Сборник заданий из раздела «Чтение» (задание 12) из открытого банка заданий ФИПИ для подготовки к ОГЭ по английскому языку 2025

1. 

What nature-friendly ideas started a new branch in the tourism business?

2. 

What means of transport is the most popular with tourists?

3. 

Why can tourism be dangerous to nature?

4. 

What are the reasons that make people go on a trip?

5. 

What kind of tourism is getting popular with elderly people?

6. 

Why does travelling make people smarter?

7. 

What are the ways to save money while travelling?

A. 

Tourism has become a popular activity. Indeed, nowadays people travel more, and further, than they used to. The main reasons for tourism are: recreation, leisure and business. When travelling for recreation, people want to escape their stressful daily routine and to relax. Beach holidays are an example of such tourism. Business trips involve going to a distant place in order to settle business issues.

B. 

Whether on a business trip or on a honeymoon, people want to explore the place they are in. They go on excursions, try new activities like diving or mountain climbing and learn about the historical background of the place and its cultural peculiarities. Sometimes they find out amazing facts about people and places and about themselves too! In fact, when people travel, they broaden their horizons.

C. 

A new branch of tourism is ecotourism. It involves visiting relatively untouched places in remote areas. Ecotourism is often misinterpreted as any form of tourism involving wildlife – but it’s completely different from jungle tourism or safari. Eco-tourists are against disturbing the environment; even taking photos is not recommended. Take only memories and leave only footprints is a very popular slogan for them.

D. 

By educational tourism, most people mean different versions of Learn and Travel Programmes for students. But it’s not only for the young and brave. Lots of training and educational programmes for adults are offered in different corners of the world. Retired people participate in these programmes too. They gladly enroll on overseas courses ranging from gardening and design to computer skills and programming.

E. 

If possible, consider means of transport other than the plane. Rapidly increasing numbers of flights have put the environment in danger. Planes pollute the air, which results in global warming. In fact, tourism is not harmless fun as many may think: new airports and tourist infrastructure, pollution and crowds of noisy tourists make wild animals migrate, which may decrease their population or even make them extinct.

F. 

 With all its benefits, travelling is still a very expensive activity and may not fit every budget. To reduce the costs, avoid travelling in high season when flight tickets and hotels are overpriced. Remember that, along with expensive destinations, there are less prestigious but even more interesting places. When planning a trip, find out about low-cost airlines, discounts and special offers.

1. 

What is the capital of the Falkland Islands?

2. 

Where can you learn about the islands’ history?

3. 

What is the emblem of the Falkland Islands?

4. 

What do the local people do for a living? 

5. 

What energy resources are used on the islands?

6. 

What is the educational policy of the Falkland Islands?

7. 

What was the result of the conflict between Argentina and the UK?

A. 

The Falkland Islands are located about 250 miles off the coast of South America. They are a British overseas territory. About 3,000 people live on the islands. Like most isolated communities around the world, they are always pleased to welcome tourists. The people of the Falkland Islands mostly work in sheep farming and fishing.

B. 

Everything outside Stanley, known locally as Camp, is home to numerous farms and settlements spread across the islands. In fact,over three quarters of the population live in Stanley. Although one of the smallest capitals in the world, Stanley provides a variety of supermarkets, excellent restaurants and hotels, a swimming pool, gym and golf course.

C. 

Open whenever tour ships are in the port, the Falkland Islands Museum contains artifacts from everyday life, natural history samples and a fine collection relating to the islands’ shipwrecks. Outdoor exhibition sites include the Reclus Hut, originally made in Stanley, then shipped to Antarctica and set up there in 1956. Forty years later the famous house was brought back.

D. 

There are only about 380 children of school age living on the islands. For them, there is a primary and a secondary school in Stanley and three small settlement schools on large farms. Other rural pupils are taught by ‘travelling’ teachers. Schooling is free and compulsory for children between five and sixteen years of age. The government pays for older students to attend colleges, usually in the UK.

E. 

The Falkland Islands government is taking advantage of cheap wind power. Since 1996, the government has been investing in the development of alternative sources of energy and can already enjoy the results. The Islands have experimented with other forms of energy, including hydro-electric and solar power. However, these forms cannot match the effectiveness of wind power yet.

F. 

The Falklands War was fought in 1982 between Argentina and the United Kingdom. It started with the Argentine invasion and occupation of the Falkland Islands and South Georgia. The war lasted 74 days and ended with an Argentine defeat. However, Argentina still has not fully given up its claim to the territory of the islands.

1. 

Young people of which country are the fastest at texting?

2. 

Who made the first mobile call and why?

3. 

Are the rules of using phones in school always followed by students?

4. 

Which mobile phone has no other advantages but glamour?

5. 

Why can a mobile phone be dangerous for children?

6. 

What are the safety tips for using mobile phones?

7. 

How can a mobile phone message save your life?

A. 

The first call from a mobile phone was made in 1973. Motorola engineer Martin Cooper made the call from the pavement of Sixth Avenue in New York to show off to his competitor – engineer Joel Angel. He said, “I’m ringing you just to see if my call sounds good at your end.” With the first mobile phones, only voice calls were available and there was no texting facility.

B. 

Recently the most expensive phone in the world was presented. It is the iPhone 5 with a case made of 24 carat gold with 600 diamonds! The home button of the smartphone is made of a rare black diamond and the company logo is covered with small diamonds. The cost of this device is about $15 million. The technical characteristics of the iPhone 5 are no different from the regular models.

C. 

Mobile phones are permitted at school in the UK, but students are not allowed to use them in class. Teachers can take away phones if these rules are broken. School students can use their phones at breaktime and at lunchtime. However, some teachers in British schools complain that students don’t always follow the rules and that lessons are disrupted by people texting, receiving calls, looking at social networking sites, watching videos and even making videos in class.

D. 

The mobile phone is a way to warn people about disasters. Some countries have worked out the following system: phone companies automatically notify their population in advance about emergencies and disasters. Such warnings are very efficient and free of charge. Japan and Finland were among the first countries that understood the necessity of this system.

E. 

Parents want their kids to be safe. Are children safer with a mobile phone or without? Many parents want their children to have a phone so that they can be in contact at any time or in any place. On the other hand, for lots of parents a phone is a source of possible danger. Parents worry that their child may meet the wrong kind of ‘friends’ on social networking sites or that they might receive cruel messages from school bullies.

F. 

The idea of sending short text messages originated in 1984. It was later brought to life by a group of engineers from different companies. Writing text messages became extremely popular in Asian countries, especially in Korea. Korean teenagers are certainly text message fans. They send over 200,000 text messages a year – that’s more than sixty texts per day. This hobby must have made their fingers really fast.

1. 

Which place in London keeps a message for future generations?

2. 

Which place in London is good to watch sports and buy related goods?

3. 

How long does it take to raise the famous bridge for a ship?

4. 

How does a fairytale character help real people of London?

5. 

Which London bridge got a nickname after its reconstruction?

6. 

What is the most visited tourist attraction in London?

7. 

What were the false buildings in London made for?

A. 

Tower Bridge, which is over a hundred years old, has become a symbol of London. It is the only bridge on the Thames that can be raised and lowered to allow ships to pass. Nowadays it takes only 90 seconds for the heavy drawbridges to be pulled up with electric motors. It is considered that watching the Tower Bridge opening brings good luck.

B. 

Waterloo Bridge is a foot traffic bridge crossing the River Thames in London. It was opened in 1817, on the second anniversary of the famous battle. A century later, in the early 1940s, the famous Bridge needed to be rebuilt. It was during World War II, and most men were away fighting. So the bridge was rebuilt mainly by women. The new Waterloo Bridge was opened in 1945 and got a second name, the ‘Ladies Bridge’.

C. 

Wembley Stadium is a football stadium located in Wembley Park, London. The stadium is home not only to football. It also hosts concerts, rugby games and American football games. There is Wembley Market not far from the stadium. Unlike many London street markets, this one is situated in an open space. A visit here is a good option for football fans to find club T-shirts, boots or accessories.

D. 

23 and 24 Leinster Gardens in Paddington (just opposite Hyde Park) are fake houses built to hide the Tube line running underneath. The windows are painted on, there are no letter boxes, and behind the facade there is a railway. The first London underground trains were steam trains so they needed ventilation. Underground lines were planned with tunnels and open-air sections so the trains could let out their steam and smoke, and that is what the house facades are hiding.

E. 

Great Ormond Street Hospital, which is situated at Russell Square, London, owns the copyright to Peter Pan, a story written by J.M. Barrie. The author had no children himself and gifted the rights to his famous literary pieces to the hospital in 1929. The hospital receives royalties from all films, cartoons and performances of Peter Pan. All the money is used to run the hospital.

F. 

Cleopatra’s Needle was brought to London in 1878 from Alexandria, the royal city of Cleopatra. Underneath Cleopatra’s Needle there’s a time capsule. It keeps information about 19^th century life. It contains copies of the Bible in several languages, a portrait of Queen Victoria, a set of British coins, cigars, a razor, a map of London, copies of 10 daily newspapers and pictures of the 12 best-looking English women of the day.

1. 

Why was Vladivostok called so?

2. 

Who founded the city of Vladivostok?

3. 

Why has the city quickly become important?

4. 

 What is the climate of the city area?

5. 

How is it possible to travel to the city?

6. 

 What are the city sights one should visit?

7. 

 What makes Vladivostok buildings unique?

A. 

Vladivostok is located at the same latitude as Russian subtropical sea resort Sochi, but its average annual temperature is nearly 10 degrees lower because of the Siberian Anticyclone. It brings cold winds from Yakutia for much of the winter season. Thus, the winter in Vladivostok is typical of Manchuria – it is cold, clear, and very windy. The snow is rare and, in some years, may not fall at all. The summer is more comfortable, warm, wet, and partly cloudy.

