|
Читайте также: |
1. Today young people take an active part in the social life of the country. What youth organizations do you know?
It’s quite natural that young people want to socialize with their equals so as to express their views on several political and social issues. They join youth organizations and societies. The main aim of these organizations is to involve young people into socially useful activities such as sporting events, volunteering at hospitals, taking care of war veterans, assisting the old and the handicapped, carrying out some ecological projects and doing other things.
There are a lot of youth organizations in Belarus. The most authoritative of them are: the Belarusian Republican Youth Union (BRSM), the Belarusian Republican Pioneer Organization, the Association of Belarusian Scouts, the Belarusian Organizations of Falcons, the Belarusian National Scout Organization, the Association of Belarusian Guides, etc. The aforementioned organizations take an active part in the formation of the basis and implementation of the state policy in respect of youth. These activities are managed and directed by the State Committee on the Affairs of Youth.
At the same time there are a lot of informal youth movements that want to express themselves in different ways. Usually they are organized on the base of common interests or preferences in music styles or in arts priorities. Some try to express their political views others are searching for their own answers to universal problems: ecological, religious or philosophical. Anyway all young people want to express themselves and find their place in this world.
One more interesting phenomenon is sub-culture. It is generally held that sub-culture is the culture of those who are dissatisfied with their place in society. On the whole Teds, Mods, Rockers, Bikers, Skinheads and Punks are the sub-cultures of the politically or economically weak segments of the society.
It is interesting to note that sub-cultures follow a cycle. At first they shock then provoke a strong response. As soon as the sub-culture gains momentum it magnetizes youth in search of rebel unity. Many adopt it for fun, and play at rebellion in their leisure time. The sub-culture rapidly ceases to express serious dissent. In the end it becomes another recognized and colourful part of urban culture.
2. Have you ever joined a youth organization? Why (not)?
I have never joined any youth organizations, probably, because I haven’t found anything special or interesting for my personal development. I’m very busy with my studies, besides I’ve got a lot of interests and hobbies. I learn Polish, visit fitness club and dancing classes. I read a lot and I like going to the cinema with my friends. By the way, I’m a very sociable person and have got some close friends and a lot of schoolmates or just mates. I’m fond of travelling and like to meet new people. I can express myself in various activities organized at school: concerts, sports competitions, class meetings and parties, and of course at my everyday classes.
Thus I don’t feel intention to join any organization.
The main objectives of the organization are as follows:
- to express, defend and realize the rights and legal interests of its members;
- to form the world outlook, based on moral and spiritual, as well as Christian, values;
- to foster patriotism as the main spiritual and social value;
- to express devotion to the Constitution of the Republic of Belarus, to the country, its people and its state symbols;
- to give assistance to every member of the organization in his spiritual, intellectual and physical development and in realization of his abilities and creative potential;
– to take part in preparation of young people for the defense of their motherland.
The Belarusian Republican Youth Union and its members accomplish their goals and objectives in the following activities:
- they participate in formation of youth policy and put it into practice;
- they support the initiatives of the youth, directed at self-perfection and all-round development of their individual abilities;
- they help young people to become integrated members of society;
- they elaborate and accomplish different educational, social and other youth programs which do not contradict the present legislation of the republic of Belarus;
- they render assistance in finding employment;
- they promote international youth co-operation;
- they attract the attention of the mass media and the bodies of state power to the problems and initiatives of the youth;
- they organize conferences, meetings, lectures, exhibitions, concerts for young people; etc.
ORGANIZATION
The BRSM national headquarters is located in Minsk, the national capital of Belarus. Each voblast of Belarus—Minsk, Brest, Vitsebsk, Homiel, Grodno and Mogilev—has its own branches of the BRSM. The BRSM has estimated that it has 6803 branches located inside Belarus.
The national leadership of the BRSM is controlled by the central committee, which is headed by the first secretary of the central committee. Below the first secretary are the second secretary of the central committee, the chairman of the central investigation commission, and three secretaries of the central committee. Collectively, these leaders are also referred to as the secretariat of the BRSM.
While the exact yearly and total funding of the BRSM are not known, the majority of funds given to the BRSM are given by the national government.
SYMBOLS
The BRSM has two official symbols: an emblem and a flag. The emblem, which is based on the Komsomol badge and modeled on the Belarusian national flag, has a red bar bearing the initials of the BRSM, written in gold in Cyrillic, over a green bar bearing a golden olive branch.
The flag of the BRSM has the same elements as the emblem, but the reverse of the flag bears the organization’s full name in gold (in Russian) in the red section, with the green section unemblazoned.
MEMBERSHIP
In order to join the BRSM, the applicant must be between the ages of 14 and 31 and must send a photo of himself or herself. If the applicant is between the ages of 14 and 16 written permission from a parent or legal guardian must be granted.
A person must also pay a one-time fee. Members of the BRSM have certain rights and duties and they can leave the organization at their own free will.
ACTIVITIES
Most of the BRSM’s activities are similar to those that were performed by the Soviet Komsomol. The main activities of the BRSM involve the promotion of Belarusian patriotism. This is accomplished by participating in wreath-laying ceremonies at various memorials around the country. BRSM members also pass out flowers to veterans of the Great Patriotic War (World War II) to honor their service during the national holiday Den Pobedy (Day of Victory). Both the memorial visits and the flowers for the veterans give BRSM members an idea of what sacrifices their ancestors made. During other national holidays, the BRSM passes out a ribbon that resembles the national flag of Belarus, to be worn on a shirt or jacket. This program, along with other events, is part of its “For Belarus!” (Russian: За Беларусь!) campaign.
