Упражнения по "Английскому языку"

 

Ex. 1. Read the text and answer the following questions:

1. What is eating out?
2. Why do people dine in cafes, bars, etc.?
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of eating out?
4. What are waiters` duties?
5. Does the author of the essay like dining out? Why/why not?

       Eating out 
           According to dictionaries to eat out means to have a meal in places like restaurants, cafés, bars, pubs and the like. People all over the world like dining out.

       There are some reasons for it:

• only in restaurants and cafes they have an opportunity to taste new delicious dishes and beverages and maybe try to cook something like that at home;
• they are too busy to dine in;
• people just want to have a rest, to associate with friends;
• in restaurants businessmen may arrange their meetings;
• some of us just want to be in public and to show off ;
• many people dine out to celebrate different holidays and occasions.

       Eating out has both good and bad points. As for me it has more disadvantages than advantages. I’ll explain why. I’m a stay-at-home, that’s why the best way of spending time for me is a home evening or a walk with friends. Also in my opinion eating out is a waste of time and money. One more point against it is the fact that you can get poisoned. And the last terrible disadvantage – in Russia people are allowed to smoke in the majority of dining out places. It’s unhealthy and very unpleasant.

       What about good points? So, at such places you can have a great opportunity to arrange meetings or just to associate with acquaintances. Also you can try new foods and drinks. Cafes are the best variant for celebrating holidays and occasions. It’s also very pleasant to have a rest from routine cooking at home.

       In most cases the first person you see in café is a waiter. All waiters have the following duties:  
- to help customers choose between dishes; 
- to offer a menu to each client; 
- to recommend dishes; 
- to put cutlery and other tableware; 
- to bring dishes and beverages; 
- to be polite and courteous; 
- to bring a bill to pay; 
- to clean the table; 
- to say “Goodbye!”

        
                Waiters should do their work properly because service is vitally important for restaurants. Success, prestige, reputation and profits depend on service!

       When I decide to eat out with my friends I prefer small cafes. Also I have one place where I feel the happiest person in the world. This place is situated at Saint Petersburg and it’s a small café, where you can taste the most delicious doughnuts with chocolate. In cafes I prefer to order some kinds of coffee drinks like cappuccino, a cake or other kinds of desserts. When I’m hungry I order a meat dish with chips, a vegetables salad and a glass of juice. 
            To sum it up, I can say that eating out is becoming more and more popular nowadays. Lots of people adore it and spend their time off in dining out places. 

Ex. 2. Find in the text the English for официант, счёт, напиток (2 variants), организовать встречу, попробовать (2 variants), вкусный, достоинство, недостаток, стакан сока, мясное блюдо, домосед, прибыль, столовые приборы, отравиться, показать себя, нездоровый, неприятный, зависеть от. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

     Ex. 3. Read and translate the text. Which pieces of advice really help people to lose weight and to be healthy? What other tips would you add?

     HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

     Our modern culture is very interested in doing as much as possible in the least amount of time. As a result, most people rush through life at a speed that makes a healthy lifestyle impossible. We eat fast, on the run, and often under stress. As a result, we not only lose most of the pleasure we might get from our food, but also damage our health. Many of us come to the end of the day feeling depressed and overweight.

    To start a healthy lifestyle we should revise our eating habits. But do not change them too drastically and follow some basic rules:

1. Decrease the size of роrtions. Have a smaller size of roast beef, a smaller piece of pie. Switch from 2 or 3 teaspoons of sugar in your coffee or tea to one.
2. Eat slowly. When you enjoy every piece of food, the hunger is more quickly appeased.
3. Eat more food containing fibre (fruit, vegetables, cereals and nuts). Lack of fibre seems to be connected with various disorders of the digestive system. Some experts also believe that lack of fibre may even lead to the heart disease.
4. Have meals regularly, never skip breakfast and try not to eat at night or late in the evening.
5. Try using substitutes for high-calorie foods from time to time. Try poultry and seafood for the meats, skim milk for whole milk. Cottage cheese for richer cheeses; beets, carrots, green beans, broccoli for the potatoes, fresh fruit for the sweets.
6. If you simply can’t do without certain specific foods, for example, ham or potatoes, eat them, but cut the portions and compensate by using substitutes for other foods you can give up easily.

    Physical activity is also of great importance. It does not necessarily mean morning exercises or a daily run, but if you really want to support your new eating programme you should walk more, dance more. Three hours a week in a sports club is a good calorie consumer. Besides sport and being fit are in fashion now, so going in for sport will not only make you healthier and slimmer but more attractive and self-assured.

    It goes without saying that a person who wants to have a healthy lifestyle mustn’t take drugs or any other mind-altering substances, he shouldn’t smoke. He is also strongly recommended to reduce the amount of alcohol he takes to the minimum.