B. 

The first thing that will catch the eye of every tourist right from the platform of the railway station is a unique building of the terminal of the Trans-Siberian Railway. It was built more than a century ago. The sea terminal, located nearby, is also a must-see while going on a tour of Vladivostok. Like other port cities, Vladivostok celebrates the Russian fleet with a number of museums. No doubt, the legendary S-56 submarine which played a great role in the Great Patriotic War is worth visiting.

C. 

The most important city in the Russian Far East, Vladivostok is known as the town of sailors. It was founded about 160 years ago as a small military port. Despite being one of the youngest Russian cities, Vladivostok managed to find its way to the list of the best Russian cities to visit. Its name came from the combination of two words, vladet (meaning “to own”) and vostok (meaning “east”), helping anyone who wants to find Vladivostok on a map.

D. 

The Trans-Siberian Railway was built to connect Asian and European Russia. The final stop on the way, or the first if passengers are travelling west, is in Vladivostok. The city’s strategic location and port led to the fact that Vladivostok has eventually become a large and busy centre in North-East Asia. After its foundation in 1860 as a military post, Vladivostok soon became the centre of international commerce and development.

E. 

Despite the fact that Vladivostok has always been a Russian city, elements of the Chinese and Japanese architecture borrowed from the city’s nearest neighbours can be seen even during a simple walk down the city streets. At the same time, the architecture of Vladivostok leaves no doubt that this is a Russian city. So, this unique place combines a lot of different features.

F. 

As a rule, people prefer to spend a couple of days exploring Vladivostok within their long tour to the Far East, instead of considering the city as an independent holiday destination. They may fly to Vladivostok or go by rail choosing the famous Trans-Siberian express which is very popular with tourists. The Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest railway route in the world. So, going by train to Vladivostok can easily become a journey of a lifetime.

1. 

What made Veliky Novgorod one of the main cities of the past?

2. 

What is known about the ancient history of Veliky Novgorod?

3. 

Who founded the old city of Veliky Novgorod?

4. 

What makes Veliky Novgorod a popular tourist destination?

5. 

What are the most interesting sights to visit in Veliky Novgorod?

6. 

How is it possible to get to Veliky Novgorod?

7. 

What souvenirs can be brought from the city?

A. 

Veliky Novgorod is a nice city, perfectly located not far from Saint Petersburg and Moscow. Being one of the oldest cities in Russia, it attracts hundreds of visitors. Veliky Novgorod is often called an open-air museum of the ancient Rus. Many outstanding monuments of medieval architecture situated not only in the city centre but also in some outlying areas have been preserved. In 1992 Veliky Novgorod was given the status of the World Heritage Site of UNESCO.

B. 

Veliky Novgorod was founded in the 9-10 centuries. Being the best-fortified city of the ancient Rus, it has seen a lot of great events during its 11-century history. Novgorod was a political centre of large territories stretching up from Baltic lands to the Urals. For a long time, Novgorod was the largest centre of culture in Russia, where old chronicles and books were created. Moreover, the city stood on the famous trade route from the Varangians to the Greeks.

C. 

Veliky Novgorod was first mentioned in the year 862 in the famous historic document “The Tale of Bygone Years”. The Russian primary chronicle gives a detailed account of the early history of the eastern Slavs. It tells the story of Rurik, the Viking chieftain, who was invited to the city as a new leader. It was an important event in the history of the country as Rurik became the founder of the whole dynasty of the ancient Rus, staying in power up to the 17th century.

D. 

Many great monuments of medieval architecture and painting have been well kept in the city. The Novgorod Kremlin dates back to the 11th century. The Kremlin territory houses one of the most beautiful Orthodox churches, St. Sophia Cathedral, as well as the regional library and the Philharmonic building. The open-air Vitoslavlitsy museum of wooden architecture presents some excellent examples of wooden structures from different parts of the city.

E. 

Novgorod craftsmen have always been famous for their birchbark crafts. Tourists can find various cute items to bring back home. They are jewellery boxes, hairpins and hairbands, plates and cups. For fun, one can also buy bast shoes – traditional footwear of Russian peasants also made of birchbark. Along with birchbark items, one will always find wooden carved figures in shops. They will become a perfect gift or a home decoration for oneself.

F. 

The most convenient way of travelling to Veliky Novgorod is to go by train. The fastest route is now offered by the Lastochka train departing from Saint Petersburg twice a day. Travel time is less than 3 hours, which is much faster than travelling by train from Moscow, which will take the whole night. Bus trips are available as well. Getting to Veliky Novgorod by car is also quite a fast and convenient way for those who choose privacy and comfort.

1. 

What is the history of the Altai region?

2. 

What is special about the geography of Altai?

3. 

What places of interest are the best to visit in Altai?

4. 

Why is Altai popular with visitors of all ages and interests?

5. 

What activities does the region offer for nature lovers?

6. 

What time is the best for travelling to Altai?

7. 

How is it possible to travel in the Altai region?

A. 

The Altai region is all about nature. The natural beauty of Altai attracts crowds of tourists as there is hardly a similar place in Russia where pure lakes, comfortable climatic conditions, great scenery, and the variety of animals and plants are gathered in one place. The region has one of the richest varieties of touristic purposes. Families with children, active tourists, people searching for a quiet atmosphere – everyone will find an activity to their liking.

B. 

The Altai Mountains are located in the very heart of Russia. They are near the Russian border with Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and China. They are often called “Russian Tibet,” “Siberian Switzerland,” and even “New Zealand” thanks to their beauty and strength. The highest point of the Altai Mountains, and of the Siberian Region as well, is Belukha Mountain. It is 4,509 metres high and is completely covered with snow, from its peak to its bottom.

C. 

The best way to get to the Altai region is by plane. There are direct flights from Moscow to the most well-known Altai cities Barnaul and Gorno-Altaysk. Then, travellers might go by train, by car, or by bus to any resort and place they like. Car transfers are often included in many touristic programmes to make them available for most tourists. But there are hiking routes that ask for a lot of walking to get to one’s destination.

D. 

The Altai Mountains are really very old. However, the first mention of the region dates back to the 17th century. It was the time when the Cossacks from the nearby city of Kuznetsk, which later became a part of Novokuznetsk, arrived at Lake Teletskoye. Later, when the Biyskaya fortress, which is now the city of Biysk, was built, the fast development of the Altai territory, and more of its northwestern part, began.

E. 

Decisions on when to go to Altai should be made depending on what one wants to do there. The Altai’s climate is known to be quite harsh. This region is famous for long frosty winters, and hot but short summers. The peak tourist season generally reaches its height during the summer. There is a wide range of summer activities, from climbing and rafting to sailing and fishing. The winter season is the perfect option for skating and mountain skiing.

F. 

A visit to Altai can become a breath of fresh air for those living in large cities. Many people come to the region for a passive relaxation, such as spa. They come to places of natural beauty just to admire, for example maralnik, which is a kind of rhododendron, producing flowers in spring. These are typical things to do for ecotourists. They are often attracted by collecting healing herbs, riding a horse, and participating in local festivals.

1. 

What is the history of Yekaterinburg?

2. 

What are the main facts about the city today?

3. 

What sights make the city attractive for tourists?

4. 

What sights in the city are popular with sports fans?

5. 

What place in the city is historically connected with the last royal family?

6. 

How is it possible to get to Yekaterinburg?

7. 

What are the weather conditions in Yekaterinburg?

A. 

Yekaterinburg is located at the crossroads of two continents – Europe and Asia. It is the capital of the Sverdlovsk region and the administrative centre of the Ural district. Yekaterinburg covers the area of more than 400,00 square kilometres. It is the fourth largest city in Russia with a population of over 1.5 million people. Yekaterinburg is often called the third capital of Russia, as it is ranked third by the size of its economy, transportation, and tourism.

B. 

Yekaterinburg is far away from the Atlantic and close to Siberia. So the climate there is continental. The Ural Mountains block air from the west, from the European part of Russia. As a result, the Central Urals are open to cold arctic air. The winters are cold and long, and the summers are quite warm in Yekaterinburg. The coldest month is January, when the average temperature reaches -16°C. The warmest month is July with the average temperature of 18°C.

C. 

Yekaterinburg was founded in 1723 under Peter the Great as the largest metallurgical plant in Russia of those times. It was named after Empress Catherine I, the wife of Peter the Great. Yekaterinburg became a key city in Siberia which has rich resources. It served as an important connection between Europe and Asia. For three centuries, Yekaterinburg has been steadily developing as a centre of the mining industry of the Urals and Siberia.

D. 

Nowadays, Yekaterinburg is not only one of the biggest industrial centres in Russia but a very beautiful city. It has a lot of monuments of historical and cultural value. Dozens of museums, several theatres, many modern cinemas, stadiums, and colleges make Yekaterinburg a unique city where the past and the present live side by side. There are a lot of interesting places to visit, such as the Cathedral on the Blood, Opera House, and Europe-Asia border obelisk.

E. 

The Cathedral on the Blood is an important place for Russian people and a historic site located in Yekaterinburg. It stands on the spot of the former Ipatiev House where the members of the Romanov Tsar family were killed in July 1918. The Cathedral was built in 2003. And soon it became one of the main city sights. It attracts thousands of pilgrims from Russia and worldwide. In front of the church, there is a monument to the Romanov family.

F. 

