Федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение высшего профессионального образования

«Марийский государственный университет»

Факультет иностранных языков

English

Н.Г. Егошина

PEOPLE WE ARE PROUD OF

Учебно-методическое пособие

Для студентов, обучающихся по специальности

050303 «Иностранный язык»

Йошкар-Ола

2011

УДК 802.0=20

ББК 81.2 Англ-923

Рецензенты:

С.П. Фирсова, канд. пед. наук, доцент кафедры иностранных языков МарГТУ;

В.Н. Цепелев, канд. пед. наук, зам. директора «МБОУ Гимназия № 14 г. Йошкар-Олы»

Печатается по решению

редакционно-издательского совета МарГУ

People we are proud of. Английский язык: Сборник тестовых заданий для аудиторной и самостоятельной работы студентов языковых вузов /Сост. Н.Г. Егошина. - Йошкар-Ола: МарГУ, 2011. - 106 с.

Пособие включает двенадцать вариантов тестов, в каждом из которых содержатся задания на понимание прочитанных текстов (чтение), а также лексико-грамматические задания и переводные упражнения.

Сборник предназначен для аудиторной и самостоятельной работы студентов языковых вузов, для самостоятельной подготовки выпускников общеобразовательных школ, лицеев, гимназий к итоговой аттестации, а также в помощь преподавателям и методистам, использующим в своей работе тестовый способ контроля знаний.

Тексты пособия знакомят с фактами из жизни выдающихся людей Великобритании, США, Канады, Австралии, России. Особое внимание в сборнике уделено реализации задач этнокультурологического образования молодежи.

© Егошина Н.Г., 2011

© Марийский государственный

университет, 2011

Содержание

1. Предисловие ………………………………………………………… 4

2. Вариант 1 ……………………………………………………………… 6

3. Вариант 2 ……………………………………………………………… 13

4. Вариант 3 ……………………………………………………………… 20

5. Вариант 4 ……………………………………………………………… 27

6. Вариант 5 ……………………………………………………………… 36

7. Вариант 6 ……………………………………………………………… 43

8. Вариант 7 ……………………………………………………………… 51

9. Вариант 8 ……………………………………………………………… 60

10. Вариант 9 ……………………………………………………………. 69

11. Вариант 10 …………………………………………………………… 77

12. Вариант 11 ……………………………………………………………. 87

13. Вариант 12 ……………………………………………………………. 96

Предисловие

Данное пособие адресовано всем, кто интересуется английским языком. Оно может быть полезно студентам языковых вузов для дальнейшего развития навыков чтения и совершенствования лексико-грамматических навыков по теме « Выдающиеся люди». Пособие может быть использовано выпускниками средних общеобразовательных и специализированных школ, лицеев и гимназий для определения уровня владения английским языком и установления степени подготовленности к сдаче Единого государственного экзамена по английскому языку; а также всеми, кто изучает английский язык самостоятельно.

Пособие состоит из двенадцати вариантов, каждый из которых включает ряд текстов для чтения с полным пониманием прочитанного и тексты для извлечения основной информации, а также задания для повторения видовременных форм глаголов и задания на словообразование.

Интересен, на наш взгляд, подбор текстов. Они содержат богатый материал кросскультурного характера: знакомят с биографиями, творчеством, общественной деятельностью известных людей многих стран. Среди них политические деятели, главы стран, герои военных сражений, полководцы, писатели и поэты, художники и скульпторы, певцы и композиторы, спортсмены, актеры из Великобритании, США, Канады, Австралии, России.

Надеемся, что тексты и задания окажутся интересными и помогут расширить, упорядочить и закрепить знания по английскому языку.

Вариант 1

Shakespeare's Birthplace

Stratford-upon-Avon basks in Shakespeare's fame, and Shakespeare is the reason why visitors come here from all over the world: to see the sites associated with the town's most illustrious son, absorb the atmosphere of the streets he once walked, and perhaps attend the performance of his plays at the royal Shakespeare Theatre.

The town's name "street-ford", indicates that this was the point at which a Roman road linking the Foss Way with Ryknild Street crossed the Avon, but Stratford's real origin goes back only to Saxon times, when a monastery flourished here, probably where the parish church now stands, at some distance from the modern town centre.

Partly pedestrianised, Henley Street funnels the crowds towards the complex of buildings around Stratford's outstanding place of pilgrimage, Shakespeare's birthplace (late March to late October Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, Sunday 9.30am-5pm, winter Monday to Saturday 9.30am-4pm, Sunday 10am-4pm). Originally from the nearby village of Snitterfield, William's father, John Shakespeare, set up in Stratford as a glover, wool merchant and money-lender. He was prosperous enough to pay a fine of 12 pence levied on him for allowing rubbish to accumulate in the street in front of his house. Eventually he became important enough to be chosen in 1568 as the town's mayor. The dwelling known as the Birthplace served both as family home and business premises. The house was in the ownership of Shakespeare's descendents until 1806. In 1847 it was bought for the huge sum of money of £ 3,000 by the predecessors of today's Birthplace Trust. By that date the building had lost much of its original character, having served as a butcher's shop and a pub. The restoration work began in 1857. Great care was taken to preserve authenticity and not to reconstruct the building in an over-imaginative way.

Shakespeare's Center was opened in 1964. It houses extensive archives, library and study facilities. In 1981 appeared a Visitor's Center. Here is an excellent exhibition entitled "William Shakespeare - His Life and Background which gives a concise and visually appealing account of the context of the playwright's life in Stratford, London and finally Stratford-upon-Avon again. There are displays of the town of Stratford itself and on the countryside which inspired so much of Shakespeare's imagery. His early life is illustrated, then an array of exhibits evokes his long and successful sojurn in London before his retirement to his native town. There are portraits, furniture, a wonderful model of the Globe theatre, original documents as well as copies of such items as his marriage license bond. Beyond the Visitor's Center, the pretty garden has been planted with many of the trees, shrubs and flowers mentioned in the plays.

Honoured in his own time, Shakespeare was appreciated in the town of his birth and death to the extend that the famous life-size bust was unveiled n Holy Trinity Church only months after his burial. But Shakespeare's elevation to a cult figure and the promotion of Stratford as a literary shrine and place of pilgrimage had to wait until the 18-th century. In 1741 a funerary monument was placed in Westminster Abbey.

Choose the right answer:

1. Why do visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon from all over the world?

a). To enjoy the atmosphere of the streets of the ancient town

b). To see the sites connected with the famous writer

c). To attend the local theatres and museums

2. When did the town's name "street-ford" appear?

a). In Saxon times

b). In Roman times

c). In pre-historic times

3. When does Shakespeare's Birthplace Memorial work?

a). All the year round

b). In winter

c). In spring and in summer

4. William's father, John Shakespeare worked as a

a). A banker

b). A butcher

c). A city mayor

5. What can you see in Shakespeare's Center?

a). A lot of books

b). An array of the trees, shrubs and flowers mentioned in the plays

c). Archives, library and study facilities

6. Where was Shakespeare buried?

a). In Westminster Abbey

b). In Holy Trinity Church

c). In London

Herbert George Wells

(1866-1946)

Herbert George Wells is an outstanding representative of the late English Critical realism at the turn of the century. He wrote some well-known novels. "The War of the Worlds" (1896), "The Time Machine" (1895), "The Invisible Man" (1897), "The First Men on the Moon" (1901) and several other novels belonging to the first and best period of his work.

Herbert George Wells is known in the history of English literature as the author of science fiction.

While a student he studied biology, and his earliest works were elementary text-books. The professional knowledge of sciences formed the genre of well's books - science fiction.

His novels are always built on a sound scientific basis. All of them are based on real scientific discoveries and hypothesis.

A rare gift of scientific imagination makes the most extravagant things appear plausible.

Some of Well's science-fiction novels show his unique scientific foresight. These novels show the writer's scientific and sociological speculations in the form of entertaining fiction. Critical analysis of what capitalist civilization is combines with the study of what civilization ought or might be.

He suggested that the development of science benefits society only on condition that the latter is built up on just and humane principles, otherwise progress is basically dangerous.

True or False?

1. Herbert George Wells is a representative of the English romanticism.

2. Herbert George Wells is the author of science fiction.

3. He studied biology while a student.

4. His last works were elementary text-books.

5. His novels are built on a scientific basis.

6. He had a rare gift of scientific imagination.

7. He tried to show what civilization ought or might be.

8. Herbert George Wells thought that progress was basically dangerous.

Thomas Gainsborough

(1727-1788)

Open the brackets and put the verbs in the correct tense-form.

Gainsborough (1. to be born) in the small market town of Sudbury in Suffolk on May 14, 1727. His forbears (2. to connect) long with one of the staple industries of East Anglia, the manufacture of woolen goods, and Gainsborough's father (3. to be) a prosperous cloth merchant.

There (4. to be) nine children in the family, of whom Gainsborough was the youngest. Gainsborough (5. to go) to Sudbury Grammar School, which (6. to belong) to his uncle. We (7. to tell) that the youngster often (8. to ask) his father to give him a note letting him off school so that he could (9. to go) sketching in the countryside. At the age of 13 he persuaded his parents (10. to let) him (11. to go) to London to study. He remained an art student for four or five years.

At the age of 18 he (12. to establish) his own art studio, and his first efforts (13. to be) small landscapes. In October 1748 his father (14. to die), and he decided to return to Sudbury.

In the summer months Gainsborough (15. to accustom) to spend much of his time out of doors, working on his landscapes. Gainsborough's landscape painting (16. to gain) a new amplitude in these years - a new richness of handling - and his position among his contemporaries was fully recognized, as it (17. not/ to be) earlier.

In 1768 Gainsborough (18. to appoint) one of the Directors of the Society of Artists, but he didn't accept the offer. It was too late. He (19. to receive) already a letter from Reynolds asking him to become a member of a new body which was soon to eclipse the Society of Artists, the Royal Academy.

In 1774 Gainsborough (20. to leave) for London. He was already well-known to "the great world". In 1777 he received the first of many commissions of the Royal Family: his portrait of Mrs. Graham (21. to acclaim) as the finest picture ever painted in England and equal to the great Masters. From this time his position as one of the leading British painters (22. to assure).

Bill Gates

Choose the right variant from the given options.

William Henry Gates, also (1…) as "Bill", has established himself as the richest man in the world. He didn't only change the computer technology in America, but also created the biggest, the richest and (2…) company in the world.

Bill was born on October 28, 1955, his parents had one (3…) daughter Kristi. Bill Gates began his career in PC software, programming computers (4…) the age of 13.

(5…) to his education, he attended a well-known private school in Seattle. In 1973 he entered (6…) Harvard. After all his (7…) jobs, Gates founded Microsoft in 1975. He is very (8…) due to this business.

Gates (9…) that if you are intelligent and know how to apply your intelligence, you can accomplish (10…). Bill works very (11…) to carry out his vision. He doesn't believe in luck or any sort of god, just hard work and (12…).

"Trey" as he is called at home is a remarkable man who has been able to go into the world spotlight as a genius at what he does. His welfare until today is (13…) about 92,000,000,000 dollars.

1. to know knew known had known

2. the powerfullest the more powerful the most powerful

3. other another the other different

4. in at above with

5. as for to as as far as

6. to ---- for in

7. many little few minor

8. expensive wealthy dear healthy

9. believed believe believes is believing

10. something nothing anything all

11. hardly hard industrious a lot

12. compete competitive competitiveness

13. cost counts more worth

Andrey Eshpay - a famous Mari composer

Read the text and fill in the gap with the appropriate form of the word.

Andrei Eshpay has been the member of the Union of composers of Russia since 1952. He is the People's artist of the USSR (1981), of the Russian Federation (1975) and of the Mary Republic (1983).

He was (1…) on 15 May 1925 in the city of Kozmodemyansk in Mari El. His father Yakov Eshpay was one of the (2…) of the Mari professional music. In 1928 the family moved to Moscow where he became a (3…) of Gnessinsky School.

In 1994, after graduating from the Military Institute of the foreign languages, he went to the front. He finished the war in Berlin and was (4…) the Order of the Red Star, the Order of the Great (5…) War and a few medals.

In 19946 he (6…) Moscow State Conservatory. His teachers were the (7…) musicians N. Rakov, A. Khachaturyan. Later he worked in the Union of Composers of Russia. Eshpay is the author of 9 symphonies, 18 concertos for (8…) musical instruments, 2 ballets, numerous songs, music for 60 films.

He says that the Mari folk music is the source of his (9…). He accumulated the (10…) of the lyrical melodies of the soviet times, the rhythms of Stravinsky, the (11…) traditions of jazz. The original (12…) of these trends makes the composer's individual and (13…) style.

1. Birth

2. Found

3. Study

4. Award

5. Patriot

6. Entrance

7. Stand

8. Differ

9. Create

10.Peculiar

11. Good

12. Combine

13. Forget

Render the text in English.

Известная фигуристка

Ири́на Константи́новна Роднина́ (род. 12 сентября 1949, Москва) - выдающаяся советская фигуристка, трёхкратная олимпийская чемпионка, десятикратная чемпионка мира, российский общественный деятель. После окончания любительской карьеры, Роднина работала в ЦК ВЛКСМ, затем старшим тренером в обществе «Динамо», преподавала в Институте физкультуры. С 1990 года по 2002 года жила в США, работала тренером международного центра фигурного катания. Она - Председатель центрального совета Общероссийской общественной организации «Всероссийское добровольное общество "Спортивная Россия". И. Роднина награждена орденом Ленина двумя орденами Трудового Красного Знамени, орденом «За заслуги перед Отечеством» III степени, орденом «За заслуги перед Отечеством» IV степени и бронзовым Олимпийским орденом.

Вариант 2

John Logie Baird

John Logie Baird, who was called "the father of television", was born in Scotland in 1888. He became an inventor at the age of 26. His first inventions were electrically-heated socks and air-filled shoes, but these were not very successful.

However, in 1923, he became interested in the idea of pictures by radio. He started work in his bedroom with a torch, a knitting needle, a few parts from a radio, a wooden box and some cardboard. He worked for several months, and the following year he succeeded in transmitting the first "television" picture a few metres across the room.

Baird's 'television" was not very clear, but people were not very interested and he tried to make it better. In 1926, he showed it to the public at the Royal society. In 1928, he transmitted the first picture across the Atlantic and in 1929; the BBC and the German post office began to broadcast TV with his system.

However, other people were becoming interested in the idea. And there was another system in America called the Marconi-EMI system. This used electronics instead of moving parts. In 1936, the BBC decided to have a competition between the two systems to see which one is better. In the end, they chose the electronic system from EMI.

Baird was very unhappy, but there was nothing that he could do. He hadn't been given a patent for his invention and so he made very little money from it. For the rest of his life he tried to develop new ideas, but had no success. In the end, he became ill and died in 1946 at the age of 57.

Choose the right answer:

1. Why is Baird called the "father of television"?

a). He invented the first colour TV.

b). He liked to see TV very much.

c). He was the inventor of the first TV set.

2. How far did he transmit his first picture?

a). Across the ocean.

b). Across his room.

c). Across the country.

3. How did people feel about Baird's early television?

a). People were not very interested.

b). People got very interested.

c). People didn't pay attention to it.

4. What was the main difference between Baird's system and Marconi-EMI's system?

a). Baird used more moving parts than Marconi.

b). Baird used electronic parts instead of moving parts.

c). Marconi used electronic parts instead of moving parts.

5. Why didn't Baird make much money from his invention?

a). He wasn't ambitious enough.

b). He didn't get a patent for it.

c). He was too prosperous to worry about it.

6. Did Baird make any other inventions?

a). Yes, he did.

b). No, he didn't.

c). It isn't stated in the text.

Samuel Morse - artist and inventor

Samuel Morse was born in 1791 in Massachusetts. He went to Yale University to study Art and Science just after his fifteenth birthday in 1806. Five years later he traveled to Europe. He spent most of his time in England. He returned to America four years later, because he had no money.

He was not only an inventor, but also an artist. He became Professor of Painting in 1832. He worked as Professor of Painting at New York University. Five years later Morse stopped painting. The reason for it was money problem again. He wasn't getting enough money. Anyway, he started work on the electromagnetic telegraph. In 1843 he was given a patent for his "telegraph machine" by the United States Government. One year after he was given a patent, he sent the first message using Morse Code to Washington, D.C. They built a statue for him in 1871. A year after they built a statue, he died.

The Morse code is extremely simple. Each letter of the alphabet and each digit from 0-9 is given its own combination of short sounds, dots (….) and long sounds, dashes (----). For example, the letter A consists of one short dot followed by one long dash (. -); the number six consists of one long dash followed by four short dots (- ….).

True or False?

1. Samuel Morse was born at the end of the eighteenth century.

2. He got higher education in American University.

3. Samuel Morse traveled to Europe in 1811.

4. Samuel Morse returned home because of family problems.

5. Samuel Morse did painting all his life.

6. Samuel Morse was an inventor as well.

7. Samuel Morse was the author of the telegraph machine.

8. The United States Government built a statue for him after his death.

9. The Morse code is extremely complicated, consisting of short sounds, dots and long sounds, dashes.

Geoffrey Chaucer

(1340-1400)

Open the brackets and put the verbs in the correct tense-form.

The greatest writer of the 14-th century was Geoffrey Chaucer. He (1. to be born) in London, soon after the Hundred Years War (2. to break out). His father John Chaucer was a wine merchant. He (3. to have) connections with the court and (4. to hope) for a courtier's career for his son. At seventeen Geoffrey (5. to become) a page to a lady at the court of Edward III.

Later Chaucer (6. to pass) into attendance on John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, the fourth son of the king.

During 1373 and the next few years, Chaucer traveled a lot and (7. to live) a busy life. He went to France on mission (8. to connect) with a peace-treaty. He (9. to make) three journeys to Italy, which (10. to produce) a deep impression upon him.

Chaucer's earliest poems (11. to write) in imitation of the French romances. He translated from French a famous allegorical poem of the 13-th century, "The Romance of the Rose". Though the poem is very long, the plot (12. to be) very simple: a young man (13. to fall) asleep and (14. to dream) of a garden in which there is a Rose that he desires to own. He (15. to help) by such virtues as Beauty, Wealth, Hospitality, and (16. to hamper) by such vices as Pride, Poverty and Evil Report.

The second period of Chaucer's literary work was that of the Italian influence. To this period (17. to belong) the following poems: "The house of Fame", a didactic poem; "The Parliament of Fouls" (birds), an allegorical poem criticizing Parliament; "Troilus and Cressida", considered to be the predecessor of the psychological novel in England, an "The Legend of Good Women", a dream-poem.

