A Russian couple was walking down the street in St. Petersburg the other night, when the man felt a drop hit his nose. "I think it's raining," he said to his wife.
"No, that felt more like snow to me," she replied. "No, I'm sure it was just rain, he said." Well, as these things go, they were about to have a major argument about whether it was raining or snowing. Just then they saw a minor communist party official walking toward them. "Let's not fight about it," the man said, "let's ask Comrade Rudolph whether it's officially raining or snowing."
As the official approached, the man said, "Tell us, Comrade Rudolph, is it officially raining or snowing?"
"It's raining, of course," he answered and walked on. But the woman insisted: "I know that felt like snow!" To which the man quietly replied: "Rudolph the Red knows rain, dear!"
White Christmas England has only known seven white Christmases in the entire twentieth century. According to the records of the Meteorological Office in London, snow fell on Christmas Day only in 1938 and 1976. (The definition of a white Christmas in England is when one snowflake falls on the roof of the London Weather Centre.) Christmas Food An old wives' tale says that bread baked on Christmas Eve will never go mouldy. The Christmas turkey was imported to France by the Jesuits and it is still known in some French dialects as a 'Jesuite'. Christmas pudding was first made as a kind of soup with raisins and wine in it. Christmas Pudding originates from an old, Celtic dish known as 'frumenty'. Christmas Day December 25th was not celebrated as the birthday of Christ until the year AD 440. The Queen's Christmas speech was televised for the first time in 1957. Christmas crackers were invented by Thomas Smith. He had imported some French novelties to sell as Christmas gifts, but these were not popular until he wrapped them up and added a snapper. Decorations Each year between 34-36 million Christmas trees are produced to cope with the holiday demand. Electric tree lights were first used just 3 years after Thomas Edison has his first mass public demonstration of electric lights back in 1879. Thomas Edison’s assistant, Edward Johnson, came up with the idea of electric lights for Christmas trees in 1882. His lights were a huge hit. It took quite a few years, however, before they would be made available to the general public. In 1895 Ralph Morris, an American telephonist, invented the string of electric Christmas lights similar to the ones we use today. The actual strings of lights had already been manufactured for use in telephone switchboards. Morris looked at the tiny bulbs and had the idea of using them on his tree. Christmas Banned In 1647, the English parliament passed a law that made Christmas illegal. Christmas festivities were banned by Puritan leader Oliver Cromwell, who considered feasting and revelry on what was supposed to be a holy day to be immoral. Anybody caught celebrating Christmas was arrested. The ban was lifted only when the Puritans lost power in 1660. Christmas Cards and Christmas Post In 1843, the first Christmas card was created on the instructions of an Englishman, Sir Henry Cole. J.C. Horsley designed the card and sold 1000 copies in London. Postmen in Victorian England were popularly called "robins". This was because their uniforms were red. Victorian Xmas cards often showed a robin delivering Xmas mail. In the nineteenth century, the British Post Office used to deliver cards on Christmas morning. The first Christmas stamp was released in Canada in 1898. Father Christmas Father Christmas has two addresses, Edinburgh and the North Pole. Letters addressed to 'TOYLAND' or 'SNOWLAND' go to Edinburgh, but letters addressed to 'THE NORTH POLE' have to be sent there because there really is such a place! Father Christmas' reindeers are called Rudolph - the leader who lights the way with his bright red nose - Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Donder, Blitzen, Cupid and Comet. (Donder is also known as Donner.) Christmas Carols St Francis of Assisi introduced Christmas Carols to formal church services. The word comes from the ancient Greek choros, which means "dancing in a circle," and from the Old French word carole, meaning "a song to accompany dancing." The first instrument on which the carol "Silent Night" was played was a guitar. The popular Christmas song "Jingle Bells" was composed in 1857 by James Pierpont, and was originally called "One-Horse Open Sleigh." It was actually written for Thanksgiving, not Xmas. Twelfth Night
It is not until Twelfth Night that the figures of the Three Kings are supposed to be added to the Christmas crib. In Germany, Twelfth Night is known as 'Three Kings Day'. The "Twelve Days of Christmas " gifts: A partridge in a pear tree, two turtledoves, three French hens, four calling birds, five gold rings, six geese laying, seven swans swimming, eight maids milking, nine ladies dancing, ten lords leaping, eleven pipers piping, and twelve drummers drumming. There are 364 gifts altogether, one for everyday of the year. The poem commonly referred to as "The Night Before Christmas" was originally titled "A Visit From Saint Nicholas." This poem was written by Clement Moore for his children and some guests, one of whom anonymously sent the poem to a New York newspaper for publication.
The Beatles were one of the most influential music groups of the rock era, and many consider them the best musical group on Earth. Initially they affected the post-war baby boom generation of Britain and the U.S. during the 1960s, and later the rest of the world. Certainly they were the most successful group, with global sales exceeding 1.1 billion records.