Resting in the Ural region, Yekaterinburg is a great city where East meets West. It is a major transport hub in Siberia. It is at the centre of a multi-modal transport network with road, rail and air communications connecting the city with the rest of the country and other countries. Yekaterinburg airport is the principal gateway to the city, the Urals and Siberia at large. The airport serves a wide range of domestic and international lines handling over 7 million passengers per year.

1. 

What is the favourite sports entertainment on Thanksgiving Day in the USA?

2. 

What happens to the turkeys which are chosen by the President?

3. 

Why was it decided to celebrate Thanksgiving at the end of November?

4. 

How can people make the house ready for the autumn holiday?

5. 

Why did the turkey become the main dish for the Thanksgiving dinner?

6. 

What is the day after Thanksgiving known for?

7. 

Why is Thanksgiving celebrated on different dates in different countries?

A. 

The people of Canada celebrate Thanksgiving Day on the second Monday of October every year. It is celebrated to thank God for the past harvest and pray for the coming year. The United States, however, celebrates Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November every year. The reason behind the difference is geographical: autumn starts earlier in Canada than in the USA.

B. 

Thanksgiving is the right time to decorate homes. You can add some autumn-colored pillows to the sofa, light a candle and arrange some yellow or orange flowers in a vase. Special message boards have become very popular recently. As guests arrive for Thanksgiving, let them write what they are thankful for on a paper leaf and pin it up on the board. Paper leaves can be cut from scrapbooks and painted in autumn colours.

C. 

Lots of Americans cannot imagine Thanksgiving afternoon without watching TV. This tradition began in 1934. The reason was a great match between two football teams – the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears. That game turned out to be really exciting. Since that time, matches have been held every year (except the years of World War II) on Thanksgiving Day and have become very popular.

D. 

Once, President Truman chose a turkey on Thanksgiving Day and sent it back to the farm. That happened in 1947. Since that time it has become a tradition. Nowadays the President selects two turkeys and frees them in front of a large crowd. Then the turkeys are sent to a farm house to let them live in peace.

E. 

Some people use Thanksgiving Day and the day after to visit their families or friends. Others use this day to go shopping. The Americans call the day after Thanksgiving ‘Black Friday’. It first got its name in 1960 in Philadelphia. Many people visited the city for shopping. It was overcrowded and the local people considered it a bad black day. Nowadays ‘Black Friday’ means the beginning of the Christmas shopping season.

F. 

In 1863 Sara Hale, an editor and writer, wrote a letter to President Lincoln and advised him to proclaim a national day of Thanksgiving. She selected the last Thursday in November because, as she said, the harvests were finished, the elections were over and people were back from their summer vacations. She even suggested a list of dishes for the traditional holiday menu. President Lincoln liked her idea and declared a national holiday, Thanksgiving Day.

A

B

C

D

E

F

1. 

Why do street artists create their works?

2. 

Why are serious companies getting interested in street art?

3. 

Where are the international street art exhibitions held?

4. 

What does the term street art include?

5. 

Which of the famous street artists managed to keep his/her real name a secret?

6. 

What is the most innovative technique in street art?

7. 

Why don’t street artists sign their works with their real names?

A. 

Street art can be described as art that is developed in public spaces and, above all, in the street. Typically, street art is used to separate public-space artwork from illegal graffiti and vandalism. It can mean a lot of different things including graffiti, poster art, wall paintings and just about any artwork that is displayed in public places.

B. 

The start of street art is closely connected to graffiti, which appeared in New York in the 1970s. For the following ten years, street art grew more and more popular and was soon joined by new forms including street installations, street sculptures and 3D pavement illusions. Kurt Wenner was the person who developed 3D pavement illusion as an absolutely new form of street art and inspired a future generation of street artists.

C. 

Street artists are often associated with opposition. Their artwork is considered a crime and vandalism and the artists may be arrested for damaging property, so the artists prefer to use nicknames and create their drawings mostly at night. They are not looking for fame, especially in countries where graffiti is still illegal.

D. 

Banksy is probably the most well-known English street artist who has already become a legendary figure. His works are exhibited in galleries across the world. An American magazine even named him among the top most influential people in the world. However, it’s still true that no one knows who the person really is. He is the only one whose photo has never been made or published.

E. 

The motivations and ideas that inspire street artists are as different as the artists themselves. Some street artists, by creating certain works, want to draw attention to social and political problems. For other artists, street art is just a form of self-expression. And there are those who enjoy the danger and risks which are connected with working illegally in some city areas.

F. 

Traditional graffiti has recently been used as a successful method for advertising. Lots of companies agree that traditional advertising on city streets is too boring and common, so many people simply ignore it. However, graffiti adverts catch your attention, creating a memorable image. Big companies find this quite useful and try to include more elements of graffiti in their advertising campaigns.

1. 

What goods were made from the plant, the symbol of Scotland?

2. 

What is the national sporting event of the country?

3. 

What endangered plants grow in the Scottish Highlands?

4. 

What plant brings luck and success?

5. 

What is the stereotype of Scotland like?

6. 

Why is Scotland an attractive place for those who love sports?

7. 

What is the modern profile of Scotland like?

A. 

Thanks to television and films, Scotland is often seen by the rest of the world as a magical country, a land of misty mountains and the home of a lake creature called Nessie. This is the image most people have in mind. The truth, however, is completely different from the way the world thinks of Scotland. You may be surprised to find out that most Scots live in the lowlands and don’t believe in Nessie.

B. 

Scotland is much more than green hills and picturesque valleys. It’s dynamic and cosmopolitan, with a colourful history of invention and innovation. It’s the home of big businesses and a centre of new medical and scientific development. Each year, it hosts the world’s biggest contemporary arts festivals.

C. 

Scottish heather, a small bush with flowers, is the floral symbol of the country. The colour of the flowers usually varies from purple to lilac, but they can also be white. In the past, the Scots believed that they would never be captured by enemies and would win victories if they wore white heather. Today, when getting married, girls add white heather to bouquets to bring fortune to their family.

D. 

Heather has grown in Scotland as far back as its history goes. It is an essential thing for any household. Famous heather honey is rich in minerals, and was traditionally used in medicinal drinks. Traditionally dried heather was used to make perfumes, and the tough stems were used to make ropes. On many of the northern Scottish islands, heather was used in the construction of houses.

E. 

Scotland is an excellent destination for open-air activities all year round. Its lakes and coastline are ideal for boating and rowing and have some of the best sea-kayaking in the world. The rivers are perfect for fishing and the mountains are wonderful for hill climbing and skiing. Scotland is also good for walkers. You can enjoy easy family walks or more difficult mountain hikes.

F. 

The history of Scotland is rich in armed conflicts. The Scots have always valued physical power and the skills needed for battle and survival. That’s why the Highland Games were very popular. They date back to long before Scotland’s written history. The Games are still held today and include the athletic competitions in their original form as well as dancing contests. Traditional bagpipe music accompanies all the events.

1. 

What old Irish traditions are still followed? 

2. 

What vegetables are exported from Ireland to other countries?

3. 

What vegetable is very popular in Irish cuisine?

4. 

Why were Irish people afraid of wearing green in old times?

5. 

What made the Irish town popular?

6. 

What is wrong with the stereotype of an Irish person?

7. 

How can you keep the talisman effective?

A. 

When you think of the Irish, you often picture a red-haired person dressed all in green. However, it’s just a popular myth. It’s customary in Ireland to wear green clothes only on St. Patrick’s Day. Lots of people are tricked by this cliché. In fact, originally, the colour associated with Saint Patrick was not green but blue.

B. 

In Ireland, the colour green was long considered to bring bad fortune. The reason is that, in Irish folklore, green is the favourite color of the Good People (the proper name for fairies). Myths run that they are likely to steal people, especially children, who wear too much of the colour. In the past, a girl would never wear anything green on her wedding day.

C. 

Christmas is a very important celebration in Ireland. People try to keep the old Irish customs. After dinner on Christmas Eve, it is still common for families to leave milk and bread on the table as a sign of friendliness and kindness. Another custom is to leave the door unlocked. A lit candle is left in a window during the night. It represents help for any traveller who is passing by.

D. 

Irish people enjoy good and substantial food. The basis for many traditional Irish dishes is potatoes which are eaten boiled, mashed, fried and baked. Potatoes are mixed with cabbage or green onions to make traditional Irish dishes. They are also made into potato cakes and used in soups or stews. It’s common to find potatoes cooked in two different ways on the same dinner plate.

E. 

In Ireland it is believed that shamrock brings good fortune to everyone. It helps in different situations and saves its owner from bad luck. There are certain conditions to be met so that its power remains strong: the owner of the shamrock must keep it away from the public eye and never give it to anyone else.

F. 

Ireland is known as the native land of limericks – short humorous poems that have five lines. They make people laugh and are easy to remember! Lots of poets and writers were fond of limericks. The word limerick probably comes from the Irish town of Limerick. The short poem has made the town known all over the world.

1. 

What is known about the early years of Sochi?

2. 

Why is Sochi an attractive place for year-round tourism?

3. 

What makes Sochi a good place to improve health?

4. 

What are the most popular natural attractions in Sochi?

5. 

Where is it better to stay in Sochi to improve health?

6. 

What sports and cultural events have been held in Sochi?

7. 

What conditions are created in the city for sports?

A. 

Sochi is Russia’s subtropical resort city that stretches along the beautiful coast of the Black Sea. With a permanent population of about 500,000 people, it holds the record of the largest resort city in Russia. Its numerous beaches make the city popular in summer. Skiing in the nearby mountains makes it an ideal place for winter holidays too. The city is set in the Krasnodar Krai, which stretches 145 km along the Black Sea, making it the second longest city after Mexico City.

B. 

