a few exceptions. India has its own Brad Pitts and Angelina Jolies – spectacular actors who make up all-star casts and ensure you have a truly enjoyable viewing experience!

Shilpa Shetty is the perfect example of a Bollywood megastar. A picture of beauty and raw acting talent, she has achieved success beyond the borders of India, most notably in the UK following her appearance on the ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ TV series. Since then she has turned down roles in several British TV shows. Instead, she has returned to Mumbai and continues to shoot films in the land that made her a star.

Bollywood is not just for the Indian audience. Although it took a long time to become popular in other countries, Bollywood is hugely popular in Russia and Eastern Europe. And although audience numbers in Western Europe and the Americas are only now growing, it has already taken Africa and Asia by storm. As world cinema changes, don’t get left behind. Once you get into Bollywood, you’ll never want to stop watching.

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With Clenched Teeth

“Mr Reynolds is ready 1) …………….. you now, Mr Lawrence,” said the cheerful receptionist. My stomach tightened as I smiled back politely. Although the appointment was only for a check-up, I was afraid that it 2) …………….. as painless as I had hoped. As I got up to follow the receptionist, I visualised my upcoming holiday to try and relax. I thought to myself, “This time next month, I 3) …………….. on a beautiful beach in Spain.” Then, regrettably, I came back to reality when I 4) …………….. the receptionist’s voice. She led me to the surgery and I sat in the uncomfortable chair, trembling with hidden fear. While I 5) …………….., I couldn’t help but notice all the instruments neatly laid out beside me. Nevertheless, I knew there was no point in 6) …………….. stressed. “Good to see you again,” said the dentist. “Let’s have a look,” he added happily. “Hmm. 7) …………….. (you) of getting your teeth whitened? They’re a bit stained, but other than that, they are in perfect condition.” I was so happy that I nearly cried. No drills! No injections! No pain! A wave of relief swept over me as I shut my eyes and said, “Sounds great.”

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The Benefits of Cooking

While cooking is not very popular with people who have a hectic lifestyle, the benefits of preparing your own meals are 1) …………….. . People who are pressed for time often eat out or order takeaway food. However, these choices may also be quite 2) …………….. and the ingredients they contain are typically high in fat, making them extremely 3) …………….. . Home-cooked meals, on the other hand, offer many benefits. For one thing, you can control the ingredients and portions. You have a greater 4) …………….. in your diet, which is essential in watching your weight and reducing the risks of a number of diseases. Cooking on a 5) …………….. basis does not have to be a laborious task. All it takes is a bit of planning, organisation and determination. Preparing your own meals might be a challenge, but it is certainly not 6) …………….. . The key is experimenting and testing different kinds of food. After a while, you will be able to confidently prepare a wide range of meals and enjoy yourself at the same time.

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Healthy Living

With more and more people trying to 1) ……. their weight, the need for dieticians has increased significantly over the past few years. As a dietician, I work with people of all ages. I usually advise them how to maintain healthy eating 2) ……. . The best part of my job is educating people about the importance of good nutrition. I work in a variety of settings, including hospitals and schools, where I develop nutrition programmes and meal plans. I also work with people who have special dietary needs. For example, I create special diets for diabetics and help them 3) ……. their blood sugar levels. Unfortunately, I often have to deal with teenage girls who have a lack of self-esteem when it comes to their 4) ……. body image. Many young women believe that they are unattractive or worthless. To make matters worse, they are 5) ……. to believe that all their weight problems will be solved if they go on low-calorie diets. Some of them come to my office and burst 6) ……. tears because they want to lose weight even though they are not fat. Of course, the media are said to be partly responsible for the rise in severe eating disorders in recent years because they often offer 7) ……. information about healthy weight loss. Despite all the difficulties, however, being a dietician is very fulfilling as I help people improve their overall health and quality of life.

During recent years, people have become obsessed with their weight. The desire of people to look like their favourite movie star or supermodel has prompted an almost endless list of celebrity-endorsed diets. Actress Jodie Foster says ‘Yes!’ to the Beverly Hills Diet, Kylie Minogue uses the Montignac Diet and Sarah-Michelle Gellar even gives a thumbs up to a Cabbage Soup Diet! But no nutritional programme has gained quite so much attention as the world-famous Atkins Diet.

Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston and Catherine Zeta-Jones are just a few of the personalities 1) ……… . So what is ‘Atkins’, why does it have such a high-profile following and, more importantly, is it safe?