While they were originally famous for light-weight pop music (and the extreme hysterical reaction they received from young women), their later works achieved a combination of popular and critical acclaim perhaps unequaled in the 20th century.
Eventually, they became more than recording artists, branching out into film and — particularly in the case of John Lennon — political activism. They achieved an iconic status beyond mere celebrity, with far reaching effects difficult to exaggerate.
The members of the group were John Lennon, (James) Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr (Richard Starkey), all from Liverpool, Merseyside, England. Original drummer Pete Best was asked to leave the group just before it started recording. Stuart Sutcliffe was with them in Hamburg but also left.
Beatlemania began in the UK and exploded following the appearance of the Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show in the United States, on February 9, 1964. The pop-music band became a worldwide phenomenon with worshipful fans, hysterical adulation, and denunciations by culture commentators and others such as Frank Sinatra.
Some of this was confusion over the sources of their music (a similar confusion was evinced in 1956 over Elvis Presley by commentators who were unaware of the tradition of blues, R&B and gospel out of which Presley emerged), and some of it was simply an incredulous reaction to the length of their hair. At any rate, it was regarded by the band members with both awe and resentment
Answer the questions about the text.
1. They were the best selling group in history. a) True b) False c) don’t know 2. All the members were from Liverpool. a) True b) False c) don’t know 3. They appeared on TV on February 9, 1964. a) True b) False c) don’t know 4. There was some confusion about the sources of their music. a) True b) False c) don’t know 5. Their music was copied by Elvis Presley. a) True b) False c) don’t know 6. Frank Sinatra didn't like the Beatles too much. a) True b) False c) don’t know
No one knows. And that, say some groups, is the problem. The near-ubiquity of wireless networks has led to concerns over an "electronic smog" of radio waves that stretches from the home to Starbucks and the classroom; anywhere, in fact, that a computer can connect to the internet without wires. The rapid spread of the networks has been accompanied by negligible research into the potential risks.
Last night, the Professional Association of Teachers wrote to Alan Johnson, the education secretary, requesting a scientific inquiry into the potential health risks of Wi-Fi networks, and recommended that schools stop installing them until research declares them safe. Eight out of 10 secondary schools and half of primary schools have the equipment.
Fears over Wi-Fi networks run parallel to those over mobile phones and the masts they speak to. Sir William Stewart's report in 2000 concluded there was no firm evidence to show mobile phone radiation was a health risk, but as a precaution recommended children use them sparingly, because their brains are still developing.
There are reasons to believe Wi-Fi networks are safer than mobile phones. Because they only have to transmit a few tens of metres, Wi-Fi networks run at much lower power. The Health Protection Agency says a person sitting within a Wi-Fi hot spot for a whole year receives the same dose of radiowaves as a person using a mobile phone for 20 minutes.
Graham Philips of the pressure group Powerwatch remains concerned "We're seeing levels of behavioural problems increase in the classroom. We need research into whether these networks are causing these or other problems."
Philip Parkin at the Professional Association of Teachers said other countries are acting to reduce Wi-Fi exposure to children. "Here, these networks are being installed unchecked and unassessed."
Adapted from The Guardian.
Question 1 Indicate whether these sentences are true or false. Justify your answers with evidence from the text:
a) There has been a thorough study into the dangers of Wi-fi connections.
b) Schools shouldn’t set up Wi-fi networks.
c) There is a study proving that mobile waves are a real danger.
d) The shorter the devices transmit the safer they are.
Question 2 Answer these questions in your own words:
a) a) Why shouldn’t children be exposed to radio waves? How does it affect them at school?
b) What has the Professional Association of Teachers asked for?
Question 3 Find a word or phrase in the text that means the same as:
a) Worry par.1
b) Definite par. 3
c) Contact par. 6
Question 4 Rewrite the following sentences without changing the meaning
a) The rapid spread of the networks has been accompanied by negligible research into the potential risks.
Negligible ………………………………………………………….
b) There was no firm evidence to show mobile phone radiation was a health risk, but the report recommended children use them sparingly as a precaution.
Although ……………………………………………………..
c) Graham Philips said “We're seeing levels of behavioural problems increase in the classroom”
Graham Philips stated that …………………………………………………………………
Question 5 Write a short essay (120-150 words) on the following topic:
Governments put warnings on products like tobacco and alcohol. Do these warnings work? Should there be warnings on other things too?
Buy Nothing Day started in North America in the early 90's and has grown to an international day celebrated in over 50 countries. It is celebrated the day after Thanksgiving Day. However, in England they celebrate on Saturday because it's the busiest day of the week.
Here are some activities that you can do on the topic.
You'll find a PAU text on the topic under the PAU Text section.
Would you rather switch off lights or take fewer foreign holidays?
Few people are willing to give up air travel in order to reduce carbon emissions, according to a new study, even though they are concerned enough about climate change to cut energy use in their homes.
