“Xarici dillər” kafedrası

2023-2024-ci il kollokvium sualları

Speakout İntermediate
II semestr (I kurs)

Reading
Memories and music on a desert island
BBC radio started broadcasting in 1927 and some of the programmes it broadcasts today are
almost as old.
One programme that has a long history is Desert Island Discs. For over 70 years, people from all
parts of society and the world have been invited to go on the programme to talk about some of the
special or interesting things that have happened to them and choose eight pieces of music that hold a
special memory or meaning for them.
The people who have been on Desert Island Discs range from actors and musicians to scientists
and politicians. Some people are less in the public eye but have made great contributions to society,
such as pioneering surgeons and scientists. It can be interesting and surprising to hear about the
fascinating lives of these less-well-known guests.
So what kind of music do people choose as their favourite tracks?
The music is often classical but there are also a lot of modern songs, too.
The author J. Rowling chose a mixture of music that ranged from the Beatles to Beethoven. In-
between each track, she talked about her life, telling listeners about her time as a schoolgirl, and the
train trip that inspired the Hogwarts Express and Harry Potter, her most famous creation.
Princess Margaret, the sister of the British Queen, Elizabeth II, chose military music and also a
rock song among her tracks.
At the end of the programme, once the guest has talked about his/her chosen songs and the impact
they have had on his/her life, it's time to make some important decisions.
The question is this: If you were sent to live on a desert island on your own, what music track,
what book and what luxury item would you take with you?
A book that is often chosen is War and Peace by Tolstoy, perhaps this is because it is a very long
book. The luxury item can be anything as long as it is not practical and sometimes people ask for very
strange things.
One comedian asked for a tin of baked beans and lots of people have asked for chocolate, which
would almost certainly melt on a desert island.

True/false
1. Desert Island Discs has been broadcasting for over 100 years.
2. J.K. Rowling chose only classical music for her Desert Island Discs selection.
3. Princess Margaret chose military music exclusively for her Desert Island Discs selection.
4. The luxury item chosen by a comedian on Desert Island Discs was a tin of baked beans.
5. Many guests on Desert Island Discs ask for practical items as their luxury item.
 6. "Imagine" by John Lennon is a popular choice among Desert Island Discs guests.
7. Guests on Desert Island Discs are only allowed to choose one book to take with them.
8. War and Peace by Tolstoy is often chosen as the book to take to the desert island due to its short
length.
9. Guests on Desert Island Discs are allowed to request strange luxury items.
10. The purpose of Desert Island Discs is solely to discuss music preferences.

2. Cinema what’s on this week…….

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Finally, after years of waiting fans are in for a real treat when they watch this film. Without
wanting to give too much away, I can say that Luke Skywalker has gone missing and the baddies are
in control of the galaxy. For those who saw the previous films, there are lots of familiar faces and
there are a few new ones too. Overall, this is a great film with some fantastic special effects and
spectacular scenes that will impress, especially if you get to see it in 3D.
Length 2 hours and 10 minutes.

The Lady in the Van

This true story will have you laughing out loud! The Lady in the Van retells the tale of an elderly
lady who parks outside the author Alan Bennett's house and lives in her van on his driveway for the
next fifteen years. The award-winning actress Maggie Smith plays a grumpy old lady who insists on
staying and becomes a feature of the neighbourhood. Her van is very old and dirty but she manages to
survive quite happily and has some very funny moments.
Length: 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Inside Out
A film for the whole family that will make you laugh and also shed a tear. This film is all about
how the brain might work if an animation team was in control of it. We see life from the point of view
and mind of a young girl called Riley, who is growing up in the countryside. That is until her family
have to move to a big city and then life becomes a lot harder. There are lots of hilarious and moving
moments throughout the film, which will keep both adults and children entertained.
Length: 1 hour and 45 minutes.

True/ false
1. "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" features Luke Skywalker as a central character who has
gone missing.
2. "The Lady in the Van" is a fictional story about a young woman living in a van parked outside
 Alan Bennett's house.
3. "The Lady in the Van" stars Maggie Smith as the elderly lady living in a van on Alan
Bennett's driveway.
4. "Inside Out" is a film primarily aimed at adult audiences due to its complex themes.
5. "Inside Out" portrays the story of a young girl named Riley as she navigates life changes,
including a move from the countryside to the city.
6. "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" is praised for its impressive special effects and spectacular
scenes, especially in 3D.
7. "The Lady in the Van" is a fictionalized account of an elderly lady who lived in a van on Alan
Bennett's driveway for fifteen years.
8. "The Lady in the Van" portrays the elderly lady living in a van as cheerful and friendly.
9. "Inside Out" is a film that explores the functioning of the brain from the perspective of an
animated character named Riley.
10. "Inside Out" is described as a film that elicits both laughter and tears, suitable for both adults
and children.

