The festival of Halloween has its roots in Celtic traditions. Over 2,000 years ago the Celts in Britain had a special holiday in late October to mark the_BEGIN_ of winter. Another autumn __CELEBRATE_was connected with the passing of the dead. These two events later became Halloween. On Halloween children often dress up as ghosts, witches and monsters and go around people's houses, asking for sweets. In most cases the ghosts and witches are not frightening at all, they are even _FUN_! But remember that if the children don’t get the sweets, they may play some _PLEASANT_ joke, for example splash some water on you. Pumpkins also __SYMBOL_ Halloween. People _USUAL_ make lanterns from them.
There are lots of products that help us fight bad moods and depression. If you feel down and _SLEEP_, just get a bar of dark chocolate from the fridge. Chocolate will improve your mood and you’ll feel _CHEER__ and happy again. This INFORM_ is often used in chocolate adverts. Unfortunately, we can’t use this method too often. The positive effect does not last long. Meanwhile chocolate is not __HARM_ food. It contains fat and sugar which can make you overweight. Some people may also be allergic to chocolate and it can affect their _APPEAR_, causing skin problems. The alternative and ABSOLUTE_safe method to fight depression is doing sport. It can be recommended to everyone!
It's not at all surprising that weather is a favourite topic for many people around the world. It affects where we choose to live, what we wear, our moods, and perhaps even our NATION_ character. A _SUN__ day can blow away the deepest depression. And a gloomy rainy day can make you feel lonely and _HAPPY_. ‘I’m feeling a bit under the weather’ is a common complaint in Britain, __ESPECIAL_ on Monday mornings. The weather can really be _RESPONSE_ for moods and scientists have proved this fact. There is a _CONNECT_ between our mood and the weather we are having. But remember that good weather will have good effects on your mood only if you spend more than 30 minutes outdoors a day.
Scientists have found that there is a direct _CONNECT__ between sunshine and our good mood. They noticed that people are kinder and more _HELP_ and easy-going when the sun is out. Sunlight _DEFINITE_ improves negative moods and makes us feel less tired and more energetic. On the other hand, very hot weather may cause strong _COMFORT_. As a result, we may feel depressed, irritated and even aggressive. On _RAIN_ days people say they're less satisfied with their lives. But whatever the weather is, it’s important to spend enough time outdoors. Fresh air and sports can make any day feel _FANTASY_!
People in Britain often talk about climate and weather. They usually complain about their _CHANGE_ weather. However, there are parts of the world where extreme weather causes real dangers to the _POPULATE_. Sandstorms, tornadoes and floods_REGULAR_ cause massive destruction. Lots of people become_HOME_. To prevent this destruction, it’s important to forecast disasters in advance. Japan is the world_LEAD_ in using new technology for this purpose. The Japanese have also worked out an _EFFECT_ system of informing people: phone companies automatically notify their customers about emergencies and disasters. These warnings are very efficient, and free of charge.
In 2005 the rock group The Rolling Stones released an album called ‘A Bigger Bang’. Many critics chose it as their favourite. This isn’t very _SURPRISE_, but just think, it's their 25th album, and the Rolling Stones have been on the stage for more than 40 years! The lead _SING_, Mick Jagger, the guitarist Keith Richards and the other musicians are over 60! And they are not losing their _POPULAR__, even nowadays. However, they are still much more _FAME_for the songs they made in the 1960s and 70s. But, you know what? Young people _REGULAR_ listen to the Rolling Stones with their fathers and granddads. Isn't that IMPRESS_? In all aspects, theirs has been a remarkable career.
They say that pop music is created by and for young people. It often happens this way. A young _SING__ makes one or two good records at the start of their career. Every year, lots of new stars become _FAME_ but for a short time. And just a year or two later they either _APPEAR_ or make less interesting records. It is difficult to find musicians who could make great records for a long time. Lots of popular groups from the 1970s, for example, are still better known for the songs they made in their _SUCCESS_ past than for their more recent recordings. Some performers leave the stage but don't lose their_POPULAR_. They continue to appear _REGULAR_ on TV as presenters, or in chat and reality shows.
