2. Read the article and fill in the missing sentences below. There is one sentence, which you don't need to use
CHANGING MINDS, LIVES AND SKILLS
Studies have shown that television and its meteoric rise since the 1950s has had more effect
than any other technological development in this century on changing the way many of us live.
Used rightly, television can be a wonderful medium to inform, expand and broaden one's life. (1) It
can open up important knowledge about news, events, of different people, of history, the arts and
sciences.
Tragically, the typical channels mainly ignore such development. Their programmes are
light and amusing. (2) They no longer realize, or care, that they may be neglecting to develop
important personal abilities. Let's so easy to let ready-made entertainment take over, to just sit back
and let someone entertain us.
One study in the US found that more than half of ail elementary school children watched TV
while their evening meal. An even larger percentage watched while doing homework. (3)
(4) Logic and putting ideas together are processes supported by regular reading and by having - e to
think about events. TV, by contrast, usually presents its messages in little, rapid clumps :h little
information as to how and why the events took shape.
Heavy television viewing kills the initiative to take an active part in outdoor games, which is
essential for a child's development. And, at its worst, television entertainment is filled with false
deals, morals, ethics, relationships, role-models and, of course, violence.
(adapted from "The Plain Truth", July 1990)
a) Many adults spend more hours passively before TV than in any other activity except sleep.
b) It can enlarge our understanding of the world.
c) Many people have become hooked on certain forms of commercial entertainment.
d) Educators are also concerned with the steady decline in children's physical skills.
e) Many authorities have noted a drop in students' ability to think clearly.
3. Find in the text words or phrases, which have a similar meaning to the following:
2. decrease in students' ability. Children watch TV for along tin
1. extremely quick development meteoric rise
3. influence the technological development...
4. ignore to develop personal abilities
5. wrong ideals
6. widen our understanding of the world..
Перевод:
В нашей семье самым любимым праздником считается Новый год. В начале декабря у всех появляется праздничное настроение. В городе украшают улицы и витрины магазинов яркими, разноцветными гирляндами. А на главной площади устанавливают огромную ёлку. Мы начинаем готовиться к празднику. На новогодних ярмарках покупаем друг другу подарки, ёлочные игрушки и мишуру. В конце декабря дома устанавливаем искусственную ёлку и наряжаем её к празднику. 31 декабря я маме приготовить праздничный стол. Новогодняя ночь кажется мне всегда волшебной и незабываемой. В полночь, после выступления президента по телевизору, начинают бить куранты. Мы поздравляем друг друга с новым годом и загадываем желание, а потом обмениваемся подарками. Когда я была маленькая, то подарки находила под ёлкой и думала, что их мне принёс Дед Мороз. И хоть я уже взрослая, и не верю, что существует Дед Мороз, но в новогоднюю ночь хочется оказаться в сказке и поверить в чудо.
2) Where were you in summer? - I was at the sea-side.
3) What city did you visit? - I visited Sochi.
4) What excursions did you have? - I had lots of excursions such as Krasnaya Polyana, Sochi Park, Aquapark, park of rare plants and others.
5) What did you like most? - I liked Krasnaya Polyana most.
6) Why did you like it? - Because the nature is so impressive there.
7) Who accompanied you in your trip? - My parents and my sister were in Sochi with me.
8) Where did you live during your rest? - We lived in a hotel.
9) What did you like most about it? - I liked that it was near the sea and the food they served was very tasty.
10) Were there any sporting grounds there? - Yes, there were tennis , footbal and basketball grounds .
11) Was there a pool on the territory of the hotel? - Yes, there was one, quite big.
12) What about people in Sochi - were they friendly with you? - Yes, they were very friendly and helpful.
13) Could you tell me about the sea? - Yes, of course! The sea was warm and clean, the beach was equipped with everything we needed for sunbathing and swimming.
14) Were there any entertainments on the beach? - Yes, there were slides of different size right in the sea, equipment for diving, water-bike riding, high rope-jumping into the water, and many others.
15) Did you visit any concerts there? - Yes, I visited a big concert hall there, many Russian pop-stars took part in the performance.
16) Was the weather favourable? -Yes, quite. I had a lot of time for sun-bathing.
17) Did you make friends with anybody? - Yes, I met one boy from St.Petersburg there. We had lots of fun!
18) And what about museums? - Oh yes, I visited a picture gallery and a photo exhibition.
19) And did you take many photos? -Yes, hundreds, I think.)
20) Do you want to get back to Sochi next summer? - Oh, I liked Sochi very much, but I want to discover something new.