3. From fields and factories to the comfort of your sofa

The world of work has changed so much in the last few years, but what will it look like in the
future? Two hundred years ago, the majority of people worked in fields on farms, working long hours
and doing backbreaking work for little money. Then, for many countries, came industrialization and
the beginning of a modem urban life.
We saw the greatest changes in the last century, with people working shorter days and the
beginning of the 9-to-5 routine and office life. The types of jobs we do have also changed dramatically,
with people working more in the service industries, such as finance and banking. An even greater
change has been where we work and when, due to technology.
Since the 1990s technology has advanced rapidly, with the greatest change being the birth of the
internet. People now seem to spend most of their working days reading and sending emails in order to
complete their daily tasks. The internet has also made an important difference to where people do their
work and there is a growing trend for people to spend more time out of the office and working from
home or in connected environments, such as cafes.
In many towns and cities across the world it has been common for some time now to see people
tapping on their laptop keyboards in cafes, using the free wifi to get their work done. There has also
been a huge increase in the number of people renting 'hot desks' for the day or even a few hours, so
they can get their work done while on the move.
What about the future? How will we work in 100 years' time? Maybe the idea of a work-free
weekend and 9-to-5 working will no longer exist. People will be able to choose when and where they
want to work.
Multiple-choice questions:
1. What was the predominant occupation for most people two hundred years ago?
a) Office work
b) Factory work
c) Farming in fields
d) Service industries
2. What major change occurred in the last century regarding working hours?
a) Longer working hours
b) 9-to-5 routine established
c) Increased flexibility in working hours
d) No change in working hours

3. Which industry saw a significant increase in employment in the last century?

a) Agriculture
b) Manufacturing
c) Service industries
d) Construction
4. What has been the most impactful technological advancement since the 1990s?
a) Television
b) Radio
c) The birth of the internet
d) Telephone
5. How has the internet affected where people do their work?
a) People only work in traditional office spaces
b) People now primarily work in cafes
c) People increasingly work from home or in connected environments
d) People work exclusively in outdoor spaces
6. What is a common sight in many towns and cities across the world according to the text?
a) People working exclusively in traditional office spaces
b) People using typewriters in cafes
c) People tapping on laptops in cafes or using hot desks
d) People primarily working from home
7. What is a growing trend mentioned in the text regarding workspaces?
a) Renting hot desks for the day or a few hours
b) Working exclusively in traditional office spaces
c) Decreased reliance on technology for work
d) Limited options for where people can work
8. What does the text suggest might happen in the future regarding working hours?
a) Longer working hours
b) Fixed 9-to-5 working will remain the norm
c) People will have more flexibility in choosing when and where they work
d) People will only work on weekends
9. What is one potential outcome for future work environments according to the text?
a) Increased centralization of workspaces
b) Decreased reliance on technology
c) Complete elimination of traditional office spaces
d) People being able to choose when and where they work
10. Overall, what is the main theme of the text?
a) Historical changes in working conditions
b) The importance of technology in modern work environments
c) Predictions for future work patterns
d) The impact of industrialization on society

4. NEW ZEALAND Not for the faint-hearted

New Zealand has become a popular destination for people looking to experience extreme emotions.
Whether it's enjoying the stunning views and breathtaking scenery or trying one of the many extreme
sports, this country has become famous for delighting the senses. Our travel writer Andy Burgiss went all
the way to New Zealand to try some of the amazing activities on offer there.
I've been bungee jumping all over Europe but nothing beats New Zealand for the most amazing jump and
biggest thrill. But seriously, it's not for the faint-hearted! Taking the cable car up to the jump platform is
hair-raising enough as you look down the side of the mountain, but then you reach the top and can see the
town far down below you. But the moment you jump, you'll have the greatest buzz of adrenalin you're
ever likely to feel.
Whitewater rafting is a common sport all over the world, but nothing beats the rivers of New Zealand.
The course I took in the southern mountains was on one of the fastest rivers in the world. It is over 20
kilometres long and is only for experienced rafters. Even I was a little frightened at times when our raft
seemed to almost tip over. However, because everyone in the boat is working together, you quickly feel
safe. And even better, you'll make some good friends by the end of the ride.
I always said I would never do it, but I did and I felt exhilarated afterwards! So what did I do? I jumped
from a plane, with a parachute of course. l was strapped to an instructor, so I wasn't alone and it wasn't so
frightening. It's something I would recommend, especially in the lovely hills around Wellington, the
capital of New Zealand.
True/false
1. New Zealand has become a popular destination for people seeking extreme emotions.
2. The travel writer, Andy Burgiss, has experienced bungee jumping only in Europe.
3. The bungee jump in New Zealand is described as suitable for the faint-hearted.
4. The whitewater rafting course the narrator took in New Zealand was on a slow-moving river.
5. The narrator felt entirely safe during the whitewater rafting experience.
6. The narrator was alone when skydiving in New Zealand.
7. Skydiving is an activity the narrator had vowed never to do.
8. The skydiving experience took place in the hills around Wellington, the capital of New
Zealand.
9. Overall, the narrator recommends trying extreme sports and activities in New Zealand.
10. The text suggests that New Zealand's stunning views and breathtaking scenery contribute to
its popularity as an extreme sports destination.