Last year I decided to take an English course in Britain. When I called the language school, the MANAGE_ explained to me everything about the school and the courses. They had an _IMPRESS_ range of courses - for all levels and ages. As for the accommodation, there were two options: staying in a student hostel or living with a host family. Naturally enough, I wanted to choose the _NATIONAL community of the hostel. However, because of my parents’ strong _AGREEMENT_ with my choice, I had to stay with the host family. And I didn’t regret it! My host family was _WONDER__. They told me a lot about their country and were very curious about mine. We talked a lot and when I came back home, I could speak English _FLUENT!
Yoga is a very popular activity and lots of people practise it nowadays. There is an opinion, however, that to be _SUCCESS__ in this activity you should start yoga in early childhood. This is not true! You can start yoga at any time in your life. What you really need is enthusiasm and a good _TRAIN__ – yogis often call them a guru. Yoga is not a _COMPETE_. You can choose any pace that is _COMFORT_ for you. The aim is not to win but to make your body flexible and strong. It’s definitely _POSSIBLE_ to improve your body in a few days. t may take lots of time but it’s worth the time and effort. Yoga is an _EFFECT_ way to relax your mind. So it’s useful not only for your body.
I arrived in Liverpool in the afternoon. It was a _RAIN_ day but the weather couldn’t spoil my excellent mood - I was in Liverpool! Many people associate this city with the _FAME_ musical band, the Beatles. It’s true, the Beatles are everywhere, but today it’s also POSSIBLE__ to imagine Liverpool without its other great passion: football! The city is home to two teams: Liverpool and Everton. Everton is older and was more SUCCESS_ in the past, but since the 1990s it has been Liverpool’s time to shine. I’ve been Liverpool’s _SUPPORT_ since I was a small boy. The team is based at the Anfield Stadium. I have watched games there twice. It was very __EXCITE_ and it was one of the most important memories of my childhood.
The 5th of November is Guy Fawkes Night. This holiday is also known as Bonfire Night as lighting bonfires is an essential part of the _CELEBRATE__. _NATURAL_, it’s one of the favourite holidays for children – they simply can’t miss the firework display. Most parents allow their children to stay outdoors till late at night. It would be FAIR__ to make them stay at home when the sky is lit up with colours. However, children should never be left on their own - bonfires and fireworks are potentially_DANGER_. Emergency reports say the number of people needing medical care increases on this night. Some of them are _CARE_ with fire. In spite of the excitement, the children may also catch a cold on this November night. Warm jumpers, coats and gloves are more _USE_ than ever.
Choosing a career is one of the most difficult choices we have to make in our lives. There are lots of interesting and _EXCITE_ professions, but which of them is the right choice for you? Researchers who work in EDUCATE__ and sociology asked people across the UK what their dream job would be. And the results were quite _EXPECTED_. According to the survey, people find modest jobs like charity work or gardening the most _EXPECTED_. Often at the top of their list are jobs such as a nurse or a TEACH__. The study also shows that people in the UK are very _PRACTICE__ and focus on the dream jobs they have a realistic chance of getting.
I’ve worked in an office for many years. It’s a very _STRESS__ job and recently I’ve taken up a new hobby - gardening. My grandmother was a very good _GARDEN_. She never did gardening as a job but for pleasure and _ENTERTAIN_. She had the so-called green fingers - the flowers and fruit trees she planted grew very _QUICK_. I wish I were as skillful as she was. It’s a pity my family does not share my interest. My childrenLIKE_ working outdoors. They prefer using the computer indoors. I don’t argue with them. Arguing and quarrelling makes me feel_NERVE_ and unhappy but cannot change the situation. I hope one day they will join me in the garden.
Recently my neighbour Michael Wilkins got a job in sales. However, soon he found out that being a sales_MANAGE_ did not make him happy. He had to work long hours, and the job was _STRESS_ and demanding. The atmosphere in the office was very _FRIENDLY_ and the workers often quarreled with each other. So Michael decided to look for a more _ATTRACT_ job. In the local newspaper, he saw an _ADVERTISE__ from a pizzeria. It was close to his house and they needed a waiter. Michael decided to apply and didn’t regret it. “It’s good to feed people. I enjoy seeing them smile – it’s important, isn’t it?” Michael says. Next week he’s going to take a cooking course. On completing it, he will be able to make TASTE_ pizzas himself!