The BRSM participates in outdoor activities and sports, including football, running, swimming and hockey. Some of these athletic events involve different groups from inside Belarus or from neighboring countries, such as Russia, Ukraine or Latvia. BRSM members also participate in competitions amongst themselves or with other foreign groups that are similar to the BRSM.
BRSM organizes student construction brigades, a practice also originated in the Soviet Union.
3. What questions would you like to ask a person who has joined a new international organization?
Really it’s interesting to find out something about these people:
4. What issues would you recommend to discuss at a monthly meeting of a debate club?
I think there are so many things to talk about for young people. For example I would recommend to discuss: the ecological situation in our town, our modern national music styles, modern arts, some fashion issues. Maybe such questions will be interesting for discussions: Is there any threat from the space? Would you like to change the system of our education? Do you know your history well? What is the role of colours in our life? Is it possible to avoid all bad habits in the society?
So I can say that the topics and questions for discussions are unlimited.
5. A lot of young people in Europe work in hospitals and kindergartens as volunteers. What do you think attracts them to this kind of work?
Volunteer movement is a very unique phenomenon in a society. It shows the level of the development of the society. In this kind of work people have no any material motivation. The people who work as volunteers have some spiritual intentions and motivation. Some of them want to help other people, others hope to get some experience in this kind of work because they want to connect their lives with this sphere of activity. Also there are people who have overcome some situations or difficulties in their lives and now they want to help others.
In Belarus we also have volunteer movement. For example in Grodno you can work in the organization taking care about homeless animals. Some young people go to hospitals with Christian priests. Also there are people who go by bicycles around Belarus to clean the countryside.
№2
№3
№4
Climate,weather.
Weather is the mix of events that happen each day in our atmosphere including temperature, rainfall and humidity. Weather is not the same everywhere. Perhaps it is hot, dry and sunny today where you live, but in other parts of the world it is cloudy, raining or even snowing. Everyday, weather events are recorded and predicted by meteorologists worldwide.
Weather is basically the way the atmosphere is behaving, mainly with respect to its effects upon life and human activities. The difference between weather and climate is that weather consists of the short-term (minutes to months) changes in the atmosphere. Most people think of weather in terms of temperature, humidity, precipitation, cloudiness, brightness, visibility, wind, and atmospheric pressure, as in high and low pressure.
In most places, weather can change from minute-to-minute, hour-to-hour, day-to-day, and season-to-season. Climate, however, is the average of weather over time and space. An easy way to remember the difference is that climate is what you expect, like a very hot summer, and weather is what you get, like a hot day with pop-up thunderstorms.
Climate in your place on the globe controls the weather where you live. Climate is the average weather pattern in a place over many years. So, the climate ofAntarctica is quite different than the climate of a tropical island. Hot summer days are quite typical of climates in many regions of the world, even without the effects of global warming.
In short, climate is the description of the long-term pattern of weather in a particular area.
When scientists talk about climate, they’re looking at averages of precipitation (выпадение осадков), temperature, humidity, sunshine, wind velocity, phenomena such as fog, frost, and hail storms, and other measures of the weather that occur over a long period in a particular place.
1. What is happening to weather and climate nowadays?
Our weather is always changing and now scientists are discovering that our climate does not stay the same either. Climate, the average weather over a period of many years, differs in regions of the world that receive different amounts of sunlight and have different geographic factors, such as proximity to oceans and altitude.
Climates will change if the factors that influence them fluctuate (колебаться). The heat that enters into the Earth system comes from the Sun. Sunlight travels through space and our atmosphere, heating up the land surface and the oceans. The warmed Earth then releases heat back into the atmosphere. However, the amount of sunlight let into the system is not always the same. Changes in Earth’s orbit over thousands of years and changes in the Sun’s intensity affect the amount of solar energy that reaches the Earth.
Heat exits the Earth system as the Earth’s surface, warmed by solar energy, radiates heat away. However, certain gases in our atmosphere, called greenhouse gases, allow the lower atmosphere to absorb the heat radiated from the Earth’s surface, trapping heat within the Earth system. Greenhouse gases are an important part of our atmosphere because they keep Earth from becoming an icy sphere with surface temperatures of about0°F. However, over the past century or so the amounts of greenhouse gases within our atmosphere have been increasing rapidly, mainly due to the burning of fossil fuels, which releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Consequently, in the past one hundred years global temperatures have been increasing more rapidly than the historic record shows. Scientists believe this accelerated heating of the atmosphere is because increasing amounts of these greenhouse gases trap more and more heat.
The reason studying climate and a changing climate is important, is that will affect people around the world. Rising global temperatures are expected to raise sea levels, and change precipitation and other local climate conditions. Changing regional climate could alter forests, crop yields, and water supplies. It could also affect human health, animals, and many types of ecosystems. Deserts may expand into existing rangelands, and features of some of our National Parks and National Forests may be permanently altered.
2. Are you weather dependent?
If you are talking about my mood I will say “Yes”, if you are talking about my physical state – the answer will be “No”.
3. What questions would you ask a meteorologist?
- What do meteorologists do?
- Where do you work?
- How often are you mistaken?
- Have you got any punishment for your mistakes?
4. What can you advise a person who wants to become a meteorologist?
When we hear the word “meteorologist,” we often think of the person on the television screen who tells us about tomorrow’s high and low temperatures and precipitation. Many radio and television weathercasters are professional meteorologists, but others are reporters who are passing on information provided by the National Weather Service or private weather forecasters. A meteorologist is a person with specialized education “who uses scientific principles to explain, understand, observe, or forecast the earth’s atmospheric phenomena and/or how the atmosphere affects the earth and life on the planet.” This education usually includes a bachelor’s or higher degree from a college or university. Many meteorologists have degrees in physics, chemistry, mathematics, and other fields. The broader term “atmospheric science” often is used to describe the combination of meteorology and other branches of physical science that are involved in studying the atmosphere.