5. Lifestyle Country Life

It's been a tough winter, but this morning it looks like spring has finally arrived! Two months of
heavy rain means the ground is very wet so it's difficult to do much gardening. But I'll need to start
planting some vegetables soon or they won't grow in time. Luckily days like this always inspire me to
work. I've got plenty to do'
So the sun is out and I've taken the dogs out across the fields for a walk. Then it's home for a big
breakfast and lots of coffee. Writing is my main job and I was able to concentrate on that this
morning. I beat the deadline and got my articles to the editor at the newspaper. A big advantage about
living in the countryside is that there are fewer distractions and I can hide away without being
disturbed.
After lunch I always try to do some work in the garden. As it's been so wet recently, I have
mostly done lots of jobs in the greenhouse like getting the young plants ready to go outside. However,
today it was dry day so I could do some digging in the vegetable plot and flowerbeds.
I live on the edge of the village but I like to go into the village at least once a day, just to get
something from the village shop or to meet up with some friends in the small cafe next door. There's a
lovely friendly atmosphere and it's great to hear everyone's news.
Tomorrow will be a very different day as I have to take the train to London to see my editor for a
long meeting. So it will be traffic, noise and big shiny offices for me. But I'll be back in the quiet of
my home before dinner.
true/false
1. The narrator finds it difficult to do gardening due to heavy rain during the winter.
2. The narrator's main occupation is writing, and they work for a newspaper.
3. Living in the countryside provides the narrator with fewer distractions for their writing.
4. The narrator spends most of their morning working in the garden.
5. Due to recent wet weather, the narrator has been primarily working in their greenhouse.
6. The narrator lives in the heart of the village.
7. The narrator enjoys visiting the village shop and café to socialize with friends.
 8. The narrator prefers the hustle and bustle of the village to the quiet of their home.
9. The narrator's next day involves traveling to London for a meeting with their editor.
10. The narrator looks forward to returning to the quiet of their home after their trip to London.

6. Travelling to the future

In the 21st century there was a revolution in air travel and the speed and numbers of people flying
increased dramatically. There was also the launch of Concorde, the supersonic plane, which regularly
flew from London and Paris to New York in about three hours. But perhaps it's not the sky we should
be looking to for faster travel but an invention of the early 19th century, the train.
Train travel revolutionised the transportation of goods and people across countries and
continents, and is still a vital means of transport for people across the world. But today, thanks to
modern technology, the speed of tram travel has increased to unimaginable levels.
Back in the1970s, Japan led the way with the Bullet Train. This still runs today and reaches
speeds of between 300kph and 400kph. However, now even the Bullet Tram has been overtaken by
the Maglev Train, which can reach speeds of over 600kph.These trains use magnets and electricity,
which means long distances can be covered very quickly.
China is leading the way in high-speed train travel and has trains that travel at around 300kph and
a network that links major growing cities across the country. This makes train travel a strong
competitor for the airlines. Trams are also considered to be a much more environmentally friendly
form of travel.
The big question is, will other countries and continents follow this trend in Asia? Some countries
in Europe, mainly France, Spain, Italy and Germany, already have an extensive network of high-speed
trains. These already link cities and it is hoped that more of these lines will link countries, as with
Eurostar that links the UK directly with Belgium and France.
So, what's next? We will have to wait and see what the scientists and engineers can come up with
and how fast their trains will go. Perhaps the fast train network will grow and we will be travelling at
many hundreds of kilometers an hour between countries and the world will become an even smaller
place.
True/false
1. In the 21st century, air travel saw a significant decrease in both speed and passenger numbers.
2. Concorde was a supersonic plane that regularly flew between London, Paris, and New York in
approximately three hours.
3. Train travel has remained unchanged since the 19th century.
4. The Maglev Train is capable of reaching speeds exceeding 600 kilometers per hour.
5. China is at the forefront of high-speed train travel, with trains reaching speeds of around 300
kilometers per hour.
6. Trains are considered to be a less environmentally friendly form of travel compared to airplanes.
7. France, Spain, Italy, and Germany are the only European countries with high-speed train
networks.
8. Eurostar links the UK directly with Belgium and Germany.
 9. The text suggests that the future of travel may involve even faster train networks connecting
countries.
10. The author of the text expresses certainty about the future advancements in train technology.