There is a popular opinion that all children are talented. It’s true - children are curious and have a good _IMAGINE_. It helps them make _AMAZE_ things from very routine objects like stones, leaves, or strips of fabric. Coloured paper, watercolours and pencils stimulate their_CREATE_ minds a lot too! However, sometimes parents may _APPROVE_ of their children’s artistic activities like drawing on the walls and indoor experiments with fireworks. But_PUNISH__ is not a good solution! Any art activity develops children’s brains and stimulates their ability in science. Be _CARE__ with your children’s natural talents. Never stop them doing an activity but instead create an appropriate and safe environment for it.
Early in her reign, Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert, had a plan to hold a great world-wide exhibition of modern art and design. Sir Joseph Paxton, a botanist and landscape _DESIGN_, won the competition to create the central exhibition hall. The _BUILD he produced is still admired by architects today. Although at that time many thought it was _POSSIBLE_ to realize such a project. In 1851, Paxton constructed his Crystal Palace – an _AMAZE_ glass and iron pavilion, over a third of a mile long, with 800,000 square feet of floor space. The construction was an ultramodern iron frame with glass panels. The exhibition was very_SUCCESS_ – it drew over six million visitors. UNFORTUNATE_, it was taken apart in 1854.
Ray Kurzweil is a very popular figure in the field of science. He is a leading computer _SCIENCE__ who has made lots of predictions about the future of humanity. So far he has written six books about artificial intelligence, and four of them have become NATION_ best sellers in the USA. Ray strongly believes that soon computer intelligence will be a billion times more POWER_ than the human brain. However, lots of experts don’t believe it and say that it is absolutely _POSSIBLE_. Kurzweil disagrees with them and says that we are already a human-machine civilization. We already use high level technology to diagnose diseases, provide _EDUCATE, and develop new technologies. Kurzweil thinks that by 2030, computers will do more IMPRESS tasks. They will be able to understand ordinary spoken language and show emotions.
Jenny doesn’t have many friends, but she has lots of books. Jenny likes fantasy stories best. She has a rich _IMAGINE__ which takes her to magical lands. Jenny often feels like she is a part of the story. She enjoys being in someone else's shoes, living in an _ABSOLUTE_ different world. When reading, Jenny may turn into a princess or become a mountain _EXPLORE__. She can see _FANTASY_ creatures and amazing places with her own eyes. Books are ideal friends for Jenny. They are entertaining and helpful. They can give her some _PRACTICE_ advice when she needs it and keep quiet when she doesn’t want to communicate. Books never_AGREE_ with her and they never argue.
Sam went to the giant aquarium near his house at least three times a week. He liked the fish and crabs, but the most _WONDER_ creatures there were sharks. Sam could watch them for hours. He took photos through the glass and collected _INFORM_ about them. It surprised him how fast a massive shark could be. Before the aquarium opened, Sam thought it was _POSSIBLE_ for sharks to be so quick and graceful. He knew that sharks were _DANGER_ but they seldom attacked people. Many people, however, had hunted them and sharks had become endangered. _FORTUNATE_, now there were laws protecting sharks. In the future, Sam wanted to be a _SCIENCE__ and study sharks in the wild.
Olivia got a camera for her birthday. Her family was going on a trip to Washington D.C. and Olivia wanted to take pictures of the _WONDER_ places she would see. The first place where they stopped was a sandy beach. Olivia took pictures of the ocean and the _NOISE__ seagulls. The birds seemed to enjoy being photographed, but it was _POSSIBLE_ to go too close to them. Olivia had to take pictures from a distance. Next, the family moved on to the centre of Washington D.C. Olivia's heart was beating with_EXCITE_. She got great shots of the White House, the Capitol and some other _FAME_ buildings.__FINAL, it was time to head home. Olivia thought about how her friends would be surprised to see her pictures.
