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.
Our planet is an amazing place, but it needs our help to thrive! That’s why each year on April 22, more than a billion people celebrate Earth Day to protect the planet from things like pollution and deforestation. By taking part in activities like picking up litter and planting trees, we’re making our world a happier, healthier place to live.
The first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970, when a United States senator from Wisconsin organized a national demonstration to raise awareness about environmental issues. Rallies took place across the country and, by the end of the year, the U.S. government had created the Environmental Protection Agency. By 1990, Earth Day was an event celebrated by more than 140 countries around the globe.
Task 2
Study the advertisement.
Overpopulated.
Dwindling resources.
Time is running out on Earth.
Terraform Mars and save the human race!
You are considering buying this game 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:
- genre
- age group it’s suitable for
- number of players
- if it works well as a solo game
You have 20 seconds to ask each question.
Suggested answers
1. What genre is Terraforming Mars?
2. What age group is the game suitable for?
3. How many players can play the game at once?
4. Does the game work well when played solo?
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.
Audio Task 3
Tapescript for Task 3
Suggested answers
Interviewer: Hello everybody! It’s Teenagers Round the World Channel. Our guest today is a teenager from Russia and we are going to discuss public holidays. We’d like to know our guest’s point of view on this issue. Please answer five questions. So, let’s get started.
Interviewer: What public holidays do people celebrate in Russia?
Student: In Russia, we celebrate many public holidays. Some of the main ones are New Year’s Day, Christmas, Defender of the Fatherland Day, International Women’s Day, and Victory Day. Each holiday has its own unique traditions.
Interviewer: What is your favourite public holiday, and why?
Student: My favourite public holiday is New Year’ Day. I enjoy the festive atmosphere that surrounds this holiday. There are often fireworks and parties, which are a lot of fun to be a part of.
Interviewer: How do people in your country celebrate Victory Day?
Student: In my country, people celebrate Victory Day by going to a parade in their city or watching it on TV. Many people lay flowers at war memorials and remember those who fought in the war. Some families also watch old war films. In the evening, there are concerts and fireworks.
Interviewer: Why do you think public holidays are important?
Student: I think public holidays are important because they help people celebrate important days in their country and keep traditions alive. Also, they give people time to rest and spend with family or friends.
Interviewer: What are the benefits of public holidays for teenagers?
Student: Public holidays are good for teenagers because they give us a break from our usual routine, which helps us feel happier. Also, we can spend more time with friends or do hobbies that we enjoy.
Interviewer: Thank you very much for your interview.
Task 4
Imagine that you and your friend are doing a school project “Adventure sports”. 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 adventure sports;
- mention the disadvantages (1–2) of the two adventure sports;
- express your opinion on the subject of the project – say which of the adventure sports 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.
Suggested answer
Hi Alex! I’ve found two photos to illustrate our school project on adventure sports. I’d like to tell you more about them.
So, in one of the photos, there’s a man riding a bicycle, navigating a challenging path in a mountainous area. The scenery is absolutely mind-blowing. The other photo shows a young man skiing down a snow-covered mountain on a bright sunny day. He’s fully geared up for skiing. The photos make an excellent choice for our project because they illustrate two different adventure sports, each with their unique experiences and challenges depending on the season. Mountain biking is typically enjoyed during the warmer seasons, while mountain skiing is all about the winter vibes.
Both extreme sports come with their unique advantages and disadvantages. Let’s discuss them in our project to improve its appeal. For example, with mountain biking, one of the benefits is the opportunity to challenge yourself physically. But, the risk of injuries can be a drawback, especially if you’re not careful or don’t have the right protective gear.
As for mountain skiing, it gives you the thrill of gliding down slopes, and experiencing the freedom of movement. Yet, this sport can be pricey when it comes to equipment and access to ski resorts. It’s definitely something to consider.
Well, if I had to choose between the two, I’d personally prefer mountain skiing. I love the adrenaline rush it brings.
(Personally, I’d prefer mountain biking since it offers a kind of adventure and connection with nature. Plus, it runs in my family!)
That’s all for now. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts. Let’s meet up soon and dive deeper into our project. Talk to you later!