Олімпіадні завдання

The 8th Form

For TEACHERS

8th Form Olympiad 2013

Round I – Listening Comprehension

Directions for Teachers: Read this story 1 time to the students then after 5 minutes read it again.

The Statue of Liberty

One of the most famous statues in the world stands on an island in New York harbor. This statue is, of course, the Statue of Liberty. The Statue of Liberty is a woman who holds a torch up high. The statue is so large that as many as twelve people can stand inside the torch. Many more people can stand in other parts of the statue. The statue weighs 225 tons and is 301 feet tall.

The Statue of Liberty was put up in 1886. It was a gift to the United States from the people of France. Over the years France and the United States had a special relationship. In 1776 France helped the American colonies to gain independence from England. The French wanted to do something special for the U.S. centennial, its 100th birthday.

Laboulaye was a well-known Frenchman who admired the United States. One night at a dinner at his house, Laboulaye talked about the idea of a gift. Among Laboulaye’s guests was the French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi. Bartholdi thought of a statue of liberty. He offered to design the statue.

Many people contributed in some way. The French people gave money for the statue.

Americans designed and built the pedestal for the statue to stand on. The American people raised money to pay for the pedestal. The French engineer Alexander Eiffel, who was famous for his Eiffel

Tower in Paris, figured out how to make the heavy statue stand.

In the years after the statue was put up, many immigrants came to the United States through New York. As they entered New York Harbor, they saw the Statue of Liberty holding up her torch. She symbolized a welcome to a land of freedom.

Olympiad

Round I – Listening Comprehension

Section 1

Directions: Listen to the story, The Statue of Liberty, and mark True (+) or False (-) next to the number.

1.) Twelve people can stand inside the torch of the Statue of Liberty.

2.) The United States helped France gain its independence in 1776.

3.) Alexander Eiffel was among the guests at Laboulaye’s house.

4.) Frederic Auguste Bartholdi was a French engineer.

5.) Alexander Eiffel figured out how to make the statue stand.

6.) Americans designed the pedestal for the statue.

7.) The Statue of Liberty stands in a park in downtown New York City.

8.) New immigrants to America saw the statue when they arrived at the harbor in New York.

9.) The Statue of Liberty is a woman who holds a book up high.

10.) The French wanted to do something special for America’s 100th birthday.

Section 2 Statements 11 through 20 (circle the correct letter A, B, C, or D).

Listen to the text again. Choose the one best answer А, В, С, D to each question

11.) France and the U.S. had a special ___________.

A.) independence B.) freedom C.) relationship D.) gift

12.) France helped the American colonies to______________ independence.

A.) build B.) gain C.) become D.) maintain

13.) A famous Frenchman, Laboulaye, _____________ the United States.

A.) admired B.) visited C.) engineered D.) offered

14.) Frederic Bartholdi _______________ to design the statue.

A.) helped B.) paid for C.) contributed D.) offered

15.) The Statue of Liberty stands on a __________________.

A.) torch B.) sculptor C.) pedestal D.) harbor

16.) The Statue of Liberty symbolizes __________________.

A.) a woman with a torch B.) a land of freedom

C.) independence from England D.) a gift from France

17.) Immigrants came to the United States ______________ New York.

A.) through B.) between C.) along side of D.) along with

18.) ___________________ can go inside the statue.

A.) engineers B.) sculptors C.) designers D.) visitors

19.) The Statue of Liberty was _________________ in 1886.

A.) put up B.) set up C.) get up D.) stand up

20.) Laboulaye was a _____________ Frenchman in France.

A.) an unknown B.) little known C.) new D.) well-known

Round II – Reading Comprehension

Directions: Read the text, Noah Webster, and mark True (+) or False (-) next to numbers 1-10.

Text 1 Noah Webster

As a young adult, Noah Webster was a teacher. At this time the colonies were fighting for independence from Britain. Yet the books that American children used in school all came from Britain. The books were all about British people and British places. Webster wanted books that would mean more to American children. So he wrote three books that used American examples - a grammar book, a spelling book, and a reader. These books were very popular, and millions of them were sold.

Webster was interested in changing the spellings of words. He wanted words to be spelled the way they were pronounced. For example, he thought the word head should be spelled “hed,” and the word laugh should be spelled “laf.” People liked Webster’s suggestions. Unfortunately, though, few words were changed. One group of words that were changed were words in which an unpronounced u followed an o. That is why Americans write color and labor, and the British write colour and labour.

With the money he made from his books, Webster was able to start on his great work. This work took more than twenty years to write. It was the first American English dictionary, published in 1828. Webster’s dictionary had over 70,000 words, and gave the meaning and the origin of each. To this day, Webster’s work is the example that

most dictionaries of American English follow.

1. American children used to learn from British school books.

2. 1 million copies of Webster’s books were sold.

3. Webster wanted to change the spelling of words.

4. The American spelling of the word color is different from the British spelling.

5. Webster’s dictionary took exactly 20 years to write.

6. Webster’s dictionary was the first American dictionary.

7. Webster’s dictionary had only seven thousand words.

8. Webster’s dictionary gave both the meaning and the origin of words.

9. People liked Webster’s suggestions and many words were spelled differently from the British.

10. When Noah Webster was a teacher, America was free and independent from Britain.

Speaking Comprehension Test for 8th Form Students

Directions:

In this test you will select three task slips from those before you. After selecting

three, choose the one you feel you are most capable to speak about and return the

other two to the table face down. Then take about a minute to collect your thoughts

before you begin to speak on the topic. You may refer to the topic as needed. Take

a deep breath and begin.

1. A well known proverb states: «When in Rome, do as the Romans do.» What

does this mean? Do you agree or disagree?

2. Should uniforms be worn in school? Explain advantages and disadvantages of

wearing uniforms.

3. If you could become a character from any book or play that you have read,

who would that character be?

4. Is organized tour the best way of learning about the world? Explain advantages

and disadvantages of such kind of travel?

5. What would happen if there were no television? Why would this be good/ bad?

6. Describe the social and professional activities that give you the most

opportunity to speak English.

7. What would you say to persuade your parents that the music you listen to is

worth listening to?

8. When people from other countries visit our country, how do they see

Ukrainians?

9. How do mobile phones truly improve the quality of life of those who use them?

10. You are having a meeting with American sportsmen. Ask them about the most

popular kinds of sport in the USA and say whether you play the same games in

Ukraine.

11. Describe the moral, or lesson, that you have learned from your favorite story? .

How do books influence your behavior?

12. It's Sunday. You see your friend hurrying somewhere. Ask him about his plans

for the day off and suggest your way of spending it.

13. In the past, sports were activities that people did for fun in their free time. This

has changed a lot in recent years. Tell about some things that have changed .

14. If you were asked to send one thing representing your country to an

international exhibition, what would you choose? Why?

15. What are the most important components of a healthy lifestyle? How do you

keep yourself healthy?

16. Do you believe that the majority of youth in Ukraine prefers watching TV to

reading? What benefits, if any, does reading provide that watching TV does not?

17. A gift (such as a camera, a soccer ball, or a pet) can contribute to a child's

development. What gift would you give to help a child develop? Why?

18. Many pupils dream of travelling to other countries. Imagine that you have to

choose one country, not your native country, where you will go to live for a long

time. Where will you go? Why?

19. You are given a chance to choose the route about Great Britain. What parts of

this country would you recommend to see and express your own preferences

bearing in mind your devotion to literature.

20. Many of the best athletes in the world earn extremely high salaries for both

playing sport and for advertisements. Do you think this is fair?

Writing Comprehension Test For 8th form Students

Directions:

In this test you will select from the three tasks written on the board one which you

feel you are most capable to write about. You will then begin writing your essay on

the pages provided. When you are finished, close your papers, lay down your pen and

wait. Your test materials will be collected.

1. It has been said, "Not everything that is learned is contained in books."

Compare and contrast knowledge gained from experience with knowledge

gained from books. In your opinion, which source is more important? Why?

2. Which person has had the greatest influence on your life? Was this person in your

family or outside of your family? Why was this person influential? What did this

person teach you?

3. Sport is very important for young generation as well as for adults.

Which sport is a favourite one in Ukraine? Why do you think so?

What is your favourite sport? Why? Are you a sports fan? Do you do any

sport?Why is there so much sport on TV in your opinion?

The 9th Form

For TEACHERS

9th FORM OLYMPIAD 2013

Round I ~ Listening Comprehension

Directions for Teachers: Read this story 1 time to the students then after 5 minutes read it again.

Jonas Salk Discovers the Polio Vaccine

A terrible disease called polio struck the United States in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s. It

crippled 300,000 people, mostly children, and killed 57,000. There was no cure for the disease,

although scientists were working hard to find one. Finally the National Foundation for Infantile

Paralysis, better known as the March of Dimes, with the contributions of millions of Americans,

began a research program at the University of Pittsburg Medical School. They asked Dr. Jonas Salk,

who was already known for his work on flu viruses, to direct the program. Salk joined the fight

against polio.