The resort city of Sochi has a long history that dates back to Ancient Greek and Roman times. The first Russian settlement on the site was called Fort Alexander. It was founded in 1838 at the Sochi River’s mouth. In fact, Sochi is a relatively new name for the city, as the Russian settlement was first called so only in 1896. The name could be a variation of the term “sshatche” which was used by the local people to mean “place by the sea.”

C. 

From the very beginning, Sochi has served as a resort area. The discovery of the natural mineral springs there contributed greatly to its fast development as the most popular health resort in Russia. The local mineral springs have a healing effect. A legend says that a local girl bravely wandered into the underworld and brought back its healing waters to the surface as a gift from the spirits below. What is more, the air quality in Sochi is excellent.

D. 

Sochi is proud of its Caucasian State Nature Biosphere Reserve. It includes a lot of beautiful natural sights. The Agura and Orekhovskaya waterfalls are perhaps the most well-known places to visit. Sochi has a wonderful collection of parks, including a botanical garden with rare and exotic types of tropical and subtropical plants. There you can see amazing rhododendrons, evergreen magnolias with beautiful fragrant flowers, junipers, acacias and massive plane trees.

E. 

In addition to being famous as a resort city, Sochi is known for its sports facilities. For example, its tennis schools have trained many of the world-famous athletes. With so much local attention to health and exercise, Sochi was the obvious choice to host the 2014 Winter Olympic Games. The recently constructed Coastal Cluster and the Mountain Cluster in Krasnaya Polyana are still widely used for indoor ice events and for downhill and skiing sports.

F. 

Sochi has long been enjoying the status of the most popular and fashionable spot in Russia. The Russian Formula 1 Grand Prix was held there for a number of years. In addition, Sochi was one of the host cities for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. New Wave, an international contest for young performers of popular music, moved to Sochi in 2015 and has been regularly held there since that time. The largest and brightest summer and winter resort of Russia offers its visitors all kinds of events.

1. 

What should the main New Year tree of the country look like?

2. 

What is one of the legends of the Christmas tree?

3. 

What are the advantages of artificial Christmas trees?

4. 

What rules did people follow in the past when decorating the Christmas tree?

5. 

Who changed the date of New Yearʼs Day in his country? 

6. 

How did the technological progress change Christmas decorations?

7. 

How did the tradition of decorating the tree with coloured glass balls start?

A. 

Why do people decorate Christmas trees at home? There are several stories about the start of the tradition. One of them is about Martin Luther, the founder of the protestant faith. While he was walking through a forest on a Christmas Eve, he looked up and was impressed by the beauty of the stars that were shining through the tree branches. He cut down a small tree and took it home. There, he decorated the tree with candles as a present for his family.

B. 

The tradition of decorating a Christmas tree comes from Germany. Until the 17^th century, people decorated their Christmas tree in a certain order. Firstly, a star was fixed on the top. Then people hung apples on lower branches of the tree. Finally, they placed biscuits, gingerbread and sweets underneath. The Christmas tree in the fairy tale Nutcracker was decorated in exactly this way.

C. 

The Christmas tree tradition came to Russia with Peter the Great in the 18^th century. He enjoyed the celebration tradition in Germany and issued a law according to which all families had to decorate their houses with pine tree branches. It also announced that people should have fun on that day. Peter the Great also decided to move New Year’s celebration from 1^st September to 1^st January.

D. 

The most popular Christmas decoration was invented by a German glass-blower. He made a ball and decorated it with angel figures and snowflakes. The man gave it as a gift to his daughter. The girl decided to put the ball on the Christmas tree. It was so beautiful that the glass-blower made many more decorated balls and sold them. Now people all over the world choose to decorate their Christmas trees in this way.

E. 

In the 18^th century, people started decorating Christmas trees with candles. Later, with the discovery of electricity, electric lights were put on Christmas trees. It was Edward Johnson, an assistant of Thomas Edison, who first used electric lights for Christmas tree decoration. People liked his idea. However, it took several years before the electric lights became available to the general public.

F. 

Nowadays, Christmas trees are found everywhere – in houses, on the streets and squares. Most of them are artificial trees. However, in the centre of Moscow, in the Kremlin, you can always see a natural Christmas tree. The most important tree of the country is carefully chosen in the forest – it should be tall and beautiful. Professional designers decorate it to create an unforgettable fairytale tree for thousands of children and their parents.

1. 

Where is the Republic of Karelia situated?

2. 

What is the capital city of Karelia famous for?

3. 

What are the main events in the history of the region?

4. 

What is the season to go to Karelia?

5. 

What natural sights of Karelia are worth visiting?

6. 

Why is the island of Kizhi in Karelia so popular?

7. 

What place in Karelia is perfect for an active day off?

A. 

Sincerely loved by Russians, Karelia shines differently with every new season. It is a perfect all-year-round destination for holidays. In summer this is a top place in the European part of the country for enjoying outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, hiking, and much more! And during wintertime, many travellers on their way to the northern city of Murmansk make a stop in Karelia for a few days to admire the amazing local nature.

B. 

The Republic of Karelia is the treasure of Russia that is just waiting to be discovered. Surrounded by a thick forest, Karelia is located in the north-west of Russia close to Finland. Karelia can be easily reached from Moscow or St. Petersburg by train or car. So, if a tourist does not want to travel too far, the Republic of Karelia is a great holiday destination to choose. The region offers a unique chance to see the beautiful nature of Russia.

C. 

About a third of Karelia’s territory is occupied with amazing lakes. That is why Karelia is sometimes called “the country of lakes.” One of the two largest lakes, Lake Onega, is especially famous for its wonderful island of Kizhi. Moreover, one of the highest waterfalls in Europe, the beautiful Kivach waterfall, is also located in this “country of lakes.” This fantastic waterfall is situated on the Suna River, and it is 11 metres high.

D. 

During the Karelian journey, one should visit the Island of Kizhi to explore traditional Russian wooden architecture, ethnographic museums, and centuries-old history. This open-air museum is an important part of many cruises as it has some of the best examples of wooden architecture. The island is home to the oldest wooden church in the country, dating back to the 14th century. Kizhi churches have been kept in their original form and were built without nails.

E. 

The heart of the region is the city of Petrozavodsk. Set on the shores of Lake Onega, the Karelian main city was founded in 1703 by Peter the Great and played an important role in the military history of Russia. Some of its most popular attractions include the Round Square, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the statue of Peter the Great, and the National Museum of the Republic of Karelia, where one can learn about the history of this region.

F. 

Ruskeala Mountain Park is a modern and comfortable place with such facilities as parking, cafs, and playgrounds for children. One can follow hiking trails, take pictures of nature from the viewpoints, learn the history of marble mining in this area, ride a zip-line and take an underground trip. But the centre of Ruskeala is its famous marble canyon. It is a former quarry flooded by water where marble was dug for use as building material flooded by water.

1. 

What is the most unusual way to get to church on Christmas night?

2. 

Who can bring Christmas presents instead of Santa?

3. 

Why is the first guest on Christmas Day so important?

4. 

What creature helped to decorate a Christmas tree?

5. 

What transport does Santa use in warm countries?

6. 

How do people celebrate Christmas in hot climate?

7. 

Why is Christmas celebrated on another date in this country?

A. 

For people who live in the northern hemisphere, the thought of celebrating Christmas with great heat and bright sun seems strange and exotic. But in Australia, where the holiday falls in summer, it’s completely normal. Though most of the traditions of celebrating Christmas in Australia are the same as in European countries, there is still a little variation. On Christmas Day, most Australians have the holiday midday dinner outside. The dinner is often followed by some backyard cricket or a swim in the pool.

B. 

In Italy, children do not ask Santa Claus for presents. In their country an ugly, yet kind old witch named Befana performs Santa’s duties. The witch flies around the world on her broomstick and enters the houses down the chimney. She delivers toys, clothing and candy to well-behaved children and puts coal – or dark candy – in bad kids’ socks.

C. 

An ancient legend tells us about children from a poor family. Unfortunately, their parents could not afford any Christmas decorations and the kids were upset. However, on Christmas morning when the children woke up, they saw that spiders had spun webs of shiny silk around the tree’s branches. The sun turned each thread into silver and gold. Even nowadays in Europe people decorate their trees with spider webs to welcome good luck.

D. 

Different celebrations take place over Christmas in Scotland. One of the most important traditions is called First-Footing. Once midnight strikes, all eyes await the arrival of the year’s first visitor. The person who crosses the home’s threshold first is said to bring good fortune for the year ahead. Top of the lucky list: a male, dark-haired visitor. Women or blonde men are believed to be unlucky.

E. 

According to tradition, on Christmas Eve some Russian people don’t eat anything until the first star has appeared in the sky. In Russia, Christmas is celebrated on the 7^th of January, not on the 25^th of December like in most other countries. The different date of the holiday is because the Orthodox Church uses the old ‘Julian’ calendar for religious celebration days.

F. 

Like in most countries the locals of Venezuela, especially in their capital city, Caracas, go to church on Christmas Eve to celebrate the birth of Jesus. However, in Caracas, people of all ages don’t just walk to church, they usually roller skate to church. The streets of Caracas are closed to vehicles up to 8am on Christmas Day to make way for their citizens who use roller skates to travel to and from church.

1. 

What makes Moscow very popular among tourists?

2. 

What is the best season for tourists to visit Moscow?

3. 

What are good and bad things about the city transport?

4. 

What is special about the Moscow underground?

5. 

What theatres should be visited in Moscow?

6. 

What is Moscow’s most famous shopping mall?

7. 

What are the presents to be brought from Moscow?

A. 

