1. Is
it OK to eat meat?
(CROWN
#2November/December 2002)
Sample
answer (1)
I would like to
begin the discussion on the subject if it is OK to eat meat. This question is
very popular and is much spoken about. Some people think that meat should be
included into a well-balanced diet, others keep a vegetarian diet.
We call people who refuse to eat meat -
vegetarians. They think it’s not ethic to kill animals for our pleasure. Many
doctors don’t advise us to eat much meat because it is full of fat, especially
pork and mutton. They say people who eat less meat look healthier.
On the other hand meat contains many
necessary substances such as: protein and mineral salts. That’s why we give it
to babies and children to build up their bodies. Moreover, when people eat meat
they satisfy their hunger faster. In addition, meat dishes are very tasty.
Sample
answer (2)
Nowadays there are two kinds of people: those
who eat meat and those who don’t. Is it good to eat meat? It is a very
important question. And there are many different points of view.
On the one hand, meat is the major source of
protein, which is needed for muscles and health. The protein found in meat
contains all the amino acids that the body cannot make on its own. It is
essential for the body’s repair and renewal as well as general health.
Some research has shown that having meat
less than twice a week can result in zinc deficiency. Zinc is particularly
important for healthy skin and healthy immune system.
On the other hand, meat is one of the first
products that doctors advise patients to stop eating if they are at risk of
heart diseases, because it contains high level of dietary cholesterol. Some
people also can’t stand killing animals.
As for me, I think I won’t become a vegetarian.
But when I become an adult I’ll eat less
meat.
Sample Dialogue № 1
You have got lost during the trip. Asking for directions.
Student | Teacher |
1.Excuse me, do you know where the
Buckingham Gate Hotel is?
2. Could you show me where we are on
the city map?
3. Is the hotel far from here?
4. So I feel I can’t go there on foot.
Could I get there by bus?
5. I don’t know
there another way to get there?
6. Sorry, I don’t know where the nearest
underground station is. Could you tell
me where that is?
7. Should I change trains?
8. What’s the station name I should go to?
9. How long does it take to go there?
10. Thank you. Good-bye.
|
1.Yes, it’s near the
2. We are here. Not far from the Tower.
3. Rather far…
4. You can but it’ll take a lot of time to
go and you’ll change buses.
5. Of course, the best way to get
anywhere in
6. Go straight, take the first right and then
keep going.
7. No, you needn’t.
8. It’s
9. I suppose not more than half an hour.
10. You are welcome!
|
2 Mobile
phones in schools?
(CROWN #1 September/October 2002)
Sample answer
Mobile phones have become increasingly
popular all over the world these days. They are now inexpensive, easy to use,
comfortable and equipped with almost every latest feature we desire. Wherever
you go you can see people using mobile phones. Many school students have mobile
phones. But is it OK to use mobile phones at school?
On the one hand, mobile phones have brought
people a lot of benefits, but the most important is that they are convenient.
With mobile phones in your hands, you can keep in touch with anybody you want,
for example, to contact your parents if you are going to be late back from
school, or to stay in touch with friends, or to discuss homework during the
week. If you want to get some information from the Internet, you can easily
have your dream realized via mobile phones too. Furthermore, if someone has a
heart attack or a traffic accident, a call to emergency hospital or to the
police can quickly bring them the help they want.
On the other hand, mobile phones can also
bring people problems. The most serious is the electric wave radiation which is
thought to be harmful to users’ brain. Another problem is that when you are
having a lesson, the ring of the mobile phone may disturb others. Also if you
have a very expensive mobile phone you can lose it or your classmates can steal
it.
Personally I think that the mobile phone is
a really good invention, but it should be used in a very moderate way, so
school students should use mobile phones as little as possible and turn them
off when they are at school.
Sample Dialogue № 2
Planning going on an excursion and making a
decision.
Student |
Teacher |
1. Look at this! A wonderful excursion
about the sights of
great!
2. I
suppose so. Why don’t we go to the
centre by underground and then do the
sights of the city on foot.
3. Great!
We could see the Kremlin, the
Minin and Pozharsky and admire
magnificent St. Basil’s Cathedral.
4. I
think we’d better go in the morning,
though there are always crowds of
people in the centre.
