SHOPPING for FLEAS? A flea is a very small and troublesome insect that can drive a dog crazy with all the itching and scratching it causes. So what do fleas have to do with markets and shopping? No one is quite sure, as the origins of the term” flea market” are not certain. Some people believe it originates from the Dutch language, other think it stems from French. But there is one thing that almost everybody agrees on: there’s no better place to shop if you are in search of a good bargain.
There are countless flea markets all around the world, and they are especially popular in Europe. One of the busiest markets in Europe is in the town of Lille, Northern France: La Braderie. With two hundred kilometres of open air stalls, this flea market offers a massive diversity of things to buy at reduced prices. Unfortunately, this amazing event, which has over a million visitors, is only an annual event which happens during the first weekend of September. Another shopper’s paradise is in Russia. Moscow has many flea markets but the Vernisazh flea market at Izmailovsky Park is perhaps the most famous. There is almost nothing that you can’t find there, especially if you are a tourist looking for authentic Russian souvenirs to bring back home.
But flea market are not just places where tourists can buy unexpensive things. The Annex Antiques Fair and Flea Market in New York, USA, is a trendy market which has been attracting famous Hollywood stars as well as people living in the area ever since it opened. So, as you see, flea markets offer something for everyone!
1. There is disagreement over the origins of the term “flea market”. *
True
False
Doesn't say
2. You can even buy fleas at flea markets. *
True
False
Doesn’t say
3. Europe has the world’s biggest flea markets. *
True
False
Doesn’t say
4. La Braderie is open two days a year. *
True
False
Doesn’t say
5. There is only one flea market in Russia. *
True
False
Doesn’t say
6. The Vernisazh stays open until very late. *
True
False
Doesn’t say
7. Only famous people shop in the New York flea market. *
True
False
Doesn’t say
Task 2. Complete the sentences with words derived from the words in brackets.
1. John always looks on the bright side of life. He is very . (OPTIMISM)
optimistic
2. That woman across the street is very . (ATTRACT)
attractive
3. Don’t trust Alex. He’s very .(HONEST)
4. Tony was very sorry? So he for breaking the vase. (APOLOGY)
apologyzed
Task 3. Fill in the gaps with the correct form of the verbs in brackets.
1. This cake (taste) delicious.
tastes
2. He (work) for the company for ten years.
3. He (think) about buying a new car.
bought
4. George (cook a meal) when the phone rang.
Task 4. Put the adjectives in the right form to complete the sentences.
1. Who’s your (good) friend?
2. She’s (sensible) person I know.
3. He thinks he’s (creative) person in the world.
4. Steve is a lot (friendly) than Tom.
Task 5. Choose the correct word.
1. That’s nice of you. *
really
quite
2. Being a doctor is a stressful job. *
a quite
pretty
3. He is young although he looks old. *
quite
a little
4. His test was good on the whole. *
a bit
pretty
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