The basic idea of the diet is quite simple. Atkins dieticians claim that carbohydrates are the reason 2) ……… . These included foodstuffs such as flour and sugar, like you would find in a cake. Our bodies burn carbohydrates first. So the Atkins scientists say that if we cut down on these carbohydrates, our bodies will search for other forms of energy to burn instead. When our bodies burn fat, we naturally become less hungry, 3) ……… .

Not everybody thinks 4) ……… . Several nutritionists have said that the diet upsets the balance of fruit and vegetable intake 5) ……… . The human body needs a variety of minerals and vitamins and these should be part of any diet. It is also thought that the Atkins diet is too low in fibre, which is mainly found in bread, cereals and potatoes. There is wide scientific agreement that lack of fibre can cause serious stomach problems. However, an Atkins spokesman has rejected claims made about flaws in the diet. He agrees that the intake of fruit and vegetables is reduced at the beginning of the diet, 6) ……… . Dieters also are encouraged not to neglect fibre and the Atkins website advertises a special range of bread and cereals which ensure that a person’s nutritional needs are met.

A number of scientific studies back the claim that Atkins is a good way to lose weight quickly as noticeable results can easily be seen after a short length of time. Life in the limelight is very likely the reason that celebrities choose to use this diet, but if you are considering trying it, you should consult a doctor first. Atkins is only successful if it is well-planned, nutritious and includes regular exercise.

A which includes other forms of energy

B who have tried the diet

C that Atkins is the best way to lose weight, though

D why we put on weight

E which they think is necessary for us to stay healthy

F so we start to lose weight

G but there is still a healthy amount that is slowly increased

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Carling Weekend

The Carling Festival has been part of the British music scene for nearly 50 years. Originally a jazz festival, today its main focus is rock music.

Up until 1999, the festival 1) …………….. in the town of Reading, a half-hour train journey from London. However, an ever increasing demand for tickets 2) …………….. the organisers to establish a sister festival in the northern city of Leeds. Since then, the Carling Weekend 3) …………….. a phenomenal success, with a total of over 150,000 tickets sold each year.

Every year, the festival gates open for the August Bank Holiday weekend, 4) …………….. fans the chance to enjoy an exciting 3-day camping experience. Fortunately, for those who want 5) …………….. a weekend without life’s little luxuries, day tickets are also available.

The event, which 6) …………….. exclusively on music, attracts some of the world’s most famous rock bands, from The Who to The Red Hot Chili Peppers. If you love to go mad to the sound of guitars and drums, the Carling Weekend 7) …………….. a boring experience for you!

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The National Eisteddfod

The National Eisteddfod of Wales, which can trace its history back as far as 1176, is a 1) …………….. festival held annually in early August. Its purpose is to celebrate the traditions and culture of this small principality.

The festivities are conducted in the nation’s mother tongue, Welsh, but people of all nationalities are welcome to experience the country’s rich heritage and the 2) …………….. of its people.

The Eisteddfod is located in a different part of Wales each year, making it a 3) …………….. occasion. This is the perfect way for regular visitors to explore different parts of the countryside and enjoy the hospitality of the 4) …………….. locals.

At the festival, there are hundreds of stalls that sell local arts and crafts, 5) …………….. dishes such as lava bread, and picture books that walk you through the principality’s history – from the Celtic tribes to modern rural and urban life. Consequently, the festival offers a wide 6) …………….. of activities.

The Eisteddfod is one of Europe’s largest traditional folk, poetry and literature festivals. Be sure not to miss the opportunity to see the elaborate ‘crowning of the Bard’ ceremony which honours the work of top Welsh poets and authors.

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The Edinburgh Festival

The Edinburgh Festival was established in 1947 and has grown to 1) ……. the largest outdoor international arts and culture event in the world.

Its name is slightly misleading, though. It is used as a collective term for a wide number of events, performances and festivals that last throughout the month of August.

The organisers have ensured that there is something for everyone in Edinburgh. If you are interested 2) ……. music, film, reading, politics, books, dance, comedy, theatre or more, then there is surely something for you.

Of all the many celebrations, the Edinburgh Fringe is most popular 3) ……. festival-goers. Every possible aspect of the performing arts is covered. If you like to be around others, you can watch the 4) ……. performers, jugglers, mime artists as they perform in the city’s crowded streets. If you prefer a slower 5) ……. of life, stop by one of the many small cafes or side-street theatres where you can sit and enjoy a play. Whether it is a new independent production or one of the 6) ……. Greek classics, you’ll find something to tickle your fancy!