The peak of the Moscow travel season is May through September. However, tourists may prefer to travel to Moscow during the low travel season. The snowy winter months offer just as many entertainment options as one can find during summer. Tourists can celebrate New Year’s Eve or see Russia’s biggest ice rink on Red Square, or visit one of the local winter markets. Any Moscow tour has plenty of memorable experiences the whole year round.

B. 

As one of the largest cities in the world, Moscow comes with its share of traffic problems. It seems that all of the world’s most expensive black cars are here, and there are a lot of traffic jams. Still, while the traffic situation leaves much to be desired, the Moscow underground is superb. The advanced Metro system carries up to 9 million passengers a day on weekdays, and its trains run every few minutes. It is a convenient way of travelling around.

C. 

When people travel to Moscow, they want to see the red-bricked walls of the Kremlin, take a picture in front of St. Basil’s Cathedral, and visit the world-famous Bolshoi Theatre. All of these places are located within a very small area around Red Square. So seeing them on a walking sightseeing tour of Moscow is convenient and allows visitors to avoid traffic jams. The concentration of Moscow main sights makes this city a world-class tourist destination.

D. 

Set in the heart of Moscow the State Department Store known as GUM produces a great impression on visitors. It was built between 1890 and 1893 to replace the old trading rows of 1825. The building stretches along Red Square’s eastern side. The entire structure is a beautiful testament to Russian architecture with its mix of medieval and modern features. The glass roof allows natural light to flood into this three-story palace.

E. 

The Moscow Metro has been a much-needed mass transit project. But it is not just a series of trains and tunnels. The Moscow Metro is like a whole underground city that holds the world’s largest collection of Soviet Art. The first stations were opened on May 15, 1935. They were described as one of the greatest architectural projects of that time. The original 13 stations, along with many others that were built later, feature unique works of art.

F. 

The most exciting part of any journey is the memories people create while discovering new places. And souvenirs are among the most popular options to save the happiest moments not only in one’s heart but in the form of something more material. Apart from classic T-shirts and fridge magnets with local attractions, many other things can bring to mind the best moments of Moscow trip. The gifts range from Matryoshka dolls to the Tretyakov Gallery photo album.

1. 

Why did a prehistoric reptile get a girl’s name?

2. 

Where is the Isle of Wight?

3. 

What is the origin of the island’s name?

4. 

What animal is prohibited on the Isle of Wight?

5. 

What is the emblem of the Isle of Wight?

6. 

What do tourists take from the Isle of Wight as a memory?

7. 

What is special about the language spoken on the island?

A. 

The Isle of Wight is considered to be the largest island of England. The island measures about 380 square km, of which about half is an area of outstanding natural beauty. About 140,000 people live on the island and several million people visit it each year. This paradise is located in the English Channel which separates the continent and Great Britain.

B. 

The accent of the Isle of Wight is similar to the traditional dialect of southern England. While speaking, the natives of the island drop some consonants and put an emphasis on longer vowels. The Isle of Wight has its own local and regional words. Some of their words (e.g. grockle – visitor, tourist and nipper – a younger male person) are used in the neighbouring areas of the mainland too.

C. 

There are many red squirrels which are the only squirrel native to the British Isles. However, there are few of them left on the mainland now. Red squirrels are being replaced by American grey squirrels. The grey squirrels carry the deadly parapox virus, which is fatal to the reds. The strait between the island and the mainland provides a barrier to grey squirrels. It is illegal to bring a grey squirrel onto the island, with a penalty of two-year’s imprisonment.

D. 

The Isle of Wight is not large, but it has lots of sights to see. One of the most well-known places is Alum Bay which is famous for the sand on its beach. The sand is of different colours – from red to purple, from brown to white. Tourists usually buy a glass paperweight with stripes of coloured sand, and take it back home as a souvenir.

E. 

The Isle of Wight has recently been declared the Dinosaur capital of the UK! Bones of more than 25 different species were found on the small island, including the largest British dinosaur. In 2009, five-year-old Daisy Morris discovered the remains of an undiscovered species on the beach, which has been named after her – the Vectidraco (Dragon of the Wight) Daisymorrisae.

F. 

The correct spelling of the island’s name is Wight not White. Wight is an old English word to describe a creature or living being. The experts do not have a common opinion on why the island was called that. The only thing that can be said for sure is that the name has nothing to do with the colour.

1. 

Which object made the company famous?

2. 

Why are some sets of LEGO twice as big?

3. 

Where does the name LEGO come from?

4. 

Why is LEGO considered to be an educational toy?

5. 

Who are the owners of LEGO?

6. 

Why do adults enjoy LEGO toys?

7. 

What can make some LEGO-toy customers unhappy?

A. 

The company that makes the famous little plastic bricks known as LEGO started as a small shop in the town of Billund in Denmark. At first the shop sold wooden toys and other things. Soon the business became known as LEGO. It came from the Danish words ‘LEg GOdt’, meaning ‘play well’. Later, it was realized that the original meaning in Latin was ‘I put together’.

B. 

The LEGO Group was founded in 1932 by Ole Kirk Cristiansen. The company has come a long way from a small carpenter’s workshop to a modern, global corporation, the world’s third-largest producer of toys. Lego has passed from father to son and is now owned by a grandchild of the founder. As a child, he often came up with the ideas for new models and Lego sets.

C. 

The brick, the main component of all Lego sets, appeared in its present form in 1958 and since then has remained compatible with previous editions. This little piece of plastic offers unlimited building possibilities. It lets children experiment and tries out their creative ideas. The LEGO company owes its success to the traditional Lego brick. The company has been awarded ‘Toy of the Century’ twice.

D. 

In 2014 Charlotte Benjamin, a seven-year-old girl from the UK, wrote a letter to the Lego Company in which she complained that, during a visit to the toy store, she noticed that ‘there are lots of Lego boy people and barely any Lego girls.’ She felt sad that, in Lego, girl figures mostly sat at home, went shopping and had no job. At the same time boy figures went on adventures, worked, saved people and ‘even swam with sharks’.

E. 

The LEGO Group produces thousands of sets with a variety of themes. In 1969 the company introduced Lego Duplo, designed for children who are 1 to 5 years old. Duplo bricks are twice the length, height and width of traditional Lego bricks. It makes them easier to handle and less likely to be swallowed by younger children. Duplo sets now include farm, zoo, town, castle and pirate sets.

F. 

Lego Games are a great way of having fun together with family and friends. These sets excite imagination and improve creativity because the child needs to put a game together before he or she can play it. They also develop hand and eye coordination, teach children to follow directions with logic and find scientific and technological solutions. In a fun way, these games promote basic ideas of Maths, Geometry and Engineering.

1. 

What should you take out of your luggage when you travel to Singapore?

2. 

Which city has much in common with Singapore?

3. 

What is the coldest month on the island?

4. 

How do the people of the island feel about their weather?

5. 

What animal gave its name to the city?

6. 

How many official languages has the country got?

7. 

How does the government limit the number of car owners?

A. 

There are only three city-states in the world. One of them is Singapore, a small country in South East Asia. It can be called a modern equivalent to the Italian medieval Venice. Both cities are built on islands and became wealthy by trade. Like medieval Venice, Singapore is an independent city-state and is governed by a small group of powerful politicians and businessmen.

B. 

Modern Singapore is full of numerous statues of the king of animals. According to the legend, the founder of the city saw a lion on the island and decided that it was a sign of good luck. The Malay word for the country, Singapura, means Lion City. However, zoologists doubt that he could see a lion because lions have never lived on the island. More likely, he saw a tiger or another kind of big cat native to the area.

C. 

From an extremely humid but sunny morning to a gloomy and rainy afternoon, and then to a cloudy, starless night sky; Singapore is predictable in its climate. A week of terrible heat follows a week of non-stop rainfall. In general, tourists think February is the best month to visit the country. The citizens of Singapore disagree. They think that any time is good – you just have to accept the hot and rainy weather.

D. 

Singapore has three main communities. The largest group is the Chinese, then come the Malays and the smallest group is the Indians. English is the language of government, television and universities. Along with English, the official languages of the country are Mandarin, Malay and Tamil. The national anthem Majulah Singapura is actually sung in Malay.

E. 

The island is densely populated and the government has to think about the environment. Unlike in most countries, citizens of Singapore cannot just buy a car. To own a car, a citizen must enter his or her name in a lottery that is drawn twice a month. If the citizen wins the lottery, he or she is granted a Certificate which allows them to own a car for 10 years. Then it is necessary to pay a registration fee, which is 140% of the value of the car.

F. 

When you are in Singapore, you can’t buy chewing gum anywhere. It is illegal to import or sell gum in the country. The sale of gum was prohibited in 1992 after gum was used to shut down the SMRT, the country's public transportation system. The gum was stuck on the sensor doors and the system was paralyzed. The punishment for bringing gum into the country is a year in prison and a big fine.

1. 

What people live on the continent?

2. 

What is done to protect Antarctica’s environment?

3. 

How was Antarctica discovered?

4. 

What would happen if Antarctica’s temperature rose?

5. 

How has the continent changed over the years?

6. 

What are the colours of Antarctica’s flag?

7. 

Why is Antarctica often called a dry land?

A. 

Antarctica has no government and no country owns this continent. It is the only region on earth which is not ruled by any nation. There are no local people in Antarctica. However, in the summer season, more than four thousand scientists from different countries come to study the mysterious region while one thousand stay there in the winter season. The scientific bases are the only ‘settlements’ with residents who stay for several months or a year.

B. 

Antarctica is a huge desert, despite the fact that it holds 70 percent of the world’s fresh water. Usually, no more than six centimeters of rain fall per year. Most of this falls in the eastern part of the continent. These figures are comparable to those of the Sahara desert. Some parts of Antarctica have had no rain or snow for the last 2 million years.