5. They
will join us in Manezhnaya
square.
6. There
are lots of nice cafés there. What
about going to one of them?
7.
Certainly. What else shall we visit?
8. OK. I
think it is worth seeing.
9. That’s
not the idea. Too many sights
in one day. It’s a bit exhausting
(tiring).
10.
Agreed.
|
1. I don’t mind going on an excursion,
but it’s a bit expensive.
2. That’s
a good idea. I’d prefer to go to
Red Square first.
3. I am
sure I’d enjoy the sights. When
shall we go?
4
Exactly. And what about our friends?
5. That’s
OK.
6. Good
idea. But let’s go there after our walk,
shall we?
7. We’d
rather have a walk along Old
Arbat.
8. And
I’d prefer to go to Poklonnaya
Gora in the evening. What about you?
9. OK. We
can go there next time.
10.
Settled.
|
3. Earth Day
(CROWN #5 April 2003)
Sample answer
Our planet is in serious danger nowadays.
Environmental problems are much spoken about. For example, industrial pollution
has made sources of water undrinkable. Pollution from factories and cars
poisons the air we breathe. It is the main reason for the greenhouse effect and
acid rains.
I think that it’s a very good idea to
celebrate Earth Day all over the world. The protection of the environment
requires the cooperation of all nations. Governments should take measures that
will help to improve the situation on our planet.
However, there are a lot of simple things we
should do to stop the destruction of the environment. First of all, we must
keep our cities and towns clean. We shouldn’t dump our rubbish into water
resources. In addition, we should take care of birds and animals. We can help
to plant trees and create parks, clean rivers and canals. If we take actions
now, there might be some hope for the future. That’s why I would like to
celebrate Earth Day. And I’ll invite my friends to take part in this festival.
Sample
Dialogue № 3
Discussing your plans for a week-end.
Student
|
Teacher
|
1. Hello, It’s Nick.
2. I’m ringing about the weekend.
Would you like to watch a new film?
3. What are you doing on Saturday
night?
4. I’m not busy. What do you prefer-
going to the cinema or renting a
video?
5. Excellent. I’d like to see something
exciting - not too serious. What about
you?
6. I don’t mind. But I’ve heard that there
are
many interesting French comedies.
I
would rent one of them.
7. Certainly, I could. I’m sure we’ll
enjoy it.
8. We’ll invite them. And why don’t we
go
to the café after the film?
9. Ok. What time shall I come?
10. That would be fine. See you then.
|
1.Hello, Nick. I’m glad to hear you.
2. Oh, yes. With pleasure.
3. I’m sorry, but I’m making a school
project. What about Sunday?
4. I think that renting a video is better
because it’s cheaper and we can
choose a film.
5. I’d rather see a comedy. What about
watching a new American one?
6. Ok. Could you choose a film and
come
to my place?
7. What about Sally and Jack?
8. I think it’s not the idea. We could
order a pizza. It would be brought in
thirty minutes. They say it’s very tasty.
9. What about 6.30?
10. Ok. Bye.
|
4. Should schools start later to allow teenagers more
sleep?
(TEAM
#3 January/February 2003)
Sample answer
Some people think this idea is extremely
important for teenagers. Everybody wants to sleep longer. A good rest is
necessary for our organism. Young people need about 8-10 hours a day to sleep.
A sufficient sleep influences activity, intellect, abilities of the students.
For example, teachers notice that pupils’ work improves very much in the
schools, which start at 10 a.m., so extra time in bed seems a very attractive
idea.
Nevertheless, this idea has many
disadvantages. For example, when lessons start later, it encourages pupils to
be lazy. They know that it is not necessary to wake up early in the morning and
that’s why pupils spend their evenings playing computer games, chatting,
watching TV. Subsequently they go to bed very late and then it’s difficult to
fall asleep. Some teenagers have small brothers or sisters and they have to
help their parents with them in the morning. However, if they wake up later
they can’t do it.
As for me, I think that when lessons start
later pupils have less time for their personal activities. My point of view is
that we shouldn’t change anything. It’s not a very good idea to start lessons
later. I consider it’s better to get up earlier because you’ll do more useful
things during the day.
Sample Dialogue № 4
Your foreign friend often goes to Mc Donald’s .
You think that it’s not healthy.