The good 7) ……. is that there are no tickets to buy in order to attend the festival. However, you should note that some events might demand a small payment for entry. But don’t worry; it’s worth every penny!

1 For people who hate working in an office, getting paid to travel can sound like a dream come true. Anyone with a sense of adventure and a strong desire to travel should seriously consider a job in the travel industry. One of the most worthwhile jobs is a group travel organiser. People get paid to go on trips, visit amazing places and have fun.

2 The event is mostly run by volunteers and nearly all takings from the weekend are donated to good causes. So just by attending the festival you’re doing something good. However, beware of the ‘Glastonbury Curse’! Despite the seasonal good weather, it nearly always changes just in time for the festival. If you plan on going, it would be wise to take a raincoat!

3 From its rich history to secluded beaches, Vancouver Island is an adventurer’s holiday paradise. The 7-day sea kayaking expedition is open to a maximum of 10 participants aged 14-16. This expedition will give teenagers the opportunity to see and do a wide variety of exciting activities, such as paddling along the coastlines of the island.

4 Many people often dream of travelling, especially to interesting or faraway locations which seem mysterious and exciting. Some believe that visiting these places would be impossible or something to only read about in books. Fortunately, many countries offer programmes where students can get away for the summer, experience life in another country and earn some money.

5 Combine sailing on the river Thames with outdoor jazz music. A full itinerary for the weekend and a complete list of what to bring will be sent upon booking and waterproofs will be provided free of charge. The total cost includes accommodation and meals. This promises to be an exciting experience and a rewarding opportunity of a lifetime.

6 Nowadays, it is very important to pack as few things as possible when travelling abroad. People don’t realise that there are fundamental rules and regulations about what you can and cannot take on board your flight. Many airlines have additional restrictions on the size, number and weight of suitcases. Travellers should check their airline’s website for further information.

7 On the last weekend of June, free spirits everywhere descend upon the normally sleepy town to see a line-up of the biggest names in contemporary music, theatre performances, stand-up comedy, world dance, cabaret, circuses and much more. Held on a huge farm in the picturesque rural village of Pilton, over 700 acts are scheduled to appear.

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A Night to Remember

“I was lying in bed, 1) …………….. a book. All of a sudden, the bed started to shake from side to side,” said Mrs Stevens, looking nervously at the reporter as she described what had happened.

A massive earthquake struck the city last night at 10 pm. Hundreds of people remain 2) …………….. under collapsed buildings and thousands are believed to be missing or homeless. There are still no reports on the number of casualties; however, there are many people who 3) …………….. yet. A number of aftershocks interrupted rescue teams earlier this morning as they 4) …………….. survivors. Many survivors received on-the-spot treatment from rescue workers who arrived shortly after the earthquake occurred. Officials expect that emergency assistance from international relief organisations 5) …………….. tomorrow, although foreign rescue teams will not be required.

What the city desperately needs now 6) …………….. food, medicine, blankets and shelter. If you wish to help as a volunteer or offer medical supplies and basic necessities, please 7) …………….. 555 212 313 for more information.

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Water Recycling

With the increasing lack of water supplies caused by climate change and population growth, more and more countries are looking for solutions. In fact, until 1) …………….., few people would have admitted that there is a water shortage problem, but many conservationists are now suggesting water recycling.

Water can be recycled and used for a number of 2) …………….. purposes, including agriculture and public park irrigation. By recycling water we could reduce water costs significantly and prevent water 3) …………….. at the same time. Households, for instance, will be able to save one third of their annual water consumption. In this way, water recycling will not only save money, it will also contribute to water 4) …………….. . Furthermore, water recycling can also help protect the environment. Studies have shown that water recycling helps prevent pollution by reducing ground water 5) …………….. . The clean, recycled water can be used to improve the quality of local habitats.

All things considered, water recycling offers enormous 6) …………….. benefits. Many countries are now using recycled water as a way to help manage our planet’s precious water resources.