The third period of Chaucer's creative work (18. to begin) in the year 1384 when he started writing his masterpiece, "The Canterbury Tales". When the new king, Henry IY, (19. to come) to the throne in 1399, a poet immediately (20. to address) a poem to him. Chaucer died in 1400 and (21. to bury) in Westminster Abbey.

Jacko

Choose the right variant from the given options.

Born one of nine children, the son of a crane driver, Jacko has come a long way from the two-bedroomed house in Indiana that he grew up in. At the end of his life he was the owner of a £ 15m ranch in California's Santa Ynez Valley. The house, which has seventeen rooms downstairs and sixteen rooms upstairs, (1…) in 2,700 acres of ground. (2…) addition to the house itself, the property includes guest houses, a golf course, a swimming pool, tennis courts, a football (3…), stables, gardens, forests, lakes and a zoo. There is even a helipad so (4…) Jackson can travel (5…) helicopter.

Jackson was famous (6…) keeping his distance from the crowds and this has created some strange stories about (7…). It (8…) that he takes female hormones to make his voice higher; that his jerky dance style was caused when a tarantula bite affected his nervous system; that he has had his whole face changed by plastic (9…).

Nevertheless Jackson's behavior can be eccentric. They don't call him "Wacko Jacko" for nothing. In public he often (10…) a face mask to protect himself from germs and (11…) sleeping inside the oxygen capsule. One of his best friends was a chimpanzee (12…) Bubbles, who traveled everywhere with him.

Jackson created a brilliantly successful image and he learned how to live with success. He made a lot of money and spent (13…) on the things he wanted.

1. to stand stood is standing stands

2. at on in to

3. pitch ground field court

4. then than to that

5. in by on over

6. with in for about

7. himself his he him

8. has been said says were said said

9. medicine surgery injections actions

10. worn wore had wear was wearing

11. photographed was photographed had been photographed

12. was called calling calls called

13. them its it themselves

The Mari painters

Read the text and fill in the gap with the appropriate form of the word.

Many Mari painters devoted their masterpieces to the theme of the Great Patriotic war.

B. I. Osipov made an important (1…) to the (2…) of the Mari Art during the years of the war. In his painting "The Mari women are giving out their silver decorations to the (3…) Fund" he depicted the (4…) level of patriotism of the ordinary people. In his other canvas "The women-patriots from Sernur" we can see the soldiers marching (5…) the street of Sernur, the (6…) center. In the foreground - the young Mari girls (7…) in military uniform with rifles in their hands. The painter … (8) depicted the atmosphere of the hard war-time which demanded (9…) both from men and (10…).

The topic of war also (11…) in the canvases painted by another Mari artist B. M. Kozmin. In his pictures "Lieutenant Enkin", "The soldiers' bathhouse", "The earth-house", "The soldiers at rest" we can (12…) feel the author's desire to convey the (13…) of every day way life.

1. Contribute

2. Develop

3. Defend

4. Hight

5. Long

6. Locate

7. A dress

8. Skill

9. A hero

10. A woman

11.Dominant

12. Easy

13. Imagine

Render the text in English.

Влади́мир Влади́мирович Пу́тин (род. 7 октября 1952, Ленинград, СССР) - российский государственный и политический деятель, с 8 мая 2008 года - Председатель Правительства Российской Федерации. Второй Президент Российской Федерации с 7 мая 2000 года по 7 мая 2008 года (после отставки президента Бориса Ельцина исполнял его обязанности с 31 декабря 1999 по 7 мая 2000 года). Имеет юридическое образование. Кандидат экономических наук. Председатель политической партии «Единая Россия» с 7 мая 2008 года. 24 сентября 2011 года принял предложение третьего Президента России Дмитрия Медведева стать кандидатом от «Единой России» на президентских выборах 2012 года.

Мастер спорта по самбо (1973), по дзюдо (чёрный пояс) (1975). Являлся неоднократным чемпионом Ленинграда по самбо. Увлекается катанием на горных лыжах.

В. В. Путин был награждён рядом зарубежных наград, включая Большой крест ордена Почётного легиона. Является почётным гражданином 10 городов, и почётным доктором пяти зарубежных университетов. Лауреат нескольких премий. В 2011 году В. Путину присуждена китайская премия мира имени Конфуция.

В феврале 2008 года Путин на вопрос о своем состоянии заявил, что он является «самым богатым человеком в Европе, а может быть и в мире», но его богатство - нематериальной природы: он «богат, потому что собирает эмоции», а также потому, что «народ России дважды доверил мне руководство такой великой страной, как Россия».

Вариант 3

Amy Tan

Amy Tan, the American-born daughter of Chinese immigrants, received the Commonwealth Club Gold Award in 1989 for her first work in fiction, the best-selling Joy Luck Club. The sixteen stories that constitute the work alternate between the tales of four Chinese immigrants mothers and their Americanized daughters, in an exploration of the generational and cultural tensions experienced by many first generation daughters of immigrants.

Tan's parents, like many immigrants, had high expectations for their children and often set confusing standards, expecting Amy to think like Chinese but to speak perfect English, take advantage of every circumstance that might lead to success. Tan, however, rebelled against her parents' expectations, which included such professions as neurosurgery, and devoted herself to being a fiction writer.

Tan obtained a bachelor's degree in English and linguistics and a master's degree in linguistics and eventually established herself as a highly successful business writer. Tan, however, was not satisfied despite her material success. Turning to her life-long dream, she wrote her first short story, "Endgame", and then a second, "Waiting between the Trees". In 1987 Tan visited her half-sisters in China with her mother, a trip that proved to be a turning point in her life and career. Tan felt a sense of completeness, a bonding with the country and its culture that she had never expected. Returning from China, Tan was surprised to learn that on the strength of her short stories she had received an advance from a publisher. Tan closed her business and wrote the remaining stories for the Joy Luck Club. It was a big success, well received by the critics and appearing on the New York Times bestseller list. It has been translated into 17 languages, including Chinese, and was made into a movie in 1993.

Choose the right answer:

1. What is the author's main purpose in this passage?

a). To analyze Amy Tan's works

b). To support Amy Tan's decision to become a fiction writer

c). To present biographical information about Amy Tan

2. According to the text, Amy Tan's visit to China

a). Was disappointing

b). Had a profound effect on her

c). Was not surprising in the least

3. Before becoming a fiction writer, Amy Tan was a successful

a). Business writer

b). Publisher

c). Neurosurgeon

4. The expectations of Tan's parents included all except

a). Speaking perfect English

b). Questioning tradition

c). Choosing an important tradition

5. It can be said from the text that

a). Tan had always wanted to return to China

b). It took Tan a while to summon the courage to pursue her dreams

c). Tan started writing fiction in order to make more money

6. It can be concluded from the passage that

a). Parents don't know what's best for their children

b). Tan didn't use personal experience in her writing

c). Tan made the right decision when she closed her business

Robert Owen

Robert Owen owned cotton mills at New Lanark, in Scotland, and organized his business unlike any other mill-owner of the time. The whole enterprise was more of an experiment in community living than a business. To begin with, he built a village for the workers. They were provided with good housing, and clean, healthy surroundings; and they could buy good food cheaply in the village shops.

There was also education for all children up to the age of twelve. This in itself was unusual because most children started work much younger in those days. Teaching methods at New Lanark were very progressive for the time. Physical punishment was banned; the children were kindly spoken to and instructed "to make each other happy". Believing that people's characters are formed by their environment and education Owen used his business profits to improve conditions even further. The workers were also allowed to take part in making all decisions important for their lives. New Lanark was visited and much admired by many leading political figures of the day.

Owen published his ideas in books and talked about them during travels to France, Switzerland and Germany. He recommended the formation of "villages of cooperation", made up of 200 to 300 families, where members would work according to their ability, for the good of the whole community.

Communities based on "Owenite" principles were started in several places. The best known was called New Harmony, which Owen himself set up in the USA in 1824.

True or False?

1. Robert Owen was a famous business.

2. He possessed cotton mils.

3. He built an unusual settlement for the workers.

4. Children in this village were brought up in a new way.

5. Owen used his profits to improve his relatives' living conditions.

6. New Lanark was visited by many public figures of the day.

7. Owen told nobody about his ideas.

8. He created the village of cooperation for 200 families.

9. Communities were started al over the world.

Famous Mari artists about the war

Open the brackets and put the verbs in the correct tense-form.

Z. F. Lavrentyev (1. to create) a big portrait-gallery of his fellow-countrymen - veterans of the Great Patriotic war.

The impressive images of women (2. to depict) in the pitting "Twice a widow" (1961), "Gloves for the soldiers" (1975). The most emotional (3. to be) his picture "Here the soldiers died" (1970). One can't help (4. to cry) looking at the pictures "The sacred land" and "The monument to the war" (1967).

V. Efimov (5. to be born) after the war in 1946. Before he (6. to take up) the military theme, he (7. to study) a lot of official documents, articles, private letters. In 1979 he (8. to finish) the picture "Are seeing off to the front". In the hall where it was exhibited the large canvases (9. to cry) by the voices of the wounded or dying soldiers; the mines and shells (10. to explode) loudly, the bullets (11. to whistle) terribly. But the painting of the young Mari artist (12. to attract) the viewers by the piercing silence. No death, no blood, no moans (13. to depict) there. Near the village fence the relatives are seeing off a young man to the front. On their sorrowful faces we can (14. to see) both pain and hope, grief and belief in the victory. In harmony with their feelings (15. to paint) the dead sky, the stunted grass, the broken country-road. Everything (16. to unite) into one strict solemn melody - the hymn to the future victory.

Queen Elizabeth

Choose the right variant from the given options.

Elizabeth I (1…) to the throne in 1558. She had many of her father's qualities including (2…) sense and strength of character. Like him, she understood the people. She loved hunting and dancing. She traveled a lot round the country. She wanted to know her people and to be known by them. Her soldiers and sailors admired her (3…). The universities were surprised (4…) her learning, for she could speak Latin, Greek and several modern languages. She enjoyed a joke.

(5…) her reign Queen Elizabeth solved her first problem, the Church. The Anglican Church under Elizabeth followed a middle course. Most people in Britain wanted what her father, Henry VIII, had given them: a reformed Catholic Church that used the English language and was free from foreign influence. And they got what they wanted.

Elizabeth's next problem was to keep her enemies quiet until her country was strong enough (6.) itself. The greatest danger came from Spain. In July 1588 the Spanish Armada of one hundred and thirty Spanish ships (7…) in the Channel. The English ships were (8…) than the slow Armada. The English guns could shoot farther. The defeat of Spain was very important for England.

During Queen Elizabeth's reign England sent its explores to different lands. They tried to find a quick way to India round the North of Russia. (9…) they came to Archangelsk, were welcomed in Moscow and opened a new trade with Russia.

Queen Elizabeth's reign was also famous (10…) arts and theatre development. Elizabeth was a good musician herself. English music, especially church music, was then among the best in Europe. Many great men wrote poetry, drama was also famous. William Shakespeare's plays were written in the years of her reign and are a guide to the life of the period. They not only show to us how men in (11…) times looked, talked and behaved but how they thought and felt.

1. came arrived reached approached

2. ordinary common usual typical

3. courage courageous brave daring

4. in on at with

5. for during in while

6. to struggle to defend to defeat to conquer

7. arrived came went left

8. much fast more fast faster fastest

9. as a result in conclusion too else

10. with in for at

11. that those this these

Genius

Read the text and fill in the gap with the appropriate form of the word.

We all know stories about people with (1…) memories who have the (2…) to remember hundreds of numbers after hearing them only once. Now experts are saying that such feats can be taught. For example, most people can (3...) about nine numbers if they are read out one a second. In one experiment, ten hours' training (4…) only a small (5…), but the results after practicing for a thousand hours were (6…): some people remembered 80 or even 100 numbers. Similarly, most adults can (7…) only about five out of a set of 21 colours that are only (8…) different. But after 80 training hours one person could recognize 18 of them. Studies of 76 major (9…) show that it took at least ten years of (10…) training before any of them wrote a major work. Psychologists are therefore raising the (11…) that genius is the product of teaching.

1. Exception

2. Able

3. Repetition

4. Product

5. Improve

6. Amaze

7. Identity

8. Slight

9. Compose

10. Music

11. Possible

Render the text in English.

А. В. Суворов на Памятнике «1000-летие России» в Великом Новгороде находится среди 128 фигур самых выдающихся личностей в российской истории. Суворов вошёл в мировую историю как выдающийся полководец и военный мыслитель. Это был один из образованнейших людей своего времени, обладавший обширными познаниями не только в военных науках, но и в других областях знаний. Суворов разработал и применил в полководческой практике более совершенные формы и способы ведения вооружённой борьбы, которые намного опередили свою эпоху и обеспечили русскому военному искусству ведущее место. Он дал более 60 сражений и боёв и ни одного не проиграл. Стратегия Суворова отличалась исключительной активностью и решительностью. Основным способом стратегических действий считалось наступление. Суворов был не только крупнейшим стратегом, но и непревзойдённым тактиком. Особой заслугой Суворова было совершенствование тактики колонн в сочетании с рассыпным строем - способ боя, созданный на Западе лишь в ходе войн Французской революции конца XVIII века и развитый затем Наполеоном.

Суворов создал передовую систему воспитания и обучения войск. В её основе лежало убеждение, что человек является решающим фактором победы. Он был врагом бесцельной и бессмысленной муштры, стремился пробудить в солдатах чувство национального самосознания и любовь к Родине, приучить их к смелым, инициативным и искусным действиям в самых разнообразных условиях боевой обстановки

Полководческая деятельность Суворова оставила глубокий след в истории русской армии. Последователь Петра I и ученик П. А. Румянцева, Суворов воспитал плеяду замечательных русских полководцев и военачальников, среди которых наиболее выдающимися были М. И. Кутузов и П. И. Багратион.

Вариант 4

Larry Sitsky

Larry Sitsky occupies an important place in contemporary music in Australia as a composer, pianist, musicologist, teacher, lecturer and a broadcaster. Born in Tianjin (Tientsin), China of Russian-Jewish parents, he began his studies at a very early age and by the age of 11 had given his first recital and begun his composing career.

In 1951, Sitsky came to Australia with his parents and was granted a scholarship to the New South Wales Conservatorium of Music, where he studied piano and composition, graduating in 1955. In 1959 he won a scholarship to the San Francisco Conservatory, where he studied for two years. In 1966 he was appointed the Head of Keyboard Studies at the Canberra School of Music and later the Head of Musicology and the Head of Composition Studies.

Although Stisky had experimented with composition as a child, the main focus of his musical activities while in his native China was performance in the Russian Romantic tradition. He has maintained a strong interest in Russian music and musical affairs ever since. Sitsky was the first Australian to be invited to the USSR on a cultural exchange visit in 1977.

Although he is interested in all aspects of Russian music Sitsky is particularly drawn to the more individual, eccentric and problematic composers of Russia. Sitsky's own piano work has been described as dark, sinister, uneasy, highly strung and hotly passionate. He also uses these terms to describe and praise the works of Bach, Mussorgsky, Scriabin, Rachmaninov, Shostakovich.

An example of his highly charged and passionate style of musical expression can be seen in Sitsky's "Twelve Mystical Preludes".

Choose the right answer:

1. Where did Larry Sitsky come from?

a). He was born in Australia.

b). He was born in China.

c). He was born in Russia.

2. When did he begin his composing career?

a). At a very early age

b). By the age of 11

c). In 1959

3. Where did he study music?

a). In Australia

b). In Wales

c). In Australia and America

4. He had a successful career as

a). He had won a scholarship in his childhood.

b). He was appointed the Head of Keyboard Studies at the Canberra School of Music.

c). He has maintained a strong interest in Russian music.

5. Why did he visit the USSR in 1977?

a). To praise the works of Mussorgsky, Scriabin, Rachmaninov, Shostakovich.

b). To study the works of eccentric and problematic composers of Russia.

c). On a cultural exchange visit.

6. How is Sitsky's own piano work described?

a). Individual

b). Highly charged

c). Romantic

V. Elmar - a poet-hero

During the years of the Great Patriotic war the Mari literature kept on developing. This process was especially fruitful in the genre of poetry. In his verses the Mari poets reflected the thoughts and feelings of the people, their endless love for Motherland and their desire to do everything possible and impossible for the victory over fascist Germany.

In the image of the soldier-hero they accumulated the typical features of the soviet people: bravery, humanism, love for Motherland. They devoted their verses to our country, its heroic past; to the soldiers-defenders, who performed miracles of courage at the front and displayed labour heroism in the home front.

One of the Mari poets, who was working during the Great Patriotic war, was Vasily Elmar (the real name Kozyrev Vasily Sergeevich). He was born on 22 January 1910 in a small village of Kozhmasola (Zvenigovsky region) in the family of a peasant. After graduating from the Aircraft Institute in Kazan in 1932 he was the member of the editorial board of the republican newspaper "Mari Kommuna".

Since 1942 he took part in the Great Patriotic war and was seriously wounded several times. In 1943 he died heroically in one of the battles.

He began creating his verses in 1933 and published them in the magazine "U Viy". In his poems he wrote about deep love to the country, glorified civic labour and patriotism of the soviet people; exposed the crimes of fascism. Based on the personal impressions his poems create the bright and emotional images of the common soldiers; they are the hymn to the outstanding heroism and unparalleled feat of the soviet people during the war.

One of his best poems is "My Motherland" ("Rodina-Ava") written in October 1941. Here the poet describes the achievements of the country during the years of the Soviet power and he solemnly swears to stop the fascists who were going to ruin everything so dear to the heart of the soviet people.

The image of his Motherland the poet also depicted in the poems "Moscow" (1942), "To my son" (1942), "Leningrad" (1943), "Captain Gastello" (1942), "Heroes" (1942), "We will never forget you" (1943). They all sound rather optimistic because the poet believes in the strength of the soviet people and their unbending will. His poetry was a kind of ideological weapon in the fight against the fascist soldiers.

V. Elmar was one of the favourite Mari poets and his whole life was an example of utter devotion and selfless service to his Motherland. In his poem "The oath of a warrior" (1942) he wrote:

Ты слушай мой голос, родной мой народ

С сердечной радостью тебе я клянусь:

За Родину не пожалею свою жизнь

До последней капли крови ее отдаю.

(Word for word translation from the Mari language).

My dear people, listen to my voice.

I swear joyfully to you:

I will give away my life without any hesitation

Till the last drop of my life

For my Motherland.

(Word for word translation into the English language).

