Чтение, 11 клас
Reading Comprehension Test.
Text 1
Everyone in the world knows The Beatles, a British rock music group, which revolutionized popular music around the world in the 1960s by leading a movement in rock music known as the British Invasion. From 1964 through 1969, the Beatles achieved unprecedented popularity with 30 songs reaching the Billboard magazine top ten popular music charts.
Formed in 1959, the Beatles were composed of four musicians born in Liverpool, England: guitarist George Harrison, guitarist John Lennon, bassist Paul McCartney, and drummer Peter Best. In 1962 drummer Ringo Starr (born Richard Starkey) replaced Best. Influenced by American rock-and-roll artists of the late 1950s, such as Little Richard and Buddy Holly, the Beatles styled their songs in the sophisticated manner of the American tradition of popular music songwriting that peaked in the 1920s and 1930s. From the simple, fresh style of their early songs, such as “I Want to Hold Your Hand” (1963) and “A Hard Day’s Night” (1964), the Beatles progressed to innovative, experimental works culminating in the album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967). Considered the first concept album (songs unified by a common theme), Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band was also admired for its haunting harmony and lyrics, unconventional musical phrases and rhythms, and the integrated use of electronic music and the Indian sitar. Other Beatles’ albums include With the Beatles (1963), Beatles for Sale (1964), Abbey Road (1969), and Let it Be (1970).
In 1970 the Beatles split up and each member pursued another musical career, either as a solo artist or as bandleader. Despite individual successes, members were often approached with requests to reunite, fueling wide speculation until John Lennon’s murder in 1980. The Beatles won the Grammy Trustees Award in 1972 and the group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. In 1995 the first volume of a three-album retrospective of the Beatles, Anthology, was released, accompanied by a television miniseries of the same name. The Anthology album, which includes the previously unrecorded song “Free as a Bird” (written by Lennon and recorded by the surviving band members during 1994 and 1995), became one of the fastest selling albums in the history of popular music. The second album of the series, Anthology 2, was released in 1996.
Task 1: Questions (choose the correct letter a, b, c or d):
1. The words “the British Invasion” in line 3 most probably mean:
a) a British attack on America;
b) conquering a new land by the British;
c) spreading of new ideas;
d) putting something into a British vase.
2. It may be concluded from the passage that:
a) no one had managed to write famous songs before the Beatles;
b) the Beatles became popular by selling music charts;
c) the Billboard magazine writes on sports;
d) the Beatles composed about 5 songs a year.
3. The composition of the group:
a) was never changed; b) needed changing regularly;
c) was the same for about 8 years; d) required much time and effort.
4. It is implied in the passage that the Beatles wouldn’t have become famous had it not been for:
a) Ringo Starr; b) a little man named Richard;
c) the culture of a different country; d) Hollywood.
5. The word “sophisticated” in line 9 can best be replaced with:
a) pervert; b) modern;
c) complicated; d) urban.
Text 2
Before the grass has thickened on the roadside verges and leaves have started growing on the trees is a perfect time to look around and see just how dirty Britain has become. The pavements are stained with chewing gum that has been spat out and the gutters are full of discarded fast food cartons. Years ago I remember travelling abroad and being saddened by the plastic bags, discarded bottles and soiled nappies at the edge of every road. Nowadays, Britain seems to look at least as bad. What has gone wrong?
The problem is that the rubbish created by our increasingly mobile lives lasts a lot longer than before. If it is not cleared up and properly thrown away, it stays in the undergrowth for years; a semi-permanent reminder of what a tatty little country we have now.
Firstly, it is estimated that 10 billion plastic bags have been given to shoppers. These will take anything from 100 to 1,000 years to rot. However, it is not as if there is no solution to this. A few years ago, the Irish government introduced a tax on non-recyclable carrier bags and in three months reduced their use by 90%. When he was a minister, Michael Meacher attempted to introduce a similar arrangement in Britain. The plastics industry protested, of course. However, they need not have bothered; the idea was killed before it could draw breath, leaving supermarkets free to give away plastic bags.
What is clearly necessary right now is some sort of combined initiative, both individual and collective, before it is too late. The alternative is to continue sliding downhill until we have a country that looks like a vast municipal rubbish tip. We may well be at the tipping point. Yet we know that people respond to their environment. If things around them are clean and tidy, people behave cleanly and tidily. If they are surrounded by squalor, they behave squalidly. Now, much of Britain looks pretty squalid. What will it look like in five years?
Task 2: Questions (choose the correct letter a, b, c or d):
6. The writer says that it is a good time to see Britain before the trees have leaves because
a) Britain looks perfect.
b) you can see Britain at its cleanest.
c) you can see how dirty Britain is now.
d) the grass has thickened on the verges.
7. According to the writer, things used to be
a) more interesting.
b) the same abroad.
c) better abroad.
d) worse, but now things are perfect abroad.
8. For the writer, the problem is that
a) rubbish is not cleared up.
b) rubbish lasts longer than it used to.
c) our society is increasingly mobile.
d) Britain is a tatty country.
9. Michael Meacher
a) followed the Irish example with a tax on plastic bags.
b) tried to follow the Irish example with a tax on plastic bags.
c) made no attempt to follow the Irish example with a tax on plastic bags.
d) had problems with the plastics industry who weren't bothered about the tax.
10. The writer thinks
a) it is too late to do anything.
b) we are at the tipping point.
c) there is no alternative.
d) we need to work together to solve the problem.
Text 3
Ask anyone where they plan to celebrate at least part of the annual Kyiv Days Festival on the last weekend of May, and their answer will be — Andriyivsky Uzviz (Andrew's Descent) of course! Over the centuries, this twisting 850-meter street has wound its way up between the lush hills of the capital into the cultural and spiritual heart of Kyiv. Its collection of several dozen picturesque buildings is soaked in history that stretches back a thousand years. Intellectuals, craftsmen and artists have gravitated towards Andrew's Descent for generations.
Like many historic places, the origin of Andrew's Descent is part myth and legend. Today's Descent was first mentioned in the 11th century. Then it was the main road between several towns. However, Saint Andrew blessed the surrounding hills and foretold the future glory of Kyiv while visiting during the first half of the 1st century. The place where Saint Andrew put a cross in memory of his vision is now the location of the magnificent Baroque style Saint Andrew's Church.
Task 3: Statements (decide if the statements are true or false):
11. Andrew's Descent is a flat 850-meter long street.
12. Many people come to Andrew's Descent to celebrate May 1.
13. Andrew's Descent has many beautiful historical buildings.
14. Intellectuals, craftsmen and artists have lived on Andrew's Descent for many generations.
15. The history of Andrew's Descent is known exactly.
9 812
4 457 
