TRADITIONAL CEREMONIES IN LONDON

Приложение 1

Практика устной и письменной речи

ПЕРЕЧЕНЬ тем К итоговой АТТЕСТАЦИИ СЛУШАТЕЛЕЙ

1. Представление себя и своего окружения

2. Представление своих друзей

3. Внешность и черты характера человека

4. Хобби. Чтение.

5. Семья и семейные ценности

6. Хобби. Музыка.

7. Увлечения, хобби

8. Моя семья.

9. Рабочая неделя и отдых

10. Дом, квартира

11. Мой дом

12. Времена года, погода

13. Любимое время года

14. Охрана окружающей среды

15. Путешествие. Посещение новых мест

Приложение 2.

Билет № 1

JIM, THE KILLER

After E. Frank Candlin

Mrs. Blake and her husband arrived at the platform of Victoria station. Suddenly they noticed a tall, heavy man with dark hair. His face seemed familiar to Mrs. Blake. But she could not remember where she had seen the man. Mr. Blake found his wife a seat in an empty first-class carriage and wished his wife a happy journey.

When the train was starting, the tall, heavy man got into the compartment and occupied the seat facing Mrs. Blake.

Mrs. Blake looked at the man and remembered that there were some pictures of a man wanted by the police in the newspaper that day. It was written that the man was a killer who always used a knife.

Meanwhile the man took out a knife out of his pocket, and began to peel an apple very slowly. Mrs. Blake couldn't tear her eyes from the knife. She was so much frightened that she couldn't speak. She didn't know what to do. Then she remembered that in the newspaper it was stated that a woman had been killed by that man in a train...

Soon the train began to slow down and stopped. Mrs. Blake didn't doubt that the man was the killer, for outside on the platform two policemen were waiting for him.

When he got off the train both policemen greeted him.

"Good morning, Inspector", one of them said. "The Chief Constable is waiting for you at the police station, sir."

Mrs. Blake took the newspaper from his seat. She saw two pictures on the front page — one of a small man and the other of a big, heavy man with dark hair. Under the first picture there were the words "Jack, the killer", under the other "Inspector Thornton of Scotland Yard, in charge of the case". Mrs. Blake smiled and thought that she should read newspapers more carefully.

1. Where did Mrs. Blake and her husband notice a man whose face seemed familiar to Mrs. Blake?

2. Why was Mrs. Blake so much frightened that she couldn't speak?

3. Why should she read newspapers more carefully?

Билет № 2

New Idea, 5.19.1991

A Healthy Attitude

recent study found that many people didn't realize they had blood cholesterol levels high enough to require medical intervention.

As cholesterol is linked to heart disease, medical experts agree adults should have their blood cholesterol checked at least once every five years.

People who control their cholesterol level can take steps to reduce it and at the same time reduce their risk of heart attack.

An effective diet should be designed to lower cholesterol levels. However, just eating the right foods may not be enough. Most experts agree a sensible exercise program combined with a proper diet is the best way to improve health.

Exercise also builds muscle strength and endurance. It improves the functioning of the lungs, heart and blood vessels. In addition, it helps release mental and physical tension.

Begin any exercise slowly. Doing too much too soon can be dangerous.

Warm up with at least 10 minutes of walking and then mild stretching. This helps prevent stiffness in the joints and muscles.

Your exercise session should include at least 20 minutes of aerobic activity to condition your heart. Aerobic activity includes any exercise that works your arm and leg muscles continuously in a rhythmic manner. End each exercise program with a 10-minute cool-down period of slow walking and stretching to allow your body to return to its normal state gradually. Remember to drink plenty of water before and after exercising.

1. Why should adults have their blood cholesterol checked at least once every five years?

2. What are the steps to reduce cholesterol level and at the same time reduce the risk of heart attack?

3. How should you perform the sensible exercise program?

Билет № 3

Me with My Parrot’s Eyes

What could I say of my mistress? Not a bad girl, but far from being ideal, though I am a bird, I do not fly but walk on the floor. Soft is a lucky chance if she doesn't step on me. She doesn't feed me properly either. Poor me can stay hungry for three days, then all of a sudden it strikes her she has been neglecting her duties, and this is a lucky day - food comes in plenty. What else then? She keeps my cage in perfect order. Once I start shedding feathers, she would collect them and carry away. And she wouldn't forget though to pull a couple of them from my tail, not her. I used to bite her for this, but in vain. Her side is stronger, isn't it? So now I keep quiet. The other day she pleaded with me: "Keshenka, do say a word!" I never answered, of course, hardly could keep from giving her a bit of my mind, though. Also I reject this ".Keshenka"-business. One should address me properly with my full name-lnnokenty Innokentievich.

