1.

Problems with holidays

Every year when the summer comes people have the same problem: where to go on
holiday?
The mountains are fine with people who like walking but the weather could ruin their
plans, and if it rains for six days, there is nothing to do.
Other people prefer the seaside but all the best places are so crowded.
So why not go abroad and visit some of the world’s famous cities?
This can be quite expensive, though.
And by the way, staying at home isn’t very cheap, either, as you often end up spending
money on entertainment like theatres, shops and cafés.
Many of these places close for the holidays, which can also be a problem.
Really, when you come to think about it, holidays mean so much trouble that it is stange
we haven’t got rid of them yet!

2. Daily routine

I wake up at quarter to six then I get up and go to the bathroom.

In the bathroom I brush my teeth and have a shower.
After that I get dressed and I do my hair.
I have breakfast in the kitchen, usually a sandwich with ham or a toast with jam.
I leave home at quarter to seven and I go to school by bus.
At school I have six or seven lessons a day.
I have lunch at twelve o’clock.
At three o’clock I go home.
First I take the dog out for a walk, then I do my homework and study.
In the afternoon I listen to music, meet my friends, play games or watch TV.
In the evening I take a bath after supper and I go to bed at nine o’clock,
Sometimes I read in bed.
The last thing I do is to set my alarm clock.
 3. A typical mother

She wakes up at half past five.

She makes breakfast for the children.
Then she prepares the beds and cleans the kitchen.
Then she gets dressed and takes the children to school.
Then she goes to work.
After working she does the shopping.
At 4 o’clock she picks up the children from school.
In the afternoon she does the housework (for example, cooking, washing, washing up
and ironing).
In the evening, she helps the children with their homework and plays cards or
boardgames with them.
She makes the dinner, and after that she puts the children to bed and reads fairy tales
for them.
She goes to bed at 11 o’clock.

4. Brotherly love

According to a website, most teenagers have a difficult relationship with their brothers
and sisters. They argue a lot. But most adults are very keen on their brothers and sisters
and have a good relationship. So when does the situation change? The answer is around
the age of twenty-five. But for teenage brothers and sisters with difficult relationships,
what can they do? How can they get on well? Here are a few ideas:
-When your brother or sister uses your things, don’t get angry about it – learn to share
-Imagine your brother or sister is a friend – and be nice!
-Don’t tell people your brother’s or sister’s secrets
-Give your brother or sister some time alone when they need it
 5. Our school

Our school is named after Apostle Paul. It is an elementary and a secondary school. It is
situated not far from the centre of the seventeenth district of Budapest. It’s fairly
modern, it was built about forty years ago and it has been renovated. If you enter the
building you will find a large hall in front of you. On the left side of it there’s the porter’s
office. The porter can see the visitors on a monitor and can open the door by a remote
control.
Opposite the porter’s office there’s the school buffet. Next to the porter’s office there’s
the corridor to the gym and the changing rooms. Behind the gym you can find the school
library.
Our school is a two-story building. The classrooms are quite big but unfortunately the
corridors are narrow. The elementary classrooms are on the ground floor, and the
secondary school classes are on the first floor, just like the computer laboratory and the
chemistry laboratory.
There is a big playground area with sports fields around the school building where we
can play football or basketball. In addition there is a big park next to our school. We
sometimes go running int he park in the P.E. lessons.
The school canteen is on the ground floor. We can have our lunch there. We take a tray
and cutlery at the counter and get the food from the dinner ladies. When we finish our
lunch we have to put the tray and plates on the tray-return rack.
I’m a secondary school student, I’m in year 9. I have seven or eight, forty-five minute
lessons every day with fifteen minute breaks between them. I have to study Maths,
History, Geography, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Hungarian Grammar and Literature,
P.E., R. E., I. T. C., Art, English and German Language. I am always extremely exhausted
by the end of the day.
There are many school events during a year. We have school trips, Saint Márton Day
performances, Christmas parties, special programs on Paul Day and many other things:
the breaking up ceremony, the school leavers’ ball, the school leaving ceremony and we
also celebrate national holidays.
I like our school because I have got a lot of friends here. I’m good at English, German and
Biology, and I’m also interested in them.
 6. Impossible Images
Celebrities post selfies on social media; millions of teenage girls see them and try to copy
them. They want to have the same artificial hairstyles and makeup. I really believe that
this is becoming a big problem. Boys and girls are worrying about their appearance all
the time, and they’re becoming unhappy.
In my view, social networking websites like Facebook and Instagram are part of the
problem. A bad photo gets unkind comments. Everybody thinks it’s important to look
good all the time. They can’t relax.
To be honest, this isn’t just a problem for girls. Boys have pressures too. They are
surrounded by images of male celebrities with muscular bodies, so they take dangerous
drugs to make their bodies muscular.

