 . . 8 
Tatiana Bazhan


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Tatiana Bazhan

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 1.  1









 1. 

  .             (1, 2, 3  4).    .     .

A. The earthquake struck Tokyo at ______.

1. 2:46 p.m. 2. 2:46 a.m. 3. 3:46 p.m. 4. 4:46 p.m.

B. The metro system in Tokyo was shut down and ______.

1. there was no electricity 2. the earthquake damaged the tracks 3. millions of people were stranded 4. the trains were too crowded

C. Many people could not get home after the earthquake because ______.

1. all roads were closed 2. the subway stopped working 3. the airport was closed 4. there were no taxis

D. The greater Tokyo region has a population of ______.

1. 3 million people 2. 13 million people 3. 30 million people 4. 300 million people

E. The last major earthquake to hit Tokyo was in ______.

1. 1923 2. 1932 3. 2011 4. 2004








 2. 

 .             (1, 2, 3  4).

Volcanic eruption on a tourist island

White Island, also known as Whakaari, is a small volcanic island located about 50 kilometres off the coast of New Zealand's North Island. It is New Zealand's most active volcano, and about 70 per cent of it is underwater.

Despite the danger, the island has been a popular destination for tourists for many years. Around 10,000 people visit the volcano every year. Visitors usually arrive by boat or helicopter, wearing hard hats and gas masks, to see the crater up close.

On 9 December 2019, a sudden eruption occurred at 2:11 p.m. local time. The eruption sent a thick plume of white ash and steam about 3,660 metres into the sky. At that moment, there were 47 people on the island. Most of them were tourists from a cruise ship that had stopped in the nearby town of Tauranga. There were also tour guides and a few scientists.

The eruption was extremely dangerous. The hot ash and gases spread quickly across the island. Many people were severely burned. The survivors had to run to the shore and wait for rescue boats. However, volcanic activity made it too dangerous for rescue helicopters to land. For several hours, people on the mainland could only watch the disaster from a distance. In the end, 21 people died and 26 were injured.

It was one of New Zealand's worst natural disasters in recent history. The tragedy raised serious questions about why tourists were allowed to visit an active volcano. Geologists had warned that the volcano was showing signs of increased activity before the eruption. The alert level had been raised from 1 to 2, which means 'moderate to heightened volcanic unrest'. However, the tour operators continued to take visitors to the island. The government later announced an investigation into the disaster.

After the eruption, the island remained closed to visitors. Scientists continue to monitor the volcano closely. The disaster reminded the world that nature can be unpredictable, even in places that seem safe.

A. White Island is dangerous because ______.

1. it is located far from the mainland 2. it is an active volcano 3. visitors must wear hard hats 4. 70 per cent of it is underwater

B. How many people were on the island when the eruption happened?

1. About 10,000. 2. About 70. 3. About 47. 4. About 26.

C. The rescue operation was difficult because ______.

1. there were no rescue boats 2. the tourists did not want to leave 3. volcanic activity made it unsafe for helicopters 4. the island was too far from the coast

D. Before the eruption, scientists had warned that ______.

1. the volcano would erupt in December 2. the volcano was showing increased activity 3. tourists should wear gas masks 4. the island should be closed permanently

E. After the disaster, the island was ______.

1. reopened to tourists immediately 2. closed to visitors 3. destroyed by the eruption 4. sold to a private company








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The tsunami warning that saved thousands

On 26 December 2004, a massive earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. It was one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded. When the earthquake happened, no tsunami warning system existed in the Indian Ocean. By the time people realised what was happening, the waves A ________________ the coast. More than 226,000 people lost their lives that day. In the years that followed, scientists and governments worked together to build a new early warning system. The system uses seismometers to detect earthquakes under the sea. When an earthquake occurs, the data B ________________ to warning centres within minutes. Experts then decide whether a tsunami is likely to happen. Since 2008, the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System has been in operation. In 2012, another powerful earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra. This time, the system worked perfectly. Warning messages C ________________ to people in coastal areas, and thousands were evacuated. The system had proved its value. Today, experts continue to improve the system. They D ________________ new technologies to make warnings faster and more accurate. Their work E ________________ thousands of lives in the years to come.

A. ALREADY REACH ________________

B. SEND ________________

C. DELIVER ________________

D. DEVELOP ________________

E. SAVE ________________

 4. 

    90110 ,    .         .     .        ,    .

From: Peter@mail.uk

To: Russian_friend@mail.ru

Subject: Natural disasters

...Last week we discussed natural disasters in our Geography lesson. It was really interesting. We learned about earthquakes, floods and volcanic eruptions...

What natural disasters happen in your region? Have you ever experienced a natural disaster? What should people do to stay safe during an earthquake?

Write back soon.

Best wishes,

Peter




 2









 1. 

  .             (1, 2, 3  4).    .     .

A. The wildfire smoke in the Pacific Northwest turned the sky ______.

1. blue 2. grey 3. orange 4. green

B. The air quality in parts of Oregon and Washington was ______.

1. good 2. moderate 3. unhealthy 4. hazardous

C. The smoke was trapped over the region because of ______.

1. strong winds 2. heavy rain 3. a high-pressure system 4. cold temperatures

D. The number of wildfires in the Pacific Northwest this summer was ______.

1. unusually low 2. about average 3. particularly high 4. not mentioned

E. The smoke from the fires is expected to affect areas ______.

1. only in Oregon and Washington 2. to the east of the fires 3. only in Canada 4. along the Pacific coast








 2. 

 .             (1, 2, 3  4).

The science of sinkholes: when the ground opens up

In May 2018, a massive sinkhole opened on a farm in New Zealand's North Island. It was one of the largest sinkholes ever recorded in the country, measuring about the length of two football fields and plunging more than six storeys deep. The sinkhole exposed volcanic soil that was around 60,000 years old. A farmworker riding his bike narrowly avoided falling into it while rounding up cows.

A sinkhole is a collapsed or bowl-shaped depression that forms when a void under the ground creates a space into which everything around it drains. There are two basic types. Cover-subsidence sinkholes develop slowly over years or even hundreds of thousands of years as soil gradually moves into a cave below. Cover-collapse sinkholes are the ones that make the news. They tend to occur in clay, because clay holds soil together like glue. As soil leaches into a cave below, a void forms in the soil and moves upward. The surface gives no warning, and then suddenly the ground collapses. Sinkholes occur most often in areas where the bedrock is made of soluble rocks like limestone, gypsum, or salt.

Nearly the entire state of Florida is classified as karst terrain, meaning it has the potential for sinkholes. Other vulnerable regions include the Great Valley in the eastern United States, the Ozarks of Missouri, and parts of Indiana and Minnesota. Around the world, Mexico, Belize, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, China, and Russia all have significant sinkhole zones. Human activities can also trigger sinkholes. Drilling wells for water or mining lowers the groundwater table, creating what one expert described as a 'toilet-flushing effect'  the soil above simply falls out. Building parking lots and changing how water drains can concentrate runoff into one area and cause instability underground.

The city of Berezniki in Russia's Ural Mountains offers a striking example. The city was built directly over a potash mine, a legacy of Soviet policy that placed labour camps near work areas. In October 2006, a freshwater spring began flowing into the mine, dissolving the salt pillars that supported the underground caverns. The largest sinkhole, nicknamed 'The Grandfather' by residents, is now 340 yards wide and 430 yards long, plunging 780 feet  the equivalent of 50 storeys  straight down.

Scientists have successfully predicted each subsequent sinkhole using video surveillance, seismic sensors, and satellite monitoring. Warning signs of a developing sinkhole include cracks in the ground, small depressions, or trees that suddenly start leaning because their root systems have been undermined. Scientists continue to study sinkholes to better predict where and when the ground might open up next.

A. The sinkhole in New Zealand was unusual because of its ______.

1. location on a farm 2. enormous size 3. bright colour 4. deep underground water

B. Cover-collapse sinkholes are dangerous because ______.

1. they form very slowly 2. they give no warning before collapsing 3. they only happen in Florida 4. they are easy to predict

C. Which regions are most prone to sinkholes?

1. Areas with soluble rocks underground. 2. Areas with heavy rainfall. 3. Areas with mountains. 4. Areas near the ocean.

D. How did the sinkhole in Berezniki form?

1. An earthquake caused the ground to shake. 2. A mine collapsed after freshwater dissolved salt pillars. 3. Heavy rain washed away the soil. 4. A gas explosion destroyed the mine.

E. One warning sign of a sinkhole is ______.

1. sudden heavy rain 2. trees leaning for no clear reason 3. loud noises underground 4. small earthquakes








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Flash floods in the desert: a rare disaster

Flash floods are a surprising but deadly phenomenon in desert regions. On 15 July 2017, a monsoon storm dropped up to 10 centimetres of rain over the desert north of Phoenix, Arizona, in a very short time. The dry ground could not absorb the water. Instead, it ran off into normally dry riverbeds called arroyos. By the time the floodwaters reached lower ground, they A ________________ cars and trees with them. At least nine people died that day. Flash floods in drylands are particularly dangerous because parched soil repels water rather than absorbing it. A sudden flood can result from as little as 10 millimetres of rain in one hour. Since 2000, dryland regions B ________________ less than half of all deadly flash floods globally, yet they have experienced almost three-quarters of the related deaths. The North American Monsoon brings moisture from the Gulf of California and the Gulf of Mexico into the southwestern United States every summer. When this moist air hits higher terrain, thunderstorms form. Unlike tropical monsoons, the North American Monsoon does not mean constant rain. The storms are episodic  heavy when there is enough moisture, but separated by dry periods. Scientists continue to study these events. They C ________________ new warning systems to give people more time to reach safety. In recent years, communities D ________________ more attention to flood preparedness. Experts believe that early warnings E ________________ many people in the future.

A. ALREADY CARRY ________________

B. EXPERIENCE ________________

C. DEVELOP ________________

D. PAY ________________

E. HELP ________________

 4. 

    90110 ,    .         .     .        ,    .

From: Peter@mail.uk

To: Russian_friend@mail.ru

Subject: Floods

...Now I am reading about natural disasters. Floods are scary  they destroy everything on the way.

Do you like reading about natural disasters? Have you ever experienced a flood? Is it possible to stay alive and keep your house safe?

Write back soon.

Best wishes,

Peter




 3









 1. 

  .             (1, 2, 3  4).    .     .

A. The avalanche hit the ski resort of ______.

1. Zermatt 2. Chamonix 3. Verbier 4. St Anton

B. The avalanche struck in the ______.

1. early morning 2. late morning 3. early afternoon 4. late evening

C. The avalanche was triggered by ______.

1. heavy snowfall 2. strong winds 3. a sudden rise in temperature 4. skiers

D. The rescue operation involved ______.

1. only local mountain rescue teams 2. helicopters and search dogs 3. the army and police 4. volunteers from nearby villages

E. After the avalanche, the resort ______.

1. remained open 2. was closed for the rest of the season 3. reopened after two days 4. was evacuated completely








 2. 

 .             (1, 2, 3  4).

Hurricane season: preparing for the big one

Every year from June to November, millions of people along the Atlantic coast of the United States and the Caribbean watch the weather forecasts with growing anxiety. This period is known as hurricane season, and it brings some of the most powerful storms on Earth.

Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters near the equator. When sea surface temperatures reach 26 degrees Celsius or higher, warm moist air rises rapidly, creating low pressure below. Cooler air rushes in to fill the gap, and the cycle repeats. The Earth's rotation causes the growing storm to spin. Once wind speeds reach 119 kilometres per hour, the storm is officially classified as a hurricane.

The Saffir-Simpson scale measures hurricane strength from Category 1 to Category 5. A Category 1 storm causes minimal damage, while a Category 5 storm  with winds above 252 kilometres per hour  can destroy buildings and flatten entire neighbourhoods.

In recent years, scientists have warned that climate change is making hurricanes more dangerous. Warmer ocean waters provide more energy for storms, and rising sea levels mean that storm surges  walls of water pushed ashore by hurricanes  can reach further inland. In 2017, Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, causing nearly 3,000 deaths and destroying the islands power grid. In 2019, Hurricane Dorian stalled over the Bahamas for almost two days, unleashing catastrophic damage.

Preparing for a hurricane is a serious business. Emergency officials advise people to stock up on water, food, batteries, and medicines at least three days before a storm is expected to hit. Windows should be boarded up or covered with storm shutters. People living in low-lying coastal areas are often told to evacuate. Those who stay must be prepared to survive without electricity or running water for days, sometimes weeks.

Some cities have learned hard lessons. After Hurricane Katrina flooded 80 per cent of New Orleans in 2005 and killed more than 1,800 people, the city rebuilt its levees and improved its evacuation plans. Today, New Orleans is better prepared  but experts warn that no city is completely safe when a major hurricane approaches.

A. Hurricanes form over ______.

1. cold ocean waters 2. warm ocean waters 3. high mountain ranges 4. dry desert regions

B. A storm becomes a hurricane when wind speeds reach ______.

1. 100 kilometres per hour 2. 119 kilometres per hour 3. 200 kilometres per hour 4. 252 kilometres per hour

C. Scientists say hurricanes are becoming more dangerous because of ______.

1. stronger winds 2. climate change 3. better forecasting 4. more people living on the coast

D. What happened during Hurricane Katrina?

1. It caused minimal damage. 2. It flooded most of New Orleans. 3. It was predicted accurately. 4. It lasted only a few hours.

E. How can people prepare for a hurricane?

1. By waiting until the last moment. 2. By stocking up on supplies in advance. 3. By staying in low-lying areas. 4. By ignoring evacuation orders.








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The blizzard that paralysed a whole country

In February 1972, a massive blizzard struck the Soviet Union, paralysing transport across a huge area. The storm began on 2 February and lasted for several days. By the time it ended, hundreds of villages A ________________ cut off from the outside world for more than a week. Temperatures dropped below minus 30 degrees Celsius. The blizzard hit the Volga region particularly hard. Snowdrifts reached the height of houses. While rescue teams B ________________ through the snow to reach stranded villages, the wind continued to howl. Many people had been waiting for help for days. Railways and roads were buried under metres of snow. Trains C ________________ for hours before they could be dug out. Drivers who had set off before the storm D ________________ for help on their radios for a long time before rescuers finally reached them. In the aftermath, the government invested in better snow-clearing equipment and improved weather forecasting. Experts say that such preparations E ________________ future winters.

A. BE ________________

B. STRUGGLE ________________

C. WAIT ________________

D. ASK ________________

E. IMPROVE ________________

 4. 

    90110 ,    .         .     .        ,    .

From: Peter@mail.uk

To: Russian_friend@mail.ru

Subject: Natural disasters

...It is really scary to read the news about natural disasters. Last week I saw a report about a hurricane in the USA. It looked terrifying.

What natural disasters are common in your region? How do people prepare for them? Have you ever been in a dangerous situation?

Write back soon.

Best wishes,

Peter




4








 1. 

  .             (1, 2, 3  4).    .     .

A. The accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant was caused by ______.

1. a human error 2. an earthquake and a tsunami 3. a fire in the reactor 4. a terrorist attack

B. The earthquake that struck Japan in March 2011 had a magnitude of ______.

1. 6.0 2. 7.0 3. 8.0 4. 9.0

C. After the earthquake, the nuclear reactors at Fukushima ______.

1. continued working normally 2. were shut down automatically 3. exploded immediately 4. were flooded by the tsunami

D. The main problem at the plant was ______.

1. a lack of fuel 2. the loss of cooling systems 3. a fire in the control room 4. a strike by workers

E. The accident at Fukushima was classified as ______.

1. Level 4 2. Level 5 3. Level 6 4. Level 7








 2. 

 .             (1, 2, 3  4).

The oil spill: saving the ocean

On 20 April 2010, an explosion occurred on the Deepwater Horizon drilling platform in the Gulf of Mexico. The explosion killed 11 workers and caused the rig to sink, starting a catastrophic oil leak from the well below.

Before it was capped three months later, approximately 134 million gallons of oil had spilled into the Gulf  the largest offshore oil spill in American history. The response to the disaster was enormous. More than 6,800 vessels were used in the cleanup operation, along with 117 aircraft. Over 43,000 personnel were involved in the response. More than 1.84 million gallons of chemical dispersants were used to break up the oil, and over 4 million feet of boom were deployed to contain the spill. An estimated 10.97 million gallons of oil were burned using controlled fires.

The environmental impact was severe. Scientists assessed injuries to fish, bottom-dwelling organisms, nearshore ecosystems, birds, sea turtles, and marine mammals. The spill resulted in the largest natural resource damage assessment ever undertaken. One expert noted that the Deepwater Horizon incident was the oil spill equivalent of having the Exxon Valdez oil spill happen once a week in the same location for 12 weeks. The long-term effects were difficult to measure. A NOAA scientist explained that fish affected by the oil might be consumed by other animals before they could be counted, and fish with reproductive impairments would not be visible without detailed studies. The spill also had subtle impacts on the food chain that could take years to fully understand.

In 2016, a historic settlement with BP was reached. The company agreed to pay up to $8.8 billion for restoration to address injuries to natural resources. The funds will be used to implement a comprehensive restoration plan for the Gulf. A NOAA podcast noted that the settlement money is slated for restoration projects, including efforts to increase fisheries and improve habitats, which will likely have positive effects on local economies. The Deepwater Horizon spill remains a reminder of the risks of offshore drilling. As one expert said, 'These are rare events. We have routine spills every day that you dont read about in the newspaper, but these big ones are more like once-a-decade kind of scale.'

A. The Deepwater Horizon explosion happened in ______.

1. the Gulf of Mexico 2. the Atlantic Ocean 3. the Pacific Ocean 4. the North Sea

B. How much oil spilled into the Gulf?

1. 11 million gallons. 2. 43 million gallons. 3. 134 million gallons. 4. 1.84 million gallons.

C. The cleanup operation involved ______.

1. only ships and boats 2. vessels, aircraft, and personnel 3. only dispersants 4. only controlled burning

D. One long-term problem with the oil spill was ______.

1. the oil disappeared quickly 2. subtle impacts on the food chain 3. the oil was easy to clean up 4. the spill caused no damage

E. What happened in 2016?

1. The spill was forgotten. 2. BP agreed to pay for restoration. 3. The oil well exploded again. 4. The cleanup stopped.








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Tornado Alley: chasing the storm

Tornado Alley is a nickname given to an area in the southern plains of the central United States that consistently experiences a high frequency of tornadoes each year. The region stretches from central Texas northward to northern Iowa, and from central Kansas and Nebraska east to western Ohio.

On average, over 1,000 tornadoes hit the United States each year. In the spring, warm humid air from the Gulf of Mexico, hot dry air from Arizona and New Mexico, and cool dry air from Canada meet over this region. When these air masses collide, they create the perfect conditions for supercell thunderstorms, often the producers of violent tornadoes.

Storm chasers are people who follow these dangerous storms. Thomas Hinterdorfer, an Australian storm chaser, A ________________ tornadoes in the United States for the past decade. He and his partner cross the country every year, tracking the most extreme storms. By the time he saw his first tornado, he B ________________ about extreme weather for many years. Last year, he witnessed 58 tornadoes during his visit  a personal record.