    Ex. 4. Translate into English:

1. Чтобы похудеть, необходимо заниматься спортом, не пропускать завтрак, не есть поздно вечером или ночью.
2. Ты делаешь зарядку по утрам?
3. Она на диете. Она не ест пищу, богатую углеводами.
4. Какие продукты полезны для здоровья?
5. Я планирую изменить свой рацион.
6. Есть на бегу вредно для пищеварения.
7. Недостаток в клетчатке может привести к серьёзным последствиям.
8. Вегетарианцы заменяют мясо соевыми продуктами.

Ex. 5. Complete the sentences using can, be able to, may, must in the appropriate form. 
1) I looked everywhere for the book but I … find it. 
2) She wasn't at home when I phoned but I … contact her at her office. 
3) … I come in? – Please, do. 
4) When you come to London again you … come and see us. 
5) Hello, … I speak to Tom, please? 
6) He … be sick. 
7) The children … stay outside themselves. 
8) Somebody … take the responsibility for the accident.

Ex. 6. Complete the sentences using can, could, have to, must, need, be able to, should in the appropriate form. 
1. They told me they … do anything about the noise. 
2. My colleague … buy Renault Logan instead of BMW X5 because he had little money. 
3. Nick … to pass the exam only after he learns all necessary material. 
4. You … smoke when children are near you. 
5. … I come in? 
6. Every educated person … speak at least one foreign language. 
7. We … buy new skis this winter. Our old ones are quite good. 
8. My mother … see much better now with her new glasses. 
9. Hurry up! We … be late. 
10. I … do these exercises every day but I wouldn’t like to! 
11. The doctor said that I … take more vitamin C. 

Ex. 7. Read the text and name advantages and disadvantages of travelling by car, plane, train, ship. What means of travelling do you prefer? Why?

   DIFFERENT MEANS OF TRAVELLING 

   Modern life is impossible without travelling. Thousands of people travel every day either on business or for pleasure. They can travel by air, by rail, by sea or by road.

   Of course, travelling by air is the fastest and the most convenient way, but it is the most expensive too. Travelling by train is slower than by plane, but it has its advantages. You can see much more interesting places of the country you are travelling through. Modern trains have very comfortable seats. There are also sleeping cars and dining cars which make even the longest journey enjoyable. Speed, comfort and safety are the main advantages of trains and planes. But I know it from my own experience that hardly everyone can enjoy sitting in a train for more than a few hours. Train compartment soon gets cramped and stuffy. During the day sleep comes in snatches. But at night when you really wish to go to sleep... Alas! ... you hardly manage to do so. Inevitably you arrive at your destination almost exhausted.

   Travelling by sea is popular mostly for pleasure trips. On board large ships and small river boats people can visit foreign countries and different places of interest within their own country. Sea voyage on board modern luxurious cruise liners is rather expensive and not everyone can afford it. The sight of a ship with its many decks and cabins is fascinating. And it looks like a huge white floating city. Round-the-world cruise is very romantic and thrilling since you can see many exotic countries within a few months or weeks. But there is one thing that can spoil all the pleasure - you can feel sea-sick.

   When people get away to the country they prefer going by car. It is very convenient. You needn't reserve your tickets. You needn't carry heavy suitcases. You can stop wherever you wish and spend at any place as much time as you like.

   It is quite true that driving a car has some disadvantages. You can be held up in a traffic jam. It is not pleasant when you ride on a bumpy road or get a flat tyre or get stuck in the mud. When you travel long distances you should be very attentive and alert because road accidents are very frequent. And the first thing you should do before going on holiday by car is to consult your mechanic. If your car breaks down in a deserted place you might have problems with getting help soon.

  If you ask me what means of transport I like best I will speak in favour of going by plane because travelling by air is not only the fastest way but also the most comfortable. There is no dust and dirt of a railway or car journey, no trouble of hanging from one transport to another. Besides, flying is a thrilling thing. For a few hours you can seat back in a comfortable armchair and enjoy the flight. From a bird's eye view a traveller can see an unusual and breathtaking view. On board a plane you can really enjoy the journey, you can relax in a reclining chair, have lunch or a light snack and, really enjoy the scenery and landscape when the plane takes off and lands.

   To sum up, I can say that nowadays travelling is becoming one of the most popular leisure time activities. It is cool to tell other people that you have visited this or that country, island or continent because those who travel a lot have an opportunity to broaden their mind, to relax, to get to know other people and their culture, to make new friends. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Ex. 8. Translate the dialogues into Russian:

1. - Подскажите, пожалуйста, какие рейсы есть до Нью-Йорка?

• Есть два рейса в неделю по вторникам и пятницам.
• В котором часу?
• В 10.30 каждый вторник и в 8.30 каждую пятницу.
• Сколько стоит билет в туристическом классе?
• Билет в один конец стоит 200 долларов, билет "туда и обратно" 350 долларов.
• Могу я купить билет с открытой датой возвращения?
• Да, конечно.

   -Тогда,  пожалуйста,  один  билет в турклассе  до  Нью-Йорка с открытой датой возвращения.