7. My physical appearance
I’m of average height, so I’m not short and not tall.
I’m quite sporty, I’m not thin and plumpy.
I’ve got middle-length, straight, brown hair.
I’ve got green eyes with long eyelashes.
I’ve got arched eyebrows, my eyebrows aren’t straight.
I haven’t got freckles.
I haven’t got rosy cheeks. (?)
My lips are full, so they aren’t thin.
I haven’t got prominent chins.
I wear glasses.
I haven’t got moustache or a beard.
 8. Eating out
I would like to be healthy and I don’t want to put on weight, so I try to have a balanced
diet. I never skip breakfast, I eat a lot of fruit and vegetables – at least two or three
portions a day, they contain a lot of fibre, minerals and vitamins. I try to avoid salty and
sugary snacks. I rarely eat junk food. It’s greasy and unhealthy. I drink milk or yogurt
every day because they are good sources of calcium. Calcium is good your our bones.
When I am thirsty I drink mineral water or fruit juice.
My friends say that I am a picky eater, but the truth is that I just pay attention to what I
drink and eat.
There is only one food on this earth that I refuse to eat and that is liver. My mum made
me eat it when I was a little child because she said it would make me big and strong. I
hate it. My only weakness is chocolate. I have a really sweet tooth and cannot walk by a
bar of chocolate and not eat it. I love sweets. My favourite food is pancakes. I love them.
Jam filled pancakes, pancakes with Nutella or cottage cheese.
I like to try new foods, especially food from other countries. When we are abroad or eat
at a foreign restaurant, I always order something special.
We do not go out very often; only on special occasions such as birthdays, namedays or
my parents wedding anniversary.
I don’t have one favourite restaurant. I love Italian food and Italian restaurant. They have
a special décor, candlelit tables and friendly atmosphere with Italian music playing in the
background. The good is delicious and the service is usually quick and excellent.
Unfortunately I cannot cook. The only thing I can make is scrambled eggs, but that’s all.
Restaurant:
-you book a table
-you go to the restaurant
-the waiter or waitress shows you your table
-you order some drinks
-you read the menu
-then you order your food – usually a starter, a main course and a dessert
-you have your meal
-you ask for the bill
-if you’re satisfied with the food and the service, you leave a tip (usually 10%)
But in fast food restaurants, you order your food at the counter, you pay and then you
take the food to your table or take it away.
 9. Countrylife vs Citylife
There are a lot of advantages of living in the countryside.
The best thing about living in the country is that you get peace and quiet.
There isn’t much traffic, so the air is cleaner and it’s less polluted than in the city.
You are surrounded by beautiful scenery and you can walk in the countryside.
There is not much crime. It is much safer than big cities. What is more, life is slower and
more relaxed.
People are usually friendlier and more patient.
A lot of land is used for farming. Some farms grow crops (wheat, apples, potatoes…) and
some keep animals (cows, pigs, sheep, chickens).
However, there are some disadvantages of living in the countryside.
To tell the truth, there is sometimes not much to do. There are less activities. There isn’t
much nightlife or entertainment; there aren’t many shops, cinemas and theatres.
Public transport is terrible, almost hopeless.
There isn’t much privacy. Everyone knows everybody and the things that you are doing.
There are a lot of advantages of living in the city.
The best thing about living in the city is that there are plenty of things to do.
Life there is very exciting. There is a vivid nightlife and entertainment. There are a lot of
cultural activities, shops, cinemas, theatres and museums.
It is cosmopolitan. It is full of people from many different countries and cultures.
There are many job opportunities, so it is easier to find work there.
However, there are some disadvantages of city life.
Cities are very crowded. They are full of people. Sometimes people are unfriendly. They
seem angry, probably because they are always in a rush.
Cities are noisier and more dangerous than the countryside.
There is more crime.
Streets are often dirty and the air more polluted than in the countryside.
There are too many cars. Parking is very difficult.
The cost of living is higher. Houses, flats, transport are much more expensive than in the
countryside.
 10. Sports
Sport plays a very important role in my life. Physical exercise is very useful to keep
ourselves fit and healthy and it’s also a good way of spending our free time. As the old
saying goes: “Good health is better than the best medicine.” Doing sports makes us more
resistant to illnesses.
At school we have three P.E. lessons a week. I love P.E.; it’s one of my favourite lessons.
We start with running and warm-up exercises, then we do gymnastics or play different
games. In the afternoon, there are many optional sports courses we can choose from.
My favourite sport is volleyball. It’s great fun. It’s a team sport, so it brings people
together. I am in the school volleyball team. We have practice lessons every weekday
and at least one match every weekend. To become a good volleyball player, you need
skill and determination. Practice sessions are important. You must practice serving and
passing. You also have to learn how to play together as a team.
I also love swimming. It keeps me fit, I find it relaxing and enjoyable. When I’m in the
pool, I forget about everything and just enjoy being in the water.
In winter, we often go skiing. I love skiing, I consider myself a good skier, and I also have
a good sense of balance. I love sliding down the side of a mountain. There’s nothing like
flying on skis. It’s a great feeling.
The only sport I hate is boxing. I think it’s pure business; it’s all about money. It is also
very dangerous, I think it should be banned.
I like watching sport competitions on TV. At home, we have four different sport channels.
Fortunately, they have a varied programme. I love watching football and basketball
matches, tennis tournaments, athletic events, but most of all, car races. I’m a big
Formula-1 fan.
 11. 17th district
I live in the 17th district of Budapest. It is suburban area with lots of detected and semi-