In these lines he expressed his ideal and he was faithful to his oath up to the last minute of his life.

True or False?

1. Vasily Elmar is the poet's pen-name.

2. Vasily was born in the family of a farmer.

3. His mother worked in the editorial board of a newspaper.

4. Vasily didn't manage to get a higher education.

5. The poet got married very early and had two children.

6. He participated in the war from the very beginning.

7. He began creating poems before the war but he didn't publish them.

8. All his verses are ideologically-oriented.

9. He devoted his poems to the history of his country and the beauty of the local landscape.

10. The poet proved his patriotism now only with his works but with his heroic feat.

11. The collection of the poet's poems was published after the war and became a best-seller at once.

Anthony Charles Lynton "Tony" Blair

Open the brackets and put the verbs in the correct tense-form.

Anthony Charles Lynton "Tony" Blair (born 6 May 1953) is a British politician who (1. to serve) as Prime Minister from 2 May 1997 to 27 June 2007. He was the Member of Parliament for Sedgefield from 1983 to 2007 and Leader of the Labour Party from 1994 to 2007. On the day he (2. to resign) as Prime Minister and MP, he (3. to appoint) official Envoy of the Quartet on the Middle East on behalf of the United Nations, the European Union, the United States, and Russia.

Blair was born in Edinburgh, Scotland on 6 May 1953, the second son of Leo and Hazel Blair. Leo Blair, the illegitimate^] son of two English actors, (4. to adopt) as a baby by Glasgow shipyard worker James Blair and his wife, Mary. Hazel Corscadden was the daughter of George Corscadden, a butcher.

Tony Blair (5. to have) one elder brother, Sir William Blair, a High Court Judge, and a younger sister, Sarah. Tony Blair (6. to spend) the first 19 months of his life at the family home in Paisley Terrace in the Willowbrae area of Edinburgh. During this period, his father (7. to work) as a junior tax inspector whilst also studying for a law degree from the University of Edinburgh. In the 1950s, his family spent three and a half years living in Adelaide, Australia, where his father was a lecturer in law at the University of Adelaide. The Blairs lived close to the university, in the suburb of Dulwich. The family (8. to return) to Britain in the late 1950s.

After attending Durham's Chorister School from 1961 to 1966, Blair boarded at Fettes College, an independent school in Edinburgh. His teachers were unimpressed with him. They (9. to say) he was a complete pain in the backside, and they were very glad to see the back of him.

After Fettes, Blair spent a year in London, where he attempted (10. to find) fame as a rock music promoter before reading jurisprudence at St John's College, University of Oxford. As a student, he played the guitar and sang for a rock band (11. to call) Ugly Rumours.

Blair joined the Labour Party shortly after graduating from Oxford in 1975. Blair became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on 2 May 1997. The 43-year old Blair (12. to become) the youngest person to become Prime Minister since Lord Liverpool in 1812, at the age of 42.

William Rimmer

(1816-1879)

Choose the right variant from the given options.

The most original sculptor of the mid-century, William Rimmer, was an (1…) personality who (2…) to the tragic band of aborted talents that dot the pages of American art (3…) reproaches.

He (4…) received the support of his contemporaries necessary to keep him active as a sculptor. (5…) about fourteen the young Rimmer, possibly inspired by local stonecutters, (6…) a statuette in gypsum, called Despair, unique in American sculpture of the period and unbelievable for someone so young. It is possibly the first nude figure done in the United States and, (7…) some awkwardness, a direct expression of emotion without neoclassic allegory. The sense of terror, pain, hopelessness expressed in this small figure must (8…) out of deep recess of the boy's being and was to remain the essence of his life and work. His first mature work was a St. Stephen (1860), carved directly in granite. Exhibited in Boston, it was favourably noted but found (9…) buyer. His friend and teacher Perkins advanced Rimmer the money to begin the life-size Falling Gladiator (1861). The Gladiator is not only a display of anatomical knowledge but also the representation of being wracked by pain.

The late works, the small bronzes of The Dying Centaur and the Fighting Lions, (10…) 1871, most clearly reflect the artistic purpose and the nature of the man. Albert T. Gardner described The Dying Centaur as a symbol of Rimmer's (11…) life: "a wild creature, half man, half myth, sinking to the earth, with amputated arm stretching its handless stump to a pitiless Puritan sky".

1. enigmatic puzzled embarrassed mysterious

2. was belonging belongs will belong had belonged

3. as like similar how

4. ever always never yet

5. in at on during

6. carved carving been carved is carved

7. in spite despite although however

8. has come came have come comes

9. any some other no

10. both either neither nor

11. his own himself him

Princess Diana

Read the text and fill in the gap with the appropriate form of the word.

Diana Frances Spencer was born on 1 July, 1961 in the estate of the Spencers in Norfolk. Diana's parents were from (1…) families. The ancestors of her father Earl Spencer were (2…) of a royal dynasty. The mother had a noble title too. When Diana was six, her mother left the family and in 1969 (3…) of her parents was officially (4…). In 1975 her father inherited the title of Earl Spencer from his father and married for the (5…) time.

Diana was sent to the private school. She dreamt of (6…) a ballerina, but, then, as she told (7…), she had to give up.

When she was 16, she left for Switzerland and finished school there. Having returned, she lived in London, earning as a cook and (8…) in a kindergarten. For the first time Diana met the Prince in 1977. Diana's sister Sarah introduced (9…) to each other. At this time it was considered in Buckingham Palace that the heir should marry. Diana seemed to be a (10…) candidate. So the (11…) was made.

Soon after the honeymoon the relations between the couple started getting (12…).

Several last weeks of her life Princess Diana spent together with her friend Duddy Al-Fayed, the owner of the most (13…) London shop "Harrods". On August 31, 1997 Princess Diana was killed in a car accident. Her (14…) was a great tragedy for the whole British nation.

1. Aristocrat

2. To relate

3. To marry

4. To solve

5. Two

6. To be

7. She

8. To teach

9. They

10. To suit

11. To decide

12. Bad

13. Fashion

14. To die

Render the text in English.

Андрей Дмитриевич Сахаров

В 1947 году защитил кандидатскую диссертацию. В 1948 году был зачислен в специальную группу и до 1968 года работал в области разработки термоядерного оружия, участвовал в проектировании и разработке первой советской водородной бомбы по схеме, названной «слойка Сахарова». Одновременно Сахаров вместе с И. Таммом в 1950-51 гг. проводил пионерские работы по управляемой термоядерной реакции. В Московском Энергетическом Институте читал курсы ядерной физики, теории относительности и электричества. Доктор физико-математических наук (1953 год). В этом же году, в возрасте 32 лет, избран действительным членом Академии наук СССР. Пытался остановить разорительную гонку вооружений. В 1975 году написал книгу «О стране и мире». В том же году Сахарову была присуждена Нобелевская премия мира. Известны труды Сахарова по магнитной гидродинамике, физике плазмы, управляемому термоядерному синтезу, элементарным частицам, астрофизике, гравитации. В 1950 году А.Д. Сахаров совместно с И.Е. Таммом выдвинули идею осуществления управляемой термоядерной реакции для энергетических целей с использованием принципа магнитной термоизоляции плазмы.

Вариант 5

Olga Tikhomirova

Olga Tikhomirova was born on 6 July 1923. She was a very cheerful girl. At the age of 7 she went to school №8 (now school № 2). She was a diligent pupil. An active pioneer and a great help to her mother. She liked to help her Mum about the house, especially good she was at cooking. After finishing school she joined the Komsomol.

In June 1940 Olga finished school № 8 in Yoshkar-Ola. She joined the medical courses and in July 1942 she went to Moscow as a nurse, later she was sent to Belarussia where she joined the detachment of Nicolay Petrovich Rastoguev and became one of his brave and resolute partisans. In her letters home she wrote about the victory over the German aggressors.

In February 1943 the fascists encircled the area of the detachment. There was almost no ammunition, no food. There were only two ways out of the situation - risk or inevitable death. At night a group of courageous people including Olga decided to break through the ring. The commander was wounded; Olga bandaged the wound, rose and shouted "Follow me!" The shells and the mines exploded just near her, but Olga led the detachment with great confidence. Her left arm was wounded, then a shell torn away her right arm but she kept on going. She fell down only when her both legs were wounded. She set an example of brave behavior. These were the last steps to immortality. Thus the life of our country-woman Olga Tikhomirova came to an abrupt end. That happened on March 7, 1943.

On of the streets of Yoshkar-Ola is named after the heroine, a monument to Olga was erected in front of school № 2 and a composer Luppov created a heroic ballet "The Interrupted Holiday" in memory of the Mary partisan Olga Tikhomirova whose life was so short but so bright. She was an ordinary girl but she did extraordinary deeds.

Look through the text and for every statement choose the ending which is NOT correct (more than one variant is possible).

1. Olga was a good student at school because she was

1. Diligent and responsible;

2. Active and energetic;

3. Lazy and arrogant;

2. She went to the front because she

1. Wanted to defeat the fascists as soon as possible;

2. Was very ambitious and wanted to become well-known;

3. Wanted to defend her Motherland against aggressors;

3. She was highly respected in the detachment because she was

1. Good at cooking;

2. Resolute;

3. Brave;

4. The Mary people are proud of Olga and they

1. Made a film about her;

2. Named a street after her;

3. Erected a monument to her;

5. To perpetuate the memory of Olga the Mari composer Luppov created

1. A heroic opera "The Interrupted Holiday;

2. A heroic ballet "The Interrupted Holiday";

3. A collection of poems "The Interrupted Holiday".

Margaret Hilda Thatcher

Margaret Hilda Thatcher, Baroness Thatcher (born 13 October 1925) is a retired British politician. She was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1979 to 1990 and Leader of the Conservative Party from 1975 to 1990. She is the only woman to have held either post.

Thatcher spent her childhood in the town of Grantham in Lincolnshire, where her father owned two grocery shops. Thatcher was brought up a devout Methodist and has remained a Christian throughout her life. After attending Huntingtower Road Primary School, she won a scholarship to Kesteven and Grantham Girls' School. Her school reports show hard work and commitment, but not brilliance. Outside the classroom she played hockey and also enjoyed swimming and walking. Finishing school during the Second World War, she applied for a scholarship to attend Somerville College, Oxford, but was only successful when the winning candidate dropped out. She went to Oxford in 1943 and studied Natural Sciences, specializing in Chemistry. She became President of the Oxford University Conservative Association in 1946, the third woman to hold the post. In 1946 Thatcher took the Final Honour School examination, graduating with a Second Class Bachelor of Arts degree. She subsequently studied crystallography and received a postgraduate BSc degree in 1947. Three years later, in 1950, she achieved a Master of Arts advanced degree.

She won a seat as an MP from Finchley in 1959, as a Conservative. When Edward Heath formed a government in 1970, he appointed Thatcher as Secretary of State for Education and Science. Four years later, she backed Keith Joseph in his bid to become Conservative Party leader, but he was forced to drop out of the election; Thatcher felt that Heath's government had lost direction, so she entered the contest herself and became leader of the Conservative Party in 1975.

Thatcher entered 10 Downing Street with a mandate to reverse the UK's economic decline. Her political philosophy and economic policies emphasized reduced state intervention, free markets, entrepreneurialism and the selling off of state owned companies. She gained much support after the 1982 Falklands War and was re-elected the following year. Thatcher took a hard line against trade unions, survived an assassination attempt, and opposed the Soviet Union (her tough-talking rhetoric gained her the nickname the "Iron Lady"); she was re-elected for an unprecedented third term in 1987. The following years would prove difficult, as her Community Charge plan was largely unpopular, and her views regarding the European Community were not shared by others in her Cabinet. She resigned as Prime Minister in November 1990 after Michael Heseltine's challenge to her leadership of the Conservative Party.

The term 'Thatcherism' came to refer to her policies as well as aspects of her ethical outlook and personal style, including moral absolutism, nationalism, interest in the individual, and an uncompromising approach to achieving political goals. American author Claire Berlinski, who wrote the biography There Is No Alternative: Why Margaret Thatcher Matters, argues repeatedly throughout the volume that it was this Thatcherism, specifically her focus on economic reform, that set the United Kingdom on the path to recovery and long term growth.

True or False?

1. M. Thatcher was born in a family of English aristocrats.

2. She spent her childhood in London.

3. She got excellent education at home.

4. She was a brilliant student.

5. She liked sports since childhood.

6. In Oxford she studied Natural Sciences, specializing in Chemistry.

7. She began her political career in the late 1960-s.

8. Thatcher entered 10 Downing Street in 1979.

9. Her political philosophy and economic policies were not popular, and she wasn't re-elected.

10. She got the nickname the "Iron Lady" as she paid much attention to the development of iron industry in Britain.

11. The term 'Thatcherism' is used to show an uncompromising approach in political issues.

Thomas Elva Edison

Open the brackets and put the verbs in the correct tense-form.

Thomas Elva Edison (1. to start) work on the railway when he was twelve, selling newspapers and snacks. There (2. to be) long periods with nothing for him to do so he (3. to build) himself a little laboratory in the luggage van where he (4. can) carry out experiments when he (5. not/ to sell) things to passengers.

Another way that he (6. to occupy) himself was by reading. He joined a library and (7. to read) every single book in it. One day, when he (8. to wait) at a station, he (9. to notice) a small boy who (10. to play) by the track, unaware that a train (11. to approach). Edison (12. to run) out and (13. to grab) the child just in time. The child's father was so grateful that he (14. to offer) to teach Edison to be a telegraph operator. Edison accepted the offer and soon he (15. to have) regular lessons. After a year, he was good enough to get a job in the telegraph office.

He continued to read and experiment, whenever he (16. to have) time. At twenty one he (17. to leave) the telegraph office to devote all his time to being an inventor. He (18. to go on) to invent the electric light bulb, the photograph and the movie camera.

Barack Hussein Obama I

Choose the right variant from the given options.

Barack Hussein Obama II; (born August 4, 1961) is the 44^th and (1…) President of the United States. The first African American to hold the office, Obama had previously been the junior United States Senator from Illinois, serving from January 2005 until November 2008, when he (2…) after his election to the presidency.

Obama is (3…) of Columbia University and Harvard Law School, where he was the first African American president of the Harvard Law Review. July 2004 made him a (4…) star nationally in the Democratic Party. He was elected to the U.S. Senate in November 2004 by the largest ; line-height: 150%"> Obama was (5…) to the Illinois Senate in 1996. Once elected, Obama gained bipartisan support for legislation reforming ethics and health care laws. He sponsored a law increasing tax credits for low-income workers, negotiated welfare reform, and promoted increased subsidies for childcare.

In January 2003, Obama became chairman of the Illinois Senate's Health and Human Services Committee. He began his run for the presidency in February 2007. After a close campaign in the 2008 Democratic Party presidential (6…) against Hillary Rodham Clinton, he won his party's nomination, becoming the first major party African American candidate for president. In the 2008 general election, he defeated Republican candidate John McCain and was inaugurated as president on January 20, 2009.

Obama is frequently referred to as an exceptional orator. During his pre-inauguration transition period and continuing into his presidency, Obama has (7…) a series of weekly Internet video addresses (8…) to Franklin D. Roosevelt's famous fireside chats to explain his policies and actions.

Obama's international appeal has been described as a defining factor for his public image. Polls show strong (9…) for Obama in other countries, and he has met with prominent foreign (10…) including then-British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Italy's Democratic Party leader and then (11…) of Rome Walter Veltroni, and French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

1. current currently nowadays today

2. fired resigned got sacked got redundant

3. a finisher a leaver a graduate a member

4. rising lifting raising upcoming

5. appointed elected chosen fixed

6. primaries contest competition ivalry

7. made did delivered spoke

8. similar like the same as

9. protection admiration support agreement

10. persons people figures men

11. President Mayor Head Council

Harold, The King of England

Read the text and fill in the gap with the appropriate form of the word.

The King Edward died in 1066 without an obvious heir. And the Witan (1…) Harold, a Saxon nobleman from the Family of the Goodwin. Harold's right to the English Throne was (2…) by William the Duke of Normandy. 1066 was a crucial year for the Saxon King, and the History of the English. Harold had to fight against two enemies at the same time. In the (3…) William of Normandy was preparing to land in England, the Danes (4…) their attacks in the North. Harold (5…) in defeating the Danes and rushed his armies to the South to meet William who had landed near Hastings. William's army was (6…) armed and he had cavalry. Had Harold waited and given his army a rest, the outcome of the battle might have been (7…). But after a hard struggle, Harold and his brothers were killed, and the flower of Saxon (8…) lay (9…) together with them on the battle field. William captured London and was crowned King of England in Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day, 1066.

1. Election

2. Challenge

3. Southern

4. New

5. Success

6. Good

7. To differ

8. Noble

9. Death

Render the text in English.

Р. Рейган стал старейшим по возрасту президентом, занявшим пост (69 лет), и старейшим президентом в должности (77 лет). Свою первую инаугурационную речь 20 января 1981, текст которой он написал сам, он посвятил вопросам экономического недомогания страны. Рейган был первым президентом, который подпадал под проклятие Текумсе, но остался жив и умер после отставки. Известный американский режиссёр Джордж Лукас в своей саге «Звёздные войны» назвал персонажа первых трёх эпизодов, вице-короля Торговой федерации, Нутом Ганреем (Ган-рей - Рей-ган). Рейган назвал свою стратегическую космическую программу «Звёздными войнами», что не понравилось Лукасу. Персонаж вице-король в фильмах был трусливым злодеем, погибшим в результате собственной жадности.

Вариант 6

Director, Scriptwriter, and Producer

Steven Spielberg has begun the new millennium of cinema. Spielberg remains the most commercially successful director the world has seen. What does Spielberg know? And why has so much of his work invited such audience approval?