So I can advise a person to study physics.
5. They say there’s no bad weather, there are bad clothes. What do you think about it?
Actually, the English sayings about weather are numerous. And there is an objective reason for the popularity of this topic. The English weather on the whole is the naughtiest thing in the world. It’s because of the geographical position of theBritish Isles. Nevertheless people try to adopt themselves to the weather so as to live in harmony with it. And sometimes they even make use of the situation having an opportunity to change their clothes more often.
Though O. Wilde said, “Whenever people talk to me about the weather, I always feel certain that they mean something else.”
Personally I think each weather or season of the year possesses its own charm, has its own beauty and significance to man.
Travelling
Travelling is necessary to us all! It keeps us from growing stale and old; it stimulates our imagination; it gives us that movement and change which are necessary to our wellbeing. Some people travel in search of beauty, others to satisfy their curiosity, and many people consider traveling to be a good form of rest.
While traveling we look for different things. Some people look for natural wonders: waterfalls, mountains; others search for ancient sites and great monuments. Some of my friends want to see romantic historical cities or exciting modern cities. As for me I like beautiful beaches and a coastline.
Some people travel light, and some take a lot of luggage on their travels, journeys, voyages or trips. They may choose various means of travelling: by air, by sea, by train, by car, by coach, on a bike, on foot or even on horseback.
Every journey has to be arranged beforehand. There is a number of things one must take care of if they want to make their journey comfortable. First of all, you should choose the most convenient way of getting at your destination. Secondly, it would be very wise of you to reserve everything in advance and save your time and trouble. Then you should find out the time of departure and the time of arrival. Think about your luggage beforehand and pack it neatly. It is strongly recommended to come to the railway station, coach station or airport well in advance so as to have enough time to settle for your traveling.
There are some things that can spoil the impression of your journey: travel sickness, heavy luggage, talkative fellow passengers, missing your transport, bad food, delays and cancellations of transport and bad weather. You should take everything into account and take drastic measures. For example you may take a medicine for your sickness, pack a couple of sandwiches, take suitable clothes, be well-organized and try to be optimistic in any case. People who are optimistic have more control and a better handle on life, live longer, persevere (добиваться) more, have more friends and generally are happier.
1. Do you like travelling? Why?
I’m extremely fond of traveling. I think this is the way to learn the world and get unique experience. Travelling is an adventure. Though you usually plan and arrange all the things you never know what people you’ll meet, what decisions you’ll have to make and what you’ll learn about yourself.
While travelling you discover different lifestyles, arts and crafts, taste different food, visit museums and picture galleries, enjoy nature.
2. How do you like to travel?
As for me, I prefer travelling by car. I think it’s very convenient. You needn’t reserve tour tickets. You needn’t carry heavy suitcases. You can stop wherever you wish, and spend at any place as much time as you like.
1) I think I should like to say a word or two for trains. With a train you have speed, comfort and pleasure combined. From the comfortable corner seat of a railway carriage you have a splendid view of the whole countryside. If you are hungry, you can have meal in the dining car; and if the journey is a long one you can have a wonderful bed in a sleeper. And there is nothing more interesting than a big railway station, too! There is the movement, the excitement, the gaiety of people going away or waiting to meet friends.
2) To me there is nothing like travel by air; it is more comfortable, more convenient and of course far quicker than any other method. There is none of the dust and dirt of a railway or car journey, none of the trouble of changing train to steamer and then to another train. There is no need to trouble about your suitcase. Being on board the plane you can read newspapers to kill the time. You are also served some drinks and food. Besides, flying is a thrilling thing.
3. What questions should you ask a travel agent to learn more about a tour?
How long will it take me to get to the destination?
What excursions are included into the tour?
Will I have to pay for excursions additionally?
4. What can you advise a person who doesn’t know where to spend his/her holiday?
The most interesting way of spending holidays is travelling. First of all it is necessary to choose your destination. Then you may plan your route and a type of transport. Nowadays there are a lot of travel agencies which will help you to arrange everything in no time. Package holidays are very popular among holidaymakers because it’s very convenient. You don’t have to worry about such things as where to sleep and what to eat.
5. What difficulties can you have when visiting a foreign country? Is it possible to avoid them?
A fundamental issue for those who are in the midst of another culture is a decision about how much they should change their behaviors to fitthe beliefs, values and norms of those with whom they interact.
Sometimes it is difficult for people to change their behaviours to match cultural patterns that contradict their own beliefs and values.
But it’s better to do as the old saying teaches, “When inRome, do as the Romans do”. It means that visitors should show respect for the other culture and its ways. In this way it will be possible to avoid difficulties.
Let’s talk about different types of houses.
There are many types of housing: detached houses, semi-detached houses, terraced houses and flats. Some of the detached houses are cottages and bungalows.
It must be understood that a detached house can take on any form or style. It does not matter if the house is a bungalow, a cottage or a mansion. As long as it is not joined to another house, it is a detached house. One advantage of a detached house is the fact that the free space surrounding the building is belongs to the family. You can do whatever you would like to be done in your house. The disadvantage is that all repairs in the house should be made by the owner.
A semi-detached house is a pair of houses that share one common wall. The two houses are built to mirror each other. One advantage of living in a semi-detached house is that there is still some privacy even if one wall is shared by the two houses. A disadvantage is that you are responsible for the upkeep of your side of the house. Another disadvantage is that you cannot just plan repairs or renovations as you have to consider your twin house.