The Loughborough University study asked 500 people whether they would be willing not to fly in the next 12 months in order to cut emissions. Just 26 per cent of people were willing to forego air travel. In comparison 88 per cent of people were willing to cut the amount of energy they use in the home. For example by switching off lights and wearing a jumper rather than putting on the central heating.
Dr Tim Ryley said: "It is cost and not environmental consequences that deter people from flying more often." "Obviously households are on a tight budget at the moment because of the recession but they will not give up air travel easily," he said.
The research found fares will have to go up by £50 or more in order to persuade people to fly less. Air passenger duty, the government’s tax on air fares, is changing later this year, with the duty on short-haul flights rising from £10 to £12 in 2010. The increase in long-haul trips will be higher, with duty on economy class flights of more than 6,000 miles – such as London to Sydney – jumping from £55 to £85.
Air travel is making an increasing contribution to greenhouse gases in Britain. While total greenhouse gas emissions from the EU fell by three per cent between 1990 and 2002, emissions from international aviation increased by nearly 70 per cent. The Government's adviser on climate change has warned that if growth in flights was left unchecked emissions from global aviation could account for 15 to 20 per cent of all CO2 produced in 2050.
Question 1 (2 points)
Indicate whether the following statements are true or false and write down which part of the text justifies your answer.
a) Loughborough university interviewed 500 people over a period of 12 months.
b) Most people said they would try to fly less and reduce their energy consumption at
home.
c) Families have less money to spend at the moment.
d) In 40 years, air travel could cause as much as one fifth of carbon dioxide pollution.
Question 2 (2 points)
Answer the following questions in your own words.
a) What action are people taking at home to save energy?
b) How much more will air passengers travelling from the UK to Australia have to pay?
Question 3 (1.5 points)
Find words or phrases in the text that correspond in meaning to the words and definitions given.
a) do without something (paragraph 2)
b) the people who live together (paragraph 3)
c) not limited or controlled (paragraph 5)
Question 4 (1.5 points)
Complete the following sentences without changing the meaning.
a) Dr.Ryley said “"Obviously households are on a tight budget at the moment because of the recession but they will not give up air travel easily,"
Dr. Ryley said that……………………………..
b) The research found fares will have to go up by £50 or more in order to persuade people to fly less.
The research claims that if the government wants ………………………………..
c) The increase in tax on long-haul trips will be higher than the rise on short distance flights.
The rise in tax on short distance flights will…………………………………………………………….
Question 5 (5 points)
Write a short essay (120-150 words) on the following topic:
“Everyone can help to save our planet”. Do you agree?
Self-Access Group CEP Santander
Google’s quest to map and photograph the entire world has been stopped in its tracks by a country not usually associated with confrontation. Google Street View Car, the search engine's Big Brother days are over in Switzerland. Switzerland's federal data protection and information commission is taking Google to court over its Street View mapping service.
Switzerland’s privacy watchdog is preparing to battle the internet giant over its Street View service, which shows panoramic street-level pictures of 100 cities globally, with people, cars and businesses clearly visible in many shots.
According to The Daily Mail the Swiss data protection commissioner, Hanspeter Thuer, has demanded that Google ensures all faces and car plates are blurred to protect people’s privacy, and that enclosed areas such as walled gardens and private roads are removed from the images. He also wants the California firm to declare at least one week in advance which Swiss towns and cities it plans to send its teams to, so residents are informed before they are unwittingly photographed and their pictures posted online.
Mr Thuer said he decided to take the case to Switzerland's federal administrative tribunal because Google had failed to comply with his request that it take “various measures to protect personal privacy in its Street View online service”.
The service has also proved controversial in Britain, Germany, Japan and elsewhere for allowing individuals to be identified without their knowledge or consent.
A spokesman for Google said: “We believe that Google Street View is absolutely legal, also in Switzerland.” He said the service was extremely popular in the country and that new software which can obscure details such as car plates would deal with Mr Thuer's concerns.
Question 1 (2 Points)
Indicate whether the following questions are true or false and write down which part of the text justifies your answer.
a) Google’s goal is to have pictures of 100 cities.
b) Switzerland has already taken Google to court.
c) Mr Thuer had been in touch with Google before taken them to court.
d) Google thinks that the situation is easy to manage.
Question 2 (2 Points)
Answer the following questions in your own words.
a) What are the commissioner biggest demands?
b) How has Google reacted to this situation?
Question 3 (1.5 points)
Find words or phrases in the text that correspond in meaning to the words and definitions below.
a) Guarantee: paragraph 3
b) Without knowing: paragraph 3
c) fulfil, obey: paragraph 4
Question 4 (1.5 points)
Complete the following sentences without changing the meaning.
a) A spokesman for Google said: “We believe that Google Street View is absolutely legal, also in Switzerland.”
A spokesman for Google said that……………………………………………….
b) The service has proved controversial for allowing individuals to be identified.
If the service hadn’t...…………………………………………………
c) Switzerland's federal data protection and information commission is taking Google to court.
Google………………………………………
Question 5 (3 points)
Write a short essay (120-150 words) about the following topic.