It all started in 1865.A group of Frenchmen were having dinner in one of the most _FASHION_restaurants near Paris. They talked about the democratic changes in the USA and wanted to support the American people. After a short__DISCUSS_ they agreed on an original idea. The idea was suggested by Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, a sculptor and _DESIGN_. He said they could make a statue of a woman holding the torch of freedom. It was an ambitious project and it was_POSSIBLE_ to complete it quickly. It actually took 21 years for this idea to become a reality. The French people raised money to build the statue, and, _FINAL_, in 1886 it was ready. On July 4, 1886 the United States received their _AMAZE_ gift - the Statue of Liberty!
Father's Day in the UK is on the third Sunday in June. We enjoy this day very much and always arrange a _CELEBRATE_ at home. Our dad deserves it – he is the most _AMAZE_ person I’ve ever met. He works as a train _DRIVE_ and he loves his job, though it takes time and energy. He cannot spend lots of time with us, but when he is at home, we have a _FANTASY_ time all together. Dad is a very _CREATE__ person and often invents new games for us. There are three children in our family and we always prepare a present for our dad together. Last time it was a large, _COLOUR_ book about the history of trains. The book starts with the invention of the first train and tells the whole story of the railway up to the present day.
The Grand National is a horse race which is held every year in Liverpool. This COMPETE_ involves a four-mile race, during which the horses have to go over 30 fences. The most _FAME_ horse in the Grand National was called 'Red Rum'. He was the _WIN_ of the race three times during the 1970s. The race is not only a sporting event but a _FASHION_ social event too. Men and women wear beautiful clothes, and the tickets to the race are very _EXPENSE__. The Grand National is broadcast all over the world and around 500 to 600 million people watch it. However, though there are lots of horse racing fans, many people think it’s __FAIR_ and cruel to make the animals race and jump for people’s entertainment.
Last year, I became a volunteer in a charity shop. It was an _USUAL_ job for me - I had never been involved with charities. Our shop raised money to provide medical care for anyone suffering from any _ILL_. The job was not easy but I enjoyed it very much. All my colleagues were very helpful. Their _FRIEND_ and support meant a lot to me. Andrew, my boss and _MANAGE_, was a smart and well-organized person. He kept saying that we had no right to be indifferent or _CARE_ because people’s lives depended on us. Working in the charity shop, I have met some very interesting people and have learnt a lot of practical skills. Volunteering has equipped me with experience which I’m sure will be _USE_ for my future.
Lots of companies do business online. They sell goods and services, or provide _INFORM_ to the general public. Doing business online is less _EXPENSE_ and more convenient than running a traditional business, with offices and lots of employees. Surprisingly enough, there are lots of very young people among online businessmen. In spite of their age, they are quite _SUCCESS_ and professional. For example, Ben Collins started his own online company when he was_REAL_ young. He was only 17. He says, “My business is _NATIONAL_ - we work with people from different countries. In a real office, some people would _AGREE_ that someone of my age could be a boss, but when I work online, nobody cares how old I am.”
Last year I learnt Spanish in Barcelona. Spain is an _AMAZE_ country and I enjoyed my time there very much. My flatmates were two girls from Germany. They were nice but _COMMUNICATE_ was a real problem for us because I didn’t speak German and they didn’t speak English, my first language. Sometimes we felt absolutely_HELP_ because we were not able to understand each other. However, it gave us additional motivation to learn Spanish! Very soon my teacher told me that I was speaking it _FLUENT_. He was happy with my progress. My flatmates’ grades were _IMPRESS__ too! It proved that practice is very important and if you want to speak a foreign language like a native __SPEAK_, you should practise it a lot.
At school, writing essays was a real problem for me, and my grades were always low. _NATURAL_ enough, I didn’t like writing and tried to avoid writing lessons at all costs. I thought I didn’t have enough _IMAGINE_ for any kind of writing. I only understood what my problem was after school. In a_SCIENCE_ journal I saw an article about children’s writing problems. The author claimed that anyone could become a good _WRITE_ if they learned some rules. I read and reread the article several times. Then I tried to use the information in practice. I have never become a professional journalist but from time to time I publish some pieces of my _CREATE_ writing on my blog. My friends find these essays and stories very _ENJOY_.