Storm chasing is not just about excitement. Chasers collect scientific data that help to improve warning systems. While Hinterdorfer C ________________ a tornado in Nebraska in 2024, he saw the destruction it caused to a nearby community. He said the experience would live with him forever. Chasers often arrive first on the scene when communities are hit. They are a big part of the entire warning system. Today, storm chasers D ________________ new technologies to track storms more accurately. Experts believe that their work E ________________ more important in the future.

A. CHASE ________________

B. ALREADY LEARN ________________

C. FOLLOW ________________

D. USE ________________

E. BE ________________

 4. 

    90110 ,    .         .     .        ,    .

From: Peter@mail.uk

To: Russian_friend@mail.ru

Subject: Natural disasters

...I am reading a book about people who chase tornadoes in the USA. It is fascinating but also frightening. These people risk their lives to study storms.

What do you think about storm chasers? Would you like to see a tornado? What natural disasters are the most dangerous in your opinion?

Write back soon.

Best wishes,

Peter




 5









 1. 

  .             (1, 2, 3  4).    .     .

A. The bridge that collapsed in Baltimore was called ______.

1. the Golden Gate Bridge 2. the Francis Scott Key Bridge 3. the Brooklyn Bridge 4. the Chesapeake Bay Bridge

B. The bridge collapsed after it was hit by ______.

1. a cargo ship 2. a passenger ferry 3. a large truck 4. an oil tanker

C. The accident happened in ______.

1. January 2024 2. March 2024 3. May 2024 4. July 2024

D. At the time of the collapse, there were workers on the bridge ______.

1. repairing potholes 2. painting the bridge 3. fixing the road surface 4. installing lights

E. After the collapse, the port of Baltimore ______.

1. continued working normally 2. was closed to most ships 3. was moved to another city 4. was rebuilt in a week








 2. 

 .             (1, 2, 3  4).

Heatwave in the Arctic: climate emergency

In June 2020, something extraordinary happened in the small Russian town of Verkhoyansk, located in Siberia just inside the Arctic Circle. The temperature reached 38 degrees Celsius  the highest temperature ever recorded north of the Arctic Circle. This was not an isolated event. Across the Arctic, the summer of 2020 brought record-breaking heat that stunned scientists.

Verkhoyansk is known as one of the coldest places on Earth. In winter, temperatures can drop below minus 50 degrees Celsius. The town is a place where the ground is permanently frozen  a phenomenon known as permafrost. But in summer 2020, the same town was hotter than many cities in southern Europe. The heatwave had serious consequences.

In Siberia, wildfires burned across millions of hectares of forest, releasing huge amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. The fires were so large that they could be seen from space. In some areas, the smoke covered entire cities, forcing people to stay indoors.

Scientists say the Arctic is warming more than twice as fast as the rest of the planet. This is because of a phenomenon called Arctic amplification. When sea ice melts, it exposes darker ocean water, which absorbs more heat from the sun. This causes more ice to melt, and the cycle continues. The loss of sea ice also affects animals like polar bears, seals, and walruses, which depend on ice for hunting and resting.

The melting of permafrost is another serious problem. Permafrost contains large amounts of organic matter  the remains of plants and animals that have been frozen for thousands of years. When permafrost thaws, this organic matter begins to decompose, releasing methane and carbon dioxide. These are powerful greenhouse gases that make climate change even worse.

In some parts of Siberia, the ground has begun to collapse as permafrost melts, damaging buildings and roads. The Arctic heatwave of 2020 was a warning. Scientists say that unless the world reduces greenhouse gas emissions quickly, the Arctic will continue to warm, and the consequences will be felt across the entire planet.

A. The town of Verkhoyansk is located ______.

1. in southern Russia 2. just inside the Arctic Circle 3. in northern Canada 4. in Alaska

B. In June 2020, the temperature in Verkhoyansk reached ______.

1. 28 degrees Celsius 2. 30 degrees Celsius 3. 38 degrees Celsius 4. 50 degrees Celsius

C. Why is the Arctic warming faster than the rest of the planet?

1. Because of Arctic amplification. 2. Because of volcanic activity. 3. Because of ocean currents. 4. Because of heavy snowfall.

D. What happens when permafrost thaws?

1. The ground becomes colder. 2. Greenhouse gases are released. 3. The sea ice grows. 4. Animals return to the area.

E. What is one consequence of the 2020 heatwave in Siberia?

1. Huge wildfires. 2. Heavy snowfall. 3. Flooding. 4. Earthquakes.








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The volcano that covered a town in ash

In 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius erupted and buried the Roman towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum under a thick layer of volcanic ash. The eruption was one of the deadliest in European history. Before the eruption, people A ________________ in Pompeii peacefully. They did not know that the volcano above them B ________________ for centuries. When the eruption began, ash and rock C ________________ from the sky. Many people tried to escape, but it was too late. By the time the eruption ended, the towns D ________________ under ash and pumice. The cities remained buried and forgotten for nearly 1,700 years. Archaeologists who later excavated the site E ________________ many everyday objects  bread, wine, and even graffiti on the walls. Today, Pompeii is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited archaeological sites in the world.

A. LIVE ________________

B. SLEEP ________________

C. FALL ________________

D. COMPLETELY BURY ________________

E. FIND ________________

 4. 

    90110 ,    .         .     .        ,    .

From: Peter@mail.uk

To: Russian_friend@mail.ru

Subject: Pompeii

...Yesterday I saw photographs of the ancient Roman town of Pompeii, which was buried under volcanic ash. I was shocked. It looked like the people had no chance to escape.

What do you know about Pompeii? Would you like to visit it? What natural disasters can happen in your region?

Write back soon.

Best wishes,

Peter




 6









 1. 

  .             (1, 2, 3  4).    .     .

A. The lost tourist was hiking in ______.

1. the Scottish Highlands 2. the Lake District 3. Snowdonia 4. the Pennines

B. The tourist became lost because ______.

1. his phone battery died 2. he left the marked path 3. he ignored the weather forecast 4. his map was outdated

C. The tourist survived by ______.

1. finding a mountain hut 2. drinking water from a stream 3. building a shelter and staying calm 4. following a river downstream

D. The rescue team found the tourist after ______.

1. six hours 2. twelve hours 3. two days 4. three days

E. After his rescue, the tourist said that ______.

1. he would never go hiking again 2. he had learned an important lesson 3. he blamed the rescue team 4. he wanted to become a mountain rescuer








 2. 

 .             (1, 2, 3  4).

The skiing accident that changed everything

In December 2019, a young British skier named Charlotte was on holiday with her family in the French Alps. It was her third time on the slopes, and she had been skiing since she was a child.

On the second day of the holiday, Charlotte decided to try a more difficult run with her older brother. The weather was perfect  clear skies and fresh snow. While she was going down the slope, Charlotte hit a patch of ice and lost control. She fell badly and felt a sharp pain in her leg. Her brother, who had been skiing ahead of her, heard her cry and stopped immediately.

By the time the mountain rescue team arrived, Charlotte had been waiting in the snow for almost an hour. The rescue team took her to the nearest hospital, where doctors discovered she had broken her leg in two places. She needed surgery and could not ski for the rest of the season. Charlotte was disappointed, but she was also grateful.

The accident could have been much worse. After the accident, Charlotte decided to learn more about mountain safety. She learned that most skiing accidents happen when people try runs that are too difficult for their level. She also learned that it is important to check the snow conditions and never ski alone.

The following year, Charlotte returned to the Alps, but this time she was more careful. Today, Charlotte works as a ski instructor in the same resort where she had her accident. She says the experience changed her life. 'I used to think I was invincible,' she says. 'Now I know that safety always comes first.'

A. Charlotte was skiing in ______.

1. the Swiss Alps 2. the French Alps 3. the Italian Alps 4. the Austrian Alps

B. Charlotte fell because ______.

1. she was skiing too fast 2. she hit a patch of ice 3. her skis were broken 4. the weather was bad

C. How long did Charlotte wait for the rescue team?

1. About 30 minutes. 2. About an hour. 3. About two hours. 4. About three hours.

D. What did Charlotte learn after the accident?

1. Most accidents happen on difficult runs. 2. Skiing is too dangerous. 3. She should never ski again. 4. The rescue team was too slow.

E. What does Charlotte do?

1. She works as a doctor. 2. She works as a ski instructor. 3. She works as a mountain rescuer. 4. She works as a travel writer.








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   . ,  , ,        ,   , ,      .        .

When lightning strikes: safety rules

Lightning is one of the most powerful forces in nature. Every year, thousands of people around the world are injured or killed by lightning strikes. Scientists say that lightning A ________________ more than 100 times every second around the world. In the past, people B ________________ that lightning was a punishment from the gods. Today, we know much more about how it works. Lightning happens when electrical charges build up in clouds. When the charge becomes strong enough, a bolt of lightning C ________________ between the cloud and the ground. If you are caught outside during a thunderstorm, there are important safety rules. First, you should never stand under a tall tree. Second, you should stay away from water. Third, if you feel your hair standing on end, it means that lightning D ________________ to strike nearby. You should immediately crouch down and make yourself as small as possible. Experts say that many people E ________________ these simple rules in the future if they receive better education about lightning safety.

A. STRIKE ________________

B. BELIEVE ________________

C. TRAVEL ________________

D. BE ABOUT ________________

E. FOLLOW ________________

 4. 

    90110 ,    .         .     .        ,    .

From: Peter@mail.uk

To: Russian_friend@mail.ru

Subject: Thunderstorms

...Thunderstorms are very common in my city. Last week there was a terrible storm, and I was really scared. I didn't know what to do.

Are thunderstorms common in your region? What should people do to stay safe during a thunderstorm? Have you ever been in a dangerous situation?

Write back soon.

Best wishes,

Peter




 7









 1. 

  .             (1, 2, 3  4).    .     .

A. The car crash happened on ______.

1. the M1 motorway 2. the M25 motorway 3. the A1 road 4. the M4 motorway

B. The crash involved ______.

1. two cars 2. a lorry and a car 3. three lorries 4. a bus and two cars

C. The accident happened because ______.

1. the driver was speeding 2. there was thick fog 3. the road was icy 4. a tyre burst

D. The motorway was closed for ______.

1. two hours 2. four hours 3. six hours 4. the whole day

E. After the crash, police advised drivers to ______.

1. avoid the area completely 2. drive more slowly 3. use another route 4. stay at home








 2. 

 .             (1, 2, 3  4).

Skateboarding injuries: how to stay safe

Skateboarding is one of the most popular extreme sports in the world. It became popular in California in the 1950s and 1960s, when surfers wanted something to do when the waves were too small.

Today, millions of people around the world skateboard, and the sport is now part of the Olympic Games. However, skateboarding can be dangerous. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, more than 50,000 people visit hospital emergency rooms every year because of skateboarding injuries. Most injuries happen to young people under the age of 25.

The most common injuries are broken wrists, broken ankles, and head injuries. Falls are the main cause of skateboarding injuries. Beginners often fall because they lose their balance. Experienced skaters fall when they try difficult tricks. Poorly maintained skate parks and rough surfaces also cause accidents.

There are several ways to reduce the risk of injury. First, always wear a helmet. Head injuries can be very serious, and a helmet can save your life. Second, wear wrist guards, knee pads, and elbow pads. These protect the most vulnerable parts of the body. Third, learn the basics before trying difficult tricks. Fourth, check your skateboard regularly and make sure the wheels and trucks are in good condition.

Experts also recommend that beginners take lessons from a qualified instructor. Learning how to fall correctly is an important skill  it can prevent serious injuries. Finally, never skateboard in the dark or on wet surfaces, and always follow the rules of the skate park. Skateboarding is a fun and exciting sport, but safety should always come first. With the right equipment and a little common sense, you can enjoy the sport and avoid serious injuries.

A. Skateboarding became popular in ______.

1. New York in the 1970s 2. California in the 1950s and 1960s 3. Florida in the 1980s 4. Texas in the 1990s

B. How many people visit hospital every year because of skateboarding injuries?

1. More than 5,000. 2. More than 15,000. 3. More than 50,000. 4. More than 500,000.

C. The main cause of skateboarding injuries is ______.

1. bad weather 2. falls 3. broken skateboards 4. other skaters

D. What should beginners do to stay safe?

1. Try difficult tricks immediately. 2. Take lessons from an instructor. 3. Skateboard at night. 4. Avoid wearing a helmet.

E. According to the text, skateboarding is ______.

1. too dangerous to try 2. only for professionals 3. fun if you follow safety rules 4. not a real sport








 3. 

   . ,  , ,        ,   , ,      .        .

The storm that broke records

In October 1987, a powerful storm struck southern England. It was one of the worst storms in the countrys history. Before that night, people A ________________ such strong winds in the south of England. The storm killed 18 people and destroyed more than 15 million trees. The storm began suddenly. While most people B ________________, the winds reached speeds of up to 185 kilometres per hour. The storm C ________________ houses, roads, and power lines. By the time the storm ended, many towns D ________________ without electricity for days. Weather forecasters had not predicted the storm correctly, and many people were caught by surprise. In the past, people E ________________ the weather forecast without thinking, but after 1987, many began to check it more carefully. The storm changed the way Britain thinks about extreme weather.

A. NEVER SEE ________________

B. SLEEP ________________

C. DAMAGE ________________

D. BE ________________

E. TRUST ________________

 4. 

    90110 ,    .         .     .        ,    .

From: Peter@mail.uk

To: Russian_friend@mail.ru

Subject: Storms

...I am really afraid of storms. Last month there was a terrible storm in our town, and I was terrified. I cannot imagine what it is like to be in a really destructive storm.

Are storms common in your region? Have you ever been in a dangerous storm? What should people do to stay safe during a storm?

Write back soon.

Best wishes,

Peter




 8









 1. 

  .             (1, 2, 3  4).    .     .

A. The fog caused a major accident on ______.

1. the M1 motorway 2. the M5 motorway 3. the M25 motorway 4. the M6 motorway

B. The accident happened in ______.

1. the early morning 2. the late morning 3. the early afternoon 4. the late evening

C. The number of vehicles involved in the crash was ______.

1. about 10 2. about 30 3. about 100 4. about 150

D. The fog was so thick that visibility was less than ______.

1. 10 metres 2. 20 metres 3. 50 metres 4. 100 metres

E. Police advised drivers to ______.

1. drive faster to leave the area 2. stay at home 3. turn on their fog lights 4. avoid the area completely








 2. 

 .             (1, 2, 3  4).

Hailstorms: when ice falls from the sky

On 12 July 2019, a powerful hailstorm struck the city of Guadalajara in Mexico. The hail was so heavy that it covered the streets in a layer of ice up to two metres deep. Cars were buried, and buildings were damaged. Local people said it looked like a winter scene in the middle of summer. Scientists later confirmed that the hailstorm was one of the most unusual weather events ever recorded in the region.

Hailstorms happen when strong thunderstorms create powerful upward air currents called updraughts. Water droplets are carried high into the atmosphere, where temperatures are below freezing. The droplets freeze into ice. As they fall, they are caught by the updraught and carried back up, where more water freezes onto them. This cycle repeats, and the hailstones grow larger and larger. Eventually, they become too heavy for the updraught to hold, and they fall to the ground. Most hailstones are small  about the size of a pea or a marble. But in severe storms, hailstones can grow as large as a golf ball, a tennis ball, or even a grapefruit.

The largest hailstone ever recorded in the United States fell in Vivian, South Dakota, in 2010. It was 20 centimetres in diameter  about the size of a volleyball  and weighed almost one kilogram. Large hailstones are extremely dangerous. They can break windows, damage roofs, and destroy crops. They can also injure or even kill people and animals. In 2019, hailstones the size of baseballs fell in the state of Colorado, causing millions of dollars in damage. Cars were left with broken windscreens and dents, and many buildings needed new roofs.

If you are caught outside during a hailstorm, you should find shelter immediately. Never stand under a tree, because lightning often accompanies hail. If you are in a car, stay inside  the metal roof will protect you. After the storm, check your property for damage and report any injuries to the emergency services. Scientists are working on new ways to predict hailstorms more accurately. They hope warnings will help people protect themselves and their property in the future.

A. The hailstorm in Guadalajara happened in ______.

1. July 2019 2. June 2019 3. July 2020 4. January 2019

B. Hailstones grow larger because ______.

1. they fall to the ground quickly 2. they are carried up and down by air currents 3. they melt and refreeze 4. they absorb water from clouds

C. The largest hailstone ever recorded in the USA was ______.

1. the size of a pea 2. the size of a golf ball 3. the size of a volleyball 4. the size of a grapefruit

D. What damage can large hailstones cause?

1. They can only damage crops. 2. They can break windows and destroy roofs. 3. They are not dangerous to people. 4. They only damage cars.

E. What should you do if you are caught outside during a hailstorm?

1. Stand under a tree. 2. Find shelter immediately. 3. Run to your car. 4. Lie on the ground.








 3. 

   . ,  , ,        ,   , ,      .        .

The blizzard rescue: trapped in a car

In February 2021, a family from Texas was driving home when a sudden blizzard struck. The snow was so heavy that they could not see the road ahead. They stopped the car and waited for help. At first, they thought the storm would pass quickly. But while they A ________________ in the car, the snow continued to fall for hours. By the time rescue teams arrived, the family B ________________ in their car for almost two days. They had kept warm by wrapping themselves in blankets and running the engine every hour for a few minutes. The parents C ________________ stories to their children to keep them calm. Before the storm, they D ________________ such extreme weather in Texas. The rescue team later said that the family was lucky. Many people E ________________ to drive in such conditions, but the family had done the right thing by staying in their car. After the rescue, the family said they would always check the weather forecast before travelling in winter.

A. WAIT ________________

B. SIT ________________

C. TELL ________________

D. NEVER EXPERIENCE ________________

E. TRY ________________

 4. 

    90110 ,    .         .     .        ,    .

From: Peter@mail.uk

To: Russian_friend@mail.ru

Subject: Rescue stories

...Yesterday I read a story about a family who was trapped in their car during a blizzard. It was terrifying. I was really impressed by the rescue team.

What do you think about rescue workers? Would you like to become a rescuer? What should you do to become a rescuer?

Write back soon.

Best wishes,

Peter




9








 1. 

  .             (1, 2, 3  4).    .     .

A. The bends is a condition that affects ______.

1. swimmers 2. divers 3. sailors 4. fishermen

B. The bends is caused by ______.

1. cold water 2. rising too quickly from deep water 3. staying underwater too long 4. breathing through a snorkel

C. The symptoms of the bends include ______.

1. a headache and joint pain 2. a high temperature 3. a runny nose 4. a stomach ache

D. The best treatment for the bends is ______.

1. a hot bath 2. recompression in a special chamber 3. drinking lots of water 4. resting in bed

E. To avoid the bends, divers should ______.

1. dive deeper than 100 metres 2. rise slowly and follow safety rules 3. dive alone 4. hold their breath for a long time








 2. 

 .             (1, 2, 3  4).

The heat stroke: when summer becomes deadly

In July 2019, a heatwave swept across Europe, breaking temperature records in several countries. In France, the temperature in the town of Gallargues-le-Montueux reached 45.9 degrees Celsius  the highest temperature ever recorded in the country. In the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, records were also broken. More than 2,500 people died across Europe as a result of the extreme heat.

One of the most serious health risks during a heatwave is heat stroke. Heat stroke happens when the bodys temperature rises above 40 degrees Celsius. The body loses its ability to cool itself down, and the victim may become confused, dizzy, or unconscious. Without immediate treatment, heat stroke can cause organ failure and death.