Spielberg has worked in a variety of genres: the television film Duel is a thriller; Jaws is a horror film; 1941 is a crazy comedy; Close Encounters of the Third Kind is a science-fiction film; Raiders of the Lost Ark is an adventure film patterned after film serials of the early 1950s; E.T.-The Extraterrestrial is a fantasy/family film combining elements from The Wizard of Oz, Lassie, and Peter Pan; The Color Purple is a social drama; Empire of the Sun is an expansive wartime epic. And yet virtually all of Spielberg's films are united by the same distinctive vision: a vision imbued with a sense of wonder which celebrates the magic, mystery, and danger that imagination can reveal as an alternative to the humdrum and the everyday. The artistic consistency within Spielberg's work is demonstrated further by his narratives, which are structurally similar. In the typical Spielberg film, an Everyman protagonist has his conception of the world enlarged (often traumatically) as he comes face to face with some extraordinary and generally non-human antagonist who is often hidden from the rest of the world and/or the audience until the narrative's end. In Duel, a California businessman named Mann finds himself pitted against the monstrous truck whose driver's face is never shown; in Jaws, the water-shy sheriff must face an almost mythological shark whose jaws are not clearly shown until the final reel; in Close Encounters, a suburban father responds to the extrasensory messages sent by outer-space creatures who are not revealed until the last sequence of the film; in Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones quests for the Lost Ark which, at film's end we discover is Pandora's Box of horrors when summoned up by those who would attempt to profit from it. In Poltergeist, a typical American family ultimately discovers that the antagonists responsible for the mysterious goings-on in their suburban home are ghosts and skeletons not shown until the end of the film, when the narrative also reveals the villainy of the real estate developer who had disposed of the remains from an inconveniently located cemetery.

Technically proficient and dazzling, Spielberg's films are various in their synthesis of the popular culture icons which have formed the director's sensibilities: Hitchcock movies, John Wayne, comic books, Bambi, suburban homes, fast food, the space program, television. His vision is that of the child-artist-the innocent and profound imagination that can summon up primeval dread from the deep, as well as transcendent wonder from the sky. If Spielberg's early films particularly are sometimes attacked for a certain lack of interest in social issues or "adult concerns," they may be defended on the grounds that his films-unlike so many of the "special effects" action films of the 1970s and 1980s-derive from a sensibility which is sincerely felt. A more subtle attack on Spielberg would hold that his interest in objects and mechanical effects (as in 1941 and Raiders of the Lost Ark), though provocative, may not always be in perfect balance with his interest in sentiment and human values.

Spielberg has continued to consolidate his position in Hollywood as its most powerful man. His company, Amblin Entertainment, has long been involved with television production. Spielberg has continued to produce the films of others, and at least one film, To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar, takes on a contemporary hot-button issue: homophobia in America. Spielberg formed a new Hollywood studio called DreamWorks SKG in partnership with two of the other most powerful men in Hollywood. In 1999, DreamWorks released American Beauty, a savage satire about bankrupt values and homophobia in the suburbs, which won the Academy award for best film.

Choose the right answer:

1. What is one of the most striking points of Spielberg's life?

a). He was born in the new millennium.

b). He produced a lot of films in the new millennium.

c). He started a new era in film-making industry.

2. What genre does Spielberg prefer to work in?

a). Most of his films are comedies.

b). He works in many genres.

c). He prefers to make horror film and thrillers.

3. What are all his films united by?

a). Their main purpose is to horrify the viewers.

b). They are full of incredible stunts.

c). They are filled with a sense of wonder, based either on mystery or danger.

4. What is the structure of a typical Spielberg's film?

a). The main character is not shown until the end of the film

b). The main character is often hidden from the rest of the world.

c). The main character comes face to face with something extraordinary.

5. What are Spielberg's films sometimes attacked for?

a). Spielberg always holds his interest in objects and mechanical effects

b). His films experience a certain lack of interest in social issues and human values.

c). His films are full of the author's innocent and profound imagination.

6. Why is Spielberg called the most powerful man in Hollywood?

a). He formed a new Hollywood studio called DreamWorks SKG in addition to his company, Amblin Entertainment.

b). He has long been involved with television production.

c). He produces films which take on a contemporary hot-button issues.

Rudyard Kipling

From the 1890-s to the 1920-s the most popular writer in the English-speaking world was Rudyard Kipling. In 1907 he received the first Nobel Prize in literature given to an author writing in the English language. He published hundreds of short stories and poems, four novels and volumes of pamphlets, speeches.

He was born on 30 December 1865 in Bombay, India. His father was an educated man, who had come to India to teach art in Bombay, where Kipling spent his early childhood.

Kipling's literary career began in 1886 with the publication of "Departmental Duties and other Verses", a collection of light and satiric poems about Anglo-Indian careers and courtships.

Soon after 1892 Kipling got acquainted with Wolcott Balestier, an American publisher's agent, who became Kipling's closest friend. As the two friends collaborated on the novel "The Naulanka: a Story of West and East" (1892), Kipling fell in love with Wolcott's elder sister Caroline and on 18 January 1892 Kipling married her. They went to the USA and set out housekeeping at Bliss Cottage near Brattleboro, Vermont.

Content with a home of his own, a wife and children, Kipling enjoyed a richly productive literary period that saw the beginning of his career as a children's author, producing "The Jungle Book" (1894).

In the 1920-s Kipling became a friend of King George Y. He received honorary doctorates from Magill University of Canada, the Universities of Cambridge, Oxford, Edinburgh, and the Universities of Paris and Strasbourg. He won the Nobel Prize in literature in 1907, and in 1923 he became lord rector of St. Andrew's University.

He died on 18 January 1936 of the stroke.

True or False?

1. Kipling spent his early childhood in Bombay.

2. R. Kipling lived in India, the USA, Spain, England.

3. He made friends with Wolcott Balestier, an American publisher's agent.

4. Kipling married Wolcott's younger sister.

5. Kipling was very happy in his family life.

6. He produced "The Jungle Book" at the beginning of his literary career.

7. Kipling got education at several Universities.

8. He received honorary doctorates from many European Universities.

9. He won the Nobel Prize in literature in 1907.

10. His life tragically ended in a car accident.

11. Kipling died at the age of 71.

Famous actor

Open the brackets and put the verbs in the correct tense-form.

M.S. Tshepkin was born on 6 November, 1788; (1. to die) on 12 August, 1863. Among all the artists - an actor (2. to produce) the greatest but at the same time the least solid impression. The actor (3. not/ to leave) the evidence of his talent. As V. Belinsky once said "the art of an actor is the least grateful as it lives only at the moment of a performance. It (4. to influence) your soul at present but becomes vague in the past". Is it really so? Do you believe that when the actor leaves the stage, his work and success (5. to sink) into oblivion?

M.S. Tshepkin's talent was so huge and bright, that his fame still (6. to remember) although actor's work is, at first sight, transient and isn't distinguished by everlasting monuments. Except foe acting, about which we can (7.to judge) only by the comments of his contemporaries, he left one more monument about himself - his reminiscences called "Actor M.S. Tshepkin's notes". It's interesting that the first lines in this book (8. to write) by A.S. Pushkin one year before M.S. Tshepkin's death. The great poet (9. to know) that the most difficult thing was to start writing and he did it instead of the actor.

M.S. Tshepkin (10. to come) from a serf family. They belonged to the count Volkenshtein who was very proud of Mike's Granddad's beautiful voice. Since childhood M.S. Tshepkin also (11. to possess) perfect musical hearing and excellent memory. At the age of six he learned the Psalm-book by heart and used (12. to patter) it. This habit to speak very quickly remained for all his life: becoming an actor he did his best (13. to eradicate) it; it was the shortcoming of his performing that was often (14. to note).

A few years later he (15. to send) to Belgorod to study. On the way to the city they stayed at the count's estate where the boy (16. to see) the amateur performance - the opera "New Family" was on that evening. (17. to charm) by it, he couldn't forget it for a long time and precisely that evening (as he wrote later) defined his future life.

The boy didn't give up his dream of becoming an actor and took part in all students' performances. They were a success, and the young actors (18. to congratulate) by the Governor of Belgorod. However, to become a professional actor helped a funny episode. One actor (a hard drinker) (19. to sell) all his clothes in order to get money and he couldn't participate in the performance (actors used to be poor and didn't have extra clothes), so the young actor offered his own participation and the performance (20. to save). Since then he started his rapid ascension to the theatrical Olympus.

In 1830-1840-s he played the most famous roles: the part of Famusov in Griboedov's "Misfortune because of bright mind" and the part of the Governor in Gogol's "Inspector". Being in his late 60-s he performed the tragic role of Baron in the play "Stingy Knight" by A.S. Pushkin. This role became the apotheosis of his work as an actor.

The first Mari scientist

Choose the right variant from the given options.

The name of the first Mari academician Vasily Petrovich Mosolov is world (1…). He came from a poor family. As they lived from (2…) to mouth, he had to work (3…) since the early childhood.

Like M. Lomonosov in his time, Vasily (4…) for Moscow with a sack behind the shoulders and three roubles in his pocket. He (5…) off a journey to the unknown world in search (6…) knowledge.

He graduated (7…) Moscow agricultural Academy named after Timiryazev, later - finished successfully the post-graduate study.

(8…) of time he became the recognized authority in the sphere of agriculture.

In 1939 he was (9…) as a vice-president of All-Russia Academy of the Agricultural Sciences named after V.I. Lenin and worked at this post for more than 10 years. His scientific (10…) is still of great value. In Mari - Turek region in Mari El there is a collective farm named in his honour. Using the advanced technologies based on Mosolov's research the farmers gather rich harvest of rye every year.

1. outstanding famous lucky extraordinary

2. hand arm mouth nose

3. hardly heavy hard strong

4. arrived came went headed

5. sat set said sad

6. of for in from

7. --- of from after

8. in course during while for

9. disappointed appointed pointed painted

10. works articles heritage experiments

11. technologies technicians technicals technologists

John Cameron

Read the text and fill in the gap with the appropriate form of the word.

John Cameron was a native of Inverness, Scotland. His father, Angus Cameron, was also a native of the same place. In 1804, he was married to Catharine, daughter of Alexander Cameron, of Argyleshire, Scotland, and soon after, (1…) by his wife, came to America, landing in the city of New York, and proceeded from there to Geneva, where he engaged in the mercantile (2…) in company with Colonel Grieves.
After remaining there (3…) a year he sold out his interest to his partner, and through the solicitations of the Scotch (4…) in Caledonia, or Big Springs," as it was then called, came here in 1805 and opened a store (5…) general merchandise.
He was the (6…) merchant who engaged in business in this town, and continued in it till about 1815 or '16, soon after the close of the war of 1852. He died August 7^th 1820 and his wife June 8, 1849. They left eight (7…) as follows :-Angus, born July 10 1805 Margaret, born March 4, 1808; Mary Ann, born March 21, 1810; Alexander, born December 10, 1811; John Greg, born July 31, 1813; Caroline, born May 13, 18I5; Jean, born March 25, 1817; and Charles, born August 5, 1820. Only three of the family are now (8…).

1. Company

2. Busy

3. Near

4. To settle

5. To contain

6. One

7. Child

8. To live

Render the text in English.

Алекса́ндр Иса́евич Солжени́цын (11 декабря 1918, Кисловодск - 3 августа 2008, Москва) - русский писатель, публицист, поэт, общественный и политический деятель, живший и работавший в СССР, Швейцарии, США и России. Лауреат Нобелевской премии по литературе (1970). Помимо художественных литературных произведений, затрагивающих, как правило, острые общественно-политические вопросы, получил широкую известность своими историко-публицистическими произведениями по истории России XIX-XX веков. Творчество Солженицына отличает постановка масштабных эпических задач, демонстрация исторических событий глазами нескольких персонажей разного социального уровня, находящихся по разные стороны баррикад. Для его стиля характерны библейские аллюзии, ассоциации с классическим эпосом (Данте, Гёте), символичность композиции. Отличительной особенностью его произведений является документальность; большинство персонажей имеет реальных прототипов, лично знакомых писателю.

Вариант 7

Famous Tramp Clown

(April 16, 1889 - December 25, 1977)

Charlie Chaplin, who brought laughter to millions worldwide as the silent "Little Tramp" clown, had the type of deprived childhood that one would expect to find in a Dickens novel. Born in East Street, Walworth, London on 16 April, 1889, Charles Spencer Chaplin was the son of a music hall singer and his wife. Charlie Chaplin's parents divorced early in his life, with his father providing little to no support, either financial or otherwise, leaving his mother to support them as best she could. Charlie Chaplin's mother Hannah was the brightest spot in Charlie's childhood; formerly an actor on stage, she had lost her ability to perform, and managed to earn a subsistence living for herself, Charlie, and Charlie's older half-brother Sidney by sewing. She was an integral part of Charlie's young life, and he credited her with much of his success. Sadly, she slowly succumbed to mental illness, and by the time that Charlie Chaplin was 7 years old, she was confined to an asylum; Charlie and Sidney were relegated to a workhouse (a government facility for orphaned and abandoned children) - not for the last time. After 2 months, she was released, and the family was happily reunited, for a time. In later years, she was readmitted for an 8-month stretch later, during which time Charlie Chaplin lived with his alcoholic father and stepmother, in a strained environment.

Young Charlie Chaplin felt more alone than ever without the presence of his brother, his closest friend and confidant. However, there was a bright spot as well in Charlie Chaplin's 9^th year - he toured with a stage company, the 8 Lancashire Lads, with a kindhearted couple who led the troupe, and gave Charlie Chaplin his first taste of stage life. He also met a young Stan Laurel as part of the troupe.

Young Charlie Chaplin's luck began to turn for the better. He won a part in the stage play "Jim, A Romance of Cockney" to glowing reviews. Later in the same year, he earned the part of Billy in a stage adaptation of "Sherlock Holmes," again to sterling reviews, and toured with the company playing that part. The tour continued through the next year, and Hannah was again released, seemingly in her right mind. All seemed to be going well, until Hannah relapsed, and was institutionalized for the next 7 years; Charlie Chaplin was 16 years old.

Charlie Chaplin continued in his acting career, as his brother Sidney joined the Karno troupe, again opening the way there for Charlie. Charlie Chaplin joined the Karno troupe the next year, again working alongside Stan Laurel. Two years later, Charlie Chaplin (along with the rest of the Karno troupe) toured the United States. Two years later, in 1912, Charlie Chaplin returned with the Karno troupe to the USA, but this time decided to stay. The next year, Charlie Chaplin left the stage to join Mack Sennet's Keystone Films Studio, marking a milestone both in his own life and in the history of film.

The pace of film making in early Hollywood seems impossible by today's standards. In just two months, Charlie Chaplin appeared in the following Keystone films: Making a Living, Kid Auto Races, Mabel's Strange Predicament, Between Showers, A Film Johnnie, Tango Tangles, His Favourite Pastime, Cruel, Cruel Love. Although Charlie Chaplin started at the Keystone company as a bit player, with the introduction of his world-famous tramp character he quickly exploded into a major star. By April, at the age of 25, Charlie Chaplin directed his first film, 'Twenty Minutes of Love.'

Choose the right answer:

1. What kind of life did Chaplin have in his childhood?

a). He grew up in a happy extended family.

b). Charlie had the type of deprived childhood, like in a Dickens novel.

c). Charlie had no parents, and was brought up by his Granny.

2. What was his Mum's occupation?

a). She was an actress.

b). She was a music hall singer.

c). She was a film star.

3. When was Charlie Chaplin given his first taste of stage life?

a). By the time Charlie Chaplin was 7 years old.

b). At the age of nine.

c). When Charlie Chaplin joined the Karno troupe.

4. When did Charlie Chaplin leave the stage to join Mack Sennet's Keystone Films Studio?

a). In 1912.

b). In 1913.

c). When Charlie Chaplin was 16 years old.

5. What important step did he do when he was 24?

a). He got married.

b). He took part in the theatre performance.

c). He joined the film-making company.

6. What was the name of the first film, directed by Charlie Chaplin?

a). "Making a Living".

b). "Jim, A Romance of Cockney".

c). "Twenty Minutes of Love".

John Maxwell Coetzee - Nobel Prize winner

John Maxwell Coetzee was born in Cape Town, South Africa, on 9 February 1940, the elder of two children. His mother was a primary school teacher. His father was trained as an attorney, but practiced as such only intermittently; during the years 1941-45 he served with the South African forces in North Africa and Italy. Though Coetzee's parents were not of British descent, the language spoken at home was English.

Coetzee received his primary schooling in Cape Town and in the nearby town of Worcester. For his secondary education he attended a school in Cape Town run by a Catholic order, the Marist Brothers. He matriculated in 1956. Coetzee entered the University of Cape Town in 1957, and in 1960 and 1961 graduated successively with honours degrees in English and mathematics. He spent the years 1962-65 in England, working as a computer programmer while doing research for a thesis on the English novelist Ford Madox Ford. In 1963 he married Philippa Jubber, and they had two children, Nicolas and Gisela.

In 1965 Coetzee entered the graduate school of the University of Texas at Austin, and in 1968 graduated with a PhD in English, linguistics, and Germanic languages. His doctoral dissertation was on the early fiction of Samuel Beckett. For three years (1968-71) Coetzee was assistant professor of English at the State University of New York in Buffalo. After an application for permanent residence in the United States was denied, he returned to South Africa. From 1972 until 2000 he held a series of positions at the University of Cape Town, the last of them as Distinguished Professor of Literature.

Between 1984 and 2003 he also taught frequently in the United States: at the State University of New York, Johns Hopkins University, Harvard University, Stanford University, and the University of Chicago, where for six years he was a member of the Committee on Social Thought.

Coetzee began writing fiction in 1969. His first book, Dusklands, was published in South Africa in 1974. In the Heart of the Country (1977) won South Africa's then principal literary award, the CNA Prize, and was published in Britain and the USA. Waiting for the Barbarians (1980) received international notice. His reputation was confirmed by Life & Times of Michael K (1983), which won Britain's Booker Prize. It was followed by Foe (1986), Age of Iron (1990), The Master of Petersburg (1994), and Disgrace (1999), which again won the Booker Prize.

Coetzee also wrote two fictionalized memoirs, Boyhood (1997) and Youth (2002). The Lives of Animals (1999) is a fictionalized lecture, later absorbed into Elizabeth Costello (2003). White Writing (1988) is a set of essays on South African literature and culture. Doubling the Point (1992) consists of essays and interviews with David Attwell. Giving Offense (1996) is a study of literary censorship. Stranger Shores (2001) collects his later literary essays. Coetzee has also been active as a translator of Dutch and Afrikaans literature.

In 2002 Coetzee immigrated to Australia. He lives with his partner Dorothy Driver in Adelaide, South Australia, where he holds an honorary position at the University of Adelaide. In 2003 he got the Nobel Prize in literature.

True or False?

1. John Maxwell Coetzee was born in India, didn't he?

2. He had two brothers.

3. Coetzee's parents were of British origin.

4. He spent the years 1962-65 in England, working as a computer programmer.

5. In 1971 he left America, as an application for permanent residence in the United States was denied.

6. He became Professor of Literature and taught at many Universities all over the world.

7. Coetzee began writing fiction when he was 29 years old.

8. He won Britain's Booker Prize more than once.

9. Coetzee works as a translator as well.

10. He still lives and works in South Africa.

11. In 2003 he got the Nobel Prize in literature.

Madonna

Open the brackets and put the verbs in the correct tense-form.