Teacher |
Student |
1. I’m so hungry Let’s go to McDonald’s.
2. Not very often but I like fast food very
much.
3. I’ve never thought about it. What’s wrong
with fast food? I believe it’s cheap, easy,
quick and even cool.
4. Really?
5. Do you think McDonald’s and other fast
food restaurants should be banned?
6. By the way, people travel a lot nowadays.
You
can find a McDonald’s restaurant anywhere in the world. Besides, when it’s
hot and you’re thirsty, you can drink
tasty icy fizzy drinks in McDonald’s.
7. I see. You are absolutely against
McDonald’s, aren’t you?
8. What do you suggest then?
9. What do you mean by a well-balanced diet?
10. I see… Then let’s go home. Mum has
cooked tasty soup.
|
1. I’m not sure I’d like to go there. Do you
often go to McDonald’s?
2. I know
that fast food is popular with many
people. But don’t you think it’s
unhealthy?
3. I
can’t agree with you. Fast food is high in
fat and calories. So you can easily
become
obese.
4.
Obesity is a disease and it can lead to other
diseases.
5. No,
it’s fine to eat fast food occasionally.
6. Be careful!
The average can of fizzy drink
contains 10 teaspoons of sugar.
7. Yes,
I’m.
8. People
should keep a well-balanced diet.
9.Every
day you should eat something from
each of the basic food groups: meat or
fish;
vegetables and fruit; milk; bread and
cereals.
And of course it’s better to eat
home-cooked
meal.
10. With
great pleasure.
|
5.Should
girls be allowed to wear Britney-style clothes to school?
(TEAM #4 March 2003)
Sample answer
Nowadays fashion is very important for people
all over the world. Also for teenagers it is
important to be fashionable. There are a lot of different styles. The
most popular style among young girls is Britney’s style.
On the one hand, Britney’s style clothes are
very beautiful. And it is necessary for teenagers to be accepted by their
friends. That’s why they try to wear strange things, which are fashionable
among young people.
But on the other hand, it’s difficult for
parents and teachers to understand this style. I think, that girls shouldn’t be
allowed to wear Britney’s style clothes to school. In my view, school is a
place, where we must concentrate on the lessons. That’s why girls mustn’t wear
too bright and defiant clothes. I consider that this style is inadmissible for
school.
As for me, when I go to school or visit
museums and theatres I put on proper clothes. But when I go for a walk with my
friends I always wear clothes I like. I consider that in free time it is possible
to wear different styles, for example, Britney’s.
Sample Dialogue № 5
Student
|
Teacher
|
Hello Pete. How
are you?
Oh, dear!
What’s wrong with you?
How did it
happen?
Oh, I am sorry.
What do your doctors say?
How long will you have to stay in hospital?
What do you do
with your free time?
Can I be any
help for you?
It’s so little
I can do for you. I’ll call you soon. I hope to get more optimistic news from
you.
|
1. Hi Nick. Bad
luck. I am in hospital.
2. Don’t worry.
It’s nothing too serious. Just a broken ankle.
3. It happened on Thursday evening when I
was dancing! I jumped up and landed on the side of my foot.
4. They say it is a complicated break.
5. For a week or so for more X-rays. It is a
real drag, you know.
8. I think a funny letter from you with your
photos would cheer me up.
9. Thank you Nick. I am looking forward to
hearing from you.
10. Bye.
|
6. Is it worth getting a job when you’re a teenager?
(TEAM #4 March 2004)
Sample answer
A lot of Russian
and American teenagers are very busy with their studies, as they know that good
exam results may get them better jobs. But most young people worry more and
more about money as well. For many young people life is hard now. Things are so
expensive and it’s difficult to find a job for teenagers, though recently
part-time jobs have become very popular not only among American teenagers, but
Russian young people as well. The most popular jobs for teenagers are washing
cars, babysitting, delivering newspapers, work in McDonald’s. So what are the
advantages and disadvantages of getting a part-time job?
On the one hand, many teenagers want to pay
for their education themselves or help their parents in it. They also need
pocket money to go to coffee bars, discos, cinemas, to buy books, to eat what
they want, to wear fashionable clothes. Most young people want to be
independent from their parents. So, getting a part-time job seems a very good
idea.
