anglijska

Reading

Task 1

College Application Tips

With college admissions becoming increasingly competitive, upper-class men are always stressing to ensure that their applications are good enough. Don’t worry! The process can be simplified by following these tips.

Are you interested in colleges with fewer than 5,000 students, or more than 20,000? Public or private? In-state or out-of-state? Urban, suburban, or rural setting? Will cost be an issue? With these factors in mind, create a list of six to eight colleges, some that match your top choices, a few colleges that you wouldn’t mind going to if you got in, and a couple of safety colleges that should accept you without question. Mark their deadlines on your calendar.

Write one application for several colleges

Arrange a meeting with unfamiliar teachers

You should find three teachers in academic subjects who are willing to boast about you, so get going. Which ones love you? In which classes did you excel? And most importantly, who do you think is going to write a letter about how qualified and intelligent you are? Those who know you personally are your best bets.

Your most significant experience, your favourite book, what world crisis you would solve and how ... for some reason, colleges think that requiring applicants to write a composition on these topics will make them more personable. Well, don’t let that limit you. Stretch the college’s prompt as much as you need to paint a good picture of yourself. That’s the point. Have your teachers and peers edit your composition until you have a good sketch. Revisions from teachers who are unfamiliar with your writing will likely benefit you most. Remember that your sketches can be recycled, shortened, or lengthened as needed to fit a college’s guidelines. Don’t limit yourself.

During rigorous college regulations and requirements, a genius came up with the common application. Thousands of universities accept this standard application in place of their own, so instead of filling out eight different applications, you may be able to do only a couple. The college’s admission website will usually say whether they accept the standard app, but for a complete list, visit www.commonapp.org. Some colleges require a supplement, so make sure you complete this if necessary.

There are pros and cons to being a preliminary-action applicant. You must begin working on your application(s) very early. Early action is like having two attempts to enter a school. However, if you need financial aid, early action is discouraged.

Task 2

J.K. Rowling

A woman who fits my understanding of a hero is J.K. Rowling. Today she is famous and popular. In 2007, Rowling was the second in Time’s annual Person of the Year issue. She received an honorary degree from Harvard University in 2008, and she was animated into The Simpsons comedy series in 2013. Rowling has over 10 million Twitter followers, me being one of them, and she regularly communicates with fans. Her seven Harry Potter books have sold nearly 500 million copies worldwide. J.K. Rowling had significant input into the film adaptations of the Harry Potter series, consulting on the film scripts and later joining the operation as a producer. As I have read, today her net worth is estimated to be around $1 billion and in 2004, Forbes magazine declared her the first person to become a U.S.-dollar billionaire primarily through book writing.

However, J.K. Rowling has struggled through tough times in her life. After school, she took the entrance exams for Oxford but was not accepted. She ended up studying French at Exeter, a university which is much less prestigious. After graduation Rowling moved to Portugal to teach English. There, she married the Portuguese journalist Jorge Arantes and gave birth to a daughter, Jessica. Her marriage ended in divorce, and Rowling moved to Edinburgh with her daughter to live with her younger sister, Di. She was finishing her book Harry Potter, unemployed, in depression and in poverty. On top of her misfortunes, the first Harry Potter manuscript was rejected by 12 publishers before one of them picked it up. But her publisher suggested she not use her real name — Joanne Rowling — for her books, because they didn’t believe boys would want to read a fantasy book about a boy wizard that was written by a woman!

J.K. Rowling proved that people should never give up on finding happiness in life, and finally sold her first book Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone for the equivalent of about $4,000. The first print was just 1,000 copies! The Harry Potter books have helped to restore the world’s love of reading. I wasn’t into reading until I started Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone when | was six. Since then, J.K. Rowling’s books have helped me discover not only that reading is fun, but that writing is too. Ever since I read her series, I consider writing to be just as enjoyable as playing computer games or watching TV.

After the immense success of her Harry Potter cycle of novels, films and plays, Rowling went on to produce a highly regarded series of detective stories under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith.

And J.K. Rowling has gone to great lengths for charity. She has donated special editions and signed copies of her books to be auctioned off for charity. She supports nine charities and co-founded the Children’s High Level Group. J.K. Rowling is continually finding ways to help poverty-stricken people. She could easily relax and enjoy her comfortable life, but she carries on using her astounding writing talent to inspire children and adults alike to make the world a better place.