Terraced housing is also known as townhouses. The origin of this type of dwelling was in the 17th century inEurope. A row of identical looking houses share side walls. In the past, terrace housing used to be only associated with the working class for this type of housing was cheap, small and had very little privacy. As time went by, terrace housing became known as townhouses which were more associated with the rich.
One of the major advantages of terrace housing is that it is relatively cheaper than a semi-detached built in the same location. One great disadvantage is that there is typically no yard or garden that comes with a unit. As two walls are shared, there is less privacy too.
A flat or an apartment is a part of a larger building. Such building is called an apartment building or a block of flats. A flat can be a studio unit, a one-bedroom, two-bedroom or three-bedroom unit.
Tell me about the house/ flat you live in.
We have a nice flat in a new block of flats. Our flat is on the fourth floor. It has all modern conveniences: central heating, gas, electricity, cold and hot running water, a lift and a chute to carry rubbish down. There are three rooms, a kitchen, a bathroom and a hall in our flat. The living-room is the largest and most comfortable room in the flat. In the middle of the room we have a square-table with six chairs round it. To the right of the dinner-table there is a wall-unit which has several sections: a sideboard, a wardrobe and some shelves. At the opposite wall there is a piano and stool before it. Between the two large windows there is a little table with a colour TV set on it. Near the TV set there are two cosy armchairs. A small round table, a sofa and a standard lamp are in the left-hand corner. This small table is for newspapers and magazines. My father is used to having a rest sitting on this sofa reading books, newspapers, magazines or watching TV.
The bedroom is smaller than the living-room and not so light as there is only one window in it. In this room there are two beds with a bedside-table between them. An alarm-clock and a small lamp with a pink lamp-shade are on the table. In the left-hand corner there is a dressing-table with a big mirror. In this room we have a built-in wardrobe with coat-hangers to hang clothes on. There is a thick carpet on the floor and plain light-brown curtains on the window.
It’s really wonderful to have a room for yourself. My room is not large but very cosy. There isn’t much furniture in it, only the most necessary. It has a writing-table and an armchair before it. In the right-hand corner there is a bookcase full of books, magazines and newspapers. A small table with a tape-recorder is standing in the left-hand corner. Near it there is a sofa with some cushions. In my opinion, the study is the best room in our flat. But the warmest place in our flat is the kitchen, I think — the place where the whole family gathers every evening not only to have supper together, but also to speak and rest. I like the English proverb: “My home is my castle” because my flat is, indeed, my castle.
Does the place where a person lives reflect his/ her personality? Why (not)?
Some people think that one’s home is as much a reflection of his personality, as the clothes he wears, the food he eats, the friends he spends his time with. I agree that many homes reflect the ways of life and habits of their owners. In my view to live comfortably doesn’t mean to live in luxury in a detached house with all modern conveniences and appliances, which is well furnished and nicely decorated. Certainly it won’t do any harm to have all these things, which make our life easier, more enjoyable and pleasant. Good housing conditions are very important for creating a good quality of life. But I’m convinced that all these things are not so important as the relaxing friendly atmosphere at home.
What questions will you ask your friend who is going to move about his/ her new home?
- Is your flat far or close to the centre of the city?
- How many rooms are there in your flat?
- Is it far from our school?
- How much time will it take you to get to your school?
Your friend wants to decorate his/ her new flat. Give him/ her some advice how to furnish it.
I think it will be reasonable to surf the Internet in search of some examples of a design. If you choose a certain style then it will be easy to decide about the furniture. I wouldn’t recommend to overcrowd the room with the furniture. There should be everything that is necessary. In this case you’ll have enough space and air in your room. Besides it’s easier to clean such rooms.
But the most important thing about the design of any room is to make it cosy.
What type of house would you prefer to live in? Why?
I would like to live in a detached house with a big garden …
First of all there are/is …. Secondly,…
On the one hand …, on the other …. Another thing is that … As a result ….
Shopping
Shopping is a part of our every day life. There are many kinds of shops in every town or city: a department store, a supermarket, a local corner shop, a shopping outlet. Also there is a great variety of all kinds of specialized shops: a sweet shop, a greengrocer’s, a butcher’s, a dairy shop, a baker’s, a grocer’s, stationary, and so on.
A department store is a large shop which is divided into a lot of different sections and which sells many different kinds of goods: ready-made clothes, footwear, fabrics, cosmetics and perfume, hi-fi, tableware, china and glassware, electric appliances, furniture and what not. They are popular with customers because it’s convenient when various goods are sold under one roof. However, some people don’t like to shop in big department stores as they are often overcrowded.
A supermarket is a large shop which sells all kinds of food: fresh, frozen and canned meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, dairy products, bread and groceries. You can buy here practically everything a family needs: a little bit of everything including household goods.
A shopping outlet is a shop which sells goods made by a particular manufacturer.
Shopping can be both a must and a pleasure. Some people hate shopping. So they make a list of what they need and run through stores. Others make a hobby of shopping tours. They go from store to store looking for a bargain.
Coming to the shop you become a customer. Shops are ideal places to spend your money. You can choose the way to do it: pay cash, by card or buy things on credit. Shopping, however, is an art of its own and you have to learn slowly where to buy various things.
My parents do most of the shopping in our family. They usually drive to the supermarket where they go to the grocery, greengrocery, meat and fish departments and buy all the food we need for our family. They usually do it once a week.
Shopping is also a chore for me. There is a small supermarket near our house so when my mum asks me I go there to buy bread or milk or something we’ve run out.
Sometimes shopping is a kind of pastime and even entertainment for me and my mother. We can spend hours walking from one shop to another in search of something special.
2. Do you like shopping? Why (not)?
Some people hate shopping. So they make a list of what they need and run through stores. Others make a hobby of shopping tours. They go from store to store looking for goods of better quality and lower price. Like most girls I like shopping.
