‘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.

1. What is the entry fee for the Icons of British Fashion exhibition? 
2. What are the opening hours at the weekend? 
3. Which famous designers will be featured?
4. Can I take photos inside the exhibition?

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: Who are the members of your family? What do you enjoy doing together?

Student: My family is my parents and my little sister. We like going on weekend trips together.

Interviewer: Can you tell us about a memorable experience you’ve had with your family?

Student: One memorable experience I shared with my family was when we went on a camping trip last summer. We spent time outdoors, cooked food together, and had a great time around the campfire. It was really fun and brought us closer.

Interviewer: Do you get on well with your family? When you have disagreements, how do you solve them?

Student: Yes, I get on well with my family most of the time. When we have disagreements, we try to talk calmly and listen to each other. Sometimes we say sorry and try to understand how the other person feels. That helps us solve problems.

Interviewer: Which do you think is better: being an only child or having siblings? Why?

Student: Well, it’s hard to say which is better. Being an only child means you get more attention from your parents, but it can sometimes feel a bit lonely. Having siblings means you always have someone to talk to, but it can be annoying at times.

Interviewer: What do you think makes a happy family?

Student: I think happiness in a family comes from mutual support and enjoying each other’s company. Celebrating good times and helping each other during tough times are also important for a happy family.

Interviewer: Thank you very much for your interview.

• 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 travel options;
• mention the disadvantages (1–2) of the two eco-friendly travel options;
• express your opinion on the subject of the project – say which eco-friendly way of travelling presented in the pictures you’d prefer and why.

Hi Alex. I’ve found a couple of photos for our «Eco-friendly travel» 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.

When it comes to green travel, I’d prefer to travel by train because it’s relaxing, comfortable, and affordable.

Well, that’s what I’ve got so far. Bye!