Heat stroke is different from heat exhaustion, which is a milder condition. With heat exhaustion, the body is still able to sweat and cool itself, but the person feels weak and tired. With heat stroke, the body stops sweating, and the skin becomes hot and dry. This is a medical emergency, and you must call an ambulance immediately.

People most at risk of heat stroke include the elderly, young children, and those who work outside. Athletes and people who exercise in hot weather are also at risk. In 2019, a number of athletes collapsed during sporting events in Europe.

There are several ways to prevent heat stroke. First, drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Second, stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day, usually between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Third, wear light, loose clothing. Fourth, never leave anyone in a parked car, even for a few minutes  temperatures inside a car can rise very quickly.

If you see someone with symptoms of heat stroke, move them to a cool place, remove any extra clothing, and cool their body with cold water. Call for medical help immediately. With quick action, most people recover fully from heat stroke.

Scientists warn that heatwaves are becoming more frequent and more intense because of climate change. In the future, heat-related deaths are likely to increase unless we take action to reduce global warming.

A. In July 2019, the temperature in France reached ______.

1. 40.9 degrees Celsius 2. 42.9 degrees Celsius 3. 45.9 degrees Celsius 4. 48.9 degrees Celsius

B. Heat stroke happens when the body temperature rises above ______.

1. 37 degrees Celsius 2. 38 degrees Celsius 3. 39 degrees Celsius 4. 40 degrees Celsius

C. The difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke is that ______.

1. heat exhaustion is more dangerous 2. heat stroke victims stop sweating 3. heat exhaustion only affects children 4. heat stroke is not serious

D. Who is most at risk of heat stroke?

1. Teenagers. 2. The elderly and young children. 3. People who stay indoors. 4. People who drink a lot of water.

E. What should you do if you see someone with heat stroke?

1. Give them hot tea. 2. Leave them in the sun. 3. Cool their body and call for help. 4. Wait for them to feel better.








 3. 

   . ,  , ,        ,   , ,      .        .

Frostbite: surviving extreme cold

Frostbite is a serious injury that happens when body tissue freezes. It usually affects the fingers, toes, ears, and nose  the parts of the body furthest from the heart. In extremely cold weather, frostbite can happen in just a few minutes. In January 2019, a hiker in Scotland got lost in the mountains during a snowstorm. While he A ________________ for help, the temperature dropped to minus 20 degrees Celsius. He B ________________ his gloves before he stopped to take a photograph, and his fingers began to freeze. He later said that before that day, he C ________________ such pain. He D ________________ that frostbite was dangerous, but he had never taken it seriously. By the time rescue teams found him, he E ________________ in the cold for more than six hours. He was taken to hospital, where doctors managed to save his fingers.

A. WAIT ________________

B. REMOVE ________________

C. NEVER FEEL ________________

D. OFTEN HEAR ________________

E. BE ________________

 4. 

    90110 ,    .         .     .        ,    .

From: Peter@mail.uk

To: Russian_friend@mail.ru

Subject: Weather extremes

...I really don't like very hot or very cold weather. I cant understand how people survive in extreme conditions. Yesterday I read about a hiker who got frostbite in Scotland.

What weather do you prefer: hot or cold? How do people in your region cope with extreme temperatures? Would you like to take part in a survival course?

Write back soon.

Best wishes,

Peter




 10









 1. 

  .             (1, 2, 3  4).    .     .

A. The roller coaster accident happened at a park in ______.

1. Blackpool 2. Alton Towers 3. Thorpe Park 4. Chessington

B. The accident occurred because ______.

1. the ride was too old 2. a computer fault stopped the cars 3. the weather was bad 4. the operator made a mistake

C. The roller coaster cars collided because ______.

1. they were going too fast 2. the brakes failed 3. a train had stopped on the track 4. the track was wet

D. How many people were injured in the accident?

1. Four. 2. Sixteen. 3. Twenty. 4. Thirty.

E. After the accident, the park ______.

1. remained open 2. was closed for several days 3. was sold to a new owner 4. built a new roller coaster








 2. 

 .             (1, 2, 3  4).

Dust storm: when the sky turns brown

In May 2022, a massive dust storm swept across Iraq, turning the sky orange and brown. The storm sent thousands of people to hospital with breathing problems. Schools and offices were closed, and flights were cancelled. It was one of the worst dust storms to hit the country in recent years, and scientists warned that such events would become more frequent.

Dust storms happen when strong winds lift loose soil and sand from dry ground into the air. They are most common in desert regions, such as the Sahara in Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Gobi Desert in Asia. But they can also happen in other dry areas, especially after a long period without rain.

Dust storms can be extremely dangerous. The dust reduces visibility to almost zero, making driving very dangerous. It can also cause serious health problems, especially for people with asthma or other lung conditions. The tiny particles of dust can get deep into the lungs and cause breathing difficulties. In some cases, dust storms can even cause meningitis, a serious infection.

Dust storms also have an impact on the environment. They can carry nutrients from one continent to another, which can be good for some ecosystems. But they can also spread pollution and disease. In 2020, a huge dust storm from the Sahara travelled all the way to the Caribbean and the United States, covering cars and buildings with a layer of orange dust.

The best way to stay safe during a dust storm is to stay indoors. Close all windows and doors, and use a damp cloth to block the gaps under doors. If you have to go outside, wear a mask and protect your eyes. Drivers should slow down and turn on their headlights, or better still, stop and wait for the storm to pass.

Scientists say that dust storms are becoming more frequent because of climate change and poor land management. In the future, more countries may experience these dramatic events.

A. The dust storm in Iraq happened in ______.

1. March 2022 2. May 2022 3. July 2022 4. September 2022

B. Dust storms are most common in ______.

1. tropical rainforests 2. desert regions 3. coastal areas 4. mountain ranges

C. Dust storms can cause health problems such as ______.

1. heart disease 2. breathing difficulties 3. skin cancer 4. ear infections

D. What happened in 2020?

1. A dust storm reached the Caribbean and the USA. 2. A dust storm destroyed a city. 3. A dust storm caused a tsunami. 4. A dust storm was predicted accurately.

E. What should you do during a dust storm?

1. Go outside for fresh air. 2. Stay indoors and close windows. 3. Drive faster to get home. 4. Open all windows.








 3. 

   . ,  , ,        ,   , ,      .        .

The flooded subway: urban disaster

In October 2012, Hurricane Sandy hit New York City and caused massive flooding. The city's subway system, which carries millions of passengers every day, was completely flooded. Sea water poured into the tunnels, damaging tracks, signals, and electrical equipment. Before the storm, workers A ________________ sandbags and barriers to protect the entrances, but the water was too powerful. While the storm B ________________ outside, the tunnels filled with millions of litres of sea water. By the time the water was pumped out, the subway C ________________ closed for several days. The damage was enormous. Engineers D ________________ for months to repair the system, and some lines remained closed for weeks. Before Hurricane Sandy, few people E ________________ how vulnerable the city's underground system was to flooding. After the disaster, New York invested billions of dollars in new flood protection measures.

A. PLACE ________________

B. RAGE ________________

C. BE ________________

D. WORK ________________

E. REALISE ________________

 4. 

    90110 ,    .         .     .        ,    .

From: Peter@mail.uk

To: Russian_friend@mail.ru

Subject: Flooded subway

...Yesterday I watched a documentary about a flooded subway in New York. It was shocking. I kept thinking about how I would help people in that situation.

What would you do to help people during a flood? Have you ever seen a natural disaster? How can cities protect themselves from flooding?

Write back soon.

Best wishes,

Peter




 11









 1. 

  .             (1, 2, 3  4).    .     .

A. The first rule of disaster reporting is ______.

1. to stay calm and give clear information 2. to speak very quickly 3. to use difficult words 4. to show dramatic pictures first

B. Before going on air, reporters usually ______.

1. check the facts with their editors 2. have a long break 3. interview witnesses 4. write a full script

C. When a disaster happens, TV channels often ______.

1. stop broadcasting completely 2. interrupt normal programmes 3. show only advertisements 4. wait until the next day

D. The most difficult part of the job is ______.

1. speaking on camera 2. working with cameras 3. staying objective and sensitive 4. travelling to the scene

E. Modern technology has made disaster reporting ______.

1. slower and more difficult 2. faster and more immediate 3. less important 4. more expensive








 2. 

 .             (1, 2, 3  4).

Documentary: 'Inside the Volcano'

In 2021, a documentary called 'Inside the Volcano' became one of the most watched science programmes on British television. The film followed a team of volcanologists as they explored some of the worlds most active volcanoes, from Iceland to Indonesia. It showed dramatic footage of eruptions, rivers of lava, and enormous ash clouds. But it also told the human story of the scientists who risk their lives to understand these powerful forces of nature.

The documentary begins in Iceland, where the team visits the Fagradalsfjall volcano, which erupted in March 2021 after more than 800 years of silence. Thousands of people travelled to see the eruption, and the scientists used drones to film the lava flows from above. The footage was extraordinary  bright orange lava fountains shooting into the night sky.

Next, the team travels to Indonesia, home to more than 120 active volcanoes. Here they study Mount Merapi, one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. The scientists explain that millions of people live near active volcanoes because the soil around them is extremely fertile. But this also means that millions of people are at risk.

The documentary also looks at the science of prediction. Volcanologists use seismometers, gas sensors, and satellite images to monitor volcanoes. They can often predict eruptions days or even weeks in advance. This gives people time to evacuate and saves thousands of lives.

However, prediction is not always perfect. In 2021, the eruption of the Cumbre Vieja volcano on La Palma in the Canary Islands surprised scientists. Although they knew an eruption was possible, they did not expect it to last for 85 days. The eruption destroyed more than 2,000 buildings and forced thousands of people to leave their homes.

The final part of the documentary looks to the future. Scientists warn that as the world's population grows, more people will live near active volcanoes. They say that better education and stronger warning systems will be essential to protect people in the future.

'Inside the Volcano' is not just a science documentary. It is also a powerful reminder of how small humans are compared to the forces of nature.

A. 'Inside the Volcano' was first shown in ______.

1. 2019 2. 2020 3. 2021 4. 2022

B. The Fagradalsfjall volcano erupted after more than ______.

1. 100 years of silence 2. 400 years of silence 3. 800 years of silence 4. 1,000 years of silence

C. Why do millions of people live near active volcanoes?

1. Because the soil is fertile. 2. Because the weather is good. 3. Because the government pays them. 4. Because they cannot move.

D. What happened on La Palma in 2021?

1. A volcano erupted for 85 days. 2. A volcano destroyed a city. 3. A volcano was predicted perfectly. 4. A volcano killed thousands of people.

E. According to the documentary, what will be essential in the future?

1. Building more cities near volcanoes. 2. Better education and warning systems. 3. Stopping all volcanic research. 4. Moving people away from all volcanoes.








 3. 

   . ,  , ,        ,   , ,      .        .

Reality show: 'Surviving the Wild'

'Surviving the Wild' is one of the most popular reality shows on British television. In the show, eight contestants A ________________ to survive in the wilderness for three weeks with almost no food, water, or equipment. The show B ________________ millions of viewers every week since it first appeared on screen in 2018. Each contestant C ________________ a different strategy to survive. Some try to find food immediately, while others build a shelter first. The contestants D ________________ against each other for a prize of ?100,000. Since the show began, only twelve people E ________________ the challenge successfully.

A. TRY ________________

B. ATTRACT ________________

C. CHOOSE ________________

D. COMPETE ________________

E. COMPLETE ________________

 4. 

    90110 ,    .         .     .        ,    .

From: Peter@mail.uk

To: Russian_friend@mail.ru

Subject: Reality shows

...I know you love reality shows. I have just watched an episode of 'Surviving the Wild', and I thought of you. It looks really exciting but also very hard.

What reality shows do you like? Would you like to take part in a survival show? What skills do you need to survive in the wild?

Write back soon.

Best wishes,

Peter




 12









 1. 

  .             (1, 2, 3  4).    .     .

A. Modern weather forecasting uses ______.

1. only satellites 2. supercomputers and satellites 3. only ground stations 4. weather balloons only

B. The Met Office in the UK was founded in ______.

1. 1854 2. 1904 3. 1954 4. 2004

C. A five-day forecast today is as accurate as a one-day forecast was ______.

1. ten years ago 2. twenty years ago 3. thirty years ago 4. forty years ago

D. The most difficult weather to predict is ______.

1. sunshine 2. thunderstorms 3. light rain 4. fog

E. Weather forecasts are important for ______.

1. only airlines 2. only farmers 3. many industries and the public 4. only sailors








 2. 

 .             (1, 2, 3  4).

Talk show: 'After the Earthquake'

In 2023, a popular British talk show called 'After the Earthquake' invited survivors of the 2011 Christchurch earthquake in New Zealand to share their stories. The earthquake, which struck on 22 February 2011, killed 185 people and destroyed much of the city centre. It was one of the deadliest disasters in New Zealands history.

The show's host, Emma Richardson, began by asking the guests to describe what they were doing when the earthquake struck. One guest, a teacher named Sarah, said she had been reading to her class when the shaking started. 'The children were terrified,' she said. 'I had never seen such fear in their eyes.' Another guest, a shop owner named David, explained that he had been opening his shop when the earthquake hit. He managed to escape, but his building collapsed behind him.

The guests also talked about the days after the earthquake. Many people had been sleeping in parks and cars because their homes were destroyed. Volunteers had been working day and night to provide food and shelter. One guest said that before the earthquake, she had never realised how important neighbours could be. 'We had always been friendly,' she said, 'but after the earthquake, we became a real community.'

The show also looked at the long-term effects of the disaster. Ten years later, many people still suffer from anxiety and depression. Some have moved away from Christchurch, while others have stayed to rebuild their lives. The city itself has been rebuilt with stronger buildings and better emergency plans.

Emma Richardson ended the show by asking the guests what advice they would give to people living in earthquake zones. Their answer was simple: be prepared. Keep an emergency kit, know where to go, and practise what to do. 'You cannot stop an earthquake,' Sarah said, 'but you can be ready for one.'

A. The Christchurch earthquake happened on ______.

1. 22 February 2011 2. 22 January 2011 3. 22 February 2012 4. 22 March 2011

B. How many people died in the earthquake?

1. 85. 2. 100. 3. 185. 4. 250.

C. What was Sarah doing when the earthquake struck?

1. She was shopping. 2. She was reading to her class. 3. She was driving home. 4. She was sleeping.

D. After the earthquake, many people ______.

1. left New Zealand immediately 2. slept in parks and cars 3. refused all help 4. returned to work the next day

E. What advice did the guests give?

1. Move to another country. 2. Be prepared and have an emergency kit. 3. Ignore earthquake warnings. 4. Build wooden houses.








 3. 

   . ,  , ,        ,   , ,      .        .

News debate: should we ban dangerous sports?

Dangerous sports such as boxing, climbing, and motor racing A ________________ more and more popular around the world. Every year, millions of people watch these sports, and thousands take part in them. But some people believe that these sports should be banned because they cause serious injuries. Supporters of dangerous sports B ________________ that people should be free to choose their own hobbies. They say that these sports teach discipline and courage. However, critics argue that the government C ________________ to protect people from unnecessary risks. They point out that many young athletes D ________________ serious injuries in recent years. The debate E ________________ on for many years and is unlikely to end soon. What do you think?

A. BECOME ________________

B. ARGUE ________________

C. NEED ________________

D. SUFFER ________________

E. GO ________________

 4. 

    90110 ,    .         .     .        ,    .

From: Peter@mail.uk

To: Russian_friend@mail.ru

Subject: Dangerous sports

...I have just read an article about dangerous sports. Some people think they should be banned. I play football and I think sport is very important, but injuries really scare me.

What do you think about dangerous sports? Have you ever had a sports injury? How can we make sport safer?

Write back soon.

Best wishes,

Peter




 13









 1. 

  .             (1, 2, 3  4).    .     .

A. The TV series 'ER: Emergency Room' is set in ______.

1. London 2. Chicago 3. New York 4. Boston

B. The series shows the work of ______.

1. police officers 2. firefighters 3. doctors and nurses 4. paramedics only

C. The show has been on television for ______.

1. five years 2. ten years 3. fifteen years 4. twenty years

D. The most common injuries shown in the series are ______.

1. broken bones and head injuries 2. burns and cuts 3. heart attacks 4. car accident injuries

E. The series has been praised for ______.

1. its realistic medical scenes 2. its funny moments 3. its music 4. its special effects








 2. 

 .             (1, 2, 3  4).

Cooking show: 'Disaster in the Kitchen'

In 2022, a new cooking show called 'Disaster in the Kitchen' became a surprise hit on British television. The show invites amateur cooks to prepare difficult dishes in a professional kitchen  but with a twist. The contestants are given unusual and often dangerous equipment, and accidents happen almost every episode.

The show's presenter, chef Marco Rossi, says the idea came to him after he saw how many people injure themselves in their own kitchens. 'People think cooking is safe,' he says. 'But every year, thousands of people go to hospital with kitchen injuries. We wanted to show how easily things can go wrong  but in a funny way.'

In each episode, three contestants try to cook a three-course meal in one hour. They use equipment such as industrial blenders, sharp knives, and open flames. Not surprisingly, there are many small accidents. Contestants have cut their fingers, burnt their hands and dropped pans on their feet.

In one memorable episode, a contestant set fire to his own apron. The show has been criticised by some doctors, who say it makes light of serious injuries. But the producers argue that the show is educational as well as entertaining.

After each accident, a safety expert explains what went wrong and how it could have been avoided. The shows website also offers advice on kitchen safety. Since the show began, it has been watched by millions of people. It has also been sold to television companies in ten other countries.

A second series is currently being filmed. Interestingly, the show has had an unexpected effect. Sales of fire blankets and first-aid kits have increased by 40 per cent since the show first appeared. 'If we have made people more careful in their kitchens, that is a good thing,' says Marco Rossi.

A. 'Disaster in the Kitchen' first appeared in ______.

1. 2020 2. 2021 3. 2022 4. 2023

B. The contestants on the show are ______.

1. professional chefs 2. amateur cooks 3. food critics 4. restaurant owners

C. What happened in one memorable episode?

1. A contestant burnt his hand. 2. A contestant set fire to his apron. 3. A contestant cut his finger. 4. A contestant dropped a pan.

D. Doctors have criticised the show because ______.

1. it is boring 2. it makes light of serious injuries 3. it is too long 4. it is not educational

E. What unexpected effect has the show had?

1. More people are watching cooking shows. 2. Sales of fire blankets and first-aid kits have increased. 3. Fewer people are cooking at home. 4. More people are going to hospital.








 3. 

   . ,  , ,        ,   , ,      .        .

Travel show: 'Volcano Tourism'

Volcano tourism A ________________ one of the fastest-growing types of tourism in the world. Every year, millions of people travel to see active volcanoes in Iceland, Italy, Japan, and Hawaii. The travel show 'Volcano Tourism' B ________________ viewers to some of the most spectacular volcanic sites on Earth since it first appeared in 2019. In each episode, the presenter C ________________ with local guides and scientists to understand how volcanoes work. The show D ________________ us that volcanoes can be both beautiful and deadly. However, volcano tourism is not without risk. In recent years, several tourists E ________________ in volcanic eruptions because they ignored safety warnings. Experts say that tourists must always follow local advice.