Modern shopping centres do their best to prove to you that shopping may be fun. That’s why they tend to combine shopping and leisure. A modern shopping centre often looks like a city under one roof. Besides a great variety of stores, shops and outlets one can find there theme parks with rides, amusements and games. If you are tired you can enjoy delicious food in a restaurant or just have a snack in a cafeteria or a café. Information desk will help you not to be at a loss and to save your time.
To make shopping convenient for all, shopping centres offer you free of charge: late night shopping, recreation areas, special facilities for the elderly and disabled and shopping trolleys and baskets.
3. What questions can you ask your friend about the best shopping places in his/ her native city?
4. What can you advise a teenager who wants to buy a birthday present for his/ her friend?
First I should say, buying gifts for teens is not easy. Teen’s ideas and interests are changing very quickly, which can make gift-giving a challenge. The steps of buying a present are as follows:
Find out as much as possible about his or her hobbies, interests, likes and dislikes. If you know they need something, it’s a good bet that they will be happy to get it.
Nowadays teens are much into communication so an inexpensive gadget will be a good idea.
At the same time teenagers like surprises so if you are a creative person think of something unusual.
Just say no to clothes. Teens are often very specific about what they wear.
Be practical! Be sure to include the receipt if you are unsure about your gift selection.
5. Parents usually give pocket money to their children. But some people think they shouldn’t do it as teenagers don’t work. What do you think about it?
I think parents should give their children pocket money because in this way they will learn how to budget. It is important to guide them when they first have money of their own. If you budget, you don’t just spend or save, you plan how to spend, you plan your expenses. In this way children will become more responsible. To my mind pocket money can give good experience. Children should understand that they can’t always have everything right away – sometimes they have to save up for things that they would like to buy.
Some of the rich are rich not because they have always had a lot of money but because they have been budgeting.
Science
Scientific research has a history of thousands of years. Science has offered many gifts to mankind. Fire was the first discovery and wheel was the first invention. Since that time we have travelled far. Scientists like Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton, and many others have turned the tables of the world. Science had brought great laurels in every field but it has really shone in technology. We have access to some of the most advanced technical inventions. A few centuries ago a mastermind – Leonardo da Vinci made the first blue-print for an aeroplane. Today planes of different modifications are used for many purposes. NASA launched a Space Shuttle called Discovery. Space exploration has become a reality.
Sometimes we ask the question, “What is the most important gift of science?” To my mind e lectricity is a gift of science without which the modern civilization can not survive. If we stop using it, the whole world would come to a standstill. And the most important devices of today are the time-measuring device and the computer. A time-measuring device (a clock or a watch) regulates the activities and functionalities of our life – ranging from personal life to communication and transportation. A computer controls both personal and impersonal issues at local and global levels. How chaotic life could result if these two devices stop functioning all of a sudden!
To many people, one of the most famous inventions of the 20th century is the automobile. The greatest car maker of the age is undoubtedly Henry Ford. Today Lamborgini, Masseratti, and Maybachs are packed with newer inventions of the day. These are mechanical devices which have made us a Nano-race.
Engineering on the nano-scale isn’t a new thing. Clothes have just got clever with nanotechnology: the materials stay clean, warm, strong and dry.
Nanotechnology is big news in sport. Tennis and golf players, skiers and mountain bikers are already enjoying the advanced technology with lighter, stronger sports equipment.
The displays on everything from iPods and cell phones to flat screen TVs are made from plastic built on the nanoscale.
One of the most exciting areas of nanotechnology is building incredibly small machines from individual atoms. Nanomachines could be made into nanorobots (sometimes called “nanobots”) that could be injected into our bodies to carry out repairs or sent into dangerous environments.
Nanotechnology can be used in the food industry right from field to table. For example, nanomaterials could help keep food fresh for longer. Scientists are already manufacturing nano-sized vitamins that are easier for our bodies to take in. In the future they hope to create ‘interactive’ food – food and drink that could change colour, flavour or ingredients on demand.
We have come into a digital age. Computers have given way to laptops and palmtops. Picture-tube televisions have metamorphosed into LCDs and Plasma. Some of us live in smart homes that obviously make life easier and more convenient. Anything in your home that uses electricity can be put on the home network and at your command. Whether you give that command by voice, remote control or computer, the home reacts. Security systems can be built to provide help in an emergency.
The mobiles have turned into a complete island of entertainment and communication.
Internet has made possible many things: online education, communication and other unlimited opportunities. You can visit your distant relatives on the other side of the globe within a day. You can look at an award ceremony held in London. You can put thousand pages of text into a pin size chip and still have plenty of space left.
But some of modern discoveries cause heated debates. One such problem is human cloning. Supporters of human cloning say it could ease pain and prolong life. They also say cloning would expand the boundaries of reproductive choice. Opponents of cloning say that human cloning projects are criminally irresponsible. Nowadays several governments around the world have banned public money being spent on human cloning research.
Society is facing many important decisions about the use of science and technology. These decisions affect the environment, human health, society and international policy. To resolve these issues, and develop principles to help us make decisions we need to involve anthropology, sociology, biology, medicine, religion, psychology, philosophy, and economics; we must combine the scientific rigour of biological data, with the values of religion and philosophy to develop a world-view.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, MODERN COMMUNICATIONS
№1
Scientific research has a history of thousands of years. Science has offered many gifts to mankind. Fire was the first discovery and wheel was the first invention. Since that time we have travelled far. Scientists like Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton, and many others have turned the tables of the world.