Siem Reap is a small town in Cambodia, a country in southeast Asia. It is built around a _FAME_ cathedral. The town is charming with some fine examples of French colonial architecture. A legend says that a French _WRITE_ once called the town “a pearl of Cambodia”. Nowadays, this town is quite popular with tourists. They often use it as a starting point for their__EXCITE_ travellings. The town is really remarkable. There you will find some __IMPRESS_ stone monuments and statues, ancient buildings and picturesque ruins. Note that it’s _USUAL_ hot there in the summer. Please ensure that you take _COMFORT_ walking shoes, light clothing and plenty of water to drink.
Can people live without friends? Most of us would say "no". Friends make our lives enjoyable and _INTEREST_. Friendship is something you can't buy. It is a _WONDER_ and valuable gift. It is __POSSIBLE_ to live without people who care for you and who are always ready to help. However, to find a true friend is not easy. Friendship requires honesty, trust and __KIND_. Being a friend means not only having fun together but helping each other in a difficult _SITUATE_. A true friend not only praises you but tells you when you are not right too. If you have already found such a person, you're _LUCK_.
London is famous for its history and its sights. It is also a wonderful place for shopaholics. There are lots of _DIFFER_ places to go. For example, you can go to Oxford Street. Sometimes it gets too _CROWD_ and noisy, especially during the sales. If you don’t like it, go to Covent Garden. There you can have a__LOVE_ cup of tea or a cappuccino in a quiet coffee house. You can also watch a street__PERFORM_. Portobello Road is the right place to go if you want to buy unique and_USUAL_ things. Shopping in London is always an _EXCITE_ experience and it’s worth trying.
The best thing about shopping in London is that there really are hundreds of cool shops selling _FASHION_ clothes. Only here you can find a wide choice of _ORIGIN_ and unique shops. Sometimes you can buy _FANTASY_ things there. You can spend a whole day in a shopping centre, have lunch in one of the European or _ENGLAND_ restaurants, see a new film in the cinema and even enjoy a_PERFORM_. But be _СARE__ – London shops are expensive! Don’t leave all your money in the shopping centre.
People spend hours talking on their mobile phones. There is an opinion that it may be _HARM_ to their health, but it is difficult to know for sure. Some research shows that mobile phones may cause brain problems. On the other hand, some doctors say mobiles are not _DANGER_ at all. No matter what doctors say, it’s just_POSSIBLE_to live without a mobile phone today. It has become a very _USE_ device and people can’t do without it. It makes our life_COMFORT_ and saves time. People can get in touch with each other quickly. Mobile phones make_COMMUNICATE_ easier.
Learning languages is becoming a popular hobby with children and adults. It’s not only interesting but very_USE_, too. Foreign languages improve memory and develop _IMAGINE_. People who are able to speak two or more languages _FLUENT_ are usually more successful than their monolingual colleagues. They are better in making business and _PERSON_contacts. They are more _CREATE_ and they are better in solving conflicts as they are able to accept new ideas and different points of view. Foreign languages make life more _INTEREST_ and colourful.
British cuisine is simple. Puddings, stews, pies and breads are_TRADITION British dishes. Many of them are cooked and eaten on holidays. The choice of dishes has been influenced by the climate, history and _GEOGRAPHY position of the country. England is _FAME_ for its butter and cheese. The most popular of them is, of course, cheddar. Scotland is known for its _TASTE_ meat dishes and cakes. Wales has a strong fishing culture. As a result, Welsh cookery includes a lot of seafood, such as shrimps and crabs. However, nowadays most British restaurants offer food from _DIFFER_ parts of the world. The choice depends only on your pocketbook and your _IMAGINE_.
What do you think is the most stressful and_DANGER_ job in Britain? Is it a police officer, a detective or a news _REPORT_? Well, statistics say it is a London taxi driver. It is a _REAL_hard job as traffic is getting worse. If we sit in a traffic jam for a few minutes, we start feeling _NERVE_ and irritated. But imagine you had to do that every day as your job! And you have to remain _CARE_ and attentive in spite of everything. London taxi drivers have to have a good memory to be able to take a _TRAVEL_ from A to B without looking at the map or asking for directions.