A. BECOME ________________

B. TAKE ________________

C. TALK ________________

D. REMIND ________________

E. DIE ________________

 4. 

    90110 ,    .         .     .        ,    .

From: Peter@mail.uk

To: Russian_friend@mail.ru

Subject: Cooking shows

...I know you love funny cooking shows. I have just watched 'Disaster in the Kitchen', and I could not stop laughing. But I don't understand how people can get injured in a kitchen  it's just cooking!

What do you think about such shows? Have you ever had a kitchen accident? How can we stay safe in the kitchen?

Write back soon.

Best wishes,

Peter




 14









 1. 

  .             (1, 2, 3  4).    .     .

A. 'Kids' News' is a programme that explains ______.

1. only sports events 2. disasters and other difficult topics to children 3. only weather forecasts 4. only school subjects

B. The programme is aimed at children aged ______.

1. 3 to 5 2. 6 to 12 3. 13 to 15 4. 16 to 18

C. When explaining a disaster, the presenters first ______.

1. show frightening pictures 2. explain what happened in simple words 3. interview experts 4. tell a funny story

D. The programme advises parents to ______.

1. avoid talking about disasters 2. let children ask questions 3. turn off the TV 4. change the subject

E. The programme has been on air since ______.

1. 2015 2. 2018 3. 2020 4. 2022








 2. 

 .             (1, 2, 3  4).

Sports channel: 'Injury Update'

In 2023, a new sports channel called 'Injury Update' began broadcasting in the UK. The channel shows live coverage of sports events, but with a difference: it focuses on injuries. Every time a player is injured during a match, the channel shows the incident again in slow motion and invites a doctor to explain what happened.

The idea came from a sports journalist named Tom Baker. 'When I watch a football match and a player gets injured, I always want to know more,' he says. 'Is it serious? How long will the player be out? What exactly happened? Most channels don't tell you these things. We do.'

The channel has been broadcasting for two years and has become surprisingly popular. It now has more than three million viewers. Most are serious sports fans, but many are also medical students who watch to learn about sports injuries.

The channel has been criticised by some sports stars, who say it invades their privacy. One famous footballer said, 'When I am lying on the ground in pain, I don't want a camera in my face.' But the channel's producers argue that they are providing a valuable service. 'We are not trying to be cruel,' says Tom Baker. 'We are trying to educate people.'

The channel has also been praised by doctors. Dr Sarah Jones, a sports injury specialist, says, 'The channel has done a lot to raise awareness of sports injuries. People now understand that a bad tackle can end a career. That is important.'

Since the channel began, it has been involved in several controversies. In 2024, it showed a particularly serious injury during a live match, and many viewers complained. The channel later apologised and promised to be more careful in future. However, it continues to attract millions of viewers every week.

A. 'Injury Update' began broadcasting in ______.

1. 2021 2. 2022 3. 2023 4. 2024

B. The channel focuses on ______.

1. only football 2. injuries in sport 3. sports news 4. athletes' lives

C. The idea for the channel came from ______.

1. a doctor 2. a footballer 3. a sports journalist 4. a TV producer

D. Some sports stars have criticised the channel because ______.

1. it is boring 2. it invades their privacy 3. it is too expensive 4. it shows only men's sports

E. What happened in 2024?

1. The channel was closed. 2. The channel showed a serious injury and viewers complained. 3. The channel won an award. 4. The channel changed its name.








 3. 

   . ,  , ,        ,   , ,      .        .

Movie review: 'Twister' vs. real tornadoes

The film 'Twister', which came out in 1996, A ________________ one of the most famous disaster movies ever made. It tells the story of a group of storm chasers who try to understand how tornadoes work. The film B ________________ audiences for almost thirty years. Every year, new viewers discover it and C ________________ amazed by the special effects. However, scientists say that the film is not very realistic. Real tornadoes are much more dangerous than the ones in the film. Since the film appeared, real storm chasers D ________________ much more careful about safety. Modern storm chasers E ________________ new technologies to track tornadoes from a safe distance now.

A. BE ________________

B. ENTERTAIN ________________

C. BE ________________

D. BECOME ________________

E. USE ________________

 4. 

    90110 ,    .         .     .        ,    .

From: Peter@mail.uk

To: Russian_friend@mail.ru

Subject: Tornado film

...I have just watched a film about tornadoes. I was amazed by the power of nature. The film was really scary but also very exciting.

What do you think about disaster films? Have you ever seen a tornado or another natural disaster? Would you like to become a storm chaser?

Write back soon.

Best wishes,

Peter




 15









 1. 

  .             (1, 2, 3  4).    .     .

A. The podcast 'The Day the Hurricane Hit' tells the story of ______.

1. a hurricane in Florida 2. a hurricane in New Orleans 3. a hurricane in New York 4. a hurricane in Texas

B. The hurricane struck the city in ______.

1. August 2005 2. September 2005 3. August 2012 4. September 2012

C. The narrator was ______ when the hurricane hit.

1. at home 2. at school 3. in a shelter 4. on the road

D. The narrator says the most frightening thing was ______.

1. the wind 2. the noise 3. the rain 4. the darkness

E. After the hurricane, the narrator decided to ______.

1. leave the city forever 2. become a weather reporter 3. help other people 4. move to another country








 2. 

 .             (1, 2, 3  4).

TV special: 'Weather Gone Wild'

In 2024, a British TV channel broadcast a special programme called 'Weather Gone Wild'. The programme looked at some of the most extreme and unusual weather events of the last twenty years, from record-breaking heatwaves to freak hailstorms and sudden blizzards.

The programme began with the European heatwave of 2003. That summer, temperatures across Europe reached levels never seen before. In France, almost 15,000 people died as a result of the heat. The programme explained how the heatwave happened and why it was so deadly. Many of the victims were elderly people living alone in cities.

Next, the programme looked at the Russian heatwave of 2010. That summer, temperatures in Moscow reached 38 degrees Celsius  the highest ever recorded in the city. Wildfires burned across the country, and the smoke covered Moscow for weeks.

The presenter explained that climate change is making such events more frequent. The programme also examined unusual winter weather. In 2014, a sudden blizzard struck Japan, dumping more than a metre of snow on Tokyo in just a few days. The city, which is not used to heavy snow, was completely paralysed. Trains stopped, roads were closed, and thousands of people were stuck at home.

One of the most dramatic sections of the programme was about tornadoes. The presenter showed footage of the 2013 Moore tornado in Oklahoma, which killed 24 people and destroyed an entire neighbourhood. Scientists explained that tornadoes are becoming more powerful because of rising global temperatures. The programme ended with a warning. Meteorologists said that extreme weather events are becoming more common and more intense. They advised viewers to take weather warnings seriously and to be prepared for emergencies.

'Weather Gone Wild' was watched by more than five million people. It has since been shown in schools across the UK to help children understand climate change.

A. 'Weather Gone Wild' was first shown in ______.

1. 2022 2. 2023 3. 2024 4. 2025

B. How many people died in the European heatwave of 2003?

1. About 1,500. 2. About 5,000. 3. About 15,000. 4. About 50,000.

C. What happened in Moscow in 2010?

1. A blizzard paralysed the city. 2. Temperatures reached 38 degrees Celsius. 3. A tornado destroyed a neighbourhood. 4. A hailstorm covered the streets.

D. Why was Tokyo paralysed in 2014?

1. Because of a heatwave. 2. Because of a blizzard. 3. Because of a tornado. 4. Because of a flood.

E. What advice did meteorologists give?

1. Ignore weather warnings. 2. Take weather warnings seriously. 3. Move to another country. 4. Stop watching the news.








 3. 

   . ,  , ,        ,   , ,      .        .

Behind the scenes: making a disaster movie

Disaster movies A ________________ millions of viewers every year. But how are these films actually made? A typical disaster movie B ________________ months of preparation. Directors C ________________ with special effects teams, meteorologists, and sometimes real survivors to make the film as realistic as possible. Since the 1990s, computer technology D ________________ a huge difference to the way these films are made. One famous director says that he E ________________ disaster movies for over twenty years, and he still finds them exciting to make. 'Every film is a new challenge,' he says.

A. ATTRACT ________________

B. REQUIRE ________________

C. WORK ________________

D. MAKE ________________

E. MAKE ________________

 4. 

    90110 ,    .         .     .        ,    .

From: Peter@mail.uk

To: Russian_friend@mail.ru

Subject: Disaster movies

...I am really interested in how disaster movies are made. I have watched a documentary about special effects, and now I want to become a film director. It looks like a fascinating job.

What do you think about disaster movies? Would you like to work in the film industry? What is your favourite film and why?

Write back soon.

Best wishes,

Peter




2. 



16








 1. 

  .             (1, 2, 3  4).    .     .

A. The Best Buy employee in Florida was accused of ______.

1. stealing cash from the register 2. giving himself huge discounts on electronics 3. selling stolen goods online 4. damaging store property

B. The employee used ______ to authorise the discounts.

1. his own employee code 2. a manager's override code 3. a customer's credit card 4. a fake receipt

C. The fraud scheme lasted for ______.

1. one week 2. one month 3. several months 4. one year

D. The total value of the losses was more than ______.

1. $18,000 2. $40,000 3. $81,000 4. $118,000

E. The investigation began after the store manager noticed ______.

1. missing cash 2. irregular sales during inventory checks 3. strange behaviour from staff 4. security camera footage








 2. 

 .             (1, 2, 3  4).

The cashier who let the shoplifters walk

In December 2024, police in Savannah, Georgia, arrested a 20-year-old Best Buy employee named Dorian Allen. He was accused of allowing customers to leave the store without paying for electronics worth more than $40,000 over a two-week period.

According to the police report, Allen told investigators that he had been blackmailed by a 'hacker group'. The group, he claimed, had threatened to release nude photographs of him that he had posted on Instagram. Allen said the hackers sent him emails with descriptions of the people he should allow to leave the store without paying, including details of what they would be wearing. The stolen items included 44 PlayStation 5 consoles, more than a dozen Meta Quest virtual reality headsets, Xbox gaming systems, AirPods, Beats headphones, and other high-value electronics. The total value of the 143 stolen products was $40,734.19. The police said Allen even helped some of the individuals load the stolen merchandise into a black Hyundai.

However, investigators were sceptical of Allen's story. When asked who the hacker group was, Allen could not provide a name. He also could not provide his own email address or describe any of the individuals involved. Allen later disputed the police report, telling a local news station that the claims about the hacker group and the nude photos were 'not true'.

Five other people were also arrested in connection with the thefts. Brenda Gardner, Savannah Pendergraph, Shabria Summers, Leslie Bostic, and Chrystal Small were all charged with theft by receiving stolen property. Chatham County Sheriff Richard Coleman publicly called on the suspects to surrender. 'That type of behaviour wont be tolerated here in Chatham County,' he said. 'And the citizens, they were wonderful. They responded.'

The case raised concerns about employee theft in retail. Experts note that high staff turnover in retail makes internal control difficult, and cases of employee fraud often go undetected for months. A 2023 report by the National Retail Federation identified monitoring and preventing employee theft as one of the top priorities for retailers.

A. Dorian Allen was accused of ______.

1. stealing cash from the register 2. allowing shoplifters to take merchandise 3. hacking the store's computer system 4. selling stolen goods online

B. Allen claimed he was blackmailed with ______.

1. threats of violence 2. nude photographs of himself 3. stolen store data 4. recordings of his conversations

C. How many products were stolen in total?

1. 44. 2. 52. 3. 143. 4. 200.

D. Why were investigators sceptical of Allen's story?

1. He admitted he was lying. 2. He could not provide names or email addresses. 3. He refused to speak to police. 4. He had a criminal record.

E. According to the text, employee theft in retail is ______.

1. decreasing 2. easy to detect 3. a growing concern 4. no longer a problem








 3. 

   . ,  , ,        ,   , ,      .        .

The Santas who robbed a supermarket

In December 2025, a group of people dressed as Santa Claus and elves entered a supermarket in Montreal. They took food worth about $3,000 without paying. The group, which calls itself 'Robins des Ruelles', later issued a statement saying the food would be distributed to people who needed it most. They described their action as a 'Robin Hood-style trick'. The group A ________________ that large supermarket chains are exploiting people by charging high prices for basic necessities. They just B ________________ a statement on social media accusing the supermarkets of being the 'real robbers'. The stolen food was later placed under a Christmas tree in a Montreal neighbourhood and distributed to community fridges. Since the action, the group C ________________ a lot of attention in the media. Experts say that such direct actions are becoming more common during periods of economic crisis. One political science lecturer explains that these actions D ________________ to force politicians to address the issues being raised. The group says it E ________________ similar actions in the future. However, police are investigating the incident, and the group members may face charges.

A. BELIEVE ________________

B. POST ________________

C. RECEIVE ________________

D. TRY ________________

E. ORGANISE ________________

 4. 

    90110 ,    .         .     .        ,    .

From: Peter@mail.uk

To: Russian_friend@mail.ru

Subject: Shoplifting

...I have just read an article about a cashier in the USA who let people steal from his store. He said he was being blackmailed. It is hard to believe.

What do you think about shoplifting and fraud? Have you ever seen anyone stealing in a shop? How can shops protect themselves from thieves?

Write back soon.

Best wishes,

Peter




17








 1. 

  .             (1, 2, 3  4).    .     .

A. The lawsuit against DuPont was filed in ______.

1. 2003 2. 2004 3. 2005 4. 2006

B. The plaintiffs claimed that DuPont had hidden information about ______.

1. dangerous chemicals in Teflon 2. child labour in its factories 3. false advertising 4. tax evasion

C. The chemical at the centre of the scandal is known as ______.

1. C4 2. C8 3. PFOA 4. Teflon

D. DuPont responded to the lawsuit by saying that ______.

1. it would settle immediately 2. its products were safe 3. it had already recalled the cookware 4. it would stop making Teflon

E. The lawsuit asked for compensation of ______.

1. $5 million 2. $50 million 3. $500 million 4. $5 billion








 2. 

 .             (1, 2, 3  4).

The cake with a piece of plastic

In January 2025, a woman in Moscow bought a cake called 'DanBosch' from a popular Russian food retailer, VkusVill. While eating the cake, she found a hard piece inside it. She immediately complained to the store, saying she had found glass in her dessert. VkusVill responded quickly. The company sent a courier to collect the cake and the foreign object from the customer. After examining the piece, the company said it was not glass but a small piece of plastic. 'We do not use glass in our production at all,' a company representative said.

The retailer suspended sales of the cake while an investigation took place. The company said its quality control team was working with the manufacturer to find out how the plastic got into the dessert. VkusVill also said the cake was a new product, so it was checking the entire chain of storage and transportation.

Some customers were not satisfied with the company's response. They pointed out that finding any foreign object in food is dangerous, whether it is glass or plastic. One customer said, 'It doesn't matter what it was. It should not have been there in the first place.'

The incident received a lot of attention on social media. Many people shared their own stories about finding strange objects in food. Some said they would stop buying from the retailer. Others said the company had handled the situation well by responding quickly and suspending sales. VkusVill later said its investigation had found no risks related to glass or fragile plastic. The company said the cake would return to shelves once the investigation was complete.

However, the retailer promised to take extra measures to ensure the safety of its products. This was not the first time VkusVill had faced criticism over food safety. In December 2024, a customer complained about salmonella in dumplings bought from the same retailer. The company said the batch had been blocked from sale immediately.

A. The woman found the foreign object in ______.

1. a cake 2. a pie 3. a chocolate bar 4. a packet of biscuits

B. VkusVill said the object was ______.

1. glass 2. plastic 3. metal 4. wood

C. What did VkusVill do after the complaint?

1. It ignored the customer. 2. It suspended sales of the cake. 3. It closed all its stores. 4. It blamed the customer.

D. How did some customers react?

1. They praised the company. 2. They were not satisfied. 3. They did not care. 4. They bought more cakes.

E. What happened in December 2024?

1. A customer found glass in a cake. 2. A customer complained about salmonella. 3. VkusVill closed its stores. 4. VkusVill changed its name.








 3. 

   . ,  , ,        ,   , ,      .        .

A cake with a surprise

In January 2025, a customer bought a cake from a popular retailer. While she A ________________ the cake, she found a piece of plastic inside it. She was shocked and immediately complained to the store. The company responded quickly. By the time the customer called the hotline, the company B ________________ the complaint to its quality control team. A courier was sent to collect the cake and the foreign object. The retailer suspended sales of the cake. The company said it C ________________ with the manufacturer to find out how the plastic got into the dessert. Since the incident, the company D ________________ extra measures to ensure product safety. The customer says she E ________________ such a thing before. She hopes the company will take the matter seriously.

A. EAT ________________

B. ALREADY SEND ________________

C. WORK ________________

D. TAKE ________________

E. NEVER EXPERIENCE ________________

 4. 

    90110 ,    .         .     .        ,    .

From: Peter@mail.uk

To: Russian_friend@mail.ru

Subject: Bad products

...I have just read an article about a customer who found plastic in a cake. It is really scary to think that something like that can happen.

What do you think about buying food from supermarkets? Have you ever bought something of poor quality? What should companies do when they sell bad products?

Write back soon.

Best wishes,

Peter




 18









 1. 

  .             (1, 2, 3  4).    .     .

A. The Maxima supermarket in Riga collapsed in ______.

1. November 2011 2. November 2013 3. December 2013 4. January 2014

B. The building had been open for only ______ before the disaster.

1. one year 2. two years 3. three years 4. five years

C. The number of people killed in the collapse was ______.

1. 24 2. 40 3. 54 4. 104

D. The building had received an award for ______.

1. the best design 2. the best construction project 3. the best supermarket 4. the safest building

E. After the disaster, ______ people were criminally charged.

1. three 2. five 3. nine 4. fifteen








 2. 

 .             (1, 2, 3  4).

The Ycua Bolanos fire: a tragedy that shook Paraguay

On 1 August 2004, a fire broke out in the Ycua Bolanos supermarket in Asuncion, the capital of Paraguay. It became the deadliest fire in the country's history. More than 400 people lost their lives, and hundreds more were injured.

The fire started in the food court area of the multi-storey shopping centre. According to investigators, a gas leak or a problem with the ventilation system caused an explosion that quickly engulfed the building in flames.

At the time, about 700 people were inside the complex, many of them doing their weekend shopping or eating at the restaurants. What made the disaster so deadly was not just the fire itself. Survivors reported that as soon as the fire began, security guards locked the doors of the building. Their reason, according to witnesses, was to prevent people from leaving without paying for their goods. Hundreds of shoppers became trapped inside the burning building.

One survivor described the scene: 'There were sparks, like fireworks. The room was quickly filled with fire and smoke, causing complete chaos. I lost my wife and children when I ran out. Now I am hopelessly trying to find them.' The owner of the supermarket, Juan Pio Paiva, his son, and four security guards were arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter. They were accused of locking the doors and preventing people from escaping.

The tragedy led to three days of national mourning in Paraguay. The Ycua Bolanos fire remains one of the worst disasters in South American history. It raised serious questions about fire safety regulations in public buildings across the region. Many people called for stricter enforcement of safety rules to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

A. The Ycua Bolanos fire happened in ______.

1. Argentina 2. Brazil 3. Paraguay 4. Uruguay

B. How many people died in the fire?

1. More than 100. 2. More than 200. 3. More than 400. 4. More than 700.

C. What did security guards do when the fire started?

1. They helped people escape. 2. They locked the doors. 3. They called the fire brigade. 4. They ran away.

D. Why did the guards lock the doors?

1. To stop people from stealing goods. 2. To keep the fire from spreading. 3. To protect the building. 4. To follow company policy.