Madonna (born on August 16, 1958) is an American recording artist, actress and entrepreneur. Born in Bay City, Michigan and (1. to raise) in Rochester Hills, Michigan, she (2. to move) to New York City in 1977, for a career in modern dance. After performing as a member of the pop musical groups Breakfast Club and Emmy, she (3. to release) her self-titled debut album, Madonna in 1983 by Sire Records.

A series of hit singles from her studio albums Like a Virgin (1984) and True Blue (1986) (4. to transition) her into global recognition, becoming a pop icon for pushing the boundaries of lyrical content in popular music and imagery in her music videos which became a fixture on MTV. She also (5. to gain) recognition for her role in the film Desperately Seeking Susan (1985).

In 1992, Madonna founded the Maverick corporation, as a joint venture between herself and Time Warner. The same year, she (6. to expand) the use of sexually explicit material in work, beginning the release of the studio album Erotica, (7. to follow) by the publishing of the coffee table book Sex, and starring in the erotic thriller Body of Evidence, all of which received negative responses from conservatives and liberals alike.

In 1996, Madonna played the starring role in the film, Evita, for which she (8. to win) the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy. Her single, "You Must Love Me" which (9. to feature) on the film's soundtrack album won the Academy Award and the Golden Globe for Best Original Song.

Madonna (10. to rank) by the Recording Industry Association of America as the best-selling female rock artist of the twentieth century and the second top-selling female artist in the United States with sixty-three million certified albums; she (11. to sell) over two-hundred million albums worldwide. In 2007, Guinness World Records listed her as the world's most successful female recording artist of all time and she (12. to induct) into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame the following year. Considered to be one of the most influential women in contemporary music, Madonna (13. to know) for continually reinventing her music and image and for retaining a standard of anonymity within the recording industry; she is recognized as an influence among numerous music artists.

Tom Cruise

Choose the right variant from the given options.

Tom Cruise's first film role came in 1981, when he had a small role in Endless Love, a drama/romance film (1…) Brooke Shields. Later that (2…) year he had a more (3…) role in the film Taps, appearing alongside George C. Scott, Timothy Hutton and Sean Penn. The film about military cadets was (4…) successful. In 1983, he was one of many teenaged stars to appear in Francis Ford Coppola's The Outsiders. That same year Cruise appeared in the teen comedy Losin' It. Cruise's breakthrough came after Risky Business was (5…), which helped to propel Cruise to stardom. One sequence in the film, featuring Cruise lip-syncing Bob Seger's "Old Time Rock and Roll" in his underwear, has become an iconic moment in 1980s film. The film has been described as "A Generation-X classic, and a career-maker for Tom Cruise". A fourth film that was released in 1983 was the high-school football drama, All the Right Moves. Cruise's next film was the 1985 fantasy film Legend directed by Ridley Scott.

Cruise was then selected as the first choice by producers Jerry Bruckheimer and Don Simpson for an upcoming American fighter pilot film. Cruise at first apparently (6…) the project, but helped (7…) the script he was given and developed the film. After being taken for a flight with the Blue Angels, Cruise changed his mind and signed on with the project. The project was titled Top Gun and opened in May 1986, becoming the highest grossing film of the year, taking in US$354 million in worldwide figures. Also in 1986, he starred in Martin Scorsese's The Color of Money along with Paul Newman, which (8…) Newman a Best Actor Academy Award. In 1988, he starred in the lighthearted drama Cocktail, which received mixed reviews and Cruise received his first nomination for a Razzie award in 1989. Later that year, Rain Man was released, which also starred Dustin Hoffman and was directed by Barry Levinson. The film was (9…) by critics and was nominated for eight Academy Awards, and won four, including Best Picture and Best Actor (for Hoffman).

1. starring playing taking part participating

2. -------- same the same next

3. important crucial substantial big

4. moderately moderate moderator moderative

5. came out released finished filmed

6. refused closed turned down put down

7. to rewrite to alter to compose to copy

8. brought got earned gave

9. raised rose praised risen

The Museum of I. S. Kluchnikov-Palantai

Read the text and fill in the gap with the appropriate form of the word.

The house of Kluchnikov-Palantai, the (1…) of the professional Mari music is (2…) in L.Tolstoy Street.

(3…) for architecture of Krasnokokshaisk period this (4…) house is "five-walled", i.e. with the (5…) supporting wall.

(6…) through the middle of the building (7…) preserved in the museum are musical instruments, sketches and (8…) things which belonged to the (9…).

(10…), everybody knows this talented master and (11…) of him.

1. To found

2. Local

3. Type

4. Wood

5. Five

6. Run

7. Care

8. Person

9. To compose

10. Doubt

11. Pride

Render the text in English.

Жоре́с Ива́нович Алфёров родился 15 марта 1930, в г. Витебск, Белорусская ССР, СССР - советский и российский физик, лауреат Нобелевской премии по физике 2000 года за разработку полупроводниковых гетероструктур и создание быстрых опто- и микроэлектронных компонентов, академик РАН, почётный член Национальной Академии наук Азербайджана (с 2004 года) , иностранный член Национальной академии наук Беларуси, почётный член Национальной Академии наук Армении (с 2011 года) . Его исследование сыграло большую роль в информатике. Депутат Госдумы РФ от КПРФ, являлся инициатором учреждения в 2002 году премии «Глобальная энергия», до 2006 года возглавлял Международный комитет по её присуждению. Является ректором-организатором нового Академического университета.

В 2008 году принял участие в подготовке издания второй книги из серии «Автограф века». Был главным редактором журнала «Физика и техника полупроводников», членом редакционной коллегии журнала «Поверхность: Физика, химия, механика», членом редакционной коллегии журнала «Наука и жизнь». Был членом правления Общества "Знание" РСФСР. 5 апреля 2010 года объявлено о том, что Алфёров назначен научным руководителем инновационного центра в Сколково.

Вариант 8

Famous English Football Player

Steven George Gerrard MBE (born 30 May 1980, Whiston, Merseyside) is an English football player. He was qualified to play for the Republic of Ireland, and England. He is the captain of Liverpool, where he wears the number 8 shirt. He is the England vice captain, where wears number 4. An extremely versatile and inspirational midfielder famous for his long - range shots and wily defense-splitting passes, he is usually employed in the commanding box-to-box midfield role, although he has often been deployed as a right-sided midfielder, and occasionally as a striker.

Steven Gerrard started out playing for local side team Whiston Juniors before signing with Liverpool, and was picked up by the Liverpool's first team scouts aged just 9, and joined the Reds as a schoolboy in 1997. He played relatively few games, with late growth spurts restricting him to 20 games between the ages of 14 and 16. Aged 14, Gerrard had trials with various clubs, including Manchester United. During this time he had an accident involving a garden fork and could have lost his toe. Gerrard signed his first professional contract with Liverpool on the 5^th of November, 1997.

Gerrard made his debut for the Liverpool first team on 30 November 1998 as a second half substitute for Vegard Heggem against Blackburn. His first start came in the UEFA Cup against Celta Vigo. After proving himself worthy of a place in the starting eleven, Gerrard was struck down by injuries. His back was causing him regular problems. At the time, many journalists surmised that fans would never see Steven Gerrard complete anything close to a full season. However, manager Gerard Houllier took the practical approach and sought specialist help. After visits to the renowned sports consultant Dr Müller-Wohlfarth, it was diagnosed Gerrard's pains were a result of accelerated growth. After treatment he and Liverpool FC were assured the problems would not recur. He was said to need 4 surgeries for the correction. He then saw Liverpool F.C. doctors and kept his faith with Liverpool. He was sent to a Frenchman for his treatment by Gérard Houllier. He worked hard to recover and soon his groin injuries were no longer a problem.

The season 2000/1 brought Gerrard his first trophy successes: he put his injury problems behind him and made 50 first team appearances, while scoring 10 goals. By the start of the 2003 season, Gerrard had established himself as Liverpool's on-field leader and it was no surprise when he was finally officially recognized as club captain, replacing Sami Hyppia. While Gerrard excelled as Liverpool's captain, the team continued to stall and the 2003-4 season ended with no trophies and a lack of optimism about Liverpool's future prospects for success under Houllier. For the first time it was suggested Gerrard may have to move away from Anfield to fulfill his potential.

Choose the right answer:

1. Where was Steven George Gerrard born?

a). In Liverpool.

b). In the Republic of Ireland.

c). In Whiston, Merseyside.

2. What is this footballer famous for?

a). He is famous for his height.

b). He is famous for his long - range shots and wily defense-splitting passes.

c). He is famous for his rough tempo.

3. What club did Gerrard sign his first professional contract?

a). With Liverpool.

b). With Manchester United.

c). With Whiston Juniors.

4. Why did journalists surmise that fans would never see Steven Gerrard on the football pitch again?

a). Gerrard gave up professional sport.

b). He was sent to France to study.

c). Gerrard was struck down by injuries.

5. Why was the season 2000/1 successful for Gerrard?

a). He earned a lot of money.

b). He scored 10 goals.

c). He became the captain of the team.

6. Why was Gerrard offered to move away from Anfield?

a). To teach other footballers to play better.

b). To develop his abilities better.

c). To see the world and to speak French better.

Céline Dion

From humble beginnings in a rural French Canadian home town, Céline Dion has risen to international superstardom like a shooting star. Céline has been called the premier contemporary pop vocalist of the Nineties. She has earned music industry accolades from around the world: Grammy Awards in the US, Juno and Felix Awards in Canada, and World Music Awards in Europe. The entire world has seen Céline Dion literally transform herself from a gifted pre-adolescent into an international superstar.

Born in Charlemagne (a small town 30 miles east of Montréal, Québec, Canada), Céline is the youngest of 14 children of a highly musical family. Her parents, both musicians, operated a small club, and on weekends, the entire family performed and entertained the local population. From the tender age of 5, Céline sang with her siblings and quickly acquired the ability to perform live. At the age of twelve, together with her mother and one of her brothers, Céline composed a French song which would forever alter the course of her life.

The demo tape containing the song was brought to the attention of René Angélil, a well respected personal manager. In January 1981, René was so taken by the voice of the young Céline, that he became determined to make her an internationally known talent - he even mortgaged his house to finance the recording of Céline's debut album!

Céline began to receive recognition for her talent in 1982, winning the Gold Medal at the Yamaha World Song Festival in Tokyo, along with the coveted Musician's Award for Top Performer. In 1983, she became the first Canadian ever to receive a Gold Record in France. The streak of recognition had only just begun.
In 1988 Céline won the prestigious Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin, Ireland, where she performed live before a television audience of 600 million viewers throughout Europe, the USSR, the Middle-East, Japan, and Australia.
Céline's international breakthrough came when she recorded the title track for the soundtrack to the animated Disney hit movie "Beauty and the Beast". The song went to number one and garnered an Academy Award and a Grammy Award. "Beauty and the Beast" formed the cornerstone for Céline's second English language album, called simply 'Céline Dion'.

Blessed with one of popular music's great voices, she has crossed all barriers - even that of language - with her electrifying series of international hits. With her breakneck pace of recording, video shoots, touring and appearing on TV shows and awards specials, it seems like Céline has time for little else. Not the case when it comes to an important cause. Céline has used her talents to further the cause of the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. In fact, one of Céline's most emotional songs ("Vole," from the 'D'eux' album, later translated into English as the song "Fly," which appears on the 'Falling Into You' album) is a touching memorial to her niece, Karine, who was taken from her by this disease.
'Let's Talk About Love' is the follow-up to Céline's double Grammy Award-winning album. Recorded in London, New York and Los Angeles, 'Let's Talk About Love' features a host of special guests including some of popular music's greatest vocalists, songwriters, and producers.

'Let's Talk About Love' was released on the same day as the soundtrack of the motion picture "Titanic". Both albums featured the much-loved Titanic movie's theme song, "My Heart Will Go On," written by James Horner and produced by James Horner and Walter Afanasieff. "My Heart Will Go On" quickly became the wedding song of choice for Céline's fans.

In a stunning back-to-back achievement, 'Let's Talk About Love' went on to match the 27 million worldwide sales of its predecessor; 'Titanic' also sold over 27 million copies worldwide. It is the all-time best-selling orchestral soundtrack in recording history. Céline sang "My Heart Will Go On" on the worldwide telecast of the 70^th Annual Academy Awards, live from the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles. The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song - the second Oscar for a song sung by Céline Dion, following "Beauty

And The Beast".
With each new release, Céline has managed to top her previous successes and, along the way, has become one of the brightest stars in the world of popular music. Who would have imagined that Quebec's best-kept secret could have conquered the world the way she has? Looking back now, we should have known it all along.

True or False?

1. Céline Dion was born in Montréal, Canada.

2. She was the only child in the family.

3. She came from a family of professional musicians.

4. Celine began to perform since early childhood.

5. Her parents mortgaged their house to finance the recording of Céline's debut album!

6. The first real success came to her as a singer in 1982.

7. She starred in the movie 'Beauty and the Beast'.

8. Though she is very busy, Celine takes part in charitable projects.

9. Celine's song "My Heart Will Go On" from the motion picture "Titanic", written by James Horner won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

10. It was the first Oscar for a song sung by Céline Dion.

11. Céline has become one of the brightest stars in the world of popular music.

The Art Gallery in the Country House

Open the brackets and put the verbs in the correct tense-form.

The daughter of the amateur painter, the veteran of the Great Patriotic war Nikolay Fyodorovich Zykov (1. to open) the museum of her father's paintings in his house in the village of Yulendur, Kuzhener region, Mari El. There are so many pictures that they (2. to display) everywhere: in the rooms, in the kitchen, in the verandah: all in all 54 canvases.

Nikolay was a very talented craftsman. All the furniture in his house was hand-made and (to decorate) with illustrations to the Russian folk fairy-tales and ballads. There used (3. to be) a chest of drawers the front of which was painted with the scenes from the tale about Ivan Tsarevich; the back part - the copy of the painting "The morning of the Strelets' Execution".

When he was at war he sent home together with the letters incredibly bright and merry pictures and sketches: the hare playing the drum, the birds of paradise, animals, children, nature.

Nikolay was lucky: wounded but alive he came back home. Till the end of his life he didn't give up (4. to paint). Practically each family in Yulendur (5. to have) canvases created by N. Zykov.

Once his daughter visited Leningrad and (6. to bring) home a suitcase full of the reproductions of the world-famous canvases.

Still today for almost 50 years from the walls of Nikolay's house (7. to look) Maria-Magdalina and Sixtinskaya Madonna, Zaporozhskie Kasaks and Boyarynya Morozova.

It was his daughter Margaret who organized the museum of her father's paintings. It (8. not/have) the official status but a lot of visitors come here. A few boys who are good at painting come here every day to work. The aura here is so unusual that the house (9. to turn) into the working shop.

Margaret herself works as a guide now; she (10. to tell) the guests about her father, the history of the paintings, about people and events depicted there. It's rather interesting especially for village children who never (11. to be) to a real museum. That's why they are so grateful to Margaret and her efforts to preserve a little part of our common history.

Kostya Tszyu

Choose the right variant from the given options.

Tszyu was (1…) as a child, and his father decided to take him to a boxing gym, where he would channel that energy by fighting older boys. He impressed Russia's amateur team (2…) and he was sent to the Soviet Union's amateur boxing traveling training camps, where he was able to visit more than 30 countries while training and fighting in (3…). He trained with that group 250 days a year, and won various tournaments, such as amateur boxing's world championships. He also (4…) in the 1988 Olympic Games. At the Cuban world championship tournament in 1987, he came in second place, and at the Seoul Olympic Games, he (5…) in the third round.

Tszyu was a member of the Soviet military too, but (6…) he was selected as an elite athlete, he was not required to participate in combat. He fought at the world championships once again, in Moscow in 1989, where he came in third place.

In 1991, he went again to the amateur world championships, this time (7…) in Sydney. This was a trip that would change his life forever. Not only was the third time his charm, but he felt (8…) with the sights of Sydney and its people, and decided he wanted to live in Australia. After the (9…) of the Soviet Union, in 1992, Tszyu immigrated to Australia with his girlfriend, where they married in 1993 and became Australian citizens. Before marrying her, though, Tszyu had already turned professional, beating Darrell Hiles by a knockout in one round on March 1, 1992, at Melbourne.

On January 30, 2007 (10…) spread of a Tszyu comeback. However, there was no (11…).

1. stubborn hyperactive cruel smart

2. teachers instructors coaches fans

3. games sets tournaments rounds

4. participated involved was busy included

5. gave up lost turned down refused

6. because since therefore however

7. held organizes took place hold

8. surprised enchanted excited upset

9. end death collapse break

10. rumors words stories fairy tales

11. expectation adaptation confirmation demonstration

Nicole Mary Kidman

Read the text and fill in the gap with the appropriate form of the word.

Nicole Mary Kidman (born 20 June 1967) is an American-born Australian (1…), model, singer and humanitarian. In 2006, Kidman was made a (2…) of the Order of Australia, Australia's (3…) civilian honour. In 2006, she was also the highest-paid actress in the motion picture industry.

Kidman's breakthrough was in the 1989 (4…) Dead Calm. Her performances in films such as Days Of Thunder (1990), To Die For (1995) and Moulin Rouge! (2001) won her (5…) acclaim, and her performance in The Hours (2002) was acknowledged with several (6…) film awards including the Academy Award for Best Actress, a BAFTA Award and a (7…) Globe Award. In 2003, Kidman received her star on the Walk of (8…) in Hollywood, California. She is also known for her (9…) to Tom Cruise and her current marriage to country musician Keith Urban. As a result of being born to Australian parents in Hawaii, Kidman has dual (10…) of Australia and the United States.

1. To act

2. A company

3. High

4. To trill

5. A critic

6. To note

7. Gold

8. Famous

9. To marry

10. A city

Render the text in English.

Карпов Анатолий Евгеньевич - экс-чемпион мира по шахматам, международный гроссмейстер, заслуженный мастер спорта, автор книг и статей по теории шахматной игры. «Представление о том, что такое шахматы», - вспоминал А. Карпов, - «я получил примерно в четыре года. Отец, приезжая домой, по вечерам играл с кем-либо из своих друзей, и можно было часами наблюдать за загадочными передвижениями по клетчатой доске. Чуть позже он познакомил меня с правилами и даже сыграл со мной несколько партий. Проиграв все партии, я готов был удариться в слезы. И расплакался бы, если не слова отца: «Без проигрышей нет и выигрышей, а станешь реветь - вообще не буду с тобой больше играть».