Once I got very cross with her and flew away. It was summer then. I reached the nearest branch and before leaving for good it struck me to cast the last glance at my dear old cage. I peeped into the window and what do you think I saw! Poor girl, all in tears was writing announcements on my search. I thought things over and made up my mind to come back after all. Of course, I could do splendidly without her, but could she? Hardly.

From Together magazine

1. Is the parrot critical to his mistress? Why do you think so?

2. What things does the parrot dislike and want to bite the girl for?

3. Why couldn’t he fly away?

Билет № 4

ENRICO CARUSO

The famous Italian singer Enrico Caruso sang in many countries of Europe. He visited Russia, France, Germany, Spain and many other countries. Everywhere he was a great success and his name was well known all over the world.

Caruso knew that he was famous, but he liked to repeat the sentence: "No man is so well known as he thinks he is".

Once he was invited to the USA to give some concerts. When he was driving to New York, his car broke and he had to stay at a farm-house. Caruso could not repair his car and asked the farmer to help him.

The farmer agreed to do it. While the farmer was repairing the car, Caruso was invited into the house to have a rest.

When the farmer finished the work, he entered the house, too. He informed the great singer that his car was ready and he could drive on. Caruso was very glad to hear it. He paid the farmer for the work and gave him a photo. It was a picture of Enrico Caruso. On the back side of the photo Caruso wrote his name. He thought it would be pleasant for the farmer to have a picture of the famous singer. The farmer took the picture, looked at it very attentively, and then he looked at Enrico Caruso. He realized that it was the picture of the man whose car he had repaired.

He wanted to know the name of the man, so he read what was written on the back side of the picture.

After that he cried out: "How lucky I am! You are Robinson Crusoe! I've never dreamed of receiving the greatest traveller in the world in my poor house!"

1. Why was the name of Enrico Caruso well known all over the world?

2. Why did he ask the farmer to help him on his way to New York?

3. Did the farmer know who Enrico Caruso was?

Билет № 5

A STORY ABOUT JOSEPH TURNER

Joseph Turner lived in the 19th century. He was a famous English painter. His paintings were a great success. He was fond of dogs. One day his dog which he loved very much broke a leg.

The artist vas very sorry for the dog and wanted to have it to be well again. He was rich enough to send for the best surgeon in London instead of taking a veterinary.

The surgeon arrived and asked the famous painter what the matter was. Joseph Turner realized that the famous surgeon might get of offended if he learned that his patient was a dog. So he decided tо praise the surgeon. He told the surgeon that he was a great and famous doctor. He begged the surgeon to help his dog because it was very important for him.

The surgeon felt annoyed but he didn't show it. He treated the dog carefully and soon it was quite well.

The next week the surgeon asked Turner to come to his place. The artist believed that the surgeon wanted to see him in connection with his dog. Joseph Turner arrived at the appointed time and was shown into the sitting-room. The surgeon met him very warmly and said: "Mr. Turner, I am so glad you've come. My door needs painting. I know you are too great a painter for this work, but I beg you to do it. It is so important for me".

1. What happened one day with the dog of Joseph Turner, a famous English painter?

2. Why did he praise the best surgeon in London to help his dog instead of taking a veterinary?

3. The surgeon felt annoyed but he didn't show. What did he do the next week to revenge?

Билет № 6

THE LETTER-BOX KEY

The summer was very hot. It was very stuffy in town and Stephen Blake decided to go to the seashore for his summer holidays. He booked a railway ticket, packed his things and was about to start for the station when he remembered that he must ask the housekeeper to post him all letters he would receive. She promised to do that.

Stephen Blake rested very well. The weather was fine. The sea was calm. He spent much time on the seashore, got sun burnt and felt fine. The only thing that worried him was the fact that he had not received any letters. He thought it strange and phoned his housekeeper to find out why she didn't post him his letters. The housekeeper answered that she had no key to his letterbox.