7. Dream job turns into nightmare

It was advertised as the best job in the world. And it certainly looked good. You would be paid
($189,000 for six months) to surf, sail and swim. The job came with a beachside mansion, with its own
swimming pool, and fantastic views of the ocean. All you had to do was look after tiny Hamilton
Island, situated off the coast of Queensland. Duties included feeding the fish and writing a blog of your
experiences to help encourage tourism in the area. There were more than 34,000 applicants for the job
from all over the world, so Ben Southall was delighted when he beat them all and won the contract.
But, as it turned out, it wasn't quite the dream job that some people might have expected. Firstly, it was
incredibly busy. Ben found himself working seven days a week and up to nineteen hours a day. He had
a busy schedule of events to attend, with promotional events, press conferences, training courses and
administrative duties. 'It has been very busy, busier than most people would have imagined, and
certainly busier than I had imagined,' Mr Southall told reporters when he finished his contract.
In fact, during his six months, Ben visited ninety 'exotic locations', made forty-seven video diaries and
gave more than 250 media interviews- including a chat with popular US TV host Oprah Winfrey. He
also posted more than 75,000 words in sixty separate blogs, uploaded more than 2,000 photos and
'tweeted' more than 730 times.
That didn't leave much time for surfing, sailing or simply relaxing and enjoying the sea views. And
when he did get the chance to try out his water sports, things didn't always go well. On one trip, Ben
was stung by a deadly jellyfish. Irukandji jellyfish are transparent and very small, so they are very
difficult to see in the water.
In his blog, Ben describes how he was enjoying jet skiing with some friends, when as he climbed off
the jet ski, he felt a sting on his arm. Within thirty minutes, Ben was feeling the venom. He was hot and
sweaty, with a headache, pains in his chest and high blood pressure. Ben had to be rushed to a doctor
who diagnosed the symptoms and gave him some medication. Luckily, Ben was fine, but it was an
unwelcome end to his stay in paradise, and not how he expected to spend his last few days on Hamilton
Island. Ben was lucky to survive.
However, he still insists that he enjoyed himself immensely. In fact, Tourism Queensland is offering
him a new contract, and he will also write a book about his experiences.
True/ false
1. The advertised job on Hamilton Island promised to pay $189,000 for six months of work.
2. Ben Southall was chosen from a pool of 34,000 applicants for the job.
3. Ben Southall found the job to be less busy than he had anticipated.
4. During his six-month contract, Ben Southall visited a total of ninety exotic locations.
5. Ben Southall's duties included writing a blog to promote tourism in the area.
6. Ben Southall experienced a jellyfish sting while jet skiing with friends.
7. Ben Southall's symptoms after the jellyfish sting included a fever and joint pain.
8. Ben Southall's experience with the jellyfish sting resulted in a pleasant end to his stay on
Hamilton Island.
9. Tourism Queensland has offered Ben Southall a new contract based on his positive experience.
10. Ben Southall will be writing a book about his experiences during his time on Hamilton Island.
 8. Silver surfers
1. When Sonya Alanis showed her grandmother, Barbara, how to use a few online tools, she didn't
really think her older relative would be very interested. But two years later she is amazed at how well
her grandmother has adapted to the world of the internet. Barbara now has her own online profile, does
her shopping online and is in regular contact with her granddaughter using live chat and email. And she
isn't showing any signs of stopping.
2. I was using my tablet one day,' explained Sonya, 'and my grandmother asked me what I was
spending so much time doing. She found it quite annoying I think, mostly because she didn't really
understand it. So I showed her some of the things I use social networking, online chat, that kind of
thing. I didn't really think she would take to it at all but she absolutely loved it. Now I'm at university
and she messages me every day. I think she is online more than me to be honest.'
3. Barbara has become a silver surfer and she's not alone. In the last few years, the world of the
internet has grown up. Although people below the age of 50 still make up the majority of internet users,
older people are logging on in larger and larger numbers. And once they've started, the internet
becomes an everyday part of their lives.
4. Barbara has some ideas about why this change has happened. 'Once I learnt how to surf and message
people it changed my life', she said. 'Before the internet I was quite lonely. My family are wonderful
but they live quite far away and they are all so busy. I don't drive so I can't visit them very easily- in
fact I usually only go out when they have time to take me. I use public transport occasionally but I find
it difficult to carry large bags of shopping or to find my way around busy towns. So using the internet
makes my life much easier. I can contact people every day and I keep in touch with people more easily.'
5. Once older people find that using the internet is so convenient, they often become avid users, though
in a different way to young people. Silver surfers use email the most, sending messages to share
information and contact family and friends. They also use the internet to find health information and to
book travel tickets or shop online. As Sonya says, 'My grandmother is now giving me advice on new
apps! She's getting better at using the web than me!'
True/false
1. Sonya Alanis was surprised by her grandmother Barbara's interest in the internet.
2. Barbara now uses the internet for shopping and staying in touch with her granddaughter using
live chat and email.
3. Sonya introduced her grandmother to social networking and online chat, expecting her to dislike
it.
4. Older people make up the majority of internet users today.
5. Barbara attributes the internet to making her life more difficult due to loneliness.
6. Barbara finds it easy to visit her family because she drives.
7. Barbara primarily uses the internet for social networking and online chat.
8. Once older people start using the internet, they often become avid users, similar to young people.
9. Silver surfers primarily use email for sending messages to share information and contact family
and friends.
10. Sonya feels that her grandmother has surpassed her in using new apps on the internet.