C. 

You will be surprised to know that Antarctica was found just 200 years ago. The ancient Greeks did not mark Antarctica on their maps. It was only in 1820 that travellers found this icy, white continent. Actually, it happened by accident. The captain of the Imperial Russian Navy, Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen, was the first person who saw Antarctica from his ship. It was on 27^th January 1820.

D. 

Antarctica contains about 90 percent of the world’s ice. It also has 8 times more ice than the Arctic.  If all of the Antarctic ice melted, the sea level around the world would rise about 70 meters. But the average temperature in Antarctica is -37°C and the ice is in no danger of melting so far. In fact, in most parts of the continent it never gets above freezing.

E. 

Since Antarctica is not a country, it has neither a state emblem nor an official flag. However, in 2002, for the first time, a special flag was flown on Antarctica. It looks simple and elegant – a plain white map of the continent on a pale blue background. The simplicity of the colours represents the continent and its surroundings and also symbolizes Antarctica’s international neutrality.

F. 

Fifty million years ago Antarctica had a mild climate, evergreen forests and many more kinds of animals than it has today. Due to continental drift, Antarctica moved from the equator to the South Pole, where it is today. Nowadays, Antarctica is the coldest continent on the planet and almost completely covered with a layer of ice. However, its wildlife is quite diverse: from emperor penguins and humpback whales to small bugs in the coastal areas.

1. 

What does the Scarlet Sails Festival symbolise?

2. 

When and where does the festival take place?

3. 

What is the story behind the festival?

4. 

When did the tradition of the Scarlet Sails start?

5. 

Who suggested the idea of this festival?

6. 

What does the modern festival programme include?

7. 

How was the festival received in the world?

A. 

Every summer Saint Petersburg turns into a sleepless city during the famous White Nights. The Scarlet Sails Festival is one of the most spectacular events of the time period. Inspired by a well-known story by Alexander Grin, this colourful show of fireworks, music, and water performances attracts a lot of tourists each year. The festival is always held at the end of June because it is organised in honour of school graduates.

B. 

The Scarlet Sails Festival is inspired by the romantic book written by Alexander Grin a century ago. This beautiful fairy tale, published in 1923, takes place in a fictional land where a sailor named Longren made toys as he cared for his young daughter, Assol. One day the old man predicted that a prince would come for her on a ship with scarlet sails. She believed him. Much later, a ship captain learnt of the prediction and took the young dreamer away on such a ship.

C. 

For today’s young people, the festival signals that school days are over. The ship with its colourful scarlet sails serves as an image of a person’s journey towards their dreams and as such fits perfectly with those about to start a new chapter in their lives. So after the stress of study and exams, it is time to have fun, listen to music and let off some fireworks as the party spills out onto the streets of Russia’s former capital. Lots of tourists come to the city to see it all.

D. 

In 2019, the Scarlet Sails won the main prize in the Best Event World Awards in the Most Significant Event of the Year nomination. In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the popular festival was held online. It was shown on many TV channels and on social networks. Despite its online format, the 2020 celebration went down in history as the most beautiful. The Scarlet Sails Festival was included in the register of world event tourism.

E. 

On the 27th of June, 1968, Leningrad schoolchildren saw a ship with scarlet sails on the Neva River for the first time, which later became the symbol of the festival. The tradition was interrupted in 1979. It was brought back to life only 25 years later. Since then, every year a special programme of the festival has been prepared with popular music bands performances and bright firework shows held over the water area of the Neva River.

F. 

The today’s festival comes fairly close to the original festival. After a concert and theatrical performance held in Palace Square and on Vasilyevsky Island, the parade of boats along the Neva River waterfront takes place in front of the Winter Palace. Fireworks go off to classical music by famous Russian composers. Over the years, several brigs served as the dream ship with scarlet sails for the parade. Since 2019 ithas beenthe brig “Russia”.

1. 

How many of the native people of New Zealand still live there?

2. 

What meteorological information can you get looking at the flag?

3. 

What traditions have the Maoris kept to the present day?

4. 

Which tourist destination in New Zealand can become extremely dangerous? 

5. 

Where can you see the landscapes of New Zealand without going there?

6. 

How did people damage the ecosystem of New Zealand?

7. 

After which European place was New Zealand named?

A. 

The weather of New Zealand is pleasant in all seasons, though it’s rather windy. Wellington, the country’s capital, is known as the Windy City. The strongest winds blow from the south. The wind speed and direction can be seen from the flag flown from the Parliament. A large flag is flown only on calm days and a small flag is flown when windy days are expected.

B. 

More than a century before Columbus crossed the Atlantic to discover America, the Maoris sailed over thousands of kilometers of ocean to settle in New Zealand. They made their great journey in double canoes. Today, Maoris make up 14 percent of the country’s population, and their history, language and traditions are central to New Zealand’s identity.

C. 

Before humans settled in New Zealand, it had an incredible variety of birds. As they had no natural enemies to fly away from, wings became unnecessary for some birds. When Maoris and, later, Europeans went to New Zealand, they started to hunt birds. They also brought predators, including rats. The new enemies and loss of territory led to the reduction in the birds’ populations and to the complete extinction of some species.

D. 

Ever since the first ‘Lord of the Rings’ film was released in 2001, New Zealand has been known as the ‘Home of Middle-earth’. New Zealand’s dramatic scenery plays the mythical world of Middle-earth on the big screen in both ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ trilogies. More than 250 places throughout the country were used as locations for the films, which made New Zealand the greatest destination for Tolkien enthusiasts.

E. 

New Zealand is an extremely beautiful country situated in the south-western Pacific Ocean. Mountain ranges and hill country dominate New Zealand’s landscape. Its dramatic views impressed the Europeans when they first landed on the islands. The name New Zealand comes from the Dutch Nieuw Zeeland. This name was given by the first European explorer Abel Tasmanafter the province of Zeeland in the Netherlands.

F. 

Auckland’s diverse landscapes provide countless opportunities to be impressed: rainforests and black sand beaches, picturesque country gardens and calm bays. However, this region is spotted with 48 volcanic cones. Rangitoto Island, just a 25-minute ferry ride from Auckland, is the region’s most iconic volcano. A lot of tourists visit the island every day to see the volcano. Butwho knowswhen itmight wakeup?

1. 

How did the valuable present from South Africa get to England?

2. 

What animal is the symbol of South Africa?

3. 

How many years can the African giant plant live?

4. 

Why is the flag of South Africa so colourful?

5. 

What measures do the authorities take to save endangered animals?

6. 

How many names has the country got?

7. 

Why was state power divided between three places?

A. 

The Republic of South Africa is a country located at the southern tip of Africa and is washed by the Atlantic and the Indian oceans. It is sometimes called the Rainbow Nation because there are so many different cultural traditions. The Rainbow Nation includes 38 million black South Africans, 5 million whites, 3.5 million people of mixed race and 1.5 million people of Asian origin. The colours of the rainbow can now be seen on the flag of the state.

B. 

Unlike most other countries around the world, South Africa has not one but three capital cities. More precisely, the government branches are divided among the major South African cities: Pretoria, Cape Town, and Bloemfontein. When creating the state, it was decided that if the government was in one place, that place could have more influence and political control.

C. 

The majority of the population can speak and understand English, which is the language of business, politics and the media in South Africa. Most citizens know three or more languages. In total, there are eleven official languages in South Africa. So there are eleven official names for the country, one for each different language.

D. 

Today South Africa maintains its position as a major diamond producer. The largest diamond, Cullinan, was found in 1905. The Government decided to present the diamond to King Edward VII for his birthday. However, it was a problem to find a safe way to deliver such an expensive diamond to London. It was decided to place a fake diamond on a steamboat to attract those who would be interested in stealing it. The actual diamond was sent to England in a plain box via parcel post, though registered.

E. 

It is a sad truth but the population of African rhinos is getting smaller. Though using rhino horns for medicine has been illegal since 1993, this hasn’t stopped people killing this rare animal simply for the horn. To prevent rhino extinction, their horns are covered with a special toxin that does not harm the animal. But it is designed in such a way that any product (powder, tea or cream) that is made from the poisoned horn will taste bitter or will cause burns. It can also be seen in airport scanners.

F. 

Baobabs, the largest trees in the world, grow in South Africa. The baobab is called ‘The Tree of Life’. It provides food, water and shelter to people, animals and birds. All the parts of the baobab are used for different purposes. For example, its fruit, called ‘monkey bread’, is full of vitamin C. Baobabs live up to five thousand years and reach a trunk diameter of twenty-five meters!

1. 

When did the history of Murmansk start?

2. 

Why was the city of Murmansk called so?

3. 

Were there any dramatic events in the city’s history?

4. 

What is modern Murmansk like?

5. 

What is the climate of the city area?

6. 

How can tourists travel to Murmansk?

7. 

What attractions of the area are worth seeing?

A. 

Murmansk is the largest city in the world located above the Arctic Circle. It is one of the unique spots on the planet. Despite being close to the Arctic Circle, Murmansk has a relatively mild climate. Murmansk’s average temperature in January is a comfortable -12.6°C, while July has the average temperature of 14.2°C. The reason for this is the Barents Sea with its warm North Atlantic Current, bringing tropical water into the northern region.

B. 

The city of Murmansk has got its name due to the cold Barents Sea. Originally, the citizens of Norway were called “Murmans” in Russia. As time passed, the whole southern coast of the Barents Sea, located next to Norway, was known as “the Murman Coast.” And that is exactly the place where one should look for the city of Murmansk on a map. So, the name “Murmansk” simply means “the city that was built on Murman.”