Salk knew the only way to stop the disease was to develop a vaccine, a serum containing a

small amount of the killed virus. When this vaccine was injected into a person’s body, it would cause

the body to fight the virus and make it harmless. Once this occurred, the body would be protected

against the live virus. Salk concentrated all his energy on developing the vaccine. Sometimes he

worked 20 hours a day, seven days a week with his dedicated staff. Finally, after much testing, Salk

was so sure of his vaccine’s success that he tested it on himself. Then he gave it to his wife and

children. The vaccine was then tried on 500 volunteers. It proved successful every time.

On April 12th, 1955, medical history took place. After three and a half years of work, Dr. Jonas

Salk announced that he and his staff had developed a successful vaccine against the dreadful disease.

It was a momentous occasion and people rejoiced upon hearing the news. In some towns, church

bells rang, schools closed for the day, and factories stopped for a moment of silence. People honked

their car horns. Department stores announced the news over loud speakers. One store window

displayed the words, “Thank you Dr. Salk.” The announcement was not only a turning point in the

history of medicine but the moment at which Dr. Jonas Salk became a great medical hero.

9th FORM OLYMPIAD 2013

Round I ~ Listening Comprehension

Directions: Listen to the story, Jonas Salk Discovers the Polio Vaccine, and mark True (+) or False (-) next to

the number.

1.) A terrible disease called polio struck the United States in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s.

2.) Polio crippled 57,000 people, mostly children.

3.) Salk joined the fight against the March of Dimes.

4.) Salk knew that the only way to stop the disease was to develop polio.

5.) When a vaccine was injected into a person’s body, it would cause the body to fight the virus and make it harmless.

6.) Salk concentrated all his energy on developing the vaccine.

7.) Salk was so sure of his vaccine success that he tested it on animals.

8.) The vaccine was then tried on 500 volunteers. It proved successful every time.

9.) In some towns, church bells rang, and schools closed for a year.

10.) Dr. Jonas Salk announced that he and his staff had developed a successful vaccine against the dreadful disease.

Directions: Listen to the story, Jonas Salk Discovers the Polio Vaccine again, and circle A, B, C or D.

11.) Polio struck the United States in the late 1940’s.

A.) attacked B.) resisted C.) slowed down D.) vaccinated

12.) The announcement was a turning point in the history of medicine.

A.) time of important change B.) most enjoyable time C.) highest point D.) end of century

13.) People rejoiced when they heard the news.

A.) screamed B.) danced C.) celebrated D.) realized

14.) Salk tested the vaccine on _______________.

A.) himself B.) his wife C.) his children D.) all of these

15.) When the vaccine was injected into a person’s body, it would cause the body to fight the _ and make it harmless.

A.) injection B.) cure C.) serum D.) virus

16.) There was no ________________ for the disease, although scientists were working hard to find one.

A.) virus B.) contribution C.) cure D.) injection

17.) _______________ of Americans contributed to the March of Dimes.

A.) Millions B.) Thousands C.) 300,000 people D.) The United States

18.) Salk knew the only way to stop the disease was to develop a vaccine, a serum containing a small amount of the

_______________ virus.

A.) prepared B.) killed C.) flu D.) developed

19.) Sometimes he worked 20 hours a day, seven days a week with his _______________.

A.) dedicated staff B.) patients C.) children D.) program

20.) It was a ___ when Dr. Salk announced that a successful vaccine against the dreadful disease had been developed.

A.) killed virus B.) tradegy C.) research program D.) momentous occasion

9th FORM OLYMPIAD 2013

Round II ~ Reading Comprehension

Directions: Read The Joshua Tree, and answer questions 1-10. Mark True(+) or False (-) next to the number.

Text 1 The Joshua Tree

In the 1840’s the Mormons, who are a religious group, traveled west searching for a new home. Many

Mormons lived in the state of Illinois. But they had been badly treated and finally were forced to leave. As the

Mormons traveled through the desert they became discouraged. Then they saw a strange tree. The tree’s branches

stretched out like arms. The Mormons thought that the tree looked like Joshua, a hero from the bible. The Mormons

thought that the arms of the tree were telling them to continue on their way, so they did. They found a new home in

the state of Utah. In Utah they saw trees like the one in the desert. They called them “Joshua trees.”

The Joshua tree was very useful. The Indians of the West used almost all its parts. They ate not only the fruit

of the tree, but also its seeds and white blossoms. They used its leaves for shoes. From its roots they made baskets and

colors for clothes.

Settlers in the West used the Joshua tree for firewood and fences. Unfortunately, they often needed to cut

down the trees. Some of the trees were as tall as fifty feet. These trees were 700 or 800 years old. The Joshua tree

grows very slowly. It grows only about one inch a year.

By the beginning of the 1900’s, most Joshua trees had been cut down. People were sad that this strange tree had

almost disappeared. In 1936 the Joshua Tree National Monument was established in California. It has many kinds of

interesting desert plants, including, of course, many Joshua trees. None of these trees are fifty feet. But perhaps

someday they will be.

1.) The Mormons traveled west searching for gold.

2.) The Mormons were treated badly in Illinois and were forced to leave.

3.) The Mormons thought that the strange tree looked like Joshua from the Koran.

4.) The Mormons became discouraged as they traveled through the desert.

5.) The Indians of the West made shoes from the roots of the Joshua Tree.

6.) Some of the trees the settlers cut down were 700 meters tall.

7.) In Illinois the Mormons saw trees like the one in the desert.

8.) The tree grows about one inch a year.

9.) In 1936 the Joshua Tree National Monument was established in California.

10)Indians could use the Joshua trees’ roots to color their clothes.

Directions: Read Jazz, and answer questions 11-15. Choose A, B, C or D.

Text 2 Jazz

Americans have contributed to many art forms, but jazz, a type of music is the only art form that was created in the United States by black Americans. Many blacks were brought from Africa to America as slaves. The black slaves sang and played the music of their homeland.

Jazz is a mixture of many different kinds of music. It is a combination of the music of West Africa, the work songs the slaves sang, and religious music. Jazz bands formed in the late 1800’s. They played in bars and clubs in many towns and cities of the South, especially New Orleans.

New Orleans is an international seaport, and people from all over the world come to New Orleans to hear jazz. Improvisation is an important part of jazz. This means that the musicians make the music up as they go along, or create the music on the spot. This is why a jazz song might sound a little different each time it is played.

Jazz became more and more popular. By the 1920’s, jazz was popular all over the United States. By the 1940’s, you could not only hear jazz in clubs and bars, but in concert halls as well. Today, people from all over the world play jazz. Jazz musicians from the United States, Asia, Africa, South America, and Europe meet and share their

music at festivals on every continent. In this way jazz continues to grow and change.

11.) Jazz is a musical art form that was created by ________________.

A.) black Africans B.) black Americans C.) slaves in Africa D.) their homeland

12.) Jazz is a mixture of music. It is a combination of all of these except ______________.

A.) religious music B.) music of West Africa C.) club music D.) work songs

13.) Jazz may sound different each time it is played for all of these reasons except that___________.

A.) people from all over the world come to New Orleans B.) its improvised C.) its created on the spot

D.) musicians make the music up as they go along

14.) By the 1940’s, people could only hear jazz music in clubs and bars.

A.) true B.) false

15.) Jazz musicians from all over the world meet at _________ to play and share their music.

A.) festivals B.) concert halls C.) bars D.) spots

Directions: Read The Wright Brothers Take Off, and answer questions 16-20. Choose A, B, C or D.

Text 3 The Wright Brothers Take Off

From the time of primitive men, humans have wanted to fly. Centuries ago men strapped wings on themselves in an attempt to fly. Needless to say, more than one leg was broken trying that. By 1900, humans had finally

succeeded in flying through the air. They had done it in balloons and gliders. Now they were ready for the next step.

Two brothers, Orville and Wilbur Wright, owned a bicycle shop in Dayton, Ohio, and loved mechanical things. They were also fascinated with the idea of flying. They had read about the glider experiments of Otto Lilienthal, a German inventor, and Octave Chanute, a French-born American engineer. They decided to make a glider

of their own. They came up with a biplane, or double-wing, glider. It had a new feature called “wing warping,” a way of bending the wings to make the best use of air flowing over them. They made several successful flights with their

biplane glider. But the Wright brothers wanted more.

They asked the U.S. Weather Bureau where the strongest and steadiest winds blew, which were necessary for glider flying. As Orville and Wilbur and other pilots knew, when the winds died down, the plane went down too. In

the Fall of 1900, the Wright Brothers took a new glider to the windy beaches near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. It had bent wings and a flap in front for better up-and-down movement. Once again, their glider was successful. Once again,

it wasn’t quite good enough.

