Task 1
Imagine that you are preparing a project with your friend. You have found some interesting material for the presentation and you want to read this text to your friend. You have 1.5 minutes to read the text silently, then be ready to read it out aloud. You will not have more than 1.5 minutes to read it.
The Romans had one of the greatest and most powerful empires in history. They built roads and canals, and hundreds of elegant cities full of theatres, markets and enormous sports stadiums.
Two thousand years ago, the ancient city of Rome had over one million residents, and there wasn’t enough space for all the people. When we think of Rome, we think of magnificent stone buildings like the Colosseum or the Pantheon, but most of its houses were wooden, especially in the poorer districts. Poorer people lived in two-storey houses around three sides of a central courtyard. There was no privacy inside the house, and, in the summer, it was often too hot as well as too crowded to sleep indoors, so younger people often slept on the roofs. Wealthier people had larger and more luxurious houses made of brick, with attractive red roofs. Rich Romans wanted to be safe from crime. They had a big wall at the front of the house with a huge front door, and had guards to watch out for thieves and burglars, especially at night.
Task 2
Study the advertisement.
The incredible musical returns to London
starring Zizi Strallen and Charlie Stemp
You are going to visit the much-loved tale – the Mary Poppins musical at the Prince Edward Theatre (London) and now you’d like to get more information. In 1.5 minutes you are to ask four direct questions to find out about the following:
- show schedule
- running time
- seats that offer the best views
- special effects
You have 20 seconds to ask each question.
Task 3
You are going to give an interview. You have to answer five questions. Give full answers to the questions (2–3 sentences). Remember that you have 40 seconds to answer each question.
Tapescript for Task 3
Interviewer: Hello everybody! It’s Teenagers Round the World Channel. Our guest today is a teenager from Russia and we are going to discuss digital school platforms. We’d like to know our guest’s point of view on this issue. Please answer five questions. So, let’s get started.
Interviewer: Do you think it’s a good idea for schools to communicate with children, parents, and staff beyond the classroom through digital platforms? Why or why not?
Student: _________________________
Interviewer: What digital platform is used in your school, and how does it help children and teachers?
Student: _________________________
Interviewer: Besides acting as a central information hub for announcements and event information, what additional advantages do you think digital school networks offer?
Student: _________________________
Interviewer: Do you think school online platforms help create a sense of community? If so, how do you think they shape the school spirit?
Student: _________________________
Interviewer: Do you think the use of school-related networks will continue to grow in the future? Why or why not?
Student: _________________________
Interviewer: Thank you very much for your interview.
Task 4
Imagine that you and your friend are doing a school project “Leisure time”. You have found some photos to illustrate it but for technical reasons you cannot send them now. Leave a voice message to your friend explaining your choice of the photos and sharing some ideas about the project. In 2.5 minutes be ready to:
- explain the choice of the illustrations for the project by briefly describing them and noting the differences;
- mention the advantages (1–2) of the two leisure activities;
- mention the disadvantages (1–2) of the two leisure activities;
- express your opinion on the subject of the project – which of the leisure activities presented in the pictures you’d prefer and why.
You will speak for not more than 3 minutes (12–15 sentences). You have to talk continuously.