Stephen Blake apologized and promised to send her the key. On the same day he put the key into an envelope, wrote down his address on it and posted the letter.

Another month was passing. Stephen Blake had a nice time on the seashore. He swam in the sea, went boating and fishing, but did not receive any letters.

When his summer holidays were over, he returned home. The housekeeper met him very warmly, but Stephen was very angry with her. She could not understand why he was so angry. Stephen Blake asked why she had not sent him his letters.

The poor woman explained to him that she could not get the key as it was in the locked letter-box together with the letters.

1. Why did Stephen Blake ask the housekeeper to post him all letters he would receive?

2. What was the only thing that worried him during his rest on the seashore?

3. How did the housekeeper explain why she had not sent him his letters?

Билет № 7

A MISTAKE

Mark Twain was very fond of travelling. He did a lot of travelling and never got tired of it. Once he was travelling in France by train. He was going to visit a small town near Paris.

The previous day was very hard; Mark Twain was very tired and sleepy. He was afraid he would miss that town and asked the guard to wake him up before they got to the town.

Soon he fell asleep. When he woke up, the train was in Paris. Mark Twain looked at his watch. It was half past nine. He got very angry. He could not understand why the guard had not woken him up in time.

He went out of the compartment, came up to the guard and asked him why he had not woken him up. The latter looked at Mark Twain for a moment and then told him that he had done his best to keep his promise. When the train was approaching the town Mark Twain was going to visit, the guard woke up an American who did not want to get oft the train in that small town. The guard was sure that the American was the very passenger who had asked him to wake him up. So he put him off the train instead of Mark Twain. He finished the story with a sentence: "You may be very angry with me but not so angry as the American whom I put off the train instead of you".

1. Why did Mark Twain ask the guard in the train to wake him up?

2. Mark Twain got very angry with the guard, didn’t he?

3. What was the guard’s explanation?

Билет № 8

AFP NEWS, 22.10.04.

"Treasure hunt' for bandit's loot

The death of the Indian bandit Veerappan has provoked a treasure hunt for his riches, officials say. Police in the southern states have warned villagers to stay away from the jungle where Veerappan operated. He is believed to have hidden millions of rupees in secret caves and holes in the forest.

Veerappan, India's most wanted criminal, was shot dead by police on Monday. Many villagers began searching for the hidden loot soon after the bandit was buried on Wednesday.

The bandit is believed to have hidden money he made through the poaching and smuggling of sandalwood and ivory and by collecting ransom after a series of kidnappings. But many say it will be very difficult to find any of the loot which is hidden in 6,000 square kilometres of forest.

Despite the bandit's death, the relatives of some of his victims say they still fear for their safety. The family of a retired policeman, Abdul Kareem, has asked for extra security because of fears of the bandit's gang. Mr Kareem had led a campaign against Veerappan's gang members. His son, also a policeman, was later killed by Veerappan's gang.

Ransom – выкуп

Loot –добыча, награбленное добро

Poaching -браконьерство

Smuggling – контрабанда

1. Why has the death of the Indian bandit provoked a treasure hunt in the jungle?

2. What did Veerappan make money through?

3. Why do his victims still fear for their safety despite the bandit's death?

Билет № 9

TRADITIONAL CEREMONIES IN LONDON

London has still preserved its old ceremonies and traditions to a greater extent than any other city in England.

One of the most impressive and popular ceremonies is Changing the Guard, which takes place at Buckingham Palace every day, including Sunday, at 11.30. The colorful spectacle of Mounting the Guard, at the Horse Guard, in Whitehall, always attracts London sightseers. The actual ceremony is dependent on whether or not the Queen is in residence in London. If she is, there is more to see. On these occasions the ceremony performed by what has become known as the «long guard».

The Ceremony of the Keys dates back 700 years ago and has taken place every night during that period. Only a limited number of visitors are admitted to the ceremony each night. Application to see it must be made 48 hours in advance in the Tower. Every night at 9.53 p.m. the Chief Warder of the Tower of London lights a candle lantern and makes his way towards the Bloody Tower, from where he moves off with his Escort to all gates in turn_:and locks them. The party then return to the Bloody Tower, from which they proceed through the Archway, after having received permission from the sentry, «present arms» to the Main Guard of the Tower and then the Chief Warder proceeds to the Queen's House, where the keys are given into the custody of the Resident Governor and Major.