detected houses with garden around them. In the centre of the district there is a large
housing estate with high-rise blocks of flats. The main square, called Fő tér has recently
been renewed. Now there is a fountain in the middle with benches around it to have a
bit of rest in summer, a snack bar to have something over a chat with your friends and in
winter an ice rink to have fun.
The public transport is quite good here, you can get to Örs vezér tere by bus or by train
from Rákosliget railway station within 20 minutes where you can get the underground
which is the faster way to travel around in the city. If you choose the bus, it will take you
about 35 minutes to the underground station in Örs vezér tere.
The shopping facilities are okay, there are many different shops and boutiques, there is a
new market in the centre and there are some supermarkets as well, like Tesco.
Those who like sports can play football (there are lots of football pitches), play tennis
(there are some tennis courts), go swimming (there are two swimming pools) or ice-
skate in winter on Naplás lake if it’s cold enough or on the ice rink in Fő tér.
Those who are interested in horse riding can go for it in several places in the district.
There is a geographically unique part of the 17th district, called Merzse marsh, which is
the only marsh in a European capital city. Unfortunately, it is drying out because of the
climate change, but you still can go on birdwatching tours with experts if you are fond of.
We have a theatre in the district named after Gózon Gyula, a famous Hungarian actor.
Although there aren’t any cinemas in the district, there are leisure centres which provide
various programs for the local citizens.
I personally like living here because it’s quiet, peaceful and the air pollution is not as bad
as it is in the downtown.
 12. Introduction
My name is Áron Jamriskó, my friends call me Æron, and my parents call me Pupi. They
gave this nickname to me when I was a little child.
I’m from Hungary and I live in the capital city, Budapest.
I’m fifteen years old, more precisely, I had my fifteenth birthday in March, so my
sixteenth birthday is far away.
As I’m fifteen years old, I’m a student. I go to Pál Apostol Secondary School in the
seventeenth district of Budapest.
I can speak three languages. Hungarian, which is my native language, English, which I’ve
been learning for nine years now, and a little bit of German.
As for my appearance, my height is average. I’ve got middle-length straight brown hair (I
usually don’t wear a ponytail). I’ve got normal sized green eyes. Talking of my face, it’s
round. I’m not snub-nosed. My eyelashes aren’t very long and my eyebrows are arched.
I’ve got a normal sized mouth but full lips. I wear glasses.
I think I’m open and friendly. I get on well with most people, and it goes without saying
that I’ve got a lot of friends. I really don’t like to be alone. I’m extremely loyal, and expect
the same loyalty in return. I consider myself a good listener. When people have any
problems, they usually talk to me. My friends, however, say that I’m usually bossy. I like
telling people what to do. I’m also too outspoken.
On the whole, I’m satisfied with myself. In my opinion, we should accept ourselves as we
are. My friends say that my best quality is my sincerity.
 13. Videogames
Many people assume that video games have a negative effect on young people. A lot of
time in front of a screen is bad for the mind and the body, they believe. Combat games
cause the most concern because of the violence. But playing videogames is sometimes
good for children’s education, health and social skills.
Research shows that video games can actually improve certain mental skills. This is
especially true for combat games. There games teach players to think about objects in
three dimensions and this makes them better at studying science, technology,
engineering and maths.
However, other types of videogame can have other positive effects. Children who spend
a lot of time playing RPGs get better grades at school.
Playing any kind of videogame improves children’s creativity.
Quick and simple games like Angry Birds can improve players’ mood and prevent them
from feeling anxious. This emotional benefit is important, feeling relaxed and happy is
good for your health.
Videogames teach children how to react well to failure. In videogames player continually
fail and try again. This makes them emotionally strong in real life.
Videogames can improve social skills too. The players learn useful social skills: how to
lead a group, how to work together and how to make decisions.
 14. Film review – Eragon
Eragon is a best-selling fantasy novel written by the teenager author Christopher Paolini.
It tells a story of a farm boy called Eragon. The book was made into film in 2006.
Eragon is a journey of experience, revenge, romance and betrayal. It is set in a land of
mystery and magic (called Alagaesia). Eragon is a normal teenager, although both of his
parents are dead and he lives with his uncle on a farm. However, his life changes when
he finds a dragon’s egg on a hunting expedition. When the dragon hatches, Eragon
becomes a Dragon Rider and the real adventures begin.
The movie based on the lovely book was hurriedly done, and poorly directed. One of the
strengths of the novel is the plot, which holds the reader’s attention from beginning to
end. Unfortunately, the complex plot is reduced to its bare elements making the story
very predictable.
Although the special effects are spectacular, the acting isn’t very convincing, and the
characters have no similarities to the characters in the book. The main character in the
book is very likeable and has fascinating adventures. He in only 15 and not 17, as in the
movie. The dragon’s wings are not thin membranes, but covered with feathers in the
film. I didn’t really like the soundtrack either.
What I liked most about the book is the relationship between Eragon and his dragons.
The reader sees their friendship developing. Sadly, so many exciting and interesting
details are ruined in the adaptation.
Having read and enjoyed the books I had high hopes and was disappointed with the
movie.
I wouldn’t recommend the film to those who have read the novel, especially if they had
enjoyed the engaging and gripping fantasy literature.