The Wright brothers went back to their home in Dayton. They set up a wind tunnel to test the data that Lilienthal and Chanute had come up with in their glider experiments. The wind test showed the figures were wrong.

The Wright brothers had more designing to do.

In 1902 Wilbur and Orville were back in Kitty Hawk with a redesigned glider. This one had straighter wings, a movable rudder, and better control. They made more than a thousand successful flights on the deserted beaches. But the Wright brothers weren’t happy with having to rely on nature and its unpredictable winds. They wanted more.

They wanted powered flight.

No engine on the market was light and powerful enough for an airplane. So they built their own. There were no propellers around either. So they built them too. They put one propeller behind the engine and one behind the pilot.

Power from the engine was carried to the propellers by a bicycle chain.

16.) Before 1900 humans had already successfully flown through the air in ____________.

A.) jets B.) helicopters C.) rockets D.) ballons

17.) “Wing warping” helps a plane to fly by _________________.

A.) making air flow over the wings B.) increasing the speed of a plane

C.) a new glider feature D.) making a double-wing

18.) The flap in front of the glider caused for ________________.

A.) the strongest and steadiest winds B.) the winds to die down

C.) better up-and-down movement D.) more designing to be done by the Wright brothers

19.) The redesigned glider of 1902 had ________________.

A.) straighter wings B.) a movable ruder C.) better control D.) all of these

20.) ________________ carried power to the propellers from the engine.

A.) a bicycle chain B.) a glider C.) the pilot D.) a redesigned engine

Directions: Read The Wright Brothers Take Off–(continued), and answer questions 26-30. Choose A, B, C or D.

Text 4 The Wright Brothers Take Off – (continued)

The brothers went back and forth to Kitty Hawk. With each unsuccessful flight, they corrected the problem and tried again. On December 17th, 1903, they were ready for another trial. They had named their odd-looking, twowinged contraption Flyer. It was a cold windy day. No one except four men and a boy, was interested enough to

watch the Wright brothers try their funny flying machine. No one believed that humans would ever fly a mechanical plane.

The brothers always took turns at piloting their experimental airplanes. This day, Orville climbed into Flyer and lay flat on the lower wing. He started the engine and the plane moved forward. Then it lifted off the ground, reaching 40 feet. Orville found the controls so sensitive that when he changed the angle of the controls just a little, the

plane rose or fell sharply. Then he altered one of the controls a little too much and the plane came down. It had flown 120 feet and had been in the air for 12 seconds. History had been made. What humankind had dreamed about for thousands of years had become reality.

The Wright brothers made three more flights that day. The fourth flight lasted 59 seconds and went a distance of 852 feet. After this flight, everyone gathered around the aircraft. They joyfully discussed what had happened.

Suddenly a strong gust of wind picked up the plane and turned it over and over while everyone watched in dismay. It was badly damaged and could not be flown again that day. But the Wright Brothers could not be sad. They had accomplished their goal.

In spite of this historical achievement, the Wright brothers and their flight went nearly unnoticed. They continued their research and experimentation for almost three more years. Finally, they were granted a U.S. patent on their plane in 1906. In 1907 they went to Europe and flew their aircraft from place to place, to the delight of thousands of Europeans. The success of this tour reached American newspapers. The Wright brothers finally achieved their long-deserved fame and honor. The door was opened to the future. That having been done, it took Americans only 66 years to go from the beaches of Kitty Hawk to the distant moon.

21.) _____________ was the name of the odd-looking funny flying machine.

A.) Kitty Hawk B.) Flyer C.) Contraption D.) Wright

22.) The plane rose and fell sharply due to ______________________.

A.) reaching 40 feet B.) laying flat on the lower wing

C.) an experimental airplane D.) sensitive controls

23.) The Wright brothers were not sad because _______________________.

A.) a strong gust of wind picked up the plane B.) it was badly damaged and could not be flown

C.) they had accomplished their goal D.) they were dismayed when the plane turned over

24.) At first the Wright brothers were more famous ________________ then in America.

A.) in Europe B.) on the moon C.) in Kitty Hawk D.) on the beach

25.) Americans reached the moon in _________. 66 years after Flyer flew for the first time.

A.) 1906 B.) 1907 C.) 1966 D.) 1969

Speaking Comprehension Test for 9th Form Students

Directions:

In this test you will select three task slips from those before you. After selecting

three, choose the one you feel you are most capable to speak about and return the

other two to the table face down. Then take about a minute to collect your thoughts

before you begin to speak on the topic. You may refer to the topic as needed. Take

a deep breath and begin.

1. You are the owner of a pet store, and you have been asked to speak about the

importance of having pets.

- Explain how to choose the right pet for you.

- What benefits do pets offer their owners?

- What responsibilities do owners have to their pets?

2. If you could have lunch with one person, living or dead, real or fictional, who

would it be?

- What questions would you ask this person?

- What would you tell this person about yourself?

- What would you suggest you do for lunch?

3. Describe your dream house and why you want to live there.

- What does it look like?

- Where is it located?

- What amenities does it have?

4. You find a magical mirror that can show you anything in the world.

- What do you want to see?

- Why do you want to see it?

- What will you do with this information?

5. If you could have any talent that you don`t already possess, what would it be?

- Why is this talent so important for you to have?

- How would you use it?

- Do you feel it is more important to gain talents through hard work or through

natural ability?

6. There is a proverb in English that says, « You are what you eat.»

- What does this saying mean to you?

- How much thought do you give to the food you eat?

- How is food connected to our bodies and moods?

7. You are at a job interview and are asked to describe yourself. What will you

say?

- What kind of character do you have?

- How do you get along with other people?

- What are your strengths and weakness?

8. You are an alien and your spaceship lands on Earth. As you step off your ship,

you meet a human being. What is your first impression of humanity?

- What person do you meet?

- Describe his or her appearance.

- Do you want to be a friend of humanity? Why or why not?

9. You have $100 to improve your English. You may use computers,

a private tutor, books, or whatever materials you think are necessary. How

will you spend the money?

- What resources would you choose for your education?

- Describe a typical English lesson using your new budget.

10. You would like to create your own personal website.

- What kinds of information would you put on it and why?

- Who would be your target audience?

- How would you advertise your website so that people would be interested?

11. Games and puzzles have been part of human traditions since the beginning

of our existence.

- What is the value, if any, of such traditions? What are your favourite

games and why?

- What games and puzzles are indicative of your country and/or culture?

- Are games as important for adults as they are for children? Why or why

not?

12. If you had a week to travel out of your native country and an endless supply

of money, where would you want to go, and how would you get there?

- Would you travel alone, with a few people, or with many people? Why?

- What are the top three things you would do in each place and why?

- What does your travel style say about your personality?

13. Some people would say that winning is the most important part of playing

sports. Do you agree? Why?

- What are some reasons why people play sports?

- What do you think about the saying, «Second place is the first loser»?

- How important do you think sports are in the development of person`s

character ?

14. A renowned publisher has given you an opportunity to write a book and have

it published. What would you write about?

- What would be on the cover of your book? What would its title be?

- What genre of books do you find most interesting? Why?

- What kind of obstacles might you need to overcome when writing your

book?

15. Your best friend is having a birthday soon. You are going to plan a surprise

party.

- Whom would you invite and why?

- Describe the party`s theme and decorations.

- What kinds of food and entertainment will you prepare? Why?

16. Our parents greatly influence our personalities.

- Which personality traits do you share with your mother and father?

- What makes you different from them?

- Who has more impact on you, your mother or father? Explain.

17. Describe your perfect day, including location and weather.

- What activities would you do? With whom would you spend it?

- How would this day be different than every other day?

- Do you think it`s possible to have a perfect day? Explain.

18.What do you believe are the most popular free time activities among youth

in Ukraine?

- Why do you believe they are so popular?

- Are these activities beneficial to Ukraine`s youth as a whole?

- What are some constructive free time activities that can help our society?

19. Transportation greatly influences our lifestyles and the growth patterns of our

communities.

- What means of transportation does your community have, and how have

they affected people`s lifestyles?

- How do you and your family usually get around?

- Which form of transportation in your town could you go without if necessary?

Why?

20. People make choices everyday that affect their health.

- What are the most important components of a healthy lifestyle?

- How do you keep yourself healthy?

- What can be done to convince people with unhealthy habits to live a healthy

lifestyle?

Writing Comprehension Test For 9th form Students

Directions:

In this test you will select from the three tasks written on the board one which you

feel you are most capable to write about. You will then begin writing your essay on

the pages provided. When you are finished, close your papers, lay down your pen and

wait. Your test materials will be collected.