А. Карпов считает, что ему повезло. Тогда в шахматы входил М. Таль. «Наш Златоуст», - вспоминает дальше спортсмен, - «охватила настоящая шахматная лихорадка. У нас во дворе эта игра на время вытеснила все прочие мальчишеские забавы. И когда мне пришла пора идти в первый класс, я уже на равных играл со старшими ребятами».

Вариант 9

American figure skater

Ranked as one of the greatest figure skaters of all time-perhaps second only to Sonja Henie in terms of his impact on the sport-Dick Button (born in 1929) remains an influential force on the contemporary scene more than fifty years after he won his second of two Olympic Gold Medals. In addition to his Olympic triumphs, Button was the reigning U.S. men's champion from 1946 to 1952 and claimed the World Championship titles from 1948 to 1952. Honored with the James E. Sullivan Award in 1949 as the country's Best Amateur Athlete, Button finished his B.A. at Harvard University in 1952 and followed it with a law degree in 1956. A regular commentator on ABC's Wide World of Sports since 1962, Button won an Emmy Award as Best Sports Personality in 1981. He also heads Candid Productions, a television production company that he founded in 1959.

In his climb to the top of the U.S. field, Button earned a reputation for innovation, often combining moves that highlighted the control and power of his skating. In his first International Skating Union (ISU) World Championship appearance in 1947 (the first time the event was held since 1939), Button introduced the flying (or "Button") camel, in which he jumped into the traditional camel spin with one leg stretched out parallel to the ice. Button finished second in the championship, even though he earned the most points of any skater in the competition.

Button began the 1948 season with his second victory in the U.S. Championship, followed by a victory in the European Championship (which North Americans were allowed to enter at that time). In his first Olympic appearance at the 1948 St. Moritz Games, Button built a solid lead through the first two stages of the competition, compulsory (or school) figures and the technical program. In the free skate, Button amazed the audience by performing a double axel jump, requiring two-and-one-half turns in the air. It was the first time the jump had been completed in competition and it helped Button win the gold medal. In doing so, he became the first American to claim the men's title at the Olympic Games.

Entering Harvard University in 1948, Button continued to reign as men's U.S. champion while he completed his bachelor's degree, which he received in 1952. Button was also honored with the James E. Sullivan Award, given by the Amateur Athletic Union to the best amateur athlete in the United States. Until Michelle Kwan won the award in 2002, Button was the only figure skater to earn such a distinction. In 1952 Button returned for his second Olympics, this time in Oslo, Norway. As the current U.S. and World Championship titleholder, Button was the favorite entering the competition. Button again made Olympic history by completing a triple-loop jump in the free skate-the first triple jump of any kind ever completed in competition-and claimed his second gold medal. Ever the perfectionist, Button was dissatisfied with his performance; as he recalled in a profile on the U.S. Olympic Committee's Web site, "I overtrained for the second [Olympic Games] and made some errors and that has always bugged me more than the fact that I won the Olympics." Button followed the Olympic victory with a final win at the World Championship in Paris, France and then retired from amateur ranks. Throughout the 1950s he skated with the Ice Capades, a popular skating program that toured the country; Button also entered Harvard Law School, where he completed his law degree in 1956.

Choose the right answer:

1. What occupation made Dick Button famous?

a). He was a commentator on ABC's Wide World of Sports.

b). He was a famous sportsmen.

c). He was a successful lower.

2. He earned the most points of any skater in the competitions because he

a). Never fell on the ice.

b). Did some innovations in his programmes.

c). Worked hard.

3. Dick Button got the higher education

a). At US Sports Academy.

b). At Oslo University.

c). At Harvard University.

4. In how many Olympic Games did he win the gold medal?

a). One.

b). Two.

c). Three.

5. Button was dissatisfied with his performance at the Olympics because he

a). Was too self-critical.

b). Didn't train enough before the Games.

c). Wasn't the best at the Games.

6. Having retired from amateur ranks, Dick Button became

a). A coach.

b). A lower.

c). A pensioner.

Edward Hopper

(1882 - 1967)

Edward Hopper is a bright representative of the American Art of the former century. His style was highly individual. He developed a basic and economic version of objective realism, shaped in bold, simple, solid forms in sharp clear light. His subject matter was the face of the American city and countryside. He painted the city and small town, village, streets and old houses, cinema theatres and diners with a drastic realism and a deep emotional attachment. His paintings often convey a haunting sense of loneliness and unfulfilment.

The physical face of America is the material of Edward Hopper's art. But with all his objectivity he is essentially a poet - one who finds his poetry less often in nature than in man's creations, in the structures and cities man has built and among which his life is spent. Hopper's work is an intense expression of that poetry of places which has been a theme of artists through the centuries.

Born in 1882 at Nyack, N.Y., studying art in New York, Hopper made three trips to Europe before 1910 which had little effect on his art. As early as 1908 he began painting the American scene in much the same style as today, but it was not until the 1920s that he achieved recognition.

Hopper has discovered for art those man-made features which we now see as most characteristic of American landscape. He likes American architecture in its most frankly native phases, especially the bare white wooden houses and churches of New England.

In his city pictures, it is not the hurrying crowds, the traffic and movement, but the city itself - its streets, buildings, its great masses of stone and steel, its varying architecture, its myriad forms. The few human figures are parts of the scene rather than leading actors; often they seem isolated and solitary.

Nighthawks is a supreme example of Hopper's characteristic subject matter and a manner of handling it. He named it one of his favorites among his own works. The painting has been well analyzed by Hopper's friend and biographer, Lloyd Goodrich: "The lunch counter is an oasis of light in the midnight city; strong light falls on the interior and its four occupants, separating them from the outside world; out there, the subdued light of an unseen street lamp shows dark, empty stores.

In the play of these two lights against surroundings darkness lies much of the painting's impact. Here light and form work in coordination. In all these night scenes it is the interplay of lights from various directions and in varying colours and intensities that creates pictorial drama. The strong wedge of the restaurant, thrusting from right to left like the bow of a ship, is countered by the solid row of buildings at right angles to it. The vivid colours of the interior under intense light are juxtaposed to strong dark exterior tones; there are hardly any grays, almost all the colours are positive. The result is arresting: a full-bodied power in keeping with the other elements in the picture.

True or False?

1. Edward Hopper is a prominent American artist of the XX century.

2. His style was rather typical for that period of the development of art in the USA.

3. Edward Hopper painted both landscapes and portraits.

4. He was a representative of the Romantic trend in painting.

5. He was not only a painter, he was a poet as well.

6. E. Hopper was born in New York, USA.

7. He studied painting in Europe and it had big influence on his future work.

8. He achieved recognition in his late 40-s.

9. He likes to depict the bare white wooden houses and churches of England.

10. Hopper named Nighthawks as his favorite.

11. In Nighthawks he depicts the bow of a ship at rough sea and the work of sailors.

The Life of a Musician

Open the brackets and put the verbs in the correct tense-form.

Colin Boyle was born in 1973 near Dublin, Ireland. In 1983 he became seriously ill. While he (1. to recover) his uncle (2. to give) him an old violin. He enjoyed playing and (3. to practice) at his school every day after lessons. One day in 1987, John Leaf, the manager of several successful musicians, (4. to have) a meeting with the headmaster when he (5. to hear) Colin practicing. He immediately (6. to contact) Colin's teacher and (7. to invite) Collin (8. to appear) in one of the concerts he (9. to organize) that year.

Colin, however, (10. to refuse) his invitation, because just then he (11. to prepare) for some important school exams. Colin (12. to pass) his exams and (13. to go) to college to study. At college he (14. to meet) Kim O'Malley, who (15. to study) chemistry. Kim was also an amateur musician. Being students, they rarely (16. to) much money and they usually (17. To work) as waiters at weekends. One evening in April 1992, while Colin and Kim (18. to serve) the customers, it (19. to announce) that there would be no live music in the restaurant that night, as the regular band could not come. Colin and Kim persuaded the manager to let them (20. to play) for the customers. Everyone (21. to amaze) to hear them (22. to play) so good. Six months later they decided to leave college because they (23. to earn) so much money as musicians. Their success (24. to continue) ever since.

John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne

Choose the right variant from the given options.

John Michael "Ozzy" Osbourne (born 3 December 1948) is an English singer-songwriter, whose career has now (1…) four decades. Osbourne (2…) to prominence as lead vocalist of pioneering British heavy metal band Black Sabbath, and eventually achieved a multi-platinum solo career (3…) revolutionized the heavy metal genre. As a result he is known as the "Godfather of Heavy Metal", and, because of some of his material, the "Prince of Darkness". In the early 2000s, his career as a (4…) hit a new zenith when he became a star in his own reality show, The Osbournes, alongside wife/manager Sharon and two of their three children, Kelly and Jack. In August 2008, Osbourne stated in USA Today that he intends to retire from his music career after two more albums.

Osbourne has been married twice and is the father of seven children (five biological, and two adopted).

Osbourne achieved greater celebrity status by the (5…) success of his own brand of reality television. The Osbournes, a series featuring the domestic life of Osbourne and his family (wife Sharon, children Jack and Kelly and special guest appearances from his son Louis, but not their (6…) daughter Aimee, who declined to participate). The program became one of MTV's greatest hits. It premiered on 5 March 2002, and the final episode (7…) 21 March 2005.

Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne are one of the UK's richest couples, according (8…) the Sunday Times Rich List. They ranked at number 458 in 2005, with an estimated £100 million earned from recording, (9…) and TV shows. They ranked above most British music stars, (10…) Rod Stewart, George Michael, Robbie Williams, the Rolling Stones' Charlie Watts and Ronnie Wood, and Pink Floyd, Queen, and Dire Straits members.

1. last long spanned lasting

2. lifted rose raised rise

3. whose which while whilst

4. famous outstanding celebrity celebrate

5. like unlike unlikely likely

6. old older elder eldest

7. air aired has aired airs

8. with along to at

9. tour touring toured having toured

10.so that such such as so then

Vasily Yuksern

Read the text and fill in the gap with the appropriate form of the word.

Vasily Yuksern (Stolyarov Vasily Stepanovich) was (1…) on 13 January 1918 in the family of a poor peasant in the village of Chigashevo in Medvedevsky region of the Mari Republic. After (2…) the primary school in his village he studied at school in Yoshkar-Ola. In 1936 he entered the Mari (3…) Institute. He took part in the Great Patriotic war and (4…) with the medal "For Military Valour".

His (5…) work he began before the war in the late 1930-s. At first he tried (6…) as a translator. He translated the novel "Born by the storm" by N. Ostrovsky into the Mai language. (7…) he became a literary critic. In 1949 he published his adventure book for children "Atamanych". It was translated not only into Russian but also into the Ukrainian and the Uzbek languages. His next books "Before the Dawn". "Once lived 2 friends", "They will remain (8…) forever" are also about the events of the Great (9…) war.

Using the Mari (10…) and tales he (11…) the stories "Onar", "Chotkar", "Pakalde". They were translated into different languages of our country and into the Hungarian language.

(12…) Vasily Yuksern is one of the (13…) Mari writers.

1. Birth

2. To finish

3.Pedagogic

4. An award

5.Literature

6. He

7. Late

8. To live

9. Patriot

10.Legendary

11. A creator

12. Doubt

13. To stand out

Render the text in English.

Патриарх Кирилл (в миру Владимир Михайлович Гундяев). 20 ноября 1946(19461120), Ленинград, СССР) - епископ Русской православной церкви; с 1 февраля 2009 года - Патриарх Московский и всея Руси, предстоятель Русской православной церкви.6 декабря 2008 года на экстренном заседании Священного Синода Русской Православной Церкви в связи с кончиной Святейшего Патриарха Московского и всея Руси Алексия II митрополит Кирилл тайным голосованием избран Местоблюстителем Патриаршего Престола.Сторонник активного вмешательства Церкви в светскую жизнь и в политику, в том числе ее влияния на власть с позиции "Священство выше Царства". С 1995 года по субботам ведет телепередачу "Слово пастыря" на ОРТ. Со второй половины 1990-х митрополит Кирилл старался презентовать себя как просвещённого патриота и поборника традиционных ценностей. Принимал и принимает активное участие в работе многочисленных межхристианских организаций на конференциях, в комиссиях и диалогах с представителями инославных конфессий. Является автором нескольких книг и более 500 публикаций в отечественной и зарубежной периодике.

Вариант 10

Edwin C. Moses - an Olympic champion

Edwin C. Moses, an Olympic champion, sports administrator and diplomat, and businessman, is one of the most respected and recognized athletes of our time. He has fully served and promoted the Olympic movement, and fostered the development of drug-free sports and the rights of amateur athletes at all levels. His experience as a distinguished Olympic champion and world record holder has earned him the esteem of the international sports community.

Born Aug. 31, 1955, in Dayton, Ohio, as the second of three sons, Edwin began his athletic career in age group competitions and later in high school in the 180-yard low hurdles and 440-yard dash.

At the Summer Olympic Games in Montreal, Canada, he became the Olympic champion, bettering the Olympic and world records with a time of 47.63 seconds.

Because of the United States' boycott of the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow, he was denied a second golden opportunity. However, Moses took the opportunity to demonstrate his excellent form in Milan, Italy, when he smashed his second world record of 1977 with a new record time of 47.13 seconds! Three years later he lowered the mark once again, on his 28^th birthday in Koblenz, West Germany, with his time of 47.02. This record remained unbroken until 1992.

As a sports administrator, Moses is best known for his skillful and courageous directives in the development of policies against the use of performance-enhancing drugs.

In December 1988, convinced that a small minority of athletes had developed sophisticated methods to escape normal in-competition testing procedures, Mr. Moses, armed with the support of athletes, physicians, and expert scientists worldwide, created and designed amateur sports' first random out-of-competition drug testing program.

With the assistance of some of the United States' best legal scholars, and overwhelming support from The Athletic Congress, Moses and his colleagues successfully legislated and began actual testing under the unprecedented program. Edwin successfully guided the new testing program through its infancy, and the program continues to operate successfully. Many believe the deterrent effect of the out-of-competition testing program has significantly contributed to a decrease in the use of steroids in sports.

As a result of his dedication to the concept of fair play and strict drug control, he was nominated to serve as a member of the prestigious International Olympic Committee Medical Commission chaired by Prince Alexandre de Merode of Belgium.

Perhaps one of the most interesting current social issues affecting the Olympic Movement is that of South Africa's return to the Olympic Family. Edwin was selected to accompany the IOC Commission on Apartheid and Olympism as an athlete representative, traveling to Johannesburg and Capetown under the leadership of Judge Keba Mbaye of Senegal and Francois Carrard, director general of the International Olympic Committee.

Recently Moses completed his studies for the Master in Business Administration in Business Management at Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif. He was a founding partner of The Platinum Group, a management partnership that represented world-class athletes in their business endeavors. He also serves as a member of the President's Circle, an advisory group that advises the President of the National Academy of Sciences on scientific, economic and environmental policy. The President's Commission on White House Fellowships named Moses as a commissioner and selector of applicants for the White House Fellowship Program. He serves as a member of the National Criminal Justice Commission and was elected to the Executive Committee of the U.S. Olympic Committee. Moses received the ultimate honor bestowed by his sport when he was inducted into the U.S. Track and Field Hall of Fame on Dec. 3, 1994.

Moses has always been known for unselfish giving of his time and energy to many nonprofit and charitable organizations. These include the Hughes Spaulding Children's Medical Center's Edwin Moses Walk and Run; The College Fund; Special Olympics; UNICEF; 100 Black Men of America, Atlanta Chapter; and the Inner-City Games. Most recently he was elected president of the International Amateur Athletic Association, Inc., the sponsor and founder of the prestigious Jesse Owens International Trophy Award and its partner, the Jesse Owens Global Award. Notably, in December 1996 he was nominated as vice chairman and member of the board of trustees of the prestigious U.S. Olympic Foundation, the investment arm of the U.S. Olympic Committee, overseeing the management of $280 million in investment assets. He is also a trustee of the prestigious Springfield College in Springfield, Mass., where the game of basketball was invented. Moses is also a popular motivational lecturer and public speaker, sharing his successful model of success and discipline to audiences around the world.

Choose the right answer:

1. Edwin C. Moses - an Olympic champion in

a). Athletics.

b). High jumping.

c). Swimming.

2. Did he take part in the Olympic Games?

a). Unfortunately, not.

b). Yes, once.

c). Yes, twice.

3. Where did he show his first world record?

a). In Dayton, Ohio.

b). In Milan, Italy.

c). In Montreal, Canada.

4. What happened in 1992?

a). He had his 28^th birthday.

b). His world record was broken.

c). He smashed his second world record.

5. What's the main aim of his work as a sports administrator?

a). To let sportsmen make much profit.

b). To develop new kinds of sports.

c). To ban the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports.

6. What does Edwin C. Moses do in addition to his career as an administrator?

a). He works in many charitable organizations.

b). He is the President of the Olympic Committee.

c). He is a trainer in Springfield College in Springfield, Mass.

Zinon Prokhorov

Getting in touch with history the young generation learns about the heroic deeds of their fore-fathers. Young boys and girls are given unprecedented examples of devotion and great love to Motherland.

Zinon Philipovich Prokhorov was born on 11 September 1909 in the village of Olykyalu in Volzhsky region of the Mari Republic. He came from an ordinary family of the Mary peasants. He was the youngest - the 11-th child in the family.

In autumn 1937 he was called up to the Red Army. In 1940 he was sent to special courses and was given the rank of a juniour lieutenant.

On 23 June 1941 (on the second day of the war) he and his soldiers joined the battle against fascists. On 15 September 1941 Z. Prokhorov was badly wounded and sent to hospital. Later he took part in Stalingrad and Kursk battles. In August 1943 the 81^st Glorified Guards' Division (where Z. Prokhorov was serving) liberated the city of Belgorod.

The former division commander Major-General I.K. Morozov described the last moments of Z. Prokhorov's life in his book: "On 19 September 1944 our guardsmen began to fight for the village Khodosh. They started to attack the enemy but were stopped by the machine-gun fire. Z. Prokhorov crept to the machine-gun with a bunch of grenades but couldn't throw it: the bullet shot his right arm. Then he rose to his full height, threw himself on the enemy's pill-box and made it stop firing. He was buried in the common grave in Rumania. On 24 March 1945 he was awarded with the highest title - the Hero of the Soviet Union.

The streets in Yoshkar-Ola, Volzhsk, in his native village Olykyal are named after him. The busts to the hero are put in the alley of Glory in Yoshkar-Ola, Volzhsk and in Olykyal. The memorial boards are placed in the school where he used to study, in his museum in Olykyal, in Prokhorov Street in Yoshkar-Ola.