Which of the following does the author mention as one of Joanne Rowling’s achievements?

What is NOT mentioned among the challenges J.K. Rowling had to face in life?

Which of the following is TRUE of J.K. Rowling’s writing?

She started her literary career as a journalist.

She has published books in various genres.

She was an instant success with publishers.

What is Joanne Rowling’s role in the author’s life?

Joanne Rowling became the author’s penfriend.

The author switched from watching TV to reading.

Joanne Rowling inspired the author to start writing.

The author gave up playing computer games.

What does Joanne Rowling do being a celebrity?

Task 3

Top Places to Visit in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is one of the most vibrant, exciting and ambitious cities in the world, a fusion of East and West, old and new, high tech and traditional — a city of dazzling contrasts.

This Peak rising 1810 feet above sea level — is one of the most popular attractions in Hong Kong; it is absolutely incredible! Looking down from The Peak you’ll be amazed by the spectacular view of the surrounding city skyline, the world-famous Victoria Harbour and Kowloon, towering skyscrapers and peaceful green hillsides.

Getting there is an unforgettable trip. There’s nothing in the world like the Peak Tram. Pulled by steel cables, the tram climbs 373 metres. It’s so steep that the buildings you pass look like they’re leaning! Whether you’re going up or coming down, you'll love this trip.

At which place will tourists ________ ?

have both a spiritual and culinary experience

have to remember that motor vehicles are not allowed

see the famous leaning houses of Hong Kong

see once the poorest district of Hong Kong

Temple Street Market

It is an amazing shopping sight, featuring rows of brightly lit stalls selling an astonishing range of inexpensive items especially for men — including clothing, pens, watches, electronic gadgets. That’s why it is also called “Men’s Street”. What you buy will probably be fake but for many that takes a second seat to the bargaining and atmosphere of this famous night market. It is open from 4pm to midnight, but really comes alive after sunset.

The main reason people go to this island is to visit the largest Buddhist monastery in Hong Kong located high in the Lantau hills. Walk up 260 steps to the 100 ft tall seated statue of Buddha and take in the breathtaking view of the surrounding hillsides. You can even stay at the monastery and taste some of the delicious, yet simple vegetarian fare.

Located about half an hour by ferry from bustling downtown Hong Kong, Lamma is one of the most adored weekend getaways. Clean air, golden beaches, fantastic hiking are the main draws.

Bicycles are the mode of transport as cars are banned there. People come from all over the world to sample fresh chilli crab, garlic prawns, deep-fried squid, steamed fish with ginger and spring onions at a variety of terraced restaurants raised on posts above the bay. There are also western-style restaurants and handicraft shops along its laid-back main street.

Yuen Po Street Bird Garden

Occupying an area of about 3,000 square metres, this charming Chinese-style garden is located on Yuen Po Street in Mong Kok. It is the favoured gathering place of Hong Kong’s songbird owners and has 70 or so songbird stalls selling row upon row of macaws, tropical starlings and crested parrots in beautifully lacquered traditional Chinese birdcages.

Kowloon Walled City Park

At night you can visit Kowloon Walled City Park, the former site of the notorious Kowloon Walled City slum. The slum that grew up within the Kowloon Walled City was the most densely populated area ever to exist on planet earth. A town, declaredly under the control of China, and thus left unpoliced by the British, it was almost entirely outside the law. Building codes and health and safety codes were entirely disregarded, resulting in the construction of dozens of multi-story buildings. The laneways through the slum were so damp, dark and dirty that residents routinely moved from rooftop to rooftop to get around! Life in the Walled City was well documented by documentary film makers, photographers, social scientists and the international press. It was featured in the 1988 cult film Bloodsport, and Jackie Chan fans will know it from his popular film Crime Story. Today, a peaceful park is located where the Walled City slum used to stand.

Task 4

Whale Watch Trips

For 24 years, 7 Seas Whale Watch has set the standard for how whale watching should be done. We provide our passengers with the cleanest and most seaworthy boats in the industry, the friendliest and most enthusiastic crews, and the most knowledgeable and experienced naturalists. All this has made us (17)_____ on the North Shore of Massachusetts.

One of the most important aspects of all our whale watch trips is the education of our passengers. Being able to consistently find a large number of endangered whales feeding so close to a populated coastline (18)_____ some of the most mysterious animals in the world.