To my mind e lectricity is a gift of science without which the modern civilization can not survive. If we stop using it, the whole world would come to a standstill. And the most important devices of today are the time-measuring device and the computer. A time-measuring device (a clock or a watch) regulates the activities and functionalities of our life – ranging from personal life to communication and transportation. A computer controls both personal and impersonal issues at local and global levels. How chaotic life could result if these two devices stop functioning all of a sudden!
To many people, one of the most famous inventions of the 20th century is the automobile.
2. Would you like to be a scientist? Why (not)?
Personally I have never thought of being a scientist. It’s not my cup of tea. There aren’t so many people who have got real talent and passion for science. Reading the biographies of great scientists you understand that almost all of them devoted their lives for science. I think I am not ready for this way of life. And I haven’t got passion for it.
3. Give me some of advice on how to become a good scientist.
I can recommend for those people who feel inspiration for inventions and discoveries to read the ”Letter to Youth” written by Pavlov. Pavlov wrote it not long before his death. Here are some of his thoughts.
First of all – learn the ABC of science before you try to reach its heights. Always study. Develop patience. Never try to escape the hard jobs in science. Study, compare, gather facts.
The second thing is modesty. Never think that you know everything.
The third thing is passion. Remember, science requires your whole life. Science demands of man the greatest effort & supreme passion. Be passionate in your work.
4. What would you like to know about a new gadget — iPad?
Some of my classmates have already got iPads, so I’ve got an idea about it. Probably it would be interesting to know about the latest models.
- What is the model of your iPad?
- Are there any new functions in your iPad?
- What model would you recommend to buy?
5. Parents think that the internet influences negatively the development of teenagers’ thinking skills. Children, on the contrary, believe that it’s impossible to imagine our modern world without the Internet. What is your point of view?
The Internet is a great source of information and entertainment for many people. It has made possible new forms of social interaction and has become a major source of leisure.
Personally, I can’t imagine my life without Internet. Thanks to it I have got an opportunity to access mews, documents, images, sounds, video and games, to make friends, to book tickets and to purchase different things online. There are a lot of different sites for students, gardeners, businessmen, engineers, for people who are fond of music, cinema, theatre, sports and even for disabled people. What is more, the Internet has revolutionized the way people communicate. Sending electronic text messages is much faster and easier than writing letters. People use e-mail to stay in touch with friends worldwide.
However, internet-addiction is a topical problem nowadays. Spending much time in front of the screen becomes a kind of obsession for many people. The symptoms of internet-addiction include sleep deprivation, decreased physical activity and social interaction with others. People who spend most of their time in the virtual world forget about the real one. They neglect their relatives and ruin their families. Besides, there is a lot of rubbish online and you can’t always trust what you read on the web.
To sum up, the Internet becomes dangerous when it is misused. But if it is used wisely and moderately, it helps you work, study or entertain and it saves plenty of time.
№2
1. Now let’s speak about science. What science are you interested in? What makes it special for you?
Scientific research has a history of thousands of years. Science has offered many gifts to mankind. Fire was the first discovery and wheel was the first invention. Since that time we have travelled far. Scientists like Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton, and many others have turned the tables of the world.
I think all sciences are very interesting. We may not like any subject at school like Physics or Mathematics. But the reason of our dislike doesn’t lie in the sphere of science itself. Usually we don’t like some subjects because they are difficult for learning and understanding. As for science it’s a sphere with a lot of mysterious ideas, questions and phenomena. To my mind our world is interesting in all aspects so it’s the question of time to have special interest in this or that sphere of our World.
2. Would you like to be a scientist? Why (not)?
See Card 1(2)
3. What questions would you ask an outstanding scientist?
It would be a great opportunity to meet such person. So I would ask:
- What helps you to get new ideas?
- How much time is it necessary to understand that you have made a discovery?
- Do you feel envy of your colleagues’ success?
- Do you prefer to work alone or with a group of scientists?
4. Give me a piece of advice on how to convince my parents of the necessity of a mobile phone for every teenager.
Mobile phones have changed people’s life. They give us an opportunity to stay in touch and to be reachable everywhere. Now it’s difficult to imagine how people lived without mobile phones in the past.
The mobile phone is a very useful device. Thanks to it, I can access people I need: my parents, my friends and teachers. I can never miss anything important. If I need some help, I just call for help. If I’m late for some reason I may send a message to inform about it. What is more, with the help of my mobile phone I can access the Internet, listen to music and what not. A mobile phone gives us freedom.
5. Why do you think cloning was banned in some countries?
Some of modern discoveries cause heated debates. One such problem is human cloning. Supporters of human cloning say it could ease pain and prolong life. They also say cloning would expand the boundaries of reproductive choice. Opponents of cloning say that human cloning projects are criminally irresponsible. That is why nowadays several governments around the world have banned public money being spent on human cloning research.
№3
See Card 1(1)
2. Do you use many gadgets and devices at home? Why (not)?
Smart homes obviously make life easier and more convenient. Who wouldn’t love being able to control lighting, entertainment and temperature from their couch? Whether you’re at work or on vacation, the smart home will alert you to what’s going on, and security systems can be built to provide help in an emergency.
Smart homes also provide some energy savings. The devices can go to “sleep” and wake up when commands are given. Electric bills go down when lights are automatically turned off when a person leaves the room.
At present it’s almost impossible to imagine our life without automatic, electric and electronic appliances which make the housework so much easier.
We’ve got at home all modern devices like: a vacuum-cleaner, a washing machine, a fridge, an iron, a coffee-maker, a computer and other stuff which are quite typical in any household.
3. What questions can you ask about a new high-tech device for music fans?
- Is it a portable device?
- What is a quality of a sound system in the device?
- Is it possible to connect the device to the computer?