People’s privacy is unprotected nowadays.
Once a year, in countries around the world, people demonstrate their discontent with consumer culture by holding a Buy Nothing Day. Buy Nothing Day began in 1990 in ten countries and has been celebrated every year since then. Each year, more and more people and countries join in the celebration. The intention is to encourage people to say no to consumerism and to remind them that they shouldn’t be slaves to material possessions.
On Buy Nothing Day, activists organise various free and creative forms of entertainment to prove to people that it is possible to have fun without spending money. Activists also pass out colourful booklets and stick up posters to encourage people to think twice about the dangers of consumerism. Some activists publicly cut up their credit cards at mass demonstrations, as a protest against the pressure on people to spend more than they can afford.
Buy Nothing Day campaigners in the United States have also produced a special TV commercial called an “uncommercial”, which asks people not to buy anything! However, the most imaginative suggestion of the Buy Nothing Day activists is their “Christmas Gift Exemption Vouchers”. The idea is to give people you love a voucher which states that they are exempt from buying Christmas presents, on condition that they spend quality time with you instead.
The message of Buy Nothing Day is not supposed to be heard only once a year. Its supporters insist that the spirit of simplicity is timeless, and they want people to fight materialism with imagination and creativity all year round.
Question 1 Indicate whether these sentences are true or false. Justify your answers with evidence from the text
a) The aim of the Buy Nothing Day activists is to show people how consumerism is enslaving them.
b) The more money you spend, the more fun you have.
c) Buy Nothing Day activists try to make people aware of the dangers of consumerism.
d) The idea behind Buy Nothing Day is to criticise materialism once a year.
Question 2 Answer these questions in your own words:
a) Why was Buy Nothing Day created?
b) What things do activists do on Buy Nothing Day?
Question 3 Find a word or phrase in the text that means the same as:
a) deny (par.1)
b) distribute (par. 2)
c) excused, without obligation (par. 3)
Question 4 Rewrite the following sentences without changing the meaning:
a) They advertised our products on TV.
We had...
b) Buy Nothing Day campaigners in the United States have also produced a special TV commercial.
A special...
c) They said to people, “Don’t buy anything unless you really need it.”
They told...
Question 5 Write a short essay (120 to 150 words) on the following topic:
We meet twice a month, on Tuesday evening, in the CEP, Santander. Why not come along? Or if you can't make it in person, it should also be possible to collaborate on-line. We'd like to hear from you. Our e-mail address is self.access.group@gmail.com
What is important is to keep learning, to enjoy challenge, and to tolerate ambiguity. In the end there are no certain answers. Martina Horner.President of Radcliffe College
Complete the gaps with words and expressions from the box
an extraordinary method at the gates of the palace disclosed the incredible news He changed clothes almost heard the scoundrel's strange story Once upon a time spread over his kingdom that it looks invisible the better of him The chamberlain notified the prime minister to anyone who is too stupid to see to show them off to take advantage We are two very good tailors who had heard of the Emperor's vanity whose only worry in life
The Emperor's New Clothes
________________________ there lived a vain emperor ________________________ was to dress in elegant clothes.__________________ every hour and loved ___________ _____________to his people.
Word of the Emperor's refined habits __________________________and beyond. Two scoundrels ___________________________decided _________________________of it. They introduced themselves __________________________with a scheme in mind.
" _____________________________and after many years of research we have invented ___________________to weave a cloth so light and fine ___________________________. As a matter of fact it is invisible _______________________and incompetent to appreciate its quality."
The chief of the guards _______________________________________ and sent for the court chamberlain. ______________________________, who ran to the Emperor and _______________________. The Emperor's curiosity got _______________________and he decided ____________the two scoundrels.
Self-Access Group. CiefP Santander
KEY
1. Once upon a time 2. whose only worry in life 3. He changed clothes almost 4. to show them off 5. spread over his kingdom 6. who had heard of the Emperor’s vanity 7. to take advantage of it 8. at the gates of the palace 9. We are two very good tailors 10. an extraordinary method 11. that it looks invisible 12. to anyone who is too stupid 13. heard the scoundrel’s strange story 14. The chamberlain notified the prime minister 15. and disclosed the incredible news 16. the better of him 17. to see
Money, money, money for Greek island as Mamma Mia! draws tourist hordes
Some want weddings. Others want champagne receptions at sunset on their own private beach. Others want to dance and kiss on the beach. It's called the Mamma Mia! effect. And nowhere is it felt more keenly than on the Aegean isle of Skopelos. "The phones never stop ringing," says Mayor Christos Vasiloudi. "People call in all the time asking how they can get to our Mamma Mia! paradise."
"It's extraordinary. I've had requests from people in England, Hungary, Australia, asking whether they can marry here, hold champagne parties here, buy land here," said Mahi Drossou, a local travel agent. "One English couple wondered whether they could book the beach that features in the film for a private wedding.