True or False:

1. Zinon Philipovich Prokhorov is a brave son of his native Mari Land, a bright example of deep love and devotion to his country.

2. He was born in a small village at the beginning of the XX century.

3. Zinon had ten elder brothers and sisters.

4. At the age of 28 he was called up to the Red Army.

5. He studied at special courses for three years and was given the rank of a juniour lieutenant.

6. Z. Prokhorov was badly wounded and sent to hospital when the war was almost over.

7. He took part in Stalingrad and Kursk battles, in the battles for Belgorod, Budapest and Berlin.

8. On 19 September 1944 in the fight for the village Khodosh (Rumania), Z. Prokhorov threw himself on the enemy's pill-box and made it stop firing.

9. On 24 March 1945 he was awarded with the Order of Bravery for his heroic deed.

10. The streets, parks, schools in Moscow, Yoshkar-Ola, Volzhsk, in his native village Olykyal are named after him.

11. People will always remember his heroism and faithfulness to Motherland.

John Davison Rockefeller

Open the brackets and put the verbs in the correct tense-form.

John Davison Rockefeller (July 8, 1839 - May 23, 1937) was an American industrialist. Rockefeller revolutionized the petroleum industry and (1. to define) the structure of modern philanthropy. In 1870, he (2. to found) the Standard Oil Company and (3.to run) it until he officially retired in 1897. Standard Oil (4. to begin) as an Ohio partnership formed by John D. Rockefeller, his brother William Rockefeller, Henry Flagler, chemist Samuel Andrews, and a silent partner Stephen V. Harkness. Rockefeller kept his stock and as kerosene and gasoline (5. to grow) in importance, his wealth soared and he became the world's richest man and first American billionaire, and (6. to regard) as the richest person in history.

From his very first paycheck, Rockefeller tithed ten percent of his earnings to his church. As his wealth grew, so did his giving, primarily to educational and public health causes, but also for basic science and the arts. He (7. to advise) primarily by Frederick T. Gates after 1891, and, after 1897, also by his son. He and his advisers invented the conditional grant that (8. to require) the recipient to "root the institution in the affections of as many people as possible who, as contributors, become personally concerned, and thereafter may be counted on to give to the institution their watchful interest and cooperation."

In 1884, he provided major funding for a college in Atlanta for African-American women that became Spelman College (named for Rockefeller's in-laws who were ardent abolitionists before the Civil War). The oldest existing building on Spelman's campus, Rockefeller Hall, (9. to name) after him. Rockefeller also gave considerable donations to Denison University and other Baptist colleges.

Rockefeller gave $80 million to the University of Chicago under William Rainey Harper, (10. to turn) a small Baptist college into a world-class institution by 1900. His General Education Board, founded in 1902, was established (11. to promote) education at all levels everywhere in the country. It was especially active in supporting black schools in the South. Its most dramatic impact came by funding the recommendations of the Flexner Report of 1910, which (12. to fund) by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching; it revolutionized the study of medicine in the United States. Rockefeller also provided financial support to Yale, Harvard, Columbia, Brown, Bryn Mawr, Wellesley and Vassar.

Mr. Rockefeller (13. to retire) from business that he (14. to accumulate) close to $1,500,000,000 out of the earnings of the Standard Oil trust and out of his other investments. This was probably the greatest amount of wealth that any private citizen ever (15. to be able) to accumulate by his own efforts."By the time of his death in 1937, Rockefeller's remaining fortune, largely tied up in permanent family trusts, (16. to estimate) at $1.4 billion. According to some methods of wealth calculation, Rockefeller's net worth over the last decades of his life would easily place him as the wealthiest known person in recent history.

The magic man from Finland

Choose the right variant from the given options.

Tsikarias Topelius (1818-1898) was (1…) in Finland. His father was a famous scientist and a doctor. He (2…) to collect old Finnish ballads called runas. The family language was Swedish (Finland used to be a part of Sweden up to 1809). But young Tsikarias learned (3…) Finnish language listening to his nurse's fairy-tales. His childhood was accompanied (4…) the magic creatures but when he grew up he started (5…) fairy-tales himself. His stories were translated (6…) different languages and made him (7…) all over the world. (8…) them he was (9…) the magic man from Finland. One of his most well-known characters is Sampo who lived in the North of Finland - in Lapland.

Turning the pages

If you have a look at the map you'll see that Finland is wearing a white cap on its head - it's a country called Lapland. How amazing this country is! The sun doesn't (10…) for half a year and during the other half of a year you see the bright stars in the sky (11…) at day-time and at night.

Winter here lasts for long ten months - almost for the whole year! But the local people are not afraid of the cold. They like to ski, skate, sledge. They live in small houses built not of bricks but from the (12…). Such a house is called chum.

The main domestic animal in Lapland is a deer. It looks like a (13…) but its head with large bright eyes is decorated with branchy horns.

1. birth born originated came

2. was had used could

3. a an the ----

4. by with from over

5. to write writing wrote written

6. on at into inside

7. ambitious arrogant famous prosperous

8. due due to due with due across

9. called calls calling call

10.set off goes down falls rises

11. either nor neither both

12. twigs hay reindeer skins glass

13. wolf swallow dragonfly horse

Ferents List (1811 - 1886)

Read the text and fill in the gap with the appropriate form of the word.

Render the text in English.

Анатолий Тихомиров

Анатолий Александрович Тихомиров родился 4 августа 1943 года в городе Козьмодемьянске. Его родители не были музыкантами, но оба очень любили музыку. После окончания школы Анатолий поступает в музыкальное училище имени И.С. Палантая в класс баяна. На выпускном экзамене он дирижировал собственным сочинением, это «Музыкальные картинки» для оркестра русских народных инструментов. В 1968 году А. Тихомиров стал студентом Нижегородской консерватории им. М.И Глинки. Здесь он много сочиняет: это прелюдии, струнный квартет, хоры, баллада, вокальные циклы, симфонические картины, поэмы, пьесы для баяна и аккордеона. С 1973 года композитор живет и трудится в Москве, но до сих пор благодарит своих педагогов, родителей, свою малую родину. Свою любовь он высказывает в произведениях для различных инструментов. Во многих из них слышны марийские интонации и даже использованы народные мелодии.

Вариант 11

Sergey Makov - a composer with a civil position

In 1984 Sergey Makov became O. Ipai Prize winner. He became the Laureate of the Mari Komsomol Prize due to the number of songs about young people, our Motherland. His first song about Yoshkar-Ola he composed being a student of the musical college.

Sergey Nikolaevich was born on 8 January 1954 in Kuzhenersky Region. He was seven when his parents brought him to Yoshkar-Ola, to the President Boarding School for gifted children. He was an expert in Mari folk music. He used to pick up children to organize a competition and to find out who knew more folk songs than others.

His first song Sergey composed at the age of 14 and it was very successful. It still lives in the repertoire of many singers and is often on air. His most outstanding songs about the native land are: "Near the family house", "Native Land", "What is it - Mari El?" and "Window to the World". In spite of the similar names, the composer found for each of them its own harmonious and melodious solution, allotting them with inimitable image.

The second group of songs is devoted to the theme of a country life. They are the songs about milk women, about country landscape, about environmental problems. Some songs are about love to a woman - everlasting topic of all times and peoples. The composer is also faithful to the civil theme, creating songs about severe weekdays of our warriors, e.g. in Afghanistan. The composer rose to the new step of his talent in the collection of works under the title "Damn that war!" These songs - the hard reminiscence about the last war, pain from irreplaceable loses, dream of all mothers about the happy childhood for their kids; praise of the spring holiday - Victory Day. The author proclaims triumph of humanism, love, friendship, people's unification.

The civil character of the composer was vividly displayed in the new cycle of works "Nobody is forgotten". S. Makov's eight new songs about native land and the anthems of four regions were included into this cycle. The composer was awarded the State Prize named after I.S. Palantai, the Prize of the Composers' Union of Russia named after D. Shostakovich and it goes without saying, all these rewards were given according to his deserts, due to his tireless work, his kind soul and the aspiration for the musical education of his people.

Choose the right answer:

1. Why did the composer become the Laureate of the Mari Komsomol Prize?

a. It was his 50-th anniversary.

b. Due to the fact that he was an expert in Mari folk music.

c. Due to the fact that he composed a lot of songs about youth and their heroic deeds.

2. Why did his parents bring him to Yoshkar-Ola at the age of seven?

a. To organize a competition.

b. To develop his musical abilities.

c. To find out who knew more folk songs.

3. When did he compose his first song?

a. Being a student of the President Boarding School for gifted children.

b. Being a teacher of the President Boarding School for gifted children.

c. After graduating the President Boarding School for gifted children.

4. Was the first musical experience a success?

a. Yes, it was; but soon it was forgotten.

b. Yes, it was; it is still included into the repertoire of many singers.

c. No, it was not.

5. What are his most outstanding songs about?

a. About his parents and teachers.

b. About his native village.

c. About the native land and the country life.

6. Why can we say that the composer is faithful to the civil theme?

a. Because he is a deputy of the City Council.

b. Because he took part in the war in Afghanistan.

c. Because he is faithful to the ideas of patriotism and humanism in his works.

7. What musical works were included into the new cycle "Nobody is forgotten"?

a. Eighteen new songs about his native land and the anthems of four regions.

b. Eight new songs about Mari El and the anthems of five regions.

c. Eight new songs about native land and the anthems of four regions.

8. What prizes was the composer awarded for his work?

a. He is Olyk Ipai Prize winner.

b. He is I.S. Palantai Prize winner.

c. He is I.S. Palantai and D. Shostakovich Prizes winner.

Boris Sergeevich Pushkov - a distinguished Mari painter

Boris Sergeevich Pushkov (born in 1931) is the Honoured Art Worker, State Prize Winner (1976). He was one of the founders of the Mari regional department of the Painters' Union of Russia. Hs canvases entered the "gold fund" of the Mari painting. His canvas "Privolzhie" ("Near the Volga River") (1959) was the result of long-term creative search and the first Mari landscape, which was presented at the prestigious exhibition of the country - "Soviet Russia" (1960).

The author tried not only to depict the condition of the nature, but to express the mood of the soul, to create the integral artistic image. When you look at the painting, you see the magnificent panorama of the Mari land. The landscape is represented from the top, from a bird's-eye view. The composition of the picture consists of the classical triangle. In its apex - a train, pulling the platforms with wood. From the top to the edges of the picture go the rays: on the left - a highway with a great amount of cars, on the right - a thick stripe of forest.

Yellow-greenish canopy of the young birch-trees, the blue sky with transparent white clouds, the emerald verdure of the winter crops - all this gives birth to the feeling of freedom, symbolizes the triumph of life. The light puff of smoke of the steam locomotive is floating over the train and, merging with the clouds, organically enters the canvas's space. The painting embodies the intensive rhythm of the country life in the late 1950-s. At the exhibition "Soviet Russia" the painting "Privolzhie" was in the center of attention.

The Volga-River often drew the artist's attention, and he created such pictures as "Near the Big Volga" (1961), "Above the Volga" (1961), "Mother Volga" (1967). In these masterpieces you can easily hear the anthem to the mighty river and see its power. The logic of the composition is clear, intensive cold violet-blue gamut makes the sublime image. Nature is depicted like something grandiose, powerful in its essence, unconquered by the will of a man.

The landscapes painted by Pushkov are characterized by particular emotionality, touching trustworthiness. Among them "Autumn Forest" (1969), "Autumn" (1966), "Spring at the Ilet River" (1970), "April Azure" (1971), "Morning" (1966), "Evening" (1969), "Gloomy Day" (1971). The painter skillfully re-creates the state of each day and each season. Despite the variety of motifs, they all have something in common: the features of majestic solemnity. The author uses the high point of view, which allows to show boundless vast open spaces of the country. The main role is played by the sky. It is a musical key, which gives to each canvas its own character and expresses the definite state of nature.

Very expressive is the painting "Elnet" (1967). The calm facial expression of the heroine, her tender smile, attentive and careful look testify to the kind character of the girl. Her image personifies the Mari ideal of the female beauty.

The picture "The Harvest Festival" (1969, new variant - 1972) shows the life of the Mari people in much wider aspect. In the middle - a grey-haired noble old man, next to him - energetic, carried away by music, middle-aged man with black hair and a beard. Near them - a young boy who is ready to dance to the tune, performed by the Mari bagpipers. The canvas gives an idea of the Mari folk art with its national embroidery and home-made clothes; it also conveys the peaceful mood of the farmers during the traditional holiday of the harvest.

Later the panoramic Pushkov's landscapes were replaced by the pictures with more chamber character. Such works as "White May" (1978), "Winter Morning", "March Evening" (1979), "Silence" (1980), "Motherland" (1981), "Morning Dew" (1982) absorbed in themselves new qualities - lyricism, inner trepidation, elegiac mood. Looking at them you feel the flowers' aroma, the herbs' scents; you are imbued with deep love for nature.

Sonorous painting, richness of colours, emotional pungency put B.S. Pushkov's canvases among the most remarkable works of art. Ambitious and energetic, Pushkov once fell in love with art, beauty of the Mari Land, and he tries to make us, the viewers, feel and think the same.

True or False?

1. Boris Sergeevich Pushkov was born in the first half of the twentieth century.

2. He is the participant of many prestigious art exhibitions.

3. All his canvases are devoted to the great Russian river Volga.

4. The main role is played by the forest.

5. Each canvas has its own musical accompaniment.

6. The landscapes painted by Pushkov look unreal, sometimes fantactic.

7. Very expressive is the painting "Elnet" (1967), devoted to the Mari river.

8. The picture "The Harvest Festival" conveys the peaceful mood of the farmers during the traditional holiday of the harvest.

9. B.S. Pushkov's canvases are placed among the most remarkable works of art.

10. The artist tries to convey his love to his Motherland to the views and tries to make them feel the same.

The life story of a hero

Open the brackets and put the verbs in the correct tense-form.

Vikenty Phillimonovich Bulygin (1. to be born) in the village of Vasli-Sola (Toryalsky Region, Mari El). It (2. to be situated) 80 km away from Yoshkar-Ola. The local inhabitants (3. to be) always hardworking, here; the women used (4. to weave), to spin the yarn, to sew shirts, to bring up children. The men were busy with feeding the cattle, with tanning sheep's skins and basting special shoes called lapti.

Once father (5. to take) little Vikenty to the forest o bark lime trees. On coming home Dad made the boy (6. to sit) next to him and do what he himself was going (7. to do). In four hours the new shoes from bass were ready.

After leaving school, Vitaly (8. to enter) the Pedagogical College in the settlement of Toryal. Later he (9. to work) as a teacher of Maths and P.E. in the secondary school. Then a young man joined the Soviet Army, he had (10. to serve) on the airfield of Shatalovo near Smolensk.

At that time the international situation was alarming as the II World War (11. to begin). The country defense needed radical modernization. Radio as a means of connection with planes (12. to come) to the Military Air Forces. Vikenty (13. to become) a radio operator, soon he (14. to appoint) the head of the radio station at the airfield. He was under 20 at that time. The crew at the station was multinational: Sergey Kozlov from Moscow, Grisha Borisov from Kazan, Kolya Kordun from the Ukraine and the Azerbaijanian Allaz Mamedov. The team (15. to head) by the Mari fellow Vikenty Bulygin.

The work of the radio operator was very important. He (16. to have) to foresee everything and to provide the planes with a safe landing under any conditions. Bulygin was soon a skilled expert and (17. to begin) to teach others. His radio station (18. to call) Bulygin's University in the air regiment.

The planes with black fascist crosses (19. to appear) in the sky over Smolensk on the first day of the war. Vikenty (20. to serve) in the Army for all 5 long war years. In 1949 he (21. to start) his career in the Navy. He (22. to graduate) from the Military Political College and (23. to send) to the cruiser as a waarant officer. In 1955 he studied in the Military Political Academy named after V.I. Lenin in Moscow. Having graduated from it with honours, he arrived to the Northern Navy.

By January 1974 he (24. to serve) in the Armed Forces for 33 years. In 1974 he (25. to retire) but continued his work as the head of the Civil Defense Committee at one of the enterprises in Novgorod.

It goes without saying, the feeling of Motherland (26. to start) at the place where a man was born and (27. to grow up). But id develops in the person on those life roads where he (28. to investigate) his country. And for all his life Vikenty Phillimonovich (29. to build) the road to peace: during the war, and later, in various cities of our big country. And for all his life he (30. to try) to bring up the feeling of Motherland in those people who were near him.

Ivan Odar - Mari writer and public figure

Choose the right variant from the given options.

Ivan Odar (Romanov Ivan Efimovich) was born (1.---) 14 October 1887 in the village of Aganur (Kuzhenersky Region, Mari El) in the family of peasants. In 1909 he graduated (2.---) the Teachers' Training Seminary. Till 1915 he worked (3. ---) a teacher of primary national school in Urzhumsky Region.

He (4.---) an ensign of the Grenadier regiment in St. Petersburg (1917). In 1918-1921 he worked as a teacher at the pedagogical courses in Sernur (Mari EL). In 1928-1929 ha was the head teacher of an agricultural college, in 1930-1931 - an assistant professor in Kazan State University. He was (5.---) first rector of the Mari Pedagogical Institute (1931-1933); the Head of the Mari Book Publishing House (1933-1934). His first articles and essays (6.---) in the newspaper "Uzhara" and magazines "U Ilysh" and "Kulashe". In the 1920-s he compiled the first readers for the national schools. The (7.---) known literary work by I. Odar is a story (8.---) "Wood-goblin" (1929). Later it was re-published several times in the Mari and Russian languages.

In April 1937 Odar was arrested and sentenced to (9.---) imprisonment. He was killed in prison (Yaroslavsky Region) (10.---) obscure conditions. In 1958 he was fully exonerated.

1. on at of over

2. after from in below

3. as like how in

4. were had was has

5. a ---- an the

6. appeared appear appearing did appear

7. more most much more most

8. calling called was called calls

9. ten-years ten-year tens-year tens-years

10. in on under within

Hands find business themselves

Read the text and fill in the gap with the appropriate form of the word.

Ivan Vladimirovich Podoplelov lives in the (1. ..) of Kilemary (Mari El). He is considered to be the best (2. …) who is especially good at making furniture.

Ten years ago he fell (3. …) ill and doctors had to amputate the toes on his feet. It helped but only for a few years. Then - one more operation and the (4. …) of both legs.