10. Questions Daddy can't answer

It all began with a question asked by Dean, a four-year-old boy: 'Why do ships have round windows?'
His father didn't know. And when his sister started behaving badly, Dean asked another question:
'Why can't we just cook her?'
On a long drive the boy wondered why the road was so loud. His father replied, 'Because the people
who live next to the road have their vacuum cleaners on.'
The boy’s inquiries kept coming: 'Why is the sky blue? Are rainbows hot or cold? What was it like
living in the 1940s? What would hurt more - getting run over by a car or getting stung by a jellyfish?
Why do police officers like doughnuts?'

Eventually, Jamieson decided to write down the questions. He thought it might be fun one day to show
them to his son. Then he had a better idea: he'd research the answers. Some people might do their
investigations on the internet. Not Mr Jamieson. He contacted experts ranging from astronomers to
Buddhist monks, to scientists, to magicians, and asked lots of questions. He later turned these - and the
experts' responses - into a book: Father Knows Less.
Gap filling
1. It all began with a question asked by Dean, a __________-year-old boy.
2. When his sister started behaving badly, Dean asked another question: 'Why can't we just
_______ her?'
3. On a long drive, the boy wondered why the road was so loud. His father replied, 'Because the
people who live next to the road have their ___________ on.'
4. The boy’s inquiries kept coming: 'Why is the sky ______? Are rainbows hot or _______?'
5. Eventually, Jamieson decided to write down the questions. He thought it might be fun one day
to show them to his _______.
6. Then he had a better idea: he'd research the answers. Some people might do their
investigations on the ________. Not Mr Jamieson.
7. He contacted experts ranging from astronomers to ________ monks, to scientists, to
magicians, and asked lots of questions.
8. He later turned these - and the experts' responses - into a book: _______ Knows Less.
9. What was it like living in the __________?
10. What would hurt more - getting run over by a _______ or getting stung by a _______