C. 

Murmansk is one of the most fascinating Russian cities. Although it seems beyond belief, it was founded just over a century ago. It all started with a small settlement of fishermen that appeared on the coast of the Barents Sea in 1915. However, officially the story of the city began only a year later, in 1916, when the foundation stone of the settlement’s first church was laid. Murmansk became the last city founded in the large Russian Empire.

D. 

During WWII, the city was seriously damaged. The German army planned to take control of Murmansk in 2 days, but this plan of action was ruined. During the war, 185 000 bombs were dropped on Murmansk, but the city has never surrendered. In November of 1945, only one-fifth of the buildings were still standing. The city was reconstructed to its pre-war state in less than 10 years. And in the 1950s a new chapter of Murmansk’s history began.

E. 

Murmansk serves as the main “northern gateway” of Russia. The city is the largest seaport, which is free of ice throughout the year, and it is the most important base of the fishing industry in Russia. Shipbuilding and repairing of large boats or ships are the main Murmansk industries. The city is also an important scientific and cultural hub of the region. Murmansk is getting more and more popular as the city of international tourism.

F. 

Murmansk is a great travel destination for anyone who likes adventures or thinks that Russia has no more surprises up its sleeve. It is among the best locations to hunt for the Northern Lights. The city suburbs will make you fall in love with northern nature. There are excursions to the giant ships, as well as cruises across the northern seas. Tourists can enjoy such amazing winter activities as dog and reindeer sledding, or explore the fairy-tale Snow Village.

1. 

How did the band get their first manager?

2. 

How many songs did The Beatles record?

3. 

What does the band’s name mean?

4. 

What music of the band was lost forever?

5. 

How did The Beatles start?

6. 

What sort of music did The Beatles play? 

7. 

How did The Beatles conquer America?

A. 

The Fab Four, the famous Liverpool musical group commonly known as The Beatles, reached the peak of their popularity in the 1960s. But the real story began much earlier when Paul McCartney heard the skiffle country music played by John Lennon’s group at St. Paul’s church in Liverpool. McCartney was a brilliant guitarist, so they let him join the group at once.

B. 

The group changed its name several times, from Johnny and the Moondogs to Long John and the Silver Beatles and finally The Beatles. The short title is in itself a smart mixture of two words. The beat is a synonym for musical rhythm, while the beetles describe insects producing sounds using their shiny wings.

C. 

Lennon, Harrison, McCartney and Starr were the heart of The Beatles while the other members constantly changed. Many guitarists and drummers joined but finally left the group. The style changed too. When The Beatles left Britain to perform in Europe, they turned from folk to rock-n-roll to win over the public. They also played foreign music and composed their own songs.

D. 

Soon the group issued their first single, My Bonnie, which became popular in Liverpool. A customer once asked for it in a music shop, but there were no copies left. When Epstein, the shop owner, finally got the disc, he was surprised to hear a good quality song by the group that played in the club next to his shop. The same month he signed the first contract with The Beatles as their musical agent.

E. 

Although in 1963 the group issued more than three hundred thousand copies of their second album at home, they only broke the American market a year later. During their first tour to the USA the group was welcomed by thousands of fans at Kennedy airport in New York. For half a year The Beatles were touring the USA and were top of the charts.

F. 

During their USA tour The Beatles visited Elvis Presley. They talked a lot, played music and managed to record several priceless compositions. The reason why none of the songs have been issued is widely discussed today. No matter how hard musical agents tried to find the recordings, they failed. This is one of the secrets The Beatles left unrevealed.

1. 

Why is the musical about Shrek successful?

2. 

What makes Shrek different from traditional fairytale characters?

3. 

The voices of which celebrities can we hear in the cartoons about Shrek?

4. 

What famous films do the cartoons about Shrek remind us of?

5. 

Why do children like the cartoons about Shrek?

6. 

Why can Shrekʼs story be interesting to computer gamers? 

7. 

What person does Shrek look like?

A. 

Somewhere in a far-away magical kingdom, there lived a beautiful princess, a prince and animals who could talk like humans. This is a typical plot for many fairy tales. In 1990, a short story for children about Shrek, a big green troll, appeared. Unlike previous heroes, he looked ugly and scary but had a big, kind heart. In 2001, DreamWorks studio made the first animated Shrek cartoon.

B. 

All the characters of the cartoons about Shrek are easy to remember and have a good sense of humour. The cartoons are full of episodes about friendship, good and evil, love and family values. The cartoons present an amusing mixture of traditional fairy tales and real-life events familiar to everyone. All that made the story of the troll very popular, especially with children.

C. 

Maurice Tillet was a famous professional French boxer and wrestler of the 20^th century. Unfortunately, at the age of twenty he got a rare disease which changed his body and appearance. It made him look like a huge troll. Few people know that Shrek’s appearance copies that of Maurice Tillet. However,in contrast to the cartoon character, Maurice Tillet was highly intelligent – he spoke fourteen languages and was good at writing prose.

D. 

Several scenes in cartoons about Shrek are based on scenes from famous movies. For example, the ‘Welcome to Duloc’ song sounds like the popular Disney tune ‘It’s a Small World’. During the fight between Fiona and Robin Hood’s men, the camera moves as in ‘The Matrix’. There are hints of the ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Mission Impossible’.

E. 

The famous story was also made into a Broadway show, ‘Shrek the Musical’. Technically, the musical show is not the same as the film but it has its advantages. Children and adults enjoy seeing celebrities in the roles of Shrek and Princess Fiona. The success of the musical is also based on a nice combination of new and old popular songs.

F. 

The stories about the green troll and his friends are for all ages. Teenagers and grown-ups may enjoy modern computer games about Shrek. Computer stories have attractive design and dynamic plots, so gamers and fans will not be bored. Though the images of Shrek and Fiona are a bit different from the film, they are easily recognizable.

1. 

What cities are included in the Golden Ring of Russia?

2. 

What is special about the Golden Ring cities?

3. 

How is it possible to visit the cities of the Golden Ring?

4. 

When is it better to travel to the Golden Ring cities?

5. 

What are the accommodation options for tourists?

6. 

What cities of the Golden Ring should be visited first?

7. 

Who is the Golden Ring tour for?

A. 

The Golden Ring of Russia is an unusual and interesting route, featuring the medieval cities of Russia with a great number of churches and monasteries. The cities of the Golden Ring escaped most of the industrial progress. Some local communities there still live in a traditional way of life of the countryside. The most valuable thing about the Golden Ring is that its cities keep the original buildings of old times, and many of them have remained almost the same as they were in the past.

B. 

The Golden Ring tour is a perfect experience for those who have visited the two capitals many times and are looking for more relaxing and quiet experiences now. The Russian countryside is a place to go if a person wants a journey outside the noise of big cities. The Golden Ring will be a real pleasure for those who are into history, as they will learn a lot about it. This interesting journey is also a wonderful chance to try traditional Russian food.

C. 

The Golden Ring is a real attraction for tourists who want to feel the true Russian spirit. This famous touristic route consists of nine ancient Russian cities. The cities that are traditionally listed in the Golden Ring are Sergiev Posad, Pereslavl-Zalesskiy, Rostov the Great, Yaroslavl, Kostroma, Ivanovo, Suzdal, Vladimir, and Uglich. The Golden Ring consists of many well-known monasteries, medieval wooden houses, and a range of historical monuments.

D. 

Generally, from 2 to 5 days are needed to visit the Golden Ring’s most interesting locations. Day-trips from Moscow are available for those who have only a few free days to spend in the Golden Ring cities. In fact, it is not a problem to visit just a few cities in the series. One can travel by trains and buses, but the most convenient way is to travel by car or book an organised minivan tour that offers convenient transportation.

E. 

Though it is easy to take day-trips from the capital to the Golden Ring cities, one should also consider spending in one of them a few days just to have more time to relax, enjoy nature, and the local atmosphere. There are not many 5-star hotels in these cities though, but it does not mean that it is difficult to find where to stay.  There are stylish small hotels with cosy comfortable rooms, often decorated with wood and various handicrafts.

F. 

The very peak of the high tourist season in Russia is from early May till late September. The weather is warm and sunny during the summer months, and the spring months offer rolling green fields and flowers. This is the perfect time for a tour of the Golden Ring cities, to see top attractions in no rush. There are more rainy days towards October and November, so it is wise to choose a date starting sometime between May and September.

1. 

Why were ravens considered to be scary and dangerous birds?

2. 

Why is keeping a raven as a pet really difficult?

3. 

How do ravens entertain themselves?

4. 

What is a raven’s essential diet?

5. 

How can you distinguish a raven from a crow?

6. 

Why are ravens important for Great Britain?

7. 

What tricks do ravens play to get and save their food?

A. 

For intelligence, ravens rate up with chimpanzees and dolphins. These birds have the largest brain of any bird species. Ravens can push rocks on people to keep them from climbing to their nests and play dead to scare other ravens away from a delicious meal. If a raven knows another raven is watching, it hides the tasty bits. It pretends to put the food in one place but hides it in another.

B. 

It’s amazing to watch ravens sliding on snow-covered roofs. For fun, they also roll down snowy hills. Ravens often play keep-away with other animals like wolves, foxes and dogs. They even make toys – a rare animal behavior – from sticks, pine cones, golf balls, or rocks to play with each other or by themselves. When they feel bored, they mock other creatures like crows, cats and dogs and find it very amusing.

C. 

According to surveys, the ravens are one of the main reasons why tourists come to see the Tower of London. Nobody knows when the ravens first appeared there but there is a belief that at least six ravens must always remain on the territory of the Tower. Otherwise, the British Monarchy may fall. To prevent the birds from flying away their wings are clipped every three weeks.