Until the arrival of the Hollywood star cast 15 months ago, Skopelos (population 4,696) was best known for its plums, pears and pine trees. Without an airport, reachable only by ferry, few could have imagined that the 96 sq km isle, east of Athens, would become the backdrop of a blockbuster featuring Meryl Streep, Colin Firth and Pierce Brosnan. Even fewer could have foreseen its emergence as the film's star.
"I've met people who have come because friends had seen the film four or five times and they wanted to see what all the fuss is about," said Dimitra Rekkas at the town hall. "The producers checked out at least 25 Greek islands before opting for Skopelos. They chose our island because of its greenness and the fact it really is a small paradise."
The film's success could not have been better timed for a country whose tourist-dependent economy has been hard hit by violent anti-government protests. On Thursday - thirteen days after riots erupted over the police shooting of a teenage boy - Greek officials announced that hotel bookings had dropped by 40%, prompting Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis to announce emergency measures to boost tourism.
"Okay, we need Mamma Mia! in this economic crisis but a lot of us would hate it if the film that promoted our island also ended up destroying it," said travel agent Mahi Drossou. "It's great that people want to come and marry here and dance and kiss on our beaches but Skopelos has an unspoilt natural beauty and we want to keep it that way."
Question 1. Indicate whether these sentences are true or false. Justify your answers with evidence from the text.
a) People all over the world are interested in owning property on the island.
b) Many people thought that the real protagonist of the film was Skopelos.
c) It didn’t take the film makers long to decide on a setting for the film.
d) The inhabitants of the island are afraid that this film success will put an end to its beautiful landscape.
Question 2. Answer the following questions in your own words.
a) What kind of place is Skopelos?
b) Why was “Mamma Mia”´s success beneficial for the island?
Question 3. Find a word or a phrase in the text that means the same as
a) appear (par. 2)
b) excitement (par.4)
c) increase (par.5)
Question 4. Rewrite the following sentences without changing the meaning
a) They wondered whether they could book the beach for a private wedding.
They wondered whether the ………………………………………………….
b) “They chose our island because of its greenness and the fact that it really is a small paradise.
Dimitra said that ……………………………………………………………….
c) We need “Mamma Mia!” because there is an economic crisis.
If there ……………………………………………………………………………
Question 5. Write a short essay (120-150 words) on the following topic:Would you take part in a competition like “Survivors”?
accommodation call enjoyable provide qualified range seeing stock trails
Make our Tourist Information Centre your first 1 …………………. when planning your visit to Cheltenham. Our friendly team can provide an extensive 2………………………. of services to make your stay 3…………………………. and memorable. We can book your 4………………….. , from a homely bed and breakfast to a four-star-hotel. We can 5……………………… tickets for local events and we are booking agents for National Express and local coach operators. In summer we organise our own varied programme of Scenic Coach Tours of the Cotswolds, plus regular walking tours of Regency Cheltenham, all escorted by 6………………….. guides. We also 7……………………. a wide range of maps, walking 8....................................... and guidebooks plus quality gifts and souvenirs. We can help you with advice on what to see, where to go and how to get there. We look forward to 9……………………….. you in Cheltenham Spa.
KEY
1. call 2. range 3. enjoyable 4. accommodation 5. provide 6. qualified 7. stock 8. trails 9. seeing
CLASSIFICATION: Vocabulary TOPIC: Word Building ACTIVITY TYPE. Gap filling LEVEL: 4
Add a word that is derived from the one between brackets.
1. You can rely on Jane. She is very………………… (depend)
2. That rule is not ………….. …in this case (apply) 3. Don’t tell anyone. This is …………… (confide) 4. Librarians spend a lot of time …… their books (class) 5. Despite his …….…………Stevie Wonder managed to become a top pop singer. (able) 6. In wartime there is often a …….. ….…of food. (short) 7. See Mr Baker. This matter is his ………………… (response). 8. The company got more than 20 ……………….. (complain) 9. What ….. ………………do you need for this job? (qualify) 10. It is ……………. to take credit for other people’s ideas. (moral) 11. The price is £5, excluding ……………… and packing. (post) 12. I spent my ………………. in the country. (child) 13. People who smoke ……………….. their children to do likewise. (courage)
Describing characters Match the adjectives in the “Positive” column with its correspondent opposite in the “Negative” column
Positive Negative 1. hard-working a. tense 2. clever b. weak 3. relaxed c. shy 4. generous d. narrow-minded 5. cheerful e. lazy 6. flexible f. cruel 7. strong g. miserable 8. self-confident h. easy-going 9. stubborn i. rigid 10. kind j. stupid 11. broad-minded k. mean
Scientists reveal how eating chocolate can help improve your maths
Eating chocolate could improve the brain's ability to do maths, a new study suggests. Mental arithmetic became easier after volunteers had been given large amounts of compounds found in chocolate, called flavanols, in a hot cocoa drink. They were also less likely to feel tired or mentally drained, the findings, presented at the British Psychological Society annual conference in Brighton show.