1. What is your favorite family tradition, something that is unique to your family? Why

does your family follow this special tradition? How did this tradition get started in

your family? Would you like to continue this tradition in the future, when you have a

family of your own?

2. Art, literature, poetry, music, and theatre are among some of the most popular

ways for people to express their emotions. In which of the previously

mentioned ways do you best express yourself? Explain. Is it any different from

how your friends express themselves? In which other ways do you express

your emotions?

3. The mass media are currently being talked about by many people in Ukraine.

What media are the most popular with adults and teenagers in our country?

Which media do you prefer? Write about your favourite channel/radio

programme/newspaper. Express your opinion on the importance of the media

in the society.

The 10th Form

For TEACHERS

10th FORM OLYMPIAD 2013

Round I ~ Listening Comprehension

Directions for Teachers: Read this story 1 time to the students then after 5 minutes read it again.

CLAUDIO BONIFACIO

Claudio Bonifacio is a treasure hunter who finds most of his bullion (gold and silver) in libraries full of ancient documents. He has spent the past 14 years searching the Spanish naval records in Seville, from which he has located the positions of more than 2,500 sunken galleons – Spanish sailing ships of the 15th -18th centuries. For large sums of money, he gives this information to companies with the resources to raise the bullion from the wrecks. Such is his fame as a marine archaeologist that he can demand very large fees for his research work.

Bonifacio, a 48-year old from Italy who now lives in Seville, has worked for several Latin American governments, including Cuba. The Cuban government asked him to discover the location of galleons which sank somewhere off the Cuban coast. He has also carried out survey work for the Spanish government and the Italian national research council.

However, Bonifacio is unwilling to reveal the names of his private clients, or say how much money

they have made from the wrecks. They want to remain anonymous due to the uncertainty about

exactly who owns the ocean floor. Countries such as Honduras, where Bonifacio has discovered

many wrecks, insist on claiming all the treasures found in their territorial waters. One of the richest

wrecks Bonifacio has located is the "San Roque", near an island in Honduran waters, which contains an estimated 180 chests of gold and silver. Honduras itself now plans to recover the treasure from more than 20 Spanish galleons in its territorial waters, including the "San Roque", in order to pay back some of its huge national debt. This means that the company who hired Bonifacio to locate the "San Roque" will not have a share of the profits.

Bonifacio himself is unsure of exactly how much bullion has been found by others as a result of his

research, but he is sure it must be many millions of dollars worth: "I hear reports, but in this type of

work there is a great amount of secrecy, not only because of the problems of demanding the entire

treasure, but also for tax reasons."

Bonifacio's research is not only directed at locating wrecks. His passion for old documents has led to the discovery of old Spanish and Portuguese gold mines in South America, Mexico and the

Caribbean. "In the 1560s and 1570s, most of the gold and silver transported to Europe was stolen

from the Incas and Aztecs; but later, mining was the main source of bullion. Mining technology was

obviously very basic, and the mines were not worked efficiently. Now, with modern techniques, the

world's mining companies are only too happy to pay me to find them."

Listening Comprehension Test for 10th Form Students

Section 1.

True/false statements 1 through 10. Put “+”if the statement is true, “- ” if it is false.

1. Claudio Bonifacio finds gold and silver exploring the sea-floor.

2. He has discovered the place of 2,500 sunken ships.

3. The Cuban government is going to ask Bonifacio to discover the location of sunken ships

somewhere off the Cuban coast.

4. His private clients don't know exactly who owns the ocean floor.

5. Honduras demands that it should own all the treasures found in its territorial waters.

6. Honduras doesn't owe anything to other countries.

7. Bonifacio is unaware of the fact how much gold and silver has been found as a result of

his research.

8. The exact number of bullion is always given in reports.

9. Bonifacio dislikes ancient documents.

10. He has discovered gold mines in all parts of the world.

Section 2.

Multiple-choice questions through 11 to 20. Circle the correct letter A, B, C or D.

11.Claudio Bonifacio is:

a) a game hunter.

b) an animal hunter.

c) a money hunter.

d) a treasure hunter.

12. He gives his information to companies:

a) for very large fees.

b) only for gold and silver.

c) to rob them.

d) to deceive them.

13. He is known to be a famous:

a) mariner.

b) master mariner.

c) marine scientist.

d) marine archaeologist.

14. He keeps the names of his private clients a secret because:

a) he doesn't want them to be famous.

b) he doesn't want anybody to co-operate with them..

c) they want to become anonymous.

d) they are afraid of being attacked.

15. One of the richest wrecks Bonifacio has located is:

a) San Marino.

b) San Remo.

c) Santa Rosa.

d) San Roque.

16. Honduras plans to recover the treasure in its territorial waters:

a) to build powerful ships.

b) to carry out research work.

c) to pay back its national debt.

d) to get information about the sunken ships.

17. Bonifacio's research is directed at:

a) exploring the sea-floor.

b) locating wrecks.

c) locating reefs.

d) studying sea-breeze.

18. Many old Spanish and Portuguese gold mines were discovered owing to his passion for:

a) old ships.

b) adventures.

c) old documents.

d) sea-food.

19. Most of the gold and silver transported to Europe in the 1560s and 1570s was stolen from:

a) the Indians and Angles.

b) the Friesians and Saxons.

c) the Jutes and Maya.

d) the Incas and Aztecs.

20. The world's mining companies are eager to:

a) employ Bonifacio.

b) co-operate with him.

c) pay him for his information.

d) be consulted by him.

10th FORM OLYMPIAD 2013

Round II ~ Reading Comprehension

Directions:

In this test you will read four texts. Each text is followed by different tasks. You

should do the tasks that follow the text on the basis of what is stated or implied in

the text. For each task you will choose the best possible answer, as specified prior

to each text. Choose the best answer and circle the letter of your choice or put + if

the statement is true, - if it is false on the answer sheet

Directions: Read Death Valley, and answer questions 1-10. Mark True(+) or False (-) next

to the number.

Text 1 Death Valley

Death Valley doesn’t sound like a very inviting place. It is one of the hottest places in the

world. The highest temperature ever recorded there was 134 degrees Fahrenheit. That is the

highest recorded in the Western Hemisphere. And that was in the shade! Death Valley in

California covers nearly 3,000 square miles. Approximately 555 square miles are below the

surface of the sea. One point is 282 feet below sea level - the lowest point in the Western

Hemisphere. In Death Valley, pioneers and explorers faced death from thirst and the searing

heat. Yet despite its name and bad reputation, Death Valley is not just an empty wilderness of

sand and rock. It is a place of spectacular scenic beauty and home to plants, animals, and even

humans.

In 1849 a small group of pioneers struggled for three months to get across the rough land.

They suffered great hardships as they and their wagons traveled slowly across the salt flats in

the baking sun. They ran out of food and had to eat the oxen and leave their possessions behind.

They ran out of water and became so thirsty they could not swallow the meat. They found a lake

and fell on their knees, only to discover it was heavily salted. Finally, weak and reduced to

almost skeletons, they came upon a spring of fresh water and their lives were saved. When they

finally reached the mountains on the other side, they slowly climbed up the rocky slopes. One of

them looked back and said, "Goodbye, Death Valley." That has been its name ever since.

Death Valley is the driest place in North America. Yet far from being dead, it is alive with

plants and animals. They have adapted to this harsh region. In the salt flats on the valley floor,

there are no plants to be seen. But near the edge, there are grasses. Farther away, there are some

small bushes and cactus. On higher ground there are shrubs and shrub-like trees. Finally, high

on the mountainside, there are pine trees.

What is not visible are the seeds lodged in the soil, waiting for rain. When it does come, a

brilliant display of flowers carpets covers barren flatlands. Even the cactus blossoms. It is the

most common of all desert plants. As the water dries up and the hot summer nears, the flowers

die. But first they produce seeds that will wait for the rains of another year.

1.) Death Valley doesn’t sound like a very hospitable place.

2.) The territory of Death Valley is approximately 3,000 square kilometers.

3.) Death Valley had the highest temperature ever recorded in the world.

4.) The lowest point in the world is in Death Valley and it is 282 kilometres below sea level

5.) Even though Death Valley is a place of spectacular scenic beauty no humans live there.

6.) It took a small group of Native Americans three months to get across the rough land in 1849.

7.) The pioneers ran out of food and had to leave their cattle behind.

8.) Despite being the driest place in North America, Death Valley gives life to many plants and

animals.

9.) The cactus is the only of the desert plants to blossom twice a year..

10.) Some plants and animals have adapted to harsh climate.

Directions: Read Alaska – The Last Frontier, and answer questions 11-15. Choose A, B, C

or D.

Text 2 Alaska – The Last Frontier

There is nothing small or ordinary about Alaska. It is America’s largest state. It has the

highest mountain and largest glacier in North America. Its chain of volcanoes is the longest in

the world. It has vast regions of uninhabited land richly diverse in both geography and wildlife.