10.People watchers
If you wanted to persuade someone to dress up as a tree in public, what would you do? If you wanted to
raise money for charity on the streets, who would you ask to help you? What would you do if you
wanted to sell cakes and nobody was buying them? What would you do if you needed to think
creatively but didn't have any ideas?
One thing you could do is watch a programme from the BBC series The People Watchers.
The programme asks the question 'Why do we do what we do?' Through twenty episodes, Professor
Richard Wiseman, two psychologists and a neuroscientist do experiments involving members of the
public, secretly filming them with a hidden camera. The experiments show why we behave the way we
do in everyday situations. If you wanted to know how to get a seat on a crowded train, stop people from
jumping queues, get someone to do you a favour, work out if someone is lying, and get a complete
stranger to lend you a mobile phone, you could find out by watching.
In one experiment, two of Wiseman's psychologists pretended to be cake-sellers. They stood at a stall
on the street and tried to sell cakes for a pound each. No one bought any. So they did what shops do:
they held a sale. But it wasn't a real sale. They pretended that one cake cost two pounds, and if you
bought a cake, you would get another one free. People started buying! Later they told people that the
cakes usually cost two pounds but they were doing a special deal and selling them for just one pound.
Again, people bought the cakes. It seems that everyone loves the idea of a bargain even if they aren't
really getting one.
Another experiment looked at 'experts' who aren't. Emma, a psychologist, pretended to be a hairdresser.
While 'cutting' three people's hair, she talked like a hairdresser, saying all the right things, and dropped
a few bits of fake hair. The three volunteers later said they were very happy with their haircuts. In
reality, Emma hadn't cut any hair. Richard Wiseman's conclusion? People would do better if they didn't
always listen to 'experts'. Instead, they should trust their own eyes.
In another experiment, Jack, a psychologist, had to persuade ordinary people to dress up as a tree. The
trick was to 'start small'. First, Jack asked a man to wear a badge; then he asked him to wear a cap; and
finally the tree suit. This, Wiseman says, is called 'The foot in the door technique': if you want a big
favour from someone, first ask for a small favour!
Gap filling
1. If you wanted to persuade someone to dress up as a tree in public, what technique could you use
to start small? _________ in the door technique
2. If you wanted to raise money for charity on the streets, who would you ask to help you?
__________ from Wiseman's team
3. What would you do if you needed to sell cakes and nobody was buying them? You could hold a
________ and offer a special deal.
4. What would you do if you needed to think creatively but didn't have any ideas? You could watch
a programme from the BBC series The People Watchers to __________.
5. Through twenty episodes, Professor Richard Wiseman, two psychologists, and a neuroscientist
conduct experiments involving members of the public, secretly filming them with a _________.
6. In one experiment, Wiseman's psychologists pretended to be cake-sellers and tried to sell cakes
for a _________ each.
7. People started buying the cakes when the psychologists pretended that one cake cost _________
and offered a special deal.
8. Another experiment looked at 'experts' who aren't. Emma, a psychologist, pretended to be a
__________.
9. Richard Wiseman's conclusion from the experiment with Emma pretending to be a hairdresser
was that people should trust their _________.
10. In another experiment, Jack, a psychologist, used the _________ technique to persuade ordinary
people to dress up as a tree.

Grammar.
11.Complete the sentences with must, have to, or has to.

1.I …………remember to give Judy the message.

2. Mum says you……………take out the garbage.
3.I………………………hurry. I don't want to be late again.
4. My brother ………be at his office at half-past eight every day.
5. We …………………wear a uniform at school.
6. I really ……………exercise more often.
7. My sister ………………work late almost every day.
8.I …………………study harder. I got a bad grade on my midterm test.
9. He …………………stop eating fast food. He wants to lose weight.
10. You …………………pay if you want to use the computer.

12.Put the verbs in brackets into Past Perfect or Past Simple.

By 4 o’clock they ______(not/get) any fish, so they decided to go home. Boys ______(not/like) fishing at
all but they_______ (promise) their mother to bring fish for dinner, so Ted ______(look) for a shop where
they could buy some but the shops______ (already/close) by that time. When they
________(arrive)home, they_______ (tell)their mother that they_____ (catch) the biggest fish they
_______(ever/see) but it_______ (escape).

13. Complete the sentences with used to, didn't use to or did…...use to according to the
context.
1. We (live) in London years ago.
2. (you/go) cycling when you were five?
3. Tourists (not/ come) years ago.
4. When she was younger she never (wear) jeans because they didn't fit
her.
5. (you/go) to the cinema in the afternoon.
6. We never (eat) chocolate after lunch.
7. Last summer I always (meet) her at the seaside.
8. (he/buy) the newspaper before going to work?
9. They (not/spend) their holidays in Portugal.
10. She (spend) a lot of money on cosmetics years ago.

14. Complete the following sentences. Use used to or the present simple, as adequate.
1. We ______ (play) tennis every day, but now we ______ (not/play) it
anymore.
2. We________ (not/go) on holidays when I was young, but now we always_____ (go)
to Spain.
3. My sister______ (love) rock music now, but she______ (hate) it when she was
younger.
4. l________ (not/ read) books when I was a child, but now I______ (read) four or
five a year.
5._____ you (go) to bed early when you were twelve? Yes, I did, but now
I_______ (stay) up as late as I want.
6. l _______ (afraid) of storms.
7._______ you (drink) milk when you were a child?
8. My father_______ (take) a lot of photos, but he doesn’t do any more.
9. l_______(not like) vegetables when I was child.
10. We couldn’t meet a lot in my childhood, because I _______ (take) an English course every day in
those years.

15. PRESENT PERFECT VS. PAST SIMPLE

1. I _____ (go) to my first football match when I was six.
2. My sister _______ (see, never) a film at the cinema.
3. I_______ (not, go) to a birthday party______ (for/since) last
March
4. In 2005 my brother _____(meet) five players form the Real Madrid team
5. Where you_____ (live) when you where younger?
6. I _______ (have) an argument with my girlfriend at the weekend.
7. They_______ ( not study) English yet.
8. I________ (go) on holiday last summer.
9. My Dad ______(smoke) since 2002.
10. How long you _________(know) Jeremy?