E. The tragedy led to ______.

1. the closure of the supermarket 2. three days of national mourning 3. new laws about fire safety 4. the arrest of the owner








 3. 

   . ,  , ,        ,   , ,      .        .

The Luoyang fire: a preventable tragedy

On Christmas night in 2000, a fire broke out in the Dongdu Commercial Building in Luoyang, China. The fire started when welders working in the basement accidentally set fire to furniture and cotton flannel. The flames themselves did not reach the upper floors, but thick, toxic smoke rose up the stairways. In the disco on the fourth floor, hundreds of young people were celebrating Christmas. Most of them did not realise the danger until it was too late. By the time firefighters arrived, the building A ________________ in thick smoke. The victims were suffocated, not burned. Rescue workers B ________________ to reach the fourth floor for hours. When they finally entered the disco, they C ________________ a scene of terrible tragedy. In total, 309 people died that night. The investigation revealed that the building D ________________ a fire safety inspection just one week before the disaster. It had been listed as a fire hazard for years, but nothing had been done. The tragedy led to a nationwide campaign to improve safety in public buildings. Experts say that if the building E ________________ proper fire safety equipment, many lives could have been saved.

A. ALREADY BE ________________

B. TRY ________________

C. FIND ________________

D. FAIL ________________

E. HAVE ________________

 4. 

    90110 ,    .         .     .        ,    .

From: Peter@mail.uk

To: Russian_friend@mail.ru

Subject: Shopping centres

...I have just read about a terrible disaster in a shopping centre. It is shocking to think that people could die while doing something as ordinary as shopping.

What do you think about safety in shopping centres? Have you ever seen anything dangerous in a public place? What should be done to prevent such tragedies?

Write back soon.

Best wishes,

Peter




 19









 1. 

  .             (1, 2, 3  4).    .     .

A. The new shopping centre will be built in ______.

1. Moscow 2. Sochi 3. Saint Petersburg 4. Kazan

B. The project is expected to cost ______.

1. ?7.6 million 2. ?76 million 3. ?7.6 billion 4. ?76 billion

C. The shopping centre is planned to open by ______.

1. 2027 2. 2028 3. 2029 4. 2030

D. According to the report, the new centre will include ______.

1. a cinema and a hotel 2. shops, restaurants, and entertainment zones 3. a hospital and a school 4. a stadium and a museum

E. The project is expected to create ______ new jobs.

1. hundreds of 2. thousands of 3. tens of thousands of 4. a few








 2. 

 .             (1, 2, 3  4).

New shopping and entertainment centre opens in New Moscow

A new shopping and entertainment centre has been built in the Troitsky and Novomoskovsky administrative districts of Moscow, known as TiNAO. The complex covers 21,300 square metres and includes a rooftop amphitheatre, a food mall, and a panoramic restaurant. The new centre is part of a large-scale development programme in New Moscow.

The TiNAO district has been growing rapidly in recent years, with thousands of new homes being built and a growing population. The opening of the shopping centre is expected to create hundreds of new jobs and to provide residents with modern shopping and leisure facilities close to their homes. One of the most unusual features of the new centre is its rooftop amphitheatre. The design allows the roof to be used for open-air concerts, film screenings, and other events during the warmer months.

Architects say that the amphitheatre will become a popular gathering place for local residents. The panoramic restaurant on the top floor offers views of the surrounding area.

The food mall is another key feature. It brings together restaurants and cafes offering different types of cuisine, from traditional Russian dishes to Asian and European food. The designers say that the food mall is intended to be a place where people can meet, relax, and spend time with friends and family, not just a place to eat quickly.

The new centre has been designed with a strong focus on comfort and convenience. It includes a multi-level car park with 500 spaces, which should make it easier for visitors to reach the complex by car. There are also special relaxation zones with plants and seating areas where visitors can rest between shopping.

Local residents have welcomed the opening of the new centre. One resident said, 'Before, we had to travel to the city centre to go shopping or to the cinema. Now we have everything we need right here. It will make our lives much easier.'

Experts say that the new centre reflects a growing trend in retail design. Modern shopping centres are no longer just places to buy things. They are becoming social spaces where people can meet, eat, and enjoy entertainment. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years, with more shopping centres including features such as rooftop gardens, sports facilities, and cultural spaces.

A. Where is the new shopping centre located?

1. In the centre of Moscow. 2. In the TiNAO district of Moscow. 3. In Sochi. 4. In Saint Petersburg.

B. What is one of the unusual features of the new centre?

1. An underground swimming pool. 2. A rooftop amphitheatre. 3. A ski slope. 4. A zoo.

C. How many parking spaces does the centre have?

1. 100. 2. 200. 3. 500. 4. 1,000.

D. How have local residents reacted to the opening?

1. They are unhappy about it. 2. They have welcomed it. 3. They do not care. 4. They want it to close.

E. What trend in retail design does the centre reflect?

1. Shopping centres are becoming smaller. 2. Shopping centres are becoming social spaces. 3. Shopping centres are closing down. 4. Shopping centres are only for shopping.








 3. 

   . ,  , ,        ,   , ,      .        .

A new shopping centre in New Moscow

A new shopping and entertainment centre A ________________ in the TiNAO district of Moscow in 2028. The complex will cover 21,300 square metres and include a rooftop amphitheatre, a food mall, and a panoramic restaurant. The centre B ________________ a part of a large development programme. By the time the centre opens, they C ________________ more than 10,000 new homes in the district. Residents are happy because they will not have to travel to the city centre anymore. The architects say that the rooftop amphitheatre D ________________ for concerts and film screenings in the summer. The centre also has a multi-level car park with 500 spaces. Local residents believe that the new centre E ________________ their quality of life.

A. BUILD ________________

B. BECOME ________________

C. BUILD ________________

D. USE ________________

E. IMPROVE ________________

 4. 

    90110 ,    .         .     .        ,    .

From: Peter@mail.uk

To: Russian_friend@mail.ru

Subject: New shopping centres

...I have just read about a new shopping centre in Moscow. It sounds amazing  a rooftop amphitheatre and a panoramic restaurant! I would love to visit it one day.

Do you like shopping centres? What do you usually do there? What new facilities would you like to see in your local shopping centre?

Write back soon.

Best wishes,

Peter




 20









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  .             (1, 2, 3  4).    .     .

A. David Azrieli invented the word 'canyon' to describe ______.

1. a natural rock formation 2. a shopping centre with parking 3. a type of office building 4. a residential complex

B. The word 'canyon' is a combination of Hebrew words for ______.

1. 'shopping' and 'parking' 2. 'shopping' and 'centre' 3. 'parking' and 'building' 4. 'centre' and 'tower'

C. Azrieli's first canyon in Ramat Gan was built in ______.

1. the 1980s 2. the 1990s 3. the 2000s 4. the 2010s

D. The first canyon cost $20 million and earned ______ in its first year.

1. $4 million 2. $20 million 3. $24 million 4. $44 million

E. Azrieli believes that in the future, canyons will ______.

1. become less popular 2. change the way people shop and spend free time 3. be replaced by online shopping 4. only be built in Israel








 2. 

 .             (1, 2, 3  4).

Azrieli Center: three towers, one vision

The Azrieli Center in Tel Aviv is one of Israel's most recognisable landmarks. The complex consists of three skyscrapers, each with a different geometric shape: a circle, a triangle, and a square. They stand on a 34,500 square metre site that was previously used as Tel Avivs dumpster-truck parking garage.

The center was originally designed by Israeli-American architect Eli Attia. However, after Attia fell out with the developer David Azrieli, the completion of the design was passed to the Tel Aviv firm of Moore Yaski Sivan Architects. The dispute over the authorship of the design became one of the longest legal battles in Israeli architecture. Azrieli claimed he had produced the idea and original sketches for the three-tower concept, while Attia insisted that the design was his work. The legal proceedings lasted for about ten years.

The Circular Tower was the first to be completed, in 1999. It is the tallest of the three, with 49 floors and a height of 187 metres. The tower's cross-section is a perfect circle with a diameter of 44 metres. The Triangular Tower was also completed in 1999 and has 46 floors, reaching a height of 169 metres. Its main occupant is Bezeq, Israels largest telecommunications company. The Square Tower was completed later, in 2007, after construction was halted in 1998 due to disagreements over the urban plan. It has 42 floors and stands 154 metres tall.

The base of the complex contains a large shopping mall, which connects all three towers. The mall is one of the busiest in Israel, with hundreds of shops, restaurants, and entertainment facilities. At the top of the Circular Tower, there is an observation deck and a restaurant offering panoramic views of Tel Aviv and the Mediterranean Sea.

In 2018, the Azrieli Group announced plans for a fourth tower, designed by the international firm Kohn Pedersen Fox. The new tower, called the Spiral Tower, will be 340 metres tall, making it the tallest building in Israel upon completion. Its elliptical footprint references the geometry of the existing towers, while its spiralling form creates a dynamic new identity for the complex. The building will include office, residential, hotel, and retail space, as well as a public observation area at its pinnacle.

The Azrieli Center has become a symbol of modern Tel Aviv. It represents the citys ambition to be a world-class business and cultural centre. Will it continue to serve the city and its people in the future? Only time will tell.

A. What shapes are the three towers of the Azrieli Center?

1. Circle, triangle, and square. 2. Circle, rectangle, and hexagon. 3. Triangle, square, and oval. 4. Circle, diamond, and square.

B. Who designed the Azrieli Center originally?

1. David Azrieli. 2. Eli Attia. 3. Moore Yaski Sivan Architects. 4. Kohn Pedersen Fox.

C. How long did the legal dispute over the design last?

1. About two years. 2. About five years. 3. About ten years. 4. About fifteen years.

D. When was the Square Tower completed?

1. 1996. 2. 1999. 3. 2006. 4. 2007.

E. What will the Spiral Tower include?

1. Only offices. 2. Offices, apartments, a hotel, and shops. 3. Only a shopping mall. 4. Only residential apartments.








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The Azrieli Center: building for the future

The Azrieli Center in Tel Aviv is one of the city's most famous landmarks. The towers A ________________ in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The center was designed to be more than just a group of office buildings. It was created to be a place where people could work, shop, and spend their free time. The shopping mall at the base of the towers B ________________ by millions of people since it opened. It has become one of the busiest malls in Israel. In 2018, the Azrieli Group announced plans for a fourth tower. The new Spiral Tower C ________________ 340 metres tall, making it the tallest building in Israel upon completion. The complex D ________________ by the international firm Kohn Pedersen Fox. The tower will include offices, apartments, a hotel, and shops. Experts believe that the Azrieli Center E ________________ an important role in Tel Aviv's development for many years to come. It will continue to attract businesses and visitors from around the world.

A. BUILD ________________

B. VISIT ________________

C. BE ________________

D. DESIGN ________________

E. PLAY ________________

 4. 

    90110 ,    .         .     .        ,    .

From: Peter@mail.uk

To: Russian_friend@mail.ru

Subject: Shopping centres and profit

...I have just found out about a man who invented a new word for shopping centres. He called them 'canyons'. His first canyon earned more money in one year than it cost to build. That sounds like very good business.

Do you think shopping centres are good for cities? How can they make a profit? Would you like to work in a shopping centre?

Write back soon.

Best wishes,

Peter




21








 1. 

  .             (1, 2, 3  4).    .     .

A. The new shopping centre in Dubai is called ______.

1. Dubai Mall 2. Dubai Square 3. Dubai Canyon 4. Dubai City

B. The new centre will cover an area of ______.

1. 1.3 million square metres 2. 2.6 million square metres 3. 5.2 million square metres 4. 26 million square metres

C. The project is expected to cost ______.

1. 18 billion dirhams 2. 80 billion dirhams 3. 180 billion dirhams 4. 1,800 billion dirhams

D. One unusual feature of the new centre will be ______.

1. a rooftop ski slope 2. a drive-through for cars 3. an underground aquarium 4. a football stadium

E. The new centre will be ______ the existing Dubai Mall.

1. the same size as 2. smaller than 3. twice as large as 4. three times as large as








 2. 

 .             (1, 2, 3  4).

American Dream Miami: a city inside a city

A huge new shopping and entertainment complex called American Dream Miami is opening near Miami, Florida, in 2026. The project covers 557,000 square metres, making it one of the largest retail and entertainment centres in the world. More than $5 billion has been invested in the project, and it is expected to attract 30 million visitors a year.

American Dream Miami is not just a shopping centre. It has been described as a 'city inside a city'. The complex will include an indoor amusement park, a ski slope, and an aquarium. There will also be hundreds of shops, restaurants, and a hotel. The developers say that visitors will be able to spend an entire weekend at the complex without getting bored.

The indoor ski slope will be one of the biggest in the world, with real snow and a chairlift. Skiers will be able to enjoy winter sports even when the temperature outside is above 30 degrees Celsius. Next to the ski slope, there will be an indoor amusement park with roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, and a water ride. The aquarium will be another major attraction. It will contain more than 10,000 sea creatures, including sharks, rays, and tropical fish. Visitors will be able to walk through a glass tunnel and watch the animals swimming above their heads.

American Dream Miami is part of a growing trend in retail design. Experts say that traditional shopping malls are losing customers because more and more people prefer to shop online. To survive, modern shopping centres are becoming entertainment destinations. They offer experiences, not just products. 'People want to do something, not just buy something,' one expert explained.

This trend can be seen around the world. In Dubai, a new shopping centre called Dubai Square is being built. It will cover 2.6 million square metres  twice the size of the existing Dubai Mall. The project will cost 180 billion dirhams and will include a drive-through for cars, allowing visitors to drive directly to the shops.

Some experts warn that not all of these mega-projects will succeed. They point out that building such large complexes is very expensive, and if visitor numbers are lower than expected, the projects may fail. However, the developers of American Dream Miami are confident. They believe that people will always want to go out, meet friends, and enjoy new experiences.

A. When is American Dream Miami expected to open?

1. 2024. 2. 2025. 3. 2026. 4. 2027.

B. How much has been invested in the project?

1. More than $5 million. 2. More than $50 million. 3. More than $500 million. 4. More than $5 billion.

C. What unusual feature will American Dream Miami have?

1. An outdoor beach. 2. An indoor ski slope. 3. A horse-riding centre. 4. A golf course.

D. What is happening to traditional shopping malls?

1. They are getting more customers. 2. They are losing customers. 3. They are becoming cheaper. 4. They are becoming more popular.

E. What do some experts warn about these mega-projects?

1. They are too small. 2. They may fail if visitor numbers are low. 3. They are not interesting. 4. They will not attract tourists.








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The mall as a lifestyle

Experts say that the modern shopping centre is no longer just a place to buy things. It is becoming a 'lifestyle destination'. In some new malls, up to 50 per cent of the space is taken up by food courts, gyms, clinics, and government service centres. Traditional malls are losing customers, and only those that offer bread and circuses are surviving. Developers have understood that people want experiences, not just products. They are designing malls that A ________________ more like theme parks than shops. In the future, shopping centres B ________________ even more entertainment facilities, such as cinemas, sports centres, and concert halls. Some experts believe that traditional malls C ________________ completely by 2040. Others disagree. They say that people will always enjoy going out and meeting each other. They believe that the best malls D ________________ a balance between shopping and entertainment. One thing is certain: the shopping centres of the future E ________________ very different from those of the past.

A. LOOK ________________

B. INCLUDE ________________

C. DISAPPEAR ________________

D. FIND ________________

E. BE ________________

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From: Peter@mail.uk

To: Russian_friend@mail.ru

Subject: Construction of the century

...I have just learnt about a huge new shopping centre in Miami. It will have an indoor ski slope and an aquarium. It sounds more like a theme park than a shopping centre! It is called the construction of the century.

What do you think about such huge shopping centres? Would you like to visit one? What do you think shopping centres will be like in the future?

Write back soon.

Best wishes,

Peter




 22









 1. 

  .             (1, 2, 3  4).    .     .

A. Liam is ______ years old.

1. six 2. seven 3. eight 4. nine

B. Liam ordered ______ lollipops on Amazon.

1. 700 2. 7,000 3. 70,000 4. 700,000

C. The total cost of the order was ______.

1. $420 2. $4,200 3. $42,000 4. $420,000

D. Amazon initially refused to return the money because ______.

1. the order was too large 2. food products cannot be returned 3. the boy had used his mother's account 4. the delivery had already been made

E. After the story became viral, Amazon ______.

1. refused to comment 2. returned the money 3. cancelled all food orders 4. changed its refund policy








 2. 

 .             (1, 2, 3  4).

Cars on marketplaces: a new way to buy

In 2025, a resident of the Krasnodar region in Russia bought a new Changan car on the Ozon marketplace for 4.3 million roubles. The purchase attracted attention because buying a car online is still unusual in Russia.

However, this is becoming more common. The number of car dealers on the platform grew to 229 accounts during the year, and the range of new cars available on the site increased 5.5 times.

Marketplaces were originally created for selling books, electronics, and household goods. Today, they sell almost everything, including cars. The advantages for buyers are clear: they can compare prices, read reviews, and complete the purchase without leaving home. For dealers, marketplaces offer access to millions of potential customers across the country.

However, buying a car online is not the same as buying a phone. A car is an expensive purchase, and buyers usually want to see it, sit inside it, and take a test drive before they make a decision. For this reason, most marketplace car sales work differently from ordinary online purchases. The buyer reserves the car online, and then collects it from a dealer or a special pickup point. This model is known as 'click and collect'.

The 'click and collect' model is changing the way people shop in general. Large brands are increasingly using it: customers order a product online and then pick it up at a local store. In this way, the store works as a pickup point rather than a traditional place of sale. According to retail experts, this model is erasing the boundary between online and offline shopping. The trend has effects on both buyers and sellers. For buyers, it combines the convenience of online shopping with the possibility of seeing the product before taking it home. For sellers, it reduces the cost of storage and delivery, because goods can be kept in the store and handed to the customer directly.

Some experts believe that in the future, most shopping will happen this way. People will use their phones or computers to choose and pay for products, and then pick them up from a nearby location. Traditional shops will not disappear, but their role will change. They will become showrooms, pickup points, and service centres rather than places where people simply buy things.

A. How much did the Changan car cost?

1. 4.3 million roubles. 2. 43 million roubles. 3. 430,000 roubles. 4. 4,300 roubles.

B. How did the number of car dealers on Ozon change during the year?

1. It decreased. 2. It stayed the same. 3. It grew to 229 accounts. 4. It grew to 1,000 accounts.

C. What is the 'click and collect' model?

1. Buying and returning products online. 2. Ordering online and picking up in a store. 3. Ordering by phone and paying in cash. 4. Buying in a store and delivering by post.

D. What advantage does 'click and collect' offer to sellers?

1. It increases the price of goods. 2. It reduces storage and delivery costs. 3. It attracts fewer customers. 4. It makes shops more expensive to run.

E. According to experts, what will happen to traditional shops in the future?

1. They will disappear completely. 2. They will become showrooms and pickup points. 3. They will only sell cars. 4. They will stop using the internet.








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Click and collect: the future of shopping?