Prof David Kennedy, director of the brain, performance and nutrition research centre at Northumbria University, and a co-author of the study, said that chocolate could be beneficial for mentally challenging tasks. The findings suggest students who binge on chocolate when revising for exams may gain a real benefit from doing so. The flavanols, part of a group of chemicals called polyphenols, work by increasing the flow of blood into the brain.
For the study 30 volunteers were asked to count backwards in groups of three from a random number between 800 and 999 generated by a computer. The findings show that they could do the calculations more quickly and more accurately after they had been given the drink. However, the same was not true when the group was asked to count backwards in groups of seven, which the researchers described as a more complex task, requiring a slightly different part of the brain. The findings also show that the volunteers did not get as tired doing the calculations if they had been given the cocoa drink, despite being asked to do them over and over for an hour.
The researchers gave the volunteers a total of 500mg of flavanol. Although the amount was too great to be found naturally in the diet, researchers said that people should ensure that they have lots of flavanols, also found in fruit and vegetables, on a regular basis. Dark chocolate contains higher quantities of the chemical than plain or milk chocolate.
Prof Kennedy said: "The amount that we are giving is more than in the diet but there is quite a lot of evidence that general amounts are protective. The more fruit and vegetables and things that are high in polyphenols the better that is for your brain in the long run.”
Question 1 (2 points) Indicate whether these statements are true or false. Justify your answers with evidence from the text.
a. The study took place at a conference in Brighton.
b. Chocolate contains a substance which makes blood flow more easily.
c. People normally eat around 500mg of flavenol every day.
d. There is more flavenol in dark chocolate than there is in milk chocolate.
Question 2. (2 points) Answer these questions in your own words.
a. Why is it more difficult to count backwards in groups of seven than in groups of three?
b. Which foods does Professor Kennedy suggest that we should eat to help us perform mental activities and why?
Question 3 (1.5 points) Find words or phrases in the text that mean the same as:
a. to eat a lot of something (p.2) b. repeatedly (p.3) c. contain a lot of (p.5)
Question 4 (1.5 points) Rewrite the following sentences without changing the meaning.
a. Eating chocolate could improve the brain’s ability to do maths.
The brain’s ability ..........................
b. Students who eat a large amount of chocolate when revising for exams may gain a real benefit from doing so.
If ............................................
c. Professor Kennedy said “The amount that we are giving is more than in the diet but there is quite a lot of evidence that general amounts are protective. “
Professor Kennedy said that ..................................................
Question 5 (3 points) Write a short essay (120-150 words) on the following topic.
So many different people tell us what to eat and what not to eat. Should we listen to their advice?
Computer programmer from Finland has lost finger replaced with USB drive
A computer programmer from Finland who lost his ring finger in a motorcycle accident has had it replaced with a USB drive.
Jerry Jalava from Helsinki, Finland, has built the special prosthetic finger to use as computer storage for his photos, movies and other useful files.
While the prosthetic looks like a normal finger Jerry can peel it back from the 'nail' and plug it into the USB slot on his computer using it as an additional hard drive.
He was rushed to Helsinki Hospital where he was examined by a hand surgeon who said they were unable to save it and amputated half of the finger.
When Jerry told doctors what he did for a living they joked he should have a USB 'finger drive' but that was good enough for him, and he set about making one.
Using a traditional prosthetic finger Jerry has been able to embed a 'USB key' - like the ones used in traditional flash drives - giving him the world's only two gigabyte finger.
The finger is not permanently attached to his hand meaning it can be removed when plugged into a computer. "It is not attached permanently into my body, it is a removable prosthetic which has USB memorystick inside it," said Jerry. "When I'm using the USB, I just leave my finger inside the slot and pick it up after I'm ready."
Jerry said he is already thinking about upgrading his faux finger to include more storage and wireless technology. "I'm planning to use another prosthetic as a shell for the next version, which will have removable fingertip and an RFID tag," he added.
17 Mar 2009
RFID : Radio Frequency IDentification
Question 1 (2 points) Indicate whether these statements are true or false. Justify your answers with evidence from the text.
a. Jerry can use his finger as a pendrive.
b. It was Jerry’s own idea to use his new finger in this way.
c. They were not able to use existing prosthetic finger designs.
d. Jerry wants to add new elements to his finger in the future.
Question 2. (2 points) Answer these questions in your own words.
a. What happened to Jerry when he got to hospital?
b. What kind of finger is it and how does it work?
Question 3 (1.5 points) Find words or phrases in the text that mean the same as:
a. move fast (p.4) b. implant (p.6) c. not real (p.8)
Question 4 (1.5 points) Rewrite the following sentences without changing the meaning.
a. He was rushed to Helsinki Hospital where he was examined by a hand surgeon.
They .................................................................
b. Jerry has been able to embed a USB key because he is using a prosthetic finger.
If he were ........................................................
c. “When I´m using the USB, I just leave my finger inside the slot and pick it up after I´m ready.”