16. Put the verbs in brackets into Present Perfect or Past Simple.
1. She_______ (find) her way to the newsagents yesterday?
2. They_______ (live) in Bilbao for a long time. ____(be) a Harry Potter fan since I was ten.
3. I______ (be) a Harry Potter fan since I was ten.
4. Doug ______(not, lose) his mobile phone.
5. The architect_____ (build) a new department store?
6. Mary ______(already, buy) your books for school.
7. How long she______ (have) that red car?
8. Sandra________ (call, just) to say hello.
9. My team_______ (not, win) a match recently.
10. I _____ (be born) in 1990.

17. Complete the sentences with will or be going to and an appropriate verb. If both will and be
going to are possible, use them both.

1. If you want me to, I _____ explain how the equipment works.

2.If you want to help us, we ______ these trees at the bottom of the garden.

3. You _______ your back if you try to lift that box.

4. If I give you the money ________ you ______ me some oranges when you're out?

5. If you press the red button, the machine ______

6. I ______Laura this weekend, if you'd like to come too.

7. He's been told that if he's late once more he ______

8. If you listen carefully, you ______ an owl in the trees over there

9. I don’t think that I _____ you.

10. She is so stubborn, so she ________ .

18. Complete the sentences with either past simple or the past continuous from of the verbs in
brackets. Where alternatives are possible, think about any difference in meaning.

I (1) _____ (buy) a new alarm clocks the other day in Taylor's the jewellers, when I actually (2) _______
(see) somebody shoplifting. I'd just finished paying for my clock and as 1 (3) _____ (turn) round, an
elderly woman (4) _______ (slowly put) a silver plate into a bag that she (5) ______(carry). Then she (6)
_______ (walk) over to another part of the shop and (7) _______(pick up) an expensive-looking watch a
number of times. When she (8) ______(think) that nobody (9) ______ (look), she (10) ___(drop) it into
the bag.

19. Underline the correct option (or both if possible) .

1 To whom/ who should the documents be sent?

2 Which / Who of you is Dr Hansen? I have a message for you.

3 A: Here's a photo of our children at the fancy dress party. B: Who / Which is Isabella?

4 A: Is your sister at home? B: What / Which one do you want to speak to?
5 Whom/Who do you hold responsible for the damage?

6 Who/Which will captain the team if Zeinab isn't available?

7 Which / Who would you rather be a doctor or a vet?

8 Who/Whom translated the book?

9. who/ whom is this book for?

10. what/ which are these books about?

20. Cross out any answers that are wrong or very unlikely. If two answers are possible, consider the
difference in meaning, if any, between them.

1 It's not a deep cut, but it a scar.

a ) will leave b) is going to leave c) is leaving

2 Did you know l a new car next week?

a)will buy b ) am going to buy c) am buying

3 A: I'm not sure how I'll get to the concert. B: We can take you. We ___________.
a ) will pick b )are going to pick c) are picking

4 I'm sorry I can't come for dinner. I to York tonight

a ) will drive b)am going to drive c)am driving

5 The high-speed rail link the journey time between the cities significantly
a ) will cut b) is going to cut c) is cutting
6.I have to go now. I you back later today
a)will call b) is going to out c) am calling

7 Don't go out now. I lunch and it'll be cold by the time you get back
a ) will serve b) am going to serve c) am serving

8 Unless help arrives within the next few days, thousands _______________ .
a) will starve b) are going to starve c) are starving

9 Unless he leaves in two or three minutes, all of us ________________ .

a) will be late b) are going to be late c) are being late

10. I guess, I have to sleep more, I you later.

a) will inform b) am going
21. Do you speak other languages? Answer the following questions about learning languages.

 Do you speak any other languages apart from your mother tongue and English?
 Do you use any learning strategies when studying your second language?
 When was the first time you used a foreign language outside the classroom?
 Who did you talk to?
 Think about someone who is bilingual. What advantages might they have in life?
 Do you have the chance to speak /write to native speakers regularly?
 Is it important for you to learn slang or jargon in English, or do you only want to learn standard
English?
 Which is more important to you when you learn to speak a language? Fluency or accuracy?
 Why are you learning English? For work, exams, travel, etc.?
 Which skill is the hardest for you: speaking, listening, reading, or writing?

22. Imagine that you are going to get an interview. Answer the following questions about a job
interview.

 Which types of interviews have you experienced?