It is a remarkable place known as the “Last Frontier.”

Alaska fits its name very well. It comes from the word alyeska, meaning “Great Land” in

the language of its native Aleut people. Alaska covers 591,004 square miles. The state of Rhode

Island would fit into Alaska 480 times! The highest point in Alaska is 20,320-foot Mount

McKinley. The 16 highest mountains in the United States are all in Alaska. There are also about

100,000 glaciers. The largest, Malaspina Glacier, covers 850 square miles. Alaska also has more

than three million lakes and 3,000 rivers, much more than any other state.

Everything about Alaska seems to be big. The largest salmon on record was caught in

1985 in Alaska's Kenia River. It weighed 97 pounds, 4 ounces. Its brown bears, called Kodiak

bears, are the world's largest bears. Even the vegetables grown there are big. Cabbages have

been known to weigh 95 pounds and carrots to be 3 feet long! If you took a trip through Alaska,

it would take quite a long while to cover its vast territory. You'd have to take an airplane from

place to place because much of Alaska doesn't have roads.

Along the coast you would see thousands of islands, rocks, and reefs. You'd see glaciers and

icebergs, which are huge pieces of glaciers that fall into the water. Glaciers cover nearly 29,000

square miles of Alaska. Most are in the south and southeast.

In south-central Alaska, you'd fly over the Alaskan Mountain Range and Mount McKinley.

Thousands of visitors have climbed up Mount McKinley. Others have died trying. The youngest

person to climb Mount McKinley was Taras Genet of Talkeetna, Alaska, who climbed it in 1991

when he was 12 years old.

No doubt you would visit several of Alaska's national parks. In these protected lands there

are glaciers, mountains, active volcanoes, lakes, rivers, forests, and wildlife of many kinds.

Besides Kodiak bears, there are grizzly bears, polar bears, moose, caribou, wolves, porcupines,

beavers, mountain goats, foxes, and squirrels. Alaska has 450 kinds of birds. In its waters,

whales and dolphins swim along the coast. Seals, walruses, and sea otters are also found there.

Part of Alaska lies within the Arctic Circle. The land there is called tundra. There are no

trees because the soil is permanently frozen. This frozen soil, called permafrost, thaws on the

surface during the summer, when it is covered with a thick layer of mosses, wildflowers, and

grasses. People who live there have a special problem because of the permafrost. A house built

on it sometimes causes it to thaw beneath the house. The thawed soil begins to sink down, and

the house goes with it! Many arctic inhabitants build their houses on platforms so they can be

moved from time to time.

11.) Alaska means _______________ in the language of its aborigines.

A.) Largest State B.) Great Land C.) Last Frontier D.) important territory

12.) Alaska has the ____________ of volcanoes in the world.

A..) most uninhabited areas B.) highest range C.) largest glacier D.) longest chain

13.) Alaska _________ 480 times bigger than Rhode Island

A..) fits B.)is C.) runs D.) enters

14.) Along the coast of Alaska you'd see icebergs, which are enormous pieces of __________

that fall into the water.

A..) glaciers B.) mountains C.) volcanoes D.) snow

15.) No trees grow in the territory___________ because the soil is permanently frozen.

A..) called permafrost B.) within the Arctiic circle C.) of south-central Alaska D.) called

tundra

Directions: Read Death Valley- continued, and answer questions 16-20. Choose A, B, C or

Text 3 Death Valley - continued

At noon on a summer day, Death Valley looks truly devoid of wildlife. But in reality, there

are 55 species of mammals, 32 kinds of birds, 36 kinds of reptiles, and 3 kinds of amphibians.

During the day many seek shelter under rocks and in burrows. As night approaches, however,

the land cools. The desert becomes a center of animal activity. Owls hunt for mice. Bats gather

insects as they fly. The little kit fox is out looking for food, accompanied by snakes, hawks,

coyotes, and bobcats. Many of these animals, like the desert plants, have adapted to the dry

desert. They use water very efficiently. They can often survive on water supplies that would

leave similar animals elsewhere dying of thirst.

Humans have also learned how to survive in this land. Little is known about the first people,

the Lake Mohave people, except that they hunted there as long as 9,000 years ago. From 5,000

to 2,000 years ago, the Mesquite Flat people inhabited the region. Then the Saratoga people

came. Finally, about 1,000 years ago, the earliest of the Shoshone natives moved in. To this day,

a few Shoshone families live the winter months in the desert.

The natives knew where every hidden spring was. They also knew the habits of the desert

animals, which they hunted. The natives, and later even the prospectors, ate every imaginable

desert animal. They ate everything from the bighorn sheep to snakes, rats, and lizards. They

were often on the edge of starvation. In autumn they gathered nuts from the pine trees. Other

foods they ate included roots, cactus plants, leaves, and sometimes insects.

The early prospectors didn't know the desert as well as the natives. Many died looking for

gold and silver in Death Valley. Others did find the precious metals. Then a "boomtown" was

born. First it consisted of miners living in tents. Then permanent buildings were built. But when

the mine failed, the town that built up around it did too. Today the remains of these "ghost

towns" are scattered about Death Valley. They have names like Skidoo, Panamint City, Chloride

City, and Greenwater.

Going to Death Valley once meant danger, hardship, and even death. Today, visitors can

drive there in air-conditioned comfort. They can stay in hotels. They don’t have to worry about

dying of hunger or thirst. They can look upon the hills, canyons, and cactus with appreciation

rather than fear. They can admire the beauty of this strange land. They can leave with happy

memories.

16.) On summer midday, Death Valley seems______________ wildlife.

A.) entirely lacked from B.) to inhabit C.) to shelter D.) to capture

17.) During the day it is common for _____________ to seek shelter under rocks and in burrows.

A..) desert plants B.) humans C.) the Saratoga people D.) wildlife

18.)The people who originally inhabited Death Valley were called _____________.

A..) the Lake Mohave people B.) the Mesquite Flat people C.) the Saratoga people

D.) the Shoshone natives

19.) _______________ also knew the habits of the desert animals, which they hunted.

A.) The Americans B.) The aborigines C.) The prospectors D.) The visitors

20.) Many _________________ rushed to Death Valley in search of precious metals.

A.) Shoshone families B.) Mesquite Flat people C.) prospectors D.) natives

Directions: Read the text and answer questions 21-25. Choose A, B, C or D.

Text 4

GRABFITI-A DANGEROUS WAY OF LIFE

Scrawling graffiti is seen as a crime in the UK, yet in the US it has become a recognized art

form.

Just a few weeks ago eight graffiti gang members were convicted of causing £5,000

worth of damage on the London Underground. They are among more than 70 hard-core graffiti

artists thought to be operating in London today. Most are aged under 20.

Graffiti artists, or 'graffers', operate in many British towns. They often work at night,

covering walls, trains, and railway stations with brightly painted murals or scrawls in spray paint

and marker pen.

Some people regard graffiti as a form of vandalism and a menace. London Underground

says that railusers find it ugly and offensive. It spends £2m a year dealing with graffiti, and has

even introduced trains with graffiti-resistant paint. 'We don't think it's artistic or creative - it's

vandalism. It's a huge nuisance to our customers, and it's ugly and offensive,' says Serena Holley,

a spokeswoman for London Underground.

'It creates a sense of anarchy and chaos,' says Richard Mandel, a barrister who prosecuted

the graffiti gang. 'Passengers feel as if the whole rail system is put of control.'

British Transport Police has a graffiti unit designed to catch graffers in the act. It spent five

months tracking down the recently prosecuted gang.

Graffiti art can also be a dangerous pastime. London Underground says that some

teenagers have died in accidents during nocturnal graffiti 'raids'.

However, others say that graffiti at its best is an art form. Art galleries in London and

New York have exhibited work by increasingly famous graffiti artists. 'Of course graffiti is art.

There's no question about that’ says David Grob, director of the Grob Gallery in London. Even

some of those who think graffiti is wrong admit that graffers are talented. 'It's just that their talent

is channelled in the wrong direction,' says Barry Kogan, a barrister who represented Declan

Rooney, one of the gang members.

There is a difference between 'good graffiti' and vandalism, says Dean Colman, a 24-

year-old graffiti artist. ‘I’d never spray private property, like someone's house. Some graffiti are

disgusting. There's a big difference between that and graffiti which can brighten up grey walls.'

Dean makes a living as a graffiti artist. His days of illegal spraying are behind him, he

says. He has worked on a television programme about graffiti, designed a series of government

posters, and decorated nightclubs. He has exhibited his work at Battersea Arts Centre in London,

and he has taught graffiti-spraying in youth clubs.

Dean sees himself as an artist, and thinks that graffiti art does not get due recognition.