Online shopping has changed the way we buy things. In recent years, more and more people A ________________ to shop on the internet rather than in traditional stores. However, many people still prefer to see a product before they buy it. The 'click and collect' model solves this problem. Customers order a product online and then pick it up at a local store. Large brands B ________________ this model for several years now. According to experts, this model C ________________ the boundary between online and offline shopping now. Some analysts believe that by 2035, most shopping D ________________ completely online. Others disagree. They say that people will always want to visit shops, if only to see and touch the products. One thing is certain: the shops of the future E ________________ very different from those of today.

A. CHOOSE ________________

B. USE ________________

C. ERASE ________________

D. GO ________________

E. BE ________________

 4. 

    90110 ,    .         .     .        ,    .

From: Peter@mail.uk

To: Russian_friend@mail.ru

Subject: Online shopping

...I have just found a funny story about a boy who ordered 70,000 lollipops on Amazon. His parents were not amused! It shows how easy it is to buy things online today.

Do you often shop online? What do you usually buy? Do you think online shopping will replace traditional shops in the future?

Write back soon.

Best wishes,

Peter




 23









 1. 

  .             (1, 2, 3  4).    .     .

A. Wildberries is testing drone delivery to ______.

1. large cities 2. remote villages 3. shopping centres 4. warehouses

B. Drone delivery can be up to ______ faster than ground transport.

1. three times 2. ten times 3. twenty times 4. thirty times

C. The target cost of drone delivery is ______ per kilogram.

1. a few hundred roubles 2. a few thousand roubles 3. a few million roubles 4. a few dozen roubles

D. The main aim of the project is to reach places where ______.

1. there are no roads 2. delivery by normal transport is expensive 3. people do not have the internet 4. there are no shops at all

E. According to the report, drone delivery in Russia ______.

1. is already used everywhere 2. is still at the testing stage 3. has been abandoned 4. is illegal








 2. 

 .             (1, 2, 3  4).

Underground vacuum tubes in Singapore

Singapore has started building the world's first Aero-Cargo system, an underground network of vacuum tubes that will transport goods at speeds of up to 800 kilometres per hour. The system uses magnetic levitation, the same technology that powers high-speed maglev trains. Containers travel through the tubes without touching the walls, which reduces friction and allows extremely high speeds. A journey that takes two hours by lorry will take just five minutes.

The idea behind Aero-Cargo is simple. Cities are becoming more crowded, and roads are becoming more congested. Moving goods underground takes pressure off the road network and reduces pollution. The tubes are small and can be built under existing roads, which means that very little land is needed for the project.

The system works like this. Goods are packed into standard containers at special hubs on the edge of the city. The containers are then loaded into capsules, which travel through the vacuum tubes to other hubs. From there, smaller electric vehicles deliver the goods to their final destinations. Because the tubes are sealed and the air is removed, there is almost no resistance, and the capsules can travel at very high speeds.

Singapore is not the only country interested in this technology. Several other countries, including the United Arab Emirates and China, are studying similar systems. Engineers say that vacuum tube transport could one day carry not only goods but also passengers.

However, the project also faces challenges. Building underground tunnels is very expensive, and the system needs a reliable power supply. There are also questions about safety: what happens if a capsule breaks down inside a tube? Engineers say that special rescue capsules will be able to reach any point in the network within minutes.

Despite these challenges, the developers are confident. They believe that underground logistics will become an important part of city infrastructure in the future, just as metro systems did in the twentieth century. In their view, moving goods underground is not a dream  it is a logical next step.

A. How fast will containers travel in the Aero-Cargo system?

1. 80 kilometres per hour. 2. 180 kilometres per hour. 3. 800 kilometres per hour. 4. 8,000 kilometres per hour.

B. How long will a journey take that currently takes two hours by lorry?

1. Five minutes. 2. Fifteen minutes. 3. Thirty minutes. 4. One hour.

C. What technology does the system use?

1. Magnetic levitation. 2. Jet engines. 3. Steam power. 4. Solar energy.

D. Why do the capsules travel so fast?

1. Because they are very light. 2. Because there is almost no resistance in the tubes. 3. Because they use rocket fuel. 4. Because they travel downhill.

E. What challenge does the project face?

1. There are no engineers. 2. Building tunnels is very expensive. 3. Nobody wants to use it. 4. It uses too much water.








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Robots in warehouses: from 20 km a day to zero

In a traditional warehouse, a picker walks up to 20 kilometres during a single shift. This is slow and tiring. To solve this problem, companies A ________________ autonomous robots and manipulators in recent years. In one case, the share of orders collected by robots grew from 0.97 per cent to 16.8 per cent in just a few months. Experts believe that in the future, robots B ________________ most of the routine work in warehouses from morning till night. Human workers C ________________ on more complex tasks, such as quality control and customer service. Some people worry that robots will take jobs away from humans. However, most experts say that robots and humans D ________________ side by side in the warehouses of the future. They believe that this combination E ________________ the best results by the next decade.

A. INTRODUCE ________________

B. DO ________________

C. FOCUS ________________

D. WORK ________________

E. PRODUCE ________________

 4. 

    90110 ,    .         .     .        ,    .

From: Peter@mail.uk

To: Russian_friend@mail.ru

Subject: Transport and delivery

...I have just heard about drones that deliver parcels to remote villages and underground tubes that carry goods at 800 kilometres per hour. It sounds like science fiction.

How do people usually get their parcels in your region? Would you like to receive a parcel by drone? How do you think goods will be delivered in the future?

Write back soon.

Best wishes,

Peter




 24









 1. 

  .             (1, 2, 3  4).    .     .

A. In 2026, packaging has become ______.

1. cheaper than before 2. a strategic question for brands 3. less important than design 4. a purely technical detail

B. The EPR rules in Europe ______.

1. lower the cost of all packaging 2. raise fees for hard-to-recycle materials 3. ban paper packaging 4. apply only to food products

C. Under the new rules, brands are moving towards ______.

1. more plastic packaging 2. mono-materials and paper packaging 3. bigger packages 4. imported materials

D. The aim of the EPR system is to ______.

1. increase company profits 2. make producers responsible for their packaging waste 3. reduce the number of shops 4. stop all packaging production

E. According to the report, sustainable packaging in 2026 is ______.

1. optional for brands 2. a marketing trick 3. a mandatory requirement 4. only for luxury products








 2. 

 .             (1, 2, 3  4).

Smart packaging: the QR code as a product passport

Digital watermarks, NFC tags, and QR codes on packaging are becoming the norm. They provide information about a product's origin, the materials it is made from, and how to recycle it. In the European Union, there are plans to introduce 'digital product passports'  which means that packaging will become part of the data about a product, not just a wrapper around it.

The idea is simple. A shopper takes a phone, scans a code on a package, and immediately sees where the product was made, what it contains, and what to do with the packaging after use. For brands, this is a way to build trust. For regulators, it is a way to control what happens to waste.

One of the key technologies behind this change is the digital watermark. Unlike a QR code, a digital watermark is invisible to the human eye. It is printed across the whole surface of the package and can be read by special scanners at recycling plants. This allows sorting machines to identify the material and separate it correctly. Supporters say the technology could dramatically increase recycling rates, because at present many packages end up in the wrong bin simply because machines cannot identify them.

NFC tags work differently. They use the same technology as contactless bank cards. A shopper can hold a phone near the package and receive information without scanning anything. Luxury brands are already using NFC tags to prove that a product is genuine. This helps fight counterfeiting, which costs the industry billions every year.

However, smart packaging also raises questions. Digital codes and tags cost money, and smaller producers may struggle to afford them. There are also concerns about data privacy. If every product carries a digital tag, companies may be able to track what customers buy and when. Regulators say that rules will be needed to protect consumers.

Despite these concerns, most experts agree that smart packaging will spread. The European Union wants digital product passports to become standard for many categories of goods by the end of the decade. Supporters believe this will make recycling easier, reduce waste, and give shoppers more information than ever before. The package of the future will not simply hold a product  it will tell its whole story.

A. What information can smart packaging provide?

1. Only the price of the product. 2. The origin, materials, and recycling information. 3. Only the name of the brand. 4. Only the expiry date.

B. What is a digital watermark?

1. A large printed logo. 2. An invisible mark readable by special scanners. 3. A type of barcode. 4. A coloured sticker.

C. How do NFC tags work?

1. Like contactless bank cards. 2. Like QR codes. 3. Like watermarks. 4. Like ordinary barcodes.

D. How are luxury brands using NFC tags?

1. To reduce prices. 2. To prove that products are genuine. 3. To make packaging heavier. 4. To hide information from customers.

E. What concern about smart packaging is mentioned in the text?

1. It is too heavy. 2. It is difficult to print. 3. It costs money and raises privacy questions. 4. It cannot be recycled.








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Packaging for pets and luxury: the WorldStar 2026 trends

Among the winners of the WorldStar 2026 packaging award are edible packaging, packaging made from mushroom mycelium and seaweed, and the 'unboxing experience' as part of the brand. Sustainability is no longer a 'bonus'  it is a mandatory requirement. Designers say that in the future, packaging A ________________ completely different from what we know today. Many companies B ________________ to use mono-materials instead of mixed plastics. Experts believe that by 2030, most packaging C ________________ biodegradable. Some brands are going further. They say that the unboxing experience D ________________ as important as the product itself. Customers are encouraged E ________________ the packaging after use, and in some cases, even to eat it.

A. LOOK ________________

B. ALREADY BEGIN ________________

C. BE ________________

D. BE ________________

E. REUSE ________________

 4. 

    90110 ,    .         .     .        ,    .

From: Peter@mail.uk

To: Russian_friend@mail.ru

Subject: The packaging of the future

...I have just noticed an article about smart packaging. Soon every package will have a QR code or an invisible digital watermark. It will tell you where the product comes from and how to recycle it. It sounds like the future is already here.

What do you think about smart packaging? Does the packaging of a product matter to you when you buy something? What will packaging be like in the future?

Write back soon.

Best wishes,

Peter




 25









 1. 

  .             (1, 2, 3  4).    .     .

A. Most Class A warehouses have a height of ______.

1. 6 metres 2. 12 metres 3. 18 metres 4. 24 metres

B. Robotic systems work most efficiently at a height of ______.

1. 610 metres 2. 1214 metres 3. 1824 metres 4. 3040 metres

C. Simply installing robots in an old warehouse ______.

1. always pays off 2. does not pay off 3. is impossible 4. is illegal

D. To use robots effectively, companies need ______.

1. to hire more staff 2. to rebuild the warehouse 3. to buy new computers 4. to move to another city

E. According to the report, the main reason for rebuilding is that ______.

1. old warehouses are too small 2. robots need higher ceilings to work efficiently 3. old buildings are dangerous 4. customers demand it








 2. 

 .             (1, 2, 3  4).

DWS systems: all the data in one pass

Dimension-Weight-Scanning systems, known as DWS, are becoming standard equipment in modern warehouses and sorting centres. In a single pass, a DWS system reads the volume, the weight, and the barcode of a parcel. This speeds up sorting and reduces errors. But it also raises an important question: who owns the data about every item?

Traditionally, measuring a parcel was a slow, manual process. A worker had to measure the length, width, and height with a tape measure, then weigh the parcel on a scale, and finally scan the barcode. This took time and was often inaccurate. DWS systems do all three tasks automatically, in less than a second, as the parcel moves along a conveyor belt.

The technology works using a combination of cameras, laser scanners, and weighing platforms. Cameras and lasers build a three-dimensional model of the parcel and calculate its volume. A scale built into the conveyor measures the weight. A barcode reader identifies the parcel. All this information is sent to the warehouse management system, which decides where the parcel should go next.

The benefits are clear. Sorting becomes much faster, and mistakes are reduced. This matters because delivery companies handle millions of parcels every day, and even a small error rate can mean thousands of lost or delayed packages. DWS systems also help companies calculate delivery costs more accurately, because prices often depend on both weight and volume.

However, the data collected by DWS systems is valuable. It shows what a company is shipping, how much, and where. For this reason, questions about data ownership are becoming more important. Does the data belong to the company that operates the warehouse, to the delivery firm, or to the customer who sent the parcel? Different countries have different rules, and there is no international standard yet.

Some experts worry that the data could be used in ways that customers do not expect. For example, a company might use the data to analyse a competitor's business, or to set personalised prices. Others say that the benefits of faster, more accurate logistics outweigh these concerns. They argue that clear rules about data use, rather than a ban on the technology, are the right solution.

A. What does a DWS system measure in one pass?

1. Only the weight. 2. Volume, weight, and barcode. 3. Only the barcode. 4. Only the volume.

B. How was measuring done traditionally?

1. Automatically by machines. 2. Manually with a tape measure and scales. 3. By the customer at home. 4. By a computer program.

C. What technology does a DWS system use?

1. Cameras, laser scanners, and weighing platforms. 2. X-ray machines. 3. Drones. 4. Robots only.

D. Why is accurate measuring important for delivery companies?

1. Because it makes parcels lighter. 2. Because prices often depend on weight and volume. 3. Because customers ask for it. 4. Because it is required by law.

E. What question does the text raise about DWS data?

1. Whether it is accurate. 2. Who owns the data. 3. Whether it is legal. 4. Whether it is useful.








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   . ,  , ,        ,   , ,      .        .

The robot manipulator as a 'sales assistant'

Robot arms with computer vision are already sorting individual items in warehouses. For the seller, this means that the order is collected not by a person, but by an algorithm. If the wrong item arrives, there is no one to complain to 'in person'. Experts say that in the future, robots A ________________ an even bigger role in warehouses. Many companies B ________________ robot manipulators to handle small items. By 2030, most large warehouses C ________________ fully automated. Some workers worry that robots D ________________ their jobs slowly but steadily. However, most experts believe that people and robots E ________________ together in the warehouses of the future, each doing what they do best.

A. PLAY ________________

B. ALREADY START ________________

C. BE ________________

D. TAKE ________________

E. WORK ________________

 4. 

    90110 ,    .         .     .        ,    .

From: Peter@mail.uk

To: Russian_friend@mail.ru

Subject: Warehouses and robots

...I am reading an article about robot warehouses. They are 24 metres high and only robots work inside them. It sounds amazing, but also a little scary.

What do you think about robots working in warehouses? Would you like to work in a warehouse with robots? How will warehouses change in the future?

Write back soon.

Best wishes,

Peter




26








 1. 

  .             (1, 2, 3  4).    .     .

A. The wine cabinet was bought on Wildberries in ______.

1. Moscow 2. the Krasnodar region 3. Saint Petersburg 4. Siberia

B. The wine cabinet cost ______.

1. 40,000 roubles 2. 133,500 roubles 3. 320,000 roubles 4. 400,000 roubles

C. The set of silver cutlery cost ______.

1. 40,000 roubles 2. 133,500 roubles 3. 320,000 roubles 4. 400,000 roubles

D. According to the report, consumers are increasingly trusting marketplaces with ______.

1. only cheap goods 2. expensive and fragile goods 3. only food products 4. only clothes

E. The report says that such purchases show that marketplaces ______.

1. are only for small items 2. are becoming a place for premium goods 3. are losing customers 4. are closing down








 2. 

 .             (1, 2, 3  4).

A copper saucepan for 133,500 roubles

During the New Year holidays of 2026, the most expensive kitchen purchase on Russian marketplaces was a copper saucepan costing 133,500 roubles. The fact that such an item was bought online, without being seen or touched, says a lot about how shopping habits are changing. Even everyday goods for the home are becoming objects of premium consumption.

Just a few years ago, buying a saucepan for more than a hundred thousand roubles would have seemed strange to most people. Kitchenware was something you bought in a shop, where you could pick it up, feel its weight, and check the quality with your own hands. Today, more and more shoppers are happy to order such items online and wait for delivery. There are several reasons for this change.

First, marketplaces now offer a much wider range than ordinary shops. A customer can find professional cookware from France, Japan, or Italy without leaving home. Second, reviews and ratings help buyers decide. A saucepan with hundreds of positive reviews feels less risky than an unknown item on a shelf. Third, delivery has become fast and reliable, and returns are usually easy.

But buying furniture and large household items online is more complicated than buying a saucepan. With furniture, the risks are higher. The colour may look different from the photograph. The size may not fit the room. Assembly may turn out to be more difficult than expected.

Unlike a small item, a sofa or a wardrobe is expensive and hard to send back. To reduce these risks, marketplaces are introducing new tools. Some platforms now offer 3D views that allow customers to rotate a piece of furniture on the screen and see it from every angle. Others use augmented reality, or AR. With AR, a customer can point a phone at a room and see how a chair or a table would look in that exact space. These technologies help buyers make more informed decisions.

However, technology does not solve every problem. Consumer rights for large items remain complicated. In many countries, including Russia, a customer has the right to return a product within a certain period if it does not fit or is not suitable. But for large and heavy goods, the process can be difficult and expensive. Delivery back to the seller may cost a lot, and some sellers argue that furniture made to order cannot be returned at all.

Lawyers advise customers to read the return rules carefully before buying. They also recommend keeping all photographs, messages, and receipts. If a dispute arises, this evidence can be very important. As one expert put it, the law protects the buyer, but only if the buyer knows what the law says.

A. What was the most expensive kitchen purchase on marketplaces during the 2026 New Year holidays?

1. A silver cutlery set. 2. A copper saucepan. 3. A wine cabinet. 4. A coffee machine.

B. How much did it cost?

1. 13,350 roubles. 2. 40,000 roubles. 3. 133,500 roubles. 4. 320,000 roubles.

C. Why do reviews and ratings help online buyers?

1. They make products cheaper. 2. They make a purchase feel less risky. 3. They speed up delivery. 4. They replace the law.

D. What is AR used for in online furniture shopping?

1. To reduce the price. 2. To see how furniture would look in a real room. 3. To contact the seller. 4. To pay for the order.

E. What do lawyers advise customers to do?

1. Never buy furniture online. 2. Read the return rules and keep evidence. 3. Always pay in cash. 4. Buy only in shops.








 3. 

   . ,  , ,        ,   , ,      .        .

Furniture without trying it on: how is the buyer protected?

Buying furniture online is risky: the colour may be wrong, the size may not fit, and assembly may be difficult. Marketplaces A ________________ 3D views and AR in recent years to help customers. Experts say that in the future, these technologies B ________________ even more realistic. By 2030, shoppers C ________________ furniture in their own homes using augmented reality for as long as they want before they order it. This D ________________ the number of returns. However, lawyers warn that technology does not replace the law. They advise customers E ________________ the return rules carefully before buying large items.

A. INTRODUCE ________________

B. BECOME ________________

C. TRY ________________

D. REDUCE ________________

E. READ ________________

 4. 

    90110 ,    .         .     .        ,    .

From: Peter@mail.uk

To: Russian_friend@mail.ru

Subject: Buying furniture online

...I want to know about people who are buying furniture online without seeing it first. Some even buy sofas and wardrobes on marketplaces! I am not sure it is a good idea.

Have you ever bought furniture online? Do you think it is safe? Should shops always take furniture back if the customer does not like it?

Write back soon.

Best wishes,

Peter




 27









 1. 

  .             (1, 2, 3  4).    .     .