• С Вас 350 долларов.
• Спасибо.
• Приятного полета.

2. - Извините за беспокойство, когда мы приземлимся в Глазго? 
- В 10.45.

-Спасибо. Я  думал, мы прибудем ранее.

   -Да, согласно расписанию мы должны  были  приземлиться в 10.15. Но, к сожалению, погода оставляет желать лучшего.

• Спасибо за информацию. Надеюсь, мы не попадем в воздушную яму. Я боюсь подобных ситуаций.
• Не волнуйтесь, командир корабля — опытный пилот, и кроме того, экипаж готов позаботиться о вас.

-Спасибо. Принесите,  пожалуйста, стакан воды.

   3. - Уважаемые пассажиры, приведите спинки кресел в вертикальное положение, пристегните ремни безопасности. Наш самолет начинает снижаться. Через несколько минут мы прибудем в аэропорт Хитроу.

   - Простите, пожалуйста, вы не подскажите мне где можно получить свой багаж?

• Прямо за углом. Я тоже туда иду, следуйте за мной. 
  -Спасибо, а то я заблудился.

• Вы впервые в Лондоне?

-Да. Я  просто поражен. Такое огромное  здание. - Вы гражданин стран Европейского Союза?

• Нет,  а что?

- Я просто  хотел подсказать вам насчет  таможни. 
-  О,  спасибо,  я в курсе. 
 
 
 

Ex. 9. Read and translate the text. What made this trip unforgettable for the author?

     My most enjoyable trip

     Modern life is impossible without travelling. People all over the world travel either on business or for pleasure. They can travel by sea, air, rail or road.  
As for me, I do enjoy spending my holidays travelling and today I want to tell you about the most enjoyable trip of mine. I should say my family has always enjoyed going somewhere and we’ve always been interested in visiting foreign countries. That’s why I can say we’ve had a lot of fascinating trips, but a really unforgettable one was a journey to Spain about 2 years ago. Nowadays, when we talk about going travelling, we tend to mean a cruise on a shiny ship, a family holiday in Europe or a flight across the Atlantic to see an old friend. However, the term can also be used to imply all sorts of dangers, breathtaking adventures and astonishing discoveries.

     My trip to the country of the Mediterranean climate, hot-tempered people, and bright national tournament was both informative and full of adventures. As you know, it’s quite hard to reach this country by road, sea or rail. So, we traveled by airplane. Firstly, we flew to Moscow and then changed there to go to Salou. My parents had chosen this particular city as there are a lot of marvelous sandy beaches. Salou is a perfect city for family rest. Both grown-ups and their children won’t be bored because there is a great attractions park. Salou has one more attractive feature: it is full of wonderful fountains which are particularly exciting at night as they are decorated with multicoloured highlights and accompanied by marvelous romantic music. That’s why Spaniards call them “singing fountains”.

     Salou travel agencies provide lots of interesting excursions, for instance, ones to the wine factory where visitors have an opportunity to taste and to buy some wines. But the most unforgettable excursion was the one to the jousting (fighting with lances (long sticks) while riding horses). This was fantastic! Spaniards created the atmosphere of the Middle Age tournament. I was enjoying it so much that I couldn’t think of anything else. I can’t but mention the place we were staying at. This was a marvelous 4-star hotel with plenty of great facilities like a swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, a disco, a billiard room, a game station for children, a smart restaurant, cozy patios where people could sit outside and dine or just have a chat.

     Summing up, I should say that nowadays travelling is becoming one of the most widespread holiday activities. Many young people are fearless and desperate to go travelling. They are looking forward to going overseas and getting to know other cultures as it broadens the mind and makes the life more interesting and dynamic. Of course, I’ll never forget my journey to Spain but I’m eager to have more and more trips of this kind. 

Ex. 10. Read the text and find out functions of mass media.                                         

Mass Media

In some dictionaries the word “media” (or “mass media”) is defined as  “those means of communication that reach and influence large numbers of people”. Media both influence and are influenced by the social surrounding conditions in which they circulate. Needless to say of different forms of mass media, the most prevalent in a contemporary society are television, press, radio and Internet.

No doubt, TV is the most popular of all the media throughout a large part of the world. Although we might argue whether this is for better or for worse, we would have to agree that our life without television would be drastically different. There is a great number TV channels - public or private, educational or commercial, nationwide or local. Channels offer various programmes, that is, serious ones – documentaries and discussions, adaptations of novels; lighter ones – comic series, soup operas, humour and sport. Many people object to too much reference to sex, violence, blood and cruelty. It is a real threat to our moral standards.

Before the advent of TV, radio was the dominant mass media. Television has usurped the prevailing role of radio, and radio has had to redirect its focus. Nowadays in different countries there are a great many radio stations. Some of them play mainly pop and light music; others broadcast classical or rock music, talks on serious subjects, news reports, discussions, etc. People listen to radio for informational, educational reasons or for entertainment.