But on the other hand, teenagers are very
busy nowadays. They spend much time to prepare their school homework and to do
different tasks for the courses. They don’t have much time for fun and
entertainment, for their social life. Furthermore, some teenagers can’t dispose
of money. Money will corrupt them, subject to temptations, make them use
alcohol and drugs.
In my opinion it is worth getting a job when
you’re a teenager. I consider, that it’ll teach us to be independent,
economical, to spend money with benefit. I think it is very important for our
future life.
List of
words: Dispose - распоряжаться, corrupt - развращать, subject – подвергать, temptation – соблазн, make – подвергать.
Sample Dialogue № 6
You are
going to spend a week in one of English speaking countries in October.
Student |
Teacher |
1. Hello, Alex!
2. Could you give me some information about
the
weather in
3. I’d like to visit
the weather fine in October in your area?
4. I’ve heard that it’s a very cold month.
Maybe it’s better to choose another month
for
the trip?
5. Really?
6. Wet? Oh, no! I hate thunderstorms! Are
heavy showers and flooding expected?
7. What about the temperature?
8. I see. Don’t you think I should take a
raincoat?
9. You’re right. A chilly start of the day
will
disappoint me if I don’t put on a sweater
and a pair of warm socks.
10. Thanks for your help. Bye!
|
1. Hi, Irina! I’m very glad to hear you.
2. Oh, with pleasure. But why is it so
important
for
you?
3. Well, the weather is reasonable, but
sometimes changeable.
4. But you know, the forecast for this
October
is
very good.
5. Yes, they say it’ll be mainly warm and
wet.
6. No, they aren’t. Anyway, don’t forget your
umbrella.
7. The temperature will be above average for
the
time of the year.
8. Certainly. And some warm clothes too.
9. I wish you a pleasant trip.
10. Good luck!
|
7. Teenagers and their parents.
(TEAM #6 May/June 2004)
Sample answer (1)
Teenagers have a lot of problems. One of them
is their parents. Teenagers think that their parents don’t understand the
problems of young people. It is the so-called generation gap.
Teenagers and their parents very often have
different ideas, feelings and interests. Parents give advice their children too
often and treat them as little babies.
Parents usually work a lot, and that is why
they are tired and angry in the evenings. Besides, mothers have to do lots of
things about the house. Parents have no time to speak to their children, to
spend time with them. Parents think that their problems are more serious and
important than their children’s. At the same time teenagers look for their own
identity and life-goals. They are busy with themselves.
From my point of view, parents and teenagers
should talk to each other more often, share their problems, express their
feelings, spend more time together and be more tolerant to each other.
Then they
will be happy.
As for me I’m lucky with my parents. We are
good friends. We spend a lot of time together. But it doesn’t mean that we have
no problems. We discuss them and cope with them together.
As for the
worst thing about my parents…
The best
thing I like in my parents…
Sample
answer (2)
Nowadays relations between teenagers and
their parents are very important in our life.
Some parents don’t understand the problems
of young people. Furthermore teenagers and parents have differences in ideas,
feelings and interests. Also parents and children don’t talk to each other,
don’t express feelings, and don’t share problems. Moreover, adults, sometimes
choose clothes, books films, games, even friends for their children. Teenagers
have their own point of view.
Not all families have these problems in
their relations. I think if families want to live without any problems and
conflicts, they must understand each other in some difficult situations. They
must express their feelings and children also should obey their parents and
help them. I suppose if both generations cooperate, living together will be
easier.
Sample Dialogue 7
You are
going to organize a school party to celebrate the City Day. Discuss the plans.
Student |
Teacher
|
1. Our
friends from
to visit us on the City Day. We’d like
to organize a party. But where could
we do it?
2. We’d
like it to be something special.
3. We are
expecting a lot of our friends
to come. Could we organize a concert
in our school hall?
4. The
girls are going to sing songs and
dance. Our boys have prepared some
sketches.
5. Yes,
of course. Then we are going to
have disco and play party games.
6. I
think we’ll start at 4 p.m. and finish
at 7 p.m.
7. Oh,
that would be great! I think
burgers, chips, sweets, cakes and tea
will be enough.
8.
Brilliant! It’s going to be a great party.