A. Stella Liebeck was burned by ______.

1. hot tea from a caf 2. hot coffee from McDonald's 3. soup from a restaurant 4. boiling water at home

B. Stella Liebeck first asked McDonald's to pay for ______.

1. a new car 2. her medical treatment 3. a holiday 4. new clothes

C. The jury awarded her ______.

1. $2,700 2. $27,000 3. $270,000 4. $2.7 million

D. The case became famous as an example of ______.

1. a fair trial 2. a 'ridiculous lawsuit' 3. a serious crime 4. a business dispute

E. According to the report, the case actually revealed ______.

1. a real safety problem 2. a problem with the courts 3. a problem with the coffee industry 4. a problem with the media








 2. 

 .             (1, 2, 3  4).

The popcorn that damages the lungs

Wayne Watson, a resident of the United States, accused a popcorn manufacturer of causing his lung disease. Medical tests confirmed that a flavouring agent called diacetyl was responsible. The company paid millions in compensation. The case became a precedent: manufacturers are responsible for hidden risks in their products.

Diacetyl is a chemical that gives popcorn its buttery taste. It is safe when eaten, but dangerous when inhaled. Workers in popcorn factories, who breathed in the vapour every day, began to develop a serious lung condition that became known as 'popcorn lung'. The disease damages the small airways in the lungs and makes breathing difficult. In severe cases, it can be fatal.

Wayne Watson was not a factory worker. He was a regular consumer who ate several bags of microwave popcorn every day for years. When he became ill, doctors were puzzled at first. It took time to connect his illness to the popcorn. Eventually, tests showed that his lungs had been damaged by diacetyl.

The case was important for several reasons. First, it showed that consumers, not only workers, could be harmed by chemicals in food products. Second, it showed that a product can be legal and still dangerous. Diacetyl was approved for use in food, but nobody had studied what happened when it was inhaled. Third, it established that companies have a duty to warn customers about hidden risks. After the case, several popcorn manufacturers stopped using diacetyl. Some replaced it with other flavourings. Others added warning labels to their products. Regulators in several countries began to examine the safety of flavouring agents more carefully.

However, experts say that the problem is bigger than popcorn. Many everyday products contain chemicals whose long-term effects have never been fully studied. E-cigarettes, for example, often contain flavouring agents similar to diacetyl. Scientists warn that the same harm could occur again if proper testing is not carried out.

The case of Wayne Watson is a reminder that safety is not only about what a product does when used correctly. It is also about what happens when it is used every day, over many years. Companies, experts say, will be held responsible for the risks they fail to disclose.

A. What did Wayne Watson accuse the popcorn manufacturer of?

1. Selling stale popcorn. 2. Causing his lung disease. 3. Using false advertising. 4. Raising prices.

B. What chemical was responsible for his illness?

1. Diacetyl. 2. Aspartame. 3. Caffeine. 4. Sodium.

C. What is 'popcorn lung'?

1. A harmless condition. 2. A serious lung disease. 3. An allergy to corn. 4. A type of cancer.

D. Why was the case important?

1. Because it was the first lawsuit against a food company. 2. Because it showed that a legal product can still be dangerous. 3. Because it banned popcorn. 4. Because it reduced the price of popcorn.

E. What do experts say about the problem?

1. It is limited to popcorn. 2. It affects many everyday products. 3. It has been solved completely. 4. It does not exist.








 3. 

   . ,  , ,        ,   , ,      .        .

Two cents that went to court

A customer at Walmart achieved compensation because of a two-cent difference in the price of sausages. The point was not the sum but the principle: small dishonesty in pricing is also a violation of consumer rights. Cases like this show that consumers A ________________ increasingly willing to defend their rights in court. In recent years, more and more people B ________________ to sue companies over small sums. Lawyers say that in the future, companies C ________________ more carefully about pricing. However, some people believe that such lawsuits D ________________ the court system. They argue that the time of judges should be spent on more serious matters. Others disagree. They say that if companies are allowed E ________________ small mistakes, they will make bigger ones.

A. BE ________________

B. DECIDE ________________

C. THINK ________________

D. CLUTTER ________________

E. MAKE ________________

 4. 

    90110 ,    .         .     .        ,    .

From: Peter@mail.uk

To: Russian_friend@mail.ru

Subject: Consumer rights

...I have just heard about a woman who sued a company over two cents. It sounds silly at first, but the article says the principle is important. Now I am not sure what to think.

What do you think about lawsuits over small sums? Where is the line between protecting consumer rights and ridiculous lawsuits? Would you ever go to court over a small problem?

Write back soon.

Best wishes,

Peter




 28









 1. 

  .             (1, 2, 3  4).    .     .

A. The markets 'Atlant' and 'Almaz' are located near ______.

1. Moscow 2. Rostov 3. Krasnodar 4. Sochi

B. During the operation, part of the market pavilions were ______.

1. sold 2. demolished 3. repaired 4. moved

C. Business owners estimated their losses at ______.

1. thousands of roubles 2. millions of roubles 3. billions of roubles 4. trillions of roubles

D. The owners of the land were ______.

1. praised by the authorities 2. arrested 3. given compensation 4. allowed to rebuild

E. According to the report, the traders who worked there ______.

1. received full compensation 2. lost their businesses without compensation 3. were moved to another market 4. bought new pavilions








 2. 

 .             (1, 2, 3  4).

Marketplaces and sellers: who is in charge?

The number of new sellers on Wildberries in the Krasnodar region grew by 9 per cent last year, and the total turnover on the platform grew by 10 per cent. These numbers look impressive. But behind them lies a difficult question: who really controls a sellers business  the seller, or the platform?

For small businesses, marketplaces offer clear advantages. A seller can reach millions of customers without opening a shop. The platform handles payments, delivery, and returns. For many entrepreneurs, this is the easiest way to start a business. However, the relationship between sellers and platforms is not equal. Sellers depend on algorithms. The platform decides which products customers see first. A small change in the ranking system can move a product from the first page to the tenth, and sales can fall dramatically overnight. Sellers have no way of knowing exactly how the ranking works, because platforms usually do not publish the details.

There are other problems too. The platform sets the commission, and it can change it. The platform decides the rules for returns, and it can change those too. If a seller disagrees, the only real option is to leave the platform  but leaving means losing access to customers. Sellers have tried to organise. Some have created unions and associations to represent their interests. Others have complained to regulators, arguing that the current situation is unfair.

In Russia, the Federal Antimonopoly Service has begun to examine the rules of some marketplaces. Similar investigations are taking place in Europe and the United States. Platforms, for their part, say that their rules are designed to protect customers. They argue that ranking systems reward good service and honest sellers. They also point out that sellers are free to work with several platforms at once, which limits the power of any single one.

Experts say the real issue is transparency. Sellers do not need the algorithm to be simple  they need it to be understandable. If sellers know what the rules are, they can follow them. If the rules change, they want to know in advance. Several countries are now considering laws that would require platforms to explain their ranking systems to sellers.

The debate is likely to continue as marketplaces grow. As one seller put it, 'We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking to know the rules of the game we are playing.'

A. How did the number of new sellers on Wildberries in the Krasnodar region change?

1. It fell by 9 per cent. 2. It grew by 9 per cent. 3. It grew by 10 per cent. 4. It did not change.

B. What is one advantage of marketplaces for sellers?

1. They can reach millions of customers. 2. They do not have to pay taxes. 3. They can set their own rules. 4. They control the platform.

C. Why do sellers depend on algorithms?

1. Because algorithms set prices. 2. Because algorithms decide which products customers see first. 3. Because algorithms deliver the goods. 4. Because algorithms pay the sellers.

D. What have some sellers done to protect their interests?

1. They have created unions and complained to regulators. 2. They have stopped selling online. 3. They have bought the platforms. 4. They have moved abroad.

E. According to experts, what is the real issue?

1. The commission is too low. 2. Transparency of the rules. 3. The number of platforms. 4. The speed of delivery.








 3. 

   . ,  , ,        ,   , ,      .        .

Click & collect: does the seller lose the customer?

When a customer reserves a product online and picks it up in a shop, the seller at the offline point loses the chance to sell something else. Who protects the interests of the seller in a model where the decision is made by an algorithm? Retail experts say that in the future, sellers A ________________ new ways to keep customers in their shops. Many shops B ________________ their layouts to encourage customers to stay longer. In 2030, most offline shops C ________________ as both showrooms and pickup points. Some sellers believe that the click & collect model D ________________ their profits in the long run, because it brings more people into the shop. Others disagree. They argue that sellers need E ________________ more information about the customers who will come to collect their orders.

A. FIND ________________

B. ALREADY CHANGE ________________

C. WORK ________________

D. INCREASE ________________

E. RECEIVE ________________

 4. 

    90110 ,    .         .     .        ,    .

From: Peter@mail.uk

To: Russian_friend@mail.ru

Subject: Protecting sellers

...I am reading an article about marketplace sellers. They say they depend on algorithms and cannot plan their business. It seems very unfair.

What do you think about the power of big platforms? How can small sellers be protected? Would you like to start your own online business?

Write back soon.

Best wishes,

Peter




 29









 1. 

  .             (1, 2, 3  4).    .     .

A. In 2025, a 'digital picket' can be formed ______.

1. in a few weeks 2. in a few days 3. in a few hours 4. in a few minutes

B. According to the report, one viral post can force a chain ______.

1. to lower its prices 2. to remove a product or change its policy 3. to close its stores 4. to hire new staff

C. Today, an unhappy customer is more likely to ______.

1. write a letter of complaint 2. make a video 3. call the manager 4. visit the store in person

D. The report says that brands are now under pressure to ______.

1. ignore social media 2. react quickly to online criticism 3. spend more on advertising 4. reduce the number of products

E. According to the report, the power in the relationship between brands and customers has shifted towards ______.

1. the brands 2. the government 3. the customers 4. the advertisers








 2. 

 .             (1, 2, 3  4).

Walmart and the Juneteenth ice cream

In 2022, the American retailer Walmart released a special ice cream to mark Juneteenth, the holiday that celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. The reaction was immediate and fierce. Critics accused the company of 'performative activism' and of commercialising a serious historical event. The product was removed within days, and the company apologised.

Juneteenth, celebrated on 19 June, marks the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas learned that they were free. It became a federal holiday in the United States in 2021. For many Americans, it is a day of reflection and family celebration. When Walmart announced its Juneteenth ice cream, many people felt that the company had misunderstood the meaning of the holiday. The criticism spread quickly on social media. Users pointed out that Walmart had previously been accused of discriminating against Black employees. They argued that selling ice cream was not the same as supporting the community. Some compared the product to other examples of companies trying to profit from social movements.

Walmart responded by removing the ice cream from its shelves and issuing an apology. A company spokesperson said that Walmart was 'reviewing' its approach to Juneteenth and that it was committed to listening to its customers and employees. The case became a textbook example of what marketers now call a 'brand misstep'. It showed how quickly public opinion can turn against a company, and how difficult it is to predict what will offend people. It also showed that customers today expect more than a product  they expect a company to understand the culture it is speaking to.

Marketing experts draw several lessons from the case. First, companies should not treat serious social or historical events as marketing opportunities. Second, they should speak to the communities concerned before launching a product, not after the criticism begins. Third, if a mistake is made, a quick and sincere apology matters more than a long explanation.

Walmart was not the only company to make such a mistake. Other brands have faced similar criticism for products connected to Pride Month, International Women's Day, and other occasions. Experts say that the pattern is likely to continue, because companies want to appear modern and inclusive, but do not always understand the communities they are trying to reach.

A. When is Juneteenth celebrated?

1. 19 June. 2. 4 July. 3. 1 May. 4. 19 July.

B. What was Walmart criticised for?

1. Raising prices. 2. Commercialising a serious historical event. 3. Using bad ingredients. 4. Hiring too few staff.

C. How did Walmart react to the criticism?

1. It ignored it. 2. It removed the product and apologised. 3. It lowered the price. 4. It sued the critics.

D. What do marketing experts say companies should do?

1. Speak to communities before launching a product. 2. Avoid all social media. 3. Never apologise. 4. Ignore public opinion.

E. According to the text, such mistakes are likely to ______.

1. stop completely 2. continue 3. disappear in a year 4. happen only in the USA








 3. 

   . ,  , ,        ,   , ,      .        .

Tropicana: the redesign that cut sales by 20%

In 2009, Tropicana removed the famous 'orange with a straw' from its packaging. Loyal customers were furious: they called the new design 'ugly'. Sales fell by 20 per cent, and after two months the company brought the old design back. The lesson: customers vote not only with their money but also with their anger. Marketing experts say that companies should avoid A ________________ loyal customers. When a brand changes its image, it risks B ________________ the emotional connection that people have with the product. Tropicana learned this lesson the hard way. The company C ________________ millions of dollars on the redesign when the criticism began. By the end of the year, it D ________________ the old packaging back. Today, marketers study the Tropicana case as a warning. They say that a brand that ignores its customers' feelings will soon find itself E ________________ to win them back.

A. UPSET ________________

B. LOSE ________________

C. ALREADY SPEND ________________

D. BRING ________________

E. TRY ________________

 4. 

    90110 ,    .         .     .        ,    .

From: Peter@mail.uk

To: Russian_friend@mail.ru

Subject: Social media and brands

...I have just read an article about how social media can force big companies to change their products. One viral post can make a brand apologise in a few hours. It is amazing how much power customers have now.

What do you think about the power of social media? Should companies listen to criticism online? Have you ever complained about a product on social media?

Write back soon.

Best wishes,

Peter




 30









 1. 

  .             (1, 2, 3  4).    .     .

A. Dubai Square will be connected to ______.

1. the Dubai Mall 2. Dubai Creek Tower 3. the Burj Khalifa 4. the Palm Jumeirah

B. The project is expected to create a new centre of ______.

1. tourism only 2. business activity 3. agriculture 4. education

C. Economists describe the effect of the project as ______.

1. a multiplier effect 2. a side effect 3. a domino effect 4. a greenhouse effect

D. According to the report, the new centre will affect ______.

1. only shopping 2. logistics, services, and jobs 3. only tourism 4. only transport

E. The project is being built outside ______.

1. the country 2. traditional business districts 3. the city 4. the region








 2. 

 .             (1, 2, 3  4).

Digital product passports in the EU

The European Union is planning to introduce digital product passports for many categories of goods. Under the plan, every product will have a digital record containing information about its origin, the materials it is made from, and its environmental impact. For the buyer, this means transparency. For the seller, it means new reporting duties and the risk of fines for incorrect data.

The idea behind digital product passports is to make it easier to repair, reuse, and recycle products. At present, it is often impossible for a customer to find out what a product is made of or where it came from. A digital passport would change that. By scanning a code on the product, a customer could see the full history of the item. The system is part of a wider EU strategy known as the circular economy. The aim is to move away from the 'take, make, throw away' model and towards a system where materials are kept in use for as long as possible. Digital passports are seen as a key tool for achieving this.

For businesses, the change is significant. Companies will have to collect and store much more information about their products. They will have to update this information when products change. And they will be responsible for the accuracy of the data. If a passport contains incorrect information, the company could face a fine. Small businesses are worried about the cost. Collecting data takes time and money, and many small producers do not have the systems in place. Industry associations have asked the EU to provide support and to introduce the rules gradually, so that smaller companies have time to adapt.

Supporters of the plan say that the benefits will outweigh the costs. They argue that better information will help consumers make greener choices, reduce waste, and create new business opportunities in repair and recycling. In their view, the digital passport is not just a document  it is a step towards a different kind of economy.

The first digital product passports are expected to appear in the coming years, starting with batteries, textiles, and electronics. Other categories are expected to follow. Whether the system will work as planned is still an open question, but the direction of travel is clear.

A. What information will a digital product passport contain?

1. Only the price. 2. Origin, materials, and environmental impact. 3. Only the name of the brand. 4. Only the expiry date.

B. What is the aim of digital product passports?

1. To increase prices. 2. To make it easier to repair, reuse, and recycle products. 3. To reduce the number of products. 4. To help companies advertise.

C. What is the EU strategy called?

1. The circular economy. 2. The green deal. 3. The digital market. 4. The open economy.

D. What risk do companies face?

1. Losing their customers. 2. Fines for incorrect data. 3. Higher taxes. 4. Losing their licences.

E. What do small businesses worry about?

1. The cost of collecting data. 2. The number of products. 3. The colour of the passport. 4. The speed of delivery.








 3. 

   . ,  , ,        ,   , ,      .        .

The 'smart' consumer vs the 'smart' seller

Robots collect orders, drones deliver them, and algorithms decide what to show. The question of the future is: who protects the rights of both sides when the decision is made not by a person but by a system? Do we need a 'digital ombudsman' for transactions? Experts say that in the future, robots A ________________ an even larger share of warehouse work process. By 2035, most large warehouses B ________________ almost completely automated. While machines are working, humans C ________________ on supervision and customer service. Some lawyers believe that new rules D ________________ necessary. They argue that consumers and sellers need E ________________ protected from decisions made by algorithms that no one fully understands.

A. DO ________________

B. BECOME ________________

C. FOCUS ________________

D. BE ________________

E. BE ________________

 4. 

    90110 ,    .         .     .        ,    .

From: Peter@mail.uk

To: Russian_friend@mail.ru

Subject: The future of shopping

...Reading about digital product passports in the EU is curious. Soon every product will have a digital record with all the information about it. It sounds like a big change for both buyers and sellers.

What do you think about digital product passports? Will they help consumers? Do we need a 'digital ombudsman' to protect people from algorithms?

Write back soon.

Best wishes,

Peter




 3.  31









 1. 

  .             (1, 2, 3  4).    .     .

A. The neighbour forgot to ______.

1. close the window 2. turn off the water 3. lock the door 4. switch off the lights

B. The water damaged ______.

1. the neighbour's flat only 2. the speaker's flat and the flat below 3. the whole building 4. the car park

C. According to the speaker, the neighbour should ______.

1. pay for the repairs 2. move out 3. call the police 4. ignore the problem

D. The speaker says that if he were the neighbour, he ______.

1. would pretend nothing had happened 2. would apologise immediately 3. would blame the plumber 4. would sell the flat

E. The speaker believes the best solution is ______.

1. to go to court 2. to talk to the neighbour politely 3. to call the insurance company only 4. to move to another building








 2. 

 .             (1, 2, 3  4).

Volunteering at an animal shelter

Every Saturday morning, sixteen-year-old Kate goes to the animal shelter in her town. She has been volunteering there for two years. She walks the dogs, cleans the cages, and helps to feed the cats. Kate says that volunteering at the shelter has changed her life. 'I wish I had started earlier,' she says. 'When I first came here, I was shy and I didn't know how to talk to people. Now I have friends here, and I feel useful. I wish more teenagers could see how important this work is.'

The shelter where Kate works takes in about 200 animals every year. Most of them are dogs and cats that have been abandoned or lost. Some are brought in by owners who can no longer look after them. The shelter depends on volunteers because it has only three paid staff.

Kate explains that the work is not always easy. 'Some animals are frightened and they can bite,' she says. 'You have to be patient. But when a dog that was afraid of people finally trusts you, it is the best feeling in the world.'

Volunteering has other benefits too. Research shows that young people who volunteer are more confident, have better social skills, and are more likely to find a job later. They also learn to understand people who are different from themselves. Kate wishes the shelter had more space and more money. 'We could help so many more animals if we had a bigger building,' she says. 'If I could change one thing, I would make sure every animal here finds a home.' She also wishes people would think more carefully before buying a pet. 'A pet is not a toy,' she says. 'If people understood that, there would be fewer animals in shelters.'