15. Advertising in schools

A lot of parents and teachers are worried about advertising in schools. Some food
companies put up posters in school and give leaflets to the students. Some companies
give sports equipment to school if students buy a lot of chocolate bars or crisps. Of
course, a lot of students are keen on these snacks and are happy to buy them. In some
schools there are vending machines. These machines sell drinks and snacks that are
popular with teenagers – they love them! But the drinks and food are also bad for your
health, and some people say they are responsible for obesity in children. Other people
say that students are used to advertisements and the students don’t buy more snacks
and drinks because of them.
 1. Introduction
Hi Heejin,
My name is Áron. I’m fifteen years old. How are you?
My hometown is Budapest in Hungary. My parents are also from Budapest. I’ve got a
lot of cousins in Budapest too.
Where are you from?
I’ve got green eyes and brown hair. I’ve got a sister, she has hazel eyes and brown
hair, but I haven’t got a brother.
We’ve got a dog called Dakota. She is two years old, and she’s very beautiful.
Have you got any brothers and sisters?
Write soon,
Áron

2. New school
Dear Hyunjin,
How are you? Are you enjoying your new school?
Everyone here is fine, but I am getting really angry with my sister. She is doing a lot of
exams this term, so she is working very hard. She spends every evening at her desk. I have to
do all her jobs around the house, because she isn’t helping with the housework at all. It’s so
unfair!
That’s all for now. Mum is calling me – dinner is ready! When are you planning to visit
us?
Love,
Áron
 3. McDonald’s
Dear Haseul,
How are you? What are you doing at the moment? I am sitting in McDonald’s. I am
drinking a milkshake.
This fast food restaurant makes the best milkshakes in the town! I often come here
after school with my friends.
In fact, I am waiting from them now. They are always late. I don’t understand why!
Anyways, can I borrow your geography exercise book? I need it for that test next
week but I can’t find mine. Oh, my friends are coming into the restaurant right now.
Bye, see you later!
Áron