There's no graffiti art in the Tate Gallery and there should be,' he says. 'Graffiti is as valid as any

other art form.'

Directions: read the text and choose the correct alternative to complete the following sentences.

21. The graffiti artists arrested recently in London were

A put in prison.

В fined £5,000.

С wrongly accused.

D found guilty.

22. The attitude of London Underground is that graffiti

A is a kind of art, but a problem because some passengers don't like it.

В is something to be stopped at all costs

С is irritating but they have more serious problems to worry about.

D is causing the price of tickets to go up and therefore needs to be stopped.

23. The British Transport Police

A have killed some 'graffers' by accident.

В spent a lot of time trying to catch a group of graffiti artists

С have recently criticized the behaviour of the London Underground

D don't know what to do about the problem

24. The lawyer who defended one of the convicted graffiti artists thinks they

A should show their work in art galleries.

В should not have been convicted.

С should use their abilities in different ways.

D should be more careful when working in the Underground.

25.. Dean Colman

A has never broken the law.

В is concerned about how little he earns from his work with graffiti.

С would like to see graffiti taken more seriously by the art world.

D is worried about young people taking up graffiti-spraying.

Speaking Comprehension Test For 10th Form Students

Directions:

In this test you will select three task slips from those before you. After selecting

three, choose the one you feel you are most capable to speak about and return the

other two to the table face down. Then take about a minute to collect your thoughts

before you begin to speak on the topic. You may refer to the topic as needed. Take

a deep breath and begin.

1. Talk about the influence of other cultures on Ukrainian youth, particularly

through mass media ( television, radio, the Internet, magazines, etc).

- What are the positive and negative influences of media from other

cultures?

- Should the negative influences be censored by the government? Explain.

- What are the responsibilities of parents in monitoring what their children

are exposed to?

2. Litter that has been disposed of improperly is a global problem and takes

away from the beauty and safety of many cities and towns throughout the

world.

- Do you feel that litter is a problem in Ukrainian cities and towns?

Why or why not?

- What are some practical ways in which the litter problems around the

world could be addressed?

- Why do you think they would be effective?

3. All students are required to participate in physical training classes. Should

participation in physical training at school be mandatory?

- What benefits and problems does this training have?

- What dangers might be involved in physical training activities?

- Should parents have the right to remove their children from this kind of

lesson? Why?

4. Some people believe that living a healthy lifestyle is the key to one's

happiness.

- What is your idea of a healthy lifestyle?

- How has the definition of health changed over time, and from culture to

culture?

- Can a person who is not healthy still be happy?

5. There are many different ways to be a leader.

- How have you been a leader at school , among your friends, or in other

ways?

- What are some necessary characteristics of a good leader?

- Can everyone be a leader?

- Why is being or having a leader important?

6. Traditions allow us to maintain a quasi-connection to our ancestors.

- What traditions do you have in your family?

- From where/whom do they originate?

- Do you think that you will continue these traditions, or start new ones?

7. Some would say it`s almost impossible to be true friends with people from

different generations. Do you agree?

- What are the advantages and disadvantages of these types of relationships?

- What does society think about such relationships?

- Do you have any close friends from a different generation?

8. Let`s imagine that many people have fallen ill in the city where you live due

to the high number of cars in town that are creating air pollution.

- What would you suggest to be done about this problem?

- How do you think people of your town will respond to limitations on car

use?

- How practical do you think bicycle riding is as an alternative to car driving

in Ukraine?

9. It is often said that, « The world is getting smaller.»

- How has technology made the world smaller?

- What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in a more connected

world?

- Does it make sense to say that « The world is getting bigger»? Explain.

10. Many pupils dream of travelling to other countries. Let`s imagine that you

have to choose one country, not your native country, where you will go to

live for a long time.

- Which country would you choose? Why?

- What would be the worst part about living there? The best?

- How would you deal with the problem of being far from your native land?

11. Vegetarianism is promoted for its health benefits, for environmental reasons

and to prevent animal cruelty.

- Which of these reasons do you relate to the most important?

- If you were a vegetarian, what dishes would you miss the most?

- Are there any social situations where it would be awkward for you to be a

vegetarian?

12. The invention of the wheel has changed the course of human progress.

- What do you think are the three most influential inventions of the last 100

years?

- Why do you think these inventions are so significant?

- What are some qualities that might be common to all inventors?

13. Let`s imagine that Ukraine has been chosen to host the Olympics.

- In which city or village should the Olympics be hosted? Why?

- Would you prefer to host Summer or Winter Olympic Games?

- What additional activities would you recommend to tourists?

14. In an effort to help others, many people donate their time and money to

different organizations and causes.

- Which of the two do you think is more valuable?

- Do you think it is better to contribute locally or internationally?

- Which organization or cause do you feel is the most important and how are

you helping it?

15. A recent study suggests that half of Europe`s teenagers use the Internet

without parental supervision.

- Do you believe that teenagers should be able to use the Internet without

supervision?

- What are some potential problems with unsupervised internet use?

- What measures should teenagers take to protect themselves against these

threats?

16. Imagine you have the chance to make your own Reality TV program.

- Describe the program , including location, set design and anticipatedviewing

audience.

- What kinds of people do you want to be on the program?

- What will people do on this program, and how do you want the people on

the show to interact?

17. Imagine you were invited to speak at an American university about Ukrainian

culture.

- What aspect of our culture would you be most proud to share?

- What do you think they would be most surprised by?

- What would you hope to gain by speaking with American university

students?

18. There are some who say that zoos are like prisons for animals, others say

they are sanctuaries for them.

- Do you feel that they are prisons for animals? Do they guarantee their

survival?

- How do we protect endangered species from extinction?

- Have you ever taken part in a project to protect endangered wildlife?

19. Professions that once did not exist, such as computer programmers, are now

extremely important to society.

- What is one new job that you think will appear in the future?

- How will this job be important to society?

- Which profession will this new job replace? Why do you think so?

20. If you could live in any time period in Ukraine:

- When would you choose to live?

- Where in the country would you want to live?

- What would you want to be doing in that time period?

Writing Comprehension Test For 10th form Students

Directions:

In this test you will select from the three tasks written on the board one which you

feel you are most capable to write about. You will then begin writing your essay on

the pages provided. When you are finished, close your papers, lay down your pen and

wait. Your test materials will be collected.

1. Some people say that the Internet provides people with a lot of valuable

information. Others think access to so much information creates problems.

Which view do you agree with? Use specific reasons and examples to support

your opinion.

2. Woodrow Wilson once said, “Friendship is the only cement that will hold the

world together.” Do you agree? Why or why not? How can this be applied to

global politics? How can this be applied to your personal life?

3. Since the beginning of the world, millions of species of animals have died out.

Despite our efforts species go extinct every day, some even before we discover

them. Is it important for humanity to make sure more species don’t die out?

What would happen to the world if we stopped protecting animals? What

would this mean for nature and for humans? What are the benefits of

biodiversity?

The 11th Form

For TEACHERS

11th FORM OLYMPIAD 2013

Round I ~ Listening Comprehension

Directions for Teachers: Read this radio program 1 time to the students then after 5

minutes read it again.

Good afternoon and welcome to another edition of “You and Your Body.”

The topic of today’s program is vitamins, one of the basic components of the

human body, and one that still mystifies many people…at least that’s what the

letters from listeners show. Today we will try to answer as many of your questions

as possible.

So, what are vitamins? Well, vitamins are one of the five elements essential

for a healthy body. The others are proteins, which we get from meat;

carbohydrates, which we get from pasta and bread; fats and minerals. Actually, the

name vitamin comes from Latin “vita” which means “life.”

Now, before we go on, let me clarify something. Some people may believe

that vitamins and minerals are similar because they’re combined in the various

food supplements on the market. But they’re not. Vitamins are organic

compounds, whereas minerals are inorganic substances. For example, calcium is a

mineral, not a vitamin.

Actually, even vitamins differ from one another in their chemical

composition and the way they act. Nevertheless, we can see two main vitamin

groups: fat-soluble and water-soluble, that is, vitamins that can dissolve either into

fat or into water. Let’s have a closer look at those two groups.

Fat-soluble are vitamins A, D, E and K. Their common characteristic is that

the body can store them in fat, in the liver and in the kidneys. So we don’t need to

take them on a daily basis. Water-soluble are vitamin C and the vitamin B

complex. The body cannot store them, so we must make sure that they are

contained in our daily diet.

Why are vitamins so important? The main reason is that vitamins help the

metabolism of three of the important elements we mentioned before: proteins,

carbohydrates, and fats. In other words, without vitamins the body cannot process

these essential substances. Vitamins also help the body create blood cells,

hormones, chemicals in the nervous system and genetic material. Unfortunately,

we still don’t know much about the complex ways in which vitamins operate in the

body. Actually, we are not even sure about the precise effect of certain vitamins,

for example, vitamin E.