1. What are the most impressive and popular old ceremonies in London?

2. What is the «long guard» ceremony dependent on?

3. Why do the limited numbers of visitors go to the Tower of London at night, and what do they do there?

Билет № 10

Travel is the name of a modern disease. Nowadays you catch foreign travel as you caught influenza. The result is that in the summer months everybody is on the move.

What is the aim of their travelling? Each nationality has its own different one.

The Americans want to take photographs of them in: (a) Trafalgar Square with the pigeons, (b) in St. Mark's Square, Venice, with pigeons and (c) in front of the Arc de Triomphe, in Paris, without pigeons. The idea is simply to collect documentary proof that they have been there.

The German travels to check up on his guide-books, that the Leaning Tower is in its pointed place in Pisa - he ticks the sights off in his guide-book and returns home with the gratifying feeling.

But why do the English travel?

First, because their neighbour does. Secondly, they used to be taught that travel broadens the mind. But lastly - and perhaps mainly — they travel to avoid foreigners. I know many English people who travel in groups, stay in hotels where even the staff is English; eat roast beef and Yorkshire pudding on Sundays all over Europe. The main aim of the Englishman abroad is to meet people; I mean, of course, nice English people. Normally a person avoids his neighbour. If you meet your next door neighbour at your front door you pretend not to see him; but if you meet him in Capri or Granada, you embrace him kindly and buy him a drink or two; and you may even discover that he is quite a nice chap after all and both of you might just as well have stayed at home. (From «How to Be Inimitable» by George Mikes)

1. What does George Mikes, a British humorist, think about travelling?

2. In his opinion each nationality has its own aim of travelling, doesn’t it?

3. But why do the English travel?

Билет № 11

MIRROR, 5.10.04.

Kodak to shed 600 UK jobs

Photography equipment maker Kodak is to cut 600 jobs in the UK and close a factory in Nottinghamshire. About 350 jobs will be lost. The layoffs are part of a global restructuring plan of the US-based firm.

Kodak has been hit hard by the use of digital cameras instead of traditional camera film.

Kodak announced in January that it planned to shed up to 15,000 jobs worldwide over the next three years. "Today's announcements are driven by fundamental, structural change in the imaging industry worldwide and Kodak's intent to transform the company and remain the leader in imaging," said Peter Blackwell, managing director of Kodak in the UK. "The simple fact is that customer and consumer preferences are changing with the rising popularity of digital photography."

Trade unions said they were "deeply disappointed" at Kodak's plans. " Unions will supportevery their member in Harrow and Annesley," said Joe McGowan. "Not one union member in Kodak will be forced to 'walk the plank' because of the company's proposals," he added.

1. What is the global restructuring plan of the photography equipment maker Kodak?

2. What is the main reason of the restructuring?

3. Do the trade unions try to support their members at Kodak’s factories?

Билет № 12

MY FIRSTDAY IN LONDON

I shall never forget the day when I first visited London. I came from a quiet little town in Switzerland and I had never before lived in a big city, so London was a new world to me and I was dying to find out more about it for myself.

The general opinion abroad is that London has fog or rain every day of the year, but on the day that I arrived, it was fine and warm, the sun was shining brightly and the sky was cloudless. The next day was just as beautiful; a slight wind was blowing and you could smell the spring in the air.

I went for a walk in Kensington Gardens. I found the way there quite easily. When I got my first sight of the gardens the beauty of it took my breath away. The trees were fresh and green, and there were beds of spring flowers. Nature was awakening from its long winter sleep. Everything was in blossom. People in light spring clothes were walking about.

It was time for me to go home, but which way was it? I hurriedly turned down one path and found myself in Hyde Park. I ran to the left and to the right, asked several men for the way, but I found, to my horror that I could not understand a single word they said in reply.

Meanwhile, I was terribly tired. At last I got to the park gate and came out into the street, but this was worse than ever. Motor cars, bicycles, buses were running. People were climbing in buses or hurrying along. In despair I found a policeman who explained the way to me.