9. We’ve
got a lot of balloons of
different colours and we’ll put
beautiful posters on the walls.
10. Yes,
thank you for advice. I’ll bring
my camera to take some photos.
|
1. I hope
you can do it at school.
2. That’s
a great idea.
3. I hope
so. I’ll have to ask the
principal, though. By the way, who
will perform at the concert?
4. Are
the songs and dances Russian
folk?
5. What
time are you going to start and
finish the party?
6. Oh,
it’s dinnertime. Don’t you think it
would be good to prepare some food?
7. And
what about real Russian dishes
such as pirozhki, blini with jam
and honey, for example?
8. Are
you planning to decorate the
school hall?
9. I
suppose it would be nice to have at
least one camera.
10. Good
idea! I wish you good luck!
|
.
8. Computers
(CROWN
#4 March 2003)
Sample answer
Nowadays computers have become an integral part
of our life. We can find a computer in many homes and in every office.
Computers have much better memories and they can store much information. In
fact, computers can do so many things we do, but faster and better.
On the one hand, computers have loads of
advantages. They help teenagers with lessons. Young people get some interesting
information or news from the Internet. They can communicate with their friends.
Also a computer is useful for pupils or students. They create unusual
presentations with wonderful pictures, music and texts owing to the computer.
But computers have a lot of disadvantages.
Teenagers and adults damage the eye sight playing computer games. Besides,
doctors say that computers provoke the habit. There are a lot of accidents when
children couldn’t eat or talk to parents playing computer games. Certainly it
has an effect on the health of teenagers.
As for me, I think that a computer is a very
useful thing in our life. And it often helps me with lessons. But my opinion is
that all people have to use a computer with benefit. We mustn’t spend all the
time playing computer games, chatting or surfing the Internet. I consider that
people should use a computer knowing the limit.
Talking about your friend’s trip to an English
speaking country he has just returned
from. You haven’t seen your friend for a month.
Student |
Teacher
|
1. Hi,
Peter! Haven’t seen you for ages.
Where have you been?
2. It
sounds great. How long have you
been there?
3. Where
did you stay there?
4. Oh,
cool! Was it a free exchange
program or you went there at your
own expense?
5. They
say, that students don’t only
improve their language skills at
special trainings, but an interesting
entertainment program is included.
6. What
exactly did you visit? And what
impressed you most of all?
7. Did
you watch the ceremony of
changing of the guard in front of
8. The
other day I saw a TV program
about Madame Tussaud’s Museum.
Did you have a chance to visit it?
9. And
you want to say you really saw
the wax figures of Henry VIII, Queen
Victoria and the Beatles!
10. Wow!
I am infected by the idea of
visiting
program.
|
1. Hello,
Nick! I have been to
with a group of students from our
school.
2. Oh,
for two weeks. We went there at
the end of March and returned only
two days ago.
3. We
lived in a youth hostel. You
know, I shared a room with two guys
from
4. I had
to pay to be a participant of this
program. And I didn’t regret my
decision.
5. You are
absolutely right. Every day
after our sessions we had different
excursions about the city.
6. Well,
I was fascinated by all the
sights of
so unusual. But most of all I was
impressed by
the Houses of Parliament and
Big Ben,
sights plunge us into the
atmosphere
of historical
7. Oh,
yes, we did. We tried to follow
the procession, but unfortunately, the
policeman stopped us from doing
that.
8. The
day before our departure all the
students of our group went there.
9. Sure,
it is funny but they are in the
same Hall. I embaced Elizabeth II and
David Beckham and asked my friend
to take photos. Here they are!
10. No
problem, I’ll give you the
address and the phone number of
this organization.
|
9. A small village or a big city?
Sample answer
It’s very difficult to choose either to live in
a big city or in a small village; it would be a difficult decision. Both a city
and a village have advantages and disadvantages.
A lot of people prefer living in a big city
and it is clear. First of all in a big city there are more shops, restaurants,
theatres and cinemas.
People, who live in big cities hardly ever
complain of boredom - they can always find a place to meet with friends, relax
or see films and plays. Moreover in big cities it is easier to find a good job
and there are better educational opportunities than in villages. Young people
have better chances of good start in their life.