You may be asking, “How do we get these vital elements?” Well, the main

sources of vitamins are just around the corner at your local supermarket. We can

see two categories: plant products such as fresh fruit and vegetables; vegetable oil

and margarine; bread, pasta and cereals; and animal products; meat, poultry and

fish; liver, heart and kidneys; and dairy products, that is fresh milk, butter and

cheese. Now, there is one vitamin which you get for free, so to speak. Most of

vitamin D is produced in the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight. And here

is an important piece of information for vegetarians who don’t eat any animal

products. Because vitamin B12 is found only in animal products, vegans should

take vitamin B12 supplements. Vitamin supplements may also be needed by

pregnant women and people on special diets.

I would like to end this program with a word of caution. Vitamins are

essential for our health and we do need to ensure that we take the necessary

amounts, but we can have too much of a good thing. Yes, it may sound strange to

some of you, but taking more than the amount we need will result in a number of

health problems. This happens particularly with fat-soluble vitamins. For

example, large amounts of vitamin A can cause anything from headaches and skin

rashes to growth problems in children. Even large doses of vitamin C, which is not

stored in the body, can destroy vitamin B12 and reduce calcium in bones. So be

careful when taking food supplements. Good day and good health.

Listening Comprehension for the 11th form students

Section 1

Listen to the text and decide whether the statements are true (+) or false (-)

1 The name of the program is “You and Your Vitamins.”

2 The word “vitamin” is derived from Latin.

3 Vitamins and minerals are similar.

4 Vitamins are divided into two categories.

5 Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the liver and kidney.

6 Two water-soluble vitamins are A and C.

7 The primary function of vitamins is to metabolize proteins, carbohydrates

and fats.

8 The effects of some vitamins are not known.

9 Vitamin B12 is found only in plant products such as vegetables.

10 It is detrimental to one’s health to take too much of some vitamins.

Section 2

Choose the best answer A, B, C or D.

11.Information about vitamins:

a. is entirely clear

b. brings up a lot of questions

c. is of little interest to the listeners of the program

d. is very mystical to some people

12.In addition to vitamins, good health depends on:

a. five other elements

b. three other elements

c. sufficient supply of minerals

d. four other elements

13.The word “vitamin” comes from a word for:

a. food

b. life

c. health

d. energy

14. Vitamins are:

a. organic compounds

b. the same as carbohydrates

c. the same as proteins

d. inorganic compounds

15. Vitamins are different from one another:

a. in their chemical composition

b. in the way they dissolve

c. in the way they act

d. all of the above

16. Fat-soluble vitamins:

a. need to be taken every day

b. do not need to be taken every day

c. add significantly to body weight

d. give the body extra energy

17. Most vitamins can be gotten from:

a. minerals

b. rain water

c. chemicals

d. food

18. Vitamin D is produced:

a. while you sleep

b. when the body is exposed to sunlight

c. by vitamins A and E

d. in a laboratory

19. Vitamin B12 is found:

a. only in plant products

b. only in pregnant women

c. only in animal products

d. only in carbohydrates

20. One of the dangers in taking fat-soluble vitamins is that:

a. they can add to body weight

b. they can cause an upset stomach

c. they can cause health problems if taken in excess

d. none of the above

Reading Comprehension Test for 11th Form Students

Directions:

In this test you will read four texts. Each text is followed by different tasks. You should do the

tasks that follow the text on the basis of what is stated or implied in the text. For each task you

will choose the best possible answer, as specified prior to each text. Choose the best answer and

circle the letter of your choice or put + if the statement is true, - if it is false on the answer sheet.

Text 1

Originally, fairs were held in connection with religious festivals. Because of the

difficulties of travel in the Middle Ages, it was impossible for merchants to get regular supplies

of commodities. Fairs, therefore, gradually developed, taking place when enough goods had

been accumulated and where great numbers of potential purchasers were present. They were

established as annual events throughout Europe, and also in the Middle East, particularly in the

religious centre of Mecca. Fairs were so important to commercial life that secular and religious

authorities granted merchants special privileges, such as a court of their own to settle disputes

that arose while fairs were in progress.

In the Middle Ages, particularly during the 13th and 14th centuries, many fairs were held

in Europe. The fairs of Champagne France were the most famous. Some fairs were established

for the sale of a particular kind of merchandise, such as cattle, horses, or cloth; others dealt in

general merchandise. Many fairs, in addition to their trading activities, maintained labour

exchanges, where domestic or agricultural servants hired themselves out for a year.

Occasionally a “pleasure fair,” a place for amusement was held in connection with the

commercial fair. By the 18th century when the number of shops and markets had increased and

transportation and communication methods were improved, commercial fairs had lost their

importance.

Directions: Choose the best possible answer and mark the letter of your choice.

1. The above text is most certainly taken from

a. An encyclopedia

b. A fiction book

c. A business letter

d. A private letter

2. What was the original connection between fairs and festivals?

a. Festivals were timed to fairs.

b. There was no connection between these events.

c. Fairs followed festivals.

d. Fairs were timed festivals.

3. What were the two necessary conditions for fairs to take place?

a. Permission from the church and convenient time

b. Sufficient amount of commodities and many prospective buyers

c. Good roads to travel and appropriate season

d. A great number of merchants and a huge market place

4. In the Middle Ages, fairs were held

a. Whenever possible

b. Only in European countries

c. Every year

d. In religious centers of Europe and the Middle East

5. Special privileges granted to merchants were connected with

a. The sale of a particular kind of commodities

b. Dealing in general merchandise

c. The settlement of legal issues

d. Resolving their disputes with secular and religious authorities

6. Labour exchanges were important, because

a. They offered job opportunities to workers.

b. They were maintained in major European cities.

c. Rich people could get domestic help there.

d. They promoted the sales of agricultural produce.

7. A ‘pleasure fair’

a. Was a required part of any commercial fair.

b. Offered entertainment for merchants and purchasers.

c. Was always held as a separate event.

d. Quickened the commercial activities.

Text 2

Forgiveness by Christine Many

To forgive may be divine, but no one ever said it was easy. When someone has deeply

hurt you, it can be extremely difficult to let go of your grudge. But forgiveness is possible and it

can be surprisingly beneficial to your physical and mental health. "People who forgive show less

depression, anger and stress and more hopefulness," says Frederic Luskin, Ph.D., author of

Forgive for Good (HarperCollins, 2002). uSo it can help save on the wear and tear on our organs,

reduce the wearing out of the immune system and allow people to feel more vital."

So, how do you start healing? Try these following steps:

Calm Yourself. To defuse your anger, try a simple stress-management technique. "Take a

couple of breaths and think of something that gives you pleasure: A beautiful scene in nature, or

someone you love," Luskin says.

Don't wait for an apology. "Many times the person who hurt you has no intention of

apologizing," Luskin says. "They may have wanted to hurt you or they just don't see things the

same way. So if you wait for people to apologize, you could be waiting an awfully long time."

Keep in mind that forgiveness does not necessarily mean reconciliation with the person who

upset you or condoning of his or her action. Take the control away from your offender.

"Instead of focusing on your wounded feelings, learn to look for the love, beauty, and kindness

around you," Luskin says. Try to see things from the other person's perspective. If you

empathize with that person, you may realize that he or she was acting out of ignorance,

fear...even love. To gain perspective, you may want to write a letter to yourself from your

offender's point of view.

Recognize the benefits of forgiveness. Research has shown that people who forgive report more

energy, better appetite and better sleep patterns.

Don't forget to forgive yourself. "For some people, forgiving themselves is the biggest

challenge," Luskin says. "But it can rob you of your self-confidence if you don't do it."

Directions: Circle the best possible answer for each question.

8. What is the purpose of this article?

a. To promote friendship

b. To help cure depression and stress

c. To inform people how to forgive one another

d. To sell the book by Frederic Luskin, Ph.D.

9. Christine Many probably quoted Frederic Luskin, Ph.D. because

a. He is an authoritative source supporting her views on forgiveness

b. He is well liked by many people

c. He is intelligent

d. He is an expert on healthy living

10. In this article, reconciliation can be defined as

a. Remaining enemies

b. The forgiveness of sins

c. Waiting for an apology

d. Solving an argument and becoming friends

11. According to the author, forgiveness is important for

a. World peace

b. Physical health

c. Mental health

d. Both b and c

12. For some people, the most difficult aspect of forgiveness is

a. Being able to sleep and eat

b. Waiting for an apology

c. Being able to forgive themselves

d. Trying stress-management techniques

Text 3

The History of Religion in Britain by The Institute of Contemporary British History

Of the religions practiced in modern Britain, Christianity is the most long established and

widely observed. It was first brought to Britain during the days of the Roman Empire. There are,

in fact, forty churches still in regular use, parts of which date from that period. With the

departure of the legions and the Anglo-Saxon invasions of the fifth century, Christianity was

reduced to pockets of support in Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. This situation changed with the

arrival of missionaries sent by the Pope led by Augustine in 597. The next few centuries saw

Christianity established throughout Britain. Augustine meanwhile became the first Bishop of

Canterbury. The Archbishop of Canterbury remains the most important figure in the Church of

England.