Kate plans to become a vet. She says that volunteering has taught her things that no classroom could teach. 'I could have spent my Saturdays playing computer games,' she says. 'I am so glad I chose this instead.'

A. How long has Kate been volunteering at the shelter?

1. Six months. 2. One year. 3. Two years. 4. Five years.

B. How many animals does the shelter take in every year?

1. About 20. 2. About 50. 3. About 200. 4. About 2,000.

C. Why does the shelter depend on volunteers?

1. Because it has only three paid staff. 2. Because it is very small. 3. Because volunteers work better. 4. Because it is a new shelter.

D. What does Kate wish?

1. That she had started volunteering earlier. 2. That she had a dog. 3. That she lived in another town. 4. That she had more free time.

E. What does Kate plan to become?

1. A teacher. 2. A vet. 3. A journalist. 4. A dog trainer.








 3. 

   . ,  , ,        ,   , ,      .        .

The school clean-up day: how to persuade your classmates to come

Next Saturday, our school A ________________ a clean-up day in the school yard. Everyone B ________________ take part  it is an important event for the whole school. If you want your classmates to come, you C ________________ talk to them politely and explain why the clean-up matters. Some students D ________________ not come if they think it is boring, so we need to make the day fun. We are looking for volunteers E ________________ can help us organise games and music. A. ORGANISE ________________

B. SHALL ________________

C. SHALL ________________

D. MAY ________________

E. WHOSE ________________

 4. 

    90110 ,    .         .     .        ,    .

From: Peter@mail.uk

To: Russian_friend@mail.ru

Subject: Community actions

...Last weekend I took part in a clean-up day in our local park. It was hard work, but I really enjoyed it. Now I want to do more for my community.

What community actions are popular in your region? Have you ever taken part in one? What would you like to change in your neighbourhood?

Write back soon.

Best wishes,

Peter




 32









 1. 

  .             (1, 2, 3  4).    .     .

A. The elderly neighbour lives ______.

1. in a care home 2. alone in the next flat 3. with her family 4. in another city

B. The speaker says that helping an elderly neighbour is ______.

1. a legal duty 2. a kind thing to do 3. a waste of time 4. the governments job

C. According to the speaker, if you see that an elderly person needs help, you ______.

1. must call the police 2. should offer help 3. have to move away 4. might ignore it

D. The speaker wishes he ______.

1. had helped his neighbour earlier 2. had never met his neighbour 3. had moved to another building 4. had called the social services

E. The speaker believes that young people ______.

1. should not talk to elderly neighbours 2. should be more attentive to elderly people 3. must not help strangers 4. can do nothing for their community








 2. 

 .             (1, 2, 3  4).

Bullying at school: what should a witness do?

Bullying is a serious problem in schools around the world. According to research, about one in three students has experienced bullying at some point. But bullying does not only affect the victim and the bully. It also affects the witnesses  the students who see what is happening but do not know what to do. Many witnesses feel afraid. They worry that if they say something, the bully will turn on them. Others feel that it is not their problem. But experts say that witnesses have more power than they think. If a witness speaks up, the bullying often stops.

So, what should a witness do? First, they must not join in. Laughing or filming the bullying makes it worse. Second, if it is safe, they should say something simple, like 'Stop it.' or 'Thats not funny.' Third, they should tell an adult  a teacher, a parent, or a school counsellor. Telling an adult is not 'telling tales'. It is the right thing to do.

Some students worry that telling an adult will make things worse for the victim. Experts say this is rarely true. Schools have procedures for dealing with bullying, and they can protect the victim. If the school does nothing, the student should tell a parent, who can speak to the school. There are also things that schools can do. They can organise anti-bullying lessons, create a system for reporting bullying anonymously, and make sure that teachers take every report seriously.

Some schools have 'buddy systems', where older students support younger ones. Experts say that the most important thing is to create a culture where bullying is not accepted. If students believe that bullying is wrong, and if they know that adults will help, they are more likely to speak up. And if more witnesses speak up, fewer students will suffer.

A. How many students have experienced bullying?

1. About one in ten. 2. About one in five. 3. About one in three. 4. About half.

B. Why do many witnesses stay silent?

1. They do not see the bullying. 2. They are afraid the bully will turn on them. 3. They think bullying is normal. 4. They are not at school.

C. What should a witness do first?

1. Not join in. 2. Film the bullying. 3. Laugh. 4. Walk away silently.

D. What do experts say about telling an adult?

1. It is 'telling tales'. 2. It is the right thing to do. 3. It makes things worse. 4. It is useless.

E. What does the text say about a school's role?

1. Schools should ignore bullying. 2. Schools should create a culture where bullying is not accepted. 3. Schools should punish all students. 4. Schools should let students solve it alone.








 3. 

   . ,  , ,        ,   , ,      .        .

The rights and duties of a teenager in society

In most countries, teenagers A ________________ to work part-time from the age of 14 or 15, but they cannot work full-time until they are 18. They B ________________ also vote in some local elections in some countries. At the same time, teenagers have duties. They C ________________ go to school until a certain age, and they D ________________ obey the law. If a teenager breaks the law, he or she E ________________ be punished in the same way as an adult.

A. ALLOW ________________

B. BE ABLE TO ________________

C. HAVE TO ________________

D. MUST ________________

E. BE ABLE TO ________________

 4. 

    90110 ,    .         .     .        ,    .

From: Peter@mail.uk

To: Russian_friend@mail.ru

Subject: Community actions

...Last week our class discussed what we can do for our neighbourhood. Some people wanted to help elderly neighbours, others wanted to organise a clean-up. Everyone had different ideas.

What community actions are popular in your region? Have you ever taken part in one? What would you like to change in your neighbourhood?

Write back soon.

Best wishes,

Peter




 33









 1. 

  .             (1, 2, 3  4).    .     .

A. The speaker says that one person ______.

1. can never change anything 2. can make a difference 3. should not help others 4. must be rich to help

B. According to the speaker, if everyone gave a small amount of money, ______.

1. nothing would change 2. the problem of hunger could be reduced 3. the government would be angry 4. people would stop working

C. The speaker wishes he ______.

1. could do more to help 2. had never started volunteering 3. lived in a richer country 4. had more free time

D. The speaker says that if he had known about the problem earlier, he ______.

1. would have ignored it 2. would have started helping sooner 3. would have moved abroad 4. would have written a letter

E. The speaker believes that the most important thing is ______.

1. to wait for the government 2. to do something, even if it is small 3. to give all your money away 4. to travel to other countries








 2. 

 .             (1, 2, 3  4).

Child soldiers: how can it be stopped?

Around the world, tens of thousands of children are used as soldiers in armed conflicts. Many of them are kidnapped. Others join because they have no other way to survive. Most are between 8 and 18 years old. They are forced to fight, to carry weapons, and sometimes to commit terrible crimes.

The problem is most serious in countries where there is a long civil war. In such places, armed groups might take children from villages and force them to become soldiers. Some children are also used as cooks, porters, or spies. Girls are often used as servants, and many are abused.

What should be done to stop this? First, governments must make it clear that using children in war is a crime. International law already says this, but not all countries follow it. Second, the international community should punish the leaders who use child soldiers. Third, there must be programmes to help children who have been soldiers to return to normal life. These programmes need doctors, teachers, and psychologists.

Education is also very important. In places where there are no schools, children are easier to recruit. If children can go to school, they have more choices. Some organisations build schools in dangerous regions. Others help families to earn money so they do not have to send their children away.

It is also important to help the communities where child soldiers come from. Many families are so poor that they feel they have no choice. If they had more support, they would not let their children be taken.

The problem of child soldiers is not only a military problem. It is also a problem of poverty, education, and opportunity. Experts say that progress has been made. In some countries, the number of child soldiers has fallen in recent years. But the problem is far from solved. As long as there are wars, there will be people who want to use children to fight them.

A. How old are most child soldiers?

1. Between 5 and 10. 2. Between 8 and 18. 3. Between 15 and 25. 4. Between 18 and 30.

B. Why do some children join armed groups?

1. Because they want to fight. 2. Because they have no other way to survive. 3. Because their parents send them. 4. Because they are paid well.

C. What should the international community do?

1. Ignore the problem. 2. Punish leaders who use child soldiers. 3. Send more soldiers. 4. Close all schools.

D. Why is education important?

1. Because it makes children richer. 2. Because children with education have more choices. 3. Because it is required by law. 4. Because it is cheap.

E. According to the text, the problem of child soldiers is linked to ______.

1. only military issues 2. poverty, education, and opportunity 3. the weather 4. the economy of rich countries








 3. 

   . ,  , ,        ,   , ,      .        .

Access to clean water: the real story of one village

In a small village in Africa, people A ________________ to walk five kilometres every day to get water. The water was not clean, and many children became ill. If a well B ________________ built in the village, the children would not have to walk so far, their parents C ________________ more time to work, and the children could go to school. Two years ago, a charity built a well in the village. Now the people have clean water. If the charity D ________________ not built the well, the situation would still be the same. The villagers say they wish more people E ________________ about their problems. They hope that one day every village in their country will have clean water.

A. HAVE ________________

B. BE ________________

C. HAVE ________________

D. HAVE ________________

E. KNOW ________________

 4. 

    90110 ,    .         .     .        ,    .

From: Peter@mail.uk

To: Russian_friend@mail.ru

Subject: World problems

...Last week our teacher told us about children who cannot go to school and people who do not have clean water. It made me feel very sad. I want to do something, but I dont know what.

What world problems worry you most? What can one person do to help? Have you ever taken part in a charity event?

Write back soon.

Best wishes,

Peter




 34









 1. 

  .             (1, 2, 3  4).    .     .

A. The speaker says social media can ______.

1. only cause problems 2. be used as a tool for good 3. never help people 4. replace real communication

B. According to the speaker, if you post about a problem online, ______.

1. nothing will happen 2. more people might learn about it 3. you will lose friends 4. the problem will disappear

C. The speaker mentions a campaign that collected money for ______.

1. a new school 2. a children's hospital 3. animal shelters 4. homeless people

D. The speaker believes that social media might ______.

1. make people less kind 2. help solve serious problems 3. only be used for entertainment 4. disappear soon

E. The speaker says that young people ______.

1. should not use social media 2. could use social media to help others 3. must avoid the internet 4. can never change anything








 2. 

 .             (1, 2, 3  4).

The school newspaper and the problems of the neighbourhood

Last year, students at a secondary school in Birmingham started a school newspaper. They called it 'The Voice'. The newspaper, which is published once a month, covers events at school and in the local neighbourhood. It has become surprisingly popular  not only among students but also among local residents.

The idea for the newspaper came from a group of students who wanted to make a difference in their community. 'We noticed that there were problems in our neighbourhood that nobody talked about, ' says Emma, the editor. 'There was rubbish in the park, there were broken street lights, and there was nowhere for young people to go in the evening. We decided to write about these problems.'

The newspaper has several sections. One section is about school life  sports, competitions, and school events. Another section, which is called 'Our Streets', focuses on local problems. Students interview local residents, take photographs, and write articles about what needs to be changed.

The newspaper has already had results. After 'The Voice' published an article about the broken street lights, the local council repaired them within a week. After the newspaper wrote about the rubbish in the park, a group of volunteers organised a clean-up day. And after a series of articles about the lack of activities for young people, the local council opened a youth club.

The students who work on the newspaper say they have learned a lot. 'We have learned how to interview people, how to write clearly, and how to check facts,' says Emma. 'But most importantly, we have learned that young people can make a difference. If we write about a problem, people listen.'

The newspaper has also faced difficulties. Some local officials, who did not like criticism, refused to speak to the students. Some residents complained that the newspaper was 'too political'. And, like many school projects, 'The Voice' struggles to find enough money. But the students are not discouraged. They are planning to make the newspaper bigger and to start a website. They believe that young people should be heard, and that a school newspaper can be a powerful tool for change.

A. How often is 'The Voice' published?

1. Once a week. 2. Once a month. 3. Once a year. 4. Twice a year.

B. Why did the students start the newspaper?

1. To make money. 2. To talk about problems in their neighbourhood. 3. To write about sports. 4. To become famous.

C. What happened after 'The Voice' wrote about the broken street lights?

1. Nothing happened. 2. The council repaired them. 3. The students repaired them. 4. The police came.

D. What difficulty has the newspaper faced?

1. Nobody reads it. 2. Some officials refused to speak to the students. 3. It was banned. 4. Students lost interest.

E. What do the students plan to do?

1. Close the newspaper. 2. Make it bigger and start a website. 3. Change the name. 4. Move to another school.








 3. 

   . ,  , ,        ,   , ,      .        .

The plastic flash mob: how to organise it

If you want to organise a flash mob against plastic, you A ________________ first choose a place and a time. You also need to find people who will take part. If you tell your friends about the event, they B ________________ tell their friends too. If everyone brings one plastic bottle, we C ________________ show how much plastic we use every day. I wish people D ________________ stop using so much plastic. I wish the government E ________________ do more to protect the environment.

A. SHALL ________________

B. WOULD ________________

C. BE ABLE TO ________________

D. WILL ________________

E. WILL ________________

 4. 

    90110 ,    .         .     .        ,    .

From: Peter@mail.uk

To: Russian_friend@mail.ru

Subject: Raising awareness

...Last week our class organised a campaign to raise awareness about plastic pollution. We made posters and shared them on social media. It was a lot of work, but it felt great.

What problems would you like to raise awareness about? How can young people draw attention to important issues? Have you ever taken part in a campaign?

Write back soon.

Best wishes,

Peter




 35









 1. 

  .             (1, 2, 3  4).    .     .

A. Space debris is dangerous because ______.

1. it is beautiful 2. it can hit satellites and spacecraft 3. it is invisible 4. it is very heavy

B. According to the speaker, someone ______ clean up space debris.

1. must 2. should not 3. cannot 4. does not have to

C. If countries worked together, they ______ solve the problem faster.

1. will 2. would 3. can 4. must

D. The speaker says that space agencies ______ take responsibility for the rubbish they create.

1. might 2. have to 3. could not 4. should not

E. The speaker believes that in the future, space debris ______ become a bigger problem.

1. will not 2. may 3. cannot 4. must not








 2. 

 .             (1, 2, 3  4).

Life on Mars: what if we moved there?

For decades, scientists and science fiction writers have dreamed of humans living on Mars. Today, space agencies and private companies are working on plans to send people to the Red Planet. But what would life on Mars really be like?

Mars is very different from Earth. It is much colder, with an average temperature of about minus 60 degrees Celsius. Its atmosphere is thin and contains almost no oxygen. This means that humans would have to live in special buildings and wear spacesuits whenever they went outside.

If we lived on Mars, we would have to grow our own food. Scientists are already experimenting with plants that could grow in Martian soil. If these experiments succeeded, future settlers could grow vegetables in special greenhouses. But the soil on Mars contains chemicals that are harmful to humans, so the plants would have to be grown very carefully.

Water is another problem. There is ice on Mars, mostly at the poles, and scientists believe there may be water underground. If we could find a way to use this water, life on Mars would become much easier. But if we could not find water, living there would be almost impossible.

There is also the question of gravity. Mars has less gravity than Earth. If humans lived there for a long time, their muscles and bones would become weaker. Scientists are studying how astronauts on the International Space Station cope with similar problems.

Some people say that we should not go to Mars at all. They argue that we should spend the money on solving problems on Earth, such as climate change and poverty. Others believe that exploring space is part of human nature, and that we will go to Mars eventually.

I wish I had the chance to see it. I wish people would think more carefully about what space exploration can give us. And I wish we could find a way to explore space without forgetting the problems here at home.

A. What is the average temperature on Mars?

1. About 20 degrees Celsius. 2. About 0 degrees Celsius. 3. About minus 60 degrees Celsius. 4. About minus 200 degrees Celsius.

B. Why would humans have to live in special buildings on Mars?

1. Because of the cold and the lack of oxygen. 2. Because of the animals. 3. Because of the water. 4. Because of the gravity.

C. What problem would settlers face when growing food?

1. There is no sunlight. 2. The soil contains harmful chemicals. 3. There is too much rain. 4. Plants grow too quickly.

D. Why is gravity a problem on Mars?

1. Because it is too strong. 2. Because it makes people taller. 3. Because it would weaken muscles and bones. 4. Because it stops people from walking.

E. What does the author wish?

1. That we would stop exploring space. 2. That we would explore space without forgetting problems on Earth. 3. That we would move to Mars immediately. 4. That we would spend all our money on space.








 3. 

   . ,  , ,        ,   , ,      .        .

Satellites and the internet in villages

Satellites A ________________ internet access to remote villages in many countries. This technology, B ________________ is becoming cheaper every year, could change life in the countryside. If a village C ________________ connected to the internet, its residents can use online banking, study online, and even see a doctor remotely. In places D ________________ there are no good roads or hospitals, this is very important. Engineers say that in the future, satellites E ________________ connect even the most remote places on Earth.

A. ALREADY BRING ________________

B. WHO/WHICH ________________

C. BE ________________

D. WHO/WHERE ________________

E. BE ABLE TO ________________

 4. 

    90110 ,    .         .     .        ,    .

From: Peter@mail.uk

To: Russian_friend@mail.ru

Subject: Space exploration

...Last week I watched a documentary about space exploration. It was amazing to see how far we had come. But I also started to wonder: was it worth the money?

What do you think about space exploration? Should we spend money on space or on problems on Earth? Would you like to travel to space?

Write back soon.

Best wishes,

Peter




36








 1. 

  .             (1, 2, 3  4).    .     .

A. The forest fires in Australia in 20192020 were caused by ______.

1. heavy rain 2. extreme heat and drought 3. strong winds only 4. human error

B. According to the speaker, if people had acted sooner, ______.

1. the fires would not have happened 2. the damage would have been less 3. nothing would have changed 4. the animals would have escaped

C. The speaker says that governments ______ do more to prevent forest fires.

1. must 2. should not 3. cannot 4. might not

D. The speaker wishes people ______ more about the environment.

1. had thought 2. would think 3. could think 4. thought

E. The speaker believes that every person ______ help to protect the planet.

1. can 2. cannot 3. must not 4. should not








 2. 

 .             (1, 2, 3  4).

Recycling in my city

Two years ago, my city started a new recycling programme. Before that, almost all rubbish had gone to landfill. Now there are separate bins for paper, plastic, glass, and general waste. Every block of flats has its own recycling point, which is emptied twice a week.

At first, many people were confused. They did not know which bin to use, and some simply did not care. But the city organised information campaigns, and volunteers went from door to door to explain how the system worked.

Schools also joined in: teachers explained recycling to children, who then went home and taught their parents. The results have been impressive. In the first year, the amount of rubbish sent to landfill fell by 30 per cent.

The city now recycles more than 40 per cent of its waste, which is one of the best results in the region. If we continue at this rate, we will have recycled more than half of our waste by 2030.

But there are still problems. Not everyone follows the rules. Some people put plastic in the paper bin, or food waste in the glass bin. This contaminates the whole container, and the contents have to be thrown away. If people sorted their rubbish more carefully, the recycling rate would be even higher.

The city is now planning to introduce a system of fines for people who repeatedly break the rules. Some residents think this is too strict. Others say it is necessary, because without fines, some people will never change their habits. I think recycling is something that everyone has to do. We cannot leave it to the government alone. If each of us made a small effort, the result would be enormous. I wish more people understood that.




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