Jerry said that ..................................................
Question 5 (3 points) Write a short essay (120-150 words) on the following topic.
How can the Internet help handicapped people?
Scrabble regains number one slot as brain games craze takes hold
Scrabble has landed on a triple-word score. The board game, beloved by logophiles and the cause of frequent family rows, has become the country's best selling board game, reclaiming the number one spot for the first time in at least 15 years.
The increasing popularity of brain games – both word and numbers puzzles – has helped Scrabble remove Golden Balls, a game based on a television programme, from the number one position.
Sales of Scrabble have increased by 30 per cent in the first nine months of this year, compared to the same period last year, according to NPD, a market research firm that tracks toy and games sales. Its records go back just 15 years, but experts reckon that this is the first time Scrabble has been in the number one spot since at least the mid 1980s, when Trivial Pursuit came to prominence.
Its renewed success has also been helped by the online and computer versions of the game, with Scrabulous – a web version of the game that members of Facebook could play – proving one of the internet phenomenons of 2008. The game was shut down by Hasbro, the owner of the US rights to the game, but only after it had attracted half a million players every single day.
Some toy experts believe that old fashioned board games will do well this Christmas thanks to the economic slowdown. Stuart Grant, buying director of the toy chain The Entertainer, said: "When money is tight, people turn to brands they know and trust. We sell over 200 board games but people pick things they remember from their childhood when they are unsure where to spend their money."
Question 1. Indicate whether these statements are true or false. Justify your answers with evidence from the text.
a. NPD holds more than 10 years of information about the sales of games and toys.
b. Trivial Pursuit was in number one position of the ranking.
c. People can still play online Scrabble if they want to.
d. When buying games, people prefer those they used to play when they were children.
Question 2. Answer these questions in your own words.
a. Why has Scrabble become the best selling board game?
b. How will the economic crisis affect the sale of games?
Question 3. Find words or phrases in the text that mean the same as:
a. arguments (p.1)
b. to calculate (p.3)
c. recession (p. 5)
Question 4. Rewrite the following sentences without changing the meaning.
a. Brain games are very popular. That s why Scrabble is number one.
If brain ...........................................................................................
b. Its success has also been helped by the online version of the game.
The online version .........................................................................
c. Stuart Grant said “ When money is tight , people turn to brands they know and trust.”
S. Grant said that ………………………………………………..
Question 5. Write a short essay (120-150 words) on the following topic.
• Benefits of board games
Ryanair may charge £ 1 for lavatory use
Ryanair is considering charging passengers £1 to use the lavatory on its flights, according to chief executive Michael O’Leary. In an interview on BBC television this morning, Mr O’Leary said that the low-cost airline was looking at the possibility of installing a coin slot on the lavatory door.
Ironically, in a light-hearted survey conducted by Telegraph Travel last November, we asked readers which service they thought no-frills airlines might start charging for in the future. 56 per cent of readers said that a charge for "using the loo" would be the most likely; while 31 per cent chose "reclining seats" and 11 per cent opted for "sick bags".
Mr O’Leary said that Ryanair was determined to make air travel easier and more affordable. “I don’t think there’s anybody in history gone on board a Ryanair flight with less than a pound,” he added. Later, Ryanair spokesman Stephen McNamara said: "While this has been discussed internally, there are no immediate plans to introduce it." "However, this highlights Ryanair's continuing obsession with lowering costs and passing these savings on in the form of lower fares.” "Passengers using train and bus stations are already accustomed to paying to use the toilet so why not on airplanes?
The Dublin-based airline has gained a reputation for its high booking fees and additional charges. The carrier charges £30 to check in a bag, £10 to pay for flights with a credit card, £60 to check in sports or music equipment, £15 for each kilo of excess baggage, £50 to change a flight and £100 to change the name on a ticket.
A spokesman for rival low-fare carrier easyJet said: "We have no plans to charge passengers £1 to use our toilets.”Inflation appears to have gone crazy if it now costs £1 to spend a penny."
Question 1 (2 points)
Indicate whether the following statements are true or false and write down which part of the text justifies your answer.
a) Michael Leary announced on television today that Ryanair had decided to ask passengers to pay one pound for going to the toilet.
b) Mr Leary says that Ryanair passengers get on the plane with money.
c) People waiting to get on some trains or buses already have to pay to use the toilet.
d) Ryanair’s idea will be used by Easy Jet.
Question 2 (2 points)
Answer the following questions in your own words.
a) What predictions did Telegraph readers make in the survey?
b) What extra charges do you have to pay if you travel with Ryanair?
Question 3 (1.5 points)
Find words or phrases in the text that correspond in meaning to the words and definitions given.
a) not serious (paragraph 2)
b) cheap (paragraph 3)
c) draw attention to (paragraph 3)
Question 4 (1.5 points)
Complete the following sentences without changing the meaning.
a) Telegraph Travel asked readers to say what services airlines might charge them for in the future.