The Reformation of the sixteenth century did not disturb this structure. It did however,

fracture the Christian community in the British Isles. Links with Rome were broken and an

established church owing its allegiance to the English crown replaced the mediaeval Church in

England, Wales, and Ireland. In Scotland it was replaced by the Presbyterian Church of Scotland.

Roman Catholicism survived in strength only in Ireland.

Directions: If you agree with the statement, write the word, "TRUE" on the line. If you disagree

with the statement, write the word, "FALSE" on the line.

13. _________ Christianity is the main and oldest religion of Britain.

14. __________ The role of the Archbishop of Canterbury can be described as insignificant.

15. _________ The Reformation shattered the Christian community in the British Isles.

16. _________ During the Reformation, the Presbyterian Church remained significant in

Ireland.

17. __________ Roman Catholicism survived and thrived in England.

18. __________During the Reformation the church strengthened its ties with Britain

Text 4

New York City, with its population of about eight million people, uses more than a billion

gallons of water daily. This enormous amount is required to take care of the physical needs of

the city as well as the more personal necessities of its people.

When the population was smaller, the water could be obtained from nearby sources. Up to

1917 Manhattan, a borough of New York City, received most of its water supply from the

Croton watershed.

When this became inadequate, it was necessary to arrange for an additional supply in the

Catskill Mountains. From here the water is collected into several large reservoirs, the largest of

which is the Ashokan, ninety-two miles north of New York. This reservoir, capable of furnishing

the city with about five hundred million gallons daily, has a capacity of over one hundred and

thirty billion gallons.

Mountains had to be tunneled to make it possible for the water to reach the city. The circular

tube through which it rushes to New York City has a diameter varying from eleven to fifteen

feet, and is located many hundreds of feet below the surface. In the city this depth is necessary

to safeguard the foundations of buildings and subways.

This engineering feat, which cost almost two hundred million dollars, is comparable to the

building of the Panama Canal.

1 foot – 0.3048 m

3 feet – 1 yard

Directions: choose the best possible answer and mark the letter of your choice.

19. Much of New York City's water supply is obtained from the

a. Niagara Falls

b. Hudson River

c. Croton watershed

d. Ashokan

20. New York City’s water supply is brought to the city by means of

a. water wagons

b. pipes

c. rivers

d. reservoirs

21. New York City's water supply is stored in

a. steel tanks

b. cisterns

c. vats

d. reservoirs

22. Manhattan obtains additional water from the

a. future

b. Croton watershed

c. Catskill Mountains

d. Panama Canal

23. New York's Catskill water supply comes from

a. a distance of about a hundred miles

b. New Jersey

c. a distance of about twenty miles

d. Canada

24. The height of the passage through which the water is conducted is about

a. that of six men

b. five yards

c. eighty inches

d. thirty feet

25. The water conduits are placed hundreds of feet below street level to

a. prevent the support of buildings

b. protect them from the elements

c. avoid interfering with street traffic

d. avoid interference with the supports of buildings

Speaking Comprehension Test for 11th Form Students

Directions:

In this test you will select three task slips from those before you. After selecting

three, choose the one you feel you are most capable to speak about and return the

other two to the table face down. Then take about a minute to collect your thoughts

before you begin to speak on the topic. You may refer to the topic as needed. Take

a deep breath and begin.

1. What is the biggest problem you think young people in Ukraine face today?

- Why did you choose this problem?

- What do you think you can do about this problem?

- What, if anything, should the government do to help solve this problem?

2. A Greek proverb says that “ Nothing is permanent except change”.

- How do you interpret this proverb?

- Do you agree with this statement or not? Why?

- Give some examples in life that support your opinion.

3. You are now in the eleventh form. Soon you will graduate from school.

Looking back…

- What advice would you like to give to younger pupils about school life?

- What would you like to see changed about your school or the system of

education in Ukraine?

- What are your goals to improve yourself in your future life at university or

in your career?

4. The choices we make in our youth can greatly affect our adult lives.

- What decision have you made in your life that you think will be the most

- important to your future?

- If you could, would you change the decision you made? Why? Why not?

- What future decision do you foresee needing to make?

5. Celebrities have a lot of influence nationally and internationally.

- What Ukrainian celebrity are you most proud of?

- What are some of this celebrity`s accomplishments?

- How does this person bring pride to your nation and culture?

6. Although humans have been flying in space for more than 50 years, we have

not travelled very far from our planet.

- Do you think the destiny of humankind lies on earth or in space? Explain

your opinion.

- Would you go into space if someone invited you? Why or why not?

- Do you think there is life on other planets? Why do you think this?

7. Often in Ukraine many generations of the same family live together in one

house.

- What does this mean for the lives of the different family members?

- What roles do the different family members have?

- What is your own family like?

8. Adults and teenagers often misunderstand each other.

- Do you think it`s more difficult to be an adult or a teenager?

- What difficult decisions do teenagers face today? Adults?

- What similarities and differences do adults and teenagers have?

9. Imagine that you have been asked to go on a speaking tour to teach people

about Ukraine.

- Which three countries would you go to? Why?

- What items would you bring to show people? How do these represent

Ukraine?

- What event in Ukraine`s history do you think is most important for people

to know about? Why?

10. What is the most threatening health problem facing humanity?

- Do you know why this problem is spreading?

- Do you know anyone it has affected?

- What can we do to help in solving this problem?

11. Publications, such as newspapers, magazines, and books tend to focus their

marketing on what`s current and popular.

- What is current and popular in your community?

- What do you think this says about our priorities today?

- Do you think that popular news is the most informative news? Explain.

12. “ I left my heart in San Francisco,” is a popular saying.

– How do you interpret this statement?

– Where have you been that you`ve left your heart?

– Is it a place that you go often, or have only been once before? Do you plan

on returning?

13. It is said that, “ art imitates life.” Do you think this is true?

- How important is art in your life?

- Can art affect the way we live our lives, or even our culture?

- What piece of art perfectly describes you and your personality?

14. People usually play music that reflects their mood.

- What genre of music do you usually listen to?

- What type of music do you listen to in different emotional states?

- Do you think music allows you to deal with your emotions? Explain.

15. Our world changes quickly and new trends occur frequently. This is

especially true for professions.

- Which job areas have become the most important in the last ten years?

- What will be the most important jobs in the last ten years?

- Does this affect your decision-making process for your future studies?

16. Do you think a universal language would be useful for modern life?

- Which language would you suggest as the common language?

- What are the disadvantages of having a universal language?

- How do you think knowing more than one language can affect your life?

17. Nowadays, it is becoming more popular for students to get a job while

studying at a university.

- What is your opinion about working while being a student?

- What are the advantages and disadvantages of working while studying?

- What types of jobs would be most suitable during this period of life?

Explain.

18. Difficult tasks often require something positive to motivate us.

- What factors best motivate you when you have a difficult task to

accomplish?

- Which people play a role in motivating you? Why?

- For what tasks do you need to be motivated? Why?

19. Fashions come and go. How important do you think being fashionable is?

- What kind of clothes are in fashion now? What do you think of these

styles?

- What fashions that you see today do you think will be out of style within

two years?

- What kind of clothes do you usually wear? Who and what influence your

style?

20. Parents often tell children, “ Mind your manners.”

- What do you think are examples of good manners? Bad manners?

- Can manners affect your success in life? How?

- What is the best way to teach manners to children?

Writing Comprehension Test For 11th form Students

Directions:

In this test you will select from the three tasks written on the board one which you

feel you are most capable to write about. You will then begin writing your essay on

the pages provided. When you are finished, close your papers, lay down your pen and

wait. Your test materials will be collected.

1. Some educators argue that every child in every school should have access to

computers. Others believe that the value of computers in the classroom is

overrated and computers may actually interfere with the learning process.

Which point of view do you agree with? Why? How important are computers

in the classroom? What are the advantages and disadvantages of having

computers in schools?

2. Today, our world is confronted with many challenges: poverty, hunger,

disease, environmental changes, and many others. In your opinion, what is the

most serious problem that society faces today? What has caused this problem?

Do you think that this problem can be solved? Explain.

3. Every generation of people is different in important ways. How is your

generation different from your parents’ generation? Use specific reasons and

examples to explain your answer.

Блог вчителя англійської мови РЕПЛ - Сафонової Юлії Миколіївни

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