But people who live in villages have some
advantages in comparison with people who live in the city. In the city people
live in flats and they have neighbours. They sometimes disturb them by having
loud parties; people living in the city also hear noise from cars, buses,
planes all the time. The air is polluted and unpleasant. Therefore living in
the village is much better. We can breathe fresh air, we also can find peace
and quiet there and we may be in contact with nature.
As for me I prefer living in a big city but
sometimes we should go to the village to have a rest from noise of the city and
to improve our health.
Sample
Dialogue № 9
You are visiting a friend and you are going
to join a sports club together. Discuss what sport you should take up.
Student
|
Teacher |
1. I
think it’s a good idea to keep fit. I’m
very keen on taking exercises.
2. So,
what are the most popular sports
in your country?
3.
We-Russians- like skiing and skating
and, of course, hockey, football and
tennis too. Do you know anything
about skating?
4. Maybe
we could play hockey. I
regularly play it in
friends. And what about you?
5. As for
me I need more practice in it.
Is
it possible to join a tennis club in
the middle of the month?
6. Great.
And what about swimming?
We can do it after our trainings.
7. We
should visit this club several days
a week. What are you doing on
Monday, Wednesday and Friday?
8. Ok.
I’m absolutely free during all
week.
9. Cool!
We could watch professional
games and take practice at the same time!
10.
Certainly. I’m looking forward to
going to the club. See you.
|
1. I
agree with you. We’ve got enough
time to go in for sports on holidays.
2. Well,
I consider boxing, hockey, golf,
tennis and football are the most
favourite in
your country?
3. Only
that it’s a very beautiful kind of
sport. But it’s not for me.
4. I
don’t like hockey and never play it.
I prefer tennis.
5. Oh,
don’t worry. It’s not a problem.
There is a wonderful sport club not
very far from my house. We can join
it any time we like.
6. With
pleasure!
7. Let me think … oh, I am sorry; I’m
very busy on Fridays. I’ve got extra
Music courses. Maybe some other
Day?
8. What
about Sundays? I’ve heard that
there are tennis competitions each
Sunday in the club.
9. I hope
you’ll like it.
10. Bye.
|
10. Television.
(OUP,
Streetwise Intermediate WB, p.36)
Sample answer
Nowadays people can’t imagine their life
without television. It is the most popular activity among people of all ages.
But actually, TV is our friend and enemy at the same time.
On the one hand TV voices create the
atmosphere of not-being-alone in an empty flat. Films, different shows, sports
programmes entertain us. Also TV is the easiest and the cheapest source of
information. It educates us and gives the opportunity to travel all over the
world. And it helps us to escape from our dull reality, our problems.
But on the other hand TV has many
disadvantages. The first one is that it damages our health. TV steals us from
the family and friends and makes us spend less time with them. Besides watching
TV is only one more illusion of living. It prevents us from thinking and
acting. Unfortunately some programmes have a bad influence on youngsters too.
As for me I adore TV. It is very exciting
and educational at the same time. But, my point of view is that we should use it carefully. I
consider that people mustn’t afford TV to switch them out of their own life.
Sample Dialogue №
10
Meeting a friend in the airport.
Teacher |
Student |
1. Hello! It’s Jake from
Mike, please?
2. Fine, thanks. And you?
3. Yes, successfully. I’m going to visit
you. Could you meet me at the airport, please?
4. Domodedovo airport.
5. We are arriving on the first of June at 4
p.m.
6. It’s BA957.
7. Thank you very much, but we are a
group of students and we have already
booked a hotel.
8. Yes, of course. We are going to visit
the
Kremlin,
Tretyakov gallery and some other
places.
9. Unfortunately, we forgot to book
tickets there.
10. That’ll be great. Thanks and see you
soon.
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1. Hi,
Jake It’s me. Glad to hear you.
How are you?
2. Fine,
too. Have you passed your
exams?
3.
Certainly. It’s a great surprise! What
airport are you arriving?
4. And
when are you coming?
5. What’s
the number of your flight?
6. I’ve
put it down. I’ll meet you. By the
way, you can stay in our flat.
7. Have
you booked any excursions?
8. Are
you going to the Bolshoy Theatre?
9. I’ll
do my best to solve the problem.
And I hope you’ll have time to visit
me.
10. You
are welcome! Bye.
|
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