Whale watching boats have long since provided a platform for scientists to study the lives of these whales in detail and in a way that simply was not possible before whale watching became popular. As the result, the population of whales (19)_____ is among the most thoroughly researched and well-understood populations of whales anywhere in the world. Your participation on a 7 Seas Whale Watch supports the continuation of this important research.

Every 7 Seas Whale Watch is conducted by a naturalist (20)_____ . These areas such as Alaska, Newfoundland, and Hawaii are all areas where humpback whales travel to in order to feed, mate, or give birth to a calf. Additionally, our naturalists, researchers and interns use our vessel as a platform to collect important data which has been submitted to such whale information collection centres as the Whale Centre of New England in Gloucester, the Marine Centre of New England, and Whalenet, (21)_____ , researchers and educators from around the world.

You will receive expert analysis of (22)_____ . We hope this gives you a greater insight and a deeper appreciation for this unique New England adventure.

which establishes internet communications amongst students

which had made trips educational for all ages

the behaviour and activity of the whales and wildlife you are observing

that has observed and researched whales in many parts of the world

For 24 years, 7 Seas Whale Watch has set the standard for how whale watching should be done. We provide our passengers with the cleanest and most seaworthy boats in the industry, the friendliest and most enthusiastic crews, and the most knowledgeable and experienced naturalists. All this has made us (17)_____ on the North Shore of Massachusetts.

One of the most important aspects of all our whale watch trips is the education of our passengers. Being able to consistently find a large number of endangered whales feeding so close to a populated coastline (18)_____ some of the most mysterious animals in the world.

Whale watching boats have long since provided a platform for scientists to study the lives of these whales in detail and in a way that simply was not possible before whale watching became popular. As the result, the population of whales (19)_____ is among the most thoroughly researched and well-understood populations of whales anywhere in the world. Your participation on a 7 Seas Whale Watch supports the continuation of this important research.

Every 7 Seas Whale Watch is conducted by a naturalist (20)_____ . These areas such as Alaska, Newfoundland, and Hawaii are all areas where humpback whales travel to in order to feed, mate, or give birth to a calf. Additionally, our naturalists, researchers and interns use our vessel as a platform to collect important data which has been submitted to such whale information collection centres as the Whale Centre of New England in Gloucester, the Marine Centre of New England, and Whalenet, (21)_____ , researchers and educators from around the world.

Every 7 Seas Whale Watch is conducted by a naturalist (20)_____ . These areas such as Alaska, Newfoundland, and Hawaii are all areas where humpback whales travel to in order to feed, mate, or give birth to a calf. Additionally, our naturalists, researchers and interns use our vessel as a platform to collect important data which has been submitted to such whale information collection centres as the Whale Centre of New England in Gloucester, the Marine Centre of New England, and Whalenet, (21)_____ , researchers and educators from around the world.

You will receive expert analysis of (22)_____ . We hope this gives you a greater insight and a deeper appreciation for this unique New England adventure.

Use of English

Task 5

African Acacia

An acacia on a plain looks so innocent, the classic (23)_____ of the African savannah. I think I saw it on The Lion King. Well, the tree is a mass murderer. If an African Acacia tree is (24)_____ attack by a grazing animal, say a kudu, it (25)_____ a cloud of ethylene gas, thus warning trees up to 50 yards downwind to produce extra tannin in their leaves, making them toxic.

Zoologist Wouter Van Hoven figured this out when he was asked to (26)_____ the sudden death of some 3000 kudu antelope on game ranches in the Transvaal. (27)_____ the grazing activity of animals in the area, he concluded that the giraffes, who were free to roam and (28)_____ the trees they ate, ate only certain acacia trees, about one out of ten, and avoided acacia trees that were downwind of others. The kudu, on the other hand, who were (29)_____ in on game ranches, had little to eat in the winter but acacia leaves, and thus ate toxic leaves until they died. The trees killed the kudu by (30)_____ with each other.

(31)_____ using gas, toxins, and thorns to defend themselves, acacias often hire an army of ant bodyguards. The trees (32)_____ housing and nectar for the ant, and the biting ants attack whatever comes near the tree. The plant does need herbivores to help propagate it, however, so the ants can’t be too efficient in chasing away all grazers and pollinators. Thus acacias have some complicated three-way relationships.