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.
‘Disconnect’ brings to the forefront a big issue of the 21st century: being connected and disconnected at the same time. Being «connected» to machinery is affecting our ability to connect with our lives and the people around us. The film is about the power of human communication and interaction, and how anti-social we’ve become. The tools and gadgets we use are good or bad depending on how we utilize them.
‘Disconnect’ connects three separate stories, each involving people whose lives have reached a crisis worsened by their dependence on technology. We spend too much time isolating ourselves and disconnecting from the real world in order to maintain the perception of being connected. There are many advantages to being “connected”, but it’s the disadvantages that are often overlooked or ignored, which ‘Disconnect’ reminds us about.
Task 2
Study the advertisement.
Fashionistas, assemble!
You are considering going to this exhibition 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:
- entry fee
- visiting hours
- famous designers featured
- photography restrictions
You have 20 seconds to ask each question.
Suggested answers
- What is the entry fee for the Icons of British Fashion exhibition? / How much is the entry fee for the Icons of British Fashion exhibition? / How much does it cost to enter the Icons of British Fashion exhibition?
- What are the visiting hours for the exhibition? / What are the opening and closing hours for visitors?
- Which famous designers are featured in the exhibition? / Which famous designers will be featured?
- What are the photography restrictions at the exhibition? / Are there any restrictions on photography inside the exhibition? / Are there any rules regarding photography during the exhibition? / Can I take photos inside the exhibition?
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.
Task 3 Audio
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 family relationships. We’d like to know our guest’s point of view on this issue. Please answer five questions. So, let’s get started.
Interviewer: How important is your family to you?
Student: My family is very important to me. They provide me with love, guidance, and support, which I value more than anything else. I feel truly blessed to have them in my life.
Interviewer: What are some activities you enjoy doing with your family?
Student: I love spending time with my family. We enjoy cooking together, playing games, and going on family trips. Our family traditions, like celebrating holidays and birthdays, are really special to me.
Interviewer: What are some family traditions that are important to you? Why are they special?
Student: One of our important traditions is our annual family holiday. We also love going on picnics when summer comes. These traditions are special because they bring us closer and create lasting memories.
Interviewer: How does your family celebrate special occasions?
Student: We usually celebrate special occasions with a family meal or gathering. For birthdays, we have a party with cakes and presents. For other special events, we might go out for a fun activity together.
Interviewer: What do you think makes a happy family?
Student: I think a happy family is built on strong communication, mutual respect, and unconditional love. Spending quality time together and supporting each other’s dreams are also important for strong and happy family bonds.
Interviewer: Thank you very much for your interview.
Task 4
Imagine that you and your friend are doing a school project “Eco-friendly ways to travel”. 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 eco-friendly ways of travelling;
- mention the disadvantages (1–2) of the two eco-friendly ways of travelling;
- express your opinion on the subject of the project – which way of travelling you’d prefer for green travel 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 a couple of photos that perfectly capture eco-friendly travel we’re exploring in our school project. I’d like to tell you more about them.
The first one depicts a young couple at a train station, wearing big backpacks and ready to set out on a long journey. The second one shows two adventurous people travelling by bike with heavy bags attached. Together, the photos clearly illustrate two different environmentally friendly travel options: using public transport such as trains, and choosing to travel by bicycle.
I think it’d be a good idea if we discussed the advantages and disadvantages of these two eco-travel options in our project. One good thing about travelling by train is that people can often work, read, or relax on the train, which can make their journey more productive or enjoyable. And if you decide to travel by bike, it is a fun and healthy way to travel and allows you to see your destination in a unique way.
As for some of the drawbacks, a train travel may not be available in certain areas, while biking can be physically demanding, especially for those who are not used to it.
Personally, for green travel, I’d prefer to travel by train because it’s relaxing and comfortable. Plus, it’s affordable, which makes a very attractive option for me.
Well, that’s what I’ve got so far. Bye!
отличные задания для тренировки