My first job was working at a bakery. When I walked from my house to the bakery I could smell the _WONDER_fresh bread. I loved it. I worked _DAY_ after school and at weekends. It made about twenty hours a week. One of the most _FANTASY_ things about the bakery was that I could eat all I wanted there. I couldn't stop eating the fresh buns, rolls and cakes. They were so _TASTE_. Mrs. Bradley, the _OWN_ of the bakery, was a very nice woman. She had no children and she treated me like her own granddaughter. I liked her too and did my best to be as_HELP_as possible.
In Andorra people live longer than in any other European country. It seems they have discovered the secret of a long and _HEALTH_life. People in Andorra stay active and _ENERGY_at old age. They attend gyms and public _SWIM_ pools for free. Exercise is one reason, the others are clean air and a diet based on vegetables and olive oil. People of all ages in Andorra are cheerful and_FRIEND_. They think that life is_FANTASY_ and they do their best to enjoy it. Andorra is the most _PEACE__ country in Europe – they haven’t had a war for 700 years.
There are pills for everything. If you can't sleep you take a pill. If you're depressed or just _HAPPY_, you also can take a pill. These days scientists are developing a new pill that you can use for improving your _FIT_. It will have the same effect on people’s bodies as doing sports. The _SCIENCE_ experiments on mice have given wonderful results. The animals got stronger and healthier without any exercise. However, some doctors think that such pills can be _DANGER__ for health, especially in certain situations. The problem is that there will be people who may use the pill unwisely. For example, young girls who want to lose weight and get slim may take several pills at once. It will be very __HARM_ for their health. That’s why our government should think a lot before making the _DECIDE_ that allows the medicine to be produced.
It was a great day yesterday. My friends and I _GO_ to see a performance at the Bolshoi Theatre. You certainly know that the Bolshoi Theatre is the _FAMOUS_ theatre in Russia and probably in the world. But not everyone __KNOW__ the history of the Bolshoi Theatre. According to historical documents, it __BEGIN_ in March 1776 when Prince Pyotr Urusov was granted Royal permission to build a public theatre in Moscow. Catherine II, Empress of Russia, was fond of arts. She _NOT/MIND_ having a new theatre in her country. The original building of the theatre had a hall with almost 1,000 seats, a stage and an orchestra pit. Directly over the stage there _BE_ boxes where the most noble fans of the theatre had their seats. The theatre has changed several times during __IT__ history. The building we can see today opened in 1825. It _DESIGN_ by architect Andrei Mikhailov who was also the architect of the Maly Theatre. Since that time, the building has been rebuilt and renovated several times. Now it looks beautiful from the inside and outside. If I _HAVE_ the opportunity to go there more often, I would do it every week.
When my brother and I were small, our parents spent a lot of time with us. They believed that _CHILD_ should learn something new every day and every hour. A weekend in our family meant that our parents _WAKE_ us up even earlier than on weekdays. We had breakfast and set off to see some place of interest, or museum, or exhibition. Usually they _NOT/ASK_ us where we wanted to go. It was _THEY_ decision. One day they told us that we were going to visit a historical museum which was a good distance away from the city. The day __BE____ cold and gloomy. The sky _COVER_ with heavy dark clouds. But the weather didn’t make our parents change their plan. “Are you ready to go?” Dad asked. “Mum _PACK_ the sandwiches for us already. In case we get hungry and there’s no cafe nearby.” “And what will we do if it _RAIN_?” my brother asked quietly. “Getting wet is not a problem,” Dad replied. “I’m sure you understand that visiting a museum is much _GOOD_for you than watching TV at home.” My brother and I sighed. The film we wanted to see so much was on TV on that very day. We looked at each other and decided that we needed a plan...