Readers ……………. what services they ….
b) Ryanair charges for extras, so fares are low.
If
c) "Inflation appears to have gone crazy if it now costs £1 to spend a penny." said an Easy Jet spokesman.
An Easy Jet spokesman said that .....
Question 5 (5 points)
Write a short essay (120-150 words) on the following topic:
• Travelling helps us understand the world.
Self-Access Group Ciefp Santander
Wtite a letter of application, answering the following advert,
You have seen the following job advertisement in a magazine:
SUMMER CAMP ASSISTANTS Wanted! (July to September 2009) Summer Fun Ltd. is looking to recruit six Camp Assistants to work with children aged 11-16 from a number of nationalities. Priority will be given to applicants who: • have a special interest in Drama, Sports, or Arts and Craft • are responsible and can cope in a crisis • can speak at least two languages
If you would like to be considered for the post, please apply in writing. (References are essential.) Write your letter of application to the school owner. (around 120-180 words) Ideas for writing Ask yourself the following questions to help you get started: • What information can you put in your letter to show that you have a special interest in one of the areas required? E.g., I am a student in my final year of a Sports Science degree... • How can you show that you are responsible and able to cope in a crisis? E.g. recently attended a First Aid course, which has given me the confidence to deal with emergency situations. • Can you prove that you can speak two languages? E.g. I am a native speaker of French and I recently passed my First Certificate in English... • Are you available for the dates given? Make this clear in your letter. In addition, you will have to supply references so you could mention this at the end: E.g. Both of my referees are happy to be contacted immediately... • Drafting and proofreading your work You should look at your first draft of the task and decide: Have you answered the question? Is the letter organised in a clear and logical way? Is the language correct with a good range of structures? Is the style OK for a formal letter? If the answer to any of these questions is 'no' you will need to do some more drafting!
or click here to find a list of jobs which might be suitable for you, then write your letter of application
A fifth of British teenagers believe Sir Winston Churchill was a fictional character, while many think Sherlock Holmes, King Arthur and Eleanor Rigby were real, a survey shows.
The canvass of 3,000 under-twenties uncovered an extraordinary paucity of basic historical knowledge that older generations take for granted.
Despite his celebrated military reputation, 47 per cent of respondents dismissed the 12th-century crusading English king Richard the Lionheart as fictional. In contrast, a series of fictitious characters that have featured in British films and literature over the past few centuries were awarded real-life status.
King Arthur is the mythical figure most commonly mistaken for fact - almost two thirds of teens (65 per cent) believe that he existed and led a round table of knights at Camelot.
Holmes, the detective, was so convincingly brought to life in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's novels, their film versions and television series that 58 per cent of respondents believe that the sleuth really lived at 221B Baker Street.
Fifty-one per cent of respondents believed that Robin Hood lived in Sherwood Forest, robbing the rich to give to the poor, while 47 per cent believed Eleanor Rigby was a real person rather than a creation of The Beatles.
The study also shows a marked change in how people acquire their historical knowledge these days. More than three-quarters of those polled (77 per cent) admitted they did not read history books, and 61 per cent said that they changed channels rather than watch historical programmes on television.
Paul Moreton, the channel head of UKTV Gold which commissioned the poll, said that while there was no excuse for demoting real historical figures such as Churchill, the elevation of mythical figures to real life showed the impact good films could have in shaping the public consciousness.
"Stories like Robin Hood are so inspiring that it's not surprising people like to believe these characters truly existed," he said.
Question 1 Indicate whether these sentences are true or false. Justify your answers with evidence from the text:
a) All the people interviewed were not older than 19.
b) Richard the Lionheart was a famous soldier.
c) 221B Baker street was the home of a real detective
d) Nowadays people read more about history rather than watching historical documents.
Question 2 Answer these questions in your own words:
a) Who ordered the survey and what did the results show?
b) What effect can films have on our perception of history?
Question 3 Find a word or phrase in the text that means the same as:
a) par. 2 survey
b) par. 3 appeared
c) par. 7 considerable
Question 4 Rewrite the following sentences without changing the meaning
a) Despite being a mythical figure, almost two thirds of teens believed King Arthur.
Although………………………………………………………….
b) 47 per cent believed Eleanor Rigby was a real person.
Eleanor Rigby was ……………………………………………………..
c) "Stories like Robin Hood are so inspiring that it's not surprising people believe these characters truly existed," he said.
d) He said that ……………………………………………………………………
Question 5 Write a short essay (120 to 150 words) on the following topic:
What is the best way to learn about history?
Self-Access Group. Ciefp Santander
Somos un grupo de profesores de Cantabria: Carmen A., Lorena B., María B., Blanca D., Belen G., José Ramón L., Inés O. y Lola R.
Nos reunimos cada dos semanas para subir al blog las actividades y materiales que vamos elaborando y que están dirigidos al alumnado de Secundaria y de Bachillerato.
Esperamos que lo encontréis útil para vuestras clases.