 Which will you experience in the future?
 Do you think it is possible to show “the real you” in a short interview? Why/Why not?
 What should you do before and during an interview?
 What shouldn’t you do in an interview?
  What type of things do some people do to get an interview at Harvard University?
 Do you think it is difficult to find a new job?
 Which one is more difficult for you: online interviews or face-to-face interviews?
 What is your dream job? Tell us about your dream job.
 How do you see your future in 10 years?

23. Who are you? Answer the following questions about yourself.

 What three words best describe you?

 What creative or sporting activities are important to you?
 What do you always carry with you?
 What’s your favourite month and why?
 What possession is most important to you?
 What is your idea of perfect happiness?
 If you could change one thing about the past, what would it be?
 What is your greatest achievement?
 What do you like most/least about your lifestyle?
 What is your favourite sound, smell, and taste?

24. What are your thoughts about films? Answer the following questions about films.

 Which types of film do you enjoy watching?

 Have your tastes changed over the years?
 Which type of films are popular nowadays?
 Can you name a film you have seen that has taught you about a person/event in history?
 Do you think it is all right for film-makers to change the facts of a story? Why? / Why not?
 Imagine you are going to make a film about your life. Choose five events you would like to
include.
 Why do people come to Hollywood?
 Why was James Dean nicknamed “America’s Rebel”?
 What kind of movies do you dislike?
 Do you prefer to watch movies at home or movie theatre?

25. Do you like news stories? Answer the following questions about news.

 How do you keep up-to-date with the news?

 What have been the most important news stories in the last five years?
 Where were you when you heard about the news and how did you feel?

 What is a conspiracy theory?

 Do you know any conspiracy theories?
 Do you believe the official reports or the conspiracy theorists?
  How do you understand the following headlines: “Workers to strike over”, and “Most wanted
fugitive arrested”?
 Did the news change things for you in any way?
 What can you say about an important news event: Nelson Mandela’s release from prison?
 Which way is better to get the best news; following the news accounts on social media or
watching the news on TV? Why?

26. Do you like making plans? Answer the following questions about plans.

 Are you a planner or a procrastinator?

 When was the last time you left something until the last minute?
 Can you speak about a job that you have put off for a while? When do you plan to do it?
 What do you get distracted by when you are working?
 How do you try to avoid distractions?
 Do you think it’s a good idea to write to-do lists?
 What’s the hardest part about making a plan?
 Can you tell me about two or three plans or arrangements with other people that you have made
recently?
 How do you communicate to make the arrangements?
 What is your plan for the weekend?

27. YouTube: the future of TV? Answer the following questions about YouTube.

 Do you think that YouTube is “the future of TV”?

 Do you think it will become more popular than mainstream TV or is it only aimed at young
people?
 Who makes more money: YouTube video creators or TV programme makers?
 What is YouTube doing to improve its online content?
 Do you have favorite channels on YouTube?
 Do you think watching You tube videos is dangerous for children? Why?
 What kind of videos do you watch on You tube?
 What kind of techniques do creators learn in the YouTube studios?
 What does Andrew Keen say about the Internet and “the creative community”?
 What are advantages and disadvantages of YouTube videos?

28. Do you have dreams? Answer the following questions about dreams.

 What is your idea of a dream job?

 What are the best paid job in your country?
 Do you know anyone who runs their own company?
 When did you last go for a job interview?
 What were your childhood dreams?
 Have you achieved them?
  Did you have any interests or hobbies in the past which relate to your life (job/studies) now?
 How have your ideas, opinions, hobbies, etc., changed?
 Are there any things that you used to do, which you don’t do now?
 Is getting rich something which concerns you? Why? /Why not?

29. Asking people. Answer the following questions.

 How do you prefer to find information, on the internet, in books or by asking people?
 What kind of questions do children ask?
 Can you give information about the book “Father Knows Less”?
 How did the author get the idea for the book?
 Why is there war?
 Is a rainbow hot or cold?
 Why are sumo wrestlers so fat?
 Is it possible to surf a tidal wave?
 How was the ice cream cone invented?
 Do you prefer asking or answering the questions? Why? /Why not?

30. What are your thoughts about tech solutions? Answer the following questions about technology.

 Do you like or dislike new technology and gadgets like e-books, tablets and phones?
 Do you think technology has made our lives better/worse?
 Are there any problems which technology has helped to solve? Give examples.
 How is the Rural Academy (slow theatre) different from other theatre companies?
 Why might people living in rural areas appreciate this type of theatre?
 What are low tech solutions? Give examples.
 Why do most people think that the newest technology is always the best?
 How has the invention of the e-book changed how people read?
 Which invention you think has been the best? Why?
 Which invention you think has been the worst? Why?