Mary’s birthday was on Saturday and she decided to arrange the party all by herself. At first, making a party to celebrate her__FIFTEEN_ birthday looked like an easy thing to do. But when Mary started planning the event, a lot of questions came up. And the main problem was that she_NOT/KNOW_what to start with! Mary called her cousin Vicki and asked if she _CAN_ help with the arrangements. Vicki was a year_OLD_ and more experienced in arranging parties. Vicki agreed and went to Mary’s house at once. When Vicki arrived, Mary _DESIGN_ a menu for the party. Vicki looked at the draft of the menu and _TELL_ Mary that her approach was totally wrong. “We shouldn’t start with the menu,” she said, “We should start with the list of guests and with the programme for the event. You _DECIDE_ who you want to invite to your party, haven’t you?” “No,” answered Mary, “I haven’t.” It took the girls half an hour to make a list of guests. Each name _WRITE__ carefully on glossy paper. “It looks fine,” said Vicki, “But there are too many of _THEY_. Don’t you think so?”
It was a nice sunny day and mum decided to take us to the zoo. My younger sister, Wendy, was delighted. She enjoyed books and films about animals but she had never been to the zoo. “How many animals live in the zoo? Can we give _THEY_ some food? Are there any crocodiles? Who_TAKE_ care of the lions?” my sister was very excited and asked a lot of questions. She kept talking all the time and _NOT/MIND_that nobody was answering her questions. When we _ARRIVE_at the zoo, it was midday. There _BE__ a lot of people everywhere. The territory of the zoo was large, and the animals _KEEP_ in large enclosures that imitated their natural environment. When we went up to the enclosure that had a family of Indian elephants, they__HAVE_ their lunch. They were focused on their food and didn’t pay much attention to the visitors. “They are the _LARGE_ animals I’ve ever seen” said Wendy in an impressed voice. “I wish we _CAN_ keep a baby elephant as a pet.”
Mum said nothing and we proceeded to the pool that had the seals and penguins.
Jane was not an ordinary girl. She was an extremely popular person due to_SHE_unusual gift. She was very good at arranging all sorts of _PARTY_and events. In fact, all the scripts and programmes for our school events _WRITE_by Jane. We helped her as much as we could but she always did most of the work. Once I asked Jane if she could help me to make a surprise for my mum. Jane _AGREE_at once. “I _HELP_you, no problem,” she said, “But I need to know some details about your mum.” Jane asked me about what time my mum usually got up and when she went to bed, what food she liked and hated, what her favourite films, colours, and flowers _BE_. She asked me a lot of questions and I _NOT/CAN_answer most of them. I felt uneasy but Jane laughed, “It’s a common thing. Unfortunately, we often do not notice even our own family – our parents, sisters and brothers. If we _KNOW_other people better, we would understand them better. And we would be much _KIND_ to them, wouldn’t we?”
Ballroom dancing in the UK is making a comeback. For the past five years the popularity of ballroom dancing has grown thanks to the TV show 'Strictly Come Dancing'. In the show a professional ballroom _DANCE_has a celebrity for a partner. They learn DIFFER_ballroom dances and perform them live on TV. Four judges and the public decide who stays in the_COMPETE_ and who leaves. The show demonstrates how glamorous ballroom dancing is. The celebrities wear_COLOUR_dresses and suits and the show.
“What would you like me to bring you from London?” Dad often asked me this question when he was going somewhere on business. He worked a lot and_NOT/SPEND_a lot of time with the family. We knew that he loved _WE_a lot but he was really a very busy person. And it was his_THREE_ business trip that month. I thought for a moment and said: “I want a Paddington Bear.” My dad_PACK_ his suitcase but he looked up at me at once when he heard that. He was surprised and asked me why I _WANT_ a Paddington Bear. I didn’t know what to answer. My dad _STOP_packing and sat down beside me. “You know, when I was small,” dad said quietly, “that bear was my favourite fictional character.” I read the book too and I also saw a film about that character. He was a very polite bear who travelled to London from some exotic country. He _DISCOVER_in Paddington Station by the Brown family, who adopted him. The soft toy changed their life and made it much _GOOD_. “Ok. I _BRING_ you the bear if you want”, said Dad. “And we’ll also see the film about him as soon as I come back. Agreed?” “Sure.” I was delighted with his plan.