1. Why was the author dying to find out more about London for himself?

2. What was his first impression of the city, its parks?

3. Why was the author in despair and terribly tired at the end of his walk?

Билет № 13

THE EXPERIMENTAL METHOD

Mr. Jones was a teacher of physics at a boys' school. He was fond of the experimental method in physics and often told the boys to use this method as often as possible.

One day Mr. Jones came to school on a new bicycle which he had bought in London. The bicycle had a pair of pneumatic tyres. The pneumatic tyre had just been invented at that time, and none of the pupils had ever seen it.

At the physics lesson the teacher decided to show the pupils the new invention. He took them into the school yard and said:

"Now, children, who can tell me what is there inside this tyre that makes it so hard and yet so elastic?"

The boys gathered round the bicycle and examined the tyres.

"Perhaps there is cotton-wool inside", said one of them.

"No, I think there must be a lot of steel springs inside" said another.

"You are both wrong", said Mr. Jones, Suddenly the third boy who was standing beside the bicycle cried out, looking very happy: "I know what it is. There's wind inside!"

Mr. Jones smiled and said: "Well, Tommy, that's fine indeed! You are nearly right: there is air inside. But how did you find ii out?"

"I used the experimental method", said the boy. "I stuck a nail into the tyre and some wind came out of it".

For the first time in his life Mr. Jones did not like the use of the experimental method.

1. What method was Mr. Jones, a teacher of physics, fond of?

2. What new invention did the teacher decide to show the pupils at the physics lesson?

3. Why did Mr. Jones not like the use of the experimental method for the first time in his life?

Билет № 14

CHARLES DICKENS

Charles Dickens was born at Portsmouth on the 7th of February, 1812. His father was a clerk in the Navy Pay Office. When Dickens was four, his family moved to Chatham. There Dickens went to school. In his tenth year the family settled down in London. Things went worse and soon Dickens's father was imprisoned for debt and the family home was sold up. Little Charles had to work at a factory. He received six shillings a week, and had to live in miserable lodgings and had little food.

His poverty, however, brought him into contact with the homes of the very poor, with their life, hopes and fears. This was of great value to him when he became a writer.

After two years Dickens's father got some money, left prison and sent Charles to a private school. After his schooldays he became a clerk in a lawyer's office. When he was nineteen he was able to do some reporting in the House of Commons as a reporter for newspapers.

In 1836 he suddenly rose to fame. A firm of publishers asked Dickens to write some short articles to illustrate a number of amusing pictures. Thus was born the famous Pickwick Papers. This book, full of humour, brought him world-wide fame. Dickens wrote other successful novels, among them Oliver Twist, The Old Curiosity Shop, David Copperfield and many others.

(From An Anthology of Fact and Fiction)

1. Was the childhood of Charles Dickens hard?

2. What were Dickens's professions; was his poverty of great value to him, when he became a writer?

3. What books brought him world-wide fame?

Билет № 15

HE NEVER HEARD HER IN "CARMEN"

Once Mark Twain was invited to the opera. He accepted the invitation. The box where he had a seat belonged to a very rich man. The rich man and his wife were very proud because all their friends saw the famous writer in their own box. During the performance the man and his wife talked all the time. They talked loudly and so much that it was often impossible for Mark Twain to listen to the opera.

Mark Twain was very much annoyed. He liked music and always enjoyed listening to the opera.

He realized that neither the rich man nor his wife understood music and they came to the opera just to show that the famous writer was a friend of theirs.

Mark Twain was very sorry he had accepted their invitation. That was very foolish of him. Still there was no way out. He had to wait until the end.

Towards the end of the performance the rich lady turned to Mark Twain and smiled. She was quite sure that the famous writer had enjoyed the opera. So she invited Mark Twain to listen to another opera. She told him that she and her husband would be happy to see him in their box the following Friday. She added that "Carmen" would be on.

The great writer expressed his gratitude for the invitation and said:

"That'll be fine. I never heard you in "Carmen".

1. Why did Mark Twain accept the invitation of a rich man and his wife to the opera?

2. How did he realize that neither the rich man nor his wife understood music?

3. How did the famous writer react on the new invitation to "Carmen"?

Дата добавления: 2021-01-21; просмотров: 50; Мы поможем в написании вашей работы!

Поделиться с друзьями:

Мы поможем в написании ваших работ!