4. Sleepover
Dear Yeojin,
Our exams finish at the end of June and I’m having a party to celebrate. I’m planning
a sleepover at my house. I’m inviting everyone from the class. I’m organising the music, but
everyone has to bring something to eat and drink. Can you bring some fruit please – maybe
some grapes and strawberries? Put it in your diary.
Hope you can make it. Let me know!
Love, Áron

5. Triathlon
Dear Vivi,
Thanks for your letter. Sorry I didn’t reply sooner. My exams finished last week, and
tomorrow the summer holiday starts.
Guess what! I’m going to take part in triathlon. It’s taking place in Hyde Park in
London, and I’m already training for it. I run, swim or cycle every day. You need quite a lot of
equipment. My parents bought me a really good bike and helmet for my birthday. I’ve
already got a wetsuit, but I’ll need to buy goggles and new running shoes before the race.
It’s quite a big event and I think there’ll be a lot of spectators.
Anyway, that’s all for now. Write soon.
Love, Áron
P. S. The triathlon is at the end of July. It would be great if you could come and cheer
me on!
 6. Italy
Hi Kim Lip,
How are you? We are having a wonderful time here in Italy.
The people here are so friendly, open-minded and generous (but a little bit too
talkative to tell you the truth).
Our apartment is cozy, close to all amenities and very conveniently located. We have
a breathtaking view from the balcony.
After we had arrived, we spent the first day on the beach. We went kayaking, but
Sam did not come because he was sunbathing.
As yesterday was a bit windy, we decided to go to the shopping district where we
could buy some lovely souvenirs. We ate out in the evening and had a mouthwatering meal
in a pizza restaurant. It was the most delicious pizza I’ve ever had!
We are planning to visit Rome tomorrow. We will set off early in the morning and we
will be visiting all the famous attractions of the city.
I wish you could be here! Back on Sunday. See you then.
Love,
Áron
 7. Invitation and reply
Dear Jinsoul,
I’m having a party on the beach to celebrate the end of term. It’s on Sunday 20 July
and starts at 3 p. m.
In the afternoon, we’re going to try two different water-sports; jet-skiing and kite
surfing. It’s going to be a lot of fun!
In the evening, we’re having a BBQ on the beach, with loads of food and music too.
Please let me know if you can come.
Áron
P. S. My dad is doing the BBQ, so you don’t have to bring anything.

Dear Áron,
Thank you so much for your invitation. It sounds like a great way to celebrate the
start of the school holidays. Unfortunately, I can’t make it, because I’m going to be in France
with my parents.
We get back on 27 July. It would be nice to meet up some time though. Why don’t we
go to the cinema together?
I hope you will enjoy the party!
Jinsoul

8. Weekend (past events)

Hi Choerry,
How are you? I hope you had a good weekend. My weekend was great.
On Friday evening, I did all my homework, so I could relax on Saturday and Sunday.
On Saturday morning, I went into town and bought new speakers for my laptop. In
the afternoon a friend came to see me. He brought a few DVDs, so we stayed at home and
watched them.
On Sunday morning, I spoke to my cousin on Skype. Then, in the afternoon, I played
football in the park. Tom and Logan from our class were there, so it was fun. In the evening I
went to church.
See you soon!
Love,
Áron
 9. Cinema – movie review
Dear Yves,
Thanks for your letter, and sorry I didn’t respond. I have been busy studying for my
exams.
I went to see a great film at the cinema last weekend – Iron Man 3. I went with my
friend Lily because she loves the Iron Man films. It isn’t a new film, but it was definitely
worth seeing again. The special effects are amazing and it also has a clever plot with lots of
twists. There are some funny lines in the script too.
After the film, we met some other friends at a noodle bar in the town. It was fun but I
didn’t really like the food. It was really spicy!
Do you fancy going to the cinema next week? They are having a season of action
films, including all the Batman series. Let me know and I’ll book the tickets.
Anyways, I’ll better go now. Ring me and let me know about the cinema.
Love,
Áron

10. Greece
Dear Chuu,
How are things with you? We’re having a great time in Greece. The islands are
fascinating and the weather is hot and sunny every fay.
To be honest, we were a little bored at first because we weren’t sure what to do, and
it’s annoying not to be able to talk to people in their own language or understand what
they’re saying.
But then we met a group of people from Sweden who had lots of ideas for exciting
things to do every day.
We went snorkelling today. We were amazed by the number of fish we saw, but then
it was a bit disgusting when we ate some of the same fish for lunch afterwards!
We are looking forward to see you in September. Say hello to your family!
Best wishes,
Áron