D. 

In the past, in some cultures, people were truly afraid of these dark birds. In Germany, ravens were considered to be the incarnation of criminals’ souls. In Sweden, ravens were thought to be the souls of murdered people. And in Denmark, people believed that it was dangerous to look at ravens because you could turn into a raven yourself.

E. 

Sometimes people find injured ravens and take them home, but it’s really challenging. These birds require a lot of care, a lot of freedom and a lot of time. Ravens are wild creatures, and they cannot be treated like cats and dogs are. If the bird is strong and healthy, it is unfair and cruel to keep it in captivity. In some countries it’s even illegal. So if you really love and admire these birds, enjoy them from a distance.

F. 

These birds are often confused with each other because they are both black birds. Even people who are well aware of the differences between them can get confused. Ravens are larger than crows, with thicker beaks and longer tails. Ravens have a deeper voice than crows.

1. 

What was coffee’s long way to Europe like?

2. 

How did drinking coffee become a social life activity?

3. 

How was coffee discovered?

4. 

Why was coffee prohibited in some countries?

5. 

What ingredients are used in coffee recipes?

6. 

Why do some people refuse to drink coffee?

7. 

What helped coffee to conquer the USA?

A. 

Coffee was first found in Eastern Africa in the area we know today as Ethiopia. A popular legend says that one day, a man called Kaldi was watching his goats eating grass and leaves. He noticed that after eating berries from a certain bush, the goats became very active. Curious, Kaldi tried the berries himself. He found that these berries gave him additional energy. The story quickly spread throughout the region.

B. 

The first coffee berries were transported from Ethiopia to Arabian countries and then they were cultivated in Yemen. From there, coffee travelled to Turkey where coffee beans were roasted for the first time over open fires. The roasted beans were crushed and then boiled in water, creating the drink we enjoy today. Finally, in the seventeenth century, coffee arrived in France, Britain and Italy.

C. 

The first coffeehouses opened in Mecca and quickly became popular centres of social and political activity. The government believed that coffee stimulated radical thinking, and even thought it might unite the opposition. As a result, soon coffee was forbidden in Mecca. The same thing happened in Turkey a century later, when coffee drinkers were severely punished.

D. 

They say, in 1776, the thirteen American colonies adopted coffee as their national drink instead of tea. When the British tried to raise the tax on tea, Americans refused to buy it and switched to coffee. In fact, by drinking coffee, Americans demonstrated their political views and their dislike for the British – the famous tea-lovers.

E. 

The Italians drink their espresso with sugar, the Germans and Swiss add an equal part of hot chocolate, the Mexicans prefer it with cinnamon, and the Belgians – with chocolate. Coffee drinkers in the Middle East usually add cardamom and spices. The Egyptians, on the other hand, are extremely fond of pure, strong coffee. They add neither milk nor cream.

F. 

When the first European coffeehouses opened, they quickly grew into places where people played chess, exchanged gossip, sang and danced. Coffeehouses were very popular. Anyone could go and enjoy a cup of the drink because the price of a cup of coffee was reasonable. European coffeehouses became meeting points for intellectuals, writers and businessmen.

1. 

What can the Indian ancient drawings tell us about?

2. 

Why do people come to the holy waters?

3. 

Where are Indian movies made?

4. 

Why is India getting more and more popular with tourists?

5. 

How can travellers escape the heat?

6. 

Which ancient language influenced modern languages a lot?

7. 

Why is the Indian capital called a city of contrasts?

A. 

The world’s first university was established in India in 700 BC, where more than 10,500 students from around the world studied more than 60 different subjects. The training was conducted in Sanskrit. Nowadays, Sanskrit is considered to be the mother of all the European languages. Its elements can be traced in most of them.

B. 

The most frequently visited place in India is Delhi, the capital city of the country. It seems to be divided into two parts. New Delhi is a modern city with hi-tech architecture, tourist attractions and modern facilities. Old Delhi is several centuries old, with narrow streets, ancient churches and noisy bazaars. Lots of people live in slums without the most essential facilities like toilets and running water.

C. 

People all over the world know of India’s greatest river, the Ganges.  The river looks extremely beautiful in the morning light. It is the subject of thousands of prayers. It has become a common ritual for pilgrims to gather by the holy river in the mornings. It is believed that bathing in the Ganges helps to cure all kinds of diseases and can improve your life in general.

D. 

Indian climate differs from one part of the country to another. The air is cool and fresh in the mountains, but in the plains it is usually very hot and dry, so even a short trip can be very hard for an inexperienced traveller. That is why tourists are always glad to have a rest at one of the numerous stations in the hills. There they can enjoy a nice cup of real Indian tea, the most refreshing drink in such a climate.

E. 

India is not all history. It is also famous for its Bollywood industry, which produces different films. Indian films have always had their own style; they are rich in music and dancing. Though the industry is still developing, many Indian film stars have received Oscar prizes and are known throughout the world. The home of Bollywood is Mumbai, also known as a busy port and the country’s commercial centre.

F. 

There is an unusual treasure hidden in the Indian mountains. These are striking ancient temples cut in the rocks. For example, the Buddhist cave temples at Ajanta were built at least 2,000 years ago. Inside the caves on the walls, tourists can see animal images and pictures of people’s lives. Some researchers believe that the interpretation of the images can help us to learn a lot about people’s lives in ancient times.

1. 

What natural resource do Icelanders use as an alternative to central heating?

2. 

What should you take with you when going to Iceland?

3. 

What are thenational characteristics of the local people?

4. 

In what seasons can you see snow in Iceland?

5. 

What extreme excursions can the country offer?

6. 

What does a traditional Icelandic house look like?

7. 

Why are these animals widely used in tourist business?

A. 

In spite of its hard northern climate, Iceland is very attractive to tourists. Many people who have visited the country once want to go there again and again. The country turns skeptics into poets and optimists. It’s not only because of the views but also because of the local people. Icelanders are friendly and hospitable and welcome guests. It really compensates for the cold harsh climate!

B. 

An adventurous traveller would never mistake Iceland’s scenery for any other because of the boiling water fountains and the steam coming from the earth. Smoking volcanoes attract the bravest tourists. Iceland is the only place in the world where you can hike up a volcano and even go inside. There are guided walks to the glaciers, large masses of slowly moving ice, too.

C. 

Icelandic weather is unpredictable throughout the year. Bright sunshine can easily change to cold and miserable weather within a few hours. In the summer, rain is typical in Iceland. From September to May, when the temperature falls, it often snows, especially on the south and west coasts.

D. 

Till nowadays Icelanders cannot do without horses. And horses are very important not only for farming. From the Viking Age, horses have become a part of Iceland’s culture. They look like My Little Pony toys but they are exceptionally strong, so they can do heavy work and survive cold winters. The horses are good-natured, which is perfect for new riders. Guesthouses and travel companies across the country offer horse rides and tours.

E. 

If you decide to visit Iceland, you’ll never regret your decision. The only thing that can spoil your trip is the weather. That’s why it’s very important to get a reliable weather forecast whatever season it is. If you wear appropriate clothes and have some smart heating devices, neither rain nor snow can ruin your trip.

F. 

Hengill, a place near Reykjavik, is a famous landmark of the country. It is a field of more than 7 thousand hot springs. The water from the springs is used to warm the houses and to fill the open pools in the capital of Iceland. The water comes from below the earth where the temperature is about seven thousand degrees.

1. 

How many official languages are there in the Republic of Ireland?

2. 

Which colour dominates on the island?

3. 

What do the colours of the Irish flag mean?

4. 

What Irish name is now used as a noun in several European languages?

5. 

After what Irish person did a geographical place get its name?

6. 

What are the two things associated with the country?

7. 

Why is the name of an Irishman well-known in the United States?

A. 

One of the informal names of Ireland is ‘the Emerald Isle’. This is because of its lush greenery and rolling hills. The island country receives a lot of rain each year, which keeps the grass green and the plants blooming. Experts argue that the flora of Ireland demonstrates more than forty shades of green.

B. 

The most famous symbol of Ireland is undoubtedly the shamrock clover. However, the official emblem of the country is the Celtic harp. Ireland is the only country in the world to have a musical instrument as its national symbol. The harp has become Ireland’s national symbol not because it was created there, but due to the collection of the oldest harps in the world which can now be seen in the museum at Trinity College in Dublin.

C. 

There is a tricolour of green, white and orange vertical stripes on the national flag of the Republic of Ireland. The flag was designed to reflect the country’s political situation. Created in 1848, the orange stripe represents Irish Protestants. Green is for Irish Catholics and white is for the hope that peace might eventually be reached between them.

D. 

Most people of the Republic of Ireland speak English. Itis the second official language of the country because, according to the Constitution, Irish (Gaelic) is the national language of the Republic of Ireland. Irish was the primary language that was used on the island. Though children are still taught Irish at school, the language is losing its importance.

E. 

The White House, the official residence of the US President, was designed by an Irishman. James Hoban was born in Ireland and studied architecture in his homeland. In 1792, James Hoban won a competition for the construction of the President's house in America. He spent nine years supervising the building process. He also designed a few other important buildings in the American capital. No wonder that the name of James Hoban is famous across the ocean.

F. 

The widely used word boycott originated in Ireland. In 1880, a campaign of isolation against Charles Boycott, a land agent, was started. He threw out the farmers from his land when they complained that the rents were too high. After that, the local shops refused to serve him, his servants left and the boy who delivered his mail disappeared too. The surname of the land agent became a word which means ‘silently ignoring somebody or something’. The word was adopted in English, French, Dutch, German, Russian etc.