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A Bleak Future for Polar Bears

Due to global warming, it is believed that there will be a considerable decline in the polar bear population in the near future. In fact, many scientists predict that two thirds of the world’s polar bears could 1) ……. extinction by as early as 2050. For years, scientists have been calling attention to the devastating effects of climate change. The continuous melting of the Arctic’s sea ice, which the polar bears rely on for hunting and breeding, is directly 2) ……. to global warming. Unless we do something now, polar bears will continue to be under 3) ……. . According to a number of studies, the sea ice is melting quicker than scientists had predicted. As a result, these changes are 4) ……. major problems for polar bears and other arctic wildlife. For example, the thickness of the sea ice has been reduced, making it more difficult for polar bears to travel than in the past. In addition, as sea ice continues to melt, polar bears will be spending more time on land. Therefore, it is very 5) ……. that they will approach hunting camps or communities looking for food in increasing numbers. Some areas have already reported an increase in interactions between polar bears and people. In general, data from recent studies does not look very promising for polar bears. Conservationists warn that the situation calls 6) ……. immediate action. Many even believe that they may be the first mammals in the world to lose their entire habitat because of global warming. There are, however, simple things we can do to help. By recycling and using energy-efficient appliances, for instance, you can help reduce greenhouse emissions. Remember, even small changes can make a big difference if each of us helps. The loss of natural habitats should 7) ……. us of the urgent need for conservation.

Up until recently, life was fairly uneventful. I grew up in the leafy suburbs of Connecticut before heading south to study at the University of Alabama School of Medicine. While there, I fell in love with southern life and, of course, a southern girl! After graduation, we soon got married and headed west where we both took up positions in ‘The Hospitality State’, Mississippi. We had a nice life there, but the sleepy city of Jackson never quite felt like a ‘home’. My wife missed her parents dearly, so we decided to move closer to them in the electrifying and colourful home of jazz. By August 25^th 2005, we were unpacked and living in New Orleans where we felt we were meant to be. If only we had known how ‘different’ and ‘new’ this experience would be…

Early in the morning on the 29^th August, Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana. Sure, hurricanes are anticipated because they are notorious in the south. Indeed, some even believe you’re not a real man until you’ve lived through a hurricane. But, in reality, nothing could have prepared me for what was about to come. Think of the strongest wind you could possibly imagine, multiply this by ten. Then add downpours of torrential rain, combined with deafening thunder and violent lightning – this could help you imagine the terrifying situation that was before us. Katrina was the new queen of extreme weather conditions and New Orleans was her kingdom.

She tore mercilessly through the city streets, destroying everything that lay in her path. The sheer destructive force of the hurricane blew out the windows of local homes, businesses and hotels. Beds, desks and other furniture could be seen flying out of windows. Catastrophic winds, coupled with violent downpours, eventually succeeded in destroying the city’s water levees, resulting in a huge tidal surge. Water crashed into the city with the strength of a tsunami. Under intense pressure, the city’s canals burst their banks and within hours New Orleans was a city underwater.

When Katrina moved on, my wife and I left the fragile safety of our basement. We opened the door not to our kitchen, but to a new world. Our house was a shell; my wife broke down in tears while I stood dazed. From our ‘house’ in the suburbs, we witnessed the chaos the hurricane had unleashed on a once vibrant city. Suddenly it struck me that, although our material possessions were gone, my wife and I were alive. That was the important thing. The city was devastated, and people were injured and helpless; we could feel sorry for ourselves or we could do something.

I immediately sent my wife and her family to Mississippi as I volunteered my services. Within an hour, the local authorities were ready to escort me into the city. They were joined by National Guard soldiers who took me to the Louisiana Superdome. As we opened the main doors, we were met with the sight of thousands of sick and injured evacuees.

I was joined by a small but dedicated group of volunteers, including five doctors and nurses. We began by treating the most seriously injured. Injuries varied from concussion (caused by falling debris from damaged buildings) to serious body wounds. Each weather-beaten victim served as living proof that nobody had escaped the wrath of Katrina. The demand for medical care was huge, something I’d never experienced in the comfort of my old clinic. Sometimes we wanted to complain about the unbearable conditions and at times thought of leaving altogether. The possibility of moving to a smaller venue was discussed but it was not realistic because we were committed to helping as many victims as possible. We opted to stay put and worked tirelessly throughout the following weeks, treating diseases related to contaminated water, hypothermia and a host of other illnesses.

Years later, we are still clearing up the mess. The aftermath of the hurricane left a distinctive scar on our city. Some call New Orleans ‘the city that people forgot to care about’ but I dispute this. Sometimes I think the authorities could have done more to prevent such huge damage and loss of life but people never stopped caring. Many victims chose not to flee. In the face of a natural disaster, people helped one another, hospitals gave medical supplies, children donated pocket money and the media made public our city’s pain. This unity encouraged us to rebuild our lives. Hurricane Katrina was not a defeat for our city but a victory for its community spirit.