4. My niece is not very good at science at school. Tell her how to achieve better results.
First of all I’ll recommend not to worry about it, because different people are talented in different spheres. Probably it will be very useful for her to read some popular information in the sphere of Physics or Biology. Maybe, she will be able to find something unusual which will raise her interest.
5. People are becoming more dependent on high-tech devices. Is it good or bad?
To my mind it’s neither good nor bad. It’s our reality. It’s impossible to imagine our modern life without high-tech devices. The question of becoming dependent on high-tech devices lies in the sphere of personal attitude towards it. Every person decides himself whether to be reasonable or not.
Let’s talk about modern means of communication
According to Webster’s Dictionary communication is “a sending, giving or exchanging of information, ideas etc.” Thus talking about modern means of communication I would mention two things – mobile phones and the Internet. When I use all these things everyday I sometimes recollect people who invented them. Without the work of John Neumann, Charles Babbage, Tim Bernes-Lee, Zhores Alferov, Al Gore and many others we won’t be able to enjoy all modern means of communication.
Modern means of communication have introduced relevant changes in our life. Mobile phones give us an opportunity to stay in touch and to be reachable everywhere. Now it’s difficult to imagine how people lived without mobile phones in the past.
The mobile phone is a very useful device. Thanks to it, I can access people I need: my parents, my friends and teachers. I can never miss anything important. If I need some help, I just call for help. If I’m late for some reason I may send a message to inform about it. What is more, with the help of my mobile phone I can access the Internet, listen to music and what not. A mobile phone gives us freedom. Furthermore, mobile phones offer the possibility of texting. Text messaging is the most convenient and the cheapest form of communication when we need to pass a quick note containing only a few words.
But telephones are no longer the only device used to communicate with other people. For example, using new software applications like Skype is undoubtedly one of the popular ways for communication. In this way we can surf the net and chat with our friends at the same time. Another advantage is convenience for those who cannot bother going outdoors to meet up with someone.
Others suggest that such trend of communication can make people’s social skills degenerate. As time passes, people forget how to talk to each other naturally when it comes to the necessity of face-to-face communication.
Emails have replaced letters and postcards almost completely. People prefer emails, which are quicker to write and send and more sure to reach the addressee.
A lot of people especially teenagers communicate in social networks such as vkontacte, facebook, twitter, odnoklasniki. They share the news, pictures, funny videos, jokes, songs and so on.
Video conferences are often used by business people and scientists and they don’t need to travel to remote places.
1. Is there any means of communication you can’t live without? Why (not)?
I wouldn’t say – I can’t live without any means of communication. To tell you the truth we should have rest from any form of communication. But I can’t imagine my everyday life without the Internet.
The Internet is a great source of information and entertainment for many people. It has made possible new forms of social interaction and has become a major source of leisure.
Thanks to it I have got an opportunity to access news, documents, images, sounds, video and games, to make friends, to book tickets and to purchase different things online. There are a lot of different sites for students, gardeners, businessmen, engineers, for people who are fond of music, cinema, theatre, sports and even for disabled people. What is more, the Internet has revolutionized the way people communicate. Sending electronic text messages is much faster and easier than writing letters. People use e-mail to stay in touch with friends worldwide.
2. Do you consider all means of communication very effective? Why?
I think all means of communication are effective in this or that way. We can’t substitute for example phones by e-mails. There are special advantages and functions of this or that mean of communication. But so as to be in touch with everybody and to be informed regularly you should know all modern changes in the sphere of communication.
The Internet is very helpful for those who have a hobby. You can communicate with those who share the same passion from all over the world. You can learn the news and discuss your favourite pop star, or a movie actor, a tv show, sport competitions and what not. On forums people share their experiences and help each other to solve the problems they have run into.
However, internet-addiction is a topical problem nowadays. Spending much time in front of the screen becomes a kind of obsession for many people. The symptoms of internet-addiction include sleep deprivation, decreased physical activity and social interaction with others. People who spend most of their time in the virtual world forget about the real one. They neglect their relatives and ruin their families. Besides, there is a lot of rubbish online and you can’t always trust what you read on the web.
To sum up, the Internet becomes dangerous when it is misused. But if it is used wisely and moderately, it helps you work, study or entertain and it saves plenty of time.
3. What questions will you ask people who live without a TV set, computer or radio?
Really these people are unusual, so it would be interesting to talk to them. The questions may be:
Would you like to have a computer or a TV set?
Where do you get information from?
What do you like to do in your free time?
4. I’d like to watch an interesting programme on TV. What can you advise me?
First of all, I would ask about your preferences and interests. Sometimes people watch TV just to relax. In this case my advice may be very different. So, I personally would recommend you to watch any programmes on Discovery Channel or on Viasat History Channel. If you’ve got a pet you would enjoy watching special programmes about cats and dogs on Animal Planet Channel. If you want to listen to hot discussions, visit RTVI Channel and choose anything to your taste.
Also there are many programmes about education and culture. There are programmes on wide range of subjects — from physics and literature to cooking and yoga. Public TV also broadcasts plays, ballets, symphonies as well as programmes about art and history. So you’ve got a great choice.
5. Some people believe that it’s not necessary to buy newspapers nowadays. What is your point of view?
To tell you the truth, today’s teens are not really interested in any traditional media. Television, radio and newspapers are becoming less and less popular. Teenagers don’t read newspapers. Instead they watch the news summarized on the Internet or TV. The only newspapers that are read are the cheaper tabloids.
Nevertheless, newspapers are worth buying! They are a daily source of news, education and fun that no home should be without. In fact, every home should have at least 3 different newspapers a day to get a balanced opinion of world events. Also, buying newspapers you’re doing your bit for the local economy. As for tabloids, sometimes they come up with good stories. Just imagine the political scandals that would go unnoticed without reporters.