Have you heard of Band Aid 30? Probably not. Then let me explain what ‘Band Aid’ is. In 1984, Bob Geldof and Midge Ure _BRING_ together a group of British and Irish singers and musicians and produced a song, called ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas?’. The song was a charity single. The musicians said that the money from the sales _GO_ to help poor people in Ethiopia, who were suffering from a famine. The group _CALL_ Band Aid. Over forty singers were involved in the project, including Paul McCartney, Bono, David Bowie and Sting. In 2014, the group changed its name to ‘Band Aid 30’ because it was the _THIRTY_ time the song was recorded. That year, the song aimed to help those who were suffering from the Ebola virus. Since the time of its birth, the song _MAKE_ a lot of money. The money is still used only for charity. Although the song has sometimes been criticised, over 312,000 _COPY_ of the song have been sold. Usually, I _NOT/LISTEN_to music a lot, I have other hobbies. But one of my friends, who is a _GREAT_ music expert than I am, says that, if the song helps people in need – it can never be a bad thing! I agree with_HE_.
It started as a normal Monday morning. My alarm clock woke _I_ up early in the morning. I had breakfast, brushed my teeth and _RUN_ outside to catch the bus. At school I noticed that something was different. I came up to my friend Laura and asked her: “What’s going on? Why_BE_ everyone so excited?” “Don’t you know?” she said. “All the teachers _LEAVE_for a conference. Only the headteacher and a few of the school staff are here. The senior students will be teaching us today. They are only two or three years_OLD_than us. How can they possibly teach us?” However, she was wrong. Our substitute teacher, a student two grades above, was very serious. He said that he_EXPLAIN_some French poetry to us. It was an unusual, but interesting French class. The poem_WRITE_on the board, our new teacher read it and then we discussed the poet’s message, choice of words and other poetical things. Probably because the teacher was almost the same age as us, we felt relaxed and spoke freely. He also told us several amusing_STORY_about the poet and his time. When the class was almost over, our substitute teacher invited us to attend the next session of the school literary society. “I’m the Chairman of the society,” he added, “If you come, we _HAVE_a special welcome party for new members.”
Thousands of tourists visit Edinburgh every year. The capital of Scotland is _FAME_for its history and architecture. It’s one of the _CULTURE_ centres of the country. The main _ATTRACT_ of the city is Edinburgh Castle. It was built in the 12th century but it still looks magnificent and very _IMPRESS_. There are many historic monuments in Edinburgh. One of them is an unusual monument to Walter Scott, a well-known _WRITE. The city streets are usually full of noisy tourists with cameras but if you want a quiet holiday, you can have it too - the beautiful and_PEACE_ countryside is just round the corner.
Sam went to the giant aquarium near his house at least three times a week. He liked the fish and crabs, but the most WONDER creatures there were sharks. Sam could watch them for hours. He took photos through the glass and collected INFORM about them. It surprised him how fast a massive shark could be. Before the aquarium opened, Sam thought it was POSSIBLE_ for sharks to be so quick and graceful. He knew that sharks were DANGER_ but they seldom attacked people. Many people, however, had hunted them and sharks had become endangered._FORTUNATE_, now there were laws protecting sharks. In the future, Sam wanted to be a _SCIENCE_ and study sharks in the wild.
Last year my friend Mia and I went on holiday to Thailand. We stayed in a _FAME resort which is popular with tourists. We were very_LUCK_ with the weather and we spent most of our days on the beach. The ocean was FANTASY_ – the water was clear and warm. Thailand is a former French colony and that’s why French is very popular there. Mia was delighted with this fact because she learns French, she wants to be a TEACH of French, and she was able to practise the language there. She is also interested in architecture and she found some fine examples of the French colonial style in Thailand. It was an FORGETTABLE trip for me too. I am a photographer and I took lots of pictures of people and nature. Several magazines found my photos _INTEREST enough to publish. I feel very proud of that.
If someone asks what your nationality is, how do you answer? For British people NATION identity is a complex issue. Take me for example. I carry a passport issued by the British GOVERN. I was born in England, but my Mum is Scottish and my Granny is from Northern Ireland. So what am I? ACTUAL, I am really all of them: English, Irish, Scottish and British. Each of the “nations” has a lot in common but they also have their own unique culture and TRADITION lifestyle. They_LIKE_it when people call them English. And perhaps the most important DIFFER of all – each nation has its own football team!
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