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A Job with a Great Future

Hacking is the act of accessing a computer for unlawful reasons such as stealing important data or attempting to crash a system. It has been around for practically as long as computers themselves. However, something which people 1) ………………….. to as ethical hacking for the past few years, is a relatively new phenomenon.

As computer crime increased, banks, security consultants and even government agencies 2) ………………….. more and more desperate to protect the data contained in their computer systems from deadly viruses and data theft. Hackers, people who in the very recent past 3) ………………….. criminals, were now being regarded in a totally different light.

Obviously, ethical hackers 4) ………………….. into systems illegally. They attend professional courses and even get a certificate. They 5) ………………….. to find ways to protect valuable information and prevent infections caused by computer viruses.

Without a doubt, in the near future, ethical hackers 6) ………………….. in even greater demand than they are now. If you are in the process of making a career choice, and you love computers, you might want to consider 7) …………………... certified as an ethical hacker.

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A Choice for Life

Deciding what you want to do career-wise is one of the most important choices you will ever make – your decision will affect both your 1) ……..………….. security and your level of job satisfaction. Making such a significant decision is not easy and there are some factors which should be given some careful 2) ……..………….. before you make a final career choice.

To begin with, sit down and give some thought to what really interests you and what you really want to achieve in life. Do some research on specific careers - this might help you to decide if this career or that career is actually suited to your 3) ……..………….. and physical abilities. Next, it might be a good idea to talk with people who have hands-on experience in the type of profession or field that you are thinking about. Finally, it is of utmost importance to find out what 4) ……..………….., diplomas or degrees you will need and if you are willing to put in the time and effort it will require to earn these 5) ……..………….. .

To sum up, your career choice will have an incredible influence on your life. Whatever job or profession you finally decide on, it should make your life 6) ……..………….. and should also be rewarding. Liking what you do is the first step in achieving success in the workplace.

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Computer Viruses

Developments in technology seem to be announced at an ever-increasing 1) ……., and nowhere is this more true than in the field of electronics. New, more powerful and sophisticated computer systems seem to be produced so quickly that they appear out-of-date even before they are plugged in for the first time.

Unfortunately, while such systems are designed to make our lives easier and speed up our 2) ……. to information from other computers, they still leave users open to the risk of a computer virus attack.

A computer virus is a program that is capable of reproducing itself and spreading from one computer to another, much as a 3) ……. virus spreads from one living organism to another. Just as some viruses that infect human beings are more serious than others, so computer viruses vary in the amount of damage they can do. Viruses can take forms ranging from an irritating but otherwise harmless message appearing on the screen to the total 4) ……. of data and destruction of the computer system. In the past, computer viruses spread relatively slowly, but today, thanks to the development of the Internet and the 5) ……. of email, it is possible for a virus to spread rapidly and infect computers all around the world.

Getting rid of viruses from an infected computer system is a tedious and sometimes expensive business so it is better to 6) ……. getting them in the first place. To do this it is important to use reliable anti-virus software which should be kept up to date. It is also advisable to back up important files on a 7) ……. basis to avoid losing valuable data in the case of a serious virus attack.

I had spent the evening at the cinema and was on my way home 1) ……… . Before I could turn around, someone grabbed my wrist, twisting it behind my back. The assailant whispered that if I didn’t do as he said, he would hurt me. He ended up taking my purse, 2) ……… .

After the incident, I ran home and told my parents everything about the horrific experience. Unable to control my feelings, I cried until the police arrived. I spent some time answering their questions, 3) ……… . They were extremely friendly and said I was right to comply and behave as I had done. They said it is not uncommon for these cowards to carry weapons 4) ……… .

I gave as many facts as I could remember 5) ……… . I was told that the details I gave sounded familiar and matched the description of a local petty criminal.

Apparently, a few other people in my neighbourhood had given details of the criminal, 6) ……… . Fortunately, all my personal items were returned to me, including my new phone. It just goes to show that crime doesn’t pay!

A because, after the tears, I was angry and wanted justice

B which happened last night

C which also had my new mobile phone in it

D which they are prepared to use

E who was soon arrested

F when suddenly I heard footsteps behind me

G so that I could help them in any way possible.

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