MASS MEDIA
1. Let’s talk about mass media: TV, newspapers, radio. Which of these does your family like?
Mass media are one of the most characteristic features of modern civilization. People are united into one global community with the help of mass media. People can learn about what is happening in the world very fast using mass media. The mass media include newspapers, magazines, radio and television. The earliest kind of mass media was newspaper. The first newspaper was Roman handwritten newssheet called “Acta Diurna” started in 59 B.C. Magazines appeared in 1700′s. They developed from newspapers and booksellers’ catalogs. Radio and TV appeared only in the 20th century.
TV is the source of valuable information. It brings the world to our living room, where we can see people of other countries; learn their customs, traditions and problems. We can see great events and famous people. The choice of programmes, modern television provides, is really wide: the news, feature films, talk shows, music programmes, documentary films, educational programmes, serials, interviews.
On the other hand, people tend to spend more and more time in front of the box glued to the screen watching their favourite programmes or just switching over from channel to channel with the help of remote control. Recently the public has grown quite concerned about people’s addiction to television and the Internet. Television and the Internet encourage passive enjoyment. They cut us off from the real world. Sometimes there is too much violence and crime on TV and on the Internet. Parents worry about the effect that television has on children. If parents are not careful children get to see programmes which are not suitable for them. That’s why we should be selective in our choice of programmes and the Internet sites. The mass media is not bad unless we make ourselves bad.
Speaking about my personal preferences on TV, I wouldn’t say a lot, as I’m not a TV fan. But some of my peers still watch TV, often tuning into a particular season of TV show or sporting event like football. The members of my family also demonstrate great diversity in their tastes. My mother enjoys watching lifestyle programmes, talk shows, soaps, drama and sitcoms. My father prefers news and sports programmes. Sometimes I watch music programmes.
To tell you the truth, I’m not really interested in any traditional media. Television, radio and newspapers are becoming less and less popular. I don’t read newspapers. Instead I watch the news summarized on the Internet. Sometimes I enjoy reading magazines or cheaper tabloids.
Nevertheless, newspapers are worth buying! My father thinks they are a daily source of news, education and fun that no home should be without. He is sure that every home should have at least 3 different newspapers a day to get a balanced opinion of world events. So my father buys newspapers to do our bit for the local economy. As for tabloids, as my Mum says, sometimes they come up with good stories. Just imagine the political scandals that would go unnoticed without reporters.
2. Is there any means of communication you can’t live without? Why (not)?
I wouldn’t say – I can’t live without any means of communication. To tell you the truth we should have rest from any form of communication. But I can’t imagine my everyday life without the Internet.
The Internet is a great source of information and entertainment for many people. It has made possible new forms of social interaction and has become a major source of leisure.
Thanks to it I have got an opportunity to access news, documents, images, sounds, video and games, to make friends, to book tickets and to purchase different things online. There are a lot of different sites for students, gardeners, businessmen, engineers, for people who are fond of music, cinema, theatre, sports and even for disabled people. What is more, the Internet has revolutionized the way people communicate. Sending electronic text messages is much faster and easier than writing letters. People use e-mail to stay in touch with friends worldwide.
3. What questions will you ask the participants of Dom 2, a TV reality show?
Frankly speaking, I wouldn’t like to talk to them at all. The only question may be:
- What makes you take part in this kind of a TV show?
4. I’d like to watch an interesting programme on TV. What can you advise me?
First of all, I would ask about your preferences and interests. Sometimes people watch TV just to relax. In this case my advice may be very different. So, I personally would recommend you to watch any programmes on Discovery Channel or on Viasat History Channel. If you’ve got a pet you would enjoy watching special programmes about cats and dogs on Animal Planet Channel. If you want to listen to hot discussions, visit RTVI Channel and choose anything to your taste.
Also there are many programmes about education and culture. There are programmes on wide range of subjects — from physics and literature to cooking and yoga. Public TV also broadcasts plays, ballets, symphonies as well as programs about art and history. So you’ve got a great choice.
5. Many people say that newspapers and radio are not as popular as TV and very soon they will lose their importance. What is your point of view?
Maybe. But I don’t think they will lose their importance. Probably they will change the forms. Many newspapers will be transformed into electronic versions on the Internet. As for radio, it has already lost its importance in its initial way of existence. Nowadays we can listen to the radio through the Internet.
Mass Media
Mass media are one of the most characteristic features of modern civilization. People are united into one global community with the help of mass media. People can learn about what is happening in the world very fast using mass media. The mass media include newspapers, magazines, radio and television. The earliest kind of mass media was newspaper. The first newspaper was Roman handwritten newssheet called “Acta Diurna” started in 59 B.C. Magazines appeared in 1700′s.
They developed from newspapers and booksellers’ catalogs. Radio and TV appeared only in the 20th century.
But, to tell you the truth, today’s teens are not really interested in any traditional media. Television, radio and newspapers are becoming less and less popular. Teenagers don’t read newspapers. Instead they watch the news summarized on the Internet or TV. The only newspapers that are read are the cheaper tabloids.
Nevertheless, newspapers are worth buying! They are a daily source of news, education and fun that no home should be without. In fact, every home should have at least 3 different newspapers a day to get a balanced opinion of world events. Also, buying newspapers you’re doing your bit for the local economy. As for tabloids, sometimes they come up with good stories. Just imagine the political
Дата добавления: 2015-11-14; просмотров: 97 | Нарушение авторских прав
| <== предыдущая страница | | | следующая страница ==> |
| Give me a piece of advice on what sights to see in London. | | | Give me some advice on what to do in my free time. |