When a man is healthy and can walk on his own legs, he doesn't think about this (5. …). But if a (6. …) comes, it makes the man look at his previous life at another angle. Some people, being depressed and (7. …), start drinking alcohol heavily, others leave this world for another - they devote themselves to church. Only strong people can find the only right (8. …) .

Once Ivan called on his friends who were (9. …) in the workshop. They were turning the door (10. …). He didn't notice how he himself took the instruments into his hands. He began to come here every day, first to help, then he earned enough money to buy his own tools. He adjusted the lathe to (11. …) so that he could work sitting on the chair. By and by his business flourished. He works a bit slowly but the chairs and armchairs made by this master are highly (12. …) by his village fellows for good quality. He approves that the young people also prefer to buy furniture made of wood but not of plastic. He is sure it looks nice, (13. …) and cozy. (14. …), a real craftsman creates his masterpieces not for money only, but for his (15. …). That's why they live for a long time keeping the (16. …) of the man's hands and giving it away to other people. Perhaps this is the very (17. …) of the human life?

1. To settle

2. To join

3. Serious

4. To amputate

5. Happy

6. Fortunate

7. Hope

8. To solve

9. Business

10. To handle

11. He

12. Evaluation

13. Charm

14. Doubt

15. Pleasant

16. Warm

17. Essential

Render the text in English.

Музыкант, дирижер, педагог

Имя Петра Никифоровича Никифорова занимает одно из почетных мест в ряду создателей марийской профессиональной музыкальной культуры: первый преподаватель отделения народных инструментов - основатель класса домры и балалайки, первый дирижер оркестра народных инструментов музыкального училища имени И.С. Палантая, автор книги «Марийские народные музыкальные инструменты», заслуженный деятель искусств Марийской АССР. В годы войны Никифоров служил в составе нескольких фронтов. За образцовое выполнение боевых заданий был награжден орденом Красной Звезды, медалями «За боевые заслуги», «За взятие Сталинграда». После демобилизации вернулся в музыкальное училище, где продолжил педагогическую деятельность. Позже он активно занимался общественной работой, был депутатом горсовета Йошкар-Олы.

Вариант 12

Zosim Lavrentyev - a prominent Mari artist

To look at Z. Lavrentyev's canvases is very pleasant but to learn his creativity is a complicated matter as the world on his paintings is many-sided and volumetric. The painter depicts the people of the Mari village, the war veterans, the scenes of the Mari nature. All his canvases are united by one, vividly expressed motif - love for his native land. This feeling dates back to his childhood, when as a boy he used to live in the country, admired the modest rural landscape, the green spring grass, the apple and cherry trees in blossom, the clean springs at the bottom of the ravines by which his native village is surrounded. He always liked the coolness of the transparent streams, the shadow of branchy willows bending above the water, the aroma of meadow herbs and flowers, the free vast space of the Mountain Mari Land.

Zosim Fyodorovich was born on 6 April 1933 in a small Mari village Esyanovo on the right bank of the Volga. His Dad was often out, he built roads, served in the army, participated in the war. It was his Mum who taught children to work - to work hard and honestly.

In summer evenings, when the day noise got quitter, Zosim together with his brother Mephody liked to watch the sky. They believed it was very unusual. Hardly had a cloud appeared, it transformed into an animal or a magic creature. Sometimes the boys acted short performances: their imaginary heroes became alive and started to move. The boys believed into a magic ward and while running along the road or the meadow, they tried each and every twig: would it realize their deepest wishes and desires?

So, brothers' life was closely interlaced with a fairy-tale and probably since that time Zosim's unlimited imagination woke up his interest to the world of colours and images and let him see something that can't be seen by every man. Later it was expressed in his paintings. For all his life Zosim remembered the calm nights under the full Moon, the birds' songs, the croak of the goggle-eyed frogs, the tender sighs of a summer breeze and the long sirens of the steamboats going along the Volga River. And the smell of a smoke which was coming from the Mari summer kitchen "kudo" where his favourite milk soup with vegetables was cooking.

In 1965 Z. Zavrentyev painted his first canvas as a professional artist. It was entitled "Holiday in the Mari village". It attracted the attention of the spectators and critics at once. The picture has a very fair and cheerful palette and due to it makes an impression of moral purity. It is very emotional and we can compare it to a beautiful poem. Looking at the canvas you feel the strong desire of the author to characterize each person brightly, realistically; to create an unforgettable image.

The vortex of pink, yellow, blue, white national dresses and multicoloured aprons catch the spectator's eye immediately. The girls are whirling in a dance. In front of us there are special people: after hard work in the field or on the farm they are full of bright kind feelings. You can notice various faces: sun burnt, weather-beaten, naughty jolly eyes and broad smiles. But especially expressive is a delicate face of a young girl with psaltery in her hands in the left part of the canvas. The artist has created an amazingly exact image: a pretty oval face, the sparkling black eyes and snowy white cambric kerchief. She looks as if the author himself is impressed by her beauty, charm and purity. Her romantic image gives the holiday some extra exultant force.

Zosim Zavrentyev managed to find such a complex and rich combination of colours in his painting. The golden hue of cozy and quiet dry autumn covers the dancers with its last warmth, the white trunks of the birch trees are in full harmony with white and blue colours of the clothes. Tender pastel colours intensify the atmosphere of a holiday. So the painting is very emotive but at the same time it conveys the inner world of the people, such qualities of national mentality as the spirit of freedom and ethnic self-consciousness.

Choose the right variant:

1. Where was Zosim Zavrentyev born?

a. In Moscow

b. In the capital of the Mari Republic

c. In a little Mari settlement

2. Who in the family was responsible for his upbringing?

a. His Grandfather

b. His mother

c. His father

3. Was Zosim a dreamy person in his childhood?

a. No, he was rather practical and realistic.

b. Yes, but he concealed this quality because his brother made fun of him.

c. Yes, he believed in miracles, wizards, fairies and what not.

4. When did Z. Zavrentyev paint his first canvas as a professional artist?

a. When he was 32.

b. At the age of 33.

c. When he was nearly an old man

5. Whom did the painter depict in the picture "Holiday in the Mari village"?

a. Hard work in the field

b. The birch trees in the forest

c. The merry people at a festival

6. What gives the holiday in the painting some extra exultant force?

a. The beauty of nature

b. The beauty of the folk costumes

c. The beauty of a dancing girl

7. What intensifies the atmosphere of a holiday?

a. The large size of the canvas

b. The great number of people

c. Tender pastel colours

8. Does the picture convey the inner world of the people?

a. To some extend

b. No doubt, it does

c. No, it doesn't

9. Why is it difficult to learn the artist's creativity?

a. His works are of unusual colours

b. His works are complex and volumetric

c. The works are abstract and vague

A road to temple…

One by one the Orthodox churches are returning to our life from non-existence. In some places new temples are appearing. They say a church is God's house on the Earth, a particle of the Heaven. However, churches are necessary not for our Lord. It's a man who needs them. Holy Synod founded Yoshkar-Ola diocese on 25 June, 1993. Since then the number of parishes has increased from 27 to 76, the number of clergy-men has trebled.

In the village of Arino (Morkinsky Region) is rising a magnificent white-walled church of Christmas. It used to be considered the biggest cathedral of Sotnursky Region in the past. At first the church was made of wood. It was erected in 1752. In 1828 the construction of the new stone building was completed. In 1916 the parish of the church was the most numerous in the region - 8517 people. The church continued its work till 1936, when the temple was closed and the chime died away for a long tome.

The time of revival came in November 1989. Fortunately, the building of the church has been preserved rather well. From the architectural point of view it is a sample of late classical style. Semi-round window openings testify to this fact. The minimum of decorative attire, the simple and clear composition give the church a particular colouring.

On 8 February, 2004 a solemn ceremony of sanctifying the bells took place. The church bells were bought due to the donations of people, charitable societies and organizations. Not far from the church there is a spring which is thought to be a sacred one. The legend says it originates just from under the altar.

The church in Arino is also remarkable for the fact that a well-known priest-enlightener Gavriil Yakovlevich Yakovlev worked here. He used to occupy one of the key-places in the history of the Mari literature at the end of the 19-th century. He translated the Holy Writ into the Mari language, created the ABC Book for children of the Meadow Mari people. All monetary grants with which the clergy-man was awarded, he spent on the building of a new school and a boarding house for children. In 1901 Gavriil Yakovlevich was awarded with the Order of St. Anna. It was a very high evaluation of the work of the village priest.

In the church you can enjoy singing of the choir of choristers. It isn't large, but is distinguished by the harmonious polyphony. It is headed by a talented man - a precentor Dmitry Alexandrov.

True or False?

1. The Orthodox churches are reviving nowadays.

2. The number of priest has enlarged by 300%.

3. The church in the settlement of Arino has a long history.

4. It was erected in the middle of the 18-th century.

5. The church contained 8517 people.

6. The cathedral was closed in 1936.

7. The building of the church was completely ruined.

8. The temple was restored at the end of the 20-th century.

9. The first church service in the restored building was held in 2004.

10. The belfry was equipped on the municipal money.

11. The church became famous due to the underground hot water spring.

12. A famous Mari poet served in the church.

13. The church choir is distinguished by the beautiful singing.

Zosim Lavrentyev: Portrait of Mother

Open the brackets and put the verbs in the correct tense-form.

Z. Lavrentyev, a prominent Mari painter, (1. to work) a lot in the genre of portrait. The heroes of his canvases are people of labour. They (2. to attract) us by their beauty and nobleness, moral purity and their unlimited ability to work. Z. Lavrentyev was one of the first artists who presented his native village with a collection of his paintings. They (3. to make) the foundation of the local Museum of Military and Labour Glory. Among his paintings is the portrait of his mother (1970), whose light and lyrical image is especially dear for the author.

In the portrait one can (4. to feel) home warmth and particularly cozy atmosphere, which immediately (5. to influence) the viewer. In the foreground we can see Christina Matveevna who's got a bit tired and (6. to sit) on the edge of the bed, having a short rest from the household worries. The woman is wearing a light dress with the flowery pattern; her head (7. to cover) with a white kerchief.

There is something supernatural, heavenly in the image of the old woman; her kind round wrinkled face seems to be lighted up by her son's brush. But in front of us is sitting not an angel, but the real woman who (8. to live) a complicated life. Merry lights are burning in her eyes; the inner beauty of the woman (9. to reflect) in the simple expression of her face. Her hands are resting on her knees; toil-hardened from hard continuous work; they are with large, like old roots, knots which testify to the fact that the woman has had a difficult fate, typical for many women of that generation. The author (10. to make) the viewers (11. to worship) these firm strong industrious hands. They convey the main philosophy of our life; they are the symbol, the main criterion in evaluating people and their achievements.

The white dress with blue flowers, the light green pillows, the hand made patchwork blanket, wallpaper of golden hue on the walls of the room create the major and cheerful sounding.

The portrait (12. to place) in the very centre of the artist's workshop and is framed with fifty silvery metal bells which were given to the painter by his friends on his 50-th birthday.

Ivan Kyrlya - a famous Mari actor and poet

Choose the right variant from the given options.

"A Start in Life" was the first sound feature film in our country. The (1. ---) was based on a true-to-life experiment which was organized due to V. Lenin's advice and was carried out on the (2. ---) of F. Dzerzhinsky. The main idea of the project was to collect homeless children and to re-educate them in the process of collective labour. The director of the film was N. Ekk who had just (3. ---) from the State College of Cinematography.

The film was (4. ---) on 18 May 1931. It had immense success. It was the first film in which the quality of the sound corresponded to the high acoustic (5. ---). The audience was also impressed (6. ---) the realistic representation of life. It caught the audience's attention with high humanism and bright typical characters. (7. ---) warm and sincere atmosphere conquered the spectators' hearts.

The part of the leader of the group of the homeless children called Mustafa Fert was played by Ivan Kyrlya (Kirill Ivanovich Ivanov).

In autumn 1926 a poorly-dressed young man with a wide face and (8. ---) eyes came to enter the University of Kazan. He came here from the village of Kupsola (Sernursky Region of the Mari Republic). He was born (9. ---) 17 March 1909 in a poor peasant family. His father was brutally killed for his active work while organizing collective farms. In spite (10. ---) all life difficulties Kirill had a great desire to study.

Kirill was distinguished by a lively character, witty mind and delicate sense of humor. He displayed great interest towards poetry, music, theatre, cinema. In 1929 he entered the Institute of Cinematography in Moscow. The members of the selection committee highly (11. --- ) his artistic skills.

A 20-year-old student brilliantly performed the part of Mustafa. This image is dramatic. His fate is unique as well as unique is his face with narrow eyes in which we can see either hate to people or (12. ---) and love. He always changes, sometimes remembering his past. He is hardworking while constructing the railroad, dreamy recollecting his native land, when a famous Mari song about the beautiful Mari land brings him back to his dearly loved places.

Ivan Kyrlya worked in the film studio "Vostokfilm", took (13. ---) in other films. In 1934-36 he participated in the movie "Buddha's deputy" and played the part of Lama. The actor's biography became the basis for the new feature film about the life of the Mari young people "The Song of Happiness". At first it was called "Kavyrlya's Mysteries".

Ivan Kyrlya was (14. ---) not only as an actor but also as a poet. His verses were published in the newspaper "Mari Village". Three books - collections of his poems were released in the 1930-s. His poems are simple but very touching. They (15. ---) much in common with folk Mari songs. Many of them were translated into Russian.

The life of Ivan Kyrlya was short but bright (16. ---) the life of a shooting star. His life and work is one of the most marvelous pages of the Soviet multinational culture. His name became the pride not only of the Mari people but of the whole Soviet country.

1. shot plot scenery idea

2. initiative directive order direction

3. finished left dropped graduated

4. made done released initiated

5. requirements tasks conditions facilities

6. to by upon with

7. it's Its Its' Its's

8. sad hazel expressive enormous

9. in on at for

10. --- off of out

11. evaluated thanked adored regretted

12. kind unkind kindly kindness

13. place part participant participate

14. unknown known disknown misknown

15. give take have get

16. as similar like likes

Kim Vasin, an outstanding Mari writer

Read the text and fill in the gap with the appropriate form of the word.

Kim Vasin is a famous Mari (1) ---, a scientist and literary critic. His life is (2) --- connected with the development of the Mari literature and (3) --- culture.

Kim Kirillovich Vasin (4) --- on 14 March, 1924 in the village of Shorkener, Sernursky Region of the Mari republic. His mother came from a poor peasant family. Due to her (5) ---work she managed to become a teacher and devoted all her life to this noble profession. She did her (6) --- to bring up the new generation of people in the spirit of optimism, (7) ---, love for national culture.

His father suffered a lot too. He became an orphan in his early (8) ---. After the Great October Socialist Revolution (1917) he participated in the organization of the (9) --- collective farms. Kirill Nikitich knew a lot of Mari legends and traditions; in the 1920-s he became an active newspaper (10) ---. His articles and essays were published in the republican newspapers and magazines.

Being (11) --- in love with literature, he tried to pass it to his children. His son Kim read the works by Pushkin, Lermontov, Gogol in a primary school. The romantic and (12) --- characters of these writers reminded him of the Mari warriors from national ballads.

In 1942 Kim Vasin started his work in the newspaper "Mari Kommuna". In 1952 he graduated from the Mari Pedagogical Institute and was left there to teach National Literature.

Kim Vasin tried (13) --- as a writer. His favourite genre was historic novel. His novel "Akpai" was devoted to the theme of Pugachev's revolt. In 1945 he wrote a story "The (14) --- Vetluga", based on the Mari folklore. The main character - a beautiful Mari girl, Vetluga by name, was fighting alone against the crowds of enemies. The nature scenes help to open the girl's inner world, her (15) --- and (16) --- . In the next works "Chombulat the Powerful", "The sward of the ataman", "The (17) --- man", the writer developed the idea of the national character.

In 1972 Kim Vasin (18) --- the novel "The green grove". It was the biography of the (19) --- Mari writer S. Chavain. In 1967 the book "The land of Onar" by K. Vasin was published in Moscow. It was a story about the Mari republic.

(20) --- the numerous works of Kim Vasin represent a (21) --- page in the history of the Mari literature. His best stories were translated into (22) --- languages: Russian, Chuvash, Udmurt, Mordvinic, Tajik, Hungarian and others. They promote the (23) --- of national cultures and cause the active interest to the Mari people and their artistic (24) --- .

1.to write

2. close

3. nation

4. birth

5. to persist

6. good

7. a patriot

8. a child

9. one

10. to correspond

11. passion

12. hero

13. he

14. to conquer

15. to feel

16. to think

17. a wing

18. a creator

19. to stand out

20. doubt

21. to remark

22. to differ

23. rich

24. to achieve

Render the text in English.

Анатолий Борисович Луппов родился 2 июня 1929 года в селе Пачи Тужинского района Кировской области (бывшая Вятская губерния). Его отец Борис Аполлонович окончил Вятскую духовную семинарию, мать Валентина Александровна Одинцова была дочерью богатого купца. В дружной семье Лупповых было трое детей, Анатолий был самым младшим. Детство Анатолия было опалено войной. Весной 1945 г. он поступил в лесотехнический техникум, но проучился только год, душа потянулась к музыке. В 1959 году, с отличием окончив музыкальное училище, поступил в Казанскую консерваторию по специальности «Фортепьяно», в класс преподавателя В.Г. Апресова. Добросовестная учеба привела к первым творческим успехам: он вошел в пятерку лучших пианистов консерватории. В 1959 году он был принят в Союз композиторов СССР. С 1965 года начал вплотную работать над марийской музыкой, появились «Марш Акпарса», Марийское каприччио, кантата «Славься, земля марийская». Заветной мечтой было написать балет на марийскую тему. 17 февраля 1973 года состоялась премьера первого марийского балета «Лесная легенда», который был с восторгом принят марийской публикой. Это был большой успех театра, а музыка балета стала самым дорогим детищем Анатолия Борисовича Луппова.

Как композитор, имеющий свой самобытный индивидуальный почерк, А. Луппов приобрел широкую известность. Его музыка звучит в США, Германии, Венгрии, странах Скандинавии.

PEOPLE WE ARE PROUD OF

АНГЛИЙСКИЙ ЯЗЫК:

Сборник тестовых заданий

для аудиторной и самостоятельной работы

студентов языковых вузов

Составитель

ЕГОШИНА Надежда Гермогеновна

Редактор

Подписано в печать

Формат 60х84 1/16.

Бумага офсетная. Печать офсетная.

Усл. печ. л. Уч.-изд.л.

Тираж экз. Заказ №

107